so put experience to work for you. When you start your search for the perfect “home” you aren’t just looking at property, but neighborhoods and surroundings as well. Your life isn’t lived just inside four walls! I help my clients find the right fit for their life and their lifestyle - whether it’s a luxury high-rise condo, a charming historic district bungalow, a townhome along the light-rail line or a loft in the Art’s District. I’ve lived my whole life in and around Uptown Charlotte - no one knows these neighborhoods and areas better - so let me put my 19+ years experience in Charlotte real estate to work for you. Call now and we’ll take a tour of Charlotte’s great urban neighborhoods and start the process of finding your perfect home or condo.
Scott Lindsley (704) 906-1645 www.SouthendCharlotte.com | www.LiveInWilmore.com | www.NewCondosCharlotte.com
seen uptown: caribbean soccer............10 the people's pics.........................................................12
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interview: Jochen Tartak..............................13
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The Advice Goddess.................................................18 fashion: Liquid Metal.......................................20 art: John Hairston, Jr...................................28
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Fashion Soul..........................................................34 fashion: High Country...................................36
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seen uptown: sole to sole.............................44 dining: Seoul food.. .............................................46 farm to fork..........................................................50
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Atherton Market.............................................52 seen uptown: drag race.................................56 uptown charlotte living.......................59
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seen uptown: roller derby.........................65 Common Market.. ...............................................66 fashion: cotton candy dreams............70 poetry impacting the QC.. ........................76 bits of beauty.. ....................................................79 4 – seen uptown
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seen publisher TJ Larsen TJ@SeenUptown.com www.MyTownhome.com
editor Scott Lindsley Scott@SeenUptown.com www.LiveInWilmore.com Senior editor David Aaron Moore DavidAaron@SeenUptown.com www.davidaaronmoore.com fashion editor Joey Hewell Joey@SeenUptown.com www.JStudioSouthend.com art editor Sharon Dowell Sharon@SeenUptown.com www.sharondowell.com Music editor Queen City Syndicate www.QueenCitySyndicate.com Fotography director Ryan Sumner/Fenix Fotography FenixFoto@SeenUptown.com www.fenixfoto.com design wrangler Little Shiva shivita@mac.com www.littleshiva.com
Welcome August! Summer is beginning to wind down and a change of seasons is quickly approaching. Still, the Dog Days are here and their heat is taking its toll. Lawns are withering under the blistering heat and we are too. Lakes and pools aren’t offering much respite and feel as warm as bath water. But Labor Day is quickly approaching and September ushers in cool nights and ever cooling days. This is our Fashion Issue and Fall Fashion is the focus. Enjoy the clothes, the jewelry, the accessories plus our ever present columns about life and living in the Queen City. What is fashion? Pose that question to a handful of people and the answers will be as diverse as those individuals you ask. For some, fashion is simply their preferred attire, to others it represents a lifestyle. But the fact is we are all immersed in fashion in some form or another, even if you think or claim that fashion isn't part of your life. From the office surroundings of our publisher to the shorts and t-shirt that are my everyday dress, to the Haute Couture that graces runways and some of the pages herein.Whether concious or not, we all start our day making a decision on the fashion that will be uniquely ours. Fashion is a part of our world, in our closets, our music, our homes, and beyond. —Scott Lindsley
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David Aaron Moore Senior Editor David Aaron Moore has more than 15 years of journalism experience under his belt. He has served as an editor for such Atlanta publications as Etcetera, Jezebel, and Southern Voice. His works have been published in Atlanta Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, Creative Loafing and The Atlanta Journal Constitution. Also a native of Charlotte, he is the author of “Charlotte: Murder Mystery and Mayhem” from History Press. Read more at www. davidaaronmoore.com
Joey Hewell Joey Hewell was the first graduate of the Aveda Institute in Charlotte and has been immersed in the Charlotte fashion scene ever since. He owns his own styling boutique and salon, J Studio, in SouthEnd, hosts “Fashion Fridays” each week on Fox News Rising, and is our Fashion Editor. His work can be seen on runway and print and often is of his own design or re-design for vintage clothing. Find Joey at JStudioSouthend.com.
Lauren Blake Lauren Blake is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Returning to school in the fall for a second degree in English, Lauren will continue to explore Charlotte as a freelance writer, dabbling mostly in fashion, shopping, and lifestyle. She hopes to pursue a career in the field of journalism and entertainment, whether it’s writing or on television. In addition to her passion for writing, Lauren is an avid horseback rider and animal lover. Her latest project is a children’s book series, which she hopes to publish in the near future. Contact her at Labb1@ aol.com.
LunahZon Photography LunahZon Photography is the result of letting A.D.D. go unmedicated and encouraging its by-products. Partners in both life and business, Debby Flores and Jeremy Deal enjoy being “different” and thrive on life's variety. Easily described as grateful, spontaneous, happy, and excited, they're ready for any adventure, even those that involve dark alleys and awkward situations because a little light makes everything better. More at www. lunahzon.com
Lynn Caldwell Lynn Caldwell is a Charlotte-area native who spent seven years in Seattle at a wellknown software company. After having kids, Lynn apprenticed on an urban farm and hatched a farmers market in PlazaMidwood. The Tailgate grew rapidly over four years, until the infamous tent collapse. In 2010 she partnered with a South End developer on the indoor, year-round Atherton Market. She is often sought after for her expertise around local food and building a market.
TJ Larsen When TJ first moved to Charlotte in 1998, he was set on becoming a graphic designer and copywriter. His passion for the creative is voiced through marketing with his day job, owner of My Townhome Realty, which provides unique opportunities to get knee-deep in all things creative. Publishing Seen Uptown Magazine adds yet another creative outlet. His fuel and inspiration for the content is Uptown life, arts, fashion, music and culture. After selling that way of life in real estate for 13 years this is the perfect new vehicle for his creative side. More at www.tjlarsen.com
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Robert Brener Robert earned his masters degree in food styling from the University of Central Lancashire and a bachelor’s degree in food service management from Johnson & Wales. He's worked as a chef at the Arabella Haus in Munich, Germany and at the Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland, as well as in many prestigious restaurants stateside. As a Certified Master Composter he helped develop the Johnson & Wales Community Garden, an outdoor classroom teaching composting techniques, earth management and seeding/propogating plants.
Ryan Sumner As creative director of Fenix Fotography, Ryan specializes in eye-catching advertising images for businesses–from gastroenterologists to ghost hunters. His fashion and editorial work has appeared in numerous local and national publications and on the websites of MTV, Maxim, VH1, SMET, and Ed Hardy (when Ed Hardy was cool). He’s also written five books combining his love of history and photography. More at www.fenixfoto.com.
Sharon Dowell Sharon is a painter, public art creator, curator and was director of the muchmissed Center of the Earth Gallery. She will be a summer affiliate at the McColl Center for Visual Art starting this month and welcomes you to visit her in her studio there. She exhibits nationally and can be found at art-centered events throughout the city. To learn more and see her work visit www. SharonDowell.com.
Tenisha Jones Tenisha Jones more than likely played with pens rather than a rattle as a child. Her passion has always been creative writing. As a local spoken word artist, she has a way with words that silences the crowd due to her confronting controversial issues. As a full-time sales professional, single mother and community activist, Tenisha’s contact within diverse interest groups gives her a wealth of trendy topics to analyze.
