Nonprofit Spotlight: Alley Cats & Angels

WRITTEN BY MONA DOUGANI | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

SINCE 2008, Alley Cats and Angels has saved the lives of over 2,500 cats of all breeds, ages, abilities, and health circumstances.

The Apex-based organization is an all-volunteer, foster home-based cat rescue founded with the goal of “being an advocate for forgotten felines.” It is dedicated to improving the lives of stray, abandoned, and feral cats in the Triangle.

“I think something that makes us unique compared to other rescues is that we are all foster home-based, so we do not have a building, shelter, or one location where people can come look at our cats. All the cats that are in our program are being fostered by one of our volunteers,” said Megan Trapasso, secretary of Alley Cats and Angels.

When the cats are ready for adoption, they are held at either the Morrisville or Knightdale PetSmart to help transition these feline friends into their forever homes.

Allysa Thomas, a foster volunteer with Alley Cats and Angels, wanted to help other cats receive the same amount of love she gives her own pet. In 2019, she signed up to volunteer as a nightly cleaner, and when COVID-19 hit she interviewed to become a foster parent. Since then, Thomas has poured her heart and soul into the rescue.

“Being able to see our shyer cats and kittens blossom into their own personality and develop confidence is so rewarding. I have had the pleasure of fostering several very shy cats and kittens, and watching them go from hiding to walking around either my house, or seeing updates from them in their forever home house owning it, is the most rewarding,” said Thomas.

Along with the unique foster services provided, the organization also focuses on those cats that may need additional care.

“Our motto is ‘advocates for forgotten felines,’” Trapasso said. “So we tend to gravitate towards the cats that are more needy. ...We tend to take the worst of the worst and the ones who need us most.”

However, Alley Cats and Angels does more than offer foster services and host adoption events for cats with varying care needs. Its Barn/Garden Cat program places suitable outdoor cats in rural settings. The nonprofit also has a Spay Neuter Assistance program and a Feral Cat Trap Neuter Release education and assistance program.

The Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program is the organization's most important focus, Trapasso says, because a decrease in the population of feral cats will make an enormous difference in the community.

“There will never be enough adopters for the number of unwanted cats out there,

Megan Trapasso, who is on the board of directors for Alley Cats and Angels, arrives at Pet Smart in Morrisville with a kitten in a see-though backpack.

Rico is blind and has two heart conditions. He is one of the special needs cats available for adoption at Alley Cats and Angels.

so I think our mission to educate people to spay, neuter, and to manage these feral cat colonies is the best,” she said.

This past year, the nonprofit has had to make some adjustments. Typically Alley Cats and Angels hold adoption events on the weekends at the Morrisville or Knightdale PetSmart. For now, these events have been halted, and others are held virtually, though the organization hopes their programs will return to an in-person fashion soon.

“We have tried to limit the face-to-face contact we have with people, due to safety. We have been doing more video meet-andgreets, especially when the pandemic first started, so people would Facetime with the cat that they might want,” Trapasso said.

Meet-and-greets are now being held at PetSmart by appointment only.

The nonprofit has also had to change the format of many of their fundraising events, including their biggest fundraiser, Alley Cats and Ales. Usually held at a local brewery, the silent auction was held online last year, and the organization did not raise as many donations as it typically does.

Though Alley Cats and Angels has had to make some changes, its commitment to helping cats in the Triangle has not faltered. The number of cats the organization has taken in has increased from 285 cats in 2019, to 358 in 2020.

One of the greatest needs for Alley Cats and Angels is financial donations, however it can also use volunteers for nightly cleanings at the PetSmart locations and foster home volunteers.

“We can only save as many cats as we have room for in our foster homes, so unfortunately if someone asks us, ‘Can you take this cat or this litter of kittens?’ we can not take them unless we have a foster home for them,” Trapasso said.

For more information on how to get involved in Alley Cats and Angels visit alleycatsandangels.org. The nonprofit is also accepting donations for its 2021 silent auction, Alley Cats and Ales. For information, contact auction@alleycatsandangels.org.

