Charlotte's Best Magazine: This is Our Best

ROCKSALT delivers oysters in all their glory, mixed and mashed with powerful flavor partners—meats, beer and wow. It’s just the thing to satisfy your need to feed by the sea. But closer.

S TO R Y A N D A R T / / R E N É E W R I G H T I’M SURPRISED I DIDN’T HEAR about

this spot a lot sooner. Located just behind Park Road Shopping Center along Brandywine, ROCKSALT offers a simple menu, full of dishes long on fresh seafood, small plates to share, and oysters lots of oysters.

And these aren’t just any oysters, but the biggest, juiciest, sweetest we’ve encountered lately. They are fresh, as fresh as you can get, shipped in direct from the oyster beds of Rappahannock River where owner Travis Croxton and his family, fourth generation oystermen, have led the campaign to rescue the Chesapeake Bay oyster - and oyster industry - from both extinction and ill-repute. Today, the Rappahannock River Oyster Company operates some of the top-rated oyster bars in the country, supplied with native Virginia oysters grown using new

sustainable farming methods in local waters. Now Travis Croxton has brought these premium oysters to Charlotte at ROCKSALT. Actually, the restaurant offers a selection of oysters, each distinguished by its own level of saltiness, a quality that fluctuates based on the mixture of ocean and river water in the shellfish habitat.

The Rappahannocks are the sweetest, raised in the river just where it flows into Chesapeake Bay in Northern Virginia. The Sting Rays are a bit saltier, farmed from Mobjack Bay on Virginia’s Middle Peninsula, closer to the ocean. Saltiest of all are the aptly named Old Salts, raised in oceanwater beds off Chincoteague Island.

We were able to sample all three types - a highly recommended activity for those seeking oyster expert status.

O N T H E P R OW L A R O U N D T H E CO R N E R

ROCKSALT manager Jessica Opperman told us that the restaurant is proud to feature its head oyster shucker, George Hastings, who last year came in third in the U.S. National Shucking Championships.

Hastings comes from a family of oyster-shuckers, his father the twotime winner of the U.S. Shucking Cup. “Growing up, it was a cool thing to do with my dad,” George told us.

There are Old Salt clams on the menu as well, served on the halfshell or in a rich stew called Lamb & Clams, which combines, well, lamb

and clams. It seems like an unlikely combination, but it works, and if you haven’t encountered this dish yet, you will. Promoted by the Croxton family and lamb farmer Craig Jones, owner of Border Spring Farms in Virginia and major proponent of grass-fed lamb production, Lamb & Clams has been a hit all the way from the James Beard House in NYC to Charleston’s annual Wine + Food Festival.

ROCKSALT’s version of Lamb & Clams is one of the best we’ve tried.

Steamed clams and housemade lamb sausage sit in a rich broth with just a

hint of spiciness. We gobbled down the main ingredients, then soaked slices of rustic bread in the broth, wiping the bowl clean. A satisfying meal, especially on a cold, rainy day.

There are plenty of other delights to explore on the ROCKSALT menu, including many vegetable based dishes made with locally sourced produce. A colorful and delicious radish salad dressed in a tasty oyster aioli or a golden beet salad add a nice extra to a raw oyster meal and are plenty big enough to share.

Oysters are also available roasted in Rockefeller, Bienville or Boo-Ya style.

ROCKSALT offers a daily selection of fresh fish cooked whole on its oakfired grill, as well as beef ribeye. A list of fresh fish specials, crab cakes, ceviche, ahi tuna marinated in a delicious poke sauce, shrimp and grits, caviar, all make appearances on the menu. All sauces, dressings, chowders, and everything else is made in house. Find a reason to try some of the house sauces; the anchovy salsa verde, sofrito and oyster aioli are worth a try.

The restaurant pairs its menu with a careful selection of wines, ciders and mostly local beers, including a short list of local drafts. To go all-in on the oyster theme, try a bottle of Flying Dog Oyster Stout, a Maryland brew made with - you guessed it - oysters.

For additional information, visit www.rocksaltrestaurants.com and www.rroysters.com.

CHARLOTTE NATIVE Wes Bryant loves sports and he loves food. His resume includes experience as a sports reporter at Radio One and as a production assistant on the ACC Digital Network. So when he looked around for a project to further his career, a video series combining sports and food seemed like a natural.

“I knew I loved to cook and eat and I am a sports junkie and it came to me like a lightbulb,” Wes says. “I knew a meshing of food and sports was something that wasn’t really out in the market place. I am a HUGE fan of Adam Richman of Man v Food.

I just soaked up everything I had learned from working in TV and once the title ‘Wes Got Range’ came to me I knew it sounded like something big.”

Six months ago, “Wes Got Range” debuted as a YouTube series. In each of the six episodes Wes has produced to date, he is joined by a sports personality from the local scene at one of Charlotte’s fine restaurants.

So far he’s had outrageous cheeseburgers at Kickstand with Charlotte 49ers WR Austin Duke; shrimp and grits at Mert’s with Mallard Creek football coach Mike Palmieri; gourmet pizza at Picasso’s with NASCAR Racehub’s Adam Alexander; seafood at The Press Box with NBA legend and Charlotte 49ers head coach Mark Price; and dug into some fine barbecue at BB&T Ballpark with former MLB/Charlotte Knight Jeff Schaefer.

Each episode includes a visit with the restaurant chef to discuss the featured dishes, followed by a sit down with the sports personality. Conversations are in depth, ranging from highlights of the guest’s career to the state of sports in Charlotte.

The most recent episode of “Wes Got Range” was a Super Bowl special with former Carolina Panther, Damione Lewis, at the Pizza Peel in Plaza-Midwood. The guys discuss why Cam Newton may be the NFL’s most unstoppable player and the transformation of the defense by Carolina’s

Thomas Davis and Charles Johnson, former teammates of Damione. While feasting on the Peel’s chicken wings, burgers, and signature pizza pie “The Godfather” Damione and Wes broke down Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos, who will win and why. If you still have an appetitie for SB50 coverage, it’s a good listen.

Future shows are in the works, and Wes has a wishlist of guests. “I always like to shoot for the stars,” he says. “Of course the Cam Newton’s, Kemba Walker’s, Josh Norman’s of the world would be excellent. I am really looking forward to getting a current Panther or Hornet.”

You can find links to episodes on Wes’s Facebook page, WesGotRange, or on his YouTube channel, WesBryantLive.

If you would like Wes to visit your eatery, contact him via his website and we may all be breaking bread soon. Viva! Viva! Mangia!

ALABAMA SHAKES April 22nd, 2016 UPTOWN AMPHITHEATRE Alabama Shakes Apr 22 Boston May 4 Chris Stapleton May 19 Season Tickets on sale May 31!

