Cary Magazine June/July 2022

June/July 2022

Board Game Cafés A MONOPOLY ON FUN

Do Good 3 WAYS TO VOLUNTEER

A’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library

A TOP CHEF’S DREAM BECOMES REALITY

Plus

PRIVATE THEATER RENTALS

Making A Difference.

As bankers at TowneBank, we know we make a difference in people’s lives.

That’s really the essence of our job and that’s why we love this job.

We are here for you when you need us.

TowneBank.com | Member FDIC

Patsy Johnson • 919-534-7444 President, TowneBank Cary

General Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Endodontics Oral Surgery Sedation Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry Dental Implants Orthodontics Periodontics Prosthodontics

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

99

$

Adults

79

$

Kids

Exam, X-rays & Cleaning

3 Convenient Local Offices, Find The Office Nearest You At,

WHERE COLOR MEETS CRAFTSMANSHIP. Inside or out, the professionals at CertaPro Painters® deliver quality work, professional service, and an unmatched painting experience every time.

Contact us today to schedule your FREE estimate!

$200 OFF YOUR NEXT INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PROJECT* *Offer applies to your residential painting project of $2,000 or more. Must be presented at time of estimate. Not valid with other offers. Not valid on current 6/31/19. estimates or proposals. Valid at CertaPro Painters® of Cary/Apex. Expires 8/31/2022.

800-GO-CERTA cary-apex.certapro.com Each CertaPro Painters® business is independently owned and operated

We Do Painting. You Do Life.®

DON’T JUST LIVE HERE...

LOVE IT HERE.

R E T I R E M E N T

L I V I N G

A T

I T S

F I N E S T

LIVE at The Templeton of Cary and...

LOVE the INSPIRE wellness program LOVE the active lifestyle LOVE the rental model with no large entrance fees LOVE the multiple dining options LOVE the continuing care in place should you need it LOVE the peace of mind for you and your family Call 984.230.4595 to schedule a tour and see why residents don’t just live here, they LOVE IT HERE.

215 Brightmore Drive, Cary, NC 27518 TheTempletonOfCary.com

A Life Plan Community offered by Liberty Senior Living

© 2022 The Templeton of Cary

“Beautiful and unspoiled ... a world away from home.”

– Connie M., Brunswick Islands Vacationer

A vacation in NC’s Brunswick Islands is so much more than a stretch of days on the calendar. It’s that feeling of having vanished to a place where the world can’t reach you. Where every day unfolds with a thousand possibilities.

Spread out on 45 miles of sprawling shoreline. Explore meandering waterways and marshes. Relax in the comfort and privacy of your own beach vacation rental home. Rejuvenate and reconnect where memorable moments arrive on the tide of each new day.

800-795-7263 | www.ncbrunswick.com

6

JUNE/JULY 2022

PLANT YOUR ROOTS CHATHAMPARK.COM

Good Things Grow Here A quiet morning run. Five more minutes on the

• Miles of Trails

swings. A home you love. Long sunsets and lingering

• Private Pool & Pickleball

conversations. If you want to live in a place that supports

• 10-Acre Park

health, wellness and the simple things, come see what’s

• Close to Jordan Lake

taking root at Vineyards at Chatham Park.

• Walkable to Downtown Pittsboro

HOMES FROM THE $400S | TOWNHOMES FROM THE $300S | NEW BUILDERS NOW SELLING

500 VINE PARKWAY, PITTSBORO NC 27312 | 919-278-7687 Prices and amenities subject to change without notice. © 2022 Chatham Park Investors.

in this issue

22 The Rise of Board Game Cafés 34 Sea-nic Boat Racing The Triangle Model Yacht Club

40

Family Volunteerism Three ways to get the whole gang involved

50 Notable Teens 66 A’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library 78 Bibibop: Healthy Gluten-Free Asian Fare

116

2022 Senior Spotlight

At A'Verde Cocina and Tequila Library, beautiful a diverse bar selection. See page 66 for more photos by Jonathan Fredin.

8

JUNE/JULY 2022

Jonathan Fredin

and cleverly named craft cocktails emerge from

Every woman. Every life stage.

Your babies. Your family. Your transitions. Your health. We’re here - for you.

From gynecological procedures, breast imaging, advanced diagnostics and delivering little bundles of joy to delivering care that is both comprehensive and compassionate, WakeMed Cary Hospital is here for you and those you love. With 24/7 emergency and OB emergency care. Outpatient specialty rehab services. Medical weight loss and bariatric surgery. Heart and vascular care. Orthopaedics and more. The highest quality, personalized care for women of all ages. Because when it comes to you, your health and the health of your family, you’re the decision maker. And the decision is clearly WakeMed Cary Hospital. To learn more, visit us at wakemed.org/cary-hospital.

WakeMed Cary Hospital | 1900 Kildaire Farm Road | Cary, NC 27518 | 919.350.8000 | wakemed.org/cary-hospital

in every issue C A R Y

30 58 62 83 85

Private Theater Rentals at Paragon Theaters

100

Garden Adventurer: Naked Gardening

A P E X

•

M O R R I S V I L L E

EXECUTIVE

Nonprofit Spotlight: Poe Center for Health Education

Bill Zadeits, Group Publisher Kris Schultz, Publisher EDITORIAL

Small Business Spotlight: Bumble Brews Liquid Assets: Crème de I’Orange from Bull City Ciderworks

Editor’s Letter Things to Do

Lauren Earley, Managing Editor & Creative Director Erica Hinton, Associate Editor Dena Daw, Staff Writer Tara Shiver, Copy Editor CONTRIBUTORS

Liquid Assets: The Ultimate Bloody Mary from Blind Pelican Seafood Co.

departments

12 18 86 104 130

•

June/July 2022 • Volume 19, Number 5

L.A. Jackson David McCreary Emily Uhland PHOTOGRAPHY

Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer PRODUCTION

Connect with us!

Atiya Batts, Graphic Designer Katie Severa, Graphic Designer Jennifer Casey, Graphic Designer Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer Beth Harris, Graphic Designer Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer Lane Singletary, Graphic Designer ADVERTISING

Maureen Powell, Senior Account Manager Natalia Ortega, Account Executive

Dining Guide

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Happenings

S&A Communications Chuck Norman, APR ADMINISTRATIVE

Write Light

Kristin Black, Accounting Cherise Klug, Traffic Manager Lisa White, Circulation Coordinator Valerie Renard, Human Resources Arlem Mora, Social Media Coordinator

in the next issue

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Cary Magazine’s Pet Parade!

Ron Smith Cary Magazine © is published nine times annually by Cherokee Media Group. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Subscriptions are $18/year.

CARY MAGAZINE Birdie submitted by Jennifer Persinger, 2021

Enter your pet by scanning the QR code ON THE COVER: At Meeple’s Brew, customers enjoy a board game alongside a mouth-watering waffle, drizzled with house-made syrup. See more photos on page 22. Photo by Jonathan Fredin 10

JUNE/JULY 2022

Westview at Weston 701 Cascade Pointe Lane, Cary, North Carolina 27513 (919) 674-6020 • (800) 608-7500 • Fax (919) 674-6027 www.carymagazine.com This publication does not endorse, either directly or implicitly, the people, activities, products or advertising published herein.

Information in the magazine is deemed credible to the best of our knowledge.

Cary Magazine is a proud member and supporter of all five chambers in Western Wake County: the Cary Chamber of Commerce, Apex Chamber of Commerce, Morrisville Chamber of Commerce, Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce and Garner Chamber of Commerce.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis.

Jonathan Fredin

e d i t o r ’s l e t t e r

IT SEEMS HARD TO BELIEVE, but after churning out two big issues back-to-back, the dog days of summer have arrived. Wasn’t the Maggy Party just yesterday? I guess not, but we’ve got all of the memories packed within these pages — from my fly-away hairs (peep my editor photo), the cocktails, tasty bites, live entertainment, and our fabulous winners and guests!

If you’re looking for some “summer playcation” ideas, you definitely picked up the right issue! Board game cafés are a must-try, whether you’re a serious gamer or just having a fit of nostalgia (like me).

Some of my best childhood memories were spent playing Monopoly with my grandma, particularly during power outages. I still have her Monopoly board, although she could tell you that herself — she’s still alive and well at 94! I also got into quite a bit of Lauren Morris Earley caught enjoying the 2022 Maggy Party at Fenton NC on April 28.

TROUBLE with my brother over the years (sorry, I couldn’t resist).

Whether you plan on dusting off the cooler in the garage and heading to the beach or staying home and thanking God every day for working AC, I hope you remember to bring a copy of Cary Magazine with you — wherever the summer takes you.

Have fun!

Lauren Morris Earley Managing Editor & Creative Director

12

JUNE/JULY 2022

Jean Guevarra You, DDS Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Now Accepting New Patients

Early Morning, Late Afternoon & Friday Available.

Jean Guevarra You,Appointments DDS Board Certified DentistCarriers.

In-Network with MostPediatric Insurance In-House Membership Plan Available

Now Accepting New Patients

Video Games, T.V.s, Photo Booth, Wi-Fi, Phone Charging Station, Coffee Bar & More Early Morning, Late Afternoon & Friday Appointments Available.

In-Network with Most Insurance Carriers.

In-House Membership Plan Available Video Games, T.V.s, Photo Booth, Wi-Fi, Phone Charging Station, Coffee Bar & More

“...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”

-Brendan S. “Dr. You is so knowledgeable, kind and patient...Highly recommend!” “...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, butA.me as well. We’re thrilled to -Ayub have suchgood a warm, welcoming weShe look and forward being patients for many years to come!”

“I can not sayfound enough things about practice Dr. Jeanand You! hertostaff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. -Brendan S. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can “Dr. You is so knowledgeable, kind and patient...Highly recommend!” tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are -Ayub A. so appreciative of the care that we received.

If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, and youme definitely needvisit. to become a “I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son at our recent Dr. patient of thiswas practice!”

Jean amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can -Erin D. at Little Tooth Co. and are tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”

2022 RALEIGH | CARY -Erin D. WESTERN WAKE

Tel 919-303-2873 www.littletoothco.com info@littletoothco.com 504 W. Williams Street, Apex, NC 27502 Tel 919-303-2873 www.littletoothco.com info@littletoothco.com 504 W. Williams Street, Apex, NC 27502

loved by kids. trusted by parents loved by kids. trusted by parents

letters from readers

MOVE MINDFULLY WITH PURA VIDA

“I saw the article you wrote in the April issue on the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs. Thank you so much for the thorough representation of the Friends and the delightful way in which you covered Hemlock Bluffs. We are so grateful to you for selecting us for the nonprofit spotlight in the April magazine. You made Hemlock Bluffs seem magical, which it is of course! So grateful.”

— Laura White, secretary of the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs, re. “Nonprofit Spotlight: Friends of Hemlock Bluffs,” April

New classes monthly for all ages and experience levels!

919-818-5886 puravidastudionc.com 1162 PARKSIDE MAIN ST., CARY

14

JUNE/JULY 2022

“The amazing chalk sign work by Johna Ritchie of Peak City Chalk in your April 2022 issue has made this the absolute Johna Ritchie, peak of all the Maggy Peak City Chalk Awards issues ever.

The signboards and fonts, colors, decorations, whimsical props, and winners’ participation really spiced up the pages. The 2-page spread with the dog was genius. Combine that with the always incredible work of Jonathan Fredin's photos and articles

by David McCreary and you had one smashing issue. Dena Daw and Dathan Kazsuk — I don't know you yet, but I've got my eye on you!

Lauren Morris Earley, I appreciate

the greatly improved use of contrast between type color and background color. It's so much easier to read!”

— Deborah, re. April issue, via Facebook “Cary Magazine is so fortunate to have such an outstanding photographer in Jonathan Fredin! For the reader, his work captures an array of scenes to which we can relate. My eyes popped to see the breast and throat of the Northern Cardinal — a truly amazing photograph!”

— Christine Woods, re. May issue “Thank you again for the awesome piece on Blush! We really enjoyed speaking with you and we couldn't have dreamed that we'd get such a great article.”

— Alison Rogers, co-founder of Blush Cowork, re. “The Women of Blush Cowork,” May “Love it! I’ll share it with the Launch grads!”

— Ruthie Pritchard, Dorcas Ministries, re. “Business Bootcamp,” May

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Email letters to the editor to editor@carymagazine.com

Submitted comments may be edited for length or clarity, and become the property of Cary Magazine.

Featuring Same-Day Crowns, Invisalign® and Zoom!® teeth whitening.

Being cared for is not uncommon here.

Caring for our patients is a common rule here at TrueCare Dentistry. We are focused on providing our patients with unsurpassed preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services.

Call today for exceptional family dental care focused on you!

919-859-1330 truecaredentistrync.com New patients receive a FREE Oral B electric toothbrush or a teeth whitening kit.

431 Keisler Drive, Suite 200, Cary, NC 27518

Exceptional is not uncommon CARY MAGAZINE 15

FREE PICK UP & DELIVERY OF YOUR VEHICLE FROM YOUR HOME OR OFFICE!

Set your summer up for success with Atlantic Tire providing quality care on your vehicle.

Proudly serving our strong community since 1998

5 OFF

$

VACATION CAR CARE SPECIAL

29.95

$

OIL CHANGE

Brake Inspection • Alignment Check • Battery Inspection Inspect and fill fluids as needed • Tire Rotation

CM-MAY-2021. EXPIRES 8/31/2022

CM-MAY-2021. EXPIRES 8/31/2022

Thank you for voting us Best Auto Mechanic!

THE MAGGY AWARDS

THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER 2019

WINNER 2019

We carry Michelin Premier A/S

®

®

Schedule an appointment online today! www.atlantictireonline.com Hours: M-F 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m 1380 NW Maynard Road Cary 919.319.1614 16

JUNE/JULY 2022

5412 South Miami Boulevard Durham 919.941.0712

3001 Wakefield Crossing Drive Raleigh 919.234.0738

360 Ashville Avenue Cary 919.803.6159

Managed by

CARY MAGAZINE 17

10 THINGS

TO DO

June / July 2022

2

It may be in Durham, but the Festival for the Eno is something no one in the Triangle should miss!

One of the premier arts and folk festivals in the Southeast, attendees enjoy vendors, live music, food trucks, a craft show, and beer tents. Plus, it’s right on the river!

All proceeds benefit the water and lands of the Eno River Basin. Saturday, July 2 and Monday, July 4, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; West Point on the Eno, Durham City Park. enofest.org Photo: Jonathan Fredin

Peak City Pig Fest

1

Head into Raleigh for Out! Raleigh Pride, a free event celebrating the LGBT community with live entertainment, local vendors and artists, food trucks, a kids’ zone, a beer garden, and more! Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Fayetteville Street, Raleigh. outraleigh.com

Cary Night Market

3

Head to downtown Apex for Peak City Pig Fest, where 42 cook teams will compete for more than $12,000 in prize money cooking chicken, ribs, beef, brisket, and pork. Yum! Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23; Downtown Apex. peakcitypigfest.com

4 GalaxyCon Raleigh

18

JUNE/JULY 2022

Shop local in the heart of Cary at the Cary Night Market. Find locally made goods and enjoy music, food, drinks, and entertainment at the old library site. Friday, June 17, 5–9 p.m.; 310 S. Academy St., Cary. raleighnightmarket.com

6

Attend a four-day festival of fandom at GalaxyCon Raleigh with celebrities, artists, writers, cosplayers, entertainers, and fans like you!

July 28–31; $30 and up; Raleigh Convention Center. galaxycon.com

7

Travel the world without leaving town at Raleigh’s International Food Festival! This event celebrates Raleigh’s diversity, art, culture, traditions, and history with over 30 food and dessert trucks from around the globe, plus an outdoor dance party! Saturday, June 4, 12–10 p.m.; Downtown Raleigh.

8

Pimento cheese lovers, rejoice! The Pimento Cheese Festival is once again coming to Cary.

Enjoy live music, local breweries, pimento cheese samples, and test your skills in the pimento cheese sculpting contest! Saturday, June 11, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Downtown Cary Park. townofcary.org

Photo: Jonathan Fredin

4th of July

5

Photo: Jonathan Fredin

Theatre in the Park presents “The Sweet Delilah Swim Club” this summer. In this hilarious and touching comedy, five Southern women, free from husbands, kids, and responsibilities, set aside a long weekend to meet at the same beach cottage — the “Sweet Delilah” — on NC’s Outer Banks.

June 3–4, 9–11, 17–18, 7:30 p.m. June 5, 12, 19, 3 p.m.; $20–25; 107 Pullen Road, Raleigh. theatreinthepark.com

Raleigh’s International Food Festival

9

Proud to be an American? Attend one of the area’s many 4th of July celebrations, whether it be the annual Raleigh 4th of July fireworks display, the Apex Olde Fashioned Fourth of July, or the Town of Cary July 4th celebration at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

10 Pimento Cheese Festival

Last but not least, the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival is set for the beginning of August, so mark your calendars! The event includes two big days with 60+ beers, 40+ bourbons and LOTS of BBQ! Friday, Aug. 5, 6–10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 12–6 p.m.; $42 and up; Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. cary.beerandbourbon.com CARY MAGAZINE 19

We're not just YOUR NEIGHBORS!

We are your

FINE WINES BEER & WINE ON TAP LOUNGE DELIVERY CURBSIDE PICKUP

Local Relocation Experts DouglasRealtyGroup.com (919) 377-8423

M-F 10am-7pm SATURDAY 10am-6pm SUNDAY 12pm-4pm 4240 NW CARY PKWY. | 919-469-1330 W I N E M E RC H A N T C A RY . C O M

20

JUNE/JULY 2022

Visit apexnc.org/PublicArt or scan the QR Code to learn more about the Apex Sculpture Walk!

One free day of doggie daycare for new customers!

107 Edinburgh South Drive, Suite 109 Cary, NC 27511 | 984.333.0150

GENTLEMEN’S CORNER

K9 Resorts of Apex provides cage-free luxury boarding and daycare for your dog!

• Stress-Free environment • Trained and loving staff • Come tour our State-of-the-art facility

919-891-6747 k9resorts.com

K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel is the ultimate place for ALL dogs to play and relax.

CARY MAGAZINE 21

With a library of board games to choose from, Gamer’s Geekery & Tavern in Cary has something for all ages.

The Rise of Board Game Cafés WRITTEN BY DENA DAW PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

THINGS CAN GET pretty dicey at a board game café (pun absolutely intended), but if you haven’t tried it yet, it should be a RISK you’re willing to take (sorry, not sorry). If you think these exist solely for serious gamers, you’d be wrong — shelves are stacked with everything from Jenga and Monopoly to games you’ve never heard of and probably can’t even pronounce. In other words, board game cafés welcome newbies and hardcore gamers alike, so if you’re expecting something gatekeepy, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

When was the last time you put your phone down and played a game with your family with zero distractions? If you can’t remember, you’re missing out. Board games have risen rapidly in popularity, and sales of hobby games have increased every single year for the past decade. Capitalizing on this trend, board game cafés offer a warm and inviting atmosphere for those who want to learn how to play games, get lost in role play during a night of Dungeons and Dragons, or simply destroy a loved one over Scrabble and coffee.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to head into the city to experience this novelty. What you’re looking for is closer than you think.

