TCB Dec. 17, 2020 — The Best of the Beat

Greensboro / Winston-Salem / High Point Dec. 17-24, 2020

FREE Winston-Salem Forsyth County Edition triad-city-beat.com

The best in drinking, eating, attractions, entertainment, politics, services and more in Forsyth County.

Included in this issue: 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK Dec. 17-24, 2020

TCB, lawyers and the people’s business

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625 North Trade ST. Winston-Salem NC, 27101

e don’t were there to bear witness to the sentenckeep a ing (a suspended sentence with probation lot of for two misdemeanor charges), and if money current courtroom rules held, none would around for lawyers be there to see the sentencing of the BLM at TCB. Not that protesters arrested after being pepperwe don’t need sprayed by police. March organizer Rev. them — our Greg Drumwright has been charged with

by Brian Clarey reliance on the felonies for his part in the day; an attempt First Amendment in order to ply our trade to ban him from Alamance County, where necessitates a lot of conversations with he grew up, has been denied. lawyers, both formal and informal, part of And so, we lawyer up. our long-term strategy not to get sued for We’re in with the N&O and Boney on libel which has, thus far, been 100 percent this one, utilizing the talents of Amanda effective.

Martin et al of Stevens Martin Vaughn & But when doing the Tadych to ensure access to people’s business, sometimes the courtroom; the Reporters a news outlet needs a little Committee for Freedom of We will not be lawyering to underscore the the Press has filed an amicus rules of the game. brief in support; the Society denied access That’s what happened last of Professional Journalists has to the halls of week, when Senior Editor called for Alamance County justice in Jordan Green, along with to relent; the Washington Post Carli Brosseau of the News is watching.

Alamance & Observer and Tom Boney As it stands, the Alamance County. of the Alamance News were courthouse is closed to nonrefused entry into the Historic essential hearings. And we’ve Courthouse in Alamance learned that at least one County. Inside, a sentencing for one of person arrested on Oct. 31 has a Jan. 11, a raft of BLM-related arrests was being 2021 court date. heard by Judge Fred Wilkins, a “visiting” Now, we and our lawyers wait. judge who retired after losing his RockingWe will not be denied access to the ham County seat in 2014. Boney, sort of halls of justice in Alamance County the Alamance version of John Hammer because the law is absolutely on our side who has run his conservative weekly for 17 here. I am not a lawyer — not even close; years, was briefly handcuffed and threatmy legal knowledge doesn’t get much past ened with contempt charges. the First Amendment. But that’s all I need The case concerned a white woman to understand that Alamance County canwho attempted to hit two 12-year-old girls not conduct the people’s business without of color on the sidewalk with her truck. granting access to the people.

What’s more important is that no reporters

BUSINESS PUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR Brian Clarey brian@triad-city-beat.com

PUBLISHER EMERITUS Allen Broach allen@triad-city-beat.com

EDITORIAL SENIOR EDITOR Jordan Green jordan@triad-city-beat.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sayaka Matsuoka sayaka@triad-city-beat.com

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336.893.8118

www.cheesecakesbyalex.com

1451 S. Elm-Eugene St. Box 24, Greensboro, NC 27406 Office: 336.256.9320 COVER: SPECIAL SECTION EDITOR Nikki Miller-Ka The Best of the Beat! niksnacksblog@gmail.com [Cover design by Robert EDITORIAL INTERN Michaela Ratliff Paquette].

ART ART DIRECTOR Robert Paquette robert@triad-city-beat.com SALES

KEY ACCOUNTS Drew Dix

drew@triad-city-beat.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Carolyn de Berry, Matt Jones

TCB IN A FLASH @ triad-city-beat.com First copy is free, all additional copies are $1. ©2018 Beat Media Inc.

Dec. 17-24, 2020

CITY LIFE Dec. 17-20

by Michaela Ratliff

THURSDAY Dec. 17

Black Santa Claus @ the Historic Magnolia House (GSO) 10 a.m.

Winter Wonderlights @ Greensboro Science Center (GSO) 5 p.m.

News

SATURDAY Dec. 19

Lincoln Smartphone Short Film Contest Entry Submission Ends @ RiverRun Virtual Theater (W-S) 5 p.m.

RiverRun, in partnership with Parkway Lincoln, is hosting a smartphone short film contest. Whether it’s a Navigator or Continental, a Lincoln vehicle must be the focus of the 1-to-5-minute film. The rest is up to you! Submissions are due via YouTube or Vimeo by 5 p.m. to tiffany@riverrunfilm. com. View the full contest rules on RiverRun’s website.

Up Front

Grinch Bar @ Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (W-S) 6 p.m.

The Nutcracker @ High Point Theatre (HP) 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy the classic Nutcracker ballet from the comfort of your home as High Point Theatre presents this reimagined, livestreamed performance. Dancers will perform minimal-contact choreography while wearing masks that complement the costumes. Tickets can be purchased on the event page.

SUNDAY Dec. 20

Plant-Based Pop-Up @ Hempress Farms (W-S) 12 p.m.

Opinion

Corgi Takeover @ Doggos Dog Park & Pub (GSO) 7 p.m.

The Greensboro Branch NAACP and the Historic Magnolia House are bringing a Black Santa Claus to Greensboro for photos, stressing the importance of representation by children sharing a racial resemblance to an iconic figure. About 150 free time slots are available for booking on the event page.

Seven Colors of Justice Zoom Seminar @ International Civil Rights Museum (GSO) 2 p.m.

Holiday Pajama Pawty @ PupCakes Paradise Resort (GSO) 3 p.m.

Jingle your bells at PupCakes during their first holiday pajama pawty. Dress your furry friend in their favorite pajamas and enjoy music, games and more!

Winter Wonderlights is Greensboro Science Center’s new holiday light show, part of DGI’s Downtown in December. The facility will be surrounded by shimmering lights in addition to more surprises. To purchase tickets and view future dates, visit GSO Science Center’s website.

Shot in the Triad

It’s time for another takeover! Corgis, this one’s for you. Admission for members is free. If you’re not a member, don’t worry!

Day passes are half off. Humans must be 21 to enter. Before you go, be sure to check out the house rules on Doggos’ website.

Stop by Hempress Farms for a pop-up event of your favorite plant-based, allnatural and cruelty-free products like food, skin care and jewelry.

Best of the Beat

Until Dec. 23, make your way to the 20th floor of the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel for Grinch-themed drinks, treats and Whoville décor brought to you by the Katharine Brasserie and Bar.

FRIDAY Dec. 18

As the third program in a series of seminars, Seven Colors of Justice explores dividing the meaning of justice into seven aspects, or colors. Visit this link to register.

Be sure to tune into the follow-up conversation on the Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.

Puzzles

Home for the Holidays: Christmas Greetings from Broadway @ Little Theatre of Winston-Salem (W-S) 7:30 p.m.

In this virtual holiday special, some of the region’s talented singers and actors will perform Christmas songs and stories from Broadway musicals. On-demand tickets are available for $12 and can be by calling (336) 725-4001 or booking online at LTofWS.org.

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Dec. 17-24, 2020

Coronavirus in the Triad:

(As of Wednesday, Dec. 16, compared to last week)

Opinion

News

Up Front

Documented COVID-19 diagnoses NC

451,874 (+35,823)

Forsyth

17,224 (+2,090)

Guilford County

20,878 (+4,474)

COVID-19 deaths NC

5,979 (+318)

Forsyth

189 (+16)

Guilford

282 (+23)

Best of the Beat

Documented recoveries NC

365,273 (+24,232)

Forsyth

13,594 (+1,399)

Guilford

15,500 (+953)

Shot in the Triad

Current cases NC

47,979 (+11,273)

Forsyth

3,252 (+486)

Guilford

2,531 (+935)

Puzzles

Hospitalizations (right now)

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NC

2,811 (+371)

Forsyth

44 (-55)

Guilford

196 (+8)

Dec. 17-24, 2020 Up Front News

Opinion Best of the Beat

Shot in the Triad

Puzzles

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Puzzles

Shot in the Triad

Best of the Beat

Opinion News

Up Front

Dec. 17-24, 2020

NEWS

Up Front

I

News Opinion Best of the Beat

Olivia Pugh (right) shown with their sibling Nova Tempest, suffered an attack in a dentist parking lot by a man apparently angered by their signs expressing support for Black Lives Matter

sign lifts up Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman who was fatally shot in her apartment by police in Louisville, Ky. while they were executing a no-knock warrant. Taylor is one of the most wellknown victims of anti-Black violence who has been highlighted by protesters that took to the streets around the world after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in late May. A third sign displayed in the sibling’s car depicts a flag with both LGBTQ and transgender pride colors and also incorporates Black and Brown to recognize Black, indigenous and people of color.