Ellie Goulding Jun 9 The 1975 Jun 15 Death Cab for Cutie/CHVRCHES Jun 16 Dashboard Confessional Jun 21 Twenty Øne Piløts Jun 28 Barenaked Ladies Jun 29 Sublime with Rome Jul 5 Ray LaMontagne Jul 16 Tedeschi Trucks Band Jul 24 Walk the Moon Aug 6 Goo Goo Dolls Aug 28 THE FILLMORE Trial By Fire - A Tribute to Journey Mar 26 Chance the Rapper Mar 30 On the Border - Ultimate Eagles Tribute Apr 1 Beirut Apr 5 Divas of Drag Apr 6 Big Gigantic Apr 7 SOJA Apr 8 Kat Country Jam: A Benefit For St. Jude Apr 13 Seven Lions Apr 16 Ciara Apr 19 Amon Amarth Apr 20 COMEDY ZONE Aries Spears Mar 24-26 Arsenio Hall Apr 8-9 Kevin Smith Apr 18 Deray Davis Apr 21-23 Charlie Murphy Apr 28 - May 1 MORE AT www.NCMusicFactory.com

2016

Home and Away Gam e s For You r C h a rl otte Kn igh ts

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Rochester vs. Charlotte

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Syracuse vs. Charlotte

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Toledo vs. Charlotte

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Lehigh Valley vs. Charlotte

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For more information on Knights Home Game Promotions and Team Gear Visit www.CharlotteKnights.com

EDITORIAL AWARDS

by RENﾃ右 WRIGHT with RANDY STIMPSON

2016 HAS SOME BIG SHOES TO FILL

Best of CLT EVERY YEAR is an exciting one in

BEST SURPRISE PLAYERS (3) Kurt Coleman

This fast and furious DB brought it strong to Thieves Ave. this season!

Kawann Short

rolling out to a few away games each season, this group had the kind of break-out season that the Panthers did in 2015. Rallying around the Panthers 2013-2014 back-to-back NFC South titles, ringleader Zach Lutrell had an epiphany: raise the riot with Panther fans in cities around the US. Establishing first the Queen City Riot, the homegrown group found at Cedar Station before each home game, they challenged Panther fans across the US to reach the requirements for charter as a Roaring Riot member.

As the Carolina won game-aftergame, the chapters piled up. Here

Charlotte. Our city is changing and A massive threat in the middle and growing at NASCAR speed, somewhen pressing QBs, Short set NFL thing new every day. The dining records by winning multiple league scene is burgeoning, rapidly bringdefensive play of the week awards at ing Charlotte into play as one of the the tackle position. foodie capitals of the New South.

Kony Ealy New breweries, cideries and distillEaly truly took the #keeppounding eries seem to open every week. Food mantra seriously and came from the trucks, museums, fashion shows, depth chart to the Panther player of street festivals, jazz clubs, roof-top the game in Super Bowl 50 with 3 decks: Charlotte enters 2016 with all sacks and one leaping interception of the bells and whistles of a major city. future NFL Hall-of-Famer Peyton And how about our sports Manning. teams! Is there a person in the U.S. that doesn’t know about Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers and the city they play in? Winning is the new normal and it’s something we can get used to.

Along with our new urban scene comes change. Take a look at our skyline. Every new tower and apartment high-rise takes the place of something else, often something treasured. Our neighborhoods are in the midst of phenomenal growth while trying to maintain their special personalities.

As a year ends and a new one begins, our editorial staff took a moment to look at where we’re going, and where we’ve been. Here’s THANK YOU, CAMERON for treating us all to one amazing, incomparable NFL season that no Carolinian will ever forget. We know who you are. #keeppounding a roundup of the things that most caught our imaginations and enBEST OF ALL, 2015 in Charlotte the Riot reached 2,000 hanced our lives this year. Plus a few Cam Newton and The Dab members and made their voices things that we’ll miss.

Never. Never, ever, ever—have we heard so loudly that they received Charlotteans had something so shout outs by Cam mid-celebration much our own, so infectious, so in their gathering section in Bank of boosterish and yet, something we America stadium—AND, a mention felt proud of, knowing the hard BEST PLAYS

by Superman himself in the national work, good work and community Cam Newton press conference where Cam was that rallied behind it. Thank you, NFC Championship Game signed to over $100 million and five Cam Newton for an amazing season years here in Carolina.

Superman into end zone for TD. Greg Olsen of football. And forever, for The Double coverage horizontal TD vs Dab. It’s something that we will BEST MARQUIS SPORTS EVENT Seattle in Play Off game. always look fondly back upon.

Carolina Brawl III-Roy Jones, Jr.

Wow. Wow! SPORTS

Luke Keuchley

Two Play Off pick sixes on Seattle/ Arizona. LUUUUUKE.

BEST IDEA OF THE YEAR Roaring Riot

At first a handful of dedicated fans

At the 2015 Night of Champions, boxing fans had the unique opportunity to see nine-time world-cham-

line: Our cats have three-peated for the NFC South Championship, multiple players over the past three seasons have led the NFL, setting record after record. And our franchise is only 20 years old. Your fans may have ridden in on a wagon, but ours rode in on a Rose Limousine Tour Bus, with ALL of the bells and whistles. So $@*! it.

FACE PUNCH With 50 fights under their branded-belt, Fight Lab promoters COOLEST PANTHER PROMOTION are our choice for fight entertainment in Panthers Chewbacca T the Carolinas. www.FightLabPros.com Other NFL teams could only look on in admiration as our season went stellar with the Chewbacca Panthers logo design. Consider the month on social media...won. #chewy BEST FEMALE SPORTS EVENT Carolina Fight Night

Logan Holler vs. Carrie Flock This Girl Fight did NOT disappoint in any way. Looking forward to seeing both fighters in the ring again.

IT’S A START. Will boxing be the next

pro sport to make a home in Charlotte?

One giant step was made when 9x World Champion Roy Jones, Jr. arrived. Next?

pion boxer, Roy Jones Jr., do his thing at the Cabarrus Arena. The result? A flurry of Jones’s signature lightning-speed punches put his opponent on the mat in the second round. An undercard featured some terrific fights by local up-and-coming fighters, including Quinton Rankin. This was a huge stepping stone along the path to bringing professional boxing to the QC. Promoter Mike Long, the Long family, Scott Homewood and Phyllis Voss went the distance and got it done.

MOST OVER-USED TERM Bandwagoner One thing that came almost indiscernibly close to ticketing us off in the Super Bowl 50 coverage was the rampant use of the term “bandwagoner” to label Panthers fans. We’re getting steamed just typing. Bottom

nights with all of the lights, sound (DJ Arod) and sizzle (the Fight Lab Girls) that you could ever ask out of a major venue production. They’ve rocked Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee, NC and tore down the house at Grady Cole Center in midtown Charlotte. Catch them where you can: info at fightlabpros.com.

BEST REBRANDING

Charlotte Hornets

When our NBA team returned to its original name and colors, the Charlotte Hornets touched a chord and won back the city’s heart. Welcome back from your Big Easy captivity, Hugo (designed, FYI, by Muppet creator Jim Henson’s daughter)! www.hornets.com BEST LOCAL SPORTS LEAGUE Fight Lab

With 50 impressive events under their growling, chain-draped championship belts, Fight Lab fighters are poised to capture the imagination of every fight fan in the Carolinas.

Fighting is not easy. And the life of a fight organizer may be even more challenging. Pit Boss Kenny Letts took the relationship to new levels and fought atop the Epicentre as he approached age 50. He and others within his organization such as Tom Bakley and Michael Allen inspire fighters, fans and sponsors to deliver really, truly amazing fight

BEST APP STORE ITEM OF 2015 Panthers Emojis: Purrmojis

Well, in the end, we Panther fans needed emojis that just couldn’t have been anticipated. But it was the thought that counted and the good folks at Priceless Misc added yet another dimension to the whirlwind that was the 2015 Panther season.