22 JUNE/JULY 2022

LEFT: Gamer’s Geekery & Tavern offers a wide range of food and beverages, including flights of beer.

Gamer’s Geekery & Tavern

Tucked away on the second floor of the MacGregor Village shopping center in Cary, Gamer’s Geekery has been harboring an extensive collection of board games since it first opened as a retail-only location in 2013.

From the beginning, owner Lance Shrader dreamed of eventually adding a restaurant and a bar. In August 2019, the dream became a reality.

“Nowadays we’re all on our phones or focused on work or things like that, and when you come in here, you feel at home,” said Allison Laidlaw, the bar manager at Gamer’s Geekery. “You grab a board game.

You play with your family. You get delicious food, a good atmosphere, and great bartenders. We like to get to know our regulars and what they order and things like that.”

Popular menu items include scratchmade chocolate chip and snickerdoodle cookies, Patchwork Pretzel Bites, and the Super Mario Sandwich. All of their dressings are made in-house. If you’re thirsty, they

First timers at Gamer’s Geekery & Tavern, Garret and Heather Palmer of Raleigh enjoy snacks while playing a family game with their kids, Lorelai and Gabriel, 8 and 10.

BELOW: Raleigh gamer Harrison Perry looks over his cards while playing Magic: The Gathering at Gamer’s Geekery & Tavern.

A visitor chooses from hundreds of board games at Gamer’s Geekery & Tavern.

CARY MAGAZINE 23

ABOVE: Gamer’s Geekery & Tavern serves beer, wine, coffee, and a full menu of sandwiches and snacks.

RIGHT: Harrison Perry and Raj Zaiavadia face off for a game of Magic: The Gathering at Gamer’s Geekery & Tavern.

BELOW: A variety of action figures adorn the Dungeons and Dragons room at Gamer’s Geekery.

24 JUNE/JULY 2022

have local beer, cider and mead on tap, plus nonalcoholic drinks and a wine list.

“People always come in here and expect a Hot Pocket,” said Shrader. “But we have cooks, and although it’s not a huge menu, it tries to be quality.”

For $10, customers can reserve a table for the day and play as many games as they want — and with approximately 530 board games on the shelf, the choices are endless!

Popular games include Catan, Ticket to Ride, Terraforming Mars, Werewolf, and (of course) Monopoly.

“It’s a place I thought needed to exist, and that’s why we’re in here doing it,” said Shrader. “Here, we never see families sitting on their phones.”

On Wednesdays, parents can bring their small children in for a game of Connect 4 or Guess Who? while the older kids participate in the Youth D&D Adventures League (ages 8–14). Other themed nights include MtG (Magic) Commander Nights on Mondays, adult D&D on Thursdays, and Tuesday night trivia once a month.

For busier nights, especially Saturdays, feel free to call ahead and make reservations in

Joel Salda, head game master and events planner, leads a Star Wars-themed trivia night at Meeple’s Brew in Morrisville.

advance so you don’t have to worry about finding a table.

If you’re a regular, it might make sense to purchase a membership—$15 monthly or $150 yearly — and never pay a table fee!

Members also receive 15% off of merchandise and $15 off renting the private room, which is often used for birthday parties, private D&D nights, bachelor parties, corporate events, you name it. If you’re a fan of video games, four TVs in the back are ready to roll, provided you bring your own electronics/consoles.

“We attract all types of people from all walks of life,” said Laidlaw. “I just truly enjoy seeing people connect again, especially after Covid. Regulars come in all the time, and they light up when they walk in the door.

It makes me so happy to see them as well. It feels like Cheers.” carygametavern.com

Meeple’s Brew

Sandwiched between an Indian restaurant and an O2 Fitness sits Meeple’s Brew, a small-yet-inviting board game café in Morrisville that first opened its doors in January 2020. Owner Sean Kim and his husband, Justin Sargent, were inspired to open the café after visiting a similar one in Toronto, Canada.

“We thought it was a really cool concept. It’s a coffee shop mainly, but they also had a large selection of board games, and you can purchase game passes to play instore,” said Kim. Kim and Sargent, both avid board game fans since high school, took the idea and ran with it. The name Meeple’s Brew was inspired by the person-shaped tokens in the

Gamers work in teams to answer Star Wars trivia during trivia night at Meeple’s.

CARY MAGAZINE 25

Visitors participating in trivia night take advantage of Meeple’s Brew outdoor seating in Morrisville.

popular board game Carcassonne, in which “my people” got shortened to “meeple.”

“When we first opened, 90% of our customers were board-game focused,” said Kim. “After Covid hit, we lost most of those customers because no one could gather.

That’s when we started focusing more on the coffee shop side.”

During lockdown, Kim came up with many new in-house recipes, making all of the syrups and batters from scratch. Meeple’s Brew currently offers breakfast items — the most popular being the waffles — as well as lunch 26 JUNE/JULY 2022

items, hot and cold brews, smoothies, milkshakes, and more. They also serve beer and recently started offering cider and mead. At their newest location, located in Cary, they have begun experimenting with food geared more towards the evening crowd.

There are approximately 850 games between the two locations, with roughly 650 in the Morrisville location and the heavier, more involved games in Cary. Joel Salda, the head game master and events planner, acts as a sort of game sommelier—walking people through the game selection, providing recommenda-

tions, and aiming to make learning a new game a quick and proficient experience.

“Many times people want to play a new game, but they don’t necessarily want to read all of the rules, or they may have processing issues, so I try to bring it down to a level where they can get started,” said Salda. “It’s a $5 game pass per person to play from sun up to sun down. Or they can pay $10 to rent a game from our library for seven days and then bring it back. We started doing that during the pandemic, which is another thing that kept the board game side of the business alive.”

Every week, six games are taken out of the library to play free of charge. In addition to a library day pass, customers can purchase a monthly pass for $25, giving you and one friend 30 days of access to the library. If you bring your own game, you play for free! You are only ever charged to play games from the library. And children under 12 always play free with an adult.

“In the library, we have games organized from easiest to hardest, so most of the things in the first third of the shelf tend to be the most popular,” said Salda.

“As people continue to come in, I start moving them along the shelf.”

Weekly events include an ongoing D&D campaign on Tuesday nights, free play nights on Thursdays (where any purchase from the café gets you access to the board game library), weekend art markets, and monthly trivia nights.

“My favorite thing about owning Meeple’s Brew is getting to know the people, especially repeat customers,” said Kim. “On top of that, mak-

Dressing in costumes and bringing memorabilia, like this miniature R2-D2, are part of the fun during trivia nights at Meeple’s Brew.

Meeple’s Brew’s Morrisville location offers more than 500 board games to choose from.

ing specialty drinks and coming up with new recipes is really fun. Our staff is absolutely wonderful and very personable and friendly and always happy to see you walk through the door.” t meeplesbrew.com

Dressed in her Sith queen costume, Jordan Skaggs of Cary carries sandwiches to her table during trivia night at Meeple’s Brew in Morrisville.

CARY MAGAZINE 27

Rescued WOOD Rehab Your local shop for all things WOOD! We specialize in custom woodworking of all shapes and sizes. Our team can provide DIY Support and Custom Ideas for FUN one-of-a-kind projects.

Check out our unique creations, live-edge slabs, barnwood, lumber, reclaimed wood, and hand-crafted items by local woodworkers.

Follow us on social media for ideas, classes, specials, and seasonal items.

Rescued WOOD Rehab “Guaranteed Imperfect” 718 N. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 285–2653 www.rwrnc.com Be Safe – Keep Building – Stay Positive

2022

AWARDS

BEST OF MAIN & BROAD

R E A LTO R ®

Veteran & Female Owned

L I V I N G

A N D

W O R K I N G

I N

F U Q U A Y - V A R I N A

Tracy Watson, Broker/Realtor

®

From breaking ground to closing day, every step of the way Commission rebate for teachers, nurses, active duty & prior military, and police & firefighters when buying, selling, or building.

919-761-0405 tracy@missionfirstrealty.com missionfirstrealty.com 28

JUNE/JULY 2022

CARY MAGAZINE 29

on trend

PRIVATE THEATER RENTALS AT

Paragon Theaters WRITTEN BY DENA DAW | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

W

HEN COVID FIRST reared its ugly head, movie lovers all wondered the same thing: Is the entertainment industry going to make it? Innovative alternatives were their only option, and soon cinema chains all over the United States were renting out entire auditoriums to hesitant moviegoers in a desperate bid to make some cash. As a result, private theater rentals (PTRs) continue to be one of the top entertainment trends that people still can’t get enough of, pandemic or not.

Even if you are fully vaccinated and ready to mingle, why sit next to strangers during a movie when you can sit next to friends?

Paragon Parkside Theaters + Extreme & Penny Lanes in Cary rents out theaters starting at $400, which might sound steep until you consider how easily that can be split among your girlfriends, classmates, co-workers, you name it! Prices depend on the date, time, movie, and number of people, but theater rental has no minimum attendee requirement. So if you’re looking to impress your significant other privately, the buck stops here!

“I believe that Covid has caused a lot of concerns in the community, and being able to know you can have a private theater rental, and only have your group of people in there to view the movie, gives a sense of protection from the outside,” said Ashley Dreps, sales/event manager at Paragon. “We clean and sanitize the theaters before and after PTRs, so there is that part of the cleanliness that I believe also attracts the guests!”

If you’re looking to continue your night of fun following the movie, Paragon also offers bowling, an arcade with competitive games, a bar and restaurant serving craft beer, and more. Enjoy! paragontheaters.com

30 JUNE/JULY 2022

Even if you are fully vaccinated and ready to mingle, why sit next to strangers during a movie when you can sit next to friends?

CARY MAGAZINE 31

Pickleball’s sweet little shop of the south.

Pretty accessories for you to wear on the court and then to brunch.

Why go anywhere else?

Anyone can provide advice. At Edward Jones, our goal is to provide advice and guidance tailored to your needs.

That’s why we live and work in your community. When it comes to your financial needs and goals, we believe you deserve face-to-face attention.

You talk, we listen, and we get to know you.

• Consolidation of Retirement Accounts • Individual Retirement Accounts • Portfolio and Retirement Plan Reviews

visit www.dinkdinkpb.com to shop.

Use coupon code: CARYPICKLE for 15% off.

• Business Retirement Plans • Education Savings Strategies • Insurance • Fixed Income Investments For more information or to schedule a complimentary financial review, call or stop by today.

Four adventures to choose from!

Bonnie Fischer, AAMS® Financial Advisor

113A North Salem Street Apex, NC 27502

919-362-5449 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Bustin out of the Eighties

Escape the Supervillain’s Lair

Mystery of the Mad Scientist

Seekers of the Mystic Orb

Disconnect for an hour and connect with family and friends by working together in a real-life adventure game.

Locally owned and operated in Apex, NC

32

JUNE/JULY 2022

Book online @ wholebrainescape.com

the

fiesta

has arrived

DINNER Served daily

BRUNCH Weekends 10:30 am - 4 pm

unique flavors from

BRAVO TV’S ALUM

Katsuji Tanabe

Executive Chef

LUNCH

coming soon!

a’Verde Cocina & Tequila Library offers modern Mexican dishes, colorful and artful spaces to match the bold and fresh flavors of famed Top Chef Alum Katsuji Tanabe.

Join us for an indoor or outdoor dining experience, full of edgy and eye-catching cocktails and Mexican dishes pulled from inspiration from Katsuji’s upbringing in Mexico City.

2300 Walnut St. Cary, NC, 27518 • www.AverdeCary.com • @averdemexican_cary CARY MAGAZINE 33

Remote control Laser Model sailboats race on Lake Crabtree during the weekly meetup of the Triangle Model Yacht Club.

The club builds and races radio controlled model sailboats.

Sea-nic Boat Racing The Triangle Model Yacht Club IF YOU EVER FIND YOURSELF AT Lake Crabtree County Park around lunchtime on a Saturday, be on the lookout for a mini regatta on the lake, complete with remote-controlled sailboats racing around a buoy-marked course and the unmistakable thrill of competition in the air. Although it’s fun to watch skippers skillfully navigate these beautiful boats on the water, the Triangle Model Yacht Club takes their racing season — which starts in March and ends in November — very seriously.

“Our club is structured like other yacht clubs, it’s just that our yachts are small,” said Sam Harris, the club’s current commodore.

“We’re associated with the American Model Yacht Association, and from a rules perspective, we follow the governance of US Sailing.”

The boats are pretty incredible to look at, but they aren’t toys — each one is simply a scaled-down version of an Olympic-caliber yacht (so don’t promise your 5-year-old that he can join in)! The club races a different 34 JUNE/JULY 2022

WRITTEN BY DENA DAW PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

class of boats every week to ensure that no boat has an edge during the competition.

“We have one combined fleet, the Star 45s and the EC-12s — or what we call the big boats — and they race one weekend,” said Tom Rummage, currently the Victoria Fleet captain and an officer of the club. “We have a fleet called the DragonFlite 95, which has its own week. Victoria has its own week, which I race. Then we have the RC Laser. So we have a total of five classes of boats, but we only race four weekends because of the overlap.”

The fifth week is what’s called an open weekend, and during that time anyone can race whatever they want, purely for enjoyment. Although racing takes place, no one keeps score, and club members often use this time to encourage spectators to give it a try.

“On an open day, it would be very easy for us to host a newcomer or a guest, put a transmitter in their hands, and to let them take a boat out on the water,” said Harris.

“We actually encourage new people to come

out, and we’re very supportive of someone who hasn’t sailed before. We want new people to try the sport — and it is a sport.”

Although there is no minimum age requirement to join the club, younger children tend to get frustrated with the skill and concentration required to race. Plus, the boats are never fast enough for their liking.

“The concentration and situational awareness required to race starts around 12,” said Rummage. “But for people who are interested in sailing, this is an excellent way to learn how the boat works, and you don’t have to go and spend thousands of dollars to do it.”

Model yachts may also capture the interest of anyone who is into electronics, robotics, or simply likes to build things. Quite a few members enjoy building, sailing, and selling boats in their free time.

“There are plenty of people within the model yachting hobby whose enjoyment comes from building detailed, perfect mod-

Boat Classes EC-12 •

els, but the focus at Triangle Model Yacht Club is racing, not model-building,” said Rick Ferguson, a previous commodore and fleet captain.

Club members are always happy to recommend a used boat or a kit with easy assembly and good starting capability. They also mentor newcomers, providing coaching and guidance as they learn. Both Harris and Rummage have a lifetime of experience, having raced full-sized sailboats since they were children.

“I’ve been involved with radio-controlled sailing for about 12 years, but I’ve been sailing in general since I was in sixth

grade,” said Harris. “I grew up doing this, but we also cover the other end of the spectrum. Being a lifelong sailor is certainly helpful, but it’s not a requirement to come out and enjoy this and give it a try.”

For those interested, information about classes of boats, a racing calendar, and scores for the season can all be found on the club’s website. Outside of the regularly scheduled Saturday races, from 10 a.m. to noon at

• •

One of the largest and best-organized classes.

59" long and weighs about 25 pounds.

Attracts experienced skippers and offers plenty of top-shelf competition.

Star 45 • •

45" long and weighs between 12 and 13 pounds.

Fast and responsive, with the ability to turn in a little more than a boat length.

Victoria • • •

Built from an inexpensive kit.

Has similar adjustments to the EC-12, but is smaller, simpler, and easier to manage.

32" long and weighs 4.5 pounds.

RC Laser •

• •

Simplicity and durability make the Laser a good choice for beginners, or anyone who wants to race without complication.

Easy to sail, but challenging to race.

42" long and weighs 9 pounds.

DragonFlite 95 • • •

Delivers a “race-ready” experience.

Designed to be a convenient size, on and off the water.

Has astonishing speed downwind.

ABOVE: Cothran Harris, a US Sailing judge from Wilmington, removes his yacht from the lake during a race on Lake Crabtree.

RIGHT: Tom Rummage uses his remote control to test his RC Laser.

CARY MAGAZINE 35

Triangle Model Yacht Club members Gerry Cobley (pointing) and Scott Allred race their model yachts remotely from the shore.

“I’ve been involved with radio-controlled sailing for about 12 years, but I’ve been sailing in general since I was in sixth grade. I grew up doing this, but we also cover the other end of the spectrum.

Being a lifelong sailor is certainly helpful, but it’s not a requirement to come out and enjoy this and give it a try.”

— Sam Harris 36 JUNE/JULY 2022

Lake Crabtree, special events are scheduled elsewhere throughout the season. They present a great opportunity to compete with and meet sailors from other clubs — and ultimately, get better.

When asked what they enjoy most about racing model boats, both Harris and Rummage had similar answers — the love of being outdoors and in the sun, the thrill of the competition, and freedom from an entire (exhausting) day of racing full-size yachts.

“With my model sailboat, I can get up at 8 a.m., be at the lake by 8:30, race until noon, and still mow the grass that afternoon,” said Rummage with a laugh.

Whether you’re a parent of a small child who would enjoy watching an 8-foot-tall sailboat on the water, a left-brained teenager with an interest in engineering, or a seasoned sailboat racer, Saturday mornings at Crabtree have a little something for everyone.

Hey, whatever floats your boat! t trianglemyc.org

Now enrolling for summer and track out camps and our 2022-23 season!

Evenings in the Park

WEDNESDAYS 6:00 – 9:00 PM JUNE – SEPTEMBER

10130 Green Level Church Rd., 3675 Green Level West Rd., Suite 304 Suite 106 Cary, NC 27519 Apex, NC 27523 919-830-2806 919-267-6230 www.starpathdance.com

RON JONES A neighbor, someone you know, someone you can trust and respect. Call today and speak with a real person who cares about your family’s protection and security.

“Where Satisfied Customers Refer Their Friends”

512 WEST WILLIAMS STREET | APEX 919-362-8310 INFO@ROGERSINC.NET

www.WaverlyCary.com

CARY MAGAZINE 37

Prime Barbecue

When it comes to barbecue, few places make as bold and delicious a statement as the Raleigh area. While influenced by two great North Carolina styles, we make room at the table for regional flavors of all kinds. Jump back into a lively culinary scene to give visiting friends and family a true taste of what’s cooking.

38

JUNE/JULY 2022

visitRaleigh.com/locals

CARY MAGAZINE 39

Family Volunteerism

Three Ways to Get the Whole Gang Involved WRITTEN BY ERICA HINTON | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

WORK. SCHOOL. SPORTS. MUSIC LESSONS. Families today are busier than ever, which means finding quality time together can be tough. So, how do you make the most of those very few and coveted free hours? Volunteer!

Volunteering as a family can be an enriching experience for adults and children alike.

Children learn through observation, and when parents or other family members exhibit compassion, even the youngest children learn that compassionate behavior yields positive consequences. At the same time, volunteering with your children teaches other values that parents and guardians work so diligently to instill — selflessness, responsibility, gratitude, and a commitment to making a difference in the community.

Check out these three local volunteer opportunities for your family to consider.

