The Summer Issue
r e Be
12 breweries taste-tested for YOUR drinking enjoyment!
IceCream Who doesn’t love that cold, creamy goodness? We’ve got you covered!
CHOW’s Flatline Burger
s ’ t a h w d n A summer ut witho ous i c i l e d , y juic j u ly /a u g u s t
2 0 1 4
s r e g r Bu
I
t a h t 2 1 d n u o f ...we se! a e l p o t e r u s e ar
a note FROM the publisher
Publisher/Editor Jill Futch Advertising Sales Jill Futch | Julie Shaw | Charis Painter Creative Director Travis Aptt
jill futch
Publisher/Editor
Your opinions matter to us. Let us know what you think of this issue of Midtown Magazine. Please email jill@midtownmag.com with your comments.
6 | midtownmag.com
Midtown Magazine is published six times annually. Any reproduction in part or in whole of any part of this publication is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher. Midtown Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or art. Unsolicited material is welcome and is considered intended for publication. Such material will become the property of the magazine and will be subject to editing. Material will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Midtown Magazine will not knowingly accept any real estate advertising in violation of US equal opportunity law.
10 top
for the summer of
2010
the most spectacular
AT NIGHT THE MUSEUM
Fall
THE NEW NIGHTLIFE
INSANE
FASHIONS
MALE BONDING
PAcking
WORKING OUT AND STAYING FIT WITH FRIENDS
the
perfect lunch
FASHION
it’s that time of year
BOLD & COLORFUL SPRING IS HERE!
Football
2012
J U LY / A U G U S T
M A R C H / A P R I L
2 0 1 0
mm 001 cover.indd 1
6/28/10 11:42:13 AM
2 0 1 2
tailgating tips • apps • recipes
september/october
mm 001 cover_outlines.indd 1
2012
2/22/12 8:29 PM
GRILLING, SK YDIVING, BEER, APPS, MUSIC, MOVIES & MORE!
Diamond
AWARDS 2012
FooD tRuCKS
the what’s with new craze?
STEPPING OUTSIDE
YouR CoMFoRt ZoNe
MENS’
guiDe to VALeNtiNe’S DAY J A N U A RY / f e b R U A RY
PLUS
Adding ContemporAry touChes to your trAditionAl home
2 0 1 2
THE spring MODERN MIDTOWN ST YLE MAN? FASHION WHO IS
iphone VERSUS droid S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R
2 0 1 0
M AY / J U N E
2 0 1 1
50
jill
Distribution Manager Jeff Prince
P.
the one relationship we all take for granted from time to time. Do you think of burgers and beer as the quintessential summer fare? We certainly do at Midtown, and we’ve taste-tested our way through local establishments to bring you some of our favorites, starting on page 58. Finally, for men of a certain age and the women who love them, on page 108 we take a fresh look at style and the importance of looking and feeling your best. Our quick questionnaire and easy-tofollow tips are sure to breathe new life into a stale wardrobe. Thank you for your many emails and letters, and please keep them coming. I always love hearing from you!
Photography Jennifer Robertson Photography Sean Junqueira Photography Davies Photography
UT -O NG LL DI PU ED DE W UI G
Happy summer! While the season brings a slightly slower, more relaxed pace for most, here at Midtown we’ve been hard at work to bring you an issue we hope you’ll take everywhere. Whether poolside, at the office, or in the shade with a refreshing iced beverage, I think you’ll agree this is summer reading at its lighthearted best. Friendship is among life’s greatest gifts, and one Raleigh mom realized years ago that a friendly social get-together could be elevated beyond chips and dip to be a truly transformative force in the lives of others. Turn to page 92 to read the inspirational story behind Good Deeds Girls Night Out, a group of women on a mission to strengthen the bonds of friendship through acts of love and generosity. Are you like many parents who put their children’s lives and activities first, to the detriment of their marriage? Turn to page 100 to learn the importance of nurturing
Contributing Writers Christa Gala | Kate Turgeon Watson Dan Bain | Illyse Lane | Jenni Hart Page Leggett | Kurt Dusterberg Dave Droschak | Elie Rossetti-Serraino Darcy Brennan-Huante | Anna Abernathy Dr. Sheila Allison
FALL
stay cool this summer
Graphic Design Jennifer Casey
mm 001 cover.indd 1
12/21/11 11:16:11 AM
mm 001 cover.indd 2
8/26/10 11:29:18 AM
mm 001 cover.indd 1
4/29/11 10:54:25 AM
Subscriptions 6 print issues (1 year) only $20 Available online via paypal ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4818 Six Forks Road, Suite 204 Raleigh, NC 27609 Phone 919.782.4710, Fax 919.782.4763 www.midtownmag.com
contents j uly/ augus t
2014
features 68 now that is one tasty burger
If you want to sink your teeth into a big, juicy burger, you’ll find plenty of places that make them memorable.
82 scream for ice cream
There’s nothing better than some cold, creamy goodness on a sweltering day. We take a look at some of our favorite Midtown spots.
Women across Raleigh reach out to bring a little bit of happiness into the lives of others.
How to survive, and let your marriage thrive.
Is it time to get unstuck?
A new orthopaedic surgeon at Duke Raleigh Hospital offers the latest care for the foot and ankle. (And it may not involve surgery.)
92 Good Deed Girls 100 Mommy Guilt?
Men’s Life and Style 108 Putting your best foot forward 116
58
Bottoms Up Around the Beltline We take a look at Wake County breweries. They aren’t all in Midtown, but none is far – and each is worth visiting. Cheers!
18 | midtownmag.com
contents july/ augus t
2014
departments 22 on the scene 32 Midtown reviews 42 ask elie 44 bain’s beat 46 beauty style 52 DIY Workshop 54 raising the bar 56 scare yourself 80 calendar 89 yourhome: bar 105 inSTYLE: summer tees 112 midtown downtown 120 healthy you 124 new around town 126 midtown mingles 130 do this better
48
chef mario 20 | midtownmag.com
ON THE[SCENE] >>>TASTE
by Kate Turgeon Watson
photography by sean junqueira
Hardboiled. Chilled. Shelled.
BUKU
These deviled eggs are traditional, and then some The Romans had a saying: “from eggs to apples.” Well … that’s the translation, but you get the point. The adage addressed the completeness of a meal. And, in ancient Rome, a meal’s first course was often hard-boiled eggs seasoned with oil, wine, broth or spicy sauces. It’s been centuries since wealthy Romans began their feasts with hard-boiled eggs. But time has a way of carrying the tasty traditions along. And in modern-day Raleigh just about anyone with a few dollars can order up a small plate, appetizer or snack featuring deviled eggs. Join Midtown Magazine for a look at three local eateries serving up the delicacy.
Buku
Chef Amanda Haisley brines hard-boiled eggs in a mix of soy sauce, honey and star anise. The filling? That’s chile sambal and mayonnaise. It has the expected texture, she says, but a different flavor because of the brine. “There’s sweetness from honey, saltiness from soy sauce and spice from sambal,” she notes.
THE PIT
THE PIT
Duke’s mayonnaise, dill-pickle cubes and a salt-and-whitepepper seasoning make a flavor trifecta. And that special presentation comes from piping the filling into the egg. “The key factor to deviled eggs is an ice-cold water bath,” chef Ken Dixon says. “The shell slides off perfectly. It also helps keep the yolk nice and bright.”
YARD HOUSE
Think warm, tomato-basil Italian meets Southern and Thai flavors. “It’s an amazing combination of cold and hot. The texture of the egg and filling is silky … with that unique spiciness of horseradish,” chef Carlito Jocson says, noting the cool egg. “The warm, spicy tomato-basil sauce balances the creaminess, and toasted garlic in the sauce gives it a nutty quality.”
22 | midtownmag.com
YARD HOUSE
ON THE[SCENE] >>>tech
by Dan Bain
photo © ecool
beer
here!
eCool Keeps Beer Cold
Without Refrigerants
Got a favorite spot in your yard for enjoying an ice-cold beer (or other beverage)? What if you could keep up to 24 cans in that spot, and know that you can pull out a cold one any time of year – without using ice or electricity? Check out the eCool underground beer cooler, which uses dirt in place of ice. All you have to do is bury the cylindrical cooler – about a foot in diameter and three and a half feet tall – in the earth, keeping its storage tank beneath the surface and its retrieval system above. Then, fill it with 12-ounce cans and let the naturally cooler underground environment cool them down and keep them insulated. Then, next time you want a beer in your favorite outdoor spot, pull up the lid and pull the top one out
24 | midtownmag.com
– it should be cold in summer and frost-free in winter. The non-electric pulley system inside the cylinder will continue to rotate cans to the top, in the order in which you loaded them. The upside is an ecological approach to cooling your cans – save the earth while saving money on your power bill and shelf space in your fridge. The downside? It’s no more portable than a refrigerator, so you still have to go to the same place each time you want a cold one. But if you spend a good bit of the year in or near that spot, this might be worth the $369 it costs to order from eng.ecool.dk. Sure, this is a novelty item – something for the person who has everything – but, if you’ll excuse the pun, it’s still pretty dang cool.
ON THE[SCENE] >>>style
by Elie Rossetti-Serraino
NORMCORE style What you need to know to survive it Has your cool and popular teenage son asked you to buy tall, white grandpa-style ribbed socks? Has he asked you to buy plain white undershirts to wear in school? What about your little fashionista tween, has she asked you to get her a pair of stoned-washed mom jeans or high-waisted shorts? If you haven’t heard it’s called NORMCORE style. Think bad family pictures; boxy clothing from the 80s and 90s but on handsome, young, photogenic people. The word Normcore has been used in the past in a derogatory way in the fashion lingo, meaning boring, plain, monochromatic and anti-trendy. It now denotes a fashion trend that started as a subculture joke by fashion insiders and some world renowned trend-setters; photo stylists who were so cool and self confident they could afford to wear a boring, outdated and very plain wardrobe, incorporated with expensive high fashion accessories. As it started as 26 | midtownmag.com
a way to mock the exasperation of the hipster culture, where anything trendy and fashionable has to be rejected, this tight circle of fashion insiders made the rejection theory (Normcore) of an already passé trend (the hipster culture), a fashion street trend itself embraced by many in the artsy and fashion editorial communities. And as with other street styles before, when old became new again, some fashion designers and mainstream fashion editors took notice and got ready to bank on it. H&M, American Apparel, Topshop and Gap are riding this effect, selling mom jeans and nerdy highwaist underwear in fluorescent colors and improving the quality of undershirts, since they are now the basics of the Normcore. The widespread liking of the trend and the turn to mainstream literally unfolded in the span of a few months. Around the fashion runways’ season this past January and February for winter 2014/15, trend observers started using the term Normcore in
a flattering context, noting that Chanel and many other designers inserted some very plain and boxy looks into their winter 2014/15 clothing lines. When The New Yorker officially declared it a style trend in its trends section “The Cut” in February, I knew it was going to trickle down to the American malls very soon. GQ magazine even compiled a semi-serious list of must-have Normcore items in your closet, stating that you could dress like your parents at a Disneyland trip in the 80s, but only if you were young and good-looking. So do not try this at home unless you are under 20 years old and a cool kid already. Are you starting to get it? To be homogeneous looking à la Jerry Seinfeld in his 90s sitcom or Steve Jobs when he unveiled the prehistoric iPhone, and forgiving Obama mom jeans (all three collectively nominated Normcore icons) is in fashion, but only if you are already on-trend. If you are not cool and you really dress like that, well…then you are just plain and normal, not Normcore at all.
ON THE[SCENE] >>>arts
by Christa Gala
(counterclockwise) Alice in Wonderland Charm Bracelet; Lace Servant Cuff and Chained Ring; Witchger’s latest book.
Two crafts, one business Mom and daughter make and sell jewelry; the story is free Cary writer Brenda Witchger is a master storyteller who often figures out plot and character development while she makes jewelry. She never thought she could combine work and hobby, but her 30-something daughter, Kate, is helping her do it. The Witchger women recently launched Nine Stories High – an Etsy shop that sells handmade jewelry; each piece comes with an original work of writing, flash fiction or haiku. “One night Kate and I got into a discussion about how I like to do crafts, particularly anything with repetitive motion, as a sort of meditation when I’m working out things that need to happen in my books or short stories,” Witchger said. “She said the concept I was thinking about was probably being infused into the piece of jewelry or embroidery, an idea that resonates in lots of cultures. That got me thinking that it would be nice to include some 28 | midtownmag.com
short piece with each item since they are so bound together in practice.” Kate, who is living at home after studying in both London and Montreal, set up the site and handles the business side. Witchger makes the jewelry and writes the stories. “Writing ‘short’ is a big challenge,” said Witchger, whose second mystery, Death in Reel Time,
Branching Tree Pendant, $9
launched in March at Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh. She’s currently working on the third book in her fourbook contract with Gallery Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. “I’m Southern; we’re a wordy people. But it’s also fun to try to whittle an idea down to a sharp point.” Mom and daughter are having a lot of fun, which has surprised Witchger. “Kate and I are both pretty strong-willed and neither of us is inclined to leave an opinion unexpressed, so I was a little worried about how this would go, but so far it’s been great, she said. “We have complementary interests and talents and they’ve meshed well,” continued Witchger. “She’s really good at the business, marketing, branding and aesthetic side of things. I only like making the jewelry and other items for the shop, which doesn’t interest her. So the division of duties works well.” There have been challenges, such as trying not to interrupt each other with ideas and opinion-seeking when the other is trying to work. And, as Witchger points out, the two women are of different generations, so their tastes differ. “There are challenges to being the parent of an adult child, and it’s sometimes a bit difficult to navigate these foggy waters,” said Witchger. “You’re left wondering just where it was along the way that they became so smart and so much their own person. It took a while for this to finally sink in for me. But I like to think now we have a mutual respect for one another, even if it does get expressed pretty noisily sometimes. “The shop has given us something to focus on, a common goal. It’s the most fun thing we do together right now – well, besides our Sunday night ritual-viewing of Downton Abbey and The Walking Dead.” Find Nine Stories High at www.etsy.com/shop/ninestorieshigh. Brenda Witchger writes under the name Brynn Bonner; her books are available online and at Quail Ridge Books. For more information, visit www.quailridgebooks.com.
ON THE[SCENE] >>>sports
by Dave Droschak
photograph © Carolina Hurricanes
Former Carolina Hurricanes’ General Manager hoists hockey’s most prized possession – the Stanley Cup – over his head following the team’s 2006 Cup victory.
Winds of Change Rutherford’s Hockey Passion and Mind Will Be Missed For better or worse – and there has been plenty of both for nearly two decades. Jim Rutherford has been the only general manager since the Hartford Whalers were renamed the Carolina Hurricanes and moved here in the late 1990s. Professional sports players and coaches come and go with regularity these days, and often GMs follow suit. So, when Rutherford stepped aside this summer at PNC Arena and then accepted the same position in Pittsburgh, the end of a major era in the team’s history unfolded. Sure, Rutherford oversaw trades, contract negotiations and a series of missed playoff opportunities – but if you peel back the onion, his impact on professional sports in the Triangle is profound. In 17 seasons here, the former NHL goalie was savvy enough to recognize that the area needed a player who could perform on the ice and represent off of it, and immediately signed future Hall of Famer Ron Francis as the face of the franchise. Less than two years 30 | midtownmag.com
later, Rutherford orchestrated a trade that swapped a disgruntled Keith Primeau for Rod Brind’Amour, who would become the team’s captain and hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2006. But Rutherford went beyond the basics, was available to the media and fans, and helped create pride in a city once void of pro sports. “I remember when I first got here, I would meet people they would say, ‘What are you doing here?’ And I would tell them and they still really didn’t even understood once I told them,” Rutherford said. “I knew at that point it was going to be a bigger challenge than I expected.” To put Carolina’s Cup victory in proper perspective, 12 teams in the league have yet to raise one of sport’s prized possessions, including franchises such as St. Louis, Buffalo, Vancouver and Washington. “I probably haven’t even thought about it enough because of the job I’ve had. You really don’t get to stop and reflect on anything,” Rutherford said. “For what we did when we started here, to get to the Cup Finals in 2002 and then to win it in 2006 and have an outside shot in 2009, that is pretty special. And it gave a huge boost to this market.” Rutherford’s exit to Pittsburgh – one of the game’s elite franchises – comes on the heels of a five-year playoff drought in Raleigh. “There is disappointment and some emotion in our fan base, and rightfully so,” he said. “That’s pretty standard in every market except for a couple of places when you miss the playoffs for that many years. But the good thing is the fan base is here, the majority of people have stuck with us and there is still continued growth in this market.” For the 65-year-old Rutherford, he returns to a team he once played for 40 years ago, but he’ll keep his home in North Raleigh and retire in the Triangle. “You win together and you lose together,” he said of the Hurricanes. “We’ve been fortunate having a lot of good character players here; they’ve loved the market. I remember when we first moved here, as soon as the season was over every player was gone in a day or two. Now, players stay here all year round; players make their homes here when they retire. That’s kind of a trait of mine anyway, that family atmosphere, people sticking together.”
M
reviews
Planes: Fire & Rescue
Hercules
Sex Tape
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Starring: Dane Cook, Julie Bowen Rated: PG Opens: 7/18/2014 Plot: When world-famous air racer Dusty learns he may never race again, he joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his fearless team to discover what it takes to become a true hero.
Guardians of the Galaxy Starring: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper Rated: Not Yet Rated Opens: 8/1/2014 Plot: From the studio that brought you Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team – the Guardians of the Galaxy. Brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revengedriven Drax the Destroyer. But when Peter discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.
