Women's Clothing Boutique in Greenville, SC

A few articles ago, I called 32-year-old Matt Darmody the Nick Pivetta of Worcester, stating that he is reliably healthy, but that in terms of his performance, he either scorelessly (I guess that’s not a word.... oh well) strikes out 8 batters or gives up 8 runs. Sunday’s start would prove to be more the latter, as he gave up five runs in two innings. The RailRiders (Yankees AAA,) who had Josh Donaldson (who hit a home run in the 8th) starting on a rehab appearance, just looked sharper from the get-go. Only Ryan Sherriff and Taylor Broadway, who Chad Tracy used as middle relievers tonight, appeared from this unscathed; the WooSox suffered eleven runs on eleven hits, eight of which came in the first three innings, and never recovered. At the plate, the team had a good third inning, but that was almost it. Christian Arroyo, also on a rehab assignment, got two hits and scored. It’s relieving to know that more reliable help is on the way to Boston in the middle infield, but don’t rejoice so fast: Arroyo had a fielding error in this one.

Of note: this was Ceddanne Rafaela’s day off. Even without one of their better hitters, not to mention speediest, the bats were pretty hot for the SeaDogs, who had seven players record a hit. This included Niko Kavadas, who’s a power hitter and probably a guy who will get a call to Worcester before the end of the year, with his eighth. Shortshop Christian Koss also had two hits, a home run and 3 RBIs, as he probably hears Marcelo Mayer footsteps behind him. I should also mention Steven Scott, a catcher who suffers from a deep roster, hit his third home run of the week in this one. Still, those bats were not hot enough, because on the mound, some days you have it, and some you do not, and although Chih-Jung Liu is pretty heralded as a name to watch in this Sea Dogs rotation, today he did not have it. The Fisher Cats (Blue Jays AA) got to Liu early, and Liu gave up six runs on nine hits in just 2 2/3, and saw his day end early by giving up his second home run of his short outing. His relief didn’t do much better, and so, by giving up sixteen hits to New Hampshire, the Sea Dogs fell by two runs.

Marcelo Mayer’s final appearance in High-A ball featured the shortstop recording an RBI hit and a stolen base, and his replacement Brainer Bonaci (also a guy with a hot bat) scoring a run on a triple, but it was not enough for the Drive, as the Braves (Braves High-A, duh) staved Greenville off on some late insurance runs. On the mound, Angel Bastardo looked fine, giving up three runs in five innings.... not a line I particularly have a complaint with, but the bullpen giving up those runs late hurt Greenville. Greenville’s been pretty hot lately, climbing from 5 games below .500 to 24-21, so I’ll end this recap on a positive note: Blaze Jordan had two hits.

Salem: RAINED OUT

Salem must have known losing was in the air today, as a Virginia rainstorm made it possible for me to end this recap a game short and for the Salem-Sox to make their trip to Myrtle Beach a day early.

Happy Monday to all, it’s weird posting this from a hotel room instead of from work on a Monday. Good to spend a long weekend in Atlantic City watching blink-182 and deleting Liquid Deaths from existence. Of course, thank you to all who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

More From Over the Monster

Hidden waterfalls, majestic mountain views and serenity amongst the trees. The Upstate is home to hundreds of hiking trails, from hidden gems to well-traveled terrain. The newly released second edition of Five Star Trails: South Carolina Upstate from our own vice president of content and digital, Sherry Jackson, offers a glimpse at 27 of the best trails in our area. Jackson guides hikers along the trail in detail on what type of trail it is and the distance, how to get there and what to expect along the way. Her book is available at local bookstores, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

Here’s an excerpt from “Five Star Trails: South Carolina Upstate.”

The Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve is located within the Jocassee Gorges, which was named by National Geographic as one of “50 of the World’s Last Great Places.” Jocassee, meaning “place of the lost one” according to Native Americans, was home to several Indian tribes, including the Eastatoe. The 43,000-acre natural area is home to amazing waterfalls and diverse plant life. The Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve covers 374 acres, features dramatic rock cliffs and a rainbow trout stream, and is home to three rare ferns.

This moderate hiking trail begins at the Foothills Trail parking area and ascends slightly uphill on the gravel road about 500 feet until you get to a turnoff area. Signage here says you are at the right place, the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve. Head to the left past the red barrier gate and begin the trail.

The dirt and gravel path is fairly wide as you begin your journey, following an old logging road. There is a deep gorge to the left as you wind around with a mountain on the right. Following the yellow blazes, the trail curves quite a bit but is mostly level. You will have amazing views of nearby Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina at 3,533 feet above sea level.

