Cary Magazine April 2022

April 2022

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C AROLINA’S

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Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s 1

in this issue

23 The 2022 Maggy Awards 61 Local Soil Mates 68 Houseplants: New Best Fronds 87 Restaurant Profile: Big Mike’s BBQ

96

Worth the Drive:

Jonathan Fredin

Zeera Indian Restaurant

Feeling thirsty? The Wine Merchant offers four wines by the glass and six beers on tap!

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Patient Comfort is not uncommon here.

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Exceptional is not uncommon

in every issue C A R Y

56 74 78 82 105 107

Small Business Spotlight: The Wine Merchant

•

A P E X

•

M O R R I S V I L L E

April 2022 • Volume 19, Number 3 EXECUTIVE

Bill Zadeits, Group Publisher Kris Schultz, Publisher

On Trend: Copperline Plant Co.

EDITORIAL

Garden Adventurer: The Little Tomatoes Nonprofit Spotlight: Friends of Hemlock Bluffs

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

Liquid Assets: Why is Sally so Dangerous?

Liquid Assets: Cary Gold

L.A. Jackson David McCreary PHOTOGRAPHY

Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer PRODUCTION

departments

12 19 108 124 130

Editor’s Letter

Connect with us!

Things to Do Dining Guide Happenings Write Light

Atiya Batts, Graphic Designer Katie Beebe, 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

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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.

in the next issue

CARY MAGAZINE

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

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

ON THE COVER: Up, Up and Away: Amanda Kimball, owner of Twisted Scizzors Salon, celebrates her 10th Maggy win! See more winners starting on page 23. Photo by Jonathan Fredin

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APRIL 2022

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

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

Jonathan Fredin

e d i t o r ’s l e t t e r

BEHOLD, the Maggy issue has arrived! After days of counting votes, interviewing business owners and creative multi-tasking, we have something the entire community can be proud of. It has truly been an honor to meet with winners all across town, balloons and chalk art in tow! You have all been great sports!

Big thanks to Johna Ritchie at Peak City Chalk for the beautiful Maggy-themed artwork — all of us at Cary Magazine are in awe of your talent and your willingness to go along for the (crazy and oftentimes chaotic) ride!

Looking through this issue, I am so excited for the opportunity to highlight all of the outstanding people and places in our community. Obviously, the Maggy Awards wouldn’t be possible without our readers, so THANK YOU to everyone who voted!

In addition to presenting our Maggy winners, we’ve got pun-filled articles about house plants and local farmers, business/nonprofit spotlights, restaurant reviews and more — just waiting to be read while you’re sitting in that waiting room (or couch, or wherever you enjoy a good, local magazine). Seriously, you won’t be disappointed!

Now that March is over, I’ll be in my office, surrounded by empty cans of ginger ale and deflated balloons from Maggy photo shoots (and 100% ready to tackle the next issue)!

Let’s do this!

Lauren Morris Earley Managing Editor & Creative Director

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APRIL 2022

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

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5 THINGS

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April 2022

four beers and running four laps (1 mile) around Durham Central Park. There will be beer (obviously), Bull City Beer Mile merchandise, food trucks and live music for participants and spectators, alike!

Saturday, April 23, 2-7 p.m.; $40 and up; 501 Foster Street, Durham. glass-jug.com

Holly Springs Chalk the Walk

1

Get your drink on at Brewgaloo 2022, North Carolina’s largest craft beer festival (and the second biggest in the US)! This two-day festival features local food trucks, vendors, bands and over 110 craft breweries from around NC. Kick off the fun during Friday night’s block party and sampler event featuring limited releases, barrel aged and sour beers. Friday, April 22, 6-10 p.m., Saturday, April 23, 2-10 p.m.; $30 and up; 400 Fayetteville St., Raleigh. shoplocalraleigh.org/brewgaloo

2

Escape from the real world during the 9th Annual Festival of Legends, a fairy festival that celebrates mythology, folklore and fairy tales with artistry, music, dance, fantasy costumes and play. Saturday-Sunday, April 23-24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; $15 and up; 2908 Optimist Farm Road, Apex. festivaloflegends.com

Brewgaloo

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Go for a run and reward yourself with a beer (or four)! The Bull City Beer Mile consists of drinking

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Don’t miss Holly Springs Chalk the Walk, where both children and adults have the opportunity to summon their inner artist and compete within their age bracket. Sunday, April 24, 10 a.m-4 p.m.; $15; 300 W. Ballentine Street, Holly Springs. hollyspringsnc.us

5 Courtesy of Facebook

9th Annual Festival of Legends

Mosey around the Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival at Bond Park, featuring 170 local artists and Cary’s Earth Day celebration — complete with outdoor sporting activities, music, food and children’s activities. Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Free admission; 801 High House Road, Cary. townofcary.org CARY MAGAZINE 19

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2022

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WRITTEN BY DENA DAW PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

THE VOTES ARE IN! The 2022 Maggy Awards — -full of new winners, multi-category winners and perennial winners — was a raging success!

The Maggy Awards have been showcasing the very best of Western Wake since 2006, and the buzz surrounding the Maggy Awards gets louder every year. More than 7,700 Cary Magazine readers cast their votes in all four categories — restaurants, lifestyle, services and shopping — for a fantastic reveal that deserves to be celebrated!

Flip the page and meet the winners as Cary Magazine presents … the 2022 Maggy Awards!

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CARY MAGAZINE 23

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WINNERS best restaurants Hank’s Downtown Dive Best New Restaurant If you’re trolling the streets of Cary and looking for your typical description of a “dive,” you’re sure to miss Hank’s — a vibrant and stylish local hangout that can only be described as a dive by Cary standards, featuring an inviting bar area, large windows, comfortable seating and an expansive outdoor patio. Gracing the wall above the bar is a framed portrait of the restaurant’s namesake, the owners’ 8-year-old cockapoo, Henry (Hank) — made by local artist Taylor Homes.

“We’ve been open for about 10 months,” said co-owner Matthew Bettinger, who runs Hank’s along with his business partner, Jeff Kinard. “My wife Catherine is intricately involved from a design standpoint, as well. We try to focus on bringing a really good time and being well rounded with service, food and ambiance.”

If the names Bettinger and Kinard seem familiar, there’s a good reason — both teamed up in 2018 to open SideBar, Cary’s neighborhood cocktail bar. After seeing SideBar’s success, they seized the opportunity to open a full-service restaurant in town, with the help of chef Evan Cordes, a Cary native.

“We saw a market that we thought was underserved. We saw a market that we thought was really appreciative of fun things,” said Bettinger. “Honestly, Cary kind of sold us.”

Hank’s claims to fame include buckets of gluten-free fried chicken, NC oysters and a top-notch beverage program that one would expect from Bettinger, who has over a decade of experience with spirits and bars.

“I think it’s really important for a restaurant to have cocktails that work well with food,” said Bettinger. “The part that I get the most excited about is being able to pair really great wine with what’s going on at the table. I think the right bottle of wine elevates the experience.”

The beauty of the menu is that it can suit any situation, be it a quick lunch with coworkers or celebrating an occasion in the evening with friends.

At Hank’s, every day is Taco Tuesday, as there’s always a selection of tacos served à la carte — filled with mouth-watering brisket or fresh NC fish.

“We’re very fortunate to have the team that we do; they’re pretty dynamic and flexible,” said Cordes, head chef. “For whatever reason, we’ve found multiple ways to present a good product here.”

Beyond that? It’s just really good food. hanksdowntowndive.com

CARY MAGAZINE 25

Esteamed Coffee Best Coffee House The idea for Esteamed Coffee, a nonprofit coffee shop that employs individuals with various disabilities, all started over a lunch date between friends.

“Angie and I have been friends for 26 years, and we had both been to a similar coffee shop in Wilmington,” said co-founder Tamara Lapsley. “I’m a speech-language pathologist, so when I visited it really struck me how that type of model could work for so many different types of disabilities. Angie and I were having lunch one day and we both got really excited about the idea and started to work on it together.”

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Lapsley’s co-founder, Angie Hudson, knows what it’s like to live life with an invisible disability, having lost her vision almost 30 years ago. Disabilities affect three general areas of life, according to Hudson — obtaining employment, adapting to a job and social engagement. At Esteamed Coffee, Hudson hopes to address each of these by providing job coaching and a warm, supportive environment.

“We opened in December of 2020 with a lot of help and support from our board and the community, and we are very excited to have been open for a little over a year now,” said Hudson.

Laspley and Hudson also use their space to showcase local artists with visual,

communication and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities, rotating art for sale in the shop each season.

Kirby Barbour, board treasurer, was so moved by Esteamed’s mission that he took the idea and rode with it — literally. Barbour biked 400 miles from Winston-Salem to Wilmington, raising money for Esteamed and similar nonprofits along the way.

“I ran into Tamara and Angie at a charity 5K, and I was really inspired by the cause,” said Barbour. “My son is on the autism spectrum, and so making sure that there are opportunities for him in the future is always at the top of my mind.” esteamedcoffee.com

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar Best Burger and Fries Meet the Owner! My name is Corbett, and I am the owner of Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar. We started out with just me, my wife Mary, our four kids and four other employees. Now, 8.5 years later, we have over 20 employees! We sell Hereford beef burgers, hotdogs, fries, milkshakes and over 250 different craft and vintage glass bottled sodas. We just started our franchise program last year and hope to start opening new franchises or corporate stores this year.

What sets Corbett’s apart? We have great food and unique bottled sodas from all over the country, but what really sets us apart is our outstanding crew! They really enjoy what they do, from cooking and serving, to greeting our wonderful customers. Their caring attitudes about who they serve and what they serve really makes the difference. They know each order and burger that goes out is special.

What inspires you? God’s creation inspires me, and the crowning glory of this creation is people. I’m inspired by all the different people we meet and get to serve on a day-to-day basis. Newcomers to the area that say, “Wow that was a great burger! I’ll be back!”; customers that say we remind them of their favorite burger place back home; old timers that tell us stories and reminisce about certain vintage bottled sodas they drank in their youth; or regular customers who tell us about their joys and ask us to pray for them during their trials.

What does winning this year’s Maggy Award mean to you? Winning this year means

a lot. Folks have been cooped up the past two years, and for them to start getting out and thinking of us as their go-to burger place means a lot.

It also validates how we have consistently tried to serve the community and customers over the past 8.5 years through good food and a family-friendly atmosphere. corbettsburgers.com

Big Mike’s BBQ Best Barbecue If you’ve lived in the Triangle for a while, you’ve probably heard of Bike Mike’s BBQ — owner Mike Markham’s mobile red barn food truck has been roaming these parts since 2011, providing the Triangle with killer NC barbeque. After a while, Big Mike’s got too big for its britches and needed to expand to not one, but two brick-and-mortar locations — first in Cary, then in Apex. Both locations include a bottle shop, so customers can peruse a selection of local beers to complement their smoky meat of choice.

But wait! Any good Southerner knows that no BBQ joint is complete without some stellar sides, and Big Mike’s certainly isn’t sleeping on the job. The smoked Gouda mac ’n’ cheese, collard greens, blue cheese coleslaw and tasty cornbread have the entire community in a chokehold from which there is no escape! Big Mike’s also offers an impressive selection of tasty appetizers that will have you drooling.

“If you come in for the first time and are trying to figure out what to get, order the Redneck Nachos. They have the perfect combination of sweet, savory, crunch and spiciness. It has a little bit of everything, and I consider it our perfect dish,” said Markham.

Whatever Mike’s secret ingredient is, it’s definitely working! In addition to his two locations, the red barn still makes the rounds and offers catering services seven days a week. Be sure to follow Big Mike’s BBQ food truck on Twitter (@bigmikesbbqnc) for updates on locations and hours.

“What we do each day is really hard, so receiving this award from the readers of Cary Magazine is so validating. We really appreciate the encouragement and continued support from all our friends in the community.” brewnquenc.com

HANK’S DOWNTOWN DIVE Di Fara Pizza Tavern Scratch Kitchen & Taproom

BEST FOOD TRUCK

BUOY BOWLS Cousin’s Maine Lobster Chirba Chirba Dumpling Truck

BEST APPETIZERS

RUDY’S PUB & GRILL Hank’s Downtown Dive Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits

BEST COCKTAILS

SIDEBAR Scratch Kitchen & Taproom Catalan Tapas Bar

BEST BAKERY

LA FARM BAKERY Once in a Blue Moon Bakery Utica Bakery

BEST DESSERT

ANDIA’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM Asali Desserts & Café Once in a Blue Moon Bakery

BEST BBQ

(BIKE MIKE’S) BREW N QUE City Barbeque Danny’s Bar-B-Que

BEST BREAKFAST

FIRST WATCH Brigs La Farm Bakery

BEST BURGER AND FRIES

CORBETT’S BURGERS & SODA BAR Abbey Road Tavern & Grill Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

BEST DATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT

MC RESTAURANT Rey’s Chef’s Palette

BEST COFFEE HOUSE

ESTEAMED COFFEE Fount Coffee + Kitchen BREW Coffee Bar

BEST SEAFOOD

FULL MOON OYSTER BAR Bonefish Grille Skipper’s Seafood & Smokehouse

BEST STEAKHOUSE

REY’S Angus Barn Ruth’s Chris Steak House CARY MAGAZINE 27

DID YOU KNOW??

BEST PIZZERIA

DI FARA PIZZA TAVERN Mellow Mushroom V Pizza

• Di Fara opened its doors on Feb 9, 2021 — National Pizza Day! • Di Fara uses a New York WaterMaker to replicate New York water.

• Di Fara in New York is owned by Greg’s family. The famous Dom DeMarco is Greg’s uncle and godfather.