Starring: Jason Segel, Cameron Diaz Rated: R Opens: 7/25/2014 Plot: A married couple discovers their most private video is no longer private. With reputations on the line, they know they’re just one click away from being laid bare to the world... but in their race to reclaim their video, they’ll find that it will expose even more than they bargained for.
*Opening dates and ratings are subject to change.
32 | midtownmag.com
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, John Hurt, Ian McShane Rated: Not Yet Rated Opens: 7/25/2014 Plot: Having endured his legendary twelve labors, Hercules, the Greek demigod, has his life as a sword-for-hire tested when the King of Thrace and his daughter seek his aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord.
Starring: Megan Fox, Will Arnett Rated: Not Yet Rated Opens: 8/8/2014 Plot: Shredder and his evil Foot Clan have an iron grip on everything from the police to the politicians. The Turtles must work with fearless reporter April O’Neil and her cameraman to save the city and unravel Shredder’s diabolical plan.
M
reviews
Moonshine In the Trunk (Brad Paisley) Release Date: 8/26/2014 Paisley’s 10th album, Moonshine In The Trunk, is a nod to the back-to-basics approach he took to recording after 2013’s experimental (and controversial) Wheelhouse. “At certain times, your career should be a party,” Paisley said. “It was a lot of fun this time. We built a bar in our studio house, and it was kind of an ‘if you build it, the band will come’ approach.” Moonshine sees Paisley adapting the modern technology of EDM and dubstep to the classic country formula. “When you hear a banjo through stutter edit, it’s the coolest thing you’ve ever heard,” Paisley said.
E.L.E.2 (Extinction Level Event 2) (Busta Rhymes) Release Date: 7/4/2014 The veteran’s 10th album serves as a sequel to 1998’s Grammy-nominated E.L.E., and he’s certainly bringing the firepower this time. Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Eminem, Q-Tip, and Lil Wayne appear, with Tip and Pharrell producing tracks. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a big comeback from the once-dominant rapper.
1000 Forms of Fear (Sia) Release Date: 7/8/2014 The Australian singer’s popularity skyrocketed with 2010’s We Are Born, but she also dealt with health issues that led to substance abuse. While considering retirement, she then went on to write songs for Rhianna, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Beyonce and Kylie Minogue, among many others. And now she’s back with her sixth LP.
Yes! (Jason Mraz) Release Date: 7/15/2014 Jason Mraz is back with a resounding Yes! – as in, that’s the emphatic title of the pop singer-songwriter’s fifth studio album. The 14-song release promises a “purely acoustic and more intimate sound,” according to a press release.
*Release dates are subject to change.
34 | midtownmag.com
Title TBA (Ariana Grande) Release Date: Late August Although we still don’t have a release date or name for Grande’s sophomore record, it is due to drop by the end of summer. “I think it shows my progression as an artist and as a person… It’s a little more grown-up, while still remaining authentic to me as a person. I’m very excited for people to hear it,” she says. Grande, a selfprocalimed workaholic and a perfectionist, expects the album to reflect just that.
midtownmag.com | 33
M
reviews
BY david eddleman, Wine Manager – Total Wine & More
Anchor Brewing Company
Bell’s Oberon Ale bell’s Brewery
93 Beer Connoisseur
Dogfish Head Festina Peche
Harpoon UFO Big Squeeze Shandy
Dogfish Head Brewery
Harpoon Brewery
90
Victory Brewing Company
97 Beer Advocate
DRAFT
77 LIGHTEST to DARKEST best served in:
Victory DirtWolf Double IPA
77
Anchor Summer Beer
4.5% abv
5.8% abv
4.5% abv
4.5% abv
8.7% abv
San Francisco, California
Galesburg, Michigan
Milton, Delaware
Boston, Massachusetts
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Anchor Summer is the first American wheat beer in modern times. The first brewing of this light and refreshing beer was in the summer of 1984. It is easy to drink and perfect for summertime gatherings.
Oberon is a very refreshing American wheat ale brewed with Belgian wheat malt and Czech Saaz hops to provide a spicy, fruity balance and the color, scent and taste of a summer afternoon.
$1.99/bottle
$1.79/bottle
36 | midtownmag.com
This is a refreshing neo-Berliner style Weissbier fermented with peaches. Tart flavors of juicy peaches, nectarine skins, and Granny Smith apples offer a sourish citrus palate smack. It pairs nicely with grilled chicken, fish or salad.
$2.69/bottle
Big Squeeze Shandy is a sweet, citrusy beer with just a touch of tart grapefruit characters. It pours a hazy orange color with an aroma bursting of citrus fruit and crackery wheat malts. Its light-body and refreshing fruit flavors are sure to quench your thirst.
Pours a goldenamber hue with a frothy head. Brewed with whole flower Citra, Chinook, Simcoe and Mosaic hops. Aromas of citrus and pine hop notes. Flavors deliver earthy, grapefruity bitterness on a solid malt backbone. Nice!
$1.99/bottle
$2.29/bottle
midtownmag.com | 35
M
reviews
BY david eddleman, Wine Manager – Total Wine & More
Domaine LA Rabiotte Aix Provence RosÉ
Domaine St Antoine Nimes RosÉ
Chateau Grande Cassagne RosÉ Les Rameaux
Vina Rubican Rosado Navarra
Aix-en-Provence, Rhone, France
Costieres de Nimes, France
Rhone, France
Navarra, Spain
best served in:
Anakena Enco Syrah RosÉ
Chile
This wine exhibits a shiny ruby-red color with beautiful hues on the glass. On the nose it expresses scents of red cherry, plums intermingled with raspberry notes. The palate is gentle and round. Crisp, Cherry, Plum, Light-bodied
$11.99/bottle
38 | midtownmag.com
Fresh and fruity, with a zesty acidity that tingles the palate, this refreshing rosé marries notes of strawberry and mineral. It will pair beautifully with appetizers and fresh seafood dishes. Crisp, Berry, Mineral, Medium-bodied
$12.99/bottle
An excellent blend of Syrah and Grenache that is loaded with flavor and intensity. The wine displays a fragrant nose of strawberry jam. Bursting with layers of chewy fruit, the flavors linger on the palate, revealing concentration and balance. Strawberry, Blackberry, Medium-bodied
Perfect for sipping on the deck or to take on a picnic. It is beautifully balanced, with bright and crisp strawberry and cherry fruit flavors. Wonderfully dry, yet fruity, with a refreshing and lingering finish, this beauty should not be missed. Crisp, Strawberry, Cherry, Light-bodied
Fresh fruit with subtle tannins, this is not a sweet wine. Made from 100 percent Garnacha grapes which are sourced from vineyards in Spain’s Navarra region. An intense fruity aroma and a lingering refreshing finish. Crisp, Cherry, Berry, Medium-bodied
$12.99/bottle
$12.99/bottle
$7.99/bottle
M
reviews
Plowz and Mowz • Free
On-demand lawn mowing (and snow plowing) to your mobile device. Based on your home’s location and desired time, the closest available member of the our team will come service your property. Upon completion, you’ll receive a photo of your freshly cleaned driveway/lawn. They’ll bill your credit card on file so there’s no fuss with invoices or checks.
Flash Reader • $3.99
Cyber Dust • Free
Ever had to read through an email, book or an article on the web, but felt like it took ages to read through it all? Normally your brain will attempt to pronounce words you read, which is called subvocalization or internal speech. Flash Reader removes this limitation by showing you words so fast that your brain doesn’t have time to subvocalize, but still allows you to retain everything you’ve read.
Cyber Dust is simply a more natural way to message. Messages disappear forever after 30 seconds and cannot be traced. Feel comfortable chatting in the moment, sending private photos, discussing confidential information, gossiping, or telling secrets while you watch your messages delete forever 30 seconds after being sent...never to be seen again by anybody. Unroll Me • Free
How to Make Your Hair Look Fab • $.99
Guide the white ball to the red goal block by moving the slots with your finger. ‘Unroll Me – unblock the slots’ is the latest simple and addictive unblock puzzle game for hours of frantic fun. Unroll Me is also the winner of the ‘Best Puzzle Game’ from Appy Awards 2014!
All you wanted to know about gorgeous hairstyles, in one place! Learn how to create stylish hairstyles and always have glamorous hair by following tips from this app! View photos of gorgeous hairstyles on your device and watch over 450 video tutorials for creating unbelievable hairstyles, and get fabulous hair!
stress manager • Free
You can tell more about a person’s mindset by the tone of their voice than by what they say...upbeat, nervous, excited, anxious...it is all in the voice. The Stress Manager uses your voice frequency patterns to measure the kind of stress you experience at the moment and how intense it is. It guides you on how to cope more effectively with the different kinds of stress threatening your health and personal fulfilment in business and in your relationships.
Instant Heart Rate • $1.99
Instant Heart Rate uses your iPhone’s camera to detect the pulse from your fingertip – leveraging similar technique as used in pulse oximeters. Place the tip of your index finger on the iPhone’s camera, and in a couple of seconds your pulse will be shown. Instant Heart Rate will beep with your pulse. A real-time chart will show you every heart beat. *Prices are subject to change.
40 | midtownmag.com
Vhoto • Free
Why choose between photos and video? With Vhoto, you get both! Vhoto makes it easy and fun to get pics of parties, pets, kids, selfies and sports. Never miss a moment! Record your video or import one from your camera. Choose your favorite pictures and then save or share your photos.
askelie
Elie
For all your answers on things fashion, style and trends
Costumista & Wardrobe Style arbiter
Q
I’m a teenager and going out on my first date, any advice on what to wear? Matthew, Cary, NC
Girls always appreciate a guy with a puttogether outfit and good personal hygiene. Grooming and dressing in good taste is the foundation for feeling self-confident. Have you heard: “Good use of soap is the first step to being in fashion”? Definitely wear a pair of socks to match the outfit and/or the shoes. Shoes, even if you wear sneakers, need to be very clean. Depending on the location of the date, it might be respectful to show up with a collared top, like a fitted polo or a cloth buttondown shirt with sleeves rolled up (which is okay to wear untucked if it is a slim-fit style.
If it is at a fast food restaurant or an afternoon movie with friends, wearing shorts is okay but stay away from sport shorts and a team jersey at any cost. At a museum or a churchrelated indoor activity, I would wear long pants. I would also add: “Brush your teeth!” Treat girls respectfully, be yourself and be a good listening friend.
What is the etiquette for the man’s jacket buttons? It is always confusing to know which one stays unbuttoned! Anonymous, Raleigh, NC The rules are very simple: One button jacket: Always buttoned until you sit down. Two button jacket: Always leave the lower one open, unbutton both when seated. Three button jacket: The center one should always be buttoned, the lower one always unbuttoned. The upper one near the lapel is optional. 42 | midtownmag.com
Some expensive jackets, tailor made, allow you to keep it open, making the lapel roll nicely without looking bad. Always unbutton jackets and coats when sitting down. This topic came up while I was fitting suits for an artist attending a major red carpet music award. When being photographed, some highquality suits look nice all buttoned up. There is also a risk that it looks like the lower button is missing. Keep this in mind if posing for pictures, but definitely undo the lower button if you have your hand in one of the pockets.
FollowElie Instagram.com/EliePhotoStylist Facebook.comArbiterElieGantiarum Twitter.comEliePhotoStyle Vine: Elie Rossetti Serraino Blog: ArbiterEliegantiarum.typepad.com Submit your question info@eliephotostylist.com
Any swimsuit cover-ups ideas? I’m over the oversized t-shirt. I’m a petite size 6 and I feel the maxi dress that all my girlfriends are buying now is not a flattering option for me. Joan, Raleigh, NC Have you tried the relaxed linen or cotton pants (Gap and Old Navy have nice, inexpensive styles) or the drawstring pants (either ankle length or wide leg)? I use both styles for the summer to go to the beach or pool; the light cotton and the linen dry fast if I need to put them on with my swimsuit still wet. If I quickly add a t-shirt, it is an easy step up to a casual outfit when I have to make a stop at the convenience store for sunscreen lotion before heading to the pool!
bain’s beat
Legends of the Bark Knights A Season on the Field of Screams
W
by Dan bain, Relieved Pitcher, danbain07@gmail.com
44 | midtownmag.com
e’ve just completed another season of youth baseball, and this year I stepped up from unofficial assistant in the dugout to official assistant coach – which is pretty much the same thing. My job was to keep a dozen seven- and eight-year-old boys organized during the heat of competition – slightly less difficult than nailing gelatin to a tree. Of course, each player takes his lead from the front office responsible for managing the youth program, and judging by the quality we saw from the league that my lawyer says I shouldn’t name here, it was probably unfair of me and the other coaches to expect the boys to have any focus at all. It started with the schedule. The front office sent it to the coaches well before the season began, so I made copies and distributed them at one of our first practices – the night before the front office sent me a revised version. So the following week, I wrote “Final Schedule” and the date at the top, made copies, and again distributed them at practice – only to find another
revised version in my inbox when I came home. So I made copies a third time, and distributed them at a third practice. By then, the parents were beginning to suspect their sons’ assistant coach might not know what he was doing. Even though the front office was to blame for that particular issue, the parents weren’t wrong. This year’s enrollment was down, so there were only four teams in the league. But at least that way, the teams would get to know each other. With only three opponents for a tengame schedule, we were scheduled to play each opponent … five times. How did that happen, you ask? Someone at the front office wasn’t paying attention, and each team was scheduled to play only two of its three opponents. That, or it was just easier math for them. Anyway, despite having a record low number of teams and despite having three chances to notice and correct the oversight on their master schedule, somehow it was still impossible for the front office to ensure that all of the teams met at least once. Not that the teams could tell a difference –
someone in uniform procurement made sure of that. The uniforms arrived a few days before the season began, and I eagerly drove to the front office to pick them up that afternoon, so I could distribute them at practice instead of the next set of revised schedules. I checked the contents of the box before leaving the front office, knowing it would be worth my while. There they were – black jerseys with scarlet numbers, and scarlet caps with bulldog logos on them. Which would have been fine, except that our team was the Knights, and our colors were navy and green. When I told her they were the wrong uniforms, the receptionist told me no, these were for the Knights – and pointed to the lid of the box, where someone had scrawled the word “Knight” in black marker, as proof. She seemed to think that settled the matter, so I pulled out one of the caps and showed it to her, pointing out that it had a bulldog on it rather than a knight or even a steed. She told me it was too late to send them back, but that our team was lucky, because two of the other teams – the Raptors and the Ironbirds – had received duplicate caps. Those happened to have a big “A” for a logo, so at least neither of them could rightfully claim it as their own. I briefly wondered if she would show me the uniforms for the fourth team, because it might be my only chance to see them this season. The boys griped a little when I distributed uniforms that evening, so I tried to put a positive spin on things. I told them the dog was obviously a mastiff, which I believed was the traditional dog owned by knights. I have no idea if this is true, but it seemed plausible enough for a group of sevenand eight-year-olds. And yet, they would have none of it. So I told them we’d just have to come up with a clever nickname for our team, like Three Dog Knights. They had no idea what I was talking about, so I had them run a lap while I posted the joke to my Facebook page, in hopes my friends would rise to the occasion and suggest something better. It ended up being a tie between the Bark Knights and Ruff Nights. The season started well, except the head coach was late for our opening game, meaning I had to pitch for him. In this league, at this age level, the games are coach pitch – each coach pitches the ball to his own players. That first inning didn’t go too well for the boys, as I was pitching a no-hitter as we took the field. Good thing the head coach arrived before our
second inning at bat, relieving me in more ways than one. The league also doesn’t keep score for this age group – the reason being, this is a learning league. The front office wants the younger kids to learn the fundamentals before really putting them to the test in a truly competitive game. During a game, each team is allowed five runs per inning, so there were times when the defensive team might just phone it in, knowing the at-bat team would max out soon and give them a chance to play offense again. We tried to teach the boys to work hard, as if there was a score, but one of our two opponents took that philosophy to a more competitive level. The non-existent score actually mattered to them. This became evident when they began chattering, “Hey batter, hey batter, SWING!” when our guys were up to bat. This is an age-old tradition whenever kids play ball, attempting to distract the batter. I’ve never really liked it, because I feel like the game should be more of a stand-off between a pitcher and batter – that either one should succeed or fail based on his own or his opponent’s merit, without crowd interference. And I like it even less in a learning league, where the score doesn’t matter, anyway. So, from my position in the dugout or as third-base coach, I would try to subtly discourage the other team from chattering when our guys were at bat. Not that it mattered, because the moment I managed to get them to stop, their parents and coaches would remind them to start it up again. One mom liked to set up a lawn chair right outside the fence at third base, shouting to her son and the others on his team, “Let’s hear some batter chatter!” To which I would reply, “Let’s not! Our pitcher doesn’t need your help!” But she took orders from me about as well as our own players, which is to say, she ignored me. Nevertheless, I turned lemons into lemonade during our postgame pep talk, telling the boys what good parents they have, unlike that loud lady with the other team. We had a fun season overall, and I told the boys that without keeping score, we can truthfully claim we were undefeated for ten games. Next year, Matthew graduates to kid pitch, so I can retire my glove, but I’ll probably still be some sort of assistant coach. Maybe in the meantime, I’ll put my name in for the Cy Young Award; after all, I have the lowest career ERA of any of the pitchers in our league this year. midtownmag.com | 45
1 3 24 4 5
beautystyle
by anna churchill, synergy spa & Aesthetics, >> feelsynergy.com
Sun Protection you wear Sometimes sunblock alone is not enough to protect your skin from the harsh summer UV rays. The Coolibar fabrics offer a guaranteed Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50+ for the life of the garment, blocking 98% or greater of both UVA and UVB rays. They have a wide variety of clothing, bathing suits and hats, all of which are stylish and affordable. >>prices vary, coolibar.com
AvÈne Thermal Spring Water Carry their mini size in your bag and spray on your skin as needed to achieve instant hydration and alleviate over heating. Keep a larger bottle at home in your fridge and spray on after a sunburn to immediately calm and sooth irritated skin. It also works great to set your makeup, leaving you streakfree, even if you sweat! >>$9/$12/$18, aveneusa.com
Exfoliating Gloves Simply squeeze a little of your favorite body wash into your gloves and lightly massage into your skin while in the shower. This inexpensive home care treatment will leave your skin polished to perfection, revealing softer, smoother skin. Your body products will absorb more effectively after exfoliation, thus allowing for deeper hydration. Available at various shops online. >>$3-$5, thebodyshop-usa.com
Humdinger Juices Beyond potential weight loss, juicing can have a purifying effect on your skin. Wouldn’t it be nice to go makeup-free in this heat? I love this juice brand because they also label all their juices with nutritional facts so you know how much fat, calories and carbs you are consuming. >>$8/juice, humdingerjuice.com
Summer Skin 2 t r Essentials pa >> Last
issue we looked at some summer skin product must-haves. Here are a few more product and treatment options that will have you looking and feeling your best all summer long. If you can’t beat the heat, it’s okay to join it as long as you are prepared!
