Charlotte Magazine January 2022

Donte Jackson Gives Back p. 13

How Charlotte Eats Greek p. 34

Hops Ahoy! p. 40

Retireme nt Living O ur Local

Guide

p. 43

Best New Restaurants JANUARY 2022

charlottemagazine.com

Serving Charlotte’s Luxury Home Market Since 1975

Woman Founded. Family Owned. Locally Operated. helenadamsrealty.com

|

704. 944. 9237

|

@helenadamsrealty

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

A NOVEL PLACE

CH A P TER 22

Spring Breaks

The seas roared with excitement as if to say, “Welcome to vacation.” Boards in hand, they made their way to catch white-water swells and the rush they’d been dreaming of.

And with that, thoughts of school and work vanished in their wake.

Discover incredible seasonal offers at CrystalCoastNC.org

CONTENTS CHARLOTTE / JANUARY 2022 / VOL. 27, NUMBER 1

Features 64

25 BEST NEW RESTAURANTS This year, restaurateurs seemed to settle into a post-virus swing even as the overall scene continued to expand and diversify. It’s a lot to digest, but Charlotte continues to impress us with its culinary range and resilience

BY TAYLOR BOWLER AND GREG LACOUR

78

OLD PLAYERS, NEW VENTURES Restaurant veterans expand their Charlotte footprints with new cafés, bakeries, tasting rooms, and food stalls

BY TAYLOR BOWLER

81

AN APPETITE FOR SOUTH END The national and regional restaurant chains coming to this booming neighborhood in 2022

Plus 79

THE 50 BEST RESTAURANTS IN CHARLOTTE Our updated annual list

ON THE COVER: The Ceviche Aguachile from Mariposa. Photograph by Peter Taylor.

ON THIS PAGE: The Seared Salmon at Dilworth Tasting Room SouthPark.

Photograph by Peter Taylor.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

5

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. ENDLESS OPPORTUNITY. MUSIC

BUSINESS

Best Value Schools 2020

Best Online Bachelor’s, U.S. News & World Report 2021

#1 in the U.S.

#1 in N.C.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Best Colleges U.S. News 2022

NURSING

Top 3 in N.C. U.S. News 2022

APPAREL DESIGN

Top 5 -South fashion-schools.org 2020

Jan. 15

deadline for automatic scholarship consideration for Fall 2022 Welcome to a place where classes are small and resources many.

Where professors are accomplished researchers and dedicated mentors. Where a campus tucked between trees is walking distance to a charming downtown. And where 20,000 ambitious students are being shaped into the change-makers our world needs.

go.uncg.edu/future

21

13

01 22 CONTENTS IN EVERY ISSUE 8 From the Editor 10

Connect

104 You Are Here

CAROLINA PANTHERS/JASON MICZEK; OLLY YUNG; PETER TAYLOR; HERMAN NICHOLSON

THE GUIDE 100 Seen The city’s best party pics

31

24 THE BUZZ 13 Life Lessons Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson on perseverance and the value of being there 16

Community University City’s plan for the future

THE GOOD LIFE 21 Style Gold leaf artist Kelly Aiken 24

Health Dr. Anne McIntosh develops a transparent mask for lip readers

26

Room We Love A whimsical green playroom

28

Building History The Historic Landmarks Commission designated 10 historic sites in 2021

29

30

Hot Listings Beautiful residences in Ballantyne Playlist The best things to do and see this month

FOOD + DRINK 31 Now Open Night Swim Coffee opens four cafés and a roastery 34

Local Flavor What’s left of the Greek legacy in Charlotte

37

On the Line Pastry chef Christine Clancy

38

Restaurant Guide Where to find light, healthy fare in Charlotte

40

Beer Hoppy beers, explained

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

7

F RO M T H E E D I TO R

DOWN THE GULLET The dizzying array of styles, ingredients, experiments, and pizzas that populate Charlotte food, 2022

Volume 27, Number 1

JANUARY 2022

morrismedianetwork.com

www.charlottemagazine.com

BY THE WAY: Hi. I’m the new editor of this magazine, replacing Andy Smith, who’s moved to an associate publisher position. If you’re a regular reader, you’ve seen my byline a good bit over the years in these pages, where I’ve written about people, institutions, politics—plenty of politics—food, nature, Russians, and, once, a police pig. See? Variety! Charlotte really does “got a lot”!

In all seriousness, it’s a thrill to assume the helm of this publication, which has a unique opportunity to tell the story of a rapidly emerging American city as it emerges, which doesn’t happen in just any ol’ collection of skyscrapers and freeways. It’s certainly not the case in my hometown, New Orleans, where you can practically smell the history as it rises from the cracks in the sidewalks.

I’ll always love the Crescent City. But I’ve been here for 15 years, which I suppose makes me a Charlotte long-timer. Although I remain a Saints fan—the Who Dat Nation does not grant dual citizenship, especially to a division rival—I’ve come to love this city, too, as it shape-shifts into a future that might look different in another month. Drop me a line if you have a story idea, or to share what I’m confident is a deep and mutual hatred of the Falcons.

GREG LACOUR greg.lacour@charlottemagazine.com

8

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

PUBLISHER Allison Hollins ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Andy Smith ADVERTISING SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Gail Dougherty, David Hughes ADVERTISING SERVICE COORDINATOR Tonya Ray EDITORIAL EDITOR Greg Lacour LIFESTYLE EDITOR Taylor Bowler ASSOCIATE EDITOR Tess Allen COPY EDITOR/FACT-CHECKER Allison Braden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cristina Bolling, Tom Hanchett, Kathleen Purvis, Carroll Walton ART & PHOTOGRAPHY ART DIRECTOR Jane Fields CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Daniel Coston, Herman Nicholson, Peter Taylor, Olly Yung CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS Daniel Guidera, Shaw Nielsen DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR Kendra Kuhar

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.

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES

877-248-9624 ADVERTISERS For advertising information and rates please contact us at advertising@charlottemagazine.com.

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

MORRIS MEDIA NETWORK PRESIDENT Tina Battock VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Scott Ferguson DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION Sherry Brown ACCOUNTING MANAGER Veronica Brooks CIRCULATION BUSINESS MANAGER Michelle Rowe MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, LLC CHAIRMAN William S. Morris III CEO Craig S. Mitchell

LOGAN CYRUS

CITIES AND REGIONS gain identities through food. Lexington has its barbecue. Charleston has its low country dishes, usually seafaring arthropods in grits. Memphis has its ribs. Spread out farther. New Orleans has Creole. Chicago has deep-dish pizza. The Southwest has Mexican.

Southern California has Mexican, too, and fish tacos, and Asian. New York has everything.

Charlotte? Well, it’s hard to say and always has been. “Charlotte cuisine,” assuming the existence of such a thing, is a work in progress, like everything else in this city. You’ve always been able to find good hamburgers, a couple of old-school steak joints, some fine dining, and chains, lots of chains. More than once, I’ve heard Charlotte characterized as “the Applebee’s of cities” and felt compelled to defend its food scene’s honor.

C’mon, guys, I’d think. We’ve risen to at least the status of a Chili’s.

But the ecosystem of Charlotte restaurants has grown quite a bit in the past five years or so, and diversified, too. You still can’t pinpoint a distinctive Charlotte cuisine, in part because too many restaurateurs are too busy trying too many new and different things: fresh interpretations of Latin staples; multiple variations on Japanese; bakeries and brasseries; steakhouses and high-end Southern; and, of course, Charlotte’s latest culinary obsession, the race to reinvent Italian.

(You really can put anything on pizza.)

Taylor Bowler, our lifestyle editor, steered our Best New Restaurants package, which required her to skip from trattoria to food truck and sample, like, all the foods. Hectic, yes. A chore?

Nah. “Like a monthlong food bender,” she says, “and the most fun ‘research’ I get to do.” Feel free to use this issue as a handy research guide.

Charlotte may yet develop its own renowned pizza or sushi style, but until then, treat it all like a city-sized sampler platter.

Connect

ONLINE EXTRAS, EVENTS, AND CONVERSATIONS

IN TRANSIT

Ed.: Ron Mills of Charlottesville, Virginia, sent this to us. We don’t typically publish poetry, but we liked this, so enjoy.

REACT

Responses to the November issue of Charlotte magazine That’s a fine magazine cover Instagram comment from @michaelngraff Beautiful cover Instagram comment from @paulaholtzclawart @babeandbutcher killed this Instagram comment from @wildrootscoffee

To: “Cold Nose, Good Heart,” p. 19 This is me and my dog Cash!! He is doing awesome and we are so thankful to Dr. Rouben and the team at C.A.R.E.!!

Instagram comment from @crystalcruise Frisbee content Instagram comment from @anotherrounddg This is quite an achievement! I hope Cash is having a speedy recovery Instagram comment from @doodeleez To: “The A&P Connection,” p. 28 Was thinking of this A&P the other day.

Facebook comment by Prudy Coffey Mcclendon To: “The Playlist,” p. 32 @tricearatops tryna take you to this Instagram comment from @brrnaynay so many fun things to do Facebook comment from Michelle Goodwin to Miranda Hark and Delaney Jacke

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 10

/charlottemagazine

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

In the Airport in White Rockers let’s do the Pirates’ Christmas Takes Over Carolina Renaissance Festival 1644 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville on looks like fun for the girls Sunday Facebook comment from Katherine Aguiñada Pacheco to Maria Anderson and Carlos Aguiñada i’m down! Let’s plan it!

Facebook comment from Maria Anderson (in response) To: “Like Father, Like Daughter,” p. 38 The best pizza in uptown imo Instagram comment from @biggs13f This is the same pizza place that was right around the corner from us in NJ (Holly Oaks!). Same owners and same great taste!

Hint: the garlic knots and chicken parm pie are a must.

Facebook comment from Jenn Hendershot Had it both in NJ and in Charlotte NC and it’s the best in both places..

Instagram comment from @stephaniekrolik

All of us Walking Our faces set to some destination Only we know Or think we know A few destinations We set for ourselves Most destinations Set for us A quiet mass A moving herd Alone Together Moving With such flat affect Some hurried Worried Dazed Eyes front Searching for signs That We head in the right direction At the right time Only the very young excited Skipping Most of us Are just worn

Will try this soon Instagram comment from @studioprintshop To: “A Stout Challenge,” p. 43 This reads as a future @NCBeerTemple event. Please?

Twitter comment by @CLTfoodfight Charlotte magazine’s tablet edition is available via the Apple Newsstand and at magzter.com. @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

Something big is coming.

All Inclusive Independent Living for Seniors COMING TO HUNTERSVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA IN THE FALL OF 2022

YOUR DREAM LIFESTYLE BECOMES YOUR HOME

The first-class service of a luxury vacation, combined with an abundance of culinary variety and excellence.

12221 SAM FURR ROAD

An all-inclusive luxury rental retirement resort.

|

HUNTERSVILLE, NC

Become a Priority Partner today!

Call for information (704) 351-6404

INSIDE: LIFE LESSONS / COMMUNITY

BUZZ

THE

WHAT MATTERS NOW IN THE CITY

ICON SPORTSWIRE/JOHN BYRUM VIA GETTY IMAGES

Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson has emerged as a leader on the field, where he was one of the team’s captains for 2021, and in Charlotte, where he devotes time and energy to service agencies.

LI F E L E SS O N S

DONTE JACKSON

The Panthers cornerback grew up in poverty, raised by a single mother, and was forced from home by Hurricane Katrina. His life since is a testament to perseverance and the value of being there

BY CARROLL R. WALTON

CAROLINA PANTHERS cornerback Donte Jackson is committed to helping people who need it, in part because he once did. Jackson grew up in Shrewsbury, an impoverished area just outside New Orleans. His mother raised him and his three siblings because his father was in prison. The family fled New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when he was 9, and upon their return had to rebuild their lives in a devastated city.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

13

THE BUZZ

I WASN’T A KID that grew up with everything that I wanted. Just having somebody positive in your life, just to check on me, to see how I’m doing—I didn’t really have that. That’s one thing I always told myself: When I make it big, I’m going to make sure that I’m not like a celebrity to my community.

I’M BIG ON MAKING SURE that I’m vulnerable to the community. I’m vulnerable for kids and families who need a positive person that they can talk to or feel like they can connect with.

YOU HAD SOME DRUGS (in Shrewsbury).

You had your fair share of violence. I think the biggest thing that my neighborhood always had was a tight-knit community.

Everybody knew each other.

WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, not really understanding everything, I was angry because we didn’t really have much. You look for

14

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

(Above) Donte Jackson assists Tambra Soliday, community engagement coordinator for Safe Alliance, as she tries on shoes at the Clyde & Ethel Dickson Domestic Violence Shelter. (Below) Jackson with his daughter after a joint Panthers-Baltimore Ravens practice in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in August.

somebody to blame. My mom is doing this with four kids by herself. You’re going to blame your pop because he’s not there.

After a while, you get used to it, because my aunt didn’t have a man in the house.

My grandmother didn’t have a man in the house. My other aunt didn’t have a man in the house. You think it’s normal to talk to your pops over the phone. The kids down the street were doing the same thing.

WE WERE PART of that last surge of people to leave once we realized that (Hurricane Katrina) was serious. Two days before landfall, we went to Lake Charles, Louisiana, the last city before Texas. Me and my family, 16 of us, all piled up in one hotel room for two or three nights, then we ended up going back to New Orleans, thinking that it would be all right for us to get back to life. Then we realized we didn’t have anything left, so we ended up going to back to Lake Charles.

BY THAT TIME, a couple more rooms (in New Orleans) had freed up. I think FEMA was helping people get rooms, so we were able to get two rooms. A couple days later, we were able to get three rooms. At that age, I felt like we were on vacation. We didn’t really realize how historic it was until a week or so later.

MY MOM WORKED as a cake baker. We did what we could to stay out of the way, go to school, do all that. It was one day at a time.

MY UPBRINGING definitely made me stronger. It made me realize that things happen, and it’s all about how you come out of them and how much work it takes to get to where you want to go. My upbringing showed me that nothing is unobtainable. Look at me, at where I lived, what kind of car my mom drove, what clothes I wore, and you see me now? You

COURTESY SAFE ALLIANCE; CAROLINA PANTHERS

Through it all, Jackson’s mother, Yashica, preached work ethic and the importance of family.

In high school, Jackson became a star in football and track, and he committed to LSU in 2015. After three seasons, he departed for the NFL; the Panthers drafted him in the second round of the 2018 draft and signed him to a four-year, $4.8 million contract. As an established starter and one of eight team captains for the 2021 season, Jackson has settled into a leadership position on his team and in his city: He works with charities like Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Carolinas, Operation Warm, and Safe Alliance Charlotte.

In 2019, Jackson hand-delivered 150 pairs of new shoes and blankets to Safe Alliance, which helps victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and spent time with children in the agency’s shelters. At the height of the pandemic, he donated coats to children through Operation Warm and followed up by “dropping in” via Zoom during their virtual school classes.

Jackson, 26, lives up to his nickname, “Action,” and his deeds match the principle he shares with his 3-year-old daughter, Demi: Nothing is unobtainable.

You just have to go get it. He says his primary goal is to be there, for his family and his community.

Here is Donte Jackson in his own words.

Responses have been edited lightly for length and clarity.

would think there’s no way this kid from the ghetto obtained all this. It’s all about your attitude.

MY MOM has always had a smile on her face. She was always the sweetest person in the room. That rubbed off on us. Regardless of what we were going through, she was always making sure that we were at school on time, we had breakfast, we had haircuts. It made me really want to go out and not make any excuses.

It’s all about the work you’re going to put in to get to where you are.

ALL OF US, when we were young, were like, “Oh, I want a big house. I want all this money.” Nah. When I found out I was having a daughter in college, I knew I was going to get drafted in the NFL, but my whole thing was, I just wanted to be present. I just wanted to make sure she knew that she doesn’t have to worry where I am.

I REMEMBER NIGHTS, even though I knew my pops was in prison, (thinking) I wonder what he’s doing. I wonder where

he is. I never wanted her to feel like that.

She’s 3. We have a way of communication where my girl(friend) looks at me sometimes like, What are y’all talking about? Because we are over there dying laughing. It’s making sure she can always be on my hip. She can always be by my side. Whether she’s going off to college or right upstairs in her room, I always want to make sure I am present and that she knows that I’m always available.

MY FATHER AND I always had a good relationship, even when he was behind a wall. He ended up coming home when I was 23. I’m taking advantage of the time we have now. He has a great relationship with my daughter.

WHEN I WAKE UP IN MY HOUSE and I go to my garage, I can pick what car I want to drive. I go in my daughter’s room, and she has all the clothes and toys that she wants.

My mom lives in a nice neighborhood, she has a nice car, she doesn’t work anymore.

My sister, my brothers, my cousins, my aunts, they all can call me any time they

want, and they’ll be good. When you’re young and you see everybody struggling, you want to be that generational shift, that person who can come in and grow up and do things the right way and make sure generations under you can have the things that you couldn’t have growing up.

I WAS RAISED BY ALL WOMEN. I have a sister who is one of my best friends. I feel like women are the most powerful beings on this Earth, so I’ll do anything just to make them feel good, to give them a sense of a smile, whether that’s for the day or that’s for the week. Knowing I can go (to a battered women’s shelter) puts smiles on those women’s faces, to talk to the kids.

I’m all for that.

I JUST FOLLOW MY HEART. If I’m giving out shoes, if I’m giving out toys during Christmastime—I’ve got all these blessings. Just spread them out.

CARROLL R. WALTON, a former sportswriter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, is a freelance writer in Charlotte.

Pawleys Island | Murrells Inlet | Litchfield Beach | Garden City | Georgetown | Andrews

_Mama

Flip_Floppin

tiny toes.

20,451 views uil tides on print.

Mama Tranq e biggest im th ve Flip_Floppin_ lea at things th It's the small ckcoastsc mo am #h ories #familymem

little things, big moments

comments View all 245 2 DAYS AGO

Discover simple pleasures at

HammockCoastSC.com Untitled-2 1 CharlotteMag_HC-half-h.indd 1

11/18/21 JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE 15 11/17/21 9:01 2:58 AM PM

SHOPPES AT UNIVERSITY PLACE

THE BUZZ

JW CLAY BLVD.

JM KEYNES DRIVE

BARTON CREEK GREENWAY

ATRIUM HEALTH URGENT CARE

JW CLAY LIGHT RAIL STATION JW MARRIOTT CHARLOTTE

N. TRYON ST./US-29 UNC CHARLOTTE LYNX BLUE LINE

The University City Vision Plan will guide the neighborhood away from car-oriented development (above) and toward a pedestrianfriendly model that unites urban and green space (below).

CO M M U N I T Y

UNIVERSITY CITY’S REBOOT

The classic suburb’s new vision plan maps out a transit-oriented lifestyle at the intersection of Main Street and greenway

FOR DECADES, the intersection of W.T. Harris Boulevard and North Tryon Street was little more than a rural crossroads. The Mecklenburg County Poor House operated there from 1904 until 1957, when it became the Green Acres care facility. Five years later, Charlotte College established a 1,300-acre campus in the neighborhood (and would become UNC Charlotte shortly after). Then, in 1984, what is now Atrium Health opened a hospital on the Green Acres site. That once-quiet crossroads became the busiest intersection in North Carolina, where, today, light rail trains whiz overhead.

Tobe Holmes joined University City Partners, which promotes the area’s economic vitality, as planning and development director in 2015. The organization tasked him with developing a strategy to guide the neighborhood’s next 20 years of development. The plan, released in November, capitalizes on existing assets, including the university and hospital, and lays out a modern vision for this northeastern pocket of Charlotte. “We already have all the pieces of the puzzle,” Holmes says. “It’s just a matter of making them connect better, so we can be a better version of what we are today.”

16

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

University City, which encompasses a roughly 3-mile radius from the W.T. Harris-Tryon intersection, is in many ways a classic suburb. Unlike the mixeduse developments in vogue today, the University Research Park, founded in 1966, is all business; the 450-acre site still houses East Coast headquarters and outposts for Fortune 500 companies like Electrolux.

Most of the shopping centers along North Tryon were built between 1984 and 2005, and they reflect the era’s automobile obsession: huge thoroughfares, sprawling parking lots, big box stores.

But the neighborhood is also home to plenty of natural settings that seem a world away from the exhaust-choked main drags. “It never fails to amaze me when I walk from University Place down to Barton Creek Greenway, right off the Mallard Creek Greenway,” Holmes says.

“You’re standing in the town center of University City, and 10 minutes later you’re standing in the middle of the woods. And that is what I conceive of as what suburbia was intended to be.”

The suburban format—as opposed to rural or urban—dominates every American city, and it’s not hard to see why.

The suburbs were conceived as a place

where you could have it all: nature, lots of space, a quick commute, and acres of free parking. Parts of that model are worth holding onto, Holmes believes, but other parts will have to adapt as city dwellers ditch the car and embrace transit.

All of the University City Vision Plan’s 10 key strategies, from pedestrian safety to housing diversity, dovetail with the goals of Charlotte’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which the City Council adopted in June and will guide the entire city through this inflection point. While the University City plan is not a binding policy document, Holmes says that “both the comp plan and our vision share a lot of aspirations for the future and, honestly, a lot of hope that we can achieve what we said we would achieve.”

University City, which welcomed the Blue Line in 2018, is well positioned to navigate that transformation. “Here, in this place, there are the ingredients to start to figure out how we change what so much of America is,” Holmes says. “To be something that reflects a more walkable, bikeable place that is able to host so much more than the commercial strips Continued on page 18

COURTESY UNIVERSITY CITY PARTNERS

BY ALLISON BRADEN

Thanks for the masterpieces.

When parents say they’re thankful for everything, they mean everything – our incredible care team, eight nationally ranked specialties and the Charlotte region’s only BEST Children’s Hospital.

But most of all, they’re thankful that we give kids the chance to just be kids. Learn more at LevineChildrens.org/Best.

University City’s greenway network will go beyond recreation and become essential transportation infrastructure.

UNIVERSITY CITY QUICK FACTS

85,000 WORKERS.

Major employers include Allstate, Wells Fargo, TIAA, and Centene.

43,000 RESIDENTS.

Nearly 55.5% are between 20 and 39 years old, which makes University City the youngest neighborhood in town.

$54,000

median household income.

14

MILES

of greenway, the longest contiguous greenway in the county.

SECOND-BUSIEST PUBLIC LIBRARY

in the county library system. The University City branch circulates more children’s books than the Main Library and ImaginOn combined.

4

LIGHT RAIL STATIONS. JW Clay is the fourth-busiest station on the Blue Line.

25,900

average daily light rail riders.

18

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

you see as you ride down the road.”

The University City Vision Plan conceives of a town center around the JW Clay light rail station, which provides easy access to the university, greenway, and hospital. (The multimodal North Bridge, expected to open in 2024, will cross over Interstate 85 and connect the University Research Park to the center of University City, too.) At the town center, a northsouth urban axis will intersect with an east-west “greenbelt.”

The urban axis will prioritize entertainment, apartments, and pedestrian shopping and dining districts, where canopy trees will shade sidewalk seating. The boardwalk and lake at University Place, built in the 1980s, will become a center for cultural events, public art, and fitness—a showpiece public space akin to Bicentennial Park in Columbus, Ohio.

