Cary Magazine June/July 2023

SOARING SUMMER

The vision of “Top Chef ” alum Katsuji Tanabe, he brings his Mexican heritage and adds a selection of over 140 tequilas, mezcal, cocktail towers, and edgy cocktails to this menu of modern Mexican dishes. Our award-winning menu intentionally emphasizes the goodness of NC’s best seasonal ingredients or the lastest culinary movement, all with gluten-friendly, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Served Daily

10:30 am - 4:00 pm

Photos: FMasonMedia

Photos: Chelsea Santos

Jonathan Fredin

BYOB: Attend a resin pour workshop with a friend (and your favorite beverage) at Wine & Design in Cary! Read more on page 34.

ON THE COVER: Josiah Williams, 9, of Mebane spreads his wings with the help of instructor Jet Thornton at Urban Air Adventure Park in Morrisville.  Read more on page 22. Photo by Jonthan Fredin

June/July

EXECUTIVE

Bill Zadeits, Group Publisher

Kris Schultz, Publisher

EDITORIAL

Lauren Morris, Managing Editor & Creative Director

Dena Daw, Staff Writer

Tara Shiver, Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTORS

Erica DeLong

L.A. Jackson

David McCreary

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer

Bryan Regan

PRODUCTION

Atiya Batts, 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

Jill Newbold, Senior Account Manager

Maureen Powell, Senior Account Manager

Aleida Montufar, Account Executive

PUBLIC RELATIONS

S&A Communications

Chuck Norman, APR

ADMINISTRATIVE

Kristin Black, Accounting

Cherise Klug, Traffic Manager

Lisa White, Senior Event Coordinator and Distribution Manager

Valerie Renard, Human Resources

Arlem Mora, Social Media Coordinator

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

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

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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.

Relax. Chill. You’ve got this.

If you live in Fuquay-Varina or Holly Springs, you’ve got primary care. Urgent care. Cardiovascular care. General surgery. Breast and colorectal surgery. Bariatric surgery. Medical weight loss. Women’s care for every life stage. And, for everything and anything else, WakeMed Cary Hospital is close by and as full-service and sophisticated as it gets. Granted, life in The ‘Quay and Holly Springs is pretty chill as is. But a little extra convenience can bring a little extra balance to your life. Visit us at wakemed.org.

Fuquay-Varina

URGENT CARE

231 North Judd Parkway 919-235-6560

PRIMARY CARE

231 North Judd Parkway 919-235-6410

SURGERY

601 Attain Street, Suite 101 919-350-9355

HEART & VASCULAR

231 North Judd Parkway 919-232-0322

OB-GYN

101 Cotten Lane 919-235-6456

PRIMARY CARE

101 Cotten Lane, Suite 2 919-235-6555

Holly Springs

editor’s letter

WELL, folks, summer is upon us, and so is the sweltering NC heat! I love summer days — when they are spent lounging by a pool, sitting on a beach, or boating with my family. For me, water (or staying inside) is essential to surviving the sunny season.

To help you stay cool this summer, we are bringing you tons of activities that are sure to thrill while keeping you chill. From zooming around at Rush Hour Karting to relaxing by one of the giant TVs at Sports & Social, there is something NEW for everyone in Cary. After officially testing the track at Rush Hour and having our first rodeo at PBR Cowboy Bar, the team here at Cary Magazine can assure you a good time. While our restaurant profile might not keep you cool, it will definitely get you full! My trip to So Hot in Cary was more than just a meal — it was a communal dining experience unlike any other, guided by a literal robot named Alex and our invaluable host, Lisa Liu. After your meal, don’t forget to swing by the cotton candy vending machine, serving up the most aesthetic balls of fairy floss you’ve ever seen!

Last, but certainly not least, this issue is proud to present the 2023 class of Movers & Shakers — 22 individuals who are making a lasting impact on our community and beyond. Each year we select this class based on nominations from the public, which is truly a testament to the influence and accomplishments of these amazing young professionals!

I hope you find something NEW to try within these pages! If you do, let me know by emailing editor@carymagazine.com.

Stay cool and thanks for reading,

Lauren Morris Managing Editor and Creative Director

Jonathan Fredin

Enjoying a fun evening at the Maggy Party on May 3 at Fenton in Cary.

“I just wanted to thank you so much for the beautiful spotlight on TAP and its work in our community. Your writing captured all of the feels that go along with our work, and I’m so very grateful on many levels … especially how it honored my mom’s lessons to me. Thank you … truly.”

— Maura Silverman, founder of TAP, re. “Nonprofit Spotlight: Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited,” April

“I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful writeup and continued press for Good Day Cary. People have come in and mentioned that they read about GDC in your magazine. I am extremely grateful! Thank you for your support of local/small businesses!”

— Krista Wicklund, owner, re. “Small Business Spotlight: Good Day Cary,” April

“Coach D inspires everyone who crosses his path!”

— @gracechristian.raleigh, re. DeShannon Morris, Best High School Coach Maggy Award winner

“So great to receive this award! Thank you to everyone who voted and supported us. We love new faces and growing our fun and loving community. We offer a FREE CLASS for everyone, so come and check us out for yourself!”

— @aktivate fitness, re. AKtivate Fitness, Best Fitness Program Maggy Award winner

“Thank you so much! We are so happy to be serving the wonderful community of Cary, NC!”

— @cousinsmainelobster, re. Cousins Maine Lobster, Best Food Truck Maggy Award winner

“Thanks to all who made this happen. Thanks to Cary Magazine and thanks to all who voted. It is such an honor.”

— Jessie Harris, re. Cardinal Hill Wealth Management, Best New Business (Non-Restaurant) and Best Financial Advisor Maggy Award winner

10 THINGS TO DO

5 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 3, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Downtown Raleigh.

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 24, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fayetteville Street, Raleigh. outraleigh.com 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 1 and Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. West Point on the Eno, Durham City Park. enofest.org

3

Theatre in the Park presents Raleigh by Ira David Wood III this summer. Take a trip back in time during this stage biography of Sir Walter Raleigh, as he meets his fate with wit and aplomb. June 8–10 and 15–17, 7:30 p.m., June 11 and 18, 3 p.m. 107 Pullen Road, Raleigh. theatreinthepark.com 4

Attend a four-day festival of fandom at GalaxyCon Raleigh with celebrities, artists, writers, cosplayers, entertainers, and fans like you! July 27–30. $35 and up. Raleigh Convention Center. galaxycon.com

6

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 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Cary Park. townofcary.org

GalaxyCon Raleigh

Pimento Cheese Festival

Raleigh’s International Food Festival

Jonathan Fredin

7

Shop local this summer! Join Fenton and Triangle Pop-Up for their Makers Market series, popping up on the second Saturday of every month with a new selection of local artists and live music in Fenton Square. Browse the vendors and find a new favorite handmade item! fentonnc.com

8

Do the kids want to cool down, but you don’t feel like driving to the beach or Jordan Lake? Take them to a nearby splash pad! The Jack Smith Park Sprayground is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (weather dependent) and offers seven water features designed for ages 12 and under. The Waverly Place Splash Pad is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both are free for residents and nonresidents!

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

Your favorite comedians return this summer to Raleigh Improv. Have a laugh with their full lineup all season long, including television and film actor Shawn Wayans and actor/comedian Kevin Farley. Thursdays through Sundays in June and July. improv.com/raleigh

Sprayground

4th of July at Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Kevin Farley

Shutterstock

Jonathan Fredin

PARTY

Cary Magazine and Main & Broad celebrated their 2023 Maggy Award winners at the annual Maggy Party, hosted outside at Fenton. Photographer Jonathan Fredin captured every award-winning moment, from tasty bites and drinks, music by Stray Volts and Maverick Rose, and much more. Thanks to everyone for a great night!

WRITTEN BY DENA DAW PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Love it or hate it, summer in North Carolina is officially here. Pros: It’s sunny, the pool is open, and there’s not a school bus in sight. Cons: Sweat stains, the bugs are back, and everyone on social media is at the beach with seemingly endless amounts of PTO while you’re stuck at work. Yes, summer can often feel like the sea-sun of watching everyone take a vacation until it’s your turn — but summer fun does NOT necessarily require a plane ticket or a trip to the beach. Here are some local options for adults and kids alike, the majority of which are (blessedly) inside.

Adventure Awaits

(AROUND THE CORNER)

Instructor Jet Thornton experiences the rush of free fall at Urban Air Adventure Park. Indoor skydiving provides all the thrills without the risk!

Urban Air Adventure Park

YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW IT’S

THERE, but Urban Air Adventure Park located in Morrisville, inside the Wake Competition Center — officially opened its doors on April 1. Owned by Michael Villopoto and his business partner, German Garcia-Fresco, Urban Air provides a safe place for families to jump, soar, race, climb, and play.

“I have been in the hospitality industry most of my life, owning restaurants and recreational parks for over 30 years,” said Villopoto, who started Amante Pizza in 1990 in Carrboro and expanded to six locations over the years. “After a divorce in 2005, I decided to diversify outside the restaurant industry and sold several of my pizza restaurants to get involved in other businesses.”

In 2008, Villopoto and his business partner, Garcia-Fresco, decided to open a paintball field called Xtreme Kombat, which evolved over time to become Xtreme Park Adventures in Durham. Always looking to diversify, Villopoto and Garcia-Fresco continued to add attractions to Xtreme Park Adventures

but their quest to bring fun to the Triangle didn’t end there. In 2017, after hearing about a Texas-based indoor recreational company called Urban Air, the pair decided to open a location in Morrisville — convenient for residents throughout the Triangle.

“We wanted this Urban Air to offer as much as possible, so we added everything they had to offer — including being the Triangle’s first indoor skydiving facility,” said Villopoto. “We added all the extras like Spin Zone bumper cars, virtual reality, a Snapology lab, and Urban Air’s newest attraction, a Drop Zone tower. We are also the first Urban Air in the country to offer a Glamour Salon where guests can get a manicure or pedicure and have a princess birthday party! And being in the pizza business for 30 years, I was allowed to offer Amante pizza in the restaurant instead of the typical Urban Air food.”

The best thing about Urban Air Adventure Park? It’s for everyone, regardless of age, and there’s PLENTY to do — from skydiving, a ropes course, climbing walls, bumper cars, trampolines, virtual reality, dodgeball, a slam dunk zone, and much more. Urban Air is also a fantastic destination for birthday parties.

“We have 14 birthday party rooms for groups of 10 or 40,” said Garcia-Fresco. “Our favorite rooms are the Glamour Salon princess rooms, where girls can celebrate their birthdays, get their nails done and a facial, and then play! Or

come on a Wednesday and have a mommy-daughter spa day. Finally, we have a STEAM room for science and engineering called Snapology, where kids can come and learn about programming, building, and more. We offer after-school programs and summer camps as well!”

Whether you’re there for a party or as a fun way to beat the heat, Urban Air is there to make sure your dreams take flight. Remember — if you don’t jump, you’ll never fly!

urbanair.com/north-carolina-morrisville/

Have a flipping good time on one of Urban Air's indoor trampolines.

ABOVE: Test your speed, strength, and agility at Urban Air — with a ball pit to cushion your falls!

LEFT: Take your fun to new heights on Urban Air’s Sky Rider.

There are bumper cars, and then there are SPIN ZONE bumper cars. Hit and runs have never been so fun!

Sports & Social, PBR Cowboy Bar, AVA Rooftop Bar

TREAT YOURSELF TO A TRIFECTA OF GOOD TIMES at Sports & Social, PBR Cowboy Bar, and AVA Rooftop Bar — all owned by Live! Hospitality & Entertainment and located in the same building at Fenton, an upscale mixed-use development in the heart of Cary.

With 11 current locations and 3 more openings planned, Sports & Social combines

the traditional elements of a sports tavern with classic games and live entertainment.

“We opened in early February, just before the Super Bowl, in order to show off our 42-foot HD media wall and solidify our position as the premier sports watch location,” said Emily Almond, director of marketing. “Sports & Social offers fans an immersive sports entertainment atmosphere with the next-best game-watching experience outside of a stadium or arena.

We have fan cams. We have live entertainment. We have games. We also host large-scale events that create additional enter-

tainment experiences for guests, including themed Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and more events!”

Open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sports & Social is the perfect go-to for late-night entertainment — from watching the game to playing Skee-Ball, hoops, and shuffleboard.

“We also have a James Beard-nominated chef that has curated our entire menu,” added Almond.

Menu highlights include the quesabirria egg rolls, truffle mushroom flatbread, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, Southwest bowl, and beef barbacoa tacos — as well as a variety of signature Crush drinks, including the Orange Crush, Tequila Crush, and Paloma Crush.

“Sports & Social is for everyone,” said Almond. “Sports fans, families, men and/or women of all ages. Our goal is to make this a space where people want to spend time with their friends and family.”

sportsandsocial.com/cary/

YOU WANT TO PUT THE WILD

IF

IN WILD, WILD, WEST, grab some friends and head to PBR Cowboy Bar, located in the same building as Sports & Social.

“PBR Cowboy Bar is a partnership with Professional Bull Riders that fuses the spirit of independence with first-class hospitality, bringing an authentic country

Raising the (sports) bar: Sports & Social is a fan's paradise, offering a 42-foot HD media wall for the ultimate game experience.

Take a ride on PBR's professionally endorsed mechanical riding bull.

PBR offers line dancing classes from 7-9 p.m., followed by open dance until 10 p.m.

Western experience to the Triangle,” said Almond. “PBR Cary features the only professionally endorsed mechanical riding bull, as well as multiple signature bars, private VIP booths, and 1,300 square feet of outdoor patio space. We opened in early February and have been riding the wave ever since.”

The perfect venue for a fun night out, PBR’s bull riding, line dancing, and live music can get a little rowdy — but cowboys aren’t known for their pretty manners! Customers are invited to let their hair down and experience premier nightlife without ever leaving town.

“We offer line dancing classes every

other week and live music every Friday and Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m.,” said Almond. “PBR also hosts Freedom Friday on the first Friday of every month, Buckin’ Birthdays on the second Friday of each month, and a monthly mayhem themed party on the third Friday of each month.”

pbrcowboybar.com/cary/

FAR LEFT: Sports & Social, PBR Cowboy Bar, and AVA Rooftop Bar are all located in the same building — your one-stop shop for fun!

LEFT: PBR offers 1,300 square feet of outdoor patio space, perfect for warm summer nights.

