Charlotte Magazine July 2020

TOP DOCTORS 2020 BENEATH THE MASK Our medical pros battle COVID-19

DR. ERIKA MYERS Hospitalist at CMC Main and three-time Top Doctor

PLUS Down to the Core

Caring for a cancer-stricken son

Creature Comforts

Paul Hastings’ paintings travel beyond hospital walls

Urban Ministry

How a team feeds the hungry during quarantine

JULY 2020

charlottemagazine.com

Relationships are more important than ever.

As an independent practice, we are able to remain true to our principles, while delivering award-winning care rooted in stronger relationships.

See the difference at tryonmed.com

Ballantyne

|

Huntersville

|

Matthews

|

Pineville

|

SouthPark

|

Steele Creek

|

Uptown

|

Waverly

WRINKLE SMOOTHING INJECTABLES

TRUST YOUR FACE TO THE SPECIALISTS JONATHAN KULBERSH, MD, COURTNEY WHITLEY, FNP-C & HEATHER BRYANT, PA 26+ years of combined experience • 10,000+ Botox® treatments 8,000+ Restylane® and Juvederm® filler treatments

6817 Fairview Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210 (704) 275-3172 CarolinaFacialPlastics.com

KRISTEN ARMSTRONG STEVEE BASKERVILLE

704.400.5734

704.650.7073

MARCY BASRAWALA

CHRIS CAREY 919.360.8520

ANNIE CHERRY 704.579.1663

SUZANNE CODDINGTON

MEGAN DESPARD 704.953.8585

704.280.1469

KERRY CONWAY 615.293.9936

SARAH CURME 704.578.7011

TONY D’AGOSTINO

704.241.4769

CAROL DAVIS 704.907.5772

EVE DAVIS 704.999.0719

MICHELLE DYMAN

704.998.7357

SHERRY GEORGE 704.968.5322

HEATHER GIBBS 704.975.9485

ELLEN GIBSON 704.614.2296

SARAH GOOD 704.776.8956

AUBREY GRIER 704.502.4612

TIM HANSLEY 704.621.6837

MISSY HIGHSMITH 704.905.6680

SUZY HUBBELL 202.607.5688

ROBIN HUSNEY 704.517.6370

704.589.7172

JOAN GOODE 704.953.3035

CHRISTINE KEAGY 704.577.7321

KATHY LANCASTER

704.534.5552

JULIETTE LANE 704.408.4748

LIZ LEA 704.905.8169

JANE LEMMOND 704.451.5871

VICKY MITCHENER

RUTH MONIZ 704.609.4846

704.517.0177

CATHARINE PAPPAS

MARJORIE REDDING

WINNIE SIMMONS 704.576.9225

ASHLEY SMITH 704.756.3494

SARAH SZCZODROWSKI

CAROLYN TAYLOR

704.661.2402

704.877.3350

704.619.3823

704.236.1936

FRAN MILLER 704.488.0288

HEATHER MACKEY

ASHLEY McMILLAN

CINDI MOORE 704.650.4642

ANDI MORGAN 704.494.1082

ADRIENNE MORRIS

MICHAEL NESTER 704.408.3468

ISABEL ROBERTS 704.607.5560

ROUNTREE TEAM 704.608.8656

SHELLY RYDELL 704.649.6530

JENNIFER SAARBACH

DUCIE STARK 704.641.5398

MISSY STEWART 704.996.9080

TAWNYA STOMMEL 704.778.7617

BONNIE STROUP 704.458.2558

MARGO WELLS 704.576.2854

LISA WHETSTONE

704.661.0635

JOHANA TROUTMAN

704.756.3637

704.575.2369

412.965.1955

704.607.9619

When you choose our Dickens Mitchener team, you are putting your trust in the most talented, experienced and technologically astute Realtors® in the Charlotte region. We are committed to setting new standards for extraordinary customer service as well as providing our clients with intimate community knowledge and expertise. We’ve spent more than 25 years perfecting our unique and effective business method to become your best source for residential real estate.

Your Best Source for Residential Real Estate. // 704.342.1000 // Discover more on at dickensmitchener.com

KAREN H. MILLER

704.574.0580

609.306.9975

PRINCE WITT 704.661.2322

Imagine your home, totally organized.

ClosetsbyDesign

®

Closets byDesign

®

40% O F F P L U S F R E E I N S TA L L AT I O N

Schedule a free in-home design consultation.

704-741-8013 | closetsbydesign.com

Celebrating 45 Years in Charlotte

Jim Thompson 704. 572. 9127

Theresa Kistler 704. 451. 0247

Erin Ficenec

Jennifer Powell

Jennifer Randol

Katherine Shermansky

704. 591. 1895

704. 900. 4773

704. 526. 7062

Ginny Burgin

Roshawn Ross Hampton

Angie Brogdon

Holly Chapman

Annette Semprit

Lauren Dayton

803. 610. 1296

704. 293. 8842

704. 842. 1717

704. 293. 0212

704. 728. 5657

704. 607. 7075

Jane Grosse

Kelly Blandford

Lori Cauthen

Lisa Tomlinson

Christine Hotham

704. 577. 6876

704. 641. 1798

helenadamsrealty.com

704. 907. 4560

704. 607. 2338

|

704. 307. 0844

Ily Muñoz

704. 264. 6829

Kelly Ellis

Ellen Kelly

704. 299. 1985

Judy Godley

704. 804. 0223

704. 236. 0821

704. 579. 2080

Beth Leonard

Tracy & Lane Jones

Peggy Leo-Gallo

704. 858. 2832

704. 944. 9237

980. 228. 7598

|

704. 451. 8267

@helenadamsrealty

CONTENTS CHARLOTTE / JULY 2020 / VOL. 25, NUMBER 7

40 KEEP CALM AND

GOWN UP A look inside Carolinas Medical Center during COVID-19 with threetime Top Doctor Erika Myers

Features

BY TAYLOR BOWLER

44

DOWN TO THE CORE A veteran reporter recounts his young son’s battle with cancer

50

CREATURE COMFORTS Paul Hastings’ paintings take pediatric patients beyond hospital walls

BY ANDY SMITH

54

MY BEST FRIEND DIED. A Charlotte magazine contributor loses his best friend to COVID-19

BY JARED MISNER

BY SHAWN FLYNN

Plus

60 TOP DOCS

Our annual list of the best physicians in the region

ON THE COVER: Dr. Erika Myers of Carolinas Medical Center. Photo by Chris Edwards.

ON THIS PAGE: The Sky Is the Limit

by Paul Hastings, whose paintings soothe hospitalized children.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

7

N

EC TIO

C

O

LL

OLIN

N

AR

CAROLINA COLLECTION

A

C

C

LL

COLLECTION

OLIN

AR

O

EC TIO

A

C

C

LL

N

DON’T MISS NEW HOMES IN INDIAN LAND, SC from the $400s!

O

EC TIO

CAROLINA COLLECTION

Jones Homes USA is NOW SELLING in popular Indian Land, SC. These incredible homes are loaded with included features that are considered upgrades with other builders. With special opportunities and historically low interest rates, there has never been a better time to find your dream home. Call today to schedule your one-on-one, in-person, or online appointment to learn more!

Luxury Single-Family Homes from the $400s

Call 704.457.8255 | JonesHomesUSA.com | 1057 Chippenham Ave., Indian Land, SC 29720

#RBC 80529

33

26

36

23

07 20 CONTENTS

PETER TAYLOR; AMANDA MOODY; RUSTY WILLIAMS; COURTESY

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 From the Editor 14

Connect

96

You Are Here

THE GUIDE 88 Restaurants The city’s savviest restaurant listings

THE BUZZ 17 Neighborhoods Staying at home in Plaza Shamrock

26

Style Artist Amanda Moody takes her talents to CLT

20

(Blank) from Home A sampling of pastimes Charlotteans took up as they sheltered in place

27

Real Estate Virtual home tours keep the market moving

20

Talk of the Crown Queen City quotables in a time of politics and plague

28

Sports How did the Hornets fare during the Chicago Bulls’ final run?

30

Room We Love A Tuscan dining room goes Transitional

THE GOOD LIFE 23 Community Urban Ministry assists homeless Charlotteans during COVID-19

FOOD & DRINK 33 Now Open Felix Godward serves empanadas to go—again 36

Local Flavor Charlotte Beer Garden reopens in South End

38

On the Line Pastry chef Charlotte Jenkins takes a seasonforward approach to desserts at Haymaker

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

9

Volume 25, Number 7 F RO M T H E E D I TO R

MY OWN PRIVATE VIRUS

JULY 2020

morrismedianetwork.com

www.charlottemagazine.com

In the midst of a global outbreak, my face breaks out with its own social distancer

I SPENT THE FIRST DAYS of Mecklenburg County’s Stay-at-Home order wondering what was happening to my face. It started with a small rash on my jaw, which I thought was a stress-related breakout that would fade over the week. Then the fever arrived, along with sores inside and on my lips—and one particularly troublesome spot on the tip of my tongue.

I took to Google to embark on the traumatic journey of self-diagnosis. One page, a “health advice” site, convinced me it was allergic eczema. Or rosacea. Or flea bites.

A Reddit thread briefly convinced me that Andy Smith a swarm of spiders had feasted on my face andrew.smith@charlottemagazine.com during the previous night’s witching hour.

I then wondered if my symptoms were previously unreported signs of COVID-19.

Thankfully, I had enough sense to consult a professional over video chat. I put the camera up to my face and apologized for each grody section I had to share with her. The doctor asked about my diet, medications, and most important, if I’d had chicken pox as a child. Not great right now, Lexapro, and yes, I answered.

“I would say you have shingles,” she said. The diagnosis stunned me even though, just hours before, I’d been convinced it was ravenous arachnids. She prescribed three different medicines. Due to the hysterical spasms COVID-19 induced in pharmacies and grocery stores, my saintly wife had to retrieve them from separate drugstores scattered throughout town. My sores spread.

That first Charlotte magazine created during the Stay-at-Home order, ironically our Best of the Best Awards edition, will always remind me of those painful, bedridden days. I was quarantined from the rest of the family in the master bedroom, our home becoming Russian nesting dolls of confinement. Our young kids ran around every other room of the house as I writhed and proofed pages of this publication, the door of my tomb shut and locked. It took three weeks to purge the pain and for (most of ) the marks to disappear.

We’ll all have different memories of COVID-19’s arrival. I’ll think about the folks who helped get me through my own bizarre health crisis: my wife, who had to care for our girls alone and ventured out for my meds without hesitation; my co-workers, who picked up so much of my slack (on Slack); and the doctor, at the beginning of this generation’s biggest health crisis, who warmly convinced a panicked magazine editor that spiders hadn’t gorged on his face as he slept.

10

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andy Smith SENIOR EDITOR Greg Lacour LIFESTYLE EDITOR Taylor Bowler ART DIRECTOR Jane Fields ASSOCIATE ART Melissa Stutts DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTING Allison Braden EDITORS Jen Tota McGivney COPYEDITORS/ Allison Braden FACT-CHECKERS CONTRIBUTING Logan Cyrus PHOTOGRAPHERS Chris Edwards Peter Taylor Rusty Williams CONTRIBUTING Maribeth Kiser ILLUSTRATORS Shaw Nielsen CONTRIBUTING Allison Braden WRITERS Cristina Bolling Michelle Boudin Virginia Brown Shawn Flynn Jared Misner

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.

CHARLOTTE’S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE RHEUMATOLOGY GROUP

Heather Gladue, DO Ahmad A. Kashif, MD Firas Kassab, MD Robert J. Kipnis, MD Victoria D. Lackey, MD Andrew J. Laster, MD Gary B. Maniloff, MD Cheryl R. Robertson, MD Charles L. Seehorn, MD Ashley Toci, MD Meagan S. Lambert, MSN, FNP-BC

NOW OFFERING TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS • Both AOCC office locations are currently open for infusions, labs, and imaging.

• We are an independent single-specialty practice whose sole focus is the care of patients with arthritis, vasculitis, osteoporosis and other connective tissue diseases.

• Our staff is on-site for any prescription refill requests and to answer any patient questions.

• Established in 2000 we have nearly 200 years of cumulative knowledge among our ten board-certified rheumatologists.

VISIT WWW.AOCC.MD/COVID OR CALL 704-342-0252

Laura Liston, MSN, FNP-C Heather J. Perkins, MSN, FNP-BC Erin Siceloff, PA-C

Midtown Medical Plaza 1918 Randolph Road, Ste 600

Piper Glen 7810 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Ste 300

Volume 25, Number 7

JULY 2020

morrismedianetwork.com

www.charlottemagazine.com

PUBLISHER Allison Hollins ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Gail Dougherty ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Santee

What is Charlotte’s favorite local brew?

DIGITAL MARKETING Alyssa Ruane STRATEGIST

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES 877-248-9624

ADVERTISERS

For advertising information and rates please contact us at advertising@charlottemagazine.com.

MORRIS MEDIA NETWORK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tina Battock DIRECTOR-FINANCE & Scott Ferguson OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF Sherry Brown MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION PUBLICATION SERVICES Cher Wheeler MANAGER ACCOUNTING MANAGER Veronica Brooks CIRCULATION BUSINESS Michelle Rowe MANAGER

A Publication of MCC Magazines, LLC a division of Morris Communications Company, LLC 735 Broad Street, Augusta, GA 30901

In our August issue, we’ll be looking at the stories behind the beers that rose above the rest in our 2020 Beer Bracket, voted on by our readers. Follow the journey of how we got there at

charlottemagazine.com/beerbracket.

12

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

Chairman CEO

William S. Morris III Craig S. Mitchell

Connect

ONLINE EXTRAS, EVENTS, AND CONVERSATIONS

REACT

Responses to the May issue of Charlotte magazine

To: “Life With No Signal,” p. 22 As distance learning becomes the “new normal,” at least for now, it’s more vital than ever that we eliminate the digital divide.

Tweet from @OpportunityCLT To: “BOB Awards: Best of the Best 2020,” p. 44 Always look forward to this issue! Thank you for putting it together once again!!!

Instagram comment from @black.house.blue.sky This year we were given a BOB award from @CharlotteMag for our Investment in Local Art! We are excited to continue to bring the Charlotte community opportunities to connect with local artists.

Tweet from @TheMintMuseum

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

1.

COVID-19 in Charlotte: A Timeline 2.

Understanding the Stay-at-Home Order Extension, Phases 3.

OPINION: Charlotte Council (Barely) Dodges Disaster

Humbled and Honored to receive Best Chef in @CharlotteMag BOB awards.

Thanks everyone so much who made it possible. I have huge competition here in the Queen City. Please support all of our local chefs and restaurants through these tough times. #thereisonlywe Tweet from @chefjamielynch Charlotte, we are so honored and humbled to be your @CharlotteMag BOB Awards Winner for the 9th year in a row for Best Pilates/Barre Studio.

Your support means the world to us, especially right now. We can’t wait to be back in the studio with you again soon!

Tweet from @hilliardstudio Lots of the bars and restaurants sound amazing, ready to work down the list when we can live again Facebook comment from Kathleen Ennis

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

I recognize 3 of them.

Facebook comment from Tom Warlick, referring to “50 Best Restaurants” To: “Atlas, Hugged,” p. 86 Through streaming tears I am typing this email after reading your wonderful article highlighting AC&C and their Staycation program ...

Simply, I thank you for writing a story that touched my heart and I know will touch so many. People will read this and do something. What a gift and as we know, a gift for the dog and for us. On a morning when the stay at home order started, I was wondering how I am going to get through this difficult time. I think it’s ironic that I was reading your article at the exact same time.

Excerpt of email from Monika Weymouth to writer Jen Tota McGivney

14

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA /charlottemagazine @charlottemag @charlottemag

YOUR MERCEDES TEAM IN CHARLOTTE

Upon entering our doors, our customers are immediately blown away by our impeccable customer service, extensive product knowledge, and the professional ambiance of the Charlotte showroom. We take deep pride in the quality of our exceptional team members – the people here set this dealership a step above the rest. We also provide luxury concierge sales and service offerings where you can purchase or service your vehicle from the comfort of your own home.

Hendrick Motors of Charlotte - Mercedes-Benz 5201 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28212 877-251-8547 • hendrickmotorsofcharlotte.com

Contributors Shawn Flynn Wrote “Down to the Core,” page 44 Neighborhood: Cotswold Hometown: Sacramento, California You might know him from: Spectrum News, soccer fields, and fundraisers Currently reading: 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson How has your writing process changed during these past few months? Show, don’t tell! That’s the advice a great editor gave me to push myself to dig deeper to find the meaning behind the story. While challenging, the advice made my writing style more illustrative and impactful.

Jen Tota McGivney Wrote “Feed thy Neighbor,” page 23

Wrote “My Best Friend Died.,” page 54 Neighborhood: Biddleville Hometown: Clearwater, Florida You might know him from: Being the one to order, yes, another round of Jack Beagle’s waffle fries. (If you’re looking for a more serious answer—boo, but I understand: The Chronicle of Higher Education, Our State, Logo and The Knot) Currently reading: The Grapes of Wrath How has your writing process changed during these past few months? Well, I’ve been writing about death a lot more recently. That’s new.

16

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

COURTESY (2); ALICIA BARRINGTON

Jared Misner

Neighborhood: Ashbrook Hometown: Northern Virginia You might know her from: Our State, SUCCESS magazine, picnic table at Brawley’s Currently reading: Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright How has your writing process changed during these past few months? I’ve perfected the art of typing while rubbing a dog’s belly.

INSIDE: NEIGHBORHOODS / PEOPLE / TALK OF THE CROWN

BUZZ

THE

WHAT MATTERS NOW IN THE CITY

COVID-19 canceled all of musician Josh Daniel’s gigs. So he’s taken to livestreaming his daily front-porch “quarantine sessions.”

NEIGHBORHOODS

STAYING AT HOME IN PLAZA SHAMROCK Life in a shaded sweet spot that gentrification has mostly passed by, so far

BY ALLISON BRADEN PHOTOGRAPHS BY LOGAN CYRUS

STEPHANIE BERCHT feels bad for people who live in South End apartments. The coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home directives in spring forced people to reckon with where they lived, and access to the Blue Line and lavish amenities suddenly mattered less than proximity to parks and shady backyards. “We’ve got all this space out here,” Bercht says. “There’s just so many trees here too, so you get a lot of birds.”

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

17

THE BUZZ

Bercht and her husband live in Plaza Shamrock, a quiet neighborhood of tidy midcentury homes between NoDa, Plaza Midwood, and Country Club Heights.

The pair moved here in 2018 after a surprisingly difficult quest for an affordable home with a garage to use as a workshop. Plaza Shamrock’s modest ranchstyle bungalows evoke another time, when garages and ample yards came standard. Single-family houses in the neighborhood are, on average, 64 years old. The Mecklenburg County average is 33, a figure dragged down by the spate

PLAZA SHAMROCK QUICK FACTS Total size: 551 acres Population: 3,814 Median household income: $30,357 Racial breakdown: 44-percent black, 39 percent white, 9-percent Hispanic or Latino, 5-percent other, 4-percent Asian Fun fact: Plaza Shamrock was once home to the Plaza Airport, which hosted an allblack air show to benefit the Charlotte Negro YWCA and YMCA in 1947—the year before the Skidmores’ house was built.

Source: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Quality of Life Explorer data

18

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

Plaza Shamrock’s shaded, winding streets were ideal for dogwalking during the stay-athome orders.

of new builds in Charlotte’s close-in neighborhoods.

“Our neighborhood didn’t see the smash-and-rebuild that was really frequent,” says Stephanie Phelps, president of the Plaza Shamrock Neighborhood Association (Bercht is its secretary), whose website calls the area Charlotte’s “best-kept secret.” That could be because only 38 percent of the homes in the neighborhood are owner-occupied. But Bryan Fisher, an association board member who bought a house here in 2016, says that trend is changing as young couples and families invest in the neighborhood. “You see a lot of folks working in their yards, and they’re increasing their own property values and their neighbors’ in the process,” he says. “There’s a lot of community pride.”

Yet Plaza Shamrock suffers from a lack of name recognition, even among people who live there. It shares part of its name with Plaza Midwood, and Charlotte’s multiple listing service refers to the area as Plaza Acres. Last year, the city awarded the neighborhood association a matching grant for sign-toppers—those little markers on street signs with the neighborhood’s

name—to help visitors and residents identify this maze of (mostly) residential streets. You may recognize Letty’s, Pike’s Pharmacy, and Colonial Florist— all on Shamrock Drive—as part of Plaza Shamrock, but the neighborhood also includes the Giant Penny grocery store and Tamales La Pasadita, both on The Plaza, and Crispy Banh Mi, on Shamrock but just off Eastway Drive.

This corner of Charlotte’s east side has remained diverse. In 2017, 44 percent of neighborhood residents identified as black, 39 percent as white, 9 percent as Hispanic or Latino, and 4 percent as Asian. In an expansive 2014 study of Chicago, Harvard researchers concluded that gentrification accelerates when a neighborhood’s white population reaches 35 percent but stops when the black population tops 40 percent.

Plaza Shamrock seems to rest in a sweet spot, maintaining economic and racial diversity as it—for now, at least—staves off the steep rise in land costs that has made once-affordable neighborhoods like Plaza Midwood and NoDa off-limits to all but the affluent. That could change as first-time homebuyers are priced out of Plaza Midwood, where the average home price in April was $584,218, and turn to nearby neighborhoods.

What Josh and Kellie Daniel (left, with their 2-year-old son, Sonny) thought would be a starter home has become the place they don’t want to leave.

Josh tracked the days of coronavirus lockdown on his mailbox (above, right).

Plaza Shamrock’s lower average home price—$269,500 in April, according to the regional Realtors’ association, Canopy—and improving schools attract young families. This summer, CharlotteMecklenburg Schools will begin a $30 million rebuild of Shamrock Gardens Elementary School, a 45-classroom facility scheduled to open for the 2022-23 school year. The median age of Plaza Shamrock residents is 39, which reveals a good bit about the area’s character: During the stay-at-home orders, children frolicked in front yards and set up slipand-slides. Residents lounged on porch swings. A young couple sat in plastic chairs 6 feet from an older pair on their front stoop.

When musician Josh Daniel bought his small property on Jensen Street for $86,000 in 2006, he figured it would be a starter home. Now his family of four shares the roughly 1,100 square feet. “We don’t want to leave,” says Daniel, a solo

performer and member of the WinstonSalem band Big Daddy Love. “We’re making it work.” To expand his office space, he planned to install a tiny house in his backyard this month.

Wait—in this economy?

When the coronavirus invaded Charlotte, Daniel, 41, lost all of his gigs, which he depends on to support his family. His 2-year-old son, Sonny, has a rare genetic syndrome that causes bone fusion, and he was due for major skull surgery and a weeklong stay in the NICU on March 30—right in the midst of the pandemic. Daniel says he planned to earn money by livestreaming nightly performances from his bedroom. “‘What?

Why?’” he recalls his wife, Kellie, saying. “‘You need to put your speaker out in the front yard.’” His neighbors, all close friends, came out to enjoy the music—at a safe distance, of course. As of mid-May, he’d performed and streamed his “quarantine sessions” for 56 evenings straight.

Listeners have sent thanks from Canada and Germany. “I look forward to 5 p.m. every day just so I can listen to Josh!” one commenter wrote. “I am still working so it’s been a rough time.”

Proceeds from his virtual tip jar and merch sales haven’t just kept him afloat.

He’s been able to pay off debt and fund the tiny-house construction. The season of coronavirus only tightened the close community that residents valued before.

Like a Norman Rockwell painting brought to life, Claudette Skidmore recently gave her nearest neighbor part of a cake she’d baked with eggs the neighbor had picked up for her. Another neighbor picked up supplies for her from Home Depot, and others check in on her regularly.

Skidmore and her husband, Mike, bought their house on Elkwood Circle from the original owner, William Thomas, in 1973; Skidmore still refers to him as “Mr. Thomas.” When the house was built in 1948, Mr. Thomas told them, Shamrock Drive was a dirt road. Nearby Garinger High School was a dairy farm surrounded by cow pastures. Through nine presidencies and decades of Charlotte’s growth, the Skidmores have stayed put.

The virus hasn’t changed Plaza Shamrock much. People are outdoors, planting summer gardens and doing yard work, fixing up their cars. Buses on Route 23 still trundle down Shamrock, and cyclists cruise the neighborhood’s winding, hilly streets. “The biggest difference right now,” Mike Skidmore says, “is that at this time of year, you would hear Garinger playing baseball.” On a Friday in early April, the dugouts are empty, and Plaza Shamrock is quiet. Just before 5 p.m., Daniel tunes up. The birds sing, verging on riot.

