Charlotte Magazine February 2020

Goodbye, CIAA

Enjoy the basketball tournament before it’s gone p. 13

108 Homicides

The county medical examiner on 2019’s spike p. 16

The Perfect Mimosa?

A review of Eight + Sand Kitchen p. 32

15 Plus

Who Influences What You Eat?

Ways to Renew and Recharge In 2020

p. 50

FEBRUARY 2020

charlottemagazine.com

Yoga instructor Sydney Duarte

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CONTENTS CHARLOTTE / FEBRUARY 2020 / VOL. 25, NUMBER 2

Features 36

BE WELL New and unexpected ways to sweat, nourish, and recharge in Charlotte—and how to make self-care a priority in 2020

BY TAYLOR BOWLER AND EMMA WAY

50

ACCOUNTING FOR TASTE A case for informed, ethical restaurant criticism in an era of pay-to-play “influencers”

BY KEIA MASTRIANNI

ON THE COVER: Sydney Duarte teaches yoga at NoDa Yoga.

ON THIS PAGE: A salad with kale, tomatoes, and an avocado ranch dressing from Nourish Charlotte. Photographs by Logan Cyrus.

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

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21

02 20 CONTENTS

RUSTY WILLIAMS; PETER TAYLOR; ALVIN C. JACOBS, JR.; COURTESY

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 From the Editor 11

Connect

96

You Are Here

THE GUIDE 84 Arts + Culture What’s happening around town 88

Restaurants The city’s savviest restaurant listings

13

26

THE BUZZ 13 Sports The CIAA Tournament’s final year in Charlotte 16

17

Crime In a grim year for homicides, Charlotte’s medical examiner probes what the violence leaves behind Knock It Off Things that must stop in Charlotte immediately (and one that can stay)

THE GOOD LIFE 21 Home Physician-turnednovelist Kimmery Martin opens her Cotswold home

office and shares an excerpt from her new book, The Antidote for Everything 24

Entertaining Babe & Butcher’s custom charcuterie boards are more than just meat, cheese, and crackers

26

Weekender Greenville, South Carolina, is a blend of Southern charm and urban boom

27

Seen The city’s best party pics

28

Playlist What to do and see this month

FOOD + DRINK 29 Local Flavor Verdant Bread carries on an ancient breadmaking tradition 32

Review Heavenly breakfast bowls and mimosas are just steps from the light rail at Eight + Sand Kitchen

33

Bite Sized News Foodie news on a small plate

34

On the Line Jonathan Schuler masters Croatian cuisine at Dilworth Tasting Room

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

5

Volume 25, Number 2

FEBRUARY 2020

morrismedianetwork.com

www.charlottemagazine.com F RO M T H E E D I TO R

WELL, WELL, WELLNESS Some of us may balk at the term, but all of us need it

HERE’S SOMETHING that’s both frustrating and wonderful about kids: They don’t care about your work life. On many mornings, a Shakespearean drama has played out before I even set foot in the offices of Charlotte magazine. It may be a fierce bout over a nonseasonal dress or a sudden aversion to hash browns.

My daughters, at 2 and 5, don’t know what “deadline week” means, or why it’s important for me to start those last days of production each month with some peace.

Still, my wife and I attempt some relaxation in the morning, when we can. They say your wellness depends on doing that. Who’s they?

Andy Smith The experts (or the tan, many-abbed individu- andrew.smith@charlottemagazine.com als that populate your Instagram account’s “Explore” feed). They tell us that mindfulness, meditation, and discipline aren’t just abstract words for motivational posters. They’re essential to your survival.

I believe them, and what I love about our “Wellness” issue is that it actually makes me excited to enact a bit of self-care. I had always felt immediately convicted for my inactivity when the term is thrown around, and before this issue, I had never in my 33 years used the phrase “Himalayan Salt Room.” Here, Emma Way and Taylor Bowler traverse infrared therapy, aerial fitness, intermittent fasting, bone broth, float therapy, and even the airport spa. What I’ve learned from these pages is that “wellness” can mean something different to each of us. Some of us need to sweat it out (p. 38); others center their efforts on nourishment (p. 42) or a day at the spa (p. 46). Or maybe you need a combination of all three.

I could use a bit more of that relaxation stuff these days, as my gig at this magazine has changed. In January, I became executive editor at Charlotte magazine. It’s not my first role here; I’ve moved between contributing editor roles in the arts to directing digital content for this magazine, Charlotte Parent, Carolina Parent, and others. As executive editor, I plan to reinforce what Charlotte’s done for nearly 52 years: recognizing that every story—ours, yours, your neighbor’s—is a part of the larger story of the city. We do that in the stories you’ll read in this issue and many, many more ahead.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for our nightly pajama debate.

6

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

How do you relax?

“Alexa, play songs

by Kamasi Washington”

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andy Smith SENIOR EDITOR Greg Lacour

Walk in the woods with my dog

LIFESTYLE EDITOR Taylor Bowler

A dirty chai and celebrity gossip magazine

ART DIRECTOR Jane Fields ASSOCIATE ART Melissa Stutts DIRECTOR

CONTRIBUTING Allison Braden EDITORS Jen Tota McGivney Emma Way COPYEDITORS/ Carl Moritz FACT-CHECKERS Polly Paddock Katie Rath CONTRIBUTING Logan Cyrus PHOTOGRAPHERS Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr. Andy McMillan Peter Taylor Rusty Williams CONTRIBUTING Shaw Nielsen ILLUSTRATORS Kim Rosen

Take a bath or binge-watch The Office

Solo dance parties in my kitchen

Standing in the middle of a river with a fly fishing rod

CONTRIBUTING Cristina Bolling WRITERS Michelle Boudin Keia Mastrianni The beach is my happy place. It always relaxes me

Charlotte magazine 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 303 Charlotte, NC 28203

CONTRIBUTORS

Email editor@charlottemagazine.com for writer’s guidelines. Unsolicited photographs, illustrations, or articles are submitted at the risk of the photographer/artist/author. Charlotte magazine assumes no liability for the return of unsolicited materials and may use them at its discretion.

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Volume 25, Number 2

Cape Lookout National Seashore

FEBRUARY 2020

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www.charlottemagazine.com

Congrats.

You just found the historic lighthouse on the Crystal Coast.

Now it’s time to BookTheCoast.com and visit North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks.

How do you relax?

Family movie nights on the couch with my daughters

PUBLISHER Allison Hollins

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Connect

ONLINE EXTRAS, EVENTS, AND CONVERSATIONS

REACT

Responses to the December issue of Charlotte magazine

To: “Proscribed Companions,” page 13 More naive people and pets will be mauled or killed because of you promoting pit bull-type dogs as safe family pets. I listen to the highly educated medical experts who deal with the aftermath of horrific pit bull maulings, not to naive pit bull advocates, when it comes to my family’s safety.

Excerpt of email from Julie Wall to writer Jared Misner To: “An Improbable Archivist,” page 21 I have Al Mike’s, The Penguin (RIP), and Fat City (big big big RIP) in my dining room at home. Love (David French’s) work.

Instagram comment by @chefccoleman To: “Wake Up Call,” page 31 I just want to let you know how much I appreciate the article you wrote about our story. It obviously means a great deal to us and to hear it told in your eloquent writing is just so special. We have received a lot of supportive and kind feedback on it from our community, friends and family. You truly made us feel so comfortable and safe to be vulnerable, a gift you have (along with your writing talent) that should not be overlooked nor taken for granted.

Email from Erin Huber to writer Allison Braden

We received plenty of praise for the 2019 installment of our annual Charlotteans of the Year package.

To: “Philip Dubois,” page 40 Shout out to Phil Dubois for making the list!

Instagram comment by @shannonandcinder To: “Charlotte Observer Veterans,” page 44 I’m supposed to be working, @greglacour, not getting weepy.

Well done @charlottemag #charlotteansoftheyear Tweet from @iftheshoefits

Want more to read? Check out these popular stories on charlottemagazine.com.

1.

Before DaBaby Was a Hip-Hop Superstar, He Created This 2015 Carolina Panthers Theme 2.

Shooting Claims Life of Brooks’ Sandwich House Co-Owner 3.

Panthers Linebacker Shaq Thompson Talks Tough Year, On and Off the Field

Well done @charlottemag & @greglacour for highlighting the journalists I’ve been reading my entire life.

Tweet from @thelesak To: “Robert Dawkins,” page 48 A Charlotte hero—Robert Dawkins named a Charlottean of the Year. Thanks, @charlottemag.

Tweet from @historysouth

THE CONVENTION COMETH ROAD2RNC

ON THE WEB

We’ve launched a podcast, Road to RNC, in which our editors and guests assess what the upcoming 2020 Republican National Convention (August 24-27 at Spectrum Center) means for Charlotte’s economy, culture, national reputation, and more. Look for episodes on your iPhone’s Podcasts app, the Google Play store, Stitcher, and SoundCloud, as well as charlottemagazine.com.

Charlotte magazine’s tablet edition is available via the Apple Newsstand and at magzter.com.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA /charlottemagazine @charlottemag @charlottemag

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

11

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INSIDE: SPORTS / CRIME / KNOCK IT OFF

BUZZ

THE

WHAT MATTERS NOW IN THE CITY

Guard Jalen Jackson prepares to shoot a free throw for Virginia State, which won the CIAA men’s basketball tournament last year at Spectrum Center.

S P O RT S

THE CIAA TOURNAMENT’S EPILOGUE This year marks the last installment of a weeklong party held uptown for 15 straight years. Will it come back?

BY GREG LACOUR PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALVIN C. JACOBS, JR.

OVER ITS 15 YEARS UPTOWN, the CIAA Basketball Tournament has been a celebration, a reunion, an economic powerhouse, an archipelago of parties, a validation of a sports and entertainment arena many people didn’t want, a defense of uptown’s capacity to entertain people of all ages and even after midnight, and a display of damn good basketball.

Continued on next page  FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

13

THE BUZZ

The Elizabeth City State Vikings women’s basketball team, accompanied by its mascot, made it to the CIAA tournament semifinals in 2019.

CIAA fans were asked to stand to demonstrate years of continued attendance. This fan had attended for more than 40 years.

(Left) The Womens’ Empowerment Brunch at the Westin Hotel highlighted the Box Out Hunger campaign.

(Below) Mayor Vi Lyles, second from right, sits courtside during a CIAA game.

14

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

Brenda E. Robinson, the first African-American female pilot in Navy history, is interviewed at the CIAA Middle School Day at Ovens Auditorium.

The fact that 2020 is the last of those 15 years does not sit well with Malcolm Graham.

“How the hell did we lose it?” Graham asks rhetorically. The graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, one of the 12 historically black colleges and universities that make up the Division II conference, lobbied for the tournament as a City Council member in the early 2000s; he was re-elected to the council in November. “The people in the office towers went to UNC, Duke, (N.C.) State, Virginia, and not Smith, (Virginia) Union, and Livingstone, so some of those guys never really got it. I thought we didn’t fight hard enough to keep it.”

Just as Charlotte lured the men’s and women’s tournaments from Raleigh, Baltimore took them from Charlotte. The conference announced the change in early 2019, citing Royal Farms Arena’s presence in a walkable downtown, Baltimore’s hotel availability, at least $1.5 million in promised scholarships, and the opportunity to draw fans and alumni from northeastern states—even though 10 of the 12 member schools are in the Carolinas or Virginia and the conference moved its headquarters to Charlotte from Hampton, Virginia, in 2015. The agreement means Baltimore will host the tournament from 2021-23.

In Charlotte, the news stung, and not only because the city and tourism officials thought they offered a walkable downtown and sufficient hotel rooms, too, for fans who attended games at the Spectrum Center. The tournament, usually held in February, has always been more than merely a sporting event.

“It’s like a family reunion,” then-JCSU President Dorothy Cowser Yancy told the Observer when Charlotte landed the tournament in 2004, and the concerts, parties, and other events that surrounded it pumped about $50 million per year into the city’s economy, according to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.

The city lured the Big South Conference’s men’s and women’s tournaments to Bojangles’ Coliseum for 2021-23, but it’s not expected to make nearly as much noise or money. In 2019, the CIAA tournament out-generated even the heavyweight Atlantic Coast Conference, which held its tournament in Charlotte two weeks later, according to the CRVA: The CIAA generated $43.7 million to the ACC’s $35.6 million. “If the ACC can’t out-gross the CIAA,” Graham says, “certainly the Big South’s not going to come close.”

But money tells only part of the story. In a city where black people can sometimes feel out of place in Charlotte’s shining center, the CIAA welcomed them—especially JCSU, the tournament’s host school, a university only a mile and a half from Trade and Tryon but physically cut off since the early 1970s

by Interstate 77. The CIAA placed Johnson C. Smith as close to Charlotte’s heart as it’s ever been, which is a main reason Graham—who attended JCSU on a tennis scholarship and graduated in 1985—says he and some of his fellow CIAA-school alumni are talking with city officials and the Charlotte Hornets to try to bring the tournament back to Charlotte in 2024.

“That process starts now,” he says. “Like a girlfriend, sometimes you don’t realize what you had until it’s gone.”

A young fan gets a haircut during CIAA Fan Fest.

GREG LACOUR is senior editor of this magazine.

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

15

THE BUZZ

CRIME

THE BODY DOESN’T LIE

In a grim year for homicides, the medical examiner probes what violence leaves behind

BY CHUCK McSHANE

TUCKED OFF A CUL-DE-SAC in an industrial park off Brookshire Boulevard, the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office is easy enough to find if you know where you’re going but inconspicuous enough to miss if you’d rather not think about what’s done there. It’s where professional pathologists investigate a key piece of evidence in any suspicious or unexplained death—the body.

“Sometimes it’s a little depressing when you think about all these young and middle-aged people who die for no good reason,” says Dr. Thomas Owens, the county’s chief forensic pathologist and the office’s director. “But you’ve got to remember you’re dealing with a biased population. You have to think about the millions of people who didn’t die.”

It’s the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and investigators have just confirmed Charlotte’s 99th and 100th homicide victims of the year: a 51-year-old shot at the east Charlotte video arcade where he worked, and the 19-year-old son of a Cabarrus County sheriff’s deputy shot at a University City shopping center. That number is nearly double the total for

16

2018, when police registered 57 homicides, and marks the first time since 1993 the number has hit 100. (The total for 2019 ultimately rises to 108.) That count doesn’t include justifiable homicides or those that happened in other parts of Mecklenburg County, as well as Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, and Union counties, which the Mecklenburg office also handles.

To date in 2019, homicides make up about 30 percent of the autopsies the four pathologists here perform. That’s up from about 20 percent most years, Owens says.

Overdoses, accidents, and suicides make up most of the rest. While the total number of deaths is relatively stable, homicide investigations and autopsies are more complex and mean longer hours for pathologists, the office’s 10 investigators, and the rest of the staff.

“They’re spending a lot more time out of the office at those scenes,” Owens says.

“You can show up at a scene for an overdose or maybe a fall, and those can be worked through pretty quickly. When you’re talking about homicides, there’s a lot more going on at the scene. And every

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

extra bullet can add another 30 to 45 minutes to the autopsy.”

Still, Owens says, there’s no such thing as a routine autopsy. Pathologists start by looking for one of three causes of death: disease, trauma, or drugs. From there, the trail can get tricky. “It can start off as an overdose because it looks like an overdose. Maybe they were shooting up or drinking, but somebody beat the heck out of them,” he says. “Those things do happen, so you never want to fly through an autopsy.”

And while the ME’s office is independent of the district attorney and police and sheriff’s departments, evidence discovered on the autopsy table can reveal what criminal investigators can’t—like the pattern of gunpowder residue Owens found on a man police thought had committed suicide.

“A guy had a typed suicide note, and he was shot in the face,” he says. “However, he had gunpowder soot on his face, which means the gun had to be a foot or more away when it was fired. When I looked at it, he had it on his hands, too. It wasn’t consistent with him holding a gun. What

ANDY McMILLAN

The sharp rise in homicides in Charlotte last year put added strain on Dr. Thomas Owens, who’s directed the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office since 2014, and his staff.

it was consistent with was somebody reaching out as somebody fired the shot.

When the police presented the spouse with that information, she admitted that she shot him and typed the note.

“I’m not trying to prosecute anyone, and I’m not trying to get anyone off on charges. My job is to present the evidence as neutrally as possible. Does it fit with the multiple stories? … The body doesn’t lie. People do.”

Charlotte’s 2019 murder spike is only the latest source of strain for Owens and his staff. The office can keep unclaimed bodies for as long as 30 days; an uptick

AMPERSANDING. Every brand in this town apparently has decided to adopt this naming template: (something) & (something else). Fin & Fino.

Moo & Brew. Bao + Broth. Are they restaurants or husband-wife folk duos? That’s & Enough.

NYC-STYLE HIP NEIGHBORHOOD REBRANDINGS. NoDa was, I guess, inevitable. LoSo? Pushing it.

FreeMoreWest? Really pushing it. Any day now, some “influencer” will try to re-label the ring around uptown as PlaMidBelVillaptimistWorth or some nonsense. Stop!

immediate duty, Owens says. He and his staff spend a lot of time making sure death certificates are filed quickly and contacting insurance companies to ensure grieving family members can afford funerals.

“It’s a medical world. We’re doctors; we have patients. They just happen to be dead,” he says. “And those dead people are connected to living people who want to know what’s going on. They need some answers.”

CHUCK McSHANE is a writer in Charlotte. Reach him at chuckmcshane@gmail.com. On Twitter: @chuckmcshane

TELEVISED SPORTSBALL IN NICE RESTAURANTS. Want Bucks-Blazers on TV in your restaurant? Open a sports bar and serve nachos. Want to operate an open-hearth, dry-aged meat, curated-wine list, finedining establishment uptown? Don’t show BucksBlazers on TV. IT CAN STAY: Real estate developments, like the Ballantyne Reimagined plan underway now, that make room for parks and other public spaces along with housing. —Greg Lacour

H E A R T S O N F I R E S T O R E S , A U T H O R I Z E D R E TA I L E R S , H E A R T S O N F I R E . C O M

K C O FF, E N K T O TTstop e I LaOt mus(at nd yo)n R Angs thiatelyan sta H C Thiimmedthat c

in fentanyl overdoses in 2014 and 2015, followed by a rise in opioid overdoses in 2017 and 2018, meant the morgue cooler was stretched to capacity. “We were struggling to get bodies in and out of here,” he says. While the overdose rate has stabilized since 2018, population growth in the fast-growing Charlotte area highlights the need for more space.

The county plans to increase the morgue cooler capacity from around 70 bodies to close to 140 by the end of 2021.

Compiling grim statistics on body storage is one part of the job. But serving those the dead have left behind is a more

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FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

17

SPONSORED CONTENT

New Female Executive Poised to Make Impact in Media Industry Natalia Sanchez named President of Award-Winning Hispanic Media Company Why is Natalia Sanchez the right choice to lead Norsan Media?

Natalia, 29, is undoubtedly qualified for her new position as President of Norsan Media, the largest regional Spanish multimedia company in the Southeast. She has held a variety of positions at Norsan Media (Director of Operations, event planning, sales administration, and designing of campaigns for national marketing agencies), and her previous roles have given her a complete understanding of how the company operates from the ground up.

Natalia’s high sense of responsibility in addition to her consistent dedication to the company and unparalleled work ethic have positioned her to continue the legacy set Natalia Sanchez and some of her team members in Charlotte. forth by her father (Norsan CEO and Chairman Norberto Sanchez). The two have worked closely alongside each Norsan Media brings unique advantages to the clients and communities other for the previous seven years and will continue to do so as Norsan it serves, including: Media looks to continue its expansion into its existing and new target • A deep understanding of the Hispanic audience in their target markets markets.

• A direct way to connect with the Hispanic consumer via traditional and Natalia is a graduate of Santa Clara University with a double major digital media platforms in marketing and psychology. Her marketing studies provided a keen • Strong support for local organizations supporting Hispanic and other understanding for the importance of connecting various media platforms community outreach initiatives and streamlining communications to achieve the highest levels of The company’s main objective is to create a positive impact through operating efficiency. In addition to her university degree, Sanchez its service to the Hispanic community and give a voice to organizations completed Harvard Business School’s Finance for Senior Executives seeking to reach these individuals.

Program in January 2018 and is a proud graduate of Charlotte’s Leaders

What sets Norsan Media apart?

Launched in 2004 with the goal to bring Spanish media to the Southeast, Norsan Media currently owns and operates 26 radio stations across three states, three TV stations, three print publications, in addition to digital & social media platforms, and large-scale cultural festivals. As the Hispanic population grows in these markets, so too will the company’s presence and importance to the community.

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Natalia brings a fresh perspective of where media is heading and what forms of communication best resonate with the Hispanic audience.

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Dedicated to taking Norsan Media to a higher level, Natalia isn’t afraid to be in an industry that is male dominant. “Even though female leadership in media isn’t very common, I believe women bring extremely valuable characteristics to the industry,” she says. “We understand the importance of collaborating with others, creating opportunities for growth for other women, and having a work/life balance.” Natalia is deeply committed to ensuring Norsan Media is an ongoing model of excellence for the Hispanic community.

Sanchez resides in South End Charlotte and enjoys spending her free time with her boyfriend, Chris, and their Australian Shepherd, Winston.

COURTESY

Under 40 program created by Community Building Initiative (CBI). She also serves on the Hispanic Scholarship Foundation’s Advisory Council.

SPONSORED CONTENT

“Our primary goal at Norsan Media is to be a voice for the Hispanic community.

As a MexicanAmerican myself, I acknowledge the importance of providing that connection and sense of comfort for Hispanics who left their families and home countries for a better future in the U.S.” —Natalia Sanchez, President of Norsan Media

“I am so excited and humbled to be taking on this role as President of the company, leading Norsan Media into the future.”

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GOOD LIFE

INSIDE: HOME / REAL ESTATE / ENTERTAINING / WEEKENDER / SEEN / PLAYLIST

THE

MAKING THE MOST OUT OF LIVING HERE

HOME

Kimmery Martin’s Cure for Chaos

Kimmery Martin, a former ER doctor, says she started her first novel “in a fit of misguided confidence.”

The physician-turnednovelist welcomes us into her modern, light-filled Cotswold home office before the February publication of her second novel, The Antidote for Everything

RUSTY WILLIAMS

BY TAYLOR BOWLER

“I HAVE 45 MINUTES to an hour of complete and total chaos getting the kids out the door,” Kimmery Martin says with a laugh as she describes a typical morning in the Cotswold home she shares with her husband, an orthopedic surgeon, and her three children, ages 15, 13, and 9. “None of us are calm people at my house.”

Fueled by coffee—and 30 minutes of Pilates—Martin then retreats to her home office, where she spends a few hours tackling the email backlog, writing articles, and keeping up with her social media accounts. “Then the carnage starts up again in the afternoon when the kids get home,” she says.

I first met Martin two years ago at my book group, where she led the discussion on her first novel, The Queen of Hearts. The story, set in Charlotte, had little winks and nods to places we all frequented: Selwyn Avenue Pub, Queens Road West, the car pool line. Aside from

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

21

THE GOOD LIFE

An Excerpt From The Antidote For Everything

by Kimmery Martin Mark’s clear eyes shone with something that looked suspiciously like mirth. “I realized I already know a lot about you—you’re a doctor, you’re a bookworm and a science geek, you’re a bit of a rogue but you’re lonely, you—” “Whoa,” she interrupted. “Hold up.

Obviously you’re aware I’m a doctor, but how do you know those other things?”

“I’m paying attention. You have not one but two novels and a biography sticking out of your shoulder bag. Only a dedicated book junkie would carry that much weight around.”

“Okay.”

“The science part: the biography is Nikola Tesla, and there’s a novel by Neal Stephenson. And then there’s your tattoo.”

“You saw my tattoo? Which one?”

He nodded. “A Delta. I saw it on the plane, when your pants leg rolled up a bit.” He paused, adding, “I wasn’t purposely staring at your ankles or anything.”

She must have looked dubious, because he went on. “Okay, yes. I was looking at your ankles. They’re very nice.”

“No, it’s just most people think I have a tattoo of a triangle. Or if they recognize it as a delta they think it’s a sorority thing.”

“The Greek letter delta,” he said. “The scientific and mathematical emblem of change.”

“Correct. And it’s the differential operator given by the divergence of the gradient of a function on Euclidean space.”

He stared, his mouth slightly ajar. “The Laplace operator.”

Her turn to be impressed; she’d never met anyone who didn’t look at her strangely if she started babbling math jargon, let alone anyone who could actually comprehend what she was talking about. “You know about the Laplace operator?”

“I was a math major; how do you know about the Laplace operator?”

“My father was a college math professor.

So, yes, I have a lot of reasons for liking the delta symbol. What about the rest of it?”

“The rest of the Greek alphabet?”

“No, the rest of what you said.” She waited, embarrassed, but he still looked puzzled. “That I’m a rogue or whatever.”

22

her medical degree and book deal, she felt like one of us: an overscheduled wife and mother in need of a night out and a glass of wine with her girlfriends.

I caught up with her again last fall to chat about her new book, The Antidote for Everything, as she recovered from knee surgery. It was a role reversal for the former ER doctor, who prefers to be on the other side of the scalpel. But the downtime, she admits, was a refreshing change of pace for someone who rarely makes time to relax.

When Martin started writing her first novel in 2013, in “a fit of misguided confidence,” she didn’t have a designated writing space. She took over the playroom and gradually started moving more books in and phasing kids’ stuff out. “I still love to write there,” she says, “but I love the new space.”

Her new office is part of an addition to the home, which doubles as a pool house and a guest suite. Kelly McArdle Construction handled the addition, and Martin worked with Casey Maslanka of Traditions to design the interior. Leading up to her office is a “stair library,” a staircase decorated in decals with names and titles of her favorite works of literature that Martin found on Etsy. “(This space) is a more modern aesthetic with clean lines, lots of light, and an industrial look in places, so it’s different from the rest of the house,” she explains. “I can write anywhere—at my kitchen table, the library, my office—but I like having a serene space because the rest of my life is so cluttered.”

Martin likes to write without “visual clutter,” so there’s not much in the way of trinkets and accessories—just some fresh flowers, an antique typewriter that belonged to her mother, and her book collection. “I keep a stack of books on my desk that I love, with the most exquisitely written sentences. I look at how they structure their words, and the arc and flow of narrative. It’s good inspiration if you get blocked while you’re writing. And books are physically beautiful.”

Her clean and airy workspace is the opposite of her work style, which she says is disorganized and undisciplined. “I function best when I’m in a panic. It’s stressful, but that’s how I get it done.” It’s how she completed The Antidote for Everything, which revolves around two physicians who go rogue after their hospital fires one of them for treating transgender patients.

“I was curious what happens if a doc-

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

tor’s core practice principles conflict with administrative ones,” she says.

Martin no longer works in the ER; once she landed a publishing deal with Random House in 2016, writing became her fulltime occupation. “I love the idea of reinvention. I find both careers equally compelling,” she says. “Both allow an examination of the human condition—the difference being, in medicine, doctors are striving to alleviate suffering, while authors are deliberately torturing their people, because you can’t have a good book without friction.”

Her book tour starts in Charlotte on February 18 with a ticketed luncheon at Quail Hollow Club and, later, a free book signing and talk at Park Road Books, then stops in Charleston, Atlanta, San Diego, New York, and many others. For the selfdescribed introvert, it’s equal parts energizing and exhausting. “It takes a supreme amount of energy to talk in front of people for any length of time. I collapse like a burst balloon after,” she says. “I had no familiarity with public speaking when I started, but I wound up really liking it. I love bookstores (and) meeting readers, and I love the travel. I’m not gonna lie—I love a hotel room to myself. It’s a frantic pace, though.

There’s not much time to soak in a city.”

When she’s not traveling—or recovering from knee surgery—Martin meets with a weekly writers group, interviews authors for her website (kimmerymartin. com), edits her children’s book reports, and reads three to four books a week. (“I can’t imagine being a writer who didn’t read,” she says.) She’s also a trustee on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board, where she advocates for the addition of a dedicated writers’ space to the new Main Library, scheduled to open in 2024.

She’s working on a third book—about an infectious disease doctor traveling with her two children in the midst of a viral pandemic—which she hopes to release in 2021 or 2022. And in those unavoidable moments when she finds herself staring at a blank computer screen, she often clicks over to a favorite hashtag, #bookstagram, to scroll through artistic photos of books, libraries, and workspaces.

