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Scott Lindsley
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My Townhome Realty
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For more information on condos at The Avenue or other Uptown Condo options check out: www.NewCondosCharlotte.com
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1440ÊS.ÊTryonÊStreet,ÊSuiteÊ110,ÊCharlotte,ÊNCÊ28203
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music: Queen City Syndicate
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community: Crossroads
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dining: Halcyon
art: Sharon Dowell
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photo: Erin Hubbs styling: Joey Hewell
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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.something.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 to Seen Uptown Magazine. I’ve worked and lived in Uptown Charlotte since 1998 and have loved getting to know and introducing my clients to life in this great part of the Queen City. Together with business partner Scott Lindsley we’ve created this magazine to speak to our and (we hope) your areas of interest. We’ve started with a geographic location that is As a native Charlottean, I’ve watched my city home to many of the things grow and evolve dramatically during the decades I‘ve that we love in life and want been here. I realize that many who move here often to explore. Life in Uptown have a tough time seeing or finding culture or a scene Charlotte is the fuel and they feel connected to. It may take some exploration, inspiration for our content: but trust me, it‘s out there.The image of Charlotte that Culture, Arts, Fashion, Music many have is one of a new, clean and business-oriented and Business.You, the readers, community, for the most part that is an accurate assessare contributors through your ment. But we are also historic, gritty, artsy and cultural photos and ideas of what and have a broad mix of ethnicities and demographics. Uptown is to you and our top- We have large, and growing, international communiics will address varied interests ties. We have large populations of transplants from up and show a cross section of north.We’ve maintained much of our southern charm the diversity of Uptown living. while integrating food, culture and lifestyle from all of As you read our magazine I the new ingredients that spice up living in a modern hope that you will consider city. Is Charlotte perfect? Certainly not. But if you take your life and how you can be the time to get out and find interesting places, people a part of this Seen. —T.J. and things to do Charlotte can be a fantastic place. Seen Uptown Magazine will take you to neighborhoods, events, shows, galleries and all types of cultural happenings. We’ll introduce you to movers, shakers and local celebrities in a light that you may not have seen them in before.Though our artistic content we want to show you the diversity of life and people that the Queen City has to offer. Hopefully we can inspire to you explore more of Charlotte than you have so far. With that mission in mind, we always welcome your input, ideas and invitations. As much as we want to offer our readers exciting and interesting aspects of life in Charlotte, we also look forward to learning and discovering more about the city ourselves. —Scott
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Erin L. Hubbs Fine art photographer Erin L. Hubbs seeks to push her limits while taking her subjects along for the ride. Whether it's a portrait, wedding or a special occasion, Erin’s images represent human sentiment, personalities, natural moments, and split second details. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Erin has photographed portraits, weddings and other special occasions in Atlanta, Charleston, Miami, Long Beach, New York, The Outer Banks, Pittsburgh, and Portland, to name a few. She has been in print regionally, nationally and internationally, including publications extending through 2014. Erin is available for travel and when asked her limitations her response is “give me a wild card, I love my job”. Her sense of humor and fun loving personality makes Erin a favorite among people who clearly desire a personal and creative approach to photography.
Joey Hewell Since his move to Charlotte from Atlanta almost a decade ago Joey has had his hands in the fashion scene bringing his viewpoint in a variety of forms: In larger than life hair, shoes and hand-crafted outfits for runways shows, every Friday morning for Fashion Fridays on Fox News Rising and in various print fashion shoots for magazines. His hats include owner of J. Studio Salon, Creative Director for Fashion Soul in Southend and Fashion Editor for Seen Uptown Magazine. As our Fashion Editor Joey has assembled a team of stylists, hair professionals, makeup artists and photographers to bring you something he hopes can inspire, excite, and surprise you! Reach Joey at JoeyHewell@ me.com or to see more of his work visit www. JStudioSouthend.com.
Queen City Syndicate Queen City Syndicate is the collaborative effort of three of Charlotte’s music aficionados with varied roots in music and current involvement in the Charlotte music scene. They broadcast online with frequent podcasts about the local music and culture scene and promote shows and events around the city with local musicians and bands. At Seen Uptown Magazine we are excited to introduce you to these guys and have them introduce the local scene to you - the musicians and DJ‘s, the shows, the venues, and of course great music. Visit them at www. QueenCitySyndicate.com
Ryan Sumner Ryan specializes in advertising images. His diverse clientele include local architects, lawyers, medical professionals, nationally distributed products, artists, professional sports teams, TV ghost hunters, and small business owners. Boutiques, designers, and agencies rely heavily on his fashion photography. A staffer at Uptown Magazine for almost four years, he’s also contributed to numerous glossy publications and television newscasts. Ed Hardy, SMET, MTV and Maxim all featured his photography on their websites. His work as a retoucher/ historic photo restoration artist has appeared in Newsweek, AARP Magazine, and over thirty museum exhibitions. He’s written five books, combining his love for local history and photography.