ABOVE: Bring your friends and experience a sunset toast at AVA Rooftop Bar.

RIGHT: AVA Rooftop Bar offers the perfect space to wind down with friends and coworkers over drinks and Mediterranean bites.

LOOKING FOR A CALMER VIBE?

Visit the AVA Rooftop Bar, carefully curated to bring an elevated rooftop experience to Cary. Situated on top of Sports & Social, a short ride up the elevator will transport you from the world of sports and cowboys to lush greenery, lounge-style seating, and Mediterranean-inspired small plates, wine, and cocktails.

“AVA Rooftop Bar is a rooftop oasis great for date nights, girl time, and gathering with friends,” said Almond. “We host a sunset toast every night and have monthly experiences like sunset yoga. DJs, live entertainment, and Instagrammable moments make this the place to be.”

Whether you’re on a date night or enjoying some much-needed cocktails with coworkers, AVA Rooftop is a perfect relaxing oasis with a delicious curated food and drink menu. Highlights include the mezze platter, cauliflower tabbouleh, grilled lemon chicken, grilled merguez, and grilled shrimp skewers. For drinks, try the Aqua de Valencia, Watermelon Spritz, or the AVA Margarita — perfect for cooling down on a hot summer’s day.

avarooftopbar.com

From cocktails to beer, AVA Rooftop Bar has the perfect drink to take the edge off a hard day.

RUSH HOUR KARTING

WITH A NEW LOCATION right next door to Urban Air Adventure Park, Rush Hour Karting — owned by Adam and Tamer Saad — has everything you need to fuel your need for speed.

“We finally opened up a second location in Morrisville (we actually call it RTP), which is night and day different from the track in Garner,” said Adam Saad. “Where Garner has gas go-karts, RTP has electric karts that drive completely differently. It is nice to experience the difference! Also, RTP is a multi-level track, where Garner is a longer, single-level track. Since the karts are electric in RTP, there is no noise or fumes

that can bother some people, and the whole facility is climate controlled.”

For companies looking for great teambuilding opportunities, Rush Hour’s RTP location is top-notch, offering a giant meeting room that can hold up to 300 people and a smaller board room equipped with golfing simulators (because why not?). In addition to the racing, Rush Hour provides a giant 34-passenger luxury bus to pick up and drop off corporate clients.

“We offer many entertainment activities — from karting, to axe throwing, to golf sims,” said Saad. “We even have five racing simulators, which are the real deal — com-

pletely motion-activated seating and three screens make you feel as if you are in a real F1 race car! We can cater an amazing meal, including cocktails, beer, and wine. There is a great restaurant/sports bar in both locations, where everything is made from scratch. We even make our own dough and pizza sauce for the pizzas! Best in town!”

With a mezzanine overlooking the whole track for a bird’s-eye view, don’t forget to bring your camera (and your A-game, for bragging rights). Whether you’re new to the track or a serious racing enthusiast, it’s time to hop in for the ride. t

rushhourkarting.com

At Rush Hour Karting, crew members work to ensure that every driver has a fun (and safe) experience.

An electric go-kart races (quietly) around the track at Rush Hour RTP Morrisville location.

on trend Resin Art

WRITTEN BY DENA DAW PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

RESIN ART is nothing new, but it is certainly trending. Whether it’s used for jewelry, paperweights, bouquet preservation, or on canvas, this unique compound of materials has resin to new heights thanks to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

There are four types of resin: epoxy, polyurethane, silicone, and polyester “fiberglass” resin. For beginners, epoxy resin tends to be the best option, particularly for creating jewelry or using molds.

Like many local businesses, Wine & Design Cary, a paint and sip business owned by Roslyn Troutman and Katherine Hansen, has capitalized on the craze.

“If you are unfamiliar with resin art, resin art uses an epoxy and hardener combination that works as a medium for mosaic designs and can even be mixed with paint to create artwork with a glossy shine,” said Troutman.

Wine & Design offers resin art classes each month, and customers can sign up directly on the studio's website. Resin workshops allow customers to use fun materials like sea glass, glass gems, and shells provided by the studio to create unique mosaic designs. Trout-

TOP LEFT: Quanita Brown adds hardener to her resin mixture.

TOP RIGHT: Students select sea glass for their resin art creations.

ABOVE: Kim Williams and her daughter, Kimberly Brown, share a table during a resin pour class at Wine & Design in Cary.

man and Hansen recommend resin workshops to anyone looking for a creative outlet and a new way to express themselves. Because of the chemicals involved, resin workshops are for individuals aged 16 and older.

“Resin art is all the craze,” said Troutman. “Over the past year, Wine & Design Cary customers have discovered a love of

resin art. If you are a crafty person who is looking for a new and different project, then it's time to try resin art. Resin workshops at Wine and Design Cary range from framed mosaics designs to acrylic and resin pour charcuterie boards.” t

For a complete list of Wine & Design Cary’s offerings, visit wineanddesign.com/cary-nc/

Teacher Craig Burt shows a completed resin art piece to Melissa Endejann of Chapel Hill.

After being poured, the resin is spread around the sea glass with a popsicle stick.

Dr. Kelly Ritter

Dr. Reid Brogden

small business spotlight

Graffiti

WRITTEN BY DENA DAW PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

IT’S NOT SURPRISING that a place as unique as Graffiti — a street art-inspired cocktail bar in downtown Cary — is the brainchild of more than just one person. With their creative juices combined, partners Jeffrey Kaune, Adam Eshbaugh, and Wayne Holt have created an innovative and interactive space unlike anything the town has seen before.

Holt, founder of Reward Builders and NextHome Reward, has been an entrepreneur and a small-business owner for 31 years. Holt’s other business ventures include 919 Beer, where he’s a co-host of the 919 Beer podcast and a promoter of the Beericana Craft Beer and Music Festival in Holly Springs. With family roots in Cary dating back to the late 1800s, Holt is a local in the truest sense of the word.

Eshbaugh, Holt’s partner at 919 Beer and former general manager of The Mason Jar Lager Company, brings a wealth of experience in the beer industry to the table. Kaune, a native to the Pacific Northwest, blesses Graffiti with his years of experience in the downtown Seattle bar scene.

In an effort to bring “disruption” to downtown Cary by doing things a little differently, Graffiti’s walls are covered in a variety of graffiti and street art murals, thanks to partnerships with local artists.

“Street art is open to everyone and always changing, so our art is constantly changing,” said Kaune. “We bring in a local artist every month to do a piece, and we don't tell them what to paint. All of it will eventually be painted over.”

In addition to art, Graffiti also offers 19 65” flatscreen TVs, six axe-throwing lanes, a seasonal cocktail menu, a wide variety of spirits, a thoughtfully selected

Operating Partner Jeffrey Kaune poses next to Graffiti’s always-changing street art.

Graffiti brings good times — and a living street art gallery — to downtown Cary.

ABOVE: Axe-throwing specialist Will Bolding shows patrons how it’s done.

LEFT: Friends Erin Binkley, left, and Emily Page chat over drinks in a colorful lounge at Graffiti.

wine list, domestic cans and bottles, and a rotating draft and package list of craft beers. Whew. In other words, if you’re looking for a good time, you’re going to find it here.

We recently spoke with Kaune to learn more about their eccentric (and fun) space.

When did Graffiti open, and what was the inspiration for the space?

We opened December 30, 2022. We wanted to bring an exciting activity and a bigger focus on art to downtown Cary, along with a wacky cocktail program to match the art.

Who are the artists?

All locals — some are art students, some are artists trying to make a name, others are just passionate about creating art in addition to a primary occupation. We rely heavily on referrals and word of mouth.

What kind of impact do you hope this art has on the community?

Creativity is contagious, and we hope it spreads. Cary is becoming more vibrant every day, and we want to be a part of that.

Aside from art, what experiences do you offer your customers?

We offer amazing cocktails, great music, tons of beer options, and, of course, axe-throwing.

Each of the six axe lanes have targets that are projected, so you can play multiple different games while you’re there (from basic target bullseyes to killing zombies to tictac-toe). Axe lanes are rented by the hour ($25 per person) and can be reserved online at graffiticary.com. Walk-ins are welcome as well! Happy hour lane specials, tournaments, and leagues are some things that Graffiti looks forward to adding.

How old do you need to be for axe-throwing?

Graffiti is 21+. We are considering adding hours that are 16+, but haven't pulled the trigger yet! Follow us on social media @ graffiticary for updates.

ABOVE: Bartender Justin Smith mixes fun and eclectic drinks alongside Jeffrey Kaune.

RIGHT: Graffiti is known for their “wacky” seasonal featured cocktails that match the art.

What kind of cocktails do you offer?

What's your favorite?

Our cocktails are definitely unique — we wanted to focus on cocktails that you can't get at home. My personal favorite is the Yabba Dabba Doo with Fruity Pebbles-infused gin, Aperol, a house rhubarb syrup, and fresh lemon. Runner-up is the Nitro Espresso Martini. We keg it and pour with nitrogen gas, then top with a vanilla bean cold foam. But every single one of our cocktails changes seasonally, so we tell people not to get attached.

What sets Graffiti apart from other businesses in the area?

We focus very heavily on two things that stand above all others: incredible service and creativity/expression.

What has been the best aspect of owning/managing a local business?

Honestly, the Town of Cary and the entire downtown community has been amazing throughout the whole process. Opening a bar is not easy, but we've had a great time. My favorite part personally has been teaming up with our neighboring local businesses, like Scratch, Di Fara, and Bond Brothers to really elevate the downtown experience for everyone. t

graffiticary.com

LEFT: Patrons at Graffiti mingle over drinks and enjoy the artistic and lively space.

BELOW: Kara Weems celebrates hitting a bull’seye while axe-throwing.

Imani Cook shares a smile with a friend over drinks.

Embrace SUMMER

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAHED BY ERICA DELONG

ANYONE ELSE OBSESSED WITH SUMMER?

I love all seasons, but the warm weather, longer days, cute sun dresses, and trips to the beach or lake put summer at the top of my list.

I know the heat and humidity are unbearable at times (my husband agrees), but summertime memories — sunset dinner on a rooftop patio, fresh-churned ice cream from a festival, hunting for shells along the Carolina coastline — are worth a little sweat.

Still not sold? Consider these health benefits:

Improved Mental Health: Summer is the perfect time to reconnect with family and friends, step away from work, and embrace a slower pace of life. Research shows that people who spend more time outside during the summer months experience less anxiety and depression.

Increased Physical Activity: With longer days and warmer weather, it’s easier to stay active during the summer. From hiking and biking to swimming and boating, there are endless opportunities to get moving and enjoy nature.

Vitamin D: Sun exposure is a natural way to boost vitamin D levels — essential for bone strength, immune function, and overall health.

Ready to dive in? Here are a few of my summer essentials:

3 1 2

Giant Inflatable: I’m talking the kind that can hold six adults for a day at the lake. We got the speedboat, and my girlfriend grabbed the flamingo. The great photo ops and laughter that will undoubtedly ensue are well worth the hassle of blowing it up.

Summer Kimono: This simple accessory can instantly elevate your look from simple to boho, and it also works great as a pool coverup. Their versatility makes them perfect for summer travel. Look online for an endless selection of colors, patterns, and prices.

Sunscreen: Stock up on the SPF, and be sure to get separate products for face and body coverage to avoid the lobster look and protect your skin. Plus, it’s a great habit to get into year-round, since evidence shows daily sunscreen use helps slow down the skin’s aging process. My pick: EltaMD SPF 36 Tinted Sunscreen.

Erica enjoys snow cones with her son, Easton, and daughter, Ella, at Hills of Snow in Smithfield.

Mosquito Repellent Patches: North Carolina mosquitos are no joke. Stick-on patches last up to 72 hours and smell way better than DEET. And they’re cute little stickers, so your kids will actually WANT to use them! I vouch for BuzzPatch Mosquito Patch Stickers for Kids.

Snow Cones: Add this iconic treat to your summer bucket list. We frequent Pelican’s SnoBalls and also love a visit to Hills of Snow in Smithfield.

Kabob Grilling Baskets: Spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time on the prep work during grilling season.

Floating Beer Pong Table: Have fun while you day drink! The kids love to play, too (just make sure you sub out their drinks).

Waterproof Phone Pouch: Throw your phone around your neck to keep your hands free for all your beach gear — and make sure it’s handy for documenting all those summer memories. You can even take underwater photos!

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Yard Sprinkler: Everyone turns into a carefree kid when the sprinkler’s in the yard. A simple hardware store model will suffice, or go all out with a fancy one designed for play. My daughter, Ella, loves our 6-foot inflatable unicorn sprinkler.

Breezy White Dress: Feel cute and comfortable while you show off your tan with a summer wardrobe staple that works with flip-flops, heels, and everything in between.

Now get out there and have some fun! Tag me on your adventures @EricaDeLong t

Erica’s family takes their giant inflatable speedboat for a day at the lake!

Waterproof phone pouches are a must for pool/beach days!

Summer kimonos can be worn both on and off the beach for a fashionable, boho vibe.

Introducing Cary Magazine’s 2023

COMPILED BY DENA DAW | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

They say success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out — whether you’re striving for a degree, teaching high schoolers, opening a small business, managing a successful blog, or simply showing up for yourself every single day. This year’s group of Movers and Shakers —  all accomplished young professionals — share what they have achieved, one step (and page) at a time.

Stephanie Hall & Tisha Shah

Co-Founders of TheraFriends

ORIGIN STORY: When two Cary moms — Tisha Shah, a speech therapist, and Stephanie Hall, an occupational therapist — met while developing a PTA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion committee at Penny Road Elementary School, they began sharing with each other their concerns about health care access for families they serve. They then formed TheraFriends in 2021 to help improve access to pediatric therapy services and programs for families in the Triangle.

CORE VALUES: We: 1) value and honor the expertise of parents, caregivers, and children by partnering with families and community stakeholders, 2) provide child-centered and neurodiversity-affirming practices, and 3) are dedicated to developing an equity-driven and inclusive community.