Sometimes a beautiful interior is all the inspiration she needs to keep writing—at least until the kids get home from school.

TAYLOR BOWLER is lifestyle editor of this magazine.

R E AL E STAT E

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® FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

23

THE GOOD LIFE

Lindsay Anvik makes custom charcuterie boards that include soft and hard cheeses, cured meats, fresh baked crostini, and flowers.

E NT E RTA I N I N G

Boards for Bae

New York transplants Rob Henricks and Lindsay Anvik turn custom charcuterie boards into a second career

HUSBAND-AND-WIFE DUO Rob Henricks and Lindsay Anvik moved from New York City to Charlotte A last year, looking for a good place to raise a family.

DELECTABLE She was a professional development coach doing VALENTINE leadership training around the world, and he was a restaurant consultant with mad knife skills. They’d Babe & Butcher planned to keep their day jobs, but that all changed offers a heartafter they hosted a party in their home for Charlotte’s shaped board for 24 Foundation, which raises money to fight cancer.

Valentine’s Day. The duo served a charcuterie board and wowed guests Instead of flowers, with what they thought of as just a fun hobby. send a charcuterie “I’d been bringing them to friends’ homes, and board to your they would always ask me to make them,” Anvik valentine—or treat says, “but this was the first time strangers were The couple could see that charcuterie boards your co-workers asking who catered it and how they could order were having a moment. But Babe & Butcher boards to something one.” The couple brainstormed names for their are more than just meat, cheese, and crackers. unexpected. company, found a commercial kitchen to work in, Theirs include soft and hard cheeses, cured meats, and officially launched Babe & Butcher in fall 2019. fresh baked crostini, and flowers. They also create “We both were driving two-seater convertibles at the time,” fruit boards and dessert boards with more than two pounds Anvil says. “We thought it would take a year for it to really of chocolate, meringues, and cookies. Each order comes on a take off, but after I had to rent an SUV three times in one week cutting board, monogrammed with their rose and butcher just to deliver the boards, we realized we probably needed a knife logo, that customers can either keep or return for 10 bigger car.” percent off their next order.

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

PETER TAYLOR

BY MICHELLE BOUDIN

Tips For Making Your Own Board: » Use what you love

For larger groups, Babe & Butcher does full time. They’re planning to roll offers 20-to-30-foot grazing tables, out a high-end board with Russian a buffet-style spread piled high with caviar on a marble cutting board, and charcuterie accoutrements. When a they have a new board with truffles customer requested a breakfast board, that Anvik orders from France. She also Anvik and Henricks created a spread builds boards with cookies her best of mini maple scones, fresh fruit, and friend sends from Japan and cheese she maple spice candied bacon. It was such a orders from Holland. She looks to local hit, they made it a regular offering. dairies for cheese and buys honey in When the 24 Foundation hired them Charlotte whenever she can. again to cater a party to thank their “Food has always been a part of my volunteers, Anvik and Henricks built a life,” she says. “I’m Italian, so I was in board around an orange bicycle wheel the kitchen in the womb with my mom (the nonprofit’s logo) with orange jelly and grandmother. Rob has always been beans mixed with white mini cupcakes, around restaurants. So when we moved coconut rolls, white macaroons, lemon to Charlotte and realized what a foodie cookies, and dried oranges. For a party town this was, Babe & Butcher just at Wing Haven, they decorated a board happened. The strength of the boards with roses and herbs from the garden. comes from the two of us, and it’s just And for a client’s Halloween party, they been great.” “buried” a skeleton in candy.

Henricks continues to work as a MICHELLE BOUDIN is a reporter at NBC restaurant consultant while assisting Charlotte and a regular contributor to with Babe & Butcher, which Anvik now People magazine.

» Think beyond cheese and crackers—include chocolate, fruits, and nuts » Make sure to play to your audience » Use what you already have in your fridge, pantry, or even your garden.

Fresh-cut flowers can add color and fill in some of the blank spots » Mix it up with something spicy like salami or pepper jelly, something sweet like honey, and something acidic like pickles » Choose a theme to help guide your choices

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

25

THE GOOD LIFE

Yeah, That Greenville

It’s a blend of Southern charm and urban boom, and it’s emerging as a foodie destination. Explore Greenville, South Carolina, before everyone else does FIFTY YEARS AGO, Greenville, South Carolina, was a deteriorating textile town halfway between Charlotte and Atlanta, often confused with the North Carolina city of the same name.

Over the last few decades, city planners have revitalized its downtown with manicured parks, plazas, and entertainment venues. Today, this pedestrian-friendly city is a hub for public art, museums, and food festivals, and it’s just a 90-minute drive from Charlotte. Bring your spouse, your kids, your dogs, and your appetite, and see where the sidewalks take you. —Taylor Bowler

DO

STAY

The new Residence Inn by Marriott on Washington Street puts you within walking distance of the best downtown shopping and dining. It’s got a gorgeous outdoor pool, fire pits, and a pristine fitness center, plus an on-site restaurant and bar called Oak & Honey.

Head downstairs for risotto croquettes or truffle fries and stay for live music and a nightcap. Sip on the Milk & Honey cocktail with lavenderinfused whiskey, honey nut cereal, milk, and bitters, then go upstairs and sleep beneath the crisp white sheets.

26

EAT

The downtown area alone hosts more than 120 restaurants, so plan your trip around your meals (not the other way around).

For breakfast, head to the cozy Chocolate Moose Bakery & Café inside M. Judson Booksellers.

Order a scone and a cup of coffee, then peruse the tables of books and read the handwritten staff reviews displayed next to the covers. Stop for lunch at Roost and sit on the patio overlooking NOMA Square on Main Street.

Munch on fish tacos or a pulled pork sandwich, and don’t forget a side of sweet potato fries.

For dinner, walk over to RiverPlace and grab a seat at The Lazy Goat. Feast on Mediterranean-based fare like lamb lollipops, “Duck, Duck, Goat” pizza, and pastry chef Tania Harris’s pistachio crème brulee.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

With wide sidewalks, green spaces, water features, and public art, this city is designed for walking. So leave your car at the hotel and get those steps in. Create your own soy candle at Magnolia Scents by Design. Stroll over to Art Crossing at RiverPlace along the Reedy River and visit a dozen co-op spaces and studios with original photography, jewelry, and paintings.

Explore Falls Park on the Reedy, a 32-acre green space with walking paths, benches, rock-walled gardens, and water features.

Then walk across the Liberty Bridge—a 345foot, curved pedestrian bridge held in the air by a single suspension cable— and take in the views of Reedy River Falls.

OVERDUE FOR SOME R&R? Treat yo’self to a girl’s getaway weekend in Greenville

RETAIL THERAPY

You’ll find mainstays like Anthropologie and lululemon downtown, but the area is also packed with independent boutiques that carry lesser-known brands. Visit J. Britt Boutique for a unique ruffle top or cashmere sweater to wear with those designer jeans, or splurge on some snakeskin flats and a leather clutch for your night on the town.

J. Britt Boutique, 203 N. Main St., 864-2407366, shopjbritt.com

MANIS AND PEDIS

When your feet get tired from all that walking, head to The Spa at West End for a pedicure … and you might as well get a manicure while you’re there, too. The Spa at West End, 714 S. Main St., 864-242-8877, westendspa.com

ROSÉ ALL DAY

For drinks with a view, go to UP on the Roof at happy hour, or come back later for a cocktail and dessert. Order The Reedy Peach or a pink Moscato and the bacon bread pudding (with a few spoons), and watch the sun set from eight stories up. UP on the Roof, 250 RiverPlace, 864-242-4000, eatupdrinkup.net

COURTESY

WEEKENDER

THE GOOD LIFE

PART Y P I C S

Seen

The Foundation For Tomorrow

DANIEL COSTON; DIRK WEAVER

1. Keyla Sandoval, Christina Melissaris, Jeff Wallin 2. Bill and Athena Kortesis 3. Haleigh and Jack Sullivan 4. Rick Zeitvogel, Meredith Dolhare, Matt Elliott 5. Jason and Meghann Sehorn

Verse & Vino

1. Ross Gay 2. Karen Abbott 3. Weston Andress, Charles Bowman 4. Todd Murphy, Jill Dinwiddie

Freedom School Partners 1. Mary Nell McPherson, Carol Hardison 2. Judy Schindler, Katie Coff 3. Tracey Hembrick, Jennifer Green 4. Liz Clasen-Kelly 5. Matt and Walt Harper

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

27

THE GOOD LIFE ART S + E V E NT S

The Playlist 9 BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE THIS MONTH

IN FEBRUARY

These seven musicians and groups are coming to local venues this month.

Our favorite tracks from each act: 1. Electric Guest, “Waves” (February 5, Visulite Theatre) 2. Raphael Saadiq, “Love That Girl” (February 5, The Fillmore Charlotte) 3. Tori Kelly, “Paper Hearts” (February 9, The Fillmore Charlotte) 4. flor, “back again” (February 16, Neighborhood Theatre) 5. Lauren Daigle, “Still Rolling Stones” (February 22, Bojangles’ Coliseum) 6. Scotty McCreery, “This Is It” (February 28, Coyote Joe’s) 7. Diana Ross, “Chain Reaction” (February 29, Belk Theater)

The on-ice Airstream bar at the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s Upper Pond skating rink serves hot chocolate, coffee, and beer.

WINTER AT WHITEWATER Through February

The U.S. National Whitewater Center unveiled a pair of new attractions this winter: a 17,000-squarefoot skating rink and an illuminated art experience, Lights, by Meredith Connelly. The center installed Connelly’s immersive series of lights along a half-mile walking trail, open every day from 6-10 p.m. through February. Before or after the trail, glide over the Upper Pond rink before the weather turns warm. Here are three more things to know about this wintertime playground:

ANDREA BOCELLI: IN CONCERT FOR VALENTINES

February 7

The legendary Italian tenor will sing his greatest love songs at Spectrum Center a week before the most romantic day of the year. Bocelli performs alongside the Opera Carolina Orchestra and Chorus and serenades fans with a repertoire of love songs, crossover hits, and music from his number-one album Si. Hear why famed record producer David Foster describes Bocelli’s voice as the most beautiful in the world.

1. Connelly is a Cornelius-based installation artist. You may have seen her work in galleries around town or at the Mint Museum in the 2018 juried exhibition MAINFRAME, organized by the Young Affiliates of the Mint.

Lights is her largest project to date.

2. It’s a sensory experience. Some of Connelly’s installations hang high in the trees, and others hug the ground. Look for honeycombs, vines, and crystals along the forest trail.

3. You can drink up! The rink has an Airstream bar, where guests can skate up to order hot chocolate, coffee, or beer. The Raft Pavilion has been transformed into a beer garden where visitors can warm up by a fire pit.

Find more events happening in Charlotte this month in our GUIDE, starting on page 84.

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

COURTESY

MIXTAPE: ON STAGE

FOOD DRINK

INSIDE: LOCAL FLAVOR / REVIEW

EXPLORE THE TASTES OF CHARLOTTE

Verdant Bread co-owner Tanner Fink quit his job as a bartender to be a full-time baker.

LO C AL F L AVO R

GROWING CULTURE Verdant Bread carries on an ancient breadmaking tradition with care—and a yeast-bacteria blend named Gloria

BY ALLISON BRADEN PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER TAYLOR

TANNER FINK, until recently a bartender at Kindred in Davidson, began to experiment with sourdough starters in his hometown of Missoula, Montana. When he combined flour and water and let it ferment, he joined a tradition that dates back to ancient Egypt. Together, water and warmth activate the yeast that occurs naturally in flour, and as the microbes feast on the flour’s starch, they produce carbon dioxide and ethanol.

Continued on next page FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

29

FOOD+DRINK

How to Make a Sourdough Starter Cultivate your own wild yeast with these tips from the pros

In 2016, a team of microbial scientists at North Carolina State University began collecting data on sourdough starters from all over the world. “This is science you can do at home without a fancy lab,” says microbial ecologist Erin McKenney, who helped lead the Global Sourdough Project, “and you can still do legitimate, novel research that tells us things about the world and the foods that nourish us that we’ve never known before.” McKenney’s advice for raising a sourdough starter of your own: 1. Let ½ cup of tap water sit overnight to let chlorine evaporate.

2. Place water and ½ cup flour in a glass or plastic pint jar.

McKenney recommends rye flour; the Verdant Bread bakers use half rye and half malted barley flour. “Rye gives it a nice, happy fragrance,” Fink says. “And there’s a lot of strength in it.”

3. Cover jar with paper towel and secure with rubber band.

4. Leave jar in an area where the temperature is consistently around 70 degrees, like your countertop.

5. Remove part of your starter twice a day (this is called “backslopping”) and feed the busy microbes with ¼ cup flour and ¼ cup water. Be patient. It can be tricky to get a sourdough starter going. Fink suggests turning to YouTube for expert guidance.

6. You can keep your starter in the fridge if you don’t plan to use it often—just don’t forget to feed it now and then.

Adapted from posts on Homegrown, NCSU Extension’s blog

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(Top) Jaymin McAffrey “backslops,” or feeds, the starter. (Left) Tanner Fink scores a loaf before it goes in the oven.

(Opposite) Fresh loaves, rolls, and baguettes get delivered to local customers that include Upstream, Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails, and Salud Cerveceria.

When baked, the carbon dioxide bubbles and leavens the bread. The yeast die and the bubbles remain, yielding the light, fluffy texture that makes bread so delectable. The hapless Egyptian baker who left his dough out too long on one of those hot African days gave rise—literally—to one of mankind’s most enduring culinary traditions.

But early last century, manufacturers perfected the mass production of yeast, and the result was a tragedy for the American palate.

For many home bakers today, yeast is synonymous with foil packets from the baking aisle. This active dry yeast keeps for a long time—decades in the freezer—and causes dough to rise much faster. But what bakers bought in convenience, they paid for in flavor. Industrial yeast lacks the diversity and unique DNA fingerprint of wild yeast and bacterial communities.

Fink and bakers all over the world cultivate and maintain colonies of wild yeast and bacteria, known as sourdough starters.

(Bread made from wild yeast is called sour-

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

dough for its distinctive tang.) Some starters become heirlooms, baked with for decades and passed down over generations. Fink and business partner Jaymin McAffrey have tapped into this little miracle of fermentation to bring quality sourdough to Charlotte. “I moved out here and had a bit of a hard time finding good bread,” Fink says. “I had a sourdough starter that I was using for pizza dough.

Then I started experimenting with bread and fell in love with it.”

Fink cultivated a new starter when he moved southeast. But even if he’d brought his old one cross-country, the frothy goop would have ended up thoroughly North Carolinian anyway, full of microbes from the air, the kitchen—and his hands. Sourdough researchers at North Carolina State University found that bakers alter the unique profiles of their starters with microbes on their skin, and vice versa: The microbial communities on bakers’ hands reflect the communities in their sourdough—one more way we are what we eat.

Fink, 31, and fellow Kindred bartender

McAffrey, 27, used this new starter to craft a variety of sourdoughs with just three ingredients: water, salt, and locally milled flour. Once they felt confident, the pair convinced their pals at Hex Coffee in Camp North End to let them sell loaves at a holiday pop-up in 2017. McAffrey and Fink named their sourdough starter “Gloria,” and Verdant Bread was born.

On a brisk Saturday morning in November, shoppers peruse vegetables and chat with foragers and farmers at the Matthews Community Farmers Market.

The market, founded in 1991, requires that products be sourced within 50 miles and that the producers be present.

Children bundled against the chill play as their parents line up for steaming coffee.

Holiday harmonies from the Charlotte Chorale float over the vendors. By 10 a.m., the traffic at their booth has slowed, but McAffrey and Fink still welcome every customer like a friend. Some varieties of bread are sold out, but the shoppers scan the deep brown loaves that remain, tattooed with flour patterns. More often than not, they leave with one or two tucked in paper bags. You would never guess that the jovial bakers have been awake for 10 hours.

On regular days, McAffrey and Fink’s alarms go off before 4 a.m. On market days, they’re up at midnight, harnessing

Gloria’s magic to turn out loaf after loaf of tangy sourdough. For a while, the pair balanced their demanding hours with their bartending jobs and young families.

Both are married, and Fink’s 5-year-old daughter, Hollin, inspired the bakery’s identity. While researching her name, Fink stumbled on a quote: “When all other flora has long lost its blush and gone dormant for the winter, holly can be found still, brightly verdant.” Fink and McAffrey reckon bread’s appeal is evergreen, too.

Their efforts soon won a devoted following. Upstream, Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails, and Salud Cerveceria became regular customers. For $25 a month, families and individuals in Verdant’s subscription service look forward to fresh loaves every Wednesday. In addition to manning the booth every Saturday in Matthews, the pair also hosts midweek pop-ups at Hex. When Morganton brewery Fonta Flora hosted a Kvass Day last fall to celebrate the relationship between bread and beer (kvass is a non-alcoholic, fermented drink made from rye bread), McAffrey and Fink were thrilled to be invited, among some of the most admired bakers in the state.

In June, they both quit tending bar to be full-time bakers. Now they’re renovating their baking kitchen, and they plan to

partner with Wild Hope Farms to add bread to their CSA program. Gloria, the sourdough starter they’ve maintained, is now four years old.

At the farmers market, the Verdant Bread guys are surrounded by makers, foragers, and farmers who care deeply about food—how it’s made, where it comes from, and its power to bring us together. “Good food fuels good people in the community, and good people in the community fuel good food,” McAffrey says, adding that it’s a cliché only until you see the symbiosis in action. Fink acknowledges the Matthews Farmers Market’s role in connecting them to likeminded people and restaurants. “I feel like there are a lot of people shaking their heads at Charlotte, like, ‘Where is everybody?’” McAffrey adds, as he looks around. “But they’re right here.”

Wild yeast can be finicky, and Fink prescribes patience. The microbes hold out for just the right care and attention before they bloom. With Verdant Bread, McAffrey and Fink are out to prove that with just flour, water, and a little time, you can grow a thriving community— microbial or otherwise.

ALLISON BRADEN is a contributing editor to this magazine.

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

31

FOOD+DRINK

REVIEW

BRUNCH

BY TRAIN Steps from the light rail in South End, Eight + Sand Kitchen’s menu does most everything right, and its mimosa is—dare we say—perfect

BY EMMA WAY

SIX MONTHS AGO, I sold my Honda Civic to reduce my carbon footprint. Now I use the light rail to commute, the bus to get to the airport and outlying neighborhoods, and my feet or bike to fill the gaps.

(I’ll confess to ordering a fair amount of rideshares, too.)

The greatest challenge in all of this, though, is dining out. So many of my

EIGHT + SAND KITCHEN

135 New Bern St., Ste. A Entrées: $5.95-$12.95 (704) 370-9696

32

favorite Charlotte-area restaurants aren’t accessible via public transportation— looking at you, Kindred and Heirloom— and even more take two-plus bus connections to reach.

“Now approaching New Bern Station,” a robotic voice says as the Blue Line train slows to a stop in South End. I look out the window, see white patio furniture tucked under a sign for Eight + Sand written in script lettering, and hop out.

Inside, the café is as bright as this sunny December morning, with crisp white subway tiles, natural wood tabletops, and floor-to-ceiling windows. An L-shaped counter includes a full-service bar on one side and a station to order meals on the other.

I scan the menu and decide to split the breakfast bowl ($7.95) and the shakshuka ($9.95) with a friend. I order a mimosa ($8) for myself. After I take a number, I

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

find a seat beneath string lights and next to some house plants with vines climbing down a bookcase. “Here Comes the Sun” plays softly in the background as a server arrives with my mimosa.

An effective test of a brunch menu, I think, is its basic mimosa. It’s the same reason I always order Bolognese at an Italian-American restaurant first; if the restaurant can’t get that right, best to not order anything else. Any restaurant can serve a mimosa, but it takes a certain level of care to make a memorable one.

This mimosa comes in a wine glass with a sizable pour—no measly flute fills here. It’s about 85 percent Champagne and 15 percent freshly squeezed orange juice, light and delicate and dangerously delicious. I could have ordered four more; I didn’t drive, after all.

Three familiar restaurateurs are behind Eight + Sand Kitchen: Inizio Pizza owner

PETER TAYLOR

Shakshuka is a common breakfast dish in Israel. (Top, left) A mimosa and sangria.

BITE-SIZED STO R I E S

Foodie News on a Small Plate JOSH OAKLEY stepped into the role of executive chef at Bar Marcel after Nicholas Tarnate’s departure. The SouthPark restaurant serves a mix of small plates, housemade pastas, and entrees inspired by Italian, French, and Spanish cuisines.

Eight + Sand Kitchen is full of natural light (above).

The potato “crunks” are the star of the breakfast bowl (right).

Grant Arons and Not Just Coffee co-owners James and Miracle Yoder. Both establishments are known for their attention to detail in even pizza and coffee.

Once our food arrives, I nab a crunchy potato “crunk” from the breakfast bowl and dip it in a vibrant parsley pesto sauce. The rest of the bowl is filled with an over-medium egg, sliced avocado, and sautéed kale, onions, and peppers. Each ingredient satisfies on its own, but if you can get a bit of everything in one bite, that’s where the dish shines. I soon run out of the parsley pesto sauce, though, which makes the dish a tad dry.

Next is the shakshuka, a tomato-and-egg stew from the Maghreb, Mediterranean, and Middle East. It’s a common breakfast in Israel, where I first had it. When I returned to Charlotte, I tried to make it at home, but I always cooked the eggs too long. The eggs should be poached and added to the top of the stew only at the end of the cooking process. Eight + Sand’s shakshuka succeeds where mine failed. The eggs are runny and ooze into the tomato blend with hints of

PETER TAYLOR

C R I T I C S’ CO LU M N

Eight +Sand Kitchen

paprika, cumin, and cayenne. I dip sourdough bread—made from flour Eight + Sand mills in house—into the stew.

On subsequent visits, I try more dishes. The pastrami sandwich ($12.95) is stuffed with tender house-cured beef, and the vegan banh mi ($9.95) balances tangy pickled daikon with rich hoisin-glazed seitan. I’ve tried almost everything from the glass pastry case, too: croissants and cruffins, a hybrid between croissants and muffins. But I keep coming back to that perfect—yup, I said it—mimosa.

As I finish my meal, I keep an eye outside to see if the light rail is approaching. The name of the restaurant is fitting given its location next to New Bern Station; the term “eight and sand” was once used by train crews to say safe travels and farewell.

I hear the rattle and static of the train before I see it. I dash out the door, looking back as I run out to wave goodbye to my friend.

WHITNEY THOMAS, formerly of 5Church, has been named executive chef at The Queen & Glass, the cocktail lounge and tapas bar in Dilworth.

WENTWORTH + FENN, BLEU BARN BISTRO, and BOW RAMEN will be among the first food stalls to open at Camp North End in March. They’ll be along the property’s Graham Street border.

EMMA WAY is the outgoing editor of this magazine.

DINING OUT for brunch usually involves a wait— for a table, for water, for your bill. Eight + Sand isn’t immune to the long lines that accompany most popular brunch spots; we waited 25 minutes for a latte on a Sunday morning and had to scour the crowded dining room for a table. But if you’re patient, you get to savor well-balanced dishes and details like flour milled and beef cured in house. —Charlotte magazine staff

AMBIENCE: SERVICE: FOOD: OVERALL RATING:

JAMIE LYNCH, executive chef at 5Church, will appear on Top Chef All Stars, where he’ll compete with 14 other chefs from past seasons. The 17th season of the Bravo competition show premieres at 10 p.m. on March 19.

—Taylor Bowler

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

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FOOD+DRINK

O N T H E LI N E W I T H

JONATHAN SCHULER

The former ROCKSALT chef moved to Dilworth Tasting Room to lead the kitchen, master Croatian cuisine, and study rare wines

BY TAYLOR BOWLER

Age: 26 Relationship status: Single Hometown: Originally from New York City but moved to Raleigh in middle school Lives in: South End Currently reading: You Need a Budget

by Jesse Mecham

What did that involve? Staging is when you work under a chef for two or three days and learn their techniques. I went staging around New York and went to the Michelin realm to see what it’s about.

Any chefs you looked up to as a kid? My Puerto Rican grandmother cooked really well.

I still make her Spanish rice at home—it’s my comfort food.

What single ingredient do you always have on hand? Thyme.

What’s the most unexpected ingredient in your arsenal? Rabbit. It comes to me whole from a collective of farmers. It’s in the freezer now. I’m making pâté out of it.

Is there one recipe that you nail every single time? I’m getting pretty good at our

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Croatian pašticada (a stewed beef dish).

THE TOUGH STUFF

Any superstitious rituals for you in the kitchen?

I have to listen to music all day. And I wear black Crocs, always.

Chocolate or cheese?

Cheese

What do you like to do outside the kitchen?

I compete in amateur boxing, so I box at least five days a week, and I do some skateboarding.

Comedy or drama?

Comedy

What’s your favorite restaurant in Charlotte other than your own?

The Cellar at Duckworth’s and Stoke.

Beer or wine?

Wine Coffee or tea?

Coffee

Reality or fiction?

Fiction Dog or cat?

Dog More money or more free time?

More time Facebook or Instagram?

Instagram

What appealed to you about Dilworth Tasting Room? This is the kind of place I want to own someday, so I’m working toward my ultimate goal. This fits the bill.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

Was there a steep learning curve to Croatian cuisine? Yes and no.

The techniques stay the same, but the flavors change. Jaffer Kovic (owner of DTR) and his wife Zoe are Croatian, and she’s my taste tester. She’s pretty honest, too. (laughs) What about the wine? I’m studying to be a sommelier. Jaffer is a level 3 sommelier, and he does tastings with the staff all the time.

What’s your all-time favorite meal? My grandmother’s roasted pork shoulder with rice and beans.

What’s one of your guilty pleasures? Um, wine? (laughs) I’ll go home and ‘study’ a bottle.

What is the ideal dining experience for you?

Tapas-style dining isn’t just a type of food; it’s an experience. I don’t like to eat with my head down. I like it to be interactive.

PETER TAYLOR

How did you learn to be a chef? I went to culinary school at The Chef’s Academy outside Raleigh, but the best training I had was staging in different restaurants.

Feb. 24–Mar. 1, 2020

CELEBRATING SOUTHERN HERITAGE AND CULTURE WITH FOOD + DRINK

HILTONHEADSEAFOODFESTIVAL.COM All proceeds benefit the nonprofit 501(c)(3) David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation

Ways to work, feed, and rest your body, mind, and soul

BY Taylor Bowler AND Emma Way PHOTOGRAPHS BY Logan Cyrus

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

Brave Broth is available at Green Brothers Juice Company and Reid’s Fine Foods.

It’s time to get healthy, right? Maybe you want to commit to a workout routine, or perhaps you want to curb your smartphone addiction and start meditating. The goal isn’t just to look better but feel better. This month, we look at three dimensions of wellness to explore unexpected ways to sweat, nourish, and recharge in Charlotte.

This could be the year you learn to balance in a silk hammock, detox in an infrared sauna, or swap out your morning coffee with bone broth. Here are the people and places to help you make selfcare a priority in 2020.

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sweat WHEN IS THE LAST TIME you learned a new physical skill?

“That’s often the hardest question for people to answer,” says Brian Formato, founder of LeaderSurf, a leadership development retreat he hosts in Costa Rica. “The older we get, the more sedentary we are.”

Formato, a Charlotte-based executive coach and founder of Groove Management, designed LeaderSurf for business leaders to build leadership endurance, which he says is similar to the physical endurance required in surfing. The six-day program takes a group of six to 10 people from companies that include Intel, Circle K, The Motley Fool, and Fifth Third Bank to the beaches of Nosara, Costa Rica, for daily coaching sessions, team-building activities, and surf lessons. “In business, we’re taught that failure isn’t an option, and we need to embrace failure as part of learning,” he says. “Even the best surfers in the world wipe out. As a leader in business, you’re gonna wipe out.”

For the initial surf lesson, nobody gets in the water for a full hour. First, they study the landscape, using all their senses.

“Then you have to stretch, because even just the act of carrying the board is hard,” Formato says. “In surfing, 90 percent of it is paddling. That’s really frickin’ hard work. If you spend five minutes of one hour standing, that’s a success.”

