Brooks' blog

Weathering A New England Blizzard

During the weeks leading up to the holidays I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit family in New England. Within days of my arrival, skies opened up and snow started to fly! It was forecast to be the biggest snow storm in Massachusetts since 2006 -- certainly one of the biggest, if not THE biggest of this season. As a meteorologist, I thought, what an incredible opportunity!

While cities and towns  declared, "snow emergencies", mobilizing their fleets of plows and sanders, banning on-street parking (to allow plows to work) -- residents cleaning out grocery stores and a near-hysteria of excitement resulting from anticipation of a changed landscape -- I started studying the computer models realizing that for me, this was a prime opportunity to "brush up" on my winter weather forecasting to bring you -- the WIS viewer -- an even more accurate product.

So, instead of preparing for the storm with the ubiquitous "bread and milk" duties, I instead hopped on the horn and met and old friend in the weather biz to nerd out at his TV station and study the possibilities. We concluded that the area was certainly "in for it", with a rapidly-intensifying weather system (the same one which brought heavy rain to SC late last week), promising to produce blizzard conditions for much of coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island -- something fairly rare -- especially BEFORE the official start of winter.

Ultimately the storm system "bombed-out" just offshore. When a storm "bombs out", it loses at least 24mb of pressure in a 24hr period. In other words, "bomb-o-genesis" is when a snowstorm transforms from a  mild-mannered snowstorm to a raging "snow hurricane" with sustained winds of 50-60mph at the beach -- gusts to hurricane force in some cases -- producing "white outs" and power outages. On satellite it even LOOKS like a hurricane!

While the headaches associated with infrastructure interruptions were inevitable, the weather system will guarantee a 'white Christmas' for millions and served as the perfect refresher course for me!

Snow-lovers in SC, don't worry: the combination of El Niño and the NAO (see below blog entries) promise at least the chance for a few wintry episodes this season. While there are none on the horizon, winter hasn't even officially started! (Winter starts tomorrow at 12:47pm)

-Meteorologist Brooks Garner, AMS/NWA

Weatherman's Dream Brunch: Rotating 360º Sky Views

 
(In the picture, from left to right: Scott Harris, Patrick Stapleton, Susan E. Littlefield)
There's no better breakfast for a weatherman than one with good friends and a 360º rotating, sky view over his city. To watch the clouds glide by while sipping a cup of coffee and enjoying a Belgian Waffle on a Sunday morning is as good as it gets! It's a wonderful way to celebrate the end of a relaxing weekend, and offers new perspective for a bright week ahead.

Welcome to Capstone, a recently reopened (after renovations) restaurant located atop the 902 Barnwell Street, an 18-story USC dormitory tower. This is a true 3 to 4 star culinary experience with one of the best brunches in town -- certainly the only panoramic brunch South Carolina.

And yes, the whole place spins slowly on a giant plate donated after the 1965 NYC World's Fair, revealing a new view every time you look up from your gourmet meal. (Not recommended if moderately-to-severely hungover.) The art deco interior was completely renovated over the last year and a half, featuring details reminiscent of a fine Miami Beach hotel in the 1920s. It's just recently reopened (late this summer) and like several cups of their coffee, has already generated quite a buzz!

While I've painted a picture of the "high life" (sans the Porsche's, Ferrari's and doormen), when arriving, you walk into a 1960's-era operational college dormitory, complete with scrappy students in the lobby sporting PJ's and sweats amid disorganized bulletin-boards overflowing with fliers, and a watchful R.A. buzzing formally-dressed restaurant goers through the plexi-glass, aluminum framed 'security' door to access the elevator up to the restaurant. The resulting university vibe immediately removes any affliction of 'stodginess' that would typically accompany a penthouse establishment of this caliber -- one that does require tucked-in shirts (with jackets suggested.) It's classy without the pomp.

In a period of 60 minutes, the rotating floor does a complete and nearly undetectable rotation, revealing absolutely stunning unobstructed views of Columbia's skyline and surrounding suburbs. On a clear day, one can easily pick out landmarks 25 miles away. It's a perspective of the region few have seen (as it's outside of downtown so there are no taller buildings in the way.)

Have I mentioned the food? The buffet-style meal features breakfast staples like eggs, bacon, sausage and waffles, plus sides like Waldorf Salad, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Potatoes Au Gratin, Shrimp & Grits, Broiled Tomatoes Stuffed With Spinach & Mozzarella. It's enough to make your head spin, but rest assured, the rotation of the floor compensates! (This author felt fine after an hour of enjoying the views -- no feeling of discomfort whatsoever from the motion.)

It's the perfect place to take your significant other or to simply enjoy a Sunday morning with good friends. The music is classical, the views are timeless.

My only criticism: the coffee was way too weak and the cups way too small. I had to get four cups just to get my fill. For me, a small cup of regular coffee from Starbucks does the job.

Reservations are required for Capstone and I did overhear that they're already booked up through mid-January, so do plan ahead. (Reservations: 803-777-0848)

Brunch is served only on Sunday morning and starts at 11am.  It's all-you-can-eat for $21/person. For a couple after an 18% tip, you're looking at exactly $50 -- comparable (if not cheaper) to any fine brunch spot in Columbia.

Highly recommended -- with a stop at Starbucks beforehand! :)

Meteorologist (and Culinary Critic), Brooks Garner AMS/NWA