From the time Sturdy slammed on his brakes in front of them on Lewisville Clemmons Road, Nova and Olivia came to the mutual decision to write down his license tag number. He fled as soon as staff came out to assist them from

the dentist office, Nova and Olivia said, but law enforcement located him later and served a warrant. Sturdy faces two charges of misdemeanor simple assault and misdemeanor assault on a female.

Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough addressed the incident in a public statement on Wednesday.

“The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for any type of behavior that harms or endangers anyone,” he said. “We all have the right to freedom of expression; whether you agree or disagree is of no importance. The right to freedom of expression still and will exist, and we at the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office will charge anyone who assaults, harms or attempts to violate those rights.”

cont. on pg. 8

Puzzles

arm and their lower back on the left side.

When they spoke to TCB on Tuesday via Zoom, dark red and purple contusions could be seen around Olivia’s left eye and extending down across their cheek almost to their chin.

During the altercation, Olivia said they flipped Sturdy off and “told him to get the F out of here.” Olivia told TCB that Sturdy responded by flipping them off and saying, “Fuck you, bitch, and fuck all that [N-word] Black lives bullshit.”

“At that point, our suspicions were confirmed,” Olivia said.

One of the handmade signs in the back of the car reads simply, “Black Lives Matter.” Another says, “Prosecute the cops who murdered Breonna Taylor” with the hashtag #SayHerName and the phrase, “No justice, no peace.” The

COURTESY PHOTO

Shot in the Triad

t was clear that something was wrong when the vehicle followed them off Highway 421 onto Lewisville Clemmons Road, passed them as they were merging and then slammed on the brakes.

Nova Tempest, 26, and their siblings, 19-year-old Olivia Pugh, and a brother who is 17, had experienced harassment before because of the homemade signs expressing support for Black Lives Matter placed in the window of the vehicle, and they had no reason to believe this was anything different. The driver of the other vehicle went ahead and then pulled over so they could pass him, and then continued to tail them.

Nova, who was driving, took a right turn onto Shallowford Road at a red light, on the way to a dentist appointment in Lewisville. The other driver followed them through the turn at the red light, even though it was unsafe to do so, Nova said, nearly causing an accident.

The driver followed them into the parking lot at the dentist office, and Nova pulled into a parking spot facing the building. They said the other driver initially parked in the row behind them, and then pulled around to a spot that was perpendicular so he could watch them through his sideview mirror. Nova told Triad City Beat the man flipped them off, and Nova responded in kind. Nova locked their door.

Their brother, whom the family is not naming because he is a minor, cracked his door open, and the older siblings told TCB that the man, who has since been identified as 55-year-old Rod Steven Sturdy of Lewisville, approached and immediately began punching the 17-year-old brother in the face. Sturdy is white, and all three siblings are also white.

Olivia was riding in the front passenger seat on the same side of the vehicle as their brother. The inside handle on the front passenger door is broken, so Olivia rolled down the window, so they could unlatch the door from the outside and assist their brother.

As soon as Olivia exited from the car, they said they were met with a fist to the face. Their left arm is bruised where they lifted it and blocked a punch, and their other arm is bruised where they cushioned their head from hitting the car as they sustained a volley of blows.

They also pulled a muscle in their left

Dec. 17-24, 2020

Siblings beaten by man apparently angered over Black Lives Matter signs

by Jordan Green

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Best of the Beat

Opinion

News

Up Front

Dec. 17-24, 2020

cont. from pg. 7

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The harassment began almost as soon as they placed the signs in the car Sturdy could not be reached for comwindow. ment, but his mother told TCB that her “People would get really close to the son believes news organization do not car and then zoom around on the highhave the right to publish stories about way,” Nova said. “Or people would get the incident without his authorization. really close and flash their lights, or turn Helen Parsonage, a lawyer who is reptheir music up loud.” resenting the siblings, said she does not During one incident when they were believe the charges are sufficient for the turning onto Jonestown Road, the seriousness of the offenses. Considering siblings said encountered a truck flying the bruising that both victims received an American flag and displaying Trump and the broken bones in the brother’s stickers. The driver yelled, “Fuck you, eye orbit, she said at the minimum whore,” and, “Trump 2020,” they said.

Sturdy should be charged with assault In another incident, Olivia was sitting inflicting serious injury, a Class H felony. in the car at the Lewisville Library while Parsonage also said she believes North Nova went inside. By then, they had Carolina’s hate crimes enhancement worked out a plan in which the person in should be applied to the charges against the car would blast the horn if they were Sturdy. NCGS § 14-3.(c) provides law in danger so the person inside could enforcement with the discretion to upquickly respond. grade charges if a “misdemeanor offense Olivia said three white men walked is committed because of a victim’s race, up behind the car and read the signs, color, religion, nationality, or country of and then “walked up close and got really origin.” Parsonage said the NC Court close to my window.” Olivia had their of Appeals has applied the hate crimes cellphone out and was ready to call 911, law to cover “ethnic animosity” and apbut the men backed off when they saw plied it to a case with a white other people coming out of victim and attacker. the library. The men went Asked if the sheriff’s ofinto the library, but stared at fice is considering applying ‘It was instant Olivia again when they came the state hate crimes law or back out. upgrading the the assault hate.’

“It was instant hate,” charges in light of the severiOlivia said.

– Olivia Pugh ty of injuries sustained by the When asked to talk about victims, Sheriff Kimbrough what kind of justice they said in a statement to TCB: would like to see in response “While we are deeply disto the violence and personal turbed by the assault that took place on violation they experienced, the siblings Dec. 3, we are in constant conversation said what they want most is for people to with the district attorney as to the new be aware how common utterly common filing of the charges. hatred towards Black Lives Matter and “We will investigate this matter in Black people is. conjunction with the district attorney’s “If we could just get more people to office to make sure justice is served,” understand that this happens all the time Kimbrough continued. “Any assault on and have a recognition of how many anyone is an assault on all of us and we people of color, specifically Black people at the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office are hurt every day and how being an ally will have zero tolerance for that.” is a verb,” Nova said, “and how imNova and Olivia said they were not portant it is to make sure you are using surprised by the Dec. 3 incident in the your privilege in a way that helps other dentist office parking lot in Lewisville. marginalized groups.”

Angry reactions to their signs expressOlivia said people should know that ing support for Black Lives Matter from what happened to the siblings is more other drivers are, unfortunately, not than a harbinger; it’s a current reality. uncommon.

“We want to show people, to kind of They made the signs in the early sumlike burst their bubble of privilege, that mer, when protests erupted across the this happens all the time, and it’s not country following the death of George limited to people of color; it’s anyone Floyd. who is a threat to white supremacy,” “We’re both disabled and chronithey said. “It’s here. You don’t have to cally ill,” Nova explained. “As much as go anywhere. The violence is here. A lot we would like to go to protests, it’s not of people want to distance themselves something we can physically do. This is from it. I hope this brings it closer so that our way of protesting.” more people will take action.”

OPINION The North Carolina seditionists

Up Front

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News Opinion Best of the Beat

They and 123 others signed on for a ot going to get into the weeds judicial nullifying of elections in key swing of the election, its winner (Joe states, disregarding the votes of the Biden) and the sorry sack of lawsuits trying even now, after American people, usurping their power the Electoral College has cast its votes, to name Trump — Trump! — to a second to subvert the results. Nor will there be term despite the fact that he got 7 million any analysis of the Trump camp’s lastfewer votes and came 38 electoral votes ditch efforts to swing the whole thing to shy of winning.

Congress, because it’s just fucking stupid.