WRITTEN BY JENNY STOUT, TRIPSWITHPETS.COM

WE ALL HAVE favorite local “go-to” spots when it comes to spending quality time with our furkids. And while these places are familiar and fun, sometimes we get an itch to see and try something new. What’s a good cure for that itch? A dog-friendly day trip, of course!

We’ve come up with five dogfriendly destinations — all within a two-hour drive, and perfect for day-trippers and their furry companions. So, make a plan to go somewhere new with your pooch!

SAXAPAHAW IS BEST DESCRIBED as a place that’s in the middle of nowhere, but close to everywhere. If you and your pup are outdoor enthusiasts, then the nearby Haw River is the place to be, and it’s less than an hour’s drive.

A broad dam slows the river into smooth, flat water — making it perfect for novice two- and four-legged paddleboarders or kayakers. This flat-water paddling experience is also ideal for those dry summer days when water levels are low. After your water adventures, make a pitstop at Haw River Farmhouse Ales Brewery. It’s dog friendly inside the taproom and out on the patio!

We can’t forget the neighboring town of Graham, where you can start your day at Press Coffee + Crepes in the quaint downtown area. Outdoor tables provide the perfect spot to enjoy European-inspired crepes and fresh-brewed coffee, all with your dog by your side. Plus, check out the sights and sniffs at Saxapahaw Island Park, with its scenic walking trails, a meadow and river access.

contributed photo

THE FICTIONAL TOWN OF MAYBERRY, from the TV sitcom “The Andy Griffith Show,” was based on actor Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy. So if you’re looking to go somewhere with your pooch that takes you back to a simpler time, then it’s worth the two-hour drive.

Located right at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Round Peak Vineyards is a must-see destination when visiting, especially for wine connoisseurs. Dogs are welcome anywhere on the 12-acre property, including the crush pad patio with its spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and vineyard. The staff offer biscuits to four-legged patrons, and there’s a small, fenced-in, off-leash area where pups can play. Sip on awardwinning wines while enjoying a picnic lunch with your pooch. Also, the local Round Peak dogs usually come around to meet and greet the winery’s guests.

Shutterstock

contributed photos

WILMINGTON IS A QUICK TWO-HOUR JAUNT, and while it’s a great coastal town for beach lovers and water dogs, history buffs absolutely love it here! In fact, there’s so much to see and do, you might want to make it a weekend getaway.

Diving into Wilmington’s history is easy since there are plenty of walking (and ghost) tours around the area. Tour Old Wilmington invites you to discover a hidden history and experience life during the Victorian Era. You’ll see what life was like during the Civil War, learn about old customs and traditions, and hear exciting folklore and tales of the sea.

Beyond history, the Riverfront Farmers Market welcomes pets and their people to shop for the best local produce. Plus, there are many restaurants, breweries and coffee shops offering outside seating areas, where dogs can join their humans for dining and relaxing. All of this comes together to make Wilmington a very dog-friendly day-trip destination!

TripsWithPets has been helping pet parents find and book pet-friendly accommodations since 2003. TripsWithPets provides online reservations at over 30,000 pet-friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for all they need to book the perfect place to stay with their pet — including detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.

HEAD AN HOUR AND A HALF EAST to arrive in Greenville, the “Gem of the East.” While it’s a growing city, there are plenty of rivers and more than 300 acres of parks, making it a very dog-friendly place. For a perfect mid-week getaway, pack up your pup and plan to shop ’til you drop at the Uptown Umbrella Market. On Wednesday evenings from May through August, you can enjoy fresh produce from local farmers, handmade art and jewelry, homemade ice cream and baked goods, and live music on the Five Points Plaza.