The plan reimagines the traditional intersection of “Main and Main” as an intersection between Main Street and greenway. The greenbelt will capitalize on the existing 14 miles of continuous greenway and provide a focal point to develop 1.5 acres of green space per 1,000 residents. (University City has zero parks.) The greenways will unite recreation and transportation, with safe routes to scooter and bike to work, school, and the light rail.

The focus on carless transportation is part of an ambitious transit-oriented approach that integrates 10-minute neighborhoods and “last-mile” solutions, which help transit riders safely navigate the last mile home from the bus stop or train station. “Ten years ago, you could barely drive in this community without touching a major thoroughfare,” Holmes says. “And 10 years from now, you’ll be able to ride your bike or walk from light rail station to light rail station in a way that isn’t just safe but in a way that feels safe.”

University City Partners conducted 12 interviews, three focus groups, and a number of vision sessions, surveys, and presentations to find out what local residents and employees wanted. One survey was exclusively about crossing the street, and 65% of respondents said walkability in University City was poor. Almost

the same percentage said that walkability was an important factor in deciding where to live.

Every now and then, a longtime resident sends Holmes photos from University City’s past, valuable reminders of what merits preserving as he looks ahead. “History isn’t always in the age of the building; it has a lot to do with who’s in the building and the community around the building,” Holmes says.

“Those pictures make me remember that this is a community, and it’s been a community for a long time.”

That community is a hotbed of talent and diversity. UNC Charlotte turns out more engineering and technology graduates than any other university in the state, and Holmes believes the neighborhood will lure more and more businesses, which increasingly value diversity of thought and experience. The mix of residents includes students, oldtimers, young families, and a huge range of nationalities, but Holmes found a surprising unifier: They’re ready for change.

University City was built in a bygone era.

“People,” he says, “are excited to see those things change into something else.”

The University City Vision Plan offers a way there, and progress has already started. University Research Park is incorporating multifamily housing and townhomes. New bike lanes and sidewalks border McCullough Drive, and greenway improvements are in the works. Water’s Edge, a redevelopment of University Place, broke ground last year.

By 2040, if the plan is realized, University City will have thoroughly transformed the suburban way of life. “I don’t think suburbia is the right word for it anymore,” Holmes says. “It’s definitely more modern, but it holds on to what the best parts of that foundation are.”

One old photo stood out to Holmes. It showed the W.T. Harris-Tryon intersection, back when the light rail was still 50 years in the future. The picture was a testament to how fast and how much things can change, something Holmes bears in mind as he plans for a University City that’s still decades away. “Let’s not think something’s not possible today, because tomorrow it may be,” he says. “So let’s get started.”

ALLISON BRADEN is a contributing editor.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY CITY PARTNERS

THE BUZZ

H U N T ER S V ILLE A LDER SGAT E SOU T H M I NS T ER

When tomorrow...

becomes today.

Caring for someone with acute medical needs can feel overwhelming.

When faced with difficult decisions about your loved one’s care, our hospice house teams are there to support you today and each day after.

Be sure to ask for us by name.

Levine & Dickson Hospice Houses are exclusively for patients of Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.

To find out more: 704.375.0100 | www.hpccr.org

LEADING BY EXAMPLE At Hobart Financial Group, we’re on a mission to set a higher standard for financial advisors. We believe our clients deserve straightforward, honest advice and first-rate service – and we live out those principles every single day. It’s just one of the reasons why we’ve become a wealth management leader in the Charlotte area.

888-553-0122 HobartWealth.com

Investment advisory services offered through Hobart Private Capital, LLC, a SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance services offered separately through Hobart Insurance Services, LLC, an affiliated insurance agency.

Securities offered through Cape Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Hobart Private Capital and Hobart Insurance Services are not affiliated with Cape Securities. We do not provide, and no statement contained herein shall constitute, tax or legal advice. You should consult a tax or legal professional on any such matters. This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide any investment advice or provide the basis for any investment decisions. You should consult your financial adviser prior to making any decision based on any specific information contained herein. This is an advertisement paid for by Hobart Financial Group.

GOOD LIFE

INSIDE: STYLE / HEALTH / ROOM WE LOVE / HISTORY / REAL ESTATE / CULTURE

THE

MAKING THE MOST OUT OF LIVING HERE

ST YL E

Kelly Aiken

The Copeley Designs owner finds control, career, and peace of mind through gold leaf art

BY TAYLOR BOWLER PHOTOGRAPHS BY OLLY YUNG

PAINTING MURALS isn’t just a creative outlet for Kelly Aiken.

It’s a physical one. “I used to be a gymnast, so maybe it’s subconscious,” she says. “I get so into it physically. I don’t work out—that is my workout.”

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

21

THE GOOD LIFE

Kelly Aiken paints original abstracts in her studio (right) and recently added a collection of bracelets to her brand (below).

The 31-year-old owner of Copeley Designs does commissioned paintings and murals in private homes and commercial spaces throughout Charlotte. She specializes in gold leaf, a centuries-old gilding process in which she applies gold that’s been hammered into thin sheets over a painting’s surface. “It’s controlling the uncontrollable, which is why I love it so much,” she says. “It’s a hard medium to work in. It’s metal, but it’s so thin—it’s light as a feather.”

When Liberate Your Palate founder Tamu Curtis opened The Cocktailery in South End last summer, she hired Aiken to add gold leaf to a floral wall mural she painted with artist Amber King. Curtis loved it so much, she hired Aiken to add gold line work to her classroom walls and

22

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

design a gold martini glass logo. “Largescale is what I love to do,” Aiken says. “I get a lot messier, and I love that. Normally, I’m in my studio making a mess, but now I’m out in the world making a mess.”

Aiken first picked up the gold leaf technique about eight years ago after a client found her through her Etsy shop. She commissioned Aiken to create a painting and asked her how she could make it “stand out” more. “I’d seen gold leafing and thought I could try it,” Aiken says.

But she admits it took a while to learn to manipulate the gold foil and master the gilding adhesive. “It took me a long time to get it not to tarnish; it’s a chemistry.”

It’s also a mental escape for Aiken, who lives with a form of OCD called dermatillomania, a skin picking disorder. “Gold

leaf keeps my hands busy so I can’t do that,” she says. “I started painting a lot for my mental health. My mom died by suicide when I was 3, so I do it for her. Art is my therapy.”

Aiken says she instinctively reached for pens and paintbrushes as a child. She studied architecture at the University of Virginia and got a job at a firm in Boston, but she knew a desk job wasn’t for her.

When she met her husband, former NFL player Danny Aiken, the couple followed his career from Boston to New York before they settled in Charlotte. “I was able to change paths,” she says. “When I got creative with my hands again rather than at a computer, I was so much happier.”

In 2016, they welcomed their daughter, Copeley, which inspired Aiken’s company

Aiken, who specializes in gold leaf, does commissioned paintings and murals in private homes and commercial spaces throughout Charlotte.

name. She continued to paint, and in 2018 won a design competition at West Elm. The furniture and home decor chain sold a series of her abstract prints, which appeared in their July 2019 catalog. “It helped me a ton,” she says, “but now I prefer to be an original artist and not have my work mass-produced.”

Aiken grew her business through social media, and more clients commissioned her to paint gold leaf murals in their homes. She’s done ombre accent walls, floral powder rooms, and gilded closet murals. “I have two different lists for my commission pricing,” she says.

“I’ve got clients who only want 24-karat gold, but most people pick imitation gold when they see I’ve mastered how to not let it tarnish.”

As gold leaf continues to grow in popularity, Aiken has built a following with her TikTok tutorials and SkillPop classes, where she teaches the process to amateur painters. She’s also added a collection of bracelets to her brand, which sold at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Boutique Shop at Camp North End last year. The 8-millimeter gold cuff bracelets each have miniature watercolor Van Gogh-style paintings mounted and sealed with resin.

In May, Aiken will have her first solo show, at the Artisan’s Palate, and its theme is mental health. “With my dermatillomania, mirrors are my worst enemy,” she says. “I’ve had to change some habits

to make sure I don’t do that. So my next show will deal with mirrors—I’m adding gold leaf to mirrors.”

Since her success with West Elm, Aiken has donated a portion of her proceeds to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, and she continues to speak up about mental health awareness with her students and followers. “Art always brings me back; it lets me have a little control over my surroundings,” she says. “I tell my SkillPop classes, even if you’re feeling angsty while you’re painting, at least you made something cool out of that.”

TAYLOR BOWLER is the lifestyle editor.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

23

THE GOOD LIFE

H E ALT H

Clear Cover

CPCC communications prof developed a mask that protects you, transparently

BY KATHLEEN PURVIS PHOTOGRAPHS BY HERMAN NICHOLSON

IT’S TIME TO UNMASK Charlotte’s very own masked crusader: Dr. Anne McIntosh, a communications expert who was thinking about masks long before COVID. McIntosh, who lives in Davidson, is a communications professor at Central Piedmont Community College. Her specialty is communication studies, from how it works to how it doesn’t, with a focus on conflict resolution and problem solving.

Her own communication crisis led her to create the Safe ‘N’ Clear Communicator, a

24

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

mask with a clear panel that allows people to see your mouth and read your expressions. McIntosh is deaf, so she knows what can happen when people can’t hear you or even read your lips. “Communication is a basic human right,” she says. “You have to have that connection.”

Her own mask journey started in 2001, when she gave birth to her first child. After 24 hours of labor, her doctor ordered a cesarean section and whisked her from the labor and delivery suite to an operating

room—where everyone, from the surgeon to her husband, was masked. No one could tell her what was happening because she couldn’t see their lips. She couldn’t make sure anyone knew her blood type, or that she’s allergic to penicillin.

“Everything went fine. Our daughter was born,” McIntosh tells me over Zoom, which allows her to read my lips.

“But I thought about how close it could have come. There was no time to think about how to communicate. No one got

a whiteboard (to write on). That was an ‘oopsie’ moment.” After her communication crisis was over, she started to wonder: “Why don’t we just have clear masks? That oopsie became my ‘aha.’”

It wasn’t that easy, of course. First, she found an in-state company to make a prototype for a soft-fiber, disposable surgical mask with an embedded clear plastic panel. She wanted it manufactured in the U.S., so she found a family-owned company in Texas that makes medical-grade equipment. The company won approval from the Food & Drug Administration in 2016, and McIntosh started to market and sell—aiming mostly at hospitals, particularly children’s hospitals. “Children like to see faces, that reassuring smile.”

The clear mask looks a little strange if you’re not used to it—an isolated mouth can look like a forced grin. But the need to see your mouth is sometimes more important than how you look. McIntosh’s mask is now used in places beyond operating rooms. While it isn’t used at either the Novant or Atrium facilities in Charlotte, it’s popular with children’s hospitals,

including St. Jude in Memphis and the Seattle Children’s Hospital. It’s useful in early childhood education—children learn pronunciation by seeing their teachers’ mouths—and senior care facilities, including Brookdale Senior Living. Her most surprising customers: veterinarians. Dogs judge our (Opposite) Dr. Anne McIntosh, wearing one of the Safe ‘N’ Clear moods by our facial Communicator masks she developed, signs, “thank you.” McIntosh expressions. (also above), who is deaf, created the masks to allow others to read McIntosh’s mask, lips and expressions. medical-grade equipment made in an FDA-approved facility, ear loops. Many of the cheaper, surgicalcosts more than others—$60 for a box of style, blue paper masks are made in other 40, although the per-mask cost is a little countries that don’t inspect their factocheaper if you buy in bulk. You can order ries. Hers sets a higher standard: “It’s the it online through safenclear.com.

Mercedes of masks.”

McIntosh doesn’t apologize for the cost, though. Her mask is fog-resistant with a KATHLEEN PURVIS is a longtime Charlotte writer sturdy nose piece and comfortable woven who covers Southern food and culture.

Carolina Digestive Health Associates has been providing excellent, compassionate gastroenterology care in the greater Charlotte area for 35 years.

Our goal is to provide our patients, referring physicians, and community with the highest, most comprehensive quality of gastroenterology care. We have served the Charlotte metropolitan area for over 35 years. We have 13 accredited gastroenterologists that provide service at 8 conveniently located offices; as well as 5 award-winning endoscopy centers accredited

by AAAHC. CDHA participates with all major insurance carriers.

Appointments: Call 704-372-7974 or schedule online CarolinaDigestive.com 8 convenient locations in the Greater Charlotte area

Belmont 1105 Spruce St, Suite 101 Belmont, NC 28012

Charlotte 300 Billingsley Rd, Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28211 Concord 1085 NorthEast Gateway Ct, Suite 280 Concord, NC 28025 Untitled-10 1

Davidson / Lake Norman 705 Griffith St, Suite 205 Davidson, NC 28036 Matthews 1450 Matthews Township Pkwy, Suite 460 Matthews, NC 28105

Monroe 1663 Campus Park Dr, Suite D Monroe, NC 28112 Pineville 10620 Park Rd, Suite 102 Charlotte, NC 28210

University 8220 University Executive Park Dr, Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28262

25

11/17/21 9:08 AM

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

COURTESY CHRIS EDWARDS

THE GOOD LIFE

26

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

MAKE IT WORK The homeowners, who have two young girls, wanted the room to function as an office and playroom.

So Lucas painted the shelves dark teal and covered the walls in a green grass cloth pattern from her House of Harris line. For the niche, she had the Hickory Chair sofa custom made to fit the tight space and upholstered it in Schumacher Citrus Garden fabric with navy Jim Thompson velvet piping.

PATTERN CLASH Mixing geometric and botanical patterns can be tricky to pull off, but Lucas layers prints and patterns in different scales to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. She used the same Schumacher Citrus Garden fabric for the Roman shades and placed ”punchy” geometric pillows on the sofa for some variety. “We added vintage yellow desk chairs at the workstation,” she says, “and a bulletin board behind the desk area that we wallpapered over to conceal and make more aesthetically pleasing.”

ROOM FOR FUN

COURTESY CHARLOTTE LUCAS

Lucas chose playful furniture like off-white tulip chairs, yellow velvet ottomans, oversized beanbags, and a gold flower-shaped wall sconce. The textured Stark carpet warms up the play area, and the Roman shade is motorized so the kids can control it.

“The wallpaper is the most obvious statement,” she says, “but it’s the combination of these two visually arresting patterns and the saturated colors that make this space so special and quintessentially fun.”

RO O M W E LOV E

Double Play

Charlotte Lucas creates a workspace that doubles as a playroom DESIGNER CHARLOTTE LUCAS isn’t afraid to use bold colors and whimsical patterns, and that’s exactly what her clients wanted in the quirky upstairs room of their Georgian-style Myers Park home. Rather than disguise the arched doorway, protruding corners, and sloped ceiling, Lucas enhanced those features with a mix of playful patterns and colors. She used the existing built-in shelves to create a workstation and chose fun, durable furniture and accents to fit the irregular space. —Taylor Bowler

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

27

THE GOOD LIFE

B U I L D I N G H I STO RY

The Protected Properties of 2021 Historic Landmarks Commission placed 10 historic sites on an ever-growing list

AN ARCHITECT’S BUNGALOW in Dilworth, a barber shop in downtown Cornelius, a former textile factory near NoDa: They’re three of the 10 buildings that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission designated official historic sites in a busy 2021.

It may come as a surprise that relentlessly future-focused Charlotte even has a Landmarks Commission. The county agency got started in 1973 during the run-up to the U.S. Bicentennial. Through almost five decades, it has designated 358 sites in Mecklenburg County—more than in any county in the state.

So why do we see so few old buildings in our city? Big, longrunning economic growth has made it lucrative for developers to demolish and rebuild on a huge scale. In most cities, older structures linger for decades. Not Charlotte. We’ve lost many of what historic preservation advocates call “background buildings” beyond the designated landmarks—which means we need to protect what we’ve got.

The Landmarks Commission helps do that by officially designating important sites as historic. To earn the designation, structures need to be at least 50 years old and have “architec-

28

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

tural integrity,” i.e., look much like they did at least half a century ago. And they must possess special significance, which can mean they have outstanding design or typify some aspect of our past.

Significance also can be social or cultural, as with a beloved gathering place or a site associated with a history-making event or person. The Commission documents all this history in carefully footnoted “Designation Reports,” collected and available at landmarkscommission.org. Then local governing bodies vote yea or nay.

In Dilworth, owners Steven and Polly Menaker worked hard to renovate their handsome wood-shingled bungalow on Worthington Avenue at Park Road. It’s a fine specimen of suburban architecture, built in 1919. But its significance is that, for its first three decades, it was home to leading local architect William Peeps, who designed some of our region’s most admired structures, including the glass-roofed Latta Arcade and the Ivey’s department store uptown.

Compared to the stylish Peeps House, the Potts Barbershop in Cornelius is much humbler in appearance. But it’s no less historic. R.J. Stough and J.B. Cornelius, the cotton-mill investors who founded the town, built the workaday brick box with two

COURTESY CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION (2)

BY TOM HANCHETT

R E AL E STAT E

Hot Listings Beautiful residences in Ballantyne —Taylor Bowler

Not just the grand and famous: Landmark status honors an architect’s Dilworth cottage (left), a beloved Cornelius barbershop (right), and a NoDa textile factory (below).

TOM HANCHETT; COURTESY

14617 BALLANTYNE COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE $1,699,000 BALLANTYNE This sprawling estate in Ballantyne Country Club has course views and high-end finishes like coffered ceilings, extensive millwork, and arched doorways.

The lower level has a game room, wine cellar, and gym. 6 BD, 6.5 BA, 6,364 sq. ft., Helen Adams Realty, helenadamsrealty.com

wood and glass storefronts in the 1920s or ’30s to hold several of their enterprises. That alone might have qualified it as a landmark. But in 1960, it became home of Potts Barber Shop. Wilson H. Potts was the town’s leading African American entrepreneur, and his shop became a vibrant community hub— and still is.

In NoDa, rapid development is melting away evidence of the district’s textile heritage. So the Landmarks Commission was glad to designate the Larkwood Silk Hosiery Mill on N. Brevard Street, now re-done as office space. Built in 1929 with an art deco addition in 1935, it was renamed Chadbourn Hosiery and operated until 1978. Designation helps ensure that generations of Charlotteans who labored there will not be forgotten.

What does designation mean, exactly, for an owner? The Commission’s citizen review board must approve alterations.

Those usually affect only big exterior

changes, though interior designation is also possible. Designation has no effect on smaller details like paint color, and it doesn’t prevent owners from using the building for another purpose.

Surprisingly, an owner can demolish a landmark; state law allows landmarks commissions only to delay demolition for a year.

Jack Thomson, the commission’s executive director since founding director Dan Morrill retired in 2019, says historic designations enhance a sense of community: “The weaving of people, place, and experience is what creates Charlotte’s social fabric.”

BUILDING HISTORY is a monthly series that highlights Charlotte’s historic buildings. Tom Hanchett, a local historian since 1981, is the author of Sorting Out the New South City: Race, Class, and Urban Development in Charlotte and former staff historian at the Levine Museum of the New South. Follow him on Twitter at @historysouth.

9028 KIRKLEY COURT $1,040,000 BALLANTYNE A soaring two-story foyer leads to a great room with a stone fireplace and built-in shelves. The main floor primary suite has a large custom closet and a bathroom with a soaking tub, dual vanity, and walk-in shower. 3 BD, 3.5 BA, 4,565 sq. ft., Corcoran HM Properties, hmproperties.com 10640 MOSS MILL LANE $849,000 BALLANTYNE Natural light floods the main floor of this red brick home. The lower-level walk-out basement has a soundproofed recording room as well as plumbing for a full bathroom and kitchenette. 5 BD, 3.5 BA, 5,186 sq. ft., Coldwell Banker Realty, coldwellbanker.com 11701 KINGSLEY VIEW DRIVE $449,900 BALLANTYNE This charming two-story white house on a tree-lined street has an oversized patio for entertaining and a fenced backyard. An upstairs bonus room has a full bath and a private second staircase. 4 BD, 3.5 BA, 2,483 sq. ft., Broadstreet Realty, LLC, broadstreethomes.com

Homes available as of Nov. 4, 2021.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

29

THE GOOD LIFE CU LT U R E

The Playlist

LIVE MUSIC AT LOCAL VENUES

THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE THIS MONTH

BY GREG LACOUR

COURTNEY LYNN & QUINN Partners in music and life, the local country-folk duo plays the Visulite Theatre on Friday, Jan. 14. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8. Tickets: $14 advance, $16 day of show. visulite.com

Trevor Noah at the Spectrum Center IT MAY BE A MEASURE of how thoroughly COVID has disrupted our sense of passing time, but Trevor Noah has manned The Daily Show’s desk since September 2015. That’s more than six years ago, long enough for Jon Stewart’s 2021 comeback on Apple TV+ to feel like the resurrection of a species thought extinct. Noah, 37, has carved his own visage into the mountainside: He guided viewers through COVID from his home and, now that it’s epidemiologically correct, takes his standup act on the road with Trevor Noah: Back to Abnormal. Demand is high: Noah did 20 shows in the second half of 2021, including stops in Greensboro and Wilmington, before he scheduled another 21 dates for early 2022. Sunday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m., Spectrum Center. Tickets: $48-$128 through Ticketmaster.

GET READY: Temptations Musical ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ to Hit the Belk Theater More than a half-century after their heyday, you can forget how many Temptations songs are as familiar and essential as the houses in your neighborhood: “My Girl,” “Get Ready,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Just My Imagination,” and the magnificent, wrenching “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” They’re all included in Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, the jukebox musical that opened on Broadway in March 2019 and got folks tappin’ and snappin’.

Jan. 18-23, Belk Theater. Tickets: carolinatix.org.

30

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

CITIZEN COPE The Memphis-born singer-songwriter, whose compositions have been covered by artists as diverse as Santana and Pharoahe Monch, comes to the Neighborhood Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 15. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show: $40.50 in advance, $43.50 day of show. neighborhoodtheatre.com “BIRD LIVES!” AT THE JAZZ ROOM JazzArts Charlotte and UNC Charlotte keep going with their Charlie Parker 101 celebration, with four shows on two nights that cover Bird’s own compositions and selections from Charlie Parker with Strings. Shows at 6 and 8:15 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14, and 7 and 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15. Tickets: $20 advance, $25 at the door. thejazzarts.org CHEAT CODES The trio of EDM DJs out of LA lands at The Underground on Thursday, Jan. 27.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets: $15. fillmorenc.com

Wednesday Night Live In October, the four institutions that make up the Levine Center for the Arts launched a program that allows free admission to the three museums from 5-9 p.m. every Wednesday, plus live entertainment or programming at one of the four every week. The center’s members—The Mint Museum uptown, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Knight Theater—wanted to strengthen the ties among themselves and reconnect uptown visitors to the Levine Center after nearly two years of COVID limitations. More information: levinecenterarts.org

COURTESY VIACOM; BLUE AMBER PHOTOGRAPHY

AFTER THE DELUGE:

FOOD DRINK

INSIDE: NOW OPEN / LOCAL FLAVOR / ON THE LINE / BEST BITES / RESTAURANTS / BEER

+

EXPLORE THE TASTES OF CHARLOTTE

Night Swim Coffee’s Matcha Latte.

N OW O P E N

AN ADVENTUROUS BLEND Two local coffee brands team up to open four new cafés and a roastery

BY TAYLOR BOWLER PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER TAYLOR

A GOOD COFFEE SHOP is more than a quick pit stop in the morning. It’s a place to unwind with a good book, catch up with an old friend, or settle in with your laptop when you need a respite from the office. Every now and then, you happen upon a place where the couches are comfortable, the outlets are plentiful, and the food is as good as the lattes.