Make no mistake: This is sedition, But it’s also completely un-American. which is a legal term for what happens And that’s what we’re talking about here. when two or more people plot to overThe election is over throw the US governand done with, all efforts ment. It doesn’t matter This is sedition, at meaningful litigation how many people signed tossed out of the room on, or how powerful they which is what it’s like the rudest customer are, and it doesn’t matter in the bar. Trump is acting called when if they succeed or not. completely in characMore so, an attempt to people try to ter with his ridiculous, invalidate our free and untenable and, we remind overthrow the fair elections is a violation you, deeply un-American of the Constitution, which government. position because he these elected officials really doesn’t care about have sworn to defend. concepts like democracy and the rule of Just two of our reps will be around law. But to the rest of you: We will never when the House convenes on Jan. 3 — forget.

Walker lost his seat to redistricting and Before the Texas lawsuit was rejected declined to run in 2020, but he’s declared

by SCOTUS, 126 members of the House his intentions to run for Senate in 2022.

Republican Caucus signed on to this So just Budd and Foxx will be among ridiculous (and un-American) cause. the 125 House members who should Seven of them were from North Caronot be seated by House Speaker Nancy lina, almost half of those from Guilford Pelosi. They and their colleagues have no and Forsyth counties. business being anywhere near the halls of Our Hall of Shame: Rep. Ted Budd government. And all North Carolinians — nay, all Americans — would be safer if (13th District), Rep. Virginia Foxx (5th District) and Rep. Mark Walker (6th District). these enemies of the people were in jail.

Dec. 17-24, 2020

EDITORIAL

Shot in the Triad Puzzles

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Dec. 17-24, 2020 Up Front News Opinion Best of the Beat Puzzles

Shot in the Triad

Winston-Salem / Forsyth County Edition

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ost people who have worked with me know I have complained a lot of over the years about Best Of issues, industry slang for the sort of readers’ poll we just completed.

Obviously, I have since come around. When executed properly, reader polls can highlight businesses and people that our reporters and sales staff have, for whatever reason, missed. It can be incredibly useful, especially for tourists or new residents in town. And it gives us a very important gauge on the things our readers love, and we’re always trying to get a better handle on our readers.

This is our very first Best of the Beat, and in the making of it we addressed some of the biggest problems I’ve had with the form.

For one, our vote is honest. This was not one of those deals where people can vote every hour, stuffing the ballot box with spam votes, often from people who don’t even live here. In our contest, each reader gets exactly one ballot, making the results more useful and trustworthy.

It has also been my experience that in Triad-wide contests of this nature, Greensboro tends to dominate the results while Winston-Salem gets marginalized. So we’ve broken our contest into two tiers with our first dedicated solely to Forsyth County and the Camel City. We’ll run a Guilford poll in early 2021, and the winners will face off in the Best of the Beat — Triad-Wide contest later in the year.

But for now let’s celebrate the winners, hundreds of them, recognized for their excellence in its many different forms throughout Forsyth County. Congratulations to all.

— Brian Clarey

Best Bottled Beer Selection Best Downtown Bar

First Place: Foothills Brewpub Runner-up: Silver Moon Saloon

Best Local Brewery Taproom

First Place: Foothills Brewpub/ Wise Man Brewing (tie)

facebook.com/silvermoonsaloon FIRST PLACE Best Cocktail Mixer (James Douglas) Best Bartender (James Douglas) Best Bouncers (Debo) Best Cheap Beer

Best Bloody Mary Best Neighborhood Bar Best Late-Night Bar Best No-Frills Watering Hole RUNNER-UP Best Downtown Bar

News

Best Bar Staff

Silver Moon Saloon

Up Front

First Place: Stella Brew Runner-up: City Beverage

Dec. 17-24, 2020

DRINKING

First Place: Hoots Roller Bar Runner-up: The Tasting Room/ Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Co.

Best College Bar

First Place: Finnegan’s Wake Runner-up: West End Opera House Opinion

Best Adult Establishment

First Place: Savannah’s Gentlemen’s Club/Paper Moon (tie)

Best Cocktail Mixer Best Upscale Bar

First Place: The Katharine Brasserie & Bar Runner-up: The Trophy Room

Best Cocktails

First Place: Fair Witness/Single Brothers Saloon (tie)

Best Bartender

First Place: James Douglas (Hoot’s, Silver Moon) Runner-up: Danielle Bull (Bull’s Tavern) First Place: The Silver Moon Saloon Runner-up: The Ramkat

Best Cheap Beer

First Place: Silver Moon Saloon Runner-up: Burke St. Pub

Best Wine Selection

First Place: 6th and Vine Runner-up: The Tasting Room First Place: Silver Moon Saloon Runner-up: The Katharine Brasserie & Bar

Best Mocktails

First Place: The Katharine Brasserie & Bar Runner-up: Vintage Sofa Bar

Puzzles

Best Bloody Mary

Shot in the Triad

Best Bouncers

Silver Moon Saloon cleaned up in 6 separate categories and was runner-up or closely linked to 3 others in this year’s Best Of The Beat. Silver Moon Saloon is downtown’s resident dive bar, best neighborhood bar and late-night watering hole of choice. The Moon, as it’s called by frequents, is proof that WinstonSalem doesn’t need to don fancy clothes and dust off the AmEx to enjoy a good time, a good beer or a good Bloody Mary. The Bloody Marys here are as Instagram-worthy as Bloodys come in the City of Arts & Innovation with overthe-top garnishes like mini-waffles, fried chicken tenders, fresh fruit and enough cured meat to make a charcuterie plate jealous. With just enough space inside for 10 folks to stand uncomfortably next to one another, the expansive patio oversees Trade St. and the glittering, clicking, ringing and whizzing of the Arts District and its passersby. The Moon may be a physical space slinging PBRs, local brews and cocktails into the dark hours of the night, but it’s the denizens of the city that make it the stuff of legends.

James Douglas of both Silver Moon Saloon and Hoot’s Roller Bar is one such individual. He started serving and working restaurants and delis in his teens but says the best education he ever received was a “trial by fire” at Finnigan’s Wake, another Trade Street standby. In the early 2010s, he bought a hot-dog cart and started up Street Meat Inc., which operated on the weekend nights on Trade Street, cementing his legendary status amongst late-night revelers and afterhours crowd. Douglas was hired on at Hoots Brewery and Silver Moon in 2014 and has been at both places ever since. When asked what the secret to the Silver Moon Bloody mix is, Douglas responded, “You have to play Roxy Music or WuTang while you mix it, otherwise it curdles. Sometimes both.”

— NMK

Best of the Beat: Drinking

First Place: James Douglas (Hoot’s, Silver Moon) Runner-up: Levi Fryer (The Katherine)

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Dec. 17-24, 2020 Up Front

Best Tap Beer Selection

Best Sommelier

Best Neighborhood Bar

Best Pet-Friendly Bar/Restaurant

Best Sports Bar

Best Late-Night Bar

Best Distillery

Best Margarita

Best Martini

Best No-Frills Watering Hole

Best Local Spirit

Best Retail Beer Selection

Best Drink Specials

Best Retail Wine Selection

Best Dance Space

Best Rooftop Bar

Best Local Brewery

Best New Bar

First Place: Finnegan’s Wake Runner-up: Foothill’s Tasting Room First Place: Silver Moon Saloon Runner-up: The Tap First Place: Finnegan’s Wake Runner-up: Second & Green

News

First Place: Broad Branch Distillery Runner-up: Sutler’s Spirits First Place: The Katharine Brasserie & Bar Runner-up: Fair Witness

Opinion

First Place: Sutler’s Gin Runner-up: Spirit Nobilium (Broad Branch) First Place: Finnegan’s Wake Runner-up: Bull’s Tavern/Fair Witness (tie)

Best of the Beat: Eating

First Place: Gas Hill Drinking Room Runner-up: Monstercade First Place: Foothills Brewing Runner-up: Wise Man Brewing

First Place: Christina Morris (The Katherine) Runner-up: Caleb Flynt (Wine Merchants) First Place: Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Co. Runner-up: Wise Man Brewing First Place: Silver Moon Saloon Runner-up: Fair Witness First Place: The Porch Kitchen & Cantina Runner-up: La Botana First Place: Silver Moon Saloon Runner-up: Bull’s Tavern/ Carlisle’s Pub (tie) First Place: Stella Brew Runner-up: City Beverage