As you bear right, the old logging road you’ve been following cuts through a small mountain. After this you come to a fork in the trail. Head left, still following the yellow trail blazes and Eastatoe Creek Preserve signs. The trail immediately begins uphill here, hugging the side of the mountain on the left. The dirt pathway becomes a little sandier, and the trail turns toward the left as it begins to level out just a little.

Continue to follow along the ridge of the mountaintop as the trail snakes along. You’ll begin a slight descent and notice how quiet and peaceful it is here. There are still amazing views of Sassafras Mountain and the surrounding area.

At the next fork in the trail, continue to follow the Eastatoe signs and yellow blazes. The trail ascends until it levels out again and winds around yet another mountain. Depending on recent rainfall, the trail can be muddy here, so watch your footing as you listen to the wind whipping through the canyon below.

As the trail narrows slightly, you continue along with the mountain on the right and the gorge to the left. Rock outcrops begin to appear as the path continues downhill. When you get to the land and water conservation sign, the trail abruptly veers left and begins a dramatic descent at 2.3 miles into the hike. Eight sets of wooden stairs assist, but it’s single file from here; the trail becomes quite narrow as it snakes its way down the mountain.

A few wooden bridges and footbridges provide additional assistance over stream crossings, and several switchbacks aid in the steep descent. The sound of rushing water becomes louder and louder the farther down you go.

When you reach the bottom, you will come to a fork with a sign indicating that the narrows are to the right. Continue on the path to the left, toward Eastatoe Creek and you’ll come upon a small but fierce waterfall. Here you can see trout swimming in the stream—this is a popular fishing spot. This part of the trail ends here, so turn around and head back after viewing.

Now take the trail to the right, following the sign that reads the narrows. You’ll come to a wooden overlook with great views of Eastatoe Falls, also known as The Narrows, a 60-foot waterfall that tumbles down large rocks and boulders into a series of narrow channels, hence the name. The unusual humidity levels enable three rare tropical fern species to grow here, one of which, the Turnbridge Fern, is not found anywhere else in North America.

Of course, what comes down must go back up, so rest up and then head the 3.1 miles back up the trail.

Access to the Foothills Trail is near the parking area. From here you can hike 8.1 miles to Laurel Fork Falls or 61.7 miles to Oconee State Park.

Located in Sunset, South Carolina, in Pickens County. From the intersection of U.S. 11 and U.S. 178, go north on U.S. 178 about 7.5 miles. Turn left just after the Eastatoe Creek Bridge about 1 mile north of the Rock Bottom community. Take the narrow gravel road up to the Foothills parking area.

TRAILHEAD GPS COORDINATES: N35° 02.948′ W82° 48.837′

DISTANCE & CONFIGURATION: 6.2-mile out-and-back HIKING TIME: 4 hours HIGHLIGHTS: Mountain Gorge and two waterfalls and a stream ELEVATION: 1,799′ at trailhead to 1,951′ at peak near the start of the hike ACCESS: Daily, sunrise–sunset; free MAPS: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources FACILITIES: None WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: None COMMENTS: Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. Several websites indicate this is a 1.7-mile one-way hike, but that it is incorrect. Also, hunting and fishing are allowed in accordance with WMA regulations. Primitive camping used to be allowed but is now prohibited.

It used to have “Little” in its name, but there’s nothing small-scale about Greenville Theatre.

Big musicals such as “Spamalot,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Escape to Margaritaville” will dominate the theater’s 2023-24 season.

But first, the theater concludes the current season with “Shrek the Musical,” a family-friendly show scheduled for an almost unprecedented 18 performances over four weeks beginning June. 2.

“I’m very excited by this show,” said Max Quinlan, the theater’s producing artistic director. “It’s a musical I’ve loved since I first saw it in New York and was instantly taken by how big it was and thrilling but also poignant even within that large scale.”

Based on the 2001 animated film, the musical follows the green ogre Shrek on a quest to save his swamp from an evil lord, rescue the princess from a terrible fate and discover who he is truly meant to be.

“What I love about ‘Shrek’ is that it’s about acceptance — accepting others but also accepting yourself for who you really are,” said Quinlan, who directs the show. “The story encourages people to own their uniqueness, teaching them to live out loud and celebrate their differences.”

The musical’s score is by Jeanine Tesori, the most prolific and honored female theatrical composer in history with five Broadway shows to her credit.

“Jeanine Tesori is one of the greatest modern musical theater composers,” Quinlan said. “Her work has such an amazing range to it.”

Quinlan’s production features a local cast of about two dozen. Quinlan is particularly proud of having been able to rent the costumes used on Broadway and in the national touring productions of the 2008 musical.

The theater added some Saturday matinees to appeal to families. The show is suitable for ages 4 and older.