They called it Purrmojis. And you can download it on the App Store.

Search for Purrmojis Keyboard!

BEST NEW RADIO STATION Fox Sports 98.7FM

As if the addition of a sports talk radio station on the FM dial wouldn’t be a major event for us sports fans.

As much as we love 610am and 730am, am is what it is. Dan Patrick, Jay Mohr and Fox feeds on game day, particularly this NFL season; made this iHeart station a welcome addition to the dial in many a Charlotte vehicle. And PacMan!

BEST RELOCATION Charlotte Checkers

The Charlotte Checkers moved back to their original home, abandoning the Big Drafty for the refurbished Bojangles Coliseum. Hockey fans are liking the energy and intimacy of games in the Big Biscuit. (www. gocheckers.com) FM SPORTS TALK Fox Sports arrived just in time for our Carolina Panthers Super Bowl 50 season. For those like us that cannot get enough coverage, this new station made us fans. Quick.

BEST NEW SECRET PLEASURE The Lake 102.9FM

Parents these days stand a less than 50% chance of retaining a “cool” rating with their kids. A new format on the dial found us punching up the best of the 70s, 80s and 90s when the kids stepped out of the SUV. And then...something crazy happened. The kids love the 80s.

And some of the 70s and 90s. After all, that’s what they are listening to, they just don’t know it. Sing along.

Who cares if anyone is listening?

(AND STILL!) BEST AFTERNOON DRIVE TIME RADIO SHOW Matt & Ramona, 107.9, The Link

We dare you not to laugh. This crew had chemistry from day one and we’ve been addicted ever since.

Listen in and you’ll feel like a guest at the table with old friends sharing light-hearted discussions that always tickle your funny bone.

BEST PLANNED UPGRADE

US National Whitewater Center

Our outdoor jewel out on the Catawba River announced a major expansion for 2016. Included in the upgrade are a 100-foot tower anchoring new zipline thrills, an x-treme sports outfitter, newly expanded dining options, and the only permanent deep water solo climbing facility in the country. (usnwc.org)

versation. Morning. Noon. Night.

Each and every day. Our friend William Wilson never stops and his brand begins here in the Queen City and travels with a who’s who of professionals and celebrities to the biggest venues around the world.

Have a look and share in our amazement and pride at his commitment to make us all look like the bestdressed celebs on the red carpet. (www.williamwilsonclothing.com) Thank you, Mr. Wilson for making us all look good.

BEST PLACE TO WATCH RACES (besides the Speedway) NASCAR Hall of Fame

The NASCAR Hall of Fame broadcasts many of the top races of the season on its 64-foot-wide, curved projection screen with surround sound. In-car video feeds from two drivers give a direct-from-track experience. Bonus: beer, wine and food are available for sale. (www. nascarhall.com) BEST FASHION AMBASSADOR William Wilson, Clothier

While Charlotte’s impact on fashion remains to be determined, there is one individual who is determined to make sure that we are in the con-

BEST WOMEN’S SPORTS TEAM Charlotte Roller Girls

Not just an all-female team, they are some of the toughest athletes in town. Catch the All-Stars in action at the Grady Cole Center and see what the buzz is all about. (charlotterollergirls.com)

Throw your puck in the rink and join your Charlotte Checkers, the Checkmate Cheerleaders and of course, Chubby Checker for a budget-friendly, past-paced night out at the Bojangles Arena. It’s not just for hockey fans—it’s fun and affordable entertainment for families and we’re pumped that it’s happening once again at this Charlotte landmark, breathing new life into the once-vibrant East Side.

ROLLIN’ ALL AROUND THIS TOWN BALLS OUT You must check out the Charlotte Roller Girls, risking life and limb for our entertainment., full pads and in-the-round. Nothing like pairing a 70’s throwback with the rise of the dominant female athlete. Nothing.

CHARLOTTE’S CHEERS A familiar sign welcomes all and makes us feel at home. Of course, we’re at Dilworth Grille. Smiling faces, iced cold beer, games on the big screen.

GAME ON The mega-sports bar has arrived—it’s Piedmont Social House. With downright tasty fare and well-equipped game rooms, we can’t wait to spend our next day off here.

PUNCH DRUNK: TOP OF THE FOOD CHAIN Cocktails that are garden-to-glass and poured with exceptional care—The Punch Room, Ritz-Carlton.

WINNING SEASONS—POSSIBLY A DYNASTY The folks at Draught in oh-so-timely fashion built the Dream Home for a new generation of Panther fans on the door step of BOA Stadium. Touché.

DRINK We all know this one. The Mule slays thirst and strong-arms our problems.

Conveniently available at a bar near you.

DINING + NIGHTLIFE

and accepted fact that simply needed pointing out right here.

BEST NEW MEGA-BAR

BEST CONCERT

Piedmont Social House, new in Southwest Charlotte’s Ayrsley Town Center, has everything you need for a fun afternoon - bowling lanes, pool tables, ping pong, darts, arcade games, corn hole and more, plus a huge covered patio for watching the game and some of the best fried chicken and waffles in town. (www. piedmontsocial.com)

Despite years of National Enquirer cover stories of his gin-soaked hijinx, The Piano Man, and his talent, are still oh-so-much intact. There were literally hundreds of memorable and inspiring shows in Charlotte but this one—this one—without question, was the show that left even marginal fans talking. A man and his piano. Still powerful.

Piedmont Social House

Billy Joel at TWC Arena

BEST SUNDAY FUNDAY

BEST NEW COCKTAIL LOUNGE

The Prime Meridian of South End, All-American Pub has to top any relevant list of hot spots in Charlotte. It’s big, loud and loaded with TVs. Every game is on, every seat is a good one and it’s all smiles here.

What’s not to love? Craft beers, cocktails and a pub full of sexy people. The adjoining Oak Room offers billiards and gaming in a clublike environment—the ideal mix of entertainment and eye contact with the beautiful people of South End.

The Punch Room, high up on the 15th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, introduced a new, speakeasy elegance to imbibing in the Queen City. Master mixologist Bob Peters, our pick for Best Bartender this year, draws on his bag of custom tricks to craft cocktails both fascinating and delicious. www.ritzcarlton.com.

All-American Pub/The Oak Room

BEST NEW SPORTS BAR Draught

This oaken, sprawling, wildly-popular gastro pub was once Hartigan’s Pub. It sits in the immediate shadow of Bank of America Stadium and is the collaboration of successful promoters and restaurateurs. This crafty spot will remain a great bet any night of the week well into the future. The adjacent tailgate of the Queen City Riot at Cedar Station makes Draught a must-stop en route to watch our NFC Champion Carolina Panthers.

CHARLOTTE “CHEERS” AWARD Dilworth Grille

This award is many wrapped into one. In our humble opinion, this is the highest accolade we have to bestow to a bar/restaurant owner and staff, and in truth, it’s a well-known

The Punch Room, Ritz-Carlton

BEST NEW OYSTER BAR RockSalt

RockSalt, located behind Park Road Shopping Center, stocks the freshest, juiciest, sweetest oysters you’ll ever taste, direct from the sustainable Rappahannock Oysters farms in the Chesapeake Bay. No problem with supply: Travis Croxton who owns RockSalt, is a member of the family of oystermen who own Rappahannock. While you’re there, don’t miss the Lamb & Clams stew, our pick for Best Winter Comfort Food. www.rocksaltrestaurants.com BEST PATIO CROWD Mac’s Speed Shop

Beer, BBQ, babes and practically everyone you know. That’s the attraction to an afternoon stop-in at Mac’s. It’s an age-old formula, really.