Before heading home, stop over at Pitt Street Brewing Company, where pups are welcome in the taproom and outside areas. Home to the award-winning Dapple Dog Dry Stout, the brewery offers a waste bag stand in the backyard area and provides water bowls for furry patrons.

contributed photos

ROANOKE RAPIDS, located only an hour and a half northeast along the scenic Roanoke River, offers plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. Just 5 miles down the road in Weldon, you’ll find Riverside Mill — a historic cotton mill that’s been converted into an antique mall, art gallery and shopping outlet all rolled into one. With 100-plus spaces for local antique dealers and artisans, it’s the perfect spot for those who are into antiquing. Pooches are welcome to browse with their pet parents, and there’s a picnic area to rest, relax and sample homemade treats from various vendors.

After browsing and shopping, take in some walking and bird-watching along the Roanoke Canal Trail in Roanoke Rapids. Well-preserved remnants of the 19th century Roanoke Canal line can be seen along this 7.5-mile trail — including a large tow path, aqueduct and stone culvert. Bird- and nature-lovers visit all year to catch glimpses of bald eagles, osprey, hawks, owls, woodpeckers and herons, just to name a few.

contributed photos

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

With an acre to run and play, the new offleash dog park at Sugg Farm in Holly Springs is a great spot for pups to exercise and socialize, and it’s less than 30 minutes from downtown Cary. There is no fee to use the dog park. Designated large (over 30 pounds) and small breed areas keep the park safe for all four-legged friends. Additional details and park regulations can be found at hollyspringsnc.us.

More photos from opening day at the park are at carymagazine.com!

2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs Parks is open from 8:00 A.M. until one hour before Bass Lake closes (typically sunset).

PRODUCED BY EMILY UHLAND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

A YEARLONG AFFAIR with leisure wear has left many of us at a style standstill. Not to worry, local boutiques are ready and waiting to guide us into a new season of fashion.

With these spring style ideas, which combine up-andcoming trends and some timeless classics, you can bring creativity and fun back into your wardrobe, and discover easy transitions from daytime casual to — at last — an excuse to dress up.

WIth graphic prints and bold colors, patterned shorts bring personality and polish to warm weather wear. A neutral top, such as this ribbed bodysuit, keeps the look simple and comfortable.

Shorts are quickly dressed up with a coordinating puff-sleeve crop top, showcasing another popular seasonal trend: matching sets. Ribbon-tie heels create a head-to-toe statement.

Havana leaf print shorts, $58 Ribbed bodysuit, $39 Necklace, $29 Gold leaf earrings, $16.50 From Villa 19 Boutique Knotted sandals, $19.99, Target Woven hat, $12.99, TJ Maxx

Havana leaf print shorts, $58 Havana leaf puff-sleeve crop top, $56 Scrunchie, $5 Gold leaf earrings, $16.50 From Villa 19 Boutique Ribbon-tie heels, $46, Cousin Couture

Just as the azaleas bloom every year, colorful florals emerge annually for spring’s finest fashion, reinvented this year in bright hues and floaty fabrics. With a pair of jean shorts and slide-on mules, this look gets you out the door in a flash.

Add in lush, silky pants with tailored details for sophisticated office attire that transitions easily to dinner out.

Floral top, $43 Relaxed-fit pants, $68 CP Creative House double-layer toggle-chain necklace, $64.00 From Villa 19 Boutique Platform slides, $34.99 Top handle clutch, $25 From Target

Floral top, $43 Corduroy top-knot headband, $22 Denim shorts, $56 From Villa 19 Boutique Crossbody basket bag, $19.99, TJ Maxx Striped slides, $24.99, Target

featured above, is handmade by Apex resident Christina Payer, who also works at Villa 19. View more jewelry and art by Payer on Instagram at @cp.creative.house.

in downtown Apex, offers ethically and sustainably produced brands, many made by women recovering from crisis situations. The store’s website allows

customers to “Shop by Story,” choosing products that empower others, give back, or support local and eco-friendly businesses.

Striped jacket, $64 Knotted tank, $48 White denim, $72 Teal drop earrings, $28 Blue Planet sunglasses, $45 From Rose & Lee Collective Necklace, $29, Villa 19 Woven slides, $24.99, Target

A consistent color palette looks easy, breezy and effortless during summer’s warm days.

