VOLUME 146 ISSUE 38 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023
CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM
C HATHAM NEWS & R ECORD THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Election results inside, A3 the
BRIEF this week
Hudson names new chief of staff Washington, D.C. Republican U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (NC09) announced a longtime North Carolina political operative will be leading his Congressional team. The six-term member of Congress named Luke Blanchat to the post, replacing Elliott Guffin. Blanchat will be based in North Carolina, Hudson confirmed on Monday. “Luke has a strong passion for serving the people of North Carolina, and I am confident he will do a fantastic job leading our team as chief of staff,” said Hudson in a statement. “Luke lives in Southern Pines and has served our state for many years—experience that will help my office continue to deliver for our constituents.” Prior to joining Hudson’s Congressional office, Blanchat served as the Director of Government Relations for FirstHealth of the Carolinas and has an extensive background in government and public service. Over the course of the past decade, Blanchat served in numerous positions with Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, including deputy state director and campaign manager of his successful 2020 reelection effort. In addition, Blanchat was the campaign manager for former Sen. Richard Burr’s final campaign in 2016. Blanchat is a native of North Carolina and resides in Southern Pines with his wife and two children. Guffin departed Hudson’s office to serve as Director of Federal Affairs for Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
SHAWN KREST | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
The West End’s Chef Hardin along with former owners Angelina and John, and local dignitaries including Pittsboro Mayor Cindy Perry, Mayor-elect Kyle Shipp, and Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson celebrate the grand opening of the new restaurant with a ribbon cutting and tour of the facility last week in Pittsboro. Top left: The West End’s lobster mac-and-cheese. Top right: The mercantile section.
The West End spices up Pittsboro’s breakfast and lunch scene Chad Hardin’s new eatery brings a twist of sophistication to familiar comfort food By Shawn Krest Chatham News & Record PITTSBORO — Chatham County’s food scene just got a major upgrade with the opening of The West End, where Chef Chad Hardin is serving up elevated comfort food in a space that’s both familiar and fresh. The spot on Rectory Street, which housed Angelina’s Kitchen for over a dozen years, has been transformed by Hardin, who cut his culinary teeth at The Belted Goat in Fearrington Village. The West End pays homage to its roots by honoring Angeli-
na Koulizakis, the heart behind the former establishment, right on its website and with a special tribute during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Hardin’s team reassured the community that Angelina’s spirit would remain a part of the new venture. Hardin’s menu is a testament to his passion for local sourcing and culinary innovation. Breakfast begins with curbside service at the crack of dawn and transitions into a brunch and lunch affair that keeps the kitchen bustling until 2:00 PM. Stepping into The West End, you’re greeted by a nostalgic yet trendy atmosphere where daily specials scrawled on butcher paper meet you at the door, and menus dangle invitingly from hooks. A stroll through the mercantile with its selection of local snacks, teas, and drinks sets the
stage for a culinary adventure. The staff’s warmth is matched only by the menu’s charm, offering affirmations alongside artisanal fare. Morning visitors are reminded of their awesomeness, lunch-goers of their amazingness, and brunch enthusiasts of their beauty. The soft launch menu even flirted with patrons, signing off with a cheeky “P.S. You’re foxy.” From handheld breakfast delights to omelets that boast the origins of their farm-fresh ingredients, the morning menu is a tribute to local produce. Brunch ups the ante with indulgent choices like lobster and caviar omelets, while lunch serves up hearty comforts with a gourmet twist, including a lobster mac ‘n’ cheese that’s worth every penny of its $25 price tag. The West End doesn’t just ca-
ter to the carnivores; vegetarians and vegans will find thoughtful dishes that don’t skimp on flavor or creativity. The “harissa tofu roll” may have caused some initial head-scratching, but it’s all part of the charm and discovery at this Pittsboro gem. While the prices reflect the quality and Hardin’s inventive approach, they may cause a bit of sticker shock for those expecting a conventional cafe. However, the promise of unique and delicious dishes is sure to lure food lovers from all corners. With its quaint outdoor dining space and an indoor area that feels like a cozy living room, The West End is poised to become Pittsboro’s new go-to spot for foodies from Raleigh to Greensboro searching for a meal that’s as comforting as it is sophisticated.
Behavioral health CCCC honors vets clinic opens in transitioning to Pittsboro civilian life Chatham News & Record PITTSBORO — Monarch, a provider of behavioral and mental health services, recently opened its Behavioral Health Outpatient Office in Pittsboro. The new location will offer a range of mental health and substance use disorder services. This facility is a collaboration with Vaya Health and aims to address needs in the Chatham County community for such additional services in these practice areas. The newly opened facility offers walk-in/open access services for immediate assistance. In addition to onthe-spot support, the office
provides comprehensive clinical assessments, psychiatric medication management, and therapy for individuals, groups, and families. “Monarch is proud to open a new behavioral health office in partnership with Vaya Health in the Chatham County area,” said Monarch President and CEO Peggy S. Terhune, in a release. “As a long-time provider of mental health services in North Carolina, we understand the impact additional services like these can have on overall community health.” The Pittsboro office, situated at 193 Lowes Drive, Suite See CLINIC, page A7
Chatham News & Record SANFORD — Central Carolina Community College celebrated Veterans Day at an annual event highlighting the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from military to civilian life. Jessica Gonzalez, a former U.S. Army soldier and now the Human Resources Director at CCCC, shared her personal narrative during the ceremony held on November 9 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center, according to a press release. Gonzalez recounted the daunting moment of civilian reentry, marked by something as simple as choosing appropriate attire for a job interview—a task she had not considered during
her military service. Through the guidance of a friend, she learned to navigate these new waters, emphasizing the importance of seeking advice, a lesson she passionately relayed to the audience. “Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be extremely overwhelming,” said Gonzalez who advocates See VETS, page A7
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