ALLISON BRADEN is a writer and Spanish translator. She is a contributing editor to this magazine.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

19

THE BUZZ P EO P L E

(BLANK) FROM HOME

A sampling of pastimes Charlotteans took up as they sheltered in their places

BY GREG LACOUR

ANN GRONINGER, attorney, bicycling advocate and enthusiast

“Eli (14) has watched a bunch of YouTube videos on how to build a back deck, and now he (and his dad Aaron) are about three-fourths done building one.”

JESS GEORGE, government and community affairs manager, Google Fiber

“I have taken up making smoothies! It’s been fun. I hadn’t made them before. I am not even sure why I started. Since we’ve all been home more, Kelly (my wife) started buying far more fresh fruit and veggies than she did normally … I have made them with variations: mango, kiwi, strawberries, apples, oranges, pineapple, spinach, peanut butter, cacao, vanilla, maple syrup, pear, lime, grapes even!

“It’s been a fun thing to do … My youngest doesn’t love them, but he asked me to make him a pineapple and mango one—which I did, and he hated it. LOL.” RAY SHAWN MCKINNON, principal, RTB Consulting; former pastor, South Tryon Community United Methodist Church

Responses were emailed and edited for space and clarity.

20

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

“1. Taking Zoom guitar lessons from John Tosco.

2. Training for a trip on the Camino (de Santiago) in Spain by walking every day, increasing mileage.

3. Family book club. We are reading Frankenstein.

We are stretched out from Seattle to Chicago to Charlotte and Costa Rica.”

JULIE EISELT, City Council member, mayor pro tem

“Much to the embarrassment of my children, I am learning all kinds of dance moves from TikTok and love it! I am pretty sure I am going to be a professional dancer when we come out of this thing—HA!” AMY AUSSIEKER, executive director, Envision Charlotte

COURTESY

“I have planted herbs on and off before, but this is the first time I’ve planted veggies (tomatoes, cukes, lettuce), especially from seed. I also bought two blueberry bushes, one blackberry, and a fig tree (tree is a bit of a euphemism at this point) …

Normally, I’m an everyday or every-other-day grocery shopper. I’ve never planned ahead. I stopped doing that, of course. I think my reasoning was that I could grow some things and have them more available.

That seems kind of dumb because who knows how long before any of that stuff is ready? But a fraction of my yard/patio does look nicer, so there’s that.”

TALK OF THE CROWN

Queen City quotables in a time of politics and plague “The president wants to go full steam ahead. We are full steam ahead for in person, in Charlotte.”

—Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, referring to the Republican National Convention, scheduled for August 24-27 in Charlotte (The Washington Post, May 10)

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM. SUBSCRIBE TODAY.

“It would be horrible for the governor to get out and try to clamp down on a nominating convention. It would take something very dramatic for the state or the City of Charlotte to react in such a fashion and pull the plug.”

—Daniel Barry, former Union County Republican Party chairman (Politico, May 8)

“I think it’s very clear it may not be possible to host a convention as planned … My best bet would be (that) we’ll participate in a highly controlled encounter. There’ll be masks, perhaps restrictions on crowds in rooms. It may involve people working in shifts.”

—Republican Charlotte City Council member Ed Driggs (The New York Times, May 8)

“Psychiatric disorders that are related to COVID-19 could crop up a year down the road. There’s going to be economic consequences that we haven’t seen yet.

Relationships that, while they may be held together right now, may fall apart and lead to increased stress for people. Substance abuse disorders are just getting started.”

Charlotte magazine covers dining, travel, events, the arts, culture, real estate, business, and people.

We explore every corner of city so we can bring you the best places to eat, drink, shop, and hang out in every neighborhood. Make better plans with your essential go-to guide for life in Charlotte.

—Dr. James Rachal, a psychiatrist with Atrium Health (The Charlotte Ledger, May 11)

“When I got here this morning, I was in tears because there are so many people who need help. I know what it’s like. At one point, my kids and I were homeless … I hope that the community learns through all of this to not just focus on ourselves but learn to focus on our community and to build each other back up.”

E S S AY S / F O O D A N D W I N E / T R A V E L / S H O P P I N G & M O R E

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT

charlottemagazine.com/subscribe.

—Jerri Jones, an unemployed mother of two who volunteers for The Community Hub, a nonprofit that prepares and delivers meals for families in need (WSOC-TV, April 19) JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

21

NEW! OPENING FALL 2020

Long-Term Care That Feels Like Home.

Once again, Southminster is leading the way in senior living by building a small-house model of long-term care with open and inviting neighborhoods enhanced by activity areas designed to encourage socialization and participation. With opportunities for residents to connect with each other and for loved ones to stay linked under one roof, people facing health challenges can embrace living as never before.

Life with Purpose Find out more about Southminster, Charlotte’s ideal choice for retirement living.

704.551.6800 | southminster.org

GOOD LIFE

INSIDE: COMMUNITY / STYLE / REAL ESTATE / SPORTS / ROOM WE LOVE

THE

MAKING THE MOST OUT OF LIVING HERE

Urban Ministry Center redoubled its efforts to feed the homeless during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Here, they line up beneath Edwin Gil’s mosaic “Faces of Diversity” for bagged lunches to go.

CO M M U N I T Y

Feed Thy Neighbor Hundreds respond to the needs of Charlotteans with no homes to Stay at Home in

BY JEN TOTA McGIVNEY PHOTOGRAPHS BY RUSTY WILLIAMS

FOR ANY OTHER EASTER, Julie Campbell and her family would dress in their Sunday finest, ready to go to church and then to lunch.

This, of course, wasn’t any other Easter. Church pews and restaurant patios remained empty because of COVID19. Her family celebrated another way. Wearing jeans, T-shirts, and sweatshirts, Campbell, her fiancé, Bruce Ham, and their five children formed an assembly line in their kitchen to make lunches for Urban Ministry Center.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

23

THE GOOD LIFE The center, off North Tryon Street a couple of blocks north of uptown, offers daytime outreach programs for the homeless: a place to connect to social services, to shower, to have a meal. That day, 100 of those meals would come from this kitchen. The kids insisted on baking chocolate-chip cookies—there’s more love in a homemade cookie, they said—so Campbell’s home became a sandwich-making, cookie-baking, bagfilling operation.

When the family delivered the lunches, they witnessed the extent of the need.

More than 60 tents spread across the center’s property, occupied by people who had shown up after the shelter beds filled; more tents dotted encampments nearby.

Hundreds of people waited for food— mostly men, some women, many carrying their possessions in plastic bags—in a line that stretched around the building.

The lunches Campbell and her family had made that morning would account for only a third of those the center distributed that day, and it serves lunch every day.

That afternoon, the kids made a request: Can we do that again soon?

“Everybody can feel kind of sad for ourselves if we start thinking about our own situations,” Campbell says. “But thinking about not having food, which is not an issue for us, helped us stop thinking about ourselves for two seconds. It was very unifying for our family to have that project and to think about what it might be like to live without shelter.”

EVEN BEFORE THE COUNTY AND STATE issued stay-at-home orders in late March, Urban Ministry Center and nearby Men’s Shelter of Charlotte began to tackle seemingly impossible challenges: How can the homeless isolate themselves? How can staff and guests in a shelter practice social distancing? How do people who live on the street or in tents connect to health services or receive masks and hand sanitizer?

The organizations—which merged last year and in May adopted the new name “Roof Above”—operate two homeless shelters and the daytime services facility.

They run with the help of nearly 4,000 volunteers annually, but the stay-at-home order applied to volunteers, too.

“We were never really talking about, ‘How do we close ourselves?’ ” says Randall Hitt, the combined agencies’ chief engagement officer. “It was about, “How

24

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

do we adjust ourselves?

“What are we What are we going to going to have have to do to still serve to do to still serve people?” people?’”

(Right) Randall As staff modified Hitt, Roof practices to meet social Above’s chief engagement distancing and sanitiofficer. zation rules within the shelters, an army of helpers mobilized across the city. When the Men’s Shelter had to change their meals from buffet-style to take-away to minimize exposure risks, volunteers delivered hundreds of bagged meals. When Urban Ministry had to close Room in the Inn, which houses the homeless at volunteer churches and colleges, donors sent more than 150 tents and sleeping bags within 24 hours and sent hundreds more in the following weeks. Volunteers sewed more than a thousand masks for staff and guests, and people bought so much from the organizations’ Amazon wish list—items like sheets, cleaners, and bottled water—that stacks of boxes filled an entire room.

Congregations, clubs, and teams that couldn’t meet discovered new missions, coordinated by email and phone. The Fight Club of the Olde Providence Racquet Club, a particularly competitive group of tennis players, channeled their oncourt spirit into a fundraising challenge.

They raised $7,400 for Urban Ministry and Men’s Shelter within 48 hours and donated 400 masks, 570 bottles of hand sanitizer, and 80 tarps.

“As we got into this situation, I was hearing people talking about, ‘Gosh, I wish I could be helpful. A lot of people are going to struggle and suffer, and how can I be helpful?’” says Trip Caldwell, who helped organize the fundraiser. “It just gave people an immediate sense of fulfillment that they could have (an) impact and change the trajectory of people’s lives.”

One man emailed Urban Ministry with an offer of a gently used tent. He and his wife were unemployed, he wrote, but they wanted to help with what they had.

He promised to do more when he was in a better position.

Sandra Smith, who oversees the kitchen, prepares soup (below) so clients can eat something hot along with cold sandwiches and fruit (left). Employee Gene Blackman (bottom left) uses staples and rubber bands to make face masks from donated tissue cloth.

“I love the big donations, of course, but they can overshadow so many of the giving hearts in our community who you’ll never know, and who never want to be known,” Hitt says. “Some people give in small ways, and it’s very meaningful for them, and it’s very meaningful for us.”

The generosity extended throughout Charlotte. Campbell, the nonprofit partnership director at SHARE Charlotte, said traffic to their website of volunteer and donation opportunities went up 120 percent during the stay-at-home order.

“We’re talking less about brunch and breweries and more about the needs and disparities and divides,” Campbell says. “It’s propelling our community to come together.”

COVID-19 didn’t create the homeless encampments and long lines. For years, the people who need space in homeless shelters have far outnumbered available beds and mats, and Urban Ministry served hundreds of lunches each day long before this. But skyrocketing unemployment rates will collide with the city’s lack of affordable housing, and the lines and encampments will likely grow.

The stay-at-home orders underscored housing as a health care issue, Hitt believes. Using isolation to protect against COVID-19 was a privilege not available to all.

Donations have helped, but Hitt wants systemic change to drive long-term solutions.

“What we want to be at the forefront of people’s minds isn’t, ‘I need to make sandwiches every week,’ but, ‘Why am I making these sandwiches? What’s wrong with this picture that I have to make these sandwiches?’” Hitt says. “We believe that it doesn’t have to be this way.”

IT WAS A QUIET SPRING, full of gestures that seemed both sweet and sad.

Knights fans couldn’t belt out “Sweet Caroline” during the seventh-inning

stretch at BB&T Stadium, but a recording of it echoed from an empty Bank of America Stadium each Friday evening.

Uptown skyscraper windows were lit in heart-shaped designs to offer comfort for people outside instead of illumination for workers within.

If we can find one upside to a dismal spring, Campbell believes, it may be this: The quiet allowed more people to hear voices that too often go unheard. New volunteers told her they had come to learn that the hungry and homeless live closer to them than they realized. “We have a greater awareness of how fortunate we are to have our basic needs met, and those needs should be human rights,” Campbell says. “We should all have shelter. We should all have food.”

Whether we, as a city, will hold onto this awareness when the noise returns still remains to be seen. But during a quiet spring, a busy shelter found relief and hope in thousands of gifts, given to those with the least who suffered the most.

“Charlotte’s always been this city that thinks bigger is better. We’re all about being a world-class city ... But right now, there’s no talk of that,” Hitt says. “The world has halted, and we’ve had to function not as a world-class city but as a community. We’ve had to band together, and it shows that we can do that.”

JEN TOTA MCGIVNEY is a writer in Charlotte.

Reach her at jennifer.mcgivney@gmail.com or via Twitter, @jen_mcgivney.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

25

THE GOOD LIFE

ST YL E

Murals In Flight Amanda Moody, the local artist behind a mural at CLT, finds peace in the process

(Above) Moody painted the floor-to-ceiling mural in the American Express Centurion Lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. (Below) Clients can order wallpaper and fabric by the yard with Moody’s original designs.

26

IN 2014, when her daughter was 5, Amanda Moody and her husband hit a rough patch in their marriage. They separated for three years, and she turned to painting as therapy. “It is my saving grace,” she says. “The mediums being so fluid and uncontrollable. It’s taught me that you have to let go and just go with the flow.”

Today, the 45-year-old works out of her home studio in Weddington, where she runs Bombshelves, a fine art and surface design business that fashions wallpaper murals, pillows, window treatments, bedding, and more. She and her husband also reconciled. They just celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary.

Bombshelves started as a vintage furniture business. Moody and a friend refinished old pieces with high-gloss lacquer and funky metallics for local antique emporiums like Sleepy Poet and Metrolina Expo. “I started painting to outfit the booth, and people started noticing,” Moody recalls. She got a few commissions from that work but credits social media for her visibility: American Express found her on Instagram.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

In 2019, the credit giant commissioned her to paint a mural in the Centurion Lounge between the D and E concourses at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Fanciful swirls of dark blue and smoky white, reminiscent of clouds in the night sky, dance throughout the floor-toceiling painting. “They wanted something that was nature-inspired,” she says, “something that would be peaceful to calm travelers.”

Like nature, her work is dynamic and full of color and dimension. Her pieces have appeared at the Mint Museum for a Safe Alliance benefit and Shain Gallery in Myers Park, among others. She also takes commissions for homes and offices, and before the pandemic, she was in talks with a California hospital to paint different murals for each patient room. Moody hopes she can still work on this project.

She usually paints horizontals on a twodimensional platform, and she incorporates layered epoxy resin with different archival paints and pigments, gold or silver leaf, and diamond dust or fine glitter. “As the layers build up, there’s an aha! moment,” she says. “That’s

ZACH GRIFF FOR THE POINTS GUY; AMANDA MOODY

BY VIRGINIA BROWN

R E AL E STAT E

Hot Listings If Charlotte gradually reopens over the next few months, real estate transactions will likely ramp up. But at press time in early May, people remained hesitant to attend in-person showings and open houses, so realtors continued to rely on virtual tours of their listings. Find these properties on their agencies’ websites. —Taylor Bowler

Moody layers epoxy resin with paint, gold leaf, and other materials to achieve a three-dimensional effect in her paintings.

COURTESY

one of my favorite parts of the process—when it all clicks.”

She has to treat each layer with a heat gun and cure it for 24 hours before she can work on the next layer. It requires patience. “There’s only so much we can control, and the unknown is where the beauty is,” she says. “We’re not supposed to know everything. The power of now—that’s where life is.”

Moody never consults a color wheel; for her, it’s more intuitive. That could be an atypical trio of lavender, yellow, and peach, or hot pink with lime green, blue, and purple, like a rainbow.

Rock music inspires her, too. “I always have music blaring in my studio,” she says. Bands on her playlist include The Avett Brothers, The Killers, Kings of Leon, and Deer Tick, and she often turns to song lyrics to name her works.

Some projects take Moody two weeks to complete, while others take a month or two. She usually paints multiple pieces at a time, and not every painting works out. When that happens, she’s learned to find peace in the process. “I’ll put that painting in ‘time out,’” she says. “And almost always, right after that, something amazing comes out. But you have to hit that bottom sometimes to bounce upward again.”

VIRGINIA BROWN is a native Charlottean and local writer whose work appears in Departures, AAA Go magazine, USA Today, and BBC News Magazine. Reach her at @virginiabrown or vbwrites.com.

2208 CHARLOTTE DRIVE $899,000 DILWORTH The chef’s kitchen in this move-in-ready historic bungalow has a six-burner Viking stove, double wall ovens, and a triple sink. Each of four upstairs bedrooms has a walk-in closet, and the main floor master is a spacious retreat. 5 BD, 2 BA, 2,719 sq. ft., Dickens Mitchener, dickensmitchener.com

222 S. CALDWELL ST., APT. 1905 $539,000 UPTOWN The massive covered terrace spans the length of the condo, and you can jump in the hot tub and take in sweeping views of the city skyline. The master en suite bathroom includes a jetted tub and tiled shower. 2 BD, 2 BA, 1,242 sq. ft., The McDevitt Agency, themcdevittagency.com 9646 STEELE MEADOW RD. $339,900 STEELE CREEK This corner lot, with easy access to I-485 and nearby shopping and restaurants, has a spacious backyard with a shed and 6-foot privacy fence.

5 BD, 4 BA, 3,342 sq. ft., Savvy + Co., savvyandcompany.com 529 SUMMIT AVE. $825,000 WESLEY HEIGHTS Cook in a gourmet chef’s kitchen, relax in a luxurious master suite, escape to the private theater room downstairs, or head outside to roast marshmallows over the fire pit. 4 BD, 4 BA, 3,250 sq. ft., Cottingham Chalk, cottinghamchalk.com All properties available as of May 11, 2020.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

27

THE GOOD LIFE

S P O RT S

Turning Back the (Shot) Clock

Historic sports memorabilia like these Dell Curry and Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues cards are on display at Pressley Park Restaurant in south Charlotte.

Curry and Bogues were teammates from 1988-89, the Hornets’ inaugural season, until 1997-98, Curry’s last with the team; Bogues was traded early that season.

BY ANDY SMITH

THE LAST DANCE, which debuted in April on ESPN, is the biggest sports documentary of the year so far. It centers on the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls, the last of six NBA Championship Bulls teams led by North Carolina native Michael Jordan—now the principal owner of our very own Charlotte Hornets. So how did the Hornets—the O.G., George Shinn-owned, pre-move to New Orleans, pre-Bobcats, pre-uptown arena version—do that season, anyway? Below, four things to know about that team: THE ROSTER Fan favorite Muggsy Bogues was traded to the Golden State Warriors early in the season, the team’s 10th, for B.J. Armstrong (who had played for the Bulls’ first three championship teams). Also on the Hornets’ roster: Vlade Divac, Anthony Mason, and Dell Curry, whose young sons—Seth and Steph—were students at Christian Montessori School of Lake Norman.

Head coach Dave Cowens was in his second of three seasons. Paul Silas took over after Cowens’ resignation in 1999 and coached until 2002, when the team moved to New Orleans.

28

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

CHARLOTTE IN 1998 The population of the Charlotte metropolitan area was an estimated 1,350,000.

Today, it’s estimated at 2,637,000.

The Carolina Panthers had played only three seasons.

The Charlotte Knights were in their last season as an affiliate of the Florida Marlins. The team switched to the Chicago White Sox in 1999.

The mayor was Pat McCrory, the most recent Republican to hold the office.

Bank of America was formed that year, after NationsBank acquired BankAmerica.

THE RECORD The team finished 51-31, third in the Central Division and fourth in the Eastern Conference.

The Hornets beat the Atlanta Hawks in the first round but lost to the Bulls in the conference semifinals, losing two of those games at the Charlotte Coliseum. The old arena on Tyvola Road, nicknamed “The Hive,” was demolished in 2007.

ATTENDANCE The Hornets led the league in home attendance for eight of its first nine seasons. It was second in 1997-98, behind—you guessed it—the Bulls. The Hornets’ consecutive sellout streak of 364 games ended in November 1997.

At the time, it was the second-longest streak in the NBA—behind (again) the Bulls, who were on game 465 of what would become a 610-game run.

The Hornets’ 2018-19 home attendance ranked 23rd of the league’s 30 teams.

ANDY SMITH is executive editor of this magazine.

COURTESY

ESPN docuseries examines the final Bulls run. How did the Hornets fare that season?

H e a l t h c a re Management of America, Inc. A wholly owned subsidiary of Healthcare Trust of America, Inc.

THE GOOD LIFE

From Tuscan to Transitional Designer Sara Lynn Brennan transforms a dining room in Firethorne Country Club

A GOOD STYLE MATCH The homeowners moved into their Firethorne Country Club estate 10 years ago and have worked with Brennan to renovate it room by room. “When we did the dining room, they stayed out of my way and told me to do whatever I would do if it was my house,” Brennan says. “My style is romantic transitional, and I selected everything with light in mind. This was a very intentional blend of masculine and feminine.”

30

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

DESIGNER SARA BRENNAN, owner of Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors, could pinpoint the age of her clients’ dining room in their Marvin home from the moment she saw it. “It had the time stamp of the Tuscan-inspired, Mediterranean look that was popular 12 years ago,” she says. With faux finished walls and gold and brown tones, the room felt confined and too formal for a family with two young children. So Brennan brightened up the space with custom wall molding, greenery, and a wood feature ceiling to make it more inviting and family-friendly. —Taylor Bowler

LIGHTER AND BRIGHTER Brennan chose Sherwin-Williams’ Egret White for the wood wall panels and light wood furnishings and accents to complement the wood feature ceiling. She installed a romantic crystal light fixture with gold leaf for something feminine and saved one white wall for an architectural statement piece. She knew she’d found it when she spotted two French riddling racks in the back corner of a consignment store. “The size, scale, and wood tone were spot-on,” she says, “and it adds so much character to this design.”

PATCHES OF GREEN Brennan began her career as a floral designer and loves to make wreaths and arrangements to style a client’s space. She had a green centerpiece custom-made for the wood dining table but used moss, olive trees, and preserved greenery to add pops of green and complete the look.

TIFFANY RINGWALD PHOTOGRAPHY

RO O M W E LOV E

DANIEL A. BAMBINI, MD GRAHAM H. COSPER, MD THOMAS M. SCHMELZER, MD ANDREW M. SCHULMAN, MD JESSICA M. PIERCE, PNP-AC ABIGAYLE L. PRICE, PA ROBERT J. ATTORRI, MD Emeritus DUNCAN MORTON JR., MD Emeritus

every child deserves our best An independent practice proudly serving the greater Charlotte area, including Levine Children’s Hospital and Hemby Children’s Hospital.

Metroview Professional Building 1900 Randolph Road, Suite 210 Charlotte, NC 28207

704 370 0223 pedsurgical.com

PSA_Charlotte Magazine Ad FINAL.indd 1

5/21/20 4:56 PM

Guests of Rock Barn enjoy access to members-only amenities, including our Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course, restaurants, 8-court tennis complex, outdoor aquatic center, and fitness center.

&

Stay

in our luxury townhomes or our 5-bedroom Lodge.

Rock Barn Country Club & Spa in Conover, NC has two 18-hole golf courses, a day spa, five restaurants, eight tennis courts, an aquatics center, a fitness center, and event venues.

Rock Barn Country Club & Spa Members enjoy discounts on Spa services, lodging, and event spaces, in addition to member golf tournaments, varied social events, and monthly themed dining events.

Hospitality. Community. Lifestyle.

www.rockbarn.com / (828) 459-1125

Play golf and tennis, swim in the outdoor pool, or get a massage at The Spa ... then join us at the Club for dinner.

Visit for the day. Stay for a weekend.

Schedule your Stay & Play: events@rockbarn.com

ESCAPE

TO

LOWCOUNTRY

A memorable vacation year after year, tailored just to your tastes and a new oceanfront home that takes care of you (not the other way around).

Sandy toes, groomed championship fairways and sunset-kissed dinners are all that’s left on your to-do list: In other words, the important stuff.

Just 21 miles south of Charleston, Timbers Kiawah—and your private staff—will free your days to follow your heart.

Welcome to Lowcountry living in high style.

Kiawah’s most exclusive and only private residence club with fractional ownership invites you to stop by and visit.

3000 Souther n Pines L ane, Kiawah Island , SC TimbersKiawah.com/Charlotte | 843.410.4357 This advertisement does not constitute an offer to sell nor the solicitation of an offer to purchase made in any jurisdiction nor made to residents of any jurisdiction, including New York, where registration is required and applicable registration requirements are not fully satisfied. Timbers Kiawah Acquisition Partner, LLC uses the Timbers Resort,® Timbers Collection® and certain other Timbers brand names under a limited non-transferable license in connection with the sales and marketing of the Timbers Kiawah Ocean Club & Residences (the “Project”). If this license is terminated or expires without renewal, the Project will no longer be identified with nor have any right to use the Timbers® marks and names. All renderings depicted in this advertisement are illustrative only and may be changed at any time. All rights reserved.

TIMBERS COLLECTION l Aspen l Bachelor Gulch l Cabo San Lucas l Jupiter l Kaua‘i l Kiawah Island l Maui l Napa l Scottsdale l Snowmass l Sonoma l Southern California l Steamboat l Tuscany l U.S. Virgin Islands l Vail

FOOD DRINK

INSIDE:

NOW OPEN / LOCAL FLAVOR / ON THE LINE

+

EXPLORE THE TASTES OF CHARLOTTE

Felix Godward opened Felix Empanadas at Optimist Hall in early March, then days later—like restaurants everywhere—had to switch to pickup and delivery orders.