MOST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

RUCKUS PIZZA, PASTA & SPIRITS Di Fara Pizza Tavern V Pizza

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

MC RESTAURANT Goji Bistro Sushi Thai

BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

SASSOOL Neomonde Bosphorus

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

DANIEL’S RESTAURANT & CATERING Lugano Ristorante Enrigo Italian Bistro BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

KABABISH CAFÉ Cilantro Indian Cuisine Nzara Indian Bistro

BEST MEXICAN/LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANT

GONZA TACOS Y TEQUILA Mi Cancun Los Tres Magueyes

BEST RESTAURANT FOR SPECIALTY DIETS

SASSOOL Diced Gourmet Salads & Wraps and Cilantro Indian Cuisine Clean Juice

BEST HEALTHY DINING OPTIONS CLEAN JUICE Sassool Diced Gourmet Salads & Wraps

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

BOTTLE THEORY Amberly Local Crosstown Pub & Grill

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

DI FARA PIZZA TAVERN Tazza Kitchen Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits

BEST CRAFT BREWERY

BOND BROTHERS BEER COMPANY Fortnight Brewing Company Cotton House Craft Brewers

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APRIL 2022

Di Fara Pizza Tavern Best Pizzeria & Outdoor Dining If you’re looking for a little (or a big) slice of heaven, look no further than Di Fara Pizza Tavern, this year’s Maggy winner for Best Pizzeria! Owned by husband and wife duo Gregory and Valerie Norton, Di Fara serves large 18-inch pizzas, family-sized calzones and pizza by the slice with imported fresh (never frozen) ingredients.

Meet the owners Both Gregory and Valerie originally hail from Brooklyn, New York, the pizza capital of the world. Prior to moving to Cary seven years ago, Greg worked as a union floor coverer and Valerie was an elementary school teacher. The couple moved to Cary after hearing that it would be a great place to raise a family. They now have three daughters, aged 14, 7, and 2.

Inspirations “Giving people the gift of good food! Happiness is great food and great company! We also partner with a different nonprofit each month to bring awareness

to the community on different topics. We’ve partnered with various animal shelters, veteran charities and The Blood Connection. On a personal note, Valerie almost died due to a postpartum hemorrhage after having our last child — blood transfusions saved her life!”

Favorite thing on the menu at Di Fara?

Greg: The regular pie, no toppings. It’s a great way to taste the flavor of all the fresh ingredients!

Valerie: White pie or square with homemade meatballs. difarapizzatavern.com

find your At Stanley Dentistry, we love to showcase our amazing patients! We are one of the oldest and most trusted comprehensive dental practices in Cary, North Carolina. With over twenty--ve years of experience, our talented dental team will be able to help you nd your smile in no time! Whether you need orthodontics, oral surgery, cosmetics, or just a regular cleaning, we can do it all under one roof. Visit stanleysmiles.com to schedule an appointment online!

CALL 919.460.9665 OR VISIT STANLEYSMILES.COM CARY MAGAZINE 29

contributed

Rudy’s Pub & Grill, Best Appetizer

The Butcher’s Market Best Specialty Food Store If you’re on the hunt for premium meats and seafood, an array of award-winning seasonings, or frozen meals made from scratch, The Butcher’s Market has got you covered!

After partnering with Randy Bosse three years ago, father/son team Derek and Craig Wilkins have enjoyed widespread success — with locations in Cary, Raleigh, Holly Springs, Bedford and (most recently) Wilmington.

Customer Favorites “Marinated tips and our marinated chicken are consistently the number one sellers in all of our stores,” said Craig Wilkins. “Our House Seasoning won an international competition in Louisiana a year and a half ago. Another favorite is our Camp Mix, which can be used almost as a replacement for salt and pepper.”

Other favorites include exceptional salmon and oven-ready meals, namely the lasagna and the shepherd’s pie — all made from scratch.

“I lay claim to having the best salmon in town,” said Derek Wilkins. “Fish can be 30

APRIL 2022

touchy for some people, but that salmon is just amazing.”

“We wouldn’t be here without our customers and their appreciation for what we do. It’s just awesome.” thebutchersmarkets.com

Rudy’s Pub & Grill Best Appetizer If you’re interested in a family-friendly pub on this side of the pond with award-winning appetizers, then check out Rudy’s Pub & Grill in Apex! Owners Rob and Amy Bankoski took over the pub in 2014, with a goal to make the restaurant even better — starting in the kitchen! Using locally grown produce and fresh ingredients, everything is made from scratch — including the appetizers.

“We brought in a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America, NY. She’s been a chef for over 30 years and happens to be Rob’s sister, Cindy,” said Amy. “From the day she walked into the kitchen, the food has never been the same. Everything we make is made from scratch now, except for the fries and the

kid’s mac and cheese (because kids only like Kraft, as it turns out). She even makes the vinegars that she uses to make our vinaigrettes!”

Popular starters include pub nachos smothered with queso, chipotle cheddar bacon dip served with veggies and corn chips, and buffalo chicken flatbread (to name a few).

“My favorite appetizer would be our pub nachos,” said Amy. “We cook the chips in house. We make our own black beans, and our queso is on point. I challenge you to find a more freshly made guacamole or pico that has as much flavor as ours does.”

Rudy’s serves more than great food — they also serve the community, having raised more than $100,000 to support local charities with Rudy’s Charity Golf Classic Series since 2015.

“I’m extremely proud of what we have accomplished at Rudy’s,” said Amy. “Winning the Maggy Award is the icing on the cake. We’re very humbled by the fact we are independently owned with only one location and got enough votes to win!” rudysofapex.com

CARY MAGAZINE 31

Derek Wilkins, Randy Boss, and Craig Wilkins, The Butchers Market

Thank you for voting Bost Custom Homes a 2022 Best of the Best Winner!

As we enter our 35th year building one of a kind homes in the greater Triangle area, we are more grateful than ever for the strength of our team, the clients that trust us to bring their dreams to life, and the opportunity to

2022

work in such a dynamic and exciting industry.

We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

AWARDS BEST OF

HONOR HONO RABLE MENT MENTION

BOST CUSTOM HOMES | WWW.BOSTHOMES.COM | @BOSTHOMES | (919)-460-1983 32

APRIL 2022

Full Moon Oyster Bar and Seafood Kitchen Best Seafood Restaurant Morrisville’s Full Moon Oyster Bar is the largest of six locations throughout the state, serving fresh, delicious seafood since 2014.

“I am a commercially licensed fisherman, and we like to source fresh, local seafood,” said Randy Russell, the CEO of Full Moon Oyster Bar and Seafood Kitchen.

Despite his success at all six locations, Russell is exactly what you’d expect a NC fisherman to be — humble, funny and straightforward.

“Don’t call me the owner; I’m basically the head busboy. My wife, Carol, she’s the brains of the operation,” Russell said with a laugh. “We took a traditional NC oyster bar and upscaled the heck out of it.

It’s pretty cool.”

If you like oysters, you’re in luck! The restaurant typically has up to 10 varieties of oysters from up and down the East Coast that you can order chargrilled, steamed or raw. If oysters aren’t your thing, try a Po’ Boy, bacon-wrapped scallops, crab cakes, you name it — no skimpy menu here!

Daily food and drink specials are also available. fullmoonoysterbar.com

MC Modern Asian Cuisine Best Asian Restaurant MC Modern Asian Cuisine has been impressing locals and foodies since the restaurant first arrived on the scene in 2020 — picking up a Maggy Award for Best New Restaurant in 2021 and claiming the 2022 Maggy Win for Best Asian Restaurant.

When it comes to outdoor ambiance, this place really can’t be beat. Located at the historic Jones house, a 2,200-square-foot Queen Anne-style cottage built in 1896, the restaurant boasts a wrap-around porch and lawn seating for al fresco dining — perfect for warmer weather and a view of downtown Cary!

The restaurant’s food speaks for it-

self — chef and restaurateur Michael Chuong’s Asian-inspired menu, featuring fresh, local ingredients, has customers leaving rave reviews all over social media.

“The food was exquisite, the atmosphere was magical, and the service was excellent!

Can’t wait to come back,” said Michelle Moor Krabill, one of many happy customers.

In addition to small plates and dinner/ sushi menus, Chuong offers daily specials featuring new dishes every week. mccuisines.com

Michael Chuong, MC Modern Asian Cuisine

CARY MAGAZINE 33

FUN FACTS • Kelly and Pavel have seen five of the seven great wonders of the world!

• Currently, Kelly’s two favorite things on draft are Hop Cakes by NoDa Brewing Company and Cycle Theory, their first collaboration brew with Crank Arm. • Kelly and Pavel are the proud parents of Vienna Lager, a 7-yearold miniature pinscher.

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WINNERS best lifestyle Bottle Theory Best Place for a Friends’ Night Out Best Neighborhood Bar Best New Business (Non-Restaurant) Best Bottle Shop This bottle shop in Apex impressed readers across the board, with Maggys won for Best Neighborhood Bar, Best Place for a Friends’ Night Out, Best New Business and Best Bottle Shop!

Whether you’re a well-versed beer and wine enthusiast or someone who is bamboozled by a fancy-looking wine rack, Bottle Theory in Apex is committed to helping you find the flavors you love in an approachable and relaxing environment (no gatekeeping here)!

Kelly and Pavel Chtcheprov’s decadelong dream of delving into the beer and wine business came to fruition when Bottle Theory first opened its doors in September 2021. Pavel, a robotics controls engineer, and Kelly, the chief of staff to the CEO at Labcorp, both bring a unique set of skills to the table, working in tandem to provide a sleek, pet- and child-friendly space for the community.

“I’m an engineer, so I wanted to bring a little engineering and science into the alcohol business,” said Pavel.

“For example, everything has been designed to give you the perfect pour to eliminate waste and just create a better experience for everybody — employees and customers, alike.”

If you’re an introvert who doesn’t feel like talking to the sommeliers (fancy wine experts) on staff, or you’re

embarrassed by your lack of knowledge, the folks at Bottle Theory have thought of everything.

“I’ve seen a lot of people stare at the wine wall with a little bit of fear, a little bit of intimidation. So we have a wine guide, like a flow chart, that Kelly designed to get you started,” said Pavel.

“We also have a wine app that I wrote that’s actually mounted on a table so customers can browse themselves. Not only will it tell you what we have and how much of it, it will also point to where it is on the shelf.”

Weekly events at Bottle Theory include trivia, a run club, wine tastings, guest brewery tastings, food trucks and live music. For customers who are looking to connect with people and learn more about wine, Bottle Theory will soon be providing a Weekend Wine School, where wine tasting meets wine training.

Given that Bottle Theory is only two minutes away from their house, Pavel and Kelly make connecting with their neighbors a priority — whether it’s sponsoring Green Level’s football team, partnering with Starpath Dance Academy for fun events like Trunk or Treat, or having a conversation about their new collaboration brew with Crank Arm Brewing Company.

“We just love the potential here,” said Kelly. “I like that we’re establishing community and having a tangible impact on real people.” apexbottletheory.com

BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL

PEAK CHARTER ACADEMY Davis Drive Middle School Reedy Creek Magnet Middle School

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Cary Academy Thales Academy

BEST ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY

SEARSTONE The Templeton Carolina Preserve at Amberly

BEST NONPROFIT

DORCAS MINISTRIES Fit and Able Productions, Inc. DOC NC

BEST PRESCHOOL

PRIMROSE The Cary School Christ the King Preschool

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM

SOUTHERN STUDIO INTERIOR DESIGN Lauren Burns Interiors Design Works Studio

BEST MUSIC VENUE

KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE Bond Brothers Eastside Red Hat Amphitheater

BEST LOCAL EVENT OR FESTIVAL

LAZY DAZE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival Apex PeakFest

BEST LOCAL MUSIC GROUP OR ARTIST

JASON ADAMO BAND Mysti Mayhem Your Mama’s New Boyfriend

BEST CO-WORKING SPACE

TOWERVIEW OFFICE SUITES Holly Springs Coworking Station Frontier RTP

CARY MAGAZINE 35

GRACE Christian School

contributed

Erica DeLong, G105 Best Local Radio Personality A lot has happened since radio sweetheart Erica DeLong won the Maggy Award in 2021! After years of co-hosting G105’s “The Showgram,” DeLong recently managed to snag her own show — G105’s “The Erica Show,” weekdays from 1–5 p.m.

We asked our local airwave entertainer to share five fun facts about herself — enjoy!

I was offered a radio job in NYC during my senior year, thanks to meeting the right people. I originally said no, but lo and behold, I headed to NYC two weeks after graduation.

It was one of the (many) great adventures of my life thus far. After many years in NYC and a detour to Detroit/LA (juggling both jobs at once, never sleeping), I found my way back home. I’m from Durham originally, and I missed my family. I grew up at G105, from barely an adult to a married mama of two with a rescue dog.

I am six months into hosting my own show, “The Erica Show.”

What a blessing! I now sleep for the first time in my adult life, and it’s a beautiful thing. I’m often seen on red carpets as a correspondent and a regular on CBS My Carolina. It’s great to spend mornings with my favorite blessings, Easton and Ella, and my hubby.

My absolute favorite part about radio is the people. Getting to know our listeners, who are family, and getting involved in our community. I have built amazing partnerships with many local businesses and am honored to call North Carolina home.

I am a proud Christian and now attend The Summit.

I plan to travel the world (every continent) and explore as many cultures as possible. Life is an adventure, and I never want to stop learning and growing!

BEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

STEVE POND, PEAK CHARTER ACADEMY Raleigh Bame, Laurel Park Elementary School Lynnae Morris, GRACE Christian School

BEST MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

H. TRENT EVANS, REEDY CREEK MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL Michael Hokenberg, Davis Drive Middle School Margaret S. Feldman, Dillard Drive Magnet Middle School

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BEST HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

KAREN SUMMERS, GREEN LEVEL HIGH SCHOOL Matt Wight, Apex Friendship High School Nolan Bryant, Cary High School

BEST HIGH SCHOOL COACH

DESHANNON MORRIS, GRACE CHRISTIAN VARSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL Shawan Robinson, Panther Creek Basketball Alston Godbold, Green Level Volleyball

Best Private School We recently spoke to Caroline Barnhill, director of marketing and communications at GRACE Christian, to get the 411 on 2022’s winner for Best Private School.