Night Swim Coffee opened its first location, in Oakhurst, in late October. At press time, a second café was scheduled to open in a 3,000-squarefoot space at Legacy Union in uptown. Night Swim is a collaboration between the owners of two of Charlotte’s most popular coffee shops: Miracle and James Yoder, who founded Not Just Coffee in 2011, and Todd and Erin Huber, who launched Undercurrent Coffee in 2018.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

31

FOOD+DRINK

NIGHT SWIM COFFEE (OAKHURST) 1620 Oakhurst Commons Drive, Ste. 306 nightswimcoffee.com Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 8. a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday

32

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

Night Swim serves a rotation of frittatas with seasonal ingredients (top); a Focaccia Sandwich (above); and Japanese Iced Coffee (right).

Don’t leave without trying: A Maple Cardamom Latte ($6) and a Salty Chocolate Chip Cookie ($3.75).

The Hubers and Yoders, who chose “Night Swim” to evoke a sense of adventure and fun, set out to create a great coffee shop experience. But their vision goes beyond that. They already plan a second uptown location at One Wells Fargo, as well as a 5,000-square-foot roastery with a café in Lower South End that will launch later this year. Could this Charlotte-based roastery evolve into a regional coffee brand, like Durham’s Counter Culture Coffee?

Night Swim’s Oakhurst location is light and inviting, with white walls, high ceilings, green banquette seating, and light maple tables with, thankfully, access to outlets. But the real test of a coffee shop is its drip served black. It needs to be strong, dark, and aromatic in a cup with a lid that doesn’t leak. This one aces it. (Until their roastery opens, Night Swim’s cafés will serve coffee from NJC and Undercurrent’s long-standing partners Counter Culture and Onyx Coffee Lab.) The drink menu includes Batch Brew Coffee ($3 for 12 ounces, $3.50 for 16 ounces), Japanese Iced Coffee ($3.75), and specialty drinks like Cortados ($3.75) and Matcha Lattes ($5). Substitute oat milk or almond milk in any latte for an additional 75 cents, or add a flavor like caramel, mocha or maple cardamom for $1 more.

They also have Golden Milk ($5), Masala Chai ($5), a selection of loose-leaf teas, and hot chocolate.

And because nobody can survive on coffee alone, the food menu includes breakfast and lunch fare and a variety of pastries. The Avocado Toast ($8.75) is a bit pricey even for the millennial favorite, but

The Parfait (above, left); a Maple Cardamom Latte with a Salty Chocolate Chip Cookie (above); the coffee counter at Night Swim’s Oakhurst location (below).

this one is topped with harissa, toasted almonds, and lime pickled onions; add an egg for $2 to make it a full meal and justify the cost. The Parfait ($8.25) is a cup of yogurt layered with jam, maple pecan granola, and fruit, and it’s more filling than the short glass would indicate. For a grab-and-go option, try the Breakfast Sandwich ($6.25) with eggs, goat cheese, tomato, and sundried-tomato aioli.

For the lunch crowd, they serve Focaccia Sandwiches ($9.25) on house-made herb bread, and a rotation of Frittatas ($7.50) with seasonal ingredients. If you just came for a snack or need something sweet to pair with your cold brew, grab

a Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie ($3.25), a Blueberry Muffin ($3.75), or a slice of Zucchini Nut Bread ($3.75) from the pastry case and stay a little longer.

There’s no question you’ll pay more for less coffee than at Starbucks, and the pastries aren’t the catcher’s mitts you find at Dunkin’ Donuts. But that’s not the point when you support independent coffee shops—or, in this case, a local brand with its own roastery. You’re helping two young couples build something unique to Charlotte.

TAYLOR BOWLER is the lifestyle editor.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

33

LO C AL F L AVO R

GET TO THE GREEK The mainstays of a centuryold immigrant tradition in Charlotte

BY KATHLEEN PURVIS

34

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

COVID UNLEASHED so many losses and miseries that lamenting the cancellation of a Greek festival felt trivial. Not being able to watch teenagers dance arm in arm while you lick loukoumades syrup off your fingers at the annual Yiasou Festival didn’t compare with the kind of sacrifices so many have made.

And yet, walking around the fellowship hall at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on a Friday afternoon in August, it was hard not to mourn yet another loss. Volunteers had been rolling stuffed grape leaves for dolmades and filling freezers with spanakopita for weeks before the church decided to cancel the full festival and do drive-thru with food and pastries.

It didn’t stop them, though: The baklava sessions in August still brought out dozens of church members to layer phyllo, brush on melted butter and syrup, and strew chopped nuts. For Greek Charlotte, the preparations for Yiasou, usually held the week after Labor Day in September, start in July. The cooking sessions are like watching high schoolers build homecoming floats—generations of local families of Greek heritage come to catch up and show the youngsters how it’s done.

Newcomers to Charlotte are often surprised to learn that this Southern city has a sweet Greek heart. Scratch a lot of local restaurants, and you’ll find feta, oregano, and olive oil layered under the gravy biscuits and fried chicken.

PETER TAYLOR

FOOD+DRINK

PETER TAYLOR; LOGAN CYRUS

(Left and above) Ilios Crafted Greek serves favorites like the Falafel Plate with sides (above) in a fast-casual setting. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (below) on East Boulevard is home to the Yiasou Greek Festival.

The history of Greeks wandering and setting up homes in faraway lands is as old as Homer’s Iliad. In America, Greek immigrants have left their mark on cities all over the country, particularly on humble spots like diners and coffee shops. In the South, Greek immigrants arrived in cities like Charlotte and Birmingham in the early 20th century, drawn to jobs in textiles and manufacturing—and to kitchen work that allowed them to hone their English while they learned to cook simple, American-style food.

By 1923, Charlotte’s Greek population had grown so quickly that the Greek Orthodox Parish of Charlotte was formed.

The current location of Holy Trinity

became the metropolis—the regional diocese in the Orthodox Church—for the Southeast from 1955 until it moved to Atlanta in 1980.

Charlotte’s Greek population saw another growth spurt after World War II, when the destruction and a Greek civil war drove young people to America.

Under postwar immigration rules, you needed a relative in America to sponsor you. Since Charlotte already had a large Greek population, a new wave of cousins and siblings joined them in the late 1940s and through the 1950s, many getting jobs as dishwashers and short-order cooks while they learned the language, got driver’s licenses, and went on to open their own restaurants.

You can still see the community influences with a drive through Evergreen Cemetery on Central Avenue, where many Greek families have burial plots topped with Greek symbols. The names on the headstones are a roll call of Charlotte restaurant history: Kokenes, Tatsis, Economy, Kastanas, Pappas, and more.

Greek Charlotte isn’t ancient history, though. The months since the pandemic shutdown in March 2020 have cut into Charlotte’s Greek heritage, with the closing of restaurants like Mr. K’s, Zack’s, and the Oakhurst Grill (formerly Mr. C’s). But there’s still a lot of Greek to explore.

Continued on next page JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

35

FOOD+DRINK

Eating Old-Style

LITTLE VILLAGE: Want a classic gyro? A lot of Greek Charlotteans will send you to this tiny shop on West Trade, two blocks from Johnson & Wales University. The gyros— chicken or beef/lamb—come topped with French fries, but you’ll still want to spring for a side of Greek fries, seasoned with herbs and sprinkled with feta. 710 W. Trade St. (next to the entrance of the Gateway Village parking garage)

Where To Shop For It

The Mad Greek’s Village Salad.

THE MAD GREEK: It’s so Greek that if you listen closely, you’ll hear the kitchen staff arguing in Greek. A little diner with some outside seating, it’s a great place for dishes like Village Salad (no lettuce, just lots of cucumbers, olives, peppers, and tomatoes), souvlaki, and kebabs. 5011 South Blvd.

Greek And Hip

SOUL GASTROLOUNGE and KIKI BISTRO: Owner Andy Kastanas’ family came here in the 1960s, and both menus show it. Upstairs among Soul’s crafted cocktails and curated small plates, you’ll spot things like saganaki, spicy feta dip, and lamb skewers. Downstairs, the newer Kiki has a lot of Greek flavors with a few French touches. 1500 Central Ave., Ste. A and B

ILIOS CRAFTED GREEK: Angelo Kaltsounis and Stratos Lambos won a following with their upscale restaurant Ilios Noche and its Greek-inspired menu.

They’ve now gone full Greek with Ilios Crafted Greek, a fast-casual café in South End. The dining room is as bright and sunny as the food. 1514 S. Church St.

Worth The Drive

ESTIA’S KOUZINA: If you want to turn a Greek-style dinner into an occasion, drive to Belmont in Gaston County and visit Estia’s. Gus Georgoulias, a longtime Charlotte restaurateur, owns the place, which hits the spot between casual and upscale with specialties like moussaka, lamb chops, and grilled octopus. 609 N. Main St., Belmont

MINOS IMPORTED FOODS: It’s intimidating the first time you go.

Pull into the back of a gravel lot next to what looks like a warehouse, and you won’t see the store. It’s in the building on the left, behind the second door. Once you figure it out, you’ll find barrels of brined olives; shelves of spices, canned goods, and cookies; and multiple kinds of feta: from Greek, made with sheep and goat milk, to Bulgarian and American. Oh, and the tinned fish selection. Minos serves both wholesale and retail customers. “Everybody comes here,” says Bobby Makas, son of owner Serafim Makas. “International customers, Americans, locals.” 11016 Monroe Road, Matthews AGORA GREEK MARKET: If you want something more like a retail shop, this small market has shelves of Greek products, freezers full of Greek dishes, multiple kinds of phyllo, and dessert cases that brim with cookies and pastries.

5122 E. Independence Blvd.

KATHLEEN PURVIS is a longtime Charlotte writer who covers Southern food and culture.

Best Bites Our favorite dish this month, chosen by Charlotte magazine staff MILK BREAD FRENCH TOAST, $12 IRO WHEN THE HYATT CENTRIC SOUTHPARK opened last summer, the hotel’s rooftop resbar. Don’t expect a mediocre continental breakfast and a self-serve coffee station. IRO, which means “color” in Japanese, serves colorful cocktails and Japanese-inspired small plates in the evening and a full breakfast that includes an exquisite Milk Bread French Toast. The thick slab of fluffy milk bread is crisp on the outside and custardy on the inside. Chef Dustin Hildebrandt tops it with local Cloister vanilla honey, butter, and blueberry compote. The milk bread’s subtle sweetness enhances the compote, while the honey drizzle adds an extra touch of sweetness. Once you try this Japanesestyle French toast, you might never want it the traditional way again. —Taylor Bowler

36

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

PETER TAYLOR; COURTESY

taurant, Mizu, deservedly earned a lot of buzz. But it overshadowed IRO, the Hyatt’s lobby

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

CHRISTINE CLANCY The Ballantyne’s new executive pastry chef returns to the South with luxury hotel experience and a taste for ‘aha’ desserts

BY TAYLOR BOWLER

Age: 53 Relationship status: Single Hometown: Jasper, Georgia Currently lives: Fort Mill, S.C. Currently reading: Where the Crawdads Sing

by Delia Owens Currently watching: Bloodline Where does your love of baking come from? I grew up in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother, so I was always baking.

How did this opportunity at The Ballantyne come to you?

I’d been in Colorado for a while, most recently at the Four Seasons in Vail. I have two grown children in Charleston, so I wanted to be closer to them. I always admired The Ballantyne, and I wanted to find something comparable to where I was working out there. It was all very quick. I was hired before I even flew in to do a tasting and moved here July 15.

What do you love about dessert? I like the ‘aha’ moment. I enjoy building those flavor combinations, and when I can put it all together and present it to the guest and see the excitement on their faces, that’s what motivates me to keep learning, growing, and trying new techniques.

COURTESY

How have you put your stamp on The Ballantyne’s dessert menu? I grew up in the South, so I have such an appreciation for Southern-style desserts. I think a lot of those desserts like red velvet cake are coming back around; I just like to make them with a modern edge. On the Ballantyne menu, I’ve added a Smoked Valrhona Chocolate Verrine with hazelnut praline mousse and honeycomb, which is something I grew up on. I’ve also got a Lemon Pistachio Olive Oil Cake with olive oil gelato and a Hibiscus Poached Pear Pavlova.

Will you continue The Ballantyne’s Afternoon Tea? When I was at The St. Regis in Aspen, we did afternoon tea every day, so I love that ritual. I love small, delicate desserts … scones with Devonshire cream, tarts with fresh fruit on top. It’s an experience.

THE TOUGH STUFF Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla Coffee or tea?

Tea Beer or wine?

Wine Cake or pie? Pie Doughnut or muffin?

Doughnut Bagel or biscuit?

Bagel Crunchy topping or sweet drizzle?

Crunchy topping Ice cream or hot chocolate?

Ice cream Sugar Rush or The Great British Baking Show?

The Great British Baking Show Street eats or sitdown? Sit-down Facebook or Instagram?

Instagram

Dessert for breakfast: hard no or hell, yes? Hell, yes.

What’s one ingredient you always have on hand?

Almond flour.

What do you think is an underappreciated flavor?

Lemongrass.

Is there one recipe you’d still like to master? I came from baking at high altitudes, so right now it’s meringues.

It’s harder to make those in a sticky environment.

What shoes do you wear in the kitchen? Birkenstock clogs.

What’s your favorite thing to bake? Crème brûlée.

They’re so elegant and delicate. Most people are intimidated by them, but it’s my favorite to make.

What’s your favorite adult beverage? Moscow mules.

What’s the most surprising thing about you? I don’t care for chocolate. I love to work with it, just not eat it.

What’s one chain restaurant you’re not ashamed to admit you love? Waffle House.

What do you like to do outside the kitchen? I like to hike and bike. I have a golden retriever, Graham, so we do a lot of that. I also like to kayak.

Any rules to live by in the kitchen? Work cleanly.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

37

FOOD+DRINK

R E STAU R ANT S

De-Sweet, De-Carb, Reset Kick off the new year with light, healthy fare at these Charlotte eateries

IF YOU’RE READY to swap out heavy holiday meals and sugar-laden treats with veggies, grains, and lean meats, Charlotte has plenty of healthy options. These Mediterranean-focused menus and plant-based options are so tasty, you’ll forget they’re healthy, too.

Find some highlights in this month’s restaurant guide. —Taylor Bowler

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A FULL DIRECTORY OF RESTAURANT LISTINGS.

PETER TAYLOR

(Clockwise from top) Eight + Sand's Shakshuka; Kid Cashew's rotisserie chicken with sides; YAFO Kitchen’s chicken shawarma bowl.

38

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

Plant Joy’s Falafel Tower.

F E AT U R E D R E STAU R ANT

CAMP NORTH END offers plenty of opportunities to indulge, but when you need a good reset meal, head to this plant-powered kitchen. Feast on locally sourced, nutrient-dense, vegan dishes like Rainbow Toast and the Falafel Tower. For a colorful medley, try the Socca and Salad, a refreshing dose of sesame-massaged kale, beets, and microgreens served on a chickpea crepe that’s satisfying whether or not you’re vegan.

PLANT JOY 1801 N. Graham St., Ste. 101 980-237-4855

KID CASHEW

1608 East Blvd.

704-208-4148 This Mediterranean-focused menu includes kale and quinoa bowls, woodfired vegetables, skewers, and rotisserie chicken.

FERN, FLAVORS FROM THE GARDEN

1419 East Blvd., Ste. A 704-377-1825 This vegetarian restaurant serves plantbased entrees, sides, and desserts.

CILANTRO NOODLE

PETER TAYLOR

2001 Commonwealth Ave. 704-345-9490 Structured like Chipotle, build-yourown meals include a base starch (egg noodles, vermicelli noodles, white rice, or fried rice), one protein, and five toppings.

EIGHT + SAND KITCHEN

135 New Bern St. 704-370-9696 The artisanal breads and pastries are

tough to resist, but for a healthy and filling meal, order the Shakshuka, a skillet of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce with kale, chickpeas, onions, and garlic.

traditional pad thai, while those with more daring palates can try dishes like Crispy Red Curry Duck, a rich, deepfried half-duck in a spicy sauce.

LIVING KITCHEN

609 N. Main St., Belmont 704-825-7005 This upscale Mediterranean restaurant offers healthy and delicious dishes like gyro pitas, lamb burgers, and hearty salads.

2000 South Blvd., Ste. 300 704-333-0008 This vegan gem is known for its gluten-free quinoa veggie burgers, sweet potato sushi rolls, and Lemon Berry Cheesecake made with cashews, coconut, and lemon on a pecan crust.

YAFO KITCHEN

720 Governor Morrison St., Ste. 120 704-365-7130 With additional locations in Dilworth and Plaza Midwood, this fast-casual concept serves Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired fare in wraps, salads, and grain bowls.

BASIL THAI

210 N. Church St. 704-332-7212 Thai lovers can sate their cravings with

ESTIA’S KOUZINA

FLOWER CHILD

1537 Camden Road 980-294-0500 Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, paleo, or just hungry, you can find something at this colorful eatery.

ROOTS CAFE

2135 Southend Drive, Ste. 109 980-260-3111 This restaurant offers a simple menu of breakfast burritos, grain bowls, sandwiches, and coffee.

OH MY SOUL

3046 N. Davidson St. 704-891-4664 Enjoy Buddha bowls, vegan nachos, fruit smoothies, and dairy-free lattes on a patio where dogs are always welcome.

CRUNCH BISTRO

401 N. Tryon St. 980-498-5774 Order fresh salads, wraps, and flatbreads that help you stay on track with your nutritional goals and never leave you hungry.

VILLAGE JUICE CO.

1115 N. Brevard St. 704-705-2220 This juice bar inside Optimist Hall serves smoothies, grain bowls, and salads.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

39

FOOD+DRINK

BEER

Hops, Deflowered

Yes, hoppy beers get you drunk and leave you in pain—but not for the reasons you might expect

BY GREG LACOUR

40

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

Dan Wade (right), Wooden Robot Brewery’s co-founder and head brewer, keeps small amounts of dried whole leaf hops (top) in a freezer. But most of the hops Wooden Robot uses in brewing come pelletized (above) for shipping from a supplier in Oregon.

mask: Whoa. If you’ve consumed a local pale ale or IPA—like Wooden Robot’s own Overachiever, the winner of this magazine’s 2021 Beer Bracket competition—you know a milder version of this aggressive, citrus-rich aroma. It’s the main characteristic of grapefruity Cascade hops, the strain, mainly grown in the Northwest, that practically defines American pale ales. The scent is just as strong in pelletized, commercial-scale hops; the pellets, which resemble rabbit food, pack the most hops in the smallest form and are free of water and air that could decay them.

Hops balance what would otherwise be an overly sweet, boozy brew. They don’t contribute to alcohol content. But the higher the alcohol content, the more hops brewers tend to add during fermentation to disguise the taste and smell of alcohol and— because hops are a bittering element—counteract its natural sweetness. The combination of high ABV and sugars is usually what wields the hangover hammer the next day.

That’s why brewers like Wade approach the hoppiest of even their own beers with caution. “Double IPA tends to be something that you don’t see brewers drinking quite as much,” Wade says, “especially because you just can’t drink as much of it.”

GREG LACOUR is the editor.

COURTESY (2); SHUTTERSTOCK

YOU COULD DRINK BEER for a lifetime— down gallons of Hop Drop ’N Roll from NoDa Brewing and Hoppyum from Foothills Brewing and Death By Hops from Olde Hickory Brewery—without knowing the answers to two fundamental beer questions: What are hops? Why do brewers use them?

(If you like IPAs, you often ask a third question the morning after: Who’s repeatedly striking my head with a massive hammer?)

First: They’re technically flowers—flower clusters, anyway. They’re seed cones. The common hop plant, Humulus lupulus, produces them in late summer. Farmers harvest and dry them, and brewers use them to add flavor to beer, which is a byproduct of dried grain (malt) fermentation. Brewers have done this for more than 1,000 years, since they discovered that hops not only add layers of aroma and flavor to beer but also act as a natural antibiotic and preservative.

Logical enough. But you may have noticed, if you’ve drunk beer at any point in the past couple of decades, that taps and store shelves swim with beers that proudly flaunt their hop content, as if hops were a sacred herb that transforms your everyday stein of suds into an elixir. If, to you, that means a hop-rich beer will generally get you drunker faster than, say, Bud, a mass-market lager, you’re correct as well as drunk. But the connection may not be what you think.

Follow me. We’re in the storage area of Wooden Robot Brewery in South End, where co-founder and head brewer Dan Wade opens the lid of an industrial freezer that contains a collection of foil packets the size of jerky bags and, to the right, a selection of freeze pops. (The pops play no role in the brewing process. They just hit the spot when the weather’s warm.) Wade tears open one of the bags and pours out a handful of what he refers to as “whole leaf” hops—dried seed cones that the farmers harvest. He crumbles one in his palm, and a yellow powder reveals itself amid the fragments of pale-green leaves.

“That yellow powder is really all the stuff we care about as brewers,” he explains. “It’s called lupulin, and that has the bittering compounds and the essential oils that add the citrusy, the floral, the spicy (flavors).”

He holds out his palm and invites me to sniff. Even through a

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SPOTLIGHT ON

RESTAURANTS AND CHEFS Get to know some of the city’s top chefs and restaurants

SPE CIAL AD V E RTISING

SE CTIO N

Describe briefly your cooking philosophy.

It’s not done until it is delicious.

Who or what are your greatest influences in the kitchen?

My mother and Jacques Pépin.

What is the most exciting thing about being a chef?

Creativity.

Chef Fran Scibelli Fat Cat Burgers + Bakeshop 2410 Park Rd Charlotte, NC 28203 (704) 372-2009 www.FatCatClt.com

What is your signature dish, and what makes it your signature?

My meatballs-the balance of cheese and garlic and their texture.

Plus, the marinara.

Spotlight

Restaurants & Chefs

What makes for a successful meal?

Good company, good service that is friendly, warm yet unobtrusive, good music, great food.

What do you think sets your restaurant apart from others?

I am crazy meticulous about the food and I am frequently on site.

What do you like to cook at home?

Pasta! Very simple with good olive oil and great cheese.

Most memorable meal you’ve ever eaten?

Washington DC 1981, Lefavillou beet ravioli.

What’s one thing you want readers to know about you or your restaurant?

My focus is always on you and has been since I quit practicing law 27 years ago.

What do you want a diner to say or feel after eating a meal at your restaurant?

They had a wonderful meal.

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Tomatoes and herbs.

SPE CIAL AD V E RTISING

Spotlight

Restaurants & Chefs

Chef Scott Hegadorn Sophia’s Lounge 127 N Tryon Street Suite D Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 228-1111 www.TheIveysHotel.com

SE CTIO N

Describe briefly your cooking philosophy.

Great ingredients, good flavor, texture, and attractive presentation.

What do you want a diner to say or feel after eating a meal at your restaurant?

“Wow, I can’t wait to come back!”

Who or what are your greatest influences in the kitchen?

Starting my career at Myers Park Country Club, learning the basics from Executive Chef Jim Alexander, who went on to open Zebras Restaurant.

Sous Chef Todd Kelly, Executive Chef at Cherokee Country Club also helped influence my style and creativity.

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Hands down…Foie gras

What do you think sets your restaurant apart from others?