Thien La Thien La is building a reputation for combining professionalism, humility and artistry in one. Each frame for him is the projection of what his mind has seen and his eye has captured. His quiet nature brings focus to his work allowing the subject to come forward and be presented in a way that heightens awareness and invokes sentiment. Thien La enjoys shooting architecture, commercial, fashion, lifestyle and weddings. More at www. thienlaphotography.com.
contributors seen uptown – 7
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International Gold Cup Soccer comes to Charlotte! On Thursday, June 9th, while Taste of Charlotte spanned Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte, a taste of Central America and the Caribbean engulfed Bank of Amer ica Stadium in Third Ward. The Central American and Caribbean Association Football Association (CONCACAF) brought the Gold
Cup double header game to Charlotte as part of their bi-annual championship series. Charlotte was the second of three stops in Group A play, with Costa Rica playing El Salvador at
7:00 and the reigning Gold Cup champion team from Mexico squaring off with Cuba at 9:00. Most of the fans were clearly for the Mexican team, but others were well represented.The stalls outside sold tortas, tacos and other “South of the Border� fare, while beer stands inside were converted over to Dos Equis, Pacifico, and Corona.
The people's pics contributions from our readers
1: LeMond Hart and Truth (Shane Levine), models / photo by Carlise Kellman 2: B-boy competition at The Breakfast Club / photo by Walter Wright 3: Noelle Cheatam, Kristen Cheatam, Ronald McDonald and Jonathan Cheatam on South College St. during CIAA events /photo submitted by Kristen 4: Nao Barber, street performer / photo by Walter Wright Got pics? Send to Submissions@SeenUptown.com.
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ThANK YOU!
Jochen
Q&A with
story by TJ Larsen pictures courtesy CMP
Tartak speed
As we through our lives we don’t often get the opportunity to learn about our neighbors. It usually takes a common interest that sparks a desire to sincerely explore who someone really is and how the past has shaped their life. Through family, friends, business and play I have been very fortunate to meet some fascinating people. With the Queen City as our playground, extraordinary stories of human interest surround us all. Jochen Tartak lives in Eastover with his wife Anna and son Lucas. I could have met Jochen in a social setting many times without getting to know him, his passions and intriguing past. It was a common interest that led me to dig further and find out more. Late last year I began to train for Porsche Club Racing. I was pleased to discover that 45 minutes from Charlotte’s urban core sits a race track known as Carolina Motorsports Park (CMP). Needing a home track and the opportunity to train frequently, I invested in a club membership at CMP. I take every opportunity to learn from the many talented individuals at the club; but when I spoke with Jochen I started to realize that he knew more about racing than most. Our conversations led to great stories about his past experiences and his life as a family man, race car driver, driving instructor and businessman. Seen Magazine gave me a great excuse to learn even more. Jochen agreed to an interview and I am pleased to share this interesting look into a fascinating man with our readers.
Q: Jochen, your day job brings you to Kershaw, South Carolina, yet you have chosen to live just outside of Uptown Charlotte in the Eastover neighborhood.What draws you and your family to the “Uptown” Area? A: We like being within walking distance to great restaurants, parks, friends and entertainment. We also enjoy the diversity in this area. There is a little bit of everything and everyone. Before I took over the track in Kershaw I was living in Plaza Midwood, since 2002. That is actually where I met my wife Anna, who bought the house across the street from mine. Q: You recently purchased your home in Eastover. What prompted your move? A: Well, we needed a bigger home because our first child was on the way. We wanted to make sure that we were in a great area with a good school district. The elementary school, park, library and grocery store are all within a three-minute walk from our house. We were used to being close to Uptown and had some favorite spots like Suishi and Nikko in SouthEnd or being near the Dilworth bike shop. Somehow I also let my wife convince me to allow HGTV to follow us thru the whole process. seen uptown – 13
We were filmed for the show “My First Sale” when we sold my wife’s home in Plaza Midwood. Q: Being filmed over the course of a home sale is a big commitment and a lot of camera time. How was it being on camera for HGTV? A: Some of my background in motorsports actually prepared me for it. I am a member of the Screen Actors Guild and have spent time on camera demonstrating cars, shooting commercials and so on. I was used to the camera time and the waiting around to set up shots. Q: When you are not at the track what do you like to do? A: Besides spending time with my wife, Anna, and our son, Lucas, I usually get on my mountain bike and head to Sherman Branch or the Whitewater Center. I also like to road ride around town. Where I go really depends on how much time I have. Charlotte has a lot of great choices for biking. There are a lot of great trails very close to home. Q: How did you get into motorsports? A: I actually have to blame my dad. He used to race so I was exposed to it an early age. I’m also named after 1970 Formula 1 World Champion Jochen Rindt, so I guess you can say that I was destined to end up in motorsports. Q: Where did you first start racing.? A: I actually started racing karts in South America.
I was 19 and some of the racers start as early as five and six. Following that I went to Europe to race Formula cars for about eight years and then came back here to the US. Along the way I was able to win some races and a championship. Q: What else did motorspor ts give you the opportunity to do? A: In addition to racing, I also spent a lot of my time coaching and teaching people how to race. I spent 10 years travelling over 220 days a year all around the globe racing and coaching. I’ve run driving programs for BMW in 15 countries and we did them in some crazy places that I didn’t think would be possible, but we somehow pulled it off. For example, we’ve held driving programs on tiny remote roads in the Andes mountains in Chile with no safety equipment and huge drop offs with no barriers and have had situations where we’ve had no cars because they were stuck in Customs in Nicaragua. I’ve also coached over 100 Celebrities, preparing them to race in the annual Toyota Pro / Celebrity race at the Long Beach Grand Prix. I’ve been really lucky and am thankful to have the opportunities that I’ve had. I’ve been paid to travel all over the world, drive amazing cars and work with some incredible people. Q: Do you still coach drivers? A: You know I am so busy running the race track that a really don’t get to spend as much time coaching as I would like. I really like to watch people develop their skills especially young kids. I get an opportunity to teach young kids to drive in our karting programs and race series.The kids spend all of their time maximizing their technique and driving skills and not adding performance enhancements to the cars. A lot of racing is buying speed by improving the car so to focus
solely on the driving is very rewarding. I also learn a lot about my own driving when I instruct. You really take a step back when instructing and analyze what you are doing and some skills and techniques that you might take for granted. Q: How did you start at CMP? A: It’s kind of a long story. A good friend of mine, Brian Smith – who is the co—GM with me at CMP – and I were doing some winter driver training for a company in Montana. He asked me if I was interested in possibly taking over the GM position at Carolina Motorsports Park with him. After kicking it around over Sushi and a couple of beers, we decided we were ready to take over the facility and worked on an aggressive five-year growth plan. We are four years in to this plan. We have added Palmetto Motorsports club, which is a country club for motorsports enthusiasts. It allows everyday people that love to go fast and push the limits in a safe environment access to drive at a race track that has been driven to some of the top drivers in the world. We have also added a club house, garages, a wet/dry skidpad, built a .70 mile, 16-turn kart track, a full service kart shop, improved the paddock space, reconfigured the main track to make it faster & introduced kart race series. We’ve been pretty busy! Q: It seems there is a lot more to owning and running a track then most might realize. What goes on at a track like yours? A: It’s a very unique business. We’re the only facility of this type in the Carolinas. We are a multi-purpose motorsports facility positioned in 300-acres about an hour South of Charlotte. Our facility is used for a wide variety of events including professional motorsports team testing, sports car and motorcycle races, racing and driving schools, corporate programs, and karting championships. Since Bryan and I took over the track in 2007 we have added a lot more opportunities for various services and interests. Q: Who is your clientele at the track? A: Oh wow. You name it. A large par t of our clientele is everyday people that aren’t race car driving professionals, they’re just regular people that like to go fast and seek to get away from it all. They range from all ages, five-year-olds on the karts to 80-year-olds! They are motorcycle riders, car drivers and karting enthusiasts.