1

Animal Rescue

Animal rescues offer many avenues for parents and children of all ages to work together. Mollie Doll, founder of Freedom Ride Rescue, says families are the ones who make things happen.

“Fostering is the first thing that comes to mind when you think ‘rescue.’ Volunteers open their homes to animals in need — and it can be such an amazing experience for any age,” said Doll. “From young kids helping with feedings and baths to older kids walking and training, it teaches responsibility, commitment, and love, as 40

JUNE/JULY 2022

well as witnessing making a true difference.

So often, our dogs are abused or neglected, or have never known something as simple as a loving scratch or a full belly rub. When they are adopted, they have thrived due to the family who helped them.”

Other families may choose to raise money by making and selling products, like dog treats or bandanas, or support kids in doing a supply or donation drive. “It is something they can do with school, scouts, or in their neighborhood,” said Doll. “Older kids can take to social media for the same.

A ‘Five for Five’ campaign is fun: Tag five

friends to each donate $5 to Freedom Ride Rescue — and they tag five more friends to do the same!”

Other much-needed tasks include transporting animals from shelters to their new foster homes, or helping at adoption events. “It is often hard to see who is happier, the dog getting the ride or the kid holding a rescued puppy,” said Doll.

Since Freedom Ride began in August of 2019, they have brought in more than 1,425 dogs, and their success is completely related to the dedication of their volunteers, says Doll. Their foster/volunteer page has more

Freedom Ride Rescue volunteer Monique Montgomery loves on an adoptable puppy at the Fest in the West event in Cary. Montgomery makes crafts in her spare time and donates proceeds to the rescue.

CARY MAGAZINE 41

Ob/Gyn | 3D Mammography | Midwifery | Rejuvenation

600 New Waverly Pl. Suite 310 Cary, NC

Schedule today

919-678-6900

2116 Werrington Dr. Holly Springs, NC

Service that goes

234 E Johnson St. Cary, NC 27513 919-380-0040 carycarcare.com

Michelin Defender® T+H ®

42

JUNE/JULY 2022

We look forward to seeing you!

Where can I volunteer?

“Paws” for the cause and volunteer now!

Visit these websites to learn how to help.

Cause for Paws of North Carolina cfp-nc.org Freedom Ride Rescue freedom-ride.org Friends of Wake County Animal Center friendsofwakeanimals.org Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue goldenrescuenc.org Freedom Ride Rescue Director Mollie Doll, right, greets an adoptable dog, while volunteers Monique Montgomery, left, and mother-daughter team Jennifer and Claire Williams assist with other pups during Fest in the West in Cary.

than 700 members, but not all are active. Their weekly foster email goes to about 500 individuals. They currently have about 60 homes with dogs in them — ranging from maternity/families (mom and pups), puppy fosters, adults, seniors, and a few hospice cases.

Like most of the animal rescues in the area, there is always a need for more volunteers. Freedom Ride just created the position of volunteer coordinator to connect folks with their areas of interest.

If your family is interested in volunteering, fill out a volunteer application form at freedom-ride.org, which will ask what your specific interests are.

Special Needs Support

Peak Lab Rescue peaklabrescue.com

2

With a mission to provide a fun and safe environment for members of the special needs community to experience the joy of athletic activity, Endless Sports Director Scott Stein understands that volunteers are at the core of bringing his passion for making a difference in the world alive.

At his inclusive lacrosse league, held at Apex Community Center, players ages 12 and older may have autism, Down syndrome, Asperger’s syndrome, or be noncommunicative. Here, they learn not only about lacrosse, but how to have fun doing it.

That’s where the volunteers come in.

SAFE Haven for Cats safehavenforcats.org Saving Grace savinggracenc.org SPCA of Wake County spcawake.org

CARY MAGAZINE 43

A volunteer partners with a lacrosse player for peer-to-peer interaction.

Endless Sports volunteers hold up lacrosse sticks to form a tunnel for the players.

“We have some volunteers with lacrosse experience, but it’s 1,000% not necessary. I’d rather have someone who

can smile, be enthusiastic, and be energetic rather than someone who knows lacrosse. I can teach them lacrosse.”

— Scott Stein, Endless Sports

44

JUNE/JULY 2022

Photos courtesy of Endless Sports

A young player high fives volunteers on his way to the court.

Volunteers provide smiles, enthusiasm, and encouragement to the players.

“We have some volunteers with lacrosse experience, but it’s 1,000% not necessary,” said Stein. “I’d rather have someone who can smile, be enthusiastic, and be energetic rather than someone who knows lacrosse. I can teach them lacrosse.”

There are currently 34 league players and 17 volunteers. Ideally, Stein would like to see one volunteer per player to facilitate peer-to-peer interaction. Volunteers, who have their own T-shirts this year, do everything from setting up equipment and helping with check-in to simply walking with, talking with, and interacting with the players. Stein adds that this is a great way for parents to volunteer with their own kids to show them the importance of giving back — and that doing so is not only rewarding, but fun.

“It’s all about encouragement and making sure everyone is having a good time,” said Stein.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and have some impactful fun, contact Stein through endlesssports.org.

A lacrosse player celebrates a good practice session with his peer volunteer.

3

Help Families in Need

In Cary and Morrisville, Dorcas Ministries serves residents who are facing a financial crisis by means of their thrift shop, food pantry, financial assistance, crisis center, and training center. This means a multitude of volunteer jobs are available.

“We could not provide the services we do without the generous contributions of volunteer career coaches, food pantry volunteers, crisis center

CARY MAGAZINE 45

Carole Allergy, left, and Jean Burroughs stock food pantry shelves at Dorcas Ministries. The longtime friends are also sorority sisters with the Alpha Gamma Delta alumni group, whose mission is to fight hunger.

ABOVE: Hailey Goodall, right, started out as a volunteer with her mother, Kathie, in 2004. Now, Hailey is one of the thrift store managers.

RIGHT: Kathie Goodall and her daughter, Hailey, sort donations at the Dorcas Ministries Thrift Store.

46

JUNE/JULY 2022

receptionists, thrift shop volunteers, and community food drive organizers,” said Jill Straight, Director of Client Services for Dorcas. “For the food pantry, there are many ways for families to serve: in the pantry on Saturdays, organizing community food drives, assembling soup kits, or assembling birthday boxes, which contain all the items needed for a birthday party: decorations, goody bags, and cake mix.”

In the thrift shop, Straight says that family teams, such as mothers and daughters, often choose a shift together and work closely in cashiering, bagging, or sorting clothing.

“One of our thrift shop managers, Hailey Goodall, started out as a volunteer with her mother, and they served together as a team — her mom cashiering and Hailey bagging — for many years as Hailey was growing up. Now, Hailey is one of our thrift shop managers,” said Straight. “We’ve also had mother-daughter teams organize very successful food drives for us over the years.

Kaileigh Ault and her mom Kim Ault are a great example. Kaileigh worked with her mom to organize food drives when she was younger, and then chose Dorcas for her Girl Scout Gold Award as an older teen.”

Dorcas also has couples who serve together in retirement.

“David and Donna Kraay serve in the food pantry and bring their skills managing inventory. David and Donna have implemented a new inventory management system that has enabled us to quickly identify where we are running low and be able to request specific donations when we are facing shortages,” said Straight.

If you’d like your family to become a volunteer success story like these, apply online at dorcascary.org. t

HONORABLE MENTION 2019 20 19

HONORABLE MENTION 2017 20 17

WINNER 2016 20 16

WINNER 201 5

NOW OFFERING VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS

WINNER 201 4

AND MEDIATIONS WINNER 201 3

Whether it’s a high-conflict child custody dispute, a complex equitable distribution 790 s.e. cary parkway, suite 203

case, or a serious domestic violence situation,

cary, north carolina 27511

our lawyers are equipped to help clients find

919.655.1990

www.wardfamilylawgroup.com

timely, cost-effective, creative solutions.

HONORABLE MENTION 2 01 2

WINNER 2011

CARY MAGAZINE 47

Coins and Precious Metals

BUY & SELL

Don’t let migraines ruin your day.

2035 Renaissance Park Place, Cary 919-694-5100 | docsspineandsportsmed.com

COINS

Dr. Nick Ashford Dr. Amanda Groulx Dr. Deana McNamer Dr. Matthew Merriman Dr. Ally James

F L A T WA R E JEWELRY A L L S C R A P M E TA L !

2010 N. Salem Street Apex, NC 27523 Phone: 919.363.6363 townandcountryveterinaryservices.com townandcountryvet@nc.rr.com

Appointments only 919-461-0014 103 Kilmayne Dr., Suite A, Cary, N.C. 27511

jewelsbyjr@yahoo.com Owners: Jeff Reid & Josh Bobbitt, American Numismatic Association

A

48

JUNE/JULY 2022

Coins Partner

Comprehensive Medical Care General & Orthopedic Surgery Digital X-ray Ultrasound Dentistry On-site Laboratory & Pharmacy Online Pharmacy Cat Grooming Purina & Royal Canin Prescription Diets Boarding & Grooming Facility Basic & Advanced Obedience Training Acupuncture Extended Evening Hours Weekend Hours

2021

2020

THE MAGGY AWARDS

THE MAGGY AWARDS

THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER

201 20 17

WINNER

201 20 18

201 20 16

WINNER 201 20 15

WINNE R WINNER 201 4

WINNER 201 20 13

WINNE R WINNER 201 2

WINNE R WINNER 2 011

WINNE R WINNER 2 010

WINNER 2009

HONORABLE MENTION MENTIO N 2008

WINNER 2006

16 years!

Holly Springs location opening late July!

Dr. John Soderberg

7560 Carpenter Fire Station Road Suite 204 | Cary, NC 27519 (Located in the WakeMed building on the 2nd floor)

Call (919) 439-4206 or visit forefrontdermatology.com to schedule an appointment CARY MAGAZINE 49

NOTABLE TEENS

ISSAC LUND WRITTEN BY DENA DAW PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

ISAAC LUND, a rising senior at Green Hope High School, first reached out to the editor of Cary Magazine in January 2022.

“My name is Isaac Lund,” he wrote. “My dad, retired Colonel Eric Lund, has been struggling with terminal ALS for the past six years, and I am reaching out to request a story on how I used overcoming his illness as inspiration to have raised over $40,000 worth of electronics and $10,000 of supplemental funds to similarly empower hundreds of underprivileged students in Honduras and lessen their opportunity gap.”

Our editor receives hundreds of emails every day, but this one stood out. Not many high school students reach out to local magazines, and certainly not with stories as inspiring as this. We soon received another email with an update — the total raised had increased to over $140K. “Just as I overcame the turmoil of my father's ALS, I will never stop fighting for the empowerment of others despite any obstacle they face,” wrote Lund.

When the time came to look up notable teens for our June/ July issue, Lund was an obvious choice. While most of his classmates were on the hunt for dates and part-time jobs, Lund had started Service Beakers, a nonprofit providing free science lessons to elementary-age children throughout the Triangle. The organization has educated over 3,600 young students across eight North Carolina schools, with a focus on empowering young students despite the pandemic. This year, Service Beakers expanded its impact beyond NC by partnering with St. Michael’s Church in Cary, bringing educational support to students in Honduras by crowdsourcing electronics.

Lund comes from a military family — his father, Colonel (Retired) Eric Thomas Lund, MD, and his mother, Maria, were both in the US Army for well over two decades. During that time, Lund was born in Germany and moved to several different states before his family settled in Cary. Lund attended St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in elementary and middle school before starting his freshman year at Green Hope.

50 JUNE/JULY 2022

“Moving around taught me to be able to think on my feet and adapt, and it made me really close to my family,” said Lund.

“The one constant throughout all of it was being together as a family. I have three older siblings — we’re four boys, so we’re all pretty close.”

In light of how close the family was, Lund’s father’s ALS diagnosis “Just as I was particularly devastating. ALS is a progressive overcame the neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells turmoil of my in the brain and spinal father’s ALS, I cord. And although Lund was initially too young to will never stop comprehend what that fighting for the meant, the following years allowed him to really pro- empowerment of cess what his dad, and the entire family, was going others despite through. any obstacle “My diagnosis has had a profound impact on they face.”

Isaac, more than I knew,” said Eric Lund, Isaac’s father. “He has seen my — Issac Lund wife, Maria, and I struggle since he was in fourth grade. He has seen how family loyalty, love, and support were able to give me life, even after being given last rites on two occasions. Service Beakers blossomed from Isaac’s classroom experiences, through church, my illness, watching his mother love me through it, and the pandemic. He found his voice in helping others, especially those most in need.” continued on page 55

Isaac Lund sits among a mountain of donated laptops secured by his nonprofit, Service Breakers, to bring educational support to students in Honduras.

CARY MAGAZINE 51

NOTABLE TEENS

ARYAN SHELKE

SAI MARADUGU 52 JUNE/JULY 2022

SMARAN SIVASHANKAR

WRITTEN BY DENA DAW PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

FOR YOUNG BY YOUNG (FYBY) is a youth-led organization that offers free tutoring for students throughout the Triangle, but this article isn’t about the organization itself. Meet the three remarkable young men who have invested their time, energy, and resources into helping other students succeed — completely free of charge.

Sai Maradugu

Sai Maradugu, a Morrisville resident and graduating senior at Panther Creek High School, never set out to start up an individualized tutoring program. The ball started (unexpectedly) rolling during a quick game of basketball.

“It was June 2020, and my friend and I were playing basketball, and he had just had his schedule released for the next year as an incoming freshman,” said Maradugu. “He had a really hard schedule. I had gone through many paid tutoring programs that were like $50 to $60 an hour, and I really didn’t learn that much. I didn’t want my friend to go through the same experience, so I said I’d tutor him for free.”

In the ultimate show of friendship, Maradugu did what many students his age wouldn’t bother to do: He created tutoring material himself and met up with his friend once a week, without fail. As word spread throughout his neighborhood, what started out as a favor for a friend quickly started to snowball.

“Kids started needing help with chemistry, so I reached out to my other friend, Smaran, who was really good at it,” said Maradugu. “After Smaran and I established a good base, we realized that continued on page 56

From left, Aryan Shelke, Sai Maradugu and Smaran Sivashankar offer free tutoring for students throughout the Triangle.

CARY MAGAZINE 53

FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER

Summer Camp Summer camps and classes are in full swing, and the Maggy award winning Arts Center is the perfect place for your student to spend their summer days.

Dance, art, theatre--you can find something for everyone!

Tuesdays with Morrie Tuesdays with Morrie is a touching, life-affirming play that celebrates mentorship and friendship as a single visit between Mitch and Morrie turns into a life-changing weekly pilgrimage. Based on the best selling novel by Mitch Albom. Performances July 21, 22, and 23; all shows begin at 7:30pm

Dancin’ with the Big Band Whether you want to hold your partner close, burn off some energy, or just enjoy some toe tapping tunes, Dancin’ With the Big Band is for you!

Fuquay’s own Gerald Parker Jazz Orchestra shares the Arts Center stage with dancers of all ages for our first community-dance of the new season!

For more info, call the Arts Center at 919-567-3920 54 JUNE/JULY 2022

fvarts.org

continued from page 50

The principle of overcoming an obstacle and becoming stronger on the other side is exactly the message that Service Beakers is trying to convey, Lund says.

With classes taught by local high school students completely free of charge, Service Beakers has made a concerted effort to help kids stay enthusiastic about learning throughout the pandemic.

“We have taught particularly to a lot of underprivileged schools in the Triangle.

After Covid, at least a third of students were regularly not even attending class anymore, and many kids were losing their enthusiasm for learning,” said Lund. “We found that as high schoolers, who are essentially only a few years apart generation-wise, we could connect with them really well.”

Outside of Service Beakers, Lund has won over 20 medals in Science Olympiad at Green Hope. Lund also works as a research collaborator for ALSUntangled, based out of the Duke ALS Clinic. The clinic exists to evaluate alternative and off-label treatments of ALS found on the internet and publishes research papers to help patients and families make more informed decisions regarding treatment.

As a rising senior, Lund’s biggest goal is to head off to a four-year college and possibly major in biology or neuroscience.

“I haven’t decided whether or not I want to continue Service Beakers in college, because I kind of want to keep it a high school-led initiative and pass the torch to other students,” said Lund.

Described as extremely gifted and highly motivated by his teachers, Lund possesses every ingredient for success.

“Isaac inspires students with his work ethic and how much he cares about his education,” said Stephanie Burwell, Lund’s biology teacher. “You can tell how much he wants to make a positive difference in everyone's life that he interacts with.”

When asked about his biggest inspiration, Lund responds with no hesitation — his father. And in the case of Isaac Lund, the apple certainly didn’t fall far from the tree.

“He was a physician himself, and he dedicated his whole life to helping other people,” said Lund. “After his diagnosis and all of that was kind of torn away, I felt like I could maybe step in and carry on his legacy, so to speak. With his huge emphasis on helping others, and doing his best to make other people’s lives better, I thought I can carry on what he’s trying to do. Obviously, he’s physically not able to do that anymore, but he had four sons for a reason.” t

Service Beakers partnered with St. Michael’s Church in Cary, bringing educational support to students in Honduras by crowdsourcing over $140,000 worth of electronics.

Taught by local high school students, Service Beakers provides fun and educational classes throughout the Triangle, completely free of charge.

CARY MAGAZINE 55

“I believe Sai wants very much to ‘do good’ with whatever program or career he is associated with,” said McFarland. “He has a good heart and understands the importance of giving back.”

Smaran Sivashankar

Sai Maradugu takes some time out of his busy schedule to enjoy a NERF war with fellow seniors. continued from page 53

SAT tutoring was the biggest need. At that time, we reached out to my friend Aryan, who began teaching an SAT course that had around 200 students in it. In that program we found a lot of success, and it was all for free.”

Thanks to his tireless networking efforts, Maradugu made many connections in the community, including a partnership with the Wade Edwards Learning Lab (WELL), an after-school program for Wake County high school students.

“Sai actually reached out to us during the pandemic,” said Betsey McFarland, ex56 JUNE/JULY 2022

ecutive director of WELL. “He had created a tutoring program and wanted a way to connect more broadly to students throughout Wake County. We were excited to have the opportunity to add peer tutors as a resource.”

In addition to FYBY and his involvement in the Data Science Club, Maradugu also founded the first student-run business club at his school, the Finance and Economics Club, combining two of his biggest passions. In the future, Maradugu plans to study finance at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and continue his work with FYBY.

Smaran Sivashankar, another graduating senior at Panther Creek, is more than happy to share his love of chemistry with others. As the founder of the Medical Careers Club at school, Sivashankar, who plans to study biochemistry in college, has an infectious passion for science that goes a long way when tutoring.

“We know our heart beats; we know we’re able to move our limbs, but we don’t know specifically how that works and what molecular mechanisms allow us to do that,” said Sivashankar. “I think that’s what fascinates me — I’m able to delve deeper into these mechanisms that are so important for life function.”

After Maradugu contacted him, Sivashankar jumped into teaching a chemistry course of around 30 kids. Once parents discovered that FYBY was offering both math and chemistry, word spread fast throughout the community.