“It’s a great way to introduce young people in this area to theater,” Quinlan said. “My son is 4-and-a-half years old and this will be his first full-length show.”

Going big

As he looks toward his third season leading Greenville Theatre, Quinlan said he’s listened closely to what the theater’s audience wants to see.

“I hear from our patrons often about how much they love the big shows and they’re so impressed by how much we’re able to accomplish,” he said. “I love working with big casts because there’s that much more creative energy in the space. These shows make a great impact but it’s important to come back to the heart of the piece at all times.”

In addition to the expansive musicals, Greenville Theatre next season also is offering the beloved classic “Driving Miss Daisy.”

The theme for the 2023-24 season is “Take the Journey,” with all shows featuring a trip or pilgrimage.

If you go

What: “Shrek the Musical”

When: June 2-25

Where: Greenville Theatre, 444 College St.

Tickets: $40; $38 seniors; $20 student rush tickets

Info: 863-233-6238 or greenvilletheatre.org

On a Thursday afternoon, the mood at Larkin’s at Camperdown is light. The sound of chatter escapes from the kitchen and then sounds of laughter replace the chatter and Wilberto Sauceda bursts through the doors.

Sauceda, with his warm smile, self-deprecating humor — and at times potty mouth — looks at home in the restaurant space that still has the sheen of newness.

Sauceda joined the Larkin’s team in March, stepping into the role of executive chef at Larkin’s at Camperdown. In that capacity, the chef will oversee daily operations at the restaurant, but he is also focused on building a team there and at the restaurant group’s other establishments.

The change has been good for Sauceda, even as he admits his wife, Kelsey, thought he might be crazy when he said he was leaving his previous job as executive chef at the Greenville Drive baseball stadium. There, he led the creation of a distinctive culinary experience and team for private events — and where he had days off at Christmas and Thanksgiving.

“Who leaves a job that gets two weeks off at Christmas, a week of Thanksgiving? Who does that?” Sauceda said.

Several reasons.

Sauceda was feeling the call to create and experience something new, and Adam Hayes, executive vice president at Larkin’s Restaurants, is a good friend.

“I need a new environment,” he said. “I needed to create. I needed to be myself. It’s not about a job. It’s about I think it’s time for me to move and to try something new.”

Sauceda replaces Jon Buck, who helped oversee Larkin’s at Camperdown during the restaurant’s move from its longtime home along the Reedy River next to the Peace Center. The chef plans to continue some of the changes Buck brought, while nurturing the 18-year history of the restaurant and adding his own touch.

It’s a delicate process, he said. He’s careful to respect the traditions Larkin’s has created, while also remaining true to his culinary self.

“I think his personality and who he is and what he brings on an energy and a culinary level matches the new restaurant,” said Bruce Wise, the group’s vice president of restaurant operations. “The comments we’re getting from people when they come in is it’s bright, it’s uplifting, it’s like the new Larkin’s. Wilberto brings a brightness with his energy to the new place.

A few changes diners will notice right now are mostly on the bar menu but extend throughout the other menus as well.

A ceviche is made to order with fresh citrus-cured shrimp and white fish, yellow chili and toasted corn.

The crab cake has been enhanced with a new presentation, now a jumbo lump crab cake with lemon basil aioli, mustard seed and a fennel and dill salad. It is also served with tartar sauce, but the sauce acts as an artful complement to enhance the flavor, not as a dip or a main component.

Sauceda has added his touches to most of the entrees (save for the steaks), keeping them intact — there is still a salmon and an elk dish, a mahi and pork chops — but they are composed, plated and seasoned in a way that speaks to his penchant for balanced flavors and texture, his appreciation for citrus and for delicate spices.

Sauceda brings decades of experience in the culinary world and a creative spark that has earned him a reputation for being an inspirational leader in the kitchen.

He began his cooking journey as a child growing up in Honduras. There, he watched his grandmother bake bread from scratch and helped his grandfather slaughter hogs.

“I was the one who would hold the light — well, branches on fire,” he said.

Sauceda moved to the United States when he was 10, landing in Miami.

Initially, his interest in restaurants was purely monetary.

“I wanted things,” he said with a laugh.

So, he found a job as a dishwasher at a Brazilian steakhouse. He was so good at the job that after two weeks the manager moved him to the prep line. Then, he moved him to the flat top and then the grill.

From there, Sauceda got a job working for Cindy Hutson, which led him to a job working for celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein. He spent 10 years working under Bernstein, helping the chef open several new concepts and traveling with her for events.

But after he met Kelsey and they had their first child Evie, in 2016, Sauceda began thinking about leaving Miami for a smaller culinary market. He looked to Greenville, where Kelsey grew up and where her family still lived.

Sauceda worked at Rick Erwin’s West End Grille before joining the team at The Lazy Goat.

