South Charlotte Living Magazine March 2024

South Charlotte LIVING

Luxury LAKE ON THE Home AT

Daron Gaon

Andrew Parker

Home is Where the Heart is!

Home is more than a house we live, eat, or sleep in. It’s our safe haven and a warm retreat from a sometimes uncertain world. A home can be a place where our best ideas are formulated and where our best relationships are cultivated. Our homes are also a reflection of who we are and we typically love them because they give back to us in so many ways. We look forward to leaving them occasionally, but we are always excited about returning back to them.

This month’s issue is all about ‘Home’. We introduce you to one of our area’s best luxury custom home builders. Get to know Daron Gaon and Andrew Parker at Artistic Contractors and see an example of the quality homes they deliver.

Articles in this issue also express the love we have for fabulous, stylish furniture from Nouvelle Furnishings that you can place in your home and we share with you new organic home products we’ve found and are excited about from Live Grund.

southcharlottelivingmag.com

Lynn Zimmer and Melinda Burris Co-Publishers

Melinda Burris, Edie Marshall Editors

Melissa Latin Social Media Director

Lynn Grayson, Melissa Latin, Effie Russell, Nouvelle Furnishings, Isabella Vasicko, Melinda Burris Writers

Paul Williams, III, Carolina Film Co. and Charlotte Heart Association, Melissa Latin, Nouvelle Furnishings, Live GRUND, Artistic Contractors Photographers

Picante Creative Design & Production

Amy Estridge, Rachel Moore, Ad Designers

Barbara McKay Advisor

Melissa Latin never disappoints with her food articles. This month, she has great ideas for appetizers that you can serve while entertaining guests at home.

Enjoy your homes South Charlotte!

Lynn and Melinda

Co-Publishers

South Charlotte Living

SouthCharlotteLivingMag.com

Lynn Zimmer

Melinda Burris

Botanica imports the finest preserved flowers and foliage from growers in many countries around the world: South Africa, Spain, Ecuador and Italy just to name a few. We then create classic, everlasting arrangements from these beautiful botanicals.

The Crown Jewels Chapter of The Links, Inc.

17th Annual Mardi Gras Gala

The Crown Jewels Chapter of The Links, Incorporated celebrated its 17th Annual Mardi Gras Gala on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Le Meridien Hotel in Uptown Charlotte. The 760 guests who attended enjoyed cajun cuisine, music, a silent auction, and a mask contest. Members also delighted the crowd as they paraded into the ballroom with umbrellas while second line dancing. The organization raises funds each year for college scholarships and its community, youth, health, arts, and international programs.

WHO, WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE

Studio 2024 Diamonds and Disco Heart Ball

Written by: Lynn Grayson

Charlotte Heart Association’s

Photography: Carolina Film Co. and Charlotte Heart Association

The Greater Charlotte Heart Ball, a major fundraising event for the American Heart Association and one of the top Heart Balls in the country, was held on February 10, 2024, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Crown Ballroom. Over its 100-year history, the American Heart Association, a leading source of health information, has saved and improved lives. And now, with Bold Hearts, the Heart Association is forging ahead into its second century.

The Heart of Charlotte Heart Ball Campaign, led by co-chairs Melany and Vicente Reynal, Chairman and CEO of Ingersoll Rand, reached a 66-year record of $3M net and received an unprecedented $750,000 in night-of giving during the event. More than 800 guests enjoyed the STUDIO 2024 Diamonds & Disco themed-event that included a silent and live auction, gourmet dinner, Open Your Heart mission moment, live entertainment and dancing.

Creators of Dramatic Artistic Contractors:

CUSTOM HOMES

Fulfill Your Dreams and Bring Your Imagination to Life

Written by: Effie Russell and Melinda Burris

Daron Gaon and Andrew Parker know how to create excitement and luxury in the world of custom homes! Experience their vision of a modern luxury home by taking a look at the lakefront house featured in this article. They created it, and it was brought to life by their company, Artistic Contractors.

Marvel at the sleek design, boasting smooth hard-coat stucco, Indonesian Lava Stone, exotic South American Cumaru Wood, and a permanent black standing-seam metal roof. The home they created with lake views is just one example of what they can do for you. Artistic Contractors can build your dream home on your own lot or they can help you find a lot for you in the greater Charlotte area. The home shown here is already taken but they happen

to have three more lakefront lots to develop on Lake Wylie which is only 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and easily accessible to the airport. This house was built on .93 acres with 125 linear feet of shoreline. It is three levels including a basement and has 6,060 square feet of heated interior space.