N OW O P E N

EMPANADAS TO GO (AGAIN) The former food truck brings Argentinean cuisine to Optimist Hall—then quickly kicks it to the curb

BY TAYLOR BOWLER PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER TAYLOR

FELIX GODWARD’S EMPANADA TRUCK has drawn lines of hungry customers since he began to anchor parking lots across Charlotte in 2017. Godward uses recipes and techniques he learned from his Argentina-born mother to create sweet and savory fried turnovers for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. You can usually follow the sound of Argentinean hip-hop and the irresistible smell of warm empanadas to his kitchen on wheels.

Continued on next page â JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

33

FOOD+DRINK Felix Empanadas has customers order online, then pull into the roundabout at Optimist Hall and wait for an “OH ambassador” like Norelibi Jimenez to bring the food.

(Left) A to-go order with pico, hot and green sauces.

FELIX EMPANADAS

(inside Optimist Hall) 1115 N. Brevard St. 704-886-6049 felixempanadas.com

CURBSIDE PICKUP 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday Editor’s Note: Selections are subject to change.

Prices above reflect those on the online ordering menu.

34

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

In early March, Godward opened his first brick-and-mortar location in a stall in Optimist Hall. He built an expanded menu of empanadas with breakfast and dessert options and other traditional Argentinean dishes like solterito salad and arroz con pollo soup. Then, less than a month after opening, COVID-19 forced Godward—and virtually every other restaurant in Charlotte—to halt counter service and switch to curbside pickup and delivery orders.

At press time, each of Optimist Hall’s restaurant tenants offered daily curbside pickup. Godward served an abbreviated menu of savory empanadas with two dessert options. It’s not the communal dining experience OH regulars are used to, but it’s

an efficient operation in the age of COVID19. Just place your order online and drive to the designated roundabout, where you wait as an “OH Ambassador” brings your boxed and bagged meal. The smell of the empanadas hits you as soon as you open the box, and each stuffed pocket looks like an artfully wrapped, edible present.

If you bother to put on pants and get into your car—and you have a family at home to feed—spring for the dozen empanadas for $35 (individual empanadas cost $3.50; he sells six for $19 and three for $10).

Choose any combination from the following: pulled pork chorizo; steak; chicken; bacon, date, and goat cheese; pepperoni pizza; and cheese pizza—and don’t forget a few Nutella banana ’nadas for dessert.

(Left) A dozen empanadas with truffle, parmesan, and garlic fries and a Jarritos Mango, a Mexican craft soda popular in Latin America.

Bacon, date and goat cheese

Pulled pork chorizo

Nutella banana

The steak and chicken varieties are simplest, with seasoned meat and vegetables folded into a golden, flaky, handheld pocket with a braided edge using a method called repulgue.

The bacon, date, and goat cheese empanada is made with the same Argentinean pastry dough, milhojas, but it’s triangular rather than semicircular. The pepperoni empanada is just as fun for kids as a traditional pizza slice.

The limited menu also has truffle, parmesan, and garlic fries ($4.50), sea salt fries ($3), and bottled craft sodas ($3) in flavors that include Jarritos Mango and Moxie Cola. When Godward reopens with his full menu, look for new empanadas like lobster corn n’ chive, Shepherd’s pie, and guava n’ cheese.

Don’t leave without trying: The bacon, date, and goat cheese empanada ($3.50). Each bite is equal parts fruity and salty. You can reheat this one for breakfast if you don’t devour the entire dozen in one sitting.

Cheese pizza

Steak

TAYLOR BOWLER is lifestyle editor of this magazine.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

35

FOOD+DRINK

The cocktail bar on the first floor of Charlotte Beer Garden is one of four bars in the three-story building.

LO C AL F L AVO R

Earthly Delights, On Tap

Charlotte Beer Garden opened a few weeks before the stay-athome orders. Here’s what you can expect when it reopens

BY ANDY SMITH

CHARLOTTE BEER GARDEN

1300 S. Tryon St. 704-375-1776 charlottebeergarden.com

36

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

THE CITY’S FIRST “CATHEDRAL TO BEER,” a highly anticipated, three-story bar and restaurant called Charlotte Beer Garden, opened in late February in South End. Its Instagram account already had accumulated thousands of followers by opening weekend, when lines stretched down South Tryon Street and garnered local and national coverage. That momentum continued until St. Patrick’s Day weekend, when the state began to discourage mass gatherings because of COVID-19. Within days, discouragement had become a ban, and the brand-new space was empty.

At press time, Charlotte was weeks away from a scheduled reopening for restaurants and bars under Governor Roy Cooper’s reopening plan. If all goes well, those who didn’t get to visit the Beer Garden during its brief initial run will be able to see and spend time in owner Niall Hanley’s newest creation. The Ireland native, owner of several restaurants and bars in North Carolina’s Research Triangle region, says his 16,663-square-foot structure claims the largest selection of beer in the world (Hanley plans to apply for the Guinness Book record this fall).

The Garden’s sister concept in Raleigh holds three Guinness Book records: “most

different beer brands on draft tap,” “most varieties of beer on draft tap,” and “largest tap takeover.”

Without any members of the Guinness committee on staff, we can confirm only that the selection here is massive: 436 taps on three levels. The first floor has 190 beers, all from North Carolina, plus a cocktail bar for people who for some bizarre reason want something other than beer. The second has 222 taps with brews from around the globe. The top has 24 taps not dedicated to any location or genre. In the six years he’s run Raleigh Beer Garden, Hanley says the only learning curve for visitors involves getting used to the ordering system.

“I highly recommend people download the (Untappd) app before they come in,” he says. “We can’t give you a paper menu because of how often we go through beer. With the system we have, a beer (keg) kicks, we update the system, and it updates the Untappd app right there.”

Ordering by personal device works well with social distancing, too.

Like the beer selection, the food menu here is broad, with wings and pizzas served alongside German bangers & mash, smoked salmon flatbread, and three poutine options. “We don’t have

The CBG Sweet-NHot cocktail has New Amsterdam gin, muddled jalapeños, pineapple simple syrup, lemon juice, honey, and tonic, with a jalapeño and cherry garnish.

(Below) Charlotte Beer Garden has 436 taps.

The spot’s owner has a background in horticulture, as evidenced throughout his Charlotte and Raleigh “Garden” concepts.

COURTESY

any kind of genre we’re trying to stick to,” says executive chef Dan Yeager. “We’re trying to make bar food and make it fun. We have a corn dog inspired by Mexican street corn … We have a BLT salad with minigrilled cheeses with it instead of croutons.” Another novelty: The kitchen remains open until 2 a.m.

Like every other restaurant in Charlotte, the garden had to pivot. They began to sell their beer in half-gallon jugs, $12 for “standard brands” and $20 for “premium.” They paired their most transportable entrées, like burgers, corn dogs, and pizza, with brews for takeout combo packs that were also available for employees who needed them.

The curbside and takeout contingent got a taste of what’s offered here, but the “garden” aspect of Charlotte Beer Garden—the greenery that extends throughout the site—completes the experience.

Hanley studied horticulture in college, and his love of the practice permeates the plant-filled building. A massive walnut tree, stripped down and reassembled with metal bolts and supports, sits in the middle of the space. Every window panel and door panel opens, which allows the vegetation to grow and change the place’s character over time. “This rooftop in a couple of years will be a complete arboretum,” Hanley says. “Beer: What is it? It’s plant-based; it’s this beautiful product made for thousands of years. And it should be drunk not in a clinical, sterile environment.

It should be drunk in a garden.”

The fun food menu offers three poutine options and corn dogs inspired by Mexican street corn, among other twists on traditional bar food.

ANDY SMITH is executive editor of this magazine.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

37

FOOD+DRINK THE TOUGH STUFF O N T H E LI N E W I T H

CHARLOTTE JENKINS

Haymaker’s pastry chef takes a season-forward approach to desserts

BY TAYLOR BOWLER

You may know her from: Sunflour Baking in Dilworth, which she managed for 4 years Age: 34 Relationship status: Married for four years to Stuart Henderson, pitmaster at Noble Smoke Hometown: Charlotte (Dilworth)

Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate Coffee or tea?

Coffee Cake or pie?

Pie Crunchy topping or sweet drizzle?

Crunchy topping Ice cream or hot chocolate?

Ice cream Baked or fried?

Baked Cheerios or Frosted Flakes?

Cheerios Street eats or sit-down?

Sit-down Facebook or Instagram?

Instagram

Current neighborhood: Sedgefield Currently watching: The Walking Dead

What’s one ingredient you’re never without? Plenty of butter and flour—I cannot go without those things. I’ve been panic-buying them a lot lately (laughs).

How did this opportunity come to you? I started out as pastry assistant when (Haymaker) opened two years ago. Ashley Anna Tuttle was head pastry chef, so it was an opportunity to learn a lot. I wasn’t getting all the hours I needed as an assistant, so the first summer Haymaker was open, I left to work at Renaissance Patisserie. A couple of months later, (Haymaker chef and owner) William Dissen called to say Ashley Anna was leaving and asked me to come back and be head pastry chef. I was scared out of my mind because I was in charge (laughs).

What do you think is an underappreciated flavor? Salt. In a world of sweet, that’s one thing you need to balance it out.

How did you develop Haymaker’s dessert menu? We always have three desserts. Chef William likes to have one cream-based, one fruit-based, and one chocolatebased. Then I use what’s in season.

This spring, I had a great idea for a strawberry dessert, basically a French strawberry shortcake. I wanted to do a play off of that, like a matcha sponge cake.

38

What’s the most surprising thing about you? I had no idea I would be in this industry. I wanted to be an artist or a veterinarian. Both my parents were artists and art teachers.

But pastry and baking has become an art for me. I love the precision and the organic feeling that comes with it.

What’s one recipe you nail every single time? Cookies. I can make cookies in my sleep. My husband requests my chocolate chip cookies a lot. I can crank out cookies in no time.

Does baking energize or relax you? It energizes me. I’ve spent so much time in the kitchen during this quarantine that I’m pushing myself to get out of the kitchen more and relax (laughs).

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

What’s your favorite thing to bake? Even more than pastries, I love to bake bread. The bread-making process to me is like therapy. So many things in life you can rush, control, or push, but when you bake bread, you have to stop and pay attention regardless of your schedule. It’s really nice to get out of myself and do that.

What’s your favorite dessert to eat? I really love canelés, a French pastry that’s golden and crunchy on the outside and a custard on the inside. It’s like three or four bites, and not something you find everywhere. It’s a rare gem. I’ve made it only one or two times at my house successfully.

What shoes do you wear in the kitchen? Birkenstocks. I’ve had the same pair of birkis for 9 years.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Charlotte, other than your own? Rooster’s— I love the family-style, à la carte thing.

I’m pretty biased because my husband works there, but I love Noble Smoke, too.

What would be your last meal? Polenta with braised greens, cannellini beans, and blue cheese sauce. It’s very rich and decadent. It was something I saw in a vegetarian cookbook, and I always go back to it when I want something comforting.

Any rules to live by in the kitchen? At Haymaker, I have a set of guidelines written by a baker named Tara Jensen posted at my station. A lot of them are really simple. Honor the practice.

Observe the process closely. It’s just a good reminder to stay in the moment; you can only tackle one thing at a time. I think she’s fabulous—I can’t wait to take a sourdough workshop with her this summer.

COURTESY

How would you describe your approach to desserts? At Haymaker, it’s very season-forward, so I use what’s available or what the farmers are growing.

We’re leading the way forward Every day, more than 32,000 people choose us for care. They choose us because we have the region’s largest number of cancer clinical trials, award-winning specialty care and our nationally ranked Best Children’s Hospital with the largest NICU between Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Whatever their reason, we remain strong in our commitment – setting a higher bar, pursuing a higher standard, to find better ways to care for all.

Carolinas Medical Center

COVID SAFE

AtriumHealth.org

40

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

A glimpse inside Carolinas Medical Center during COVID-19 with three-time Top Doctor Erika Myers

KEEP CALM AND GOWN UP

BY TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRIS

BOWLER EDWARDS

D

R. ERIKA MYERS, DO, specializes in the acute care of adult patients at Carolinas Medical Center. She’s been in practice for 17 years and currently works at CMC’s main campus, where she’s treated COVID-19 patients since late March. In April, we caught up with Myers, a three-time Charlotte magazine Top Doctor, to discuss the day-to-day reality of the outbreak at a major hospital: the physical and emotional strain on her team, the surge of patients, and what remains true about the doctors and nurses she counts as colleagues. Her responses have been edited for clarity and space.

WORKING IN AN ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL is challenging under the best of circumstances—emotionally, intellectually, physically. We have to share a new diagnosis of metastatic cancer to someone in the prime of their life. We guide families through a loved one’s terminal illness, describing the process of the body shutting down. We’re at the forefront of the opioid crisis. The days are long, and the workload feels unmanageable at times. But what keeps us going is the support of our partners. Each of us helps when someone is down.

WHEN THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC BEGAN OVERSEAS, we watched from afar and thought that something of this magnitude would likely never affect us in the same way. I’m in a Facebook group for Charlotte-area physician moms, and toward mid-February, we were starting to hear accounts from Italy, and local physicians were posting interviews with different doctors in Europe. Our hearts ached as we read the words of the exhausted physicians in Italy. And then their reality began to close in on our lives. First in Washington state, then New York—those were the hot spots. Locally, schools began to close, businesses shut down, and before we knew it, we were at the center of a medical crisis.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

41

WE DIDN’T PLAN FOR ANYTHING LIKE THIS in medical school. In the ER, we plan for catastrophes like a plane crash or a mass shooting and simulate what we would do in situations with mass casualties coming in. But no one was ready for anything of this scale. I really grasped the weight of this crisis in Charlotte when the hospital closed down anything that was elective to focus on the surge of patients coming in for COVID19 symptoms.

IF A PATIENT TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19, they go to the COVID unit to be seen by our COVID team, which is made up of hospitalists like me. Now we’re seeing them with advanced technology, or virtual care, so the physical exam and all discussion, even with specialists, is held via computer, and a doctor is behind a camera to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19.

WHEN WE FIRST STARTED SEEING CASES, we looked for fever, shortness of breath, and cough. We’d ask if they’d recently traveled to areas that were highrisk. But it’s evolved to include other symptoms we’ve learned about over time, like lack of smell or taste, COVID toes in kids (painful red or purple lesions on a child’s feet that resemble frostbite), strokes, and cardiac effects. This virus can affect almost every aspect of your body.

WHEN YOU’RE IN HOSPITAL-BASED MEDICINE, you don’t have a long-term relationship with patients, so it’s about helping to build a system that can attack this disease better. If I were in private practice, I’d get to know the patient and their family. But right now, I’m helping to put a system in place. I do think the system at CMC was prepared in a sense—not for a pandemic—but we’ve already been doing lots of virtual care. That was already set up, and it allows resources to get to people who live further out. Other cities didn’t have as much time to prepare, but we had time to ramp up—more so than cities like New York or Seattle. So far, we’ve had enough beds and test kits.

THERE’S ALWAYS FEAR that today could be the day we have more patients than beds, though. We fear patients dying. We worry that members of the health care team will get sick. We worry about our critical care colleagues, managing the sickest of the sick. We pray that our nurses and techs, who spend far more face-to-face time with the patients, stay healthy. For the first time in our careers, we worry about our own mortality. We’re terrified we’ll bring it home to our families, our children, our spouses, our fathers who are on chemotherapy. No one went into medicine thinking they were going to give up their lives.

You miss out on a lot of things in your 20s when you’re in med school, sure, but you don’t worry that you’ll die at a young age.

WHY IT HAPPENS TO ONE PATIENT AND NOT ANOTHER, NO ONE KNOWS YET.

TYPICALLY IT’S THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK that someone with COVID-19 gets sicker very quickly. So we’re careful to be ready on days five to seven for any change in their condition. We watch for worsening inflammation and see if the patient needs more oxygen. If a patient suddenly gets worse and requires a ventilator, the ICU team takes over. When they improve, they become our patients again.

ALTHOUGH THERE’S STILL SO MUCH WE DON’T KNOW, many think this rapid decline is due to a cytokine storm, which gets active when your body knows it has to fight something and your immune system overreacts. (Ed.: Cytokines are proteins that immune system cells produce, and scientists believe overproduction in response to the virus causes lung inflammation and fluid buildup that can lead to death in COVID-19 cases.)

Why it happens to one patient and not another, no one knows yet. With a COVID-19-related cytokine storm, you can have swelling of airways and severe damage to the lungs.

OUR INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALISTS decide when a COVID-19 patient gets treatments; each one is on a case-bycase basis. Remdesivir is a drug we use for a cytokine storm. If you can prevent that, you can stop the progression (of COVID19). Other options are Tocilizumab, which works to block the immune reaction, and we started convalescent serum this week. (Ed.: Convalescent serum is plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients that contains antibodies to fight the virus.)

42

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

THE SUPPORT SYSTEM WE HAD BUILT in our office has changed. Social distancing means we’re no longer eating lunch as a group in our office. Now we write our daily notes separately, either at home alone or in solitude at an empty nursing station. We’ve lost the ability to bounce ideas off each other or share a complicated case. We line up every morning to answer questions about symptoms we may have and get our temperature taken before we can to walk into our respective units. We strap on one mask, maybe two, grab some goggles, and gown up. Then we grab our list and begin our rounds.

I GET READY FOR WORK IN A DIFFERENT MANNER NOW. One set of shoes for home, one for work. No makeup, no jewelry. The wedding ring that’s been on my finger for 12 years stays in the jewelry box. I wear clothes I can wash daily.

Coming home should be carefree, but now I have a different routine before dinner. Take my clothes off outside and run to the shower. Is there a small amount of virus on my hair? Did I touch my face? I wipe down the doorknobs at home. And those of us who stay at home are lucky; others live away from their families. Instead of relaxing at night, mindlessly reading or playing with our kids, we watch the news and scour the internet, hoping for a breakthrough.

TREATING PATIENTS FOR COVID-19 SYMPTOMS makes me nervous, but once I’m caring for them, it’s uplifting because I know I’m making a difference. Bedside manner is so important

right now because these patients are scared and completely and utterly alone. We have to be good at explaining their symptoms in a way that makes sense to them. They’re hospitalized and isolated for 14 to 21 days. It’s a long time to be alone and separated from family. I sent a patient to hospice recently and the family couldn’t be there—not because the patient had coronavirus but because it’s everywhere else.

I FEAR THAT WE WON’T GET BACK TO WHAT NORMAL WAS, that we’ll continue to live with trepidation for the foreseeable future, that we can’t just get up and travel to see our loved ones, and we’ll constantly wonder who will get sick and when. It’s hard to know the exact point when you have enough beds and resources in place and you can allow people some freedom. I worry about a second problem for the people with chronic illnesses who couldn’t get their meds while they were at home and out of work. People who can’t afford their blood pressure medicine anymore could have a massive stroke.

Someone who needed a hip replaced but postponed surgery during the pandemic could have a fall.

I’VE LEARNED THAT LIFE IS SACRED. SLOW DOWN, SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY.

IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE THIS WILL FULLY GO AWAY ANYTIME SOON. I think the most exciting thing we can hope for is a vaccine. It’s amazing to see scientists all over the world coming together to find this common solution. I think it’s important to listen to what virologists and microbiologists say, not just physicians. Creating a vaccine and understanding how a virus replicates and how to stop it is so important. And using antibody tests could change everything.

A CLOSE FRIEND and colleague of mine gives a lecture to our physician’s assistant and nurse practitioner fellows called “Introduction to Antibiotics.” It’s a universally loved talk that ends with each fellow picking the four antibiotics they would choose to help them survive if there was a zombie apocalypse.

It’s about understanding what you would need to treat a

widespread group of things. A decade later, I would never have imagined that “zombie apocalypse” would be the fight of our career, this battle against a microscopic virus.

IN MY BEST-CASE SCENARIO, we’re able to slowly open up small sectors of our world again. Over the next six months, we’ll figure out better ways to treat the virus and prevent it in the future. A lot of people are willing to help, donate plasma, or be a guinea pig to test vaccines. I hope kids go back to school in fall. When winter comes, I hope we don’t close down the world again. I hope we’re better prepared than we are now.

You have to jump-start the economy, but you can’t do it at the risk of your people.

THIS EXPERIENCE makes me believe in the medical profession more. The majority of people who are in medicine do it because they want to make a difference. Outpatient nurses are rounding in the hospital because they want to help and they care. Others are coming out of retirement or volunteering to go to New York and help. It makes me feel more proud of who we are. One thing I still know to be true about the medical profession is that people really are in it to do good.

IT’S A VERY INTERESTING TIME IN THE WORLD, and I think we’ll be better because of it. I’ve felt more like a parent than I ever have after this time at home with my kids, supervising the schoolwork, doing the laundry, cooking the meals. In that way, it’s allowed us all to be truer because we’re not wrapped up in the craziness that we used to live. It’s nice not to be running all the time. I’ve learned that life is sacred. Slow down, spend time with your family. Cherish your elders. Remember all those that were willing to give up their life to save someone they didn’t know. My hope is that this pandemic will help medicine—and society—heal.

TAYLOR BOWLER is lifestyle editor for this magazine.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

43

DOWN CORE

Liam, April 2019.

44

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

SHAWN FLYNN

TO THE

I. LIONS “DADDY, I’M SCARED!” My 6-year-old son was trying to sleep as I sat next to him in his bed.

“What’s scaring you?”

“Lions.”

“Lions?”

“Yes, lions are going to try and get inside the house!”

I spent the next several minutes explaining that there aren’t any lions in Charlotte, and even if one did escape from a zoo 30-plus miles up the road, they couldn’t get in the house. This logic escapes 6-year-olds.

We would go through this ritual often in the untroubled time before. It always ended with me asking: “What’s my most important job?”

“Keeping me safe,” Liam would answer, with some uncertainty.

“Am I good at my job?”

“Yes, Daddy!” he would say, confident and comforted. I would kiss him on the head and leave, knowing he would be asleep in minutes.

II. NINE DAYS

Six-year-old Liam Flynn charged headfirst after life. In October 2018, he complained of sharp pains in his stomach and back. Over the next 18 months, he and his family would learn about perseverance and pain, love and acceptance, and saving yourself by serving others BY

SH AWN F LYN N

LIAM RUNS HEADFIRST into everything he does. He is the rambunctious kid who bruises his peers on the playground— not on purpose, usually. Liam started to play soccer at 3 after he saw me playing with Aidan, his older brother. He and his friends played for hours, running, shooting, hitting each other. As a volunteer coach, I tried to explain that the point was to get the ball from the other player, not get the player. I’m not sure he ever learned that lesson.

A year later, when I took him in for a checkup, his pediatrician told him, “You’re the kind of kid who puts me out of work.” He challenged Aidan, three years his senior, to wrestling matches.

He leaped from the tops of jungle gyms.

It didn’t matter. Liam never seriously injured himself. Other people, sure. His brother, all the time. Me, absolutely.

Never Liam.

It took nine days.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

45

Nine days in October 2018, nine days that Stephanie—my wife, Liam’s mother—and I began as the parents of a healthy, fearless little boy and ended in the worst season of our lives.

They started when Liam complained about sharp stomach and back pains that kept him awake at night. We went to the doctor four times within a week for multiple X-rays that showed nothing specific.

On Friday, October 19, we took Liam to a gastroenterologist, who admitted him to Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital for more tests. By the time we arrived, Liam could no longer walk on his own. I carried him into his room.

Stephanie and I were not going to leave until we had answers.

The doctors scheduled an ultrasound but couldn’t get to it until 11 p.m.

Stephanie and Aidan went home while I stayed with Liam. During the scan, I tried to read the technician’s face. She looked extremely focused, almost distant to Liam and me. She looked worried.

We went back to our room, where, thanks to pain medication for him and lack of sleep for me, we fell asleep.

Just before 2 a.m., our nurse shook me awake and asked me to come speak with the doctor, who wore a somber expression.

“Liam’s test results,” she told me, “show signs of cancerlike growth in his pancreas and liver.”

“How bad is it?”

“I don’t know.”

I asked several more questions. She answered the same way.

How could she not know? She was the doctor. I depended on her to know what was wrong with my son. How was I supposed to feel about her not knowing? I did not cry. I sat there, numb, wondering if this was real or a nightmare.

Whatever this was, how could I not have protected him from it?

III. THE CALL PEOPLE RESIST the idea of death, not just emotionally but neurologically. Last year, a scientific journal published a study that assessed how “(t)he human mind has an automatic tendency to avoid awareness of its mortality.” If we’re wired to push away the idea of our own deaths, how can we absorb the prospect of our children dying?