GUIDING PHILOSOPHY: Health care equity and access are a human right, not a privilege. To ensure all families of the Triangle have access to quality services and programs, we have focused our organization on these four pillars: 1) pediatric services, 2) community programs, 3) support for caregivers, and 4) educational support. Our community programs support the unique needs of disabled children and their families, such as outdoor therapeutic playgroups, co-treating groups, and recreational programs.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Our biggest challenge is acquiring funding or finding funding sources so we can provide these services and programs. Most programs do not award grants to newer nonprofits, so we know that we have to think outside the box to raise funds. Has it been smooth? Not always. But we feel passionate about filling the gap for services in our community, and when you are working your passion, we know it is worth the extra work. We are excited that we won’t have to turn families away because of financial barriers.

Alyse Arnold Emergency Department Nurse Manager at WakeMed Cary Hospital

ORIGIN STORY: I have lived in the Cary area my entire life. I graduated from NC State with a degree in human biology and a plan to work as a medical assistant while applying to medical school. About six weeks into my job, I recognized my passion for nursing. I fell in love with the ability to consistently use hands-on clinical skills and to build relationships with patients and their families. After attending nursing school at UNCChapel Hill, I got a job as a nurse resident in the WakeMed Cary Emergency Department and have been here ever since! I became the manager in February 2021, after two years as a supervisor/educator and four years as a night shift nurse.

FUN FACT: My husband, Michael, and I are the proud “paw”rents of two retired racing greyhounds. Captain is 9 years old and raced in Florida; King is 4 years old and raced in Ireland!

LEADERSHIP STYLE: I would consider myself to be a transformational leader. I have seen our hospital grow so much over the past eight years, both in size and in the amount of services we offer to our patients. Any time there is a new change or initiative, I make a point to always provide the “why” so we can be knowledgeable as a team about the care we’re providing. Everyone on my team knows my mantra is, “I won’t ask you to do anything I can’t do.” And to me, that’s the best part of leadership — being able to work alongside my team every day to take care of our community.

RECENT CHALLENGE: I transitioned from the role of supervisor/educator to manager at the height of the pandemic in 2021. So many nurses were leaving the bedside because we were going through yet another COVID surge, and we were all exhausted and mentally drained. I was trying to balance learning my new manager role, while also staffing at all hours of the day and night. Did I mention I was also planning a wedding during this time? It was a crazy time, but I learned a lot, and I know now more than before that I couldn’t (and wouldn’t) be able to do this job without my team.

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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.

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ANN BATCHELOR 919-414-8820

BETH HOPPMANN 919-302-6111

Sarika Bansal Chief Executive Officer

of Raj Jewels

FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I immigrated to the USA as a young adult and then persevered through hard work, determination, and focus to becoming a successful businesswoman, cyber security executive, mom, wife, daughter, and friend. I am living an American Dream today. Being a community leader and focusing on philanthropic work gives me balance in life.

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES: I firmly believe that leadership is not a title or position but a responsibility. Having the long-term vision but not losing sight of the short-term tactical goals is important. Representing your people without thinking about what’s in this for me is very critical. I have a servant leader mentality that has helped me be successful in various leadership roles.

IMPACTFUL LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNED: Nothing comes easy in life. Define your hard. Work toward your goals and be honest with yourself.

GUIDING PHILOSOPHY: Working hard in life is the only option to success. Work hard and let success be your noise.

Pavel Chtcheprov

Senior Robotic Controls Engineer at Intuitive and Owner of Bottle Theory

FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: My wife Kelly and I started a craft beer and wine shop in Apex. It became my engineering playground where I used my skills as a software/ mechanical/electrical engineer and physics background to design a foam-free tap system, real-time inventory management system sitting atop our point-of-sale API, and automate/ optimize the back end of the bar. We brought engineering and innovation into the bar scene.

My PhD dissertation was on carbon nanotube cathode array X-ray devices for imaging and therapy. One of the things I built was the world's first hand-held, freeform CT imaging machine that could take X-ray shots from a bunch of random positions (either manually holding it, or in the later version, I put it on a drone) and determine the appropriate backprojection algorithm to create a 3D image of the inside of the object.

GUIDING PHILOSOPHY: Everything can be improved. Never stop looking for a better solution, a more optimized method, and a more pleasant outcome.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Pick a flower on Earth and you move the farthest star.” — Paul

Dirac

Aside from the physics joke, it shows our connection to all things around us and how our actions impact everyone and everything. We all know about the time travel movies that tell us not to touch anything because any tiny change could drastically alter the timeline, but no one thinks that a small, positive change they make today will impact the future. We all need to be more aware of the impact of our actions.

Shannon Cox Long Range Planning Manager for Town of Apex

FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: My two favorite career-related accomplishments have both been while working for the Town of Apex. The first is the development of our Downtown Apex Master Plan and Parking Study, which will guide the vision for downtown Apex over 10 (or so) years. Three of the major public project recommendations from that plan are in design now, and many of the smaller changes have been implemented.

My other favorite accomplishment is the start of our GoApex Route 1 bus service — the first local transit service in Apex. It's free to ride and runs every hour from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., six days a week. This July will be the one-year anniversary of the route.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: In my field, the biggest challenge is the long process from project planning to completion. You have to keep the end goal in mind, persevere through the process, and be able to explain to the public why it all takes so long. If I could find a way to make the process twice as fast, that would be my new favorite accomplishment.

ON MAINTAINING A WORK/LIFE

BALANCE: Finding the right work/life balance has taken deliberate effort. For me, it has also changed as my kids have grown and our family dynamic and needs have shifted. When my kids were small, working part time was the best of both worlds, but it was not easy to manage, and I wouldn’t say it was very balanced. Working full time with teens is much easier. The biggest challenge now is mentally shifting gears when the workday is done.

INSPIRATION: The great thing about being a planner is that inspiration is everywhere. I’m always looking around Apex with the community’s long-range plans in mind, thinking about how we can get to the next step.

Ryan Doggett

Athletic Director at Panther Creek High School

ORIGIN STORY: Before becoming the athletic director at Panther Creek, I went to school at NC State and began working at Holly Springs High School in 2015. I served as a marketing teacher, head wrestling coach, assistant football coach, and assistant athletic director. I moved to Panther Creek High School in January 2022. I’m still coaching wrestling, and I’m involved with organizations outside of the school, like the North Carolina Governor’s School.

CORE VALUE: Living without regret, but with purpose is one of my core values. I believe that I am on this Earth to live life, love people, and follow my purpose. For years in my classroom, I had a poster on the wall that said, “What would you do if you could not fail?” That’s what led me to my role at Panther Creek High School. I wanted to take the next step in my journey, taking a risk in moving from a successful wrestling program and athletics department. I have been so happy since taking that leap and have enjoyed each day in this role. No two days are the same. I try to instill these same values in our students — enjoy your four years here playing and participating in one of the last pure forms of competitive sports.

ON MAINTAINING A WORK/LIFE

BALANCE: Over the last few years, I have tried to intentionally set some boundaries so I could enjoy life outside of high school athletics. My advice to new leaders: It’s OK to take some time for yourself and put trust in your staff. I have an amazing coaching

continued on page 79

Anna Haley-Liu Owner of KHL Bookkeeping

FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I started in 2018 on my own, and now there are 16 of us, so it’s like growing a garden. New people are like seeds that are coming through, and they slowly grow into bushes and trees — that’s how I see team building.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge I see everywhere is finding the people. I’m originally not from the US; I’m from Ukraine, and I travel a lot to Europe. A lot of owners all over the world have said that it’s finding the people and keeping them that’s the biggest challenge today.

INSPIRATION: Part of my team is in Ukraine, so I have to find jobs for people who have many years of bookkeeping experience and retrain them to be bookkeepers for US companies, with a different level of bookkeeping. Fostering that big community and helping them inspires me, especially after the war started.

ON OVERCOMING FEAR: Feel the fear, but do it anyway, right? As a business owner, that’s something I have to do every single day. I think the more you have to do, the less you have to fear, because fear is actually timing. Fear is future projection, but if you don’t have time to think about the future, you just make decisions in the moment and you start planning. So I think planning helps overcome fear — just make decisions and know that you can fix it later if you need to!

Carita D. Hyman

Business Owner / Consultant / Sales Development Manager for Genetec Inc.

FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Foremost, my favorite accomplishments in life are my two beautiful kids. They are truly a huge motivating factor around everything that I do in my day to day, as well as the success goals I set for myself. Another of my favorite accomplishments is having created a successful consulting agency amidst a pandemic that brought on a surge of unemployment, layoffs, and uncertainty for most businesses. It was a true testament of my strength and determination and what can be possible, even in the most trying of times.

GUIDING PHILOSOPHY: My guiding philosophy in life is my spirituality. I aim to be connected to my surroundings, this amazing universe, and the beauty of life. I work to constantly evolve myself as a human each day and look for ways to improve on various aspects of my life and let the universe guide my decisions.

ON MAINTAINING A WORK/LIFE

BALANCE: This is essential to my individual happiness. I have learned the importance of not spreading yourself too thin. Taking small time outs for myself has become a huge practice, especially as a parent.

ON OVERCOMING ADVERSITY: Facing adversity is something that I have become quite accustomed to as a minority woman operating successfully in a predominantly male industry manufacturing. However, overcoming it can be thrilling! Funneling the energy, determination, and courage you have deep down is liberating. Adversity is where your true character and capabilities are shown. My advice: View adversity as a critical challenge to overcome, meticulously plan what your success will look like, and execute that plan with everything you have. You’ll be the victor!

Simone Lawson Owner / Marketing and Catering Director of Sassool

ON MAINTAINING A WORK/LIFE BALANCE: I’ve learned that when you’re running a business, especially a family business, work comes home with you, and every little thing feels very important. But what has worked well, so that I can fully enjoy playing with my little boys or eating dinner with my husband, is putting the phone away. It's easier said than done, but releasing yourself from being contacted and all the emails, et cetera, is so important to be able to separate your mind.

INSPIRATION: Telling a story and creating an experience (paired with a good meal) is what inspires me. Myself, my father, and my sister (the ownership team) are so inspired by Lebanese hospitality and the example that my grandmother (Sassool) showed to anyone she met. At Sassool, having our guests enjoy tasty food is so personal to us; we are literally living out the tradition of our culture. Seeing people’s eyes light up when I hand them their plate or when I uncover dishes at big caterings makes me want to be in the food business forever.

ON OVERCOMING ADVERSITY: It is so tough to work with and work WELL with family. It is tough to keep the family dynamic out of big business decisions. But after a few years of us all working SO hard to do EVERYTHING, we divided to conquer — putting each executive responsible for the department that they thrive in. We have become so much more successful since doing this.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “If you roll out the red carpet for a billionaire, they won’t even notice it. If you roll out the red carpet for a millionaire, they expect it. If you roll out the red carpet for a thousandaire, they appreciate it. If you roll out the red carpet for a hundredaire, they tell everybody they know.”

— Patricia Fripp

Michael Lee Chef and Founder / Owner of

M Restaurants

FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENT: Marrying my wife and having our kids!

CURRENT GOALS: Becoming a good leader to my work family and kids.

ON CONTINUING TO GROW AS A LEADER: Working to become a better leader every day is one of the most important things to me. I aspire to be the type of leader that helps the team succeed and grow into leaders themselves. “Great things in business are never done by one person, they're done by a team of people.” — Steve Jobs.

ON MAINTAINING A WORK/LIFE BALANCE: Maintaining a good work/ life balance is very important for me. I have been working on being more efficient with how I schedule my days so that I can get the things I need to do for work in a manner that allows me time with my family and kids. I used to have way too many things on my calendar every day. I have learned to be more realistic on my daily goals and duties to allow myself some breathing room. I am thankful to have my wife and the team at all the restaurants to help with that as well. Having an amazing team at all the restaurants is a blessing that I’m thankful for every day.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Train yourself to find the blessing in everything.”

Stephanie Llorente, APR

Owner of Prep Communications and Restored for Moms

ORIGIN STORY: I spent my childhood in Clayton and graduated from NC State. I’m so proudly homegrown — and any achievement or accolade I earn is a pure credit to those who raised me.

I cut my teeth at two local public relations agencies and then shifted to corporate PR. After paying my dues in cubicle conversations and airline miles, I started my own public relations consultancy in 2015.

Somewhere between booking TV interviews and drafting news releases, Restored was formed to help Christian mothers in the workplace find their people. Since its formation more than five years ago, Restored has welcomed hundreds of like-minded women to in-person and virtual spaces, and I consider that one of my greatest accomplishments.

ON SUCCESS: I often get asked, “How do you do it all?” The honest answer? I don’t do it all. Success in one space always equals failure in another. There’s always a tradeoff. So, when I humbly accept a (really exciting!) award from Cary Magazine, I’m missing family pizza night. When I host a team meeting or produce a Restored event, I’m skipping bedtimes. Where I succeed, I also fail, and I’m learning to be wise in my choices so I can succeed in spaces that matter most.

ON MAINTAINING A WORK/LIFE BALANCE:

It's my personal opinion, based on real-life examples from everyday women, that the ability to manage home and career is less of a balance, and more of a dance that speeds and slows with the rhythms of life. There are dance moves we know by heart, and those we must make up on the spot. I’m learning that helping others learn how to dance well with me leads to more fulfilling, less stressful situations at work and at home. My husband, co-workers, kids, neighbors, friends, and the Restored community are all part of my dance team, and I’m so thankful for them every day!

Stephanie Logsdon

Owner of Wild You Handmade

ORIGIN STORY: Born and raised in Cary, I spent a few years in California working with local food systems and then five years in Colombia, where I met my husband and worked as an English Language teacher. I knew I wanted to work with women artisans and bring their handmade jewelry and accessories to the US, but I also wanted to make sure I was doing it respectfully and responsibly. I followed new accounts on Instagram as artisan groups jumped to move online, and was fortunate to connect with a couple of women leaders that I still work alongside today.

Over the next few months, we spent hours chatting back and forth, with me looking through hundreds of photos of handmade earrings and bags. Those first small orders were shipped to Cary, where Wild You Handmade was started as an Etsy shop. By the following year, I was able to travel back home to participate in local popup markets for the summer. Since late 2021, I have been living back in NC sharing handmade Colombian accessories in local stores and markets, as well as online.

CORE VALUES: Wild You emphasizes the vibrant symbolism of traditional designs, and while we have modern styles as well, culture and the individual creativity of each artisan comes first. The name Wild You was inspired by the Wayuu (pronounced “why-you”) Indigenous community, with whom we partner to share their traditional crocheted bags. Wild You is also about expressing yourself freely in your most authentic way.