You don’t have to have a lot of money or a fancy car to find a place at CMP. Many of our clients bring their families with them. It’s pretty cool to see dad come in from racing to greet his wife, kids, and dog in the paddock where they’re playing ball with another family. People come from all over the country to CMP. We have NASCAR, Sportscar & Motorcycle race teams test with us on a regular basis. Car and tire manufacturers do a lot of research and development on new products with us. We also do a lot of corporate entertainment and team building events. Q: What does the future hold for you, your family and the business? A: That’s a great question. On the family front I’m not sure that I know what tomorrow will bring, but for right now we’re enjoying raising our son. The future holds great things for Carolina Motorsports Park and our Palmetto Motorsports Club.We have more land available to lengthen the road course, which we’re really excited about. We’ve talked about building trackside condos and long term garages along with other additions and we have a great ownership group that’s committed to our growth plan.
(704) 377.4567 WWW.MYTOWNHOME.COM
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The Clique And The Dead-Tired My boyfriend thrashes in his sleep, keeping me awake.We have a spare bedroom, so I suggested we do our sleeping separately. He worries that friends will see our separate beds and think we have sexual problems. I’m tired of going to work exhausted – and not for a good reason. – Bleary What kind of friends do you have that they’d come over for parties and inspect your home for signs of sexual activity? And how would they know you’re sleeping in separate rooms? Would your door have a Barbie and a feather boa nailed to it, and would his have a sign that says “Girls Have Cooties” with a Post-it from you: “Actually, I got those taken care of at the clinic last year”? The truth is, per news reports, more and more couples are doing their sleeping separately -- for reasons like yours. It is common to arrange your life around impressing your friends…when you’re in seventh grade. But, if your adult boyfriend cares this much about what people think, why leave anything to chance? Send out Evites: “Dear Friends, We’re taking a break from having nonstop stupendous sex to throw a party. Please join us for dinner. Watch where you sit.”
© 2011, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or e-mail AdviceAmy@aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com) Read Amy Alkon's book: “I SEE RUDE PEOPLE: One woman's battle to beat some manners into impolite society” (McGraw-Hill, $16.95). photomontage: Little Shiva
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20 – seen uptown
bubble gum John Hairston Jr. happiness
story by Sharon Dowell
John Hairston, Jr. / photo by Jennifer Hairston opposite: Sofar, I hope you like rap songs
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\\\ Who: ––John Hairston Jr. ––a Charlotte native –– talks a mile a minute, an open, honest and refreshing individual –– studied illustration at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte –– has a piece in The Mint Museum of Art permanent collection ––teaches classes to adults with learning disabilities –– r uns art workshops with children via CMS and various churches –– paints live at Dharma Lounge, The 5 Spot in Atlanta, and Charleston's Kulture Klash Arts Festival –– volunteers with fundraisers for AIDS, breast cancer and other charities \\\ Likes: –– the graffiti-inspired idea of getting out there and creating art in the shortest amount of time possible ––intuitive, random spurts –– feels that getting into the zone while painting is like a meditation ––vivid color as an escape to cope with the grays of life \\\ Influences: –– childhood: the most fun he ever had was watching cartoons and playing with action figures –– pop culture: MAD Magazine, graphic novels, soul, hip hop music, and ‘80s graffiti art star Jean-Michel Basquiat (he even has a tattoo of him) \\\ The Take: Unique artwork is popping up in alternative venues in Charlotte…cafes, concert venues, stores, you name it. In May, Hairston's The Funtastic World of Jago Barbera opened at Black Sheep Skate Shop in South End.
I caught up with friends, drooled over a pair of blue adidas, but the main thing that had my attention was Hairston's large vibrant paintings. Characters and color are wildly important to John. A swoosh of bright pink, safety orange and lime green falling in luscious drips down the painting here, hurried markmaking that echoes a graffiti tag there. Hairston bases many of his characters on people in his life. He takes indecent liberties with Hanna Barbera, X-Men, and others, appropriating the characters to fit into his universe (Yogi Panda and Boo-Boo are favorites). Robots, elephants, and monkey warriors abound, sometimes dressed in hood-
above: Learn the business, brother // opposite: Always, it's like this... Always
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ies and sneakers. One will find humans in his work, only nonchalantly sitting atop a giant gorilla dressed in a track suit or a bubble gum popping, head-dress wearing girl. At times, political satire and social commentary infuses Hairston's paintings, though usually subtly. The viewer applies their own story to the work with a little hint from the fun titles such as Only If It's For You To Know, Now With More Frosting, and The Princess Is In Another Castle. I could't help but be drawn into these super fly fantastical wonderlands. To be kept posted on John Hairston, Jr., visit www.allcitystudios.com
LaWana Mayfield for city council district 3
Stable Property Values Smart Economic Growth Strong Community Safety “New Leadership You Can Trust and Respect”
PPaaid for Pai forr byy the hee Campa Caampaign C mpaaign to El mpa Elect ecct LaaWan ect W aM Mayf ayfiel ay ayf ield. iel ie d d.
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Streams of fabric flowed across the runway spilling on to an awe-struck audience below. Each fashion segment took onlookers on a unique journey through the inner souls of the presenting designer or boutique. Starting with visions of classic grunge from the 1990s, the show travelled through a vintage, safari-like voyage. The next stop was classic couture, followed by Californian hipster style. The finale was a whimsical, high fashion approach to artwork for the body. Fashion Soul was more than just a fashion show – it was the heart of the talent, diversity and enthusiasm that exists in South End and the Charlotte fashion community as a whole. Backstage buzzed with excitement before the show, as artists of all trades – designers, hair and makeup artists and models – anticipated their entrance. Last minute, the fashions were slipped on, lipstick was applied and final strands of hair were tucked and twirled. On stage, FOX News anchor Morgan Fogarty welcomed the audience, which included a bevy of fashion aficionados, photographers and the general public. The clear April night was just right for an outdoor fashion show. The pop-up runway stood between Dharma Lounge and Marigny Dance Club. Before the first model stepped on stage, a short interview of the presenting designer or boutique owner – via a large video projection screen – gave onlookers a chance to understand the style philosophies and personalities behind the clothing. 34 – seen uptown
Stephanie Genter, graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design and owner of The Niche Market, is a self proclaimed tattoo addict, lover of jazz and the 1920s. Her store, however, caters to visions of the funky generation out of the 1990s. The boutique’s segment paired the grunge of the ‘90s with fun floral patterned mini dresses, polka dot socks and striking color pairings such as salmon and turquoise. Female models took a walk on the wild side with leopard print wedges, while male models boasting loafers and man bags, exhibited a cool masculine style. Caroline Cook-Frers, a native of Charlotte, offers a unique twist on local boutiques. Her store does not have a door, an open sign or even hours. Instead, Frock Shop is a travelling trunk show offering unique designer, vintage, and re-sale items for a pretty price. Not surprisingly, Cook-Frers oozes with as much personality and enthusiasm as her vintage pieces: “Life is really short, so you should just dress for it.” Clearly, her models were dressed for it in Safari hats, wicker handbags and light, airy fabrics in cool colors. Peruvian fashion designer Luis Machicao is a hot commodity in Charlotte. He’s one of the few custom fashion designers living in the Queen City. His collections have been seen nationally in San Francisco, Miami, Austin and New York’s fashion week. His design approach is artistic, taking inspiration from paintings
Fashion Soul story by Lauren Blake pictures by Fenix Fotography
designers, from left to right: Stephanie Genter, Caroline Cook-Frers, Luis Machicao, Cigi Guzman, Joey Hewell
to a walk around a city. Artistic inspiration translates to couture fashion on the runway for Machicao. His designs accentuate the woman’s body, including figure hugging two piece suits, low cut blazers, classic one shoulder dresses and modern business suits. Although mainly classic looks, bold textures and patterns gave way to a more avant-garde tone. Cigi Guzman started off designing band t-shirts. Today, she owns her own fashion collection, John T. Fellow, which has a vibe that she describes as “Southern California meets Mexican meets Nor th and South Carolinian prep.” The combination produces a trendy, masculine collection completed by suspenders and bow ties, leather loafers and cool blazers. Suave and sexy, the collection has boyish undertones but can be worn by both men and women. It’s laid back Cali appeal offers comfort without forfeiting style. The finale of the show was the creative director behind Fashion Soul, Joey Hewell. The owner of J. Studio Salon is a jack of all trades. A professional hair and makeup stylist, he later began dabbling with fashion and eventually created clothing and accessories, resulting in a finished product from head to toe. When it comes to accessories, Hewell purchases plain seven-inch stilettos – essentially blank canvases – and turns them into artwork, adding anything from seashells and feathers to spikes and glass.