46

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

Scans showed cancer in his nasal cavity, leg bones, and torso, and a 4-inch spinal tumor that the doctors believed had made his right leg stop working.

I sat and stared at my son as he slept peacefully for the first time in a week. I brushed his floppy hair and kissed his soft, chubby cheeks.

Then I made the worst phone call of my life. I would have to tell Stephanie that the younger of our sons probably has cancer and reply, “I don’t know,” to her questions. I thought about letting her have one last good night’s rest, then shook it off. This couldn’t wait. I stared at my iPhone. What were the right words?

There were none. I took a deep breath and pressed the call button.

IV. ONE IN FIVE STEPHANIE ARRIVED AT THE HOSPITAL at 4:30 a.m., her parents having driven an hour and a half from Winston-Salem to watch Aidan. We stood for a few minutes and looked at our child as he slept, then lay on the couch at the edge of Liam’s bed, emotionally and physically exhausted.

We held each other tightly. My throat was constricted and raw, as if I’d screamed for hours at a concert or game. But we were together. I had never felt closer to her.

Nothing needed to be said.

An oncologist from St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at the hospital sat us down that morning. She told us 80 percent of pediatric cancers are treatable. That number is simultaneously a relief and a horror.

Most kids survive cancer treatment. One in five does not. One of every five kids with cancer does not survive it. That echoed in my mind over the next few days of more scans, surgeries to take a biopsy sample

and insert an IV port, and the start of a steroid regimen to shrink the tumors.

The doctors delivered an official diagnosis: stage 4 Burkitt’s lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin’s, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer that had spread throughout Liam’s body. Scans showed cancer in his nasal cavity, leg bones, and torso, and a 4-inch spinal tumor that the doctors believed had made his right leg stop working. Fighting the cancer would require aggressive treatment, a chemotherapy protocol that would leave him highly susceptible to life-threatening infections.

We discussed this with the oncologist.

“These next six months,” she said, “are going to be really hard.”

We sat there.

“You’re going to need to pull Liam out of school. At least one of you will need to take a leave from work.”

Deep breaths.

“You will be spending a good amount of time in the hospital.”

More breaths. Then: “Take a moment to mourn the loss of your healthy child.”

Shock set in. What could I say? We hadn’t even started the fight, and already the doctor was telling me to mourn my child—or a version of him: the Liam we knew, soccer Liam, jungle-gym Liam. It felt callous, heartless. In a way, it was.

But it was this, too, as we came to learn: the truth. The oncologist was a brilliant and highly skilled physician. She likely had delivered that line before. We needed to accept the reality of what we faced.

It hurt, and it would continue to. We would not be able to escape it. We had to struggle through it.

We nodded, took our moment, and got down to the business of saving Liam.

V. “LEARNED HELPLESSNESS” THIS YEAR, during the early days of the coronavirus lockdown, a friend of mine texted me in the middle of the night and asked for advice. He felt helpless after weeks stuck inside his house with his wife and kids. He wanted to do something, anything, but felt he couldn’t.

People are not meant to be isolated.

We’re social creatures. I spent a 25-year career in television news meeting people every day. Liam’s treatment required our family to distance ourselves from

SHAWN FLYNN

Chubby, the Charlotte Checkers’ mascot, visits Liam at Hemby Children’s Hospital in November 2018.

the world. We spent hours, days, weeks alone with each other in the hospital. On the days we escaped, our home became a kind of quarantine zone.

Psychologists have studied a phenomenon they call “learned helplessness,” a pattern of behavior people display when they’re repeatedly subjected to misfortune or adversity they can’t control, like a wildfire that destroys their home, or a global pandemic, or a child getting cancer. People can give up and resign themselves to what they imagine is their fate. I faced this demon in the first weeks of Liam’s treatment. The doctors and nurses treated my child while I, helpless, sat and watched.

On the first day, the two nurses wore specialized gear—masks, gowns, and gloves. They treated the medicine as if it were toxic, which it is. I had to sign a form that would allow them to fill my son with poison that would make him sicker than he already was. The poison would make him throw up. It would make him lose his appetite and a quarter of his body weight. It would make his hair fall out. It would devastate his immune system. I signed the form.

One of the chemo drugs, a commonly used, decades-old agent called methotrexate, is an unnatural, bright yellow

that reminded me of something Homer Simpson would casually pull out of the nuclear power plant. I watched it drip from the IV through a tube and straight into Liam’s chest. Within an hour, he was screaming, over and over, “I want to go home!” I watched and heard and felt this happen. But I had signed the form. I could do nothing.

There are moments when you stop and assess—not only your circumstances at the moment, not your prospects for the future, but everything. This was that moment for me. Who was I? What did I value, really? Liam’s illness and treatment were tearing me down to the core so mercilessly, so profoundly, it was almost freeing. Petty matters dissolved.

Ambiguity drifted away. Clarity filled the void, as if the clouds had parted to make way for sunlight.

I needed to focus on one thing: my family.

Liam needed more than just medical attention. He needed to be reassured he was going to be alright. He needed mental stimulation and emotional support.

He needed to be loved, especially when he was kicking, fighting, and screaming, “I want to go home.” Aidan needed attention and love, too, in some ways more than Liam did. Stephanie and I began to

include Aidan in conversations, decisions, and activities. It isn’t just the patient who has to endure the forced march through cancer treatment. Siblings do, too.

Through research and experience, I know something about what crises like the one Stephanie and I faced can do to marriages. Studies show that the marriages of pediatric cancer patients’ parents don’t collapse at a rate higher than in the population at large. The illness itself doesn’t make or break the relationship.

But if fissures or conflicts already exist, the trauma of a sick child can expose, widen, and aggravate them, and some marriages don’t survive that.

Ours did.

One evening, after a long and emotional day, Stephanie and I leaned against our kitchen counter. She’s our family’s bedrock, and she wore a sad, tired expression.

I asked, “How are you doing?”

“I’m not sure,” she said. “I feel like …”

A few seconds passed before she could find the words.

“I feel like I have a kid with cancer.”

“I feel like I have a kid with cancer as well.” We reached toward each other and embraced, and we stayed that way for a long time.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

47

DAY AFTER DAY, nurses continued to pump steroids and chemo drugs into Liam. I’m still haunted by the beep of the IV machine to signal an air bubble in the line or a completed treatment. Several days into the first cycle, we still had no idea if any of it was working.

After treatment one day, Liam told me his legs felt “itchy and jumpy.” Nurses thought he was having an allergic reaction and put Benadryl in his IV. Within minutes, Liam was screaming and kicking the sheets off his bed. He scooted backwards on his butt to the top of the bed and kept kicking, as if he were competing in a grape-stomping contest. Liam was allergic to the medicine that was supposed to control allergic reactions. Several

minutes and some morphine later, he calmed down. The nurse told me he would be alright.

I knew she was right, and it wasn’t just that they’d stopped the allergic reaction.

“Are you kidding?” I told the nurse. “He can use his legs!” I beamed as my eyes welled with tears and felt a burden lift from my shoulders.

This was the moment I knew the treatment was working! They hadn’t confirmed it, of course. But I’d been terrified that the cancer would steal my soccerplaying son’s ability to walk. There’s no way Liam could kick like that if the tumor on his spine hadn’t shrunk, I thought. We can make it to the other side of this.

From that day, when Liam felt well enough, we worked to rebuild his leg

(Above, from left) Shawn, Aidan, Liam, and Stephanie Flynn often help Charlottearea blood banks.

(Below) Nurses congratulate Liam as he leaves the hospital on his “No Mo’ Chemo” day, February 22, 2019.

48

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

strength by letting him kick a soccer ball.

Often, he’d kick it into my face, which made me wince, then smile.

Three weeks after the Benadryl incident, scans confirmed what we already suspected: The tumors, including the big one on his spine, had shrunk by an average of 40 percent.

VII. LIFEBLOOD DURING NEARLY A QUARTER-CENTURY in TV news, 16 years at Spectrum News in Charlotte, I met presidents, sports stars, actors, CEOs, military heroes. I stood on the field for the Panthers-Patriots Super Bowl in 2004, rode in a blimp and a hot air balloon. But my most satisfying moments were those when I helped others, like when I helped interns land jobs or when my reporting helped police catch a serial rapist. I’d taken a leave of absence from Spectrum after Liam’s diagnosis and eventually left the station. After years of telling stories, I felt a need to be part of one.

It started with simple things, like making coffee for the nursing staff at the hospital or making a get-well card for a friend going through her own cancer treatment.

The more I did for others, the stronger I felt, and the more I thought I could persuade friends and neighbors to pitch in. Learned helplessness transformed into deliberate helpfulness, and it saved me.

During Liam’s last round of chemo in mid-February, I donated blood as I sat beside him in his hospital room. I posted photos to social media, and 75 more people donated to the nonprofit OneBlood and other organizations over the next two months.

Liam received dozens of toys, which helped the time pass and distracted him from the pain. When he returned to St. Gabriel Catholic School, students, parents, and teachers collected hundreds more for the hospital. A year later, we did it again. Later, nonprofits asked us to share Liam’s story of perseverance. We told the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Charlotte chapter that we want to raise money to help find not only a cure but more bearable treatment for patients.

I had donated time, energy, and money to nonprofits before Liam’s cancer. Now it’s my mission.

SHAWN FLYNN (3)

VI. HOPE KICKS

VIII. “NO MO’ CHEMO” STEPHANIE AND I BEGAN TO TALLY the days. Liam spent four holidays at Hemby: Halloween and Thanksgiving 2018 and New Year’s and Valentine’s Day 2019. He went home for a couple of days for his seventh birthday in November, and the doctors released him for nearly a week starting late Christmas Eve so he could be home for Santa.

Round after round, Liam healed, and we spent less time at the hospital as the side effects of the treatment gradually diminished.

It was a grueling five months, but we got through it. On February 22, 2019, after 70 nights at Hemby, we celebrated Liam’s “No Mo’ Chemo” day. Nurses lined the halls with balloons and confetti and high-fived him on his way out the door.

Liam had endured 71 doses of IV chemo; 21 scans and X-rays; 13 doses of lumbar chemo, which required general anesthesia; eight blood transfusions; four platelet transfusions; and two surgeries.

With cancer, though, it’s never over.

When they meet, cancer parents ask each other which category their child occupies: treatment, remission, or angel?

There is no “cured.” Every stomachache or fever immediately sends panic into our guts. We will always worry about recurrence, and we will deal with the latent effects of chemo for the rest of Liam’s life.

Yes, treatment was over, but the struggle for our family had just begun.

I realize now that no matter how much I try, I can’t protect my children from everything.

IX: VICTORY VACATION ONE MONTH after Liam walked out the door at Hemby, he stepped back onto the soccer field. He could barely run, but he was back out on the pitch, and it was a victory even with a limp. He returned to school a couple of weeks later, having missed 96 days. St. Gabriel held a pep rally for him, and 500 kids cheered, “Liam, Liam,” as he walked into the gym.

Soon, his hair grew back, and his weight returned. He looked strong and happy. His personality returned. But most cancer patients don’t return to “normal.”

They learn to live with an altered one.

Liam still suffers from what survivors call “chemo brain.” He struggles with things Liam was awarded the Comeback Player of the Year award at the Charlotte Soccer Gala in January.

that used to come easily. Simple, common words escape him. He gets frustrated more often than he used to. We consider ourselves fortunate to have to deal with these complications.

I no longer ask Liam, “What is my most important job?” I realize now that no matter how much I try, I can’t protect my children from everything. Neither can any other parent. We can do our best, love them unconditionally, and vow to fight off the lions with everything we’ve got.

In April 2019, Stephanie, Aidan, Liam, and I drove to a South Carolina beach for our “victory vacation,” the first family trip we’d taken in nearly a year. The sunset painted the sky orange, pink, and purple, the wind blew warm across my face, and cool water flowed between my toes. Liam knelt in the sand and water, playing as he hummed a tune. It was the first time since before Liam’s diagnosis when I felt I could take a deep breath. We’d made it.

X. THE BEST OF IT IN JANUARY, I created a campaign, #LifesavingChallenge, that asked people to donate blood twice in 2020 for Charlotte-area blood banks. The need grew critical when the coronavirus exhausted blood reserves. My neighbors stepped up again, donating 30 units and kickstarting a community campaign throughout Charlotte. OneBlood will use Liam’s story in its ongoing promotional materials beginning in September, and he’ll be the “honored hero” in November for the LLS Charlotte chapter’s annual Light the Night event to raise money for leukemia and lymphoma patients.

As of May, Liam remains in remission.

His one-year scans showed no sign of cancer. He won the Comeback Player of the Year award at the Charlotte Soccer Gala.

In July 2019, we took another, longer “victory vacation”—this time to California, where we drove the Pacific Coast Highway in an RV. Liam missed another 50 days of school this year because of COVID-19. But we made the best of it, as we’d learned to, as we knew we could.

SHAWN FLYNN, a writer and consultant for nonprofits, was a reporter and manager for Spectrum News in Charlotte for 16 years. This is his first story for Charlotte magazine.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

49

CREATURE COMFORTS 50

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

“Friendly Forest I” is one of several paintings by Paul Hastings on display at Levine Children’s Hospital.

Paul Hastings’ paintings invite young patients to places far beyond hospital walls BY

A N DY S M I T H JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

51

I

nside Levine Children’s Hospital, the corridor that leads to the chemotherapy suite contains a densely populated jungle.

52

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

(Top) Hastings’ “Friendly Forest II” is the second of two panels comprising a jungle scene.

(Above) Hastings also paints local animals, like the Southern Piedmont songbirds in ‘Birds of a Feather.’

(Below) “Sky is the Limit” hangs inside CaroMont Regional Medical Center’s pediatric emergency waiting room in Gastonia.

COURTESY

Before treatment, nurses often park wheelchairs in front of the 16-foot-wide tropical scene and ask young patients to help them find animals scattered across the two canvases. Some of the wild beasts, like the tiger having a drink at a watering hole, are easy to spot. Others, like a neighboring baboon, hide in the foliage and beckon onlookers further into the brush. The painter of “Friendly Forest” is 73-year-old Charlotte artist Paul Hastings, who says his works at Charlotte-area hospitals have the same goal: “Each is there to take the children’s mind off of what they’re doing that day and the reason why they’re there. The paintings are there to take them somewhere else.”

Levine Children’s also commissioned an African savanna scene, equal in length to “Friendly Forest,” from Hastings— and another after that, a colorful collection of songbirds native to the Southern Piedmont that hangs near pediatric surgery. The painter relishes this relationship and contrasts the vibrancy of Levine Children’s, a modern facility opened in 2007 with several playrooms, programming, and a broadcast media studio, with the sterile medical environments of his youth. Staff regularly tell him that his paintings soothe patients that range from toddler to teenager before harrowing procedures. “I’ve had so many of the nurses tell me that the paintings brighten their own days, too,” Hastings says in early May, “which is just so good to hear now.”

Hastings’ landscapes, cityscapes, and fauna-filled works adorn corporate and private walls across Charlotte. The Federal Reserve Bank and Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office display his interpretations of the city skyline; a Dick Tracystyle version of Charlotte hangs at AC Hotel by Marriott Charlotte City Center.

All carry his distinct sensibility, which Hastings describes as “landscapes and

DANIEL COSTON

cityscapes you can walk into, with exaggerated perspectives.”

Like many people who pass his paintings each day, Hastings once worked in Charlotte’s corporate sector. A job as a buyer with Belk brought the Valdese native to Charlotte in 1978. Twenty-two years ago, he made the “scary” leap into full-time painting, and today, he toils away at his oil paintings inside a studio at Dilworth Artisan Station in South End, where he’s affectionately known as “The Mayor” among the tight-knit collection of visual artists. The 95-yearold building is inhabited by a couple of dozen practitioners who work in private studios. Hastings moved in 11 years ago, and his space now is cluttered with halffinished portraits and reference photos of exotic birds, urban structures, and pastoral landscapes for paintings commissioned by homesick urban dwellers.

The slow-drying nature of oils means long waits between adding layers, so he works on, and is constantly surrounded by, several pieces at once. When we talk in May, his latest commission is from a Kiawah Island resident who commissioned a “storybook-style” scene with animals native to the barrier island.

Before he moved his studio to the station, Hastings was a member of NoDa’s once-thriving gallery and studio scene.

Though he’s known primarily for representational work, he describes surrealism as his first love. His first piece that appeared in a Charlotte-area hospital was in the latter vein, with swirling goldfish ascending into the air. “Sky is the Limit” hangs in the CaroMont Regional Medical Center’s pediatric emergency waiting room in Gastonia, another place where kids and parents need distraction.

Similar works have followed this motif: The goldfish-filled “Sky Pilots” was sent to Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo in uptown and a recent commission of skyward schools of tropical fish to a private residence in Tega Cay, South Carolina.

The image of a fish that escapes its imprisoning bowl has an obvious appeal to a child confined by illness. Over lunch a few years back, a friend offered Hastings his favorite appraisal: “You’re an escape artist.”

“You know, I like that,” he responded.

“The Escape Artist” has headlined his Instagram page ever since. Lately,

Hastings helps a patient with a painting (below).

(Above) Artists Marcy Gregg, Christina Dowdy, Paul Hastings, Adrian Chu Redmond, and Greg Barnes at Levine Children’s Hospital. The team helps patients create paintings to display in their rooms.

Hastings says he’s noticed his work has a particular resonance with young viewers. This is especially true for the surrealist ones, in which the rules we accept for our lives are rendered invalid. “(Kids) don’t question all this stuff so much,” he says. “They just accept what they see.

They just immediately get it, appreciate it, and let it transport them.”

On the Carolinas Medical Center campus, Hastings isn’t known just for his own paintings. He regularly joins a group of artists in an effort organized

by Sherrard Georgius, co-founder of the Levine Children’s-supporting Dreamcatcher Society. The team, which has included artists Hastings, Adrian

Chu Redmond, Christina Dowdy, Marcy Gregg, Angela Nesbit, and Greg Barnes, works with patients inside the eighthfloor playroom to create paintings displayed in their own rooms or auctioned off at the Levine Children’s annual gala.

“I’ve worked with people who had been there their entire lives, even teenagers,” Hastings says. “We each have one student, but when they’re wheeled in with a wheelchair and IV tree—and their nurse and parents—it’s a roomful by the time we get everyone in. Sometimes, they’re very skeptical and not convinced they can do it. But by the time they leave, they’re thrilled and can’t wait to have it in their rooms.”

In some cases, the visits require extensive preparation. Hospital workers fashion specialized gloves for patients without fingers or hands. When he describes one of these instances in detail, his voice cracks. “The last time I was there, I painted with a young girl, a tiny thing,” he says. “Her mother came in with her, and we had to put on gloves and masks to work together because she was so susceptible. That day, she painted a sunflower, and she was just so proud of it.”

Hastings pauses. “Two days later, they called me to tell me she had died. But she loved that painting, and that’s why we do it.”

ANDY SMITH is executive editor of this magazine.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

53

54

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

ALISO N SCHWARTZ WAS A RE LENTLE SS G I F T - G IVE R, A R I S I N G S TA R I N H E R W O R K , T H E L I F E O F A N Y G AT H E R I N G .

C O V I D - 1 9 T O O K H E R A W AY.

By JARED MISNER

Illustration by MARIBETH KISER

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

55

IN

journalism school, you learn two things.

The first: “Always get the name of the dog.” That part is cake. The second: “Your job is to get the reader to read the first sentence. And then the next one. And then the next one.” That’s a bit harder.

I suppose I’ve already blown my opening here, but my best friend died, and you try writing the first sentence of that story.

After more than three weeks on a ventilator, interrupted by false hopes and extubations, Alison Schwartz died in late April at age 29 (not 30, thank you very much), one more victim of the coronavirus’ burn through New York City.

She’d lived there for nearly a decade, having dazzled the higherups at her dream publication,

plague. I have never heard sounds like I did at the moment when Alison’s life became past tense. Her mother, Robin, shrieked, making the involuntary and unrepeatable noises of a mother in mourning.

Her father, Richard, sobbed at a high pitch, a patriarch reduced to a child, separated by hundreds of miles from the daughter he spoiled with handbags and a repeated assurance about other expenses: “Put it on the AmEx.” The most horrifying noise came from Alison,

made, nightmares commandeered my sleep.

That nightmare is now real. My best friend is dead.

It’s a grotesque, inherently wrong way to grieve: no funeral, no closure, no holding of hands.

Instead, as they unplugged her, the nurses caressed her body through the safety of purple surgical gloves and held her hand with her black polish-speckled fingernails. When she died, the nurses embraced one another. We were not permitted that comfort.

To grieve a loved one is an awful thing to bear under any circumstance. To do it remotely, with video lag and static, is unimaginably cruel. People instinctively gather in times of death. To be forced into mourning while separated from loved ones, unable to hug and console each other, the most primordial of ceremonies

To be forced into mourning while separated from loved ones, unable to hug and console each other, the most primordial of ceremonies reduced to pixels, stole something deep and inexpressible from me.

People magazine, enough for them to name her director of digital platforms. For 12 years, she had been my best friend, since that evening at the University of Florida when she stomped into her freshman roommate’s bedroom, eager to tell me about her high school best friend—who was gay, too!—and I deadpanned that I wasn’t gay. She sputtered in horror at her faux pas until I broke character and admitted the obvious: Of course I was gay. We’d been “Jalison,” a package deal, ever since.

On April 28, we watched her die on Zoom. Her family, that same gay high school best friend, and I were reduced to tiny squares in the corners of distant laptop screens for what Zoom called “PatientZM0093’s Zoom meeting.”

A meeting.

She was alone except for a trio of nurses dressed like astronauts, quarantined as a prisoner of

56

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

who gasped for breath until her breaths stopped.

For three weeks, machines had done her breathing for her, and daily text updates from her father went off like bombs. Is this the one that tells me my best friend is dead?

Every incoming text induced panic.

On day two of her hospitalization, I wrote a story for this magazine about our friendship and the excruciating anxiety and pain of not being able to comfort your best friend or know if she’d ever wake up. Still, it was hopeful, and no part of me thought we wouldn’t talk about it one day. I closed it with, “Be well, my friend.”

I took a crash course in pulmonology, with a forced education on ventilator numbers, PEEP levels, and vocabulary like “remdesivir” and “hydroxychloroquine.” For 23 nights, while I waited for my best friend to wake up and return my texts about the latest soup I had

reduced to pixels, stole something deep and inexpressible from me.

Her body was cremated, turned to ash to keep from others the virus that killed her. As I write this, 12 days before what would have been her 30th birthday, no one knows when we might gather for a proper funeral. Her two roommates, 30-year-olds spared from the virus, must move out of their Manhattan apartment amid a pandemic, unable to pay the rent.

They will pack her things—her boxes of polka dot pumpkins, her gallery wall with a painting of George Washington we bought at Mount Vernon, her closet full of black—and ship it to her parents, who await another wave of grief in an endless procession of them.

Where do I put the memories, landmines that explode when I stumble on them? Who do I tell about the time she planned my surprise 19th birthday party, travel-

(Clockwise from top left) Alison and I took frequent road trips.

Here, we pose with pumpkins—the only thing we liked more than road trips—in Upstate New York.

Alison and I cherished autumn. We took a hayride selfie before we bought bags of pumpkin and apple butters.

In 2017, we hung out with Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt (their statues, anyway) at the FDR Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park, New York.

She and I both wore Grumpy Cat costumes for Halloween 2013 in New York City. Alison applied makeup for both of us. My shirt read, “Of all the 9 lives I’ve lived, this is the worst.”

COURTESY (3); ALICIA BARRINGTON

Alison was one of five members of my wedding party. During the ceremony, she read a passage from The Velveteen Rabbit.

ing hours one way to my childhood home in Clearwater with a few newly made friends? Who will listen to the story of the cookie cake she underbaked for me? (She was a terrible cook. I would later teach her there was, indeed, a difference between baking powder and baking soda.) Will anyone remember the pink balloons and pink streamers she brought?

She is everywhere I look. The tattoo on my wrist is a replica of our college newspaper logo, a permanent reminder of the years we spent learning about writing—and also of that one time the staff gathered in the newsroom for a weekend party and, with no utensils, stirred our drinks with a stapler. She made you believe she was high-brow with her Marc Jacobs perfume, her Jonathan Adler accessories, and the fancy-pants New York City bars she’d take me

to. But she was the first to suggest we add two Pabst Blue Ribbons to her tab (always her tab), steal stray Splenda packets from cafés, and peruse a roadside garage sale to snap up a wooden wall clock in the shape of a teapot. On the first of our frequent road trips, to New Orleans in 2012, she befriended the owner of a small café amid a forest of pecan trees in rural Alabama.

She sent “Ms. Lee” a postcard and thanked her for feeding us.