What is GRACE Christian? Located on the Raleigh-Cary border, GRACE Christian School (GCS) is a transitional kindergarten-12th grade school with a mission to be a loving community that spiritually and academically equips, challenges and inspires students to impact their world for Christ. We provide an incredible community where every child is known, valued and loved.

What sets GRACE Christian School apart from other private schools in the area? We provide

a loving community where families partner with passionate, talented educators to help students cultivate their God-given gifts and talents. We pursue academic excellence for each child, knowing that individual excellence can not be defined by a one-size-fits-all approach.

What does winning this year’s Maggy for Best Private School mean to GRACE Christian? To

win Best Private School during this season demonstrates that our families recognize our exceptional commitment to our students’ whole being — spiritual, physical, emotional and academic.

Share anything noteworthy — awards, events, etc. The GCS Class of 2021 included a Morehead-

Cain Scholar, a Goodnight Scholar, a Levine Scholar, a Cheatem-White Scholar, an Air Force ROTC Scholarship recipient and a NCAA Division I recruited athlete.

Our Senior Sidekick program partners kindergarteners with a senior “sidekick” to enjoy fun events throughout the year.

Each winter, GCS holds Play4Kay — a fundraiser for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. We were recently recognized as the top K-12 fundraising school in the country. To date, GCS has raised more than $115,000 during Play4Kay. GCS is one of the first schools in the area to offer District C’s Teamship program — a novel internship experience through which teams of students solve real problems for real businesses, providing them with valuable entrepreneurial experience and interaction with community business leaders.

NC Eat & Play Best Social Media Account If you’re looking for yummy local eats or the perfect day trip destination, NC Eat & Play has got you covered! Professional taster and explorer Megan Nichols and her team are on a mission to connect locals with great food and affordable activities via Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and the NC Eat & Play podcast.

We caught up with Nichols to learn a little bit more about the woman behind the winning social media account (in between her tastings and travels, of course). Enjoy!

Tell the readers a little bit about yourself! I am a 13th-generation North Carolin-

ian. My husband and I were both born and raised in NC and love to explore our home with our 3-year-old, Dean, and 1-year-old, Cameron. I specialize in food and travel photography, writing and social media.

How was NC Eat & Play “born”? I created NC Eat & Play in October of 2019, just before the pandemic hit. I’ve always loved North Carolina and exploring the local restaurants and fun things to do and thought it would be neat to have a place to share my adventures. I didn’t put a lot of thought into its creation. I had an idea and went for it, not knowing how fast it would take off!

What is the mission of NC Eat & Play?

NC Eat & Play’s mission is to explore, highlight and celebrate North Carolina. We share adventures through the perspective of a North Carolina family and hope to inspire others to live a fulfilling life, exactly where they are.

What inspires you? NC Eat & Play is fueled by a passion for something we call “Local Wanderlust.” I am inspired by travel — seeing, tasting and experiencing new things. While many people think the desire to travel has to take them overseas and empty their pockets, we believe it’s also important to find inspiration in your own backyard.

Cary? Too many to name! Cary’s restaurant

scene is outstanding, and we have quite a few favorite spots there. To name just a couple — V Pizza for Neapolitan pizza and wings, Miso Ramen Bar for ramen, and La Farm Bakery for the white chocolate baguettes!

Share one FUN FACT about yourself! I am terrified of heights! Even climbing a ladder scares me. My fear makes hiking in the mountains interesting, to say the least! nceatandplay.com

Do you have a favorite place to eat in CARY MAGAZINE 37

Starpath Dance Academy BEST PLACE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION

FRED G. BOND METRO PARK William B. Umstead State Park American Tobacco Trail

BEST PLACE FOR A FRIENDS’ NIGHT OUT

BOTTLE THEORY Whole Brain Escape Bond Brothers Beer Company

BEST YOGA/PILATES STUDIO

ELITE CORE STUDIOS Republic of Yoga Pure Vida Studio

BEST FITNESS PROGRAM

PURA VIDA STUDIO Elite Core Studios Wyatts World Fitness BEST GOLF COURSE

PRESTONWOOD COUNTRY CLUB MacGregor Downs Country Club Knight’s Play Golf Center BEST KIDS’ PROGRAM

PREMIER SCHOOL OF DANCE Starpath Dance Academy Pura Vida Studio

BEST TRACK-OUT OR SUMMER CAMP

STARPATH DANCE ACADEMY Pura Vida Studio YMCA

BEST LOCAL PODCAST

BOB AND LU SHOW The Holderness Family Old Guys Playing Games BEST SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT

NC EAT & PLAY Dogtopia Salvio’s Pizzeria

BEST LOCAL TV PERSONALITY

DON “BIG WEATHER” SCHWENNEKER, ABC-11 Debra Morgan, WRAL Elizabeth Gardner, WRAL

BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY ERICA DELONG, G105 Michael McLaughlin “B-Daht,” 102 Jamz KC O’Dea Show, 106.1 FM TALK

BEST NC HOTEL OR RESORT THE UMSTEAD HOTEL AND SPA The Mayton Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville

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Best Track-Out or Summer Camp Starpath Dance Academy was cofounded in 2013 by Lindsey Kaplowitz, one of Cary Magazine’s Movers and Shakers in 2020, and her mother, Janice Rava.

Kaplowitz, who acts as both artistic director and dance teacher, has a wealth of teaching and dancing experience and an obvious love for connecting with and inspiring children.

“It’s really important to us that everyone in here is treated like family,” said Kaplowitz. “We’re about joy first — I think that’s the biggest thing. I want every kid who comes in here to be happy and feel good about themselves and develop a love for dance.”

A family-oriented dance studio with locations in both Cary and Apex, Starpath offers classes for dancers starting at age two through adulthood in a wide variety of styles including tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, musical theater and contemporary.

The studio’s shineBRIGHT enrichment

Bob & Lu Show Best Local Podcast Hosted by husband and wife duo Bob and Lu Dumas, “The Bob & Lu Show” gives listeners hilarious and candid takes on marriage, family and life after radio.

Bob Dumas spent nearly 30 years hosting G105’s “Bob and The Showgram,” developing a wildly loyal fan base that followed and supported him during the launch of his podcast in 2019. New episodes drop about once a week, featuring everything from football to parenting to Bob’s new hobbies and Lu’s new haircut.

track-out camp program offers full- and halfday week-long camps for boys and girls in grades K-5 and 6-8. Participants have the opportunity to explore creative arts, work together, build friendships and enhance their understanding of academic subjects, like reading and math, through Starpath’s Professor Pirouette program. In addition to dancing, campers can learn more about set and costume design and even nutrition. All campers have the opportunity to participate in an end-of-the-week performance for friends and family to enjoy.

“My daughter is in year-round school, so I really saw a need for more trackout programs,” said Kaplowitz. “It’s so important that children are exposed to many things and they get to figure out for themselves what their interests are, so shineBRIGHT is really about developing kids academically, mentally and socially through dance.” starpathdance.com “Best show about real life for people,” said Renee Barker, a loyal listener.

“Just a wholesome podcast, and these are two very lovable human beings. You learn about marriage, day-to-day life, God, religion and family and friends. It’s just plain down-to-earth.”

In addition to the podcast, Dumas continues to raise money for Bob’s Buddies, the nonprofit he founded to help kids with pediatric brain tumors. facebook.com/bobandlushow

Jason Adamo Band, Best Local Music Group or Artist

DID YOU KNOW? • Starpath founder Lindsey Kaplowitz was a band kid! She played the oboe in high school and traveled with a marching band to Europe and Hawaii.

• Lindsey started training at a young age with former Radio City Music Hall Rockette Cheryl Anderson.

CARY MAGAZINE 39

2022

The Perfect Piece Come in and find your

PERFECT PIECE!

An eclectic store with vendors, high end furniture, consignment pieces, decor and more!

(919) 460-9841 Mon-Sat: 9:00am - 6:00pm 200 E. Chatham St., Cary Instagram: @theperfectpiececary Facebook.com/theperfectpiececary

THURSDAYS 5 PM - 8 PM

APRIL 28 & MAY 26

PURCHASE TICKETS

www.WaverlyCary.com BENEFITING

®

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CARY MAGAZINE 41

Classic

with a twist!

215 East Chatham St. Cary NC

WINNERS best services Dust and Mop Best Home Services Meet the owner My name is Jamie Reader, I have owned and operated Dust and Mop for over 12 years. I am originally from Syracuse, NY, and I moved to North Carolina in 1996 and graduated from North Carolina State University’s College of Management.

I have been a resident of Cary for over 20 years. I have a son, Nate, who is a freshman at Green Hope High School and my partner (in life), Mark, who is my foundation and my best friend.

In addition to being a local business owner, I am also a Cleaning Business Fundamentals (CBF) coach to other house cleaning business owners across the United States. Helping other business owners grow a successful and rewarding business is a fulfilling experience.

About the business Our mission statement is “To be a trusted and reliable house cleaning company. One that delivers a professional house cleaning and excellent cus-

BEST AUTO MECHANIC SHOP

Sidebarnc.com

ATLANTIC TIRE & SERVICE Cary Car Care Frantz Automotive

BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION COASTAL CREDIT UNION Fidelity Bank State Employees Credit Union

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR

ETHAN CARR, EQUITABLE ADVISORS David Hellinger, Hellinger Financial Bob Bodmer, Merrill Lynch

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tomer service experience.” As a company, we execute our mission statement by hiring employees who share our core values: employees, customer satisfaction, reliability and integrity. At Dust and Mop, we also give back to our community. We are partners in Cleaning for a Reason, providing free cleanings for women undergoing treatment for cancer. In addition, for the last 12 years, we have partnered with Methodist Home for Children to provide children with Christmas presents.

Inspiration I was inspired to start this business over 12 years ago because I noticed there was a need for a high-quality and consistent house cleaning service — one that took care of their employees, paid them well, offered benefits, paid days off and provided a great wage.

I am most proud of my amazing team!

Our field staff and office staff work together as a team to deliver high-quality service to our customers. dustandmop.com

BEST CUSTOM HOME BUILDER/HOME RENOVATION SPECIALIST

LOYD BUILDERS Bost Custom Homes Glasgow Design Build

BEST MORTGAGE OFFICER

SHERRY RIANO, FIRST HERITAGE MORTGAGE Kendra McCormick, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group Steve Cooper, GoPrime Mortgage, Inc.

BEST INSURANCE AGENT

TERI LAROCCA, STATE FARM Michael Carey, Fairway Insurance and Risk Management Chad Harris, NC Farm Bureau

DRINKS. BITES. GOOD TIMES.

111 E. CHATHAM ST. CARY NC

hanksdowntowndive.com

Jamie Reader, Dust and Mop

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

BEST EYE DOCTOR

COLLEEN BLONDELL, BLONDELL PROPERTIES Heidi Harris, Home Sweet Heidi Realty Scott Korbin, Scott Korbin Real Estate Team

DR. AMIT KUMAR, CAROLINA RETINA INSTITUTE Dr. Kenneth Rousselo, Preston Optometry Center Dr. Dwight Barnes, Cary Family Eye Care

BEST DOCTOR

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON

DR. JUSTIN GLODOWSKI, GENERATIONS FAMILY PRACTICE Dr. Sheel Solomon, Preston Dermatology Dr. Elizabeth Vandergriff, Preston Medical Associates

DR. BRIAN COAN, CARE PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. Donald Hanna, Cary Plastic Surgery Dr. Cynthia Gregg, Face & Body Specialists

CARY MAGAZINE 43

Thank you to our patients in western Wake County for voting us Best Eye Doctor for the 6th time!

We appreciate your trust and support.

2022

AWARDS BEST OF

HONOR HONO RABLE MENT MENTION THE MAGGY AWARDS

THE MAGGY AWARDS

THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

201 20 17

201 20 19

2020 20 20

WINNER 2021 20 21

OPTOMETRY Ken Rousselo, OD

258 Towne Village Dr, Cary, NC 27513 • 919.467.4657 • prestonoptometry.com 44

APRIL 2022

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

DR. BRAD CREEHAN, SPINE CARE CHIROPRACTIC CENTER Dr. Todd Dent, Doc’s Spine and Sports Medicine Dr. Todd Staker, Staker Chiropractic Center

BEST MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

ERIN BIRCHER, LCSW Laura Ashford, LCSW Stefan Lewis, Stefan Lewis Counseling

BEST DENTIST contributed

DR. BOBBI STANLEY, STANLEY DENTISTRY Dr. Kamran Qureshy, Cary Dental Center Dr. Tim Barlow

Loyd Builders Best Custom Home Builder/Home Renovation Specialist Loyd Builders has been in business since 2000, specializing in high-end residential construction all across the Triangle.

A graduate of NC State and a secondgeneration home builder, Tripp Loyd is extremely appreciative of being named 2022’s Best Custom Home Builder/Home Renovation Specialist and credits the win to what he calls “a very loyal following” in the real estate community and with the homeowners themselves.

Town and Country Veterinary Hospital Best Pet Services Town and Country, our 2022 Maggy Award Winner for Best Pet Services, opened 27 years ago and is now co-owned by Dr. Nick Ashford and Dr. Amanda Groulx. The veterinary hospital has five doctors and a support staff who provide excellent care to pets within the community.

“We are committed to treating your pets like our own and are lucky to have a client base that has been with us for many years,” said Sandi Berrie, the practice manager at Town and Country since 1998.

Town and Country is full of employees who are in the field because they really care about the animals and are willing to go the extra mile for their patients and clients.

“It’s an important recognition of how hard our team works to deliver high-quality builds and a great customer experience,” said Loyd.

Loyd is excited to announce the company’s first step into development as they develop and build a new Raleigh neighborhood with 31 high-end homes and an average price of about $4 million.

When he’s not developing and building beautiful homes, Loyd enjoys spending time at home with his three sons and his French bulldog, Lucy. loydbuilders.com

BEST ORTHODONTIST

From energetic new puppies and kittens to a beloved pet’s final moments, the staff provides comfort and support to everyone who walks through their door.