“We kind of just kept expanding our course selection. We were able to recruit volunteer tutors and find people who had a passion for education just like we did,” said Sivashankar. “We would be on calls for two or three hours with organizations trying to partner with them, trying to spread our message, trying to get more students. We wanted to make an impact on the community.”

Sivashankar’s biggest inspiration is his grandmother, who dreamed of becoming a medical doctor as a young girl in India. Although her family refused to pay money for medical school, she was a professor for many years before becoming a counselor and doctor of alternative medicines during retirement.

“She’s my inspiration because she was able to pursue her dream, despite all the obstacles,” said Sivashankar. “There’s so much gratitude in the community because of the work she does, and she doesn’t charge any money at all. The number of people who come to her house and thank her is immeasurable.”

In addition to his work with FYBY, Sivashankar has played tennis and run cross country/track at Panther Creek for the past three years.

“Smaran stands out because he is kind, smart, feisty, funny, hard-working, humble, and treats people with respect,” said Stacie Fernstrum, the Panther Creek High School tennis coach. “He has a lot going on in his life, from tennis to qualifying for nationals with DECA to tutoring students. All of that is in addition to being an exceptional student.”

Sivashankar says his drive for success has been heavily influenced by Ranveer Singh, a popular Indian actor known for his method acting. Singh famously locked himself in a remote location for months with no interaction to become the villain in the hit movie Padmaavat.

“Since freshman year, I’ve had this drive, and I work hard on whatever I do. Regardless of the career I pursue in my life, I’m going to try and match that level of dedication wherever I go.”

— Smaran Sivashankar

“Since freshman year, I’ve had this drive, and I work hard on whatever I do. Regardless of the career I pursue in my life, I’m going to try and match that level of dedication wherever I go,” said Sivashankar.

Aryan Shelke

A year older than his co-founders, Aryan Shelke has spent the past year studying at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Prior to that, the Morrisville resident and Panther Creek graduate was instrumental in setting up curriculum for FYBY and running free SAT classes.

“After March 2020, I realized that I had a lot of time to study for the SATs, so I got that out of the way,” said Shelke. “After that, Sai asked if I wanted to start teaching SAT classes because I had experienced a huge score jump.

He said if someone was looking for a tutor, would they want somebody who was already at 1500 at the beginning, who doesn’t understand everyone’s struggles, or would they rather have someone who was at 1200 and then moved all the way up to the 1500 range? That’s how I started working for FYBY.” His SAT prep served him well. During his time at the Kelley School of Business, one of the top business schools in the nation, Shelke was accepted into a research group on campus called the Financial Investment Review as one of only eight freshman analysts selected out of 260 people.

“The research skills and lessons I’ve learned as a mergers and acquisitions analyst from them will forever help me,” said Shelke.

“But FYBY was a large part of my life for those two years, and moving away has obviously limited my ability to engage in FYBY activities. I did talk with Sai and helped create SAT videos from time to time.”

Shelke plans to play a much larger role in the organization this year, with plans to transfer to UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall.

In addition to his love for business, Shelke also enjoys playing ultimate frisbee

— so much so that he started an ultimate frisbee league during his time at Panther Creek High School. But like his co-founders, Shelke’s biggest challenge over the last two years has been trying to find the time to do all the things that he loves.

“I wake up around 10 and don’t go to sleep until 1 or 2 a.m. simply because of the magnitude of the work I’m getting. I’m also working on a project with Charles Schwab Ameritrade right now, and I’ve been assisting their mergers and acquisitions deal, plus the whole transfer process to UNC is taking a lot of my time. I’m not a time management guru by any means,” said Shelke with a laugh.

Shelke says his biggest inspiration is the Shelke family name. His great-grandfather was a pro wrestler in an Indian village who never lost a fight and always provided for his family. His grandfather moved from the village to the city of Mumbai, working long hours to provide for his entire family.

“When my dad came into this world, my grandfather was already providing for nine people and my dad already had two other siblings,” said Shelke. “He kind of fed off of this Shelke mindset, seeing what his father and grandfather had accomplished and wanting to expand on it. He studied extremely hard during his time in India. Just seeing how much my heritage has accomplished, I want to further that and create a legacy for my children and their children. I want to help people.”

Shelke’s father, Anil, may be his biggest inspiration — but when speaking to Anil, one has to question who inspires whom.

“Aryan is a smart, determined, and funloving person with a zeal to help students achieve their dreams,” said Anil Shalke. “He has earned many accolades at a very young age — winner of DECA, receiving the Top Investor Award, and his work with FYBY, to name a few. He is very focused on his work, extraordinarily disciplined, and always strives to give his best in whatever he does.” t CARY MAGAZINE 57

nonprofit spotlight

The Alice Aycock Poe Center for Health Education WRITTEN BY DENA DAW | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

O

riginally the brainchild of the Wake County Medical Society Alliance, The Alice Aycock Poe Center for Health Education — known as “The Poe Center”—was officially established as a nonprofit in 1991. Since then, the organization has been dedicated to positively impacting the lives of NC youth through health education for over three decades. With more than 50 unique and interactive programs that help children learn in fun and engaging ways, they have educated more than 1.3 million participants from 94 counties.

“The Poe Center provides health education that many times isn’t able to be taught in schools,” said Ann Rollins, the executive director at Poe. “It’s essential to know how to brush your teeth or floss, or how to prepare healthy food. Our founders thought that this was too much to ask classroom teachers to do, so they founded Poe so we could do it in a fun and interactive way. We feel like children and families deserve to have this kind of exposure and programming.”

The center itself is a one-of-a-kind field trip destination, featuring museum-quality exhibits and indoor teaching theaters that cover everything from dental health to substance use prevention. The center’s CookWELL kitchen provides programming focused on kitchen safety and nutrition, while the GrowWELL garden (complete with beehives) works in tandem to ensure that 58 JUNE/JULY 2022

the center remains garden-to-table. As a SNAP-Ed implementing agency (a federal/state partnership supporting nutrition education for those eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance), the Poe Center is able to provide nutrition education and food to many lowincome families.

“We have covered picnic areas in the park, and we were the first in Wake County to start doing open summer feeding programs when the kids were out of school,” said Rollins. “The program only covers children from 0 to 18, so we harvest our garden and provide the parents with fresh vegetables when they arrive.”

At over 15,000 square feet, The Poe Center could be described as a campus rather than a building, with exhibits stretching outside as well as in. PlayWELL — the world’s first health education playground — sits on 1.5 acres and features a nerve net, a zipline between two giant ears, a tongue slide, and much more. One of the center’s most popular exhibits is The Cranium Connection — a 12-foot-tall interactive human head where children can enter behind the ear and view a brain health education program through two large monitors located within the eyes.

The dental health theater is sponsored by Delta Dental NC, with different programs available for preschool to third grade.

“Tooth decay is among the most chronic childhood diseases in the United States, and it’s entirely preventable,” said Elaine Loyack, VP of community engagement with Delta Dental of NC. “This is why we partner with organizations like Poe Health and help fund programming that teaches children good oral habits.”

Loyack was first introduced to Poe after attending Girl Talk, one of the center’s most popular programs that educates girls about adolescent growth and what to expect during puberty, with her daughter.

“We reach girls in about fourth or fifth grade, and they learn about puberty and menstruation, and it takes a big weight off the moms, so it has been wildly successful,” said Rollins. “We also have Guy Talk. Teachers don’t want to do it, and parents are nervous about it, so it’s nice to put them in a big group with our health educator, who is amazing.”

One of Poe’s newest initiatives is the MindWELL Mental Wellness program. In 2019, a study revealed that NC youth were in a mental health crisis, with 36.3% of high school students reporting feeling sad or hopeless. Once the pandemic started, even more youth reported feeling isolated and anxious, with many experiencing trauma, financial hardships, food insecurity, loss, and mental/emotional trauma.

“MindWELL programs support individual resiliency through a focus on health decision making, positive peer relationships, empathy, and self-care,” said Jessica Fowler, the MindWELL manager and substance use prevention specialist. “Our one-of-a-kind environment incorporates gardening, nutrition, physical activity, and cooking as examples of positive coping strategies that support holistic wellness while reducing stress and anxiety. Poe acknowledges the value of using a trauma-informed lens approach in understanding the trauma youth experience — including racism, inequity, and social justice — and continues to invest in the ongoing education of our staff.”

In addition to youth programs, The Poe Center also offers health education programs for adults, where participants learn about their own health and how to support the healthy decisions of the children in their lives. Programs are available onsite at the Poe Center or offsite, bringing their props and enthusiastic health educators directly to your school/organization. Due to past Covid restrictions and the fact that the Poe Center is a statewide agency, many programs are offered virtually (along with interactive, online exhibits). In some cases, The Poe Center will tailor programs to address whatever need your school or organization has.

The Poe Center accepts volunteers of all ages, and volunteer applications and donation opportunities can be found on their website. For those who want to donate items, the center also maintains a wish list of items they need for their facility, garden, and programs.

“It’s all about empowering our youth and families in NC to make healthier decisions and lead healthier lives, and all of our programs have that at their core,” said Amy Amerson Campbell, board president at The Poe Center. “We’re now in our fourth decade, and I’m super impressed with the fact that we’ve continued to grow and evolve with what the needs are. It’s not stagnant. It’s not static. We’re constantly looking at what we are doing and how we can continue to help our community.”

Want to know more? Visit poehealth.org to volunteer, donate, or find a program that meets your specific needs. t

TOP: Poe Center for Health Education instructor Catherine Willis teaches students about seasonal fruits and vegetables at the GrowWELL Garden, an interactive an outdoor classroom. CENTER: Rock Ridge Elementary third-graders sit in the Cranium Connection’s “brain theater” to learn about brain health at the Poe Center for Health Education. BOTTOM: Instructor Jen Zerda teaches students how physical fitness benefits every aspect of their lives during the Play Hard, Stay Fit program at Poe Center for Health Education.

CARY MAGAZINE 59

60

JUNE/JULY 2022

You Plan, We Protect Call us today for a Free Consultation for all your Estate Planning needs!

1135 Kildaire Farm Road Ste. 321 Cary (919) 861 - 4120

McCollumLawPC.com

CARY MAGAZINE 61

small business spotlight

Bumble Brews WRITTEN BY DENA DAW | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

BLAIR BYRNSIDE, the owner of Bumble Brews Play Café in Cary, knows how it feels to scour the area for accessible familyfriendly activities that are fun for kids and adults alike.

Since opening its doors in September 2020, Bumble Brews primarily offers open play, birthday parties and special events. The play space is designed for children aged 6 months to 6 years, but older siblings and parents are welcome to join in the fun. The open floor plan, private rooms, and full-service coffee bar (plus beer and wine) allows for a variety of other events, including adults-only trivia nights, private proms, baby showers, family yoga, book signings, and more.

“We’ve worked hard to create a community feel in our space, which we think is important as well,” said Byrnside. “Having really young kids can be very isolating, and we have many families that come almost every day

“It’s really a beautiful thing to see moms swapping phone numbers and sometimes passing babies back and forth as they create a support system here.” because they have found a sense of community with us.

It’s really a beautiful thing to see moms swapping phone numbers and sometimes passing babies back and forth as they create a support system here.”

What inspired Bumble Brews?

Owner Blair Byrnside sips a drink from the full-service coffee bar at Bumble Brews Play Café as children enjoy the open play space.

62 JUNE/JULY 2022

“We always found ourselves driving to downtown Raleigh, North Raleigh, Durham, or Fuquay-Varina,” said Byrnside. “We were not blessed with children that love car rides, so a 20- to 30-minute drive was pretty much always a disaster.”

With the amount of young families in the area experiencing the same struggle, Byrnside dreamed up a solution — an indoor play space and cafe serving specialty coffees, beer, wine, juices, water and re-packaged snack foods.

I learned firsthand over the last few years that there aren’t nearly enough indoor play spaces for little kids. You can find the big bounce house places or trampoline parks, but toddlers get trampled in those types of parks. Museums can also be overwhelming for little kids and their parents.

I simply wanted to create the space I wish had existed as a parent with little kids — somewhere they can play safely, and I can take a moment to finish a hot coffee or meet a friend for a drink on the weekend.

What made you want to work for yourself?

I worked for a large IT company doing government contract work for close to a decade in human resources and later in finance. While I had some really great colleagues, I found I just didn’t care about the work I was doing. I felt like a cog in the corporate machine. With Bumble Brews, I saw a community need and decided to take a chance.

Bumble Brews suits my life so well right now with young daughters (who, by the way, think it’s really cool that mom knows all the princesses). But an added bonus is that I get to hear firsthand how excited families are to be here. It certainly hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I love that I’ve created something that allows me to combine all my favorite things: my family, party hosting, crafts, and craft beer.

What has been the best, or most surprising, aspect of owning a business?

One thing that sort of surprised me is that I’m never really off the clock. I expected to work long hours, but

I don’t think I realized that there’s always something that needs attention. Especially since I don’t have any partners, there is nobody else to provide those solutions. On the flipside of that, it is extremely rewarding being the person responsible for creating a space that families love.

I get thanked personally every day for creating Bumble Brews, which is pretty amazing.

Tiny tots are encouraged to play and explore while parents finish a hot coffee or meet a friend for drinks on the weekend.

What is the most popular event that you’ve hosted?

I would say our most popular event is Santa. We have hosted Santa visits and play time for the last two years, and it has just been incredible.

What families love about it is that the kids get to play while waiting for Santa, rather than going to a mall where you stand in line for ages. You also have a scheduled appointment time so you can plan around nap schedules.

With limited tickets, the kids get extra time with Santa and even end up going back again and again to tell him things they forgot the first time, or maybe if they were too shy the first time. It’s also a nice CARY MAGAZINE 63

touch that you can grab a hot cocoa or mimosa on your Santa visit.

What do you love about owning a business in Cary?

I’ve met a lot of wonderful and diverse people. Cary is such a melting pot of people from all over, and I feel like it creates a very accepting and inclusive environment. Also, even though the Town of Cary is growing, it does a really great job of supporting local. The support from the community, customers, and other local businesses has just been amazing, and we try to pay it forward by carrying local products, sponsoring local events, and promoting local businesses. t bumblebrews.fun

From slides and climbers to puzzles on the floor, Bumble Brews is designed to entertain children from 6 months to 6 years (but it’s fun and safe for everyone)!

64 JUNE/JULY 2022

CARY MAGAZINE 65

restaurant profile

A’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

WHAT A DIFFERENCE a change of scenery has made for Chef Katsuji Tanabe.

“The last few years have been like a roller coaster ride,” the Bravo television series Top Chef alumnus said in an exclusive interview with Cary Magazine. “Moving here from Los Angeles and opening a restaurant in Raleigh was amazing, but then suddenly everything fell apart (due to the pandemic). It was heartbreaking and soul-destroying.”

When Tanabe opened High Horse eatery in downtown’s City Market in 2019, local foodies rejoiced. But COVID-19 proved to be an insurmountable obstacle for the business, which closed its doors in July 2020.

Adobo fried rice is available for dinner and weekend brunch.

66 JUNE/JULY 2022

The chef encountered some dark days following the setback. He turned to alcohol and became disheartened. In a moment of clarity, though, he realized he needed to make a positive change and venture back toward a thriving kitchen.

Fortunately, Tanabe connected with owners and restaurateurs Lou, Joy and Amber Moshakos of the Raleigh-based hospitality management group LM Restaurants.

A reenergized Tanabe is encouraged by the warm welcome he’s received since A’Verde opened this spring. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant provides guests with a vibrant, inviting oasis to enjoy the chef ’s distinctive take on his native Mexico City cuisine.

The splurge-worthy red velvet tres leches cake.

Chef Katsuji Tanabe celebrates his new culinary venture at A'Verde.

The Carajillo dessert cocktail.

The ceviche tostada with Ahi tuna.

CARY MAGAZINE 67

Enjoy chips with distinctive salsas and elevated veggies like salt crispy potatoes and al pastor cauliflower.

68 JUNE/JULY 2022

Decor at A'Verde is vibrant and festive, as evidenced by the custom murals, a well-stocked tequila library, a warm, inviting dining room, and a souvenir from the Top Chef television series.

“When you visit, you should go with an open mind,” he said. “Be willing to try new flavors, and don’t expect it to be traditional Mexican food. We don’t serve rice and beans with every dish.”

Raised in a home with a Mexican mother and Japanese father, Tanabe’s intriguing heritage is reflected in his cuisine.

“Sometimes people may think I’m going to serve carne asada sushi rolls or tempura chimichangas, but in reality I’m not trying to put two different cuisines together,” he explained. “What I do is build layers of flavor that balance well. Japanese food is rich with umami, and Mexican food is about acid and spice. My food has touches of my cultural background.”

A well-composed menu provides an approachable selection of small plates, veggie sides, greens, tacos, and “big deal” main course dishes.

Start your meal with a bowl of warm, house-made chips served alongside white habanero, tomatillo avocado, and creamy chipotle salsas.

Feeling adventurous? Try some seasonal guacamole and add grasshoppers on top. For what it’s worth, we sampled CARY MAGAZINE 69

H ave you recently made a move?

Whether you’ve moved across the country, across the state, or across town, we want to meet you to say hello & to help you with tips as you get settled.

Our basket is loaded with useful gifts, information & cards you can redeem for more gifts at local businesses.

ANN BATCHELOR 919-414-8820 BETH HOPPMANN 919-302-6111

70 JUNE/JULY 2022

The popular chicken enchiladas entree with cotija cheese and green tomatillo sauce.

“When you visit, you should go with an open mind. Be willing to try new flavors, and don’t expect it to be traditional Mexican food. We don’t serve rice and beans with every dish.”

— Chef Katsuji Tanabe — and liked — the exotic, crunchy protein roasted with cumin, cinnamon, paprika, rosemary, and thyme.

Whatever you do, be sure to order a skillet of the sublime Grandma’s Cornbread.

The sweet-and-savory offering is derived from a cherished family recipe dating back to the 1950s.

“This is a popular menu item that we bake every 45 minutes so it’s always hot and fresh,” Tanabe said. “It’s not traditional Southern cornbread, but people have embraced it.”

Among the stellar small plates, the ceviche tostada with Ahi tuna, serrano chiles, truffle soy, sesame macha salsa, and fresh lime juice reigns supreme. There’s also the chopped salad bursting with flavorful ingredients like Manchego cheese, fresh avocado, corn, bacon, egg, pickled red onion, and two types of greens. If you want something with ampedup spiciness, try the roasted local oysters with fresh habanero peppers and chorizo aioli.

A can’t-go-wrong variety of veggies will tempt you six ways from Sunday. Consider, for example, street-charred corn inflected

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS COSMETIC AND COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY • Same Day Crowns • Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatments • Smile Correction and Tooth Replacement • A Warm Family Environment

YOUR SMILE IS IN STYLE!

Cosmetic and Family Dentistry Siti A. Lowery, DDS PA FAGD

110 Preston Executive Dr. Suite 104, Cary, NC 27513 Phone 919-371-2995

www.lowerysmiles.com 2022

WESTERN WAKE

CARY MAGAZINE 71

Street-charred corn is among the restaurant’s standout veggies.