That’s who she was—more thoughtful than anyone I’ve ever known. I called her “a professional Secret Santa.” Here are a few of the things “Santa” brought me in the 12 years I knew her: Chinese food delivered to the door of my $800-per-month apartment when I was in intern in Washington, D.C., and making $400 a week before taxes. For my wedding, a custom-designed, 42-square-foot

quilt with all 1,450 words from my and my husband’s vows sewn into it—which she had twice sent back to the quilter to correct typos.

A framed piece of word art, gold, block capital letters against a white background within a white frame: “GET THE NAME OF THE DOG.” In the moment when I most wanted to repay her, I could send no gifts, no embraces, no personalized quilts. Instead, on my final Zoom call with Alison, when the nurses disconnected her body from the machines that kept her alive, I promised my best friend that I would get the name of the dog, that I would always, always remember.

JARED MISNER is a writer in Charlotte.

As a student at the University of Florida, he worked at The Independent Florida Alligator with Alison Schwartz.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

57

TOP DOCTORS 2020

The annual list you can’t live without

58

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

2020 TOP DOCS

Each year, we survey thousands of licensed physicians in the region. This year, our list covers 66 specialties across the medical field and the top 10 percent of votegetters in those specialties. Below, you’ll find full details of how we came up with this year’s list of winners.

SUMMARY Top Doctors is a project in which we ask doctors in the area to nominate other doctors in various specialties. We ask the doctors to vote for peers who exemplify excellence in their specialties. The list is intended to allow patrons to see and celebrate their doctors who make the list. It also gives those seeking medical services a place to find doctors who are most nominated by their participating peers.

HOW WAS THE LIST CREATED? To create the list, Charlotte magazine facilitated an online peer-voting process. Our team of editors then checked and confirmed that each winner in the final list submitted had, at the time of our review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a doctor’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined for an infraction by the state regulatory board was excluded from the list.

HOW MANY DOCTORS WERE SELECTED AS WINNERS? Charlotte magazine narrowed the list to the top 10 percent of vote-getters in each category, or, in smaller categories with two to five doctors receiving votes, those who received significantly more votes than the others.

HOW ARE NOMINATIONS OBTAINED? Charlotte magazine reached out to individuals in the region, encouraging them to vote and distribute the ballot to other doctors.

Our contact database is substantial but not comprehensive. We encourage doctors who want to ensure they are in our system to send an email to admin@charlottemagazine.com, so that we can conduct a lookup and add their information if needed.

WHAT INFORMATION IS REQUIRED TO MAKE A NOMINATION? Doctors are instructed to provide a valid, active license number, and basic contact information identifying themselves. Doctors are instructed to submit only one ballot per nomination project, per year. Charlotte magazine has an established internal review processes to isolate and eliminate ballots for voters who do not follow the rules for submission. Each doctor’s ballot choices remain confidential.

HOW ARE THE PRACTICE AREAS DETERMINED? Although the categories are very broad, they are intended to reflect relevant practice areas in the region. We recognize that there are many specialty areas, but cannot accommodate them all.

If there is a strong and consistent request for additional practice areas, they may be considered for possible inclusion in next year’s nomination.

FINAL NOTE We recognize that there are many good doctors who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We do not discount the fact that good doctors may not appear on the list.

DISCLAIMERS Morris Media Network, which includes Charlotte magazine, uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. Morris Media does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete.

Morris Media does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved.

No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from Morris Media.

QUESTIONS? For research/methodology questions, contact admin@charlottemagazine.com.

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

59

Addiction Medicine

HEATHER MANOS Novant Health Addiction Recovery & Counseling - Cornelius 19485 Old Jetton Rd., Ste. 270, Cornelius 704-384-7700 novanthealth.org STEPHANIE NEWBY Atrium Health Behavioral Health Charlotte 501 Billingsley Rd. 704-444-2400 atriumhealth.org LANCE REGER Dr. Lance Reger, MD 6845 Fairview Rd. 704-969-1147 lanceregermd.com STEPHEN WYATT Atrium Health Addiction Services - Ballantyne 7825 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Ste. 110 704-446-0391 atriumhealth.org

Allergy and Immunology

S. NICOLE CHADHA Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center - Ballantyne 14135 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Ste. 225 (More locations listed on website) 704-372-7900 carolinaasthma.com CAROLINE HOBBS Charlotte Medical Clinic - Pineville 10650 Park Rd., Ste. 330 704-468-8875 atriumhealth.org SUSAN HUNGNESS Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center - Eastover 2600 E. 7th St., Unit A (More locations listed on website) 704-372-7900 carolinaasthma.com

60

EMILY LANGLEY Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center - Corenlius 19475 Old Jetton Rd., Ste. 100, Cornelius (More locations listed on website) 704-372-7900 carolinaasthma.com J. GRAY NORRIS Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center - Eastover 2600 E. 7th St., Unit A (More locations listed on website) 704-372-7900 carolinaasthma.com MAEVE O’CONNOR Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief 8810 Blakeney Professional Dr., Ste. 100 (More locations listed on website) 704-910-1402 aairofcharlotte.com VANDANA PATEL Asthma & Allergy Specialists 8045 Providence Rd., Ste. 300 (More locations listed on website) 704-341-9600 asthmanc.com EKTA SHAH Charlotte Medical Clinic SouthPark 4525 Cameron Valley Pkwy., Ste. 2100 704-468-8898 atriumhealth.org EDINA SWARTZ Charlotte Medical Clinic SouthPark 4525 Cameron Valley Pkwy.

704-468-8898 atriumhealth.org

Anesthesiology

JENNY DHINGRA Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2372 atriumhealth.org

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

CHRISTOPHER J. DUGGINS Providence Anesthesiology Associates 200 Hawthorne Ln. 704-749-5800 provanesthesiology.com

ROHIT MEHTA Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute - Charlotte 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 300 704-373-0212 atriumhealth.org

DONALD SCHMIT NorthEast Anesthesia & Pain Specialists 920 Church St., North, Concord 704-403-1430 atriumhealth.org

RICHARD MILLER Tryon Medical Partners Ballantyne 16817 Marvin Rd. 704-495-6036 tryonmed.com

BERNARD VELLARDO Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2372 health.usnews.com

WILLIAM NTIM Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute - Charlotte (Cardiology) 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 501 704-343-9800 novanthealth.org

Cardiology

K. DALE OWEN, JR. Tryon Medical Partners SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr., South 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com

SANDY CHARLES Novant Health Women’s Heart & Vascular Center - SouthPark 6324 Fairview Rd., Ste. 400 980-302-8659 novanthealth.org DAVID FRAMM Tryon Medical Partners - SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr., South 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com J WARREN HOLSHOUSER Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 300 704-373-0212 atriumhealth.org

JOHN PASQUINI Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute - Charlotte 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 501 704-343-9800 novanthealth.org AAMER QURESHI Mecklenburg Heart Specialists, PA 2711 Randolph Rd., Ste. 305 704-334-0600 www.mhvi.email

JAMES LIU South Charlotte Cardiology 11220 Elm Ln., Ste. 200 704-321-2741 southcharlottecardiology.com

GEOFFREY ROSE Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute - Brunswick 1900 Brunswick Ave. 704-304-1110 atriumhealth.org

ASHLEIGH MAIERS Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte 10650 Park Rd., Ste. 220 704-667-3840 atriumhealth.org

CHERYL RUSSO Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute - Charlotte 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 300 704-373-0212 atriumhealth.org

2020 TOP DOCS

Cardiovascular Surgery

Colon and Rectal Surgery

ERIC SKIPPER Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute - Charlotte 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 300 704-373-0212 atriumhealth.org

MICHAEL DOBSON Novant Health Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic - Charlotte 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 105 (More locations listed on website) 704-384-5373 novanthealth.org

JOHN FREDERICK Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute - Charlotte 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 300 704-373-0212 atriumhealth.org

TOM THERUVATH Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 301 Hawthorne Ln., Ste. 200 704-316-5100 novanthealth.org LARRY WATTS Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute - Pineville 10650 Park Rd., Ste. 220 704-667-3840 atriumhealth.org

Child Psychiatry

IRM BELLAVIA Irm R Bellavia, MD, PLLC 10720 Sikes Pl., Ste. 120 704-844-0248 ETHAN MUSGRAVE Eastover Psychological & Psychiatric Group 3303 Latrobe Dr. 704-362-2663 eastoverpsych.com BRAD REDDICK Eastover Psychological & Psychiatric Group 3303 Latrobe Dr. 704-362-2663 eastoverpsych.com STEVEN SUTHERLAND Eastover Psychological & Psychiatric Group 3303 Latrobe Dr. 704-362-2663 eastoverpsych.com

BRADLEY DAVIS CMC Surgery 1025 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 300 704-355-1813 atriumhealth.org

KEVIN KASTEN CMC Surgery 1025 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 300 704-355-1813 atriumhealth.org JOHN MORRISON Novant Health Charlotte Colon & Rectal Surgery - Midtown 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 307 (More locations listed on website) 704-333-1259 novanthealth.org ROBERT STEVENS Novant Health Charlotte Colon & Rectal Surgery - Midtown 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 307 (More locations listed on website) 704-333-1259 novanthealth.org DOUGLAS ROSEN Novant Health Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic - Charlotte 1718 East 4th St., Ste. 105 704-384-5373 novanthealth.org

Critical Care

MICHAEL HALEY Pulmonary Critical Care Consultants 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2000 atriumhealth.org

ALAN HEFFNER Pulmonary Critical Care Consultants 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2000 atriumhealth.org JASPAL SINGH Carolinas HealthCare System Pulmonary Care 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 403 704-355-5375 atriumhealth.org JEFFREY WALLS Novant Health Pulmonary & Critical Care - Midtown 1918 Randolph Rd., Ste. 580 704-384-9900 novanthealth.org CHERYL WEYERS Pulmonary Critical Care Consultants 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2000 atriumhealth.org

Dermatology

TARA BYER-PARSONS Atrium Health Dermatology Steele Creek 13640 Steelecroft Parkway 704-468-8871 atriumhealth.org ALYSSA DANIEL Remedy Skin, Hair and Wellness PLLC 8145 Ardrey Kell Rd., Bldg. H, Ste. 202 980-218-0020 remedyskinandhair.com MEREDITH DASHER Tryon Medical Partners SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. South 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com MARC DARST Darst Dermatology 11301 Golf Links Dr. North, Ste. 203 (More locations listed on website) 704-321-3376 darstdermatology.com

LIBBY EDWARDS Mid-Charlotte Dermatology and Research 6406 Carmel Rd., Ste. 309 704-367-9777 midcharlottedermatologyresearch.com LACEY ELWYN-WALLS Dermatology Group of the Carolinas 335 Penny Ln., Concord (More locations listed on website) 704-784-5901 dermgroupnc.com SASHA HABERLE Metrolina Dermatology and Skin Surgery Specialists 10502 Park Rd., #100 980-299-3926 metrolinadermatology.com MARTIE JEWELL Tryon Medical Partners Ballantyne 16817 Marvin Rd. 704-495-6036 tryonmed.com GIRISH MANAVALLI Dermatology Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas 1918 Randolph Rd., Ste. 550 (More locations listed on website) 704-375-6766 carolinaskin.com DHWANI MEHTA Dermatology Group of the Carolinas 335 Penny Ln., Concord (More locations listed on website) 704-784-5901 dermgroupnc.com PATRICK MCELGUNN Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology - Charlotte/Blakeney 5815 Blakeney Park Dr. 704-542-2220 ppsd.com DANIEL PARSONS Atrium Health Dermatology SouthPark 4525 Cameron Valley Pkwy., Ste. 2100 704-468-8874 atriumhealth.org JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

61

PATRICIA RODDEY Tryon Medical Partners SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. South 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com

Emergency Medicine

ANDREW ASIMOS Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2000 atriumhealth.org MICHAEL GIBBS Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2000 atriumhealth.org DAVID RENTZ Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates PLLC 502 S. Sharon Amity Rd., Ste. 300 704-377-2424 novanthealth.org CATHERINE WARES Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2127 atriumhealth.org BRADLEY ANGLEMYER Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates PLLC 502 S. Sharon Amity Rd., Ste. 300 704-377-2424 novanthealth.org WILLIAM ZBAN Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates PLLC 502 S. Sharon Amity Rd., Ste. 300 704-377-2424 novanthealth.org

Endocrinology

D. ALLEN BRANTLEY Tryon Medical Partners SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. South 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com

62

KELLI DUNN Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2000 atriumhealth.org SISI HESTER-CLARKE Tryon Medical Partners Huntersville 9615 Kincey Ave., Ste. 210, Huntersville 704-489-3113 tryonmed.com SONO KASHYAP Atrium Health Endocrinology Pineville 10650 Park Rd. Extension, Ste. 420 704-468-8877 atriumhealth.org DOUGLAS ROBINSON Atrium Health Endocrinology SouthPark 4525 Cameron Valley Pkwy., 4th floor 704-468-8876 atriumhealth.org GARY ROLBAND Tryon Medical Partners SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. South (More locations listed on website) 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com ADAM SPITZ Novant Health Endocrinology Randolph 1918 Randolph Rd., Ste. 220 704-316-1125 novanthealth.org E. SHANNON STORY Levine Cancer Institute Morehead 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 3300 980-442-3320 atriumhealth.org CHARLES UPCHURCH Tryon Medical Partners - Uptown 201 S. College St., 12th floor (More locations listed on website) 704-489-3010 tryonmed.com

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

Family Medicine

STEVEN BAUER Ballantyne Medical Associates 15640 Don Lochman Lane, Ste. A (More locations listed on website) 704-540-1640 ballantynemedical.com

AMIT ARAVAPALLI Tryon Medical Partners SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. South (More locations listed on website) 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com

LAUREN BENNETT-ALE HULL Atrium Health Carmel Family Physicians 10000 Park Cedar Dr. 704-667-3600 atriumhealth.org

OSCAR BRANN Tryon Medical Partners 16817 Marvin Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-489-3410 tryonmed.com

SONIA DUGGAL Novant Health Pineville Primary Care 10514 Park Rd. 704-384-9960 novanthealth.org

STEPHEN DEAL Carolina Digestive Health Associates 300 Billingsley Rd. #200 (More locations listed on website) 704-372-7974 carolinadigestive.com

DINO KANELOS Carolina Family Healthcare 11220 Elm Ln., Ste. 102 704-847-4000 novanthealth.org PETER MACK Novant Health SouthPark Family Physicians 6324 Fairview Rd., Ste. 201 704-384-0588 novanthealth.org JOSEPH MUELLER Novant Health Cotswold Medical Clinic 200 Greenwich Rd. 704-384-8680 novanthealth.org CRAIG WHITE Davidson Family Medicine 104 Knox Ct., Ste. 100, Davidson 704-892-5454 davidsonfamilymedicine.com

Gastroenterology

NICHOLAS ANTHONY Atrium Health Gastroenterology and Hepatology 1001 Blythe Blvd., Suite 403 704-355-8850 atriumhealth.org

KENT HOLTZMULLER Tryon Medical Partners 16817 Marvin Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-489-3410 tryonmed.com ATUL KHANNA Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology - Randolph Road 2015 Randolph Rd., Ste. 208 704-377-4009 charlottegastro.com JASON LEWIS Atrium Health Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Morehead Medical Plaza 1025 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 300 704-355-4593 atriumhealth.org SANJIB MOHANTY Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2015 Randolph Rd., Ste. 208 704-377-4009 charlottegastro.com THOMAS PACICCO Atrium Health Gastroenterology and Hepatology 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 403 704-355-8850 atriumhealth.org

2020 TOP DOCS

VIRAL PATEL Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology - Matthews 1340 Matthews Township Pkwy., Ste. 301, Matthews 704-377-4009 charlottegastro.com GARDINER RODDEY Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2015 Randolph Rd., Ste. 208 704-377-4009 charlottegastro.com D. SCOTT SMITH Tryon Medical Partners SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. South (More locations listed on website) 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com JEFFREY ZAIDMAN Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology - Matthews 1340 Matthews Township Pkwy., Ste. 301, Matthews 704-377-4009 charlottegastro.com

Genetics

LAURIE DEMMER Levine Children’s Specialty Center - Medical Genetics 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 200 704-381-6810 atriumhealth.org SARA ELREFAI Levine Cancer Institute Morehead (Genetics) 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., 2nd Floor 980-442-6410 atriumhealth.org AMELIA SUTTON Novant Health Maternal-Fetal Medicine - Charlotte 1718 East 4th St., Ste. 404 704-384-5701 novanthealth.org

Geriatric Medicine

ANTHONY CAPRIO The Center for Supportive Care and Survivorship, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center 711 E. Morehead St. 980-442-2500 atriumhealth.org DANNY HONEYCUTT Carolinas HealthCare System Senior Care 101 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Building 1000, Ste. 1110 704-863-9850 atriumhealth.org DEANNA MANGIERI Carolinas HealthCare System Senior Care 101 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Building 1000, Ste. 1110 704-863-9850 atriumhealth.org DANIELLE ROSEN Iora Primary Care 4014 Connection Point Blvd., Ste. C 704-247-2219 ioraprimarycare.com

Gynecologic Oncology

ERIN CRANE Levine Cancer Institute Morehead (Gynecologic) 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 2100 980-442-2200 atriumhealth.org JANELLE FAUCI Novant Health Gynecologic Oncology Associates - Midtown 1918 Randolph Rd., Ste. 175 704-384-8200 novanthealth.org ROBERT HIGGINS Levine Cancer Institute Morehead 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 2100 980-442-2200 atriumhealth.org

JOHN MATTHEW MCDONALD Novant Health Gynecologic Oncology Associates - Midtown 1918 Randolph Rd., Ste. 175 704-384-8200 novanthealth.org KELLIE SCHNEIDER Novant Health Gynecologic Oncology Associates - Midtown 1918 Randolph Rd., Ste. 175 704-384-8200 novanthealth.org DAVID TAIT Levine Cancer Institute Morehead (Gynecologic) 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 2100 980-442-2200 atriumhealth.org

Hand Surgery

ALAN WARD OrthoCarolina - Hand Center 15825 Ballantyne Medical Pl., Ste, 100 (More locations listed on website) 704-323-3400 orthocarolina.com

Hematology

ANDREW DELEMOS Transplant and Liver Center 1025 Morehead Medical Dr. (More locations listed on website) 704-355-6649 atriumhealth.org MICHAEL GRUNWALD Levine Cancer Institute Morehead (Hematology) 1021 Morehead Medical Dr. 980-442-4363 atriumhealth.org

ERIKA GANTT OrthoCarolina - Hand Center 1915 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-323-2426 orthocarolina.com

JUSTIN FAVARO Oncology Specialists of Charlotte - Charlotte 2630 E. 7th St., Ste. 210 704-342-1900 oncologycharlotte.com

GLENN GASTON OrthoCarolina - Hand Center 1915 Randolph Rd. 704-323-2426 orthocarolina.com

REED FRIEND Levine Cancer Institute SouthPark 4525 Cameron Valley Pkwy.

(More locations listed on website) 980-442-0400 atriumhealth.org

BRYAN LOEFFLER OrthoCarolina - Hand Center 1915 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-323-2426 orthocarolina.com LOIS OSIER OrthoCarolina - Hand Center 1915 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-323-2426 orthocarolina.com BRANDON VALENTINE Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 4741 Randolph Rd., Ste. 100 (More locations listed on website) 704-365-6730 norvanthealth.org

MARY ANN KNOVICH Levine Cancer Institute Morehead (Hematology) 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 5300 980-442-4363 atriumhealth.org DAVID MILLER Novant Health Hematology Charlotte 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 807 704-316-3297 novanthealth.org NASFAT SHEHADEH Novant Health Cancer Specialists - Charlotte 1718 East 4th St., Ste. 707 704-316-4485 novanthealth.org JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

63

MARK RUSSO Transplant and Liver Center 1025 Morehead Medical Dr. (More locations listed on website) 704-355-6649 atriumhealth.org

VICKI HO Carolinas Hospitalist Group at Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-0720 atriumhealth.org

CHRISTOPHER POLK ID Consultants & Infusion Care Specialists 4539 Hedgemore Dr. 704-331-9669 atriumhealth.org

MARY HAMID Novant Health Presbyterian Internal Medicine 1918 Randolph Rd., Ste. 350 704-384-1750 novanthealth.org

SAAD USMANI Levine Cancer Institute Morehead (Hematology) 1021 Morehead Medical Dr. 980-442-4363 atriumhealth.org

ERIKA MYERS Carolinas Hospitalist Group at Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-0720 atriumhealth.org

ZAINAB SHAHID Levine Cancer Institute Morehead (Hematology) 1021 Morehead Medical Dr. 980-442-4363 atriumhealth.org

PETER JUSTIS Atrium Health Charlotte Medical Clinic - SouthPark 4525 Cameron Valley Pkwy.

704-355-5100 atriumhealth.org

JASON PARKER Novant Health Inpatient Care Specialists - Brunswick 240 Hospital Dr. NE, Bolivia (More locations listed on website) 910-721-2070 novanthealth.org

DAVID WEINRIB Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

(More locations listed on website) 704-355-2000 atriumhealth.org

TINA KENNELLY Tryon Medical Partners South Park 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. S. 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com

Hospice and Palliative Care

KIMBERLY CASE Novant Health Palliative Care Huntersville 10030 Gilead Rd., Huntersville (More locations listed on website) 704-384-6478 novanthealth.org ANNA HICKS Carolinas Palliative Care and Hospice Group 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-512-5363 atriumhealth.org

Infectious Disease

PHILIP LACKEY ID Consultants & Infusion Care Specialists 4539 Hedgemore Dr. 704-331-9669 atriumhealth.org

BORIS KRIVITSKY Carolinas Palliative Care and Hospice Group 4425 Golf Acres Dr. 704-512-2586 atriumhealth.org

JOSEPH LANG ID Consultants & Infusion Care Specialists 4539 Hedgemore Dr. 704-331-9669 atriumhealth.org

BETH SUSI Supportive Oncology Clinic 1021 Morehead Medical Dr. (More locations listed on website) 980-442-2500 atriumhealth.org

MICHAEL LEONARD ID Consultants & Infusion Care Specialists 4539 Hedgemore Dr. 704-331-9669 atriumhealth.org

Hospitalist

DIXON DEHORITY Novant Health Inpatient Care Specialists - Huntersville 10030 Gilead Rd., Huntersville 704-316-3789 novanthealth.org JOSHUA EICHENBERGER Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-0720 atriumhealth.org

64

LEWIS MCCURDY III ID Consultants & Infusion Care Specialists 4539 Hedgemore Dr., Ste. 100 704-331-9669 atriumhealth.org CATHERINE PASSARETTI Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2000 atriumhealth.org

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

Internal Medicine

ANNE BARNARD Tryon Medical Partners-Uptown 201 S. College St., 12th floor 704-489-3010 tryonmed.com LARRY BERMAN Larry F Berman MD PC 10620 Park Rd., Ste. 128 704-542-6111 larrybermanmd.com ROBERT BOWEN III Tryon Medical Partners SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. S. 704-489-3094 tryonmed.co VIBHU DHINGRA Atrium Health Charlotte Medical Clinic - SouthPark 4525 Cameron Valley Pkwy.

704-355-5100 atriumhealth.org MICHAEL FRIEDLAND Atrium Health Charlotte Medical Clinic - SouthPark 4525 Cameron Valley Pkwy.

704-355-5100 atriumhealth.org

ERIC LANDIS Tryon Medical Partners - Pineville 10344 Park Rd., Ste. 100, Pineville 704-495-6025 tryonmed.com MELANIE MCMINN Iora Primary Care 8332 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Ste. 205 704-398-3952 ioraprimarycare.com JOSH SHOEMAKE H3 Healthcare Medicine + Wellbeing 1518 E. Third St. 704-806-0038 h3healthcare.com

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

JOHN ALLBERT Novant Health MaternalFetal Medicine 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 404 (More locations listed on website) 704-384-5701 novanthealth.org NIKKI KOKLANARIS CMC Women’s Institute 1025 Morehead Medical Dr. 704-355-3149 atriumhealth.org

2020 TOP DOCS

Nephrology

Neurological Surgery

REBECCA POLLACK CMC Women’s Institute 1025 Morehead Medical Dr. 704-355-3149 atriumhealth.org

CHRIS FOTIADIS Metrolina Nephrology Assoc. Charlotte 2711 Randolph Rd., Ste. 400 704-348-2992 metrolinanephrology.com

JOE BERNARD JR. Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates - Charlotte 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com

AMELIA SUTTON Novant Health MaternalFetal Medicine 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 404 704-384-5701 novanthealth.org

TODD GRIFFITH Metrolina Nephrology Assoc. Charlotte 2711 Randolph Rd., Ste. 400 704-348-2992 metrolinanephrology.com

HUNTER DYER Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates - Charlotte 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com

NANCY GRITTER Metrolina Nephrology Assoc. Charlotte 2711 Randolph Rd., Ste. 400 704-348-2992 metrolinanephrology.com

ERIN KEIHNA Novant Health Brain & Spine Surgery 330 Billingsley Rd., Ste. 202 (More locations listed on website) 704-316-3070 novanthealth.org

ALYSSA MILLS Novant Health MaternalFetal Medicine 19475 Old Jetton Rd., Ste. 101, Cornelius (More locations listed on website) 704-384-5701 novanthealth.org

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine LARRY BRADY Pediatrix Medical Group Presbyterian Hosp. Hemby Intensive Care Unit 704-384-4944 novanthealth.org

MICHELLE CHIU Levine Children’s Hospital Neonatology 1000 Blythe Blvd.