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background image: Fenix Fotography
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.
Scott Lindsley I’ve lived in North Carolina my entire life. Other a brief stint at the beach and college in the mountains, those years have all been spent in Charlotte. At one point I wanted to move to a bigger city -- somewhere urban, dense and exciting that was filled with activities. But I couldn’t be happier with my decision to stay “home.” Watching Charlotte evolve into a more metropolitan and progressive city – which is exactly what I wanted in the first place – has been fantastic, and I love the energy that this emerging, still-growing region has. In my job in real estate I am constantly helping people find their home in the Queen City, not just the house or condo itself, but the neighborhood and environment as well. I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned and seen over the years, while discovering and learning more. As Charlotte continues to evolve, we’ll bring you new stories showcasing aspects of living in and around Uptown Charlotte.
Sharon Dowell A born and bred Texan, a former love brought Sharon to Charlotte, and a fantastic community has kept her here. A Painter, Public Art Creator, Curator, and Director of the much missed Center of the Earth Gallery, she will be a Summer Affiliate at the McColl Center for Visual Art (come visit her studio April - August). Exhibiting nationally, you can see more of her work at www.sharondowell. com. Sharon sees the wealth of talent in our own backyard and is enthusiastic about exploring the local art scene and sharing it with you! Have something Sharon should know about? E-mail her at Sharon@SeenUptown. com.
T.J. Larsen When I moved to Charlotte after graduating College in 1998 I was set on becoming a graphic designer and copy writer. I loved the creative side of advertising and marketing. The idea of showing up to work every day and creating visually stimulating images paired with moving commentary seemed to be a perfect outlet and a pure joy. I can’t say this was the best laid plan, since I had just finished 5 years revelry at Hampden Sydney College studying History and French. These weren’t exactly the technical skills needed for the advertising world, so I set my sights on real estate. In the 13 years that have followed, I have cited as one of my main reasons for getting into the business the opportunity to work in marketing. Opportunity knocked in another form during the last quarter of 2010 and I was presented with an chance to buy a local magazine. I was immediately drawn to the idea. The purchase of the magazine did not come to be, but the juices where already flowing. In this, our premier edition of Seen Uptown Magazine, I’ve had the pleasure of working with brilliant and inspiring minds and have found an outlet for my creative side.
Tracy Russ Tracy is a native Charlottean who loves connecting people and ideas to create positive change. He's the founder of Russ Communications and Executive Director of Crossroads Charlotte. Tracy is on the founding steering committee for TEDxCharlotte and the Board of Time Out Youth. Good books, witty remarks, weird art, laughter, anybody who tries turning a dream to reality, his family, boyfriend Ian and their dogs are among Tracy's bff's. Hit him up at truss@ russcommunications.com.
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photos: Scott Lindsley
The leaves may be down and the grass may be brown, but that didn't stop Charlotteans and their pups from filling Freedom Park on a balmy 65 degree Indian Summer day in January!
Girl Talk show at The Fillmore
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Girl Talk show photo: Jackie Rodney
Lotus Look's “Ladies Night Out”
Selling out in Southend.
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LOVINGSOUTHBOROUGH.COM HBOROUGH.COM
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you!
we want
Want to participate in Seen Uptown Magazine? Show us what you've got.We’re looking for images of life in Uptown Charlotte and the surrounding districts and neighborhoods: people, places, events of all kinds and architecture. Submit photos to our flickr group at www.flickr.com/groups/seen-uptown and you might see them in one of our Seen Uptown layouts or as part of upcoming articles and columns. Know of any unique or interesting upcoming events or festivals? Are there any outstanding live shows we need to know about? Are there any folks in town with a story you feel should be told? Send us your ideas about interesting aspects of living in Charlotte. Do you have a story to tell? We’re interested in seeing what you have to say and would love to get the word out. Let us know at Submissions@SeenUptown.com.