First Place: Total Wine & More Runner-up: Wine Merchants

First Place: Bar Piña Runner-up: Top of 4th (Marriott) First Place: Hoot’s Satellite Runner-up: Joyner’s

Shot in the Triad

EATING Best Brunch

Best Restaurant

Best Steak

Best Outdoor Seating

First Place: River Birch Lodge Runner-up: Krankies First Place: Ryan’s Restaurant Runner-up: Fratelli’s Italian Steakhouse

First Place: 4th St. Filling Station Runner-up: 6th and Vine

Best Desserts

Best Waitstaff

Best Late-Night Menu

Best Mexican Restaurant

Best Caterer

Best Downtown Restaurant

Puzzles

First Place: Midtown Café & Dessertery Runner-up: Cheesecakes by Alex

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First Place: Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro Runner-up: River Birch Lodge

First Place: Finnegan’s Wake Runner-up: Foothill’s Brewpub First Place: 1703 Restaurant & Kitchen Runner-up: Providence Kitchen/ Five Loaves Catering (tie)

First Place: West End Café Runner-up: Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro First Place: The Porch Kitchen & Cantina Runner-up: La Botana First Place: Sweet Potatoes Runner-up: Mission Pizza Napoletana/ Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro

Best Sommellier (Christina Morris) Best Romantic Restaurant RUNNER-UP Best Cocktail Mixer (Levi Fryer) Best Bloody Mary Best Atmosphere

First Place: The Katharine Brasserie & Bar Runner-up: Bernardin’s

Best Gelato

Best Cheesesteak

Best Chef

Best Charcuterie

Best Boba Tea

Best Healthy Eating

Best Fried Chicken

Best Ribs

Best French Fries

Best Breakfast

Best Bread

Best Local Artisinal Food Product

Best Gourmet Sandwiches

Best Sub

First Place: Café Gelato Runner-up: West End Coffeehouse First Place: Jay Pierce (Mozelle’s) Runner-up: Curtis Hackaday (1703)

First Place: Slappy’s Chicken Runner-up:Miss Ora’s Fried Chicken First Place: Hops Burger Bar Runner-up: Cook Out

First Place: West End Café Runner-up: Foothills Brewpub/ Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro (tie)

First Place: Village Juice Co. Runner-up: Yamas Mediterranean Street Food First Place: Bib’s Downtown Runner-up: Real Q First Place: Krankies Runner-up: Famous Toastery First Place: Black Mountain Chocolate Runner-up: Niki’s Pickles

Puzzles

First Place: Camino Bakery Runner-up: Bobby Boy Bake Shop

First Place: Vintage Sofa Bar Runner-up: The Carving Board Shot in the Triad

First Place: May Way Dumplings Runner-up: Café Gelato

First Place: Hero House Runner-up: Burke Street Pizza

Best of the Beat: Eating

To be honest, it wasn’t until a few weeks ago when I read Food Editor Nikki Miller-Ka’s best restaurants in Winston-Salem that I discovered this gem. But since then, my fiancé and I have made the hour-round trip to Bagel Station every weekend, acquiring more and more bagels each time.

Last Saturday, we even picked up about a dozen for our bagel-loving friends. Back in Greensboro, we’ve tried pretty much every bagel place around. And they’re not bad. But they’re just not anywhere near as good as Bagel Station. First of all, the flavors are cracked. There’s enough for variety but not so many that you can’t keep up or the quality of some aren’t as good as others. But probably, the most important and fundamental piece about these particular bagels are how balanced they are in texture. Soft and doughy on the inside, but with the hard, shiny exterior on the outside, these bagels are the best when it comes to mouthfeel and they won’t be rock hard and inedible in 24 hours. Because who can really eat a dozen bagels in a day? I mean, with these, I probably could. There’s a reason why they won both first and second place.

— SM

Opinion

Best Romantic Restaurant

FIRST PLACE/RUNNER-UP Best Bagels

News

If you had never heard of the Kimpton Cardinal in downtown Winston-Salem, its list of wins might entice you to take a closer look. But it’s impossible to be a resident of the city and not be aware of the Kimpton, which took over the grande dame of downtown buildings in 2015 and converted it into an art-deco showpiece. And while the rooms are mostly for out-of-towners, locals love the Katharine Brasserie & Bar for cocktails and fanciful meals, as well as the tricked-out basement rec room with bowling lanes, a basketball court, an adult slide and other playful diversions.

— BC

bagelstation.net

Up Front

thecardinalhotel.com FIRST PLACE Best Hotel Best Downtown Building Best Upscale Bar Best Mocktails Best Martini

Bagel Station

Dec. 17-24, 2020

Kimpton Cardinal Hotel/ the Katharine Brasserie & Bar

First Place: TJs Deli & Grill Runner-up: Burke Street Pizza

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Dec. 17-24, 2020 Up Front News Opinion Best of the Beat: Eating

Forsyth Seafood Market & Café forsythseafood.com FIRST PLACE Best Seafood Serving the Winston-Salem community for more than 35 years, Forsyth Seafood Market & Café is a one-stop shop for fresh seafood and made-to-order café items. This Black-owned, womanowned business is helmed by Virginia Hardesty and her daughter, Ashley Hardesty Armstrong, co-owner and marketing coordinator. There’s no doubting why the duality of this restaurant and retail grocer has the best seafood in town. The café, which serves fried fish, plus steamed and broiled offerings and seasonal dishes such as catfish stew and gumbo, is how many are introduced to the city’s premiere fishmonger. Regulars know that they’re welcome to pick a fish from the market side for the kitchen next door to cook up right then and there.

Most of what Forsyth Seafood sells is wild caught off the coasts of NC and Va., with trucks coming in multiple times a week to provide the most local, freshest fish, mollusks, bivalves and crustaceans. Over the past three years, the outfit has acquired a food truck, a partnership with Cobblestone Farmers Market and now sells merchandise and clothing swag from its website.

— NMK

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant

First Place: Camel City BBQ Factory Runner-up: Dairi-O First Place: Di Lisio’s Italian Restaurant Runner-up: Quanto Basta

Shot in the Triad

Best Coffeeshop

First Place: Moji Coffee + More Runner-up: Camino Bakery

Best Tacos

First Place: Crafted the Art of the Taco Runner-up: La Botana

Best Chicken Fingers

First Place: Miss Ora’s Runner-up: Foothills Brewpub

Best Salads

First Place: West End Café Runner-up: Yamas Mediterranean Street Food Puzzles

First Place: Nawab Indian Cuisine Runner-up: Mystic Ginger

Best Wings

First Place: Ronni’s Restaurant Runner-up: Finnegan’s Wake

Best Barbecue

First Place: Little Richard’s Runner-up: Real Q

Best Bakery

First Place: Camino Bakery Runner-up: Bobby Boy Bakeshop

Best Ramen

First Place: 237 Ramen Runner-up: Sakura

Best Atmosphere

First Place: Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro Runner-up: The Katharine Brasserie & Bar/ Earl’s Whiskey Bar

Best Cheap Meal

First Place: Slappy’s Chicken Runner-up: Cook Out

Best Food Truck

First Place: Mojito Runner-up: Burger Supreme

Best Milkshake

Best Italian restaurant

Best Sushi

First Place: Mizu Japanese Restaurant Runner-up: Hakka Chow Asian Eats

Best Restaurant when Someone Else is Paying

14

Best Indian Restaurant

First Place: Spring House Grill Runner-up: Fratelli’s Italian Steakhouse

First Place: Cook Out Runner-up: Small Batch

Best Gourmet Pizza

First Place: Mission Pizza Napoletano Runner-up: Elizabeth’s Pizza

Best Pho

First Place: Thai Sawatdee Runner-up: Basil Leaf

Best Takeout

First Place: Slappy’s Chicken Runner-up: Mr. Lu’s

Best Diner

First Place: Famous Toastery Runner-up: Trade Street Diner

Best Oysters

First Place: Full Moon Oyster Bar Runner-up: King’s Crab Shack

Best Tapas

First Place: Yamas Mediterranean Street Food Runner-up: Spring House Grill

Best Bagels

First Place: Bagel Station Runner-up: Bagel Station II

Best Poke

Best Seafood

Best Ice Cream

Best Doughnut Shop

Best Hot Dogs

Best Sweet Tea

Best Burger

Best Japanese Restaurant

Best Public Bathroom

Best Asian Fusion

Best Deli

Best Greek Restaurant

Best Meat & Three

Best Juice/Smoothie Bar

Best Traditional Pizza

Best Restaurants for Vegans

Best New Restaurant

Best Chinese Restaurant

First Place: Slappy’s Chicken Runner-up: Sweet Potatoes

First Place: West End Poke Runner-up: Poke Star

First Place: Forsyth Seafood Runner-up: Full Moon Oyster Bar

First Place: Mayberry Ice Cream Restaurant Runner-up: Li’l Dipper First Place: PB’s Takeout Runner-up: Kermit’s Hot Dog House

