She was not your classic grandmother. 

She was a black woman that owned her own business in the 

 south when simply the color of your skin made life instantly difficult

One of the first African American women to be issued a liquor license in the state of SC . 

Her business was called Oakview Liqours store. 

Acknowledging the huge Spanish oak trees that grew out front.

 Years later after selling fry chicken dinners out of the store

 with a few evening chasers 

Oakview Lunch was born.

Pearl was my maternal grandmother and is my biggest inspiration for cooking and the way I approach, appreciate, and respect food.