Daron began his career in construction 20 years ago while working with his dad, until he was ready to find his own place in the construction world. He uses his influences of west coast, warm modern styles to design and create the most unique homes found in the Charlotte area. Andrew Parker began partnering with Daron in 2013 bringing

his real estate skills and talents to solidify their team with an even greater vision for success.

In the Lake Wylie home shown here, step inside through the eight-foot wrought iron and glass French door and see panoramic Lake Wylie views. The living room soars with 22-foot ceilings, and natural light floods in from many angles through floor-toceiling windows in many areas. A stunning six-foot wide electric fireplace is housed in a stone wall complemented by steel accents. To complete the entertaining area, there is ample formal dining space with views to enjoy during every meal.

The kitchen, with its lake overview, is fit for a chef with Monogram appliances, modern European-style cabinetry, a massive 10' x 5' waterfall island, and thickened countertops. It has all the premium amenities for preparing the best meals including a 42" Miele induction cooktop and pot filler. There is also a walk-in pantry nearby. Leave the kitchen area to exit to the back exterior which includes a covered patio for dining outside.

Once outside, you will be overwhelmed with the resort-style pool which beckons you to step in. It is seamlessly integrated with the home and has an infinity edge. For even more

enjoyment, there is an oversized spa and a tanning ledge. The expansive pool deck invites you to an ultimate pool and outdoor experience. Other amenities outside include a shower; an outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, hood, ice maker, sink and custom cabinets. The oversized dock with a boat lift was added for boating on the lake. An underground irrigation system pumps water from Lake Wylie and a secure underground propane tank supplies the pool heater and the gas grill.

Wake up each morning in the primary suite on the main level which in this case offers private lake views and deck access. The primary bath has

a large freestanding tub, luxury bath fixtures including body sprayers, and an oversized 24" rain shower. The spacious primary closet includes room for a stackable washer and dryer. A mud room completes the main floor and there is an attached three-car garage. Ascend the beautiful floating monorail staircase with glass railings to check out two bedrooms with two full baths. A spacious basement on the

lower level features an entertainment area with a full bar, guest suite, and one and a half baths for visitors.

> Explore the opportunity to consult with Daron and Andrew for creating your luxury dream home. Artistic Contractors is located at 5960 Fairview Road, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28210. You can learn more at artisticcontractorsnc.com.

Experience the Luxury

of European Designs with Nouvelle Furnishings

Welcome to Nouvelle Furnishings, your destination for European furniture, lighting, and design. Our store offers an unparalleled selection of meticulously curated pieces that embody the essence of European sophistication.

European Heritage, Timeless Beauty

From the clean lines of modern simplicity to the opulent allure of Italian craftsmanship, each piece in our curated selection is a testament to the unparalleled artistry of European artisans.

From Modern to Luxury: Your Style, Your Choice

Whether you’re drawn to the clean aesthetics of modern design or the timeless allure of luxury furnishings, Nouvelle Furnishings has something to suit every taste and style preference. Explore our diverse range of furniture collections, from contemporary pieces that exude understated elegance to luxurious statement-makers that command attention.

Design Services Tailored to You

We understand that creating your ideal living space is a deeply personal journey. Our team of experienced designers will work closely with you to understand your unique style, preferences, and lifestyle needs, crafting a customized design plan that reflects your individuality and enhances the beauty of your home.

> Visit Us to experience the luxury of European designs in the showroom at Nouvelle Furnishings, 11410 Carolina Place Parkway, Pineville, NC 28134, 980.207.4570. You can also discover the perfect pieces to elevate your living space online at nouvellefurnishings.com. From modern to luxury, our collection offers something for every taste.

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LIVE GRUND:

Bringing a New Meaning to Luxury and Sustainability in Home Textiles

Written by: Isabella Vasicko and Hannah Kalcic Photography: Live Grund

The origin of Live

Grund starts as a dream between a couple in the Czech Republic and a need to make a better life for themselves and their family following the fall of communism. Their success throughout Europe influenced their son to bring their business to the textile industry in America in 2014. The foundation of Grund America, now known as Live Grund, is based on ethically sourced, 100% organic cotton products that consumers can feel good about supporting and using in their homes. Organic cotton bath rugs, bed sheets, bath towels, bath robes, and throw blankets are what they currently sell, but there’s so much more they’re going to offer in the near future. Live Grund

is focused on creating quality and clean products using only sustainable processes from soil to sale for you and your family to love and use every single day.