But Mac’s makes it a touch cooler in ways you can only experience if you join the crowd.

COCKTAIL OF THE YEAR The Mule

Whether from Moscow or Mississippi, the Mule - a mixture of liquor and ginger beer - is the hottest cocktail on bars right now. Maybe it’s the cool copper mugs used to serve them.

BEST NEW STEAKHOUSE Evoke Steakhouse

Evoke Steakhouse established itself as Charlotte’s best big splurge when it introduced its 16-oz. 21day dry aged NY Strip at the new Le Meridien Hotel this year. The creative seasonal menu excels at housemade pastas, raw fish crudos, and hand-crafted cocktails as well.

If you’d just like a look around this stylish venue, stop by for the Art + Aperitif evenings the first and third Wednesdays of every month. (www. evokerestaurant.com) BEST QUICK UPTOWN LUNCH Earl’s Grocery

Earl’s Grocery on Elizabeth offers a food-truck style menu as well as its array of gourmet take-aways. Plus it’s located on the (free!) new Gold Line Trolley, another great 2015 Charlotte innovation. (earlsgrocery. com) BEST NEW WINE BAR CorkBuzz

Corkbuzz, new in the South Park neighborhood, is a real big-city score for Charlotte. Sister establishments are in New York City’s Union Square and Chelsea neighborhoods.

Founder Laura Maniec, one of the few women and the youngest ever to earn the Master Sommelier designation, makes sure Corkbuzz remains a center dedicated to the knowledge and appreciation of fine wine. corkbuzz.com BEST COUPLES DANCE VENUE Lynn’s Dance Club

Lynn’s Dance Club, on South Tryon near the Billy Graham, schedules regular evenings of tango, shag,

swing and other styles of music, plus it has one of the grandest dance floors in town. (thelynnsdanceclub. com) BEST SMALL MUSIC VENUE The Visulite

The Visulite on Elizabeth occupies the Goldilocks zone among Charlotte live music spots - not too little, not too big. Plus seats (!) and a huge bar. (www.visulite.com) BEST HAPPY HOUR Brio Tuscan Grille

Brio Tuscan Grille goes the extra mile for happy hour, with huge appetizers at cut rate prices from 3:30 to 6:30 and 9 to close Monday through Friday, and a list of inexpensive cocktails, including a $5 martini, available all day in the bar on the same days. Along the way, Brio has made Piedmont Town Center the foodie place to go for happy hour, with Georges Brasserie and AZN both offering discount apps every day of the week. (brioitalian. com) BEST RESTAURANT REBOOT Zebra SouthPark

Zebra, across from the SouthPark Mall, has always been Charlotte’s go-to choice for fine French dining. Now under new ownership, it’s better than ever, with expanded dining options including breakfast, afternoon tea and a nice selection of small plates. The wonderful courtyard patio is better than ever too, with a cozy fireplace and heaters for all-season enjoyment. (zebrarestaurant.net) BEST FUN NIGHT

Twin Peaks, Concord Mills

If it feels like Hooters 2.0, well—it should. Founding family spun off from the Hooters chain and, with deep, deep pockets, followed their wildest dreams. The result is Twin Peaks. A suggestively-name, massive fun facility that is at once a sports pub with exceptional food,

a taphouse with an exhaustive beer selection, and an ideal game watching destination with more TVs than we have ever seen in any sports bar, anywhere. Name aside, we love everything about this Concord Mills powerhouse.

BEST GRUB DESTINATION Fuel Pizza

Hand-picked locations serving award-winning, hand-tossed pizza and wings, perfectly seasoned and cooked—at all hours. It’s your time at Fuel. Fuel up and get back out there. We suggest the garlic knots— but only if you’re heading home alone. These guys are also a favorite with families and kids.

BEST NEW APPETIZER Fried Pickled Okra

Fried Pickled Okra at the Workman’s Friend, new in Plaza-Midwood, gives the classic a delicious new twist. (theworkmansfriend.com) BEST FOOD COMPETITION Competition Dining Series

The annual Competition Dining Series, sponsored by the NC Dept. of Agriculture, is a brilliant local adaptation of the chef cook-off concept so popular on cable TV. Pairs of chefs compete mano-a-mano creating three courses each featuring NC products. Diners get to sample each and vote for the winner on a phone app (that works!). It’s a great way to get to know the hottest chefs and newest restaurants in town. (And beyond - the series hosts competitions all over the state with winners meeting for a final Battle of Champions.) It doesn’t hurt that all our local battles are held in Bonterra, literally the city’s Chapel of Food. (www.competitiondining.com) BEST VEGETARIAN FINE DINING Asbury, The Dunhill Hotel Uptown

We aren’t personally of the vegetarian persuasion, but even to an omnivore, the 5-course Chef’s Vegetarian Tasting Menu, offered by the

Asbury in the Dunhill Hotel, sounds really delicious. And intriguing: One recent course involved sweet potato cake with ginger custard. While offerings change with the season, Executive Chef Chris Coleman has a well-deserved reputation for creating unique, yet tasty, dishes from locally sourced products. (www. theasbury.com) BEST NEW FOOD CONCEPT modPALEO

Locally based modPALEO will deliver meals right to your door.

Recipes based on the gluten-free Paleo diet are cooked in small batches, using the healthiest, most sustainable foods available. Love its motto: We hunt. We gather. You eat. (www. modpaleo.com) BEST FOOD TOUR Taste of the World

The annual Taste of the World bus tour, sponsored by Charlotte East every October, takes guests on a food adventure into the most diverse neighborhood in the city. The tour visits a selection of restaurants along the Central Avenue/Albemarle Road corridor, with cuisine ranging from Middle Eastern, to South American, to Far Eastern, to American Southern… and more. We just wish they’d have tours more often. Meanwhile, you can download a list of this year’s restaurants and design your own tour at charlotteeast.com.

BEST NEW FOOD TREND Japanese Street Food

Japanese street food, including Ramen noodles and Izakaya (those little skewers of grilled food), perfectly fit Charlotte’s love affair with easy to eat, relatively inexpensive casual food, available with vegetarian options. Notable new venues entering the field in 2015 included Yama Izakaya in Plaza-Midwood, and Futo Buta uptown. (www.yamaizakaya. com; www.futobuta.com)

WE’RE JUST TEASING From lake-to-lake our metro is pre-heated to serve you food that fits every table, activity and event.

Consider these awards an appetizing feature—with a full-course buffet to come—our food and dining edition. TOP ROW: Steak at EVOKE. Perfect pizza from FUEL. Japanese skewers from YAMA IZAKAYA. MIDDLE ROW: The third best thing about TWIN PEAKS. Bistro brings flavor, flair and elegance. BOTTOM ROW: Serious southern swag—FRIED PICKLED OKRA. Outdoor patio at Zebra, South Park. Live large, leisurely.