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This photo and the one below: White Lion Kung Fu dancing for Central Oriental.
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images: Fenix Fotography
GUNG HEI FAT CHOY. Central Avenue was alive recently as several merchants on the street celebrated the Chinese New Year. Firecrackers rang out as a dragon and several magical lions danced to the beats of drum and cymbal crews to ward away evil spirits and welcome the Year of the Rabbit, which began on February 3. The lion dance featured several portions, similar to a ballet and included periods of inquisitiveness, stunts, scratching of the ears, blinking, teasing audience members, falling asleep, and eventually the eating of a head of lettuce suspended off the ground. The largest and most well attended event, outside of Dim Sum, featured a traditional altar with a roasted pig offering and dancing by Mooresville’s Hung Gar Kung Fu Academy. Many of the parents in attendance prompted their children to make offerings of red money-filled envelopes to the lions for luck, passing on of the traditions of their own youth. Area businesses in Asia Corner Mall and Dharma Lounge held similar celebrations the previous day.
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Red Carpet
Mark Blumenthal Blu Photography
MiLES OF iMPACT Fashion Design Event
Robert Christopher Photography
Winter Wonderland - Paschal Promotions - Andrew Blair’s
Robert Christopher Robert Christopher Photography
Second String Santa Event Founders Hall
Jaclyn Anthony Jaclyn Anthony Photography
Style Magazine Launch Event Loft 1523
BE SEEn
George Lanis Catch Light Studio
Ties And Tails Gala - For the Humane Society - Westin Charlotte
Our Next eveNt
Benefiting A Child’s Place An extraordinary evening of fashion, style, wine and cuisine from around the world April 16, 2011 - 6:30pm $20 general - $25 runway seat Location: Reelworks - NC Music Factory 817 Hamilton Street Admission includes passport, champagne, wine, sake, cuisine, dessert, local artists, eight fashion shows, exclusive designers, giveaways, celebrities, after party.
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Mark Blumenthal Blu Photography
Affinity Girls Casting Call MEZ EpiCentre
Mark Blumenthal Blu Photography
Charlotte Symphony Gala Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
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photo: Scott Lindsley
Welcome to Charlotte Download the ‘Charlotte’s got a lot’ iPhone App to map your location and find restaurants hotels, attractions, and more.
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1-800-231-4636 charlottesgotalot.com 20 – seen uptown
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704.372.1000 • BlumenthalArts.org seen uptown – 21 Group Sales: 704.379.1380
QCS
The
Queen City Syndicate Queen City Syndicate believes in the idea of bringing to light the Charlotte music scene and has worked diligently since our launch to promote local bands, introduce them to new audiences and to help further the music community in Charlotte. We are excited about collaborating with Seen Uptown Magazine to introduce you to the music, experiences and creative expressions that are usually just beneath the radar of other publications. In our segment we will feature upcoming shows, interviews, reviews and insights into Charlotte’s music scene and we welcome your questions and ideas.
We also invite you to check out our online podcasts and other information at: www.QueenCitySyndicate.com.
When talking about local music we often tell people that our city has one of the best music scenes you’ve never heard of because it takes a little effort to scratch beneath the surface and find. The music scene in Charlotte is a growing and continuously evolving fountain of life beating at the inspirational pulse of this city. We’ll put in the time, do the legwork and bring you the best of what we discover. Queen City Syndicate is always on the lookout for local music that inspires. In the months to come, we look forward to sharing our discoveries with you. If there is a great show coming or an event you think we should know about please let us know.
QCS
This is
JOEL KHOURI
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. Current occupation: Owner / Produceer -Bright City Studios local, regional, and national work
Q. How did you get your start in music? A. My family wasn’t exactly musical, but there always seemed to instruments around. There was an old upright piano in our living room (I think it came with the house I grew up in) and some of my earliest memories are sitting at that piano and picking out the notes to songs. I have all of these pictures of me sitting in our kitchen with pots and pans playing drums with mixing spoons, so even before I could walk music has always been a part of my life. My mom had the foresight to get me into lessons and for several years I studied piano and theory. I took lessons from anyone I could get to teach me and took theory and composition in college. I played in a few punk bands in Jacksonville and when I moved to Charlotte in 1999 began to produce local bands. Although work in the studio keeps me pretty busy these days, I still play and sit in with local bands. Q. What instruments do you play and are you in any bands currently? A. Drums, guitar, piano, accordion. I’m not officially in a band right now.