Now, in 2024, Live Grund is based in the Carolinas and is run by Isabella Vasicko, a 22-year-old Charlotte local, whose Czech heritage fuels her passion for bringing these beautiful, sustainable, and organic products to your home. A CzechAmerican with deep ties to the origin story of Live Grund, Isabella finds immense fulfillment in running a company that encapsulates her heritage and values. When asked about her experience running Live Grund thus far, Isabella explains, “It’s been very exciting stepping into an industry of unknowns- some of which is still very new to me. It’s definitely been a journey for my family and I to carry on the legacy of the Grund family’s work in the United States. We have grown so much in a short period of time and this only drives my passion to take the values and potential of this company and run with it! I know we’ve

really only reached the tip of the iceberg of potential here. I’m itching to see what the future holds for us and our products, and I’m grateful to be the one to take it there!”

The decision to introduce Live Grund to the American market was fueled by a desire to bring ethical and sustainable textiles to a country where consumerism often overshadows environmental

Live Grund stands as a beacon of ethical and sustainable living...

responsibility. The family’s mission transcends profit margins, focusing on creating a positive impact on the lives of customers while leaving the Earth in a better state than they found it.

Live Grund’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of

100% sustainably-grown organic cotton. Unlike conventional non-organic cotton products, Live Grund’s products are crafted with roughly 91% less water, minimizing their ecological footprint. Crafted with precision and care, these luxurious home products boast the

benefits of sustainably-grown organic cotton. The production process also ensures the elimination of hidden toxins or pesticides, providing consumers with the peace of mind that what they bring into their homes is not only luxurious but also clean and safe for them to use. By adopting this eco-conscious approach, Live Grund not only contributes to the well-being of its customers but also plays a crucial role in preserving the planet for future generations.

As the journey of Live Grund continues to grow its presence in the American market, Isabella Vasicko remains excited yet determined about the company’s journey. The success achieved thus far is a testament to the American consumer’s increasing awareness and demand for ethical and sustainable products. Isabella envisions Live Grund becoming a household name in the Carolinas and beyond, associated not just with luxurious home textiles but with a commitment to a better, greener future.

Live Grund stands as a beacon of ethical and sustainable living, a company that has successfully transplanted its European roots into American soil. Isabella Vasicko’s passion for their story, combined with a dedication to upholding responsible business practices, positions Live Grund as a pioneer in the organic textiles industry. As consumers increasingly seek products that align with their values, Isabella and Live Grund’s journey unfolds as a promising chapter in the evolution of conscious and sustainable living in the United States.

> To follow their journey, learn more information about their products, and more, please visit their website: livegrund.com. Be sure to follow them on Instagram & Facebook too at (/@livegrund) and share the love!

for Entertaining at Home Appetizers

Written

by:

Melissa Latin and Effie Russell

Photography by:

Melissa Latin

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Croquettes

These Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Croquettes are a delightful spin on a classic buffalo chicken dip recipe, and perfect for elevating your party or to have ready when guests drop by. These crispy and creamy croquettes combine the bold flavors of buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and blue cheese crumbles, all rolled in panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch

Ingredients:

32-ounces canned chicken, drained well 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce, plus 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

2 tablespoons ranch dressing

4-ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/2 cup flour

1 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs canola or vegetable oil for deep frying ranch and/or blue cheese dressing, for serving celery sticks, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, add the well-drained canned chicken. Use a meat chopper or hand mixer to grind the chicken a little finer.

2. Add in the buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch dressing.

3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

4. Add in the shredded mozzarella. Mix until combined.

5. Taste. Adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more buffalo wing sauce, if desired.

6. Use a cookie scoop or your hands and take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a round croquette.

7. Roll the chicken croquette in the flour, shaking off any excess.

8. Place in the Panko breadcrumbs. Coat evenly. Use your hands to press the breadcrumbs around the croquette.

Shrimp Cocktail

A Classic Poached Shrimp Cocktail appetizer stands as a testament to sophistication and simplicity. Delicately poached jumbo shrimp, perfectly seasoned and chilled to perfection, are accompanied by two delicious homemade sauces; a zesty cocktail sauce and a creamy Shrimp Louie sauce.