I fell in love with the restaurant space and the Ivey’s Hotel on my very first visit. Sophia’s Lounge is the most eclectic space I’ve seen. The owners have done wonderful things, everywhere you look there is something unique.

What makes for a successful meal?

Great company, good ambiance, quality service, delicious food and drinks. When you’re surrounded by all of that it goes from a meal and becomes an experience.

What is your signature dish, and what makes it your signature?

Duck Confit with white bean cassoulet. My version of heaven with a crispy skin, duck loin, a light cassoulet… beautiful! It’s earthy and bold, you know you’re eating something special.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Retirement Living Charlotte is a popular retirement destination. The area’s options are abundant, including some excellent active adult communities. The following pages are your guide to some of the better options, as well as where to get great advice.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

M

atthews Glen, a premier Acts Retirement-Life Community, is one of the Charlotte area’s most beautiful senior living destinations. Its exquisitely landscaped campus offers the best in resort-style living for residents looking to make the most of their retirement.

With a host of gracious living options, residents may choose a spacious villa or elegant apartment home. It’s the perfect time to learn more about our exciting expansion and select a beautiful, soon-tobe-built apartment with an array of finish options.

With chef-prepared meals, fitness programs, two pools, a chapel, two performing arts centers and top-flight recreational events, residents enjoy an exceptional lifestyle. Free from worries about maintenance, Matthews Glen residents fill their days with the activities they love in the company of warm and welcoming new friends.

They also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with excellent health care services conveniently located on the same campus and the assurance that if they do need more care in the future, their monthly fees will not increase solely as a result of those needs. They enjoy predictable expenses and knowing that the nest egg they worked so hard for is protected. In addition, Acts Life Care® can enable significant tax

MATTHEWS GLEN ACTS Matthews Glen.indd 1

I

f the Lake Norman area wasn’t impressive enough, the introduction of the Symphony Park Luxury Independent Living Resort just leveled it up another notch. Designed for relaxation and adventure alike, personality abounds throughout the private residences, the grand clubhouse and the 36 acres of lush landscaping, all with a grand Floridian flare.

And, the location couldn’t be better. Whether you spend your day on the lake, shopping & dining in nearby Birkdale Village, strolling the streets of the culture-rich college town of Davidson or at the resort itself, the lifestyle that awaits promises to be abundant and satisfying.

Symphony Park’s all-inclusive concept allows residents to enjoy their private suites while also appreciating an array of amenities, concierge services and culinary options including fine dining, grab and go with ice cream, sports pub with billiards and a wine lounge with hors d’oeuvres.

Designed for active seniors, our life enrichment team and fitness coaches will offer a full calendar of programs and clubs to pique your interest. The amenity center is strategically situated at the heart of the community, connecting four buildings with sun-filled, glassed-in walkways. Inside you will find the dining venues, a fitness center, art studio and craft room,

SYMPHONY PARK Symphony Park Living Jan22.indd 1

deductions, meaning more money to spend on travel, family and fun.

Acts Retirement-Life Communities is the nation’s largest not-forprofit owner, operator, and developer of continuing care retirement communities. Since 1972, Acts has set the standard in active retirement living and currently serves approximately 10,000 residents on 26 campuses across nine states. To learn more about how you can enjoy the retirement of your dreams, visit AboutActs.com/SeniorLiving or call (866) 455-1710.

733 Plantation Estates Drive Matthews, NC 28105

866-455-1710 AboutActs.com/SeniorLiving 11/17/21 9:34 AM

G

a. N liqu volo tia dempore dolupta il ip Fero blabo ne am, cupta que poria pli tem auditat consecest am faccullabo. U ea alitibus i luptate rae v idigent lanti Fero blabo movie theater, and game room, as well as a large indoor pool.ne am, cupta que poria pli Outside, residents will be staying in shape on the pickleball tem auditat courts, playing bocce ball and shuffle board, and honing their consecest am skills in the stand-alone wood working shop. faccullabo. U To add to its attractiveness, Symphony Park offers a flexibletibus ipit ma rental plan with no large upfront buy-in fee, allowing resi- Fero blabo dents to stay in control of their assets and enjoy the flexibilityne am, cupta of a month-to-month all-inclusive lease. que poria pli Call today to learn more and ask about our exclusivetem auditat Priority Partner program that will position you to secure theconsecest am apartment of your choice once we begin taking reservations.

12221 Sam Furr Road Huntersville, NC

704-351-6404 symphonyparkliving.com

11/29/21 9:18 AM

It’s a

beautiful life Accomplished artist Peggy Bond envisioned retirement as a masterpiece. She found it at Matthews Glen, a premier Acts Retirement-Life Community, where she enjoys gracious living, chef-prepared meals, a world of activities, and a resort-like lifestyle she shares with wonderful new friends. Best of all, with Acts Life Care®, Peggy pays for future care in today’s dollars should her needs ever change. Discover the home of your dreams in our brand new expansion. An exceptional retirement awaits you at Matthews Glen today.

MATTHEWS, NC

(866) 584-0172 | AboutActs.com/CharlotteLiving

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

L

ocated on one of the largest green spaces in Mecklenburg County, Aldersgate is an ideal place to live with hundreds of acres of walkable nature to explore. Voted the “Best Senior Living Community” by the readers of Charlotte Observer, this non-profit Life Plan Community has all the amenities you could wish for: indoor pool, salon, spa with nail and massage services, garden plots, woodshop, six dining venues (plus your own kitchen), dog park, acres of wooded trails and a picturesque lake. Wild birds and deer are frequent visitors.

Aldersgate offers a variety of living options, including standalone cottages with attached garages, upscale apartments with underground parking and centrally located convenience apartments. Parker Terrace Assisted Living in our Epworth Residential Tower offers scenic views of our park-like campus.

Our assisted living is designed for people who want to stay active while getting the support they need from an expert, caring team. Plus, assisted living residents can choose where they would like to dine with a number of venues.

Our Asbury Health & Rehabilitation Services provides private rooms for long-term skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation in six distinct neighborhoods, each with its own dining and commons areas. Next door to Asbury is the Cuthbertson Village Memory Care community. It offers a 180-degree shift

ALDERSGATE

from “institutional” care to “neighborhood living” for people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. With one of the best team member-to-resident ratios in the state, you can count on being well cared for in an exceptional environment.

Visit our website for special incentives and online and in-person events. Plus, download free books including “Financial Tips for Moving into a Life Plan Community,” “Rightsizing Your Life,” “The Best Friend’s Guide for Navigating Dementia” and “Design Your Life.” Schedule a tour at (704) 246-3236 or visit AldersgateLiving.org 3800 Shamrock Drive Charlotte, NC 28215

Aldersgate_220100.indd 1

11/29/21 9:22 AM

F

rom gracious independent living to innovative personcentered healthcare, Southminster is the ideal place to stay safely secure for life. Conveniently located on Park Road in South Charlotte, Southminster is a charitable, non-profit Life Plan community offering a full continuum of care. Recently completing its largest expansion ever, Southminster is poised to meet the demands of future residents for years to come.

Discover our brand new enclave of residences, the Southminster Terraces, and coming soon, Top of East. With soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and large outdoor terraces, these spacious homes are unparalleled in modern convenience. Adding to the community’s appealing blend of residential choices -discover a generous selection of well-appointed one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as quaint cottages nestled on tree-lined culde-sacs.

Now open is the new Embrace Health at Southminster, an architecturally vibrant community designed to meet the needs of residents facing the health challenges aging presents. View one-bedroom assisted living apartments, new dining venues, and small-house nursing neighborhoods that include private rooms, zero-entry private baths, and gracious balconies overlooking a beautifully landscaped courtyard. Interior spaces are expressly designed to welcome as much light as possible, while making the

SOUTHMINSTER Southminster_220100.indd 1

704-246-3236 AldersgateLiving.org

outdoors easily and safely accessible.

New amenities include The Gallery, our newest and largest gathering space, soaring two-stories tall, and home to Lola’s bar, new private dining venues, the Gallery Loft library, and a resident art gallery. Our award-winning culinary team satisfies the most discerning palates with delectable and nutritious meals with the freshest ingredients, many locally sourced. And with easy access to our modern wellness center and impressive indoor pool, you’ll find new ways to remain healthy, active, energetic, and well.

Please contact us to learn more about our extraordinary vision for senior living and to schedule a visit.

8919 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28210

704-551-6800 Southminster.org 11/17/21 9:32 AM

A 62+ Life Plan Community

For All Walks of Life

Our walkable, expansive campus is just one thread of a diverse tapestry of living at Aldersgate.

Located on hundreds of acres, Aldersgate is an age 62+, entrance-fee, non-profit community that offers a vast variety of living options and amenities, including six dining venues, an indoor pool, salon and spa, wood shop, dog park, gardening, wooded trails and a picturesque lake. Plus, we deliver a top-rated, award-winning full continuum of care.

3800 Shamrock Drive Charlotte, NC 28215

Check out our calendar of events at AldersgateLiving.org.

Or schedule a virtual tour of our beautiful campus at (704) 246-3236.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

C

h a r l o t t e ’ s SouthPark area has a new neighbor, The Barclay at SouthPark. This luxury rental life plan community (CCRC) is right in the middle of everything this highly desirable location has to offer, esidents of the community will enjoy a great selection of living choices, thrive with an array of social opportunities and whole-person wellness programs, enjoy chef-prepared meals in multiple dining venues, pamper themselves in the day spa and salon as well as join in excursions to the symphony or theater. s a rental community, you will not find a large entrance fee. This allows residents to let their hard-earned assets continue to work for them while enjoying a maintenance-free lifestyle with the peace of mind of knowing that healthcare services are right on campus should the need arise. In addition to independent living, the full continuum of care will also include assisted living and memory support, as well as skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.

We welcome the opportunity for you to learn more about Charlotte’s newest life plan community, The Barclay at SouthPark. Give us a call today to schedule your private visit, learn more and join our Priority Partners program. Discover how The Barclay at SouthPark might just be your best move yet.

THE BARCLAY AT SOUTHPARK

6010 Fairview Road Charlotte, NC 28210

Barclay.indd 1

980-224-8540 TheBarclayatSouthPark.com 11/29/21 9:21 AM

T

his spring promises to be an exciting one at Sharon Towers as we prepare to welcome residents to our new, 42-unit independent living building, The Deerwood. However, the opening of The Deerwood is just part of Phase I of our campus transformation.

We’re also completing the renovation and expansion of the Weisiger Health Center which will almost double the square footage of our health care while keeping the same number of resident rooms. The result will be enlarged resident rooms – many with private bathrooms – and a more “home-like” environment with kitchen and dining spaces, an expanded visitation area with fireplaces, enhanced activity areas and access to outdoor balconies on each floor.

The expansion also adds dining and amenities spaces. Dining space is enlarged and will include more à la carte options. And amenities to be added include a new Wellness & Physicians Clinic, salon and spa and a large community meeting and activity space. The project is due to be completed by the end of 2022.

The much-anticipated community park facing Sharon Road is scheduled to be complete during 2022. This half-acre communal greenspace will connect our campus to the neighborhoods around us in SouthPark.

SHARON TOWERS Sharon Towers.indd 1

With all the ways we’re improving and expanding our campus, it’s an exciting time to be a Sharon Towers resident – or to become one. Our transformation speaks to the dedication we have to aging successfully for each of our residents.

We can’t wait to show off what’s new and what’s coming soon!

Contact us today to arrange a personalized tour. Or visit our website, SharonTowers.org.

The image is a rendering that depicts the top floor of the Weisiger Health Center, named for donors Ed and Agnes Weisiger. It is scheduled for completion in late 2022.

5100 Sharon Road Charlotte, NC 28210

704-556-3231 SharonTowers.org 11/29/21 9:21 AM

Life with Others Brings Purpose to Life “This whole place is like a big family. Everyone is so friendly. You have every amenity you could want.”

At Southminster, social opportunities are everywhere you look, from meeting new people over dinner to making friends as you exercise, to relaxing with your neighbors in our lively bar, Lola’s. Everything we do is designed to encourage socialization safely.

Southminster, Charlotte’s premier Life Plan Community - the ultimate singles place, couples place and people place.

For information and availability, contact 704.551.6800 | Charlotte, NC | Southminster.org

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

A

t The Cypress, every day is filled with possibilities. With a calendar full of activities, fantastic cuisine, and beautiful outdoor spaces waiting to be enjoyed, the only thing you ll long for is more time in your day. o, re indle an old passion, or discover one that s new. There are countless opportunities for social, physical, and mental enrichment. ne of the biggest differentiators between The Cypress and other Life lan Communities is also one of the best home ownership.

When you live at The Cypress, you own your Cottage or illa, yet none of the up eep falls on your shoulders. ou and your family will receive all of the e uity and appreciation advantages, while we handle all of the maintenance of your home, and the landscape within our gated community.

Cypress Cottages are charming private homes, ranging from , to , s . ft., with a variety of floor plans to choose from. very Cottage offers sophisticated touches and amenities, including high-vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, and handsome millwor . ur illas are luxury condominiums offering comfort and convenience. floor plans feature both one- and two-bedroom designs, with options ranging beyond , s . ft. Typical features include hardwood floors, balconies or porches, luxury fixtures and finishes, and gorgeous la e views.

As a Life lan Community, The Cypress is uni uely e uipped

THE CYPRESS

to meet the future healthcare needs of its residents. rom the most independent, to those re uiring advanced levels of care, everyone at The Cypress has access to exceptional medical care and facilities on campus.

Ma e the most of every day at The Cypress, nowing you have a plan in place for tomorrow. Call . . to schedule a tour and see it all for yourself, or visit cypressofcharlotte.com to learn more.

3442 Cypress Club Drive Charlotte NC, 28210

Cypress_JAN22.indd 1

704-714-5568 TheCypressOfCharlotte.com 11/22/21 9:52 AM

I

magine yourself living in the lap of luxury, in a safe and conveniently located community, with everything you might need right at your fingertips. place to relax, a place to explore, a place for those with discerning taste.

The Village on Morehead luxury retirement living is nestled in the heart of Charlotte’s most storied neighborhoodsjust minutes from the city s finest cultural offerings, shopping, restaurants, and as well as Charlotte’s top hospitals and doctor s o ces. The illage offers programs that will keep you engaged with always something new to learn or do. It is a great place to meet old and new friends with similar interests and passions.

The community provides alluring living spaces designed to cater to a sophisticated lifestyle. Prepare your pallet for an exquisite dining experience as you retreat for lunch or dinner in our elegant restaurant or grab a uick snack or sandwich in the istro. njoy conversation with friends and family while you unwind from a busy day of adventure over a glass of wine in the beautiful landscaped outdoor oasis that features lounge seating, an outdoor kitchen and al fresco dining. ou ll also enjoy a theater, a state-of-the-art fitness wellness center, an indoor heated pool, a lecture hall, a library, as well as card rooms and living areas throughout the community. If a

THE VILLAGE ON MOREHEAD Village on Morehead Jan22.indd 1

little extra assistance is desired, The Village on Morehead can easily assist in scheduling appointments with our wellness consultants and home care company with convenient on-site o ces.

The Village on Morehead is where you will love the possibilities that each day offers and where you will ive ife ell .

To learn more about The illage on orehead or make an inquiry about joining the priority reservation list, please call or visit us at info bridgewood.us 727 E. Morehead Charlotte, NC 28202

704-831-8000 VillageOnMorehead.com

11/23/21 9:59 AM

DON’T JUST LIVE HERE ...

LOVE IT HERE.

NOW OPEN Select Your Home Today!

Residents of The Barclay love the living choices, abundant resort-like amenities and nearly endless social engagements available to them. Here, residents and their families will love the emphasis on nutritious dining options, whole-person wellness and the peace of mind that comes from having continuing care in place should they need it.

Call 980.825.4211 to schedule a private visit and don’t just live here...LOVE IT HERE. 4801 Barclay Downs Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210 BarclayAtSouthPark.com

A Life Plan Community offered by Liberty Senior Living

© 2021 The Barclay at SouthPark

Live in Color. around us. Whether it’s in our art studio or through other means, at Sharon Towers we want your senior living

5100 SHARON ROAD | CHARLOTTE, NC | 28210

ADVERTISE YOUR

To learn more, go to SharonTowers.org or contact our Marketing Department at 704.556.3231.

RETIREMENT LIVING

experience to nurture the creativity inside you.

Contact advertising@charlottemagazine.com to learn more.

Art sustains us, feeding our desire to capture the world

The lifestyle you want, in a place you’ll love.

INSPIRED LIVING

is everywhere you look at The Cypress, Charlotte’s premier Life Plan Community. You’ll

enjoy the advantages of home ownership, without any of the burdens of being a homeowner. So you can spend time exploring the trails, lakes and gardens on our 65-acre property. Meet friends in The Grand Clubhouse for coffee and cards. Or simply take in a Carolina sunset from the porch of your Cottage or Villa.

Plus, and this is a big plus indeed, you’ll have access to exceptional medical care and facilities right on campus. The choices are plentiful, and they’re all yours at The Cypress.

AN AWAR D -WINNING L IF E PL AN COMMUNIT Y

Schedule a tour today.

Sondra Key, Broker:

704.714.5568

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

W

indsor Run, Mecklenburg County’s premier senior living community, has quickly become the destination of choice for those seeking a secure, independent, and maintenance-free lifestyle.

Don’t Worry About the Weather. Located in Matthews, North Carolina, Windsor Run’s beautiful campus features a variety of stylish apartment homes to suit every need. Amenities, activities, and clubs keep you fit, active, and entertained. Glass-enclosed, climatecontrolled walkways make everything you need easily accessible in any kind of weather.

In addition to the carefree lifestyle, Windsor Run provides security and peace of mind.

Managed by Erickson Senior Living, a nationally recognized leader among senior living, Windsor Run offers predictable monthly expenses that cover day-to-day expenses, like property taxes, utilities, and home maintenance. These costs remain the same all year!

Feel Confident With On-Site Care. Quality health care is available right on campus from providers who specialize in

WINDSOR RUN WindsorRun_220100.indd 1

Find all of Charlotte magazine’s RESOURCE GUIDES in one place!

Visit charlottemagazine.com/resources

caring for seniors. And as a senior living community, Windsor Run offers higher levels of care should you ever need them.

The community even provides a full range of realty and moving services to simplify the moving process.

For all these reasons and more, isn’t it time to learn more about Windsor Run? Call 1-800-989-9449 or visit WindsorRunCommunity.com to get your FREE brochure.

2030 Windsor Run Lane Matthews, NC 28105

1-800-989-9449 WindsorRunCommunity.com 11/23/21 9:11 AM

on Morehead

Bridgewood Property Company is carrying on its tradition of building awardwinning communities and offering elegant retirement living, now available for discerning Charlotteans.

The Village on Morehead, currently under construction, will offer an exceptional experience for those seeking epicurian inspired cuisine, engaging programs and seminars, rejuvinating wellness facilities, and a sophisticated community to call home.

Located on East Morehead, the community offers convenient access to everything you already know and love.

Be one of the first to learn more and receive exclusive project updates by calling us at (704) 831-8000 or contacting us at info@bridgewood.us.

727 E. Morehead | Charlotte, NC 28202 | www.villageonmorehead.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

W

estminster Towers is one of the area’s best kept secrets for over 30 years. Sitting on a 20-acre campus in the heart of Rock Hill, Westminster Towers is proud to be the first ontinuing are etirement ommunity in South arolina to receive ational ccreditation. ffering a continuum of care as well as HomeBridge, the not-for-profit, independently operated community is just a short drive from harlotte.

Independent living floor plans consist of studio, one bedroom, two bedroom and two-bedroom deluxe apartments. ach offers full kitchens with granite countertops and stainless appliances. Residents can dine in the newly renovated elegantly casual dining

room. The ife enrichment calendar is filled with social engagements, outings near and far, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Several wellness classes are offered daily and the newly renovated ellness enter is home to fitness e uipment designed especially for seniors and features an indoor-heated pool. estminster Towers offers numerous refundable residency fee options. Monthly fees are very affordable and include housekeeping, transportation, wellness classes, one meal per day, utilities, personal response system and on-site storage among other services. Other amenities include the Westminster Salon, on-site medical clinic and movie theater. ssisted iving, ong-Term are and

WESTMINSTER TOWERS

D

iscover an ward-winning, Westminster Towers Dec21 V3.indd 1

active adult lifestyle in an ideal location at Crestwind Charlotte by KOLTER HOMES. Just 25 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, and 5 minutes from Downtown Mint Hill, Cresswind is Charlotte’s best-located 55+ community. Ranch-style homes feature floorplans specifically designed for active adults with options for flex spaces, daylight basements and elevators. Plus, you can personalize your new home from floor to ceiling with guidance from the professional designers at

edicare- ertified ehab are also available, all under one roof. all today to schedule a visit and see why so many people refer to Westminster Towers as “A ommunity of riends

1330 India Hook Road Rock Hill, SC 29732

Kolter’s on-site Design Gallery.

The resident-only, 17,000 sq. ft. clubhouse features resort-style amenities – including indoor and outdoor pools, sports courts, a full fitness center, cardio studio, demonstration kitchen, artsand-crafts room and clubs for every hobby, all organized by a full-time Lifestyle Director.

New homes from the $300’s to $500’s. Tour 9 designerdecorated models, open daily, in-person or online at CresswindCharlotte.com.

CRESSWIND CHARLOTTE Cresswind Jan2022 V3.indd 1

Coming in April

APARTMENT LIVING Where To Live Now

803-328-5587 WestminsterTowers.org

11/29/21 10:51 AM

8913 Silver Springs Court Charlotte, NC 28215

866-950-8227 CresswindCharlotte.com

11/29/21 11:04 AM

Vibrant Senior Living in All Seasons

Weather won’t disrupt your day at Windsor Run, the premier senior living community in Matthews! Enjoy independent living, plus amenities to help you stay active and secure.

Get your FREE brochure!

Call 1-800-989-9449 or visit WindsorRunCommunity.com.

174034

Matthews WindsorRunCommunity.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

RETIREMENT LIVING RESOURCE GUIDE Name

Purchase

ALDERSGATE

3800 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, N.C. 28215 704-532-7000, aldersgateccrc.com THE BARCLAY AT SOUTHPARK

4801 Barclay Downs Dr., Charlotte, N.C. 28210 980-224-8540, barclayatsouthpark.com THE BLAKE AT BAXTER VILLAGE

522 Sixth Baxter Crossing, Fort Mill, S.C. 29708 803-339-0592, blakeliving.com THE BLAKE AT EDGEWATER

1099 Edgewater Corporate Pkwy., Indian Land, S.C. 29707 803-310-4242, blakeliving.com BRIGHTMORE OF SOUTH CHARLOTTE

10225 Old Ardrey Kell Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28277 704-557-0511, brightmoreofsouthcharlotte.com BRIGHTON GARDENS

6000 Park South Dr., Charlotte, N.C. 28210 704-837-8272, sunriseseniorliving.com BROOKDALE CARRIAGE CLUB PROVIDENCE

5800 Old Providence Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28226 704-365-8551, brookdale.com BROOKDALE CHARLOTTE EAST

6053 Wilora Lake Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28212 704-537-8848, brookdale.com BROOKDALE CONCORD PARKWAY

2452 Rock Hill Church Rd., Concord, N.C. 28027 704-782-7594, brookdale.com BROOKDALE EBENEZER ROAD

1920 Ebenezer Rd., Rock Hill, S.C. 29732 803-366-1189, brookdale.com BROOKDALE MONROE SQUARE

919 Fitzgerald St., Monroe, N.C. 28112 704-225-9556, brookdale.com BROOKDALE ROBINWOOD

1750 Robinwood Rd., Gastonia, N.C. 28054 704-864-2480, brookdale.com BROOKDALE SALISBURY

2201 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, N.C. 28147 704-636-0588, brookdale.com BROOKDALE SOUTH CHARLOTTE

5515 Rea Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28226 704-544-2094, brookdale.com

NonPurchase

Entrance Fee

Monthly Fee

Individual Living Units

Assisted Care Units

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

See display listings on previous pages for additional information on communities and facilities that are highlighted.