Hewell says he draws inspiration “from the people around him, and the places he’s been.” From big, whimsical hair to high fashion-worthy dresses and rompers with butterfly body accessories, his collection is as creative as a favorite fairy tale. Hewell wants his designs to showcase the model as a piece of artwork. “You’re going to love it or hate it,” he says. The designs are handcrafted with exotic colors and an array of fabrics, from flowing mini dresses with long trains to a gold corduroy short suit with a cropped jacket. In addition to putting a spotlight on local fashion, Fashion Soul gave local beauty a chance, too. Often unnoticed at fashion shows are the ones behind the scene, including hair and makeup artists, who pull the show together by producing the final runway looks. South End salons including Cirrus, Groove, Theory, Planet 21 and J.Studio worked their magic on the models’ hair while makeup artists Adrian D. Howe, Joy Randall and Jackie Greene highlighted cheeks, eyes and lips. Presented by Center City Par tners, Fashion Soul was the finale of South End Soul, an annual five-day celebration of art, design and creativity in the Historic South End district of Charlotte. Other events that took place during the week included gallery crawls, wine and beer tastings, cooking demonstrations, boutique furniture sales, a NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) home remodeling expo and more. seen uptown – 35
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Seen Uptown Magazine was on-hand Thursday, July 14th, for the Sole to Soul social event and fundraiser at the Harvey Gantt Center. Shoes were the showcase, and shoe cams caught all the fabulous footware on the red carpet.The skyline of Uptown Charlotte was the backdrop from the rooftop terrace as local soul and hip-hop artist Cleo Jones entertained the crowd along with Venah S. and Shameka L. Dwight. The fundraiser benefited the Hewitt Education Fund.
photos by Thien La
Our city has definitely undergone some changes in the last twenty years. As a native Charlottean, I’ve watched the Queen City grow from a tentative town of commerce into a burgeoning metropolis-on-the-cusp. Many of the aftereffects of such growth are nuisances (traffic, traffic and traffic), but one I am most excited about is the influx of culinary opportunities that are available to QC residents. Therefore, you can imagine my consternation when I hear people bemoan the lack of good food in Charlotte. Where are you eating? Have you ventured outside your neighborhood, per chance? If you have not, I’d like to suggest a few great venues to try something new, courtesy of the overlooked East Asian country primarily known for its cell phones, LED screens, and enviable test scores: South Korea. Let’s face it: Japanese food and Chinese food are no longer considered exploratory cuisine. Sushi has been in style forever, and lo mein is a staple of any respectable urban diet. Just wait. In a few years, I’ll be surprised if bulgogi doesn’t join their ranks. I was raised on the garlicky awesomeness of Korean cuisine. My South Korean mother is an amazing woman in her sixties who still insists on making kimchi from scratch. She carefully slices and dices strips of cabbage, carrots, and radishes before coating them in a complicated mixture of ground chilies, garlic, ginger, salt, and pickling agents. The result cannot be expressed in mere words. Think of the best pickle you’ve ever eaten, then throw on your favorite hot sauce, and you may have an inkling.The only thing that even comes close is homemade torshee (Persian-style giardiniera), but that’s a topic for another article. Pickles are not your thing? That’s okay. Do you like barbecue? Then get ready to feel your hackles raise: I think Korean barbecue is the best in the world.Yes, I know it’s 46 – seen uptown
a shocking thing to say in North Carolina, but I stand stalwart and ready to defend my blasphemy. Bulgogi is made with thinly sliced strips of beef marinated in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, Nashi pear, sesame oil, and green onion.The strips are tossed onto a sizzling grill and lightly cooked right before being served with white rice and an assortment of banchan – small side dishes that accompany a traditional Korean meal. If the scent of bulgogi doesn’t get your taste buds salivating, I’m not sure they work properly. When my mother makes bulgogi or kalbi (the on-the-bone equivalent) the conversation at the table is somewhat limited. Many a dubious eater has been won over by the sensory experience, and I’m usually rendered temporarily speechless, which is a feat unto itself. I know that not everyone is blessed to have Yongsook as a mother, but we as Charlotteans are extremely lucky to have not one, but two great Korean restaurants right in our midst. Get ready for me to break it down for you, Lady Gaga style. (I’m kidding, of course. Meat dresses are so not my thing.) Chowon Garden is located down Independence Boulevard. Its décor is clean and urban with a tinge of Asian influence. The carved wooden chairs are charmingly unique, and the restaurant itself is open with high ceilings and a kitchen that is partially visible from almost any angle. The service is consistently good, and most of the wait staff has no trouble conversing solely in English, which is helpful when you bring Korean food newbies in the door. Actually, I think Chowon Garden is a great experience for a newbie. The kimchi is not that spicy, and none of the dishes are so exotic as to cause undue stress on the faint hearted.
Seoulfood
story and pictures by Renee Ahdieh
The gun mandoo is pretty tasty, and it’s an appetizer almost any carnivore will enjoy: deep fried dumplings stuffed with ground meat and diced vegetables. For an entrée, I always recommend bulgogi or kalbi at any Korean restaurant. If you want a truly authentic experience, ask to be seated at a table with its own grill. The raw meat is cooked right in front of you. Another excellent dish to try is donkatsu—breaded pork cutlet. Kids always enjoy it, and I’m pretty sure you won’t mind eating the leftovers. Chowon Garden, 2501 Crownpoint Executive Drive. 704-845-6119. If you travel only a few more miles down Independence, you will soon come across another Korean restaurant: Kojan Bistro. This establishment moved to its current location not too long ago from its less glamorous address in a strip mall on Albemarle Road.