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This is
QCS DAVID VALLIER Q. Where are you from? A. Lafayette, La. Q. What is your musical background? A. Well I grew up in church so I can probably get you saved by singing you one song. Q. What are you listening to these days? A. I’m obsessed with The National...oh and Katy Perry. Yes, I’m ashamed but I can’t help it. Q. Who do you believe has the best live stage show in Charlotte? A. Jackal and Dice Q. If you could work with any musician current right now, who would it be? A. Thom Yorke Q. What instruments do you play? A. I’m a singer and slightly play the piano. Q. What is your role at Queen City Syndicate? A. The sexy voice
ANDRAE BERGERON Q. Where are you from? A. Originally from Greenville, Ohio.
Q. What are you listening to these days? A. All sorts of stuff, but mainly The XX, Washed Out, The National, Snowden, Television, and Them. Q. Favorite show you’ve been to in Charlotte and why? A. The Album Leaf at The Neighborhood Theater. When I saw them I had no idea what they sounded like or anything. I just wanted to see a good show. My friends and I went and were completely blown away at how beautiful their music was. I remember the screen behind the band playing these ambiguous images and feeling that I was watching some peculiar type of play, set to incredible music. It was very impressive. Q. One word to describe the Charlotte music scene? A. Progressing. Q, What instruments do you play and are you in any bands currently? A. Drums, tambourine
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photos: Kate Gazaway / design: Paul Cristina
Q. What is your musical background? A. I learned to play the drums by listening to bands like the Beatles, Rolling Stones,T Rex, etc. I’ve played in millions of terrible garage bands as a result. Music has always been one of the most important things in my life.
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My work captures the energy of place, the economic boom and downturn, and explores the theme of man vs. nature. I am interested in the documentation of memory and strive to find beauty in often overlooked str uctures and spaces. I incorporate the energy, the tension, and the emotions felt in the environment, from the instant when my feet were planted on the street, in a field, or on the edge of a balcony. At times, commentaries on the changing environment and political or social references surface in the work. Escape, 96” x 72” diptych, acrylic on canvas
Sharon
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from www.artistaday.com
I do not view my work as stark images or objects, but as an amalgamation of hues and shapes that may change at any second, mimicking life itself. I explore the construct of texture, and how it fades my subject to a memory or an emotion. I enjoy the subtlety of overlaying images and complex sensations.
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Binary Burst, 40” x 40”, acrylic on canvas
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Central Avenue Mural, Arts and Science Council Commission, Charlotte, NC > Juncture, 10” x 10”, acrylic on canvas photo p.28: K. Nelson all others: Sharon Dowell
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from www.weirdcharlotte.com – 4/4/2006 (revised for this issue) WC: What would help make Charlotte a more vibrant cultural city? Sharon: I think we have a good start in pockets of the city like NoDa, Plaza-Midwood and South End. It has also been exciting to see the arrival of the cultural campus Uptown. We need more support for creative upstarts, more innovative public art and thriving grass roots level happenings. I think a lot of it has to do with people opening themselves up to new experiences and people, or going to events or places they would not normally go. WC: What can we do right now to make Charlotte a more vibrant cultural city? Sharon: Participate, become involved in your community, and support local art. Spread the word about events that are interesting and happening right now. I sometimes forget what the rest of Charlotte is like in my bubble world. Hula hooping in Dolce Vita wine bar, a “Recycled Prom Night” at Neighborhood Theatre, listening to Jazz at Dialect Design; there is always fun to to be had in NoDa. You can make your own opportunities and organize events. If you see a void that needs to be filled, go for it! WC: Let's say there's some creative person out there who's considering moving to Charlotte. If you could say one thing to them, what would it be? Sharon: Charlotte is fantastic if you search out interesting people and places!
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photo: Scott Lindsley
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WWW. BANKTOWN FORECLOSURES .COM p Covering the Charlotte region p Articles p Links p Finance Options p There are great deals all over the city: Condos, Homes, Townhomes, Investment p
Also join us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/CharlotteForeclosures - New listings posted daily
Scott Lindsley, Realtor / Broker - My Townhome Realty (704) 906-1645 seen uptown – 33
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real,
get Charlotte It's time to
by Tracy Russ
Hey ya’ll. My name is Tracy Russ, and I’m a native Charlottean. Yes, there are still a few of us out and around, and we welcome everybody who’s joined us over the years to call this place home. I’ve got an idea for us, but let me put a few thoughts about you, about me, about our community I want to put out there first.
a community hasn’t kept pace with our growth. Further, we don’t take the time we should or create the opportunities often enough to talk to each other about those values and our future.