“This is a popular menu item that we bake every 45 minutes so it’s always hot and fresh.

It’s not traditional Southern cornbread, but people have embraced it.”

— Chef Katsuji Tanabe 72 JUNE/JULY 2022

with togarashi pepper; pineapple-laden al pastor cauliflower; habanero-tinged salt crispy potatoes; and Dad’s Refried Beans, which, of course, have a backstory.

“My father does not understand the concept of refrying things,” Tanabe explained with a smile. “So, he makes beans with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and onions, which takes them to the next level.”

Speaking of next-level goodness, the entrees at A’Verde will not disappoint. The artfully presented Cohinita Pibil, for instance, involves braised pork shank in miso, achiote, sour orange, and aromatic spices served with pickled onions, black beans, and blue corn tortillas.

“For our tortilla program, I bring in corn from Mexico,” said Tanabe. “It is the only corn that is organic, heirloom, and non-GMO, so it’s very difficult to find. We use a stone grinder and make the tortillas by hand. It’s definitely a labor of love.”

Choose from five elevated taco selections, three of which include crispy pork belly with Arbol honey sauce; truffle mushroom encompassing Cotija and gruyere cheese; and octopus suffused with Castelvetrano olives, chimichurri, and mint.

Another hugely popular main dish arrives in the form of chicken enchiladas with cotija cheese and creamy green tomatillo sauce. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself licking every molecule of sauce from the plate.

More than 20 menu items are gluten free, and several are vegan.

If you manage to save room for dessert, order the red velvet tres leches cake or a Carajillo cocktail comprising Licor 43 Spanish liqueur, espresso, spiced vanilla cream ice, and roasted marshmallow.

Cleverly named craft cocktails, like Hot Mess and Aloe You Longtime, emerge from an attractive and expansive bar. Just a

Items that emerge from the kitchen possess a wow factor, like this Ube flan dessert.

CARY MAGAZINE 73

few steps away, the tequila library contains shelves filled with diverse assortments of the potent agave-centric elixir.

A’Verde’s effervescent interior showcases hand-woven baskets, veladora candles situated on the tables, large-leaf plants and striking murals by local artist Arianne Hemlein. Inspiration for the space came from Tanabe, Amber Moshakos and renowned restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias, a longtime friend of the Moshakos family.

The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Weekend brunch is available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. t A’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library 2300 Walnut St. Centrum at Crossroads, Cary (984) 200-3469 averdecary.com

74 JUNE/JULY 2022

TOP: Octopus tacos, local NC crispy pork rinds and kale and Dad’s refried beans all vie for consideration.

BOTTOM: Adventurous eaters will appreciate the fresh guacamole topped with roasted grasshoppers.

er v o c Dis the

! e r u t ven

Ad

Family Adventure Camp

July 3-8, 2022 • Camp Durant is open to everyone!

All-inclusive family camping in Carthage, NC

AND DON’T MISS...

Cub Summer Adventure Days

May-August • Throughout Central NC STEM-themed events for boys & girls, ages 5-10 Visit www.ocscouts.org/summer-fun or scan here:

clean, inviting, professional, fun and friendly.

10 YEARS IN A ROW! FOR VOTING US BEST EYE DOCTOR! It is a great honor for our team at Carolina Retina Institute to receive the “Best Eye Doctor” Maggy Awards. We extend our gratitude to all our patients who have supported us through our journey.

Make a reservation today!

Complimentary wine & beer with service!

950 High House Road, Cary, NC, 27513 919.303.7775 twistedscizzorsonline.com Mon-Sat 8am-9pm Sun 10am-6pm

940 SE CARY PKWY #100, CARY, NC | (919) 859-4511 | carolinaretinaeyecare.com

See facebook for monthly news and coupons.

CARY MAGAZINE 75

Timeless design is reflected in a collection of treasures from a life well lived. southernstudio.com 919.362.5143 76

JUNE/JULY 2022

Room For MORE With Closet Factory Get MORE from your closet.

Get twice the amount of usable storage space than your old REACH-IN CLOSET

closet. Let’s go shopping again.

- GET STARTED NOW -

IN-HOME and VIRTUAL

Free Installation

Free Closet Design Consultation & Estimate

GM-GGB

Use Code #

(919) 773-8990 • closetfactory.com Showroom: 2031 Production Dr, Apex, NC 27539 ©2022 Closet Factory. All rights reserved. ©2021 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

CLOSETS • GARAGES • HOME OFFICES • ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS • WALL BEDS • WALL UNITS • LAUNDRY ROOMS • PANTRIES • CRAFT ROOMS • MUD ROOMS • WINE ROOMS

Is depression, anxiety, or PTSD preventing you or someone close to you from enjoying life to the fullest?

Pathways to New Beginnings

There is HOPE with IV Ketamine Call today for yourself or someone close to you.

910-724-2116

216 Ashville Avenue, Suite 30, Cary, NC 27518

CARY • FAYETTEVILLE • SOUTHERN PINES

renewalsolutions.org CARY MAGAZINE 77

Bibibop

Healthy Gluten-Free Asian Fare WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

INSPIRED BY the traditional Korean dish bibimbap, fastcasual eatery Bibibop Asian Grill in Cary offers a 100% glutenfree concept in a pristine, modern setting. The restaurant’s mission is all about well-being.

Whether you select a signature meal or build your own bowl, there are plenty of healthy, unprocessed options to consider. Proteins include grilled chicken, steak, and tofu, while toppings range from bean sprouts and kimchi to cage-free egg and toasted sesame broccoli. Never mind your choice of purple or white rice, supergreen salad, or sweet potato noodles.

People seem to enjoy all the options that are available, and we have continued to see a good number of customers coming in each week.”

— Lyn McClellan, General Manager

At Bibibop, you can build your own customizable bowl of gluten-free goodness.

78 JUNE/JULY 2022

A steak bowl with fresh and colorful ingredients is sure to satisfy.

CARY MAGAZINE 79

This spicy chicken dish gets kicked up a notch by spicy sriracha sauce.

80 JUNE/JULY 2022

An easily accessible patio makes outdoor dining an appealing option.

“With the exception of the chicken and steak proteins and some sauces, the side items and toppings are all vegan,” said General Manager Lyn McClellan, who hails from Thailand. “People seem to enjoy all the options that are available, and we have continued to see a good number of customers coming in each week.”

Sauces run the gamut from mild (sesame ginger, yum yum, and teriyaki) to fiery (spicy sriracha and gochujang).

Among the chef-curated bowls, you can’t go wrong with Sweet & Spicy Chicken or the Heart & Seoul Noodle with steak. The vegan PlantBased Power Bowl includes tofu, potatoes, black beans, sprouts, kale, and corn over a salad base.

“I modified one of the standard bowls a little bit, and everything was fresh and flavorful,” said Cary resident and Bibibop customer Kari Summers. “My protein was tofu, and it was some of the best I’ve ever tasted.”

Complimentary miso soup is available with every meal.

Self-serve drinks include passionfruit lemonade, black currant black tea, and green tea, plus typical soda selections.

Finish your meal with a dairy-free coconut milk pudding with mango for dessert.

Bibibop is open daily for lunch and dinner. Indoor and outdoor dining is available. Order online for carryout or delivery. t Bibibop Asian Grill 2007 Walnut St. Crossroads Shopping Center, Cary (984) 240-7156 | bibibop.com

There are choices aplenty at Bibibop, from sweet potato noodles and kale to black beans and kimchi.

CARY MAGAZINE 81

Bringing it home since 1960 Harris Teeter is proud to support more than 500 local businesses with 1,500 plus products in our stores from Charleston, South Carolina to Bethesda, Maryland. We share in your passion to buy local, and when you do, you’re not only buying from them but supporting your community as well.

After all, that’s what Home Town spirit is all about!

Find these and many more Home Town brands at your local Harris Teeter

82 JUNE/JULY 2022

Learn more at HTHomeTown.com

liquid assets

Crème de l’Orange Cider from Bull City Ciderworks WRITTEN BY DATHAN KAZSUK | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

WE ALL HAVE those childhood memories we’ll never forget, like popping wheelies outside on a nice summer day with your brandnew Huffy BMX bike. Or playing football with the gang at school, trying to avoid the large, above-ground steel pipes used for watering the grass.

One such memory for me was chasing down the ice cream truck that would come down Mulberry Avenue and make its way down Fourth Street in my hometown of Atwater, California.

After catching up to the truck, I would either order a multicolored Bomb Pop or an Orange Creamsicle. I had to eat the Creamsicle as fast as possible because the frozen treat would soon melt in the Central Valley heat, leaving a sticky mess behind.

But that taste — it lasts with you forever.

And that’s precisely the nostalgic memory that came back to me when I tried Bull City Ciderworks Crème de l’Orange.

Bull City Ciderworks, which opened its Cary taproom at 210 E. Chatham Street in March, is a great new addition to the growing downtown vibe. And according to Taproom Manager Aiden Sisson, the Crème de l’Orange was dreamed up during an annual staff cider competition.

CARY MAGAZINE 83

The cider, which originated at its Lexington taproom back in 2021, has received enough attention that Bull City Ciderworks has added Crème de l’Orange to its core lineup.

What does that mean for you? It means you should be able to find this take on a classic Orange Creamsicle at any Bull City Ciderworks location. “We decided to give it a French name to make it sound fancy,” Sisson said. “It’s got a solid, sweet flavor that is usable in many of our cocktails.”

With Crème de l’Orange joining the list of core ciders such as Cherry Tart, Rhize Up, Upcide Down, and Bludacris, finding something at the taproom to quench your thirst shouldn’t be a problem.

Bull City Ciderworks has locations in Durham, Lexington, Greensboro, and Cary.

A Wilmington location is coming soon.

CARY MAGAZINE 83

84 JUNE/JULY 2022

liquid assets

The Ultimate Bloody Mary from The Blind Pelican Seafood House WRITTEN BY DENA DAW | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

There’s bloody marys and then there’s the Ultimate Bloody Mary — a culinary cocktail innovation conceived in the midst of the pandemic by The Blind Pelican Seafood House in Holly Springs. This 14-ingredient cocktail recipe is garnished with skewers of lobster, crab legs, grilled cheese, bacon, and (believe it or not) a 6 oz. filet mignon.

Feeling picky? There are now build-yourown varieties featuring bay scallops, fried oysters, frog legs, or whatever your foodie heart desires.

CARY MAGAZINE 85

Dining Guide A SELECTION OF RESTAURANTS, BAKERIES, BISTROS AND CAFES

IN CARY, APEX, FUQUAY-VARINA, HOLLY SPRINGS, MORRISVILLE AND RALEIGH

CARY Abbey Road Tavern & Grill “Great food … outstanding live music.”

1195 W. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 481-4434; abbeyroadnc.com Academy Street Bistro “A fresh take on eclectic cuisine in the heart of Cary.” 200 S. Academy St., Cary; (919) 377-0509; academystreetbistro.com Alex & Teresa’s Italian Pizzeria & Trattoria “Authentic Italian recipes and homemade pasta.”

941 N. Harrison Ave., Cary; (919) 377-0742; alexandteresastrattoria.com Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream “Premium quality ice cream and sorbet.”

10120 Green Level Church Road #208, Cary; (919) 901-8560; 1008 Ryan Road, Cary; (919) 234-0037; andiasicecream.com Annelore’s German Bakery “Authentic German pastries, breads and pretzels” 308 W. Chatham St., Cary (919) 267-6846 anneloresbakery.com Asali Desserts & Café A gourmet sweet shop crossed with a refined coffeehouse.

107 Edinburgh Dr., Suite 106-A, Cary (919) 362-7882 asalicafe.com

86

JUNE/JULY 2022

Ashworth Drugs “Quintessential place for fresh-squeezed lemonade, old-fashioned milkshakes and hot dogs.”

105 W. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 467-1877; ashworthdrugs.com

Big Mike’s BBQ “Beers on tap to compliment locally sourced, farm-to-table BBQ.” 1222 NW Maynard Road, Cary; (919) 799-2023; brewnquenc.com

A Taste of Jamaica Family-owned, authentic dine-in and take-out Jamaican restaurant.

600 East Chatham St., Cary; (919) 461-0045; tasteofjamaicanc.com

Bonefish Grill “Fresh is our signature.”

2060 Renaissance Park Place, Cary; (919) 677-1347; bonefishgrill.com

Awaze Ethiopian Cuisine “East African eatery showcasing vegetarian and vegan options.”

904 Northeast Maynard Road, Cary (919) 377-2599 awazecuisine.com Baked Cookies & Dough “Edible cookie dough, soft serve ice cream and family-friendly treats.”

107 Edinburgh South Dr., Cary (919) 377-0058; bakedcary.com Bellini Fine Italian Cuisine “Everything is made fresh from scratch in our kitchen.”

107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Suite 119, Cary; (919) 552-0303; bellinifineitaliancuisinecary.com Big Dom’s Bagel Shop “Serving bagels, B’donuts and sandwiches” 203 E Chatham St., Cary; (919) 377-1143; bigdomsbagelshop.com The Big Easy Oven & Tap “Modern, Southern kitchen with New Orleans roots.” 231 Grande Heights Drive, Cary; (919) 468-6007; thebigeasyovenandtap.com

Bosphorus Restaurant “Traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.”

329-A N. Harrison Ave., Cary; (919) 460-1300; bosphorus-nc.com BottleDog Bites & Brews “A casual place to relax and enjoy unconventional food and craft beer” 8306 Chapel Hill Road, Cary; (919) 390-1617; bottledogcary.com Bravo’s Mexican Grill “Extensive menu raises the ante considerably above the typical Tex-Mex.” 208 Grande Heights Drive, Cary (919) 481-3811; bravosmexicangrill.net Brecotea Baking Studio “Abundant sweet and savory selections.”

1144 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 234-1555; brecotea.com Brewster’s Pub “Open late, serving a full food and drink menu.”

1885 Lake Pine Drive, Cary (919) 650-1270; brewsterspubcary.com

Dining Guide

Buldaegi BBQ House “Contemporary Korean BBQ.” 2470 Walnut St., Cary; (919) 703-0400; buldaegi.com Burrito Shak “Quality fresh-Mex cuisine, featuring slowroasted pulled pork, house-rubbed chicken breast, carne asada and battered Atlantic cod.”

2982 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary (919) 267-6772; Burritoshak.com Cha House “A relaxing place to sip quality tea and enjoy good conversation” 1319 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary (984) 465-0498; chahouseusa.com Chanticleer Café & Bakery “Family-owned restaurant serving up breakfast, lunch and specialty coffees.”

6490 Tryon Road, Cary; (919) 781-4810; chanticleercafe.com Chef’s Palette “Creative flair and originality in every aspect of our service.”

3460 Ten Ten Road, Cary; (919) 267-6011; chefspalette.net Chicken Salad Chick Gourmet chicken salad, called “the best in America.”

302 Colonades Way, Suite 202 (Waverly Place), Cary (984) 207-5516; chickensaladchick.com/cary-nc/ Cilantro Indian Café “Northeast Indian cuisine with fresh ingredients and halal meats.”

107 Edinburgh S. Drive , Suite 107, Cary; (919) 234-1264; cilantroindia.com

CinéBistro “Ultimate dinner-and-a-movie experience.”

525 New Waverly Place, Cary; (919) 987-3500; cinebistro.com/waverly

Danny’s Bar-B-Que “All slow-cooked on an open pit with hickory wood.”

311 Ashville Ave. G, Cary; (919) 851-5541; dannysbarbque.com

Cinnaholic “Over-the-top, decadent cinnamon rolls.”

1209 Parkside Main St., Cary; (919) 650-1407; cinnaholiccary.com

Di Fara Pizza Tavern “We don’t cut any corners when it comes to ingredients.”

111 East Chatham St., Cary; (919) 678-5300; difarapizzatavern.com

City Barbeque “Barbeque in its truest form.”

1305 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary (919) 439-5191; citybbq.com Coffee & Crepes “Freshly prepared sweet and savory crepes.”

315 Crossroads Blvd., Cary; (919) 233-0288; coffeeandcrepes.com Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar “Good old-fashioned burgers and bottled soda.”

126 Kilmayne Drive, Cary; (919) 466-0055; corbettsburgers.com Craft Public House “Casual family restaurant.”

1040 Tryon Village Drive, Suite 601, Cary; (919) 851-9173; craftpublichouse.com

Doherty’s Irish Pub “Catch the game or listen to live music.”

1979 High House Road, Cary; (919) 388-9930; dohertysirishpubnc.com Duck Donuts “Warm, delicious and just the way you like them.”

100 Wrenn Drive #10, Cary; (919) 468-8722; duckdonuts.com/location/cary-nc Enrigo Italian Bistro “Fresh food made from pure ingredients.”

575 New Waverly, Suite 106, Cary; (919) 854-7731; dineenrigo.com

Crema Coffee Roaster & Bakery “Family-owned and operated.”

1983 High House Road, Cary; (919) 380-1840; cremacoffeebakery.com Crosstown Pub & Grill “A straight-forward menu covers all the bases.”

140 E. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 650-2853; crosstowndowntown.com Crumbl Cookies “Cookies baked fresh all day, every day.”

1105 Market Center Drive, Morrisville; (919) 364-1100 crumblcookies.com Custom Confections “Custom cheesecakes made locally.”

1187 West Chatham St., Cary; customconfections.net; instagram.com/cary_confections

Jonathan Fredin

Brig’s “Breakfast creations, cool salads and hot sandwich platters.”

1225 NW Maynard Road, Cary; (919) 481-9300; 1040 Tryon Village Drive, Suite 604, Cary; (919) 859-2151; brigs.com

At Hank’s Downtown Dive, brisket tacos come with Hank’s Sauce, shallots and cotija cheese.

CARY MAGAZINE 87

Dining Guide Famous Toastery “Top-notch service for breakfast, brunch and lunch.”

Waverly Place Shopping Center, 316 Colonades Way, Suite 201C, Cary; (919) 655-1971; famoustoastery.com Five Guys Burgers and Fries 1121 Parkside Main St., Cary; (919) 380-0450; fiveguys.com Goodberry’s Frozen Custard 1146 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 467-2386 2325 Davis Drive, Cary; (919) 469-3350; goodberrys.com Great Harvest Bread Co. “Real food that tastes great.”

1220 NW Maynard Road, Cary (919) 460-8158; greatharvestcary.com Gonza Tacos y Tequila “Award-winning Colombian-Mexican cuisine.”

525-105 New Waverly Place, Cary; (919) 653-7310; gonzatacosytequila.com

Hank’s Downtown Dive “Relaxed restaurant serving local and Mexican eats.”

111 East Chatham St., Cary; (984) 464-2524; hanksdowntowndive.com

JuiceVibes “Made-to-order juices from locally sourced produce.”

1369 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 377-8923; juicevibes.com

Herons “The signature restaurant of The Umstead Hotel and Spa.” 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary; (919) 447-4200; theumstead.com/dining/restaurants-raleigh-nc

Kababish Café “A celebration of deliciousness and creativity.”