Ingredients:

2-pounds, jumbo shrimp (16–20 count, or larger), tail-on and cleaned and deveined

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 celery stalk, roughly chopped

1 fennel bulb, roughly chopped

1/2 white or yellow onion, whole with skin

5 garlic cloves, whole with skin

1 tablespoon peppercorns

1 teaspoon salt

2 bay leaves

9. Continuing forming and coating until the chicken mixture is used up.

10. In a deep skillet or pan, heat enough oil for deep frying over medium-high heat.

11. Carefully place the croquettes in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes. For ease, and to ensure the oil stays to temp, fry in batches.

12. Once the croquettes are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

13. Add to a platter and serve the Buffalo Chicken Croquettes with ranch and/or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

bunch of fresh parsley fronds from fennel

1 cup white wine

1, 8-ounce bottle clam juice

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice extracted lemons

1, 15-ounce can coconut milk

2 cans water

1/4 teaspoon flaky salt, for garnish

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, for garnish

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Season with salt and place in fridge while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

2. Heat oil in a deep pot. Add the celery, fennel, onions, garlic, and peppercorns. Season with salt. Sauté to add a bit of color to the vegetables and toast the peppercorns.

3. Add in the white wine, clam juice, lemon juice, extracted lemons, fennel fronds, fresh parsley, bay leaves, coconut milk, and water. Season with salt.

4. Bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes.

5. While the poaching liquid is simmering, mix together all of the ingredients for the homemade cocktail sauce in one bowl. Use part of the cocktail sauce to mix together the ingredients for the Shrimp Louie sauce. Place both sauces in the fridge to chill.

6. Once the poaching liquid has simmered, remove the aromatics with a slotted spoon.

7. Turn off the heat.

8. Add the shrimp and allow the residual heat from the poaching liquid to cook the shrimp.

9. The shrimp are fully-cooked when they turn opaque and are no longer translucent. This will only take a minute or two, depending on the size of the shrimp.

10. Immediately transfer the poached shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

11. Place shrimp in fridge to chill for 10 minutes, or so.

12. Grab a large platter or bowl. Optionally, add a layer of ice (see note). Fill two smaller bowls with the sauces and add them to the platter. Plate the shrimp with lemon wedges. Sprinkle with the flaky salt/pepper blend. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

13. Serve chilled.

Oysters Rockefeller

Take your next party to a whole new level by serving these fabulous, rich and creamy Oysters Rockefeller. A Louisiana appetizer favorite made in your very own home. It’s easier than you may think!

Ingredients:

18 oysters, shucked in half shell

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

3 tablespoons butter

11 ounces fresh baby spinach

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 small shallot, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons white wine

4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

6 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded

4 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded

1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped rock salt for baking lemon zest for garnish lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 375°.

2. Crisp up the diced bacon in a pan.

3. As the bacon is browning, place the spinach into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for a minute.

4. Squeeze out any excess water from the spinach. Chop and reserve.

5. Melt three tablespoons of butter in a pan.

6. Add in the garlic and shallots. Cook for a minute.

7. Add in the chopped spinach. Season with black pepper.

8. Pour in the wine. Cook for a minute before adding the heavy whipping cream.

9. Cook the mixture for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

10. Stir in most of the crisp bacon. Save a few pieces for garnish.

11. Remove pan from heat.

12. In a small bowl, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter in the microwave.

13. Stir in the breadcrumbs and fresh parsley.

14. Spread the coarse/rock salt onto a baking dish or ovensafe pan.

15. Arrange (nestle) the oysters into the salt bed.

16. Place a spoonful or two of the spinach mixture into each oyster.

17. Top each oyster with a few generous pinches of both cheeses.

18. Sprinkle each with the breadcrumb mixture.

19. Bake 10 to 12 minutes.

20. Turn on the broiler and broil for a minute or so to brown the cheese and breadcrumbs.

21. Garnish with lemon zest and remaining crispy bacon.

22. Serve with lemon wedges.

> Melissa Latin created the three appetizers seen in this article. She is the founder of the food and fashion-focused blog, Charlotte Fashion Plate. Plan to watch for more recipes from Melissa in upcoming issues of South Charlotte Living. Melissa has also appeared on WBTV on multiple occasions, showcasing her delicious recipes in partnership with local businesses. For more information, visit Melissa on charlottefashionplate.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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EVENTS

COMING SOON

...There’s so much To do in Charlotte!