Todd Mozingo

Serial Entrepreneur: Owner of Chatham Station and Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios North Hills

ON MAINTAINING A WORK/LIFE

BALANCE: You have to. We don't live to work, and that's a lesson I learned as my kids got older when I realized I didn't remember significant portions of their youth. None of us is pleased long term with the decision to prioritize work over loved ones, so having a reliable team and scheduling lots of quality time outside of work is essential.

GUIDING PHILOSOPHY: Do a good job, be generous, and treat people well. The rest will fall into place.

FUN FACT: I was once an attorney.

LEADERSHIP STYLE: I’ve had to evolve as the workforce has evolved. Being open to change and cognizant of what today’s employees expect is paramount, as is remaining focused on those expectations and finding ways to incorporate those that I reasonably can into the vision for the company.

FAVORITE QUOTE: My grandmother was a big influence and used to say, “Just take the dread out of it and get the job done.”

Melissa Phillippi

Vice President of Organizational Development and Talent Management for Vaco Holdings

ON FOSTERING A POSITIVE WORK

ENVIRONMENT/CORE VALUES: The bulk of my career has been in helping foster positive work environments, which, in turn, drive better business results. The moment of inspiration for me came during the financial crisis of 2008-09, where I witnessed a market falling by half its value and layoff decisions being made based on a broken, widgetdriven performance metric system — a system that was not considering the core value alignment of the individual to the organization. Many of the wrong individuals were laid off and the wrong individuals were retained. Fast forward to the (multiple) debacles Wells Fargo faced amidst unethical employee actions involving customer accounts, and we understand that hiring, retaining, and rewarding simply for performance metrics is a dangerous and risky business.

The Performance-Values Matrix management methodology, instead, clearly outlines how core value alignment (evidenced by appropriate behavioral displays) is equally as important as performance metrics. Performance and values must be separately evaluated and coached. What gets rewarded, gets repeated.

ON MAINTAINING A WORK/LIFE BALANCE:

This is an area I have recently become keenly aware of, having made the decision to step down from my role as CEO of the company I cofounded, WorkDove. After eight years of running an HR technology startup, I found myself regularly working nights, weekends, and holidays, and my personal health started to deteriorate. I also noticed my lack of availability (especially mentally) for my children when they needed me during the workweek.

continued on page 79

Sam Price Partner at Stephenson Law, LLP

FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: One of my favorite professional accomplishments has been the relocation of our firm’s office into downtown Cary. The acquisition of our current office was one of the first real estate transactions in which I was involved at the beginning of my career. The building was then substantially renovated and fully leased. As a new attorney at the time, I came to appreciate being involved in a project from start to finish. Being a part of the downtown Cary community has allowed me the opportunity to participate in all that is going on in Cary, right from its heart.

IMPACTFUL LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNED:

To a large extent, our job as transactional attorneys is to paper up a deal in a way that meets a particular client’s objectives and mitigates risk, and then execute the transaction. One of the most important lessons I have learned while practicing law is to take a step back at the very beginning, and as often as necessary, to gain an understanding of the deal and a client’s particular objectives. As easy as it can be to counsel a client against taking any risk whatsoever, that’s not how the real world works, and my job is to understand my client’s objectives to help analyze what risk is reasonable to take in light of the circumstances.

LEADERSHIP

QUALITIES:

In my experience, one of the best qualities strong leaders project is knowing that everyone brings something to the table. Being able to spot individual and group talent to position a team so that everyone’s strengths and weaknesses are leveraged to get the job done builds trust with your team and a positive culture that people are happy to be a part of.

continued on page 79

Leroy Salazar

World Languages Department Chair and Spanish Teacher at Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies

ORIGIN STORY: My elementary school teachers saved, guided, and loved me at an early age, when I most needed it. I completed elementary, middle, and one semester of high school in Tequila, Jalisco, México. At the age of 14, I ended up in North Carolina. I started high school in the 10th grade, with very limited English. As a senior, I applied and got accepted to East Carolina University. I graduated for the first time in 2001 and started working as a Spanish teacher at J. H. Rose High School in Greenville. Five years later, I moved to Raleigh and started my career with WCPSS. Currently, I am at Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies.

A PROUD MOMENT: This semester, our Spanish 2 students have been busy writing their own personal children's book! Some books are written totally in Spanish, while others are written bilingually in English and Spanish. Our students have learned so much from this process. They all have now published their own original piece of literature for generations to come! It truly has been a challenge for all involved, including me! I am so proud of all our students who can now say that they've published a book while in high school!

MENTORS: My biggest mentors have always been my teachers from when I was a student (and the teachers with whom I have worked). I am not so sure other professions would exist without the guidance and nurture of teachers at all grade levels. In my current role, we serve many students who will be first-generation college students. Since I am a first-generation college student, I like to think that I am a positive role model and mentor for our students.

Eric

Sherman

Operations Manager at Bost Construction Company

RECENT CHALLENGE: Certainly the past few years have been challenging for many industries, but the local custom luxury home market has seen tremendous growth during a time of extreme supply chain upheaval and a shortage of buildable lots. I am proud of the way our team was able to adapt as each day brought new challenges that many of us had never experienced before in our careers. Fortunately, we were able to quickly identify the most critical areas of concern and adjust our operations accordingly to stay ahead of the worst of it. We had our issues like everyone else, but I feel like we did the best possible job of understanding the pain points and staying ahead of them for our clients.

ORIGIN STORY: I was two years into a criminal justice degree at App State when I took a building science class as an elective. I decided then and there that I wanted to be a homebuilder. I changed my major to construction management at the end of the semester and graduated shortly before the housing crash of ’08. I was fortunate enough to find a job in commercial construction management and later got my real estate license before ultimately landing my dream job building dream homes at Bost!

FAVORITE QUOTE: I am a big Ted Lasso fan, and one of my favorite lines is, “I feel like we fell out of the lucky tree and hit every branch on the way down, ended up in a pool of cash and Sour Patch Kids.” Ultimately it is all about gratitude, and I try to maintain that perspective.

homes bost

Signature luxury is achieved with careful procurement, an art that has earned us recognizable distinction. We believe your desired home is deeply personal and your experience in achieving it should be too.

Devin Singley

Head Brewer at Local Time Brewing in Holly Springs

GUIDING PHILOSOPHY: Plan your work; work your plan.

ORIGIN STORY: I actually used to be a librarian. Before the economic fallout from the recession that started in 2008, I was the youngest professional librarian in the public library system of Charlotte. Budgetary changes led to several branches being closed and half the staff being laid off. I found myself without a job and needing to find a new industry as the region just got flooded with 200+ other applicants, all of whom had more experience than me.

I love beer. I was always fascinated by the history of beer. One day I had this crazy idea to work in a brewery. I applied to a couple breweries in the conventional way, then one day I walked into a brewery and told them I was there for an interview (I did not actually have one scheduled). I went on to work at that brewery for two and a half years.

MENTORS: I was heavily mentored by Chris Buckley, the brewmaster at Red Oak Brewery. He would stay after work, sometimes for hours, every day to mentor me and teach me. He would push me and encourage me to study. Among the decorations in his office was the German symbol of a master brewer. A version of the symbol has existed for over 700 years, and in English its name translates to “Hops and malt, God provides.” The version of the symbol that was in his office — that I would look at daily while studying — is now tattooed on my left arm.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “If you want to win, do the ordinary things better than anyone else does them, day in and day out.” — Chuck Roll, former head coach of the Steelers

Caitlin Sockin

Author of Dig It! Archaeology for Kids

FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with highest distinction dual degrees in Archaeology and Classics, completing my higher education in three years. During the pandemic as an ACE-certified group fitness instructor, I started my own YouTube channel called Caitlin Sockin Dynamic Fitness, providing free at-home workouts for step aerobics, cardio dance, cardio kickboxing, and more. I pursued my passion in music composition by professionally recording and releasing three songs.

In high school, I was heavily involved in the theater department, cast as Ariel in our musical production of The Little Mermaid. I was a Gamemaster at Chapel Thrill Escapes, the country’s first student-built escape room. And here is a wacky one: I was in a MrBeast YouTube video challenge in which the last to take their hand off a Lamborghini kept it (suffice to say I do not have a sweet new ride, but hanging on for dear life to a car for nearly two days is an experience I will never forget).

FUN FACT: I have a knack for finding four-leaf clovers! I can be on a casual walk and just glance down at a patch of grass and spot one.

ON CONTINUING TO GROW AS A LEADER: I have gravitated towards leadership positions throughout my life with the goal of inspiring others in different niches. In middle school, I wrote a kids/teen column called “Caitlin’s Corner” for Wild Bird Club to inspire kids to get into birding. In high school, I ran the A-Capella club to inspire peers to create joy through song. In college, I taught group fitness to inspire others to move in a fun way to improve their mental and physical well-being. I recently released my book, Dig It! Archaeology for Kids, to inspire children and teens to get excited about the fascinating world of archaeology and engage with fun activities inside and outside of the classroom.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” — Rumi

Keit Spahiu

Owner of Translation Link & Notary

INTRODUCTION: I am the founder and owner of Translation Link & Notary based near downtown Cary. Translation Link provides translation services in 180 languages currently. My company also offers notary services for state, federal, and international documentation. I was born and raised in Tirana, Albania, and moved to NYC 30 years ago. I founded Translation Link in NYC in 2006, one year before moving to Cary.

CORE VALUES: The business values reflect my personal values, which are honesty, integrity, respect, accountability, and trust. These values are inherent in our company’s actions and can never be compromised.

GUIDING PHILOSOPHY: My guiding philosophy in life and business has always been to help people as much as possible. In our business, we do not only provide translation and notary services, but also resources and references. I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes by Mother Teresa, who is also Albanian. “Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and start with the person nearest you.” More than half of our customers come from different countries around the world, and they always ask us questions. We love helping all of our customers by providing the information they need.

FUN FACT: My first official job as a professional translator and Albanian news broadcaster was in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, on a DOD contract. My first visit and work experience in the great state of North Carolina was in 1999, and I decided to move here eight years later.

Garren Washington Owner of Norton Property Services

CURRENT GOALS: To continue to grow the company in a way that is organic and inspiring. Currently I serve companies and individuals in the Cary area, and I would like to expand my services to penetrate deeper into the market while increasing the amount of units and the quality of furnishings for all my guests.

CORE VALUES: My company’s core values reflect my personal values. They are to conduct business with integrity and authenticity in a way that is helpful to everyone I meet. It is to make someone’s life easier or simpler and to treat people with respect. I believe when you truly become a helpful resource that everything else will fall in line.

BIGGEST RISK: Over the last eight years, I learned more about myself and what I’m capable of through the mistakes I’ve made. This never would have occurred had I not believed in myself and taken a huge leap of faith. At the end of the day, I believe the biggest risk is the one you don’t take due to fear or lack of conviction.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you're right.” — Henry

Ford

Doggett, CONT. FROM PAGE 56

staff and athletic leadership team, and an incredibly supportive school administration team that allows me to take breaks while also staying involved as much as I can. Communication and calendars have been the key!

CURRENT GOALS: My biggest current goal right now is to help revitalize and increase school spirit and pride, connect more students with sports and extracurricular activities, and truly help Panther Creek become a bigger member of the Cary community. I truly want to create the best version of our athletics department.

Llorente, CONT. FROM PAGE 64

ADVICE TO OFFER: If someone at a career crossroads asked for my advice, I’d say this: If it doesn’t exist, create it … even when it’s hard. Even when your time is strapped. Even when you have no money. Even when people tell you no. Even when people don’t get it. Do it anyway.

Logsdon, CONT. FROM PAGE 65

IMPACTFUL LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNED: Through living in Colombia, and doing business with artisans in Colombia, the most impactful lesson I’ve learned is to expect the unexpected! A national strike can close the roads for weeks and delay product shipments. Materials are often unavailable in certain colors, and material costs have risen

significantly. However, this can also go the opposite way. By being open to new connections with artisan groups, I’ve stumbled upon beautiful handmade work that I wasn’t already thinking about, like the loom-woven poncho I’m wearing in the photo.

FUN FACT: The Inga and Kamentsa Indigenous artisans we partner with have a new year celebration called the Carnaval of Forgiveness (El Carnaval del Perdón in Spanish). My husband and I were fortunate to attend last year and were inspired by the true acts of asking for forgiveness that we witnessed each person make to their family and community members.

Price, CONT. FROM PAGE 69

FUN FACT: My career has allowed me a front-row seat to the development of downtown Cary and the surrounding areas, and I love spending my time with my wife and 1-year-old son exploring the town. We also spend a lot of time in the North Carolina mountains with my family. My family grew Christmas trees when I was growing up, and recently I’ve been trying to grow some of my own.

Salazar, CONT. FROM PAGE 71

While a true balance moment by moment or week by week does not exist (I’m convinced), the “average” of a person’s life must feel balanced. Meaning, when work is “ebbing” because you have a big project due soon and must pull longer hours to make it a success, that’s OK, as long as you can “flow” when it’s done and recharge, returning to a more sustainable level and type of work.

ON LEADERSHIP QUALITIES: When a leader gets better, everyone wins. Good leaders know that in order to keep being a good leader, they must continually strive to grow, submitting themselves to the hard work of evaluating themselves and allowing others to evaluate them as well.

ADVICE TO OFFER: The advice that was given to me by one of my high school English teachers was, “You're never alone if you have yourself.” This thought has accompanied me in many of my personal and professional hurdles. We must always remember to treat others with respect, as we do not know their story. I leave you with my favorite quote by Socrates: “All I know is that I know nothing.”

Sherman, CONT. FROM PAGE 72

ADVICE TO OFFER: Be your own advocate and trust your gut. If you have an idea or if you see a solution for a potential problem, go ahead and put it out there for consideration. At best you will make a positive impact on the situation. At worst you will gain invaluable experience and personal growth. Don’t be afraid to be an active participant in your own development!

Phillippi, CONT. FROM PAGE 68

315 N. Academy Street Cary, NC

(919) 234-7800

localfirstbank.com

First Bank has been serving its customers since 1935, providing communities in the Carolinas with the access to financial services and support they need to thrive. The Bank’s mission remains as simple today as it was then: to protect the money that customers entrust in the Bank, to support its associates, and to contribute to the growth and health of the local communities. The Cary location is here to serve your needs with a dedicated business specialist, Steve Hardesty, and personal specialist, Zinnia Hamm.