H I G H E R G R O U N D I N C LT TURN UP! Charlotte is rising. Take into consideration our recent trip to The Great Wolf Lodge. Our inner children romped carelessly up the hundreds of feet of stairs so that WE could be the miniscule rafters that spiralled around and down the massive cone into a freefall reminiscent of the funnel in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the remake). Boy, were we wrong. This wasn’t a slide. This was insane. We laughed hysterically into the abyss and were slung at Z-Max-like speeds into a wade pool. Safe and blushing. SO COOL.

SO COOL in a different way. SKYE Condos.

Somebody’s watching us. Le Meridien—so the really cool people can come visit. Fury 325—the fastest way to cool off on a coaster on earth.

The uptown Mint—so cool we almost feel like we need an invitation. D9 - Importing tiny flowers to build a manly craft bottled beer for the masses means—you HAVE to be sure. We’ve seen these guys in brewing action. They are 100% sure. And just...so, freakin’ cool: saving a Charlotte icon and actually displaying it. VBGB you are the coolest thing since Best awards were given.

BEST BEVERAGE TREND Local Distilleries

Local distilleries are springing up all over. Muddy River, over in Belmont, is making Carolina rum; Doc Porter’s in the South End makes vodka from Carolina wheat; Great Wagon Road, also in the South End, has an aged Single Malt whiskey and vodka made with mash from OMB. All offer tours with tastings. (muddyriverdistillery.com; docporters.com; gwrdistilling.com) BEST INTRIGUING LOCAL TAP Ancient Sour Series-D9

D9 Brewing’s Ancient Sour Series includes Viking Fraoch Scottish Sour is based on a 4,000 year old recipe for Viking heather flower ale.

Sour beer doubters, try this one. It’s good! (www.d9brewing.com) (For more on Charlotte’s booming Craft Beer Scene, see our Best of Beer Sidebar for the latest from beer reviewers Matt and Rita.)

BEST HOTEL REBOOT Le Meridien

Le Meridien, the world-wide hotel family begun by Air France, brings a stylish new vibe to the venerable (and convenient) Adam’s Mark Midtown location, complete with a 24-hour curated soundtrack by cutting edge French producers, art exhibitions, cocktail hours, key cards that are good for free admission to the Mint Museum and more. (www. lemeridiencharlotte.com) BEST MENU TREND

Food Truck Handhelds

“Food Truck” menus are showing up on tables around town (Hickory Tavern , et. al.), as restaurants seek to satisfy customers’ clear preference for convenient, easy to eat food and as more and more chefs take their show on the road.

BEST HOT NEIGHBORHOOD Plaza-Midwood (still!)

Plaza-Midwood is in the midst of a

building boom, with numerous new apartment buildings on the horizon.

The coming population increase has inspired many restaurants and eclectic shops to open their doors, often in renovated buildings, while roof-top bars high above the street provide bird’s-eye views of the action. The neighborhood’s first brewery, Legion, just opened in the former Brodt Music building. (www.plazamidwood.com) BEST EMERGING NEIGHBORHOOD

Ayrsley, Southwest Charlotte

Ayrsley in Southwest Charlotte is on the make, now that it’s so easy to reach via the newly completed I-485.

Ayrsley Town Center, on South Tryon just off the interstate, makes a convenient spot to start your explorations. (www.ayrsley.com) WORST ENTERTAINMENT TREND Old Favs Closing (booooo!)

The end of 2015 saw the announced closings of several of the city’s most popular nightlife venues, including Tremont in South End, Chop Shop in NoDa, and Tommy’s in Plaza-Midwood. All fall victim to new residential and office development.

South End’s Food Truck Friday event is losing its original location as well, but the hugely popular event plans to open this spring at a new South End location near Sycamore Brewing, plus expand its reach to Plaza-Midwood. (foodtruckfridaycharlotte.com)

BEST FAMILY FUN BEST FAMILY/KIDS GETAWAY The Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is like a major theme park, all under one roof, with a resort staff to keep the young ones busy. In addition to a huge indoor waterpark, kids can enjoy MagicQuest (a kind of treasure hunt involving Harry Potter-style wands),

the Wolf Walk eco-tour, live shows, crafts, storytime, a ropes course, dedicated kid’s spa that specializes in creating princesses and more.

Parental units can experience a relaxing getaway of their own in the a full-service lounge, with free wifi and windows overlooking the waterpark. And no worries if your pack of cubs has food allergies. Great Wolf can take care of any and every special request and dietary restriction. (www.greatwolf.com) BEST PARK FOR A DAY AWAY Historic Rural Hill, Huntersville

Rural Hill, the historic estate turned public park in Huntersville, is one our favorite spots to get away from the city sidewalks. Visitors can explore several historic buildings, take nature trails through the property and meet the incredibly cute Highland cattle (aka “hairy coos”) who live here. Rural Hill had a hard 2015, with the drought wreaking havoc on its annual Corn Maze and several other events rained out, so consider making a donation, large or small, at its Go Fund Me site to help preserve this unique piece of local history. (www.ruralhill.net) BEST NEW ATTRACTION Fury 325 at Carowinds

The new Fury 325 at Carowinds is a great fit for Charlotte with its hornets theme. The giga coaster, tallest, fastest and longest in the world, won 2015’s prestigious Best New Ride Golden Ticket award from Amusement Today. www.carowinds.com

URBAn SCENE BESTS BEST SKYLINE ADDITION Sky Condos Uptown

The 21-story Skye Condo building took almost forever to open, but it was so worth it. The rooftop Fahrenheit Restaurant offers open air dining way up above the crowds, and the light show up top makes a

decorative addition to the city’s skyscape. (www.skyecondos.com; www. chefroccowhalen.com) BEST UPTOWN ADDITION

BB&T Baseball Park (Knights)

Despite all the controversy, the uptown BB&T Baseball Park has been a great addition to Charlotte’s chemistry, providing a venue for both the Charlotte Knights team and numerous beer festivals and other big events. The Knights are playing better ball in front of sellout crowds, Homer the Dragon has become a well-known lounge lizard about town, and we love the uptown fireworks. The adjacent Romare Bearden Arts Park adds wonderful programming for all ages. (www. charlotteknights.com; romarebeardenpark.charmeck.org) BEST MUSEUM EXHIBIT The Mint Museum

The Mint Museum continues its run as one of the South’s top art museums and “Connecting the World: The Panama Canal at 100” (which closed Feb. 1, 2015) showed why. The bilingual exhibit brought together works of three artists who documented the construction of the canal that had never been seen together before, and commissioned both a novella about the defeat of yellow fever by a prize-winning author and a stunning new installation by famed artist Mel Chin. Recent exhibits keep up the good work, including its current Viva Moschino! (through April 3, 2016), the first major American retrospective of fashions by the Italian designer who was possibly the world’s first hipster. (www.mintmuseum.org ) BEST MUSEUM OUTING/DEAL Uptown Combo Pass

Three Levine Center for the Arts museums, the Mint, the Bechtler and Gantt, now offer visitors a discount ticket good for 48-hour admission to all three (actually four, since both Mint locations are in-

cluded), The $20 tickets are available only online through CarolinaTix. Find a link on the Bechtler Museum website (www.bechtler.org).

BEST STREET ART

CPCC Wall Poems Project

The Wall Poems of Charlotte project, decorating exterior walls around town with the words of NC writers, aims to bring poetry to the people.