Participants range in age from 29 to 57, and across varying levels of physical fitness. But by the end of the week, everyone has ridden a wave. “Sometimes just on their knees, but it all counts,” Formato says. “It’s the idea that the best things in life come after a struggle. And in the water, no one’s gonna see you sweat.”

They end each day with sunset reflections, a mindfulness activity in which participants watch the sun set and share what they’ve learned about themselves that day. By 8 p.m., after the nightly group dinner, everyone is spent. “Without trying, you get your 10,000 steps a day,” Formato says.

He’s had more than 50 people do the program over the last four years, and Formato says one of the biggest challenges is getting participants to give up their devices for the week. “We have such a difficult time disconnecting, but with surfing, you can’t have your phone in the ocean. You get your ass kicked by the waves, but you go home a totally different person.”

Still, he says, learning to surf is a top bucket list item, along with learning a foreign language or musical instrument. “But riding the wave isn’t really what surfing is,” he adds with a smile. “You have to enjoy the paddling.” —T.B.

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

COURTESY

Ride the Waves with Brian Formato

(Above) LeaderSurf’s six-day program takes a group of business leaders to the beaches of Nosara, Costa Rica.

(Left) Founder Brian Formato compares leadership endurance to the stamina required in surfing.

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

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TRY THESE:

YOGA

sweat

YOU CAN REALIZE tons of benefits— from improved flexibility to toned muscles—by regularly practicing yoga.

But can it make you happy? After an hour with Sydney Duarte, we’re convinced it can. Duarte’s smile, which was probably the first thing you saw when you picked up this magazine, is infectious. Her positive energy radiates beyond the classes she teaches at NoDa Yoga every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m to murals throughout the city.

One, on a wall outside of Two Scoops in Plaza Midwood, says, “You can’t make everyone happy, you’re not ice cream. Do the things that light you up.

Everything else will fall into place.” She paints these murals with her mom, Ann. To find Duarte’s murals and yoga classes, head to her website: thetravelinggypsy.org. —E.W.

Sydney Duarte is a yoga instructor and a muralist.

INFRARED SAUNA CLAIM: Reduced inflammation and muscle soreness, relaxation, improved circulation, calorie burn, better sleep.

EXPERIENCE: Strip down to your birthday suit and lie down on a cushioned pad inside an infrared unit, similar to a tanning bed. The infrared heat hits your body from all sides, but your head remains uncovered so you can breathe in

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

the scent from the aromatherapy diffusers. Your core temperature rises gradually, so you won’t perspire for about 15 minutes. After 45 minutes, a river of sweat will run down your body.

VERDICT: On a cold winter day, the warm bed feels like a tropical vacation, but at roughly $35, it’s an expensive way to relax. It’s a nice alternative to hot yoga, but any weight you drop is likely just water weight; once you rehydrate, it’ll come right back.

DETAILS: At KŨR Health Spa, located at 3928 Park Road, guests purchase credits in advance to apply to services. A single 45-minute session costs approximately $35. Visit kurhealthspa.com for more information.

BONUS: Splurge on a “Happy Feet” warm magnesium foot soak and massage with co-owner Renate Navaroli prior to your infrared therapy session. —T.B.

daily routine

A class at AerialCLT teaches different moves and poses using hoops and silks.

CHRYS CROCKETT OF “GET FIT WITH CHRYS”

AERIAL FITNESS

PERSONAL TRAINER and bodybuilder Chrysten “Chrys” Crockett lives in Atlanta but calls Charlotte her “home away from home.”

The Ohio native based her training business in Charlotte before shifting most of her work online. You may recognize her from her 10-minute workouts that air live on Instagram at 6 a.m. every day or from her posts about healthy eating and fitness. Here’s a typical day in the life of Chrys:

CLAIM: Increased upper body and core strength, improved flexibility and posture.

EXPERIENCE: AerialCLT sits in a massive brick warehouse in uptown, with many small group classes happening at once—lyra, trapeze, and the most common aerial fitness medium, silks. Sydney Leighton’s lyra class begins with stretching and a few exercises to wake up the core and wrist. During the rest of the class, Leighton teaches new moves and postures, and then you’re free to practice on the hoop. Learn how to plank inside the hoop in a mermaid, or master a pose called “the perch,” which looks like a bird sitting on a branch.

5 a.m.

VERDICT: This class is tough on the hands, but their claim that you don’t need to be able to do a pull-up before your first class is true. The combination of strength and beauty in these poses is empowering.

COURTESY

DETAILS: $30 (drop-in classes), $100 (four-week introduction course), $150/month (unlimited). For AerialCLT’s class schedule, information about class passes, and more, visit aerialclt.com. —E.W.

“I don’t like to wake up and jump right on social media,” Crockett says, so she takes some quiet time for herself.

6-6:10 a.m. A 10-minute workout, which is free and accessible to anyone with an Instagram account.

6:15 a.m.

First breakfast. After her first workout, she usually has a protein shake and coffee.

6:45-8 a.m. Work out at the gym.

8:15 a.m.

Second breakfast.

After a long workout, she likes to eat plantbased bacon, fruit, avocado toast, and drink more coffee.

8:45-10 a.m. Emails.

10 a.m.Business 5 p.m. development.

This is the bulk of her work as an entrepreneur, when she makes coaching calls to

5-6 p.m.

6-7 p.m.

7-8 p.m.

8-10 p.m.

her clients, builds the marketing agency she recently co-founded, chats with prospective clients, and curates future social media content. She takes a lunch break around noon.

Play with her two French bulldog puppies.

Dinner. Lately she’s a fan of red lentil pasta with spinach and meatless meatballs because it’s so high in protein.

Brainstorm session.

Crockett talks with her boyfriend, also an entrepreneur, about ideas to grow their businesses.

Netflix. After a long day, she likes to “turn all the way off.” Crockett and her boyfriend are currently bingewatching Godfather of Harlem.

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

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nourish Lotus Soul Cafe’s Powerhouse salad is topped with carrots, almonds, cranberries, and honey and apple cider vinaigrette.

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

The Creative Fuel smoothie is made with cacao coffee, banana, blackberry, cinnamon, reishi, and maca.

EAT FOR YOUR CHAKRA AT LOTUS SOUL CAFÉ BEHIND THE JUICE BAR at Lotus Soul Café in Cornelius, an “honesty board” has a short list of ingredients offered that day that aren’t USDA organic. Today it’s vegan mayo and almonds, and a few customers opt to leave those ingredients out of their orders.

Deciphering the food industry’s claims and checking labels in the grocery store is hard enough, and when you spend close to $10 on a matcha latte smoothie with almond milk, founders Heather Krengel and Sheila Tierney want you to know exactly what you’re getting.

They opened Lotus Soul Café last November with two main goals: gut health and immune support. The retail area brims with supplements that promise to rescue your liver, boost your dopamine, lower your stress, and balance your hormones. It’s an approach many swear by—but if you’re not inclined to spend $32 on a 4-ounce bottle of Adaptogenic superfood blend, Lotus has more affordable ways to invest in your health.

The café menu includes organic kombucha and kefir drinks on tap, juices, smoothies, and food options like Heart Beet Toast, topped with beet hummus, spinach, goat cheese, and hemp seeds; and Life of Chi Salad, made with chickpeas, red onion, tomatoes, and avocado.

But look closer and you’ll see tiny dots of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, or purple next to each item. That’s a color key to mark which of your seven chakras that selection will balance.

“Our bodies are made up of seven major energy sources, from the top of our crown to the base of our spine,” Tierney explains.

“When we’re at our best selves, all of our chakras—or energy fields—are open.” The heart chakra, for example, is associated with balance within yourself and your relationships, and leafy green foods like kale, spinach, and bok choy heal this chakra.

Krengel, who grew up on an organic farm, built the menu with her own recipes, anchored by ingredients like chickpeas, oats, quinoa, and mixed greens, so it’s almost all vegan and paleo-friendly. Tierney, who has eased into this way of eating since she launched the business, started by swapping out dairy milk for almond milk and pasta for chickpeas. “I’m not feeling as bloated, and I’m not craving complex carbs,” she says. “Eating plant-based, organic, live food is how you heal yourself—and weight loss is just a natural thing that will happen.” —T.B.

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

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Updog Kombucha’s Sphinx Mojito (opposite, right) pairs well with Nourish’s Shepherd’s Pie.

nourish

TRY THESE:

PLANT-BASED DIET CLAIM: Lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improved blood sugar control.

EXPERIENCE: A plant-based diet makes you feel “more movable, more in tune with your body and how it reacts to what you feed it,” says Julia Simon, chef and co-founder of Nourish Charlotte, a vegan and gluten-free meal delivery service. When you order Nourish’s five lunches plan from the website, don’t expect five salads. A typical delivery might include Jamaican shepherd’s pie with collards, risottostuffed peppers, two Bodhi bowls, and one salad with cacciatore chickpeas and cauliflower. Each meal leaves you feeling full and energized, and they’re delicious.

VERDICT: You won’t notice an instant change in your well-being after a week of meals from Nourish, but every dish feels like a gift to yourself. Meals are filling and flavorful and go beyond a classic house salad.

DETAILS: The “Just Lunches” plan is $53.55 a week (if you subscribe).

Without a subscription, you’ll pay $63 plus $10 for the one-time cooler fee.

Nourish has many other plan options, including family plans with four dinners, breakfasts, salads, and snacks.

Order at nourishcharlotte.com by Thursday for delivery on Monday or Tuesday.

BONUS: Nourish can also accommodate nut and soy allergies. Just be sure to select the nut- or soy-free meal plan when ordering. —E.W.

BONE BROTH

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CLAIM: Improved digestion, sleep, and immune system; healthier skin, hair, and nails.

third meal. It’s a great way to detox or reset after a weekend of heavy eating or drinking.

EXPERIENCE: Bone broth is made from beef bones, turkey, and chicken, so it tastes warm and savory, like a richer chicken noodle soup without chicken or noodles. Sip on it as an afternoon snack or in place of your daily caffeine fix or nightly glass of wine, and you’ll probably eat less for dinner and sleep better. If you’re doing a cleanse, replace two meals a day with a pint of bone broth, and have a lean protein and vegetables for your

VERDICT: A pint of bone broth is roughly 80 calories and 16 grams of protein. On a busy day, it’s great for sipping at your desk or in the carpool line. But it’s not filling like a bowl of chili. Unless you’re drinking it as part of a cleanse, it’s not a satisfying swap for a meal.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

DETAILS: Brave Bone Broth is available at Green Brothers Juice Company and Reid’s Fine Foods. One pint is $12 and

Nourish Charlotte’s Falafell’d Kale Salad is garnished with a pecan crumble, pickled turnips, and aphrodite dressing.

Try Updog Kombucha’s Lotus Hibiscus (opposite, left) with this salad.

lasts one week refrigerated and six months frozen.

BONUS: Sign up for Brave Bone Broth’s delivery service and receive six pints of bone broth every other week for a total of 12 pints per month for $150. Or try a half order (six pints per month) for $75 to see if it works for you. —T.B.

daily routine JIM STOUFFER

EXECUTIVE CHEF AT LA BELLE HELENE

KOMBUCHA CLAIM: Improved gut health and immunity.

EXPERIENCE: Kombucha is a fermented, raw, and unpasteurized drink that contains enzymes that are beneficial for the digestive system. UpDog Kombucha has a cute dog on the label and comes in seven flavors, all named after yoga poses. Founders Olivia Wolff and Lauren Miller started the company out of their dorm rooms at Wake Forest University a few years ago. Their kombucha is sweeter than vinegar-forward brands, but they don’t add any sugar after fermentation, so it’s lower in added sugar than most kombuchas at the grocery store. Drink it as a regular substitute for alcohol or soda and you’ll likely experience improved gut health, or just sip it if you have an occasional craving.

LOGAN CYRUS; COURTESY

VERDICT: This is an easy-to-drink kombucha that’s accessible for anybody, especially those new to kombucha. It’s not cheap, but Wolff occasionally teaches kombucha classes in Charlotte through SkillPop and other venues, so you can learn to make your own at a fraction of the price.

DETAILS: A bottle retails at around $5, depending on where you buy it. Growler refills cost $10 (32 oz.) or $18 (64 oz.). To find UpDog, visit updogkombucha.com or @updogkombucha on Instagram.

BONUS: Find Wolff’s kombucha classes on SkillPop (skillpop.com) or at Resident Culture Brewing Company. —E.W.

AS EXECUTIVE CHEF at the popular uptown restaurant La Belle Helene, Jim Stouffer spends 55 to 65 hours a week in a kitchen surrounded by duck confit, boeuf bourguignon, and fromage boards. He tastes his food all day to ensure quality, and, at 46, says his weight rarely fluctuates more than 5 to 7 pounds.

This wasn’t always the case, though. In his mid-20s, Stouffer peaked at 216 pounds and smoked a pack of cigarettes a day.

Today he’s learned that a combination of mountain biking and intermittent fasting on his day off every Monday is the best way to keep his weight—and health—in check.

We caught up with Stouffer to see what a day of intermittent fasting looks like: 5 a.m.

6 a.m.

7:45 a.m.

8 a.m.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wake up, get myself dressed and ready.

Get my boys (ages 6 and 9) up, make them breakfast, and make coffee for myself.

Drop the kids off at school.

Buy myself a kefir (a fermented milk drink) on the way home.

I usually go mountain biking, sometimes at the Whitewater Center or the Rocky River

3:15 p.m.

4 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

10 p.m.

Trail in Concord, and always drink plenty of water.

Pick the kids up at school.

Take the boys to a skate park.

Come home to start dinner for the kids, usually something healthy like chicken and veggies. I might pour myself a glass of wine.

Homework time.

Put the boys to bed.

Bedtime for me.

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

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Release Toxins From Your Body With Summer Maiden WHAT YOUR MIND THINKS, your hands will perform. It’s how Summer Maiden responds when clients ask why she closes her eyes as she gives a massage.

“Blind people are the best massage therapists,” she says with a shrug. “When you close your eyes, you truly feel.”

To her, tight muscles feel like guitar strings. Your spinal fluid has a sacral rhythm that she says she can locate by touch. If she feels an area that’s “stagnant,” she’ll open up your vessels for better blood flow. “Body mechanics are everything with massage,” she says.

“When I feel something releasing, relaxing, and I have that trust factor, I feel like I’ve really done something.”

To her, massage isn’t self-indulgent.

It’s self-care. “People talk during a massage, which is also a release when you’re stressed,” she says. “People have told me about traumas, car accidents, deaths of family members, and I know why they’re opening up. It’s a release all over.”

As a lymphatic drainage specialist, she encourages the movement of lymph fluids to release toxins in the body.

Keeping the lymphatic system healthy is a 6,000-year-old secret that she says everyone should adopt. Whether it’s the physical stress of eating bad foods or the emotional stress of a bad relationship, everyone has toxic loads they carry; a

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

recharge Summer Maiden performs Lymphatic Drainage Therapy on a client to release toxins from the body.

sluggish, stagnant lymphatic system can cause a number of symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and bloating.

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) is just one of Maiden’s specialties. She also does Swedish, neuromuscular, CranioSacral, and neonatal massage at My Kneads Integrative Medical Massage in South End. Her licenses and certifications are too numerous to list because her career has taken her to hospitals, physical therapy facilities, oncology clinics, and private practice. She’s done medical massage on chemotherapy patients, children with sickle-cell disease, and patients with circulatory issues prior to heart surgery.

“Physicians and surgeons are sometimes unaware of what can happen

with massage therapy,” she says. “I had a patient who was swelling up after a lung transplant, and a doctor called (the massage) a ‘spa treatment.’ Later, that doctor pulled me aside and asked what I was doing with lymphatic drainage. He didn’t know massage therapists know what we know. He stopped calling it a ‘spa treatment’ after that.”

Today, Maiden works with Panthers players, bankers, housewives, and children. Some come to her with physical pain, while others come to relax. If they want to talk, she’ll listen. And if they don’t, chances are she’ll feel it through the massage. Her eyes may be closed, but her hands are doing the hard work, helping each client find their release. —T.B.

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recharge FLOAT THERAPY

For the first 10 minutes of a float at True REST, the tub lights are on. After that, it’s complete darkness.

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EXPERIENCE: When you arrive at True REST Float Spa, a staff member will offer you tea or water, then usher you into a room to watch an informative video on float therapy. Next, you’ll go to a private room, strip down, shower, and insert earplugs before getting into a float pod filled with water and 1,000 pounds of Epsom salts. For the first 10 minutes, soft music plays, and a dim light fills the oval tub. After 10 minutes, the pod is dark. Floating is effortless, and you may or may not fall asleep. Five minutes before your time is up, the light and music return.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

VERDICT: Mike Shoniker, owner of the True REST franchise on Pecan Avenue in Plaza Midwood, says a first float could make you feel tired. But you may feel the opposite—wellrested, relaxed, even euphoric. It’s also freeing to not have your iPhone buzzing with a new email every other minute.

DETAILS: The first float is $65, and every subsequent float costs $89. True REST also offers memberships starting from $65 for one float a month. Visit truerest.com for more information.

BONUS: After a float, True REST offers complimentary use of its oxygen bar. —E.W.

COURTESY

CLAIM: Increased blood circulation, pain relief, diminished jet lag, decreased stress, improved creativity and sleep.

COURTESY

TRY THESE:

SALT THERAPY

(also known as halotherapy) CLAIM: Improved breathing, healthier skin, sounder sleep, reduced stress and anxiety.

daily routine LAUREN CAMPBELL OF ALLEN TATE REALTORS

EXPERIENCE: Slip into a plush white robe and slippers, pad over to the salt room, and have a seat on a cushioned papasan chair beside the Himalayan salt block wall. Breathe in the salty air and let the soothing, pink-and-orange LED chromotherapy lights key up some melatonin. After 30 minutes, the antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects of the salty air will clear any nasal congestion you may have brought with you.

VERDICT: Maybe it’s the chromotherapy lighting or the peaceful spa music and water sounds in the background, but this feels like the equivalent of three days of fresh salt air and crashing waves in 45 minutes. Any calm you feel from the chromotherapy will likely evaporate as soon as you resume gazing at the blue light from your cellphone, though.

DETAILS: A wellness membership at The Invigory, 7314 Waverly Walk, Ste. E-1B, costs $68 per month and includes any two treatments. Visit theinvigory.com for more information.

BONUS: Your dog can do salt treatments, too. The Invigory, which used to have a designated salt room for pups, now offers a mobile salt air machine—made by Infinity Salt Air, a Charlotte company—so your dog can enjoy “Salty Dawg” therapy at home for the equivalent of one extra treatment per month (cost varies depending on your membership plan). For non-members, it’s $45 per treatment. —T.B.

LAUREN CAMPBELL is a successful real estate broker with Allen Tate Company and a busy mother of three boys, ages 15, 18, and 21. In late 2017, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she spent the next year being treated with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. By 2019, she was cancer-free, and made a commitment to put her health first. Today, the 51-year-old makes time for twice-weekly Pilates classes and visits KŨR Health Spa once a week for lymphatic drainage massage and 30-minute sessions in the infrared sauna.

Here is how Campbell fits her wellness routine into a typical workday: 6 a.m.

6:30 a.m.

MASSAGE AT THE AIRPORT

7 a.m.

CLAIM: Reduced stress, relaxed muscles, and improved overall well-being.

EXPERIENCE: Long waits are common at both XpresSpa locations in Charlotte Douglas International Airport, so get to the airport earlier than usual if you want a pedicure or 30-minute neck and back massage. Don’t worry about the constant stream of people walking by—once your head is in the massage chair, the commotion fades away. You keep your clothes on for all XPresSpa treatments, but you can disrobe for the full body massage if you like.

7:30 a.m.

8 a.m.

9 a.m.

VERDICT: Between connections, delays, and crying babies, air travel can be stressful, but this massage will make you feel more relaxed. At $72, the half-hour massage is expensive, but it’s worth it for long travel days and special occasions.

10 a.m.

DETAILS: $42-$72 for back and neck massages, depending on duration, at the A/B and D/E connectors.

11 a.m.

BONUS: The larger of the XPresSpa locations is between D and E terminals. It includes tubs for pedicures and more massage therapists. —E.W.

11:30 am

Wake up and get my boys up.

Make breakfast for my boys and pack school lunches.

Eat breakfast (Ina Garten’s Italian frittata warmed in the microwave, or overnight oats with fruit) and read the paper.

Drive to Ebb and Flow Studio for Pilates.

Pilates reformer class.

Come home, shower, and get dressed.

KŨR Health Spa for a 60-minute lymphatic massage with Renate.

30 minutes in the infrared sauna.

Stop by Café Monte for a chicken club sandwich.

12 p.m.

Head to work at Allen Tate’s SouthPark office.

6 p.m.

Head home to make dinner, usually something healthy like Thai turkey lettuce wraps or chicken saltimbocca.

8 p.m.

Watch Brooklyn 99 with my boys on Amazon, or an NFL football or college basketball game.

9:30-10 p.m. Go upstairs and read in bed until I get sleepy. I still use an old-fashioned alarm clock and leave my phone in another room to charge. I also like to roll some Clary Calm essential oil on my wrists to help me relax and fall asleep.

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

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TASTE ACCO U NTI N G F OR

BY

KEIA MASTRIANNI I L LU ST R AT I O N S BY

KIM ROSEN

50

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

d, e m r o f n i r A case fo nt a r u a t s e r l ethica era n a n i m s i critic ay l p o t y a p of s” “influencer

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I

T’S A TUESDAY NIGHT in October when I walk up to the brick building in South End, perched streetside with the words “Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails” painted on its façade, for a media event at the restaurant. I’m in a familiar neighborhood but find myself disoriented. South End has developed so much in recent years, it takes a second for my brain to recalibrate. Weeknights in Charlotte, I think, look and feel different from a few years ago.

So do the restaurant media events.

Lincoln Street is the latest venture from Dan and Alyson Davis, owners of Craft Growler Shop and Tasting Room, and one of 19 restaurant and bar openings in Charlotte this month. This one will open in three days, and tonight is a typical, invite-only preview for media. This is as it’s been for years: Restaurant owners host these events for local publications’ designated food writers and freelancers (like me) in the expectation that they’ll bring exposure—but also some degree of knowledge and objectivity to what they write for the public. In the past, we’ve been allowed flexibility to move about, try dishes on our own, ask questions.

Tonight at Lincoln Street, PR staffers greet me without enthusiasm and direct me to the hewn wood bar, framed by a backdrop of floating shelves and whitewashed brick.

Colorful cocktails line the bar, each with a name card set directly in front of it. In the dining room, a table is set with prepared dishes and more name cards. About 25 people crowd the room, which is unusually quiet. I soon see why: All but three of the 25 are food and fashion “influencers” (read: Instagrammers) or bloggers, many of whom are accustomed to compensation for their photos and promotion-heavy blog posts with social clout, access to more events, or money. Most are confined to their phones, either shooting video or focused on getting the right still shot. That’s why it’s so quiet. No one’s asking anyone anything. I’m the only one in the room with a notepad and pen.

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

I’ve written about food in this city for nearly a decade, and tonight’s preview feels like an alternate universe in which the restaurant’s brand message isn’t just expressed but thrust on everyone who attends. To me, at least, Lincoln Street’s expectation is obvious: The restaurant serves its marketing message, and the influencers pass it on, unfiltered, to their followers. There’s always been an element of promotion in these events; I’m not naïve. But the pre-influencer era achieved a rough balance between restaurateurs’ desire to spread the word about their establishments and journalists’ duty to inform readers rather than please their sources in exchange for money, food, followers, and access. Now, what passes for “information” in Charlotte’s dining scene consists of carefully choreographed photos and videos for social media feeds—and little else.

At Lincoln Street in October, the stream of social media content starts flowing within minutes: money shots of stylized food, FOMO-inducing selfies, and outright cheerleading. The restaurant and its school of influencers ride a 24-hour promotion cycle, then disappear. What’s missing is any sense of thoughtful criticism that consumers— weighing the options of eating at home, getting takeout via Grubhub, or spending the time and money to dine out—can use to make an informed choice. Did the restaurant do what it said it would? Were the ingredients fresh?

Was the medium-rare steak cooked medium-rare? Was the service good? What does “amazing” taste like, anyway?

In recent years, several chefs and restaurateurs in Charlotte have expanded the city’s once-basic culinary culture, many of them preparing excellent, original dishes.

Others continue to serve corner-cutting mediocrities and charge too much for them. Influencers who care only about clicks, and the opportunity for more, cover them all with the same vapid, indiscriminate praise.

T

HE TERM “RESTAURANT CRITIC” can put people off. But it doesn’t mean someone who automatically runs restaurants down. It just means someone who uses a mix of knowledge, thoughtfulness, and ethics to fairly assess them. Charlotte used to have one.

In 2000, Bruce Moffett gambled and opened a restaurant, Barrington’s, in the Foxcroft East Shopping Center off Fairview Road in SouthPark. He’d originally walked into the space looking for a job but ended up buying the place. The shopping center contained a Pizza Hut, a dry cleaner, and plenty of unoccupied spaces. Early on, Moffett captured maybe 100 covers “on a good week.” His front-of-house manager, Peggy Gibouin, routinely set a barstool in the entry and tried to use her “psychic powers” to summon guests. Months went by, and the chef began to doubt his restaurant would make it.

Then Helen Schwab dropped in. Schwab was The Charlotte Observer’s restaurant reviewer since 1988 and a household name. In February 2001, she introduced Observer readers to a promising newcomer in Charlotte’s small pool of chef-driven establishments. Moffett began clearing 100 covers on Saturday nights. He now owns four restaurants in town, plus a food stall in Optimist Hall.

Barrington’s still tops lists as one of the best restaurants in the city. “She saved me from having to move back to Boston,” Moffett says.

At the time, years before social media, restaurant owners couldn’t curate food and drink “experiences” and count on platoons of Instagrammers to relay them directly to their followers. The daily newspaper was one of the few routes to exposure, and restaurant owners couldn’t set the terms of the interaction. The Observer, with a designated restaurant critic and a budget—“thousands of dollars,” Schwab tells me—didn’t need to heap unqualified praise on restaurants to gain access, make money, and remain in business. Both parties had something to give and take.

When we meet at Not Just Coffee in South End, Schwab tells me she was free to choose whom, when, and how she would review restaurants, and that she operated under a strict ethical code: She paid for all her meals, usually

“IT’S REALLY FRUSTRATING TO BE HAMMERED ONLINE OR COERCED BY BLOGGERS AND YELPERS.” —BRUCE MOFFETT

under an assumed name (her dog, Charlee, was one of her aliases), and visited a restaurant at least twice and with at least one other person before she wrote about it. She would never review a restaurant that hadn’t been open for at least three months. If chefs sent free food to her table, she would ask them to stop and add the dishes to her bill.

“It all made sense to me. It was the only way to do it, the honorable way to do it,” Schwab says. “What is happening now is restaurants are getting out their message.”

Schwab was the Observer’s restaurant reviewer for 29 years, into 2017, and she eventually took early retirement last year. Chefs I know who have worked in Charlotte for a decade or more tell me it was a big deal when she reviewed their restaurants. Her words carried weight.

Now? “I feel like it’s turned into a Wild West,” Moffett says. “Without a critical person whose job it is to do that, that’s kind of lost. It’s really frustrating to be hammered online or coerced by bloggers and Yelpers.”

But money left behind the daily papers and other legacy media that used advertising dollars to pay for the restaurant reviewers and achieve the balance that’s not there anymore. The void can do damage to a city’s efforts to make a regional or national case for its restaurant community. That’s the case even in cities with much older culinary scenes. The Boston Globe food critic Devra First lamented the lack of national awards for the city’s restaurants in a column last year: “This is where local media can play a role, boosting the signal of places they feel passionate about. And local media are shrinking.”

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“YOU CAN’T NEED TO BE LIKED IN THIS JOB. WHAT IS SOCIAL INFLUENCING BUT THE NEED TO BE LIKED?”