Over the past few years First Bank has been awarded as a Number 1 Best-in-State Bank by Forbes, as an Annual KBW Bank Honor Roll Award winner, a best employer and one of the Top 10 best-performing public banks in the nation by S&P Global, along with many other accolades. To learn more about First Bank or what it can do for you or your business, feel free to stop by or call any of the local offices, visit localfirstbank.com or follow First Bank on social media.

Tell us your investment philosophy/mission

For 28 years as a Financial Advisor, including 20 years at Edward Jones, I have strived to put my clients' needs first. I will take as much time as needed to listen to you in order to understand your financial needs, goals and risk tolerance before making any recommendations.

What makes you different from other advisors

Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for college for children or grandchildren, or just trying to protect the financial future of the ones you care for the most, we can work together to develop specific strategies to help you achieve your goals. We can also monitor your progress to help make sure you stay on track or determine if any adjustments need to be made. Throughout it all, I am dedicated to providing you top-notch client service.

But we're not alone. Thousands of people and advanced technology support our office so we can help ensure you receive the most current and comprehensive guidance. In addition, we welcome the opportunity to work with your attorney, accountant and other trusted professionals to deliver a comprehensive strategy that leverages everyone's expertise. Working together, we can help you develop a complete, tailored strategy to help you achieve your financial goals.

113A N. Salem Street

Apex, NC

(919) 362-5449

edwardjones.com/bonniefischer

bonnie.fischer@edwardjones.com

Tell us about your agency mission.

Our agency has built our 88-year reputation on simple common sense mixed with just plain decency. I believe in a personal approach when it comes to working with our clients, face-to-face and hands-on. I take pride in building relationships on trust, which is how all business should be done. I am here to provide advice on how to protect you and your family’s greatest assets.

What makes you different from other insurance agencies?

Insurance should not be a “set it and forget it” purchase. I enjoy visiting with my clients and helping them understand their coverages and what those coverages mean to them. Often times, your insurance policy isn’t something you think about until the day you need it, and on that day I want my clients to not only have confidence in their insurance policy, but in me.

What services do you provide?

We are an independent insurance agency, free to choose the best carrier for your personal and commercial insurance needs. We work for the families and businesses in the Triangle to offer the best coverage at the most competitive price. Offering Home, Auto, Business and Life insurance, Harris & Company Insurance represents a carefully selected group of financially strong, reputable insurance companies, including Erie Insurance.

Bisplinghoff

Tell us your philosophy/mission as a banker and financial professional.

I aim to be the preferred provider of financial services to those who value a personalized service approach to banking. Providing guidance and interacting closely with members assisting them in reaching their financial goals and achieving success is the most important thing I do!

What makes you and TowneBank different?

At TowneBank, every member is unique, and our member experience is too. We are accessible and responsive and can make decisions at the local level. We live and work in the same communities and we know the people and the businesses. We invest in the communities we serve, support nonprofit organizations and work closely with our members to help achieve personal and business goals.

What certifications do you hold?

Bachelor of Arts with Honors and Master of Education.

What services do you provide?

I serve the needs of both my business and consumer members ‒ from business lines of credit for building facilities, merchant services, or commercial mortgages to home equity lines and depository services. I can also provide access to our Towne family of services, including insurance+, benefits, personal mortgages, and even vacation rentals. I consider myself multi-functional in the financial world, but more importantly, I know I can make a difference in my members’ lives.

Patsy

Johnson SVP | Cary President 5000 Valleystone Drive Suite 110, Cary, NC (919) 534-7444

Patsy.Johnson@TowneBank.net TowneBank.com

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS #512138

+ Insurance and Investment products offered through Towne Insurance and Towne Benefits, subsidiaries of TowneBank, are Not a deposit, Not FDIC-Insured, Not guaranteed by TowneBank, and may go down in value.

Wake Harvest

WRITTEN BY DENA DAW | PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRYAN REGAN

FOR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN, it can often be hard to see the forest through the trees in the midst of low self-esteem, bullying, isolation, stress, demanding classwork, and other challenges. This internal struggle can take a toll not only on the children, but also on their families. Wake Harvest, a youth mentorship and development organization, was founded — perhaps unsurprisingly — by a mother in need.

“I was inspired by my son, who is now a rising senior,” said founder Jessica Rivera. “He was really going through some challenges in middle school. It was literally the worst three years of our life as a family. I reached out to the school in regards to support, and they literally gave me a list

of mental hospitals, which was not what we needed — we needed programs. And he was not into sports at the time, so it was like if you’re not into sports, you’re kind of out of luck. I thought, there’s no way I’m the only parent in the world or in Raleigh who is looking for a support system — and so that’s actually how it started.”

The timing was right — Rivera had already decided to leave a career in hospitality and focus on youth suicide prevention and youth development after becoming a grief recovery specialist in 2013.

“That’s actually how I decided I wanted to go into youth suicide prevention,” said Rivera. “Learning about the stages of grief, and how depression is one of the stages and

one of the leading causes of suicide — the tie was there.”

Instead of continuing to search for programming to help her son, Rivera used her knowledge and experience to create exactly what her son (and family) needed.

“I was like, what if we did a youth mentorship program that met one Saturday every month? We can go to a different local business, and the local businesses can teach us about their industry and their road to success, and then the kids can get a tour,” said Rivera. “I was thinking of my son and how I wanted to give him hope for the future, and then I thought, how amazing would it be if we could give a whole bunch of kids hope for the future?”

With a mission to guide and encourage youth, Wake Harvest offers a safe space for children ages 5—18.

Wake Harvest was born with a mission to show children different options of who they can become, said Rivera, sowing a seed in their hearts so they can “reap a harvest of hope and success.” Serving families all throughout Wake County, Wake Harvest offers a before and after school program, summer and day camps, a monthly youth mentorship program, youth development sessions (one-on-one and groups), and a special program for teenagers called Teen Quest.

“We have Teen Quest every Wednesday, which is just when teenagers get to come and hang out with us and interact with each other and play games and have deep conversations,” said Rivera. “We’re building a support system for youth. Our goal is to make sure that there’s no child home alone, and we’re also on a mission to prevent youth suicide. The majority of programs stop accepting children at age 12, and the teenage years are when children need the most guidance. It’s very important to us

to be able to have a safe and fun place for kids to be who they are. Our youth mentorship program goes up to 18.”

Voted Raleigh’s Best Summer Camp by the News & Observer just last year, Wake Harvest’s summer camps are intended for ages 5 to 16. Camps run Monday through Friday throughout the summer, with a different theme every week. After recently moving to a much larger facility, equipped with a kitchen, playground, basketball and volleyball courts, and more, Rivera is hoping to reach more children than ever.

“We have so much more space, and we’re bringing on so many amazing team members that can help us with our kids and just make a difference,” said Rivera. “Every single day we do emotional regulation, so they give us one negative emotion they felt today and why and one positive emotion they felt today and why. We focus on social and emotional development; that’s a huge thing for us. So our whole team across the

board is going to be working on that in every room that we have our kids in, and we feel like that’s a big deal for us.”

For those who can’t afford services, Wake Harvest offers a tuition assistance program to ensure every family has access to support.

“We don’t want families to choose not to send their families to Wake Harvest because of their financial situation, or for any reason at all,” said Rivera. “We never like to turn families away. Thankfully, we have a really wonderful support system of people who believe in our mission and everything that we’re doing. We want to help to cover the cost for all of the families in need — not just for summer camp, but also for before and after school programs, because the same children who are alone during the summer are the same kids who are alone after school.”

Garner resident Iris Costello’s child has been involved in Wake Harvest’s summer camps and youth mentorship program for the past two years.

Bounce houses are a hit during Wake Harvest’s grand opening celebration!

Wake Harvest’s new facilities include two rooms dedicated solely to teenagers. Britni Wilson takes advantage of the basketball courts at Wake Harvest’s new facility.

“We love Wake Harvest and the opportunity they provide for each kid to be themselves,” said Costello. “Inclusion is so important at Wake Harvest. It is a very welcoming environment. Since getting involved, I worry less about my son fitting in.”

As an “electronic free” zone Monday through Thursday, Wake Harvest’s before and after school programs provide children the opportunity to socialize with each other, play games, be creative, and use their imaginations.

“Wake Harvest is not just a before and after school program that you can drop your child off in and we just babysit them until you get here,” said Rivera. “We’re working on helping our children with life skills and teaching them things. We tell families all the time,

it’s not just youth development, it’s family development. We may have parents that will call about a situation that doesn’t have anything to do with Wake Harvest, but because they are a part of our Wake Harvest family, we are going to do everything in our power to support them in whatever it is that they need.”

To further support children in need, Wake Harvest is currently building a program called CROP: Children Reaching Optimum Potential.

“It’s basically a program that’s going to help our children take control of their mental health,” said Rivera. “It’s going to be a 10-week course where we talk about everything — we’ll have sessions on depression, emotional regulation, the stages of grief, and

anger management is going to be in that fold as well. We want to work with our students and do an assessment in the beginning, an assessment in the middle, and an assessment at the end. Based on how this pilot program works for them, we want to roll it out to local middle and high schools so that they can do the same. Because for parents like me who had a son that was struggling, the school didn’t have support for these children. So we want to partner with the schools so we can reach the masses.”

CROP is slated to begin in the fall. In the meantime, Rivera continues to live for the success stories.

“I have a student who came to us with autism,” said Rivera. “He hadn’t fully been

“We tell every family we’re not currently equipped to accept children with severe special needs (yet), but we take children with minor special needs on a case-bycase basis. We always say, try it, and if we don’t feel like we are a good fit or that we can provide them with the level of care that they need, we’re going to tell you that. We’re child advocates. We want to set every child up for success. ”

— Jessica Rivera , Founder

This past May, Wake Harvest celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 3331 Blue Ridge Road (St. Paul’s Christian Church).

Founder Jessica Rivera, nicknamed “Sunshine,” firmly believes it takes a village to reach vulnerable youth and families in need.

evaluated yet, but the parents let us know that he was recommended to be evaluated. When this child came to us, he didn’t speak — not because he didn’t know how to speak, but because he didn’t know how to socialize. By the end of the summer, he was talking and playing with all the kids. When his mom went to do his evaluation, they told her it would take several hours. She told me it took less than an hour. They asked her, ‘What did you do differently from when the doctor saw him and recommended he have an evaluation until today? Because this is not the same child.’ The only difference was Wake Harvest.”

Victoria Bond, the mother in this particular story, says the best thing about Wake Harvest is how invested they are with the children.

“I would recommend Wake Harvest because they nurture, teach independence, and are constantly making sure that the kids can be themselves no matter what. My son had been going to other programs but was not evolving. He was able to experience so many firsts with this program. I knew he was in the right place when he would come home and tell me how camp was.”

Wake Harvest is for ALL children and families who need a safe space — working with students living with ADHD, anxiety, behavioral changes, or kids who simply crave connection and acceptance.

“We work with a lot of children who’ve been through trauma, children in foster care, children who’ve been adopted,” said Rivera.

“I love helping them to feel safe, nurtured, and loved, and helping them with their big feelings and learning how to work on them, because sometimes they can be explosive. Helping by providing them with the tools and techniques to know what to do to cope in those situations — that is the most rewarding thing.”

For those who are interesting in supporting Wake Harvest’s mission, there are many ways to do so — from volunteering as a chaperone on field trips, donating snacks, water, or games, investing in the tuition assistance program, or assisting with transportation for the before and after school program. Visit their website for more information. wakeharvest.com t

Kids celebrate their new facilities with face painting, games, and more!

Wake Harvest builds a “support system for our youth” by offering programming for kids up to 18 years old. Equipped with a playground and plenty of green space, Wake Harvest’s new location is perfect for indoor and outdoor play.

so hot

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A communal dining experience that’s exciting and full of myriad flavors, So Hot in Cary provides a rewarding hotpot-style extravaganza. The restaurant is conveniently located in Cornerstone Shopping Center just a few doors down from Asian supermarket H Mart.

Steeped in ancient Chinese tradition, the hotpot concept involves a do-it-yourself cooking method akin to fondue. A simmering vessel of flavored broth rests in the center of each guest’s table and is filled with assorted raw meats, vegetables, fungi, and noodles. Once cooked, diners can dip their food into various sauces and eat until satisfied.

“More and more people in this area are discovering hotpot,” says Lisa Liu, a native of China and the vivacious guest relations manager at So Hot. “It appeals to people who like to try a variety of spicy and notso-spicy foods.”

When you arrive at the eatery, expect to be guided to your table by adorable robot host Alex. Once seated, simply grab the iPad that’s provided to peruse and order food. Each menu item is pictured so you can know what to expect.

Lunch and dinner are a fixed price, allyou-can-eat protocol.

A printed guide on the table provides helpful instructions regarding how long to cook meat, vegetables, and noodles. Friendly and efficient servers come by often to ensure guests grasp the nuances of hotpot dining and refill the pot with broth. Trust us, though: The process is not intimidating in the least.

“We try to make it easy for customers to have an enjoyable meal,” Liu said. “It makes me happy when I see people socializing and liking the food.”

The pot in the center of the table accommodates up to four types of broth, including options like spicy beef tallow, fresh tomato, Cajun, and original bone broth. Spice levels are adjustable based on each person’s heat tolerance.

While the broth is reaching proper temperature, be sure to visit the self-serve sauce bar filled with spicy Szechuan, sweet Cantonese, and salty Beijing variants. Sauce toppings and add-ins comprise chopped peanuts, sesame oil, green onions, mashed garlic, oyster and hoisin sauces, cilantro, and red

WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

BELOW: Walls are decorated with pictures and art reflecting Chinese culture.

BOTTOM: A guest enjoys the all-you-can-eat hotpot experience.

Whether you choose spicy or mild, broth is essential for cooking your food at So Hot.

Alex, a delightful robotic host, ushers guests to their tables.

fermented bean curd. We thoroughly enjoyed the bangin’ peanut sauce, similar to Indonesian-style satay.

Extensive protein choices range from Angus beef and ribeye to pork belly and sliced chicken. Seafood runs the gamut from shrimp and fish filet to mussels and squid. We highly recommend the umami-rich hot spicy beef and the ice tofu, which is essentially frozen tofu that cooks perfectly in the broth and yields a firm texture.

“We also have beef tripe, chicken gizzard, pork liver, and quail eggs for people who are more adventurous eaters,” said Liu with a laugh.