201 W. Chatham St., Suite 103, Cary; (919) 377-8794; kababishcafe.com

Honey Pig “Count on generous portions and friendly service at this expansive Korean restaurant.”

1065 Darrington Drive, Cary; (919) 234-0088 honeypignc.com J&S Pizza Authentic Italian cuisine and New York-style pizza since 1995.

Locations in Apex, Cary and Fuquay-Varina. jandsnypizza.com

Music Bingo -Trivia Nights -Open Mic Drink Specials - Sushi - Open 7 Days a week MAGGY AWARD WINNING MOST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT - 7 YEARS RUNNING BEST PIZZERIA -BEST OUTDOOR DINING -BEST APPETIZER WWW.RUCKUSPIZZA.COM 88

JUNE/JULY 2022

ko•än “Upscale, contemporary Southeast Asian dishes.”

2800 Renaissance Park Place, Cary; (919) 677-9229; koancary.com La Farm Bakery “Handcrafted daily … only the freshest ingredients.”

4248 N.W. Cary Parkway, Cary; 220 W. Chatham St., Cary; 5055 Arco St., Cary; (919) 657-0657; lafarmbakery.com

Dining Guide La Grassa Pastificio “Hand-crafted Italian cuisine” 908 NE Maynard Road, Cary (984) 465-0594 lagrassaitaliano.com

Lugano Ristorante “Italian dining in a comfortable and casual atmosphere.”

1060 Darrington Drive, Cary; (919) 468-7229; luganocary.com

Mithai Indian Café “Bengali-style sweet and savory selections free of preservatives and artificial flavors.”

744-F E. Chatham St., Cary (919) 469-9651; mithaius.com

LemonShark Poke “The finest poke ingredients and local brews on tap.”

2000 Boulderstone Way, Cary; (919) 333-0066; lemonsharkpoke.com

Marco Pollo “Peruvian rotisserie chicken.”

1871 Lake Pine Drive, Cary; (919) 694-5524; marcopollocary.com

MOD Pizza “Serving artisan style pizzas, superfast.”

316 Colonades Way Suite 206-C, Cary (919) 241-72001; modpizza.com/locations/waverly

Los Tres Magueyes “We prepare our food fresh daily.”

110 S.W. Maynard Road, Cary; (919) 460-8757; lostresmagueyescary.com

Maximillians Grill & Wine Bar “Global cuisine using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.”

8314 Chapel Hill Road, Cary; (919) 465-2455; maximilliansgrill.com

Mookie’s New York Deli “A bona fide, no-frills sandwich spot” 1010 Tryon Village Drive, Cary (919) 900-7770; mookiesnydeli.com

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen “Exceptional renderings of classic Southern dishes.”

7307 Tryon Road, Cary; (919) 233-1632 lucky32.com/cary

MC Modern Asian Cuisine “Bringing upscale Asian flair to downtown Cary.”

324 South Academy St., Cary; (919) 650-1738; mccuisines.com

Noodle Boulevard “Ten variations on the ramen theme, covering a pan-Asian spectrum.”

1718 Walnut St., Cary; (984) 222-3003; noodleblvd.com

Lucky Chicken “All of our beautiful Peru, with every dish.”

1851 N. Harrison Ave., Cary; (919) 338-4325; luckychickennc.net

Mellow Mushroom “Beer, calzones and creative stone-baked pizzas.”

4300 N.W. Cary Parkway, Cary; (919) 463-7779; mellowmushroom.com

Once in a Blue Moon Bakery & Café “The fast track to sweet tooth satisfaction.”

115-G W. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 319-6554; bluemoonbakery.com

Prosecco on draft!

We’re proud to be your favorite bottle shop.

See what the buzz is about • 28 Taps of craft beer, plus bottles and cans • Wine list available by the glass and bottle • Trivia night Thursdays at 7 pm • Food trucks and seasonal events • Dog-friendly patio with greenway access locally owned by Pavel & Kelly Chtcheprov

3675 Green Level West Road #101 • Apex, NC ApexBottleTheory.com • 919-267-6227 • @bottletheory

CARY MAGAZINE 89

Dining Guide The Original N.Y. Pizza “Consistent every visit.”

831 Bass Pro Lane, Cary; (919) 677-8484 6458 Tryon Road, Cary; (919) 852-2242 theoriginalnypizza.com Peck and Plume “Modern American dining in downtown Cary.”

301 S Academy St, Cary ; (919) 804-1400; peckandplume.com Pizzeria Faulisi “Simple foods from a simple way of cooking: a wood-burning oven.”

215 E. Chatham St., Suite 101, Cary; pizzeriafaulisi.com

Rally Point Sport Grill “Lunch and dinner food in a pub atmosphere.”

837 Bass Pro Lane, Cary; (919) 678-1088; rallypointsportgrill.com Red Bowl Asian Bistro “Each distinctive dish is handcrafted.”

2020 Boulderstone Way, Cary; (919) 388-9977; redbowlcary.com Ricci’s Trattoria “Keeping true to tradition.”

10110 Green Level Church Road, Cary; (919) 380-8410; riccistrattoria.com

Pro’s Epicurean Market & Café “Gourmet market, café and wine bar.”

211 E. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 377-1788; prosepicurean.com

Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits “Great food always, with a side of good times.”

8111-208 Tryon Woods Drive, Cary; (919) 851-3999; ruckuspizza.com

Pure Juicery Bar “The Triangle’s only all-vegan juice bar.”

716 Slash Pine Drive, Cary; (919) 234-1572; purejuicerybar.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House “Cooked to perfection.”

2010 Renaissance Park Place, Cary; (919) 677-0033; ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/cary

Sassool “Serving authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine.”

1347 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 300-5586; sassool.com Seoul Garden “A wide-ranging menu provides plenty of bona fide Korean options.”

815 W. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 234-6002; seoulgardennc.com Serendipity Gourmet Deli “Discovering the unusual, valuable or pleasantly surprising.”

118 S. Academy St., Cary; (919) 469-1655; serendipitygourmetdelinc.com Seol Grille “Scratch-made steamed beef and pork dumplings practically melt in your mouth.”

2310 Walnut St. (Centrum at Crossroads), Cary (984) 241-9112; seolgrille.com Sophie’s Grill & Bar “Traditional pub fare along with Old-World cuisine.”

2734 NC-55, Cary; (919) 355-2377; sophiesgrillandbar.com

2022

AWARDS

BEST OF CARY MAGAZINE

more than just juice 3035 village market place 919.468.8286 90

JUNE/JULY 2022

Dining Guide Spirits Pub & Grub “Wide variety of menu items, all prepared in a scratch kitchen.”

701 E. Chatham St., Cary (919) 462-7001; spiritscary.com Sugar Buzz Bakery “Custom cakes … and more.”

1231 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 238-7224; sugarbuzzbakery.com Szechuan Mansion Hotpot “A cook-it-yourself meal using a cauldron of flavored broth and fresh ingredients.”

1353 Kildaire Farm Road (Shoppes at Kildaire), Cary (919) 800-1802; szechuanmansion.com Taco Addicts “West-coast inspired tacos.”

131 Crossroads Boulevard, Cary; (919) 896-8043; taco-addicts.com

2022

AWARDS BEST OF

HONOR HONO RABLE MENT MENTION

We are an Italian dining ristorante with a comfortable and casual atmosphere.

We strive to provide each guest with an experience they will remember.

1060 Darrington Drive, Cary (919) 468-7229 www.luganocary.com

Taipei 101 “Chinese and Taiwanese. Serves lunch and dinner.” 121 E. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 388-5885; facebook.com/carytaipei101 Tangerine Café “From Thai to Vietnamese to Korean to Indonesian.”

2422 S.W. Cary Parkway, Cary; (919) 468-8688; tangerinecafecary.com A Taste of Jamaica “A Jamaican food outpost” 600 E. Chatham St., Suite B, Cary (919) 461-0045 Tazza Kitchen “Wood-fired cooking and craft beverages.”

600 Ledgestone Way, Cary; (919) 651-8281; tazzakitchen.com/location/stonecreekvillage Terra Bonum Salad Cafe & Coffee “Salads, wraps and other healthy lunch options.”

821 Bass Pro Lane, Cary; (984) 664-3030

Thai Spices & Sushi “Freshest, most-authentic Thai cuisine and sushi.” 986 High House Road, Cary; (919) 319-1818; thaispicesandsushi.com Totopos Street Food & Tequila “A walk through Mexico City.”

1388 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 678-3449; totoposfoodandtequila.com/cary Tribeca Tavern “Handcrafted burgers, homegrown beer.”

500 Ledgestone Way, Cary; (919) 465-3055; facebook.com/TribecaTavern’ Udupi Café “Authentic south Indian vegetarian cuisine.”

590 E. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 465-0898; sriudupicafe.com V Pizza “True Neapolitan pizza, made with the absolute best ingredients.”

1389 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary (919) 650-1821; vpizza.com

Some DONUTS call for a SPOON TRY A DONUT SUNDAE!

VISIT OUR LOCATIONS!

CARY | RALEIGH | DURHAM

OPEN 6AM - 7PM DAILY

OPEN 6AM - 7PM DAILY

OPEN 7AM - 7PM DAILY

CARY MAGAZINE 91

Dining Guide VomFass Vinegar, Oil & Spice Shop “Taste our premium olive oils and specialty vinegars before you buy.”

302 Colonades Way Suite 203, Cary; (919) 977-6745; vomfassusa.com Yuri Japanese Restaurant “For sushi fans and connoisseurs of Japanese cuisine.”

1361 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 481-0068; yurijapaneserestaurant.com

Apex Wings Restaurant & Pub “Time-tested eatery serving up chicken wings and craft beers.”

518 E. Williams St., Apex; (919) 387-0082; apexwings.com

Daniel’s Restaurant & Catering “Pasta dishes, hand-stretched pizzas and scratch-made desserts.”

1430 W. Williams St., Apex; (919) 303-1006; danielsapex.com

A Taste of Brooklyn “Petite bakery with a cheery vibe.”

101 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 362-8408; atasteofbrooklynnc.com

Doherty’s Irish Pub “Catch the game or listen to live music.”

5490 Apex Peakway, Apex; (919) 387-4100; dohertysirishpubnc.com

Bonafide Bakeshop & Cafe “A blend of Northern classics and Southern comforts.”

1232 W. Williams St., Apex 919-372-5000; BonafideBakeshop.com

APEX Abbey Road Tavern & Grill 1700 Center St., Apex; (919) 372-5383; abbeyroadnc.com

Big Mike’s BBQ “Beers on tap to compliment locally sourced, farm-to-table BBQ.” 2045 Creekside Landing Drive, Apex; (919) 338-2591; brewnquenc.com

Anna’s Pizzeria “Piping hot pizzas and mouth watering Italian food.”

100 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 267-6237; annaspizzeria.com

Common Grounds Coffee House & Desserts “The highest-quality, locally roasted coffee.”

219 N. Salem St., Suite 101, Apex; (919) 387-0873; commongroundsapex.com

MELLOW MONDAYS ARE BACK!

2 1 $ e s e e h C m u Medi 5 1 $ e s e e h c e g r La pm to close 4 Mondays from

Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm • Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm

Curbside Pick-Up 919-463-7779

Save on fees and order delivery with ease at www.mellowmushroom.com Expires 6/27/2022 4300 NW Cary Parkway Cary, NC 919-463-7779

92

JUNE/JULY 2022

Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1075 Pine Plaza Drive, Apex; (919) 616-0011; fiveguys.com Mamma Mia Italian Bistro “A taste of Italy in every bite” 708 Laura Duncan Road, Apex; (919) 363-2228; mammamianc.com The Mission Market “A casual hangout to drink, eat and shop.”

124 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 629-4064; shopthemission.com

Dining Guide Monifa’s Southern Food “Take-out restaurant serving traditional fare.”

841 Perry Road, Apex; (919) 372-5072; monifassouthernfood.com Osteria G “Traditional italian fare featuring housemade pasta.”

5160 Sunset Lake Road, Apex; (984) 229-7480; osteriag.com The Peak on Salem “Seasonal contemporary Southern cuisine” 126 N. Salem St., Apex (919) 446-6060; thepeakonsalem.com The Provincial “Fresh. Simple.”

119 Salem St., Apex; (919) 372-5921; theprovincialapex.com Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits “Great food always, with a side of good times.”

1055 Pine Plaza Drive, Apex; (919) 446-6333; ruckuspizza.com

Rudy’s Pub & Grill “Comfortable and familiar, just like home.”

780 W. Williams St., Apex; (919) 303-5061; rudysofapex.com Salem Street Pub “Friendly faces and extensive menu.”

113 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 387-9992; salemstreetpub.com Scratch Kitchen and Taproom “Asian-influenced American cuisine” 225 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 372-5370; scratchkitchenandtaproom.com

Utica Bakery “Offering hand-crafted European/Italian pastries and baked goods.”

430 Upchurch St., Apex; (919) 267-5716; uticabakery.com Vegan Community Kitchen “Meatless with a Turkish spin.”

803 E. Williams St., Apex; (919) 372-5027; vegancommunitykitchen.com

FUQUAY-VARINA Anna’s Pizzeria “Piping hot pizzas and mouth watering Italian food.”

138 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina; (919) 285-2497; annaspizzeria.com

Skipper’s Fish Fry “Homemade from our own special recipes.”

1001 E. Williams St., Apex; (919) 303-2400; skippersfish.com The Wake Zone Espresso “Your special home away from home.”

6108 Old Jenks Road, Apex; (919) 267-4622; thewakezone.com

Aviator SmokeHouse BBQ Restaurant “All of our food is made in-house.”

525 E. Broad St., Fuquay-Varina; (919) 557-7675; aviatorbrew.com

Daniel’s Restaurant & Catering

FULL SERVICE BUTCHER & SPECIALTY GROCER

Cooking the BEST New York Italian food in Western Wake since 1993!

ORDER ONLINE FOR CURBSIDE PICKUP USDA Prime, Top Choice & Dry Aged Beef Made from Scratch Prepared Meals

WINNER 2021 20 21

★ Artisan Deli ★

★ Fresh Made Sides ★

★ Beer & Wine ★ ★ House-Made Sausage ★ ★ Fresh Seafood ★ ★ All Natural & Hormone Free ★

1430 W. Williams Street | Apex, NC 919-303-1006 danielsapex.com

CARY FOLLOW US

|

BEDFORD

|

HOLLY SPRINGS

|

RALEIGH

|

WAKE FOREST

|

WILMINGTON

thebutchers-market.com

CARY MAGAZINE 93

Dining Guide Cultivate Coffee Roasters “Modern industrial twist on a small town coffee shop.”

128 S. Fuquay Ave., Fuquay Varina (919) 285-4067; cultivate.coffe

The Mason Jar Tavern “All the comforts of Southern hospitality with a modern twist.”

305 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina; (919) 762-5555; themasonjartavern.com

Juicehaus “Made-to-order fresh, raw juice.”

509 North Broad St, Fuquay Varina (919) 396-5588; juicehaus.or

Wingin’ It Bar and Grille “Serves lunch, dinner and drinks.”

1625 N. Main St., Suite 109, Fuquay-Varina; (919) 762-0962; facebook.com/winginitbarandgrille

Los Tres Magueyes “We prepare our food fresh daily.”

401 Wake Chapel Road, Fuquay-Varina; (919) 552-3957; lostresmagueyes.com Stick Boy Bread Co. “Handcrafted baked goods from scratch … all natural ingredients.”

127 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina; (919) 557-2237; stickboyfuquay.com

SHOP WINE & BEER YOUR WAY

HOLLY SPRINGS Acme Pizza Co. “Chicago-style deep dish pizza.”

204 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 552-8800; acmepizzaco.com The Blind Pelican “First-rate fish, shrimp, lobster, crab, oysters and other ocean-centric delights.”

120 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs; (984) 225-2471; blindpelicanseafood.com

Stop by the bar (no corkage fees)

Los Tres Magueyes 325 North Main St., Holly Springs; (919) 552-6272; lostresmagueyes.com Mama Bird’s Cookies + Cream “A unique spin on a timeless dessert.”

304 N. Main St., Holly Springs; (919) 762-7808; mamabirdsicecream.com My Way Tavern “Freshly made all-American foods.”

301 W. Center St., Holly Springs; (919) 285-2412; mywaytavern.com Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi “Serving authentic Thai cuisine, fresh sushi and crafted cocktails.”

242 South Main St., Suite 100, Holly Springs (984) 538-6742; oshathaikitchennc.com Rise Biscuits & Donuts 169 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs; (919) 586-7343; risebiscuitsdonuts.com

ASHWORTH DRUGS 105 W. Chatham St, Cary NC

WHERE YOUR GOOD HEALTH IS OUR BUSINESS Rx’s Filled Promptly & Professionally Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain Medical Equipment Sales & Rentals Therafirm Compression Hosiery FLA Orthopedic Supports Most Insurance & Med D Plans Accepted Rx Delivery Available

SHOP ONLINE

trianglewineco.com Store Pick Up Local Delivery Wine Shipping

VISIT OUR STORES Cary Raleigh Holly Springs Southern Pines 1.800.919.7518 94

JUNE/JULY 2022

Paul Ashworth, R.Ph.

Cori Strickland, R.Ph.

919.467.1877 Mon.- Fri. 8:30 – 6:00 Sat. 8:30 – 3:30

Dining Guide MORRISVILLE

Thai Thai Cuisine “Fresh authentic Thai food.”

108 Osterville Drive, Holly Springs; (919) 303-5700; thaithaicuisinenc.com The Butcher’s Market “Premium meats and specialty grocery.”

4200 Lassiter Road, Holly Springs; (919) 267-919); thebutchersmarkets.com The Mason Jar Tavern “All the comforts of Southern hospitality with a modern twist.”

114 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs; (919) 964-5060; themasonjartavern.com The Original N.Y. Pizza 634 Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs; (919) 567-0505;theoriginalnypizza.com Vieni Ristobar “Laid-back Italian fare.”

242 South Main St., Holly Springs; (984) 225-1134; vieniristobar.com

Capital City Chop House “Perfect place for a business lunch or dinner or a quick bite before catching a flight.”

151 Airgate Drive, Morrisville; (919) 484-7721; chophousesofnc.com

Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken “Unforgettable rotisserie chicken.”

9575 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (919) 378-9259; alpacachicken.com

Clean Juice “Organic juices, smoothies and acai bowls.”

3035 Village Market Place, Morrisville; (919) 468-8286; cleanjuice.com

Another Broken Egg Café “A totally egg-ceptional experience.”

1121 Market Center Drive, Morrisville; (919) 465-1079; anotherbrokenegg.com

Crumbl Cookies Super-sized treats with a rotating menu of classic and unusual flavors.

1105 Market Center Drive, Morrisville (919) 364-1100; crumblcookies.com

Babymoon Café “Pizzas, pastas, seafood, veal, steaks, sandwiches and gourmet salads.”