“The past couple of years have been a change for everyone. We have all had to adjust to a new normal, and we have been incredibly fortunate to be able to maintain our high standard of care for our patients.

Despite curbside appointments in all kinds of weather and a lack of face-to-face interaction, we really feel that we have been able to grow our relationships, and it’s really wonderful to have this recognition. Receiving this award is a bright spot in a dark couple of years for everyone in veterinary medicine, and we are really thankful for our clients,” said Berrie. townandcountryveterinaryservices.com

BEST SPA

DR. TODD BOVENIZER, BOVENIZER & BAKER ORTHODONTICS Dr. Todd Engstrom, Engstrom & Hamilton Orthodontics Dr. Kelly Ritter, Dr. Kelly Ritter Orthodontics

BEST ATTORNEY

EMILY HURTT, BAGWELL HOLT SMITH P.A. Jackie Bedard, Carolina Family Estate Planning Michele A. Callaway, Adams Howell

BEST HAIR SALON

TWISTED SCIZZORS J&F Gemelli Joule Salon

SPA BY JING The Umstead Hotel & Spa Spa Retreat Cary

BEST MED SPA

AZURA SKIN CARE CENTER Avail Aesthetics Nirvelli Med Spa & Laser BEST PET SERVICES

TOWN AND COUNTRY VETERINARY HOSPITAL Dogtopia K-9 Resort

BEST HOME SERVICES COMPANY

DUST AND MOP Best Clean Ever Comfort Hounds Heating & Cooling

CARY MAGAZINE 45

Twisted Scizzors Salon & Spa Best Hair Salon Owned by Cary Magazine’s 2015 Mover & Shaker Amanda Kimball, Twisted Scizzors Salon & Spa is a perennial Maggy winner and no stranger to success!

Kimball and her staff of talented stylists are fully committed to their clients, going beyond the latest cuts and colors and thinking outside of the box for ways to connect with the community. Past events include Beer & Braids night, Curls Night Out and even an At Home Baking event at the beginning of the pandemic, where customers learned how to bake an apple crumble with public relations director Regina Kaiser.

In addition to beautifying residents, Twisted Scizzors continues to raise money for pediatric brain tumor research every year during charity cut-a-thons, where customers receive a free haircut for a minimum donation benefitting Bob’s Buddies.

Is it any wonder that customers continue to vote for them, year after year? In honor of their 10-year Maggy winning streak, we met up with Kimball (mid-haircut, of course) for a brief Q&A with your favorite stylist.

Favorite thing about owning a salon? I have a couple. One is helping stylists grow, and the other is being able to take care of so many people — not just their hair, but their inner well-being.

What is the hottest hair trend at the moment? A bixie. It’s a bob and a pixie

mixed together.

What is your favorite iconic hairstyle? I

really like glam waves.

What hair product do you think that everyone should have? Heat protection.

What does winning yet another Maggy Award mean to you? It means that we’re do-

ing a great job servicing the clients in our area and we’re continuing to grow and meet their needs. twistedscizzorsonline.com

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Monday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm Saturday 10 am – 5 pm

Monograms, fabulous fashion, seriously awesome jewelry, and gifts to make you laugh!

MOVE MINDFULLY WITH PURA VIDA

/shopswagger now

Lochmere Pavilion - Cary 2425 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 503

Quail Corners - Raleigh 5011 Falls of Neuse Road

919-858-5884

919-729-9353

@shopswagger @swagger_gifts

/swaggerstyle

Check us out online or come see us in the store. shopswaggernow.com

ORDER ONLINE FOR CURBSIDE PICKUP

New classes monthly for all ages and experience levels!

FULL SERVICE BUTCHER & SPECIALTY GROCER USDA Prime, Top Choice & Dry Aged Beef Made from Scratch Prepared Meals

Full Service Butcher Artisan Deli H Fresh Made & Sides H Beer & Wine House-Made Sausage H Fresh Seafood H All Natural & Hormone Free

Specialty Grocer ORDER Triangle ONLINE FOR 4 Convenient Locations!

thebutchers-market.com CURBSIDE PICKUP

USDA Prime, Top Choice & Dry Aged Beef

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

CARY MAGAZINE 47

WINNERS best shopping

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Swagger Boutique Best Clothing Boutique, Best Gift Shop Swagger is no stranger to Maggy Award wins, and for good reason. Opened as a small gift shop in 2002, the original store carried everything from jewelry and handbags to home accessories. In 2011, Swagger expanded and started selling trendy, affordable clothing. Now with two locations in Cary and Raleigh, Swagger continues to thrive thanks to Mandy Becker, whose passion for gift shops started when she was 16 years old.

“I’m from a small town in Georgia with only one gift shop, and I loved it,” said Becker. “I loved the feeling I got when I went in there, I loved the products, I loved getting their items as gifts, and I loved how the recipients always loved them. That’s kind of how I fell in love with the whole gift store idea.”

Two years after receiving her engineering degree at Georgia Tech, Becker opened Swagger and established quite the presence in the Triangle by interacting with regulars and providing gifts and clothing for all occasions. Becker even had one employee who had been shopping at Swagger since she was 3 years old.

“I love our customers. I love our staff.

It’s just a really fun job to have,” said Becker. “I love waking up every morning and coming to work, because it’s always going to be different.” swaggergifts.com

CARY MAGAZINE 49

BEST NEW BUSINESS (NON-RESTAURANT)

BOTTLE THEORY Sweet T Picnics Dogtopia

BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

SWAGGER BOUTIQUE Pink Magnolia Boutique Bella + Mauve Boutique

BEST RESALE SHOPPING

DORCAS THRIFT SHOP J’Adore Peterson’s Consign & Design

BEST FLORIST SHOP

PRESTON FLOWERS Flower Cupboard Every Bloomin’ Thing

BEST HOME FURNISHINGS AND DÉCOR

THE PERFECT PIECE Capital Discount Furniture Ivy Cottage

BEST GARDEN CENTER

GARDEN SUPPLY COMPANY Fairview Garden Center Campbell Road Nursery

BEST GIFT STORE

SWAGGER BOUTIQUE Stylish Living Ivy Cottage Collections

BEST JEWELRY STORE

JOHNSON’S JEWELERS Holland’s Jewelers JM Edwards Jewelr

Johnson’s Jewelers Best Jewelry Store Johnson’s Jewelers is the oldest jeweler in Cary, so this family-owned business has had plenty of time to win over the hearts of locals!

Family patriarch Noah Capps had a vision to provide great customer service and honesty to his customers when he first came to Cary in 1968, and his son and current owner John Capps continues to make that vision a reality.

Capps likes to keep his family close — his two sons, Brandon and Bradley, both work in-store, and visitors are often greeted at the door by John’s grandchildren (jewelers in training)!

“We really appreciate the love and support from all the customers that come in the store and voted for us in the Maggy Awards,” said Capps. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, from our family to yours.”

“If you don’t know your jewelry, know your jeweler.”

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The Perfect Piece Best Home Furnishings and Décor The Perfect Piece has won the Maggy Award for Best Home Furnishings and Décor for the past four years, and for good reason — owners Betty Haskell and Rebecca Ennis keep their showroom stocked with all the latest home trends, refurbished furniture and upscale consignment pieces you could want!

“You can come in and find those unique pieces and walk out with sofas, chairs and furniture the same day you come in,” said Haskell. “You don’t have to wait 6-8 weeks for delivery.”

After almost 10 years in business, Haskell and Ennis have been busy updating and renovating their store with some exciting new spaces and fresh paint, so swing by for a peek and pick up the “perfect” gift for yourself while you’re there! It will be much appreciated by the owners, who — despite all their past wins — continue to be thankful for their loyal patrons.

“Winning the Maggy Award means that we have loyal customers who are hopefully finding everything they need when they come into our store, and leaving happy — which is our main goal,” said Haskell.

CARY MAGAZINE 51

MEET THE ARTIST

behind the maggys

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The Artist Behind The Maggys If you’ve got questions about the chalk-star behind the 2022 Maggy Awards, then we’ve got answers. Johna Ritchie, creator of Peak City Chalk, has garnered over 1,000 followers on Instagram thanks to her eye-catching chalk designs that she’s left all over town!

In appreciation of her Maggy-inspired art, which can be seen on both the cover and throughout this month’s issue, we caught up with Ritchie to learn more about how Peak City Chalk got its start.

The Artist I’m Johna Ritchie, a stay-athome mom who moonlights as a chalk artist (as time allows)! I started doing calligraphy about four years ago as a side hobby for an artistic release when my kids were very little.

When COVID hit, I decided to combine

being outside with my kids (who were always home) with continuing my lettering.

It opened up a totally new world of chalk art! I did murals for friends’ kids and murals on my street for my neighborhood to enjoy on their walks, and voila — Peak City Chalk was born. I’m still enjoying the journey!

Inspiration I started with lettering about four years ago. It’s been a combo of self teaching and a few online courses. Spreading positive messages and energy is what it is about! I am inspired by so many things. I love studying all the different fonts and styles out there — it’s truly endless.

Favorite Design My favorite design might be the “grateful” script lettering I did at the end of my road last fall. The setting and the space looked beautiful, and I really do feel grateful for Peak City Chalk and the new path it’s created for me!

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small business spotlight

The Wine Merchant WRITTEN BY DENA DAW | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Partners in Wine: Justin Gregg, left, and Kurt Saylor are the proud owners of The Wine Merchant.

WINE EXPERTS Kurt Saylor and Justin Gregg are the owners of The Wine Merchant — a family business opened in Raleigh

by Saylor’s parents in 1981. In 1998, the family decided that the business needed a presence in Cary, and The Wine Merchant arrived in Preston Corners. Ten years later, Gregg joined the team, and the rest is history.

This specialty wine shop boasts over 1,000 wines from all over the world, with prices ranging from $6.99 to $699.99. If you’re thirsty, they’ve got you covered — offering four wines by the glass and six beers on tap.

“Come by and have a drink in ei-

56 APRIL 2022

ther the beer bar or the wine lounge,” said Saylor. “You will often see many of our regulars sitting outside on a nice day enjoying great conversation and sharing a bottle of wine.”

We recently caught up with Saylor to

learn more about the origins of The Wine Merchant and what makes it so unique (and we may have asked him about his favorite drink, too).

How did The Wine Merchant come to be?

My father was a professor at NC State, and his genetic research of pine trees took him to California in 1971. This is where the idea of The Wine Merchant started forming. His interest went beyond what you could get in your local grocery store. Upon his discovery of wonderful California wines, he was encouraged by his wine-drinking buddies

to open a wine shop. He felt the wine selections back in the ’70s lacked good domestic and European wines, and he wanted to bring that to North Carolina. To quote my mother, “This was a hobby that got slightly out of control.”

our customers. They trust us and know that we will stand behind any wine we sell. We are always asked what wine goes with what food, and that makes this job fun. We help educate our customers on wine and food pairings.

Another aspect of owning a wine business is that we get to taste 10 to 30 wines a week — a tough job! Of those wines, we may only buy two to five. We are very particular with the wines we bring into the shop.

What is your favorite wine?

We love all wine! That is one of the reasons we are in the wine business. Right now, my favorite wine is the wine my wife Cecelia loves — made by Daou Vineyards from Paso Robles, California. It’s a tasty red blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Tannat. I am also very partial to White Burgundy.

What made you want to work for yourself?

I had the pleasure of working with my parents for over 15 years. Once my parents retired, I took over the business. Working for yourself is not as easy as some would think.

You are always at work, even when you are not. With the partnership that Justin and I have established, we have the freedom to enjoy time away from the retail world. We both have families, and we both have activities that being your own boss allows us to take time for.

How did you get started in the wine business?

When I made the decision to join the wine business in 1995, it was not without an education into the business. I took a job at DeLoach Vineyards in Sonoma County, California. Over the year I spent at the vineyard, I did everything from cleaning barrels, working the bottling line, to helping the winemakers taste wine. The year I spent in Sonoma was only the beginning. Once I returned home, I started learning the retail side of the business.

one example of how we provide a great customer experience through customer service.

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

The best aspect of owning a local business is building and maintaining customer relationships. As I mentioned earlier, we have customers who have been with us over 20 years. They are like family. We often get the opportunity to just “put a case together” for

What do you love about Cary?

The Town of Cary is continuing to grow, but it has not lost its small-town appeal. We have seen a lot of changes over the past 20 years.

One thing that has not changed is the support for local business. The community pulls together to support local, and it is a wonderful thing to see. It has sustained our business in the community for over 20 years. Thank you! t

What makes The Wine Merchant unique?

At The Wine Merchant, we build relationships with our customers. We do this by offering the best customer service possible, and we are fortunate to have customers who have been supporting us for over 20 years. As a local business, this is key to our success. We concentrate on providing quality and value to every wine we sell. One area that we stand out in is our special orders. If we don’t have a particular wine that you want, we will exhaust all our resources to locate and order that one bottle of wine for you. This is only

Take a seat in The Wine Merchant’s lounge and be transported to the Tuscan wine country — hey, it’s wine o’clock somewhere!

CARY MAGAZINE 57

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Local Soil Mates WRITTEN BY DENA DAW | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

CARY MAGAZINE 61

I

T’S OFFICIALLY EARTH MONTH, and we would be remiss if we didn’t highlight the incredible work happening at Good Hope Farm, an organic teaching farm and partnership project between the Town of Cary and four nonprofit partners: Piedmont Conservation Council, Inc., The Conservation Fund, NC Community Development Initiative and the Conservation Trust for North Carolina. The mission of Good Hope Farm is to support beginning farmers, preserve farming heritage, conserve land and show the connection between economic development and environmental conservation.

Originally located at the center of Carpenter, historically a thriving agricultural community, the farm has been in production for over 100 years.

“The project was launched because the region has a strong agricultural heritage, but it was rapidly losing farmland,” said Sarah Justice, the Town of Cary’s environmental outreach program coordinator and Good Hope Farm project manager. “Preserving this tract of land was not only important to our heritage from a cultural resource perspective, but it’s also the missing link between farmers providing

62 APRIL 2022

food and connecting new farmers to farmland and farmer training.”