You’ll have no trouble getting your fill of vegetables, with more than a dozen options to choose from, including simple items like broccoli, sweet corn, and spinach as well as more exotic picks such as watercress, bok choy, and seaweed knots. As for fungi, you can’t go wrong with enoki or king mushrooms.

TOP: Cleverly presented shoe-shaped chili oil melts into the broth.

ABOVE: Spicy, sweet, and savory sauce options are available as well as tempting add-ins and toppings.

TOP: A cotton candy vending machine makes creations shaped like flowers, hearts, and more.

BOTTOM LEFT: Milk mini buns

BOTTOM RIGHT: Brown sugar rice cakes

Among the eight available noodle types, we strongly endorse the handpulled, sweet potato, and the Japanesestyle udon varieties.

Desserts (available only at dinner) include milk mini buns and brown sugar rice cakes with soybean powder.

Don’t miss So Hot’s intriguing, fully automated cotton candy vending machine.

“This is especially popular with young girls,” Liu said. “It makes cotton candy in shapes and patterns like flowers and hearts.”

When it comes to beverages, choose from tempting boba and fruit tea selections. Order the oolong milk tea or the matcha slush. If you prefer an alcoholic drink, try the Aizu homare strawberry sake or Choya Umeshu plum wine.

So Hot is open from noon to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Reservations are available and advised for parties of six or more. Reservations are available and advised for parties of six or more. t

So Hot 1937 High House Road (Cornerstone), Cary

(919) 694-5510 | sohotcary.com

Hotpot dining is a steamy proposition at So Hot.

An exquisite Chinese dragon head serves as a pot handle and ladle rest.

Guest Relations Manager Lisa Liu pours water into the pot.

liquid assets Roman Holiday

CONTRIBUTED BY COLLETTA ITALIAN FOOD & WINE

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

A lower-proof summer refresher that is bright and fresh with hidden flavors of botanicals, bitter orange, cherry, and vanilla.

INGREDIENTS

Fresh mint

1 oz. Amaro Montenegro

1 oz. Cinzano Sweet Vermouth

¾ oz. Lemon juice

½ oz. Honey syrup

INSTRUCTIONS

Muddle fresh mint in the bottom of a shaker. Add ice and liquid ingredients, shake, and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with mint and lemon.

About Colletta:

Colletta in Cary’s Fenton celebrates the best of Italian American dishes with welcoming hospitality and service. Seasonal changes guide the menu of scratch-made pasta made in-house daily, cheeses, antipastis, pizzas, and more. Staying true to Italian dining traditions, Colletta also offers a “For the Table” dining option curated for a familystyle experience, offered nightly alongside the full à la carte menu. Colletta is now open for dinner nightly and for lunch Thursday-Sunday, and offers seating indoors and out on the patio. In its first year, Colletta was recognized by Eater as a Best New Restaurant and the News & Observer among the Best New Triangle Restaurants of 2022.

Amy Allen Photography

In His Image

F8 Photo Studios

liquid assets La Surfeza from Salty Turtle Beer Company

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

LA SURFEZA is clean, crisp, and refreshing. With a touch of lime zest added for citrusy brightness, this zippy Mexican lager is the perfect boat beer. Relax on the beach or poolside with a taco in hand and a La Surfeza in the other!

About Salty Turtle Beer Company: Surf City-based Salty Turtle Beer Company got its start in 2016 when Dean Kelley fortuitously attended a neighborhood garage sale where Daniel Callender was serving homebrew. Both former Marines, the two hit it off.

Since then, they’ve added North Carolina-native business partner Zack White, shared many pints of Coastline Kölsch, and expanded with the addition of a Raleigh taproom — the Carolina Coast meets the City of Oaks!

Offering beer styles both bold and classic, STBC caters to the creativity that the brewing process inherently encourages. (Betio Blonde Ale, anyone?) They also give back to the community through donations to the Karen Beasley Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center and hosting fundraising events benefiting causes ranging from vets to pets.

The Raleigh taproom features 14 beers on draft, plus plenty of wine, cider, and nonalcoholic beverages. They host weekly run and cycling clubs, with many more events in the works, and neighboring restaurants offer delicious options for folks to enjoy while they sip. Find their brews at bottle shops and grocery stores throughout the area.

Dining Guide

A SELECTION OF RESTAURANTS, BAKERIES, BISTROS, AND CAF E S IN CARY, APEX, FUQUAY-VARINA, HOLLY SPRINGS, AND MORRISVILLE

CARY

Abbey Road Tavern & Grill

Great food. Outstanding live music.

1195 W. Chatham St. (919) 481-4434 abbeyroadnc.com

Academy Street Bistro

New American cuisine with a French flair. 200 S. Academy St. (919) 377-0509 academystreetbistro.com

Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream

Premium quality ice cream and sorbet.

10120 Green Level Church Road #208 (919) 901-8560

1008 Ryan Road (919) 234-0037 andiasicecream.com

Annelore’s German Bakery

Authentic German pastries, breads, and pretzels. 308 W. Chatham St. (919) 267-6846 anneloresbakery.com

Asali Desserts & Café

Gourmet sweet shop crossed with a refined coffeehouse. 107 Edinburgh Drive, Suite 106-A (919) 362-7882 asalicafe.com

Ashworth Drugs

Quintessential place for fresh-squeezed lemonade, old-fashioned milkshakes, and hot dogs.

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

Awaze Ethiopian Cuisine

East African eatery showcasing vegetarian and vegan options. 904 NE Maynard Road (919) 377-2599 awazecuisine.com

A’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library

Not your traditional Mexican food. 2300 Walnut St. (984) 200-3469 averdecary.com

BB’s Crispy Chicken

Shatteringly crispy chicken. 1147 Parkside Main St. (984) 272-3500 bbscrispychicken.com

Big Dom’s Bagel Shop

Serving bagels, B’donuts, and sandwiches.

203 E Chatham St. (919) 377-1143

bigdomsbagelshop.com

The Big Easy Oven + Tap

Modern Southern-inspired kitchen with New Orleans roots.

231 Grande Heights Drive (919) 468-6007

thebigeasyovenandtap.com

Big Mikes BBQ

Beers on tap to complement locally sourced, farm-to-table BBQ.

1222 NW Maynard Road

(919) 799-2023

brewnquenc.com

Bonefish Grill

Fresh is our signature.

2060 Renaissance Park Place (919) 677-1347

bonefishgrill.com

Bosphorus Restaurant

Traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. 329-A N. Harrison Ave. (919) 460-1300

bosphorus-nc.com

BottleDog Bites & Brews

A casual place for unconventional food and craft beer. 8306 Chapel Hill Road (919) 390-1617

bottledogcary.com

Bravo’s Mexican Grill

Extensive menu raises the ante considerably above the typical Tex-Mex. 208 Grande Heights Drive (919) 481-3811

bravosmexicangrill.net

Brecotea Baking Studio

Abundant sweet and savory selections. 1144 Kildaire Farm Road (919) 234-1555

brecotea.com

Brewster’s Pub

Open late, serving a full food and drink menu. 1885 Lake Pine Drive (919) 650-1270

brewsterspubcary.com

Brigs

Breakfast creations, cool salads, and hot sandwich platters.

1225 NW Maynard Road (919) 481-9300

brigs.com

Buldaegi BBQ House

Contemporary Korean BBQ. 2470 Walnut St. (919) 703-0400

buldaegi.com

Bumble Brews

Play space for kids with a café serving coffee, beer, wine, and more.

2464 SW Cary Parkway (984) 465-0537

bumblebrews.fun

Burrito Shak

Quality fresh-Mex cuisine.

2982 Kildaire Farm Road (919) 267-6772 burritoshak.com

Cha House

Asian-inspired craft tea house.

1319 Kildaire Farm Road (984) 465-0498 chahouseusa.com

Chanticleer Café & Bakery

Family-owned restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and specialty coffees.

6490 Tryon Road (919) 781-4810 chanticleercafe.com

Chef’s Palette

Creative flair and originality in every aspect of our service.

3460 Ten Ten Road, Suite 118 (919) 267-6011

chefspalette.net

Chelsea Café

Fresh, local American fare for breakfast and lunch (inside Raleigh Brewing).

2036 Renaissance Park Place (919) 474-8698

chelseacafe-rtp.com

Chicken Salad Chick

Gourmet chicken salad, called “the best in America.”

302 Colonades Way, Suite 202 (984) 207-5516

chickensaladchick.com/cary-nc/

Cilantro Indian Café

Northeast Indian cuisine with fresh ingredients. 107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Suite 107 (919) 234-1264

cilantroindia.com

CinéBistro

Ultimate dinner-and-a-movie experience.

525 New Waverly Place, Suite 203 (919) 987-3500

cmxcinemas.com/locationdetail/ cinebistro-waverly

Cinnaholic

Plant-based bakery with create-your-own cinnamon rolls.

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

City Barbeque

Barbeque in its truest form.

1305 Kildaire Farm Road (919) 439-5191 citybbq.com

Coffee & Crepes

Freshly prepared sweet and savory crepes. 315 Crossroads Boulevard (919) 233-0288 coffeeandcrepes.com

Colletta Italian Food & Wine

Celebrating the best Italian American dishes. 1 Fenton Main St., Suite 170 (919) 766-0062 collettarestaurant.com/cary1/

Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar

Creative burgers and hot dogs with diverse bottled soda selection.

126 Kilmayne Drive (919) 466-0055 corbettsburgers.com

Craft Public House

Sociable neighborhood public house.

1040 Tryon Village Drive, Suite 601 (919) 851-9173

craftpublichouse.com

Crema Coffee Roaster & Bakery

Family-owned and operated bakery and espresso bar.

1983 High House Road (919) 380-1840 cremacoffeeroaster.com

Crosstown Pub & Grill

A straight-forward menu covers all the bases. 140 E. Chatham St. (919) 650-2853

crosstowndowntown.com

Custom Confections

Custom cheesecakes made locally.

1187 W. Chatham St. customconfections.net

Danny’s Bar-B-Que

Slow-cooked on an open pit with hickory wood. 311 Ashville Ave. G (919) 851-5541 dannysbarbque.com

Di Fara Pizza Tavern

We don’t cut any corners when it comes to ingredients. 111 E. Chatham St. (919) 678-5300

difarapizzatavern.com

Doherty’s Irish Pub

Catch the game or listen to live music. 1979 High House Road (919) 388-9930

dohertysirishpubnc.com

Duck Donuts

Warm, delicious, and just the way you like them. 100 Wrenn Drive, Suite 101 (919) 468-8722

duckdonuts.com/cary/

Enrigo Italian Bistro

Fresh food made from pure ingredients. 575 New Waverly, Suite 106 (919) 854-7731

dineenrigo.com

Esteamed Coffee

Building esteem and employment for adults with differing abilities. 114 S. Academy St. (919) 650-3470

esteamedcoffee.com

Famous Toastery

Top-notch service for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. 316 Colonades Way, Suite 201C (919) 655-1971

famoustoastery.com

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Made-to-order burgers and more. 1121 Parkside Main St. (919) 380-0450

fiveguys.com

Gamers Geekery & Tavern

Cary’s first board game café. 107 Edinburgh S. Drive #213 (919) 650-2366

carygametavern.com

Geluna Gelato

Traditional methods, modern flavors. 111 E. Chatham St. (919) 234-1216

gelunagelato.com

Dining Guide

Goodberry’s Frozen Custard

Made fresh hourly since 1988.

1146 Kildaire Farm Road

(919) 467-2386

2325 Davis Drive

(919) 469-3350

goodberrys.com

Great Harvest Bread Co.

Real food that tastes great.

1220 NW Maynard Road (919) 460-8158

greatharvestcary.com

Gonza Tacos y Tequila

Award-winning Colombian-Mexican cuisine. 525-105 New Waverly Place (919) 653-7310

cary.gonzatacosytequila.com

Hank’s Downtown Dive

Your neighborhood bohemian dive.

111 E. Chatham St. (984) 464-2524 hanksdowntowndive.com

Herons

The signature restaurant of The Umstead Hotel and Spa.

100 Woodland Pond Drive (919) 447-4200 theumstead.com/dining/herons

Honey Pig

Authentic Korean BBQ.

1065 Darrington Drive (919) 234-0088 honeypignc.com

Honeysuckle Gelato

Creating delicious gelato and joyful experiences.

7 Fenton Main St. (919) 377-2029

honeysucklegelato.com

JuiceVibes

Made-to-order juices from locally sourced produce.

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

Kababish Café

A celebration of deliciousness and creativity. 201 W. Chatham St., Suite 103 (919) 377-8794

kababishcafe.com

ko•än

Upscale, contemporary Southeast Asian dishes. 2800 Renaissance Park Place (919) 677-9229

koancary.com

La Farm Bakery

Handcrafted daily with only the freshest ingredients. 4248 NW Cary Parkway (919) 657-0657

220 W. Chatham St. (919) 650-3117

5055 Arco St. (in Whole Foods) (984) 228-0300 lafarmbakery.com

La Grassa Pastificio

Hand-crafted Italian cuisine. 908 NE Maynard Road (984) 465-0594

lagrassaitaliano.com

LemonShark Poke

The finest poke ingredients and local brews on tap.

2000 Boulderstone Way (919) 333-0066

lemonsharkpoke.com

Los Tres Magueyes

We prepare our food fresh daily.

110 SW Maynard Road (919) 460-8757

lostresmagueyescary.com

10120 Green Level Church Road, Suite 202 lostresmagueyesgreenlevel.com

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

Exceptional renderings of classic Southern dishes.

7307 Tryon Road (919) 233-1632

lucky32.com/cary

Lucky Chicken

All of our beautiful Peru, with every dish.

1851 N. Harrison Ave. (919) 678-3153

Lugano Ristorante

Italian dining in a comfortable and casual atmosphere.

1060 Darrington Drive (919) 468-7229

luganocary.com

Maximillians Grill & Wine Bar

Global cuisine using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. 8314 Chapel Hill Road (919) 465-2455 maximilliansgrill.com

MC Modern Asian Cuisine

Bringing upscale Asian flair to downtown Cary. 324 S. Academy St. (919) 650-1738 mccuisines.com

Meeple’s Brew

850+ board games between two locations. 821 Bass Pro Lane meeplesbrew.com

Mellow Mushroom

Beer, calzones, and creative stone-baked pizzas.