Adding a striped blazer and textured slides makes this combo Zoom-, board- or happy hour-meeting ready.

Knotted tank, $48 White denim, $72 Buffalo horn earrings, $54 Blue Planet sunglasses, $45 Leather crossbody bag, $84 From Rose & Lee Collective Knotted sandals, $19.99, Target

Country club sports, such as tennis and golf, have surged during the last year, ushering in a renaissance of preppy fashion. Pair a rainbow-hued cable-knit sweater vest and crisp white sneakers for a cheerful summer picnic or a day on — or off — the courts.

Ruffled sleeves, a smocked bodice and statement shoes transition this look for a date night or cocktail hour.

White pleated tennis skort, $49 Pastel rainbow sweater vest, $49 Beaded strawberry earrings, $26 Sneakers, $49 From Cousin Couture Gray leather mini-backpack, $99, Rose & Lee Collective

White pleated tennis skort, $49 Puff-sleeve top, $44 Beaded rainbow earrings, $26 Ribbon-tie heels, $46 From Cousin Couture Crossbody basket bag, $19.99, TJ Maxx

Button-front shirtdress, $69 Belt, $36 Earrings, $26 From Cousin Couture Blue crossbody clutch, $19.99 Woven hat, $12.99 From TJ Maxx Gingham heels, similar Nordstrom

A menswear-inspired shirtdress has long been a timeless classic. Accent with an oversized sweater vest for a casual, friendly vibe.

Speaking of classic, red, white and blue works all summer long. Statement accessories, such as checked heels and a designer-inspired belt, dress the look up for backyard barbecues.

Button-front shirtdress, $69 Cable-knit sweater vest, $69 Sneakers, $49 Pink daisy headband, $30 From Cousin Couture Leather crossbody bag, $84 Blue Planet sunglasses $60 From Rose & Lee Collective

A throwback to ’90s fashion, bodysuits create smooth, tucked in silhouettes without repeated retucking. Ease into the trend by adding a layer, such as this soft, boxy cardigan.

Or jump right in to the trend with high-waisted jeans that accentuate the natural waist and platform heels.

Blue Planet sunglasses, $60 Striped bodysuit, $30 Button-front cardigan, $40 Skinny jeans with distressed hem, $68 Gray leather backpack, $99 From Rose & Lee Collective Sneakers, $49, Cousin Couture

Blue Planet sunglasses, $60 Striped bodysuit, $30 Skinny jeans with distressed hem, $68 Teal drop earrings, $28 From Rose & Lee Collective CP Creative House double-layer togglechain necklace, $64.00, Villa 19 Platform slides, $34.99 Top-handle clutch, $25 From Target

104 W. Chatham St., Apex (919) 372-5384 roseandleeco.com

219 N. Salem St., Suite 103, Apex (919) 303-0651 villanineteen.com

212 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-0003 thecousintocouture.com

Target, target.com

WRITTEN BY AMBER KEISTER PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Once upon a time, Cara Powell married her Prince Charming and decided she wanted to help other brides create their own fairy-tale weddings.

“In 2017, I met my now husband, who’s absolutely amazing, and then exactly a year to the day we got married,” she said. “We just have this really amazing, magical love story.”

Her latest adventure has been full of magic moments and a few dragons to slay as well. For more than a year, Powell has been preparing to transform the historic Upchurch-Williams house and nearly 6 acres of pastoral surroundings into The Upchurch, a wedding and event venue in Apex.

Capital Area Preservation

TOP: According to Capital Area Preservation, the Upchurch-Williams House is an example of the transitional Queen Anne-Colonial Revival style built throughout Wake County in the period when the switch from cotton to tobacco brought local farmers a notable level of prosperity.

RIGHT: Brooke Powell, 5, takes a close look at one of the fireplaces original to the home.

It’s important to know that Powell’s entrepreneurial streak runs right through her heart. More than 16 years ago, the selfdescribed romantic fell in love with wedding photography at her first assignment.