—HELEN SCHWAB

When that happens, and when influencers become primary sources of restaurant information, diners grow confused and distrustful, and restaurateurs are deprived of an incentive to improve—and that can cripple a new dining scene in a city, like Charlotte, that’s straining to establish itself as a place worth dining in. Charlotte’s food scene has boomed along with nearly everything else in the city. Local chefs have garnered James Beard nominations, the Piedmont Culinary Guild has added structure and organization, and initiatives like Soul Food Sessions, the movement to celebrate chefs of color in Charlotte, received national food coverage. The city’s main tourism agency, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, spent a portion of its $5 million media budget in 2018 to send Charlotte chefs to the James Beard House in New York and, last year, participated in the prestigious Charleston Wine + Food Festival.

So it’s an inopportune time for information about Charlotte dining to decline just as the quality and depth of Charlotte dining improves. Taste can be subjective.

But general excellence is something that skilled, honest restaurant critics can gauge, and diners tend to trust the judgment of someone who can help them figure out who has it.

Pay-to-play, Schwab says, poisons the well. “You can’t need to be liked in this job,” she tells me. “What is social influencing but the need to be liked?”

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

A

LLIE PAPAJOHN moved to Charlotte from Columbia in 2014 and, because she ate out often at first, began posting about food on the Instagram account @eatdrinkclt. It quickly became one of the city’s most popular. As of December, it had more than 53,000 followers and a feed that can feel like an all-youcan-eat buffet.

Papajohn, who has a full-time job as Bojangles’ social media manager, tells me she sometimes posts about a business or promotes an event in exchange for money, and also posts about places she personally likes. The Federal Trade Commission lays out specific guidelines for influencer marketing, but nothing requires Papajohn to disclose her paid partnerships on her Instagram feed.

For the last two years or so, she has identified which businesses are paying her by adding “[sponsored]” or something similar to the end of her photo captions, and she says she does business only with restaurants she’d vouch for regardless. But as you scroll through her posts, it’s difficult to tell which are paid posts or her personal preferences.

I ask Papajohn if she accepts any ethical responsibility to disclose her motivations, considering the size of her following. “I don’t worry about it as much as maybe I should because I trust myself,” she replies. “I hate saying I get paid to post, but I guess that’s what it is. But I’m getting paid to post about things that I actually like.” Still, she admits, “I guess it’s murky when people don’t understand that.

Maybe I need to find a better way to say I was compensated for this post.”

The Wild West has few fences. Social media have created influencers with an impossibly wide range of skills, knowledge, ethics, and motives, and the open landscape levels the field for consumers who can’t distinguish one from the next. Corri Smith, who works with hospitality and restaurant brands as founder of Black Wednesday, a boutique marketing and PR company, says social media in Charlotte shifted two or three years ago, and she repeats the adjective Papajohn uses: “It’s a real murky pond to be playing in at this point,” she says. “You can buy followers and the next day be an influencer. You don’t know any more who is authentic and who is not.”

Charlotte Agenda, a web publication that launched in 2015, has carved out a financially successful new media niche through a content model that prioritizes quick, digestible information that targets a young readership. It’s become one of the city’s primary sources about restaurant openings, but its coverage consists mainly of pleasant pictures with short captions. Its co-founder, Ted Williams, recently invested in new staffers to strengthen Agenda’s news and features coverage but says he doesn’t plan to add a food or restaurant critic. “Nobody on our team had any restaurant criticism background,” he says.

I’ve been writing about food in Charlotte since 2011, as a

columnist and contributor to local, regional, and national publications, print and digital. In 2015, I wrote an article for the popular website Food Republic that posed the question, “Can Charlotte, North Carolina Become a Great Food City?” I’ve become a baker, small food business owner, and local food advocate. When I first moved to Charlotte in 2010, I followed a small, reliable group that covered and critiqued Charlotte’s culinary scene. It included Schwab; her Observer colleague Kathleen Purvis, who wrote about food trends and culture (and still does as a freelancer); and Tricia Childress, food critic at Creative Loafing.

The magazine Edible Charlotte added depth with agriculture angles to food stories but lasted only from 201216. This magazine began to invest in longform stories and robust coverage of dining and the social and economic issues around it, especially after the hiring of Kristen Wile, an energetic and knowledgeable food writer, in 2014. A year later, Chrissie Nelson Rotko helped reorganize the group Charlotte Food Bloggers.

As the decade progressed, some of the established voices remained, but their outlets changed form or withered.

Schwab and Purvis left the Observer in 2019; CharlotteFive offers the Observer’s only food coverage but hasn’t demonstrated reach outside the city. Creative Loafing, known for its eclectic, niche coverage, was sold and effectively folded in 2018. Wile left this magazine the same year to start her own food website, Unpretentious Palate, and the magazine has since relied on a variety of writers for food and dining coverage.

Unpretentious Palate is a subscription-based site where Wile covers food news and follows a mostly traditional pathway for reviewing: She waits three months after a restaurant opening before she writes a full review, eats there three times on her own dime, and rates food, service, and ambience on a five-star system. Wile posts two stories a day, publishes a twice-weekly newsletter, and hosts subscriber events that, along with money from the subscriptions, help save her from depending on clicks for cash.

But even with good intentions, UP can’t avoid an ethical blemish. Subscriptions alone can’t keep the business alive. So Wile and her husband, Jon, also handle marketing and events, at times in partnership with the same chefs in the same restaurants she covers. Two decades ago, the Observer and its budget could shield Helen Schwab from conflicts of interest. Wile’s business—a startup she and Jon run from their home in Plaza Midwood—has no such luxury. Events, she says, can help UP grow enough to hire someone to handle marketing. Until then, they have to do everything.

“I don’t really think that it’s a conflict, honestly,” Wile says. “We have a niche audience, and we want to create alternate experiences for them, and we want to create community. But you can’t create the community without the restaurants.”

T

HE LIST of the Charlotte area’s dining options keeps growing, and the options keep improving. Black chefs are finally getting their due; Greg and Subrina Collier closed their breakfast spot The Yolk in Rock Hill, S.C., but opened last year in the 7th Street Market in uptown Charlotte, drawing crowds and new chefs through their Soul Food Sessions nonprofit. Mike Noll has added a new level of sophistication with his restaurant, Bardo, and his second concept, Vana, shows promise. Bruce Moffett and Jim Noble, having succeeded already with their original concepts, each opened highly publicized new ones in Charlotte in 2019.

Joe and Katy Kindred continue to lead with their renowned Kindred restaurant in Davidson and Hello, Sailor in Cornelius. The Kindreds understand the value of the critic to the restaurateur. “In any industry, you have to have those checks and balances,” Katy tells me.

“I think right now, in our restaurant scene, we are lacking in that.”

It’s hard to see how the old system of checks and balances can reassert itself when the market privileges influencer culture. From a chef’s or restaurateur’s perspective, who wouldn’t want a team of marketers to promote your business for next to nothing? But for people who did or try to do it for a living, it means more than a seat at someone’s table or extra double-clicks on your photo or video on Instagram.

The best of us seek genuine relationships with readers. A good critic of anything offers a singular voice, an established and consistent point of view (whether consumers love or hate it), and a mutual, long-lasting connection with an audience. It’s possible to build that kind of audience on social media, including YouTube, but it takes the kind of earned trust that’s possible only through a commitment to disclose real or potential conflicts of interest. Most food influencers in Charlotte are as transparent in their motives and funding as the ocean at night, and sifting through the army of voices can feel like picking your way through the dollar bin at a thrift store: There may be some gems in the box, but good luck finding them.

Adopting higher standards may come at a short-term price. But if it means short-changing the city and scene you depend on, settling for less can prove even less palatable.

KEIA MASTRIANNI is a writer, cookbook author, and baker based in western North Carolina.

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

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The award-winning practice focuses on providing excellence in skin care, from full body comprehensive skin examinations to management of complex skin rashes and skin cancer. “We are here for our patients. Our goal is to offer the latest in advanced medical and surgical dermatologic care for all our patients,” says Dr. Gilly Munavalli, medical director and founder.

The practices house more than 50 FDA-approved lasers and energy-based devices for delivering all treatment options. With three office locations: Charlotte, Monroe, and Pineville, DLVSC offers everything from skin tightening and resurfacing to laser treatments for photoaging or acne to laser hair removal for any skin type.

Patients, seeking the latest in treatment of unwanted body fat, are offered minimally invasive treatment options in the body contouring and liposuction center. As always, all procedures are performed or supervised by their experienced, board-certified physicians.

“Our team of expert physicians and highly trained staff skillfully craft tailored treatment plans; recommendations

are designed especially for each patient’s lifestyle, budget, and goals,” Dr. Munavalli says.

The highly skilled team includes six full-time providers: Dr. Gilly Munavalli, Dr. Payman Kosari, Valerie O’Connell, PA-C, Katherine Daley, PA-C, Aaron Blackmer, PAC, and Rachel Guthridge, NP. DLVSC offers a general dermatology department, vein/vascular treatment center, cosmetic operative surgical suites, and a fully staffed cosmeceutical retail store that sells physician-grade, proven skin care products.

The practice has gained national recognition for its leading-edge technology and clinical research in minimally invasive and advanced cosmetic surgical procedures.

Widely published, Dr. Munavalli also travels worldwide, collaborating with physicians to bring the latest and most effective techniques back to the city of Charlotte. DLVSC was the first practice in the area to offer CoolSculpting, among other innovative treatments.

Charlotte Office: 1918 Randolph Road, Ste. 550, Charlotte, NC 28207 Monroe Office: 1663 Campus Park Drive, Ste. A, Monroe, NC 28112 Pineville Office 10660 Park Road, Ste. 4150, Charlotte, NC 28210

DERMATOLOGY, LASER & VEIN SPECIALISTS OF THE CAROLINAS (DLVSC) 704-375-6766 carolinaskin.com

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Go Red is dedicated to closing gender gaps in research and promoting STEM careers — putting women in the driver’s seat to accelerate scientific discovery.”

“Women have warnings signs that are different than men, and often go undiagnosed. I learned that firsthand when my mother passed unexpectedly from heart disease, despite an active and healthy lifestyle.

That’s why I want to share this knowledge with my daughter and ensure all women understand the symptoms, start getting screened at age 20 and actively take control of their heart health.”

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Drs. David Konstandt, Stewart Polsky and Samuel Peretsman (pictured here with the Sonablate probe and SonaSource) offer HIFU for localized prostate cancer.

HIFU Prostate Services Nonsurgical, Radiation-Free Treatment for Prostate Cancer 1-877-884-HIFU (4438) HIFUProstateServices.com

WHAT IS HIFU FOR PROSTATE CANCER?

While prostate cancer is a fairly common disease among men in the U.S., with about one in nine being diagnosed in his lifetime, it is also one that is usually very treatable, especially if diagnosed early.

Urologists who specialize in noninvasive treatments for prostate cancer have partnered with a local company, HIFU Prostate Services, to offer patients a cutting-edge, noninvasive treatment called HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound).

HIFU is a one-time, outpatient procedure that uses ultrasound energy to heat and destroy tissue in the prostate. It is radiation-free, and studies show that the risk of side effects such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence are significantly lower with HIFU than with surgery (radical prostatectomy) or radiation.

Carolina Urology Partners and Urology Specialists of the Carolinas, the two largest urology practices serving the greater Charlotte area, are offering HIFU to their patients with localized prostate cancer.

The physicians within these practices who are performing the procedure include Roberto Ferraro, M.D.; David Konstandt, M.D.; Samuel Peretsman, M.D.; and Stewart Polsky, M.D. While HIFU was approved for prostate tissue ablation in the U.S. in October 2015, many of these physicians have been working with HIFU patients outside the U.S. for more than 10 years. HIFU is currently available at several different locations in the greater Charlotte area, including Charlotte Surgery Center and Carolina Urology Partners Outpatient Facility.

“I have been working with HIFU patients since 2008 and have been very impressed by the outcomes and experiences of my patients,” Dr. Peretsman said.

KATIE SMITH

HIFU Prostate Services

SPONSORED CONTENT

“HIFU is a noninvasive treatment that destroys tissue in the prostate by rapidly heating it. It is an ideal treatment for men with early stage prostate cancer that is confined to the prostate gland.”

— DR. DAVID KONSTANDT

HOW DOES HIFU WORK?

HIFU is delivered using a medical device called the Sonablate, which is made up of a computer console (SonaSource), a transrectal probe, and chilling unit (SonaChill). The probe contains transducers that emit ultrasound energy that provides an image of the prostate, but can also be focused to a central point where the temperature is raised rapidly and causes cell destruction. This works the same way that sunlight can be focused to burn a hole in a leaf.

During HIFU, the Sonablate software allows doctors to get a real-time image of the prostate and plan exactly where they want to deliver HIFU energy, thus destroying the targeted tissue. The doctor also receives immediate feedback to confirm the targeted prostatic tissue has been eliminated.

“The Sonablate technology allows us to customize and personalize the treatment for each man, taking into account the size and shape of his prostate along with the location of the cancer in the prostate,” Dr. Konstandt said. “It also allows for real-time monitoring of how effectively the treatment is destroying the tissue. Tissue outside the prostate is left unharmed, which leads to less damage to surrounding areas. HIFU with Sonablate gives us the ability to cure prostate cancer in men with lower rates of impotence and without any significant risk of incontinence.”

EFFECTIVENESS OF HIFU

Studies show that HIFU has rates of efficacy similar to other treatments for prostate cancer but with less risk of side effects, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

WHO IS HIFU PROSTATE SERVICES

The HPS network currently has over 600 physicians across the U.S., and its physician proctors have experience with over 5,000 HIFU procedures. The company is headquartered in Charlotte and has established partnerships with physicians and urology practices throughout the country.

Anyone interested in learning more about HIFU or speaking with a physician should contact HPS at 1-877-884-HIFU (4438).

For additional information, visit HIFUProstateServices.com.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR HIFU?

COURTESY

While only a physician can determine whether you are a candidate, HIFU is for men with prostate cancer that is localized and has not spread outside the gland. Other inclusion criteria include a prostate gland size of 40 grams or less, a PSA of 20 or less and a Gleason score of 7 or less.

“As I see it, there are two major advantages to the HIFU treatment for prostate cancer. First, there is minimal change to a man’s quality of life since there are minimal side effects such as impotence and incontinence. Secondly, it leaves all options on the table if the cancer ever were to come back.”

— DR. SAMUEL PERETSMAN

Dr. Roberto Ferraro (right). With Sonablate HIFU Software, doctors can capture images of the prostate and determine what tissue to destroy without damaging critical structures.

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S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION

CHARLOTTE 2020

THE ANNUAL LIST OF

TOP LAWYERS

SELECTION PROCESS Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process.* The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. We limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public, i.e., lawyers in private practice and Legal Aid attorneys.

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visit SuperLawyers.com Search for an attorney by practice area and location, and read features on attorneys selected to our lists.

*U.S. Pat. No. 8,412,564 DISCLAIMER: The information presented in Super Lawyers is not legal advice, nor is Super Lawyers a legal referral service. We strive to maintain a high degree of accuracy in the information provided, but make no claim, promise or guarantee about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in this special section or linked to SuperLawyers.com and its associated sites. The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be solely based upon advertising or the listings in this special section. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services performed by the attorneys listed in this special section will be greater than that of other licensed attorneys. Super Lawyers is an independent publisher that has developed its own selection methodology. Super Lawyers is not affiliated with any state or regulatory body, and its listings do not certify or designate an attorney as a specialist. State required disclaimers can be found on the respective state pages on superlawyers.com.

© 2020 Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.

S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION

NORTH CAROLINA 2020 SUPER LAWYERS

TOP 25

Cooney, III, James P., Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte

CHARLOTTE

Culp, Heather W., Essex Richards, Charlotte

AN ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF THE CHARLOTTE AREA LAWYERS WHO RANKED TOP OF THE LIST IN THE 2020 NORTH CAROLINA SUPER LAWYERS NOMINATION, RESEARCH AND BLUE RIBBON REVIEW PROCESS

Davis, Edward B., Bell Davis & Pitt, Charlotte Derr, Tricia Morvan, Lincoln Derr, Charlotte Fialko, Christopher C., Fialko Law, Charlotte Fuller, III, Robert W., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Greene, Michael J., Goodman Carr Laughrun Levine & Greene, Charlotte

Marcus, Robert R., Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte McDowell, Valecia M., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Miller, Jr., John R., Rayburn Cooper & Durham, Charlotte Moss, Jr., Joseph W., Erwin Bishop Capitano & Moss, Charlotte Owens, Jr., Raymond E., Higgins & Owens, Charlotte Pantazis, Annemarie, Wilder Pantazis Law Group, Charlotte

Grier, III, Joseph W., Grier Wright Martinez, Charlotte

Rayburn, Jr., C. Richard, Rayburn Cooper & Durham, Charlotte

Harrington, Robert E., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

Richey, Alice Carmichael, Alexander Ricks, Charlotte

James, Jason B., Bell Davis & Pitt, Charlotte

Van Kampen, Joshua R., Van Kampen Law, Charlotte

Kutrow, Bradley R., McGuireWoods, Charlotte

Vincent-Hamacher, Angelique R., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

Lam, Christopher C., Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte

Wester, John R., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

Largess, S. Luke, Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, Charlotte

Wyatt, III, James F., Wyatt & Blake, Charlotte

10+ YEARS

SELECTED TO Super Lawyers Charles G. Monnett, III

TOUGH ADVOCATES FOR INJURED CLIENTS It’s often life-shattering for individuals and their loved ones when someone experiences a serious injury. The attorneys at Charles G. Monnett III & Associates fight zealously to right such wrongs and secure the compensation clients deserve.

With decades of experience, these lawyers have successfully fought countless cases in court. They tackle all manner of injury cases, including motor vehicle collisions, workers’ compensation and medical malpractice.

Charles Monnett founded the firm more than 35 years ago to aggressively advocate for people who have been catastrophically injured, with a special interest in traumatic brain injuries. He has been selected to Super Lawyers for 12 years.

Lauren Newton uses her background as an insurance defense lawyer to build strong cases for her injured clients. Named to Rising Stars for four years, Newton brings passion and determination to championing their rights.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Lauren O. Newton**, Charles G. Monnett, III* *SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS; **SELECTED TO RISING STARS

CHARLES G. MONNETT III & ASSOCIATES CHARLOTTE, NC

S-2 SUPERLAWYERS.COM

6842 Morrison Blvd., Suite 100, Charlotte NC 28211 PH: (704) 376-1911 • FX: (704) 376-1921

carolinalaw.com

ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-1.

S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION

NORTH CAROLINA 2020 / CHARLOTTE

SUPER LAWYERS

PRACTICE AREA INDEX Alternative Dispute Resolution ................. S-3 Antitrust Litigation ..................................... S-3

THE LIST

BY PRIMARY AREA OF PRACTICE

Banking....................................................... S-3

The list was finalized as of July 29, 2019. Any updates to the list (for example, status changes or disqualifying events) will be reflected on superlawyers.com.

Bankruptcy: Business ................................. S-3

Names and page numbers in RED indicate a profile on the specified page.

Bankruptcy: Consumer............................... S-3

Phone numbers are included only for attorneys with paid Super Lawyers print advertisements.

Business Litigation ..................................... S-3

Only attorneys who data verified with Super Lawyers for the current year are included on this list. All current selections are reflected on superlawyers.com profiles.

Appellate .................................................... S-3

Business/Corporate ...................................S-4 Civil Litigation: Defense .............................S-4 Civil Litigation: Plaintiff ..............................S-4

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Construction Litigation ..............................S-4

Horn, III, Carl, Attorney at Law, Charlotte Owens, Jr., Raymond E., Higgins & Owens, Charlotte Pg. S-2

Creditor Debtor Rights ...............................S-4 Criminal Defense ........................................S-4 Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI.......................S-4 Criminal Defense: White Collar .................S-4 Employee Benefits......................................S-5 Employment & Labor .................................S-5 Employment Litigation: Defense ...............S-5 Employment Litigation: Plaintiff ...............S-5 Entertainment & Sports .............................S-5 Environmental ............................................S-5

ANTITRUST LITIGATION Horoschak, Mark J., Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte Moore, III, Lawrence C., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

APPELLATE Jones, M. Duane, Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo, Charlotte Odom, III, Preston O., James McElroy & Diehl, Charlotte

Estate & Trust Litigation ............................S-5 Estate Planning & Probate ........................S-6

BANKING

Family Law..................................................S-6

Parrish, Felton E., Hull & Chandler, Charlotte, 704-375-8488 Robinson, S. Graham, Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

General Litigation.......................................S-6 Government Finance ..................................S-6 Health Care.................................................S-6 Immigration ................................................S-6 Insurance Coverage....................................S-6 Intellectual Property ..................................S-6 Intellectual Property Litigation..................S-6 Land Use/Zoning .......................................S-6 Legal Aid/Pro Bono....................................S-6 Mergers & Acquisitions ..............................S-6 Personal Injury General: Plaintiff............... S-7 Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense .................................................... S-7 Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff..................................................... S-7 Professional Liability: Defense .................. S-7 Real Estate ................................................. S-7 Securities & Corporate Finance ................. S-7 Social Security Disability ............................ S-7 State, Local & Municipal ............................ S-7 Tax............................................................... S-7 Workers’ Compensation............................. S-7

BANKRUPTCY: BUSINESS Baynard, Paul R., Offit Kurman, Charlotte Cooper, Langdon McIlroy, Mullen Holland & Cooper, Gastonia Cox, Jr., Robert A., Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte Durham, Albert F., Rayburn Cooper & Durham, Charlotte Eades, David L., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Grier, III, Joseph W., Grier Wright Martinez, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Henderson, James H., The Henderson Law Firm, Charlotte Houston, Andrew T., Moon Wright & Houston, Charlotte Johnson, R. Keith, Attorney at Law, Stanley Miller, Jr., John R., Rayburn Cooper & Durham, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Pope, Alan W., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Rayburn, III, Charles R., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Schilli, David M., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Thompson, Glenn C., Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte Thompson, Judy D., JD Thompson Law, Charlotte Wright, A. Cotten, Grier Wright Martinez, Charlotte Wright, Richard S., Moon Wright & Houston, Charlotte Young, Constance L., Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte

BANKRUPTCY: CONSUMER Badger, David R., David R. Badger, Charlotte Cordes, Stacy C., Burt & Cordes, Charlotte Culp, Heather W., Essex Richards, Charlotte Pg. S-2

BUSINESS LITIGATION Barber, Timothy G., King & Spalding, Charlotte Bridgmon, Charles J., Bray & Long, Charlotte Buchan, Jr., Jonathan E., Essex Richards, Charlotte Cassada, Garland S., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Chapman, Karen H., Poyner Spruill, Charlotte Covington, Peter J., McGuireWoods, Charlotte Daniel, John T., Essex Richards, Charlotte Davis, Edward B., Bell Davis & Pitt, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Derr, Tricia Morvan, Lincoln Derr, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Doerr, Adam K., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Durham, Joshua B., Bell Davis & Pitt, Charlotte Edwards, Zipporah B., Offit Kurman, Charlotte Erwin, Lex M., Erwin Bishop Capitano & Moss, Charlotte Evans, Jason D., McGuireWoods, Charlotte Fagg, Jr., John A., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Fennell, Richard B., James McElroy & Diehl, Charlotte Fuller, III, Robert W., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Fulton, Ross R., Rayburn Cooper & Durham, Charlotte Gardner, Jared E., Gardner Skelton, Charlotte Gatehouse, James B., Rayburn Cooper & Durham, Charlotte Green, Bonnie Keith, The Green Firm, Charlotte Griffin, Michael C., Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte Harden, Debbie W., Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte Hardymon, Glen K., Rayburn Cooper & Durham, Charlotte Harrington, Robert E., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Hennessey, IV, Edward F., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Henriques, Mark P., Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte Hicks, Christopher A., Hicks Law, Charlotte Higgins, Sara “Sally” W., Higgins & Owens, Charlotte James, Jason B., Bell Davis & Pitt, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Jarrell, Douglas M., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte King, Jr., C. Bailey, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte Krisko, Jonathan C., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Kutny, Mark R., Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte Kutrow, Bradley R., McGuireWoods, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Lam, Christopher C., Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Lanning, Joshua D., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Lathrop, Anthony T. (Tony), Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Lord, Harrison A., Lord Law Firm, Charlotte Marcus, Robert R., Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte Pg. S-2 CONTINUED ON PAGE S-4

SUPER LAWYERS | NORTH CAROLINA 2019 – CHARLOTTE

S-3

S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION

NORTH CAROLINA 2020 / CHARLOTTE

SUPER LAWYERS

BUSINESS LITIGATION CONT’D FROM PAGE S-3

Mauney, Gary V., Mauney, Charlotte, 704-562-8442 McDowell, Valecia M., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Pg. S-2 McKeithen, A. Ward, Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte McNeill, Robert B., Offit Kurman, Charlotte Meckler, Steven A., Shumaker Loop & Kendrick, Charlotte Moss, Jr., Joseph W., Erwin Bishop Capitano & Moss, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Ogburn, III, Thomas L., Poyner Spruill, Charlotte Richey, Alice Carmichael, Alexander Ricks, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Ross, Adam L., James McElroy & Diehl, Charlotte Sadler, Megan, Bass Dunklin McCullough & Smith, Charlotte Spears, Harold C., Caudle & Spears, Charlotte Watkins, Jonathan, Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft, Charlotte Welch, Gary J., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte Wester, John R., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Pg. S-2 White, Martin L., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte Wilder, Jr., Raboteau, Wilder Pantazis Law Group, Charlotte Wood, Jr., Fred M., Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, Charlotte Wright, III, David C., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

BUSINESS/CORPORATE

CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION

Cook, Thaddeus W., PLG Law, Charlotte Cooper, W. Scott, Rayburn Cooper & Durham, Charlotte Gilbert, Heath, Baucom Claytor Benton Morgan & Wood, Charlotte Hannum, Christopher E., Culp Elliott & Carpenter, Charlotte, 704-973-5320 Hull, Nathan Myers, Hull & Chandler, Charlotte, 704-375-8488 Kean, Warren P., Shumaker Loop & Kendrick, Charlotte Rayburn, Jr., C. Richard, Rayburn Cooper & Durham, Charlotte Pg. S-2

Ahlum, Greg C., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte Burchette, Robert L., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte Carson, B. David, Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte Hamilton, David B., Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte Lax, Andrew W., Forrest Firm, Charlotte Martin, Ben, Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte Rosenwood, Erik M., Rosenwood Rose & Litwak, Charlotte Skufca, Ronald A., Skufca Law, Charlotte, 704-376-3030 Pg. S-4

CIVIL LITIGATION: DEFENSE

CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS

Allen, David Neal, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, Charlotte Bolster, Jeffrey S., Bolster Rogers, Charlotte Boutwell, John D., Thurman Wilson Boutwell & Galvin, Charlotte Garofalo, Mel J., Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo, Charlotte Stiles, Ned A., Stiles Byrum & Horne, Charlotte

Tarr, Andrew W.J., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

CIVIL LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF Dickinson, Jr., Paul R., Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, Charlotte

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SUPER LAWYERS HONOREES Ron Skufca — Business Litigation Super Lawyers honoree Danielle Walle — Family Law Rising Stars honoree Richard Barnes Jr. — Family Law Rising Stars honoree

CRIMINAL DEFENSE Davis, James A., Davis and Davis, Salisbury, 704-639-1900 Foster, Jr., Mark P., Foster Law Offices, Charlotte Greene, Michael J., Goodman Carr Laughrun Levine & Greene, Charlotte Pg. S-2 McKnight, Reggie E., McKnight Law Firm, Charlotte Pruden, Matthew G., Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, Charlotte Randall, IV, Samuel J., Randall & Stump, Charlotte Rawls, III, Eben T., Rawls Scheer Clary & Mingo, Charlotte Scheer, Anthony G., Rawls Scheer Clary & Mingo, Charlotte Tin, Noell P., Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, Charlotte

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: DUI/DWI Laughrun, II, George V., Goodman Carr Laughrun Levine & Greene, Charlotte Powers, Bill, Powers Law Firm, Charlotte, 704-342-4357

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE COLLAR

Dan Trimmer

Kerry Traynum

Ron Skufca

Danielle Walle

Richard Barnes Jr.