PETER PAN

March 9 – 10, 2024

Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation. Come out to see the adventures of PETER PAN and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell. Go on a journey you will never forget! PETER PAN embraces the child in all of us, so do not miss this magical journey. Blumenthalarts.org

Neil deGrasse Tyson

March 11, 2024 @ 7:30 PM

Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte

Neil deGrasse Tyson guides us through cool and occasionally scary things in the Universe, such as Black Holes, White Holes, Worm Holes, Dark Matter, Dark Energy, Diamond Stars, Gamma Ray bursts, Multiverses, and more! He returns for one night only! Blumenthalarts.org

COLOR ME GREEN

5K TRAIL RACE

March 16, 2024 @ 8 AM

Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte

Go green with a 5K color run through the whitewater center trails. Leprechaun sightings are always possible so keep your eyes peeled. Stick around after the run for the Green River Revival! Center.whitewater.org

Jon Batiste: UNEASY Tour

March 22, 2024 @ 8 PM

The Filmore Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St, Charlotte

A Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and television personality, Jon Batiste recently performed a poignant rendition of his Oscarnominated song ‘It Never Went Away’ from ‘American Symphony’ at the 2024 Academy Awards on 3/10/24. Batiste, with his band Stay Human, appeared nightly as bandleader and musical director on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert from 2015 to 2022. Do not miss the opportunity to see his performance live! Jonbatiste.com

The 14th Annual Ambassador’s Ball

March 23, 2024 @ 5:30 PM

Quail Hollow Club, 3700 Gleneagles Rd, Charlotte

This Fundraiser Event benefits the Allegro Foundation, a Champion for Children with Disabilities. This year’s event will be hosted by Mr. Felix Sabates with special guest, Her Excellency, Petra Schneebauer, Ambassador of Austria to the US. Come out for Cocktails, Dinner, an Auction, and Live Band Dancing! Allegrofoundation.net

UNCF Charlotte Mayor’s Masked Ball

March 23, 2024 @ 5:30 PM

Charlotte Convention Center –Crown Ballroom, Charlotte

Savvapanf

Photo ©stock.adobe.com

The 10th Anniversary UNCF Charlotte Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event, focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) serves and the contribution of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across North Carolina. This must attend, fun-filled evening supports UNCF’s mission of investing in the future of young men and women by getting them to and through college. UNCF.org/events

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

March 29 – 31, 2004

Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Arts Center, Charlotte

Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, or glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristrocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL. Blumenthalarts.org

Charlotte SHOUT!

March 29 – April 14, 2024

Uptown Charlotte

Uptown Charlotte will be buzzing with creative energy during this beloved 17day festival. It will be bigger and better than ever! It’s not just an event, it’s an experience for the whole family. With over 200 art installations, performances, events, and activations spread across our beautiful city – all outdoors, all mostly free,

and all open to everyone. Whether you’re into art, music, food, or just looking for some fresh ideas, there is something at SHOUT! for you. Uptowncharlotte.com

Brenda Lieberman, NP, Dr. Mala Freeman-Kwaku, Dr. Deborah Warren

The Village at Tottenham

The Village at Tottenham

Stonecroft

Giverny

Greyson

Providence Country Club

The Gardens on Providence

Oak Grove Farm

At Zinicola, the table is a celebration, a coming together of time and place bolstered by exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We want you to feel at home. We want our food to inspire. We want you to know that a refined experience doesn’t have to feel cold. Instead, we aim to feed the soul and we invite you to our table.

Above all else, we welcome you to sample our authentic Italian cuisine & wine selection today!

14935 B allantyne V illage S te . 14 C harlotte , n C 28277

980.299.2979

www . zini C olaitalian . C om

Coming Soon to LoSo...

GIOVANNA

Created by Chef Richard Cranmer, owner of Zinicola Italian Restaurant

Making dining plans for a special occasion? Celebrate with us and let our chef create an exquisite dinner party for you and your guests!