First Place: Dough Joe’s Doughnuts & Coffee Runner-up: InTown Donutz

Up Front

Best Mac & Cheese

First Place: Thai Sawatdee Runner-up: Basil Leaf

Dec. 17-24, 2020

Best Thai Restaurant

First Place: The Carriage House Restaurant Runner-up: Yamas Mediterranean Street Food First Place: Mizu Japanese Restaurant Runner-up: Umi Japanese Steakhouse

First Place: Harris Teeter on Colverdale Runner-up: The Ramkat

First Place: Hakka Chow Runner-up: Thai Sawatdee First Place: Grecian Corner Runner-up: Athena Greek Taverna First Place: Village Juice Co. Runner-up: Organix Juice Bar

First Place: Burke Street Pizza Runner-up: Elizabeth’s PIzza

First Place: Mozzarella Fellas Runner-up: Village Juice Co.

First Place: Bobby Boy Bake Shop Runner-up: Hops Burger Bar

First Place: New Sichuan Runner-up: Mr. Lu’s

Best of the Beat: Recreation, Health & Beauty

First Place: Duke’s Restaurant Runner-up: Clemmons Kitchen

Opinion

First Place: TJ’s Deli Runner-up: The Carving Board

News

First Place: Hops Burger Bar Runner-up: Cin Cin Burger Bar

RECREATION, HEALTH & BEAUTY Best Personal Trainer

Best Assisted Living Community

Best Golf Course

Best Med Spa

Best Hair Salon

Best Dermatologist

Best Local Athlete

First Place: Kimpton Cardinal Hotel Runner-up: Brookstown Inn First Place: Brookdale Runner-up: Vienna Village/ Heritage Woods (tie)

First Place: Westgate Dermatology & Laser Center/ Winston-Salem Dermatology Center

First Place: Winston Lake Golf Course Runner-up: Maple Chase Golf & Country Club First Place: Van Davis Aveda Runner-up: Dye Pretty First Place: Chris Paul (Oklahoma City Thunder) Runner-up: Domenique Graves (Winston-Salem State football)/ Sam Hartman (Wake Forest football)

Puzzles

First Place: Innovative Aesthetics Runner-up: The Spa at Highland Oaks

First Place: Patti Manuel (PBM Fitness) Runner-up: Sebastian Cervar (CrossFit Amplitude)

Shot in the Triad

Best Hotel

15

Dec. 17-24, 2020

Best Piercing Studio First Place: Earth’s Edge Runner-up: Tattoo Revival

Salem Lake Park cityofws.org/2129/Salem-Lake

Best Esthetician

Up Front

First Place: Nancy Crooks (Van Davis Thruway) Runner-up: April Joyce (J Posh Salon)

Best Pool

First Place: Bolton Park Pool Runner-up: Chadwyck Windsor Place Pool

Best Gym

News

First Place: CrossFit Winston-Salem Runner-up: Top Tier Fitness

Best In-Home Healthcare Company

First Place: Griswold Home Care Runner-up: Touched by Angels/Bayada Home Health (tie)

Best Walking/Running Trail

RUNNER-UP Best Park Best Attraction

It’s not even a contest most years — Salem Lake is an automatic go-to for the best running/hiking/cycling in Forsyth County. It’s the largest body of water in Winston-Salem, connected via trails and greenways to most points of interest.

The loop around the lake is known for pushing its users’ limits, a seven-mile stretch with plentiful vistas along with rises and dips. And it’s also a place for boating and kayaking, fishing, picnicking and playing with the kids.

— BC

Best Yoga Instructor

First Place: Salem Lake Runner-up: Muddy Creek Greenway Opinion

FIRST PLACE Best Walking/Running Trai

First Place: Valerie Kiser (Yoga Alliance) Runner-up: Tressa Krezner (Loving Kindness Reiki & Yoga)

Best Yoga Studio

Best Acupuncturist

First Place: Sunrise Yoga Runner-up: Triad Yoga Alliance

First Place: Lee Figl (New Hope Oriental Medicine) Runner-up: Boyd Bailey (Piedmont Acupuncture)

Best of the Beat: Recreation, Health & Beauty

Best Pharmacy

First Place: Marley Drug Runner-up: Robinhood Pharmacy

Tattoo Archive

Best Tattoo Artist

tattooarchive.com FIRST PLACE Best Tattoo Studio

RUNNER-UP Best Tattoo Artist (Tugboat Johnny)

First Place: Mallory Blaylock (Talon Tattoo) Runner-up: Tugboat Johnny (Tattoo Archive)

Best Exercise Studio First Place: Pure Barre Runner-up: CycleBar

Best Weight-Loss Center

Puzzles

Shot in the Triad

First Place: Medical Weight Loss Winston-Salem Runner-up: Wellness for Life

16

Tattoo Archive is one of those singular gems that makes WinstonSalem the city that it is. But in fact, it was begun in Berkley, Calif.

by Chuck Eldredge, who moved the operation here in 2007 after decades of operation on the West Coast. The archive is a museum, with rich texts and artwork culled from centuries of the practice, and also an education center, with knowledgeable experts on body art. The website is also trove of knowledge, with indexed histories of tattooing and tattooists. The shop itself acts as a gallery, with an ever-changing array of tattoo-inspired art and vintage curiosities.

And it’s also a full-on tattoo studio, where Tugboat Johnny plies his award-winning skills for the past six years.

“All the shops I worked at before were all like street shops,” Johnny says. “You just do whoever walks in off the street. [At the archive,] even before the pandemic we were more appointment based.

It’s nice having that space, and to work with Chuck, pick his brain about anything tattooing. He’s seen so much….”

— BC

Best Barbershop

First Place: Ardmore Barber Shop Runner-up: Clunhouse Salon for Men

Best Local Sports team

First Place: Winston-Salem Dash Runner-up: Wake Forest Football

Best Eye Doctor

First Place: Eyes on Trade Runner-up: Andrew Bradbury (A Proper View)

Best Bike Shop

First Place: Ken’s Bike Shop Runner-up: Mock Orange Bikes

Best Tattoo Studio

First Place: Tattoo Archive Runner-up: Tattoo Therapy

Best Dentist

Best Park

Best Nail Salon

Best Veterinarian

Best Day Spa

Best Massage Therapist

Best Bowling Alley

Best Plastic Surgery Practice

Best Hospital

Best Retirement Community

First Place: Dr. Yen Nguyen Runner-up: Reynolda Smiles

First Place: Mia (Jade Aveda Salon) Runner-up: Cynthia Pratt-Miller (Hair Bomb Salon) First Place: Tanglewood Park Runner-up: Salem Lake Park

First Place: Digits Thruway Runner-up: LA Nails

First Place: Ard-Vista Animal Hospital Runner-up: Carolina Veterinary Specialists/ Mt Tabor Animal Hospital (tie)

First Place: The Spa at Highland Oaks Runner-up: Essential Balanced Bodywork

First Place: Forsyth Medical Center Runner-up: Wake Baptist Hospital

First Place: Randi Eaton Runner-up: Michael Roels (Essential Balanced Bodywork) First Place: Salem Plastic Surgery Runner-up: Forsyth Plastic Surgery First Place: Arbor Acres Runner-up: Vienna Village

Opinion

Best Orthodontics

First Place: Salem Smiles Orthodontics Runner-up: Handy and Handy

First Place: Green Street Methodist Church Runner-up: Temple Emanuel

Harris Teeter on Cloverdale

Best Apartment Complex

First Place: Winston Factory Lofts Runner-up: Link Apartments Brookstown

Best Vacation Rental

First Place: Wherehouse Art Hotel Runner-up: Log Cabin in the City First Place: Fourth Street Runner-up: Trade Street

Best Neighborhood First Place: Ardmore Runner-up: West End

Best Attraction

First Place: Old Salem Runner-up: Salem Lake First Place: Piedmont Triad Farmers Market Runner-up: Cobblestone Farmers Market

Best Place for Trick-Or-Treating First Place: Ardmore Runner-up: West End

There is no accounting for taste, but when it comes to public restrooms there are a few criteria on which to base its merits: Is it clean? Are the paper products adequately stocked? Does the hand-blower work? Is there a diaperchanging station? Does the door to leave push out instead of in? In recent times the two public restrooms at Harris Teeter on Cloverdale have not been on any informal lists of best places to popa-squat (or a hover, in the case of many wishing to establish a contactless visit to the lavatory) or even to take a selfie in the mirror to prove you’d been there.