a bit haphazard and predictable. On the surface, it does lack the polish of its competition.The wait staff does not always speak English clearly, and the level of customer service can be a bit splotchy. The food? Hands down, Kojan Bistro is the winner. This is Korean food the way my mother makes it. No excuses, played like a champ. The dolsot bibimbap is my favorite dish to order at Kojan Bistro. A small stone pot is heated in the oven and then filled with steamed rice before being topped with sautéed vegetables, kimchi, bulgogi, a raw egg, and hot sauce. The rice on the bottom of the pot becomes crispy, and it sizzles and steams as you mix the contents to flash cook the egg. This is my brand of comfort food, at its best. The japchae is also excellent—clear noodles made from sweet potatoes and tossed with vegetables in sesame oil and soy sauce. To me, it’s a classy take on lo mein. Kojan Bistro, 1806 Windsor Square Drive, Matthews. 704-443-2984. At the end of the day, you cannot As judgmental as it sounds, I usually gauge an eth- go wrong with either restaurant. Take a chance if you’ve nic restaurant’s food quality on the demographic of its never tried Korean food before. You won’t regret it. clientele. If the majority of an Indian restaurant’s patrons are from India, I believe the food must be pretty darn Renee Ahdieh’s award-winning blog on all things close to authentic. foodie can be found at www.thecandidcook.com Kojan Bistro is no exception. Most of the time, I only see Koreans seated in its booths. The interior is not as fancy or modern as Chowon Garden, and the décor is seen uptown – 47
farm fork to
pictures by Fenix Fotography
by Robert Brenner, Chef, Johnson and Wales
H
ow did it come to this? How have Americans become so far removed from their food source? There is no short answer, but we do know this: Economic forces such as two world wars, a Dust bowl and The Great Depression removed farmers from their land to fight or support the wartime effort. Technological advances allowed for greater distribution and preservation as communities became more centrally urbanized.By definition, a corporation’s mission is to increase profit, not its health. Combined, these forces pulled society away from agrarian-based while corporate consolidation and a strong Washington lobby redefined America’s food industry. The food supply in the United States is now manufactured, not grown. Money is not spent on increasing quality but instead on aggressive marketing in a decreasingly competitive marketplace. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find an individual washing down a candy bar with soda pop. As bad as that may seem, however, now the soda contains no sugar and the chocolate is not chocolate at all. However, if questioned, the consumer would probably be unaware of the contents of their snack. Americans are easily swayed from the reality of their diets. The majority of people don’t know the meaning behind the term whole foods. We have become a population of mindless eaters living in a society with a reactive healthcare system, and the results are sobering. Farm-to-fork is about awareness of mind and body and the appreciation for the goodness that sustains us in a nourishing manner. Eating good food is vital to wellness, while allowing us a greater
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understanding of what food really is, resulting in a greater sense of body, mind and spirit.
IMPORTANCE TO THE CHEF The title of “Chef” is liberally bestowed in the United States. While much of the world abroad has a far greater respect for the position, we tend to minimize the chef’s role because of our diminished comprehension of food, its source and its connection to body. A true chef is first a scientist. Only after mastering the science of cooking can a chef apply artistry and interpretation. But if we are not teaching the medium, how can we understand, and most importantly, how can we truly benefit our communities? A chef’s duty is to select quality and maximize it. Without understanding how a carrot thrives, the carrot cannot be enhanced to its greatest potential. If we use mediocre ingredients, our best possible outcome is mediocrity. Chefs are food educators. Their menus are potentially powerful, as they can help define cultural norms. The culinary industry is only now becoming a mainstream career path in the United States. As a result, the chef has become a respected member of society. However, with the respect comes an enormous responsibility that many of us have lost sight of. Our communities rely on us (whether realized or not) to teach the importance of seasonality and its nutritional advantage. We no longer know when tomatoes are in season because supermarkets and most restaurants do not have seasons. Genetically modified foods may serve a purpose, but oftentimes they are replacing varietals that define regional cuisines. A chef must make a true effort if
trying to recreate any historical dish, as the nuances from regional variety have disappeared. It’s true, most Americans do not know where their food comes from. In some cases, this disconnect has lead to epic disease. Obesity and diabetes are crippling the United States like no other country, yet there is very little emphasis on wellness and prevention. Instead, we are bombarded with million dollar pharmaceutical marketing campaigns promoting cures. Much of the world is astonished by America’s eating habits. They wonder how a modern society can feel such indifference towards nourishment. But when food does not play an important role in its culture, it’s often abused and taken for granted. There is a greater price to be paid down the road for cheap food. The dinner table is not the place to pinch pennies. Buying quality and having an appreciation for work and care in getting it to your table is a healthy place to begin. If we start eating proper portions of real foods, we will buy less and be able to drastically reduce the most expensive items in our baskets: animal proteins.
layout by Paul Cristina
COMMUNITY
There is nothing more culturally definitive as cuisine. The products, flavors and interpretations found on kitchen tables, cupboards and pantries define our communities. Food brings people together in times of celebration, sorrow, support, appreciation and nearly every occasion imaginable. Food symbolizes trust and bonding. The term “breaking bread” and the historical connotations surrounding it date back nearly as long as humankind. Humans survive because of their ability to find food. Attaining food once was the preeminent activity of the day, now we are bombarded with food products and need not leave the house to feed ourselves. Our choices have become homogenous and we have lost an understanding for the role food plays in our lives. It is easy to lose appreciation, when supply is overproduced. As a consumer nation, Americans are coaxed into spending their disposable income. It is no secret that fresh foods taste the most complex. The flavor produced from a sweet green pea picked from
the vine and eaten in the moment cannot be replicated. The freshest foods come from our own backyards. The fruit is allowed to ripen to its peak stage and the vegetables cling to their vines, developing sweetness because its destination is down the road, not inter-continental. It can be the most satisfying food and one of the best contributions to support local community. Additionally, it is encouraging when the source (farmer) is eating the same food as you.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY
The bottom line is no longer the bottom line. As chefs, we are on the frontline in the new American battle for wellness. Cooking is no longer our defining purpose. It is educating a new generation while creating an awareness of the abuse of a food system that in no way focuses on the end user. Americans have lost focus on what food is, so we shop mindlessly and search for what is inexpensive with the belief that if it can be marketed, it must be safe. Chefs have to be able to teach the difference between food and fluff. We have a responsibility to our communities that starts with education and entails the awareness of where food comes from. The opportunity to create change is now. Our children and future generations are depending on us. We have to begin to reconnect the links of our food chain by returning to the basics. Whole foods, natural color variation and seasonality must be emphasized. We cannot substitute what nature provides. This is an exciting moment in the American food movement. A renaissance has begun and the new American culinarian is leading the charge. A return to local, fresh, whole foods is becoming more prominent in our day-to-day lives. The resurgence of our farmers’ markets and the presence of locally grown foods in our restaurants and grocery stores is occurring on a more regular basis. Farm-to-fork is helping us realize the weaknesses in our food supply. When we better understand the farm, we develop a greater appreciation for ourselves.
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layout by Paul Cristina
Southpark Luxury take your pick!
home
condo
3610 hennessy place
4705 ashley park lane #440
3800 sf | 4 bedrooms | 3.5 baths
The Penthouses at Phillips Place One of only 6 private residences
Gorgeous custom brick and stone home
3 large private terraces (2 off the master suite)
Custom in-ground pool
Gourmet kitchen
Fenced yard
10’ & 11’ ceilings
Spiral staircase with open 2 story foyer
Private elevator for residents only
Reclaimed heart pine floors
2 assigned parking spaces + ample guest parking
Gourmet kitchen
200 SF+ private heated and cooled storage in basement
2 fireplaces
Just footsteps away from Whole Foods, Phillips Place dining and shopping
1st level master suite Built to entertain with extensive pool decking and covered terrace
649,900
$
$
Contact: Scott Lindsley, Realtor : 704.906.1645 ®
Scott@SouthendCharlotte.com | www.NewCondosCharlotte.com
645,900
MeMber for a day experience $250
Please call for more information. PMC request that you make your reservation at least 7 days in advance. PMC offers 40 track days per year. If you choose to become a PMC member the $250 will be credited towards your membership. Memberships are $2,950.00 annually for 40 days. Participants must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Please bring this page with you to the track.
carolinamotorsportspark.com
photos by Brandon Schauf
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If you think NASC AR's the only racin’ in town, think again. The Queen City Drag Race also brings high speed entertainment, in high heels, to Charlotte. On Saturday, May 14th, Hartigan’s Irish Pub in Third Ward hosted the annual event for their second year. Required: a team, heels and wigs. Competitors vied for the Drag Race Trophy in a series of races including the Diva Dash100, the Pit Crew Challenge and the Most Money Raised. Proceeds benefited the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and PRIDE Charlotte. www.QueenCityDragRace.com
B r a n d o n Schauf
I can help you find a home... As a buyers agent I help clients find great deals on great properties all over the city. From classic bungalows in the Historic Districts and neighborhoods to luxury condos in the sky! I’ve helped clients buy $20,000 foreclosure investment properties all the way up to a $3.2 million dollar penthouse - and I treat each client with the same enthusiastic service no matter the price point. I was born and raised in central Charlotte and have worked in Charlotte real estate for 19 years. No one knows these areas better so let me put my expertise to work for you!