By licensing up to two acres of affordable plots to new and expanding farmers, as well as providing all necessary equipment and infrastructure, the Good Hope Farm project hopes to give farmers a muchneeded leg up. The farm also features a demonstration garden and agricultural and nutritional educational programming for the community. Visitors can come to the farm during one of their scheduled workdays or contact the farm for a scheduled tour.

“One of the biggest barriers that I see in our region is a lack of affordable farmland,” said Justice.

“Farmers come to us so they can really get started and be successful. The Town of Cary and the Good Farm Project have a social media presence, as well as a summer produce box pickup service called a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Both provide our farmers with built-in abilities to very easily sell their produce and support in getting their brand out there.”

Ready to eat local? Meet four “soil mates” who have all benefited from Good Hope Farm.

Farmer Meet & Greet

The Business Ramrati Lohain founded Natural & Local LLC in 2020, with a mission to nourish people and the planet.

Getting Started Originally from rural Nepal, Ramrati and her husband, Dasharath Lohar, moved their family to Cary 15 years ago.

Both Ramrati and her husband grew up on farms and have extensive farming experience. With a bachelor’s degree in genetics/breeding Dasharath worked as a horticulturist and vegetable breeder in Nepal. After obtaining his master’s degree in vegetable breeding, he completed his Ph.D. in agriculture biotechnology.

In the spring of 2019, Ramrati discovered Good Hope Farm while searching for a larger plot of land to rent.

“We would have never gotten the opportunity to farm if not for Good Hope Farm,” said Ramrati.

“The farm supported us in the initial prepping of the plot, irrigation, marketing, etc. We were able to sell

our vegetables to a CSA the first year when we did not have a customer base.”

What They Sell Last year they grew close to 60 different herbs and vegetables, with a focus on crops wanted by the Asian community (many of which have never been grown locally). Their wide range of unique crops include gongura, thotakura, Desi okra, Moringa shoot, ash gourd, daikon radishes, yardlong beans and more. More familiar items include cilantro, dill, garlic, cucumbers, pumpkins, watermelons, chard and collard greens.

How To Get It You can find Natural & Local pro-

duce at the Western Wake Farmers Market (Morrisville), Good Hope Farm (designated time and place) and Good Hope Farm’s CSA. They also sell to customers by special appointment to fulfill their needs.

Follow Natural & Local on Facebook or contact them at naturalnlocal@gmail.com.

Dasharath Lohar (left) works next to his wife, Ramrati Lohain, at Natural & Local LLC, providing the community with a wide range of unique crops.

CARY MAGAZINE 63

At Blue Ridge Pepper Patch, Christina Trexler adds more varieties of peppers every season — from super-hot to not-a-lot.

The Business Christina Trexler and her husband, Jesse Bolatto, run Blue Ridge Pepper Patch — an urban farm focused on the sustainable production of hot and super hot peppers.

Getting Started “We are both grandchildren of farming families, and while our education and careers took us away from a farming culture, we’ve decided to begin returning to that through our pepper farm,” said Trexler.

After starting Blue Ridge Pepper Patch in 2021, Trexler and her husband wanted to grow their operation without making a large investment in land.

“Knowing about Good Hope Farm from previously living in Cary, it was the first place we looked to when we decided we wanted to expand,” said Trexler. “While we’re new, the experience has been great! The farm provides not only the land, but also plenty of equipment, as well as

64 APRIL 2022

support, knowledge, and expertise from the head farmer, Thomas Saile.”

What They Sell Blue Ridge Pepper Patch is all about hot peppers, providing pepper seedlings in the spring and fresh peppers in the fall. Soon they hope to offer dried peppers and spicy condiments, like hot sauce and spicy jams.

“We grow a lot of the super hot peppers like ghost peppers and Carolina reapers, but also lower-heat specialty peppers like Gochujang king, lemon drop, fushimi, thunder mountain longhorn, and variegated jalapeno. While not organic, we make every effort to grow as sustainably as possible and incorporate sustainability into the nongrowing aspects of the business.”

How To Get It For free local delivery, order at blueridgepepperpatch.com.

The Business Sekar Srinivasan and his wife, Dhivya Jayabal, have a passion for farming and connecting with nature. Their farm, Nithin’s Organics, aims to grow vegetables organically and supply the local community with healthy, locally grown food.

Getting Started Both Srinivasan and Jayabal grew up in farming families in India, where their parents produced rice, corn, cotton, peanuts and a variety of vegetables. Both have over 10 years of experience growing vegetables in community gardens in the US. “Even though this is our first year at Good Hope Farm on our own, we have already established our connections with local farmers and the community, and

we are excited to continue our farming journey with the wonderful people we’ve met,” said Srinivasan. “We’ve gotten some amazing support and assistance from them along the way, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

What They Sell Nithin’s Organics grows a variety of vegetables to cover Cary’s diverse community needs. Offerings include everything from various Indian medicinal herbs to spinach, cilantro, radishes, garlic, onions, green chilies, brinjal, capsicum and more.

How To Get It Interested buyers may reach Nithin’s

Organics at nithtins.organics@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook.

Sekar Srinivasan (left) and his wife, Dhivya Jayabal, put in the work to supply the local community with healthy, organic food at their farm, Nithin’s Organics.

CARY MAGAZINE 65

Submitted by Old North Farm

Brooke Bennett is here to make your daisy at Old North Farm, where she sells a variety of fresh cut flowers and foliage with a focus on seasonality and uniqueness.

The Business Old North Farm was started in 2018 by farmer Brooke Bennett with a focus on the cultivation of seasonal cut flowers.

Getting Started A long-time lover of flowers, Bennett became inspired by the local flower movement while taking floral design classes. After studying agriculture and working for a local farm and native plant nursery to gain hands-on experience, she is now the proud owner of a ½ acre plot at Good Hope Farm.

What They Sell The farm grows a variety of fresh cut flowers and foliage with a focus on seasonality and uniqueness.

“80 percent of cut flowers in the United States are

66 APRIL 2022

imported from other countries,” said Bennett. “Old North Farm has a goal to contribute to the local flower movement with blooms that are grown with love, using environmentally conscious growing practices. Our flowers are never sprayed with chemicals, and because they don’t have to travel thousands of miles to their final destination, their fragrance and vase life can’t be beat!”

How To Get It The farm offers fresh floral bouquets through a seasonal flower share, holiday markets and online at oldnorthfarm.com.

For more information on the Good Hope Farm Project, visit goodhopefarm.org. t

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Houseplants: Your New Best Fronds WRITTEN BY DENA DAW

MAYBE IT STARTED WITH THE PANDEMIC, when we were all sequestered in our homes and desperate to bring the outside in. Or maybe the Millennials and Gen Z are to blame, with their houseplant Instagram accounts and plant-crazy hashtags, like #plantsofinstagram and #urbanjungle. Either way, houseplant hysteria has taken over, and people just can’t seem to get enough cozy spaces full of potted plants.

“I believe the trend was already underway, but COVID amplified it exponentially,” said Shannon Theis, the tropical buyer at Garden Supply Company in Cary. “With everyone hunkering down and staying home, we longed for healthy, sustainable hobbies.”

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APRIL 2022

Becoming a proud plant parent might be easier than raising humans, in the sense that they don’t require a college fund and they don’t talk back. But make no mistake — maintaining and caring for houseplants isn’t always a walk in the park.

Whether it’s succulents, snake plants or eucalyptus hanging in your shower (yes, that’s a thing), we’ve got some important insight and helpful tips for raising Morgan Treeman or Cactus Everdeen.

Health Benefits of Houseplants

While it’s true that houseplants and indoor greenery have taken the design world by storm, they have potential beyond adding visual interest and livening up the space. Many houseplants have been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve air quality and boost mental health, along with other benefits.

In the 1980s, the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) tested the abilities of three common houseplants to remove formaldehyde from the air, and the spider plant came out on top — removing 95% of formaldehyde from a sealed Plexiglas chamber within 24 hours. Since then, many other formaldehyde-reducing houseplants have been identified, including the peace lily, money plant, rubber tree and snake plant, to name a few.

According to a report by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, formaldehyde — a colorless gas used in building materials and household products that’s classified as a probable human carcinogen under prolonged exposure — is normally present at low levels in both indoor and outdoor air.

So the existence of Christofern, your happy houseplant, might lower your risk of cancer while you’re working from home.

In addition to formaldehyde, harmful indoor pollutants include trichloroethylene (found in paints and varnishes), benzene (found in tobacco smoke and dyes), xylene (released in car exhausts) and ammonia (found in window cleaners and floor wax). Through the process of photosynthesis, houseplants purify the air by converting the carbon dioxide we exhale into fresh oxygen and removing toxins from the air. Peace lilies and chrysanthemums have been proven to reduce the levels of all five air pollutants listed above.

But wait, there’s more! Houseplants can also reduce stress and boost mental health.

Mycobacterium vaccae, a bacterium in plant soil, actually triggers the release of serotonin.

Additionally, just smelling, pruning, touching and seeing houseplants can reduce stress and improve overall mood.

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African Violets Parlor Palms Areca Palms Friendship Plants

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Trending Houseplants

As a tropical buyer, longtime houseplant lover and lifetime gardener, Theis has her finger on the pulse of what’s trending in the plant world.

“We are seeing a huge uptick in aroids in general, specifically elephant ears (Alocasia), Monsteras, Philodendrons, and Anthuriums. Anything variegated (exhibiting different colors) is highly popular, especially in the Monstera family,” said Theis.

“Bonsai gardens are amping up in popularity again, and we are fortunate enough to be working directly with the Triangle Bonsai Society to bring bonsai workshops right to our store.”

An emerging trend similar to bonsai, according to Theis, is a plant called Kokedama. The centuries-old Japanese form of garden art also goes by the easier-to-pronounce name “Japanese moss ball.” continued on page 70

CARY MAGAZINE 69

TRENDING HOUSE PLANTS IN 2022 • • • • • • • • • • •

The Money Tree Snake Plant Spider Plant Golden Pothos Peace Lily Rubber Plant Pothos Philodendron Peperomia Alocasia ZZ Plant

continued from page 69

“At Garden Supply we are incredibly proud and excited to be carrying this hand-woven art form from an amazing family in Florida who owns Kazumi Gardens,” said Theis.

Eucalyptus has also made an appearance in the shower as of late. Known for its medicinal properties, eucalyptus relieves congestion, sinus headaches and reduces inflammation. Along with the steam from the hot running water, the oils in the eucalyptus will have you feeling better and finding your Zen in no time.

Plus, a little greenery can transform your small bathroom into a spa! Who wouldn’t want that?

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APRIL 2022

Low-Maintenance Houseplants

If your green thumb has a history of turning black, there are plenty of options for clueless pandemic plant parents. The most amazing low-maintenance houseplants are snake plants (Sansevieria), with options ranging from upright and tall to squat and full. Snake plants tolerate low-light conditions and rarely need watering, but they do thrive and drink more frequently in brighter conditions.

“Other low-maintenance options for low light and low maintenance would be Pothos (Epipremnum), Dracaena or Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema),” suggested Theis. “While these do flower, the true show in Aglaonema is the wide variety of color in the foliage and stems.”

Make It Sustainable

A fancy houseplant wish list can often lead to imported plants, and thus a larger carbon footprint, but there are some simple solutions to make houseplanting more eco-friendly.

Propagating houseplants, whether by dividing or stem/leaf cutting, is a great way to expand your plant collection for free.

“Some plants propagate in water, while others need to callus before being placed in soil. There are several compostable pots within which plants can be grown, such as coco coir, peat moss, or cowpots,” said Theis.

“Unfortunately, most of our plants come to us in plastic grower pots. While these can be recycled in a variety of ways, such as pot filler in a very tall pot or transplanting younger plants, I do think our industry needs to do a better job of moving toward sustainable, compostable mediums. Here at Garden Supply, we recycle all of our pots in the form of reusing them at our farm or giving them to our customers for replanting.”

Plant swaps are also a great way to sustain houseplants. The Cary Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of each month and hosts a luncheon and plant swap every year.

“All of our members bring plants that they’ve grown at home,” said Marie Martin, president of the Cary Garden Club. “If you bring a plant, then you go home with a plant. You get a number, and when your number comes up, you go and pick up a plant that you want and take it home with you. It’s very beneficial for everyone.”

Parting Advice for “Pot Heads,” Courtesy of Garden Supply Company

“I always recommend that people buy plants from a local garden center,” said owner Keith Ramsey. “You get great advice on low-light plants and plants that can handle the dry climate of an indoor environment.

When you go to a lumberyard, most of the plants are planted in really light soil shipped from long distances and tend to fail quicker.”

“Also, try to pick a day and water on the same day. Use your finger as a water soil probe. If you can feel moisture an inch down, the plant needs very little water. If it’s very dry to the touch, water thoroughly and don’t water for another week.”

“One last thing is people should have fun with interior gardening. Don't take it too personally if a plant fails,” said Theis.

“Like anything else in life, there is a learning curve to care for plants. I encourage one to focus on what they learned from the experience and not become discouraged.” t

5 EASIEST HOUSE PLANTS TO GROW & SHARE 1. Pothos 2. ZZ Plant 3. String of Hearts 4. Chinese Money Plant 5. Snake Plant

CARY MAGAZINE 71

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Anna Grace FitzGerald, owner of Copperline Plant Company, works with clients all over the Triangle to ensure their plants remain happy and healthy when they’re away.