Brackett, Jr., Martin L., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Calloway, Mark T., Alston & Bird, Charlotte Cooney, III, James P., Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Fialko, Christopher C., Fialko Law, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Glaser, Jr., Richard S., Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, Charlotte Owen, C. Melissa, Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, Charlotte Rauscher, Claire J., Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte Rudolf, David S., Rudolf Widenhouse, Charlotte, 704-333-9945

DAVID S. RUDOLF

BUSINESS | CONSTRUC TION FAMILY L AW | MOTORSPORTS

1514 S. Church St., Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28203 (704) 376-3030

COLL ABOR ATIVE L AW

www.skufcalaw.com

S-4 SUPERLAWYERS.COM

RUDOLF WIDENHOUSE Charlotte • 704-333-9945

www.rudolfwidenhouse.com Terpening, William, Terpening Law, Charlotte Wyatt, III, James F., Wyatt & Blake, Charlotte Pg. S-2

ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-1.

S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION

NORTH CAROLINA 2020 / CHARLOTTE

SUPER LAWYERS

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Adams, II, Norris A., Essex Richards, Charlotte Coffin, Jonathan T., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte Colbert, Lois, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, Charlotte Tyson, Bryan, Marcellino & Tyson, Charlotte

EMPLOYMENT & LABOR Adams, III, G. Bryan, Van Hoy Reutlinger Adams & Pierce, Charlotte Adams, Julie K., FordHarrison, Charlotte Cummings, Angela B., FordHarrison, Charlotte Everett, Kerry B., Everett Law, Charlotte Fosbinder, Julie H., Fosbinder Law Office, Charlotte Gardner, Nicole L., Gardner Skelton, Charlotte Gustafson, Marc E., Bell Davis & Pitt, Charlotte Huckert, Tamara L., Strianese Huckert, Charlotte Hughes, N. Renee, Strianese Huckert, Charlotte Johnson, Charles E., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Kelly, Patrick E., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte Kromer, Sarah J., Sarah J. Kromer, Charlotte Maloney, Margaret B., Maloney Law & Associates, Charlotte McGinnis, Karin M., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Montgomery, Eric A., The Montgomery Law Firm, Charlotte Parsons, Kevin V., Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, Charlotte Peralta, Paul J., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Rainey, Richard L., Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte Steen, Bruce M., McGuireWoods, Charlotte Strianese, Christopher, Strianese Huckert, Charlotte Sturges, William H., Shumaker Loop & Kendrick, Charlotte Van Hoy, Philip M., Van Hoy Reutlinger Adams & Pierce, Charlotte Van Kampen, Joshua R., Van Kampen Law, Charlotte, 704-247-3245 Pg. S-2 Vincent-Hamacher, Angelique R., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Walters, Jr., Jerry H., Littler Mendelson, Charlotte Weddington, Keith M., Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, Charlotte Wood, Stacy K., Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, Charlotte Wright, Jr., Julian H., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

Noble, Laura L., The Noble Law Firm, Charlotte Sharpe, Jenny L., J Sharpe, Charlotte, 704-944-3272

JENNY L. SHARPE

ENVIRONMENTAL Griffin, III, Thomas N., Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, Charlotte Van Buren, Carol Jones, Van Buren Law, Charlotte

J SHARPE, PLLC Charlotte • 704-944-3272

www.JennySharpeAttorney.com

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS Caldwell, Jr., Stokely G., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

ESTATE & TRUST LITIGATION Anderson, Michael F., Anderson Law Firm, Charlotte Chandler, Lynn F., Shumaker Loop & Kendrick, Charlotte Hickmon, James E., Hickmon & Perrin, Charlotte CONTINUED ON PAGE S-6

5+ YEARS

SELECTED TO Super Lawyers

William H. Elam

William R. Elam

SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS 2006-2007, 2014-2020

SELECTED TO RISING STARS 2013-2020

Elam & Rousseaux congratulates Bill Elam on his selection to 2020 Super Lawyers and Will Elam on his selection to 2020 Rising Stars.

Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC is a litigation firm dedicated to those injured as a result of medical negligence and other catastrophic personal injury. Our individualized approach has provided compassionate and effective representation to clients since 1972.

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: DEFENSE Capitano, Todd, Erwin Bishop Capitano & Moss, Charlotte

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF Gibbons, Jr., Philip J., Gibbons Leis, Charlotte Gresham, John W., Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, Charlotte Largess, S. Luke, Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, Charlotte Pg. S-2

128-A N. McDowell St. | Charlotte, NC 28204 | PH: (704) 343-0000 elamlawfirm.com

SUPER LAWYERS | NORTH CAROLINA 2019 – CHARLOTTE

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SUPER LAWYERS

ESTATE & TRUST LITIGATION CONT’D FROM PAGE S-5

Lindley, Trey, Lindley Law, Charlotte Perrin, Christian L., Hickmon & Perrin, Charlotte

ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE Carpenter, John J. (Jody), Culp Elliott & Carpenter, Charlotte, 704-973-5343 Davies, Janice L., Davies Law, Charlotte Farris, Ray S., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte Foster, Debra L., Debra L. Foster, Charlotte Griggs, Julie Zydron, Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Hattenhauer, Paul M., Culp Elliott & Carpenter, Charlotte, 704-973-5336 Henninger, Jr., Joseph B. (Josh), Joseph B. Henninger, Charlotte Holding, Jr., Graham D., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte King, Carl L., Culp Elliott & Carpenter, Charlotte, 704-973-5337 Lewis, David T., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte McBryde, Neill G., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Nesbitt, Andrew L., Nesbitt Law, Charlotte Norvell, Holly B., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte Oesterreich, Tanya N., Oesterreich Law, Concord Royal, Heidi E., Heidi E. Royal Law, Charlotte Shealy, J. Darrell, Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte Van Hoy, Bradley T., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte

FAMILY LAW Arnold, Matthew R., Arnold & Smith, Charlotte, 704-370-2828 Pg. S-7 Blair, Jr., Robert S., Essex Richards, Charlotte Burt, Laura B., Burt & Cordes, Charlotte Bush, Tom, Tom Bush Law Group, Charlotte DeJesse, Jr., Paul A., Hatcher Law Group, Charlotte Dilman, Deborah L., Marcellino & Tyson, Charlotte Feit, Jonathan, James McElroy & Diehl, Charlotte Gunter, Dorian H., Sellers Ayers Dortch & Lyons, Charlotte Hanner II, Robert P., Dozier Miller Law Group, Charlotte Hatcher, J. Gregory, Hatcher Law Group, Charlotte Hodges, Elizabeth T., Offit Kurman, Charlotte Lewis, Lauren V., Essex Richards, Charlotte Morris, Gena G., James McElroy & Diehl, Charlotte Riopel, Mark D., Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte Self, David K., Family Law and Mediation, Huntersville Sellers, Leigh B., Touchstone Family Law, Charlotte Simpson, Amy, Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte Smith, Courtney H., Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, Charlotte Sodoma, Nicole Heiden, Sodoma Law, Charlotte Soni, Ketan, Hull & Chandler, Charlotte, 704-375-8488 Stephens, Richard D., Dozier Miller Law Group, Charlotte Sterrett, Tate K., Offit Kurman, Charlotte

Trosch, Eric C., Conrad Trosch & Kemmy, Charlotte, 704-553-8221 Pg. S-6 Watts, Rebecca, Collins Family Law Group, Monroe, 704-289-3250

GENERAL LITIGATION Fox, David E., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Hinson, Jr., Edward T., James McElroy & Diehl, Charlotte Loebsack, Chris, Loebsack & Brownlee, Charlotte Martineau, Elizabeth A., Martineau King, Charlotte, 704-247-8520

GOVERNMENT FINANCE Robertson, Allen K., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

HEALTH CARE Bowen, Carol E., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Garver, III, John B., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

IMMIGRATION Garfinkel, Steven H., Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm, Charlotte Gordon, Alan S., Alan Gordon Immigration Law, Charlotte Miller, George N., Dozier Miller Law Group, Charlotte

INSURANCE COVERAGE DeGeorge, R. Steven, Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SouthPark Office 5821 Fairview Road, Suite 405, Charlotte, NC 28209

Uptown Office 301 S. McDowell St., Suite 1001, Charlotte, NC 28204

(704) 553-8221 | ctklawyers.com

Ladenheim, Matthew J., Trego Hines & Ladenheim, Huntersville McDermott, Rick, McDermott IP Law, Charlotte Nipp, John C., Additon Higgins & Pendleton, Charlotte Schwartz, Jeffrey J., Schwartz Law Firm, Charlotte

Congratulations to our 2020 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars honorees INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION For 50 years, Conrad Trosch & Kemmy, P.A. has been providing legal expertise with a commonsense approach to Charlotte and surrounding communities, as well as South Carolina. From planning for the birth of a child, the start of a business, the end of a marriage, an auto accident that leaves you injured, all the way through the death of a loved one, we are committed to providing our clients with legal assistance that will last a lifetime. Whether in or out of the courtroom, our attorneys are prepared to provide the highest levels of service and professionalism. We are devoted to leaving the lives of our clients better for having worked with us.

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Allan, Albert P., Allan IP Litigation, Charlotte Anderson, Corby C., Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte Grimes, J. Douglas, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte Higgins, John P., Additon Higgins & Pendleton, Charlotte Sneed, Jason M., Sneed, Davidson Mallory A. Willink ** Eric C. Trosch*

LAND USE/ZONING Merritt, Keith J., Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte

LEGAL AID/PRO BONO Holderness, Thomas P., Legal Aid of North Carolina, Charlotte

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

*Selected to Super Lawyers **Selected to Rising Stars

Giovannelli, T. Richard, K&L Gates, Charlotte Ives III, H. Bryan, Alston & Bird, Charlotte Morrice, John A., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte

ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO SUPER LAWYERS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-1.

S P E CIAL ADV E RT ISIN G SE C T ION

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SUPER LAWYERS

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF

PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: PLAINTIFF

SECURITIES & CORPORATE FINANCE

Anderson, Richard L., Price Petho & Anderson, Charlotte Chandler, R. Michael, Hull & Chandler, Charlotte, 704-375-8488 Connette, III, Edward G., Essex Richards, Charlotte DeVore, III, Fred W., DeVore Acton & Stafford, Charlotte Dressler, Brett, Sellers Ayers Dortch & Lyons, Charlotte Goldfarb, William K., Law Offices of William K. Goldfarb, Monroe Grimes, Elizabeth G., Thomas Godley & Grimes, Mooresville Groninger, Ann, Copeley Johnson & Groninger, Charlotte, 704-200-2009

Elam, William H., Elam & Rousseaux, Charlotte, 704-343-0000 Pg. S-5 Ferguson, II, James E., Ferguson Chambers & Sumter, Charlotte Stafford, Troy J., DeVore Acton & Stafford, Charlotte

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: DEFENSE Parnell, III, E. Fitzgerald “Jerry”, Poyner Spruill, Charlotte Van Horne, Cynthia L., Poyner Spruill, Charlotte

REAL ESTATE

Lincoln, Sara R., Lincoln Derr, Charlotte Stevenson, Scott M., Shumaker Loop & Kendrick, Charlotte

Arado, Frank E., Katten Muchin Rosenman, Charlotte Dunklin, Garth K., Bass Dunklin McCullough & Smith, Charlotte Ellis, Benjamin H., Culp Elliott & Carpenter, Charlotte, 704-973-5326 Matthews, Jr., William C., Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte McDermott, Gary T., McDermott Law, Waxhaw Oates, J. Christopher (Chris), Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Ratteree, Jane S., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Sellers, Timothy G., Sellers Ayers Dortch & Lyons, Charlotte Sink, Caroline Wannamaker, Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Sistrunk III, George W., Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte Stevenson, James Christian, Kirk Palmer & Thigpen, Charlotte Swindell, Gary W., Swindell & Visalli, Charlotte Torstrick, Brent A., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

MATTHEW R. ARNOLD

H. EDWARD KNOX

The Historic John Price Carr House 200 North McDowell Street Charlotte, NC 28204 Tel: 704-370-2828 Fax: 704-370-2202 mra@arnoldsmithlaw.com www.arnoldsmithlaw.com

817 East Trade Street PO Box 30848 Charlotte, NC 28202 Tel: 704-372-1360 Fax: 704-372-7402 eknox@knoxlawcenter.com www.knoxlawcenter.com

ANN GRONINGER COPELEY JOHNSON & GRONINGER PLLC Charlotte • 704-200-2009

www.cjglawfirm.com Kallianos, Chris M., Warren & Kallianos, Charlotte Knox, H. Edward, Knox Law Center, Charlotte, 704-372-1360 Pg. S-7 Mingo, Amanda A., Rawls Scheer Clary & Mingo, Charlotte Monnett, III, Charles G., Charles G. Monnett III & Associates, Charlotte, 704-376-1911 Pg. S-2 Moore, Jon R., Brown Moore & Associates, Charlotte Warren, C. Jeff, Warren & Kallianos, Charlotte

PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: DEFENSE

ARNOLD & SMITH, PLLC

KNOX LAW CENTER

Bryant, Patrick S., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Lynch, Stephen M., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Piemonte, George C., Martin Jones & Piemonte, Charlotte

STATE, LOCAL & MUNICIPAL Keeton, Lori R., The Law Offices of Lori Keeton, Charlotte

TAX Baron, John F., Alston & Bird, Charlotte Culp, Jr., William R., Culp Elliott & Carpenter, Charlotte, 704-372-6322 Elliott, Jr., W. Curtis, Culp Elliott & Carpenter, Charlotte, 704-973-5328 Joyner, Jr., Joseph D. (Jody), Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Lincoln, Erik C., Lincoln, Charlotte

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Bollinger, Jr., Bobby L., The Bollinger Law Firm, Charlotte Kadis, Jeffrey A., Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo, Charlotte Pantazis, Annemarie, Wilder Pantazis Law Group, Charlotte Pg. S-2 Shankle, Margaret, Shankle Law Firm, Charlotte Sumner, H. Randolph, Mullen Holland & Cooper, Gastonia Sumwalt, Vernon, The Sumwalt Law Firm, Charlotte Ussery, Andrew R., McAngus Goudelock & Courie, Charlotte Wallace, Mona L., Wallace & Graham, Salisbury

NEW LOOK, NEW FEEL, NEW SUPERLAWYERS.COM! We’ve redesigned our web experience with our audiences in mind: attorneys and consumers seeking legal representation.

FAMILY LAW

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Matthew R. Arnold is a family law attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina and the founder of Arnold & Smith, PLLC, a busy law firm in the heart of uptown Charlotte. As a North Carolina Bar Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, Mr. Arnold focuses his practice on family law cases including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, and other matrimonial law matters. An experienced trial attorney, Mr. Arnold has tried numerous bench and jury trials in the North Carolina state and federal courts. Mr. Arnold was raised in Charlotte and attended Providence Senior High School. He played varsity basketball at Belmont Abbey, where he ultimately graduated cum laude and attended UNC Chapel Hill on a full academic scholarship.

Eddie Knox, for the 15th straight year, is named in North Carolina Super Lawyers. He concentrates his litigation practice on the areas of personal injury and workers’ compensation. Eddie is a Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist with the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has been included in Business North Carolina magazine’s 2003, 2005 and 2006 Legal Elite. In 2008, he was inducted to the General Practice Hall of Fame of the North Carolina Bar Association. He graduated from North Carolina State University and summa cum laude from Wake Forest University School of Law as a Babcock Scholar. Eddie’s second location, in Denver, NC, can be reached at 704-827-6667.

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SUPER LAWYERS | NORTH CAROLINA 2019 – CHARLOTTE

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RISING STARS

THE LIST

BY PRIMARY AREA OF PRACTICE The list was finalized as of July 29, 2019. Any updates to the list (for example, status changes or disqualifying events) will be reflected on superlawyers.com.

Names and page numbers in RED indicate a profile on the specified page.

Raab, Christopher P., Caudle & Spears, Charlotte Raja, Nader S., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Romanzo, Melissa A., Hunton Andrews Kurth, Charlotte Schulz, Jonathan E., Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte Staples, Christian H., Shumaker Loop & Kendrick, Charlotte

Phone numbers are included only for attorneys with paid Super Lawyers print advertisements.

Stone, Sarah Motley, Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte

Only attorneys who data verified with Rising Stars for the current year are included on this list. All current selections are reflected on superlawyers.com profiles.

Vennum, Liz, Vennum, Charlotte

BANKING

BUSINESS/CORPORATE

Hoke, Christine DeMaere, K&L Gates, Charlotte

BANKRUPTCY: BUSINESS Lluberas, Luis M., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Martinez, Michael L., Grier Wright Martinez, Charlotte Raubach, Melanie Johnson, Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte

BANKRUPTCY: CONSUMER Love, Jr., Kenneth, Karrenstein and Love, Matthews

BUSINESS LITIGATION Barringer, Fitz E., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Barringer, Laura G., Attorney at Law, Charlotte Branson, John D., Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte Brendle, Andrew S., Hull & Chandler, Charlotte, 704-375-8488 Campbell, Clay A., Marcellino & Tyson, Charlotte Church, Brian L., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Clay, M. Cabell, Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Durnovich, John, Poyner Spruill, Charlotte Ferguson, Russ, Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte Gardner, Jasmine, McGuireWoods, Charlotte Garella, Kiel, Garella Law, Charlotte Houck, Pearlynn G., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Hutchins, Sarah Fulton, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, Charlotte

Wagner, Sean C., Wagner Hicks, Charlotte

Agans, Justin, Spengler & Agans, Charlotte Griner, J. Curtis, McGuireWoods, Charlotte Marcellino, Matthew T., Marcellino & Tyson, Charlotte

Dozier, Monica Wilson, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte James, Tracy Thompson, Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte Jesson, Edward A., Jesson & Rains, Charlotte Kirk, Kimberly J., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte Lilly, Matthew K., Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte Powell, Joseph, Parton & Associates, Charlotte

CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS Thurmond, Lauren S., Hutchens Law Firm, Charlotte, 704-362-9255

CRIMINAL DEFENSE Davis-Woods, Salena J., Davis Woods Law, Charlotte

Riffe, III, Henry E., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

Feller, Danielle Rae, Roberts Law Group, Charlotte, 704-251-2501

Rugani, David, Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte

Goodnight, Taylor, Fialko Law, Charlotte

Temple, Jordan D., Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, Charlotte

Heroy, W. Rob, Goodman Carr Laughrun Levine & Greene, Charlotte

CIVIL LITIGATION: DEFENSE

Johnson, Carnell, Johnson & Nicholson, Charlotte

Hocutt, Adam, Dozier Miller Law Group, Charlotte

Mills, Miranda, Roberts Law Group, Charlotte, 704-251-2501

Johnson, Patrick, Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, Charlotte

Parton, Corey V., Parton & Associates, Charlotte

Peterson, Daniel E., Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, Charlotte Poplin, Ashlee, Willson Jones Carter & Baxley, Charlotte Sugg, R. Jeremy, Lincoln Derr, Charlotte

Remington, K. Brandon, Remington & Dixon, Charlotte Shook, Ronald J., Law Office of Ronald J. Shook, Gastonia Stump, Ryan, Randall & Stump, Charlotte

Thomas, Lee M., Martineau King, Charlotte, 704-247-8520

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: DUI/DWI

Walsh, Austin R., Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo, Charlotte

Cathcart, William T., RTS Law Group, Charlotte

Browning, C. Todd, Browning & Long, Charlotte

Wooten, Virginia, Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog, Charlotte

Lee, Aaron, Law Office of Aaron R. Lee, Huntersville

CIVIL LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF

Neece, Michael R., Neece Law Firm, Gastonia, 704-862-0148 Pg. S-10

Caudill, Bo, Weaver Bennett & Bland, Matthews Cleys, Kevin, Lindley Law, Charlotte

Olsinski, Justin C., The Olsinski Law Firm, Charlotte Smith, Ryan T., RTS Law Group, Charlotte

deNobriga, Adam R., Bell Davis & Pitt, Charlotte Falls, III, H. Lee, Falls Law Firm, Charlotte

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE COLLAR Orso, Matthew E., McGuireWoods, Charlotte

Kliebert, Kate, Kliebert Law, Charlotte

Ingalls, Robert B., Ingalls Law, Charlotte

Krueger-Andes, Matthew W., Fox Rothschild, Charlotte

Sweat, Kevin G., Lord Law Firm, Charlotte

EMINENT DOMAIN

Lindahl, Rebecca K., Katten Muchin Rosenman, Charlotte

CIVIL RIGHTS

Murray, David W., The Odom Firm, Charlotte, 704-377-7333

McPherson, III, T. Richmond, McGuireWoods, Charlotte McTier, Ty, Redding Jones, Charlotte Moore, Parker E., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte Nitto, Amanda Pickens, Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Peacock, Tyler B., Gardner Skelton, Charlotte

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Chambers, Cheyenne N., Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, Charlotte

DAVID W. MURRAY

CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION

THE ODOM FIRM, PLLC Charlotte • 704-377-7333

Bimbo, Steven Allen, Smith Terry & Johnson, Charlotte Correll, Jr., B. Alexander, Caudle & Spears, Charlotte Dantinne, Kenneth, Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte

www.mecklaw.com

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Matesic, Rachel, The Sasser Law Firm, Charlotte Walton, Caitlin, Essex Richards, Charlotte

ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO RISING STARS WERE CHOSEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCESS ON PAGE S-1.

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RISING STARS

Holladay, Brett C., Miller Bowles Law, Charlotte

EMPLOYMENT & LABOR

FAMILY LAW

Adams, Joshua, Jackson Lewis, Charlotte

Abernathy, Meghan L., Burt & Cordes, Charlotte

Horton, P. Doughton, Sodoma Law, Charlotte

Burchette, Kathleen, Nexsen Pruet, Charlotte

Adkins, Christopher, Adkins Law, Huntersville

Houk, Lindsey, Waple & Houk, Charlotte

Flatow, Mathew E., SeiferFlatow, Charlotte

Barnes, Jr., Richard W., Skufca Law, Charlotte, 704-376-3030 Pg. S-4

James, Elizabeth, Offit Kurman, Charlotte

Gift, Elizabeth R., Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart, Charlotte Haynes, Nicole K., Van Kampen Law, Charlotte, 704-247-3245

Bennett, Sarah E., Adkins Law, Huntersville Crowder, Ashley A., Arnold & Smith, Charlotte Dixon, Jennifer K., Remington & Dixon, Charlotte

Kirby Stage, Julia, Collins Family Law Group, Monroe, 704-289-3250 Krueger-Andes, Carolyn, Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte

Easterling, Lindsey, Easterling Law, Matthews

Larson, Dara Duncan, Duncan Larson Law, Charlotte

Faircloth, Candace S., Collins Family Law Group, Monroe, 704-286-6881

LeBlanc, Kyle W., Hamilton Stephens Steele + Martin, Charlotte

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: DEFENSE

Filliben, III, Vincent James, SeiferFlatow, Charlotte

Marquez, Andria D., Marcellino & Tyson, Charlotte

King, Mary Fletcher, Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte

Foard, Dominique (Missy), SeiferFlatow, Charlotte

McCrary, Dustin S., The Law Office of Dustin S. McCrary, Statesville

Herrmann, Sean F., Herrmann & Murphy, Charlotte Hinson, Philip A., Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, Charlotte

Lewis, Gwendolyn W., Lincoln Derr, Charlotte

Foley, Ashley C., Burt & Cordes, Charlotte Frost, Kyle A., Offit Kurman, Charlotte

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF Elliot, R. Michael, Elliot Morgan Parsonage, Charlotte Harman, Michael C., Harman Law, Huntersville Littlejohn, Jr., Micheal L., Littlejohn Law, Charlotte Murphy, Kevin P., Herrmann & Murphy, Charlotte Spyker, Jennifer D., Maloney Law & Associates, Charlotte

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES

Gaudio, Kaylan, Collins Family Law Group, Monroe, 704-286-6881

Melvin, Christine M., Hatcher Law Group, Charlotte Meredith, Eric S., Jetton & Meredith, Charlotte Miller, Katie B., Miller Bowles Law, Charlotte

Gilbert, Katie, Rech Law, Charlotte

Moen, Lynna, Moen Legal Counsel, Charlotte

Griffin, Jordan Marie, Stepp Law Group, Monroe

Moore, Jennifer P., Marcellino & Tyson, Charlotte

Hamrick, Rachel Rogers, Tom Bush Law Group, Charlotte

Patterson, Rhonda L., The Patterson Law Office, Charlotte

Hefner, Penelope L., Sodoma Law, Monroe

Ryan, Caitlin, Collins Family Law Group, Monroe, 704-286-6881

Herring, David Christopher, Law Office of David Christopher Herring, Charlotte

CONTINUED ON PAGE S-10

Jagannathan, Molly McIntosh, Troutman Sanders, Charlotte

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS 223 EAST BLVD. CHARLOTTE, NC 28203

Kelly, Matthew Sean, Kelly Law Group, Charlotte

ENVIRONMENTAL

(704) 626-6795

A Family Law Firm

Sherlock, Emily S., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte Walker, Chris S., Alexander Ricks, Charlotte

ESTATE & TRUST LITIGATION Jaffa, Brooks, Cranford Buckley Schultze Tomchin Allen & Buie, Charlotte Munn, Satie, Lindley Law, Charlotte

ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE Dean, Benjamin E., Culp Elliott & Carpenter, Charlotte, 704-372-6322 Ferri, Casey, Crisp Cherry McCraw, Charlotte

Tonya Graser Smith

Forneris, John, Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

tonya@grasersmith.com

Hardin, Jessica Mering, Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

GraserSmith, PLLC proudly recognizes Tonya Graser Smith, 2020 Rising Stars honoree

Kain, Matthew R., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte Kiger, Stratford, Kiger Law, Charlotte Mills, IV, William L., Culp Elliott & Carpenter, Charlotte, 704-335-6685 Nodar, Danielle, Jesson & Rains, Charlotte Patterson, Erin B., Stewart Law, Charlotte Rains Jesson, Kelly, Jesson & Rains, Charlotte Satterfield, Maria, Satterfield Legal, Charlotte

GraserSmith, PLLC focuses our practice on helping families work through difficult and emotional matters that touch the most important people in their lives, such as child custody, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, divorce, prenuptial agreements, contract enforcement and other family law matters.

For us, every client is a personal relationship requiring personalized attention. From the beginning of the attorney-client relationship, we identify each client’s goals, guide them through the divorce and family law processes, and set expectations for possible and achievable resolutions. Whether through settlement or trial, we partner with our clients in creating dynamic and unique plans that respect and reflect the priorities, paramount goals and individual circumstances of each family.

We strive to reach durable, enduring resolutions in each matter for all of our clients.