(More locations listed on website) 704-381-4820 atriumhealth.org JESSICA CLARKE-POUNDER Levine Children’s Hospital Neonatology 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-4820 atriumhealth.org PAUL C. ENGSTROM Levine Children’s Hospital Neonatology 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-4820 atriumhealth.org

E. CARL FISHER JR. Metrolina Nephrology Assoc. Arboretum 7903 Providence Rd., Ste. 110 704-248-5101 metrolinanephrology.com

GEORGE HART Metrolina Nephrology Assoc. Charlotte 2711 Randolph Rd., Ste. 400 704-348-2992 metrolinanephrology.com GREGORY MERTEN Metrolina Nephrology Assoc. Arboretum 7903 Providence Rd., Ste. 110 704-248-5101 metrolinanephrology.com JEFFREY NIELSEN Metrolina Nephrology Assoc. Huntersville 9800 Kincey Ave., Ste. 150, Huntersville 704-799-4909 metrolinanephrology.com DANIEL TIERNEY Metrolina Nephrology Assoc. Arboretum 7903 Providence Rd., Ste. 110 704-248-5101 metrolinanephrology.com

ANTHONY ASHER Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates - Charlotte 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com

MARK SMITH Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates - Charlotte 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com

ANDREA DEIDRICH Carolina Neurological Clinic Uptown 3541 Randolph Rd. 704-377-9323 atriumhealth.org MEGAN DONNELLY Novant Health Neurology & Headache - SouthPark 6324 Fairview Rd., Ste. 400 980-302-8626 novanthealth.org RYAN GLEASON Neurosciences Institute Neurology - Pineville 10660 Park Rd. 704-667-8800 novanthealth.org NAVID JALALI Carolina Neurological Clinic Ballantyne 12311 Copper Way 704-377-9323 atriumhealth.org J. SCOTT STORY Neurosciences Institute Neurology Charlotte 1010 Edgehill Rd. N. (More locations listed on website) 704-446-1900 atriumhealth.org

SCOTT WAIT Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates - Charlotte 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com

Neurosurgery & Spine

Neurology

DOMAGOJ CORIC Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates - Charlotte 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com

MATTHEW CARRARO Novant Health Neurology & Sleep - Midtown 1918 Randolph Rd., Ste. 400 704-384-9437 novanthealth.org JOSEPH CHIPMAN Novant Health Neurology & Sleep - Midtown 1918 Randolph Rd., Ste. 400 704-384-9437 novanthealth.org

TIM ADAMSON Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com

VINAY DESHMUKH Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

65

HUNTER DYER Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates - Charlotte 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com MARTIN HENEGAR Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com PAUL KIM Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com MATTHEW MCGIRT Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com

Obstetrics and Gynecology

ELIZABETH MORAN Premier Gynecology & Wellness 2310 Randolph Rd., Ste. B 704-650-7156 premiergynclt.com THOMAS CHRISTOPHER MORRIS Novant Health Providence OB/ GYN - Providence 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 907 704-372-4000 nhprovidenceobgyn.org

ASIM AMIN Levine Cancer Institute Morehead 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 5100 980-442-2000 atriumhealth.org JUSTIN FAVARO Oncology Specialists of Charlotte 2630 E. 7th St., Ste. 210 704-342-1900 oncologycharlotte.com JULIE GOTTLIEB FISHER Levine Cancer Institute Morehead 1021 Morehead Medical Dr. 980-442-2000 atriumhealth.org

GRANT CAMPBELL Atrium Health Eastover University OB/GYN 101 W.T. Harris Blvd.

704-863-9640 atriumhealth.org

DANIEL HAGGSTROM Levine Cancer Institute Morehead 1021 Morehead Medical Dr. (More locations listed on website) 980-442-2000 atriumhealth.org

LESLIE HANSEN LINDNER Atrium Health Charlotte OB/GYN Morehead 1025 Morehead Medical Dr. (More locations listed on website) 704-446-1700 atriumhealth.org

66

OMAR PUNJABI Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates 6035 Fairview Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-295-3000 ceenta.com

ASHLEY SUMRALL Levine Cancer Institute Morehead 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 5100 980-442-2000 atriumhealth.org

TIMOTHY SAUNDERS Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates 6035 Fairview Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-295-3000 ceenta.com

Oncology

NORA ARRONTE Novant Health Providence OB/ GYN - Providence 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 907 704-372-4000 novanthealth.org

ASTRID JAIN Atrium Health Eastover OB/GYN Morehead 1025 Morehead Medical Dr. 704-446-1700 atriumhealth.org

NASFAT SHEHADEH Novant Health Cancer Specialists - Charlotte 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 707 (More locations listed on website) 704-316-4485 novanthealth.org

WILLIAM MITCHELL Southern Oncology Specialists 10320 Mallard Creek Rd., Ste. 100 (More locations listed on website) 704-945-6843 southernoncology.com REZA NAZEMZADEH Levine Cancer Institute Morehead 1021 Morehead Medical Dr. (More locations listed on website) 980-442-2000 atriumhealth.org

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

Opthamology

JOSEPH BIBER Horizon Eye Care 135 S. Sharon Amity Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-365-0555 horizoneye.com DAVID BROWNING Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates 6035 Fairview Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-295-3000 ceenta.com JOSEPH KRUG Horizon Eye Care 135 S. Sharon Amity Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-365-0555 horizoneye.com

DONALD STEWART III Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates 6035 Fairview Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-295-3000 ceenta.com FREDERICK WEIDMAN III Horizon Eye Care 135 S. Sharon Amity Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-365-0555 horizoneye.com

Orthopedic Surgery

PATRICK CONNOR OrthoCarolina 1915 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-323-3000 orthocarolina.com

BARBARA LEE Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates 5933 Blakeney Park Dr., Ste. 200 704-295-3311 ceenta.com

JAMES FLEISCHLI OrthoCarolina 1915 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-323-3000 orthocarolina.com

CASEY MATHYS Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates 6035 Fairview Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-295-3000 ceenta.com

NADY HAMID OrthoCarolina 1915 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-323-3000 orthocarolina.com J. BOHANNON MASON OrthoCarolina 250 N. Caswell Rd., Ste. 200A (More locations listed on website) 704-323-2564 orthocarolina.com

2020 TOP DOCS

JOSHUA PATT Atrium Health Orthopaedic Surgery, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center 1025 Morehead Medical Dr. (More locations listed on website) 704-446-2060 atriumhealth.org JAMES ROMANOWSKI Novant Health Perry & Cook Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 2826 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-358-0308 novanthealth.org RONALD SINGER OrthoCarolina 15825 Ballantyne Medical Pl. 704-323-3400 orthocarolina.com

NADY HAMID OrthoCarolina 1915 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-323-3000 orthocarolina.com DANA PIASECKI OrthoCarolina 1915 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-323-3000 orthocarolina.com JAMES ROMANOWSKI Novant Health Perry & Cook Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 2826 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-358-0308 novanthealth.org

Pain Medicine

JON-DAVID (J.D.) HOPPENFELD Southeast Pain & Spine Care 16455 Statesville Rd., Huntersville (More locations listed on website) 704-377-7246 sepainandspinecare.com FARRUKH SAIR Providence Anesthesiology Associates 131 Providence Rd., Ste. 201 704-749-5800 provanesthesiology.com RICHARD PARK Southeast Pain & Spine Care 14135 Ballantyne Corporate Pl. (More locations listed on website) 704-377-7246 sepainandspinecare.com

MARK SUPROCK OrthoCarolina 10030 Gilead Rd., Huntersville (More locations listed on website) 704-323-2800 orthocarolina.com

Otolaryngology

JOHN BLUMER Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates 6035 Fairview Rd. 704-295-3000 ceenta.com

Pathology

Orthopedics

HUNTER HOOVER Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates 6035 Fairview Rd. 704-295-3000 ceenta.com

ARTHUR COHEN Presbyterian Pathology Group 200 Hawthorne Ln. 704-384-4814 novanthealth.org

JERRY BARRON Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Cotswold 4741 Randolph Rd, Ste. 100 704-365-6730 novanthealth.org PATRICK CONNOR OrthoCarolina 1915 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-323-3000 orthocarolina.com MICHAEL DOCKERY OrthoCarolina 9848 North Tryon St. 704-323-2100 orthocarolina.com JAMES FLEISCHLI OrthoCarolina 1915 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-323-3000 orthocarolina.com

JAD JABBOUR Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates 6035 Fairview Rd. 704-295-3000 ceenta.com MICHAEL SICARD Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates 724 Aubrey Bell Dr., Matthews 704-295-3550 ceenta.com

WILLIAM AHRENS Carolinas Pathology Group 101 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.

704-973-5500 carolinaspathology.com

JAMES DOLLAR Carolinas Pathology Group 101 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.

704-973-5500 carolinaspathology.com EMILY GASTON Carolinas Pathology Group 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 2100 704-973-5500 carolinaspathology.com W. CARL JACOBS Carolinas Pathology Group 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-973-5500 carolinaspathology.com

CHAD LIVASY Carolinas Pathology Group 101 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.

704-973-5500 carolinaspathology.com KEVIN SMITH Carolinas Pathology Group 101 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.

704-973-5500 carolinaspathology.com

Pediatric Cardiology

MATTHEW BROTHERS Novant Health Pediatric Cardiology - Elizabeth 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 605 (More locations listed on website) 704-316-1220 novanthealth.org DAVID OHMSTEDE Novant Health Pediatric Cardiology - Elizabeth 1718 E. 4th St., Ste. 605 (More locations listed on website) 704-316-1220 novanthealth.org MATTHEW C. SCHWARTZ Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte Pediatric Cardiology 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 200D 704-373-1813 atriumhealth.org GONZALO WALLIS Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte Pediatric Cardiology 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 200D 704-373-1813 atriumhealth.org

Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery

PAUL KIRSHBOM Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte Pediatric Cardiology 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 200D 704-373-1813 atriumhealth.org

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

67

THOMAS MAXEY Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte Pediatric Cardiology 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 200D 704-373-1813 atriumhealth.org

DIANA MILLER Novant Health Pediatric Endocrinology - Midtown 201 Queens Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-316-5285 novanthealth.org

Pediatric Emergency Medicine

MARK VANDERWEL Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes Specialists - Charlotte 4501 Cameron Valley Pkwy., Ste. 200 (More locations listed on website) 704-512-3636 atriumhealth.org

DOUGLAS BOERTJE Mid-Atlantic Medical Emergency Associates 501 S. Sharon Amity Rd., Ste. 300 704-377-2424 mema.net EMILY MACNEIL Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2000 atriumhealth.org CHRISTYN MAGILL Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2000 atriumhealth.org

SARA STEELMAN Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medicine 501 S. Sharon Amity Rd., Ste. 300 704-377-2424 mema.net JAMES YOUNG Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medicine 501 S. Sharon Amity Rd., Ste. 300 704-377-2424 mema.net

Pediatric Endocrinology

LISA HOUCHIN Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes Specialists - Charlotte 4501 Cameron Valley Pkwy., Ste. 200 (More locations listed on website) 704-512-3636 atriumhealth.org MALAKA JACKSON Novant Health Pediatric Endocrinology - Midtown 201 Queens Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-316-5285 novanthealth.org

68

Pediatric Gastroenterology

RICARDO CAICEDO Levine Children’s Specialty Center - Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition 1001 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-2000 atriumhealth.org JASON DRANOVE Levine Children’s Hospital 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-2000 atriumhealth.org VANI GOPALAREDDY Levine Children’s Specialty Center - Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition 1001 Blythe Blvd.

(More locations listed on website) 704-381-2000 atriumhealth.org WILLIAM HOUCK III Novant Health Pediatric Gastroenterology - Eastover 2711 Randolph Rd., Ste. 301 (More locations listed on website) 704-316-5060 novanthealth.org VICTOR PINEIRO-CARRERO Levine Children’s Hospital 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 200-F 704-381-6850 atriumhealth.org

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

MELANIE RHUE Novant Health Pediatric Gastroenterology - Matthews 1401 Matthews Township Pkwy., Ste. 100, Matthews (More locations listed on website) 704-384-5060 novanthealth.org AMEESH SHAH Levine Children’s Specialty Center - Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition 1001 Blythe Blvd.

(More locations listed on website) 704-381-2000 atriumhealth.org

Pediatric General Surgery

DANIEL BAMBINI Pediatric Surgical Associates 1900 Randolph Rd., Ste. 210 704-370-0223 pedsurgical.com GRAHAM COSPER Pediatric Surgical Associates 1900 Randolph Rd., Ste. 210 704-370-0223 pedsurgical.com THOMAS SCHMELZER Pediatric Surgical Associates 1900 Randolph Rd., Ste. 210 704-370-0223 pedsurgical.com ANDREW SCHULMAN Pediatric Surgical Associates 1900 Randolph Rd., Ste. 210 704-370-0223 pedsurgical.com

Pediatric HematologyOncology

JESSICA BELL St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital 301 Hawthorne Ln., Ste. 100 704-384-1900 novanthealth.org PAULETTE BRYANT St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital 301 Hawthorne Ln., Ste. 100 704-384-1900 novanthealth.org

ASHLEY HINSON Levine Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center 1001 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-9900 atriumhealth.org DANIEL MCMAHON Levine Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center 1001 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-9900 atriumhealth.org JAVIER OESTERHELD Levine Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center 1001 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-9900 atriumhealth.org JENNIFER POPE Levine Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center 1001 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-9900 atriumhealth.org

Pediatric Infectious Disease

AMINA AHMED Levine Children’s Specialty Center - Pediatric Infectious Disease 1001 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-2000 atriumhealth.org NAZARIO RIVERA CHAPARRO Novant Health Pediatric Infectious Disease 201 Queens Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-316-3022 novanthealth.org LEE MORRIS Levine Children’s Hospital 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-2000 atriumhealth.org

2020 TOP DOCS

NIRAJ CHANDRAKANT PATEL Levine Children’s Specialty Center - Pediatric Infectious Disease 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-2000 atriumhealth.org

Pediatric Nephrology

POORNIMA BADDI Novant Health Pediatric Nephrology - Midtown 201 Queens Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-316-5910 novanthealth.org AMANDA DALE-SHALL Levine Children’s Hospital 1001 Blythe Blvd.

(704) 381-8800 atriumhealth.org SUSAN FOSTER MASSENGILL Levine Children’s Hospital 1000 Blythe Blvd.

(More locations listed on website) 704-381-2000 atriumhealth.org CHARLES MCKAY Levine Children’s Specialty Center - Pediatric Nephrology 1001 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-8840 atriumhealth.org DONALD WEAVER Levine Children’s Specialty Center - Pediatric Nephrology 1001 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-8840 atriumhealth.org

Pediatric Neurological Surgery

James René Herlong Pediatric Cardiology Top Doctor honoree Dr. René Herlong, chief of pediatric cardiology at Levine Children’s Hospital and Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, passed away this spring. The beloved Charlotte figure and founder of Camp LUCK, a camp specifically for pediatric heart patients and their families, was 58. An obituary noted that for more than two decades, Herlong used two weeks of vacation each year to serve as the camp doctor at YMCA’s Champ Cherokee, and he regularly volunteered for medical missions trips to South America and Central America.

A Facebook page, “Remembering Dr. René,” was set up to honor Herlong’s memory. The page is full of parents remembering how Herlong saved his or her child’s life—and then became like a member of their families. “He brought so much peace to us in such a scary time in our lives,” one commenter wrote.

ERIN KIEHNA Novant Health Brain & Spine Surgery - Cotswold 330 Billingsley Road, Ste. 202 (More locations listed on website) 704-316-3070 novanthealth.org MARK VAN POPPEL Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates - Charlotte 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com SCOTT WAIT Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates - Charlotte 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com

Pediatric Radiology

ADRIENNE BEAN Charlotte Radiology 700 E. Morehead Blvd., Ste. 300 704-442-4390 charlotteradiology.com SINISA HABERLE Mecklenburg Radiology Associates P.O. Box 221249 704-332-1291 meckrad.com

MARC MANCUSO Charlotte Radiology 700 E. Morehead Blvd., Ste. 300 704-442-4390 charlotteradiology.com DANIEL WALLIHAN Charlotte Radiology 700 E. Morehead Blvd., Ste. 300 704-442-4390 charlotteradiology.com

LUIS PEREZ Children’s Urology of the Carolinas 230 Baldwin Ave. (More locations listed on website) 704-376-5636 childurology.com MARK WILLIAMS Atrium Health Levine Children’s Urology 1025 Morehead Medical Dr. 704-446-5070 atriumhealth.org

Pediatric Urology

PATRICK JOSEPH FOX Pediatric Urology Associates 3135 Springbank Ln., Ste. 200 704-540-3667 pedsurologyassociates.com JAY LEVY Pediatric Urology Associates 3135 Springbank Ln., Ste. 200 (More locations listed on website) 704-540-3667 pedsurologyassociates.com JOSEPH MOLITIERNO JR. Pediatric Urology Associates 3135 Springbank Ln., Ste. 200 (More locations listed on website) 704-540-3667 pedsurologyassociates.com

Pediatrics - DevelopmentalBehavioral

JAMES MCDOWELL DURANT III Novant Health Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics - Elizabeth 1718 E 4th Street, Ste. 601 704-384-0567 novanthealth.org YASMIN SENTURIAS Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics of the Carolinas Charlotte 2608 East 7th Street 704-403-2626 atriumhealth.org

COURTESY

SARAH JERNIGAN Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates - Charlotte 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com

IN MEMORIAM

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

69

Pediatrics - General

RACHEL BOZIN Atrium Health Levine Children’s Charlotte Pediatric Clinic SouthPark 4501 Cameron Valley Pkwy.

704-367-7400 atriumhealth.org MARY ANN CROSS Novant Health Eastover Pediatrics 517 S Sharon Amity Rd. 704-384-8800 novanthealth.org AMANDA MORAN LANIER Levine Children’s Perspective Health & Wellness 4501 Cameron Valley Pkwy.

704-381-0500 atriumhealth.org ANITHA LEONARD Atrium Health Levine Children’s Arboretum Pediatrics 7800 Providence Rd., Ste. 203 704-512-2610 atriumhealth.org AMY GARRETT RYAN Novant Health Eastover Pediatrics 517 S Sharon Amity Rd. 704-384-8800 novanthealth.org KASEY SCANNELL Novant Health Pediatrics Symphony Park 6010 Carnegie Blvd.

704-384-9966 novanthealth.org ANNA SCHMELZER Atrium Health Levine Children’s Charlotte Pediatric Clinic SouthPark 4501 Cameron Valley Pkwy.

704-367-7400 atriumhealth.org KERRY THOMAS VAN VOORHIS Novant Health Pediatrics Symphony Park 6010 Carnegie Blvd.

704-384-9966 novanthealth.org

70

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation PUNEET AGGARWAL Sports Medicine & Injury Care Randolph 3030 Randolph Rd., Ste. 105 (More locations listed on website) 704-863-4878 atriumhealth.org JOHN LESHER Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Concord 110 Lake Concord Road. NE, Concord (More locations listed on website) 704-792-2672 cnsa.com STEPHANIE PLUMMER Novant Health Spine Specialists Randolph Road 2801 Randolph Rd., Ste. 100 704-367-4800 novanthealth.org VISHWA RAJ Carolinas Rehabilitation 1100 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-9334 atriumhealth.org ANDREW SUMICH Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Charlotte 225 Baldwin Ave. 704-376-1605 cnsa.com TOBIAS JUNG MING TSAI Carolinas Rehabilitation 1100 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-9334 atriumhealth.org JOHN WELSHOFER Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Ballantyne 14135 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Ste. 100 (More locations listed on website) 704-831-4300 cnsa.com

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

Plastic Surgery

JAMES APPEL Novant Health Appel Plastic Surgery 9735 Kincey Ave., Ste. 205, Huntersville (More locations listed on website) 704-316-5025 novanthealth.org

THEODORE NYAME Charlotte Plastic Surgery 2215 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-237-0036 charlotteplasticsurgery.com

Psychiatry

GAURAV BHARTI H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery 11208 Statesville Rd., Ste. #300, Huntersville (More locations listed on website) 704-659-9000 hkbsurgery.com

WILLIAM LITCHFORD Atrium Health Supportive Oncology Clinic 1021 Morehead Medical Dr. (More locations listed on website) 980-442-2500 atriumhealth.org

NICK CLAVIN CMC Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery 1025 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 200 704-446-6810 atriumhealth.org

MARCUS PELUCIO Eastover Psychological & Psychiatric Group 3303 Latrobe Dr. 704-362-2663 eastoverpsych.com

KARA CRISWELL Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery 4310 Sharon Rd., V02 (More locations listed on website) 704-930-0428 criswellandcriswell.com

LANCE REGER Lance Reger 6845 Fairview Rd. 704-969-1147 lanceregermd.com

DAVID FISHER Carolinas HealthCare System Pediatric Surgery Morehead Medical Plaza 1025 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 275 (More locations listed on website) 704-403-2662 atriumhealth.org

Pulmonary Medicine

GARRETT HARPER Graper Cosmetic Surgery 2915 Coltsgate Rd., Ste. 103 704-375-7111 grapercosmeticsurgery.com

JOHN DOTY Carolinas HealthCare System Pulmonary Care Medical Center Plaza 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 403 (More locations listed on website) 704-355-5375 atriumhealth.org

JONATHAN KULBERSH Carolina Facial Plastics 6817 Fairview Rd. 704-842-3644 carolinafacialplasticsurgery.com KEVIN SMITH Charlotte Plastic Surgery 2215 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-237-0036 charlotteplasticsurgery.com

KENNETH COGGINS Carolinas HealthCare System Pulmonary Care Medical Center Plaza 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 403 (More locations listed on website) 704-355-5375 atriumhealth.org

WALID ELTARABOULSI Tryon Medical Partners Ballantyne 16817 Marvin Rd. 704-495-6036 tryonmed.com

2020 TOP DOCS

STUART GARNER Novant Health Pulmonary & Critical Care - Midtown 1918 Randolph Rd., Ste. 580 704-384-9900 novanthealth.org

CAROLINA FASOLA Southeast Radiation Oncology Group 200 Queens Rd., Ste. 400 980-442-1100 atriumhealth.org

DAN HOWARD Carolinas HealthCare System Pulmonary Care Medical Center Plaza 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 403 (More locations listed on website) 704-355-5375 atriumhealth.org

SCOTT MCGINNIS Southeast Radiation Oncology Group 200 Queens Rd., Ste. 400 704-680-6570 treatcancer.com

JAMES JONES Tryon Medical Partners SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. S 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com KIMBERLY ANN MCCREA Novant Health Pulmonary & Critical Care - Waverly 11840 Southmore Drive, Ste. 201 (More locations listed on website) 704-384-9900 novanthealth.org JASPAL SINGH Carolinas HealthCare System Pulmonary Care Medical Center Plaza 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 403 (More locations listed on website) 704-355-5375 atriumhealth.org

Radiation Oncology

WILLIAM BOBO Southeast Radiation Oncology Group 200 Queens Rd., Ste. 400 704-680-6570 treatcancer.com STUART BURRI Southeast Radiation Oncology Group 200 Queens Rd., Ste. 400 704-680-6570 treatcancer.com

ROSHAN PRABHU Southeast Radiation Oncology Group 200 Queens Rd., Ste. 400 704-680-6570 treatcancer.com HADLEY SHARP Southeast Radiation Oncology Group 200 Queens Rd., Ste. 400 704-680-6570 treatcancer.com WILLIAM WARLICK Southeast Radiation Oncology Group 200 Queens Rd., Ste. 400 704-680-6570 treatcancer.com

Radiology

JOHN CHILDRESS Charlotte Radiology 700 E. Morehead Blvd., Ste. 300 704-442-4390 charlotteradiology.com ANDREW KAPUSTIN Mecklenburg Radiology Associates 3623 Latrobe Dr., Ste. 216 704-332-1291 meckrad.com JAMES OLIVER III Charlotte Radiology 700 E. Morehead Blvd., Ste. 300 704-362-1945 charlotteradiology.com

ROBERT RAIBLE Charlotte Radiology 700 E. Morehead Blvd., Ste. 300 704-442-4390 charlotteradiology.com

TOLGA MESEN Carolinas Fertility Institute 2614 E 7th St., Ste. C 980-256-2233 carolinasfertilityinstitute.com

AMY SOBEL Charlotte Radiology 700 E. Morehead Blvd., Ste. 300 704-442-4390 charlotteradiology.com

REBECCA USADI Atrium Health Women’s Institute - Charlotte, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center 1025 Morehead Medical Dr. (More locations listed on website) 704-355-3149 atriumhealth.org

ROBYN STACY-HUMPHRIES Charlotte Radiology 700 E. Morehead Blvd., Ste. 300 704-442-4390 charlotteradiology.com THOMAS ZBAN Mecklenburg Radiology Associates 3623 Latrobe Dr., Ste. 216 704-332-1291 meckrad.com

Reproductive Endocrinology

BRADLEY HURST Atrium Health Women’s Institute - Charlotte, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center 1025 Morehead Medical Dr. 704-355-3149 atriumhealth.org LAUREN JOHNSON Reproductive Endocrinology Associates of Charlotte 1524 E Morehead St. 704-343-3400 northcarolinafertility.com MATRIKA JOHNSON Reproductive Endocrinology Associates of Charlotte 19475 Old Jetton Rd., Cornelius 704-343-3400 northcarolinafertility.com MICHELLE MATTHEWS Atrium Health Women’s Institute - Charlotte, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center 1025 Morehead Medical Dr. (More locations listed on website) 704-355-3149 atriumhealth.org

RICHARD WING Reproductive Endocrinology Associates of Charlotte 1524 E Morehead St. 704-343-3400 northcarolinafertility.com

Rheumatology

DIANE GEORGE Tryon Medical Partners Ballantyne 16817 Marvin Rd. 704-495-6036 tryonmed.com ALISON JOHNSON Tryon Medical Doctors Huntersville 9615 Kincey Ave., Ste. 210, Huntersville (More locations listed on website) 704-900-6225 tryonmed.com AMANDA KOCOLOSKI SouthPark Rheumatology 4525 Cameron Valley Pkwy., Ste. 4100 704-468-8873 atriumhealth.org VICTORIA LACKEY Arthritis & Osteoporosis Consultants of the Carolinas (AOCC) 1918 Randolph Rd., Ste. 600 (More locations listed on website) 704-342-0252 aocc.md

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

71

ANDREW LASTER Arthritis & Osteoporosis Consultants of the Carolinas (AOCC) 1918 Randolph Rd., Ste. 600 (More locations listed on website) 704-342-0252 aocc.md ASHWINI PUNJABI Novant Health Rheumatology & Arthritis - Ballantyne 12311 Copper Way, Ste. 100 704-316-2916 novanthealth.org ELNAZ TABRIZI Novant Health Rheumatology & Arthritis - SouthPark 6324 Fairview Rd, Ste. 330 704-316-1950 novanthealth.org SHEETAL VORA Levine Children’s Hospital Specialty Care - SouthPark 4501 Cameron Valley Pkwy.