The project is carried out by CPCC students. (www.wallpoems.com) BEST ART/SCIENCE COMBO

Discovery Place 2015-2016 Shows

Discovery Place, while known for its kids’ activities, mounts some eye-opening exhibits that transcend the age boundary. Within the past year or so, we’ve seen a gorgeous and unique Van Gogh exhibit, a huge collection of classic guitars, a dazzling exhibit of art illusions, and now the wonderful BodyWorlds, transforming the human body into unique art. (discoveryplace.org) BEST LANDMARK RESCUE VBGB JFG SiGN RESCUE

Ever wonder what happened to the JFG Coffee sign? It’s moved to the rear patio of the VBGB Beer Hall at the NC Music Factory, where it’s clearly visible from Brookshire Freeway. It provides spectacular lighting for the beer garden. Thanks, VBGB, for saving a Charlotte Treasure! (www.vbgbuptown.com) BEST DANCE COMPANY Caroline Calouche & Co.

Caroline Calouche & Co., an aerial dance company in residence at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, presents increasingly sophisticated shows incorporating the daring above-the-ground movements made familiar by Cirque du Soleil. Calouche’s 2015 production of “Carmina Burana” was a masterpiece, full of gorgeous moments and impressive athleticism. (carolinecalouche.org)

BEST LOCAL THEATRE Actor’s Theatre

Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte has accomplished the impossible. For one thing, this professional company has survived over 25 years without relying on old chestnuts, tired musicals or children’s dumb-downs. All of the plays on the Actor’s Theatre schedule are innovative new works for mature audiences, daring stuff you won’t see elsewhere. And the annual nuVoices festival of new works is spreading the theater’s fame across the country. (www.atcharlotte.org) BEST MOVIE THEATRE REBOOT Carolina Cinemas Crown Point

Crown Point, a member of the Carolina Cinemas family, lured us back with its new reclining seats, and keeps us returning with craft beers on draft and fried brussels sprouts. (www.carolinacinemas.com) BEST CELEBRITY EVENT Mad Monster Party

The Mad Monster Party, Charlotte’s very own horror convention, features guest appearances by fan favorites from cult movies, TV shows and more. The connection with Joe Moe and Forrest J. Ackerman makes it extra special. For a surreal celebrity star-struck experience, join us this year at the MMP. (madmonster. com) BEST HOME TOUR Homearama

Charlotteans love to see how other folks live, and there’s no better manifestation of the obsession than the annual Homearama which provides access to a new neighborhood of multi-million dollar homes each year, decorated by top interior designers. No expense spared. (www.charlottehomearama.com) BEST NEW ART GALLERY LaCa Projects

LaCa Projects, a gallery dedicated to Latin American contemporary art, mounts some of the most mind-ex-

TOP ROW: Country girls welcome fans to the Carolina Country Music Festival at Myrtle Beach, SC. Owners of The Haunted Mill concepted and crowned their own jewel for the Queen City—The Mad Monster Party, bringing beloved screen icons to The Sheraton each March for a three-day convention. Suit up and cosplay this crazy con for max effect!

SWING BATTER, BATTER, SWING! Charlotte promoters, restaurateurs, night club owners, and mixed-use developers are truly the reason that Charlotte has become so appealing. Jobs? Yes. Parks? Yes. But what do we want after we get home and walk the dog? FUN. And the Charlotte Region has it.

MIDDLE ROW: BB&T Ball Park is the focal point for residents with high-rise vantage points each spring/summer. ALIVE AFTER FIVE has found the perfect home to continue weekend kick-off dominance in The Epicentre’s Roof Top 210.

BOTTOM ROW: The Dilworth Chili Cook-Off has become a fav of many residents mixing chili with the chillest of mascots!

TOP ROW: When you meet the gals and guys behind the ISABELLA SANTOS FOUNDATION your heart will melt. We are amazed how many times our promo team crosses their path, smiles and all, raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer.

They are the model of CLT good will and enthusiasm fighting the good fight. Join them!

MIDDLE ROW: Aspiring artists get their paint on at the DILWORTH CHILI COOK-OFF. Charlotte’s largest event draws 400,000+ fans to uptown to celebrate Coca-Cola 600 weekend and SPEED STREET. JHE puts on the biggest, best show in Charlotte Memorial Day weekend. The SOUTHEND WINE FESTIVAL rings in spring. The USNWC is one-of-a-kind and always rockin’ and rollin’.

GRINNING These guys. Shooting straight on your FM dial for 20 years and defying your criticism by prioritizing their off-air time to something so good...thanks guys!

panding exhibitions we’ve seen in Charlotte. The exhibit opening parties are epic as well, featuring music, dance and food with Latin American flair. (www.lacaprojects.com) BEST FASHION SHOWS Charlotte SEEN

Charlotte Seen, helmed by event planner extraordinaire Rita Miles, presents two multi-day events annually, Passport to Fashion in the Spring and Charlotte Fashion Week in the Fall. Both take place at lovely venues, and proceeds go to worthy charities. We especially like the fashions made with recycled materials. (www.charlotteseen.com) BEST FILM COMPETITION The 48 Hours Film Project

The 48 Hours Film Project, an international competition in which filmmakers get 48 hours to create a film from scratch, is going strong in Charlotte, thanks to the work of local organizer Will Fisher. The Night of Screenings at the end of the competition is one of the most interesting evenings we’ve spent watching short films. (48hourfilm. com) BEST SPA EXPERIENCE The Spa at Ballantyne

The Spa at Ballantyne, in the Ballantyne Hotel, is open to the public and a great spot to spend a dreary winter day, enjoying the indoor pools, whirlpool and other facilities.

Day spa passes are available for a fee, or schedule a mani/pedi or other spa service and enjoy access to everything for free. (theballantynehotel. com) BEST FESTIVAL REBOOT Charlotte Film Festival

The Charlotte Film Festival returned from hiatus with a strong schedule of independent films, including several U.S. premieres and Oscar nominees. (www.facebook. com/CharlotteFilmFest)

BEST ONGOING CONTRIBUTION TO CHARLOTTE CULTURE Museum of the New South

Charlotte’s large Latino community is on the rise, contributing its unique music, dance, foodways and cultural traditions to our rich urban mix. Several large festivals are held annually along with a month of events during Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Visit the Levine Museum of the New South exhibit, “¡NUEVOlution! Latinos and the New South” (through Oct. 30, 2016), for an interactive look at the history and future of the cultural meld. (www.museumofthenewsouth.org; latinamericancoalition. org) BEST HIGH RISK DEVELOPMENT Meridian, East Side M Station Apartments

Thirty years ago Charlotte’s East Side was the place to spend your weekends. Eastland Mall with its enormous ice rink, theatre and music stores was home-away-fromhome to thousands of us native Charlottean teens. Date nights started at T.G.I.Fridays, Darryl’s or Grady’s and ended with live music and cocktails at Loafer’s, Our Gang Inn or watching the big game at The Scoreboard. Thirty years have not been kind to the East Side. The widening of East Independence Boulevard demolished more than asphalt—it took the life from this once vibrant area of Charlotte. And now, there is hope. The Charlotte Checkers have returned to Bojangles Arena, development is creeping in this direction and Hendrick Automotive has purchased darn-near half of the property on the outbound side of 74, making great strides in quickly building modern homes for their dealerships—BMW, Land Rover and many more. Hendrick is simultaneously remodeling the previously vacant ex-BJ’s Warehouse building for their new HQ. And each of their properties has been beautifully re-landscaped. The East

Side is looking up.