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on trend

Copperline Plant Co. WRITTEN BY DENA DAW | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

AS A PROUD PLANT PARENT, can you really trust your “I work with my clients to ensure their plants remain neighbor to properly care for your fiddle-leaf fig or your pinhappy and healthy while they’re away,” said FitzGerald. “No stripe calathea when you go out of town? Leaving your one wants to come home from a three-week vacation to a prized plants in the care of someone who can’t be trusted house full of dead leaves!” with a succulent can take a toll on your peace of mind when “In addition to the plant-sitting-type services, I also ofyou’re trying to enjoy a much-needed vacation, but a new solufer consultations. The House Plant House Call is one of my tion is on the rise — plant-sitting and plant-boarding services! most popular services to date! When you schedule a house Copperline Plant Company was founded in 2021 by Anna call, you get an hour of my time to ask questions, show me Grace FitzGerald, a Raleigh native who completed her masyour problems, talk about design and troubleshoot your plant ter’s degree in landscape architecture at NC State. Following concerns. I offer this service in person or via video call and grad school, FitzGerald nearly tripled provide a comprehensive summary her plant collection in an effort to so you have all of the tools you need bring the outside in. to move forward.”

“I had no outdoor space to call FitzGerald has heard her I meet people at markets my own, but I had an abundance of fair share of stories from customand online every day, windows,” said FitzGerald. “What ers who are ready to give up their else was I supposed to do but create green thumbs after failing to keep and I am able to help my own oasis?” their plants alive. Copperline Plant With access to personal outCompany exists to provide helpful them troubleshoot their door space becoming more limited tips, education, proper plant care in the Triangle, the demand for inand a renewed sense of excitement problems and select the door plants and plant care has gone for anyone looking to add plants to through the roof. One service oftheir life. FitzGerald believes that evright plants that will fered by Copperline Plant Company eryone has a green thumb — it’s just is called Sleep Away Camp — think a matter of finding the right plant. thrive in their home. of it as a summer camp for your “I created Copperline Plant plant children! For $25, FitzGerald Company to keep this excitement will give room and board to up to alive and to serve as a help desk of three of your favorite plant babies ($30/week for 4+). sorts. I meet people at markets and online every day, and I am “The ‘sleep-away’ camp idea came to me after conversaable to help them troubleshoot their problems and select the tions with friends who were going out of town and were nerright plants that will thrive in their home,” said FitzGerald. “I vous about leaving their plants unattended,” said FitzGerald. am still inspired by these sorts of interactions. I feel so proud “When you’re dealing with cuttings and newly propagated when I get a message on Instagram that says, ‘Hey, I took your plants, it is important to keep a close eye on them. I offered advice, and my plant is doing so much better!’” to take them under my wing while they were away, and the Copperline Plant Company is in the process of openrest is history!” ing up a brick-and-mortar location in Raleigh where they If you have a particularly large collection of plants, or just will provide classes, events and other services for the Triangle large plants that are hard to move, Copperline will come to area. Stay tuned and follow them on social media for imporyour home in their handy-dandy plant mobile as part of their tant updates. t Plant-Sitter Extraordinaire service! copperlineplants.com

CARY MAGAZINE 75

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CARY MAGAZINE 77

garden adventurer WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY L.A. JACKSON

The Little Tomatoes WITH THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING, many gardeners are undoubtably scratching their itch to get the veggie patch going by planting tomatoes. Yep, nothing like visions of great big ol’ red, ripe ’maters to shake off the lingering shivers of a long winter.

However, while growing “great big ’ol” tomatoes is a typical goal for most gardeners, there are plenty of little tomatoes to try that will make up in quantity what they lack in size. Commonly called “grape” or “cherry” tomatoes, these delicious tidbits are certainly worth saving space for in the vegetable garden.

There are differences in these two miniature tomatoes. Grape cultivars are a bit oblong — like a grape — and typically have thick skins, which helps them store longer.

Cherry selections are more rounded with thinner skins and juicier insides, meaning these tiny tasties can be a delicious, squirty mess if you don’t chomp down on ’em right.

How you prefer your harvest is another consideration to keep in mind because these minute ’maters can be determinate or indeterminate. Determinate selections are often tagged “patio” tomatoes because of their short stature. Harvest time is a matter of weeks, not months. Typical cultivars include ‘Baby Boomer,’ ‘Tiny Tim’ and ‘Patio Choice Yellow’ on the cherry side, while ‘Moby Grape,’ ‘Sweet Olive’ and ‘Fantastico’ are standard grape choices.

Indeterminate little tomatoes usually grow tall and lanky, and need supports such as cages or stakes. These are the long-haul types, producing fruits from early summer until the fall frosts, if the plants are kept happy and healthy. ‘Sungold,’ ‘Sweet 100’

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Carolina jessamine in full spring flaunt at the NC Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill.

TIMELY TIP Looking for dependable beauties to light up ornamental beds? Go wild with tough-yet-showy native plants such as goldenrod, Joe-pye weed, turtlehead, cardinal flower, ironweed, black-eyed Susan, Carolina jessamine, false indigo, spiderwort, butterfly weed, coral honeysuckle and climbing aster. These and other indigenous eye-catchers can often be found for sale at local nurseries and are always available online, but also look for them at the nifty little plant shop at the NC Botanical Garden (ncbg.unc.edu) in Chapel Hill while enjoying their many native plant displays, plenty of which by now should be in their full spring fling.

To Do in the

GARDEN

April

• The end of this month is a good time to begin planting both big and little tomatoes. Mid to late April is also when other summer favorites such as squash, peppers, watermelons, snap beans, eggplant, cucumbers and field peas can come out and play in the veggie garden.

• If you are thinking about adding the beauty that is a climbing rose to your garden, remember that this long, lanky plant will stretch, not grab, its way up.

Climbing roses need to be trained and tied onto supports. However, to prevent cane damage, secure them loosely.

• Dahlias can be planted in late April, but without help, the typically tall selections are destined for face flops in the summer garden. Either add support stakes to the planting holes now (to avoid damage to the root system and tubers later) or opt for shorter, socalled border dahlias instead.

• Ugly fences, lonely gazebos and bare decks can quickly get into the swing of a new growing season by dolling them up with such fast-growing vines as cypress vine, morning glory, sweet potato vine, scarlet runner bean, blackeyed Susan vine, purple hyacinth bean or moonvine.

Come harvest time, little tomatoes usually make up in quantity what they lack in size.

and ‘Sugar Rush’ are popular cherry picks, but grape goodies such as ‘Sweet Hearts,’ ‘Jelly Beans’ and ‘Golden Sweet’ deserve consideration, too.

All of the cultivars mentioned above are easy finds as seeds online, but if you prefer to start with plants, there will be plenty of choices to pick from at local garden shops this spring.

Like their big brothers, little tomatoes are sun worshipers, so find a spot that basks in ol’ Sol’s daily rays for at least six to eight hours. The planting site should be well draining and liberally enriched with compost or a quality commercial soil conditioner.

Ground moisture is also important to produce big crops of little tomatoes, so water every few days through the growing season and maintain at least a three-inch covering of mulch around the plants.

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. t CARY MAGAZINE 79

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CARY MAGAZINE 81

nonprofit spotlight

Friends of Hemlock Bluffs WRITTEN BY DENA DAW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN FREDIN

In addition to a scavenger hunt and kid-friendly fact boards, the Children’s Nature Trail features a series of jumpable mushroom caps for children to enjoy.

LESS THAN TWO MILES AWAY from the hustle and bustle of Cary’s Waverly Place sits Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, a unique ecological island that the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization, is devoted to supporting in whatever way they can.

As a state registered natural area, the majority of the preserve’s 140 acres is owned by the state of North Carolina, with a small parcel owned by the town, including park access, the Stevens Nature Center, the children’s nature trail and the outdoor education shelter. The Preserve itself is unique in that it harbors roughly 250 Eastern Hemlock trees and other mountainous vegetation not commonly found in the piedmont region of the state.

“It’s almost like a little visit to the mountains inside Cary,” said Jim Mason, president of the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs. “It’s also a forest in an urban area, and a nice little escape to wander around in.”

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Open every day of the year from 9 a.m. to sunset, Hemlock Bluffs provides residents the opportunity to hike its shady, mountainlike topography and seek refuge away from their urban surroundings. The well-kept trails, boardwalks and scenic overlooks act as a magnet for locals and visitors, alike.

“Since COVID has hit, the parking lots are full almost all of the time,” said Laura White, current secretary of the Friends and former supervisor at Stevens Nature Center. “There’s people out there who find their peace and mental health by visiting the Bluffs. It’s a routine for folks to come and take a hike, walk their dog or bring their families to enjoy the Preserve for the beautiful gem that it is.”

This love and devotion to the land is what drives the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs to help the Preserve meet their conservation education and natural resource management goals via fundraising, grant writing and “friendraising.”

The Friends have their roots in the Hemlock Bluffs Preservation Society, a group formed in the 1970s that advocated for protecting the Bluffs under North Carolina jurisdiction. The society succeeded in 1976, when Hemlock Bluffs became one of a few state nature preserves in North Carolina.

By the mid-’90s, members of the Hemlock Bluffs Preservation Society sought support from the Cary Women’s Club to successfully fund exhibits, resources and equipment for the Preserve. In 2001, the board renamed itself “Friends of Hemlock Bluffs.”

“It’s not a social organization — we essentially exist to provide funds to Hemlock Bluffs,” said White. “Whether those funds go toward providing resources to the staff for their programs or providing funds for a conservation management project, the money that the members pay goes directly back to the resources on the property.”

In collaboration with staff, the Friends have been able to identify the Preserve’s underfunded areas and lend a helping hand with support from the Town of Cary and generous benefactors like REI, Duke Energy Foundation and the Jandy Ammons Foundation. One of the organization’s largest contributions to the Preserve was the funding of the Children’s Nature Trail, which features a scavenger hunt, kid-friendly fact boards, a series of jumpable mushroom caps, a child-size telescope for wildlife viewing and a small playhouse.

The Friends’ most recent project has been updating the exhibits in the Stevens Nature Center, which were originally installed in the early 2000s. Over the last 20 years, the world and the way that people interact with exhibits has changed, says White.

Upgrading the text-heavy walls with more

hands-on, interactive exhibits continues to be one of their biggest fundraising efforts.

“Laura White especially has been instrumental in making the Children’s Nature Trail and the new high-tech exhibits happen over the last 7-8 years,” said Mark Johns, operations and program supervisor at Stevens Nature Center.

“The Friends of Hemlock Bluffs raise funds to implement important educational projects that we do not have in our current budgets. They have raised thousands of dollars so we can leverage through them and not take funds out of the Town’s budgets.”

One service that the Friends provide is the opportunity to purchase an engraved paver in the Preserve’s courtyard — perfect for remembering a loved one, pet or commemorating an occasion. Other funding efforts include membership fees (members receive a 10% discount on nature programs), special events, individual donations via their website and partnerships with Evite and Amazon. Members attend events both

at the Preserve and throughout the community, staff promotional booths, serve refreshments, organize fundraising events and attend quarterly meetings.

The Friends believe that everyone deserves a chance to learn more about environmental conservation and protection and foster a love of nature.

The Friends are proud to provide scholarship opportunities to ensure that the Preserve’s nature programs are accessible to all. Recipients of these scholarships are both children and adults who don’t typically have access to the Preserve’s programs due to a

lack of funds, transportation, or social and mobility issues. The Friends believe that everyone deserves a chance to learn more about environmental conservation and protection and foster a love of nature.

Residents are encouraged to attend scheduled volunteer work days, with two of the Preserve’s largest events landing on National Trails Day and National Public Lands Day (pre-registration with the Town of Cary is required for all work days). Limited in-person, outdoor nature programs have resumed for toddlers through senior adults, providing residents with a great opportunity to learn more about this unique slice of heaven in their own backyard.

“Participate in the programs and learn more about Hemlock Bluffs,” suggests White.

“When you know more about the ecology of the site, you can fully appreciate the Preserve and what we’re doing.”

For more information about the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs and their mission to support and preserve not only the land, but the experience, visit hemlockbluffs.org. t

Residents are encouraged to attend scheduled volunteer workdays at The Bluffs.

Laura White, current secretary of the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs, shows off the newly updated, high-tech exhibits at Stevens Nature Center.

The Friends of Hemlock Bluffs work in tandem with Stevens Nature Center staff representatives to support the Preserve’s mission and environmental education efforts. From left are Jim Mason, Friends of Hemlock Bluffs president; Morgan Burns, program specialist; Mark Johns, operations and program supervisor; Laura White, board member and Friends of Hemlock Bluffs secretary.

CARY MAGAZINE 83

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C H EC K IN & G E T AWAY

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Join us at Peck & Plume for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Explore downtown by day and stay in one of our comfortable guest rooms by night. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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CARY | APEX | MORRISVILLE | HOLLY SPRINGS | FUQUAY-VARINA | GARNER ANGIER | WILLOW SPRING | CLAYTON | CLEVELAND 86

APRIL 2022

restaurant profile

Beef brisket and chopped pork served with savory scratch-made sides keep customers coming back time and again.

’ s e B k i B Q M g i B

WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

CARY MAGAZINE 87

IT’S BEEN MORE THAN 10 YEARS since Mike Markham walked away from his job as a financial planner and bought a mobile red barn from which he could sling firstrate barbecue. The food truck ultimately led to Markham opening two brick-and-mortar locations: the mothership on Maynard Road in Cary and the sister eatery at Beaver Creek Crossings in Apex.

These days Markham continues to churn out tasty smoked meats and homemade side items from spaces he has expanded. Fittingly, the food has resonated so well that Big Mike’s BBQ earned the 2022 Maggy Award for Best Barbecue.

Markham fondly recalls growing up in Concord, NC, and every Christmas Eve would involve enjoying barbecue.

“My grandfather would pick up a cooked pork shoulder, and he would make barbecue sauce and slaw so we could enjoy a nice tradition each year,” Markham said on a recent Friday visit prior to lunch service.

Markham’s affinity for smoked pork grew even stronger when he was a student at NC State, now his alma mater.

“One of my best friend’s dad would cook a pig for the tailgate before football games, and we would help him,” he said. “It was always a great time.”

“We use a mix of oak and hickory wood for cooking.”

— Mike Markham, pit master, Big Mike’s BBQ

continued on page 90

Owner Mike Markham knows low-and-slow is the only way to go when it comes to making great BBQ.