46 | midtownmag.com
Botox® for Hyperhidrosis Excess sweating (clinically referred to as Hyperhidrosis) can be effectively controlled with the use of Botox injections. Even when all other methods have failed, Botox can help by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don’t receive chemical signals, the severe sweating stops. Results typically last six to seven months. >>cost varies, botoxseveresweating.com
midtownmag.com | 47
chef mario
Tomatoes and
Corn and
Summer, Oh My!
recipes chef mario copy darcy brennan-huante Photography april maness photography 7 ||midtownmag.com 48 midtownmag.com
Welcome to the great state of North Carolina, where fresh local produce is abundant and each season brings new tasty treats to tantalize your taste buds! One of our favorite pairings is fresh NC corn, cut right off the cob, and juicy, colorful tomatoes which not only taste delicious together, but create a natural color ‘POP’ that is a feast for your eyes and your tummy! Macho Gazpacho with Fresh Corn Makes 8 servings Ingredients 6 cups V8 juice 1 tsp Garlic 2 oz Crusty whole wheat bread cut into small chunks 3 Tbsp Red wine vinegar 3 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar 1 tsp Ground cumin 2 Tbsp Fresh basil ¼ cup Cilantro Directions Mix all ingredients together using a hand blender; set aside. Ingredients 1 cup Tomato 1 cup Celery 2 cups Fresh corn 1 Cucumber 1 Red pepper 1 Green pepper 1 Ripe mango 1 Large apple Salt and pepper Directions Cut produce into a small dice and add it to the V8 mixture; serve and enjoy! midtownmag.com | 49
Watermelon, Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad Serves 8 Ingredients 3 cups Watermelon, diced 1 cup Yellow grape tomatoes, cut in half or quarters 1 cup Red grape tomatoes, cut in half or quarters 2 cups Cooked fresh corn, cut off cob 1 cup Red grapes, cut in half 2 Radishes, sliced 1 Cucumber, sliced ½ cup Red onions, sliced ½ cup Crumbled feta cheese ¼ cup Pistachios Balsamic brown sugar reduction Directions Decoratively arrange watermelon, tomatoes, corn, grapes, radishes, cucumbers, red onion, feta and pistachio on a plate. Drizzle with balsamic brown sugar reduction and serve.
Balsamic Brown Sugar Reduction Ingredients 1 cup Balsamic vinegar ¼ cup Brown sugar Directions In a small pot add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Bring to a boil over mediumhigh heat then reduce to simmer and cook until liquid is thick, about 4-5 minutes.
Pan Seared Salmon with Succotash Makes 4 servings Ingredients 4 6 oz fillets of salmon 2 Tbsp Olive oil Salt and ground black pepper 4 cups Arugula For the Succotash: 2 Thick slices of bacon, finely diced 2 cups Fresh green peas ½ cup Red onions, finely diced 1 pint Grape tomatoes, cut in half or quarters 3 ears Fresh cooked corn, cut off cob Directions In a deep skillet, add the bacon and cook over medium heat until browned. Add the peas, red onion, grape tomatoes and corn. Toss in skillet, remove from heat and place in a bowl; set aside. Wipe out skillet and place over medium heat for 3 minutes. Coat salmon with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Place in skillet, and increase heat to high. Cook for 3 minutes. Turn salmon over, and cook for 5 minutes, or until browned. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Place a handful of arugula on each plate. Transfer salmon atop arugula, and garnish with succotash.
50 | midtownmag.com
Cheffed Up Caprese Salad Makes 4 servings Ingredients 6 Fresh tomatoes 8oz Fresh mozzarella Fresh whole basil leaves
Directions Cut the tomato into quarters. Place 2 wooden skewers on each side of the tomato and slice the tomato in an angled V cut toward the center until the knife hits the skewers. Turn the tomato and repeat on the other side. Remove the wedge and repeat 3 or 4 times. Place the wedges back together, then slide to form a wing.
To Build Arrange the tomato wings on a plate. Place the mozzarella in the center of the tomato wings. Arrange the basil leaves on top and serve! Chef Tip: For a delicious addition, drizzle a Balsamic reduction over the top.
midtownmag.com | 51
photography © stacy cathey
diy workshop
This One Is For The Birds By Christa Gala and Stacy Cathey
W
ith summer in full swing, there’s nothing better than sharing your outdoor space with a little wildlife (okay, some wildlife). We love looking out our windows to see finches, cardinals, blue jays and sparrows stopping in for a bite or a drink, so we came up with a charming bird bath or feeder to invite these feathered friends to hang out for a while. This bird bath took about 30 minutes to make and cost about $35. You’ll find these vine wreaths all over, including craft stores, for between $15 and $20. Next we bought our “base,” a 12-inch painted clay saucer (the dish that goes underneath the big flower pot), for $13, but you can likely find an unpainted saucer for less. You want your saucer to fit securely on top of the wreath, so take the wreath with you when buying the saucer. We embellished the rim of our saucer with flat stones in blues and greens (found at a dollar store), securing them with superglue. Next, take your jute string (found at craft stores) and cut four pieces, about one yard each. Take all four strands and tie a knot about two inches down. Fold the top strings over to form a loop and knot the strings again over the first knot. You should have a loop or a hanger for your bird bath. Go ahead and hang your loop on something sturdy, preferably where you’d like to display the bird bath. If you want to add beads to the strands (optional), now is the time to do it. Thread a few beads on each strand, tying a small knot underneath the beads to keep them from moving around. Take one of the four strings hanging from your loop, and tie it to a strong, thick vine in the wreath. Take a second string and secure on the opposite side. The last two strings will be secured in the same fashion. Think of your wreath as a clock face. You’ll want to tie each string at the “15 minute” quadrants, steadying the wreath by eye and hand until it’s hanging the way you want it. Place your decorated saucer in the center of the wreath. The saucer can either rest on the top of the wreath or fit snugly inside the center. Fill with water or bird seed. Bon Appétit, bird friends!
You’ll need: • Vine wreath • Terra cotta or clay saucer • Jute string
>> Send us your DIY ideas! Email us at diamonds@midtownmag.com.
52 | midtownmag.com
• Beads/stones (optional) • Superglue
midtownmag.comb| 53
raising thebar
ask You
Q
ANSWER
we
Can an officer run my license plate even if I haven’t done anything wrong? Nicole D., Garner, NC
Yes. A driver has no privacy right in the information on their license plate. It is exposed for all to see. The law labels driving as a privilege and not a right. Therefore, information that would verify a driver as up-to-date on registration and insurance is freely accessible to officers.
Have a question? Let us hear it: raisingthebar@midtownmag.com
~ Steven Saad, Co-Chair of CSH Law Criminal Defense Practice Group I slipped on a puddle of water in the grocery store and got hurt. Can I sue? Anonymous I represent businesses in defending these types of claims. It’s well established in North Carolina that you have to prove that the store was somehow at fault (negligent) before you recover. You must prove that the store had notice of the water before your fall and didn’t take reasonable steps to clean it up. Also, even if you can prove that the store was at fault, you may still be completely barred from recovery by your own fault (called contributory negligence). For example, if you weren’t looking where you were going then it’s likely that you would be barred from recovering any money.
~ Chip Campbell, Vice-Chair of CSH Law Trucking & Commercial Transportation Practice Group I was lucky enough to be summoned for jury duty next month. How important is juror secrecy? Will it be okay for me tell my husband about the case? Stacy D., Apex, NC
54 | midtownmag.com
No. It will not be okay to talk to your husband or anyone else about the case. As a juror, you make a commitment to be fair and impartial, not letting anything other than the evidence in that case sway your judgment. Judges take that commitment seriously, and jurors have gotten in hot water for talking about cases to people outside of the jury. ~ Steven Saad I was recently stopped at a checkpoint on a Sunday afternoon. The officers were checking registrations. It felt like a fishing expedition. Is this legal? Ted S., Cary, NC Unfortunately, using a checkpoint to verify that drivers have valid licenses and registrations is generally allowed. Unlike your home, you have a very limited expectation of privacy while in your car. When going through one of these, have your documents ready and be polite. If all is well you should be through in a short amount of time.
~ Steven Saad
My neighbor’s dog does his business in my yard all the time, and she doesn’t pick it up. What can I legally do? Nicole D., Garner, NC Start by contacting the city office. All of our local municipalities have leash laws that prohibit dogs from running at large and trespassing. If your neighbor isn’t responsive to the city, a last resort would be to get a court order prohibiting your neighbor and her dog from trespassing on your lawn. Exhausting the nonlegal routes first is almost always best. It’s already a messy situation.
~ Steven Saad
MeettheCounsel
Steven Saad
Criminal Defense
Chip Campbell Civil Litigation
Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP | www.cshlaw.com This content has been prepared for general information purposes only. This information is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Legal advice is dependent upon the specific circumstances of each situation. The information provided cannot replace the advice of competent legal counsel by a licensed attorney in your state.
midtownmag.com | 55
scare yourself
I Am Gladiator, Hear Me Roar! By Christa Gala
I
n my quest this year to try new things – and things that scare me – I try to approach each activity objectively. No pre-conceived notions or prejudices. No bias. This is something I teach my students each semester about journalism; we must be objective and let the reader decide. But on the Saturday morning that I was going to try Camp Gladiator, I have to admit: I was biased against the boot camp class. Not only did I not want to go, I was dreading it. To make matters worse, I couldn’t find anyone to go with me. And, frankly, I couldn’t blame them. After my last boot camp class experience a few years ago (at a place that will remain unnamed), I couldn’t walk for four days thanks to a drillsergeant instructor and way too many squats and lunges with heavy weights. I also had the ridiculous attitude that I
56 | midtownmag.com
had to keep up no matter what. Which was my fault. As luck would have it, the instructor that day was Katie Carmichael, who had invited me some months before. Many months, actually. I had been procrastinating. Hmm, I’ll try boxing, yoga and painting, but not boot camp. Camp Gladiator offers fitness classes all over the Triangle, and every Saturday at 9am, it offers a class free to the public at Pullen Park in Raleigh, which is pretty cool because anybody can try it out at any time with no obligation. The class is one hour and focuses on functional strength, speed and stamina, just like the other classes in the Camp Gladiator rotation. Actually, that’s the Camp Gladiator model. A membership buys you an unlimited number of classes during a four-week period at locations all
around the Triangle. Classes are usually a mixed bag of exercises – stations with cardiovascular activities, plyometrics, intervals and strength training. Once I arrived and registered (it’s recommended to get there 10 minutes early), I was surprised at the joviality of the group. There were probably about 60 people there on the lawn at Pullen Park (past the swimming pool and up at the top of the lot). Music was playing, and Carmichael greeted me enthusiastically as I took my place. You’re supposed to bring a mat and hand weights. I had the mat and was grateful I forgot the weights. But of course, everyone was willing to share, which was both good and bad, depending on how you look at it. It was a beautiful morning in peaceful surroundings, and my workout started at the easiest station – a brisk walk on the sidewalk around our area. Then the walkers moved on to step exercises and later to a station with lunges. Many of the exercises were partner-based, but I had no trouble finding a partner. Everyone was really friendly and fine pairing up with folks they didn’t come with. Honestly, I was surprised. It was a really neat, relaxed atmosphere. So, here’s the best part: Carmichael didn’t harass me or yell at me, and everything was doable. I started to relax, and I was kind of proud of myself. If I felt a little winded, I just slowed it down a bit or modified the exercise. Carmichael was helpful but not overbearing – just what I was hoping for. It’s possible, too, that I approached this with a healthier attitude than I did four years ago; it’s really not a contest. I was a bit sore the next day but still able do my normal stuff. I would definitely do Camp Gladiator again. I enjoyed myself and got a good workout in a really neat environment. I usually walk, swim or bike (or go to the gym by myself) and this really mixed it up for me. For more information, visit www.campgladiator.com/raleigh.
midtownmag.com | 57
Bottoms Up around the Beltline A Look at Wake County Breweries Beer. Suds. Brewski. A cold one. Vitamin B. Liquid courage. Elixir of the Gods. The nicknames get more inventive the more you’ve drunk, but no matter what you call it, this ancient beverage – whose age can be measured in millennia – has a rich social tradition of bringing palatable pleasure to humankind. In more recent history – the last three decades – fans of the beverage have grown fond of brewing their own, first for consumption by themselves and smaller groups of friends, then for the public. In 1976, the New Albion Brewery opened for business in Sonoma, California, officially launching a trend that began to spread after it closed its doors six years later. According to the Brewers Association, there were fewer than 100 breweries in the U.S. then. In 2013, that number had exploded to more than 2800 – most of them small craft breweries. These are the businesses built by small, independent brewers to offer alternatives to the big beer market, and North
Carolina suffers no dearth. By a strict definition of “craft brewery” – I won’t bore you with those details here – the Brewers Association claimed we had 91 in 2013. That was ninth in the nation – in the top 20 percent. Wake County is said to have 40 breweries, although some of them might not qualify as “craft brewers.” But who cares? They brew and sell beer, and that means a lot of variety here in our part of the beer-drinking world. My editor was kind enough to assign them to me to research. It would be too much to go visit 40 breweries during one cycle of this magazine; plus, I couldn’t convince Jill to pay for my “research” at each one. But I looked into more than a quarter of them, and have narrowed the list down to a “brewer’s dozen” – 12 current breweries, plus one soon to be. Don’t worry – the number 13 didn’t feel unlucky at all during this time. They aren’t all in midtown, but none is far – and each is worth visiting. So please read on, and cheers!
By Dan Bain Photography by sean junqueira
58 | midtownmag.com
midtownmag.com | 59
Aviator Brewing Company 209 Technology Park Lane Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 919.567.BEER (2337) www.aviatorbrew.com About This Brewery Aviator started brewing out of a hangar at the airport in 2008, eventually moving to a 23,000-square-foot facility in town and adding another “hangar” as a bar. In 2009, the company opened Aviator Tap House on Broad Street (about four miles from the brewery), in an old train depot – a long, narrow building with amazing label art on the walls, a 38-foot African mahogany bar, and plank flooring that combine for a cool, historic vibe. Aviator SmokeHouse Restaurant opened across the street in 2011, and diners can eat there or carry the food to the Tap House. Quite the growing operation! Hours Brewery Bar: Thurs-Fri: 5-9pm Sat: 3-9pm Sun: Noon-7pm Tap House: Sun-Thurs: Noon-Midnight Fri-Sat: Noon-1am Restaurant: Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-10pm Fri-Sat: 11:30am-11pm Sun: Noon-9pm
Thurs & Fri – Single tour at 6:30pm Sat – Multiple tours from 4pm-6:30pm Tours are $4 per person 21 and older (with samples), free to visitors under 21. Restaurant specials: Mon – Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Tues – Wing special all day (dine-in only): $5.75 for 10 smoked wings. Wed – Rib special all day (dine-in). Big Boss Brewing Company 1249-A Wicker Drive Raleigh, NC 27604 919.834.0045 www.bigbossbrewing.com
Food Served? Yes, at SmokeHouse. Smoked wings with spicy beer sauces, smoked ribs, barbecue, and more
About This Brewery: Big Boss started in 2006, operating its brewery out of a warehouse in a gravel parking lot hidden among a collection of industrial buildings off Atlantic Avenue. The second floor houses a dimly lit taproom that feels like a secret getaway, with several alcoves featuring darts, ping-pong, pool, a bench seat from a ‘73 Plymouth Duster, and WWII bomber art. That’s the theme for their beer names – they come from a huge book of the registered names of WWII bombers. From there, a designer might use original nose art for the label, or might be inspired to create a different illustration (the pinup girl painted by the crew of Blanco Diablo, for example, wouldn’t have gone over well on bottles in grocery stores).