For 2016, there is one development that turns heads of all that pass —The Meridian mixed-use project, featuring M Station Apartments.

Kudos to developer Roy Goode and Greystar Apartment Communities for this big leap.

BEST EVENTS BEST AFTER WORK DESTINATION Alive After 5-Roof Top 210

“All Good Things Must Come To An End”? Garbage. The once-epic Alive After 5, held on the upper level parking deck of the Adam’s Mark, now the Sheraton on McDowell, bit the dust temporarily but has been revived at Roof Top 210 at The Epicentre. Bigger. Better. Louder. Get there after work to kick-off springthrough-fall weekends.

BEST NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL Country Music Festival

The Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach+) gained fame with beach music, shag dancing and amusement attractions that appealed to Carolinians of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Fast-forward to the 21st century and well-heeled promoters from CLT have defined the next decades by giving the people what they want: country music, wide open spaces for girls in bikinis and cowboy hats to dance on the beach — and beer. Lots of it. Wow. Our kind of party.

BEST ROCK SHOW

CAROLINA REBELLION

Nothing but a good time. Rock fans found themselves at the back-ofthe-line and in the bargain bin in recent years. Rebellion promoters bravely gathered hair-raisers for a barn-burner which has progressively turned into all things those with rock in their blood could ask for with the announcement of the 2016 line-up. Hall-of-famers ZZ Top, Scorpions and Alice Cooper+++.

Bang your pretty, little head.

BEST NEW GATHERING

SOUTH END WINE FESTIVAL

Boots on the ground! This first-year twin to the South End Beer Festival, also held on the corner of Carson and Mint, brought out throngs of beautiful girls wrapped cozily in infinity scarves, their best dark jeans and boutique boots. A fantastic selection of wine, local music and a kind late-winter forecast made this a special debut. Make plans for this year. Are you listening guys?

BEST FOODIE FUN DAY EVENT DILWORTH CHILI COOK-OFF

We never parted with a few bucks so easily. Pay up and you’ll have as many samples of team chili as you like, an opportunity to vote for your favorite and a tasty selection of local beers and wine. Oh, and there’s a raffle with some SERIOUSLY desirable items, a rocking band, plenty of free parking, and the mascot squad.

We ran into (literally) Sir Purr, Blue from the Charlotte Hounds pro lacrosse team, Homer the Dragon and more. The CFD gets into the spirit by raising one tremendous flag on the hook and ladder and Prowler Magazine/Bar Athletes host the annual Corn Hole Tournament.

Proceeds go to charity and yes, you can bring your dog. Everyone else does so please, do. Plans made.

BEST S.I.N. EVENT

BARTENDER’S BALL

Many of you revelers wouldn’t know, but for much of the fun that you have in the QC, you can thank a short list of motivated planners that like to party as much as we do. Two such guys come together each year for The Bartender’s Ball. They give back to the hardworking guys and gals on the serving side of the bar by delivering one always-unique night

of celebration. This year the theme is Game Night. Get your game face on and turn-up your glass.

nal disease and one amazing trip to Disney World. So good. So good.

BEST UPTOWN FESTIVAL

ISABELLA SANTOS FOUNDATION

TASTE OF CHARLOTTE

For two decades Charlotteans have taken to the streets uptown to welcome spring and sample three menu items from dozens of Charlotte’s best restaurants at the Taste of Charlotte. We’ll speak to those who haven’t been: go. It’s a rare opportunity to walk at your own pace and take in uptown. Stop and admire public art. Learn more about streets, crossings, public transportation, restaurants, history and attractions.

Eat, drink, listen, learn and you’ll love your city even more.

BEST FAN EVENT/FESTIVAL 600 FESTIVAL-Speed Street

One of the coolest ideas ever for NASCAR fans was Race Week.

That idea expanded into a true national holiday—the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend.

Speedway Motorsports and the 600 Festival Children’s Charities took that one step further when they created Speed Street. Twenty miles from Charlotte Motor Speedway, over 200,000 fans in town for race week festivities would now have the opportunity to meet their favorite drivers, have autographs signed, experience sponsor exhibitions, attend massive free concerts, eat, drink and celebrate along the streets of Uptown Charlotte and at the very doorstep of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

BEST TEARJERKER/SMILE FEST ACE & TJ’S GRIN KIDS

Two passionate radio jocks, their uber-capable support staff, backed by iHeart radio, kids battling termi-

BEST LOCAL CHARITY GROUP

We’ve met many of these folks at events from the Charlotte Hounds tailgates to gala balls in Ballantyne.

Their passion, pace and professionalism defines how a charitable organization should be run. Their story shines light on the spirit of our city and Charlotteans alike. Our region leads in many areas of childhood disease research and treatment.

When you think about it, that’s more important than having the top banks, winning football team or a beautiful skyline. The efforts of ISF and many others keep this work in the spotlight and help families in need contend with the fight of their lives. Learn more and volunteer!

BEST CROWD ACTIVITY

RICH-N-BENNETT’S ST. PATTY’S DAY BAR CRAWL

When you think crowds, the second thought that often comes to mind is how to avoid them. But something magical—akin to developments in vintage Old Spice or Lucky Charms commercials—defines this annual gathering of green-garbed, Irish-ish trekkers who fill College and Tryon Street in Charlotte who couldn’t be more happy. Beer! Babes! Guys!

Crawling from bar to bar (and all over each other). If you want to make the people happy, give them freedom. And thus it was that RichN-Bennett studied the writings of their elders and set in motion something that is, with each passing year, growing out of their control.

Be Irish. Be green. Be happy.

BRINGING YOU THE BEST OF CHARLOTTE FOR 22 YEARS. A N D W E ’ R E J U S T G E T T I N G WA R M E D U P.

It was a dream season we Panther fans enjoyed in 2015.

Along the way, another few million Panther fans suited up in black, blue and silver for the ride, now dubbed Band Wagoners. Come one, come all we say, Panther Nation will be stronger than ever. There is no way to overstate the disappointment we all felt as our team slipped behind and lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. A combination of errors, the world’s biggest stage and a slew of maddening missed calls by the refs left us all feeling robbed of the ultimate victory. As the pain fades we’ve collected some spectacular moments for our readers—let’s look back on it through the lens of our #1 guy.

Photographs by

STEVEN LINDENMAN

On a stage this big legends, leaders and even the top stars of our day are oft overshadowed by the enormity of the spectacle of a Super Bowl.

As our Carolina Panthers defeated opponents week-after-week chasing an unexpected undefeated season, something even more amazing was taking place. Our record-setting QB Cam Newton took his play to an entirely different level. His confidence and leadership inspired an unsung receiver corp to incredible performances. His ability to finish games and outsmart top defenses with elevated gamesmanship amazed us. And his energy changed sports forever. Some saw him as arrogant. But we fans in Carolina were witness to and NFL season like no other.

Somehow our top-ranked and on-fire Carolina Panthers appeared shaken as Super Bowl 50 began. The week of unprecedented media access had taken a visible toll on Cam and immediately so would the Bronco’s #1 ranked defense. There seemed to be flashes of the dominant squad we had watched all season, but inevitably an errant throw, a missed call or a fumble would cut short progress.