“I just loved being there for people in such a vulnerable and intimate time, and I just felt like it was what I was meant to do,” she said.

She launched f8 Photo Studios, and the business did well, keeping her very busy. But after her own wedding, Powell wanted to spend more time with her husband, Brad, and two step-daughters, Julia, 10, and Brooke, 5. Plus, the work was physically exhausting.

“It is a lot of work to shoot a wedding,” she said. “You’re up, you’re down, you’re squatting, you’re on the ground, you’re up on chairs. I mean, it’s 10 hours a day on concrete. It’s crazy.”

Running an event venue checked all the boxes. The business was still in the wedding industry; she would have a better work-life balance. And because Powell had worked with brides for years, she could look at a location from their point of view.

“I've shot weddings all over the world, so I’ve seen every type of venue that you can imagine,” Powell said. “I know what a lot of the complaints are, the pitfalls, what’s great, what’s not. I just really had a vision for it.”

For her new enterprise, she wanted a historic property, something reminiscent of her childhood in Charleston, S.C. By 2019, several buildings were on her radar, including the Upchurch-Williams house, but Powell hadn’t settled on anything yet.

That is, until a chance meeting with a local real estate agent.

Cara Powell, who owns f8 Photo Studios, launched this project to be able to spend more time with her family. “The goal is to try to create more work-life balance, and owning something on this scale, it takes Cara Powell off the radar, so to speak, and the house can speak for itself," she says.

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She was taking his picture, chatting about the Upchurch-Williams house, how she couldn’t stop thinking about it, but wasn’t sure it was a good fit. He stopped her, explaining that his firm was working with the owners to sell the land, separate from the historic home.

“I was like, ‘No, no, they can’t do that!’ Because I needed (the land), if I was going to use it for a venue. I literally called them that afternoon. I’m like, ‘You can’t subdivide! Let me see it.’ And so that was the start of it,” Powell said.

“I swear it was kismet.”

Originally built in 1905, the UpchurchWilliams house was a private home until 2014, when the last occupant died. The heir donated the house to Capital Area Preservation, with a stipulation that the nonprofit would move the house to a different plot of land, which was included in the gift. CAP removed the modern updates, took the house back to its 1905 footprint, stabilized the remaining structure, and in 2015, moved the house to its present location on Roberts Road.

There it sat.

The property was large and needed a great deal of work, both daunting prospects for a private owner. Commercial buyers were reluctant as well, because the property was zoned residential. So, when Powell called that afternoon, CAP was ready to make a deal.

It took several months to get the property rezoned for an event venue, but in January 2020, Powell bought the property for $460,000. At the time, she expected to spend about $500,000

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“Where Satisfied Customers Refer Their Friends”

Cara and Brad Powell tour the house with Julia, 10, and Brooke, 5. Architectural details, like the bay windows and wraparound porch, were big selling points for the historic home.

to renovate the house and another $500,000 to build an adjoining event space.

That turned out to be optimistic. Even if a global pandemic hadn’t hit a few months after she signed the contract, working with a historic property would have been challenging enough.

Ethan Page, architect at Maurer Architecture, says his firm had to gain approvals from Capital Area Preservation and the Wake County Historic Board. Incorporating a second building on the property was particularly tricky.

“There’s actually a historic easement around the house that we couldn’t build the venue building within that easement,” Page said. “We explored an option early on where the venue building was going to be closer to the street, but ultimately it ended up lower on the site.”

Renderings of The Upchurch show how weddings and receptions will be staged. Brides will exit the house onto a tiered patio, above, and walk to the circular wedding lawn, right. Guests will be welcomed after the ceremony at the conservatory pavilion, top right.

Maurer Architecture

In order to stay true to the historical significance of the house, the modern conservatory had to be built away from the house, out of sight. That meant Powell had to landscape more than the two acres around the house, driving up site preparation costs. And because of COVID, the price of construction materials also skyrocketed.