We’ve worked hard, and we’ve enjoyed a good deal of prosperity over the years. But now we face economic For much of our recent history together, we seem to challenges in the Queen City…challenges that mean be going somewhere fast, but none of us is quite sure tough times for many of us, and mean tough choices where we’re headed or what it means for all of us when have to be made. we get there. What guides us, as a community, in making those choices? Our city’s population has multiplied, and we’ve built very We are…quite simply…at a crossroads. And we must nice arenas, museums, neighborhoods and performance make some choices, as individuals, as organizations, as halls – all good things. We’re great at growing, but maybe residents of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. No doubt that the not as good at…maturing. We’ve done a great job at sun will come up tomorrow and we will arrive in our building the amenities of a city, but maybe not as great a future, whether we sit back and just see what happens… job of crafting a community. or choose to seize control of that future. I love the new Charlotte, but I think we have some work Now back to my idea…I think that we should all take to do because our sense of what we value together as some time to look into our future together, talk about 42 – seen uptown
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SOUTHPARK
2241 Whitford Ln. seen uptown3–Bedrooms 43 & 2.5 Baths
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$1,450 PER MONTH
what’s important to us, and do some work to create the future we want around some values we agree define who we are as a community. Actually, my idea is more than an abstract thought – it’s a real offer to you, and I’d like to invite you to Get Real 2011. Crossroads Charlotte launched Get Real 2011 on February 3 as a call to action to the entire community. We’re asking people from all over the community to gather into small groups from February 21 to March 11 and spend two hours together learning, listening and talking about our history, our future, our choices and values. Later in March, a series of three public Get Real 2011 workshops will be offered to anyone who wants to participate.
How can you get involved? Gather a small group from your church, your workplace, your neighborhood, your club and either call 704-973-4577 or go to www.getreal2011. org and register as a Host of your Group. We’ll follow up with you immediately to make your Get Real 2011 workshop come to life. Get Real 2011 won’t be all talk – there will be real options presented to consider. Our elected officials say they will listen, and they want us to Get Real, but there are no guarantees about what will happen or what the impact of Get Real 2011 will be in the end. But here’s another thought…it’s time that we stop seeing ourselves as customers of drive-thru democracy anyway – getting real can be messy, unpredictable and hard work, but it’s worth every minute of the effort.
If you bring together people and provide a place, Get Real 2011 will provide the program and materials (and Knowledge is power – come get some power in 2 hours. for groups of 15 or more, we’ll also provide a facilitator Sign up to host a group at www.getreal2011.org. Real to your group.) choices are being made…here’s an opportunity to affect those choices…but it won’t be real without you. At the end of Get Real 2011, we’ll give all of our elected officials and senior staff a list of what we’ve said is impor- Tracy Russ is the Executive Director of Crossroads Charlotte, tant to us to keep at top of mind as tough choices are a non-profit effort that gives you a way to imagine our future being made – about our schools, our libraries, our parks, together through four stories and connects you with ways our neighborhoods, our children…our lives together. to act to craft that future. Check out short films portraying We’re also going to let them know that we know how possible futures for Charlotte, spoken word reactions to the to mobilize, how to come together to help them make stories, ways to act and see what other people are doing at these choices, no matter what the challenge. www.crossroadscharlotte.org. 44 – seen uptown
band photo: Inkera Oshun / table photo: Pamela Grundy
Get Real 2011 won’t give us all the answers, but people who participate will know more about who does what in local government, where your tax dollars go and how you can have impact as public budgets are crafted, what our future might look like, and what our values are so important in crafting that future.
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Prices start below $100,000. Walk to all of your favorite uptown venues. FHA or conventional loans available. Contact Agents: Tammie Fiorella, Brian Michaels, Ryan Perry seen uptown – 45 980.219.6018
halcyon by Scott Lindsley
If a museum is meant to inspire the mind through sight, sound, texture and presence then Halcyon Flavors from the Earth should definitely be located in a museum. It’s an example of art itself – in the form of a great dining experience.
slab dining tables created with hewn timbers found in the North Carolina Mountains. Hanging chandeliers from the second story ceiling are bundles of wood meant to represent “nests” – a nod to the Mythological Halcyon. A large painting of the Greek Goddess, by artist Harriet Goode, overlooks the interior.