As a Carolina fan, it almost seemed as if we didn’t get the memo. The Bronco’s win was pre-ordained. It was fate. They were the spectacle, they would write history and that, was all there was to it. We out ran them, out passed them, our defense held, and yet we seemed like a stand-in that was just handed the script.

In a maddening blitz of media and superfluous pomp and fanfare our young team seemed like a back story despite their historic season. Before, during and after Super Bowl 50 it was clear that Peyton Manning’s coronation would be the centerpiece. Even Eli seemed stunned—emotionless with the win. Broncos players admitted their dangerous and deliberate violations and even bragged about them on talk shows. Refs were caught on microphone negating calls against the Broncs and hanging out and cutting up with Broncos players. Well there, we said it. But you can bet that our squad will be back, focused, determined and wiser. That’s what’s up. #keeppounding

And then...there was this one thing that the ever present lens of our great friend and long-time pro photographer Steve Lindenman caught that we thought was THE shot of Super Bowl 50. Check out the young gentleman shooting a selfie with Queen BeyoncÊ and her royal booty. See the series of this lil’ devil getting her attention on our Facebook page.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO ON VACATION? Do you want to see great shows and eat at fine restaurants? Do you enjoy being pampered at a spa? Casino gambling? Or just lazing in the sun around a pool, sipping cocktails? Maybe you like to visit new destinations

and explore different cultures and cuisines. Are you an adventurer, ready to dive beneath the sea, helicopter over scenic terrains, climb mountains or waterfalls? Or do you love to shop, always looking for the best deals?

I KNOW WHAT YOU probably don’t like to do on vacation… Pack and unpack every day. Waste time figuring out where you can get a quick meal. Wait around for transportation that never shows. Blow your budget on unexpected expenses.

What if I were to tell you I’ve found a vacation that offers you all of the good options, with none of the down side of travel? That’s just what I discovered on a recent cruise of the Caribbean aboard the Getaway, one of the newest ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet.

The Getaway is a supership, a resort city at sea. It’s guiding principle is to offer something to satisfy every interest and age group, from meals to activities to nightlife. Dining options - included in the all-inclusive cruise price - ranged from casual to elegant, buffet to table

by R E N É E W R I G H T

service, with so many different restaurant venues that we didn’t get around to all of them, even on a week-long cruise.

A helpful newsletter detailing special events of the day was delivered to our stateroom every morning so we could plan our day, while enjoying coffee and breakfast treats on our balcony. Did I mention the complimentary room service?

Daily activities included dance lessons and exhibitions, art shows and auctions, whiskey tastings and duty-free sales. Perhaps the most unique experience for us were the lectures on smart shopping on the islands we visited.

These proved a crash course in rare jewels, popular liquors and designer goods, all available in the Caribbean at duty-free prices. The ship provided us with a coupon book that directed us to

the best deals and got us some great freebies. Overnight, we became avid collectors, dashing to collect our free charms at Diamonds International in every port (and finding some great bargains along the way).

And these were just the activities for adults. Kids had their own set of fun things to do, including a teen clubhouse, games, treasure hunts, and dances, all supervised by the ship staff. Most appreciated by us was the separate kid’s waterpark, a two-story wonderland with a pirate theme, waterslides and waterguns where the younger set could run wild, scream, splash, et. al. under the watchful eyes of lifeguards - and well away from the “adult” pool and jacuzzis. Older kids (and willing adults) can “walk the plank” eight feet over the side of the ship or navigate through a rope maze, scale the

climbing wall and more, in the Sports Complex, conveniently near the kids’ aqua park, as well as a wet-kid-friendly buffet serving food all day.

Everyone on board can find their own special spots and we soon located our favorites. The peaceful and spacious Mandera Spa occupying the bow of the ship provided a relaxing getaway on the Getaway, with heated tile lounges facing the open sea, and numerous jacuzzis and waterfalls to sooth tired muscles.

The spa’s unique Salt Room proved a particular favorite - inhaling the salty atmosphere cleanses and invigorates the whole body.

We found our favorite nightclub, with shows by a Grammy-winning blues musician, practically outside our stateroom door. Our favorite dining room turned out to be the Tropicana, a retro dining room recalling a glamorous

Miami nightclub of the 1940s, where a big band played Latin music and the ship’s entertainers “burned the floor” with fiery dance routines. After the lavish dinners (we had to try every course), we walked along the Waterfront, a unique quarter-mile open-air promenade that loops around the stern of the Getaway, with numerous lounges and cafes along the way, perfect for a stroll day or night.

We had plenty to do keeping up with all the included activities on our cruise, but did indulge in some of the add-ons that cost a bit extra. We sampled an impressive selection of vintages during Wine Lovers The Musical. We bundled up in hooded parkas for a visit to the Arctic-like Ice Bar, where the bar, chairs and glasses are all made of ice. But our favorite “extra” was a meal in the Illusionarium. Even without the top-notch magic act, we would have enjoyed our visit to this Jules Verne-inspired room, decorated with vintage magic equipment and Steampunk collectibles.

Of course, not every day was spent on-board. Our trip on the Norwegian Getaway cruised through the Eastern Caribbean, with stops at St. Martin, St. John in the Virgin Islands, and Nassau in the Bahamas. Currently, the Getaway is cruising the Western Caribbean, with itineraries that include Ocho Rios in Jamaica, Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, Grand Cayman, Belize, Roatan and other fun destinations. So many

ports, so many charms waiting to be added to my Caribbean bracelet…

So, people ask me, are cruises worth it? At prices that start at less than $100 a day, with all meals and most entertainment included, I’d say that cruises aboard the Norwegian ships are some of the best vacation bargains available. Add in the convenience, and the many, many options that let you design just the trip you want, and I’m a fan.

To plan your vacation aboard a Norwegian ship, visit www.ncl.com

We’re right there with you. Ready to Grill.

TASTY, TANGY HAWAII Chicken Kabobs INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons sherry 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 2 inch pieces 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained PREPARATION Pre-heat grill Skewer items Cook on low heat until desired Serve two skewers per guest.

KALUA PIG BBQ INGREDIENTS 1 (6 pound) pork butt roast 1 1/2 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring PREPARATION Pierce pork all over with a carving fork. Rub salt then liquid smoke over meat. Place roast in a slow cooker.

Cover, and cook on Low for 16 to 20 hours, turning once during cooking time.Remove meat from slow cooker, and shred, adding drippings as needed to moisten.

Pineap p l e

UPSIDE-DOWN MINI-CAKES

2/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup butter, melted 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits 12 maraschino cherries, halved 1 package yellow cake mix 3 eggs 1/3 cup canola oil

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and butter until blended. Spoon into 24 greased muffin cups. Drain pineapple, reserving the juice; spoon pineapple into prepared cups. Place a cherry half cut side down in the center of each. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil and reserved pineapple juice. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds.

Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Spoon over pineapple, filling each cup three-fourths full. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Immediately invert onto wire racks to cool. Yield: 2 dozen.

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THE INCREDIBLE TURTLE -AKA-

Naked Ninja Turtle To taste:

Naked Turtle Rum Chambord Pineapple Juice Simple Syrup

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LIGHT AND BEACHY To taste:

Naked MOSå’ To taste:

Champagne Naked Turtle Rum OJ

Naked Turtle Rum Sour Apple OJ Cranberry Juice