Tours/Other Special Events: Brewery tours:
Hours: Mon: 4pm-Midnight
Beers on Tap 6 year-round, plus any of 4 seasonals/ one-offs Beers in Bottles/Cans 4 (soon to be 5), plus a seasonal (usually in cans) The One To Try BlackMamba – Dark roasted grains, two-row barley, and bourbon barrelaging give this oatmeal stout a full, smooth flavor, with a taste of chocolate; 6.5% ABV
60 | midtownmag.com
Tues-Sat: 4pm-2am Sun: 1-7pm Beers on Tap: 6 Beers in Bottles: 5 year-round, plus seasonals as available The One To Try: Blanco Diablo – A fantastic spiced wit, brewed with orange peel and coriander for a dry finish that really quenches a thirst; 4.5% ABV Food Served? No Tours/Other Special Events: Free tour at 2pm the second Saturday of every month, followed by up to three $1 samples. Boylan Bridge Brewpub 201 South Boylan Avenue Raleigh, NC 27603 919.803.8927 www.boylanbridge.com About This Brewery: Sitting atop a hill near the railroad tracks and overlooking the historic Warehouse District of downtown Raleigh, Boylan Bridge offers a great view of the Raleigh skyline, especially from its heated patio. Bright and open, the pub features millwork and cabinetwork built in a shop downstairs by a local architect. Glass doors reveal the brewing operation, adding to the industrial atmosphere.
Hours: Sun-Thurs: Noon-10pm Fri-Sat: Noon-11pm Beers on Tap: 7 Beers in Bottles/Cans: None The One To Try: Pullman Porter – Robust and sweet, with chocolate and coffee flavors; 6% ABV Food Served? A train-themed menu features tasty Whistle Stops (appetizers), Cross Ties (salads and soups), Main Lines (burgers and sandwiches), Side Tracks (sides), and Cabooses (desserts) Tours/Other Special Events: No regular tours anymore, but interested groups can call to arrange one. Watch for announcements of the next beer dinner, an ownerhosted, three-course meal inside the brewery, with only 16 spots at the table. Carolina Brewing Company 140 Thomas Mill Road Holly Springs, NC 27540 919.557.BEER (2337) www.carolinabrew.com About This Brewery: Carolina Brewing Company actually has its roots on the west coast – in 1992, two brothers and their friend were Seattle home-brewers who received enough positive feedback to consider opening a brewery. They looked for an “untapped” market for minimal competition in the east, and chose Raleigh. The company serves drafts from its bar in the large, open warehouse that holds its brewing equipment, and distributes kegs and bottles throughout 42 counties in the central part of the state. You’ll recognize their beer by the prominent logo of a lion, a traditional brewing symbol based on a legend that beer barrels were once stored in caves to keep them cool, and a lion was left at the cave opening to protect it. According to the owners, “We have midtownmag.com | 61
been unable to confirm the story, but after a few tasty liquids it seems more likely to be true.” Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9am-5pm Fri: 10am-6pm Sat: Noon-4pm Beers on Tap: 3 year-round, plus any of 4 seasonal and 5 special brews Beers in Bottles/Cans: All 3 year-rounds plus current seasonals/specials The One To Try: Carolina Nut Brown Ale – Five types of malted barley give this medium-bodied, dark brown ale a chocolatey taste that’s dryer than some sweeter browns; 4.9% ABV Food Served? No Tours/Other Special Events: Free tour every Saturday at 1pm. Crank Arm Brewing 319 W. Davie Street Raleigh, NC 27601 919.291.0643 www.crankarmbrewing.com About This Brewery: The rubber meets the road at Crank Arm, named for the part of a bicycle’s crankset that connects the pedal to the chainring, providing the leverage needed to move the tires when the rider pushes the pedal. The brewery is an expansion of Crank Arm Rickshaw, a company of pedal-based rickshaws that you might have seen transporting people throughout Downtown. Expect a bicycling theme at the big, open tasting room, where the owners provide racks and tools for cycling patrons, and a team of rickshaws waits to take people to other downtown destinations. Hours: Mon-Wed: 4pm-Midnight Thurs-Fri: 4pm-2am Sat: Noon-2am Sun: Noon-10pm Beers on Tap: 9, plus any of 10 seasonals 62 | midtownmag.com
Beers in Bottles/Cans: None
to regulars and strangers from both sides of the Atlantic.
The One To Try: Reflector Red – Medium-bodied and malty, with roasted caramel flavors; 5.4% ABV
Hours: Mon-Thurs: Noon-10pm Fri-Sat: Noon-11pm Sun: Noon-7pm
Food Served? No
Beers on Tap: 4, with others on the horizon.
Tours/Other Special Events: Regular Beer and Biking events; see website for dates.
Beers in Bottles/Cans: None, but growlers are available.
Fortnight Brewing Company 1006 SW Maynard Road Cary, NC 27511 919.342.6604 www.fortnightbrewing.com About This Brewery: Named for the approximate amount of time it takes for a craft ale to fully ferment, Fortnight embodies tradition. The company’s goal when it opened last year was “to bring a line of clean easy-drinking English inspired ales to the Cary area.” The brewers sought to give new life to the traditional styles, and the co-ownership by English and North Carolinians has helped. The taproom has a pub-like atmosphere that appeals
The One To Try: Fortnight Blonde Ale – Light, but not lacking. Fruity and floral, it’s easy to drink and has a clean finish; 5% ABV. Food Served? No, but they are food-friendly, with take-out menus inside and food trucks outside Tours/Other Special Events: Mon: Open mic, featured guest brewery and growler specials. Tues: Small batch release and pitcher specials. Wed: Run club at 6pm, with 3- and 5-mile runs for all levels of runners. Thurs: Cask ale release. Fri: Live music. Sat/Sun: Free tours at 2, 3 and 4pm.
and other brands in 26 taps Beers in Bottles/Cans: None of their own The One To Try: Bill & Ted’s Excellent Amber – Brewed with Amarillo and cascade hops and three different types of crystal malts, this hoppy amber has distinct caramel, citrus and apricot flavors Food Served? Plenty of it! Try one of their specialty pizzas, sandwiches or salads. Tours/Other Special Events: Two flights available with LBC samplers: a $4 flight of four or $6 flight of six. Or buy a $5 growler, and have it refilled at pitcher prices. Lonerider Brewing Company
Lynnwood Brewing Concern 4821 Grove Barton Road Raleigh, NC 27613 919.785.0043 www.lynnwoodgrill.com About This Brewery: Lynnwood Bar & Grill was around for years before starting a year ago to brew their own line of beers, and has always been known as a cozy, friendly place where customers could find good food and “comfortable excitement.” Their LBC beers have been a hit, only adding to their reputation as a great place for food and drink – whether filling up before or after taking in a movie across the parking lot at the Raleigh Grande, listening to live music, getting ready for the big game, or just out for a night of it on their rooftop patio. Hours: Inside: 11am-2am Daily Rooftop: Mon-Thurs: 5pm-Midnight Fri: 4pm-2am Sat: Noon-2am Sun: Noon-Midnight Beers on Tap: 8 year-round LBC beers, plus seasonals
8816 Gulf Court Suite #100 Raleigh, NC 27617 919.442.8004 www.loneriderbeer.com About This Brewery: Lonerider embodies attitude, bucking convention and appealing to the outlaw in all of us. Simple and unassuming, this company refuses to take itself too seriously, instead inviting customers to give themselves an outlaw name on its web contact form: “Not required. But, come on how can you resist?” Quips like that are prevalent on the website, and the tasting room is equally inviting, sitting inside a loading bay in the brick building that houses their “hideout” (aka brewery), with the large door wide open and beckoning to strangers to hop off their horse and grab a stool. The outlaw routine is just for fun, but it makes for a cool theme and label art in an otherwise friendly atmosphere. It must do the trick, because the beers have won awards, and the company has been recognized as a good business. Hours: Mon-Thurs.: 2-10pm Fri-Sat: 2-11pm Sun: 2-7pm Beers on Tap: 3 year-round, plus seasonals and specials
Beers in Bottles/Cans: 3 year-round plus any of 4 22-oz. specials The One To Try: Shotgun Betty – Silver Award winner, Carolina Championship of Beer. A great hefeweizen with notes of banana and clove, and a dry finish; 5.8% ABV Food Served? No Tours/Other Special Events: $1 tours every other Saturday from 2-7pm (see website for dates). Natty Greene’s Brewing Co. 505 W. Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27603 919.232.2477 www.nattygreenes.com About This Brewery: Known as “the Savior of the South,” Major General Nathanael Greene was a hero of the American Revolution, having risen from the rank of militia private to eventually command the Southern Campaign that drove Cornwallis from the Carolinas. Despite their temporary defeat at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Greene’s forces dealt major casualties to the British there, and that area was later named for him: Greensboro. More than 200 years later, two college friends wanted to enter the budding craft beer movement in Greensboro, and when they opened a pub and brewery there in 2004, they named it in honor of the same major general. Their business has risen through the ranks in the same meteoric fashion as Greene, and their successful operations now include a brewhouse in Raleigh. Walk into it, and you might think you’ve stepped back in time to Greene’s days – you’ll find an old-fashioned brick interior, highlighted by intricately carved wooden columns and tray ceilings. The place has an open, antique look and feel, right down to the labels. It’s downright revolutionary. Hours: Bar: Mon-Wed: 11am-Midnight Thurs-Sat: 11am-2am Sun: Noon-Midnight
midtownmag.com | 63
Restaurant: Mon-Sat: 11am-11pm Sun: 11am-10pm Beers on Tap: 12 – 5 year-round, plus 7 of numerous seasonals, limited/special releases, and one-offs Beers in Bottles: 5 year-round, plus any of 4 seasonals/ limited releases The One To Try: Buckshot – Rich but not too heavy, this amber ale balances its hop and malt perfectly for its roasted toffee and caramel highlights; 4.8% ABV Food Served? Anything you can imagine eating with great beer – 11 different burgers, 20 different sandwiches, and numerous salads and sides Tours/Other Special Events: Call for details, but frankly, going here is the event. 64 | midtownmag.com
Raleigh Brewing Company 3709 Neil Street Raleigh, NC 27607 919.696.4901 www.raleighbrewingcompany.com About This Brewery: Located not too far from the NC State campus, Raleigh Brewing Company’s building is red, inside and out. The bricks are painted vivid red on the outside, with the brewery logo painted in white. Inside the 3300-square-foot taproom/ lounge the walls are painted red, with murals of Raleigh scenes painted by local artists. The taproom features board games, darts, cornhole and playing cards, creating a warm, playful, dorm-like atmosphere. It’s dog-friendly and familyfriendly, offering kids’ drinks such as root beer and kombucha, a Chinese soft drink featuring fermented tea, probiotics, and varying (and changing) flavors from local spices and produce. (Sorry, no one under 21 after 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.)
Hours: Mon.-Thurs.: Noon-10pm Fri.-Sat.: Noon-Midnight Sun.: Noon-6pm Beers on Tap: 6 year-round beers, plus any of 6 seasonals Beers in Bottles/Cans: None The One To Try: Blatherskite – A rich, malty ale with caramel, honey and toffee tones and a clean finish; 5.3% ABV Food Served? No, but various food trucks are available outside almost nightly Tours/Other Special Events: $5 tours every first and third Saturday at 3pm. Team Trivia every Wednesday at 8pm. Fleet Feet Social Run every other Wednesday at 6pm. Live music regularly.
SIDEBEER:
Two Types, But Too Many Varieties Beer comes in a whole lot of choices, considering it’s essentially made from four ingredients: water, yeast, starch/ grain, and flavoring. Some brewers also add a clarifying agent, but that isn’t essential. One common source of starch is malt (or malted barley), while a common flavoring is the hops flower, whose bitterness counters the sugary malt. The yeast, of course, is what causes the fermentation, which creates alcohol. And based on the type of yeast, beer falls into two categories – ales and lagers. (There’s also an obscure third category known as lambics, but many people consider a lambic to be a variety of ale.) Lagers use a yeast that ferments at cooler temperatures, and tend to be dry and light. Ales result from yeasts that ferment at warmer temperatures, and tend to have sweeter, more robust flavors. But that’s it – four ingredients, two main types. Yet brewers are able to create much wider variety than that, which is where things tend to become confusing. Here are some of the varieties you’ll come across in the breweries mentioned in these pages:
plum_ma.pdf
1
2/18/14
5:55 PM
LAGERS
Bock – Stronger than a typical lager, with a robust, malty flavor and aromas. Rich and slightly bitter. Dark Lager – Mild body, well-balanced with aromas of caramel, chocolate, coffee, or nuts. Clean finish. Doppelbock – Not actually related to bocks; only named so for their color. Barley-based, with less thorough fermentation – yet slightly higher alcohol content. Subtle, with a sweet finish. Oktoberfest/Marzen – Amber and full-bodied, with slightly higher alcohol content. Starts out malty and sweet, with a dry, hoppy finish. Pale Lager – Light in color, body, and taste, but with heavy carbonation. Think Budweiser. Pilsner – Pale and clean, fragrant and bitter. A simple, basic beer. midtownmag.com | 65
Beers in Bottles/Cans: None yet, but expect bottles late this year or early 2015 The One To Try: White Street Kolsch-Style Ale. A crisp, light and dry German beer, perfect for a hot day, after work or mowing the lawn. Winner of the 2014 World Beer Cup Gold Medal in the Kolsch-style category; 5.2% ABV Food Served? No, but local restaurants deliver there, and food trucks come by on weekends Tours/Other Special Events: Run Club every Tuesday at 7pm. Cycling Club Thursday at 6:30pm. Live music on weekends. Live trivia the first Wednesday of the month. Coming Soon
Nickelpoint Brewing Co. Trophy Brewing Co. 827 W. Morgan Street Raleigh, NC 27603 919.803.4849 www.trophybrewing.com About This Brewery: A 3-barrel nanobrewery specializing in small batches, Trophy’s offerings change almost daily, so you can count on variety. The full bar sits in front of plate-glass windows overlooking Morgan Street; patrons can sit in comfort and watch the goings-on to their hearts’ content. The bar recently expanded to add a full restaurant and enjoyable patio, for openair beer and pizza. Hours: Mon-Wed: 5pm-Midnight Thurs-Fri: 3pm-2am Sat: Noon-2am Sun: Noon-Midnight Beers on Tap: 6 Beers in Bottles/Cans: None The One To Try: Rose Gose – An interesting take on the traditional gose style, featuring salt and rosemary flavors. Refreshing! 3.6% ABV 66 | midtownmag.com
Food Served? Yes, they’re known for their specialty pizzas White Street Brewing Co. 218 South White Street Wake Forest, NC 27587 919.647.9439 www.whitestreetbrewing.com About This Brewery: A renovated 1930s car dealership, White Street Brewing Co. garnered an architecture award for the person responsible for its restoration. The taproom has original exposed-brick walls, with beautiful wood accents and a mahogany bar. The brewhouse is in full view of the taproom – no glass walls hiding this one, thank you. Customers can see, smell, and hear the brewing process as they drink the ultimate results in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
506 Pershing Road Raleigh, NC 27608 919.916.5961 www.nickelpointbrewing.com About This Brewery: Five is the magic number for this brewery, set to open in Five Points later this summer. Expect a 5:00 happy hour and other five- and nickel-based elements. Owners plan to give the establishment an industrial theme, with a taproom reminiscent of the early days of the brewing industry – something they also hope to reflect in many of their flavors. Planned Hours: Sun-Thurs: Noon-10pm Fri-Sat: Noon-Midnight Beers on Tap: 4 of 8 planned varieties Beers in Bottles/Cans: None at first
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 4-10pm Fri: 2pm-Midnight Sat: Noon-Midnight Sun: Noon-10pm
The One To Try: Head Brewer Bruce Corregan recommends Nickelpoint Belgian Golden, which he feels will differentiate this brewery from others. It’s been popular at tastings, second only behind the Porter.
Beers on Tap: 3 year-round, plus 4 of 6 seasonals and limited editions.
Food Served? No, but a good variety of food trucks will come by.
ALES
Barley Wine – Rich, deep and warm, like a fine wine. A little hoppier than a strong ale. Blonde/Golden – Resembles a pilsner in its light color, but as an ale is sweeter. Aromatic and fruity. Brown Ale – Earthy and malty, without the bitterness or fragrance of hops. Double IPA – Even more hops than an IPA gives this strong, fruity notes. Sometimes a brewer will add more malt to counter that, making for a strong beer. Dunkelweizen – A darker German wheat beer, with raisin and caramel flavors. ESB (Extra Special Bitter) – Rich in malt for a full flavor, but with strong hops for an aromatic bitterness. A complex combination. Hefeweizen – German-style wheat beer, with heavy carbonation, very low hops, and notes of clove or nutmeg, vanilla and banana. IPA (India Pale Ale) – Heavy on the hops, as if you’re drinking flowers, with a bitter taste. Pale Ale – Gentler roasting of the barley and the use of a pale malt can give it a woody flavor, but in the US we tend to ramp up the hops in this one, making it spicier. Porter – Dark, but mild. Made with roasted malt or barley and fermented slowly. Can taste roasted, with hints of chocolate or toffee. Red Ale – Like a brown ale, but filtered and pasteurized, and a little more acidic. Saison – Heavy on the hops and spices, tending toward dry and citric or peppery. Somewhat sour, but a light thirstquencher, nevertheless. Scotch Ale – Intensely flavored, with high malt content, low hops, a full body, and higher alcohol content. Can be smoky or peaty, like its whiskey counterpart. Stout – Made from black, unmalted barley. Harsher roasted flavor than a porter, but with possible similar hints of chocolate or hints of coffee, licorice, or molasses. Witbier/Wheat Beer/White Beer – Very low hops presence and strong yeast in this cloudy beer give it a light flavor. Can have citric, spicy aromas, with a clean finish. A great summer beer. midtownmag.com | 67
photograph Š Chris Seward
NOW
the charleston from came ron b a r & g ril l
68 | midtownmag.com
IS ONE
If you want to sink your teeth into a big, juicy burger, you’ll find plenty of places that make them memorable By Kurt Dusterberg Photography by sean junqueira
BU RG
T
There is something about the taste of a good burger in the summertime. There’s nothing better than a weekend cookout, when we fire up the grill and feed our family and friends.