Maybe today all of that will change. Maybe it’s the décor from Thai Sawatdee (aka Teeter Thai) and the patterned room divider that provides ambience on your way to the porcelain throne that evokes strong emotion. Or perhaps it’s the humidor case of cigars or the expensive case of Champagne between the Rug Doctor machines and the public drinking fountains that light up the way to the second public restroom location in front of the checkout lines. Either way, both have large, spacious stalls for doing your business and are definitely, positively the most spacious public water closets in all of the county.

— NMK

Puzzles

Best Farmers Market

FIRST PLACE Best Public Bathroom

Shot in the Triad

Best Place to People-Watch

Best of the Beat: Attractions & City Living

ATTRACTIONS & CITY LIVING Best Place of Worship

News

First Place: AMF Major League Lanes Runner-up: Creekside Lanes

Up Front

Best Hair Stylist

First Place: Brittain Chiropractic Center Runner-up: Marisa Nixon (Twin City Health)

Dec. 17-24, 2020

Best Chiropractor

17

Dec. 17-24, 2020 Up Front

Best Fundraising Event

Best Reason to Stay in Winston-Salem

Best Downtown Building

Best Reason to Leave Winston-Salem

Best Daycare

Best Public Library

Best Green Business

Best Public Space

Best College/University

Best Festival

Best Public School

Best Place to Work

First Place: Empty Bowls Runner-up: Humane Society Furr Ball First Place: Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (Reynolds Building) Runner-up: Millennium Center First Place: La Petite Academy Runner-up: Bright Horizons First Place: Camino Bakery Runner-up: Village Juice Co.

News

First Place: Wake Forest University Runner-up: Winston-Salem State University First Place: Reynolds High School/ Mt. Tabor High School (tie)

Best Pre-School

First Place: Great community Runner-up: It’s cheap-ish

First Place: Zombie apocalypse Runner-up: Lack of good jobs

First Place: Forsyth Central Library Runner-up: Reynolda Manor Library First Place: Reynolda Village & Gardens Runner-up: Old Quarry Park/Bailey Park (tie) First Place: RiverRun International Film Festival Runner-up: Bookmarks First Place: Wake Forest University Runner-up: Flywheel Co-Working

Best of the Beat: Shopping

Opinion

First Place: Reynolda Preschool Runner-up: YMCA

SHOPPING Best Record Store

Best Pawn Shop

Best Resale Shop

Best Men’s Clothing Store

Beat Health Food Store

Best Motorcycle Shop

Best International Grocery Store

Best Musical Instrument Store

Best Eyewear Boutique

Best Pet Store

Best ABC Store

Best Furniture Store

Best Gift Store

Best Jewelry Store

Best Children’s Clothing Retailer

Best Boutique

First Place: Underdog records Runner-up: McKay’s First Place: Design Archives Runner-up: Etc. Consignment Shoppe

Shot in the Triad

First Place: A&S Natural Health Runner-up: OM Indian Groceries/ Salem Organic Supple (tie) First Place: Om Indian Groceries Runner-up: Compare Foods First Place: A Proper View Runner-up: Eyes on Trade

Puzzles

First Place: Country Club Road Runner-up: Northwest Boulevard

18

First Place: Design Archives Runner-up: Salem Kitchen First Place: Once Upon a Child Runner-up: McCalls Reynolda Village

First Place: Camel City Pawn Runner-up: West Mountain Pawn First Place: Jos. A Banks Runner-up: Norman Stockton’s

First Place: Smokin’ Harley Davidson Runner-up: Kevin Powell Motorsports First Place: The B String Runner-up: Jackson’s Music Store First Place: All Pets Considered Runner-up: Natural Dog First Place: Haverty’s Furniture Runner-up: Bowen Town & Country First Place: Schiffman’s Jewelers Runner-up: Camel City Pawn First Place: Monkee’s Runner-up: Wood & Thread

omgroceries.net FIRST PLACE Best International Grocery Store Best Gourmet Grocery Store

RUNNER-UP Best Health Foods Store

First Place: Thruway Center Runner-up: Hanes Mall

Best Home Accessories Store First Place: Design Archives Runner-up: All Through the House

Dec. 17-24, 2020

Om Indian Groceries

Best Mall/Shopping Center

Best Women’s Clothing Store

Best Consignment Furniture Store

Up Front

First Place: Fabulous Finds/Kernersville Runner-up: Boho Blue First Place: Elizabeth’s at Hanes Park Runner-up: Carolina Vintiques

Best Shopping District First Place: West End Runner-up: Burke Street

News

Best Grocery Store

First Place: Trader Joe’s Runner-up: Lowe’s Foods (Robinhood Road)

Best Consignment Store First Place: Snob Shop Runner-up: Design Archives

Best Tire Store

First Place: Mock Tire Runner-up: Parrish Tire & Automotive

Best Place to Buy a New Car Best Kitchen Store

First Place: Southern Home & Kitchen Runner-up: Williams Sonoma

Best Antique Store

First Place: Lost in Time Runner-up: Goat Feather Antique

Best Hardware Store

Best Vintage Clothing Store

Best Comic Book Shop

Best Bookstore

Best Florist

Best Thrift Store

Best Garden Store/Nursery

Best Corner Store

First Place: House of Plants Runner-up: Reynolda Nursery

First Place: Bookmarks Runner-up: McKay’s First Place: Next Step Ministries Thrift Store Runner-up: The Snob Shop First Place: Washington Perk & Provisions Runner-up: Tickled Pink

Puzzles

First Place: Wild Things Runner-up: Dahlia’s Floral Design

First Place: Design Archives Runner-up: Next Step Ministries Thrift Store

Shot in the Triad

Best Cigar Store

First Place: Burke Street Comics Runner-up: Ssalefish Comics

Best of the Beat: Shopping

First Place: Flow Honda Runner-up: Mercedes Benz of Winston-Salem/ Audi of Winston-Salem (tie)

First Place: ACE Hardware (Cloverdale Avenue) Runner-up: ACE Hardware (Robinhood Road) First Place: Top Leaf Cigar Lounge Runner-up: The Pipe & Pint

Opinion

Owned and operated by Sudha Moparthy, this grocery store acts as not only a place to get fruits and vegetables, but also a stop for spices and remedies not often found on the shelves of your local Harris Teeter or Trader Joe’s. According to news reports, Moparthy, who currently works as a cancer researcher at Wake Forest Baptist Health, has been active in the research field for close to 18 years and views healthy eating as a form of prevention. On the shelves of Om various bottles and containers of turmeric, coriander, cumin, mustard seed and more — all spices that relate back to an Ayurvedic lifestyle which has been around for thousands of years — can be found. In addition to best international grocery store and runner-up best health foods store, Om also won best gourmet grocery store for its unique offerings like specialty breads, halal meats and Asian vegetables. “We definitely feel happy and at the same time honored to be selected in three categories,” said staff in a message to Triad City Beat. “We wish everyone happy holidays and we hope we can start our new year bright and healthy. Eat healthy and live well!”