(More locations listed on website) 704-381-8840 atriumhealth.org JILL ZOUZOLOUS Tryon Medical Doctors SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. S 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com

Sleep Medicine

NANCY BEHRENS Novant Health Sleep Medicine Matthews 1450 Matthews Township Pkwy., Ste. 410, Matthews (More locations listed on website) 704-316-5000 novanthealth.org KEVIN BURROUGHS Cabarrus Family Medicine Sports Medicine & Injury Center 5651 Poplar Tent Rd., Concord 704-782-4878 atriumhealth.org

72

W. ERIC CLEMONS Tryon Medical Partners SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. S 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com JACOB COLEMAN Tryon Medical Partners Huntersville 9615 Kincey Ave., Ste. 210, Huntersville 704-489-3113 tryonmed.com HEATHER HAVLIK Atrium Health Charlotte Medical Clinic - Arboretum 3025 Springbank Ln. 704-446-2620 atriumhealth.org ANTHONY MARTIN Sports Medicine & Injury Care Randolph 3030 Randolph Rd., Ste. 105 704-863-4878 atriumhealth.org AUGUSTUS PARKER Novant Health Blakeney Family Physicians 5815 Blakeney Park Dr., Ste. 200B 704-316-5080 novanthealth.org LILI POON Novant Health Pediatric Sleep Center - Charlotte 200 Hawthorne Ln. (More locations listed on website) 704-384-9073 novanthealth.org DAVID PRICE Sports Medicine & Injury Care Randolph 3030 Randolph Rd. 704-863-4878 atriumhealth.org CATHERINE RAINBOW Sports Medicine and Injury Care Ballantyne 14214 Ballantyne Lake Rd. 704-863-4878 atriumhealth.org

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

MICHAEL REIF Carolinas HealthCare System Pulmonary Care Medical Center Plaza 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 403 (More locations listed on website) 704-355-5375 atriumhealth.org JASPAL SINGH Carolinas HealthCare System Pulmonary Care Medical Center Plaza 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 403 (More locations listed on website) 704-355-5375 atriumhealth.org EHRLICH TAN Tryon Medical Partners SouthPark 6060 Piedmont Row Dr. S 704-489-3094 tryonmed.com CHRISTIAN TURNER Novant Health Pediatric Sports Medicine - Midtown 201 Queens Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-316-1020 novanthealth.org

Surgery - General

BRYAN BLITSTEIN Surgical Specialists of Charlotte, P.A. - Huntersville 10030 Gilead Rd., Ste. 245, Huntersville (More locations listed on website) 704-895-9390 ssclt.com WYATT FOWLER Novant Health Carolina Surgical Randolph 2104 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-377-3900 novanthealth.org

SANDRA GILLER Surgical Specialists of Charlotte, P.A. - Mercy Medical 2001 Vail Ave., Ste. 320 704-333-0741 ssclt.com KENT KERCHER CMC Surgery 1025 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 300 (More locations listed on website) 704-355-1813 atriumhealth.org LYNNETTE SCHIFFERN Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2000 atriumhealth.org PETER TURK Novant Health Carolina Surgical Randolph 2104 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-377-3900 novanthealth.org KRISTEN WAGNER Surgical Specialists of Charlotte, P.A. - Center City Charlotte 2001 Vail Ave., Ste. 320 704-364-8100 ssclt.com LESLIE WEBSTER III Surgical Specialists of Charlotte, P.A. - Pineville 10512 Park Rd., Ste. 101 704-542-3631 ssclt.com

Surgery - Oncology

WYATT FOWLER Novant Health Carolina Surgical Randolph 2104 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-377-3900 novanthealth.org

2020 TOP DOCS

JOSHUA HILL Levine Cancer Institute Morehead (GI-GU) 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 6100 980-442-6410 atriumhealth.org

Thoracic Surgery

JEFFREY HAGEN Levine Cancer Institute Morehead (Thoracic-Pulmonary) 1021 Morehead Medical Dr. (More locations listed on website) 980-442-3300 atriumhealth.org

LEJLA HADZIKADIC GUSIC Levine Cancer Institute Morehead (Breast & Surgical Oncology) 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 6200 980-442-6400 atriumhealth.org

JONATHAN KRAUT Novant Health Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic - Charlotte 1718 East 4th St., Ste. 105 (More locations listed on website) 704-384-5373 novanthealth.org

LEE PEDERSON Surgical Specialists of Charlotte, P.A. - Center City Charlotte 2001 Vail Ave., Ste. 320 704-364-8100 ssclt.com

ERIC SKIPPER Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute - Charlotte 1001 Blythe Blvd., Suite 300 704-373-0212 atriumhealth.org

DEBA SARMA Levine Cancer Institute - Union (Surgical Oncology) 1550 Faulk St., Ste. 1100 (More locations listed on website) 980-442-0430 atriumhealth.org

TOM THERUVATH Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute (Surgery) 301 Hawthorne Ln., Ste. 200 704-316-5100 novanthealth.org

PETER TURK Novant Health Carolina Surgical Randolph 2104 Randolph Rd. (More locations listed on website) 704-377-3900 novanthealth.org

Urology

RICHARD WHITE Levine Cancer Institute Morehead (Breast & Surgical Oncology) 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., Ste. 6200 980-442-6400 atriumhealth.org

MANISH DAMANI Urology Specialists of the Carolinas-Charlotte 325 Hawthorne Ln., Ste. 300 (More locations listed on website) 704-372-5180 urologyspecialistsnc.com

ZANE BASRAWALA Urology Specialists of the Carolinas-Pineville 10650 Park Rd. 704-541-8207 urologyspecialistsnc.com

JACQUES GANEM Urology Specialists of the Carolinas-Charlotte 325 Hawthorne Ln., Ste. 300 (More locations listed on website) 704-372-5180 urologyspecialistsnc.com

JOHN KIRKLAND JR. Urology Specialists of the Carolinas-Charlotte 325 Hawthorne Ln., Ste. 300 (More locations listed on website) 704-372-5180 urologyspecialistsnc.com

PAUL ORLAND Surgical Specialists of Charlotte, P.A. - Center City Charlotte 2001 Vail Ave., Ste. 320 (More locations listed on website) 704-333-0741 ssclt.com

STEPHEN RIGGS Levine Cancer Institute Morehead (GI-GU) 1021 Morehead Medical Dr. 980-442-6410 atriumhealth.org

WALLACE TARRY Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Concord Cardiothoracic Surgery 200 Medical Park Dr., Ste. 230, Concord (More locations listed on website) 704-403-1349 atriumhealth.org

ORNOB ROY McKay Urology 1023 Edgehill Rd. S (More locations listed on website) 704-355-8686 atriumhealth.org DANIEL WATSON Urology Specialists of the Carolinas-Charlotte 325 Hawthorne Ln., Ste. 300 (More locations listed on website) 704-372-5180 urologyspecialistsnc.com

Vascular Surgery

FRANK ARKO III Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute - Charlotte 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 300 704-373-0212 atriumhealth.org CHARLIE BRIGGS Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute - Charlotte 1001 Blythe Blvd., Ste. 300 704-373-0212 atriumhealth.org JASON BURGESS Surgical Specialists of Charlotte, P.A. - Center City Charlotte 2001 Vail Ave., Ste. 320 704-333-0741 ssclt.com

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

73

2020 TOP DOCTORS

WINNERS

BUY YOUR KEEPSAKE PLAQUE TODAY!

Show off your Top Doctors Award with our high-quality, modern, keepsake plaque. It ships to you ready to hang, no framing necessary.

For pricing and order details, visit

charlottemagazine.com/topdoctors

special advertising section

PHYSICIAN PROFILES Choosing a doctor can be overwhelmingly difficult and worrisome. The relationship with your doctor is a sacred bond of trust, and is therefore one of the most important decisions you will make.

SHUTTERSTOCK

To help you select a practitioner who will meet your needs, the following doctors want to tell you more about themselves, their practice and how partnering with them will improve your quality of life.

Andreas Seibold

special advertising section

Dermatology, Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas (DLVSC) 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 704-375-6766 carolinaskin.com

Dermatology, Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas (DLVSC) is the Carolinas’ premier dermatology and cosmetic surgery practice, offering advanced treatment options for general dermatology, Mohs skin cancer surgery, varicose vein treatments, laser/cosmetic surgery, and cutting-edge research studies.

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 photo-aging 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, and our 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, PA-C, 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.

Jessica Milligan

special advertising section

Led by double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh, Carolina Facial Plastics is the premier facial plastic surgery practice in the Charlotte area. As one of the leading facial plastic surgeons in the country, Dr. Kulbersh provides life-changing natural results at his practice’s brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in SouthPark.

Trained by top plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills, including Dr. Paul Nassif from the TV series Botched, Dr. Kulbersh prides himself on making aesthetic improvements and rejuvenations that harmonize with your natural beauty. His practice is exclusively focused on the face, allowing Dr. Kulbersh to provide specialized and exceptional facial care, and his goal is to surpass your expectations and allow you to look like your unique self.

Dr. Kulbersh and his warm, caring aesthetic specialists will make you feel right at home and are committed to ensuring your safety and comfort during your treatments and recovery. That commitment is evident in every aspect of the practice, which includes an accredited surgical suite for patients’ privacy and best care, as well as a luxurious overnight recovery center for patients to recover after their procedure.

Patients rave about the meticulous attention to detail at Carolina Facial Plastics during procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty, and facial implants, as well as Botox® and fillers. Among his many awards and honors, Dr. Kulbersh has been chosen as a Top 100 RealSelf Doctor four years in a row, is included in the RealSelf Hall of Fame, and a two time Charlotte Magazine’s Best of the Best Award recipient.

Dr. Kulbersh believes it’s an honor and a privilege to serve as your doctor, and he treats his patients with the same care and respect he would give his own family. “Our goal at Carolina Facial Plastics is to help people create the best versions of themselves,” he says. “This is what we consider an excellent and natural result. At Carolina Facial Plastics, everything that we do is all about you.”

Carolina Facial Plastics 6817 Fairview Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210 704-275-3172 carolinafacialplasticsurgery.com

Courtesy

special advertising section

Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center Ballantyne, Concord, Eastover, Gastonia, Hickory, Huntersville, Cornelius, Monroe, Mooresville, Rock Hill, SouthPark, University, Waverly 704-372-7900 carolinaasthma.com

As Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center celebrates its 68th anniversary as the region’s preeminent asthma and allergy practice in 2020, CAAC’s dedicated physicians and staff continue the tradition of excellent personalized care that has set the center apart.

With 13 convenient locations—including our newest office in Hickory—and 16 board-certified allergists, CAAC provides the most comprehensive, specialized asthma, allergy, and immunology diagnosis and treatment in the Carolinas. The practice helps patients of all ages breathe, live, and ultimately thrive by effectively treating and often curing allergy and asthma challenges.

Not only are all 16 physicians board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, but each doctor has also been board certified in Internal Medicine and/or Pediatrics and is trained in the latest advances in food, drug, and insect allergies as well as treatment of asthma. CAAC provides a wide variety of evaluation and treatment options that include but aren’t limited to airborne and insect venom immunotherapy, and asthma monitoring, management, and treatment.

As part of its high standard of patient-focused care, the center staffs registered nurses at each location who are available to answer clinical phone questions throughout the day.

CAAC offers exceptional convenience for patients, especially those who receive ongoing immunotherapy (allergy shots). Not only does CAAC have 13 locations throughout the region, but it offers an “Express” allergy shot service option that doesn’t require check in at the front desk.

The CAAC electronic medical record system includes a patient portal for viewing records and requesting appointments. The allergy shot tracker iPhone app reminds patients when they are due for their next injection and helps keep track of their shot records.

As it celebrates its 68th year, Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center remains unrivaled in its commitment to outstanding care and service.

Emily Decker

special advertising section

Signature Healthcare has provided world-class executive and concierge healthcare in Charlotte for over 17 years as the Carolinas’ first concierge medical practice. Enjoy the benefits of personalized, executive-level care such as a low patient-to-doctor ratio, 24/7 access to physicians (even when traveling), minimal wait times, and comprehensive in-office services at one of the practice’s two convenient locations. Signature’s doctors are all board certified with at least 12 years of clinical experience.

Consider Signature’s Executive Wellness Program to enhance the health and performance of your executive team. Corporate agreements are customized to meet the specific needs of your business.

Throughout the course of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Signature has remained available 24/7 to all of its patient-members, has consistently been on the forefront of accurate testing and treatment for both active disease and antibodies, and will continue to do so.

If your healthcare has been downgraded by indifferent staff, long delays to see a doctor (or even an assistant), and abbreviated appointment times, you’re not alone.

This is exactly what has driven the increasing popularity of concierge medicine and executive healthcare. “Our current medical system can be daunting for patients to navigate, and busy executives don’t have the time to devote to this, especially in the era of COVID-19. By emphasizing lifestyle and prevention, and partnering with each of our patients, we help keep them healthy, reduce frustration, and obtain the very best healthcare. We are available to guide and treat our patients whenever needed,” says Jordan Lipton, MD. Signature Healthcare is the difference between living and living well. Contact Signature today to explore the exclusive corporate wellness and membership options.

Signature Healthcare

Jordan D. Lipton, MD Elizabeth M. Perry, MD Marshall A. Silverman, MD Debra J. Gazzuolo, MD Michael J. Martin, MD Elizabeth I. Abernathy, MD Philip C. Lackey, MD SouthPark 6115 Park South Drive Stes. 100 & 105 Charlotte, NC 28210 Uptown 200 South Tryon Street Ste. 1500 Charlotte, NC 28202

704-554-8787 www.SignatureHealthcare.org

Kim Hummel

special advertising section

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Relief Maeve E. O’Connor, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI, FACP

AAIR Elizabeth 1523 Elizabeth Ave.Ste., 200 Charlotte, NC 28204 AAIR Steele Creek 10926 S. Tryon St., Ste. D Charlotte, NC 28273 AAIR Blakeney 8810 Blakeney Professional Dr., Ste. 100 Charlotte, NC 28277 704-910-1402 aairofcharlotte.com

Led by Dr. Maeve O’Connor, AAIR (Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Relief ) of Charlotte is much more than Charlotte’s premier allergy and asthma clinic. For over seven years, AAIR has delivered the highest level of allergy, asthma, and immunology care—along with many other cutting-edge healthcare and treatment services—at three convenient locations.

After opening in 2013, AAIR became the first board-certified allergy clinic in Charlotte to offer sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), food desensitization, medical laser treatments, integrative medicine, in-office infusion therapy, acupuncture, and nutrition services. From diagnosis to treatment, Dr. O’Connor and her staff handle some of the most complicated and rare immunological conditions, including primary immunodeficiency (PI), hereditary angioedema (HAE), PANDAS (now called post-infection Autoimmune Encephalitis or AE), and many more.

Patients always come first at AAIR, and the clinic provides cost-effective, integrative, innovative, and individualized care for their needs—including the option of “virtual visits” with one of the practice practitioners. AAIR offers a progressive and comprehensive approach for treatment while partnering with patients’ other healthcare providers to create a team focused solely on their health.

AAIR’s exceptional staff includes a pediatric allergist, a physician assistant, and two nurse practitioners, plus a fully trained professional aesthetics team committed to advanced therapy with anti-aging therapeutics. In addition, the practice will soon open the only specialized immunology lab in the region.

Dr. O’Connor continues to be nominated by her peers and patients as one of the most trusted experts in her field. She has been selected for the Best Doctors of America database since 2011, chosen for the North Carolina’s Best Doctors list from 2010-2019, and named a Top Doctor in Charlotte magazine since 2007. Dr. O’Connor and her team take pride in creating a family atmosphere in which the goal is for each patient to feel at home.

“I am so fortunate that I love taking care of patients,” Dr. O’Connor says. “This is an honor I am grateful for every day.”

Kim Hummel

special advertising section

For the past 17 years, Dr. Obinna Oriaku and his staff at Crown Clinic have provided primary care to Charlotteans in the South End neighborhood and beyond. Affectionately referred to by his patients as “Dr. O.,” he has prided himself on making care available to his patients with flexible scheduling and weekend hours.

During this time, he has seen big changes in healthcare, especially starting with the Great Recession of 2008. He watched as many people lost their jobs and therefore their health insurance and could no longer afford their care. Even for those who managed to hold on to jobs, keeping their health insurance became cost prohibitive—and many began skipping routine care that would otherwise prevent complications down the road.

Dr. Oriaku readily points out statistics that confirm the rising cost of healthcare for the consumer and, particularly, the worsening problem that minorities have accessing quality healthcare.

He has witnessed firsthand how disparities in healthcare have taken a great toll on outcomes for his minority clientele, who, according to national statistics, have a lower life expectancy and prevalence of more medical complications. He has pondered for a long time how to bring about better access to care that is convenient and effective by harnessing digital technology. The coronavirus pandemic has unwittingly validated his conclusion that telemedicine is a viable alternative to the traditional care model.

Dr. Oriaku continues to advocate for a sensible alternative to the current way of paying for healthcare. The rise of the gig economy means that many do not have employer-based health insurance and cannot afford a plan on their own. Not providing for them means leaving a large chunk of our population to fend for themselves, only to show up in the emergency room when complications arise. Dr. Oriaku believes he can come up with a compelling new way of doing healthcare and cannot wait to share what he has found.

Crown Clinic PA Obinna Oriaku, MD

4500 South Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28217 704-527-5522 crownclinicpa.com

Kim Hummel

special advertising section

Oncology Specialists of Charlotte

Justin P. Favaro, MD, PhD Hadley M. Spencer, FNP-C Natalie F. O’Kelly, FNP-C Brooke A. Davis, FNP-C, OCN Charlotte 2630 E. 7th St. Ste. 210 Charlotte, NC 28204 South Charlotte 7108 Pineville-Matthews Rd. Ste. 102 Charlotte, NC 28226 704-342-1900 oncologycharlotte.com

“From genetic testing to hair preservation, we walk alongside you during your entire journey.”

Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, a tight-knit team of dedicated clinicians, nurses, and administrative staff, is your home for cancer care in uptown and South Charlotte. Led by Dr. Justin Favaro, OSC offers the most advanced cancer treatment options while treating every patient and loved one with compassion. OSC is independent and is not obligated to make referrals to any particular health system. The care provided exceeds the standard of care, is family-oriented, and avoids the added costs seen in hospital-based practices.

OSC offers many of the elements of comprehensive care in both offices.

In addition to the management of all types of cancer and blood disorders, intravenous infusion of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, IV Iron, and IV fluids are administered. Infusion and injection services for other specialties are available. Medications are dispensed from our in-office pharmacy, and clinical trials are available. OSC is one of the few practices in North Carolina to offer DigniCap, a scalp-cooling technology to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

“Truly exceptional care,” breast cancer survivor Julie Constantino of Charlotte said about OSC. “I honestly cannot say enough positive things regarding Dr. Favaro and his practice. The level of care is simply outstanding.

Dr. Favaro is not only an incredibly smart, highly trained, and knowledgeable doctor, but he is a genuinely kind and compassionate person. It is very evident that he and his team sincerely care about the total well-being of each and every patient. While I have had great doctors in New York and Chicago, the level of care he and his team provide surpass them all.”

CONGRATUL ATIONS to the 2020

DOCTORS We’re honoring the 2020 Top Doctors at a reception at the new Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte on Nov. 13.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

ClosetsbyDesign

®

Closets byDesign

®

Look for your invitation in the mail with information on how to purchase tickets.

Learn more at charlottemagazine.com/topdoctors.

SPECIAL SPECIALADVERTISING ADVERTISINGSECTION SECTION

SHUTTERSTOCK

Time to get away for a while! The destinations on the following pages will provide the perfect escape.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ROCK BARN COUNTRY CLUB & SPA

R

ock Barn Country Club & Spa is a resort-style community with public amenities and a private club, located in western North Carolina. The Jackson golf course, The Spa at Rock Barn, Sue’s Grill, and our event spaces for corporate meetings, private parties, and weddings are all available to the public.

Membership at the Club affords exclusive access to our fitness center, pool, tennis complex, restaurants, monthly social events, dining experiences, and group activities designed to keep our members engaged all year.

Lodging guests enjoy access to member amenities during their stay, making for a perfect weekend destination. While here, guests can play golf and tennis, swim at the aquatic center, book services at the Spa, and relax on the Spa Deck.

For over 50 years, Rock Barn has been a destination for our community, our residents, and our members to play, relax, dine, and live.

ROCK BARN COUNTRY CLUB & SPA Plan your trip at rockbarn.com call 828-459-1125 or email events@rockbarn.com

YANCEY COUNTY

B

egin your getaway by exploring the Burnsville Town Square. Stroll the sidewalks on Main Street, and visit independent retailers and friendly eateries. Drive Highway 80 along the scenic Toe River, and stop in artists’ studios in Micaville along the way. Breathe in fresh mountain air on the Blue Ridge Parkway, roll the windows down and let nature in.

Follow the scenic Parkway to mile marker 355, Mt. Mitchell State Park. At 6,684 feet, Mt. Mitchell’s dramatic summit is the highest point east of the Mississippi River and offers unmatched, ever-expansive views. The park has an easily accessible observation deck, concessions, a museum, camping facilities, and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore short hikes near the summit and challenging treks to adjacent wilderness areas. After a day of nature and forest therapy, return to town for libations at Homeplace Brewery.

Make plans to visit the The Bare Dark Sky Observatory to view the moon, planets, and stars while experiencing the wonders of the universe. The 34” Sam Scope is the largest telescope in the Southeast dedicated for research and public use. Learn more at exploreburnsville.com.

Yancey County Plan your trip at exploreburnsville.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

COME OUT TO PLAY IN OUR 8,000-ACRE BACKYARD

T

he roses are beginning to bloom. And Biltmore’s gates are open wide. Summer, in all of its lush, green-grass glory, is returning once more to Biltmore.