But what about when that craving kicks in and we want to treat ourselves to a beefy patty with a little style of its own? Around here, you can find delicious burgers that range from the simple and juicy to creations that are clever and exotic. So when you’re not on grill duty, here are some area restaurants that are known for their take on an American classic.
70 | midtownmag.com
the
Charleston If you’re looking for a variety of flavors in one beefy sandwich, the Charleston Burger might be for you. It starts with eight ounces of beef, along with a fried green tomato, which is pickled and breaded. Topping it off is an herb aioli, with crumbled goat cheese. The combination gives you a little pop of sweet, tangy and crunchy in every bit. On the side, you have a choice of hot chips, sweet potato waffle fries, a side salad or homemade cole slaw for a lunch that runs $12.45.
cameron bar & grill 2018 Clark Ave • Raleigh 919.755.2231 cameronbarandgrill.com
stuffed
burger
Do you have an event to cater this summer? Catering Works has a special on one of its most popular items. The Stuffed Burger features house-ground beef tenderloin, stuffed with applewood smoked bacon and a slice of cheddar cheese. For $10, each meal includes a deli salad (fruit, pasta or potato), chips, a homemade pickle, desert and iced tea. No one will leave hungry. The special requires a 10-person minimum and is available through August 31st.
catering works
2319 Laurelbrook St • Raleigh 919.828.5932 cateringworks.com
midtownmag.com | 71
caveman
burger
Chef Mario’s favorite burger is the Bacon Wrapped Paleo Burger – also known as the Caveman Burger. The thick, juicy all-beef patty is wrapped in bacon and dressed up with lettuce, pickles and onions. But there’s more: a sunny-side up egg, dill aioli and barbecue sauce make this sandwich unique. It’s served on a bacon, tapioca and coconut flour bun. As an added bonus, the bun is gluten free.
chef mario’s
2610 Wycliff Rd, Suite 23 • Raleigh 919.781.4141 chefmario.com
72 | midtownmag.com
the
flatline The custom-blended pattie is just the start, dressed with an over-easy egg, lettuce, tomato, applewood-smoked bacon and Duke’s mayonnaise. For seasoning, they keep it simple with salt and pepper. They’ve recently added a new twist: you can cover the burger with gravy. Enjoy it with hand-dipped onion rings, french fries or mac and cheese for $9.
chow
8311 Creedmoor Rd • Raleigh 919.841.4995 chowraleigh.com
midtownmag.com | 73
coquette
burger
This burger starts with a custom blend of different cuts of beef, made to bring out the maximum flavor. It is topped with caramelized onions and brie cheese. Add to it a sunny-side up egg and bacon lardon (thick-cut bacon), and you have a memorable sandwich. It comes with thin french fries and sells for $12.
coquette brasserie
4351 The Circle At North Hills St • Raleigh 919.789.0606 coquetteraleigh.com
house-ground
burger
This is an all-local burger, starting with a custom grind that makes an eight-ounce patty. The secret here is the beef has a 70-30 lean/fat ratio, meaning your burger is juicy and full of flavor even if you like it well done. It’s served with house-made mozzarella, tomato and romaine lettuce. A brioche bun gets a nice spread of aioli as well. You have a choice of a side salad, chips or soup of the day, all for $10.45.
gravy
135 S Wilmington St • Raleigh 919.896.8513 gravyraleigh.com 74 | midtownmag.com
pimento cheese
burger
Pimento cheese is a Southern favorite, and it takes center stage at Midtown Grille. The Pimento Burger starts with ground steak from the ribeye and hanger steaks served at the restaurant. The chili peppers and the cheese come from local farms, seasoned with only salt and pepper. The burger is topped with lettuce, tomato and carmelized onion and served with chips, fries or fruit salad for $11. For a little more zing, you can add a couple strips of Nueske’s bacon for $1.25.
midtown grille 4421-115 Six Forks Rd. 919.782.9463 themidtowngrille.com
midtownmag.com | 75
pit
burger
For a little variation, the Pit Burger delivers freshly made, premium brisket, char-grilled and served on a brioche bun. The brisket is 90 percent lean, with 10 percent brisket fat, which provides a little extra juicy flavor. The sandwich is topped with lettuce, tomato and fried onions and finished with a barbecue glaze. It is served with either house-cut fries or sweet potato fries for $9.99.
the pit
328 W Davie St • Raleigh 919.890.4500 thepit-raleigh.com
raleigh times
burger
The Raleigh Times Burger starts with certified Angus chuck, ground in-house every day. Choose your favorite cheese, then top it with lettuce, tomato and pickle. A soft yeast roll completes the sandwich. Simple and delicious, the restaurant sells 3,000 of these every month. On the side, enjoy the housemade chips, cut and fried daily with a secret blend of seasoning, priced at $8.95.
the raleigh times bar 14 E Hargett St • Raleigh 919.833.0999 raleightimesbar.com 76 | midtownmag.com
sitti
burger
sitti
137 S Wilmington St • Raleigh 919.239.4070 sitti-raleigh.com
The owner’s Lebanese grandmother made this delicious burger for him when he was a boy. It starts with beef top round, yellow onion and crushed saltine crackers. A taste of all spice, pepper and mint gives this sandwich a unique something extra. It is served in a house-made pita pocket, in a sauce that includes yogurt, cucumber, mint and garlic. On the side, you can enjoy hand-cut fries, seasoned with Lebanese olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper for $7.99.
midtownmag.com | 77
tried and true
burger
At The Oxford, the Tried and True Burger will get your mouth watering with a house-made mango, chipotle and cilantro barbecue sauce. That’s the top dressing, along with sharp cheddar cheese and applewood smoked bacon. The burger itself is made from ground chuck and is served on a crusty brioche bun. On the side, they serve homemade chips that are soaked in malt vinegar and fried, giving them a bit of a salty kick. Waffle fries, fruit or a side salad make good alternatives for a lunch that runs $11.50.
the oxford
319 Fayetteville St • Raleigh 919.832-6622 oxfordraleigh.com
memphis smokehouse
burger
They start off with eight ounces of certified Angus beef on a fresh-baked brioche bun, but it’s everything else that will get your attention. The burger comes with applewood smoked bacon, local smoked white cheddar cheese, homemade barbecue sauce and buttermilk-battered fried onions.Sweet potato fries are a popular choice for the side, although a side salad or red-skin mashed potatoes round out the meal well for $13.
village grill
8470 Honeycutt Rd #102 • Raleigh 919.890.5340 villagegrillraleigh.com 78 | midtownmag.com
calendar ofevents
July/August 2014
Artist Mike Rooney July 1-31 | Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 1-5pm ArtSource Fine Art Gallery & Framing 4351-107 The Circle at North Hills Street www.artsource-raleigh.com
And So It Goes July 9 | 7pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040 ext. 232 jim@carolinatheatre.org
23nd Annual Historic Independence Day Open House – An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration July 4 | 11am-4pm 160 South Saint Mary’s St. | Raleigh 919.833.3431 | joellane@bellsouth.net
Storytime in the Gallery July 10, 17, 24 & 31 | 10-10:30am www.ncmuseumofhistory.org
Still Life Reinterpreted Exhibit Through July 6 | Mon-Sat: 9am-9pm Sun: 1-6pm | Durham Arts Council 120 Morris Street | www.durhamarts.org A DOLL CAMP FOR AMERICAN GIRLS – Soda Shop Adventure July 7-11 | 9am-1pm M-F The Historic Polk House | Raleigh polkhouse2@bellsouth.net Time for Tots: Look at Lighthouses July 8 | 10-10:45am To register, call 919.807.7992 www.ncmuseumofhistory.org Music on the green July 8, 15, 22, 29 & August 5, 12, 19, 26 6-9pm | Lafayette Village | Raleigh www.lafayettevillageraleigh.com
Wipe Out 2014 July 12 | 11am-4pm Logan Trading Company | 707 Semart Drive Raleigh | http://logantrd.com/events
Oak City 7 (OC7) July 10, 24 & August 7, 21 | 5-10:30pm Raleigh City Plaza | Downtown Raleigh www.raleighcityplaza.com
Marc Cohn July 13 | 8pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040, ext. 224 aaron@carolinatheatre.org
Paint & Sip Art Class – Ocean Scene July 10 | 6:30-9pm Kidz Celebrate | Raleigh www.kidzcelebrate.com
American Idol Live! July 13 Durham Performing Arts Center www.DPACnc.com/CoolSummerNights
How I Became A Pirate July 11-20 Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts www.dukeenergycenterraleigh.com Sorcerer & The French Connection July 11 | 7pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040 ext. 232 jim@carolinatheatre.org NCMA Summer Movies July 11, 18, 25, 26 August 1, 8, 15, 16, 22, 23 North Carolina Museum of Art www.ncartmuseum.org NCMA Summer CONCERTS July 12, 19, 26 & August 2, 9 North Carolina Museum of Art www.ncartmuseum.org Loudon Wainwright III and Iris DeMent July 12 | 8pm North Carolina Museum of Art www.ncartmuseum.org Fan Appreciation Day with free movies July 12 | The Secret of Nimh – 2pm The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – 7pm Clue – 4pm | The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040 ext. 232 jim@carolinatheatre.org Make It, Take It: Sew a Stitch July 12 | Noon-3pm (drop-in program) www.ncmuseumofhistory.org
80 | midtownmag.com
Paint Along Art Class – Seahorse July 12 | 10am-Noon Kidz Celebrate | Raleigh www.kidzcelebrate.com
Free Summer Mini-Preschool Classes July 16, 23, 30 & August 6, 13 9:30-10:15am St. Raphael Preschool | Raleigh To register, call 919.865.5728 www.straphaelpreschool.org The Milk Carton Kids July 17 | 8pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040, ext. 224 aaron@carolinatheatre.org Bastille Day Wine Dinner July 17 Saint-Jacques French Cuisine 6112 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh www.saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com Wine Walk for Charity July 17 & August 21 | 6-8pm Lafayette Village | Raleigh www.lafayettevillageraleigh.com Pickin’ in the Plaza July 17, 31 & August 14, 28 | 5-10:30pm Raleigh City Plaza | Downtown Raleigh www.raleighcityplaza.com Kidz Night Out – Madagascar July 19 | 6-10pm Kidz Celebrate | Raleigh www.kidzcelebrate.com A DOLL CAMP FOR AMERICAN GIRLS – Dolls and Their Accessories July 21-25 | 9am-1pm M-F The Historic Polk House | Raleigh polkhouse2@bellsouth.net
7 14 21 28
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
AUGUST
JULY
6 13 20 27
1 8 15 22 29
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
Cooking Class July 22 Saint-Jacques French Cuisine 6112 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh www.saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com Paint & Sip Art Class – Jelly Fish July 24 | 6:30-9pm Kidz Celebrate | Raleigh www.kidzcelebrate.com Return to Oz & Something Wicked This Way Comes July 25 | 7pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040 ext. 232 jim@carolinatheatre.org Paint Along Art Class – Pink Flamingo July 26 | 10am-Noon Kidz Celebrate | Raleigh www.kidzcelebrate.com Saturdays in the Garden July 26 | 1:30-2:30pm www.ncmuseumofhistory.org A DOLL CAMP FOR AMERICAN GIRLS – Parties Galore July 28-August 1 | 9am-1pm M-F The Historic Polk House | Raleigh polkhouse2@bellsouth.net Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? & Mildred Pierce August 1 | 7pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040 ext. 232 jim@carolinatheatre.org
Carolina Chocolate Drops August 9 | 8pm North Carolina Museum of Art www.ncartmuseum.org Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons August 9 Durham Performing Arts Center www.DPACnc.com/CoolSummerNights Pat Metheny August 9 | 8pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040, ext. 224 aaron@carolinatheatre.org Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo August 10 | 4-9pm Fayetteville Street North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival August 15-24 | Various times The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040 ext. 232 jim@carolinatheatre.org 3 Doors Down Acoustic August 17 Durham Performing Arts Center www.DPACnc.com/CoolSummerNights
An Evening with Judy Collins August 2 | 8pm North Carolina Museum of Art www.ncartmuseum.org
Fried Green Tomatoes & Legend of Billie Jean August 18 | 7pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040 ext. 232 jim@carolinatheatre.org
Club Carolina with Rich Robinson August 8 | 8pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040, ext. 224 aaron@carolinatheatre.org
Victor/Victoria & What’s Up Doc? August 19 | 7pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040 ext. 232 jim@carolinatheatre.org
Grease & All That Jazz August 8 | 7pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040 ext. 232 jim@carolinatheatre.org
Julia Child Wine Dinner August 19 Saint-Jacques French Cuisine 6112 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh www.saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com
Mommie Dearest & The Women August 20 | 7pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040 ext. 232 jim@carolinatheatre.org Julia Child Cooking Class August 20 Saint-Jacques French Cuisine 6112 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh www.saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com Priscilla, Queen of the Desert & Polyester August 21 | 7pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040 ext. 232 jim@carolinatheatre.org NEEDTOBREATHE August 24 Durham Performing Arts Center www.DPACnc.com/CoolSummerNights Lyle Lovett & His Large Band August 27 Durham Performing Arts Center www.DPACnc.com/CoolSummerNights The Lost Boys & The Witches of Eastwick August 29 | 7pm The Carolina Theatre | Durham 919.560.3040 ext. 232 jim@carolinatheatre.org
Have an important event? We would love to hear about it. Please send the details of your calendar events to: jill@midtownmag.com.
midtownmag.com | 81
82 | midtownmag.com
SCREAM
f r ICE CREAM You know you want to! There’s nothing better than some cold, creamy goodness on a sweltering day. Here, a few of our favorite Midtown spots – and a few beyond for those times when you don’t mind a little road trip. By CHRISTA GALA
midtownmag.com | 83
Photograph © davies photography
FRESH Local Ice Cream The name says it all. This creamery on Glenwood Avenue is dedicated to freshness, getting its milk and cream from local dairy farmers, all of which is hormone- and antibiotic-free. Try Bananas Fosters, Wild Blueberry or Salty Caramel Fudge in a homemade waffle cone. The sweet aroma of freshly baked cones will entice before you even approach the counter. There are also Orange Cream and Root Beer Floats as well as sundaes and milkshakes. So much deliciousness. Bring your furry friends too; the Fresh folks don’t mind a few paws on the counter, and you can order man’s best friend, the “Dog Bone Sundae,” (Vanilla ice cream and a dog treat) for $3.25. Ice cream cakes are available too, and Fresh often runs special promotions so keep an eye out for those. Fresh specializes in ice cream but also incorporates a deli that sells Sabrett’s dogs, sodas and its specialty “Mac and Cheese Poppers.” Lunch and dessert in one easy stop: Yum.
h © davies
Photograp
howling cow We get a lot of great things from the universities that surround the Triangle, but ice cream? You betcha. Howling Cow ice cream is NC State’s best-kept secret – not that it wants it that way. The NC State Department of Food Science has been making the ice cream since 1968. It’s always available at the NC State Fair, and every year folks stand in a long line to taste the homemade ice cream that’s made with milk and cream from the university’s dairy farm. You can also buy Howling Cow in bulk (4 oz cups in a 24-pack, pints or gallons) for your own freezer at Schaub Hall on the NC State Campus or by the scoop at several locations, including D.H. Hill Library, Hunt Library and several C-store locations around campus. Consider trying Java Bean, Cookie Dough, Campfire Delight, Chocolate Chip Mint or Chancellor’s Choice. The NC Dairy Foundation for Excellence is in the process of raising money for a bricksand-mortar location that would serve as a customer parlor on the first floor with a training center upstairs, a learning hub for students studying food product development. This is about as guilt-free as it gets – your scoop today supports educators and dairy farmers tomorrow.
84 | midtownmag.com
Phot ogra
ph ©
davie sp
hoto
hy
photograp
grap
hy
Photograph © davies photography
Ben & Jerry’s A great pit stop if you’re out doing a little shopping – easy to get to and always featuring perennial favorites Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey. But this Vermont-based creamery also offers Greek Frozen Yogurt (like Liz Lemon and Banana Peanut Butter) as well as sorbets and sundaes. The chain gained notoriety for its fantastic ice cream but also as a company that’s environmentally conscious and socially aware, working to ensure its supply chain is equitable to all involved in the process – farmers and workers. It created the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, donating 7.5 percent of its pretax profits, which funds community-oriented projects. In 1979, the shop hosted a “Free Cone Day” to celebrate its first year in business and to thank the customers who made it possible. The chain continues to do it 35 years later. Alas, “Free Cone Day” for 2014 was April 8am. There’s always next year.
phy Photograph © davies photogra
midtownmag.com| 85
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Y IT
ST CHURCH, R PTI AL EI BA G
H C ,N
TR IN
This ice cream parlor on Durant Road makes 25 ice cream flavors fresh each day. Back by popular demand this summer is Peach and Black Raspberry (pictured left). You might also try Graham Central Station, Almond Chocolate Coconut or Death by Chocolate. You can sign up to receive text messages when your favorite flavor is made, a good idea because certain flavors have a following and sell out quickly. Bruster’s offers free “baby cones” to kids under 40 inches and free doggie sundaes for the pups, so everybody’s happy – at least until they get hot again. Every Thursday is half-off a banana split if you bring your own banana.