Skilled Memory Care Units Care Units

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Providing Excellence in senior living for more than 30 years.

Small town charm with national recognition Short drive from Charlotte, NC

What’s your plan?

Call today for answers.

803-328-5587

www.westminstertowers.org

1330 India Hook Road • Rock Hill, SC 29732

IT’S YOUR MOVE If you’d rather enjoy pickleball with friends than tackle your home renovation projects, Cresswind makes it easy to find your next adventure, new home and fun. With two communities in the Charlotte area, this is active adult living designed for the way you want to live.

NEW HOMES FOR ACTIVE ADULTS

Visit KolterHomes.com/Charlotte to learn more, and we’ll help get you started.

KolterHomes.com/Charlotte

© 2021 Cresswind is a registered trademark of Kolter Homes. Prices, homesites, home designs and other information subject to errors, changes, omissions, deletions, availability prior sales and withdrawal at any time without notice.

21-KCC-034_AD_Pickle-Paint_7-125x4-875_CharlMag_r3.indd 1

11/19/21 11:25 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

RETIREMENT LIVING RESOURCE GUIDE Name

Purchase

BROOKDALE WEDDINGTON PARK

2404 Plantation Center Dr., Matthews, N.C. 28105 704-847-9477, brookdale.com CARMEL PLACE

5512 Carmel Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28226 704-703-8192, holidayseniorliving.com CHARLOTTE SQUARE

5820 Carmel Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28226 704-544-4979, capitalsenior.com THE CHARLOTTE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

9120 Willow Ridge Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28210 704-815-7362, charlotte-living.com

THE CYPRESS OF CHARLOTTE

3442 Cypress Club Dr., Charlotte, N.C. 28210 704-714-5500, thecypressofcharlotte.com THE DORCHESTER

12920 Dorman Rd., Pineville, N.C. 28134 833-576-6465, dorchestercharlotte.com ELMCROFT OF LITTLE AVENUE

7745 Little Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28226 704-541-9333, elmcroft.com THE GARDENS OF TAYLOR GLEN

3700 Taylor Glen Ln., Concord, N.C. 28027 704-788-6510, taylorglencommunity.org GRACE RIDGE

500 Lenoir Rd., Morganton, N.C. 28655 828-263-4810, graceridge.org

Monthly Fee

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

THE LAURELS AND THE HAVEN IN THE VILLAGE AT CAROLINA PLACE

13180 Dorman Rd., Pineville, N.C. 28134 704-540-8007, fivestarseniorliving.com

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

7845 Little Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28226 704-375-0100, hpccr.org

6101 Clarke Creek Pkwy., Charlotte, N.C. 28269 704-947-8050, fivestarseniorliving.com

Skilled Memory Care Units Care Units

X

X

X

Assisted Care Units

X

X

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE CHARLOTTE REGION

THE LAURELS AND THE HAVEN IN HIGHLAND CREEK

Individual Living Units

X

240 Branchview Dr. N.E., Concord, N.C. 28025 704-703-8179, holidayseniorliving.com 8913 Silver Springs Ct., Charlotte, N.C. 28215 980-228-9044, cresswindcharlotte.com

Entrance Fee

X

CRESCENT HEIGHTS

CRESSWIND CHARLOTTE

NonPurchase

See display listings on previous pages for additional information on communities and facilities that are highlighted.

X

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

RETIREMENT LIVING RESOURCE GUIDE Name

LEGACY HEIGHTS SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

11230 Ballantyne Trace Ct., Charlotte, N.C. 28277 704-544-7220, fivestarseniorliving.com THE LITTLE FLOWER ASSISTED LIVING

8700 Lawyers Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28227 704-545-7005, premierseniorliving.com THE MANOR

12920 Dorman Rd., Pineville, N.C. 28134 833-241-3248, manorcharlotte.com MERRYWOOD ON PARK

3600 Park Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28209 704-523-4949, seniorlifestyle.com PARK POINTE VILLAGE

3025 Chesbrough Blvd., Rock Hill, S.C. 29732 803-327-4723, actsretirement.org THE PINES AT DAVIDSON

400 Avinger Ln., Davidson, N.C. 28036 877-566-9376, thepinesatdavidson.org MATTHEWS GLEN, ACTS RETIREMENT LIFE COMMUNITIES

733 Pavilion View Dr., Matthews, N.C. 28105 704-845-5900, actsretirement.org

Purchase

NonPurchase

Entrance Fee

Monthly Fee

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

SENIOR RETREAT AT PARK CROSSING

10408 Avodale Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28210 704-654-9488, seniorretreat.com SHADS LANDING

9131 Benfield Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28269 704-703-8234, holidayseniorliving.com SHARON TOWERS AT SOUTHPARK

5100 Sharon Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28210 704-553-1670, sharontowers.org THE SOCIAL AT COTSWOLD

3610 Randolph Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28211 704-366-2550, thesocialsl.com SOUTHMINSTER

8919 Park Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28210 704-551-6800, southminster.org

X

Skilled Memory Care Units Care Units

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

4123 Kuykendall Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28270 704-708-9931, seniorlivinginstyle.com SENIOR RETREAT AT LANSDOWNE

X

Assisted Care Units

X

PROVIDENCE MEADOWS

7219 Folger Dr., Charlotte, N.C. 28270 704-654-9488, seniorretreat.com

Individual Living Units

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X X

X

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

RETIREMENT LIVING RESOURCE GUIDE Name

Purchase

SUMMIT PLACE AT SOUTH PARK

2101 Runnymede Ln., Charlotte, N.C. 28209 704-525-5508, fivestarseniorliving.com

SUNRISE ON PROVIDENCE

5114 Providence Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28226 704-343-6545, sunriseseniorliving.com

SYMPHONY PARK LIVING

12221 Sam Furr Rd., Huntersville, N.C. 28078 704-351-6404, symphonyparkliving.com

TERRABELLA LAKE NORMAN

140 Carriage Club Dr., Mooresville, N.C. 28117 704-396-4681, terrabellaseniorliving.com

THE VILLAGE ON MOREHEAD

727 E Morehead St, Charlotte, N.C. 28202 704-831-8000, villageonmorehead.com

NonPurchase

Entrance Fee

Monthly Fee

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X X

TRINITY OAKS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

X

728 Klumac Rd., Salisbury, N.C. 28144 704-633-1002, trinityoaks.net WALTONWOOD COTSWOLD

5215 Randolph Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28211 704-234-5198, waltonwood.com

WALTONWOOD PROVIDENCE

11945 Providence Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28277 704-234-6062, waltonwood.com

WELLMORE OF TEGA CAY

111 Wellmore Dr., Tega Cay, S.C. 29708 803-835-7007, well-more.com

WESTMINSTER TOWERS

1330 India Hook Rd., Rock Hill, S.C. 29732 803-328-5000, westminstertowers.org WILLOW GROVE

10043 Idlewild Rd., Matthews, N.C. 28105 704-771-1158, holidayseniorliving.com WILLOW RIDGE MEMORY CARE

2140 Milton Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28215-3319 704-405-0730, willowridgememorycare.com

WINDSOR RUN

2030 Windsor Run Ln., Matthews, N.C., 28105 704-443-6300, ericksonseniorliving.com

X

Individual Living Units

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Assisted Care Units

X

Skilled Memory Care Units Care Units

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

*Not intended as a comprehensive resource. To be included in the Fall 2022 Retirement Living Resource, please email advertising@charlottemagazine.com.

TRYON

25

Best New Restaurants

By TAYLOR BOWLER and GREG LACOUR Photographs by PETER TAYLOR

EVEN BEFORE the stress and disruption of COVID, Charlotte restaurants closed, downsized, relocated, expanded, and experimented. With it, the city’s dining scene had to weather an even higher level of stress: longtime dine-in restaurants delivered food curbside; fast-casual eateries unveiled take-home meal kits; and rooftop bars spruced up their patios to nudge customers outdoors.

This year, restaurateurs seemed to settle into a post-virus swing even as the overall scene continued to expand and diversify, to the point where it was hard to keep track of all the new additions. It’s a lot to digest, but Charlotte continues to impress us with its culinary range and resilience.

Here, you’ll find 25 restaurants that opened between Nov. 1, 2020, and Nov. 1, 2021. This list is based on quality, creativity, ambience, and service, and it’s in no particular order. We invite you to get out there, try something new, and support the talented restaurateurs behind these dishes.

64

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails’ Chicken Biscuit Pot Pie.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

65

OLD TOWN KITCHEN & COCKTAILS This may be it, the ultimate expression of New Southern cuisine: fancified versions of common-folk grub like smothered chicken and country-fried steak, along with an expansive menu of local craft beers and liquor, served in a repurposed industrial building that’s now a mixed-use development, in a town growing like kudzu in a creek bed.

Chef Chris Coleman and business partner Sean Potter, who with another partner opened The Goodyear House two years ago in NoDa, established Old Town in July 2021 in the historic Lowenstein Building near the Winthrop campus in downtown Rock Hill. It’s an appealing space with dishes to match: bookshelves against one wall to honor the nearby university; and tables, booths, and cushioned bar seats beneath a high wood-slat ceiling that adds a touch of what the team calls “authenticity, elevated” to your Fish Camp Catfish with two sides or Chicken Biscuit Pot Pie. 300 Technology Way, Ste. 203, Rock Hill, S.C., 803-980-6852

ORDER THIS: Tough choice, but the Caramel Pork Shoulder with braised butter beans, “sticky greens,” and apple gastrique ($22) is nouveau-Southern on a plate.

66

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

Caramel Pork Shoulder with braised butter beans, “sticky greens,” and apple gastrique.

Fish Camp Catfish with Broccoli & Cheese Gratin and Mac & Cheese (left). Old Town’s dining room (below) is in the historic Lowenstein Building near the Winthrop campus in downtown Rock Hill.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

67

BOTIWALLA Botiwalla, which means “the meat guy” in Hindi, stands out among the 13 food vendors and warren of stalls at Optimist Hall.

So do Chef Meherwan Irani’s menus, rich with snacks like savory kale fritters and spicy potato dumplings on the “Street” menu; tasty curry and rice plates; and a lineup of entrees that includes the Chicken Tikka Roll and Botiwalla Lamb Burgers. Even the drinks offer an array of Indian flavors, from Mango Lassi, a chilled yogurt drink with mango and cardamom, to a Tamarind Cola.

1115 N. Brevard St., Ste. 203, 980-296-3993

ORDER THIS: The SPDP appetizer ($6.49) is “savory puffed flour crisps” filled with yogurt, two types of chutney, onions, cilantro, and potatoes, with a chickpea noodle topping.

(Clockwise from top) Okonomiyaki, Pad Kra Pow, Som Tum Chicken, and Fried Mochi Dumplings.

XIAO BAO Xiao Bao, which means “little one “ or “little bundle” in Chinese, is chef and owner Joshua Walker’s nickname for his wife, Duolan Li. After their honeymoon traveling across Asia, they created Xiao Bao Biscuit in Charleston in 2011 to satisfy their cravings for Asian food. In 2021, they opened its sister concept, Xiao Bao, in Optimist Hall, where Walker serves dishes like Glass Noodle Pork Salad and Mango Sticky Rice in the 564-square-foot food stall. 1115 N. Brevard St., Ste. 14, 980-309-0670

ORDER THIS: Fried Mochi Dumplings ($6) stuffed with caramelized pork are comfort in three bites.

68

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

Supperland’s Miso Mac & Cheese.

SUPPERLAND Supperland was perhaps the buzziest opening of the year, and rightly so. Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel, the spouses and business partners who own Haberdish, Growler’s Pourhouse, and Reigning Doughnuts, transformed a 69-year-old former church in Plaza Midwood into a restaurant and cocktail bar. Chef Chris Rogienski serves Beef Short Ribs and Wagyu Pot Roast family style, and guests eat off custom dinner plates embellished with birds, butterflies, and flowers. For dessert, Pastry Chef Liana Sinclair makes individual-sized pies in flavors like chocolate peanut butter, citrus, and sweet potato. The church annex houses The Bar at Supperland, where mixologist Colleen Hughes makes cocktails garnished with edible flowers.

In late 2021, Brown and Tonidandel revealed yet another facet: a 10-seat speakeasy in the basement of the church annex where they host a two-hour, reservation-only “spirit experience” with bourbon cocktails and small-bite pairings.

Like everything else at Supperland, they’ve fine-tuned every detail. 1212 The Plaza, 704-817-7514

PRIME FISH

PLANT JOY

You won’t find deep-fried sushi rolls doused with sauce at this Ballantyne restaurant. Ninety percent of the menu is raw, and about 95% is seafoodbased. Chef Robin Anthony makes Edomae-style sushi, which is what you’d eat in Tokyo. He’s also a certified sake adviser who pairs the Japanese rice drink with fish the same way a sommelier pairs food with wine. Reserve a place at the 10-seat sushi bar to watch the master at work, and let him recommend a sake, even if it’s not your normal drink. Chances are good he’ll change your mind.

11212 Providence Road W., Ste. B, 980-339-5822

Anyone who’s adopted a plant-based diet anticipates underwhelming options and skimpy portions at restaurants, so it’s a luxury to visit a spot with plentiful choices and portions. The team behind Nourish Charlotte opened this food stall at Camp North End and serves a completely vegan menu of dishes like Rainbow Toast and Socca and Salad. But unlike standard steamed veggies or underdressed salads, these dishes are just plain good.

1801 N. Graham St., Ste. 101, 980-237-4855

ORDER THIS: Do the Chef’s Choice Nigiri Tasting ($25), and let Chef Robin surprise you with eight different cuts of fish.

ORDER THIS: The Falafel Tower ($15) is a nachos-style heap of pita chips layered with chickpea and beet slaw, falafel crumble, and smoked chickpea hummus.

ORDER THIS: The Miso Mac & Cheese ($15) topped with misoinfused whipped cream is a grown-up spin on a childhood staple.

THE JIMMY Jim Noble, whose portfolio includes Rooster’s, The King’s Kitchen, Copain, and Noble Smoke, opened his namesake restaurant in July in the former Nolen Kitchen space in Myers Park. He modeled it after Mediterranean trattorias and bistros, and designed a menu around wood-fired pizza and homemade pastas. Executive Chef Jason Neve and Chef de Cuisine Vince Giancarlo sling 12-inch pizzas made with 48-hour fermented dough, which makes for crunchy, airy crusts. Standout pasta dishes include Pappardelle with brisket ragu and Linguine with North Carolina shrimp.

Snag a table on the sprawling back patio if you can, because dinner always tastes better al fresco. 2839 Selwyn Ave., 704-979-4242

ORDER THIS: The Funghi ($21), aka “Jimmy’s Pie,” topped with

roasted farm mushrooms, taleggio cheese, and balsamic reduction.

The Jimmy’s 12-inch wood-fired pizzas are made with 48-hour fermented dough.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

69

ORTO A wave of new Italian restaurants has crashed over Charlotte in the past two years, but Paul Verica shows that the city still has an appetite for pizza and pasta. The two-time James Beard semifinalist opened this casual Italian spot in the Novel NoDa project in February. Don’t expect oversized American portions—these dishes are much daintier than anything you’d find at a chain restaurant, and Verica isn’t heavy-handed with the olive oil or any of his sauces.

Everything has just enough of each ingredient, so you’ll leave satisfied but not stuffed. 416 E. 36th St., Ste. 600, 980-938-0080

ORDER THIS: Pepperoni pizza ($18) pays tribute to Verica’s favorite ’za, from Pica’s in his native Philadelphia.

CALLE SOL Chef Paul Cruz, previously of Mama Ricotta’s, and Sous Chef Alfredo Galarza brought their familial love of Latin comfort food to Plaza Midwood. FS Food Group modeled Calle Sol after Latin joints in Miami and Tampa’s Ybor City, and it shows in both the atmosphere and dishes. The restaurant opened with just dinner service, but hours now extend to weekend lunch, which is better suited for the two Cuban sandwiches it offers: the Tampa Cubano and the Miami Cubano, distinguished by the salami and mayo on the former. 1205 Thomas Ave., 704-565-8291

ORDER THIS: The Aji Amarillo ($15) is a standout from the robust ceviche menu, with its titular peppers, ginger, onions, olive oil, and lime juice.

70

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

Orto is a few steps from the LYNX Blue Line’s 36th Street Station, in the same building as Wooden Robot and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

71

EPIC CHOPHOUSE

The Ribeye 104 South at Epic Chophouse comes with a choice of Chef Jon’s “Epic Side Items,” which include Jalapeño Cheddar-Jack Cottage Fries.

BABE & BUTCHER

CHEAT’S CHEESESTEAKS

Babe & Butcher gained popularity a few years ago for its Instagrammable charcuterie boards and grazing tables. When owners Lindsay Anvik and Rob Henricks opened their first brick-and-mortar at Camp North End last year, they introduced charcuterie boxes packed with the same delectable meats, cheeses, nuts, vegetables, and fruits they previously offered on a larger scale. You can build your own box, but we suggest starting with one of their signatures, like the Pimento Box or the Take Me to Europe Box—both with a curated selection of complementary items chosen by the Babe herself, Anvik. 301 Camp Road, Ste. 102, 980-216-4723

The cheesesteak has many self-appointed gatekeepers, but there’s a reason this onetime pop-up sold out every time it appeared at a brewery—or more recently, outside Bank of America Stadium on game days. What makes them stand out here in Charlotte? The euphoric combination of Cheez Whiz and Amoroso’s rolls from Philadelphia.

The good news: Now that partners Greg Balch, Ryan Hart, and Hannah Smith have a permanent home in Elizabeth, you no longer have to creep on their Instagram page to claim a coveted spot in line. 913 Pecan Ave., 704-912-2955

ORDER THIS: The Butcher Box ($22): cheddar, brie, berry goat cheese, prosciutto, pickles, oranges, strawberries, and walnuts.

72

ORDER THIS: How about the Cheesesteak ($15.99)?

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

The first of these “casual-upscale” steakhouses opened in a Mooresville building constructed in 1888. The second, which opened in November 2020, is more contemporary, in an urban village development that’s leased space only since 2016. The overall effect is the same, though, designed along classic steakhouse lines: dim light, Sinatra through the speakers, and a proper bar. The wine rack takes up the entire back wall—the list takes up nine pages, in small print, of a drink menu that also details 58 bourbon and 22 Scotch options. But the stars here are, of course, steaks, of which Epic serves eight varieties. The chefs grill them Pittsburgh-style, at temperatures up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, to char the meat’s exterior but leave the inside pink and juicy. The treatment gives each bite a slight, satisfying crunch that complements the tender interior. 1365 Broadcloth St., Ste. 101, Fort Mill, S.C., 803-548-3742

ORDER THIS: The Ribeye 104 South ($29), an aged 14-ounce ribeye topped with roasted garlic brie butter and smoked salt. Includes choice of side (Jalapeño Cheddar-Jack Cottage Fries recommended).

GENO D’S PIZZA Uptown pizza lovers rejoiced when this business, which originated on the Jersey Shore, opened at The Market at 7th Street last summer. Everyone will (rightfully) tell you to order the Grandma Pie, but don’t ignore the more traditional Jerseystyle pizzas on your second visit. The decadent Chicken Parm Pizza blends shaved Parmesan and mozzarella, while Geno’s doughy crust is the ideal base for the Deli Pizza’s ham, sausage, salami, tomatoes, and garlic. Geno D’s recently introduced Breakfast Pizza, too, with eggs, cheese, and peppers. 224 E. 7th St., 704-900-5202

ORDER THIS: Yes, you still need to try the rectangular Grandma Pie

($12) first.

GOLDEN OWL TAVERN A Denver-based group called Sage Restaurant Concepts opened this restaurant inside the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in late March. But General Manager Jim Ragin is a 22-year Charlotte resident who appreciates a Southern-inspired menu. Executive Chef Ben Lacy serves Nashville hot chicken Deviled Eggs, Buttermilk Fried Shrimp Po’ Boys, plus desserts like Banana Puddin’ and Pineapple Upside Down Cake. This lineup puts standard hotel bar food to shame.

9041 Robert D. Snyder Road, 704-417-0400

ORDER THIS: Nashville hot chicken deviled eggs ($9) are equally good at dinner and brunch.

LA BELLE HELENE When 5th Street Group reopened La Belle Helene in uptown last year, they resuscitated one of the most gorgeous dining rooms in Charlotte. The restaurant, modeled after a French brasserie, closed in June 2020 after less than two years. The interior needed just a few retouches, and the menu sticks to French classics like Steak Tartare, Crispy Duck Confit, and Boeuf Bourguignon. Top Chef alum Jamie Lynch put his spin on a few dishes like the ratatouille, a chilled vegetable casserole that’s appeared in countless Instagram feeds. But the integrity of La Belle Helene remains, as the place you take out-of-towners you want to impress. 300 S. Tryon St., Ste. 100, 980-209-0941

ORDER THIS: Boeuf Bourguignon ($38) is a hearty helping of braised short ribs, veggies, and marble potatoes that will keep you warm all night.

La Belle Helene’s Boeuf Bourguignon has tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich wine gravy.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

73

MARIPOSA Mariposa—Spanish for “butterfly”—replaces Halcyon, the farm-to-table restaurant at the Mint Museum that closed last December. The space got a sexy makeover with prism chandeliers, velvet couches, and murals by local artist Owl, while Executive Chef Jonathan Moore serves “world-to-table” dishes like Elote Corn Fritters, Ceviche Aguachile, and Gullah Paella. For dessert, Pastry Chef Sam Carrasquero-Chappelle makes a Manjari Torte garnished with raspberries, mint leaves, and edible flowers that’s so beautiful, you’ll still dream about it days later. 500 S. Tryon St., 704-910-0865

ORDER THIS: Gullah Paella ($35), a skillet of rice pilaf, andouille, chorizo, Gulf shrimp, fresh daily catch, oysters, soffritto, and saffron.

Mariposa’s Aix en Provence cocktail with a skillet of Gullah Paella, a Spanish rice dish served with a mix of seafood and meat.

74

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

Fat Cat’s house signature, the Fat Franny, has two maple bacon doughnuts in place of a hamburger bun.

FAT CAT BURGERS + BAKESHOP This 4,000-square-foot Dilworth space housed Fran’s Filling Station for more than a decade, but a sales slump during COVID compelled owner Fran Scibelli to reboot. She reopened in April with a new name and a walk-up doughnut window, where a dessert case brims with maple bacon doughnuts and confetti cookies straight from the oven. The dining room got a splash of red paint, new wood tables, and a revamped menu with loaded burgers, sandwiches, and salads. But don’t worry, Scibelli kept a few old favorites, too. You can still order the New South Fried Chicken Sandwich and her famous Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots. 2410 Park Road, 704-372-2009

ORDER THIS: The Fat Franny ($15) is a sweet-and-savory monstrosity of a sandwich: a beef burger or fried chicken smothered with cheese and onion rings lodged between two maple bacon doughnuts.