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RISING STARS

FAMILY LAW CONT’D FROM PAGE S-9

Smith, Tonya Graser, GraserSmith, Charlotte, 704-626-6795 Pg. S-9 Tabrizi, Isla, Collins Family Law Group, Monroe, 704-289-3250 Viera, Theresa, Sodoma Law, Charlotte Walle, Danielle Jessica, Skufca Law, Charlotte, 704-376-3030 Pg. S-4 Webb, Richard M., Jones Childers Donaldson & Webb, Mooresville Willink, Mallory A., Conrad Trosch & Kemmy, Charlotte, 704-553-8221 Pg. S-6 Yates, Kathryn E., Easterling Law, Matthews

GENERAL LITIGATION

INSURANCE COVERAGE Aul, Patrick M., Cozen O’Connor, Charlotte

PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: PLAINTIFF

Fulton, Joseph W., Martineau King, Charlotte, 704-247-8533

Elam, William R., Elam & Rousseaux, Charlotte, 704-343-0000 Pg. S-5

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

REAL ESTATE

Clements, Carla, Wagner Hicks, Charlotte

Merlin, Daniel A., Alexander Ricks, Charlotte

Douglas, Christopher T.L., Alston & Bird, Charlotte

O’Brien, Simon John, Bray & Long, Charlotte

Warren, Bridget, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, Charlotte

Tyson, Brian, THB Law Group, Charlotte

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

SECURITIES & CORPORATE FINANCE

Sample, Wade B., Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte

Shenoy, Sudhir N., Womble Bond Dickinson, Charlotte

Adler, Derek P., DeVore Acton & Stafford, Charlotte

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: DEFENSE

Wright, Jason L., Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

Hoefling, Michael J., Johnston Allison & Hord, Charlotte

Overcash, Bradley K., Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, Charlotte

TAX

Hoffman, Ryan P., Alexander Ricks, Charlotte Hood, Christopher T., James McElroy & Diehl, Charlotte Houti, Jennifer Michelle, James McElroy & Diehl, Charlotte Tew, Clark, Pope McMillan, Statesville

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF Baddour, Helen S., Copeley Johnson & Groninger, Charlotte Brooks, Whitney, The Olive Law Firm, Charlotte Clayton, Sean, Karney Law Firm, Charlotte

Nail, John J., Culp Elliott & Carpenter, Charlotte, 704-335-6681

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Ayers, Christian, Sellers Ayers Dortch & Lyons, Charlotte

HEALTH CARE

Gillespie, Hunter, Auger & Auger, Charlotte

Delfino, Joseph D., Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo, Charlotte

Hutchens, Jennifer Csik, Robinson Bradshaw, Charlotte

Newton, Lauren O., Charles G. Monnett III & Associates, Charlotte, 704-376-1911 Pg. S-2

Hedgepeth, Michael F., Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo, Charlotte

IMMIGRATION

Pahlke, Paige L., Brown Moore & Associates, Charlotte

Mehta, Viral V., McAngus Goudelock & Courie, Charlotte

Molner, Colleen F., Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm, Charlotte Spahn, Julie C., Spahn Law Firm, Charlotte

Springs, Molly, Springs Law, Charlotte, 704-310-5651 Pg. S-10

Thie, Douglas, Clawson and Staubes, Charlotte

Woodyard, Alex, Law Offices of William K. Goldfarb, Monroe

MICHAEL R. NEECE

MOLLY SPRINGS

102 East Main Street Gastonia, NC 28053 Tel: 704-862-0148 Fax: 704-865-4069 michael@neecelawfirm.com www.neecelawfirm.com

1909 J.N. Pease Place Suite 202 Charlotte, NC 28262 Tel: 704-310-5651 Fax: 704-310-5661 mas@springsinjuryfirm.com www.springsinjuryfirm.com

NEECE LAW FIRM

SPRINGS LAW

NEW LOOK, NEW FEEL, NEW SUPERLAWYERS.COM! We’ve redesigned our web experience with our audiences in mind: attorneys and consumers seeking legal representation.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: DUI/DWI CRIMINAL DEFENSE

PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Michael Neece is a criminal defense attorney with extensive knowledge in criminal law; handling cases ranging from DUI/ DWI, minor traffic tickets, sex offenses, up through first-degree murder and is an aggressive defender of the rights of every citizen. He earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Virginia College at Wise before graduating from Appalachian School of Law in 2007. Upon graduating law school he worked as an Assistant District Attorney for Buncombe and Gaston County before opening his independent law practice in 2010 and becoming board-certified in criminal law in 2018. Mr. Neece belongs to several local and national organizations such as Gaston County Bar, National College for DUI Defense, The National Trial Lawyers and North Carolina Advocates for Justice.

Springs Law provides legal representation to clients in the areas of personal injury and social security disability. As a results oriented firm committed to improving the lives of our clients, we are here to guide you through the legal process and can ensure the highest quality representation. Molly Springs is the owner of Springs Law. Her parents are self-employed business owners who instilled in her the meaning of hard work and leadership with a focus on building longstanding relationships in the community.

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INSIDE:

ARTS AND CULTURE / RESTAURANTS

GUIDE

THE

WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO EAT

Kabab-Je’s appetizer-sized kibbeh and falafel plates.

PETER TAYLOR

FO O D + D R I N K

The Sweetest Tabbouleh There’s no ban on sharing at Kabab-Je Rotisserie & Grille

SHAREABLE PLATES of kebabs, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves fill the tables at Kabab-Je. The appetizer-sized falafel plate comes with four crispy croquettes of ground chickpeas, fava beans, and spicy herbs, with salad and tahini sauce. The kibbeh, spicy minced lamb and onion in a shell of beef fillet and cracked wheat, are like three-bite lamb meatballs. For the most authentic Lebanese experience, order a mix of plates to share with family and friends.

SEE HIGHLIGHTED LISTING ON PAGE 89.

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

83

THE GUIDE

Arts and Culture WHAT TO DO THIS MONTH

Music: Classical, Jazz, & Opera

Music: Popular

ARLO GUTHRIE FEB. 12

ANDREA BOCELLI

ELECTRIC GUEST

Guthrie made a name for himself in the ’60s with the

The legendary tenor returns to Spectrum Center as

This Los Angeles-based duo, known for hits like “Oh

define the singer-songwriter genre in the ’70s. With

part of his annual Valentine’s Day tour. Bocelli per-

Devil” and “This Head I Hold,” is made up of vocal-

more than 30 albums in his discography, Guthrie de-

forms “a repertoire of soaring arias, crossover hits,

ist Asa Taccone and multi-instrumentalist Matthew

livers an astounding time capsule from the works of

music from his No. 1 album Si, and famed love songs”

“Cornbread” Compton. See them perform hits from

his dad, Woody Guthrie, to the present day. $49.50-

alongside Opera Carolina’s orchestra and chorus. $82-

their pop-driven third album, Kin, when their tour

$69.50, 7:30 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St.

$362+, 8 p.m. Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St. 704-

stops in Charlotte. $16-$21, 8 p.m. Visulite Theatre,

704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

335-3100, ticketmaster.com.

1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200, visulite.com.

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN

GREENSKY BLUEGRASS

FEB. 7

FEB. 7

FEB. 5

FEB. 6

iconic song “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” and helped

FLOR

FEB. 16

This group’s blend of indie rock and synth pop

This five-person group from Kalamazoo, Michigan,

is the work of vocalist Zach Grace, bassist Dylan

Fans of all ages can experience J.K. Rowling’s magical

formed in the early 2000s and helped push tradition-

Bauld, guitarist McKinley Kitts, and drummer Kyle

world. Based on the third installment of Rowling’s

ally rural genres into the mainstream arena. The rock

Hill. flor is on tour to promote its latest album, ley

classic saga, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

band with bluegrass instruments released its seventh

lines, which examines the pressure to maintain op-

will play on the big screen at Ovens Auditorium while

studio album, All for Money, last year. $29.50, 7:30

timism after dark times. Alternative band Winnetka

the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performs every

p.m. The Fillmore Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St. 704-916-

Bowling League opens the show. $15, 8 p.m. Neigh-

note of John Williams’ score. $40-$80+, 8 p.m. Ovens

8970, livenation.com.

borhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. 704-942-7997,

Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-335-

neighborhoodtheatre.com.

3100, ticketmaster.com.

SAINT MOTEL

HANS BECHTLER DEDICATION CONCERT

Since Saint Motel’s breakout EP, My Type, in 2014, the riff-based pop-rock group has remained true to

For more than a decade, 21st Century Artists, Inc.

From the fourth-floor gallery at the Bechtler Museum

megawatt, TV show-ready anthems. During this tour,

has presented a show that pays tribute to the Swed-

of Modern Art, the Bechtler Ensemble plays three

the band visits uncharted creative territory with its lat-

ish pop supergroup. See fan favorites like “Mamma

piano trios from three periods (by Debussy, Piazzolla,

est EP, The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Part 1.

Mia,” “S.O.S.,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner

and Babajanian). Tanja Bechtler, artistic director of the

$25, 8:30 p.m. The Fillmore Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St.

Takes It All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,”

ensemble, dedicates this concert to her late grandpar-

704-916-8970, livenation.com.

and “Dancing Queen.” $23-$64, 8 p.m. Ovens Audi-

FEB. 9

ents, Hans and Bessie Bechtler, for Valentine’s Day. $10 for museum members, $14 for nonmembers, 6 p.m.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. 704353-9200, bechtler.org.

THE JAZZ ROOM: PREMIERE THURSDAYS FEB. 13

FEB. 7

TONY LUCCA FEB. 8

The Nashville-based singer-songwriter, whose catalog of music runs from soul-infused pop to tear-jerker

ABBA THE CONCERT FEB. 22

torium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-335-3100, ticketmaster.com.

SCOTTY MCCREERY FEB. 28

folk balladry, has had his songs featured in shows like

In one year, McCreery went from country music-lis-

Friday Night Lights, Felicity, and Brothers & Sisters. In

tening high school baseball player to reigning America

JazzArts Charlotte hosts two intimate evening perfor-

2012, Lucca took third place on NBC’s The Voice, earn-

Idol champ touring with Brad Paisley. Now, the multi-

mances by Brazilian-born guitarist and vocalist Duda

ing himself a record deal with former show coach

platinum-selling country artist from Garner, North

Lucena and his quartet. The group presents a unique

Adam Levine’s 222 Records. $12-$15, 7:30 p.m. The

Carolina, has released four studio albums with a fifth

cross-cultural music exchange between authentic Bra-

Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. 704-376-3737,

in the works. $20-$23, 11 p.m. Coyote Joe’s Charlotte,

zilian rhythms and sophisticated jazz and blues. $16-

eveningmuse.com.

4621 Wilkinson Ave. 704-399-4946, etix.com.

TORI KELLY

DIANA ROSS

$30, 6 p.m. and 8.15 p.m. Stage Door Theater, 155 N. College St. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

FEB. 9

FEB. 29

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: CHOPIN PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1

Following her Grammy Award-winning album Hiding

The iconic American singer, actress, and record pro-

Place, the former American Idol contestant is on tour

ducer rose to fame as the lead voice of The Supremes,

to promote her third album, Inspired by True Events.

Motown’s most successful act during the 1960s. With

Charlotte Symphony sets the mood for Valentine’s

The genre-bending artist offers breathtaking vocals

a career spanning more than 50 years, she has earned

Day with a romantic program that includes Tchai-

and heartfelt songwriting. $35-$175, 8 p.m. The Fill-

a number of awards, including the Grammy Life-

kovsky, Chopin, and Beethoven. $25-$198, Fri-Sat, 7:30

more Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St. 704-916-8970,

time Achievement Award, a Tony Award for her one-

p.m.; Sun, 3 p.m. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 704-

livenation.com.

woman show, “An Evening with Diana Ross,” and the

FEB. 14-16

372-1000, carolinatix.org.

Presidential Medal of Freedom. $35-$395, 8 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

84

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

Festivals

SHEN YUN

FABULOUSLY FUNNY COMEDY FESTIVAL

CLT DONUT FESTIVAL

Travel through 5,000 years of traditional Chinese cul-

This nationwide tour is less traditional festival and

ture with this exhibition of classical Chinese dance.

more a buffet of world-renowned comedians. Led

Eat a record number of doughnuts at this sugar-hap-

Expect original orchestral compositions and high-

by Mike Epps, Lavell Crawford, DC Young Fly, Kountry

py event, then wash them down with coffee, juice, a

tech backdrops, with images of blossoming land-

Wayne, and Jess Hilarious, the show brings unbridled

smoothie, or beer. Once the sugar coma kicks in, en-

scapes. $80-$150, Thu-Fri, 7:30 p.m.; Sat, 2 p.m. and

humor and a sharp sense of storytelling. $61-$127, 7

joy live music, play a game, or check out the lifestyle

7:30 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St.

p.m. Bojangles’ Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd.

vendors. A portion of proceeds benefit Project Halo

704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

704-335-3100, ticketmaster.com.

FEB. 23

(Helping Animals Live On), a nonprofit no-kill animal rescue and sanctuary. $20-$35, noon-4 p.m. Norfolk Hall, 2905 Griffith St. 704-231-9700, freshtix.com/ events/clt-donut-festival.

UNCORKED: WINE FESTIVAL FEB. 29

This evening event, which has traversed the country from Miami to Los Angeles, offers more than 100 wines and champagnes from around the globe for the most curious wine aficionados. Visit the gourmet

FEB. 6-9

FEB. 29

BREATHEINK YOUTH POETRY SLAM 2020 FEB. 14

The breatheINK organization hosts this event to give Mecklenburg area teens the stage to express themselves through performance poetry. $6.53, 8 p.m.

Museums, Galleries, & Fine Arts BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

Knight Gallery at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-

This uptown venue, part of the Levine Center for the

372-1000, carolinatix.org.

Arts, presents the works of 20th-century modern art-

BILL MAHER FEB. 15

ists in a new context for today’s audiences. Curators assemble shows that pull from the famous Bechtler family’s collection and other community collections.

food vendors, a custom photo booth, and interactive

Maher entertains audiences with his political hu-

Free for members, $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, col-

exhibits. $60-$90, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Discovery Place Sci-

mor on television and in documentaries like Rel-

lege students, and educators, $5 for kids 11-18, and

ence, 301 N. Tryon St. 323-395-7263, uncorkedwine-

igulous, which takes jabs at organized religion. See

free for kids under 11 and military. Mon, 10 a.m.-5

festivals.com.

the 41-time Emmy nominee return to his stand-up

p.m.; Wed-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. 420 S.

roots in this evening performance. $49.50-$180, 8

Tryon St. 704-353-9200, bechtler.org.

p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000,

Theater, Dance, & Comedy MAMMA MIA! JAN. 31-FEB. 9

carolinatix.org.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN BARK FEB. 21

CHARLOTTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY

The city’s history is put under a microscope at this east Charlotte museum. The continuing exhibition, Solving the Rock House Mysteries, explores the con-

Seven talented dogs team up with force-free trainers

cept of preservation through the example of the

This jukebox musical, based on the award-winning

to learn a new trick that will be displayed on stage

5,000-square-foot Hezekiah Alexander House, built in

songs by the Swedish pop group ABBA, follows a

and judged by a celebrity panel. The event is a fun-

1774. The ongoing exhibit Charlotte Neighborhoods

young bride on the eve of her wedding as she at-

draiser for Stand for Animals, a nonprofit veterinary

uses maps, photos, text, and other information to

tempts to discover the identity of her father. The

practice. All proceeds go to Stand for Animals’ Medi-

show how neighborhoods across the city were

mystery unfolds when she brings three men from

cal Assistance Fund, which provides financial aid to

formed. Unforgettable Music Venues of Charlotte dis-

her mother’s past to the Greek island they last visited

pet owners who need support to provide treatment

plays photos of and artifacts from iconic local music

20 years ago. $22 for adults, $19 for students/seniors,

for their dog or cat. $27.11, 7:30 p.m. Knight Theater,

venues that have closed, including the Double Door

times vary. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St.

430 S. Tryon St. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

Inn and Tremont Music Hall. African American Heri-

East. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

tage Festival (FEB. 29, free admission, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

THE ODD COUPLE

MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS

American playwright Neil Simon’s show, which

This off-Broadway sensation explores all aspects of

children 6-17, $5 for military, and free for kids under

premiered on Broadway in 1965, tells the story of

modern romance, from dating and marriage to more

6. Tue-Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 3500 Shamrock Dr. 704-568-

two roommates—one a slob and the other a clean

intimate details. This one-man show, broken up into

1774, charlottemuseum.org.

freak—who must find ways to get along. $28, times

a series of short performances, rolls comedy and wis-

vary. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-372-

dom into one bundle that leaves adults (it’s not for

1000, carolinatix.org.

children) laughing the whole way home. $60, Fri, 8

Built alongside a 100-year-old forest between Dil-

p.m.; Sat, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Booth Play-

worth and Myers Park, Discovery Place Nature com-

house, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

bines learning and fun through indoor and outdoor

JAN. 31-FEB. 16

FENCES

FEB. 6-15

The Broadway revival follows Troy Maxson, a former baseball player in the Negro Leagues who works as a

FEB. 21-23

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER FEB. 25-26

celebrates more than 250 years of African-American history and culture in Charlotte. Regular admission: Free for members, $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and

DISCOVERY PLACE NATURE

activities. The Fort Wild outdoor exhibit includes activities that allow kids to get their hands dirty, and the Butterfly Pavilion gives visitors a chance

garbage man. His exclusion from the major leagues

With a history spanning more than six decades, this

to walk among free-flying butterflies. Explore the

leaves bitterness that takes a toll on his relationships

esteemed dance company takes the stage for a

moon and stars in the digital planetarium, which

with his wife and son, who wants his own chance to

special two-night performance that celebrates the

offers a mix of multimedia shows and seasonal star

play ball. $28, times vary. Duke Energy Theater, 345 N.

African-American cultural experience. $24.50-$84.50,

shows. On the fourth Saturday of each month, the

College St. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

7:30 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000,

museum offers a guided nature walk along the Paw

carolinatix.org.

Paw Nature Trail. Free for members, $8 for nonmembers, $6 for military, and free for kids under 2. Tue, 9

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

85

THE GUIDE a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. 1658 Sterling Rd. 704-372-6261, nature.discoveryplace.org.

DISCOVERY PLACE SCIENCE

Blvd., Ste. 130. 704-334-7302, hidellbrooks.com.

HODGES TAYLOR ART CONSULTANCY

After opening as an uptown gallery in 1980, Hodges Taylor became a consulting firm in 2011 and moved

Sundays. Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887, museumofthenewsouth.org.

LIBERTY WALK

This uptown landmark educates and entertains visi-

to South End. Hodges Taylor hosts exhibitions in its

With this free self-guided walking tour, you can learn

tors of all ages in the STEM areas (science, technol-

office and gallery. Free admission. Wed-Fri, 11 a.m.-

about the development of Charlotte and how its

ogy, engineering, and mathematics). The museum

4 p.m., 118 E. Kingston Ave., Ste. 16. 704-608-2016,

citizens were involved in the American Revolution.

has experiments, interactive exhibits, an aquarium,

hodgestaylor.com.

To get information about the 19 markers along the

and even an on-site rain forest. KidScience, the center’s early education exhibition for children up to 7,

JERALD MELBERG GALLERY

walk, download a brochure at charlottelibertywalk. com or pick up a brochure at the Levine Museum

offers kids the chance to build and race cars, explore

Founded in 1983, Melberg’s gallery carries works from

of the New South or the Visitor Info Center at 501 S.

colors and light at the Light Table, and experience a

a wide range of acclaimed artists such as Romare

College St. (in the Charlotte Convention Center, 800-

gust of wind at the Wind Wall. The Being Me exhibit

Bearden and Wolf Kahn. Over the years, the gallery

231-4636), charlottelibertywalk.com. A “Charlotte

explores the human body and celebrates the unique

has worked with prestigious institutions like New

Liberty Walk” app is available at handheldhistory.com

characteristics of human beings. On the third Friday

York’s Museum of Modern Art and the National Gal-

to help you along. Guided tours can be arranged by

of every month, the museum hosts themed events

lery of Art in Washington. Susan Grossman, THROUGH

contacting the Mecklenburg Historical Association at

that invite adults to get in on the fun without the little

MARCH 7, presents cinematic, charcoal and pastel

contact@meckdec.org.

ones (Science on the Rocks, $12-$14, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.).

drawings of cityscapes. Free admission. Mon-Fri, 10

Regular admission: Free for members, $19 for adults,

a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 625 S. Sharon Amity Rd.

$17 for seniors and military, $15 for kids 2-13, and free

704-365-3000, jeraldmelberg.com.

for kids under 2. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261, science.discoveryplace.org.

LACA PROJECTS

THE LIGHT FACTORY

A creative home for photographers and filmmakers in Charlotte, The Light Factory has workshops, classes, school programs, and exhibits. Classes include DSLR

LaCa opened in 2013 as the first arts venue in the

use, black-and-white film photography, and portrait

Southeast dedicated entirely to Latin American con-

photography. A Shared Elegy, THROUGH MARCH 13,

temporary art. The gallery works to connect Latin

presents the works of two pairs of photographers

This South End gallery changed ownership in 2017,

American artists with the city’s art scene while pro-

with family ties. Osamu James Nakagawa and his

with attorney and former journalist Sonya Pfeiffer

moting Latin American art in Charlotte and the South-

uncle, Takayuki Ogawa, and Elijah Gowin and his fa-

taking over as owner and creative director. Pfeiffer’s

east region. Free admission. Tue-Fri, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.,

ther, Emmet Gowin, provide “unique but overlapping

experience as a civil rights lawyer translates to so-

Sat, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1429 Bryant St. 704-837-1688,

visions” in recording family histories. Free admission.

cially conscious programming. In (or for) perpetuity,

lacaprojects.com.

Wed-Sat, noon-6 p.m. 1817 Central Ave. 704-333-

ELDER GALLERY OF CONTEMPORARY ART

FEB. 6-MAY 9, displays mixed-media paintings, drawings, and sculptural works by Carmen Neely and a vid-

LARK & KEY

9755, lightfactory.org.

MCCOLL CENTER FOR ART + INNOVATION

eo art installation by Paul Travis Phillips. Free admis-

Artists and married couple Sandy Snead and Duy

sion. Tue-Fri, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1520 S.

Huynh, who opened their gallery in 2008, offer art-

The biggest difference between the McColl Center

Tryon St. 704-370-6337, eldergalleryclt.com.

work, ceramics, jewelry, and paper goods from local,

and other arts institutions is that it offers visitors the

regional, and national artists. Whether you’re search-

chance to observe the artistic process. In the center’s

ing for functional art or browsing for a painting, this

nine studios, visitors can watch artists develop and

Dilworth gallery is an ideal spot for the art lover. A

execute new ideas. Adorned, THROUGH MAY 2,

Part of uptown’s Levine Center for the Arts campus,

solo show by Huynh, FEB. 1-MARCH 31, will also

shows the works of McColl alumnus Sharif Bey and

the Gantt Center focuses on works by Africans and

include pottery by Julie Covington. Free admission.

Shanequa Gay. The exhibition, curated by visiting cu-

African-Americans. The museum’s permanent exhibi-

Wed-Fri, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; open house on the second

rator Jonell Logan, includes African-inspired masks,

tion, the John and Vivian Hewitt Collection of African-

Saturday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (noon-3 p.m.)

large-scale clay and glass necklaces, and a site-specific

American Art, showcases 58 works from 20 artists,

of every month. 700 East Blvd., Ste. 1. 704-334-4616,

installation. Free admission. Thu, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-

including Romare Bearden. Painting Is Its Own Country,

larkandkey.com.

Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535,

HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTS + CULTURE

THROUGH APRIL 12, highlights the works of more than two dozen artists who challenge traditional con-

LEVINE MUSEUM OF THE NEW SOUTH

mccollcenter.org.

MINT MUSEUM RANDOLPH

cepts of cultural representation and creativity. Free for

For more than two decades, the museum has pro-

members, $9 for adults, $7 for kids 6-17, seniors, mili-

vided groundbreaking exhibits and context for some

As the state’s first art museum, Mint Museum Ran-

tary, and college students, and free for kids under 6.

of the South’s most significant events. One of the mu-

dolph opened in an original branch of the U.S. Mint in

Tue, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wed, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (museum en-

seum’s core values is “using history to build communi-

1936. Galleries continue to engage visitors with the

try is free Wed, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.); Thu-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;

ty.” Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers, a permanent exhibit

art of the ancient Americas, decorative arts, and Eu-

Sun, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. 704-547-3700,

that spans 8,000 square feet, uses Charlotte and its 13

ropean and African art. Resources include a reference

ganttcenter.org.

surrounding counties as a case study to explore the

library with more than 18,000 volumes. Classic Black:

“profound changes in the South since the Civil War.”

The Basalt Sculpture of Wedgwood and His Contempo-

#HomeCLT: People. Places. Promises. tells the stories

raries, FEB. 9-AUG. 30, features black basalt sculptures,

Owned by Katharine Hidell Thomas and Rebecca

of Charlotte’s neighborhoods through the words of its

including life-size portrait busts, statues, and vases,

Brooks, the South End gallery has highlighted local and

residents. Brooklyn: Once a City Within a City explores

by Josiah Wedgwood and other Staffordshire pot-

regional artists for more than 20 years. Exhibits here

the rise and demise of the Brooklyn neighborhood,

ters in late 18th-century England. Free for members,

rotate every six to eight weeks. The gallery represents

once a thriving African-American community in Char-

$15 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students,

notable names like Sarah Helser, Sally King Benedict,

lotte. Free for members, $10 for adults, $8 for seniors,

$6 for children 5-17, and free for kids under 5. Tue,

Jacob Cooley, David Kroll, and more. Free admission.

military, and college students, $6 for children 6-18,

11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (museum entry

Tue-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1910 South

and free for kids under 6. Admission is half price on

is free Wed, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.); Thu-Sat, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.;

HIDELL BROOKS GALLERY

86

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

THE GUIDE

Scott Avett’s exhibit is on display at SOCO Gallery through March 7. Pictured above is “God Was Here.”

Sun, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 2730 Randolph Rd., 704-337-2000,

the 50th anniversary of Richard Childress Racing, one

gural exhibition at the gallery for Avett, co-founder of

mintmuseum.org.

of NASCAR’s largest and most storied organizations.

the acclaimed Concord-based band The Avett Broth-

The exhibit includes racecars, artifacts, and images.

ers. Avett’s journals—informal studies and sketches

The 2nd Saturday program explores elements of

from the road and at home—are the foundation for

The Mint Uptown has a renowned craft and design

racing with a new topic and interactive activity each

his oil paintings in this exhibition. Free admission.

exhibit that showcases works in a variety of materi-

month. This month, Celebrate the New Inductees

Mon-Sat, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 421 Providence Rd. 980-498-

als, as well as collections of American, contemporary,

(FEB. 8, free with regular admission, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

2881, soco-gallery.com.

and European art. Coined in the South, THROUGH

introduces visitors to the Hall of Fame Class of 2020

MINT MUSEUM UPTOWN

and includes hands-on activities based on the inductees’ contributions and achievements. Regular admis-

Located in the Hearst Tower uptown, Sozo is a con-

of the U.S. Mint. It’s also a nod to participating artists,

sion: Free for members, $25 for adults, $22 for se-

temporary gallery that presents original artwork

who were required to have ties to the South to enter.

niors, $18 for military and children 4-12, and free for

from local, national, and international artists. On its

Immersed in Light: Studio Drift at the Mint, THROUGH

kids 3 and under. Mon, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed-Sun, 10

website, the gallery references multiple meanings

APRIL 26, displays five works by Studio Drift, an art-

a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays are open for group reservations

of “sozo.” In Greek, the word means to “be healed

ist collective founded by Dutch artists Ralph Nauta

only. 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 704-654-4400,

by God,” and in Japanese, it means “to create, to

and Lonneke Gordijn. The exhibition includes glass

nascarhall.com.

imagine.” Wed-Thu, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Mon-Fri-Sat, by

and light installations and films created over the last decade or so. Free for members, $15 for adults, $10

REED GOLD MINE

for seniors and college students, $6 for children 5-17,

In 1799, the nation’s first documented gold find oc-

and free for kids under 5. Tue, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed, 11

curred at the site that became Reed Gold Mine. After

a.m.-9 p.m. (museum entry is free Wed, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.);

the discovery in Cabarrus County, gold mining spread

Thu, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat, 11 a.m.-6

to nearby counties and eventually to other Southern

p.m.; Sun, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 500 S. Tryon St. 704-337-2000,

states. Now, more than 220 years later, visitors can

mintmuseum.org.

tour the mine and find a treasure themselves. Admis-

NASCAR HALL OF FAME

This uptown complex provides a variety of attractions for racing fans, including hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art theater, and the Hall of Honor, where

COURTESY

SOZO GALLERY

FEB. 16, is a juried art show and exhibition that refers to the Mint Randolph’s history as the first branch

appointment only. 214 N. Tryon St. 704-575-6777, sozogallery.net.

sion and tours of the mine are free. Tue-Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 9621 Reed Mine Rd., Midland, 704-721-4653, historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/reed-gold-mine.

SOCO GALLERY

racing greats are enshrined. Every three years, the

Chandra Johnson, named one of the 2017 Charlot-

Hall’s signature exhibit Glory Road receives a make-

teans of the Year by Charlotte magazine for her work

over with a new theme and 18 new racecars. In Janu-

in the cultural sector, opened this gallery in a Myers

ary, the Hall unveiled the new version of the exhibit:

Park bungalow in 2015. Liz Nielsen, Lyle Owerko, and

Dale Jr.: Glory Road Champions, featuring 18 cham-

Ken Van Sickle are a few of the accomplished artists

pionship cars selected by Dale Earnhardt Jr. RCR 50:

whose works appear at the gallery. Scott Avett: In the

Only in America Exhibit, THROUGH FEB. 8, celebrates

Light of Unlearning, THROUGH MARCH 7, is the inau-

Compiled by Charlotte magazine staff. These listings are a reader service and are not connected to advertising in any way. Events, dates, and times are subject to change. Please call ahead. To have your event considered, email us at agenda@ charlottemagazine.com.