Scott Lindsley (704) 906-1645 www.SouthendCharlotte.com | www.LiveInWilmore.com | www.NewCondosCharlotte.com
And help them find one too! With every purchase through me I’ll donate a portion of my commission to the pet rescue of your choice - visit www.NewCondosCharlotte.com for details.
STITCH’S BIO: Hi, my name is Stitch. I’m a six year old, 37lb. male shiba inu. Shiba inus are not very common, I’m kind a rarity to find myself in rescue. My head only comes up to your knee in height, the picture makes me look bigger than I really am. I’m really independent and calm. True to the shiba inu breed- I am VERY well-behaved, hardly ever bark, am very clean and housebroken. My owner moved into an apartment that would not allow pets. The shelter was full that day and if she took me inside, I was going to be put down immediately as an owner surrender since there wasn’t any room. Thankfully, someone knew that my fostermom loves shiba inus and called her to come rescue me. I’m such a good boy! If interested to meet me in Charlotte, NC please contact sunnydawnie@yahoo.com. Application, home visit and donation apply.
MARQUIS’S BIO: I’m a 8-9 year old, 7 lb maltese. I’m just a precious tiny little boy that ended up in the shelter, not once but twice! According to my microchip, I was adopted from the SPCA in California. My owner must have moved to South Carolina because I ended up in the Greenville Animal Shelter as a stray... but the shelter traced my microchip back to the person that owned me and it was the same person that turned me into the shelter! That wasn’t very nice of them, after all these years of devotion and affection. I’m a nice little companion. I know how to walk on a leash and readily get into the car to go for a ride. But I can’t walk down the road very far, I prefer that you carry me. Marquis is up-to-date on vaccines, neutered, microchipped, heartworm negative and on flea and hw prevention. If interested, contact sunnydawnie@yahoo.com.
FANTASIA’S BIO: Fantasia is a cute little girl that needs a new home. Her previous owner didn’t really know how to be a pet owner of a bichon frise. She is a sweet little girl that gets along well with other dogs, and she’s perfectly fine with cats. Please have children 6 years old or older to adopt her. Fantasia is 10 years old and approximately 18lbs. She’s runs around and loves to go for a walk. Fantasia “talks” to you trying to communicate. She likes to sit with you on the couch and is such a pretty and wonderful little girl. She just needs an owner that understands the bichon breed and the opportunity to shower her owner with affection. She’s such a good little girl and knows how to sit for a treat. Fantasia is up to date on all vaccines, spayed and on hw and flea prevention. To be considered, please complete an application at www.bichonrescue.org.
ANDY’S BIO: I get lots of looks just walking into PetSmart or the park. Everyone thinks I’m so unusual looking and sweet they just can’t help themselves but bend down and greet me. I’m a 2 year old male, standard dachschund mix - maybe labrador tossed in there, not sure. I’m a short, stocky little guy that only comes up to about your knee when standing. I get along with everybody and other dogs and cats. I just can’t wait to meet you and wag my tail so hard I just can’t believe you’re here to pay attention to me and give me all the love I want ! I just want to be friends with everybody ! I’m great with kids, other dogs, and even cats. Everyone says I’m “just the best dog”. Would you like to meet me so I can win you over too ? Andy is up-to-date on vaccines, neutered, and on hw and flea medication. If interested to meet me, please contact sunnydawnie@yahoo.com. Application, home visit and donation apply.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RESCUES IN OUR AREA VISIT: THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF CHARLOTTE: WWW.HUMANESOCIETYOFCHARLOTTE.ORG AMERICAN PIT BULL FOUNDATION: WWW.AMERICANPITBULLFOUNDATION.COM PROJECT HALO: WWW.PROJECTHALO.NET OUT OF HARM’S WAY: WWW.OUTOFHARMSWAY.TRIPOD.COM BICHON FRISE CLUB OF AMERICA CHARITABLE TRUST: WWW.BICHONRESCUE.ORG GREAT DANES FRIENDS OF RUFF LOVE: WWW.GREATDANEFRIENDS.COM/ COALITION TO UNCHAIN DOGS: WWW.UNCHAINDOGS.NET
WWW.CHLOESPLAYHOUSE.COM PET SITTING • DOG WALKING
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1: 10th Street Townhomes in 4th Ward 2: The Avenue condos in the heart of Uptown's entertainment district 3: The Block – traditional townhomes in South End 4: Grand Victorian in 4th Ward
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Uptown Charlotte boasts single family homes, spacious townhouses, high-rise luxury and low rise lofts. Uptown prices range just as widely. Do you think Uptown living is too expensive
What is Uptown Charlotte living? As with fashion, ask that question to ten people and you’ll hear ten different answers. The variety of housing in center city is a microcosm of the city itself.