Halcyon opened its doors in late 2010 at the entrance of the Mint Museum Uptown complex on South Tryon St. The concept is similar to many restaurants that have opened lately, following the trend for more local and organic foods.They describe their “farm fresh” sources as “artisanal farms, dairies and wineries from the Carolinas and beyond” and the menu is seasonal and based on what is available and what is fresh.
As if the décor and concept weren’t inspiring enough, the most important part of the restaurant – the food – doesn’t disappoint and lives up to Jacksina’s reputation: fresh breads, home-whipped butter spreads, select cheeses, great veggies, venison, pork, chicken and duck. For someone that likes about anything, the wide variety on the menu made dinner a tough decision.
The restaurant was conceptualized in the creative mind of Chef Marc Jacksina. His most recent Charlotte resume includes Lulu on Central Avenue (Chef / Owner), Executive Chef of Andrew Blair's on Montford, and Chef at Kaffe Frappe in Myers Park.
My dining partner and I started with the Cheese Board Trio – three great cheeses paired with house-made jams and sauces. All were superb – the Bleu was a stand out with amazing flavor, creaminess and strong aromatic character.
The kitchen is in full view as soon as you enter the res- Following were house-baked breads and a Nested Wedge taurant and Chef Jacksina’s work area is front and center, salad with Roasted Romaine, Gorgonzola Fondue, Cherry much like the maestro‘s stand in front of an orchestra. Jam, Carolina Bleu Polenta Croutons and a Bacon Chip. This salad would be the only disappointment of the eveThe décor you’ll find here is simple and refined: wooden ning, perhaps from my own high expectations of what benches and a table in the waiting area and large whole I've had before. 46 – seen uptown
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I love roasted Romaine and was excited to see it on the menu. While the bacon and polenta croutons were excellent, they didn’t compensate for the overcooked lettuce, which had become fibrous and watery. That exception aside, the main courses were knockouts. We both had pork – the Ginger Ale Short Ribs and Cider Brined Pork Chop. The ribs melted in your mouth, full of flavor from long cooking. The roasted root vegetable hash and potato puree were both equally as delicious. The pork chop had the perfect sear and the brine did its job with outstanding flavor and moisture throughout. Local greens and gorgonzola polenta made the dish a wonderfully elegant nod to the traditional southern meals I grew up with – pork, greens, and starch. After cheese, bread, salad, entrees and two bottles of wine, dessert was out of the question. The crème brulee I saw leaving the kitchen, however, was tempting. It’s great to see the cultural block at South Tryon St. spring to life with so many new, artistic and inspiring options opening their doors. It’s a perfect complement to have this type of elegant, yet natural rustic beauty as a dining destination right in the center of uptown.
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The word “Halcyon” is said to mean calm and peaceful prosperity. This restaurant embodies that definition. Halcyon (pronounced /'hælsiun/) A mythical bird – often identified as a kingfisher – said to breed in a floating nest at sea during the winter solstice, during which time it charms the wind and waves into calm.The term originates from the Greek myth of Alcyone. In popular use, it can also mean to harken back to an earlier time, remembered as idyllic.
images: LunahZon Photography
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soul food of the city: embracing Charlotte through culture and
by David Aaron Moore
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Conversation overheard on light rail line headed for Southend last week: First Charlotte Transplant: “I like Charlotte, but there isn’t a whole lot going on here.” Second Charlotte Transplant: “I know. This is probably the most generic town I’ve ever lived in.”
Mint Museum, The Harvey B. Gantt Center for AfricanAmerican Culture,The Levine Museum of the New South, Disc Golf, The Blumenthal, Discovery Place, Corn Hole, The Bechtler Museum, Imaginon, Tailgating, Elmwood Cemetery, Freedom Park, Fried Chicken and Catfish. As far as local cuisine goes, Charlotte boasts everything from upscale nouveau to multi ethnic, but when it comes to basics, the Queen City’s pretty much the comfort food capital.