But the biggest setback has been sewer access. When she bought the property, she was told she could install a septic system, but that was if the house were to be used as a residence. A commercial property needed to tie into the sewer line.

“Essentially you have this designated Apex landmark, where I’ve invested all this money, and I could not get utilities for my property,” Powell said.

After more than a year of investigating one fruitless strategy after another, the final estimate to hook into the water and sewer line was $350,000 — more than triple the $80,000 she had anticipated.

“There’s been many times where my husband or friends had to talk me off the ledge, from just selling the property and walking away,” said Powell, who estimates she will spend at least $2.5 million on the project.

At last, she broke ground in April, and construction will take roughly 10 months. Powell is now booking weddings for spring 2022 and hopes to hold 50 events a year at The Upchurch.

“I’m so knocking on wood right now, but I honestly think the worst of it for me is over,” she said. “I think I’ve done so much pre-planning that the hard parts are done.”

The 3,700-square-foot house will contain two dressing suites for the wedding party, and its wraparound porch will be a picturesque stage for photos.

“They’ll have beautiful spaces, to be able to get ready, to do hair and makeup, shoot details, shoot some nice pictures,” Powell said. “Then there’s going to be a tiered patio that the bride will walk down, out the back of the house onto a circular wedding lawn that’s ensconsed in magnolias.”

After the ceremony, guests can enjoy cocktails on the tiered patio or stroll through the house, she says. For the reception, guests will follow a path leading from the house to the 4,900-square-foot conservatory pavilion.

“Being able to bring back this home to its previous glory and saving this property creates such a unique story,” Powell said. “I think the story is really romantic, and it just adds value for a couple looking to set the scene for their big day.” t

WRITTEN BY JACK FREDERICK PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZINE SOUSSI

Zine Soussi, owner of Chicut Barber Studio, studied at Wake Tech Community College.

IT TOOK YEARS for Zine Soussi to arrive where he is today, running Chicut Barber Studio in Cary’s Tryon Village.

Soussi's business opened in November 2019, offering a high-end barber experience, including haircuts, beard trims and shaves for all hair types and hair styles. The slogan for his business is ‘It’s more than a haircut,’ and for the 42-year-old Morrocan-born barber, it is.

“We make sure that every single client walks out the door very happy,” Soussi said. “We are part of the community, and we do the best we can to make the client happy. We focus on the details.”

Soussi first became interested in cutting hair when he was growing up in Morocco. He trimmed and styled his own hair because his family couldn’t afford haircuts. Though he’s always known

The interior of Chicut Barber Studio, located in Cary’s Tryon Village.

he wanted to be a barber, he didn’t have the opportunity to pursue formal training until he moved to North Carolina from New York City in 2016.

“I was waiting to get everything done right professionally,” Soussi said. “I never got the chance in New York City. I was busy working different jobs because I had a family. I have four boys, so it was hard in New York City to go to work and go to school at the same time.”

Shortly after settling in the Triangle, Soussi enrolled in the Wake Technical Community College Barber School full time. A year later, he graduated in the first class to come from the program, and Chicut Barber Studio became the fruit of that labor.

“It was not easy, but I’m glad I did it,” Soussi said of going to barber school. “That’s how we grow; that’s life skills. If you don’t go for it, you can’t get it.”

When he opened the business, Soussi reached out to Wake Tech, looking for apprentices as a way to give back to the program. Student barbers must apprentice with a licensed barber for at least a year before applying for a license themselves.

“I didn’t think I was going to be able to go to school if Wake Tech class wasn’t available, because it’s very expensive,” Soussi said. “That’s why I want to give back to Wake Tech. I want to give back to the students — everybody.”

Like many barber shop and hair salon owners across the state, Soussi has struggled during the pandemic. A few months after opening Chicut Barber Studio, state and local mandates shut down his business for months.

Now that he has reopened, with safety precautions in place, Soussi says business has been picking up again. After quite a journey, the Cary business owner is happy to be doing what he loves again.