Diners can have a view of Mizu’s open kitchen, where the chefs cook lobster (above), duck breast, and vegetables on the Robata grill.

MIZU Mizu, which translates to “water” in Japanese, is the rooftop restaurant and bar SouthPark didn’t know it needed.

Since it opened in late August, it’s been nearly impossible to snag a Saturday night dinner reservation. Chef Michael Chanthavong (formerly of O-Ku) serves a seafood-focused menu that uses a centuries-old Japanese barbecue method.

Grab a seat at the chef’s counter to watch the Robata grill sizzle with lobster, duck breast, and charred vegetables.

You can reserve a table or booth in the dining room and order maki rolls, chilled and raw dishes, and desserts like a coconut parfait and Robata-grilled pineapple. If you don’t end the night with a cocktail on the rooftop patio, you’re not doing it right. 3100 Apex Drive, 9th Floor of the Hyatt Centric SouthPark, 704-981-9299

ORDER THIS: Splurge on the Robata-Grilled Lobster Tail ($30).

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

75

BOCADO’s signature Double Stack Burger has two patties made with a blend of short rib, chuck, and brisket.

BOCADO BAR + DINER

The Atlanta-based restaurant’s Double Stack Burger already had a cult following and a write-up in Forbes when it opened in Atherton Mill in late June—and it lives up to the hype.

BOCADO—Spanish for “bite,” “morsel,” or “mouthful”—also serves small plates and craft cocktails, plus a prime location along the Rail Trail in a cluster of South End hot spots like Trolley Barn, Indaco, and O-Ku. 2000 South Blvd., Ste. 530, 704-248-4848

ORDER THIS: The Double Stack Burger ($12.95) is heaven between two sesame buns.

Dilworth Tasting Room’s Seared Salmon is covered in a spiced honey glaze.

DILWORTH TASTING ROOM SOUTHPARK Owner and sommelier Jaffer Kovic, who renovated the old Dilworth Billiards space on East Tremont Avenue in 2016, opened the second DTR in February 2021 in what was Corkbuzz’s spot in Sharon Square in SouthPark. It has a more expansive interior, with a patio in front instead of a cozy nook in back, but the focus remains on “lowproduction” wines; the list of bottles alone takes up eight pages in a leather-bound binder, always a good sign. DTR also serves beer, cocktails, cheese and charcuterie boards, appetizers, and entrées inspired by Kovic’s Croatian heritage. 4905 Ashley Park Lane, Ste. J, 980-938-4959

ORDER THIS: The Seared Salmon ($27), with a spiced honey glaze atop a generous side of vegetable fried rice.

76

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

STEAK 48

KOUNTER

KONNICHIWA

It’s not easy to stand out among SouthPark’s sea of steakhouses, but Steak 48 does that and more. The 11,500-squarefoot restaurant has an in-house butcher shop, 6,000-bottle wine vault, a raw bar, and private dining suites. The massive dishes match the scenery; generous portions include family-style sides and USDA prime steaks still sizzling when they arrive. It’s the kind of place ideal for special occasions, but you’ll be making up new ones to return. (“Honey, it’s been one whole month since I tried that Alaskan King Crab & Rock Shrimp Mac & Cheese. Let’s go celebrate.”) 4425 Sharon Road, 980-580-4848

Owner and Rock Hill native Rob Masone promises that every plate is Instagrammable— #phoneseatfirst is the house hashtag—and that every dish will delight. He serves refined versions of childhood favorites: meatloaf, but smoky, wrapped in bacon, and served with crispy Brussels sprouts, smooth mashed potatoes, and cilantro crème fraîche; fries, but tossed in Parmesan and rosemary and topped with a tomato malt vinaigrette reduction that subs for ketchup.

“Chef Rob” refreshes history in a more meaningful way, too: Kounter, which opened in December 2020, honors the Friendship Nine, a group of civil rights demonstrators arrested and sentenced to 30 days in jail for daring to sit at this very lunch counter in the segregated Rock Hill of 1961. 135 E. Main St., Ste. 101, Rock Hill, S.C., 803-328-7333

This sushi, steak, and seafood restaurant opened in the former Inishmore space in April. This seemingly prime location on East Boulevard has seen a lot of turnover in the past five years.

Before it was Inishmore, it was The Rogue; before that, East Boulevard Bar & Grill. But Konnichiwa caters to both sushi fanatics and non-sushi eaters with a menu of bento boxes, ramen noodles, and hibachi bowls, plus a roster of Charlottethemed rolls like the Juicy Jay, Hornets, and CLT Rolls. The dining room still has the same approachable, sports-bar sensibility, but the food far exceeds mediocre pub grub. 1315 East Blvd., Ste. 130, 980-498-0420

ORDER THIS: Special occasions call for special toppings. Cap your Bone-In Ribeye ($68) with a Black Truffle Sautéed Maine Lobster ($44).

ORDER THIS: The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf ($13, lunch and dinner) is what you wish your mama had made— and it’s topped with “Funyun dust,” which is exactly what it sounds like.

Kounter’s Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with roasted Brussels sprouts.

ORDER THIS: Hunky Dory Roll ($15) is a mouthful of flash-fried tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and avocado topped with spicy tuna, spicy aioli, and kabayaki sauce.

WHAT THE FRIES Six years after Jamie Barnes and Greg Williams launched their wildly popular food truck, the chefs and co-owners opened their first storefront in south Charlotte. Order food truck favorites like the Shrimp and Steak Hibachi Fries, plus rotating specials like the Cheeseburger Quesadilla, Clam Chowder Fries, and Purple Yam Milkshake. They’ve also got different pudding tots each week in flavors like salted caramel, pecan pie, and strawberry cheesecake. If you need a cheat day—or you want to bribe your kids for good behavior—this is the place to go.

10707 Park Road, Ste. F, 980-207-4814

ORDER THIS: Lobster Mac & Cheese Fries ($22)—because the only thing better than an oversized heap of comfort food is an even bigger heap of two of them.

EMMY SQUARED PIZZA Detroit-style pizza began popping up throughout the city before Emmy Squared opened in August. (They’re the square pies with thick, crispy crust.) Yet, like fellow boutique chain Snooze AM Eatery, Emmy Squared opened to long lines and fanfare, as it had previously been labeled the best Detroit-style pizza in Boston and Louisville. The pizza menu is split between Reds (topped with sauce and mozzarella) and Whites (topped with just mozzarella), with the latter’s Hot Chicken pie being a major hit. 1508 Central Ave., 704-672-0993

ORDER THIS: The Vodka ($14) from the Reds menu has a housemade vodka sauce, basil, and salty pecorino cheese.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

77

SCOTT and LINDA MURPHY, the couple who purchased the acclaimed farm-to-fork restaurant Heirloom in 2019, moved their operation from Mountain Island Lake to downtown Belmont. They’ll open two new eateries this year in the historic district: Honeycomb Café, where son Patrick will lead the kitchen, and Bumblebee Bakery. General Manager Seth Wilson has taken the helm at Heirloom’s new location on Glenway Street.

OLD PLAYERS, NEW VENTURES

These restaurant veterans continue to expand their Charlotte footprints with new cafés, bakeries, tasting rooms, and food stalls ILLUSTRATION BY DANIEL GUIDERA

Just a few weeks after it opened Calle Sol in Plaza Midwood, FS GROUP announced plans to add a concept next to Mama Ricotta’s called Amma’s Pizza & Cheesesteaks. Look for cheesesteaks with both American cheese and Cheez Whiz, as well as pizza by the slice.

Having added The Jimmy to his roster in 2021, JIM NOBLE will expand his popular barbecue joint, Noble Smoke, with a stall at Optimist Hall in early 2022. Order smoked meats by the pound or in a sandwich, plus savory sides like pan-fried green beans, collards, and mac and cheese.

78

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

JOE and KATY KINDRED revealed plans to launch a new all-day café called milkbread down the street from their namesake restaurant in Davidson in early 2022. Later this summer, they’ll open a second location in the former walk-up Dairy Queen in Plaza Midwood. Both spots will serve milk bread doughnuts, crispy chicken, salads, and coffee, plus a rotation of independent wine and beer at night.

ROB DUCKWORTH, owner of Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse, will open a new location alongside a cocktail bar called The Loft at Duckworth’s in the former Taco Mac space in SouthPark.

Two-time James Beard-nominated chef GREG COLLIER and wife and business partner SUBRINA COLLIER will reopen their beloved breakfast restaurant Uptown Yolk in a 2,800-square-foot ground level space at Vantage South End in spring 2022.

JAMIE BROWN and JEFF TONIDANDEL, the spouses and business partners who opened Supperland last year, will transform their NoDa gastropub, Crêpe Cellar Kitchen & Pub, into an Italian restaurant called Ever Andalo. Look for homemade burrata, pasta, and Italian wine chosen by Supperland’s sommelier, Michael Klinger.

THE MOTHER EARTH GROUP, which added Mariposa to its portfolio in October, will roll out a new Frenchinspired, fast-casual fried chicken restaurant called Coquette in uptown this spring.

Petit Philippe, the Selwyn Avenue wine and chocolate tasting room, will move to a larger stand-alone location at 4001 Park Road this summer.

Husband-and-wife team MARK MEISSNER and CASEY HICKEY, who also own Twenty Degrees Chocolates’ South End shop, will transform the former dry cleaner into a tasting room, retail space, and wine storage service. —Taylor Bowler

50 BEST RESTAURANTS Our annual list is here. Keep it on your fridge to see how many you can get through this year (Highlighted = new this year)

WEST CHARLOTTE

UPTOWN

¡ THE ASBURY

235 N. Tryon St. 704-342-1193, theasbury.com

¡ SEA LEVEL NC

129 E. 5th St. 704-412-2616, sealevelnc.com

¡ 5CHURCH

127 N. Tryon St. 704-919-1322, 5churchcharlotte.com

¡ McNINCH HOUSE

511 N. Church St. 704-332-6159, mcninchhouserestaurant.com

¡ FIN & FINO

135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Ste. 100 704-800-5680, finandfino.com

¡ HAYMAKER

¡ ALEXANDER MICHAEL’S

¡ NOBLE SMOKE

¡ LA BELLE HELENE

¡ COUNTER-

¡ MARIPOSA

¡ CUZZO’S CUISINE

401 W. 9th St. 704-332-6789, almikestavern.com

300 S. Tryon St., Ste. 100 980-209-0941, labellehelenerestaurant.com

500 S. Tryon St. 704-910-0865, mariposaclt.com

¡ ARIA TUSCAN GRILL

100 N. Tryon St. 704-376-8880, ariacharlotte.com

¡ MICO AT THE

GRAND BOHEMIAN 201 W. Trade St. 980-999-5550, kesslercollection.com/ bohemian-charlotte/dining

2216 Freedom Drive 704-703-5252, noblesmokebarbecue.com

2200 Thrift Road 980-292-2090, counterclt.com

3418 Tuckaseegee Road 980-298-6811, cuzzoscuisine.com

NODA / NORTH CHARLOTTE

¡ ALIÑO PIZZERIA

500 S. Main St., Ste. 401, Mooresville 704-663-0010, alinopizzeria.com

¡ HABERDISH

3106 N. Davidson St. 704-817-1084, haberdish.com

225 S. Poplar St. 704-626-6116, haymakerclt.com

¡ KINDRED

131 N. Main St., Davidson 980-231-5000, kindreddavidson.com

SOUTH END / DILWORTH

¡ ALCHEMY AT C3LAB 2517 Distribution St. 704-659-0799, c3-lab.com

¡ COPPER

311 East Blvd.

704-333-0063, copperrestaurant.com

¡ BARDO

1508 S. Mint St. 980-585-2433, bardorestaurant.com

¡ FUTO BUTA

222 E. Bland St. 704-376-8400, futobuta.com

¡ INIZIO PIZZA NAPOLETANA

2230 Park Road, Ste. 101 704-900-0929, iniziopizza.com (Second location on Providence Road)

¡ VANA

1440 S. Tryon St., Ste. 100 980-819-5913, vanarestaurant.com

¡ HELLO, SAILOR

20210 Henderson Road, Cornelius 704-997-5365, hellosailornc.com

¡ THE GOODYEAR HOUSE

3032 N. Davidson St. 704-910-0132, thegoodyearhouse.com

¡ LEAH & LOUISE

301 Camp Road 980-309-0690, leahandlouise.com

¡ BONTERRA

1829 Cleveland Ave. 704-333-9463, bonterradining.com

Continued

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

79

50 BEST RESTAURANTS PLAZA MIDWOOD / ELIZABETH

¡

CALLE SOL

¡

INTERMEZZO

1205 Thomas Ave. 704-565-8291, callesolcafe.com

1427 E. 10th St. 704-347-2626, intermezzopizzeria.com

¡ SOUL GASTROLOUNGE

1500 Central Ave. 704-348-1848, soulgastrolounge.com

¡ THE FIG TREE RESTAURANT 1601 E. 7th St. 704-332-3322, charlottefigtree.com

¡

¡

CUSTOMSHOP 1601 Elizabeth Ave. 704-333-3396, customshopfood.com

THE STANLEY 1961 E. 7th St. 980-299-2741, thestanleyclt.com

¡ THE CRUNKLETON

1957 E. 7th St. 704-919-0104, thecrunkleton.com

¡ SUPPERLAND

1212 The Plaza 704-817-7514, supper.land

¡ DISH

1220 Thomas Ave. 704-344-0343, eatatdish.com

80

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

Continued

SOUTHPARK

¡ GOOD FOOD ON MONTFORD

¡ DOT DOT DOT

¡ BEEF ’N BOTTLE STEAKHOUSE

¡ STEAK 48

¡ LITTLE MAMA’S ITALIAN

¡ TAQUERIA MAL PAN

¡ PEPPERVINE

¡ DILWORTH TASTING ROOM

1701 Montford Drive 704-525-0881, goodfoodonmontford.com

4538 South Blvd.

704-523-9977, beefandbottle.net

4521 Sharon Road 980-209-0323, littlemamasitalian.com

4620 Piedmont Row Drive, Ste. 170B 980-283-2333, peppervine.com

¡ FLOUR SHOP

530 Brandywine Road 980-299-3754, flourshopfood.com

¡ BARRINGTON’S

4237 Park Road, Ste. B 704-817-3710, dotdotdotcharlotte.com

4425 Sharon Road 980-580-4848, steak48.com

4625 Piedmont Row Drive, Ste. 115D 980-298-6138, eatmalpan.com

SOUTHPARK

4905 Ashley Park Lane, Ste. J 980-938-4959, dilworthtr.com (Flagship location on E. Tremont Ave.)

¡ MIZU

3100 Apex Drive, Ninth Floor, Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark 704-981-9299, mizu.restaurant

7822 Fairview Road 704-364-5755, barringtonsrestaurant.com

SOUTH CHARLOTTE

¡ AQUA E VINO

4219 Providence Road 704-364-4445, aquaevino.com

¡ THE PORTER’S HOUSE

7417 Waverly Walk Ave. 704-930-7878, theportershouse.com

¡ PRIME FISH

11212 Providence Road W., Ste. B 980-339-5822, primefishclt.com

AN APPETITE FOR SOUTH END Look for these established national and regional restaurant brands to move into this booming neighborhood in 2022 ILLUSTRATION BY DANIEL GUIDERA

Popular Asheville breakfast spot EARLY GIRL EATERY will open in South End’s Dimensional Place building in early 2022. Benny’s, the Virginia-based pizza franchise with a location in NoDa, will serve their signature 28-inch pies at BENNY FERROVIA’S, 340 W. Tremont Ave. A few doors down, Asheville-based HI-WIRE BREWING will open its sixth location at 330 W. Tremont this spring. The creators of Reid’s Fine Foods will open SALTED MELON MARKET & EATERY, an all-day restaurant and gourmet health food shop, on the ground floor of the Lowe’s tower at 100 West Worthington Ave. Norsan Restaurant Group, the Atlanta-based team behind the former Luciano’s in South End, will replace the Italian restaurant with an upscale Mexican eatery called LA CAPITAL at 1910 South Blvd. Down the street, THE CRUST PIZZA, based in Naples, Florida, will move into the iconic Mr. K’s space at 2107 South Blvd. —Taylor Bowler JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

81

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Compiled by Tiffany Wolff Updated by Charlotte Parent Staff Charlotte and its nearby towns are abundant with independent school options. From top-notch technology and robust extracurricular programs to unique education models and teaching styles, each institution brings its own strengths.

Following is a snapshot of area independent private schools. For more information, visit the school’s website for information about scheduling a tour. Many school applications are due in January. * Tuition is annual unless otherwise noted

SHUTTERSTOCK

GUIDE TO

SPE CIAL AD V E RTISING

MECKLENBURG COUNTY

ALC Mosaic 6100 Monroe Road, Charlotte alcmosaic.org 704-709-9668 Grades: K-12 and half-day Pre-K Enrollment: 70 Tuition: $1,200 - $11,900 ALC Mosaic provides an environment for liberation where personal growth flourishes when directed by an individual’s own interests and talents.

Back Creek Christian Academy 10132 Harrisburg Road, Charlotte bccaschool.org 704-549-4101 Grades: TK-12 Enrollment: 135 Tuition: $6,500-$8,750 Back Creek Christian Academy provides an excellent academic education founded on the unchanging principles and perspectives of the Bible presented in a structured and yet nurturing environment.

Anami Montessori School 2901 Archdale Drive, Charlotte anamimontessori.org 704-556-0042 Grades: PK-grade 6 Enrollment: 70 Tuition: $9,591-$13,361 Anami Montessori School adheres to Montessori principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. Located in the SouthPark area, the school backs up to a county park and sits on a natural, wooded lot.

Brisbane Academy 5901 Statesville Road, Charlotte brisbaneacademy.org 704-598-5208 Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 68 Tuition: $5,850-$7,550 Brisbane Academy offers a small, family-oriented environment to develop a love for self and the overall learning process Each student is individually coached and challenged through instructional

SE CTIO N

methods of teaching appropriate for their learning style.

The British International School of Charlotte 7000 Endhaven Lane, Charlotte bischarlotte.org 704-341-3236 Grades: Infant-Grade 12 Enrollment: 180-200 Tuition: $11,960-$27,750 Part of Nord Anglia Education: 61 premium international schools across the globe. BISC encourages independent, creative thinking, and smaller class sizes for a personalized learning experience.

Cannon School 5801 Poplar Tent Road, Concord cannonschool.org 704-786-8171 Grades: JK-12 Enrollment: 1,040 Tuition: $18,330-$25,080 A learning environment of trust and support, with faculty and staff who are deeply committed to

each child’s journey of academic and personal growth. Financial aid available.

Carmel Christian School 1145 Pineville-Matthews Road, Matthews carmelchristian.org 704-849-9723 Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 1,100 Religious Affiliation: Southern Baptist Tuition: $9,950-$14,600 Founded in 1993, Carmel Christian provides an excellent education built upon biblical truth to equip students to reflect Christ to the world. CCS cultivates a community of academic excellence, artistic expression and athletic distinction, marked by intentional discipleship.

CONTINUED 

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Carolina Collaborative Prep 5007 Providence Road, Charlotte carolinacollaborativeprep.com 704-621-8482 Grades: 3-12 Tuition: $20,500-$25,000 Designed for students with learning differences. Small class size, individualized curriculum, Orton Gillingham programs, daily fitness and electives including science lab, computer and photography offered. Full- and part-time options available.

Cedarwood Academy 401 E. Arrowood Road, Charlotte cedarwoodacademy.weebly.com 704-281-6694 Grades: PK-7 Enrollment: 40 Tuition: $2,600-$9,500 A learning community committed to nurturing curiosity and inspiring a passion for knowledge. The school pursues intellectual growth, develops imagination

and practices purposeful social interaction in a natural and engaging environment.

Charlotte Catholic High School 7702 Pineville Matthews Road, Charlotte gocchs.com 704-543-1127 Grades: 9-12 Religious Affiliation: Catholic, accepts all religions Tuition: $12,087-$17,288 School features a 100% graduation rate, one-to-one technology, AP and honors courses, college counseling, award-winning fine arts and championship winning athletics. Transportation offered.

Charlotte Christian School 7301 Sardis Road, Charlotte charlottechristian.com 704-366-5657 Grades: JK-12 Enrollment: 1,113 Religious Affiliation: Nondenominational Tuition: $16,500-$22,255

Charlotte Christian is an independent, nondenominational college-prep school with a biblical worldview. The school is committed to excellence and to providing a balance of rigorous academics, award-winning fine arts and competitive athletics to prepare students college.

Charlotte Country Day School 1440 Carmel Road, Charlotte charlottecountryday.org 704-943-4500 Grades: JK-12 Enrollment: 1,725 Tuition: $19,305–$26,865 From junior kindergarten to rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, the school’s exceptional faculty incorporates the newest technologies to teach an innovative and integrated curriculum. Transportation offered.

Charlotte Jewish Day School 5007 Providence Road, Building E., Charlotte

cjdschool.org 704-366-4558 Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 94 Tuition: $13,250-$16,658 Sets the standard for elementary education based on Jewish beliefs. Through differentiated education curriculum, the school teaches critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration.

Transportation offered.

Charlotte Latin School 9502 Providence Road, Charlotte charlottelatin.org 704-846-1100 Grades: TK-12 Enrollment: 1,500+ Tuition: $20,350-$28,150 Charlotte Latin School’s mission is to encourage individual development and civility in students by inspiring them to learn, encouraging them to serve others and offering them many growth-promoting opportunities.

Transportation offered.

Choosing the best school community for your children is a critical decision.

We all want a school with dedicated teachers who bring learning to life and stretch our children’s minds to achieve their full potential.

At Latin, crafting an education that is individualized and personal is important to our faculty. We want our students to grow up with strong character and to be confident leaders. Leadership, honor, work ethic, friendship, teamwork, inclusivity, empathy, and compassion are taught not only in the classroom, but also on the athletic field, the stage, and in clubs and organizations.

Charlotte Latin is a community that is intentionally designed to capture every teachable moment as each year builds on the next, pedagogically and personally. Our 128 contiguous acres provide a setting with plenty of space for children to explore, while state-ofthe art facilities like our new Inlustrate Orbem Building, world-class Horne Performing Arts Center, nationally-known Fab Lab, Beck Student Activities Center, eight athletic fields, an outdoor challenge course, and Lake Latin, provide space for children that enhances their educational setting.

Charlotte Latin School has more than 1,500 students. Kindergarten, sixth grade, and ninth grade are the primary entrance points.

Learn more at CharlotteLatin.org/admissions 704.846.7207

Untitled-13 1

11/3/21 2:53 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Charlotte Preparatory School 212 Boyce Road, Charlotte charlotteprep.org 704-366-5994 Grades: Age 2-Grade 8 Enrollment: 365 Tuition: $13,700-$22,300 Focus on academic excellence, positive character development and leadership in a diverse and inclusive community.

Transportation and financial aid offered.

Chesterbrook Academy 8515 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte chesterbrookacademy.com 877-959-4181 Grades: 6 weeks-Pre-K2 Chesterbrook Academy Preschool on Mallard Creek Road has served the families of Charlotte since 1997.

Our Links to Learning curriculum prepares children for elementary school and beyond by developing important academic, social and emotional skills.