— SM

19

Dec. 17-24, 2020 Up Front

Best Baby Store

Best Place to Buy a Used Car

Best Shoe Store

Best Bridal Shop

Best Adult Toy Store

Best Gourmet Grocery Store

Best Butcher

Best CBD Shop

Best Lingerie Store

Best Wine Shop

Best Frame Shop

Best Lighting Store

Best Local Farm

Best Used Bookstore

First Place: Once Upon a Child Runner-up: Rolly’s Baby Boutique First Place: Fleet Feet Runner-up: Be Shoes Thruway First Place: Priscilla McCall’s Runner-up: Annabelle’s

News

First Place: Annabelle’s Runner-up: Priscilla McCall’s

Opinion Best of the Beat: Politics, News & the Media

First Place: Joyce Farms Runner-up: Shore Farm Organics

First Place: Wilson Lighting Co. Runner-up: The Lighting Loft First Place: McKay’s Runner-up: The Eclectible Shop

POLITICS, NEWS & THE MEDIA Best Local TV Station

Best Local News Website

Best Do-Gooder

Worst political gaffe

Best Talk/News Radio Station

Best Progressive

Most Egregious Misuse of Taxpayer Funds

Best Local Radio Show

Best City Council Member

Best Radio Station

Best Local radio Personality

Best Investigative Reporter

Best School Board Member

Best Cause

First Place: WXII Runner-up: Fox 8

First Place: Project Mask WS Runner-up: Mary Haglund

Shot in the Triad

First Place: Camel City Hemp Runner-up: Salem Organic Supply First Place: Total Wine & More Runner-up: Wine Merchant

First Place: Frame It Runner-up: Fourth Street Frame Shop

First Place: WFDD Runner-up: WTOB

First Place: School vouchers Runner-up: Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum First Place: DD Adams Runner-up: Jeff McIntosh

Puzzles

First Place: English’s Bridal Runner-up: Nitsa’s Apparel First Place: Om Indian Grocery Runner-up: Canteen Market & Bistro/ Swaim’s Grocery (tie)

First Place: Smoke City Meats Runner-up: Butcher Shop of Winston-Salem/ Ogburn Station Meat Market (tie)

20

First Place: Flow Automotive Runner-up: Frank Myers Auto Maxx

First Place: Neal Charnoff (WFDD) Runner-up: Steve “The Finman” Finnegan (WTOB) First Place: Elisabeth Motsinger Runner-up: Barbara Burke

First Place: Triad City Beat (triad-city-beat.com) Runner-up: The Winston-Salem Journal (journalnow.com) First Place: Lack of reallocation of police funds Runner-up: Dixie Classic Fair renamed First Place: Dan Besse Runner-up: Rep. Derwin Montgomery First Place: “The Martha Bassett Show” (WFDD) Runner-up: “The Get Up Show” (98.7 Simon) First Place: WFDD Runner-up: WTOB

First Place: Jordan Green (Triad City Beat) Runner-up: Scott Sexton (the Journal) First Place: Black Lives Matter Runner-up: Project Mask WS

Best Local Facebook Group Best County Commissioner

Biggest Controversy

First Place: Dixie Fair vs Carolina Classic Runner-up: Closing the bars for coronavirus

Best Meteorologist

First Place: Lanie Pope (WXII) Runner-up: Michelle Kennedy (WXII)

Best Legislator

First Place: Rep. Derwin Montgomery Runner-up: Rep. Evelyn Terry

Best Local Twitter Feed

First Place: Winston Watchman (@WinstonWatchman) Runner-up: Triad City Beat (@triad_city_beat_)

Best Local Blog

First Place: Nik Snacks (niksnacksonline.com) Runner-up: Triad Foodies (triadfoodies.com)

Best Triad City Beat Story

First Place: Confederate Statue reporting Runner-up: Omnibus Firefighters

Best Conservative

First Place: Joyce Kraweic Runner-up: Algenon Cash

Best of the Beat: Culture, Arts & Entertainment

We would be remiss if we didn’t write about the uprising that has swept the nation and our local cities over the past year. This year’s twin pandemic of the coronavirus as well as systemic racism have been in full effect but the power and persistence of local activists in support of Black lives has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Starting with protests that hit the streets and shut down grocery stores and made their way to the mayor’s house, the wave of energy culminated in a weekslong occupation of Bailey Park in which a coalition of Black and Brown activists demanded transparency and accountability for the death of John Neville in the Forsyth County jail. And though progress can be slow at times, the sustained efforts of Black and Brown activists, particularly those by women of color, made all the difference in the city this past year with changed policies within the jail and more. As we all know, the work is not over, but these local groups and individuals have made it clear that they are here to stay and that their collective voices cannot be silenced. Our cities are vastly better because of their efforts and we all owe the progress that has been made to their tireless resistance.

— SM

First Place: Brianna Conner (WXII) Runner-up: Margaret Johnson (WXII)

Opinion

Best Local TV Anchor

News

FIRST PLACE Best Cause Up Front

First Place: Fleming El-Amin Runner-up: Dave Plyler

Dec. 17-24, 2020

Black Lives Matter

First Place: Downtown Winston-Salem Runner-up: Just WS Memes

CULTURE, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Best Visual Artist

Best Museum

Best Art Instruction

Best House/Cover Band

Best Club DJ

Best Drag Show

Best Place to See Live Music

First Place: Randy Simpson (WTOB) Runner-up: Cabell Wilkinson First Place: Reynolda House Runner-up: Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art

First Place: Pride WS Runner-up: Monstercade

First Place: Sawtooth School for Visual Art Runner-up: UNCSA community programs First Place: DJ Hek Yeah Runner-up: DJ Snow First Place: The Ramkat Runner-up: Rizzo’s

Puzzles

First Place: Gypsy Soul Runner-up: The Plaids

First Place: Adam Casey Runner-up: Owens Daniels

Shot in the Triad

Best Comedian

21

Dec. 17-24, 2020 Up Front News Opinion Best of the Beat: Culture, Arts & Entertainment Shot in the Triad Puzzles

22

LB the Poet

Winston-Salem Light Project

lbthepoet.com

FIRST PLACE Best Local Hip-Hop Artist Although he won the category for best hip-hop artist, Larry Barron — otherwise known by his stage name LB the Poet — considers himself a spoken word artist first.

“I’m a poet to the core and that’s where a lot of my recognition has come from,” he says in an interview.

Barron has been active in the Winston-Salem community for years, working to infuse poetry and spoken word into the public school system and has been putting on story slams via Zoom during the pandemic. In November 2019, Barron dropped his first full-length studio album, Transitions, which bridges the gap between his love of writing and performance. But unlike many hip-hop albums and artists, Barron says he wanted to keep his album “clean” and made sure not to use profanity and flipped the idea of a “parental advisory”, instead calling it a “positive affirmation”.

“I want you to be able to turn on my music in the morning and feel good,” he says.

Before the pandemic hit, Barron had planned a small tour for Transitions but says he had to postpone that until next year. He’s also got another project that he says is set to drop next summer.

“It’s been amazing to witness my growth from the other side of the mirror,” he says. “Honestly, you grow more and more everyday and as an artist, we’re ever evolving.”

And to be picked his city’s favorite hip-hop artist means a lot because he was born and raised in Winston-Salem, Barron says.

“I really want to extend my sincere gratitude because I’m a poet first,” he says.

“But it’s pretty clear that my supporters and my tribe have moved genres with me. I know I’ve gained some new followers and that’s cool, I enjoy every bit of it.

But to know that my core fan base, my core supporters haven’t gone anywhere, that’s awesome, and it’s only gonna grow.”

— SM

lightproject.org FIRST PLACE Best Art Exhibit

The Winston-Salem Light Project was founded in 2008 by UNCSA Director of Lighting Norman Coates with the help of Phil Hanes and Gilbert and Suzanne Mathews. UNCSA lighting students use their knowledge of lighting techniques to explore topics such as gentrification, natural resource usage and religion through public art. The students have illuminated various locations around the city including the Pepper Building, Stevens Center and Winston Square Park.

Last year, students created linear outlines of old homes occupied by working class Black citizens before redlining forced them out of their neighborhood. The project has evolved over the years but continues to work to bring difficult topics to the forefront through public art.