“It’s getting better,” Soussi said. “I know it’s a process and I know it’s not something easy. It’s the first time ever, and we understand we’re in a pandemic. It’s something that’s not easy, but the good thing is we’re still alive.”

The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., by appointment. t

Chicut Barber Studio 8204 Tryon Woods Drive, Suite 104, Cary (919) 900-8423 chicutbarberstudio.com

Di Fara Pizza is available for takeout, but the owners encourage patrons to eat the pizza immediately, either on the patio, inside the restaurant, or in the parking lot outside.

About a dozen beers are on draft, including plenty of brews from North Carolina and New York. Cider, hard seltzer, wine and cocktails are also available.

WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

When Gregory and Valerie Norton moved from New York to North Carolina to open an authentic Brooklyn-style pizza joint, the couple thought through every conceivable facet — even down to replicating water from the Big Apple to make the dough.

The four-cheese calzone is big enough to feed four to five hungry people, and goes great with a side of marinara sauce.

Duplicating the formula for New York water is key to Di Fara's pizza, the owners say.

It’s this kind of attention to detail that has made downtown Cary’s Di Fara Pizza Tavern such a popular new dining destination ever since it opened earlier this year. Never mind that the original Di Fara location in the Empire State, started by Gregory Norton’s uncle Dominic DeMarco in 1965, has been deemed among the best pizzerias in New York City by the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.

As natives of Brooklyn, the Nortons desired a new way of life for themselves and their three young daughters, away from the hustle and bustle they experienced up north.

“We considered moving to South Carolina, Florida, Texas and even Arizona, but we ultimately settled on Cary and haven’t looked back since,” said Gregory Norton, a burly 6-foot-4-inch man who practically treats you like a family member as soon as you meet him.

As if opening a restaurant during a pandemic wasn’t stressful enough, the couple overcame obstacles such as a potential location in Apex falling through, a leaky roof prior to the new landlord stepping up, and a life-threatening situation for Valerie during the delivery of the couple’s third child.

“The anxiety was there every day, and I almost gave up several times, but somehow we got through it,” said Gregory Norton.

Valerie Norton shared her perspective on the importance of persevering during adversity.

“There’s always a reason why it’s not the right time to open, and things are never perfect, but you have to move ahead and make things happen,” she said. “It wasn’t easy, but we made needed changes along the way as they needed to happen.”

As fate would have it, the eatery debuted in February on National Pizza Day. It didn’t take long for word to get out that Di Fara is the real deal.

Need evidence?

Consider these facts: First-rate ingredients are imported from Italy; a skilled staff is in place; and a workhorse Woodstone Oven anchors the cozy kitchen.

“The oven stays between 750 and 800 degrees to get the char we need on the crust,” Gregory Norton explained. “We don’t cut any corners when it comes to ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, Grana Padano cheese and snips of fresh basil. We only use the best items we can find.”

“The calzone has low-moisture mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, seasoned ricotta and hand-grated Grana Padano with fresh-cut basil and house made garlic oil sauce,” says owner Gregory Norton.

ABOVE: Adding to the restaurant's appeal are an open dining room and plenty of televisions to watch the latest game.

BELOW: Photos in the dining room pay homage to the original Di Fara location in New York, started by Gregory Norton’s uncle Dominic DeMarco in 1965.

And then there’s the high-tech water system. The restaurant’s New York WaterMaker machine somehow reproduces the taste and molecular structure of the H2O found in New York City.

“We tried making pizza using the local water here, but the difference is night and day,” Gregory Norton said.

With just pizza and calzone on the food menu, Di Fara wisely keeps the main thing the main thing. You’ll find about half a dozen varieties of pizza available by the slice, either in traditional style or squares, all day, every day.

Among the standout pies include the house classic with sausage, peppers, onions and mushrooms and the Chaos crowned with sausage, meatballs, cherry tomatoes, onions and fresh garlic.