North Hills 5K
September 6, 2014 Benefitting North Raleigh Ministries www.NorthRaleighMinistries.com
86 | midtownmag.com
Photograph © davies photography
Pelican’s Get your shaved ice SnoBalls through the window (drive-thru or walk up) at Pelicans on Captial Boulevard or New Bern Avenue in Raleigh. Pelican’s is known for its New Orleans-style shaved ice in more than 100 flavors – from Dill Pickle to Dreamsicle. If you’re calorie-conscious, a small SnoBall won’t derail your day with just 150 calories; SnoBalls have no high fructose corn syrup or gluten either. Can you say guilt-free? But if you want to indulge (and who doesn’t?), give the SnoCream or homemade ice cream a try. See ya at the window!
saint jacques_ma.pdf
1
2/5/14
4:09 PM
raphy es photog
ph © davi
Photogra
midtownmag.com | 87
Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream
If Good Morning America and the Food Network didn’t think Angier was too far to travel for fantastic ice cream, then how can we complain about a 40-minute drive? Sunni Sky’s features more than 120 flavors of homemade ice cream. And on a busy summer night, it takes between 12 and 14 employees to serve guests and keep the line moving. Ice cream is made every single day and often folks come just to watch the process, but of course they end up getting a cone. Sampling is encouraged. The Sunni Sky’s motto: “When in doubt, sample it out.” Consider trying Coconut Cookie, Burnt Sugar, Whiskey, Baked Alaska and Rice Krispy Treat. Even with all of those whimsical flavors, chocolate is still the bestseller, says Sunni Wilson, daughter of owner Scott Wilson and the namesake of the store. If you really want to stretch your comfort zone, consider trying “Cold Sweat,” a spicy-hot ice cream made with all kinds of peppers and hot sauces – but you have to sign a liability waiver. It’s that hot. Cold Sweat is so popular, there’s now a sequel flavor: Exit Wound. Sunni Sky’s also encourages customers to mix flavors and create their own specialty items – or try one of its floats, shakes or Avalanches (the latter is 16 ounces of ice cream blended with the topping of your choice).
Porter Farms and Nursery
Photography © Jessica Yakamna
Located off Hwy 42 in Willow Spring, Porter Farms and Nursery sells fresh fruits and veggies – whatever happens to be in season – as well as a variety of homemade ice cream. Porter’s has a loyal following, and many say the ice cream is so good because it’s made from fresh milk from the nearby Jackson Dairy Farm, family-owned since 1806. The cows feed in organic fields, which makes the ice cream naturally organic. Popular flavors often have a Southern flair, including Banana Pudding, Strawberry Cheesecake, Caramel Apple Crunch, Cotton Candy, and Honey Almond. 88 | midtownmag.com
Photography © Jessica Yakamna
w rth the drive
(Bar)
yourHome
1
Drinks Anyone? Complete your home bar with some suggestions from our local stores. From wine glasses to scotch bottles, discover some bar ideas to inspire the bartender and encourage entertainment!
midtownmag.com | 89
(Bar)
yourHome
2
3
4
5
1. Revival Antiques/$46
>Glass decanter with stopper and set of liquor labels
2. Ten Thousand Villages/$39
>Hebron goblet handmade from recycled glass
3. Hunt & Gather, Glenwood Ave./$95
>Vintage portable bar with silver plated bottle opener
4. Revival Antiques/$295 >Two tier metal bar cart
5. Ten Thousand Villages/$39
>Hand-lathed onyx goblet
6. Hunt & Gather, Glenwood Ave./$99/ea
>Italian leather scotch bottles
7. Affordable Chic Shops /$40 / $90
>Etched blue goblet ocean theme set / Silver plated champagne holder
90 | midtownmag.com
6
7
midtownmag.com | 91
Good Deed difference
Many years ago, at a girls night out, Sherry Gentry-Gasper asked her friends if they were interested in helping out a local mom. Today, Good Deeds Girls Night Out is a true grassroots effort, with women across Raleigh reaching out to bring a little bit of happiness into the lives of others. by Illyse Lane
92 | midtownmag.com
Photograph Š Flashes of Hope
the
Feeling like a superhero! Paxton Phelps has come a long way since his diagnosis over a year ago. Good Deeds Girls Night Out was happy to help make life a little easier during his treatment.
The first thing you need to know is that for the Good Deed Girls Night Out crew, a good deed is just that. A good deed. It’s not an act based on any qualifying criteria. It’s not an act that requires the recipient to report back or be accountable to the person that performed the good deed. It’s simply an act that comes from the heart. A purely selfless act intended to bring happiness to someone else. Speaking of intent, the second thing you need to know is that Sherry Gentry-Gasper, a mother of three who works full-time outside the home, never intended to be the “leader” of a small group of women that meets as often as ten times a year to not only enjoy dinner and drinks, but to also reach out and help other women. It just sort of happened that way. “I had a group of friends, and we liked to go have dinner and drinks without our husbands and kids; it was really about venting and having a group of women that could identify with each other,” says Gentry-Gasper. Yet a conversation Gentry-Gasper had with a local mom right around the time of one of the planned nights out got her thinking. “A mom approached me, asking for help with her family’s Christmas. She knew I volunteered, and thought that I might know of someone or a group who could help with some little things,” says Gentry-Gasper. An Idea Born Her immediate reaction was to take this opportunity to the girls night out group. “The mom was very specific about what she needed, and it wasn’t that much, so I thought ‘hey, why don’t we all chip in and get her what she needs?’” she remembers. Which is exactly what the women ended up doing, chalking it up to a good deed. But the ease in which Gentry-Gasper and her friends were able make that decision and fly into action to help another person kept resonating with her, and got her thinking about an even bigger opportunity. Gentry-Gasper felt fortunate that she was able to leave the house for a few hours once a month to enjoy the camaraderie of girlfriends. She felt fortunate that she was able to spend a few dollars on a nice meal. She also realized that although the women going to the girls nights out were there to enjoy the bonding time with other women, she also had a ready-made audience of women who liked to give back. So why not make giving a part of the experience? midtownmag.com | 93
Gentry-Gasper had an idea. For the next girls night out, she suggested that each woman bring a five dollar contribution. The money would be pooled together to purchase a gift card to the restaurant where the group of friends happened to be dining. “I figured if we all pitched in five dollars, we could give the gift card to someone we thought could use a night out with dinner; someone who may not normally be able to come,” says Gentry-Gasper. And to make it even more enticing, she agreed to match whatever donations she took in. “I think that when I offered to match, it encouraged the women to know that their five dollars was so much more than that,” says GentryGasper. “It was something real.” Spreading Good Deeds And with that reality, the women began to branch out with their good deeds. Over dinner and drinks, as kids, school, work, and all of the other elements of life were discussed, the women made the decision to purchase baby monitors for Hospice and pay someone’s utility bill in January, knowing that coming off the holiday season, people were often on a very tight budget. They decided to donate coats during the winter, stock a food pantry around Thanksgiving, collect jeans for a cause, fill backpacks for the new school year and raise money to help a few families that could use a break. And they continued to perform the one good deed that is Gentry-Gasper’s favorite; the one she calls pay-itforward, when each woman is given a five dollar gift card and challenged to go pay-it-forward for someone else. “Not everyone is comfortable being the initiator or is
94 | midtownmag.com
Armed with Good Deeds Girls Night Out gift cards, the women get ready to go out and pay-it-forward.
assertive in finding ways to give back on their own, yet they want to. This has given people a way to give impactfully,” says Gentry-Gasper. “There are people that wouldn’t normally buy a cup of coffee for somebody, but with the card they have the strength to do it. That card makes them feel like they can do anything, and the most exciting part is for them to feel what it is like to give, which is always a better feeling.” It’s a feeling that inspires women to continue to show up, month after month, knowing that in addition to giving, they
are forming stronger connections with other women. “This group is one of those things in my life that gives me absolute joy. It’s totally selfless, and it’s bringing so many women together. There have been some great friends that have come out of it,” says Lisa Domanski, Gentry-Gasper’s long-time friend who has been participating since the beginning. Today, with the help of social media, the group has grown from about ten to nearly 50 women. And with that growth came the need for an official name and mission. “It was hard for us to keep explaining what we were doing, so we decided on Good Deeds Girls Night Out, based on three things we love to do. Getting a night out, having a drink with friends, and helping others, as we find alternating causes that support local families,” says Gentry-Gasper. The Beauty of It Even as attendance has quadrupled, the group has stayed true to its roots, sticking with a five dollar contribution that is matched by Gentry-Gasper, as well as finding recipients for their good deeds through word of mouth. “The group is small yet diverse enough so between us, we all know someone, either through work, church, school or family, that deserves a smile,” says Gentry-Gasper. “In the beginning, someone would make midtownmag.com | 95
a suggestion, and we would just do it. That’s still the beauty of it. There’s a need, so we say let’s do it.” “The whole concept is phenomenal,” says Jennifer Woods, an active participant. “It’s wonderful to help people across the world, but there are people right next door who need help, and it’s just incredible to reach out to them.” And those local families that have benefited are not only grateful, but usually quite surprised, as they discover they’ve been chosen simply because someone felt they deserved a little goodwill. For Kristin Moore, that goodwill came in the form of a plane ticket to Haiti to visit her newly adopted son just one more time while she was waiting to bring him home. “The adoption process was only seven months, and we knew our son was ours, but I also knew that while we were waiting, he wasn’t getting any movement in his crib,” says Moore. When the Good Deeds Girls Night Out offered to raise money to help her make an additional trip to the country, Moore was not only thankful,
96 | midtownmag.com
The Future of Good Deeds Girls Night Out Sherry Gentry-Gasper has been amazed at how many women are not only interested in coming to one of the group’s nights out, but also starting their own group. Gentry-Gasper encourages both. “Ultimately, it would be wonderful if other women want to model this,” says Gentry-Gasper. She suggests that anyone interested visit the group on Facebook at facebook.com/GoodDeedsGNORaleigh or email her at gooddeedsraleigh@ gmail.com. Additionally, as the group grows in popularity, finding space that can handle about 50 women can be a challenge. Gentry-Gasper is hoping any restaurants that may be interested in hosting a night out reach out and let her know.
but also humbled. “The biggest part for me was not the money, it was the fact that they believed in us as a family and parents that they would be willing to do this for us,” says Moore. Kaitlan Phelps had a similar experience. “Sherry and I attended the same church, but didn’t know each other well,” says Phelps, whose son Paxton was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in April 2013. He had immediate surgery, followed by rounds of chemo, which meant lots of missed preschool followed by lots of missed kindergarten, as the family spent significant time at the hospital. “Sherry approached me about raising money, saying that she wanted to do this for us. She told us to invite whoever we wanted to the girls night out, and that she would match whatever was raised,” says Phelps. One of the main things Phelps and her family used the funds for was to purchase an iPad for Paxton to give him the ability to not only stay connected to his kindergarten class, but to also help pass the long hours
Thanks to a Good Deed, Kaitlan Phelps was able to get an iPad for her son, Paxton, to stay connected during his treatment.
spent in the clinic, in chemo, and waiting for labs. And while the gift of funds was extremely helpful, the most important takeaway for the Phelps family was to seize the opportunity to help someone else. Once the Phelps family realized how much the iPad helped Paxton, they made the decision to befriend another family with a child in the hospital, a child that had become Paxton’s buddy. The Phelps chose to forgo their own gifts at Christmas to get an iPad for Paxton’s friend, ensuring that he didn’t experience the isolation that can occur when a child is stuck in the hospital. “I think that’s the biggest thing Sherry tries to promote. It’s to go forward from what you have received,” says Phelps. “Since that time, I have participated as much as I can in the nights out, and it’s been an inspiration to realize that a handful of women getting together and enjoying themselves can make a big impact on people’s lives.” Building Friendships, Building Awareness While so many of the women who participate in Good Deeds Girls Night Out are quick to sing the praises of Gentry-Gasper, she is just as quick to deflect the attention away from herself and focus on the impact that a group of women can have. “You don’t have to be a big non-profit to make a difference. Every single person, every single day, can find someone to help,” says Gentry-Gasper. “You just need to be aware of opportunities that present themselves.” And if these opportunities present themselves while giving women a chance to enjoy fellowship and build friendships with others, yet another good deed is being accomplished. midtownmag.com | 97
Needs and Visions Begin to Take Shape
SIX FORKS Corridor Study - UPDATE By Jenni Hart
98 | midtownmag.com
O
n May 13th, more than 60 Midtown residents, business owners and commuters chose between two public meetings to learn more about the Six Forks Corridor Study. More than just observers, attendees were active participants in the meeting, where handheld polling devices enabled them to weigh in with their greatest concerns and hopes for the 2.3 miles of Six Forks Road from Lynn Road to the I-440 Beltline, a stretch of road that a handful of longtime residents remember as quiet and lightly traveled. Polling results were available within just minutes and revealed that attendees’ top three objectives for the corridor included improved pedestrian safety and circulation, creation of an identifiable aesthetic for Midtown, and improved auto safety and circulation. Following the polling, attendees split into small working groups for an activity reminiscent of the childhood game of paper dolls. Instead of shuffling dresses and shoes, however, meeting participants were mixing and matching various elements of the urban thoroughfare, including lane configurations, sidewalks, raised medians, lighting and tree installations. The activity encouraged participants to envision all the corridor could be while also reminding them of both the cost and the space constraints that come with such projects. Interested parties unable to attend the May meetings are invited to give their input by answering the survey questions posted to www.planningforraleigh.com. An issues
>Six Forks
Corridor Draft Vision Statement
Our vision is to enhance the Six Forks Road corridor in a way that defines a unique sense of place with enhanced fluidity of movement, environmental sensitivity, and connectivity for residents, workers, students, and visitors using transportation modes of all types, including cars, bikes, pedestrian, and public transit. The corridor should enable an active pedestrian life and integrate residential, commercial, recreational, educational, faith, and retail uses. Safety and accessibility are paramount in designing a distinctive streetscape that is uniquely Midtown with unifying features and green space that make it both an attractive urban thoroughfare and an irresistible gathering place.
and opportunities report produced by the consultant team will be followed by another set of workshops in August or September, with a proposal going to City Council for adoption by the end of the year. Representatives from Design Workshop, the chief consultant for the study, are working with Stantec Engineering and Noell Consulting Group to move the project forward. The Raleigh Urban Design Center is managing the study for the City, and the Midtown Raleigh Alliance is also a major partner in the project. For more information, visit the project website at: www.raleighnc.gov/business/content/ PlanUrbanDesign/Articles/ SixForksCorridorStudy.html.
Input from meeting participants will ensure the plan for the thoroughfare reflects the concerns, preferences and creative ideas of key stakeholders.
midtownmag.com | 99
G G
MOMMY U
I
U How to survive, I and let a marriage L thrive By Kate Turgeon Watson
100 | midtownmag.com
L
T
?
T
?
Susan O
r
e
n
s
t
e
i
n
’
15-year-old son is a big fan of the Noodles restaurant. Huge supporter. He asks to go at least once a week. One night as they sat across the table from each other and ate … well … noodles, her inner psychologist made an emotional check-in. She asked him if they spent enough time together. He paused. And then answered, “yes … and maybe even too much.” It’s a moment she remembers with clarity. Was it a revelation? Maybe not. Today’s mothers spend more than four times the amount of playtime (or “quality time”) with their children than mothers did a generation ago. The numbers for dads are rising, too. “Our parents didn’t play with us,” laughs Orenstein about her own childhood. For the most part, it’s probably true. A 2010 study by Dr. Oriel Sullivan found that in 1975 moms spent, on average, between eight and 21 minutes a day actively playing with their children. Compare that to mothers from 2000, who spent an average of 51-86 minutes a day playing with their children. Think about today’s 2014 mom. She dutifully plans and partakes in a family bike ride on a greenway. Helmets? Check. Reusable (and sometimes monogrammed) water bottles? Check. Smart phone to record part of the little adventure and send it to grandpa? Check. The 1975 bike outing, on the other hand, was probably mom and dad inside the house reading while the kiddos rode their bikes through the neighborhood. Wild abandon? Check. Before setting down this magazine and hunting for the editor’s email address, please know: we aren’t discouraging parents from playing with their children. No one is suggesting that you didn’t enjoy a round of Crazy 8s with your mom and dad. And 1975 mommy with her 14-minute daily average? No judgments here. There’s just this icky thing out there called mommy (and sometimes daddy) guilt and Orenstein, a licensed psychologist at Orenstein Solutions in Cary, says it’s fairly common. Not everyone has guilt about not spending enough time with his or her children. But, for those who do, it can be a real concern. For some, mommy guilt may be a result of dual-career families and a focus on parent-baby attachment (think baby slings and co-sleeping.) These two movements happened
s
midtownmag.com | 101
Photograph © Kim Miceli, Bello Bambino Photography
Abby Hudson and her husband, Ted, enjoy family time with their daughter Ellie. To keep their marriage healthy, they arrange time for date nights and vacations as a couple. Do they feel guilty? "Honestly...no," she says. "We spend so much time together during the week and during the days on weekends that one night a month for just the two of us doesn't make me feel guilty."
around the same time, Orenstein says, and left a lasting impression on many people. While dads certainly aren’t exempt from guilt, it’s more common for mothers to feel guilty, she adds. Maybe it’s because of pregnancy and those early, biological connections. Or maybe it’s because people rarely ask men if they are going back to work full-time after a baby is born. “The good news is people are more aware of children’s needs today,” Orenstein says. “The bad news is that there are mixed loyalties such as careers, families and marriage …
102 | midtownmag.com
and there’s this tension of ‘how do we do it all?’” Nurturing children is a wonderful intention, she says. But sometimes the pressure to be a good parent can cause unintentional consequences such as neglecting oneself or partner. “We were excited about our pregnancy, but also very naive about how much our lives were about to change,” new mom Abby Hudson remembers. She and her husband, Ted, talked about making an effort to make time for each other after their daughter Ellie was born. Three months after her arrival they took their first date night. “I remember this one! We went out for dinner and drinks … the whole time we felt like something huge was missing,” Hudson says. There were days when she would drive from Raleigh to her job teaching fourth grade in Chapel Hill and spend
Working through
i r r at i o n a l
g u i lt Dr. Susan Orenstein says not all guilt is bad. Rather, there’s rational (or healthy) guilt and irrational (or unhealthy) guilt. Away on business 20 days a month? That’s rational guilt. Feeling guilty because you brought a prepared grocery store veggie tray to the party, when someone else turned celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach and carrots into a veritable floral garden scene via Pinterest? Yeah, that’s unhealthy guilt.