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

87

THE GUIDE

Restaurants YOUR GUIDE TO CHARLOTTE’S DINING SCENE

Dilworth ❤ 300 EAST

$-$$

NEW AMERICAN The interior of this old house-turnedrestaurant is welcoming, as is the menu of familiar and surprising sandwiches, salads, and entrées. Save room for dessert by pastry chef Laney Jahkel-Parrish. 300 East Blvd. (704-332-6507) BR (Sun), L, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ BONTERRA

$$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Its setting may be a historic Southern church, but Bonterra serves up modern Southern flavors with top-notch service. Wine lovers will be impressed by the more than 200 wines by the glass. 1829 Cleveland Ave. (704-333-9463) D, BAR ✸☎

CAPISHE

$

ITALIAN The pasta dishes and pizza prepared by Chef David Cavalier, previously of Kindred, are impressive for a fast-casual restaurant. Arrive early for lunch to beat the long lines. 500 E. Morehead St., Ste. 100. (980819-9494) L, D, BAR

❤ COPPER

$$$

INDIAN Ease into Indian cuisine with standard dishes like chicken tikka masala, or be more adventurous with the spicy seafood medley "anjeeri." 311 East Blvd.

(704-333-0063) L (weekdays), D, V, BAR ✸☎

DOLCE OSTERIA

$$

ITALIAN This classic, cozy, family-run neighborhood trattoria serves a mix of fresh, regional Italian cuisine and a tidy, all-Italian wine list. 1710 Kenilworth Ave. (704-332-7525) L (weekdays), D, B/W ✸☎

FERN, FLAVORS FROM THE GARDEN

$$

VEGETARIAN Fern moved from Plaza Midwood to Dilworth in mid-2016. It still has ferns on the wall, and the menu is still full of flavorful vegetarian cuisine. 1419 East Blvd., Ste. A. (704-377-1825) L, BR, D, V, BAR ✸

FIAMMA RESTAURANT

$$

ITALIAN The open layout lends an air of conviviality to this slick eatery, which has house-made pastas, thin-crust pizzas, note-perfect risotto, and daring meat entrées. 2418 Park Rd. (704-333-3062) L, D, BAR ✸☎

FRAN’S FILLING STATION

KID CASHEW

$$

Wilson uses top-notch, seasonal ingredients to create fresh takes on American cuisine in a hip, rustic atmosphere. 1601 Elizabeth Ave. (704-333-3396) D, BAR ✸☎

LEBOWSKI’S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL

$$

AMERICAN This upscale marketplace, with sandwiches, salads, and daily specials from chef Obie Chisolm, is a welcome afternoon spot for a grab-and-go meal or a bite and people-watching. 1609 Elizabeth Ave. (704333-2757) B, BR, L, D, V ✸

MEDITERRANEAN This bright and rustic restaurant from the owner of Georges Brasserie serves meat family-style from a wood-fired grill and a selection of small plates. 1608 East Blvd. (704-208-4148) L, D, BAR ✸

AMERICAN Dishes at this neighborhood favorite include burgers, brats, and the popular “Beef on Weck.”

1524 East Blvd. (704-370-1177) L, D, BAR ✸

THE MAYOBIRD

THE SUMMIT ROOM

ZEN FUSION

$$

FUSION Here, fusion means a sampling of dishes from the Far East and Spain. 1716 Kenilworth Ave. (704-3589688) L(weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

Elizabeth/Cherry CAJUN QUEEN

$$$

CAJUN Nightly live jazz complements New Orleans creole favorites like shrimp étouffée and crawfish Diane in this century-old house. 1800 E. 7th St. (704-3779017) BR, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ CARPE DIEM

$$$

NEW AMERICAN A beautiful interior and a no-fuss vibe create a stress-free fine dining experience, with dishes ranging from buttermilk-fried chicken over spinach with black pepper shallot gravy to local seafood specials. 1535 Elizabeth Ave. (704-377-7976) D, BAR ☎

❤ CUSTOMSHOP

❤ THE FIG TREE RESTAURANT

$

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN The No. 2 restaurant on our 2018 Best Restaurants list, the Fig Tree specializes in fresh and flavorful cuisine with an emphasis on wine pairing in a 1913 bungalow. 1601 E. 7th St. (704-332-3322) D, BAR ✸☎

❤ PIZZERIA OMAGGIO

$$

PIZZA Among a sea of by-the-slice joints, owner Daniel Siragusa sticks by his Italian roots with personal pizzas. Some think they can’t possibly eat the whole pie, but they do. And then they order dessert.

1055 Metropolitan Ave., Ste. 130. (704-370-0777) L, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ THE STANLEY

$$$

SUNFLOUR BAKING CO.

$-$$

NEW SOUTHERN Chef Paul Verica's menu reflects a respect of seasonal produce, with playful dishes such as "Asparagus—as many ways as we could think of," and a more robust cocktail program. 1961 E. 7th St. (980-2992741) D, BR (Sun), BAR ✸☎

BAKERY With locations in Dilworth, Harrisburg, and Ballantyne, Sunflour serves croissants, cinnamon buns, sandwiches, and soups. Regulars spend mornings here with a cup of coffee, letting them fade into afternoons.

2001 E. 7th St. (704-900-5268) B, L, D, V ✸

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Owner and executive chef Trey

$$

$$

PIZZA Two words: pistachio pizza. Seriously, try it.

Then grab a spot on the patio beneath the bistro lights and enjoy a bottle of wine with friends. There's a second location in Providence Commons, too. 2230 Park Rd., (704-900-0929) L, D, BAR ✸

88

$$-$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Southern classics take on a new form—and global influence—at this easygoing spot.

1531 East Blvd. (980-237-2227) D, BAR ✸☎

AMERICAN This small Dilworth restaurant has soups, salads, and delicious, oversized sandwiches made with fresh, thick bread filled with innovative combinations.

2410 Park Rd. (704-372-2009) L, D, BAR ✸

INIZIO PIZZA NAPOLETANA

$

AMERICAN The daytime partner to The Summit Room focuses on specialty coffees, quiches, and pastries, and, of course, chicken salad sandwiches. 1531 East Blvd. (980-237-2543) B, L, B/W ✸

EARL’S GROCERY

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

$ $$ $$$ $$$$

❤

Most entrées under $10 Most entrées $10-$17 Most entrées $18-$25 Most entrées $26 & up Best Restaurants

B BR L D V

Breakfast Weekend brunch Lunch Dinner Vegetarian friendly

B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available Reservations suggested

☎

REVIEW POLICIES—The restaurants on these pages are recommendations of the editors of Charlotte magazine. They are not related to advertising in any way. Restaurant visits are anonymous, and all expenses are paid by the magazine. Reviews are written by members of the editorial staff. We regularly update these listings. New additions are denoted by “new listing” and revised reviews are indicated by “update.”

Huntersville/Lake Norman ALIÑO PIZZERIA

Matthews/Mint Hill $$

PIZZA Enjoy your Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizza at a community table with paper towels on hand to catch the drips from crust dipped in herbs and olive oil.

500 S. Main St., Ste. 401, Mooresville. (704-663-0010) L, D, B/W ✸

❤ DRESSLER’S

$$$

NEW AMERICAN Part steak house, part upscale American cuisine, dishes are delivered with consistency and a smile, both here and at the Metropolitan Avenue location. 8630-1A Lindholm Dr. (704-987-1779) D, BAR

✸☎

FLATIRON KITCHEN + TAPHOUSE

$$$

STEAK HOUSE High-quality steaks are a given here, but the seafood and vegetables are treated with the same respect. 215 S. Main St., Davidson. (704-2373246) BR, L, D, BAR ✸☎

FORK!

$$$

NEW AMERICAN Ingredients are grown locally, sustainably, and organically, and you can taste the difference on this daily menu. 20517 N. Main St., Cornelius.

(704-655-7465) BR, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ HELLO, SAILOR

$$-$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Davidson's sweethearts, Joe and Katy Kindred, opened this lakefront spot. Expect Carolina classics like fried catfish and seafood platters, as well as tiki drinks. 20210 Henderson Rd., Cornelius.

(704-997-5365) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

❤ KINDRED

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Chef Joe Kindred, a James Beard Award semifinalist, serves homemade pasta dishes and creative small plates in historic downtown Davidson. 131 N. Main St., Davidson. (980-231-5000) BR, L, D, BAR ✸☎

SABI ASIAN BISTRO

$$

ASIAN Find Asian-inspired dishes, from sushi to stir fry to sweet-and-sour chicken, in a sleek interior. 130 Harbor Place Dr., Davidson. (704-895-5707) L, D, BAR ✸

KABAB-JE ROTISSERIE & GRILLE

$$

MIDDLE EASTERN With a second location in Stonecrest, this Mediterranean and Lebanese spot serves dishes like hummus shawarma and lamb kabobs.

2233 Matthews Township Pkwy., Ste. E. (704-8450707) L, D ✸

LOYALIST MARKET

$-$$

AMERICAN This charming eatery is a sandwich shop by day and a cheese shop by night. Choose from over 60 artisan cheeses and cured meats from the U.S. and abroad, along with gourmet food products, wine, and local beer. 435 N. Trade St., Ste. 102. (704-814-9866) L, D, BAR ✸

NEW ZEALAND CAFÉ

$-$$

Fenwick’s is a go-to for a comforting meal made with fresh ingredients, delivered with warm service. 511 Providence Rd. (704-333-2750) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

LEROY FOX

$$

MAMA RICOTTA’S

$$

SOUTHERN A casual eatery known for its fried chicken, Leroy Fox serves Southern classics and upscale pub grub. 705 S. Sharon Amity Rd. (704-366-3232) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

ITALIAN Frank Scibelli’s (Midwood Smokehouse, Yafo, Paco’s) first restaurant does simple Italian dishes with stylish twists in a spot fit for couples, families, and everyone else. 601 S. Kings Dr. (704-343-0148) L, D, BAR ✸☎

PROVIDENCE ROAD SUNDRIES

$-$$

❤ STAGIONI

$$$

FUSION A wooden latticework ceiling and indoor trellis add charm to this neighborhood favorite, where sushi is fresh and affordable. 1717 Sardis Rd. N., Ste. 6A. (704-708-9888) L, D, B/W ✸

AMERICAN Classic bar food and friendly service have made this a neighborhood hangout for generations.

1522 Providence Rd. (704-366-4467) L, D, BAR

SANTÉ

ITALIAN Meaning “seasons,” this concept from Bruce Moffett serves Italian standards. A must-visit for Chef Eric Ferguson's delicious, handmade pastas, woodfired pizzas, and slow-roasted meats. 715 Providence Rd. (704-372-8110) D, BAR ☎

$$$ - $$$$

FRENCH The food is far from colloquial here, and the exposed brickwork and antiqued tin roof lend credence to the French name. 165 N. Trade St., Matthews.

(704-845-1899) D, BAR

❤ YUME BISTRO

$$

JAPANESE The flavorful ramen and other Japanese classics here defy the restaurant’s plain interior. They also opened a new location in Wilmore last year. 1369 Chestnut Ln., Matthews. (704-821-0676) L, D

Myers Park/Cotswold DEEJAI THAI

$$

THAI This family-owned eatery offers takeout, but with its modern dining room and bright patio, you’ll want to settle into a table. 613 Providence Rd. (704333-7884) L, (weekdays), D, BAR ✸

FENWICK’S

$$

AMERICAN A Myers Park mainstay since the 1980s,

NoDa/North Charlotte AMÉLIE’S FRENCH BAKERY

$

FRENCH Enjoy a flaky croissant on the outdoor patio or order from the café menu of soups and sandwiches any time of day—or night. Amélie's now has two additional locations in uptown and Park Road Shopping Center. 2424 N. Davidson St. (704-3761781) B, L, D

BAO + BROTH

$-$$

ASIAN Follow the smell of ramen and steamed pork belly buns to this food stall, the fifth restaurant from chef Bruce Moffett, and have a seat among the other diners in Optimist Hall. 1115 N. Brevard St. (704-6252269) L, D

Best Bites Our favorite dish this month, chosen by Charlotte magazine staff

LOGAN CYRUS

GRANDMA VODKA SAUCE PIZZA, $19.95 SAL’S PIZZA FACTORY SAL’S PIZZA FACTORY is a relative newcomer to the Charlotte restaurant scene, but the Monroe Road spot has quickly made believers of those New Yorker friends who can’t stop complaining about the city’s lack of “good pizza.” Sal’s makes great pizza, and the Grandma Vodka Sauce pizza gets at why: The recipe comes from the owner’s grandmother, and it’s hard to compete with a recipe refined over generations. Vodka sauce consists of tomato sauce, vodka, herbs, and heavy cream. There’s something extra in Sal’s take. I’m not sure what it is, but I’ll keep ordering it until I figure that out. —Andy Smith

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

89

THE GUIDE BENNY PENNELLO’S

$

CABO FISH TACO

$

PIZZA A full Benny P’s pie is 28 inches, almost double the standard—but if you divide it into eight slices, one is the ideal-sized meal for one person. 2909 N. Davidson St., Ste. 100. (980-949-8398) , D, B/W

SEAFOOD This NoDa “Baja seagrill” serves up the title dish as well as quesadillas, burritos, and salads in a fun, surf-themed atmosphere. 3201 N. Davidson St. (704332-8868) L, D, BAR ✸

CRÊPE CELLAR KITCHEN & PUB

$-$$

FRENCH The crêpes—both sweet and savory—are delicious, but the restaurant’s fare goes beyond its French roots with flavorful salads, entrées, and craft cocktails. 3116 N. Davidson St. (704-910-6543) BR, L, D, BAR

THE DUMPLING LADY

$-$$

ASIAN One of Charlotte’s most popular food trucks has a brick-and-mortar space in Optimist Hall. Order Zhang Qian’s authentic Sichuan dumplings, noodles, and dim sum, and brace for spice. 1115 N. Brevard St. L, D, V

EL THRIFTY

CILANTRO NOODLE

$

AMERICAN A mainstay for the locals, this place serves unconventional bar bites like mac-and-bluecheese with bacon. 3213 N. Davidson St. (704-3345140) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

COALTRANE’S

COMMON MARKET

$ Most entrées under $10 $$ Most entrées $10-$17 $$$ Most entrées $18-$25 $$$$ Most entrées $26 & up

B BR L D V

90

B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available Reservations suggested

☎

$-$$

DIAMOND RESTAURANT

$

$-$$

AMERICAN This 1950s-style diner features retro teal booths, a jukebox, and classic dishes like burgers, fried pork chops, and fried chicken. 1901 Commonwealth Ave. (704-375-8959) L, D, BAR ✸

DISH

$

SOUTHERN A neighborhood joint with an eclectic clientele, good, down-home Southern food, and a funky wait staff. 1220 Thomas Ave. (704-344-0343) B, L, D, BAR ✸

❤ INTERMEZZO PIZZERIA & CAFÉ

$-$$

FUSION Even the pickiest eater can find something to order here, with menu options ranging from burgers and pizzas to cabbage rolls and stuffed peppers. 1427 E. 10th St. (704-347-2626) L, D, V, BAR ✸

LANG VAN

Best Restaurants Breakfast Weekend brunch Lunch Dinner Vegetarian friendly

$-$$

VIETNAMESE Even if you think cilantro tastes like soap, don't let the name of this fast casual restaurant fool you—the herb add-on is optional. Structured like Chipotle, build-your-own meals include a base starch (banh mi, vermicelli noodles, white rice, fried rice), one protein, and five toppings. 2001 Commonwealth Ave. (704-345-9490) L, D, B/W ✸

$$-$$$

AMERICAN This is bar food to the extreme. Beer is incorporated into several dishes at this brewpub. The beer cheese is made with Heist’s own beer and served alongside pretzels made with leftover mash. 2909 N. Davidson St., Ste. 200. (704-375-8260) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

❤

$

AMERICAN The new counter-service burger joint from the team behind Sea Level and the Waterman offers a straightforward menu of burgers, fries, and shakes.

1001 Belmont Ave. (704-910-2200) L, D, BAR ✸

DELI A neighborhood hangout with additional locations in South End and Oakwold, this market and deli serves quick and delicious sandwiches, local craft beers, snacks, sweets, and more. 2007 Commonwealth Ave. (704-334-6209) B, L, D, B/W ✸

$-$$

JACKBEAGLE’S

Plaza Midwood/East Charlotte ACE NO. 3

$-$$

AMERICAN Southern appetizers, fried chicken, and apothecary cocktails from Colleen Hughes draw a hip crowd to this mill town southern kitchen. 3106 N. Davidson St. (704-817-1084) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

HEIST BREWERY

$-$$

AMERICAN Rotisserie chicken with South Americaninspired sides makes for a healthy and fast lunch or dinner. 1518 Central Ave. (980-265-1290) L, D, B/W ✸

MEXICAN The Mexican cantina and gaming venue in Optimist Hall serves creative tacos and cocktails with a side of duckpin bowling. 1115 N. Brevard St. L, D, BAR ✸

❤ HABERDISH

PAPI QUESO

AMERICAN Expect all the staples from the popular food truck, along with new grilled cheeses, mac and cheese, and melts from the brick-and-mortar location in Optimist Hall. 1115 N. Brevard St. L, D, V

$

VIETNAMESE Regulars love this no-fuss spot for its authentic cuisine, with loads of flavor and fresh ingredients. 3019 Shamrock Dr. (704-531-9525) BR, L, D, V, B/W

LUPIE'S CAFE

$-$$

AMERICAN The building, interior, and menu have barely changed since owner Lupie Duran opened in 1987. It’s an ideal spot for cold days, specializing in handmade burgers, four kinds of chili, meatloaf, and "chicken n dumplins." 2718 Monroe Rd., (704-3741232) L, D, B/W

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

❤ MIDWOOD SMOKEHOUSE

$$

MOO & BREW

$$

❤ NC RED

$$

SAL'S PIZZA FACTORY

$$

❤ SOUL GASTROLOUNGE

$$

SNOOZE

$$

THREE AMIGOS

$$

BARBECUE With North Carolina pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, and dry or sauced ribs, there’s a ’cue for everyone—and traditional sides to pair. The restaurant has a number of Charlotte locations including Ballantyne and Park Road Shopping Center, but the Plaza Midwood spot is its flagship post. 1401 Central Ave. (704-295-4227) L, D, BAR ✸

AMERICAN A playful list of burgers, craft beers, and friendly servers make this spot an easy choice for a casual dinner out. The patio is packed on nice nights.

1300 Central Ave. (980-585-4148) L, D, BAR ✸

SEAFOOD/SOUTHERN The fourth restaurant from Bruce Moffett serves a mix of Rhode Island shore food, like oysters and stuffed clams, and southern comforts, like fried chicken and mac and cheese. 1205 Thomas Ave. (704-321-4716) D, BAR ✸

PIZZA The New York slices at this east Charlotte joint have thick cheese and generous toppings—the classic style of pizza that fuels nostalgia and harkens back to a time when you didn’t know what calories or gluten were. 3723 Monroe Rd. (980-219-7108) L, D, BAR

NEW AMERICAN Expect to wait a while at this no-reservations spot, known for small plates like pork belly tacos with compressed watermelon, and a rotating list of craft cocktails. 1500-B Central Ave. (704-348-1848) D, BAR ✸

AMERICAN The Denver-based breakfast spot has a huge menu, but you're free to mix and match. Choose any two benedicts with the Benny Duo, or get the Pancake Flight with three different flavors. There's also a morning cocktail menu with mimosas, mojitos, and a dirty drunken chai. 1331-A Central Ave. (704-2435070) B, BR, L, BAR ✸

MEXICAN Three Amigos remains a constant on Central Avenue, specializing in enchiladas and other Mexican staples like tinga de pollo and carne asada tacos.

It's always fresh, too—they'll never save rice, beans, or meat for use the next day. 2917A Central Ave., 704536-1851. L, D, BAR

THE WORKMAN’S FRIEND

$$-$$$

IRISH Enjoy Irish classics like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie in this rustic dining room, or grab a pint at the custom-built walnut bar. 1531 Central Ave. (980224-8234) BR, L (Fri-Sun), D, BAR ✸

YAMA IZAKAYA

$$

JAPANESE Enjoy true, labor-intensive ramen, complete with add-ons like corn and pork belly, as well as traditional Japanese small plates and a sushi menu.

1324 Central Ave. (704-910-6387) D, V, BAR

ZADA JANE’S CORNER CAFE

$-$$

SOUTHERN This funky neighborhood restaurant with shuffleboard courts, a large patio, and colorful walls

serves breakfast and brunch all day. 1601 Central Ave. (704-332-3663) B, BR, L, BAR ✸

South End BARCELONA WINE BAR

$$$

❤ BARDO

$$$

NEW AMERICAN Nosh on Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired tapas or customize a charcuterie board with meats from different regions in Europe. Choose from over 400 wines, and don't miss the olive oil cake. 101 W. Worthington Ave., Ste. 110. (704-7410300) D, BAR ✸☎

NEW AMERICAN This foodie destination serves seasonal small plates and creative cocktails. The dining room looks into a big, open kitchen where diners can watch the chefs at work. 1508 S. Mint St., Ste. B. (980585-2433) D, BAR ☎

❤ BEEF ’N BOTTLE

$$$

STEAK HOUSE An old favorite, this steak house is just what you’d expect, serving up thick and juicy cuts in a dark interior. 4538 South Blvd. (704-5239977) D, BAR

BILL SPOON’S BARBECUE

$

BARBECUE Stop by for true eastern-style barbecue, mustard-based slaw, homemade banana pudding, and Mr. Spoon’s special sauce. 5524 South Blvd. (704525-8865) L

BREWERS AT 4001 YANCEY

$$$$

AMERICAN In addition to craft beers, this LoSo brewery has Southern-inspired bar food like fries topped with jalapeño gravy and bacon crumbles.

4001-A Yancey Rd. (704-452-4001) BR (Sun), L, D, BAR ✸☎

THE DUNAVANT

$$$

STEAK HOUSE The signature steak and bottomless fries dinner, which includes bread, a choice of soup or salad, and the option of three sauces, tastes more expensive than its $25 fixed price. 2322 Dunavant St., Ste. 200. (980-335-0125) BR, D, BAR ✸ NEW LISTING

EIGHT + SAND KITCHEN

PETER TAYLOR

THE QUEEN & GLASS

$$-$$$

the 22nd floor of the AC Hotel & Residence Inn. Bring a few friends and order shareable plates like lobster club sliders and the bison tartare. 22 E. Trade St., Ste. 2200. (980-960-9800)

$$$

BAR / LOUNGE This 19th floor rooftop lounge overlooking Romare Bearden Park is a great place to visit before dinner, or to cap off the night. Just remember to dress to impress, because access to sweeping views of the city requires some style. 303 S. Church St., (704-445-2550)

COCKTAIL BAR / LOUNGE This intimate Dilworth lounge has creative cocktails and a small plates menu of shareable spreads, salads, and flatbreads.

1315 East Blvd., Ste. 115. (980-299-0816)

THE CRUNKLETON

COCKTAIL BAR The region's best bartenders applied to work at Gary Crunkleton's Elizabeth bar and restaurant. Known for his impeccable classic cocktails, the mixologist and restaurateur opened the first Crunkleton in Chapel Hill. 1957 E. 7th St.

CICCHETTI

$$-$$$

WINE BAR The wine bar, restaurant, and retail hybrid has a relaxed atmosphere, wines from every region of the world, and deliciously simple food.

Dilworth is Foxcroft's flagship post, with additional locations in SouthPark and Waverly. 1235 East Blvd., Ste. 1 (704-602-2133)

$$$

WINE BAR On a warm summer night, there’s no better place to savor a glass of chardonnay. Grab a table on the patio under the trees and relish the little white lights when the sun goes down. 300 E. Tremont Ave., (704-595-3337)

NUVOLE ROOFTOP TWENTY-TWO $$-$$$

WINE BAR / RETAIL Wine bottles are on display in cabinets resembling bookcases, and chocolates are clustered under glass on a marble slab at this Myers Park tasting room. Milling around, asking questions, and sampling are encouraged. 2820 Selwyn Ave., Ste. 160. (704-332-9910)

$$$$

KOREAN BBQ Marinated meats at this all-you-caneat hangout come with Korean sides like steamed

SOPHIA'S LOUNGE

COCKTAIL BAR If the ornate armchairs or the velvet sofas on which you could pose like a French girl don’t make you feel like royalty, the customdesigned chandeliers and regal artwork should do it. The cocktails here, rightfully, are fit for a queen.

127 N. Tryon St., Ste. D. (704) 503-9322)

FOXCROFT WINE

$$

$$

$$

$$

MERCHANT + TRADE

IDLEWILD

WINE BAR / RETAIL At this wine bar, restaurant, and retail shop, it’s drinks first, food second. Shop the shelves for a bottle of wine, and savor it over a small plate of meatballs or bruschetta. 100 N. Tryon St. (980-299-0039)

ITALIAN Atherton Mill's newest restaurant tenant serves wood-fired pizzas and hand-crafted pastas, proving certain dishes are classics for a reason. 2046 South Blvd. L, D, BAR

LET'S MEAT KBBQ

Our city, which once banned cocktail sales, offers plenty of opportunities to imbibe. Try one of these after-dark spots

$$

JAPANESE This ramen house promises authenticity, irreverence, and delightful, salty bowls of the hot noodle soup. 222 E. Bland St. (704-376-8400) L, D, B/W ✸

INDACO

Night Life

COCKTAIL BAR You can't go wrong with a classic Manhattan, but if you’re feeling adventurous, Idlewild's bartenders will create a cocktail based on your drink preferences. 424 E. 36th St., Ste. 2

AMERICAN Come here for breakfast, brunch, lunch, an afternoon snack, or an evening out. The made-fromscratch bakery has sandwiches, salads, and artisan breads, and the café serves drinks all day. 135 New Bern St. B, BR, L, D

❤ FUTO BUTA

Dilworth Tasting Room offers wine flights with three different varieties from their vast selection.

DILWORTH TASTING ROOM

PETITE PHILIPPE

$-$$

$$

$-$$

BAR / LOUNGE Sip a cocktail and take in sweeping views of uptown from this sleek rooftop lounge on

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

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THE GUIDE egg soufflé. 1400 S. Church St., Ste. B. (980-299-4389) L, D, BAR

LUNA’S LIVING KITCHEN

$$

VEGETARIAN This vegan gem is known for its raw version of lasagna, made with zucchini noodles, sundried tomato sauce, mushrooms, and a cashew-basil cheese. Its juice bar is also a popular draw. 2000 South Blvd., Ste. 300. (704-333-0008) B, L, D, B/W, V ✸

MAC’S SPEED SHOP

$ -$$

BARBECUE Solid barbecue and cold beer (150 choices) in a bike-themed space draw fun-loving crowds. 2511 South Blvd. (704-522-6227) L, D, BAR ✸

MIDNIGHT DINER

$

RAI LAY THAI CUISINE

$$

THAI Upscale Thai food in a sleek interior with attentive service makes this a fitting spot for South End. 1520 South Blvd., Ste. 130. (980-207-0991) L, D, BAR ☎

SEOUL FOOD MEAT CO.

$$

FUSION This hip spot fuses traditional American barbecue with Korean flavors all the way to the sides, which include ramen mac-and-cheese. 1400 S. Church St., Ste. A. (980-299-5143) L (weekends), D, BAR ✸

you know it ain’t your mama in the kitchen. 3150 Hwy. 21 N., Fort Mill. (803-802-1711) B, BR, L, D, B/W, ☎

FLIPSIDE RESTAURANT

$$-$$$

GALLERY RESTAURANT

$$$-$$$$

THE PORTER’S HOUSE

$$$-$$$$

NEW SOUTHERN This sister restaurant of Flipside Café has a more formal and spacious dining room, which fits with its elevated menu. 129 Caldwell St., Rock Hill. (803324-3547) BR, L, D, V, BAR ☎

NEW AMERICAN Inside the Ballantyne hotel, you’ll find Southern-inspired, white-tablecloth dining with dishes sourced from local farmers. 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. (704-248-4100) B, BR, L, D, BAR

SOUTHBOUND

$-$$

SUPERICA

$-$$

STEAK HOUSE The newest member of the Rare Roots Hospitality Group (Dressler’s, Dogwood) is known for thick-cut steaks, modern sides, and craft cocktails.