For whole pies, consider springing for specialty toppings like soppressata (Italian dry salami), porcini mushrooms, baby eggplant, prosciutto, pancetta and sun-dried roasted peppers.

While pizza is available for takeout, the owners insist Di Fara’s pie is best when eaten hot out of the oven.

“I compare it to ordering a ribeye at a restaurant, and when you eat it there, it’s fresh and delicious,” Valerie Norton said. “If you take it to go, you’re not going to get the same taste experience.”

The classic, gooey four-cheese calzone is big enough to feed four to five hungry people. Be sure to order a side of marinara sauce to go with it.

“The calzone has low-moisture mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, seasoned ricotta and hand-grated Grana Padano with freshcut basil and house made garlic oil sauce,” said Gregory Norton.

When it comes to beverages, Di Fara rotates through about a dozen beers on draft, along with wine and signature cocktails like a strawberry basil martini, a Manhattan and an Aperol Spritz.

“I’m a Heineken guy, but the Brooklyn Lager is our most popular beer,” Gregory Norton said.

The pizzeria’s layout features an open kitchen at the front of the house and an airy dining room with four-top tables situated on a finely polished cement floor. The 15-seat bar gives guests a closeup view of their favorite sports on any of the 14 wall-mounted televisions.

Service is friendly, efficient and accommodating.

Di Fara is open daily for dine-in and takeout, and curbside ordering is available. Seating is first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. Outdoor picnic tables on the patio fill up fast, so arrive early for an open spot. t

111 East Chatham St., Cary (919) 678-5300 difarapizzatavern.com

On a Mission in Downtown ApexOn a Mission

in Downtown Apex WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE MISSION MARKET

LOOKING FOR A communityfocused spot with ethically sourced products, tasty beverages and healthy food? Welcome to The Mission Market, situated in downtown Apex.

Founded and owned by Kyle and Megan Denis, the husband-and-wife duo who also run Apex Outfitter & Board Co., The Mission Market has grown in favor with locals seeking a casual hangout to drink, eat and shop.

“We take pride in our customer service, and we know most of our guests on a firstname basis, because we know we are here thanks to them,” said General Manager Jennifer Schroeder, who calls herself the owners’ “right-hand woman.”

The Mission Market sells a wide assortment of products like all-natural soaps, headbands, handmade jewelry, socks, t-shirts, soy candles, eyewear, greeting cards and more.

Consider it sustainable shopping, as the artisans aligned with The Mission Market embrace diverse causes such as combatting sex trafficking, providing economic empowerment for women in India, delivering clean water to remote countries, and supporting global reforestation.

“The majority of our products have a give-back component in place,” Schroeder said. “Many items are eco-friendly and are gifts for the greater good.”

When it comes to the edibles, the menu features espresso-based drinks sourced from Counter Culture Coffee, smoothies, acai bowls, avocado toast and panini sandwiches.

The To-may-to, To-mah-to avocado toast is cherry tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar drizzle and sea salt on multigrain bread.

“The acai bowls are really popular, and we use only fresh ingredients with no added sugar,” Schroeder said.

For a nutritious option, order the Beelieve Bowl with acai, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, apple juice, granola, bee pollen and honey. Or splurge a bit and try the Campfire Bowl involving acai, bananas, strawberries, Nutella, almond milk, graham crackers, milk chocolate chips and marshmallow.

Prefer a smoothie? Go for the Green Monster featuring pineapple, bananas, strawberries, coconut milk, spinach and flax seed.

Among the four varieties of avocado toast, choose the standout To-may-to, Tomah-to with cherry tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar drizzle and sea salt on multigrain bread.

“People love to come down, hang out and enjoy the coffee and food,” Schroeder said, adding that The Mission Market provides free WiFi internet.

Indoor dining and expanded outdoor seating are available. The Mission Market is open seven days a week. Check the website for hours of operation. t

The Mission Market 124 North Salem St., Apex (919) 629-4064 shopthemission.com

Kyle and Megan Denis own the Mission Market and Apex Outfitter & Board Co. in downtown Apex.