30 minutes in the car crying that she was away from her daughter. “I was so worried about missing out on some of Ellie’s ‘firsts’ … [but] it was important to remind myself that what I was doing was for the good of my family,” she says. “After a while it got easier.” More than a year later, there’s not much room for guilt. Hudson and her husband even took a trip to San Francisco together. “I think it’s healthy to remind yourself what life was like when it was just you two. It keeps things fresh,” she says. “I will say, though, when we were in the airport waiting to come home, we sat in silence for about an hour and looked at pictures and videos of Ellie.” Hudson adds that her “therapy” happens when she visits with friends who are going through similar stages of life. Sometimes all it takes to shed any possible guilt is a good conversation with a friend, or finding the right group to belong to or blog to read online. But not everyone has reached the point of non-guilt. Orenstein says it’s not uncommon for parents to focus so much on their children that they lose themselves or their marriage. “I hear that all the time,” she says. “I think people think, ‘I can put that [marital relationship] on hold and he’ll still be there or she’ll still be there
second empire_jf.pdf
1
1/18/12
9:19 AM
midtownmag.com | 103
Here’s how to handle the
u n h e a lt h y
stuff
Make time for yourself Make time for your spouse. It’s okay to miss one of your child’s activities in favor of date night or even a quiet walk. Re-frame Instead of feeling guilty about the mini-vacation with your spouse, realize it’s good for your kids to see an affectionate marriage. Instead of feeling guilty that you missed the bedtime routine, remember it’s important for your kids to know they have a parent who goes to the gym because it’s a healthy habit. Don’t compare This is one Orenstein feels strongly about. “It’s always a trap to compare yourself to other parents,” she says. “We really never know what people are going through.” Give others the benefit of the doubt In a way, this is the opposite of comparing oneself to someone he or she envies. “Don’t compare up or down,” Orenstein says. “But see that everyone has struggles. Genuine concern for someone is okay of course … practice compassion.”
[after the kids get older].’ But that’s really not true.” When guilt is causing one partner to focus too much on the children, there are often warning signs that a marriage is suffering. Orenstein says there may be a problem if a spouse is: Snappy or sarcastic toward partner Often silent Frequently engaging in activities that don’t involve partner No longer trying to connect Checking out Overreacting to seemingly small things “It’s hard to make sense of how something little turns into something big,” she says. “Something else is going on if there’s overreaction.” In the end, it’s important to notice what aspect of life is suffering and be ready to do something about it. “We’re so attuned to our kids and all the dangers out there,” Orenstein says. “It’s important to make sure we have time for ourselves, our partners and our children. Think of it like a three-legged stool. If one of the legs is broken, it can’t stand.”
104 | midtownmag.com
(Summer)
inStyle
tees
1
2
There is no better way to cool off and be comfortable this summer than with a summer tee. They come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Long 3
tees, sleeveless tees and even tees with lace! They are always in style and easy to wear. And don’t forget to find the right bra to wear with them! Take a look at some suggestions from our local experts and pick the right tee for you. midtownmag.com | 105
(Summer)
inStyle
tees
5
4
6
7
8 5
9
10
11
106 | midtownmag.com
(Summer)
inStyle
tees
12
13
back
1. Lilla P Kristen’s Place/$76 2. Vivi Italy C.T. Weekends/$284 3. Calypso Lori+Lulu/$98 4. Lilla P Kristen’s Place/$98 5. Rebecca Taylor dress/$45 6. G Kero C.T. Weekends/$108 7. Natori The Bra Patch/$64 8. Fantasie The Bra Patch/$74 9. three dots Lori+Lulu/$78 10. Mod-O-Doc CoolSweats/$38 11. pieces dress/$46 12. Heather Scout & Molly’s/$114 13. Mod-O-Doc CoolSweats/$59 14. The Refinery Scout & Molly’s/$70
back
14
midtownmag.com | 107
men’s life and style Is It Time To Get Unstuck?
By Jenni Hart Photography By Davies Photography
108 | midtownmag.com
gladwell orthodontics_ma.pdf
1
2/7/14
Perhaps you had a vague inkling this was true, but now there is proof: In a 2013 study commissioned by a British healthcare organization, men admit to giving up on their appearance and general fitness at around age 46, a full 13 years before women. Married men even confessed to losing interest in looking good about 26 months after the wedding. The men surveyed said they simply preferred comfort over style and had an increasing reluctance to keep up with anything trendy. Midtown consulted with local fashion stylist Suzanne Libfraind for some insight into these statistics and strategies to overcome them.
“
“
“The majority of men I work with are most
receptive when the process is goal-oriented and efficient. Instead of shopping all over
town, I take them to one or two places where I’ve done my homework ahead of time and
have coordinated garments pulled and ready and waiting for them.”
~ Suzanne Libfraind, Wardrobe Consulting
Midtown: You have worked as a stylist for 20-plus years. In what ways do men differ from the women you have worked with? Libfraind: Women tend to be more reflective. They will read an article and take away something they can apply to their lives. Unless a man sees a need, he will read the article just for the information or entertainment. Men are clearly able to make informed choices and to transition through all the various phases of their lives, from college to jobs to dating, but when it comes to wardrobe choices and style, those things are typically a lower priority for them. The male clients I’ve worked with have often hesitated because they just weren’t motivated to change, or they felt constrained by their budget. Another
midtownmag.com | 109
9:1
Quick Fixes difference I see is women really embrace the process. They get excited about a closet consultation and know it will be a positive experience, whereas men see it more as a necessity. Ultimately, I think both women and men realize you have to be proactive to be the best you can be.
• •
Midtown: What are the biggest style challenges for men over 40? Libfraind: There are exceptions of course, but a lot of men don’t see wardrobe as a continuous process. If they’re married, they’ve often had spouses do the shopping for them. They receive staples as holiday or birthday presents, and they might fill in gaps as needed, but they can become very complacent in
•
•
• •
Consider wearing colors you have never worn before. Splurge on new frames. Updated eyewear or sunglasses can instantly give a man a more youthful and vibrant appearance. Choose a new belt with a textured finish or interesting buckle. Treat yourself to sharp-looking footwear. Make sure you have a weekend loafer, or opt for a casual lace-up vs. the same old sneakers. Whether formal or informal, invest in a classy watch. Men have fewer opportunities to accessorize than women; a handsome watch is a must-have. Find a signature cologne that lifts your mood, and don’t limit it to special occasions. Every day is a special occasion!
Tips for Wardrobe and Grooming •
•
• • • • •
You can’t go wrong with classics. Today’s seersucker is the ultimate classic, especially in the South, but today’s designers have adapted the fabric and cut to be more modern. Invest in a classic blazer with double vents. Important: remove the threaded tacks from the back of blazers and jackets, and carefully remove outer sleeve labels from suits. Yes, I’ve seen these left in place out in public – off the rack doesn’t mean immediately ready to wear! Choose a flat front or single pleat in trousers for a more stylish silhouette. Don’t borrow your son’s clothing. If you’re over 40, tight, low-rise jeans should be avoided. Trying too hard is almost as bad as not trying at all. Avoid colors that make you look flat or sallow. For most complexions, that includes mint green, ecru, pale yellows, melon and gray. Don’t get stuck in a rut. Ask your barber or stylist for an updated haircut. Care for your skin. For men, that includes daily cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen.
Men – Ask Yourself These Questions • • • • • •
110 | midtownmag.com
Does your wife or partner frequently ask you to purge old, tattered, torn or stained clothing? Do you wear the same few pants and shirts week after week? Take a close look at your collars and pants hems – are any of them frayed? Are the soles of your shoes worn through, or are the tips worn or discolored? Has it been longer than five years since you replaced your socks and underwear? Has it been so long since your last wardrobe purchase that you have no memory of it at all?
If you answered yes to two or more questions, it may be time for a wardrobe reboot!
their routine. I have clients whose priorities change only when they’ve experienced a significant loss, like the death of a spouse, or a major life change such as a career move or a dramatic weight loss or gain. Midtown: How do men’s lives change for the better when they make healthier lifestyle choices and more informed style and wardrobe choices? Libfraind: We all make daily choices that can, over time, impact the security and success of our jobs, our friendships, and even our marriages. When one spouse is paying attention to diet and exercise and is making an effort to remain physically attractive, it can actually cause friction in an unhealthy marriage. I think a lot depends on how we communicate. When a spouse is encouraging, patient and positive, the message is always easier to absorb. I see it with my clients all the time. One of the most caring things you can say in an intimate relationship is “I want to grow old with you.” When that’s the reason you’d like your partner to eat healthy or be more active, the conversation is coming from a loving place. Each spouse can be independent and have their own interests and hobbies, but ideally, in the best of marriages, you do have shared priorities. Looking and feeling your best is a goal that married couples can work on together. When it comes to career and other lifestyle factors, I find that men who have taken the time and effort to build a wardrobe for their many activities save time and experience less stress in their daily lives. They feel more relaxed when a calendar item pops up, because they know that whether it’s a dinner date with another couple, a neighborhood barbecue or a Sunday graduation brunch, their closet is already stocked with just the right pieces. A casual Friday at work doesn’t find them in tattered shorts and t-shirts, and that translates to more confidence and a better reception among both coworkers and superiors. Suzanne Libfraind is the owner of Wardrobe Consulting, a Raleigh-based firm that offers fashion expertise throughout the state. For more information, visit www.wardrobeconsulting.biz. midtownmag.com | 111
midtowndowntown
points
well
taken
Five spots to
love in Five Points By Kate Turgeon Watson
M
olly DeCola and her husband Rob knew what they wanted in a house: a ranch-style layout, a quiet street and an existing landscape. It’s been three years since they found that in Raleigh’s Five Points neighborhood. But, she says, they found unexpected bonuses, too, such as great neighbors they socialize with and a walkable community. To DeCola, her neighborhood is a place where she can get a quick pedicure sans appointment, walk to nearby Fallon Park and eat dinner out when she doesn’t want to cook and isn’t even sure what she’s craving. “We like The Point,” she says about the Glenwood Avenue eatery and bar. “When I’m not sure what I want to eat, I know I can go there … they have everything.” DeCola isn’t alone with her Five Points appreciation. Like her neighbors and visitors, she understands that historic Five Points is a Raleigh gem. Join Midtown for a look at five spots to love in Five Points.
112 | midtownmag.com
Ad Lib Antiques
For 10 years, Ad Lib has been a fixture at Five Points. The antique shop, which sits on Fairview Road, is known for its American and French furniture and accents, as well as its rustic mix of accessories and folk art. “I like things that are different … and I like to mix it up,” Libby Wojcik says about her business. “You try to meet lots of needs when you have a little shop.” Wojcik likes early paint on surfaces, Native American jewelry (both contemporary and vintage) and timeless furniture combinations. And she isn’t afraid to have fun with popular items, such as cotton t-shirts by Dang Chicks. Think: Dang Cowgirl (with a star), Dang Lucky (four-leaf clover) and Dang Proud (American flag.) “Look,” Wojcik says playfully as she gestures toward a piece of furniture. “We have serious sideboards and funky t-shirts.”
Hayes Barton Nails
Impromptu manicure? Desperately-needed pedicure? A spot where your child can tag along and find a comfy, butterfly-themed spa chair? Check, check and check. Hayes Barton Nails, which is situated a half mile from the heart of Five Points, is known to its regulars for its walk-in spa services and reasonable prices. Really, the only tough choice to make is nail color. We’re thinking Alter Ego for something subdued or Flashbulb Fuchsia for a bright pop.
Beer
A coffee-shop atmosphere meets craft beer. That’s what’s hopping inside the Crafty Beer Shop on Fairview Road. They carry eight beers on tap, and offer bottled craft beer from throughout the country, and the world. (There’s a focus on good ole North Carolina beer, though!) According to its website, Crafty Beer Shop offers weekly events such as Monday’s pups and pints, where customers may bring their dog and receive $1 off all pints. Tuesdays mean live music in the evening, while Wednesdays are beer tastings and Thirsty Thursdays bring $1 off all pints.
midtownmag.com | 113
NOFO at the Pig
It’s a lunch spot. It’s a gift store. And it’s a … renovated Piggly Wiggly? Exactly. And it’s situated in the Five Points business district. What makes NOFO a mainstay in the area is its quirky appeal, delectable eats and collection of gifts. Where else are you going to have an award-winning Bloody Mary and eggs Benedict for brunch and then head upstairs for a fun gift complete with wrapping?
The Rialto
Originally built in 1942, this movie theater is a Raleigh landmark. The Rialto on Glenwood Avenue is known for its late-night Friday showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and a line-up of independent films such as Belle, Words and Pictures and Obvious Child. Moviegoers who love a good cult classic (think The Big Lebowski) often flock to the Rialto with its single theater. Sure … there’s no online ticketing, but a little nostalgia is good for the soul, right?
114 | midtownmag.com
putting your
best foot
forward
A new orthopaedic surgeon at Duke Raleigh Hospital offers the latest care for the foot and ankle. (And it may not involve surgery.) By Page Leggett
116 | midtownmag.com
i
It may sound odd for a surgeon to say, “There’s no problem that surgery can’t make worse.” It did to Karl Schweitzer, MD when he first heard it. But the sentiment stuck with him. Especially considering it was one of his mentors – a foot and ankle surgeon who treats professional athletes across the United States – who said it. “His point was that doctors need to carefully select the patients they decide to take to the operating room,” Dr. Schweitzer explains. “It’s all about appropriate surgical indications.” Dr. Schweitzer is a surgeon who recognizes that surgical intervention is only necessary some of the time. For many foot and ankle maladies, surgery should be considered only after a reasonable period of conservative measures have failed to provide relief. He says, “It is our responsibility to educate patients on their condition and on all their treatment options. We can often avoid surgery by tailoring appropriate non-operative treatments for our patients.” Foot and ankle issues are often quality of life issues, he says, and patients have a variety of choices about how to treat them. “If we can make it better with a brace or physical therapy, I’m all for it,” says Dr. Schweitzer. The surgeon who operates under the dictum that operations aren’t always necessary says, “Do no harm. That’s what we’re taught.” That’s what he lives by.
The leading edge
The Duke-trained surgeon credits his early exposure to foot and ankle under great mentors such as Drs. Nunley, Easley and DeOrio with igniting his interest in the field. “Relative to other areas of orthopaedics, foot and ankle is still a field in its infancy and continues to evolve through clinical research,” he says. He likes being on the leading edge. He cites the overwhelming advances in total ankle replacements as something he’s especially excited about. “Joint replacement for the ankle was a procedure that was largely abandoned in the 1970s due to universally poor patient outcomes,” Dr. Schweitzer says. “As a result of persistence, better surgical techniques and better implants, many patients today are experiencing tremendous results.” But the technology is so new that long-term results haven’t been studied. He cautions patients in their 60s and 70s who have ankle replacement surgery that it may not be a permanent fix. Those patients should anticipate the possibility of at least one more surgery if the replacement wears out. “It may not require a full revision,” he says. “But patients may need small modifications to the ankle to keep it functioning properly.”
midtownmag.com | 117
Karl Schweitzer, MD is an orthopaedic surgeon who is likely to look first for alternatives to surgery.