The Drive hired him in 2018 to help direct a new culinary focus. Sauceda didn’t even like baseball all that much, he joked, but he found a wonderful home at Fluor Field.

The move now comes as he wants to get back into a restaurant kitchen proper.

His goal for Larkin’s is to bring an element of Miami, not in an extreme way, but with touches of flavors, bursts of color and a general energy that adds brightness and matches the look and feel of the restaurant space.

But, he is also bringing a level of joie de vivre within his culinary precision.

“I think we have put together what I think is a beautiful restaurant,” Executive Vice President Hayes said. “And our job is to continue to put out beautiful food and to have beautiful experiences created through service and just create an atmosphere you wanna be in. Wilberto is the kind of guy you wanna be around.”

ANDERSON — South Carolina’s first Whataburger location could be in Anderson as developers received approval for a parking variance at a recent board meeting.

The developer still has to combine two lots at the corner of North Main Street and Concord Road in Anderson, but the Texas-based fast-food chain is making strides toward South Carolina.

The parking variance accounts for a new landscaping buffer and intersection improvements, according to Anderson Board of Zoning Appeals documents. Whataburger’s address, if it moves forward, would be 2902 N. Main St. across from the QuikTrip gas station.

There are more than 930 Whataburger restaurants across 14 states stretching from Arizona to Florida, according to the franchise website. The Whataburger team did not immediately respond to a media request about the location.

Other new Pickens, Oconee business

Dunkin’ has two new locations coming on either side of Clemson, where a store already sits on Tiger Boulevard. Signs announcing new locations have appeared on U.S. Highway 123 in Seneca near its intersection with S.C. Highway 28 in Seneca and on U.S. Highway 76 in Pendleton near its intersection with S.C. Highway 187.

For those looking to keep their vehicles squeaky clean, two new car washes are in the works. ModWash is coming to Old Greenville Highway in Clemson, next to Walmart Neighborhood Market. Seneca is getting a “Shine on 9” car wash at the former Rite Aid building on the corner of U.S. Highway 123 and W. N. 1st Street.

The Shine developer, who has locations in Spartanburg and Greer, paid $2,635,000 for the 1.34-acre lot in November. ModWash, which offers services along the east coast, paid $1,650,000 for its 2-acre Clemson lot in March.

There is now a new food option in downtown Travelers Rest.

Yakitori Yama, a yakitori concept from the owners of the popular downtown sushi restaurant Sushi Yama, is opening this Wednesday, May 31, in the shipping container located in the back of the patio at newest The Community Tap.

The new venture brings the popular Asian late-night food into the all-day realm with a combination of vegan, vegetarian and traditional meat and seafood options.

What is yakitori?

“Yakitori is a street food in Asia,” said Brian Pun, who is partnering on the concept with his father, Ricky Pun. “Not just in Japan but all over - Korea, China and Thailand. You find it on the side of the street. It’s really easy, it’s really quick. It’s usually late night when people get off work and wanna go grab a beer, something quick to eat with it.”

Typically, Pun said, yakitori is a simple small bite of meat, seafood or vegetables grilled with a little bit of sauce.

Pun has spent months now developing his recipes. Traditionally, yakitori is a small bite and is distinguished by its grilled preparation, its easy transportability and its use of all parts of the animal.

Yakitori Yama will serve everything from chicken, scallops, squid and zucchini to beef short rib, king mushrooms and the traditional chicken gizzard and chicken skin.

“For a good yakitori, traditionally it is a street food, so they make the most of everything,” Pun said. “They will take a whole chicken and break it down to every morsel of meat, and they use it and cook it.”

Because yakitori is somewhat simple, the cooking process and the sauce that accompanies each dish are both very important. The food is cooked on a grill to give each yakitori snack a charred flavor. Pun is using two custom grills he had built in Chinatown in New York.

Another characteristic of good yakitori is the sauce. Traditionally, the sauce is similar to a thinner teriyaki-style sauce, Pun said, imparting notes of sweet and salty that accent or elevate the flavor of the protein.

Each yakitori spot has its own special sauce, he said, and so will Yakitori Yama.

While the standard sauce typically uses chicken bone broth in trying to accommodate different diets, Pun has created a sauce that, while not gluten-free, is vegan.

To begin, Yakitori Yama will feature 11 varieties of yakitori, all available for $4 apiece, three for $10,or 10 for $30.

“It’s quick bites,” Pun said. “You have a beer, and a stick, and you’re just enjoying the food and beer and hanging out.”

Yakitori Yama is now open every day but Tuesday at 321 C South Main St., Travelers Rest, beside The Community Tap TR.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday; and 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesdays.

Follow @yakiyama on Instagram.