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5: The Avenue pool, with The Vue in the background 6: Gateway Plaza flats and condos 7: modern townhomes with roof terraces in 1st Ward 8: The Poplar, built in 1927 (historic designation)
and offers little to choose from or means having to settle for a cramped condo or apartment? That couldn’t be further from the truth.There are Uptown living options as low as $65,000, though average prices for one bedroom units are in the low to mid $100s.Two bedroom units can be found as low as $150,000, with many others still under $200,000 and most around $300,000. There are definitely more expensive options rising well over $1 million. This column will explore the options, living styles, neighborhoods, districts, and the variety of amenity packages found in the different condominium complexes and buildings in center city. Enjoy! —Scott Lindsley
Build Modern Charlotte
Uptown Charlotte Living pics by Scott Lindsley, Metro 10 West pics by Heidi Fiscus
Metro10 West
by Heidi Fiscus
I never have to mess with a car or parking. Metro 10 West is a testa- I love doing what I can to be more green. ment to downtown living for any young You also can't forget how close we are to professional. Nestled on a small street in beautiful Lake Norman. Living in Uptown Third Ward within walking distance to is truly the best of both worlds. BMC: What does your typical center city Charlotte, this-ten unit condo complex offers residents a quiet, secure day look like? Emily: Our lifestyle is anything neighborhood setting in the middle of busy metropolitan city.The open floor but typical. Steve spends his weekends plan is perfect for entertaining guests or traveling the country as the Race Engifor the aspiring chef cooking a meal for neer for Kurt Busch and the #22 Shell family and friends.There’s also the amaz- Penzoil Dodge in the NASCAR Sprint ing skyline view from the rooftop terrace, Cup Series, while I spend my days working in Uptown Charlotte at Wells Fargo sure to impress any visitors. Emily and Steve Reis, Bank.We spend evenings together, enjoythe owners of the condo ing the beautiful Queen City skyline and unit showcased on this page, all the city has to offer. BMC: Do you have a favorite wanted to bring a comfortable, warm and eclectic feel to their new modern local hangout? Steve: We love the local reshome. Combining their own sense of modern style with existing features of taurant scene: Big Daddy's, Dolce, Phat the condo, they’ve created a one-of-a- Burrito and Zada Jane's.The list goes on kind space where they can enjoy down forever. Frazier Park, practically in our time together and entertain out-of-town backyard, is great for walks, runs, and trips guests.The entire space is a vibrant mix to the dog park with our little puggle, of color, design, and style, reflective of Geno. We also never miss the opportheir personal vision and a life shared tunity to head up to Lake Norman for a relaxing day out on the lake. Can you together. BuildModernCharlotte.com had beat this location? We doubt it. BMC: Can you explain your the opportunity to sit down with Emily and Steve to get a glance into their design style and where you draw inspieveryday life in the Queen City. Here's ration? Emily: Luckily, we both have what they had to say: BMC: What is the best thing the same tastes in decorating: it's clean lines, earth tones with pops of color and about living in Uptown Charlotte? Emily: Being so close to every- more of a minimalist tendency. No clutthing. Since I work Uptown, I'm able ter. We draw inspiration from a variety to walk to work and it's wonderful — of sources. The internet can be great,
Google Images is a must, and it's always fun to browse through stores like By Design, IKEA, Crate and Barrel, and West Elm. We try to put a warm, livable, you might say ‘homey’ twist on the cool, clean, ultra modern. BMC: Out of all the spaces you created in your home, which is your favorite? Steve: Of course, it's hard to have just one favorite.We love the gym we built in the garage; it makes it so easy to get a workout in (and it's hard to have an excuse when it's so close).The rooftop is another area we love. Grilling and eating on the terrace makes it feel like we're eating out on the town. Our skyline view is spectacular. BMC: What are the top three features you enjoy most about your modern condo? Steve: The open floor plan, the flow of the space and the clean, modern architecture of the exterior. BMC: What advice would you give to other young professionals when looking to purchase a new home in Uptown Charlotte? Emily: Take into consideration the places you frequent. It really helps to live close to the places you go most. Steve: Do enough research about the property so you feel comfortable with your decision. BuildModernCharlotte.com is a place where real estate agents, architects, interior designers, artists, or anyone interested in modern architecture and design can connect and share ideas.
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LunahZon Photography
Roller derby is a sport that combines the speed and endurance of soccer and basketball with the hard hits and licks of hockey. Its roots go back to the 1930‘s and various versions were played in the decades that followed. Current leagues feature less of the showmanship wrestling-like drama of the past and more endurance and true competition, but you’ll still find colorful uniforms and pseudonyms. On Saturday, July 23rd, the Charlotte Roller Girls hosted a double-header with their first and second teams versus the Appalachian Rollergirls from Boone, NC, and the Carolina Rollergirls from Raleigh. A sold out crowd filled The Grady Cole Center in the Elizabeth neighborhood Uptown. Proceeds from the event benefited Time Out Youth.
Though the bouts are roughand-tumble with high-speed chases, falls and elbows flying, the entertainment is still for all ages and the halftime show includes live music, clowns and crowd participation with kids grabbing free t-shirts and balloon animals. www.CharlotteRollerGirls.com
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The Common Market is a Charlotte native. Just like the individuals who claim that status, they’re a rarity. In fact, there are only two of the stores in the city. The original, located at 2007 Commonwealth Ave. in the Plaza-Midwood neighborhood, opened in December 2002. “The Common Market is full of a broad scope of people,” says Blake Barnes, owner and operator of the Commonwealth store. “Hipsters from the Chantilly neighborhood, and Plaza-Midwood and musicians and artists from all over the city congregate here.The crowd gets younger at night, with more of a bar feel.” The second incarnation of the business opened in April, 2009. Located at 1515 S.Tryon St., this store caters to the South End area, which includes neighborhoods like Wilmore and Dilworth. “The crowd that comes here ranges from young to old and includes longtime residents of Wilmore and the new, younger group that’s moved in, as well as the Dilworth crowd,”
South End co-owner Chuck Barger offers. “More professionals and business guys come in for meetings, but you also get that creative energy from artists and musicians in the area, too.” Don’t be surprised to see local skateboarders hanging out side by side with nationally known musicians and business brokers in this environment. Not unlike the sister store on Commonwealth, the crowd changes and evolves as the day progresses. When it comes to the clientele that enjoys the Common Markets and the brains behind the business, the two have a lot more in common than one might expect. Barnes is originally from Wingate, N.C. His grandfather ran the Morris and Barnes Meat Market in uptown Charlotte that was located at the corner of Church and Mint. “I think that’s where my entrepreneurial drive came from,” says Barnes. But his Charlotte roots and work history read like that of other Commonwealth/Thomas Street area business owners: a mix of art, music and food service. “I was a musician with a band called Apparatus,” he says.“Techno Industrial Music. After my musical career I started working at the Laurel Market on Cherokee.”
a tale of markets story by David Aaron Moore
pictures by Fenix Fotography
www.commonmarketisgood.com At the turn of the 21st century, Barnes decided to branch out beyond employee status and start his own business. “At first we looked at NoDa, but then we ended up [in Plaza-Midwood].The police used to call this heroin alley. Back in the day all the junkies bought their drugs in [this area.] We helped clean up the neighborhood and the store has been a great success.” Chuck Barger is a North Carolina native. After moving from Albemarle to Charlotte, he spent time living in some of the city’s most eclectic and prestigious neighborhoods: NoDa, Elizabeth and Fourth Ward. Eventually he started his own company, Interactive Knowledge, where he worked with big name clients like PBS and the Smithsonian. “I decided I was ready to do something that was not behind a desk,” Barger recalls. “For several years I asked questions and explored what I wanted my next step to be. I remember one day when I was working with a friend on an interactive history project for Belk, we picked up lunch at the Common Market.” That led to Barger’s interest in the company and an eventual meeting with Barnes. In 2008 the two came up with a plan to open the next Common Market. Barger ended his career with Interactive Knowledge, and the rest is history. The popularity of the two stores is undeniable. And it’s clear both feel a sense of commitment to the community around them.
“I think it’s very important to keep prices as low as I can for my loyal customers,” Barnes explains. “We carry what our customers ask for.” Barger concurs. “We offer a quality product at reasonable prices in a friendly, inviting place where people feel good about spending their money.” “It’s more than just a store,” he continues. “It’s a place with a sense of community and a hub of the neighborhood.” Says Barnes: “It’s a community center and a neighborhood anchor.” Locals oftentimes frequent the neighborhood hot spots on and off throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and beer or wine. It offers a cheaper alternative to standard bars with store prices and the opportunity to consume the products on the premises.
For the uninitiated, The Common Market carries all the staple goods you’d expect, along with an enticing menu of wraps, sandwiches and more.