7417 Waverly Walk Ave. (704-930-7878) D, BAR ✸☎

BAJA The breezy vibes and bright flavors at this taco joint call for a Pacifico or a margarita. 2433 South Blvd.

(704-912-1889) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

AMERICAN This 24-hour classic diner has everything you’d expect, including an all-day breakfast, onion rings, milkshakes, burgers, and hand-cut fries, along with Southern fare. 115 E. Carson Blvd. (980-207-3641) B, L, D, B/W ✸

TEX-MEX Atlanta chef Ford Fry brings the newest location of his Tex-Mex concept, with tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas, to the Design Center. 101 W. Worthington Ave., Ste. 100 (980-321-9914) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

MOCCO BISTRO

THE WATERMAN FISH BAR

$$-$$$

AMERICAN Consistently good pasta, seafood, and steak make this restaurant a mainstay in the Strawberry Hill shopping center. Additional locations are in Indian Land and Birkdale Village. 4223 Providence Rd., Ste. 8 (704-364-0402) BR, L, D, V, BAR ✸

❤ ZEPPELIN

$$-$$$

ASIAN The dumplings and Pad Thai are consistently good, but the bibimap, bossam, and curry dishes are great for adventurous palates. During patio season, enjoy a cocktail or dessert at the rooftop terrace bar. 251 Textile Way, Fort Mill. (803-548-6868) L, D, V, BAR ✸

$

GREEK Despite the sounds of South Boulevard, the Greek pastries and coffees here can transport you to the Aegean Sea in just one taste. 4004 South Blvd., Ste. E. (980-207-0508) B, L, D, BAR ✸

NIKKO

$$-$$$

JAPANESE Artistic sushi, a moody interior, and thumping sound system bring in dinner and late-night crowds, but quick service makes it a great lunch spot.

325 Arlington Ave., Ste. 108. (980-213-0388) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

NORTH ITALIA

$$-$$$

ITALIAN Head to the ground floor of the RailYard for a dressed-up entree like squid ink mafaldine, or get the basic spaghetti and meatballs, which is good every time. 1414 S Tryon St., Ste. 140 (980-279-8900) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

O-KU

$$-$$$

SUSHI This second location of the Charleston-based Indigo Road restaurant group’s Japanese spot has great service, a beautiful interior, and dishes full of flavor.

2000 South Blvd., Ste. 510. (704-594-1922) D, BAR ☎

PRICE’S CHICKEN COOP

$

SOUTHERN Expect to eat your meal standing up—or sitting in your car—but rest assured it's the best damn fried chicken in the country. 1614 Camden Rd. (704333-9866) L, D (until 6 p.m.), Cash only. No seating.

SEAFOOD This oyster bar has all the staples: lobster rolls, clam chowder, and oysters four ways. At sunset, head to the rooftop terrace for a cocktail and views of uptown. 2729 South Blvd., Ste. D. (704-275-5558) L, D, BAR ✸

NEW SOUTHERN A seasonal menu includes small plates like Korean-inspired calamari and barbecueroasted octopus. The cocktail program focuses on innovative interpretations of classic drinks. 235 W. Tremont Ave. (980-209-0008) BR (Sun), D, BAR ✸

(Arboretum, Ballantyne, Pineville, Fort Mill)

❤ B BR L D V

92

Best Restaurants Breakfast Weekend brunch Lunch Dinner Vegetarian friendly

B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available Reservations suggested

☎

$$-$$$

ITALIAN This eatery in StoneCrest at Piper Glen has Italian-American dishes like snapper picatta, penne alla Civetta, and scallops risotto. Save room for a lasagnasized slice of tiramisu for dessert. 7828-E Rea Rd. (980335-2758) BR (Sun), L, D, V, BAR ✸

THE BLUE TAJ

$ Most entrées under $10 $$ Most entrées $10-$17 $$$ Most entrées $18-$25 $$$$ Most entrées $26 & up

$$

AMERICAN This spot serves up hearty portions of diner staples, such as meatloaf and fresh-roasted turkey clubs, all made in-house. 16637 Lancaster Hwy. (704544-0313) B, L, D, BAR ✸

CIVETTA ITALIAN KITCHEN + BAR

$$-$$$

INDIAN The sister restaurant of Copper has contemporary decor and a sharply dressed wait staff delivering Indian dishes to each table. 14815 Ballantyne Village Way., Ste. 170. (704-369-5777) L, D, V, BAR ✸

CANTINA 1511

$$

MEXICAN This suburban outpost of the SouthPark hot spot draws crowds for its fresh takes on Mexican cuisine and fine margarita list. 7708 Rea Rd., in Stonecrest.

(704-752-9797) L, D, V, BAR ✸☎

THE FLIPSIDE CAFÉ

$$-$$

NEW SOUTHERN Chefs Jon and Amy Fortes’ first restaurant makes you feel right at home, but the food lets

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

$$-$$$

SPICE ASIAN KITCHEN

$$-$$$

WALDHORN

$$

GERMAN Family-friendly Waldhorn offers authentic German dishes in a Bavarian setting. 12101 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. (704-540-7047) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

South Charlotte BIG VIEW DINER

RED ROCKS CAFÉ

SouthPark/Park Road ❤ BAR MARCEL

$$-$$$

BAKU

$$-$$$

FUSION The menu features shareable plates of beef carpaccio or truffle and herb frittes—but order a flatbread pizza for yourself. 3920 Sharon Road, Ste. 160.

(980-237-1919) L, D, BAR ✸☎

JAPANESE Black and red decor, delicious sushi, techno beats, and a large pair of geisha eyes staring out at the crowd make for a dramatic setting in this shared plates restaurant. 4515 Sharon Rd. (704-817-7173) D, BAR ☎

❤ BARRINGTON’S

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN Bruce Moffett’s first restaurant is one of the best in town, with a classic menu and stellar service. 7822 Fairview Rd. (704-364-5755) D, BAR ☎

CAFÉ MONTE

$-$$

FRENCH Monte Smith has done a bang-up job recreating a classic French restaurant, and diners react enthusiastically at brunch, lunch, and dinner. 6700 Fairview Rd. (704-552-1116) B, L, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ CORKBUZZ

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN This place focuses on food that pairs well with wine—all 200-plus by the bottle and nearly

40 by the glass. 4905 Ashley Park Ln., Ste. J. (704-6251328) BR, L, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ DOGWOOD SOUTHERN

TABLE + BAR

$$$

❤ DOT DOT DOT

$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Ingredients are fresh and cocktails are innovative at this spot, a sister to Dressler’s. 4905 Ashley Park Ln., Ste. D. (704-910-4919) BR, L, D, BAR ☎

NEW AMERICAN Stefan Huebner's creative cocktails may be the main attraction at this members-only speakeasy, but chef Daniel Wheeler's sweet potato gnocchi with bourbon glaze will convince you to stay for dinner. 4237 Park Rd., Ste. B. (704-817-3710) BR, L, D, BAR ☎

❤ FLOUR SHOP

$$$

ITALIAN Watch your pasta get prepared in the open kitchen. Chef Trey Wilson's shared plates are great for larger groups, but if you don't want to share, get the lamb Bolognese. 530 Brandywine Rd. (980-299-3754) D, BAR ☎

❤ GOOD FOOD ON MONTFORD

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Bruce Moffett’s small-plates bistro unites a variety of influences and flavors onto one menu, and each dish is worth ordering. 1701 Montford Dr. (704-525-0881) D (Closed Sun), BAR

HARPER’S RESTAURANT

$$

AMERICAN Jazzed-up American cuisine makes Harper’s a place to take out-of-town guests with varying palates.

6518 Fairview Rd. (704-366-6688) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

HIBISCUS

$-$$

ASIAN Roger and Robert Kongham, the sons of Thai Taste’s owners, serve creamy curries, Thai classics, and sushi in a more formal dining room. 1600 E. Woodlawn Rd., Ste. 150. (980-256-4380) L, D, BAR

LEGION BREWING

$$-$$$

AMERICAN Unlike its flagship location in Plaza Midwood, the SouthPark brewery serves more than typical bar snacks. Chef Gene Briggs cooks pork belly gyros, duck fat chicken wings, and a full Sunday brunch.

5610 Carnegie Blvd. (980-256-4167) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

OAK STEAKHOUSE

$$$$

STEAK house Chef Tyler Honeycutt aces steakhouse classics like ribeye or filet, and be sure to save room for some lemon olive oil cake for dessert. 4477 Sharon Rd., Ste 125. (704-954-8900) D, BAR ☎

PACO’S TACOS & TEQUILA

$$

MEXICAN Although you’ll find plenty of options on the menu, there are 10 varieties of tacos and more than 60 kinds of tequila. 6401 Morrison Blvd., Ste. 8A. (704-716-8226) L, D, V, BAR ✸

❤ PEPPERVINE

$$$$

have earned this market and restaurant a loyal following. 4331 Barclay Downs Dr. (704-377-7686) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

ROASTING COMPANY

$

AMERICAN Since adding a full bar, Roasting Company fits in more comfortably with the Montford Drive scene, but still sets the standard for rotisserie chicken.

1521 Montford Dr. (704-521-8188) L, D, BAR

ROCKSALT

$$$-$$$$

Scaleybark Station

ZACK'S HAMBURGERS

$

SEAFOOD Head to RockSalt for the spacious patio and fresh seafood—from the raw bar, with several varieties of oysters on the half shell, or the daily catch. 512 Brandywine Rd. (704-503-9945) BR, L, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ ROOSTER’S WOOD-FIRED KITCHEN

PEPPERBOX DOUGHNUTS

$$-$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Chef Jim Noble’s menu features gussied-up, Southern-tinged American and European peasant fare, like hand-tossed pizzas and roasted chicken. A second location is in uptown. 6601 Morrison Blvd.

(704-366-8688) L, D, V, BAR ☎

SIR EDMOND HALLEY’S

$$

AMERICAN This pub, named for the astronomer and mathematician, serves its entire menu until closing at 2 a.m. 4151 Park Rd., Ste. A. (704-525-7775) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸

TOSCANA

$$$

ITALIAN An authentic northern Italian menu is paired with an extensive wine list, while courtyard dining adds to the experience on a nice night. 6401 Morrison Blvd., Ste. 6B. (704-367-1808) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

❤ UPSTREAM

$$$$

SEAFOOD The 20-year-old SouthPark mainstay is known for upscale seafood, but executive chef Sam Diminich's sushi menu adds Pacific Rim flavors to the mix.

6902 Phillips Place Ct. (704-556-7730) BR (Sun), L, D, BAR ✸☎

YAFO KITCHEN

$$

MEDITERRANEAN With additional locations in Dilworth and Plaza Midwood, this fast-casual concept serves Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired fare in a wrap, salad, or grain bowl. 720 Governor Morrison St., Ste. 120. (704-365-7130) L, D, B/W ✸

YAMA ASIAN FUSION

$$

FUSION This upscale Japanese restaurant has sushi, hibachi, and Asian-inspired entrées. A second location opened in Waverly last year. 720 Governor Morrison St., Ste. 130. (70s4-295-0905) L, D,BAR ✸☎

University Area AMALFI PASTA ’N PIZZA

$$

ITALIAN The only other places where Italian food is this real, this good, and this cheap are called trattorias, and you have to take a plane to get to them. 8542 University City Blvd. (704-547-8651) L, D, B/W

REID’S FINE FOODS

AMERICAN The food here is primarily American bistro-style, but the owner’s family tuna business makes

NEW AMERICAN Stellar service and a reliable menu

These sips and bites are worth a stop on light rail

BURGERS As you wait in line here, you’ll debate: fries or onion rings? Blurt out your decision, then wait for your number to be called from the microphone, ready for pickup. 4009 South Blvd. (704-525-1720)

FUSION Chef Bill Greene serves a rotation of artistic small plates with unexpected pairings like lamb belly with kimchi porridge, or smoked butternut squash with miso. 4620 Piedmont Row Dr., Ste. 170B. (980283-2333) D, V, BAR ✸☎

$$-$$$

Along the Rail

FIREWATER

$$-$$$

East-West Blvd. Station

$

BAKERY The yeast-based doughnut flavors rotate regularly, but recent iterations have included ricotta rhubarb, toasted miso caramel, and pineapple black pepper bacon bar. 101 W. Worthington Ave., Ste. 150 (980-294-0150) Carson Station

LINCOLN'S HABERDASHERY

$$

MARKET This artisanal market and wine shop serves sandwiches and coffee in a chill setting, and the shopping area has rare knickknacks.

1300 South Blvd., Ste. S (704-910-4660) Stonewall Station

RHINO MARKET & DELI

$

DELI Stop by this popular deli for a breakfast burrito, soup, or sandwich, or grab a snack like the Queen Charlotte’s Pimento Cheese. 1500 W. Morehead St., Ste. E. (704-375-2036) Parkwood Station

STRUDEL SHOP

$

TAKEOUT Owners Kevin Kelly and Dee Hang grew up in the Optimist Park neighborhood, so you won't find German accents here. "This is redneck strudel," Kelly jokes. 510 E. 15th St., Ste. A (980-237-8077) 36th St. Station

THE CHAMBER BY WOODEN ROBOT $

BREWERY Wooden Robot's second location in NoDa has the same beloved beers and then some in this giant two-story space just steps from the light rail stop. 416 E. 36th St., Ste. 100 (980-938-6200) Tom Hunter Station

SOUTH 21 JR.

$

SOUTHERN Known for great burgers and fried chicken, its well-decorated chicken dinner comes with Charlotte's standard: fries, coleslaw, and a roll. 6920 N. Tryon St. (704-598-7407) JW Clay Station

NINETIES ICE CREAM

$

ICE CREAM This family-owned dessert shop serves ice cream sandwiches and cereal milkshakes with childhood favorites like Fruity Pebbles and Lucky Charms. 9009 J M Keynes Dr., Ste. 4 (704-547-1856)

FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

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apps like the tuna tartare standouts. 8708 J. W. Clay Blvd. (704-549-0050) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸

ZAPATA’S CANTINA

$$

MEXICAN Expect typical Mexican fare in a high-energy dining room. 8927 J.M. Keynes Dr., in University Place shopping center. (704-503-1979) L, D, BAR

Uptown 204 NORTH

$$$

NEW SOUTHERN This uptown spot with modern Southern food is best for cocktails and conversation at the bar. 204 N. Tryon St. (704-333-3747) BR, L, D, BAR ☎

❤ 5CHURCH

$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Executive chef Whitney Thomas's innovative, seasonal menu includes yellowfin tuna sushi tots and mint crusted lamb loin. 127 N. Tryon St., Ste. 8.

(704-919-1322) BR, L, D, BAR ☎

❤ ALEXANDER MICHAEL’S

$$ -$$$

AMERICAN The blackened catfish is cooked just right, the Cajun pasta is piping hot, and chatter fills the noreservations dining room. 401 W. 9th St. (704-3326789) L, D, BAR

❤ ANGELINE'S

B BR L D V

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COWBELL BURGER & BAR

$$

AMERICAN This sister restaurant to Leroy Fox has a trendy, pop-culture vibe—and a roster of fancy burgers (including a foie gras-topped offering for $20).

201 N. Tryon St., Ste. 1010. (980-224-8674) L, D, BAR

DANDELION MARKET

$$-$$$

ESSEX BAR & BISTRO

$$-$$$

❤ LA BELLE HELENE

$$$ - $$$$

FRENCH The Parisian menu offers rotisserie chicken and a mix of pour commencer and plats, plus decadent desserts and specialty cocktails. 300 S. Tryon St., Ste. 100. (704-9692550) BR (Sun), L, D, BAR ☎

LUCE

$$$

EVOKE

$$$-$$$$

FAHRENHEIT

$$$-$$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Guests order from a daily prix fixe menu (ranging from five courses to nine courses), choose their wine and entrées, and the staff takes care of the rest. 511 N. Church St. (704-3326159) D, BAR ☎

$$$

$$-$$$

B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available Reservations suggested

☎

$

$$$

$$$

$ Most entrées under $10 $$ Most entrées $10-$17 $$$ Most entrées $18-$25 $$$$ Most entrées $26 & up Best Restaurants Breakfast Weekend brunch Lunch Dinner Vegetarian friendly

COCO + THE DIRECTOR

AMERICAN Marriott introduced this coffee and sandwich shop for locals and hotel guests alike to have a comfortable, casual dining option. 100 W. Trade St. (704-353-6003) B, L, D, B/W

THE KING’S KITCHEN

SOUTHERN Chef Jim Noble's restaurant, which serves traditional Southern fare, donates profits to faith-based feeding centers and employs troubled youth and people who have just come out of rehab or prison.

129 W. Trade St. (704-375-1990) (weekdays) D, B/W, ✸☎

SPANISH This sister restaurant to Luce serves authentic regional cuisine from Spain for lunch and dinner. 214 N. Tryon St. (704344-8878) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

THAI Thai lovers can sate their cravings with tasty pad Thai, while the more daring can try dishes like crispy red curry duck, a rich, deep-fried half duck in a spicy red curry sauce. 210 N. Church St. (704-332-7212) L, D, V, BAR ☎

❤

$$-$$$

$$$ - $$$$

GLOBAL Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences run through this menu. Order a few tapas and a bottle of wine, head out to the patio, and watch the activity at Trade and Tryon. 101 S. Tryon St., Ste. 14.

(980-406-3857) L, D, BAR ✸☎

NEW SOUTHERN Chef Mike Long's inventive menu mixes countryside favorites like biscuits and deviled eggs with bold flavors and contemporary techniques.

235 N. Tryon St. (704-342-1193) B, BR, L, D, BAR ☎

BASIL THAI

THE CELLAR AT DUCKWORTH’S

NEW AMERICAN The focus is on small plates, craft beer served in its proper glassware at proper temperature, and craft cocktails. 330 N. Tryon St. (980-3494078) D, BAR ☎

❤ HAYMAKER

NEW SOUTHERN Enjoy locally and seasonally inspired dishes from North Carolina chef William Dissen in this bright, stylish space next to Romare Bearden Park. 225 S. Poplar St. (704-626-6116) BR,D,BAR ✸☎

$$$

ITALIAN This restaurant serves up an extensive Italian menu in an elegant, modern space. 100 N. Tryon St. (704-376-8880) L (weekdays), D, BAR ☎

❤ THE ASBURY

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN On weekends, this Irish pub turns into one of uptown’s hottest nightlife spots. But during the day, come for a cozy meal with flickering candles and shared plates. 118 W. 5th St. (704-333-7989) BR, L, D, BAR

ITALIAN The Italian-inspired entreés at this uptown spot are all excellent, and the whipped ricotta with sourdough, lavender honey, and pistachio is the most imaginative appetizer on the menu. 303 S. Church St. (704-445-2540) B, BR, L, D, V, BAR ✸☎

❤ ARIA TUSCAN GRILL

CAPITAL GRILLE

STEAK HOUSE A classic steak house, complete with a large bar for sipping martinis and a dining room that exudes power. 201 N. Tryon St. (704-348-1400) L (weekdays), D, BAR ☎

STEAK HOUSE In this modern space off the lobby of Le Méridien, the beautifully seared steaks and seafood crudos are among the must-try menu items. 555 S. McDowell St. (980-237-5354) B, L, D, BAR ☎

NEW AMERICAN Located on the 21st floor of Skye Condos, chef Rocco Whalen’s restaurant is the place in Charlotte to eat a meal and see the city twinkle. 222 S. Caldwell St. (980-237-6718) BR, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ FORCHETTA

$$-$$$

ITALIAN Chef Luca Annunziata serves lasagna just like his mom made it and carbonara as it's served in Rome.

230 North College St. (704-602-2750) B, L, D, BAR ☎

❤ FIN & FINO

$$$

SEAFOOD Come for the raw bar, but stay for bartender Brittany Kellum's drinks. Then splurge on a slice of cheesecake. 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Ste. 100.

(704-800-5680) L, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ HALCYON, FLAVORS FROM

THE EARTH

$$$

NEW SOUTHERN With views from the Mint Museum Uptown, this restaurant's local menu is popular for lunch and pre-theater dinners. 500 S. Tryon St. (704910-0865) BR, L, D, V, BAR ✸☎

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

ITALIAN Luce is a beautiful, intimate, luxurious restaurant with simple but innovative northern Italian cuisine. 214 N. Tryon St., Ste. J, in Hearst Plaza. (704-344-9222) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

MALABAR SPANISH CUISINE

❤ McNINCH HOUSE

$$

$$$$

MERT’S HEART AND SOUL

$-$$

MIMOSA GRILL

$$$

SOUTHERN James Bazzelle’s pride and joy serves down-home Southern cooking, with a dash of Lowcountry, in a downtown-feeling place. 214 N. College St. (704-342-4222) BR, L, D,B/W ✸

NEW SOUTHERN This popular after-work spot has a menu that changes seasonally, but always has friendly service, tasty seafood dishes, and interesting grits. 327 S. Tryon St. (704-343-0700) (weekdays) BR, L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

MURPHY’S KITCHEN & TAP

$$

IRISH Pies, tarts, meats, potatoes—everything you’d expect, you’ll find at this Irish pub with a large range of alcoholic beverage options. 445 W. Trade St. (704-332-0557) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

QUEEN CITY Q

$

BARBECUE Here, the barbecue slow-cooks

Charlotte magazine (ISSN 1083-1444) is published monthly by Morris Communications at 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302, Charlotte NC 28203-5161. Entire contents Copyright © 2020 by Morris Communications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Periodicals postage paid in Charlotte, NC and additional offices. To subscribe, renew, or change address, go to www.charlottemagazine.com or write to: Charlotte magazine, 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302, Charlotte NC 28203-5161. Subscription rate $19.95 for one year (twelve issues). For renewal or change of address, include the address label from your most recent issue. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Charlotte, P.O. Box 433237, Palm Coast, FL 32143-9616. Unsolicited photographs, illustrations, or articles are submitted at the risk of the photographer/artist/author. Charlotte magazine assumes no liability for the return of unsolicited materials and may use them at its discretion.

THE GUIDE

every day in wood-fired smokers and comes served with classic sides like peppery green bean casserole and slaw. 225 E. 6th St., Ste. A. (980-272-6341) L, D, BAR

❤ SEA LEVEL NC

$$$

SEAFOOD Concrete beams and rustic brick give an industrial feel to this seafood restaurant, which serves up dishes that are accessible, inventive, and sustainably sourced. 129 E. 5th St. (704-412-2616) L, D, BAR ✸☎

SOHO BISTRO

PINKY’S WESTSIDE GRILL

$

AMERICAN Housed in an old auto shop, this funky spot serves great burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads, as well as tasty sides like waffle fries. 1600 W. Morehead St. (704-332-0402) L, D, BAR ✸

TOUCAN LOUIE'S

$

CARIBBEAN With state-sourced meats smoked inhouse and strictly NC cheese, this new cafe's commitment to local ingredients is notable, but it's their food's Caribbean flair that elevates their grab-and-go sandwiches. 2753 Rozzelles Ferry Rd. (980-209-9791) B, L, D, B/W ✸

$$

ASIAN Lightning-fast, friendly service complements hot, savory Chinese favorites such as Sha Cha Shrimp and Mongolian Chicken. 214 N. Tryon St., Ste. 110.

(704-333-5189) L, D, B/W

❤ STOKE

it with a sweet tea or Cheerwine. 2216 Freedom Dr. (704-703-5252) L, D, ✸

CROSSWORD OF THE MONTH

By Andy Smith

ANSWERS can be found online at charlottemagazine. com/crossword.

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NEW AMERICAN Hotel dining gets an upgrade with this wood-fired grill, family-style concept in Marriott City Center. 100 W. Trade St. (704-353-6005) B, BR, L, D, BAR

SUKOSHI

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SUSHI Think high-quality sushi in a fast-casual setting.

Chef Michael Chanthavong brings favorites from his menu at O-Ku, like tuna wrap-it-up and salmon citrus rolls. 101 S. Tryon St., Ste. 120. (980-495-3800) L, D, V

THE YOLK

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AMERICAN Greg and Subrina Collier's breakfast-focused concept in 7th Street Public Market is open for breakfast and lunch, but shrimp and grits topped with Gouda cheese, jerk seasoning, and scallion pesto is delicious any time of day. 224 E. 7th St. (980-495-3800) B, L

West/Northwest Charlotte COMMUNITY TABLE BISTRO

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SOUTHERN At the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, a small, cafeteria-style restaurant sears, bakes, and fries comfort food on a daily rotation for an affordable price. 5301 Wilkinson Blvd. (980-636-1000) B, L, V ✸

ESTIA'S KOUZINA

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❤ HEIRLOOM RESTAURANT

$$-$$$

GREEK This upscale Mediterranean restaurant offers healthy and delicious dishes like gyro pitas, lamb burgers, and hearty salads. 609 N. Main St., Belmont. (704825-7005) BR, L, D, V, BAR ✸☎

NEW AMERICAN Ingredients are sourced almost exclusively from North Carolina, and the tasting menu includes options like fried chicken and pork and beans. 8470 Bellhaven Rd. (704-595-7710) D, V, BAR ☎

❤ NOBLE SMOKE

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BARBECUE Feast on Carolina-style pork and Texasstyle brisket, and grab a drink at the “Legends Counter” with custom plaques for Southern barbecue icons.

2216 Freedom Dr. (704-703-5252) L, D, BAR ✸☎ NEW LISTING

BOSSY BEULAH'S

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AMERICAN Think of Bossy Beulah’s as the kid sister— or sidekick—to Noble Smoke. Order your fried chicken sammie bunless or add American cheese, and pair FEBRUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

95

YOU ARE HERE Each month, we’ll throw a dart at a map and write about where it lands.

LOCATION: HIDDEN VALLEY 6116 Monteith Dr. Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church

th dr.

ntei 6116 mo

Fellowship in Hidden Valley

IT’S A SPECIAL BUT NOT EXCLUSIVE CLUB, the so-called “parking lot committee” that spontaneously gathers each Sunday outside Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church in Charlotte’s Hidden Valley neighborhood. Its members laugh when they call themselves that. But it’s the hallmark of a real community. Today, they’ve been together as the 9 a.m. Sunday School turned into the 10 a.m. worship service. Now it’s nearly 1:30 p.m., and a dozen or so people assemble in the parking lot, picking a spot for lunch and more fellowship.

Their church building opened in 1978, but the congregation has been together far longer, and its story illustrates how Charlotte treated many African-American neighborhoods as the city grew. Members originally worshipped at a location on Statesville Avenue, about five miles west. But state officials decided to route a new section of Interstate 77 through the property. Church leaders hustled and found new land, secured loans, and started construction.

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // FEBRUARY 2020

Then the state picked another route for I-77. The church finally paid off the loans on its 41-year-old building last year. “We ended up tearing our church down, and then they changed their minds,” says Jackie Stinson (in the middle of the photo above), a 61-year-old retired teacher who grew up in the congregation and, when the time came, brought her own children. “What can you do?”

From the late ’80s until a few years ago, Hidden Valley was notorious for gang activity and violent crime. But the neighborhood’s crime rate has dropped, and property values are rising. Even in the worst of times, the church was never a target for criminals or vandals, members say. They never worried when choir practice or an outreach project ran late and they’d emerge into a dark parking lot. They still don’t.

And on this day, under bright afternoon sunshine, they hug goodbye to the few who aren’t moving on to lunch and make plans with those who are. —Cristina Bolling

SHAW NIELSON; CRISTINA BOLLING

In a church parking lot on a Sunday afternoon, friends take stock of their changing city

Vote for the city’s

BEST OF THE BEST!

2020 VOTING SCHEDULE:

Best of FOOD + DRINK: Jan. 13-26 Best of SHOPPING + SERVICES + WELLNESS: Jan. 27-Feb. 9 Best of MEDIA + CULTURE + ENTERTAINMENT: Feb. 10-24 ABOUT THE BOB AWARDS: Since 1998, we’ve published our annual Best of the Best list in the May issue to help readers navigate the city’s dining, shopping, wellness, and entertainment options. The list is comprised of voters’ choice winners and the top picks from our Charlotte magazine editors.

Vote at CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM

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