I glanced out the window of the train as some of the historic architecture of Dilworth passed by the window. The thought of simultaneously backslapping the two The Hornet’s Nest is known far and wide for its vinegarThree Stooges style crossed my mind, but then I decided based barbecue, which you can get at a number of difagainst it, of course. I’m not the violent type. ferent restaurants around the city. First Charlotte Transplant’s comment I’ve heard often enough. And it can be true – sometimes you have to look a little harder to find interesting and stimulating culture in Charlotte. But Second Charlotte Transplant was just plain wrong. Her mutterings, however, did make me start to think: what are the things that make up the personal branding of the Queen City? What’s our style? What’s our built in gimmick?
image+design: Little Shiva
New Orleans has The French Quarter and Cajun Cuisine and Zydeco music. Atlanta has the Braves, the Falcons, the hip-hop scene and soul food. Miami has the Dolphins, South Beach, and a heady blend of Cuban culture infused in the local diet.
A few years back my friend and New York-based author Kate Bornstein came to visit for a seminar. I asked her if she'd like to go to dinner while she was here. Her mouth was weak and practically watering when she slowly uttered the word, “barbecue.”
So what does Charlotte have to offer that makes it uniquely Charlotte? “Any particular kind?” I inquired. Quite a bit, actually: NASCAR, The Panthers, The Bob- “I used to come here when I was younger and there was cats, Getting your hair corn-rowed in the trunk of your always this wonderful vinegary-flavored barbecue. You car in a grocery store parking lot, Freedom Park, The can't seem to find it anywhere else. That's what I want.” seen uptown – 61
Two nights later I showed up at the door of the Four Seasons Hotel in my royal blue 1962 Ford Falcon Coupe. In true retro-style I took her to the classic 1950s Bar-B-QKing Drive-In for the flavor she so longed for, along with some substantial side helpings of cole slaw, crinkle-cut fries and hush puppies.
favorites, like fried okra or fried squash, chicken livers, collard greens, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes with gravy, country-fried steak, baked pork chops, fried salmon cakes on a biscuit or a peanut butter and banana sandwich.
Almost all of these can be found at some of the older It’s true, vinegar-based barbecue and drive-ins aren’t meat-and-three diners around town. exactly upscale and some might say have a tendency to lean towards “redneck culture,” along with some of the Among the best of those are The Kopper Kettle near other topics I mentioned like NASCAR and tailgating. Pineville on Nation’s Ford Road, Gus’ Sir Beef at Wendover
If vinegar barbecue’s not your thing then why not try Livermush, or liver pudding, as some people call it. More or less a liver pate made from pig’s liver, various spices and corn meal. It’s thought to have German origins that were passed down through the Appalachians before it finally evolved into what is today. It’s generally served at various mom and pop eateries like the Landmark Dinner, and usually along with breakfast, although some fans of the country delicacy will have it for lunch or dinner, too. “Deep-fried Golden Brown Goodness” is a catch phrase I still remember from my childhood. In today’s healthconscious society, it’s not very likely that anyone’s going to use that bit of retro pr to promote their restaurant, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t find the food, particularly at places like Price’s Chicken Coop in Southend and The Riverview Inn on the Catawba River just off Wilkinson Boulevard.
photo: David Aaron Moore
But it’s part of what we are, just as much as outdoor corn-rowing and fried chicken and catfish. I say it’s time we embrace it all with open arms.
and Monroe, and the South-21 Drive In on Wilkinson Boulevard. If you wanna’ go old school southern with a touch of upscale opt for The Ranch House (also on Wilkinson Boulevard) or The Beef and Bottle on South Boulevard. Granted, dining at all of these fine establishments day in and out might not be the best thing for your cholesterol level or your waistline, but an occasional visit every now and then is like taking a bite out of our history, and acknowledging Charlotte’s gotta’ style all her own.