4300 NW Cary Parkway (919) 463-7779

mellowmushroom.com

Mithai Indian Café

Bengali-style sweet and savory selections free of preservatives and artificial flavors. 744-F E. Chatham St. (919) 469-9651

mithaius.com

Mixed Desserts

Edible cookie dough, cookies, soft serve ice cream, and family-friendly treats. 107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Suite 115 (919) 377-0058

mixeddesserts.com

MOD Pizza

Serving artisan style pizzas, superfast. 316 Colonades Way, Suite 206-C (919) 241-7200

336 Sembler Lane, Suite 4001 (984) 208-7015

modpizza.com

Dining Guide

Mookie’s New York Deli

A bona fide, no-frills sandwich spot. 1010 Tryon Village Drive (919) 900-7770

mookiesnydeli.com

M Sushi

Purposeful seasonal seafood. 4 Fenton Main St., Suite 120 (919) 729-5662

m-restaurants.com

Noodle Boulevard

Ten variations on the ramen theme, covering a pan-Asian spectrum. 1718 Walnut St. (984) 222-3003

noodleblvd.com

Once in a Blue Moon Bakery & Café

The fast track to sweet tooth satisfaction.

115-G W. Chatham St. (919) 319-6554

bluemoonbakery.com

The Original N.Y. Pizza

Consistent every visit.

831 Bass Pro Lane (919) 677-8484

6458 Tryon Road (919) 852-2242

theoriginalnypizza.com

Peck & Plume

Modern American dining in downtown Cary. 301 S. Academy St. (919) 804-1400

peckandplume.com

Pineapple Sol

Offering picnics, charcuterie, high tea, and more. 302 Colonades Way, Suite 109 (919) 803-8533

pineapplesol.com

Pizzeria Faulisi

Simple foods from a simple way of cooking: a wood-burning oven. 215 E. Chatham St., Suite 101 (919) 377-8244 pizzeriafaulisi.com

Prohibitive

Weekday hideaway cocktail bar.

317 W Chatham St. (919) 808-1788

prohibitivecary.com

Pro’s Epicurean Market & Café

Gourmet market, café, and wine bar.

211 E. Chatham St. (919) 377-1788

prosepicurean.com

Pure Juicery Bar

Vegan eatery and juice bar.

716 Slash Pine Drive (919) 234-1572

purejuicerybar.com

RallyPoint Sport Grill

Lunch and dinner food in a pub atmosphere. 837 Bass Pro Lane (919) 678-1088

rallypointsportgrill.com

Red Bowl Asian Bistro

Each distinctive dish is handcrafted. 2020 Boulderstone Way (919) 388-9977

redbowlcary.com

Ricci’s Trattoria

Keeping true to tradition.

10110 Green Level Church Road (919) 380-8410

riccistrattoria.com

Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits

Great food always, with a side of good times. 8111-208 Tryon Woods Drive (919) 851-3999

ruckuspizza.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Cooked to perfection.

2010 Renaissance Park Place (919) 677-0033

ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/cary

Sassool

Homemade Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine.

1347 Kildaire Farm Road (919) 300-5586 sassool.com

Seoul Garden

A wide-ranging menu provides plenty of bona fide Korean options.

815 W. Chatham St. (919) 234-6002 seoulgardennc.com

Serendipity Gourmet Deli

Discovering the unusual, valuable or pleasantly surprising.

118 S. Academy St., Cary (919) 469-1655

Seol Grille

Scratch-made steamed beef and pork dumplings practically melt in your mouth. 2310 Walnut St. (984) 241-9112 seolgrille.com

So Hot

All-you-can-eat hot pot cooked at your table. 937 High House Road (919) 694-5510 sohotcary.com

Sophie’s Grill & Bar

Traditional pub fare along with Old-World cuisine. 2734 NC-55 (919) 355-2377

sophiesgrillandbar.com

Spirits Pub & Grub

Wide variety of menu items, all prepared in a scratch kitchen.

701 E. Chatham St. (919) 462-7001 spiritscary.com

Superica

Tex-Mex, straight from Texas. 25 Fenton Main St., Suite 110 (919) 443-0746

superica.com/cary/

Sugar Koi

Koiyaki fish waffle cones with Asian-inspired ice cream. 116 Kilmayne Drive (919) 757-2399 sugarkoi.com

Dining Guide

Szechuan Mansion Hotpot

A cook-it-yourself meal using a cauldron of flavored broth and fresh ingredients.

1353 Kildaire Farm Road

(919) 800-1802

szechuanmansion.com

Taco Addicts

West Coast-inspired tacos. 131 Crossroads Boulevard (919) 896-8043

taco-addicts.com

Taipei 101

Specializing in Szechuan, Zhejiang, and Taiwanese styles of cooking. 121 E. Chatham St. (919) 388-5885

carytaipei101nc.com

Taste of Jamaica

Family-owned, authentic dine-in and take-out Jamaican restaurant.

600 E. Chatham St. (919) 461-0045

tasteofjamaicanc.com

Tazza Kitchen

Wood-fired cooking and craft beverages.

600 Ledgestone Way (919) 651-8281

tazzakitchen.com/location/stonecreekvillage

Teresa’s Italian Cuisine

The place to feel at home. 941 N. Harrison Ave. (919) 377-0742

teresasitaliancuisine.com

Terra Bonum Salad Cafe

Salads, wraps, and other healthy lunch options.

821 Bass Pro Lane (984) 664-3030

Thai Spices & Sushi

Freshest, most-authentic Thai cuisine and sushi.

986 High House Road (919) 319-1818 thaispicesandsushi.com

Totopos Street Food & Tequila

A walk through Mexico City.

1388 Kildaire Farm Road (919) 678-3449

totoposfoodandtequila.com/cary

Tribeca Tavern

Handcrafted burgers, homegrown beer. 500 Ledgestone Way (919) 465-3055

tribecatavernnc.com

Udupi Café

Authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine. 590 E. Chatham St. (919) 465-0898

udupicafenc.com

V Pizza

True Neapolitan pizza, made with the absolute best ingredients. 1389 Kildaire Farm Road (919) 650-1821

vpizza.com

vomFASS Vinegar, Oil & Spice Shop

Taste our premium olive oils and specialty vinegars before you buy. 302 Colonades Way, Suite 203 (919) 977-6745

vomfassusa.com

Yuri Japanese Restaurant

For sushi fans and connoisseurs of Japanese cuisine.

1361 Kildaire Farm Road (919) 481-0068

yurijapaneserestaurant.com

APEX

Abbey Road Tavern & Grill

Great food. Outstanding live music. 1700 Center St. (919) 372-5383 | abbeyroadnc.com

Anna’s Pizzeria

Piping hot pizzas and mouthwatering Italian food.

100 N. Salem St. (919) 267-6237 | annaspizzeria.com

Apex Wings Restaurant & Pub

Fresh, crisp wings with sauces made in house.

518 E. Williams St. (919) 387-0082

apexwings.com

A Taste of Brooklyn

Petite bakery with a cheery vibe.

101 N. Salem St. (919) 362-8408 | atasteofbrooklynnc.com

Bonafide Bakeshop & Cafe

Scratch-made Northern classics and Southern comforts.

1232 W. Williams St. (919) 372-5000 | bonafidebakeshop.com

Big Mike’s BBQ

Beers on tap to complement locally sourced, farm-to-table BBQ.

2045 Creekside Landing Drive (919) 338-2591 | brewnquenc.com

Common Grounds Coffee

House & Desserts

The highest-quality locally roasted coffee.

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

Daniel’s Restaurant & Catering

Pasta dishes, hand-stretched pizzas, and scratch-made desserts.

1430 W. Williams St. (919) 303-1006

danielsapex.com

Doherty’s Irish Pub

Catch the game or listen to live music.

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

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

Made-to-order burgers and more.

1075 Pine Plaza Drive (919) 616-0011

fiveguys.com

J&S Pizza

Authentic Italian cuisine and New York-style pizza since 1995.

804 Perry Road (919) 363-0071

jandsnypizza.com

Mamma Mia Italian Bistro

A taste of Italy in every bite. 708 Laura Duncan Road (919) 363-2228 | mammamianc.com

The Mission Market

A casual hangout to drink, eat, and shop. 124 N. Salem St. (919) 629-4064 | shopthemission.com

Osteria G

Traditional Italian fare featuring housemade pasta.

5160 Sunset Lake Road (984) 229-7480

osteriag.com

Dining Guide

The Peak on Salem

Seasonal contemporary Southern cuisine.

126 N. Salem St. (919) 446-6060 | thepeakonsalem.com

The Provincial Fresh. Simple.

119 Salem St. (919) 372-5921 | theprovincialapex.com

Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits

Great food always, with a side of good times.

1055 Pine Plaza Drive (919) 446-6333 | ruckuspizza.com

Rudy’s Pub & Grill

Comfortable and familiar, just like home.

780 W. Williams St. (919) 303-5061 | rudysofapex.com

Salem Street Pub

Burgers, brews, and moonshine.

113 N. Salem St. (919) 387-9992 | salemstreetpub.com

Scratch Kitchen and Taproom

It’s better from scratch.

225 N. Salem St. (919) 372-5370 scratchkitchenandtaproom.com

Skippers Seafood & Smokehouse

The freshest seafood and BBQ available.

1001 E. Williams St. (919) 303-2400 | skippersfish.com

SodaBox

Craft fountain drinks and tasty treats. 817 E. Williams St. (919) 267-6914 | sodabox.love

Sushi SUYU

Japanese cuisine with Korean-inspired flair.

301 N. Salem St. (919) 367-6419 | sushisuyu.com

TapStation

Service station turned brewpub with an elevated menu. 320 S. Salem St. tapstationapex.com

Vegan Community Kitchen

Wholesome multicultural vegan food. 803 E. Williams St. (919) 372-5027 | vegancommunitykitchen.com

Wake Oasis Coffee

Delivering cups of joy. 6108 Old Jenks Road (919) 267-4622 | wakeoasiscoffee.com

FUQUAY-VARINA

Anna’s Pizzeria

Piping hot pizzas and mouthwatering

Italian food. 138 S. Main St. (919) 285-2497 | annaspizzeria.com

Aviator SmokeHouse

Wood-smoked food and local beer. 525 E. Broad St.

(919) 557-7675 | aviatorbrew.com/smokehouse

Cultivate Coffee Roasters

Roastery supporting addiction recovery. 128 S. Fuquay Ave.

(919) 285-4067 | cultivate.coffee

Garibaldi Trattoria Pizza Pasta

French-inspired Italian cuisine. 900 N. Main St. (919) 552-8868 | garbalditrattoria.com

J&S New York Pizza

Authentic Italian cuisine and New York-style pizza since 1995. 500 Broad St. (919) 557-6921

jandsnypizza.com

Little Portugal

Authentic Portuguese cuisine including churrasco char-grilled chicken.

736 N. Main St.

(919) 586-7144 | littleportugalnc.com

Los Tres Magueyes

A little taste of Mexico. 401 Wake Chapel Road (919) 552-3957 | lostresmagueyes.com

The Mason Jar Tavern

All the comforts of Southern hospitality with a modern twist.

305 S. Main St. (919) 762-5555 | themasonjartavern.com

Stick Boy Bread Co.

Handcrafted baked goods from scratch with all-natural ingredients.

127 S. Main St. (919) 557-2237 stickboyfuquay.com

Wingin’ It Bar and Grille

Hearty fare and tasty treats.

1625 N. Main St., Suite 109 (919) 762-0962 winginitbarandgrille.com

Zeera Indian

Traditional Indian cuisine adapted to the local palate. 1311 E. Broad St. (919) 762-6215 zeeranc.com

HOLLY SPRINGS

ACME Pizza Co.

Chicago-style deep dish pizza. 204 Village Walk Drive (919) 552-8800 | acmepizzaco.com

The Blind Pelican

First-rate fish, shrimp, lobster, crab, oysters, and other ocean-centric delights. 120 Bass Lake Road (984) 225-2471 | blindpelicanseafood.com

The Butcher’s Market

Premium meats and specialty grocery. 4200 Lassiter Road (919) 267-9191 | thebutchersmarkets.com

Los Tres Magueyes

A little taste of Mexico. 325 N. Main St. (919) 552-6272 | lostresmagueyes.com

Dining Guide

Lovegrass Kitchen

Gluten-free whole foods and packaged mixes. 300 S. Main St., Suite 108 (919) 205-8426 | lovegrasskitchen.com

Mama Bird’s Cookies + Cream

A unique spin on a timeless dessert. 304 N. Main St. (919) 762-7808

mamabirdsicecream.com

The Mason Jar Tavern

All the comforts of Southern hospitality with a modern twist. 114 Grand Hill Place (919) 964-5060 | themasonjartavern.com

My Way Tavern

Freshly made all-American foods. 301 W. Center St. (919) 285-2412 | mywaytavern.com

Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi

Authentic Thai cuisine, fresh sushi, and crafted cocktails. 242 South Main St., Suite 100 (984) 538-6742

oshathaikitchennc.com

Dining Guide

Pimiento Tea Room

Eclectic café with a rotating menu of small plates.

200 N. Main St. (984) 225-4213 | pimientotearoom.com

Rise Southern biscuits, righteous chicken, and donuts.

169 Grand Hill Place (919) 586-7343 | risebiscuitschicken.com

Thai Thai Cuisine

Fresh authentic Thai food.

108 Osterville Drive (919) 303-5700 thaithaicuisinenc.com

Vieni Ristobar

Laid-back Italian fare.

242 S. Main St. (984) 225-1134 | vieniristobar.com

MORRISVILLE

Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken

Unforgettable rotisserie chicken.

9575 Chapel Hill Road (919) 378-9259 | alpacachicken.com

Another Broken Egg Café

A totally egg-ceptional experience. 1121 Market Center Drive, (919) 465-1079 | anotherbrokenegg.com

Babymoon Café

Pizzas, pastas, seafood, steaks, salads, and more.

100 Jerusalem Drive, Suite 106 (919) 465-9006

babymooncafe.com

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

Outrageous burgers and beers.

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

Capital City Chop House

The best steaks, seafood, and chops we can find.

151 Airgate Drive (919) 484-7721 | chophousesofnc.com

Clean Juice

Organic juices, smoothies, and more. 3035 Village Market Place (919) 468-8286 cleanjuice.com

Crumbl Cookies

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

1105 Market Center Drive (919) 364-1100

crumblcookies.com

Desy’s Grill & Bar

Straightforward pub grub at a relaxed sports bar.