It’s time to come out to play. Biltmore’s 8,000acre backyard offers a world of adventure for guests of all ages. Hike through pristine forestlands. Float along the French Broad River. Get lost along miles of winding, wonderful garden paths. Or simply enjoy the s eepin lue id e ountain vie s rom fishin to bike riding, and from star-gazing to horseback riding, Biltmore Estate offers a true wealth of warmweather activities.

One of our favorite Biltmore pastimes is a picnic with a vie into the past centur icture it a delicious field to-blanket selection of the Estate’s freshest ingredients, cheeses, and chef-made pastries; a chilled bottle of one of Biltmore’s own Reserve wines; and perhaps best of all the scener rollin hills ild o ers and the majestic façade of America’s Largest Home®.

To plan your Biltmore summer getaway, and to learn more about the special packages available – with stays at the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate® or the convenient Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate® – visit Biltmore.com/stay.

BILTMORE® Plan your trip at biltmore.com/stay or call 800-411-3812

MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF

L

ocated between Hilton Head, SC and Savannah, under a hour drive from Charlotte ou ll find Montage Palmetto Bluff. With 20,000 acres of pristine Lowcountry terrain, Palmetto Bluff encompasses walking trails, two vibrant villages, an array of shops and eight delectable restaurants. Upon arrival, most guests surrender their cars and leisurely make their way around the property on the main mode of transportation, bicycle.

This unparalleled coastal setting adorned with 100-yearold oak trees and 32 miles of waterfront has an abundance of space to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Miles of serene fresh ater a s allo for a a in electric boats and fishin The surrounding tidal estuary of the May River provides ample room for boatin a a in and fishin amon st the resident population of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. On land there are no shortage of activities, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf, tennis, croquet, pickleball, 13-station sporting clays course, archery, air ri e and a orld class pa onta e are ust the be innin With this bounty of activity there are also a variety of accommodations to choose from, guest rooms to cottages to Village Homes allow for varying degrees of privacy and space. Wrapped in the warmth of southern hospitality, a getaway to Montage Palmetto Bluff will leave you with a lifetime of memories.

MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF Plan your trip at montagehotels.com/palmettobluff or call 855-264-8705

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WONDERS NEVER CEASE AT GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

A

t more than a mile above sea level, Grandfather Mountain — a nonprofit nature preserve in Linville, N.C. — offers visitors a unique vantage point to the natural world.

With panoramic views of the Western North Carolina High Country, the park is home to the world-famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, environmental wildlife habitats (featuring rescued black bears, cougars, bald eagles, river otters and elk), access to 12 miles of hiking trails, a nature museum, 100plus picnic sites, a restaurant, eco-friendly fudge shop, daily nature programs and more, all adding up to mountains of family fun.

With handicapped accessibility, even right up to the swinging bridge, Grandfather Mountain allows guests to customize and personalize their experience — from a backcountry adventure to a leisurely drive.

Grandfather Mountain is open year-round, weather permitting, with the exception of Christmas and Thanksgiving. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com, or call 800-468-7325.

EXPERIENCE GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN Plan your trip at grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325

FIVE STAR PROFESSIONAL

Who will be named a 2020 award winner?

Find out in a special section of the December issue Tell us about your home professional today — they could win the Five Star award! Go to www.fivestarprofessional.com/homesurvey or call 651-259-1865.

Untitled-3 1

4/1/20 2:35 PM

THE GUIDE

Restaurants YOUR GUIDE TO CHARLOTTE’S DINING SCENE KID CASHEW

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. (980-8199494) 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. (704333-0063) L, 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, thincrust pizzas, note-perfect risotto, and daring meat entrées. 2418 Park Rd. (704-333-3062) L, D, BAR ✸☎

FRAN’S FILLING STATION

$$-$$$

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

LEBOWSKI’S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL

$$

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

$

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 ✸

THE SUMMIT ROOM

$$-$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Southern classics take on a new form—and global influence—at this easygoing spot.

1531 East Blvd. (980-237-2227) D, BAR ✸☎

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. (704-377-9017) 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

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Owner and executive chef Trey 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 ✸☎

EARL’S GROCERY

$

AMERICAN This upscale marketplace, with sandwiches, salads, and daily specials, is a welcome afternoon spot for a grab-and-go meal or a bite and people-watching.

1609 Elizabeth Ave. (704-333-2757) B, BR, L, D, V ✸

❤ 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 ✸

Huntersville/Lake Norman ALIÑO PIZZERIA

$$

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. A second location is at Concord Mills. 500 S. Main St., Ste. 401, Mooresville. (704-663-0010) L, D, B/W ✸

$$-$$$

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

$$

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 ✸

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 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.”

❤ 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. (704-237-3246) BR, L, 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. (704997-5365) 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 ✸

Matthews/Mint Hill 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

$-$$

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

$$$

VOLO RISTORANTE

$$$

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. (704708-9888) 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, wood-fired 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. (704845-1899) 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. (704-333-7884) L, (weekdays), D, BAR ✸

FENWICK’S

$$

AMERICAN A Myers Park mainstay since the 1980s, 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

$$

SOUTHERN A casual eatery known for its fried chicken, Leroy Fox serves Southern classics and upscale pub grub, with an additional location in South End. 705 S. Sharon Amity Rd. (704-366-3232) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

MAMA RICOTTA’S

$$

ITALIAN Frank Scibelli’s (Midwood Smokehouse, Yafo, Paco’s) first restaurant does simple Italian dishes

ITALIAN Volo translates to "flight," which is the Italian answer to a tasting menu. Let the chef choose a meat, vegetable, or seafood flight for you, or order off the dinner menu and enjoy a plate of gnocchi, risotto, or tortellini paired with a glass of chianti. 1039 Providence Rd. (704-919-1020) D, BAR ☎

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. (704-376-1781) 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

BENNY PENNELLO’S

$

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) L, D, B/W

Best Bites Our favorite dish this month, chosen by Charlotte magazine staff

ANDY SMITH

CHICKEN & WAFFLES, $10.99-$11.99 MIDNIGHT DINER WHEN I LAST VISITED this hallowed institution near uptown, I was on a low-carb diet. But when in Midnight Diner, do as the Midnight Diners do. The chicken & waffles here are the gold-brown standard of no-frills Southern breakfast food. Enormous wings, described on the menu as "marinated in Chef Lee's special marinade and coated with his secret flour mix," rival the size of the Belgian waffle. From the mirrored exterior and friendly staff to the tall stacks of hot cakes and mountainous sides, Midnight Diner is a vibe. And it’s why the “cheat day” was created. —Andy Smith

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

89

THE GUIDE CABO FISH TACO

$-$$

CRÊPE CELLAR KITCHEN & PUB

$-$$

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 ✸

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. (980-595-6174) L, D, V

EL THRIFTY

$-$$

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. (980-9497837) L, D, BAR ✸

THE GOODYEAR HOUSE

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Grab a table in the botanist room or the open patio on a warm night, and enjoy elevated comfort food like smoked cashew mac and cheese and guinea hen stew. 3032 N. Davidson St. (704-9100132) L, D, BAR ✸

❤ HABERDISH

$$-$$$

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 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 ✸

JACKBEAGLE’S

$

AMERICAN A mainstay for the locals, this place serves unconventional bar bites like mac-and-blue-cheese with bacon. 3213 N. Davidson St. (704-334-5140) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

$ Most entrées under $10 $$ Most entrées $10-$17 $$$ Most entrées $18-$25 $$$$ Most entrées $26 & up

❤ B BR L D V

90

Best Restaurants Breakfast Weekend brunch Lunch Dinner Vegetarian friendly

B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available Reservations suggested

☎

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

LEAH & LOUISE

$$

LANG VAN

$

LUPIE'S CAFE

$

SOUTHERN A James Beard-nominated chef and Soul Food Sessions co-founder Greg Collier serves the dishes he grew up on, like hot fried quail and dirty grits, in a space modeled after a Memphis-style juke joint. 301 Camp Rd., Ste. 101 (980-309-0690) D, BAR ✸ ☎

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

PAPI QUESO

$-$$

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., (704-374-1232) L, D, B/W

ROOM AND BOARD

$-$$

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 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. (704-5791779) L, D, V

AMERICAN Inside a two-story Victorian home and former boarding house, have your choice of sandwiches, burgers, and wings, or come for Sunday brunch and get a "hangover pizza." 3228 N. Davidson St. (980-4303136) BR (Sun) L, D, BAR

Plaza Midwood/East Charlotte ACE NO. 3

$

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, ✸

CILANTRO NOODLE

$-$$

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, V, B/W ✸

COALTRANE’S

$-$$

AMERICAN Rotisserie chicken with South Americaninspired sides makes for a healthy and fast lunch or dinner. 1518 Central Ave. (980-265-1290) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

COMMON MARKET

$

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 ✸

DIAMOND RESTAURANT

$-$$

DISH

$-$$

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 ✸

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 ✸

❤ MIDWOOD SMOKEHOUSE

$$

MOO & BREW

$$

❤ NC RED

$$

SAL'S PIZZA FACTORY

$$

❤ SOUL GASTROLOUNGE

$$

SNOOZE: AN A.M. EATERY

$$

THREE AMIGOS

$$

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. (704-243-5070) 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., 704-536-1851.

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

Charlotte’s Top Spots Go Curbside Amid the coronavirus epidemic, many restaurants on our “50 Best” list started offering curbside options. As of late May, these spots were doing just that:

Uptown THE ASBURY

235 N. Tryon St. 704-342-1193 OPTIONS: Curbside pickup, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. To-go menu on its site (linked above).

Chef Mike Long’s inventive menu mixes countryside favorites like biscuits and deviled eggs with bold flavors and contemporary techniques.

STOKE

100 W. Trade St. 704-353-6005 OPTIONS: Curbside pickup, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. To-go menu on its site (linked above).

Hotel dining gets an upgrade with this wood-fired grill, family-style concept in Marriott City Center.

ANGELINE’S

303 S. Church St. 704-445-2540 OPTIONS: Curbside pickup, Sun-Thur, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Fri, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Currently, they’re offering 20% off on all of these orders.)

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.

South End/Dilworth BARDO

1508 S. Mint St. 980-585-2433 OPTIONS: Curbside pickup, Mon-Sat, 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (They’re also offering to-go cocktail kits for $8 that make two cocktails and include instructions.)

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.

COPPER

311 East Blvd.

704-333-0063 OPTIONS: Take out and curbside pickup during regular hours. The restaurant also has free delivery with a minimum order of $40 within a 5-mile radius.

Ease into Indian cuisine with standard dishes like chicken tikka masala, or be more adventurous with the seafood medley “anjeeri” and dial up the spice.

300 EAST

300 East Blvd.

704-332-6507 OPTIONS: Curbside pickup, with regular menu options and new family-style options. Owners say hours vary based on demands, but typically, the business is open 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. right now.

The interior of this old house-turned-restaurant is welcoming, as is the menu of familiar and surprising sandwiches, salads, and entrées. Save room for dessert by pastry chef Laney Jahkel-Parrish.

BONTERRA

1829 Cleveland Ave. 704-333-9463 OPTIONS: Takeout, curbside pick-up, and delivery (within 3 miles) are available. Hours are 4 p.m-8 p.m. right now.

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.

FUTO BUTA

222 E. Bland St. 704-376-8400 OPTIONS: Takeout and curbside pick-up daily until 9 p.m.

This ramen house promises authenticity, irreverence, and delightful, salty bowls of the hot noodle soup.

NoDa/North of Charlotte HABERDISH

3106 N. Davidson St. 704-817-1084 OPTIONS: Order online and pick up to-go orders on the patio or curbside 4-8 p.m.

Southern appetizers, fried chicken, and apothecary cocktails from Colleen Hughes draw a hip crowd to this mill town southern kitchen.

KINDRED

Plaza Midwood/Elizabeth MIDWOOD SMOKEHOUSE

1401 Central Ave. 704-295-4227 OPTIONS: Curbside pick-up for online orders. (Service temporarily discontinued at Cross Hill and Birkdale locations) 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.

SOUL GASTROLOUNGE

1500 Central Ave. 704-348-1848 OPTIONS: Takeout or curbside pickup 5-10 p.m. daily, or limited delivery to 28202, 28203, 28204 and 28205 zip codes.

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.

SWEET LEW’S BBQ

923 Belmont Ave. 980-224-7584 OPTIONS: Limited menu items available for curbside pick-up at Dish, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Demand for Lewis Donald's barbecue hasn't wavered since the "shack" opened last year. Donald co-owns Dish in Plaza Midwood, and he's currently selling his Sweet Lew's to-go items there.

PIZZERIA OMAGGIO

131 N. Main St. 980-231-5000 OPTIONS: Curbside pick-up or delivery. (The $5 delivery fee and any gratuity goes to the hourly team whose income has been eliminated.)

Every meal at the Davidson restaurant starts the same way: with cloud-like milk bread, an appetizer with such a following, Kindred made T-shirts. The subsequent dishes are just as beautiful, and they’ve earned chef and co-owner Joe Kindred a James Beard nod for the past four years.

1055 Metropolitan Ave., Ste. 130 704-370-0777 OPTIONS: Takeout and curbside pick-up until 9 p.m.

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.

HELLO, SAILOR

6601 Morrison Blvd.

704-366-8688 OPTIONS: Orders can be placed online from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Guests can park in one of the designated Rooster’s To-Go parking spaces outside of the restaurant and pick up at the hostess stand.

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.

20210 Henderson Rd. 704-997-5365 OPTIONS: Hello, Sailor has closed and shifted to curbside pick-up and delivery services at Kindred restaurant.

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.

South Charlotte ROOSTER’S WOOD-FIRED KITCHEN

JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

91

THE GUIDE custom-built walnut bar. 1531 Central Ave. (980-2248234) 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

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 ✸

EIGHT + SAND KITCHEN

❤ FUTO BUTA

$$$

NEW AMERICAN Nosh on Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired tapas or customize a charcuterie board with meats from different regions in Europe. Choose from more than 400 wines, and don't miss the olive oil cake. 101 W. Worthington Ave., Ste. 110. (704-7410300) D, BAR ✸☎

❤ BARDO

$$$

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. (704-523-9977) 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. (704-5258865) L (Mon-Sat)

BREWERS AT 4001 YANCEY

$$

ILIOS CRAFTED GREEK

$-$$

$$-$$$

$$$$

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

$-$$

$

MOCCO BISTRO

$

❤

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

☎

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

$$

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 ✸

SOUTHBOUND

$-$$

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 ✸

$$

MIDNIGHT DINER

B BR

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 (MonSat), D, BAR ☎

LUNA’S LIVING KITCHEN

THE DUNAVANT

$ Most entrées under $10 $$ Most entrées $10-$17 $$$ Most entrées $18-$25 $$$$ Most entrées $26 & up

$

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 ✸

BARBECUE Solid barbecue and cold beer (150 choices) in a bike-themed space draw fun-loving crowds, with additional locations in Matthews and Lake Norman.

2511 South Blvd. (704-522-6227) L, D, BAR ✸

STEAK HOUSE The signature steak and bottomless fries dinner, which includes bread, a choice of soup or

PRICE’S CHICKEN COOP

KOREAN BBQ Marinated meats at this all-you-caneat hangout come with Korean sides like steamed egg soufflé. 1400 S. Church St., Ste. B. (980-299-4389) L, D, (Mon-Fri) BAR

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 ✸☎

$$$

$$-$$$

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.

ITALIAN Atherton Mill's rustic Italian restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas and hand-crafted pastas, proving certain dishes are classics for a reason. 2046 South Blvd.

(704-741-9004) L, D, BAR

LET'S MEAT KBBQ

O-KU

$$

MEDITERRANEAN Get authentic Greek fare from the team behind Ilios Noche in a fast casual setting. Build a dish with your choice of roasted chicken, lamb, or pork, and chose from a rotation of sides like chickpea salad, Aegean slaw, and zucchini fritters. 1514 S. Church St., (980-237-1949) L, D, ✸

INDACO

$$-$$$

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 ☎

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 ✸ NEW LISTING

BARCELONA WINE BAR

$

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, B/W

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 ✸

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 ✸

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, B/W ✸

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. (704-370-0100) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

SUPERICA

$$-$$$

THE WATERMAN FISH BAR

$$-$$$

❤ ZEPPELIN

$$-$$$

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 (Tues-Sat), BAR ✸

South Charlotte (Arboretum, Ballantyne, Pineville, Fort Mill) BIG VIEW DINER

$$

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

$$-$$$

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

$$-$$$

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 ✸

THE FLIPSIDE CAFÉ

$$-$$

NEW SOUTHERN Chefs Jon and Amy Fortes’ first restaurant makes you feel right at home, but the food lets 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

$$-$$$

❤ 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 (MonSat), BAR ☎

CAFÉ MONTE

$$-$$$

FRENCH Monte Smith has done a bang-up job re-creating a classic French restaurant, and diners react enthusiastically at brunch, lunch, and dinner. 6700 Fairview Rd. (704-552-1116) B, L, D, BAR ✸☎

CANTINA 1511

$$

❤ CORKBUZZ

$$-$$$

MEXICAN This easy, casual spot draws crowds for its fresh takes on Mexican cuisine and fine margarita list.

4271 Park Rd. (704-331-9222) L, D, V, BAR ✸☎

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 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 (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

GALLERY RESTAURANT

❤ DOGWOOD SOUTHERN TABLE + 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

THE PORTER’S HOUSE

$$$-$$$$

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 ✸☎

RED ROCKS CAFÉ

$$-$$$

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 ☎

$$

GERMAN Family-friendly Waldhorn offers authentic German dishes in a Bavarian setting. 12101 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. (704-540-7047) BR (Sun), L, D, BAR ✸

SouthPark/Park Road ❤ BAR MARCEL

$$-$$$

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 ✸☎

BAKU

$$$

$$-$$$

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 ✸

WALDHORN

❤ DOT DOT DOT

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) D, BAR

AMERICAN Consistently good pasta,rock 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 (Sun), L, D, V, BAR ✸

SPICE ASIAN KITCHEN

$$$

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 (Sun), 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 ☎

❤ FLOUR SHOP

❤ GOOD FOOD ON MONTFORD

$$$

$$

❤ PEPPERVINE

$$$$

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. (980-2832333) D, V, BAR ✸☎

REID’S FINE FOODS

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Stellar service and a reliable menu 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

$$$-$$$$

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 (weekends), D, BAR ✸☎

❤ ROOSTER’S WOOD-FIRED KITCHEN

$$-$$$

$$

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 ✸

$-$$

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 ✸☎

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

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. (704-7168226) L, D, V, BAR ✸

$$-$$$

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 (Sun), L, D, BAR ✸

HIBISCUS

$$$$

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 ☎

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, BAR ☎

HARPER’S RESTAURANT

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 ☎

$$-$$$

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 ✸

SIR EDMOND HALLEY’S

$$

TOSCANA

$$$

❤ UPSTREAM

$$$-$$$$

YAFO KITCHEN

$$

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 ✸☎

MEDITERRANEAN With additional locations in Dilworth and Plaza Midwood, this fast-casual concept serves Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired fare JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

93

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 (Mon-Sat), 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 ✸

FIREWATER

$$-$$$

AMERICAN The food here is primarily American bistrostyle, but the owner’s family tuna business makes apps like the tuna tartare standouts. 8708 J. W. Clay Blvd.

(704-549-0050) L (weekends), D, BAR ✸

ZAPATA’S CANTINA

$$

MEXICAN Expect typical Mexican fare in a high-energy dining room, with an additional location in Ballantyne.

8927 J.M. Keynes Dr., in University Place shopping center. (704-503-1979) L, D, BAR

$$ -$$$

$$$

ITALIAN The Italian-inspired entreés at this uptown

$ Most entrées under $10 $$ Most entrées $10-$17 $$$ Most entrées $18-$25 $$$$ Most entrées $26 & up

❤ B BR L D V

94

Best Restaurants Breakfast Weekend brunch Lunch Dinner Vegetarian friendly

$$$

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

$$-$$$

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 (weekdays), D, V, BAR ☎

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. (980-349-4078) D, BAR ☎

COCO + THE DIRECTOR

$

$-$$$

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

❤ THE ASBURY

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 ☎

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

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

$$$

$$$

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

❤ ARIA TUSCAN GRILL

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. (704353-6003) B, L, D, B/W

Uptown 204 NORTH

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 ✸☎

B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available Reservations suggested

☎

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

COWBELL BURGER & BAR

DANDELION MARKET

$$

$$-$$$

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

ESSEX BAR & BISTRO

$$-$$$

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 ✸☎

EVOKE

$$$-$$$$

FAHRENHEIT

$$$-$$$$

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. (704-6022750) 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. (704800-5680) 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. (704-910-0865) BR, L, D, V, 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 ✸☎

THE KING’S KITCHEN

$$-$$$

❤ LA BELLE HELENE

$$$ - $$$$

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) L (weekdays) D, B/W, ✸☎

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

$$$

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

$$

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 ✸☎

❤ McNINCH HOUSE

$$$$

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. (704-332-6159) D, BAR ☎

MERT’S HEART AND SOUL

$-$$

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 ✸

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

MIMOSA GRILL

$$$

NEW SOUTHERN This popular after-work spot has a seasonal menu, friendly service, tasty seafood dishes, and interesting grits 327 S. Tryon St. (704-343-0700) 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. (704-3320557) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

QUEEN CITY Q

$

BARBECUE Here, the barbecue slow-cooks 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

$$-$$$

❤ NOBLE SMOKE

$-$$

BARBECUE Feast on Carolina-style pork and Texas-style 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 ✸☎

BOSSY BEULAH'S

$

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 it with a sweet tea or Cheerwine. 2200 Freedom Dr. (980737-1400) L, D, ✸

PINKY’S WESTSIDE GRILL

$

TOUCAN LOUIE'S

$

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 ✸

CARIBBEAN With state-sourced meats smoked inhouse and strictly N.C. 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 ✸

CROSSWORD OF THE MONTH

By Andy Smith

ANSWERS can be found online at charlottemagazine.com/ crossword.

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

$$

ASIAN Lightning-fast, friendly service complements hot, savory Chinese favorites such as Sha Cha Shrimp and Mongolian Chicken. 214 N. Tryon St., Ste. 110. (704333-5189) L, D, B/W

❤ STOKE

$$$

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

$$

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

$-$$

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. (704-230-4346) B, L

West/Northwest Charlotte COMMUNITY TABLE BISTRO

$

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 (weekdays), V ✸

ESTIA'S KOUZINA

$$-$$$

❤ 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 ☎ JULY 2020 // CHARLOTTE

95

YOU ARE HERE Each month, we’ll throw a dart at a map and write about where it lands.

LOCATION: 6500 Elmstone Dr.

ne Dr.

lmsto 6500 E

Boulder Choices

WHOEVER NAMED Big Rock Nature Preserve was certainly going for understatement. It’s easy to see it on a map and decide it’s nothing worth visiting.

But that would be a huge mistake.

The 22-acre preserve sits in the middle of Ballantyne’s Thornhill neighborhood and is one of Mecklenburg County’s geological marvels. You know you’ve reached it only when you see the county parks sign on Elmstone Drive.

Park on the street, walk a short stretch down a wooded dirt path, and behold

96

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2020

the house-sized granite boulders that loom before you.

Gnarled trees have grown around and between them, and there’s nothing off-limits to human or animal visitors.

Feeling daring? Climb up. Need a new profile pic? Strike a pensive pose beneath towering granite ledges or hop across the rocks that run through McAlpine Creek, which bisects the property.

There’s archaeological evidence that Native Americans lived there 7,000

years ago. The Charlotte Historic Landmarks Commission has designated the site a historic landmark. Vandals do occasionally graffiti the rocks—a consequence of an unguarded slice of nature within city limits.

But the stains are easy to overlook if you focus on the sheer size and shape of the boulders and the feeling of connection they give you, to nature and to history. —Cristina Bolling

SHAW NIELSEN; CRISTINA BOLLING

A nature preserve? In Ballantyne? Yep. Don’t take it for granite

2020 T H E B O Bs A N N U A L PA R T Y I S I N F U L L B L O O M !

NEW

DATE

!

T H U R S D AY, O C T O B E R 1 General Admission 7 - 9:30 p.m. | BOB Award Winners 6:30-9:30 p.m.

THE MINT MUSEUM UPTOWN

Sample fresh bites and festive cocktails from award-winning restaurants, enjoy live entertainment, and more, as we celebrate the B E S T OF THE B E S T of Charlotte in a beautiful garden paradise.

Floral and botanical-inspired attire encouraged.

T I C K E T S O N S A L E AT: CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM/BOBSPARTY

ClosetsbyDesign

®

SP ON SORED BY:

Closets byDesign

®