100 Jerusalem Drive, Suite 106, Morrisville; (919) 465 9006; babymooncafe.com

Desy’s Grill & Bar “Straightforward pub grub at a relaxed sports bar.”

10255 Chapel Hill Road, Suite 200, Morrisville; (919) 380-1617; desysbar.com

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar “The quality of the beef and the toppings make our burgers stand apart.”

3300 Village Market Place, Morrisville; (919) 297-0953; baddaddysburgerbar.com

Recognized

by CaryReaders Magazine Readers as Bestand Steak House and Date-Night Restaurant!

Recognized by Cary Magazine as Best Steak House Date-Night Restaurant!

THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER 2006

HONORABLE MENTION 2007

Hours: Hours: Mon-Thurs: 5-10pm Mon-Thurs: 4-10pm Fri-Sat: 5-11pmFri-Sat: 4-11pm Sun: 4-9 pm Sun: 4-9 pm

HONORABLE MENTION 201 20 13

HON HO NORABLE MENTION 2015 20 15

HON HO NORABLE MENTION 2016 20 16

THE MAGGY AWARDS

THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER

WINNER

201 20 18

201 20 19

1130 Buck Jones1130 Rd.,Buck Raleigh, 27606 JonesNC, Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27606 919.380.0122 \919.380.0122 ReysRestaurant.com \ ReysRestaurant.com

2020

WINNER 2021 20 21

5 private rooms 5 private rooms seating 6-200 guests! seating 6-200 guests!

Contact: Christina Reeves Contact: Christina Reeves at Christina@ReysRestaurant.com at Christina@ReysRestaurant.com

CARY MAGAZINE 95

Dining Guide Firebirds Wood Fired Grill “Steaks, seafood, chicken and ribs, all seared over local hickory, oak and pecan wood.”

3200 Village Market Place, Morrisville; (919) 653-0111; morrisville.firebirdsrestaurants.com

G. 58 Modern Chinese Cuisine “Master chefs from China create an unforgettable fine dining experience.”

10958 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (919) 466-8858; g58cuisine.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes “Cakes are baked fresh daily, in a variety of flavors and sizes.”

2008 Market Center Drive, Unit 17130, Morrisville; (919) 694-5300; nothingbundtcakes.com

Flip Side Donuts “Fun options that you can’t find anywhere else!”

9958 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (919) 234-0121; flipsidedonuts.com

Georgina’s Pizzeria & Restaurant “Mouthwatering homemade Italian dishes.”

3536 Davis Drive, Morrisville; (919) 388-3820; georginascary.com

Rise Biscuits & Donuts “Old school, new school, and specialty donuts.”

1100 Market Center Drive, Morrisville; (919) 377-0385; risebiscuitsdonuts.com

Fount Coffee + Kitchen “Coffee and a menu that is 100 percent gluten-free.”

10954 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (984) 888-5454; fountcoffee.com

HiPoke “Fresh Fun Poke.”

9573 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville (919) 650-3398; hipokes.com

The Full Moon Oyster Bar & Seafood Kitchen “Homemade recipes handed down over the years.”

1600 Village Market Place, Morrisville; (919) 378-9524; fullmoonoysterbar.com

Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant 9605 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville (919) 481-9002; micancunmx.com Neomonde “A wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary Mediterranean menu items.”

10235 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (919) 466-8100; neomonde.com

Hell Yes Ma'am Jams Live Music every friday!

RALEIGH BREWING - CARY 2036 RENAISSANCE PARK PLACE CARY, NC 27513

96

JUNE/JULY 2022

Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits 1101 Market Center Drive, Morrisville; (919) 388-3500; ruckuspizza.com Smokey’s BBQ Shack “Meats are dry rubbed with love and slow smoked with hickory wood.”

10800 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (919) 469-1724; smokeysshack.com Taste Vietnamese “Prepared with passion and perfected through generations.”

152 Morrisville Square Way, Morrisville; (919) 234-6385; tastevietnamese.com

Village Deli & Grill “Wholesome homemade foods.”

909 Aviation Parkway #100, Morrisville; (919) 462-6191; villagedeli.net

Flying Biscuit Café “Southern-inspired menu of comfort food made with fresh ingredients.”

2016 Clark Ave., Raleigh; (919) 833-6924, flyingbiscuit.com/locations-2/Raleigh

ZenFish Poké Bar “Guilt-free, healthy, fast-casual dining.”

9924 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville (919) 234-0914; zenfishpokebar.com

Garland “Indian and Asian cuisine with a Southern twist.”

14 W Martin St, Raleigh; (919) 833-6886; garlandraleigh.com

RALEIGH

Rey’s “Fine dining with a French Quarter flair.”

1130 Buck Jones Road, Raleigh (919) 380-0122; reysrestaurant.com

Angus Barn “World-renowned for its service.”

9401 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh; (919) 781-2444; angusbarn.com

The Big Easy Oven & Tap “Modern, Southern kitchen with New Orleans roots.”

222 Fayetteville St., Raleigh (919) 832-6082; thebigeasyovenandtap.com

The Pit “Authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue.”

328 W. Davie St., Raleigh; (919) 890-4500; thepit-raleigh.com

Jonathan Fredin

Annelore’s German Bakery “Pastries using the finest local ingredients.”

1249 Farmers Market Drive, Raleigh (919) 294-8040; facebook.com/AnneloresGermanBakery Standout appetizer Chowder Baked Oysters will not disappoint at Osteria G.

2022

AWARDS

BEST OF CARY MAGAZINE

Tasting Room Open Daily C A R Y, N C

111 E. Chatham St., Downtown Cary (919) 678-5300 | difarapizzatavern.com

C A R Y, N C

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Balsamic Vinegars

Exclusive Spices Gourmet Foods

Waverly Place Shopping Center | 302 Colonades Way, Suite 203 | Car y, NC 27518 919-977-6745 | www.car y.vomfassusa.com

CARY MAGAZINE 97

LEARN. LAUGH. PLAY.

The Town of Cary has camps, classes, and programs for all ages and all interests!

Register your child at www.myCary.org.

@TOC_Fun |

@EnjoyCary |

@TownofCaryNC

www.townofcary.org | (919) 469-4000

The Moving Truck is Leaving!

Are you ready to learn about your new community?

Your local welcome team is ready to visit you with a basket full of maps, civic information, gifts, and gift certificates from local businesses. From doctors to dentists and restaurants to repairmen...we help newcomers feel right at home in their new community!

For your complimentary welcome visit, or to include a gift for newcomers, call 919.809.0220. Or, visit our website, www.nnws.org.

CARY | APEX | MORRISVILLE | HOLLY SPRINGS | FUQUAY-VARINA | GARNER ANGIER | WILLOW SPRING | CLAYTON | CLEVELAND 98

JUNE/JULY 2022

Amy Allen Photography

In His Image

F8 Photo Studios

Host your event at the Triangle’s newest industrial chic venue located in downtown Cary! Chatham Station boasts 4500 sq ft of gorgeous natural light + exposed bricks, two dressing suites as well a beautifully landscaped courtyard. Contact us today to start planning your extraordinary wedding, corporate, nonprofit or other unique events!

919-518-4558 Facebook.com/ChathamStation

@ChathamStation

email: welcome@chathamstationnc.com

garden adventurer WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY L.A. JACKSON

Naked Gardening

Naked ladies grace the summer garden in shades of blushing pink.

100 JUNE/JULY 2022

PSSST! Ya wanna know a secret about me?

Well, please don’t tell anyone, but every summer, I do enjoy watching naked ladies romp in my garden.

Now, before you think I’ve gone woefully weird or am trying to get Cary Magazine slapped with an R rating, let me explain.

The naked ladies I adore are plants, not people, so call off the morality police.

Naked ladies (botanically tagged as Lycoris squamigera, and also known as surprise lilies or resurrection lilies) are bulbous beauties related to the popular red spider lilies (Lycoris radiata). In the early spring, these ladies show off skirts of long, strap-like green leaves, which common wisdom would suggest to complement a soon-to-follow flower show.

Instead, this foliage in its full prime suddenly dies back, leaving these ladies stripped down to bare nothings and puzzled gardeners left to wonder if they killed their plants.

However, come August, these teasers suddenly, salaciously sprout skinny green scapes from the earth to expose their naughty namesake in the form of large, conical flowers blushing in shades of pretty pink. After the blooms die back, naked ladies slip into another dormant slumber, resting until the following spring, when they will start their strange cycle of horticultural hoochie koo all over again.

When they are dormant, meaning either now or early fall, is a good time to find and plant naked lady bulbs. Contact local garden centers to see if they have any on hand, and if that doesn’t work, Plant Delights Nursery (plantdelights.com) in Raleigh has them, as well as Brent and Becky’s Bulbs (brentandbeckysbulbs.com), who actually don’t start shipping from their Virginia farm until after the leaves die back in late spring.

To Do in the

GARDEN June •

•

When irrigating new plantings, encourage developing roots to reach down into the soil with thorough waterings, not quick spritzes here and there. Plants with shallow root systems are more susceptible to stress during the hottest, driest times of the growing season.

To bulk up for a bountiful harvest through the long summer haul, after veggies such as green beans, okra, peppers, squash, tomatoes, and eggplants begin to set their first crops, replenish their nutrient needs by side dressing with a common fertilizer such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10.

July •

•

If your home is adorned with tropical houseplants such as rubber tree, fiddle leaf fig, dracaena, or peace lily, be kind to these pretties and water them right. Instead of using chilly water straight from the faucet, fill a jug and let it warm to room temperature before giving your plants a drink.

For best flavors and fragrances, harvest herbs early after the morning dew dries off of the foliage. This is when essential oils are more concentrated in their leaves.

Now is a good time to see the true bloom colors of such crape myrtle beauties as ‘Red Rocket.’

TIMELY TIP Crape myrtles can be purchased anytime during the year, but buying them in midsummer adds the advantage of seeing these beauties in bloom — and the true colors of their flowers.

Plant tag images can fade, and they aren’t always accurate, so eyeballing the actual blossoms is the way to go. Any crapes planted during the scorch of the summer should be given wellprepared planting holes, plenty of mulch, and regular waterings. A good alternative is to simply temporarily tuck away your new crape cuties with their pots in a semi-shady spot, water them weekly, and wait until the fall, which is a prime planting time for woody ornamentals.

Naked ladies — deer resistant, by the way — flaunt best in sunny areas with organically rich, well-draining soil. If properly cared for, they will naturalize, producing offset bulbs in the process that can be transplanted to other parts of your landscape or given to fellow gardeners.

If you are looking for instant gratification from these beauties, you’ll have to cool your jets for at least the first year they are in the garden. Naked ladies do resent being disturbed — meaning dug up and replanted — and they usually show it by sulking during their first bloom period, producing few, if any, blossoms. After a year of settling in, however, these sassy sensations will ramp up a flower show that will only get better in the years to come. t L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine.

CARY MAGAZINE 101

happenings

PARTY

Cary Magazine and Main & Broad celebrated their 2022 Maggy Award winners at the annual Maggy Party, this time hosted outside at Fenton, a brand-new mixed-use development in Cary. Photographer Jonathan Fredin captured every exciting moment, from tasty bites and drinks, artwork by Peak City Chalk, aerial performers courtesy of Pura Vida Studio, music by the Jason Adamo Band, and much more. A great time was had by all!

104 JUNE/JULY 2022

An aerial performer from Pura Vida Studio twists and turns and dazzles the crowd.

2

1

3

4

5

1 The Team at Twisted Scizzors celebrates their 10-year Maggy-winning streak. 2 Doug Casteen, a member of The Jason Adamo Band, strikes a pose. 3 George and Andia Xouris, owners of Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream, celebrate their Maggy win for Best Dessert. 4 Tasty bites and drinks were provided by many winning establishments.

5 The Jason Adamo Band, this year’s Maggy winner for Best Local Music Group, provided the evening’s entertainment.

CARY MAGAZINE 105

happenings

1

2

LEFT: 1 Food and drinks were on point at this year’s Maggy Party! 2 Warm weather, live music and creative cocktails made for a great time.

3 Let’s CHALK about the party’s fun chalk creations, courtesy of Johna Ritchie at Peak City Chalk! 4 Fenton’s green open area provided the

3

perfect backdrop for selfies. 5 SAY CHEESE! Attendees gather for a fun photo op, drinks in tow.

RIGHT: 1 Strategically placed cocktail tables provided front-row entertainment! 2 Flying high with our community’s high flyers! 3 A fur baby enjoys Fenton’s green space amid the festivities.

4 Tasty treats were a highlight of the evening.

5 Pura Vida’s aerial performers are a flex (literally).

6 Rey’s Steakhouse, 2022’s Maggy Winner for Best

5

Steakhouse, served up tantalizing tasters for all.

4

106 JUNE/JULY 2022

1

2

4

3

5

6

CARY MAGAZINE 107

happenings Congratulations to the Cary Ballet Company In honor of Earth

Day, students at

Chesterbrook Academy Preschool Preston in Cary released more than 3,000 ladybugs throughout the schoolyard

for being the first youth organization in this area approved by The Balanchine Trust Foundation to perform the classical ballet

Serenade, by George Balanchine. As part of Spring Works 2022, this performance included a live performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings in C, Op. 48” by the Triangle Music Philharmonic.

and back into the environment to help local vegetation.

Even better, students were dressed for the occasion as ladybugs!

The breathtaking “Evanescent

Art-chitecture” exhibit, created by Peruvian sculptor and industrial designer Renzo B. Larriviere and special architect and artist Zara Pasfield, debuted in downtown Raleigh during this year’s Artsplosure event.

Healing Transitions, a local nonprofit that addresses addiction and homelessOn April 23, the CHILDREN’S

DAY FESTIVAL

was held at Fred G.

ness in Wake County, celebrated the end

Bond Metro Park. At this year’s festival, more than 350 children representing

of its “Recovery

Can’t Wait”

23 cultural organizations performed on stage. The festival is co-organized by

capital campaign after raising more than

the American-Turkish Association of NC and Sister Cities Association of Cary

$23 million. Funds raised will be used to

as a gift to the community and made possible in part by the Town of Cary’s

expand living and program spaces and allow

Lazy Daze Grant.

Healing Transitions to continue to serve the community. healing-transitions.org

108 JUNE/JULY 2022

Wake County resident Maggie

Mae Whittemore was

crowned Ideal Miss North Carolina and will represent the state on the national stage this summer. In 2018, Whittemore was diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder, inspiring her to start her own initiative, Authentic Instas, to promote authenticity and truthful images on social media.

On May 1, the

TOWN OF CARY hosted a ground-

breaking ceremony celebrating the start of two neighborhood parks on Carpenter Fire Station Road and McCrimmon Parkway. Attendees enjoyed music, circus performers, free Andia’s ice cream, and other fun family activities.

The Food Drive Kids hosted a county-wide food drive in

The Spring Wine & Brew Walk returned to Waverly Place in April and May. Attendees sampled red,

an effort to fight childhood hunger on Global Youth Service Day, April

white, and sparkling wine and local craft beers at select

23, raising $5,000 for the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and collecting 5,393

Waverly Place merchants. All donations and raffle money

pounds of food. The Food Drive Kids is a youth-led initiative headed

benefited the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, aiding in the fight

up by William Winslow, 16, and his brother, Alexander, 12.

against all cancers affecting women. kayyow.com CARY MAGAZINE 109

happenings The Fine Arts League of Cary’s

27th Annual Juried Exhibition opened at the PageWalker Arts and History Center in May. With over 600 entries, 68 were accepted into the Exhibition, the farthest coming from Hawaii. 18 artists from the Triangle are represented with another nine from across North Carolina.

The Apex Latino Arts Festival will be held on June 4, celebrating the presence of Latino arts and culture in our local community. Festivities will include food, children’s arts and crafts, traditional piñata breaking ceremoThe Taylor Family YMCA in

nies, dance, and more.

Cary has debuted the

“DynaDome,” a stateof-the-art facility that will be the first in the Triangle region. The retractable pool enclosure allows swimmers to enjoy the pool regardless of the weather. ymcatriangle.org

More than 500 US flags were displayed over Memorial

Congratulations to high school senior

Day weekend at West Raleigh Baseball Complex in tribute

HAIDYN REINHARDT,

to all veterans as well as those currently serving in the military.

childhood leukemia survivor and

Others honored included first responders, medical professionals,

multi-sport star in soccer, volleyball,

and those who serve and protect our communities.

basketball, and cheer. Upon the

a

completion of her final soccer season,

THE TOWN OF MORRISVILLE has entered into a partnership with the Wake County Public School System and Wake Technical Community College that will lead to a new high school, projected to open fall 2027, and 17 acres of parkland and open space in Morrisville.

110 JUNE/JULY 2022

Reinhardt — named “Girl of the Year” by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for two years in a row — has set a record by earning her 21st varsity athletic letter at Thales Academy Apex.

The Town of Morrisville celebrated its

Earth Day Celebration + Green Day event on April 30, coinciding with the Western Wake Farmers’ Market at the Health Food Hub. The event supported the Town’s pro-pollinator efforts through native plant education and awareness.

The Town of Cary kicked off May with

Herbfest, featuring an exciting

smile FIND YOUR

Our mission is to help you nd your smile! Stanley Dentistry is one of North Carolina’s most comprehensive family-owned dental practices. Our talented team ooers a wide array of dental services including cosmetics, orthodontics, oral surgery, and family dentistry. dentistry Make an appointment today!

PR OUDLY SER VING C ARY

butterfly release, plant vendors, and more. Held at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, visitors had the opportunity to learn how to start their own herb garden while touring the Anne B. Kratzer Educational Garden, including a close-up look at the historic 1850s

CALL 919.460.9665 OR VISIT STANLEYSMILES.COM

Page smokehouse.

CARY MAGAZINE 111

happenings

Cary Magazine and Main & Broad celebrated their 2022

Maggy Award win-

ners at the annual Maggy Party, hosted at Fenton, a brand-new mixed-use development in Cary. Winners and guests enjoyed tasty bites and drinks, artwork by Peak City Chalk, aerial performers courtesy of Pura Vida Studio, music by the Jason Adamo Band, and much more. A great time was had by all!

Whatever event you’re planning, Spark Photo Booth creates a photo experience to make sure your guests have memories & photos that last forever. Add a photo booth to your next event!

(919) 701-8421 sparkphotoboothraleigh@gmail.com @sparkphotobooth @raleighphotoboothfun

PERFORMANCES AT THE PAGE — formerly known as the Starlight Concert Series — are back for the 2022 season! These outdoor free performances will feature everything from beach music to bluegrass to reggae, so grab your lawn chair and don’t miss it!

112 JUNE/JULY 2022

R A L E I G H ’ S N E W E V E N T S PA C E F O R W E D D I N G S | R E C E P T I O N S | C O R P O R AT E E V E N T S Beautifully renovated building in Five Points area Covered terrace with skyline view • Arched wood barrel ceiling • Intimate to 500+ guests 1125 Capital Blvd. • 919-833-7900 • thefairviewraleigh.com • Follow us @thefairviewraleigh.com • Managed by THEMEWORKS CARY MAGAZINE 113

114

JUNE/JULY 2022

CARY MAGAZINE 115

Presented by

CARY MAGAZINE 116

Sponsored by

Jake Brezac

Green Level High School We are so proud of you Jake! You have worked hard to reach your goals. We can’t wait for your next adventure at UNC-Charlotte. We will always be here to love and support you! Go 49ers!!