When it comes to experiencing the best in Charlotte From everything I’ve sampled, it tastes down-home cooking, try sampling some of the old-time pretty damn good. 62 – seen uptown
A HISTORY EXPERIENCE
UNLIKE
ANY OTHER
“A hard-hitting social history of Charlotte and the South” - The New York Times
Featuring the award-winning exhibits COURAGE: The Carolina Story That Changed America and Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers
Where you’ve come to understand for two decades 200 E. 7th Street, Charlotte � Open 7 days a week 704.333.1887 � www.museumofthenewsouth.org seen uptown – 63
living
an investment in
by T.J. Larsen
Have you noticed that everywhere you look now-a-days media speculation about the real estate market seems a little well...bi-polar? Giddy headlines herald the end of the market’s free-fall with rising prices just around the corner only to follow with dark warnings of a possible “second wave” of distressed homes. It leaves me feeling a little Dickensian “it is the best of times. It is the worst of times (to buy).” Experts at once emphatically stating the market is over supplied and decrying a gross undersupply. It would appear that all this manic chatter makes it difficult even for the experts to figure out what is really happening in the market. So, what to do? Who’s analysis do you trust? Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions. To truly understand what we should do in the real estate market and what our future holds, we need to cut out the white noise and focus on an area that is comprehensible and values that are tangible. We should step back from the chatter and consider that our place of residence isn’t a stock. We live in our homes and we raise our families in our homes. We personalize our living spaces to improve our lives. And, yes, we also invest in our homes. Though our homes are often our largest single purchase, a home’s investment potential should not be the prime motivator fueling our desire to buy real estate; yet, investment potential seems to be not only the prime motivator but the only motivator 64 – seen uptown
for many home buyers today. What brought this change in value? Did the boom years of double digit appreciation give us too much of a good thing? In past real estate boom cycles many of us made large gains by buying and selling real estate. Today we seem to have lost sight of the fact that the primary value of our residence is the purpose it serves for us and our families. Don’t misunderstand, this is not a dewy-eye hug your house article, your home is an investment and often your family’s largest single purchase but let’s rewind and consider what the real use of our home is and why we strive for home ownership in the first place. We need to get back to measuring the value of a home by how it makes us feel and how it improves our lives. The measure should not be limited solely to what a home will put in or take out of our wallet. Can we change our mindset and at least reserve the investment side of this buying decision for the final qualifier? I am not sure we can change our mindset – at least not overnight. The past years of real estate boom have changed the dynamic of what many people are looking for in their homes to more of an investment, rather than the place where they live their lives. We seem to have a difficult time considering the current intrinsic value of the roof over our heads, considering only the potential future economic value. Interestingly enough it is the current value measured in quality of life and monetary is actually what we can determine with decent accuracy, while future economic value is quite the opposite. In order for many to be comfortable with their purchase these days, it appears that we need to have a crystal ball to predict what might happen in the market.This isn’t to say guarding our purchase with deep consideration of future value isn’t important, it is. However, there is never a guarantee of future value and always so many factors that can change our carefully laid plans. When it comes to the television barrage of lofty predictions or doomsday scenarios, don’t believe the hype.
that different from the rest of the population. How do we decide what’s right? I think it’s simple: Get back to making these decisions based on a “pro” and “con” list like we were taught growing up. Focus on the here and now. What will satisfy our needs and the needs of our family today. Is that too simple? At least it’s a start, and I would argue the best start. We need to find what we love first, then save the investment side as the last qualifier for a sound decision. If we do this we can bring some joy back to the process of buying a home and stop muddying the waters at the very beginning.
Once you find the place you love, put it to a financial test. If it meets most of the criteria that you are looking for With all of the media attention and the water cooler ban- and has value to you as a consumer, then speculate on ter about what is right to buy and what is wrong to buy, how it might it hold up economically in the future. When I am finding that buyers are not able to focus on what you are making this determination make it a reasonable they really want and need in their home. research project. I’ve seen people over think the process, get clogged with too much data and finally forget why This inability to focus on the here and now is most they liked a given property in the first place. notable in first time buyers. I often see these buyers torn between what they want in their home and what others Everyone wants to make a sound economic decision are telling them future buyers will want when they decide when they purchase a home. Taking care not to make to sell their property. rash unwise financial decisions is obviously of great importance, but keeping in mind that what we are looking Who are we trying to satisfy with this purchase? Should for to improve our quality of life is just as important, if we satisfy our own wants and needs or the interests of not more so. Finding the right place that makes us happy that future buyer who will come along years from now? and comfortable should take a front seat to finding a I’ll be the first to admit that we should be mindful of vehicle for fast profits. what a future buyer will want and consider when we go to sell our home at a later date. There are plenty of If the economic downturn should have taught us anything, examples of houses that don’t fit what the majority of it’s this: our home isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme, but an buyers might want, but still our first consideration should investment in our lives and the lives of our family. It’s be what works for us in the present. If it works perfectly something that over time may give us a good financial for our lifestyle and improves our lives, shouldn’t it work return, but while we live in our homes they should give for at least some future buyers? Surely our tastes are not us the return of happiness on a daily basis. 66 – seen uptown
house photo: Scott Lindsley / all others: Fenix Fotography
When I bought my first home, and frankly all of the homes to follow, I loved the process. It was exciting. We are a society of consumers and we should not take the joy out of the buying process, especially for the places we reside and call our own.
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