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CM South End – Chuck Barger 1515 South Tryon Street 704 332 7782 Among the most popular are the Californian, which includes turkey, avocado and sprouts; pimento cheese with bacon and tomato and the Evil Homer, which comes with turkey bacon, cheddar cheese, dill pickles, onions, tomatoes and lettuce. In addition to food and drink the stores carry a plethora of unusual oddities you’re unlikely to find elsewhere: squirrel underpants, cardboard squirrels, toy finger puppets, the world’s longest beards, action figures, and old school candy action figures blended with organic candy. But the fun doesn’t stop there – for fans of Common Market late night there’s also live entertainment. At the Plaza-Midwood Common Market there are bands every Saturday, 3-D Karaoke with the Elder Statesman, six guys doing nose flutes,Tim Morrison’s Jazz Trio and the Campy White Trash Drag Show once every two months. At South End there’s a live DJ on Thursday and Friday, along with live music on Saturday. Check out mornings at South End, too: every third Friday there’s Art in the AM, (7 – 9 am) sponsored by Crossroads Charlotte, which includes a free breakfast, live jazz performance and spoken word. No question about it, the Common Market offers many things to many different people. Barger sums up the South End sentiment about the relative come-lately storefront with a few short words: “People like what we’ve added to their neighborhood. And people want us to stay in this neighborhood.” CM Plaza-Midwood – Blake Barnes 2007 Commonwealth Ave 704 334 6209
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70 – seen uptown
this page: Jaycee (JC) Cowan right, with hat: Johnny Zephir
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layout by Paul Cristina
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The material Alexandra Speer uses to craft her ar twork arrives in the form of a blank canvas. It’s a single piece of paper she retrieves from the mail. “It’s six by two,” she explains. “It’s a flat sheet. Each sheet of silver becomes a ring, cuff bracelet or necklace.” Her work is sleek, simple and stunning. The idea seems simple for Speer, who exudes an overwhelming sense of reserved confidence for such a young, emerging jewelry artist. Speer grew up in Abbeville, S.C. in a 150-year-old home passed down from one generation to another. Her family consisted of a variety of artisans, including her grandfather and uncle who were both architects. Her southern roots and artistic background were the perfect mixture to produce a girl with a love for artwork in many forms. Speer talks about growing up in the historic town and where her creative inspiration came from. “I love different styles of buildings,” she offers. “There are probably about seven different types of architecture style in Abbeville, a lot of gingerbread and Georgian. When I’m back at home, I do a lot of sketching. Inspiration is everywhere. That’s how I was taught, growing up: that everywhere you look, you can find inspiration.” Speer began her studies in visual arts at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, where her favorite subjects were graphic design and jewelry. After graduating, she went to college in Georgia, even after being accepted to numerous art schools including the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). After being told by her professor that she had a great hand for making
bits of beauty story by Lauren Blake
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www.alexandraspeer.com
jewelry, she reapplied for RISD and was not only accepted, but also given a scholarship. After graduating, Speer worked for Skylight jewelers in Boston to get a sense of the business side of jewelry. She also became interested in rendering the work, but after realizing that she wasn’t designing any jewelry and that she was only working the store, Speer decided she would rather pursue a career in making her own designs. “I really liked experimenting with metal and folding the forms,” she says.
Experimenting is what led her to try out a new city, Charlotte. “I love the South and wanted a change from the cold weather. Charlotte was new and fresh. My sister really sold me on it and told me I should launch my jewelry line here so I gave it a go.” Speer started at Green Rice Gallery in NoDa, where she had a studio for two years.Today, she spends her time crafting one of a kind silver pieces in her South End studio. She said Charlotte is a great place for inspiration for her work. “Charlotte is very modern, clean and new.The Bechtler Museum for example. It’s awesome. I love all the folds and planes that I get inspiration from when I’m looking around Charlotte. To keep track 80 – seen uptown
of it all, she always carries a sketch book which she is constantly adding new ideas to. Speer translates her on-paper ideas to create pieces that speak volumes. “I like jewelry that makes a statement, Speer explains.“What you wear is about you, it’s what you like. Jewelry is supposed to make you feel good. Earrings can change your style. Everyday, if you have a different pair of earrings, It’s like being a new person. Lipstick and earrings can change the way a girl looks.” Her individual attention to each piece offers clients unique jewelry that not everyone will have, and Speer hopes the time and effort she puts in to her work will pay off in a big way. “I’m creating a brand,” she admits. “I want to see my jewelry in Bergdorf or Henry Bendel.” Speer recently announced her plans to attend one of the designer open calls in the fall. “I’m going to go stand in that line and show them my jewelry. I’m going to go sleep on the streets, because it’s first come, first served, and I want my jewelry to be seen.”
The Queen City has enough innovative minds to rival fashionable cities across the country. Queen Cleopatra is just one of them. This isn’t a reference to the late Egyptian Queen, but instead, the independent jewelry designer who resides in Charlotte.The woman behind the Queen Cleopatra line, who goes by the cheeky name Cleo Jones, is a fashion diva who brings her own sense of style wherever she goes. Her birth name, Tamara Lytch, was inspired by the late actress Tamara Dobson who played the leading role in the Cleopatra Jones films. It's not surprising that Lytch bears an uncanny resemblance Jones and even exudes some of the same star-like presence. In addition to designing jewelry, Jones, like many other artists, dabbles in a few other creative fields. For 12 years, she has been designing clothes and shortly after, she fell into music. Jones had always helped other people write, but one day she got a call from Public Enemy’s Chuck D, who wanted to put a girl group together. She told him, “Well, I know plenty of artists so I’ll put them together.” But, in the midst of coming up with the group, Jones became a part of it. When asked how she balances music and design, the soulful singer and songwriter explained. “I think it’s all hand in hand because the image is so much a part of music, especially the music industry now. I had the advantage of always being able to design my own clothes, come up with my own looks and be as creative as I wanted to.” She also gave the music scene some credit for giving her clothing and jewelry line more notoriety. “When I
that’s tribal. Not just tribal, she says, but “anything that has culture to it. I’ll go and study that culture to kind of figure out how I want to incorporate that into my concepts.” How she inspires others is almost as important as what inspires her artwork. Jones and her line Queen Cleopatra, promises to “invoke the queen in you.” Jones admits, “I love when women call me and say, ‘Oh, I was stopped like 500 times by people asking me about my earrings’ … I love how that makes me feel and how that makes them feel, as well, because I know, we as women, love to feel beautiful. We love to feel like queens!” www.queencleopatraonline.com
started performing,” she said,“people would ask ‘where did you get that?’ or ‘who did that?’” The Queen Cleopatra collection surely catches a lot of attention. Even in Charlotte, the jewelry has people asking where they can get their own. All pieces are handmade, one-of-a-kind designs.They’re crafted using ultra vibrant colors and intricate patterns. From beaded hoops to feathered singles, the most popular from the line are the “Dreamcatcher” earrings, a true statement piece for any wardrobe. Surprisingly, a good mixture of clients are bold enough to wear these unique designs to make a statement. Jones has sold to high profile clients such as the American Idol winner, Fantasia and the “That’s so Raven” actress Drew Sidora. But it’s not just celebrities who are drawn to her unique designs. “I market towards the customer that doesn’t care, that’s going to wear whatever she wants to wear, someone who is innovative,” Jones explained. “That’s my typical customer. But in the same breath, I have seen a regular girl who just wants a pair of feather earrings. And, it always surprises me. I mean, even my mom wears feather earrings! She might do it more for the support but she has even put them on and gets stopped … It’s always interesting to see the people who gravitate towards what I do.” Jones says the inspiration for the jewelry initially came from the fact that she was a designer and liked to play with textiles. It gave her the chance to play with fabrics or materials that people don’t typically use to make jewelry. She loves anything
Want to be a show stopper in a pair of your own Queen Cleopatra earrings? The line can be found at six Charlotte locations, from University to Uptown and even Ballantyne. Across the Southeast, 28 stores carry Queen Cleopatra jewelry.
first page: wing earrings photo by Alexandra Speer // left page: photos by Jeff Cravotta // this page: Cleo Jones photo by Marvin Johns / peacock earrings photo by Thien La
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