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CARY MAGAZINE 89

continued from page 88

Markham, who considers himself a pit master but “far from a chef,” employs a lowand-slow cooking approach when smoking pasture-raised pork, Texas-style brisket, baby back pork ribs and beer-brined chicken. The result? Satisfying, fork-tender proteins that melt in your mouth.

“We use a mix of oak and hickory wood for cooking,” said Markham, adding that he also uses a secret house-made rub that took him more than 200 tries to perfect. “I call our house rub Version 201.”

Superb starters at Big Mike’s include Redneck Nachos comprising Fritos, pork, molasses-infused baked beans and blue cheese slaw; The Big Pretzel with beer cheese and whole-grain mustard; and habit-forming buffalo chicken egg rolls.

Order the smoked chicken wings with dry rub, zesty mayo- and dry-rub-based booty sauce. continued on page 93

At Big Mike's, a variety of beer is served on tap.

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The fork-tender proteins will melt in your mouth.

Don't miss the Sweet N Tangy sauce, available in squeeze bottles on the tables and bottles for purchase.

Smokin’ Good The secret to tender, lip-smacking-good barbecue is to cook it at a low temperature for an extended time. At Big Mike’s, here’s how long some of the proteins stay in the smoker.

Baby back ribs: 4 1/2 hours Beef brisket: 14-16 hours Pork: 10-12 hours (14 hours for butts) CARY MAGAZINE 91

Two friends enjoy chopped pork plates and sides at lunchtime.

The dry-rubbed smoked chicken wings are always on point.

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MOTIVATED MOVERS A R E R E A DY TO C A LL TH E H I G H V I EW H O M E !

A patio provides copious outdoor seating.

continued from page 90

For the main course, choose a one-, two- or three-meat platter, which will arrive at your table on a metal tray lined with butcher paper. Platters include any of nearly a dozen scratch-made side items such as smoked Gouda mac ’n’ cheese, countrybraised collard greens and the transcendent house-specialty warm smoked potato salad.

“For the potato salad, we use a 50/50 mix of Duke’s mayo and sour cream along with cheese that melts on the fresh, warm potatoes,” Markham revealed. “We sell a ton of it.”

Consider going all in and choose the popular Big Mike’s platter piled with chopped pork and chicken, sliced brisket, smoked sausage, wings, two sides and cornbread. Be sure to add some house-specialty vinegar sauce or sweet and tangy sauce from the requisite squeeze bottles on your table.

If you’re in the mood for a smaller portion or something different than typical barbecue fare, choose a grilled pimento cheese or a smoked chicken salad sandwich with a side of kale slaw or the seasonal veggie. A chopped kale salad includes shredded carrots, fried sweet potatoes and white balsamic vinaigrette.

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continued on page 94 CARY MAGAZINE 93

H ave you recently made a move?

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

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

Baby back ribs cook for more than four hours. continued from page 93

Daily specials are available, including $3 tacos on Tuesdays, burnt ends on Wednesdays and Saturdays and baconwrapped meatloaf on Thursdays. Kids 12 and under eat free on Mondays.

Top off the meal with a traditional banana pudding or the “baconana” variety topped with bacon, of course.

An attached bottle shop offers a wideranging selection of approximately 100 craft beers in bottles and cans. Thanks to a nifty in-house chiller, any of these becomes frosty in just over a minute. At the Cary location, nine locally sourced craft brews are accessible on tap, while the Apex site has 16.

Markham shared that he plans to open South Line Brewing Co. on Old Apex Road in Cary later this year.

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

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The vibe at Big Mike's is laid back and fun.

“I will be partnering with Conrad Hardy, who has worked with Ruckus Pizza, and our head brewer will be Scott Craddock of Raleigh Brewing Company,” said Markham.

Service at Big Mike’s, which features a laid-back, come-as-you-are vibe, is friendly and efficient.

Closed Sundays at the Cary location, Big Mike’s is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner at the Apex spot. Full-service dinein, takeout and catering are offered. Outdoor seating is available at both locations. t Big Mike’s BBQ 1222 NW Maynard Road, Cary (919) 799-2023 2045 Creekside Landing Drive, Apex (919) 338-2591 | bigmikesbbqnc.com

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worth the drive

ZEERA INDIAN

Restaurant WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

SINCE OPENING IN 2017, Zeera Indian Restaurant has steadily built a reputation for its quality cuisine,friendly service and serene locale.Fittingly, the family-run establishment recently earned a 2022 Best of Main & Broad (a Cary Magazine sister publication) Maggy Award.

“We are grateful that the community has responded to this concept, and we are passionate about what we believe in — authentic goodness,” says proprietor Avis Price, who hails from central India.

“Our guests have become part of the Zeera family, and we feel like we are serving them in our home dining room.”

Offering a variety of robust flavors based on family recipes, the full-service restaurant serves traditional Indian cuisine that has been adapted to suit the palates of local clientele. The distinctive dishes include spices like turmeric, ginger, carom seeds and cumin, which is synonymous with the word “zeera.”

The eatery specializes in Indian flat breads, including more than a dozen varieties of naan. Order the rosemary or the garlic cheese naan, both of which are baked in a clay oven.

Among the standout appetizers, the crispy samosa with potatoes and peas continued on page 98

96 APRIL 2022

Enjoy a copious mixed platter featuring two types of chicken, lamb and shrimp.

CARY MAGAZINE 97

The crispy samosa starter comes stuffed with potatoes and peas

continued from page 96

and pakora (chickpea-battered fritters) are particularly noteworthy. But don’t miss the Zeera Special Chicken, which features deepfried chicken marinated in spices and served atop fresh naan bread.

“The Zeera Special Chicken is an alltime favorite for a lot of people,” Price says.

If you’re the mood for something decidedly different, try the savory Mulligatawny Soup. It is composed of a rich chicken broth, blended yellow lentils and spices.

When it comes to entrees, tikka masala is a winning option. Chicken is a solid protein choice, but the lamb is even better. Tandoori-roasted chicken also will not disappoint.

Biryani and tandoori specialties abound. Consider splurging for the mixed platter, which includes a hearty portion of chicken and shrimp tandoori, lamb kabab and chicken Malai tandoori.

Fourteen vegetarian main courses are available, half of which can be offered as vegan dishes. All entrees are served with Basmati rice.

If you manage to save room for dessert, go for the carrot halwa with cashews and raisins or the mango custard with mixed fruit.

Be adventurous with your beverage selection. Consider the Masala Chai tea with cardamom, cloves and cinnamon or a refreshing yogurt-infused mango lassi with whipped cream. continued on page 100

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The signature Zeera Special Chicken appetizer is sure to start your meal off on a high note.

CARY MAGAZINE 99

Guests appreciate Zeera's tranquil atmosphere and efficient service.

continued from page 98

Red and white wine is available by the glass and bottle. Indian bottled beer, domestic drafts and craft cocktails are all accessible.

Zeera is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Reservations are accepted and are strongly recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings. Online ordering and takeout also are available.

“We are driven to continue earnestly serving our guests in the coming years by providing an exceptional dining experience,” Price says. “For us, mealtime is about more than food. It’s about connecting and sharing love.” t

Zeera's dishes are generously portioned for sharing.

100 APRIL 2022

ZEERA INDIAN RESTAURANT 1311 E. BROAD ST. FUQUAY CROSSING, FUQUAY-VARINA (919) 762-6215 ZEERANC.COM

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CARY MAGAZINE 101

Timeless design is reflected in a collection of treasures from a life well lived. southernstudio.com 919.362.5143 102

APRIL 2022

live, local & lyrical

craft your experience tune into live music & performances every week

boxyardrtp.com/calendar

CARY MAGAZINE 103

104 APRIL 2022

liquid assets

Why is Sally So Dangerous?

RECIPE CREATED BY SKYLER SPAULDING, SIDEBAR | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

SideBar Special 1.5oz blanco tequila .5oz lime cordial 1oz red bell pepper syrup 1oz mangoo puree Combine ingredientsin shaker with crushed ice and shake Pour entire contents of shaker into a glass rimmed with tajin (chili, lime and salt mixture that is readily available) Float .5oz ancho liquor onto the drink.

Garnish with a cucumber

Home Version 1.5oz blanco tequila .75oz lime juice .5 oz agave syrup 1 oz red bell pepper syrup* 1 oz magno puree or juice 1 slice jalapeno pinch salt Combine ingredients in shaker without ice and shake hard Add crushed ice to shaker and shake again Pour contents of shaker into a glass rimmed with tajin Float .05oz Averna onto drink Garnish with a cucumber *Red Bell Peper Syrup 1 cup sugar 1 cup hot water 2 red bell peppers—seeds removed and cut into slices Combine sugar and water in a pot and bring to a boil.

Take off stove and add peppers.

Allow to sit for 10 minutes Blend at high speed and strain.

Cool before using.

You may add an ounce of rum to increase shelf life.

Keep refrigerated.

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C A R Y, N C

106 APRIL 2022

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

C A R Y, N C

liquid assets

Cary Gold

from Bond Brothers Beer Company WRITTEN BY DATHAN KAZSUK | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN WRITTEN BY DATHAN KAZSUK | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

GOLD HAS BEEN AN ESSENTIAL PART of North Carolina’s history. It stems back to 1799, when gold was first discovered in the United States — and continued for almost 50 years until it was rediscovered in California foothills.

But for many of us in the Triangle, Cary is the newfound site for discovering gold — Cary Gold! Capturing the nostalgia of an all-premium American lager, Bond Brothers Beer Company, a staple of Cary since 2016, has crafted this Au-some light beer.

“There’s a quality to Cary Gold that you won’t find in other lagers,” said the brewery’s brewmaster and co-founder, Whit Baker. “Specifically because this beer is water backed — or high gravity brewed.”

Cary Gold, which is a take on a macro brewed beer, but done locally, doubles the gravity of the beer before diluting it to its

current 4.8 percent alcohol. What that means for the consumer is a great-tasting beer that drinks like a beer and contains no corn or rice.

Cary Gold has been everything in past iterations — from a Belgian to a cream ale — but this new version pouring fresh from the taps at Bond Brothers is here to remain. “We’ve made several iterations of Cary Gold throughout the years, but this is the one we will be sticking with,” Baker stated.

According to Baker, it’s the answer to the question, “What is the lightest thing you have on tap?” with staying local and not giving your hard-earned dollars to those macroowned conglomerates.

And you won’t be finding this version of Cary Gold in cans at your local shop. Bond Brother’s hopes, for now, to

keep this beer running fresh through taps around Cary and the Triangle.

“I would love this to be the beer of Cary,” says Baker.

We agree. Thanks a bullion!

Dathan Kazsuk is coowner of the beer, wine and travel website Triangle Around Town, (trianglearoundtown. com). The website and its digital publications help promote the craft beer and wine industries within the state.

CARY MAGAZINE 107

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

IN CARY, APEX, FUQUAY-VARINA, HOLLY SPRINGS, MORRISVILLE AND RALEIGH Advertisers are highlighted in boxes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bonefish Grill “Fresh is our signature.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dining Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

City Barbeque “Barbeque in its truest form.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jonathan Fredin

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

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

At La Grassa Pastificio in Cary, house-made saffron linguini, scallops and shrimp are served in a lemongarlic broth with Calabrian peppers.

CARY MAGAZINE 109

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kababish Café “A celebration of deliciousness and creativity.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASHWORTH DRUGS 105 W. Chatham St, Cary NC

WHERE YOUR GOOD HEALTH IS OUR BUSINESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marco Pollo “Peruvian rotisserie chicken.”

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

MOD Pizza “Serving artisan style pizzas, superfast.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dipped

2022

AWARDS

BEST OF CARY MAGAZINE

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CARY MAGAZINE 111

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sassool “Serving authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine.”

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

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

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

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

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

HONORABLE MENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CARY MAGAZINE 113

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

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

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

APEX Abbey Road Tavern & Grill 1700 Center St., Apex; (919) 372-5383; abbeyroadnc.com Anna’s Pizzeria “Piping hot pizzas and mouth watering Italian food.”

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

SHOP WINE & BEER YOUR WAY

SHOP ONLINE

trianglewineco.com Store Pick Up Local Delivery Wine Shipping

VISIT OUR STORES Cary Raleigh Holly Springs Southern Pines 1.800.919.7518 114

APRIL 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1232 W. Williams St., Apex 919-372-5000; BonafideBakeshop.com Big Mike’s BBQ “Beers on tap to compliment locally sourced, farm-to-table BBQ.” 2045 Creekside Landing Drive, Apex; (919) 338-2591; brewnquenc.com Common Grounds Coffee House & Desserts “The highest-quality, locally roasted coffee.”

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

Stop by the bar (no corkage fees)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

113 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 387-9992; salemstreetpub.com Scratch Kitchen and Taproom “Asian-influenced American cuisine” 225 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 372-5370; scratchkitchenandtaproom.com Skipper’s Fish Fry “Homemade from our own special recipes.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

138 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina; (919) 285-2497; annaspizzeria.com Aviator SmokeHouse BBQ Restaurant “All of our food is made in-house.”

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

come see what the buzz is about!

craft beer | fine wine | food trucks live music and events | locally owned

3675 Green Level West Road, Suite 101, Apex, NC 27523 apexbottletheory.com | @BottleTheory | 919-267-6227 CARY MAGAZINE 115

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

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

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

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

Los Tres Magueyes 325 North Main St., Holly Springs; (919) 552-6272; lostresmagueyes.com

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

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

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

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

HOLLY SPRINGS

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

401 Wake Chapel Road, Fuquay-Varina; (919) 552-3957; lostresmagueyes.com

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

204 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 552-8800; acmepizzaco.com

Stick Boy Bread Co. “Handcrafted baked goods from scratch … all natural ingredients.”

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

The Blind Pelican “First-rate fish, shrimp, lobster, crab, oysters and other ocean-centric delights.”

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

Mama Bird’s Cookies + Cream “A unique spin on a timeless dessert.”

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

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

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

Recognized

by Cary Magazine Readers as Best House Date-Night Restaurant!

Recognized

by Cary Magazine Readers as Best SteakSteak House and and Date-Night Restaurant!

THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER 2006

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

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HONORABLE MENTION 2007

HONORABLE MENTION 201 20 13

HON HO NORABLE MENTION 2015 20 15

HON HO NORABLE MENTION 2016 20 16

THE MAGGY AWARDS

THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER

WINNER

201 20 18

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

201 20 19

2020

WINNER 2021 20 21

5 private 5 private roomsrooms seating guests! seating 6-2006-200 guests!

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

Dining Guide Thai Thai Cuisine “Fresh authentic Thai food.”

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

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

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

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

Authentic Authentic New New York York Deli-Style Food Deli-Style Food Authentic New York Deli-Style Food

MORRISVILLE Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken “Unforgettable rotisserie chicken.”

9575 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (919) 378-9259; alpacachicken.com Another Broken Egg Café “A totally egg-ceptional experience.”

1121 Market Center Drive, Morrisville; (919) 465-1079; anotherbrokenegg.com Babymoon Café “Pizzas, pastas, seafood, veal, steaks, sandwiches and gourmet salads.”

100 Jerusalem Drive, Suite 106, Morrisville; (919) 465 9006; babymooncafe.com Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar “The quality of the beef and the toppings make our burgers stand apart.”

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

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

151 Airgate Drive, Morrisville; (919) 484-7721; chophousesofnc.com Clean Juice “Organic juices, smoothies and acai bowls.”

3035 Village Market Place, Morrisville; (919) 468-8286; cleanjuice.com Crumbl Cookies Super-sized treats with a rotating menu of classic and unusual flavors.

1105 Market Center Drive, Morrisville (919) 364-1100; crumblcookies.com Desy’s Grill & Bar “Straightforward pub grub at a relaxed sports bar.”

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

To our sweet friends of Cary, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for voting us "Best Dessert" in this year's Maggy Awards. We look forward to putting many more smiles on your faces in years to come!

Scooped with love,

WE OFFER CATERING SERVICES

1010 Tryon Village Village Drive, Cary 1010 1010 Tryon Tryon Village Drive, Drive, Cary Cary 919.900.7770 919.900.7770 919.900.7770 mookiesnydeli.com mookiesnydeli.com mookiesnydeli.com

@AndiasIceCream 10120 Green Level Church Rd #208 1008 Ryan Rd AndiasIceCream.com

STOP IN TO CHECK OUT OUR BAR!

CARY MAGAZINE 117

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HiPoke “Fresh Fun Poke.”

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

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

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

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

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

THE BULL IS NOW IN CARY,

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

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

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

WITH A TWIST!

210 E. Chatham St. Tuesday-Thursday 4-10, Friday 2-11, @bullcitycary Saturday 12-11, Sunday 2-9 Cary, NC 27511 bullcityciderworks.com

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Village Deli & Grill “Wholesome homemade foods.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RALEIGH Angus Barn “World-renowned for its service.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jonathan Fredin

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

1249 Farmers Market Drive, Raleigh (919) 294-8040; facebook.com/AnneloresGermanBakery Diners enjoy tabletopcooked Korean barbecue at Seol Grille in Cary.

• Fresh Salads • Sandwiches • Kabobs

BEERS ON TAP The best selection of German and craft beer in the area!

Catering Available For All Events!

s u m m u Y e h T

e t s a T #

Check our Facebook page for weekly events @TCBiergarten

Dogs are Welcome!

2021 Curbside, delivery and takeout op�ons available!

1625 N. Main St. #133 Fuquay-Varina 919.246.6649 | tcbiergarten.com

1347 Kildaire Farm Road • Cary • 919-300-5586 9650 Strickland Road • Raleigh • 919-847-2700

CARY MAGAZINE 119

FOLLOW ME TO FUQUAY-VARINA CONCERT SERIES Centennial Square 102 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina 6:30 - 9:30 PM

fuquay-varina.org/fm2fv

Chairmen of the Board April 7

The Embers April 21

Liquid Pleasure May 12 120

APRIL 2022

2022

PARTY

THE BEST OF

cary magazine

THE BEST OF

main & broad

Presented by

Welcome to the party!

Join us for food, drinks and fun with this year’s winners!

Don’t miss out! It’s so easy!

Just scan here for tickets and you’re in!

THURSDAY, APRIL 28 • 4:30-8:00 P.M. THE FENTON, CARY

CARY MAGAZINE 121

Photo by: In His Image

MODERN MEANINGFUL EVENTS Located in Downtown Cary, Chatham Station hosts a variety of events. Clients enjoy natural light from seven bay doors & an overhead skylight, exposed neutral bricks, two dressing rooms, a private patio & other conveniences.

919-518-4558 email: welcome@chathamstationnc.com

Facebook.com/ChathamStation

@ChathamStation

Western Wake

Weddings

Sarah Reeves Photography

Cara and Matt

tied the knot in 2020 with a simple ceremony in a pasture during the height of Covid.

They pulled out all of the stops and held their second, more formal ceremony in May of 2021 on the patio at Chatham Station. Both UNC grads, they planned the wedding while Matt was in grad school and Cara was finishing up her undergrad degree. This couple is so sweet and we loved hosting them and their clans on a gorgeous spring day.

Cara and her bridesmaids got ready in our dressing suites and enjoyed a little time together that they couldn’t have during their first ceremony.

Faith is a big part of the lives of these two, so they chose to have moments where that was displayed or celebrated privately.

One such moment was a “first touch” before they saw each other.

Cara had a first look with her father instead, which was very sweet and private as well.

The Ceremony

Cara and Matt “renewed” their vows in front of their friends and family and afterwards, a praise band played following the ceremony, another touch showing their commitment to their faith. Matt has a big, welcoming personality and the couple were genuinely excited to walk down the aisle as husband and wife for a second time.

The Details

After the ceremony, they captured great shots around Cary with their photographer Sarah Reeves.

The soft blues and golds they chose looked elegant and fresh and blended perfectly with the brick, wood and glass we have at Chatham. The whole venue looked amazing as guests flowed inside and out. From the donut wall they had instead of a wedding cake, to the blue plates of varying sizes, to the lounge area that replaced the ceremony seating, every corner of the place shined. Cara, Matt and their guests shined too. It was a wedding fit for a magazine shoot.

VENDORS PLANNERS: SOMETHING FABULOUS | CATERING: CITY BBQ | DESSERTS: DUCK DONUTS | BARTENDER: JOHNNYS BARTENDER SERVICE | RENTALS: CE RENTAL | PHOTOGRAPHER: SARAH REAVES PHOTOGRAPHY | DJ: WILLIS J ENTERTAINMENT FLORIST: DAYSPRING FLOWERS | HAIR AND MAKEUP: THE MAKEUP ADDICT

happenings BOOK HARVEST, an organization dedicated to providing books and ongoing literacy support to children, announced today that Ginger Young, Book Harvest’s founder and executive director for the past 10 years, has been named chief executive officer. bookharvest.org

The North Carolina Museum of Art has launched its Students and teachers at the Kiddie

Academy of West Cary participated

Quilting supply store

CARY QUILTING COMPANY has been chosen as one of the shops from across North America to be featured in the Spring/ Summer 2022 issue of Quilt Sampler magazine, published

by Better Homes & Gardens. caryquilting.com

124 APRIL 2022

Artist Innovation Mentorship (NCMA AIM) program, a regional outreach initiative connecting artists in rural Eastern

in national Random Acts of Kindness Week by

North Carolina with middle school

performing several acts of service in the community.

students in their communities. These

Teachers brought in canned food items for a food

structured six-week programs will give artist

drive benefiting the local food kitchen and helped

mentors and youths the chance to explore

preschoolers make thank-you cards for health care

new materials and art forms, the basics of

personnel, as well as for parents of students who are

exhibition curation and innovative thinking

doctors and nurses. kiddieacademy.com

strategies. ncartmuseum.org

The Charlotte Russell Contemporary Fine Art Gallery announced a solo exhibition of artwork by acclaimed Raleigh-based artist King

Nobuyoshi Godwin, who paints numbers as Monet painted dots. His use of repeated numbers creates texture, pattern and a larger design.

In February, Crescent Communities officially broke ground on the first phase of their highly anticipated life science campus in Holly Springs, THE

YIELD, which

includes three buildings totaling over 260,000 square feet. The first two buildings of Phase l are expected to be completed in late 2022.

Thanks to the North

Carolina Community Foundation, more than 120 college scholarships are now open for applications from students across

THE YMCA OF THE TRIANGLE

continues to help provide boxed

the state! Representing more than $1.5 million

groceries, fresh and frozen meat, produce, eggs and canned goods twice a

in available scholarship funds, deadlines for

month to those in need. The Y also created the “Big Bus Food Truck” program in

applications range from mid-February to early

partnership with the local school district, county government and nonprofits to

June. nccommunityfoundation.org

deliver school meals to children across Wake County who were not in school due

The Cary Ballet Company

to the pandemic. ymcatriangle.org

hosted a silent auction at MacGregor Downs

CRABTREE VALLEY MALL

has officially been put on the

market for the first time since it opened in 1972. The property is valued at just under $400 million.

Country Club on Feb. 26, raising money to benefit its Spring Works production on Sunday, May 29.

CARY MAGAZINE 125

happenings THE LUCY DANIELS CENTER, the largest service provider of mental health services in the Triangle, recently announced the departure of Josie Sawyer as clinical/ executive director. The center serves more than 700 children and their families yearly and provides direct emotional and mental

ACTIVE TRACKS

health services to children celebrated its grand opening in Holly Springs at 1004 N. Main Street,

providing elementary school-aged children opportunities to participate in an engaging selection

from birth to 12 years old. lucydanielscenter.org

of track-out camps. activetrackscamp.com

On March 10, four Triangle arts councils partnered with WRAL to present Big

Night In for the Arts, raising money

Congrats to Triangle

Badminton and Table Tennis for being recently selected by USA Table Tennis as one of 10 locations in the US to host a state qualification tournament

for artists and arts organizations

for the 2022 US National Championships.

struggling through the pandemic.

Tournament dates are April 16-17. trianglebtt.com

After a two-year hiatus, the Holt

Brothers Foundation held its Flag Football and Cornhole Tournament in Raleigh on March 26, raising funds for young kids with a parent or guardian who has cancer. The Foundation’s main program, KidsCan!, provides educational and On Feb. 24, the Apex Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of

BEAVER CREEK COMMONS DENTAL with a ribbon cutting ceremony. beavercreekcommonsdental.com 126 APRIL 2022

emotional support during monthly group meetings. holtbrothersfoundation.org

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

YOUR SMILE IS IN STYLE!

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

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

www.lowerysmiles.com

2022

WESTERN WAKE

CARY MAGAZINE 127

happenings

Coins and Precious Metals

Cary’s Waverly Place just added three new tenants — ICRYO,

BUY & SELL

MASON’S FAMOUS LOBSTER ROLLS and PINEAPPLE SOL. This will be Pineapple Sol’s first brick-and-mortar location since launching online in 2021. The restaurant will serve fresh pastries, custom charcuterie boards, cakes, desserts and catering services. pineapplesol.com

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

A new historical marker in Apex was unveiled on Feb. 26, celebrating a former Rosenwald School. Opened in 1931, the school later became Apex Consolidated School and served Black students during the time of

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

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

A

128 APRIL 2022

Coins Partner

segregation.

The Town of Apex is celebrating its first annual APEX

EARTHFEST

on

Saturday, April 23. This interactive festival will celebrate Earth Month with live music, food trucks, a sustainable fashion show, live animals, presentations and more. Don’t miss it!

RETURNING TO BOND PARK!

R I P S NG CARY

D

20 22

E Z

ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 | 9 aM - 5 PM

Nestled under the shady canopy of Bond Park awaits a festival budding with arts and crafts. The annual Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival gives a true nod to the artistry and creativity that makes up the state of North Carolina, welcoming 170 local artists.

Embodying the importance of sustainability through an Earth Day Celebration, encouraging an active lifestyle with outdoor sporting activities, and bringing the community together at no cost, Spring Daze is a highly anticipated festival each year! Guests can also expect to find toe-tapping entertainment on three stages, delicious food and several activities for the kids.

VISIT TOWNOFCARY.ORG/SPRINGDAZE | FOLLOW @CARYARTDAZE | Dial 311 in CARY or 919-469-4000

CARY MAGAZINE 129

write light

BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Reflection of the times A blending of faces and lights are reflected in plexiglass partitions at Transfer Co. Food Hall in Raleigh, where patrons cautiously navigate a mask-optional normalcy during the second year since Covid-19 emerged.

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APRIL 2022

The technology and techniques are the very latest.

Putting them in the right hands, however, is what sets us apart.

Experienced hands. Expert hands. Hands that have mastered minimally invasive techniques and robotic-assisted procedures that minimize discomfort and enhance recovery. The hands of talented surgeons, nurses and support teams in a variety of specialties and subspecialties. All as compassionate and caring as they are thoroughly professional. All accessible, convenient and close to home. To learn more about what sets us apart, visit wakemed.org/cary-hospital.

Bariatric surgery | Gynecology | Orthopaedic surgery | Spine surgery Thoracic surgery | Trauma and general surgery | Urology | And more

We’re taking 3D mammography to the next level.

2D Mammogram Image

3D Mammogram Image

3D + Artificial Intelligence

85%

Overlapping rose petals hide important details

More details are visible with 3D imaging

Areas of concern are marked for a focused review by our breast imaging radiologist

Introducing 3D Mammograms with AI Technology Wake Radiology UNC REX is the first outpatient radiology practice in the Triangle to adopt FDA cleared artificial intelligence technology for use with 3D mammography.

Our AI platform runs in the background while our breast imaging radiologist reviews a patient’s 3D mammogram images. It marks areas of potential concern for a more focused look, acting as a “second check” to aid in cancer detection.

More good news! There is no extra charge to you for our doctors using the latest aid in breast cancer detection.

Schedule Your 3D Mammogram Today Outpatient offices throughout the Triangle Scheduling: 919-232-4700 WakeRad.com/Mammography