— MR

Best Art Gallery

First Place: Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art Runner-up: Delurk Gallery

Best Local Author

First Place: Jacinta White Runner-up: Wade Beauchamp

Best Karaoke Night

First Place: Bull’s Tavern Runner-up: Old Nick’s Pub

Best Local Hip Hop Artist First Place: LB the Poet Runner-up: OG Spliff

Best Jazz Band

First Place: Matt Kendrick Trio Runner-up: Camel City Jazz Orchestra

Best Local Podcast

First Place: The Less Desirables Runner-up: Carolina Curious (WFDD)

Best Party

First Place: Farmstock Runner-up: RiverRun Gala

Best Trivia Night

Best Cultural Event

Best Music Club

Best Recording Studio

Best Local Theatre Company

Best Art Exhibit

Best Make Vocalist

Best Musician

Best Sporting Event

Best Local, Original Band

Best Movie Theater

Best Local Actor

Best Public Art Piece

First Place: Renee Henry Runner-up: Karon Click

First Place: Black Theatre Festival Runner-up: RiverRun International Film Festival

First Place: Winston-Salem Light Project Runner-up: Video Ergo Sum — Peter Campus (SECCA)

First Place: Jukebox Rehab Runner-up: Vel Indica

First Place: Dale Cole Runner-up: Clay Howard First Place: Winston-Salem Dash games Runner-up: Wake Forest Football games First Place: A/perture Cinema Runner-up: The Grande First Place: Black Lives Matter street painting Runner-up: Trade Street Mannequins

Best Realty Company

Best Law Firm

Best Financial Institution

Best Pest Control

First Place: Leonard Ryden Burr Runner-up: Berkshire Hathaway/ Allen Tate (tie)

Best Plumber

First Place: Bodenheimer Plumbing Runner-up: Smith Plumbing

Best Auto Service

First Place: Twin City Automotive Runner-up: Jackson Auto Worx

Best Limo/Party Bus

First Place: Black Tie Transportation Runner-up: Triad Eco Adventures First Place: Hope Lawn Care Runner-up: On Time Lawn Care

First Place: McNeely Pest Control

Best DUI Attorney

First Place: Clarke Dummit/Michael Fradin (tie)

Best Roofing Company

First Place: Big Anchor Roofing & Gutters Runner-up: J&M Roofing

Best Personal Injury Attorney

First Place: Daggett & Shuler Runner-up: Dummit-Fradin Attorneys at Law

Best Homebuilder

First Place: Reece Builder Runner-up: Dream Maker Bath & Kitchen

Puzzles

Best Landscaping Company

First Place: Dummit-Fradin Attorneys at Law Runner-up: Vance Parker/ King Latham Law (tie)

Shot in the Triad

First Place: Allegacy Credit Union Runner-up: Pinnacle Bank

Best of the Beat: Services

SERVICES

Opinion

First Place: Ashley Hauser Runner-up: Michael Hoch

First Place: Triad Theater Alliance Runner-up: UNCSA

News

First Place: Doug Davis Runner-up: Jim Moody

First Place: The Ramkat Runner-up: Muddy Creek Café Up Front

First Place: Fidelitorium Runner-up: Flytrap Music Productions

First Place: Old Nick’s Pub Runner-up: Bookmarks Book Trivia

Dec. 17-24, 2020

Best Female Vocalist

Best Insurance Agency

First Place: McCall Insurance Services Runner-up: Rick Babusiak (State Farm)

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Dec. 17-24, 2020

Best Realtor

First Place: Rhonda Nelson (Keller Williams) Runner-up: Arlene Rouse (Leonard Ryden Burr)

Best Auto Body Shop

Up Front

First Place: Pat’s Body Shop Runner-up: Ray’s Body Shop/ Jackson Auto Worx (tie)

Best Pet Groomer

First Place: Fur Pet Salon & Day Spa/ Ruff Housing (tie)

Best Criminal Defense Attorney First Place: Clarke Dummit

Best Heating & Air Company News

First Place: Gwyn Services Runner-up: Eanes Heating & Air Conditioning

Best Financial Planner

First Place: Doug Ray (Wealth Guardians) Runner-up: Jeff Davids (Edward Jones)

Best Electrician

Opinion

First Place: Gwyn Services Runner-up: Clayton Allen (CW Allen Electric)

Best Property Management Company

First Place: Real Property Management of the Triad/ Hunter Realty (tie

Best Dry Cleaner

Best of the Beat: Services

First Place: Shores Fine Dry Cleaning Runner-up: Craft Cleaners

Best Foundation Repair

First Place: Tar Heel Basement Runner-up: Structural Repair of the Triad

Best car service

First Place: Uber Runner-up: Classic Cab Co.

Best Family Law Attorney

Shot in the Triad

First Place: Vance Parker Runner-up: Dummit Fradin Attorneys at Law

Thank to everyone who participated in the Best of the Beat Forsyth County Edition. Next up will be the Guilford County Best of the Beat which will kick off in early 2021.

Keep a lookout on our website and on our social media for updates.

Puzzles

Congratulations to all of the winners!

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Dec. 17-24, 2020 Up Front

News

Opinion

Best of the Beat Shot in the Triad

Puzzles

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North Church Street

Dec. 17-24, 2020 Shot in the Triad

Best of the Beat

Opinion

News

Up Front

SHOT IN THE TRIAD

Puzzles

Disney princesses greet cars at the Greensboro drive-thru Balloon Regatta, featuring live entertainment and 17 big parade balloons.

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CAROLYN DE BERRY

Across

by Matt Jones

Up Front

©2020 Jonesin’ Crosswords

(editor@jonesincrosswords.com)

News Opinion

Answers from previous publication.

Best of the Beat Shot in the Triad Puzzles

1 Sluggish 5 Arm gesture done by kids graduating elementary school 8 Hosts in one’s apartment (remember that?)

13 The A in A.D. 14 Public radio host Glass 15 Early online newsgroup system 17 “The Caine Mutiny” novelist 18 ___ squared (circle formula) 19 Act as a go-between 20 Bygone laptop company’s fiscal year division?

23 “Bleh!”

25 “As Seen on TV” knife brand 26 Dinnerware collections 27 “Batman Forever” actor Kilmer © 2020 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) 28 “Messenger” material 29 Talent for detail, maybe 32 “Call Me Maybe” singer Carly ___ Jepsen 33 General ballpark 35 It may be educated 37 “How does a company reserve a symbol to trade?” and “How does it differ from NYSE?” 44 Photographer Diane 45 Button alternative 46 Greek M’s Answers from last issue 49 Long-running forensic drama with an upcoming reboot 12 Spanish currency pre-euro 50 Mineral spring 16 Briefly stated 53 Airport posting 21 Ball club VIP 54 Catchall abbrs.

22 Leicester lineup 56 Largest moon of Saturn 23 “Kindergarten Cop” director Reitman 58 Particle accelerator particle 24 Model/actor Delevingne 59 “Me shooting 40% at the foul line is just God’s 30 “For real?” response way to say nobody’s perfect,” for instance?

31 ME zone, in winter 63 Playwright Beckett 34 Holly Hunter, in “The Piano” 64 Suffix for Gator or Power 35 Astronaut Grissom 65 Idaho neighbor 36 “Pretty sneaky, ___” (Connect Four ad line) 68 Midway through a migraine, e.g.

38 Storyline progression 69 “In the Heights” Tony winner ___-Manuel Miranda 39 Many Super Bowl MVPs 70 Adult ___ (Cartoon Network offshoot) 40 Capital at over 9,000 feet 71 Leg bone (connected to the arm bone?)

41 Like 50/50 odds 72 China’s Sun ___-sen 42 Alphabet where X is “X-ray” 73 Male cats 43 Bridge section Down 46 Argentine soccer superstar Lionel 1 Ocelot foot 47 1960s United Nations secretary general 2 See 4-Down 48 Dish prepared with garlic butter and white wine 3 Sonic the Hedgehog’s echidna friend 50 Google gaming service as of 2019 4 With 2-Down, interviewee for 51 Inventor’s concern John Lennon retrospectives 52 “Allergic to Water” singer DiFranco 5 ___ Dots (cryogenic ice cream brand) 55 Fledgling pigeon 6 “thank u, next” singer Grande 57 Rome home 7 Hires competitor 60 Royally named liner, briefly 8 Platform for the “Animaniacs” reboot 61 Arm bone (connected to the leg bone?)

9 Bhutan’s continent 62 Force to leave 10 Retailer that filed for bankruptcy in 2018 66 Objective 11 No divider, they 67 Letters on British battleships

Dec. 17-24, 2020

CROSSWORD ‘J’Accuse!’—they’re in there. SUDOKU

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