10255 Chapel Hill Road, Suite 200 (919) 380-1617

desysbar.com

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Steaks, seafood, chicken, and ribs seared over local hickory, oak, and pecan wood.

3200 Village Market Place (919) 653-0111

firebirdsrestaurants.com/morrisville/

Fount Coffee + Kitchen

Coffee bar with 100% gluten-free food.

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

Full Moon Oyster Bar and Seafood Kitchen

Fresh seafood raw, steamed, grilled, baked, or fried.

1600 Village Market Place

(919) 378-9524 | fullmoonoysterbar.com

G. 58 Modern Chinese Cuisine

A contemporary approach to traditional Chinese cuisine.

10958 Chapel Hill Road (919) 466-8858

g58cuisine.com

Georgina’s Pizzeria & Restaurant

Mouthwatering homemade Italian dishes. 3536 Davis Drive (919) 388-3820

georginasrestaurantnc.com

HiPoke

Fresh fun poké. 9573 Chapel Hill Road (919) 650-3398 hipokes.com

Meeple’s Brew

850+ board games between two locations. 9545 Chapel Hill Road meeplesbrew.com

Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant

Mexican with a modern twist.

9605 Chapel Hill Road (919) 481-9002

1106 Grace Park Drive (919) 650-1718 micancunmx.com

Neomonde

Contemporary and traditional Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes.

10235 Chapel Hill Road #400 (919) 466-8100 neomonde.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes Cakes are baked fresh daily in a variety of flavors and sizes. 2008 Market Center Drive, Unit 17130 (919) 694-5300

nothingbundtcakes.com

Piada Italian Street Food

Fast-casual Italian.

2016 Market Center Drive (919) 371-0787 mypiada.com

Rise Southern biscuits, righteous chicken, and donuts.

1100 Market Center Drive, (919) 377-0385

risebiscuitschicken.com

Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits

Great food always, with a side of good times.

1101 Market Center Drive (919) 388-3500

ruckuspizza.com

Taste Vietnamese Cuisine

Authentic noodles and more.

152 Morrisville Square Way (919) 234-6385 | tastevietnamesetogo.com

Village Deli & Grill

Hearty homemade foods. 909 Aviation Parkway, #100 (919) 462-6191 | villagedeli.net

ZenFish Poké Bar

Guilt-free, healthy fast-casual dining. 9924 Chapel Hill Road (919) 234-0914 | zenfishpokebar.com

Treasure Memories in Corolla.

Land of Legendary Wild Horses

Just North of where paved roads come to an end, on the Outer Banks, is where the official state horse of North Carolina roam. The legendary Corolla wild horses have been calling our beaches home for over 400 years.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

A beacon guiding travelers for well over a century, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse towers over the Outer Banks landscape. For a small fee, visitors can climb the staircase for a wide-open view of both the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

Whalehead in Historic Corolla

In the heart of Historic Corolla Park you will find the Whalehead Museum, a restored 1920s era Art Nouveau architectural masterpiece with a storied history. Whalehead is host to several seasonal events, and offers tours throughout the week.

The Currituck Maritime Museum

Located just across the park from Whalehead, the new Currituck Maritime Museum tells the integral story of the history of wooden boats on the northern Outer Banks and their craftsmen through exhibits and artifacts.

This summer head north up Hwy. 12 to Corolla, best known for its awe-inspiring remote beaches, and where the legendary Corolla Wild Horses, iconic historical sites and fun weekly events await you. Reserve your accommodations today. Find your treasure on the Corolla Outer Banks.

Find shopping, dining and entertainment with the new Corolla OBX Mobile App, available on the App Store and Google Play.

garden adventurer

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY L.A. JACKSON

Crape Myrtles in the Dark

FEW WOODY ORNAMENTALS are as constant in the summer garden as crape myrtles. Once established, they can be reliably counted on to light up the landscape with extended shows of dazzling blooms, even during long stretches of sizzling heat and drought conditions.

My only problem with these pretties is they can be too constant. Let me explain: The foliage of typical crape myrtles is green, just green, ho-hum green, and, every year, their leaves constantly fade into the sameness of the other trees and bushes that surround them.

However, about 10 years ago, I was stopped in my tracks at a local nursery by an unexpected surprise: a crape myrtle smoldering itself in deep wine-red foliage to bring a dramatic — yet fun — version of shadow play out into the full sunlight of a garden setting. Its name was ‘Delta Jazz,’ and guess what went home with me that day?

‘Delta Jazz’ was one of the first cultivars to shine a light on dark-leaved crape myrtles and their ornamental possibilities by using its foliage as an alt-green backdrop to make the strong pink blooms really pop in the summer.

The success of ‘Delta Jazz’ led to the creation of a “Delta” series that features several crapes with leaves that have gone to the dark side adorned in flashy flowers ranging from spectral white (‘Delta Moonlight’) to light purple (‘Delta Eclipse’) to scorching red (‘Delta Flame’).

And “Delta” is not the only alpha series offering shadowy crapes to gardeners. Based on the same research that originated the first dusky-foliage crape myrtles, the “Magic” and “Black Diamond” series also have many cultivars that bring their unique combinations of darkness and brightness to landscapes.

The dark foliage of Sunset Magic makes its bright flowers really pop.

To Do in the GARDEN

• If you haven’t had the chance start your summer veggie garden yet, don’t think you’ve missed out on the fun — this month is still a good time to plant lima beans, cucumbers, eggplant, watermelons, peppers, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, squash, snap beans, and tomatoes.

• Houseplants vacationing outside enjoy the high summer humidity much more than we do because it helps keep their leaves hydrated. Wiping the leaves occasionally will also add beneficial moisture to the foliage, and perhaps more importantly, help prevent bad bug egglaying activities.

June July

• To help prevent the proliferation of diseases and insects that thrive on the spent remnants of roses, rake up and trash any fallen flowers and foliage every week or two. Do not compost.

• Brown patches of grass in the yard aren’t necessarily the result of summer drought. Push a shovel into the top few inches of an afflicted area and turn the soil over. If there are any short, white “worms” present, it means that lawn grubs have been gorging themselves on grass roots. For the best way to eradicate these little nasties, check with your local friendly garden center.

TIMELY TIP

If you are a moth who wants to get the most flame from garden-grown hot peppers, after the fruits begin to set, limit irrigation by watering only when their leaves just begin to wilt. This will lessen the amount of moisture in the peppers, which will enhance their culinary sizzle.

Also, picking too soon will not allow capsaicin (the chemical compound that creates the scorch) to build to maximum levels. Prime time for plucking hot peppers is when they are fully ripe, meaning after the fruits totally change from immature green to their advertised hot hues.

Red is the right ripe color for habanero peppers.

Besides being pretty, crape myrtles from these three series are also similar in that they usually restrain themselves to heights of around 12 feet or less. In addition, many of their shadowy selections certainly aren’t strangers to local garden centers or online nurseries.

Like their lighter-leaved cousins, dusky crapes perform best in full sun, but this could make planting them in the scorch of a sizzling summer problematic. Sufficiently preparing their planting holes, heavily mulching, and watering them regularly will definitely help. As an alternative, buy now and plant later by simply tucking your new pretties and their pots away in a semi-shaded spot, watering them regularly, and then waiting for autumn — prime planting time for woody ornamentals.

L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine Want to ask L.A. a question about your garden? Contact him by email at lajackson1@gmail.com.

Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

THE 30TH ANNUAL Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival was held in Cary’s Bond Park on April 29. The event brought together 170 local artists in a celebration of North Carolina’s artistry and creativity. The event featured an Earth Day Celebration, three entertainment stages, and food vendors and children’s activities. Its sister festival, Lazy Daze, will take place on the Cary Town Hall campus Aug. 26 and 27, featuring 300 artists from inside and outside North Carolina.

JUNE/JULY 2023

happenings

Women-focused coworking space Blush Cowork celebrated its one-year anniversary by announcing a new playcare partnership with Hopscotch Labs. The weekday program will offer Montessori-inspired playcare for children 6 months to 6 years old in four-hour morning and afternoon blocks. “It’s an honor to prioritize our members’ human needs — like accessible, affordable childcare — so that they can nurture their careers,” said Blush Cowork Founder Alison Rogers. “As I have poured countless hours into welcoming more than 1,000 people to Blush throughout the past year, I know first-hand that dependable, trusted child care is essential to helping women create meaningful careers.”

CARY FOUNDED and WITHERSRAVENEL will be anchor tenants in the Rogers building, according to Northwoods Associates and Chatham Street Commercial. The Rogers building project consists of two buildings connected at the center by a three-story atriumstyle lobby. Coworking space Cary Founded will anchor Rogers West, which will also include Gentlemen’s Corner, Gail and Grace boutique, and (in) tandem salon. Engineering and landscape architecture firm WithersRavenel will anchor Rogers East, which will also house Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty and a second Sono Sushi location. Construction on the 50,000-square-foot project is scheduled to finish this fall. “In addition to bringing exciting restaurant and retail offerings, we are committed to bringing offices back to Cary’s historic business core,” said Jordan Gussenhoven of Chatham Street Commercial.

THE REYNOLDA HOUSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART will offer free admission to all North Carolina pre-K through 12th grade teachers through Labor Day. Current exhibitions include Black Mountain College: Seedbed of American Art, Coexistence: Nature vs. Nurture, and Still I Rise: The Black Experience at Reynolda. reynolda.org/visit

Jonathan Fredin

Juli Leonard

Crescent Communities held a groundbreaking of NOVEL MORRISVILLE, a new multifamily community, in late April. Located at 218 Southport Drive, NOVEL Morrisville will offer 336 for-rent residences, including townhomes and apartments with luxury amenities. Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee & Social cafe will serve residents and the greater community. NOVEL Morrisville plans to open summer 2024. “Morrisville is a magnet for growth and innovation, and we’re thrilled to be a part of that energy by bringing a new, thoughtfully designed multifamily community to the area,” said Michael Tubridy, Crescent Communities Senior Managing Director, Carolinas and Tennessee.

Apex resident JON ARMKE joined the board of WGU North Carolina, the state affiliate of Western Governors University, which offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in IT, health care, business, and administration. A graduate of WGU, Armke is a Lead Instructor for Ethical Hacking at Wake Technical Community College’s campus in Research Triangle Park.

Warby Parker opened its sixth North Carolina store at Cary’s Fenton development on April 29. The one-stop shop offers eye exams, a full line of sun and optical eyewear, and house brand and third-party contacts. The store features “colorful illustrations of wide-eyed creatures” throughout, including an exterior mural by artist Julian Montague.

Cary residents are invited to apply for various boards, committees, and commissions through June 30. Terms start in the fall, and most are three-year positions. Openings include the Economic Development Committee, Environmental Advisory Board, Public Art Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Commission, and more. carync.gov/mayor-council/boardscommissions-committees

happenings

THE TRIANGLE WOODWORKERS ASSOCIATION holds monthly meetings at Klingspor’s Woodworking Shop in Cary. Members of the TWA have built and donated wooden toys to the Toys for Tots program for the last 30 years. In 2022, 40 TWA members built nearly 6,600 toys for children in Wake County and across North Carolina. “Our Marines have the distinct honor to distribute the beautifully crafted wooden toys to the underprivileged children throughout our six-county area who might otherwise not receive any presents during the holiday season,” said Marine Toys for Tots Staff Sargent Justin Houston. trianglewoodworkers.com

A reception May 12 kicked off a shared exhibit between Marsha Glickman, Beth Hopper, and Michael Weitzman at the Halle Cultural Arts Center in Apex. BETH

HOPPER is a self-taught artist based in Apex, whose work includes a “seemingly undisciplined diversity” showing a “devotion to the whims of creativity.” Her works, primarily in acrylic and watercolor, will be on display with found ephemera work by Glickman and wildlife photography from Weitzman through July 7.

CARY ranked first in the financial category and seventh overall on Coworking Cafe’s list of Mid-Size Cities for Starting a Career after College. Cary made the list thanks to its strong financial outlooks, high median income, and widespread employerbased health insurance coverage.

FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER

Freedom to What?

M.A.N.ifest presents Freedom to What?

A Juneteenth dramatization

At the Fuquay Varina Arts Center, June 19th, 6pm

Tickets: $15/Adults; $10/Sr & Students

Tickets on sale at FVArts.org or by visiting the Arts Center at 123 E Vance St, Fuquay Varina

Young Actors Theatre

Young Actors Theatre teaches performing skills to youth between 7 and 14 years of age. Classes run every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm beginning June 20 and ending with a performance of Frozen Kids on Saturday, August 5, 2023. More information available at 919-567-3920 or under the Class tab at FVArts.org.

The Friends of Fuquay Varina Arts Center

The Friends of the Fuquay Varina Arts Center is a membership organization with a mission to support programs and participants at the Arts Center. The Friends offer support in a variety of ways—from sponsoring events or subsidizing classes to providing scholarships for classes and camps— the Friends make the arts accessible and a vibrant part of our Downtown. Want to help? June is our Friend-raising month—join today!! ArtsCenterFriendsFV.org

For more info, call the Arts Center at 919-567-3920

fvarts.org

Kinston is known FOR HISTORIC BATTLES including this morning’s

FOOD HAS A WAY OF BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER. That’s why thousands of visitors follow the rumblings in their stomach to Kinston each year. Here, food isn’t just prepared and served, it’s crafted. Your farm to table meal happens at the place that invented farm to table meals. Your plate of barbecue isn’t just good, it’s best-in-the-nation good. And, that last homemade biscuit on the breakfast table, won’t be there for long. So, put your bathroom scales away, and head over to Kinston. One of the culinary capitals of the South awaits.

write light

BY JONATHAN FREDIN

I spy a photographer

While eating his third La Farm Bakery pretzel, 4-year-old Ben Black discovers another use for his food. The Knightdale youngster enjoyed plenty of snacks and outdoor fun recently during the annual Maggy Party at Fenton in Cary.

Since 1953, Wake Radiology UNC REX has been the Triangle leader in outpatient medical imaging. Our legacy of leadership stems from an unwavering commitment to image quality, patient safety, advanced technology and compassionate care. That’s how we’ve earned and maintained the trust of area healthcare professionals and patients.