Chesterbrook Academy 13740 Statesville Road, Huntersville NC chesterbrookacademy.com 877-959-4181 Grades: 6 weeks-Pre-K2 Chesterbrook Academy Preschool on Statesville Road has served the families of Huntersville since 1999.

Our Links to Learning curriculum prepares children for elementary school and beyond by developing important academic, social and emotional skills.

Chesterbrook Academy 143 Professional Park Dr., Mooresville chesterbrookacademy.com 877-959-4181 Grades: 6 weeks-Pre-K2 Chesterbrook Academy Preschool has served the families of Mooresville since 2001 Our Links to Learning curriculum prepares children for elementary school and beyond by developing important academic, social and emotional skills.

Experience

the Charlotte Christian Community

Untitled-19 1

Chesterbrook Academy 11922 Providence Road West, Charlotte Old Lancaster Towne Center chesterbrookacademy.com 877-959-4181 Grades: 6 weeks-Pre-K2 Chesterbrook Academy Preschool on Providence Road West has served the families of Charlotte since 2007. Our Links to Learning curriculum prepares children for elementary school and beyond by developing important academic, social and emotional skills.

Chesterbrook Academy 8411 Beverly Crest Blvd., Charlotte chesterbrookacademy.com 877-959-4181 Grades: 6 weeks-Pre-K2 Chesterbrook Academy Preschool on Beverly Crest Boulevard has served the families of Charlotte since 2007. Our Links to Learning curriculum prepares children for elementary school and beyond by developing important academic, social and emotional skills.

Chesterbrook Academy 7274 NC Hwy 73, Denver chesterbrookacademy.com 877-959-4181 Grades: 6 weeks-Pre-K2 Chesterbrook Academy Preschool has served the families of Denver since 2008. Our Links to Learning curriculum prepares children for elementary school and beyond by developing important academic, social and emotional skills.

Chesterbrook Academy 509 Weddington Road, Weddington chesterbrookacademy.com 877-959-4181 Grades: 6 weeks-Pre-K2 Chesterbrook Academy Preschool has served the families of Weddington since 2009. Our Links to Learning curriculum prepares children for elementary school and beyond by developing important academic, social and emotional skills.

CONTINUED 

Campus Tours Now Available www.charlottechristian.com/experienceccs 11/23/21 10:08 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Christ the King Catholic High School 2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville ctkchs.org 704-766-5000 Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 363 Tuition: $12,087-$17,288 Religious Affiliation: Catholic, accepts all religions School features a 100% graduation rate, one-to-one technology, AP and honors courses, college counseling, band, theater and athletics. Transportation offered.

Covenant Day School 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews covenantday.org 704-847-2385 Grades: TK-12 Enrollment: 945 Religious Affiliation: Christian Tuition: $10,850-$18,355 Covenant Day School is a Christcentered, college-preparatory school that was founded in 1989.

The school seeks to ignite a

passion for learning and service in students by providing an authentic and holistic Christian education of distinction.

Crossway Academy 9111 Monroe Road, Suite 100, Charlotte crosswayacademy.com 704-654-2352 Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 40 Tuition: $17,200-$18,200 Meets the academic and social needs of children who are experiencing difficulty in the traditional, special education or home-school setting.

Davidson Day School 750 Jetton St., Davidson davidsonday.org 704-237-5229 Grades: Age 2-Grade 12 Enrollment: 500 Tuition: $11,760-$21,090 Fosters academic excellence through collaboration, creativity and character development.

Collaboration

Students benefit from an engaging, rigorous and developmentally appropriate curriculum with exceptional artistic, athletic and extracurricular programs.

Davidson Green School 511 S. Main St., Davidson davidsongreenschool.org 704-817-2549 Grades: Age 3-8 Enrollment: 45 Tuition: $8,190-$13,206 An independent school with a focus on sustainability, nature connection and engineering.

Fusion Academy Charlotte 3540 Toringdon Way, Suite 100, Charlotte fusionacademy.com/charlotte 866-228-1591 Grades: 6-12 Enrollment: 10-60 Tuition: $3,315-$3,705 per course, per term Classes are one-to-one with one student and one teacher per

Creativity

classroom. Teachers personalize instruction for each student’s unique strengths, interests and learning style.

Grace Covenant Academy 17301 Statesville Road, Cornelius gracecovenantacademy.org 704-892-5601 Grades: PK-7 Enrollment: 174 Religious Affiliation: Christian Tuition: $7,750 Grace Covenant Academy educates the whole child through strong academics and intentional spiritual formation. Offers cutting edge technology, a STEM lab, new facilities and strong partnership with families.

Greyfriars Classical Academy 2701 Rice Road, Matthews greyfriarsclassical.org 704-315-5774 Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 51 Tuition: $4,200 High school students meet three

Character Development

Woven into everything we do.

Find out how.

Call for a personal tour.

704.237.5229

Untitled-10 1

We educate students 2 years old-12th grade. www.davidsonday.org

10/28/21 10:18 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

days per week, with students working independently two days each week. Grades K-8 is a oneday-per-week tutorial program for home-school students, with optional second day for grades 6-8.

Grades 9-12: greyfriarsclassical.org.

Grades K-8: greyfriarstutorials.org.

Guidepost Montessori 4755 Prosperity Church Road, Charlotte Second location: 15115 Norman View Lane, Huntersville guidepostmontessori.com Grades: Infant-Grade 8 Enrollment: 190 Tuition: $1,000-$1,900 monthly At Guidepost, children gain the knowledge, confidence, creativity and social ability to pursue selfchosen goals over time.

Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School 3100 Park Road, Charlotte htcms.org 704-527-7822

Grades: 6-8 Tuition: $8,475-$13,131 Religious Affiliation: Catholic, accepts all religions School offers one-to-one technology, STEM, robotics, award-winning band, broadcast journalism, marketing, graphic design and championship-winning athletics. Transportation offered.

Intellicor International Academy 4301 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte intellicoracademy.org 704-290-2000 Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 90 Religious Affiliation: Islam Tuition: $5,500-$5,800 A student-focused, educational entity, promoting students and community development according to the professional pedagogical and psychological knowledge and according to the tolerant teachings of Islam.

Transportation offered.

Ivybrook Academy Huntersville 10230 Hamptons Park Drive, Huntersville Ivybrookacademy.com 704-655-9583 Grades: PK Tuition: Call to inquire regarding tuition Principal Tamara McDonald is honored to be bringing Ivybrook Academy’s unique approach to early childhood education to the Huntersville community. Tamara has been a dedicated member of the education field for 20 years and is driven by her passion to support children on their journey to greatness.

Ivybrook Academy Myers Park 347 N. Caswell Road, Suite 101 Ivybrookacademy.com 704-901-8225 Grades: PK Tuition: Call to inquire regarding tuition Their award-winning Myers Park Campus is located close in proxim-

ity to the neighborhoods of Elizabeth and Myers Park in Charlotte.

“This beautiful community, rich in history, engaging and diverse, is home to some of Charlotte’s oldest major businesses and residential areas,” the school says.

The John Crosland School 5146 Parkway Plaza Blvd., Charlotte johncroslandschool.org 704-365-5490 Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 72 Tuition: $19,346-$25,970 Since 1978, The John Crosland School has provided students with specific attention and learning differences an individualized college-preparatory education in an environment that nurtures and protects school values of curiosity, talents, character, humanity and dreams.

CONTINUED 

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Kent Academy 1814 Euclid Ave., Charlotte kentacademycharlotte.com 704-996-8283 Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 20-40 Tuition: $15,000-$16,000 A small environment with individualized and integrated curriculum that utilizes community resources.

Keystone Montessori School 2830 Dorchester Place, Charlotte keystonemontessorischool.org 980-355-0900 Grades: K-6 Enrollment: 55 Tuition: $6,450-$11,200 An authentic AMI recognized Montessori program for ages 3 to 12. Montessori education is scientifically and logically based on the natural development, tendencies and interests of children.

Lake Norman Christian School 16301 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville lknc.org 704-987-9811 Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 112 Religious Affiliation: Christian, nondenominational Tuition: $9,750-$11,350 Accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International, as well as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (AdvanEd).

Founded in 2008.

Manus Academy 6203 Carmel Road, Charlotte manusacademy.com 704-542-6471 Grades: 3-12 Enrollment: 60 Tuition: $24,000-$25,000 An accredited, private school that specializes in working with students with learning barriers.

Students build essential academic skills and successfully complete their coursework, solve problems

and meet the demands of their school environment.

Northside Christian Academy 333 Jeremiah Blvd., Charlotte ncaknights.com 704-596-4074 Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 300 Religious Affiliation: Christian Tuition: $8,000-$9,500 The mission of Northside Christian Academy is to partner with families to provide a Christ-centered, biblically based education in the pursuit of excellence.

Omni Montessori School Blakeney campus: 9536 Blakeney Heath Road, Charlotte 704-541-1326 Waxhaw campus: 7118 McWhorter Road, Waxhaw 704-843-3335 omni-montessori.org Grades: 3 years-grade 9 Enrollment: 180 Tuition: $10,719-$19,883

Dedicated to developing skilled, resourceful and caring members of society who value discovery and excellence, and contribute with purpose to the world. Each campus includes indoor and outdoor environments designed to meet the needs of student development.

Our Lady of Assumption Catholic School 4225 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte olacatholic.org 704-531-0067 Grades: PK-8 Religious Affiliation: Catholic, accepts all religions Tuition: $4,941-$13,131 School offers STEM, library, makerspace, athletics, guitar, band and a special learning program.

Transportation offered.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR PREK - 12

Visit our Schools During

Celebrate Catholic Schools Week January 31 st - February 4 th Charlotte Catholic | Holy Trinity | St. Gabriel St. Patrick | St. Matthew | Christ the King St. Ann | St. Mark | Our Lady of the Assumption Untitled-24 1

Learn more at discovermacs.org Admissions: 704.370.3273 Financial Aid Available

11/10/21 1:58 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Palisades Episcopal School 13120 Grand Palisades Pkwy., Charlotte pescharlotte.org 704-583-1825 Grades: JK-8 Enrollment: 200 Religious Affiliation: Episcopal Tuition: $1,244-$14,686 Provides a classical education challenging the mind, body and spirit. Small class sizes allow for differentiated instruction and service integration, students graduate as lifelong learners academically prepared for high school and beyond.

Transportation offered.

Philips Academy 3115 Providence Road, Charlotte philipsacademync.org 704-365-4533 Grades: 6-12, and adult Enrollment: 50 Tuition: $21,700 Provides middle and high school students with complex learning disabilities the academic,

occupational and social skills needed to be self-reliant, confident, contributing members of their communities.

Phoenix Montessori Academy 12340 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Huntersville phoenixmontessori.org 704-875-2139 Grades: 18 months-grade 12 Enrollment: 124 Tuition: $9,312-$17,154 To develop true scholars, lifelong learners, and productive citizens of the world in a diverse atmosphere that incorporates Montessori principles where students demonstrate respect and love for self, others, and their environment.

Providence Day School 5800 Sardis Road, Charlotte providenceday.org 704-887-6000 Grades: TK-12 Enrollment: 1,830 Tuition: $19,900-$28,250

Providence Day prepares students to be empathetic problem solvers and active global citizens through a global curriculum. It inspires a passion for learning, a commitment to personal integrity and a sense of social responsibility.

Transportation offered.

Enrollment: 51 Religious Affiliation: Independent Baptist Tuition: $4,900-$5,900 South Charlotte Baptist Academy uses the A Beka curriculum, a Biblebased curriculum, from Pensacola Christian Academy.

Shands School 12043 Guion Ln., Matthews shandsschool.org 704-231-2355 Grades: 2-8 Enrollment: 10 Tuition: $14,500 Teaches to individual learning styles and encourages independent thinking for children with different learning styles.

Extracurricular classes complement the science-based curriculum.

SouthLake Christian Academy 13820 Hagers Ferry Road, Huntersville southlakechristian.org 704-949-2200 Grades: JK-12 Enrollment: 586 Religious Affiliation: Presbyterian Tuition: $8,950-$13,450 A co-educational, private day school in the Lake Norman area.

The college preparatory curriculum is taught with a Christian worldview on the 30-acre campus.

Transportation offered.

South Charlotte Baptist Academy 12416 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville info@scbacademy.org 704-544-7323 Grades: PK-9

PLAN NOW FOR

SUMMER CAMP! VISIT OUR CAMP DIRECTORY charlotteparent.com/camps

CONTINUED 

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

St. Ann Catholic School 600 Hillside Ave., Charlotte stanncatholic.org 704-525-4938 Grades: PK-5 Religious Affiliation: Catholic, accepts all religions Tuition: $4,941-$12,167 School offers STEM, band, special learning program, family events and library. Transportation offered.

St. Gabriel Catholic School 3028 Providence Road, Charlotte stgabrielcatholicschool.org 704-366-2409 Grades: K-5 Religious Affiliation: Catholic, accepts all religions Tuition: $7,545-$12,167 School offers musical theater, STEM, band, family events, technology, library and Jaguar TV. Transportation offered.

St. Mark Catholic School 14750 Stumptown Road, Huntersville

Untitled-28 1

stmarkcatholicschool.net 704-766-5000 Grades: K-8 Religious Affiliation: Catholic, accepts all religions Tuition: $7,545-$13,131 School offers STEM, robotics, musical theater, band, chorus, athletics and family events.

Transportation offered.

St. Matthew Catholic School 11525 Elm Lane, Charlotte stmattwildcats.com 704-544-2070 Grades: TK-5 Religious Affiliation: Catholic, accepts all religions Tuition: $7,545-$12,167 Located in Ballantyne, school offers STEM, library, band and family events. Transportation offered.

St. Patrick Catholic School 1125 Buchanan St., Charlotte saintpatrickschool.org 704-333-3174 Grades: K-5

Religious Affiliation: Catholic, accepts all religions Tuition: $7,545-$12,167 This Dilworth area school offers STEM, musical theater, technology, library, athletics, band, family events and special learning program.

The Cyzner Institute 7022 Sardis Road, Charlotte cyznerinstitute.com 704-366-8260 Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 27 students A private educational, therapeutic center for children with learning differences or special developmental and behavioral needs.

The Epiphany School of Charlotte 1000 E. Morehead St., Charlotte theepiphanyschool.com 704-496-9942 Grades: 3-9 Enrollment: 12

Tuition: $22,300 An independent day school dedicated to providing programs for students with Asperger’s or other social communication differences to help build success skills for high school and beyond.

The Fletcher School 8500 Sardis Road, Charlotte thefletcherschool.org 704-365-4658 Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 263 Tuition: $26,400-$27,850 Serves students with learning differences by offering a multisensory, college-prep curriculum. Students learn in small, structured classes. Individual and prescriptive learning plans are developed for each student.

CONTINUED 

11/24/21 2:11 PM

The perfect balance of learning and play ®

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, January 22 Starting at 10 am

• • • •

Safe, nurturing environment Enthusiastic and caring teachers Links to Learning curriculum Ongoing parent communication

CBA_Charlotte_Mag_Jan22_7.125x4.875.indd 1

Locations in: Charlotte • Denver • Huntersville Mooresville • Weddington

ChesterbrookPreschool.com • 877-959-4181 10/4/21 10:38 AM

Every school has a story...welcome to ours.

At Carmel Christian School we offer an excellent education built on biblical truth, which equips students to reflect Christ to the world. Our students participate in a challenging college preparatory curriculum taught through the lens of a biblical worldview. We are a community in which academic excellence, artistic expression and athletic distinction are marked by intentional discipleship. We partner with Christian parents to nurture and challenge the potential of each student. Sign up online for a campus tour and discover Our Story!

Now accepting applications online for the 2022-2023 school year. carmelchristian.org Carmel Christian_half_horiz_Jan.indd 1

TELL TO THE COMING GENERATION THE GLORIOUS DEEDS OF THE LORD, AND HIS MIGHT AND THE WONDERS THAT HE HAS DONE. PSALM 78:4 11/23/21 10:55 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Trinity Episcopal School 750 E. 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202 tescharlotte.org 704-358-8101 Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 440 Religious affiliation: Episcopal, all faith backgrounds welcome Tuition: $19,562-$21,435 Located in uptown Charlotte’s First Ward, Trinity is a progressive, constructivist K-8 school that inspires students to become insightful thinkers, engaged citizens and innovative problemsolvers. Graduates are grounded in reason, openness and inclusivity.

Trinity Christian Preparatory School 7516 E. Independence Blvd., Suite 100, Charlotte trinityprep.com 704-569-1900 Grades: 8-12 Enrollment: 87 Tuition: $15,275 School offers flexibility for students academic needs and prompt communication with parents.

United Faith Christian Academy 8617 Providence Road, Charlotte ufca.org 704-541-1742 Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 243 Religious Affiliation: Christian, nondenominational Tuition: $9,320-$12,202 Academy offers accredited collegepreparatory, Christ-centered education for academically motivated students with opportunities for leadership and service.

CABARRUS COUNTY

Cannon School 5801 Poplar Tent Road, Concord cannonschool.org 704-786-8171 Grades: JK-12 Enrollment: 1,040 Tuition: $18,330-$25,080 A learning environment of trust and support, with faculty and staff who are deeply committed to each child’s journey of academic and personal growth. Financial aid available.

Covenant Classical School 3200 Patrick Henry Drive, Concord covenantclassical.org 704-792-1854 Grades: K4-12 Enrollment: 280 Religious Affiliation: Christian Tuition: $3,026-$8,386 Covenant Classical School was founded in 1996 and provides an academically excellent education that is biblically based and classically taught to students in grades K4-12.

HOPE Academy 7655 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord hopek12.com 704-999-2436 Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 165 Religious Affiliation: Nondenominational Tuition:$6,660-$7,844 A Christian University-Model school. Students are taught by professional instructors three days per week, and HOPE provides the materials for parents to work with students at home two days per week.

The Daniel Academy 681 Sunderland Road SW, Concord tda-concord.com 980-221-1698 Grades: K4-12 Enrollment: 43 Religious Affiliation: Christian Tuition: $4,200 to $12,200 Founded in August 2010, The Daniel Academy of Concord is a K4-12 Family Partnership Private School serving Cabarrus County and the surrounding areas.

GASTON COUNTY

Gaston Christian School 1625 Lowell Bethesda Road, Gastonia gastonchristian.org 704-824-4128 Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 900 Religious Affiliation: Christian Tuition: $3,168-$8,940 Gaston Christian School is a nondenominational, collegepreparatory school, located on a 66-acre campus that includes a

newly constructed fine arts center, six tennis courts, an eight-lane track and a lighted soccer complex.

Founded in 1980.

Gaston Day School 2001 Gaston Day School Road, Gastonia gastonday.org 704-864-7744 Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 500 Tuition: $3,605-$17,725 A nonsectarian, collegepreparatory school with the mission to educate students and prepare them for academic success and responsible, productive lives.

Founded in 1967.

Saint Michael Catholic School 704 St. Michaels Lane, Gastonia stmichaelcs.com 704-865-4382 Grades: PK-8 Religious Affiliation: Catholic, accepts all religions Tuition: $6,085-$8,380 Saint Michael offers Spanish, dance, band, STEM, robotics, athletics, art, faith and service, family events, library and technology.

IREDELL COUNTY

Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy 229 Midway Lake Road, Mooresville libertyprepnc.com 704-660-3933 Grades: PK-12 Enrollment: 325 Religious Affiliation: Christian Tuition: $5,700-$6,700 Liberty Prep uses a modified classical approach with a focus on critical thinking skills and developing the love of learning.

Woodlawn School 135 School Loop Road, Mooresville woodlawnschool.net 704-895-8653 Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 182 Tuition: $15,000-$20,085 Hands-on, project-based learning forms the heart of the curriculum with active, engaged, studentcentered instruction using the most progressive methods.

LINCOLN COUNTY

Starboard Christian Academy 2380 Lake Shore Road S., Denver starboardchristian.com 704-775-3724 Grades: K-4 Enrollment: 25 Religious Affiliation: Christian Tuition:$4,950 A K-3 grade school with a unique three-day/two-day schedule that partners with families to provide a quality, cost-effective, collegepreparatory education.

UNION COUNTY

Arborbrook Christian Academy 4823 Waxhaw-Indian Trail Road, Matthews arborbrook.org 704-821-9952 Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 215 Religious Affiliation: Christian, nondenominational Tuition: $7,606-$8,762 A Charlotte Mason-style school recently ranked as No. 1 for private high schools in Union County by Niche. This community school strives to develop a love of learning through a biblical lens.

Ivybrook Academy Weddington 9801 Suzanne Ct., Weddington Ivybrookacademy.com 704-845-2310 Grades: PK Tuition: Call to inquire regarding tuition Since opening its doors in 2007, the school has been voted both the best private school and best pre-school in Charlotte for the last 5 years. “While we celebrate our achievements, we understand our most important charge is continuing the high caliber of education that we provide for our children,” it says.

CONTINUED 

Voted Charlotte’s

#1 Pre-School for the last 14 years!

Half Day Pre-School with a Montessori & Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum

It’s now time to schedule a tour for the

2022-2023 school year!

Half Day Pre-School • Ages 18 months - 6 years

• Hands-on, discovery based learning

• Customized learning opportunities • Visual arts, music and foreign to support each child’s diverse language are daily enrichments for learning style the growth of our students • Indoor gymnasium & library

• Advanced health and safety protocols

Morning & Afternoon Sessions Offered

Please visit us at IvybrookAcademy.com

Fort Mill, SC

Huntersville, NC

Mooresville, NC

Myers Park, NC

873 Dave Gibson Blvd.

173 Joe Knox Ave.

Weddington, NC 9801 Suzanne Ct.

10230 Hamptons Park Dr.

347 N Caswell Rd.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Metrolina Christian Academy 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Road, Indian Trail metrolinachristian.org 704-882-3375 Grades: TK-12 Enrollment: 1,100 Religious Affiliation: Baptist Tuition: $6,684-$9,161 A private Christian school accredited by ACSI/AdvancEd. Offers academic excellence and opportunities for athletics, fine arts, clubs and service while partnering with parents to provide a biblical worldview.

Thales Academy 8012 New Town Road, Waxhaw thalesacademy.org 704-256-5370 Grades: K-7 Tuition: $5,300 The mission of Thales Academy is to provide an excellent, high-quality and affordable education through the use of direct instruction and a classical curriculum that embodies traditional American values.

Weddington Christian Academy 13901 Providence Road, Weddington weddingtonchristianacademy.org 704-846-1039 Grades: JK-8 Enrollment: 130 Religious Affiliation: Methodist Tuition: $7,153-$11,935 Weddington Christian Academy provides an education of academic excellence and Christian spiritual development in a faith community that challenges the mind, prepares the heart and nurtures the soul.

YORK COUNTY

Academy Christian School 129 Border Road W., Rock Hill academychristianschool.org 803-327-5673 Grades: K-12 Tuition: $4,800 Academy Christian School uses the ACE Pace curriculum, a unique learning system meets the need of each student.

Ivybrook Academy Fort Mill 873 Dave Gibson Blvd., Fort Mill Ivybrookacademy.com 803-802-2390 Grades: PK Tuition: Call to inquire regarding tuition Ivybrook Academy-Fort Mill is an award-winning half-day preschool in Fort Mill, recognized nationally for “our innovative and progressive curriculum that offers our students unlimited possibilities and opportunities.”