Kylie Chapman

Dylan Smith

Fuquay Varina High School

Fuquay Varina High School

Kylie is such a determined young lady graduating at Fuquay High and going to cosmetology school at Wake Tech. She has been working at Rize Salon and babysitting. She plans to finish cosmetology school and style and cut hair.

We are so proud of Kylie and can’t wait for what the future holds!

We are so very proud of your accomplishments, integrity and kindness. Great things are ahead in the next chapter at NC State University. #wolfpack #engineering

Katelyn Wooten

Fuquay Varina High School Congratulations!!!

So proud of you!!

Love you most!!

Daniel Wooten

Fuquay Varina High School Congratulations!!

So proud of you!

Love you most!

Erin Prins

Fuquay Varina High School Erin is graduating in the top 1% of her class and plans to attend Furman University in the fall. She will be majoring in Mathematics on a pre-secondary education masters track with the goal of becoming a high school math teacher.

She loves giving back to the community that has given her so much!

CARY MAGAZINE 117

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF 2022 Killian Preslar

Happy Face Preschool Killian, You always keep us laughing. You are a constant joy to us all! We love you!

Mommy, Daddy, Blaine, Cordelia and Lorelai

Peyton Jones

Cordelia Preslar

Apex Friendship High School

Happy Face Preschool

Peyton moved here in 2019 when my husband got orders to move to this area with the Air Force. Covid19 isolation & an epilepsy diagnoses was hard, so she started therapy. The experience was so helpful that she has decided to seek a degree in Psychology at ECU to help others as she was helped.

Cordelia you bring so much fun and music and dancing to our house! We love you so much!

Mommy, Daddy, Blaine, Killian and Lorelai

Ashten Little Hapeville Charter Atlanta Georgia Well son, the day has come it seemed like yesterday Watching you win science fairs year after year. Till you found your love in soccer and engineering. I’m not sure why words are so hard for me to write, just know the tears that I cry are tears of joy.

Congratulations my little black butterfly.

Noa Stephens

McKenzie Feldman

Congratulations on graduating Kindergarten Noa. We are proud of you always but especially today!

Congratulations to McKenzie! Graduate of the Hussman School of Journalism and Media. We cannot be more proud of all you have accomplished and can’t wait to see what your next chapter in the book of life will be! Love, Mom, Dad l, and Ryan

Carolina Charter Academy

118 JUNE/JULY 2022

UNC Chapel Hill

Sponsored by

Arriana Jones

Green Level High School Congratulations to my lovely daughter Arriana. May you have all the goodness, courage, and wisdom in pursuing life in college. I am proud of you and exciting to see your next accomplishments!!

I see you elevating in your plane of success and so exciting to see you flourish thru each adventure.

Aidan Arvay

Samhith Kakarla

Green Level High School

Green Level High

Aidan is a four year, Army ROTC full scholarship recipient and will be attending Clemson.

Samhith Kakarla, a high school senior and salutatorian at Green Level High, graduated with a perfect GPA and was accepted into Duke University starting in fall 2022. His teachers and parents are very proud of his accomplishments and wish him all the best for his future endeavors.

Congratulations, Aidan! We are so proud of all of your accomplishments and know you’ll continue to work hard and be successful! We love you.

Gianna Palange

Green Level High School Congratulations, Gianna! We’re so proud of you- and excited to watch you soar!

Love Mom, Dad, Taylor, and Gabby

Graylin Mathews

Thomas Peele

Crossroads FLEX High School

The Montessori School of Raleigh

Graylin will be heading to the Big Apple after graduation to pursue her dance and performance career. Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Semester is her next stop as she continues to take online classes through Wake Tech.

We are immensely proud of who she is and excited for all she will do!

Thomas, Congratulations Honors Graduate with Montessori and IB diplomas! We are proud of who you are and what you’ve accomplished over the years! You are a light and a gift to this world; we are thrilled to see your next exciting leap into Mechanical Engineering at VA Tech!

Love Mom, Dad and JBO

CARY MAGAZINE 119

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF 2022 Emily M. Cardona Green Hope High School

You have proved that anything is possible.

We are super proud of you Emily! Don’t ever change anything about you…… you are amazing just the way you are.

We love you to the moon and back.

Ben Parker

Laura Hairston

Cary Academy

Hampton University

Dad and I are so incredibly proud of all your accomplishments. We wish you all the best in your next chapter at UNC-Chapel Hill. Reach for the stars as the best is yet to come.

We are so proud of your accomplishment!

Graduating with honors, receiving your BS in Biochemistry! Major Congrats!

This is only the beginning!

Love mom, dad, Layla and your Lowery Smiles Family

Love, Mom and Dad

Manuel Quinones Green Hope High School Manuel Andres Quinones Congratulations! We are very proud of you and all your achievements.

Love, Mami, Papi and Natalia

Matthew Martin NC State University, College of Engineering

Matthew took only 3 years to graduate Magna Cum Laude with his bachelors of computer science/minor in business administration. His undergrad GPA of 4.0 amazed us! And now he’s got one year of grad school to get his masters in computer science as well. Good luck Matthew! We love you! Go Pack!

120

JUNE/JULY 2022

Carly Barello

Green Hope High School Month long whirlwind….Cornell University vs. UNC at Chapel Hill. Touring campuses. Weighing out pros and cons: Today, our girl selected University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am so ecstatic! Now Carly, shine bright @ UNC-CH!

Sponsored by

Abby Zadeits

Appalachian State University Congratulations Abby! We are so proud of you and your achievements at App! From the beginning you set out to make your experience count and you did so in many ways. We are excited about grad school and know you will continue to be a tremendous success!

Love Mom, Dad, Macy, Rachel & Michael

Noelle Kafka

Grayson Hinnant

Lightbridge Academy

UNC-Chapel Hill

We can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish in life! Get ready to broaden your experiences, friendships and mind! Kindergarten here you come!

“You’re off to great places Today is your day Your mountain is waiting Go, get on your way!” –Dr. Seuss Love, Mom and Dad

Congratulations Grayson! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments during your time at UNC-Chapel Hill.

You are doing to do amazing things.

The sky is the limit!

Love You So Much, Dad, Mom, Margo

Phillip Wilson

Fuquay-Varina High School We are so proud of you, Phillip, and know that you have a bright future ahead. You have the heart, work ethic, and persistence to handle whatever life throws your way. We do, and always will have your back. Now, go tackle the world!

(Photo: T. Burroughs Photography)

Kayleigh Herr Crossroads Flex

Congratulations to a smart, talented, funny, sweet, beautiful, athletic graduate!

We know you’ll do amazing things at UNC Chapel Hill! Go Heels!

Shrishti Jain

University of Pittsburgh Dear Mom, Dad & Shlok, Thank you so much for loving me and supporting me through my college years.

I couldn’t have done it without you, and I love you all so much! Proud to have graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Neuroscience.

Love, Shrishti

CARY MAGAZINE 121

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF 2022 Noah McCreary Campbell University

Noah graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with honors (magna cum laude).

He plans to continue his education at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. We are proud of him for this wonderful accomplishment.

He is pictured with Sydney Edwards McCreary, his new wife.

Lindsey Bishop

Peter Andrianov

Cardinal Gibbons High School

Green Level High School

Congratulations Lindsey! We are so proud of you & the young woman you have become! All your hard work has paid off and we can’t wait to see where the next 4 years take you! Dream big and keep on smiling!

We are so proud of you, Peter!

Congratulations!!

Love, Mama and Daddy

Izzy Hemric

Apex Friendship High School Congratulations Izzy!

We are excited for your next four at Meredith College. Can’t wait to see you shine!

All our love, Mom, Dad, Luke and Olive.

Olivia Tastet UNC Charlotte

Olivia recently graduated summa cum laude from UNC Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She has accepted a position as an ICU nurse at Novent Health in Charlotte and is planning to continue her nursing education in the future as a nurse practitioner.

122

JUNE/JULY 2022

Ashley Campbell UNC Wilmington

We are so proud of you earning your Masters degree! We recognize that it was not easy, but you persevered despite obstacles including hurricanes and a global pandemic! :-) We have always believed in you and hope for nothing less than the best for your future!

We love you! Mom, Dad and Alex

Sponsored by

Varshini Sathish

Green Level High School Congratulations Varshini!!!!!

Nathan Spence

Drew Wheeler

Middle Creek High School

Fuquay Varina High School

This smart, funny, athletic, kind kid is graduating and plans on continuing his education at NC State. His mom and dad could not be prouder of him!

Drew is a resilient young man, overcoming medical challenges at 15 months old (Langerhan’s Cell Histiocytosis) to soon be graduating high school with a 4.20 GPA and as a First-Team All-State men’s lacrosse goalie with a scholarship to continue his education and sport at Barton College.

Ryleigh Schaeffer

Fuquay Varina High School Ryleigh displays strong academic success achieving principal honor roll, academic honor roll all 4 years of high school, and National Student Honor Society. Ryleigh plans to attend Converse University on a lacrosse scholarship to study Mechanical Engineering(dual study with Clemson University).

Reagan Terwilliger

Ryan Jaworski

Congratulation to Reagan Terwilliger.

Reagan Terwilliger has enlisted in the Navy and will be going to Boot Camp mid September.

Congratulations Ryan! We will miss you so much, but we are so happy for you and excited for your future at Guilford College.

Fuquay Varina High School

Cary High School

CARY MAGAZINE 123

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF 2022 Kai Norris

Fuquay Varina High School Kai! We will always be your biggest supporters! We are so proud of you! You worked hard and persevered through some tough challenges, but always stayed true to yourself. Congratulations on your accomplishments! We can’t wait to see you do your thing at UNC-C! Love always, Mom, Dad, Sarah & Leah

Trinity McClary

Zachary Hobbs

Fuquay Varina High School

Fuquay Varina High School

Congratulations Trint! We are so proud of you & can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!

Zach will be attending Wake Tech in the fall to pursue his dream in Digital Animation and Design. He hopes to work for Epic Games in the future.

Zach also plans to continue following his passion for musical theatre and perform with local theaters.

Love, Mom, Dad, Sky, Peyton & Bri

Carter Puente

Fuquay Varina High School “Go into the world and do well, but more importantly go into the world and do good.”

With all of our love, your proud parents!

MarYahna Richardson

NC A&T University MarYahna graduated from NC A&T on May 14 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

She looks forward to beginning her teaching journey with Wake County Public School System where she can change the world-one student at the time.

124

JUNE/JULY 2022

Connor Scherpereel Fuquay Varina High School Charismatic and an athlete! 4 time varsity letterman in lacrosse and varsity football 3 years as an outstanding fullback. He scored 4 TDs in a win against Garner this year, game winning TD to beat rival Holly Springs & helped the Bengals beat Middle Creek 2 out 3 meetings. Attending ECU in the fall.

Sponsored by

Jackson Bryant

Fuquay Varina High School Jackson is graduating Magna Cum Laude and will attend App State, majoring in International Business/German!

Dawson Mack

Jack Nystrom

Fuquay Varina High School

Fuquay Varina High School

Dawson Mack swam 4 years at FVHS as well as a competitive swimmer for HCAC. He received a leadership award from his HS swim coach. He is attending Wake Tech in the fall taking the Automotive program with focus on European Cars. He loves all things cars, surfing and hanging out with his friends.

Jack Nystrom created Nystrom Carpet Cleaning, LLC when he was 15 years old. It is currently a thriving business and he will go on the fall to attend ECU in the Entrepreneurial program.

Malachi Moore

Green Hope High School Congratulations Malachi! We are so proud of you and your accomplishments over the past 18 years. We pray God continues to order your steps as you travel through this journey. Never let anyone dim your light and continue to shine bright! The sky is the limit to what you can achieve. We love you.

Kristen Scaccia

Cara Frantz

Panther Creek High School

Needham Broughton High School

Kristen, your Pura Vida family is so excited for your next chapter at Appalachian State University! As much as we are going to miss you flying through the air with us, we know you will excel in college. Sending you all the best vibes in your college journey!

Cara, Pura Vida is so proud of you! We are wishing all the best on your journey at Charlotte University. Between mechanical engineering, teaching aerials, and performing aerials, we know you will THRIVE in all that you do. Good luck on your next chapter!!

Love, Alicia & Pura Vida Studio

Love, Alicia & Pura Vida Studio

CARY MAGAZINE 125

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF 2022 Amanda Dodd

Fuquay Varina High School We are so grateful to have been blessed with a daughter like you. You never fail to make us proud. This is just one of so many achievements in your future. We are so proud of you! Congratulations Amanda and to the whole Fuquay Class of 2022!!

Y’all are an amazing bunch!

Vienna Page

Victoria (Tori) Hicks Fuquay Varina High School

Fuquay Varina High School

Victoria Hicks is the President of Key Club, Vice President of the Asian Student Association, Ambassador for the National Society of High School Scholars, and a member of both the National Honor Society and Kiwanis. She will attend UNC Charlotte this fall studying Architecture and Design.

Vienna is a strong academic student and varsity soccer player who is headed to The Netherlands in the fall. She will be attending Leiden University in The Hague.

Her program of study is Global Challenges. She dreams of working for the UN. She is going to San Diego soon for an FCCLA Natl Competition.

Meghan Cornell

Fuquay Varina High School Meghan is a kind and intelligent young lady. We have had the privilege of being her parents. She has excelled at swimming during her time in Middle and High school while keeping an honor roll grade point average. She has a remarkable faith and will take that with her to grow at Liberty University.

Tylor Kazura

Fuquay Varina High School Congratulations on your achievement!

We love you and are so proud of you!

Onward to your next chapter at ECU!!

Love, Mom, Dad, Molly, & Abbigail

126

JUNE/JULY 2022

Mia Edwards

Fuquay Varina High School Congratulations, Mia!

Sponsored by

Kayleen Ahlquist

Green Level High School Congratulations Kayleen. We love you. We wish you nothing but the best in everything. Embrace all the new beginnings that will present themselves. Go gamecocks.

Sydney Vroome

Sumner Stremming

Green Level High School

Green Hope High School

Sydney, You deserve to be honored for all your dedication and hard work these last several years but even more so for doing it ALL while staying true to your character. You have made us all so proud and your future is so bright! Always know you are loved and can do hard things.

Love, Team Vroome

You deserve to feel wonderful about what you’ve accomplished! Enjoy the ride but don’t forget your way back home!

Love you always, Mom, Dad & Kylie

Deanna Wichmann Fuquay Varina High School

Deanna is a graduating senior from FVHS who has been selected to attend the ECU Musical Theater program for a BFA.

Clarence Clarke

Fuquay Varina High School Congratulations Clarence!!

I am so proud of you. Wishing you all the best and much success as you move on to a new and exciting time in your life. May the wisdom of the Almighty be your guiding light. Shine Bright.

Samuel Belt

Green Hope High School Congratulations Sam! We are all proud of you!

Crystal, Shane, Sumner, Kylie, Bullet, Esteban, & Nikolai

CARY MAGAZINE 127

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF 2022 Madison Haseker

Fuquay Varina High School This is Maddie! Madison lives in Fuquay Varina, and attends Fuquay Varina High School. She also participates in the dual enrollment program at Wake Tech. She will continue her studies at Wake Technical Community College after graduation, and will work toward her degree in business and marketing.

Zane McCann

Jenna Konowitz

Fuquay Varina High School

Middle Creek High School

Zane McCann is graduating Magna Cum Laude from Fuquay Varina High School.

He will be attending King University in Bristol, TN where he is committed to play baseball while studying Kinesiology.

Jenna,You fill our hearts with your independent spirit and desire to help others. Continue to follow your heart and chase your dreams. The sky is the limit as you pursue a degree in Nursing at ODU! Always love what you do and do what you love. We are so proud of you! Love, Mom & Dad

Grace Tuller

Fuquay Varina High School The last four years have challenged you, made you more resilient and given you so many memories! You achieved your goals of becoming Student Body President and the Top 1% in your class.

You worked hard, made new friends, fell in love and had so much fun!

Cheers to the next chapter!

Reese McGaughy

Fuquay Varina High School An early graduate of FVHS, Reese finished his senior year in January. While at school he enjoyed spending time with friends and playing soccer. In April Reese left for U.S. Navy boot camp. Although he will not have an opportunity to walk with his senior class, he will proudly walk with his division.

128

JUNE/JULY 2022

Jarrod Luck

Fuquay Varina High School Congratulations on graduating, Jarrod!

We are so proud of you and we can’t wait to see how bright your future is!

Good luck at ECU this fall!

Love, Dad & Mom, Mia & Masen

Sponsored by

Maisie Tate

Raleigh Charter High School Congratulations! We are so proud of you. You *are* defined by the things you love, for sure. Life is never boring around you: keep challenging those around you to do better and be better! Keep telling stories. Stay too chatty. We want to hear everything. Love, Mom, Dad, Charlotte, Taylor & Lola

Britton Cleveland

Blythe Ransdell

Broughton High School

Fuquay Varina High School

Britton, We are so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments during your four years at BHS. You have excelled and we look forward to seeing you shine in your future endeavors! Dance team captain, BHS Dance Company, NHS, CapsCrew, CapTap, Emerging Artist, choreographer, Chicago! Love you!

Congratulations Blythe! We love you so much and are so proud of all of your hard work and dedication these past 4 years.

We are excited to watch you continue to blossom as you further your education at Appalachian State University this fall.

Maya Eacret

Enloe High School Congratulations Maya!! We are excited to see what lies ahead for you!

Trinity Davis UNCW

Congratulations to our Tenacious Trinity!

You have continued to keep the ball rolling from a State Championship to Fuquay-Varina High School Lady Bengal’s Soccer to MVP in college with the Cape Fear Sea Devils and now coaching your senior year at UNCW! Excited to see what you will tackle next!

Carson Haynes

Fuquay Varina High School Carson, We are so proud of all your determination and accomplishments. We know you are capable of achieving the goals you set for yourself. Stay true to who you are and go for what you want!!!

Love, Mom, Dad, Caiden and Kelcey

CARY MAGAZINE 129

write light

BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Strolling for a home DISCOVERED AT A LANDFILL, a litter of three Chow-retriever mix puppies arrive in a stroller at a Freedom Ride Rescue adoption event at Fest in the West in Cary, where 7-year-old Mae Elise LeFew of Cary finds a new friend. Freedom Ride Rescue is a foster-based rescue run by volunteers who transport, train, and rehabilitate dogs for adoption.

130

JUNE/JULY 2022

KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

Day Camps, Pool, & Lawn Games

WATERFRONT Ocean & Sound

ADVENTURES Cruises, Sailing, & More

8 5 5 . 9 9 8 . 5 3 0 6 • b l o c k a d e - r u n n e r. c o m

WAKE RADIOLOGY UNC REX HEALTHCARE