Thanks to pre-op navigation, surgeons are now able to precisely plan their cuts ahead of time, which reduces operating room time and should lower infection rates associated with longer procedures. A specific CT scan of the ankle and leg enables technicians to produce an actual model of the patient’s ankle joint. Surgery is only part of what Dr. Schweitzer loves about being a surgeon. Another aspect he enjoys about his specialty is seeing patients of all ages and activity levels. He treats everyone from teens to seniors. The most predominant complaints that lead patients to a foot and ankle specialist? Pain and swelling. And while sports injuries – usually a ligament or tendon injury – frequently bring patients to Dr. Schweitzer, he says, “We see it all, from congenital issues to arthritis to deformity from neurologic causes, such as diabetes, which is a major player in America. People living with diabetes – especially those with neuropathy or poor sensation – should be systematic about examining their feet daily to check for any acute changes, such as warmth, swelling or skin irritation.” While foot and ankle pain, swelling or numbness are, as the doctor says, quality of life issues, pain in your foot impacts the rest of you. “Your feet and ankles are your base,” he says. They’re your support for walking, running and generally
118 | midtownmag.com
getting from Point A to Point B. Properly fitting shoes are imperative. That’s where care of the foot and ankle starts: from the ground up. Most of us take our tootsies for granted until there’s a problem with one or both of them. Dr. Schweitzer says people need to be smart about the activities we engage in and listen to our bodies. Notice any new pain or soreness, he advises. If it persists, get it evaluated. But foot and ankle issues don’t necessarily start with a discrete injury or event. “The pain can be insidious in its onset,” says Dr. Schweitzer. If there’s pain – whether you know the source of it or not – see a doctor. Your primary care physician is a reasonable place to start, says Dr. Schweitzer.
More talking than examining
If you see a specialist like Dr. Schweitzer, the visit will likely involve more talking than examining. “I meet the patient first and get a medical history,” he says. “While a physical examination is important – and generally serves to confirm what we suspect – most of what we need to know is found out in talking to the patient. Developing a relationship with the patient is the most important thing a physician can do.” The physical examination will likely involve the doctor observing your gait. Then, he or she will ask you to stand, if you’re able, to check your alignment. Dr. Schweitzer says a visit to his office may involve an X-ray, but that he’s always prudent about ordering tests. “We don’t always need imaging to know what’s going on,” he says. The doctor says there are a number of possible diagnoses for foot and ankle pain – Achilles tendon issues, chronic ankle problems, early arthritis and acute trauma. Likewise, there are a number of possible treatments: orthotics, physical therapy, adjusting shoe wear.
In the driver’s seat
No matter what the recommendation, Dr. Schweitzer always involves the patient in the decision-making about what course of action to take. Many times with foot and ankle issues, there’s no need to rush treatment. The patient can take some time to make an educated decision, Dr. Schweitzer says. “You’re in the driver’s seat,” he tells patients. He’ll often help the patient arrive at a conclusion by
asking questions like: “What are you trying to do that your foot and ankle are keeping you from?” He’ll also give patients the resources they need to make an informed decision. And the surgeon who doesn’t rush to surgery may even refer a patient to another healthcare provider. “We can help guide patients to the right place,” he says. “They may not need an orthopaedic surgeon at all, but we are here for them and can guide them to the right resources.” Physical therapy may be one recommended course of action – either alone or as an adjunct to surgery. “The ultimate patient outcome is based only in part on what a surgeon does,” he says. “We’re half the equation. A patient following the proper protocol is crucial. And the work a patient does with a physical therapist plays a huge role, too.” PT doesn’t have to be a lengthy and grueling process. A patient may be able to complete PT in just two or three visits. There’s a lot a patient can do at home once he knows the right stretches and exercises. “I like to look for tailored, patient-specific solutions that don’t necessarily involve surgery,” Dr. Schweitzer says. “We are surgeons at heart, but still physicians and advocates for our patients. It is our job to help patients make educated choices regarding their bodies, whether that means surgery or not.” Learn more about Dr. Schweitzer’s practice at dukemedicine.org/locations/duke-orthopaedics-of-raleigh. Visit dukemedicine.org or call 888-ASK-DUKE .
midtownmag.com | 119
healthy you
why
whiten? by Dr. anna Abernethy, renaissance dental
W
hite, straight teeth seem to be in every television and magazine ad we see today. And with so many types of whitening products and techniques on the market, my goal in this article is to help give you options and advice from a dentist’s perspective. I had the opportunity to travel to the Ultradent Elite Conference and came away with some interesting updates on whitening. Ultradent is a dental company based on research and development of a variety of dental products, and very well-known for their bleaching processes and gels. Ultradent’s founder and expert on vital bleaching, Dr. Dan Fisher, gave an insight into many types of bleaching gels, applications and research behind these various products. One of the most intriguing findings I came away with knowing was that there is now research supporting the improvement of enamel
120 | midtownmag.com
after bleaching! Who knew?! Research now shows that any bleaching agent containing fluoride reduced cavity susceptibility. Another takeaway fact to remember is that you need to wait for a few weeks after bleaching to have any type of restorative work completed. This would include any type of composite bonding, composite restorations, or any type of porcelain work that will
be bonded into place. The bleaching gel has been shown to decrease the bond strength of composite resins for a short period of time, so we recommend waiting two weeks before completing your restorative dental work. One of the best ways to whiten your teeth professionally is still a “low and slow” technique. Professionally made bleaching trays, worn with a low strength gel for a few weeks, is the safe and effective way to bleach your teeth. There are inoffice techniques that are helpful as a “jump start” to whitening your teeth, however, all of them still recommend that you wear trays after the procedure. One of the best products I have seen on the market is called Opalescence Quick (pictured left) by Ultradent. This is a power bleaching gel that offers a brighter, whiter smile after just 40 minutes in the dental chair and requires no lights or lasers. If you choose to forego whitening trays and gels, a product that patients are excited about is Opalescence Go (pictured above). Opalescence Go is the professional alternative to over-the-counter whitening options. It’s a simple, fast, and great-tasting way to start a whitening treatment or for whitening touch-ups. With no impressions or custom trays necessary, Opalescence Go is ready to use right out of the package. No impressions, no models, no lab time. They are sleek and comfortable, and adapt to any smile. They contain 15% hydrogen peroxide and are recommended to be worn 15–20 minutes for five to 10 days.
take away tips...
•
Whiten your teeth! It’s good for your enamel.
•
Wait at least a week after bleaching before going to your dentist to have any restorative work performed.
•
Put any bleaching gel in the refrigerator – it will prolong the efficacy of the gel.
•
If you have bleaching trays and want to brighten quickly, try Opalescence Quick gel.
•
If you do not have bleaching trays but want a professional bleaching system, try Opalescence Go.
midtownmag.com | 121
healthy you
women’s
health and
diet
by Dr. Sheila Allison, Southpoint Medicine and Women’s Health Associates Part of UNC Physicians Network
122 | midtownmag.com
W
ho wouldn’t want to improve their reproductive health? Suppose I told you it’s possible to do with something as simple as changing your diet? I am a gynecologist who stresses the importance of good nutrition to my patients. A proponent of the belief that good nutrition and regular exercise are the foundations of a healthy lifestyle, I preach this to my patients all the time. Many women in our society are estrogen dominant. What does that mean? It means when you measure the levels of estrogen and progesterone (our two major female hormones), the estrogen level is relatively higher, in other words out of balance. This is because one type of estrogen is made in fat stores and many women who are overweight produce an excess of this type of estrogen. Overproduction of estrogen can increase the risk of breast cancer. In addition, estrogen fuels the growth of fibroid tumors, the noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain and infertility for many women. In addition, if the estrogen is metabolized, or broken down, in a certain way, it too will increase the risk of breast cancer. Cruciferous vegetables contain a chemical that promotes the healthy metabolism of estrogen. Those are vegetables your mother and grandmother tried to get you to eat – broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts. I recommend they be included in your diet at least three times per week. Garlic and onions are also estrogen friendly and help with metabolism.
Another way we eliminate estrogen is through stool. Women with chronic constipation tend to reabsorb estrogen from their intestines. This too drives estrogen levels up. Increasing fiber and water in the diet can correct this. If you are not having a bowel movement at least once a day, I recommend some adjustments to your diet. A diet high in sugar also prevents estrogen elimination. There is an enzyme that is in the intestines that is rendered less efficient with high sugar intake. This also allows the recirculation instead of elimination of estrogens. In addition, elevated sugar levels promote the growth of yeast, which also changes the environment in the intestines, allowing more estrogen reabsorption. Remember, cancer needs sugar to grow and thrive. A high sugar diet may be unknowingly providing food for the development of a cancer. Diet affects how well we are able to carry out the many complicated biochemical processes that go on constantly in our cells. Diets rich in a variety of multicolored vegetables (yes, something other than salads) as well as fiber will make a significant difference in hormone balance. In addition to being a risk factor for diabetes and dementia, diets high in sugar can influence how we use and break down hormones. If we can affect and influence the rate and risk of breast cancer by simply changing our diet, that would be revolutionary!
midtownmag.com | 123
new aroundtown North Hills Vineyard Vines 4350 Lassiter At North Hills Avenue Raleigh, NC 27609 919.784.9304 Raleigh@vineyardvines.com
Welcome to North Hills Founded in 1998 on Martha’s Vineyard by brothers Shep and Ian Murray, the brand started with ties, but has since incorporated hats, belts, shirts, shorts, and bags for men, women, and children. This is the first Vineyard Vines in the Triangle and is located next door to Firebirds. Welcome to the area!
New Location! CoolSweats Raleigh has moved from their North Hills location to Glenwood Village! They are in the Harris Teeter shopping center next to the Glenwood Grill. Please be sure to check out this fabulous new location. The colors are bright and the clothes and customer service always wonderful. Stop by today!
ST CHURCH, R PTI AL EI BA Y G IT
H
C ,N
TR IN
Glenwood Village CoolSweats Raleigh 2603 Glenwood Avenue Raleigh, NC 27608 919.782.0012 coolsweats.net
North Hills 5K
September 6, 2014 Benefitting North Raleigh Ministries www.NorthRaleighMinistries.com
124 | midtownmag.com
coming up in the next
We Love our Pets! This was a big hit last year, so we are bringing it back again. We love our pets and can’t get enough of them. We give you some tips on how to keep your pet the best it can be.
ay
+
ting a
to C Putmece HISTORI H na a Pla
RALEIG
D Of hOliD
DOsAN s DecOraTiNg DON’T
THE ESSENTIAL
GUIDE SPRING
the tas ties t
STYLE 2013
s for ing gift 73 amaz on your list ever yone ay disaster • 8 holid u have to stories yorecipes read • 4 press im sure to t ec • 4 perf getaways ot ski sp • 14 pairs of must- s have jean to • 5 tips wear red lipstick
MARCH
MADNESS PG. 40
RIL MARCH/AP
mm 001 cover.indd
2013
AM 3 11:44
cover.indd
Pag e 40
> MEN’S
HEALTH:
An UpHiLL BATTLE AgAinsT sTUBBornnEss
2/21/13 9:43 AM
1
10/24/1
mm 001
who mad e theelse list?
IT’S HERE!
pAgE 120
ber ecem er/d emb nov
Ca tf sa nd wiish Ch
in to wn
PG. 72
july/aug ust
2013 mm 001 cover.indd
1
2013
+
Ultimate Spa Gu
ide page 86
6/26/13 10:51 AM
1
Parade of Homes We will show you where you need to go and what to see during this year’s Parade of Homes – you won’t want to miss this!
Time for School We know it’s hard to read this – but school is just around the corner. We offer you some suggestions on school and things to do to help make that transition from summer to school an easy one. We will also include our annual school guide. Fall Fashion It’s time to change out that closet from summer to fall. We will feature our annual fall fashion shoot with the “must haves” for this fall from our local boutiques.
Midtown Reviews | Bain’s Beat | Calendar of Events | Healthy You living well | on the scene | Midtown Mingles | and much more!
midtownmag.com | 125
midtownmingles
Midtown Park Ribbon Cutting
April 26th kicked off a weekend of festivities starting with a ribbon cutting led by John Kane, the owner of North Hills. The celebration featured the very best of North Hills: live music, great food, family-friendly activities, and fun fashion! On Sunday, there were two spring fashion shows in-between the live music performances.
Happy Birthday, Affordable chic
Affrodable Chic Shops celebrated five wonderful years along with Ladyfingers slow-cooking barbeque in the garden and the Martin-Davis Band playing live music in the front. Fun was had by friends and customers alike.
126 | midtownmag.com
Medals and Tiaras
Thirty guests celebrated the life and career of jeweler Elaine Miller at a “Medals and Tiaras” party. Guests modeled their favorite pieces from Elaine’s collection and had a chance to say thank you for this doyenne of diamonds. The Elaine Miller Collection has been a North Hills fixture for many years.
midtownmingles
Saint Mary’s 14th Annual Auction Gala
More than 330 alumnae, parents and friends of Saint Mary’s School gathered on March 7th at the Angus Barn Pavilions for a festive evening of celebration at the school’s 14th annual auction gala, a fundraiser that directly supports student programming. The event included silent and live auctions, entertainment by the school’s singing group The Echo, and a traditional Angus Barn dinner.
vineyard vines Grand Opening
At the grand opening party for Vineyard Vines’ new Raleigh store, over 200 customers gathered to shop, enjoy food and beverage by Ashley Christensen restaurants and meet vineyard vines CEOs and co-founders Shep & Ian Murray. The Mulligans provided live music for the bustling, lively crowd.
An Evening with Woodward and Bernstein
In 1972, Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein broke a story about the infamous Watergate break-in. On May 15th, WRAL’s David Crabtree moderated a lively discussion between the authors as they shared details of this transformative event in American history.
Catholic Schools Live!
The Raleigh Diocese of Catholic Schools had its inaugural Performing and Visual Arts Showcase called “Catholic Schools Live!” on May 9th at Cardinal Gibbons HS with WRAL anchor Jackie Hyland as emcee. It was such a successful start with 1300 students and 18 schools participating that next year they will be moving to the Fletcher Theater in downtown Raleigh.
midtownmag.com | 127
midtownmingles
JDRF Hope Gala
photography © Jason Simmons
photography © Renee Sprink Photography
On April 26th, 350 guests joined together at North Ridge Country Club for JDRF Triangle/Eastern NC Chapter’s most prestigious event, The Hope Gala. The annual event raises funds for the improvement of lives of those living with type 1 diabetes, and ultimately for a cure. The elegant evening chaired by Chris LaTurno, Wells Fargo, and honoring Don & Barbara Curtis of Curtis Media included a cocktail reception, expansive silent auction and an exciting live auction. The evening raised over $800,000 for type 1 diabetes research.
Triangle Charity Polo Classic
The Triangle Area Polo Club hosted its first charity classic on June 8th at MacNair’s Country Acres. The event showcased both the sport’s re-emergence here and the local charity Guiding Lights Caregiver Support Center, which helps people who take care of a loved one for an extended period of time. The event raised $50,000 to support the work of Guiding Lights Caregiver Support Center.
128 | midtownmag.com
oaks at salem open house
The Oaks at Salem held their annual open house April 27th. Vendors were on hand to meet with brides and future clients. Guests enjoyed wonderful food, cake and drinks as they toured the facility and grounds.
PLUM debuts Nick Arrojo’s product line This June, PLUM launched ARROJO hair care line. Nick Arrojo of TLC’s What Not To Wear held an event here in Raleigh at PLUM. It was a big hit and clients were thrilled to meet him.
midtownmag.com | 129
doTHISbetter By dan bain
Alleviate Summer Boredom
Summer doldrums have your kids (and by proxy, you) down in the dumps? Try some of these activities to get them out of the house and into the fun: Bait is free, if you dig it up yourself, and who knows? You might catch something worth grilling! (See below if you do.)
2.Ride bikes
Hit the greenway trails! If you don’t live near one, hit the sidewalks. And don’t worry if you don’t have a grown-up’s bike – the best part about kids biking is, they tend to be slow, so you can keep up on foot.
3.Take a hike
Even if it’s through your neighborhood, you never know what you might see. Spice it up by challenging them to collect something, like rocks, pinecones, acorns, etc.
4.Watch the Skies
During the day, ask your kids to find the most unique clouds, or use it as an opportunity to educate them about weather changes. At night, gaze at the stars, and teach them about astronomy.
5.Pick fruit
Go to a local farm or orchard, and start picking. If you feel really ambitious, you can bake a pie together once you get back home.
6.Go bird-watching
Our feathered friends provide an interesting, colorful form of entertainment, and there’s no limit on where you can see them. Hang a feeder or birdhouse together, so you can continue to watch them from the comfort of home. Have your children track the species they see, and they’ll develop a lifelong love of nature.
Grill a
FISH Fillet Fish can be as evasive on the grill as they are in the water, but whether you catch them or buy them, here are some tips for grilling them perfectly:
1. Choose wisely Flaky fish – flounder, sole, etc. – won’t hold up to the rigors of the flame. You want something heartier, like tuna, salmon, swordfish, halibut, grouper, haddock, and the like. 2. Prep the fillets Cut them into smaller portions with even thickness, so they cook at an even rate. If you want to marinate the fish, limit it to 30 minutes, as some seasonings can ruin the taste if they’re left on for too long. Try coating them with olive or coconut oil, plus basic seasonings like salt and pepper. 3. Turn up the heat! Loosely cover the grate with foil, close the lid, and blast that thing at around 550 degrees for 10-15 minutes. This will clean the grate
130 | midtownmag.com
as well as prepping it for a good sear when you first throw on the fillets. You can also wipe the grate with vegetable oil for a good, non-stick grilling. 4. Place them correctly Skin-side down and diagonally across the grill. Fish is easier to flip if it’s at an angle. Plus, they look cool with those cross-hatch grill marks on them. 5. Let them cook Reduce the heat to medium, cover the grill, and watch your time. Allow eight minutes’ total cooking time per inch of thickness. When that time is halfway through, flip your fillets and finish cooking through the second half of the time allotment. A fillet is done when the meat is firm to the touch, flakes easily with a fork, and is opaque all the way through.
Sources: wikihow.com, familyshare.com, parents.com
1.Go fishing