Walnut Grove Christian School 1036 Maxwell Mill Road, Fort Mill wgcswarriors.com 803-835-2000 Grades: K-12 Religious Affiliation: Chrsitian Tuition: $8,450-$8,955 Provides a Christ-centered approach to education in an environment where students develop lasting relationships through a schedule that allows time for them to invest in activities in which they are passionate.

Providence Classical School 318 N. Jones Ave., Rock Hill providenceclassicalrockhill.com 803-900-9582 Grades: K-12 Enrollment: 165 Religious Affiliation: Christian Tuition: $5,900-$6,175 Partners with parents in the education of students and uses a classical methodology.

Westminster Catawba Christian School 2650 India Hook Road, Rock Hill wccs.org 803-366-4119 Grades: Infants-Grade 12 Enrollment: 500 Religious Affiliation: Presbyterian Tuition: $2,210-$12,220 A Christ-centered, collegepreparatory day school.

St. Anne Catholic High School Lower school: 1698 Bird St., Rock Hill 803-324-4814 High school: 292 Munn Road, Fort Mill 803-548-0073 stanneschool.com Grades: K3-12 Enrollment: 425 Religious Affiliation: Catholic Tuition: $3,500-$10,285 Uniting the long-standing tradition of Catholic education with a personalized learning experience. Students develop individual identity and become virtuous leaders of society.

Transportation offered.

Village Montessori & Preparatory School 1525 Onyx Ridge, Fort Mill villagemontessori.com 803-462-5288 Grades: PK-K Tuition: $5,430-$15,912 VMPS offers full- and part-time preschool programs, transitional kindergarten, private kindergarten, literacy coaching, math tutoring, and after-school care for ages 5-12.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GUIDE TO

CHARTER SCHOOLS

SHUTTERSTOCK

Updated by Charlotte Parent Staff

Charter schools are publicly funded, independently run schools authorized by the N.C. Board of Education and operated by independent nonprofit board of directors. Charter schools are held accountable through the state assessment and accountability system, including annual standardized testing. Many charters offer unique programming and smaller classroom settings, and all are free to attend. Each has its own application dates and processes, with many using an open lottery admission system. *Charter schools included are those in operation as of the 2020-2021 school year. Grades listed are anticipated for 2021-2022 school year.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CABARRUS COUNTY

A.C.E. Academy aceacademycharter.org 704-456-7153 7807 Caldwell Road, Harrisburg Grades: K-8 Project-based learning with emphasis on entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, and problem solving. Transportation offered. Before- and after-school care available. Founded in 2014.

Cabarrus Charter Academy cabarruscharter.org 704-789-2500 Lower Campus (K-5): 355 Poplar Crossing Drive NW, Concord Upper Campus (6-12): 7550 Ruben Linker Rd NW, Concord Grades: K-12 A rigorous and productive learning environment. Parent participation required. Athletics available.

Uniforms required. Beforeand after-school care available.

Founded in 2013.

Carolina International School ciscomets.com 704-455-3847 9545 Poplar Tent Road, Concord Grades: K-12 Nurtures students’ natural curiosity through a challenging, interdisciplinary, international curriculum. Arts and athletics offered. Founded in 2004.

Concord Lake STEAM Academy concordlakeacademy.org 704-273-5310 1911 Concord Lake Road, Kannapolis Grades: K-8 Offers an individualized learning environment that includes parent participation. Before- and afterschool care offered. Uniforms required. Offers middle school athletics. Founded in 2016.

GASTON COUNTY

Mountain Island Charter School micharter.org 704-827-8840 13440 Lucia-Riverbend Highway, Mount Holly Grades: K-12 Offers a traditional curriculum within a positive, challenging

learning environment. Athletic programs and before- and afterschool care available. Limited transportation. Founded in 2010.

Piedmont Community Charter School pccharter.teamcfa.school 704-853-2428 Elementary Campus: 119 E. Second Ave., Gastonia Middle School Campus: 2970 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia High School: 2596 Robinwood Road, Gastonia Grades: K-12 College-preparatory school. Offers arts and clubs. Middle and high school athletics offered. New high school campus to open in August 2020. Founded in 2000.

Ridgeview Charter School ridgeviewcharter.org 980-208-7782 207 W. Bradley St., Gastonia Grades: K-4 Built on strong relationships with parents, students and the community. Founded 2019.

Iredell County American Renaissance School arsnc.org 704-924-8870 132 E. Broad St., Statesville Grades: K-8 Students keep the same teacher and classmates in kindergarten and first grade. Clubs offered. Beforeand after-school care available.

Founded in 1999.

Iredell Charter Academy iredellcharter.org 704-508-0104 251 Home Improvement St., Troutman Grades: K-8 The school focuses on personalized learning for each student.

Advanced program is available.

Parents are required to commit to volunteer hours. Limited transportation and before- and after-school care available.

Founded in 2016.

Langtree Charter Academy langtreecharter.org 704-705-1698 Lower Campus: 154 Foundation Court, Mooresville

Upper Campus: 185 W. Waterlynn Road, Mooresville Grades: K-12 Focus on citizenship and experimental learning. Parent participation required. Athletics and before- and after-school care are available. Founded in 2013.

Pine Lake Preparatory pinelakeprep.org 704-237-5304 104 Yellow Wood Circle, Mooresville Grades: K-12 Offers college-prep coursework, an arts program, community-service learning, literature-rich curriculum and after-school program.

Exceptional student program available. Founded in 2007.

Success Charter School successinstitutecharterschool.com 704-881-0441 1424-2 Rickert St., Statesville Grades: K-8 Uses Common Core curriculum, foundational principles of business, and key elements of entrepreneurial success. Athletics offered. Transportation and before- and after-school programs available. Founded in 2000.

LINCOLN COUNTY

Lincoln Charter School lincolncharter.org 704-483-6611 7834 Galway Lane, Denver Grades: K-12 A college-prep school that offers a small school environment. Middle and high school athletics, clubs, arts and service opportunities offered. Transportation available.

Founded in 1998.

West Lake Preparatory Academy wlakeprep.org 704-966-2202 1691 Forney Creek Pkwy., Denver Grades: K-8 Offers a college-preparatory education that empowers students through individualized learning plans that promote strong character, independence and leadership. Founded in 2019.

MECKLENBURG COUNTY

Aristotle Preparatory Academy aristotle.teamcfa.school 704-215-4550 8101 Fallsdale Drive, Charlotte Grades: K-7 Offers data-driven instruction, with a focus on character development, as well as core and STEM classes. Art and athletics offered.

Transportation and after-school programs available. Founded in 2013.

Bradford Preparatory School bradfordprep.org 704-549-0080 2502 Salome Church Road, Charlotte Grades: K-12 A college-prep school that uses innovative teaching methods in a small, responsive learning environment. Middle and high school athletics offered. Extensive college counseling beginning in seventh grade. Founded in 2014.

Bonnie Cone Classical Academy bcca.teamcfa.school 704-727-6833 10700 Asbury Chapel Road, Huntersville Grades: K-8 Bonnie Cone Classical Academy academics are based on the rigors of a classical education.

Transportation and after-school care available. Uniforms required.

Founded in 2019.

Eastside STREAM Academy charlottechoicecharter.org 980-272-8308 3124 Milton Road, Charlotte Grades: K-8 Emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Clubs, activities, athletics, and transportation available.

Founded in 2013.

Charlotte Lab School charlottelabschool.org 704-243-9837 3325 S. Tryon St., Charlotte Grades: K-12 In a personalized setting, Charlotte Lab School prepares students for college and career success through innovative experiences, rigorous academics, and a focus

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

on social-emotional development.

Founded in 2015.

future. Uniforms required. Limited transportation offered. Founded in 2013.

Charlotte Secondary School charlottesecondary.org 704-295-0137 8601 McAlpine Park Drive, Charlotte Grades: 6-12 This college-prep school utilizes a Paideia philosophy for the instruction of students, focusing on didactic, intellectual coaching and seminar-based teaching. Athletics are available. Founded in 2007.

East Voyager Academy of Charlotte eastvoyager.org 704-412-6988 7429 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte Grades: PK-7 Graduates students with EnglishChinese bilingual proficiency, strong academics and intercultural competence. Founded in 2018.

Commonwealth High School commonwealthhs.com 704-899-4998 5112 Central Ave., Charlotte Grades: 9-12 Flexible scheduling options and personalized academic plans help students aim for success and earn high school diplomas.

Founded in 2014.

Invest Collegiate Transform 704-370-4000 ictransform.org 2045 Suttle Ave., Charlotte Grades: K-11 Uses “immersive leaningscapes” to help prepare students for the future. Uniforms required. Limited transportation offered. Founded in 2013.

Community School of Davidson csdspartans.org 704-897-8061 404 Armour St., Davidson Grades: K-12 Teachers and parents work together to create an inclusive community with a focus on handson learning. After-school care available and athletics offered.

Founded in 2004.

KIPP Charlotte kippcharlotte.org 704-537-2044 K-4 Campus: 5431 Hickory Grove Road 5-8 Campus: 931 Wilann Dr. Grades: K-8 This college-preparatory school offers athletics, arts and extracurriculars. Founded in 2007.

Corvian Community School corvian.org 704-717-7550 Elementary: 9501 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte Middle: 4125 Johnston Oehler Road, Charlotte High: 4041 Johnston Oehler Road, Charlotte Grades: K-10 Addresses the cognitive, emotional, social and physical needs of each student. Teachers and parents work together to create an inclusive community of learning. Athletics, and before- and after-school care offered. Founded in 2012.

Invest Collegiate Transform 704-370-4000 ictransform.org 2045 Suttle Ave., Charlotte Grades: K-8 Uses “immersive leaningscapes” to help prepare students for the

Lake Norman Charter lncharter.org 704-948-8600 10019 Hambright Road, Huntersville Grades: K-12 This charter school aims to build community leaders with the lifelong desire to learn, lead and serve. Offers extracurriculars and athletics. Founded in 1998.

Lakeside Charter Academy lakesidecharteracademy.com 704-896-9500 17609 Old Statesville Road, Cornelius Grades: K-8 Provides students with a focused and coherent curriculum through the Core Knowledge Sequence by E.D. Hirsch. Uniforms required. Before- and after-school care offered.

Mallard Creek STEM Academy mcstemacademy.org 980-288-4811 9142 Browne Road, Charlotte Grades: K-8 Using a workshop model, students take ownership of their learning.

Clubs and athletics offered.

Transportation and beforeand after-school care available.

Founded in 2016.

Matthews Charter Academy nhaschools.com/schools/matthews 980-339-5449 2332 Mount Harmony Church Road, Matthews Grades: K-8 School curriculum concentrates on real-world skills, problem solving and how to be a good citizen.

Offers sports, music, arts and clubs.

Before- and after-school care offered. Founded in 2016.

Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy scholarsacademy.org 704-503-1112 5225 Seventy-Seven Center Drive, Charlotte Grades: K-8 Offers a differentiated and challenging learning environment, that caters to intellectually gifted children. Athletics, extracurriculars, and before- and after-school care available. Founded in 2000.

Jackson Day School midschool.org 704-391-5516 1209 Little Rock Road, Charlotte Grades: K-12 Focus on character, ethics, service, physical and emotional health in a creative and positive environment that enhances learning and growing. The school works as a small-school model.

Founded in 2009.

Movement Charter School movementschool.com 704-585-1356 Eastland Campus: 5249 Central Ave., Charlotte Freedom Dr. Elementary Campus: 2701 Freedom Dr., Charlotte Freedom Dr. Middle Campus: 2701 Freedom Dr., Charlotte Grades: K-8

The school believes in world-class academics, individualized learning and character development. Afterschool care is available at the school. Bus transportation available. Uniforms required.

Founded 2017.

Pioneer Springs Community School pioneersprings.org 704-494-0777 9300 Bob Beatty Road, Charlotte Grades: K-10 A holistic and nature-based school teaches core concepts in a realworld context. Special-area classes include ceramics, yoga, art and Spanish. After-school care offered.

Founded in 2014.

Queen City STEM School queencitystem.org 980-299-6633 Elementary: 8701 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte Middle/High School: 9108 A-B Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte Grades: K-10 Research- and inquiry-based curriculum. Student clubs, plus free after-school and weekend tutoring available. Uniforms required. Transportation available.

Founded in 2015.

Queen’s Grant Community School nhaschools.com/schools/ queensgrant 704-573-6611 6400 Matthews Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill Grades: K-8 Focus on student responsibility, parental partnership and academic excellence with a moral focus.

Partnering daycares in the area provide before- and after-school care. Athletics and extracurriculars available. Uniforms required.

Founded in 2002.

CONTINUED 

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Socrates Academy steelecreekprep.org 980-243-5580 2200 Shopton Road, Charlotte Grades: K-7 A rigorous, personalized learning environment designed to build academic and critical thinking skills. Before- and after-school care available. Uniforms required.

Founded in 2019.

Stewart Creek High School socratesacademy.us 704-321-1711 3909 Weddington Road, Matthews Grades: K-8 This school uses the Socratic Method, teaching students reading, writing and math in both English and Greek. Athletics and before- and after-school care available. Founded in 2005.

Southwest Charlotte STEM Academy scstemacademy.org 980-505-8344 5203 Shopton Road, Charlotte Grades: K-6 Promotes high academic achievement by increasing student engagement through a workshop model that encourages and empowers students to take ownership of their own learning.

Before- and after-school care available. Transportation offered.

Uniforms required. Founded in 2019.

Steele Creek Preparatory Academy steelecreekprep.org 980-243-5580 2200 Shopton Road, Charlotte Grades: K-8 A rigorous, personalized learning environment designed to build academic and critical thinking skills. Before- and after-school care available. Uniforms required.

Founded in 2019.

Sugar Creek Charter thesugarcreek.org 704-509-5470 K-8 Campus: 4101 N. Tryon St., Charlotte High School Campus: 7815 Old Concord Road, Charlotte Grades: K-12

The mission of this school is to eliminate generational poverty of low-income students of color.

The curriculum focuses on academic preparation, life skills, and individualized support for college or career goals. Athletics offered. Transportation offered.

Founded in 1999.

Telra Institute telra.org 704-727-2530 807 S. Trade St., Matthews Grades: K-5 Terla Institute opened in the fall of 2021. With five days of math, humanities, and PE per week, the school says its program is “balanced to educate the whole child.”

United Community Charter School ucsnc.org 980-819-0555 1406 Suther Road, Charlotte Grades: K-8 An A+ school with curriculum based around the arts. A+ Schools combine interdisciplinary teaching and daily arts instruction. Afterschool care available. Extended day program available. Transportation offered. Founded in 2014.

Unity Classical Charter School unityclassical.teamcfa.school 980-202-5899 1929 W. Arrowood Road, Charlotte Grades: K-6 Focus on a classical education with a curriculum based on Western history and culture, especially that of Greece, Rome and Western Europe. Founded in 2017.

UpROAR Leadership Academy uproarleadership.org 980-585-3722 5500 N. Tryon St., Charlotte Grades: 5-11 A college-prep academy that includes honors and advanced placement classes, fine arts, musical and theatrical skill development.

Middle school sports available.

Uniforms required. Transportation offered. Before- and after-school care. Founded in 2017.

VERITAS Community School veritas.teamcfa.school 980-677-0101 2600 Grimes St., Charlotte Grades: K-7 This school aims to empower the scholar and athlete in every child, using health and wellness practices in a peaceful environment.

Transportation and before- and after-school programs available.

Uniforms required. Founded in 2015.

UNION COUNTY

Apprentice Academy High School of North Carolina aahsnc.org 980-313-8610 2505 Weddington Road, Monroe Grades: 9-12 Provides students with a careerand technology-focused career prep as well as college-prep curriculum. Founded in 2019.

Monroe Charter Academy monroecharteracademy.org 980-210-3627 2850 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe Grades: K-5 Mission to create academically thriving citizens, by partnering with parents and the community and utilizing high expectations as well as a rigorous classical education.

Founded in 2019.

Union Academy Charter School unionacademy.org 704-238-8883 675 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Monroe Grades: K-12 Offers small-class sizes. Afterschool care is available for children in grades K-8, and athletics are available for middle and high school students. Transportation available.

Union Day School uniondayschool.com 704-256-1494 3000 Tilley Morris Road, Weddington Grades: K-8 This school offers collaborative environments and rigorous classrooms to promote high levels

of learning. Before and after-school care available. Founded in 2016.

Union Preparatory Academy at Indian Trail indiantrailprep.org 704-893-3607 2324 Younts Road, Indian Trail Grades: K-8 Uses personalized learning plans to best accommodate its students.

Parents are required to participate in a set number of volunteer hours.

Before- and after-school care available. Limited transportation available. Uniforms required.

Founded in 2016.

YORK COUNTY

Riverwalk Academy riverwalkacademy.com 803-327-8400 5750 Mt. Gallant Road, Rock Hill Grades: K-12 Focus on project-based learning that incorporates team teaching and collaboration in classroom.

Students are immersed in the “K16Ready” program that prepares students for a “college going culture.” Before- and after-school care offered. Founded in 2013.

York Preparatory Academy yorkprepsc.org 803-324-4400 1047 Golden Gate Court, Rock Hill Grades: K-12 Committed to high-academic rigor with a college-prep focus.

It uses hands-on innovative learning in classrooms, and offers athletic and arts programs. Founded in 2010.

CAMP SPOTLIGHT

Plan your summer camps with Charlotte Parent The right summer camp has the potential to support a child’s social and emotional development and provide opportunities for growth. Selecting the right camp from the sea of possibilities can be an overwhelming task: How big? Overnight or day camp?

Full day or half day?

Charlotteparent.com is a one-stop resource for your summer camp research. The site includes an extensive directory of day camps throughout the city as well as area overnight camps. Our team of editors and summer camp experts contribute helpful insights and tips to help find the right camp for your child. Our camp content is updated throughout camp season to keep you up-to-date on the latest programs and opportunities.

PINK BOOTS ON THE LAWN

PART Y P I C S

Seen

Photographs by DANIEL COSTON

benefiting Carolina Breast Friends Mint Museum Randolph 10/1/2021

1. Charmaine Tyson, Arlena Hawthorne, Michyla Greene 2. Ashley Mixon, Mick Savatovic 3. Sherry Ebel, Chris Ebel

Upcoming Calendar of Events

4. Amber Tracewell, Brittany Garrett, Chrissy Kincheloe

Submit your event online at charlottemagazine.com/calendar, and look forward to seeing more from these:

5. Christina Melissaris

JANUARY 1/6 Ladies Lifestyle Network Social at Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts (Camp North End location)

7. Laura Rubin, Patricia Watkins

1/8 Allegro Foundation Ambassador’s Ball at Quail Hollow Club 1/9 Perfect Wedding Guide & Charlotte Area Bridal Show at Pine Island Country Club 1/22 Heartfelt Fashion Annual Charity Gala at The Palisades Country Club 1/29 Dream Gala at Founders Hall

100

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

6. Kate Handy, Ross Handy

8. Lynn Erdman, Susan Shoemaker

BETH BELL’S SEASON OF DIGNITY EVENT

benefiting Fashion & Compassion 10/28/2021

1. Laura Anne Hite, Beth Bell 2. Ilona Waters, Sherry Waters 3. Beth Bell, Cathy Grammer 4. Jodie Anderson, Dawn Cordero, Emma Lyons 5. Edwin Peacock, Amy Peacock 6. Kalie Koivisto, Matt Koivisto 7. Patti Davis, Chris Davis

CHARLOTTE GEM

Charlotte Museum of History 10/14/2021

1. Billy Kiker, Shelly Kiker, Ann Del Vecchio, Hank Del Vecchio 2. Juanita Kylander, David Kylander 3. Dawn Sewell, Jon Sewell 4. Brian Milbourne, Ashley Milbourne 5. Elizabeth Miller, Lucinda Lucas

Continued on next page JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

101

1. Johnny Hohenstein 2. Gillian Albinski, Douglas Young 3. Dianne Roth, Julia Sayegh 4. Pat Heiss, Ben Furman

102

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

1. Trey Walters, Catherine Walters, Heather Griffith, Reed Griffith 2. Kristi Sweeny, Heather Griffith 3. Katie Stoutenger, John Stoutenger 4. Cameron Strickland, Sarah Strickland, and Daniel 5. Heather Griffith, Meg McElwain, Catherine Walters

PLACES, PLEASE! THEATRE CHARLOTTE’S 2021 GALA

VanLandingham Estate 10/16/2021

Charlotte magazine (ISSN 1083-1444) is published monthly by Morris Communications at 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 303, Charlotte NC 28203-5161. Entire contents Copyright © 2021 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.

MARIO ASPIAZU (4)

benefiting Mitchell’s Fund Private home 10/1/2021

OYSTER ROAST

PIECED TOGETHER

BY MARCY GREGG OPENING RECEPTION

Anne Neilson Fine Art 10/28/2021

1. Marcy Gregg with friends and family 2. Cassandra Richardson, Logan Sutton, Marcy Gregg, Anne Neilson 3. Marcy Gregg, Adrian Chu Redmond

DANIEL COSTON; COURTESY

ONCE TODAY

BY PHILLIP WHITE

ANSWERS can be found online at charlottemagazine.com/crossword.

JANUARY 2022 // CHARLOTTE

103

YOU ARE HERE Each month, we’ll throw a dart at a map and write about where it lands.

LOCATION: 9921 Old Statesville Road

le Statesvil 9921 Old

Road

A Pocket of Contested History SOME HISTORICAL AREAS inspire reverence. Stand there, and you can picture the sweep of soldiers on battlefields or the everyday comings and goings of people who changed the course of history. Others just seem plopped into the middle of 21st-century life. That’s the case with a small plot of land near Huntersville called Alexandriana, the location of a monument to the much-disputed Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.

Some local history buffs believe the “Meck Dec” was the first such declaration

104

made in the 13 original colonies, predating the official one in Philadelphia by more than a year. A committee of prominent Mecklenburg County citizens supposedly signed it in a wooden courthouse at what’s now Trade and Tryon on May 20, 1775. But no original copy exists, and historians have long questioned whether it was a formal declaration or simply a series of resolutions that fell short of declaring independence.

On this wooded spot—the homesite of John McKnitt Alexander, the committee’s secretary—is a low stone wall, a worn

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JANUARY 2022

plexiglass display case, and a plaque that bears the names of committee members.

Inside the case are printed biographies, a timeline, and a print of the supposed declaration.

Trucks rumble as they enter and exit the new, 140,000-square-foot Amazon delivery station next door. Across the street, crews armed with nail guns frame homes for a subdivision. If you can tune out the modern-day cacophony, Alexandriana is a pretty good place to contemplate history.

—Cristina Bolling

SHAW NIELSEN; CRISTINA BOLLING

Alexandriana quietly honors the long-disputed Meck Dec as modern life encroaches

VOTING SCHEDULE:

Best of FOOD + DRINK: Jan. 10-23 Best of SHOPPING + SERVICES + WELLNESS: Jan. 24-Feb. 6 Best of MEDIA + CULTURE + ENTERTAINMENT: Feb. 7-20 ABOUT THE BOB AWARDS: Since 1998, we’ve published our annual Best of the Best list in the May issue to help readers navigate the city’s dining, shopping, wellness, and entertainment options. The list is comprised of voters’ choice winners and the top picks from our Charlotte magazine editors.

Vote at CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM

4521 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

(704) 532-9041

Official Jeweler of the Carolina Panthers

www.diamondsdirect.com