Cary Magazine May 2021 by Cary Magazine

May 2021

DAY TRIPS FOR PET LOVERS TAKE YOUR POOCH FOR A DRIVE

A Dog’s Life

HOW TO PREPARE PETS FOR MORE TIME ALONE LABOR OF LOVE EMPIRE STATE OF MIND DI FARA PIZZA TAVERN

ENTREPRENEUR CARA POWELL AND THE UPCHURCH

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Alone What happens when owners of pandemic pets return to the office?

21 Pets on Parade 32 Dog-Friendly Day Trips

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A tufted titmouse greets a spring morning with a song. Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

MAY 2021

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New adventures are Just Down the Road! Bark in the Park A New Season for Style A Labor of Love Cara Powell’s quest to create The Upchurch ‘More Than a Haircut’ for Cary Barber Restaurant Profile: Di Fara Pizza Tavern On a Mission in Downtown Apex Special Section: We Know Western Wake

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May 2021 • Volume 18, Number 4 EXECUTIVE

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Small Business Spotlight: The Pet Pantry

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Editor’s Letter Letters from Readers

husband, Mike Trovero, adopted a Labradoodle puppy, named Brie, during the pandemic. Now the family is planning how

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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.

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MAY 2021

Jonathan Fredin

IT’S STRANGE THINKING ABOUT everything my family has scheduled this month. • Recently my husband and I were invited to our great-niece’s birthday party the Saturday before Mother’s Day. We were already planning to visit family on Sunday, so this was just another event in an already busy weekend. • The following week, our older daughter will graduate with an engineering degree from N.C. State. • The week after that, our younger daughter will begin a summer internship on Topsail Island, working at a summer camp in Surf City, N.C. Strange because it’s all so normal -- after more than a year of canceled plans, virtual happy hours and video class lectures. Thanks to the coronavirus vaccine, we will be able to meet people in person and actually travel again. I’m excited for my children, especially since they’ve had to give up so much in this past year, but I’m not completely thrilled about resuming our pre-COVID pace. It’s been rather nice to have time to read, to walk and to think. When I was speaking to Cara Powell about the long process of creating The Upchurch wedding venue, she echoed some of those feelings. While COVID was professionally challenging for her, personally it was a godsend. “I was really struggling with losing my identity. I love wedding photography, and I was really struggling, giving up that part of my existence, because it's carried me through and been so good to me,” Powell said. “But COVID provided this forced stillness, so that I was able to see the other side -- what it looked like to not go 90 miles an hour all the time.” As we all pick up the pace again, I hope we all remember the benefits of slowing down every now and again. I think Memorial Day Weekend will be a great time for that. Thanks for reading,

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Molly Stone-Sapir works with Jocky, a yearold medium-sized mixed breed dog. They are practicing self-control in distracting situations, walking on a leash and other skills.

MAY 2021

Home Alone What happens when owners of pandemic pets return to the office? WRITTEN BY LEA HART | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

As people begin returning to the office, more than a year later, new pet owners are wondering how to help their pet get used to spending more time alone. “I do have a little concern about returning to the traditional schedule, because I feel like Mickey can get bored when I am working all day,” said Heather Murray of Apex, who adopted her dog during the pandemic. She saw the time at home as the perfect opportunity to add Mickey to her life. “Like many, I was staying at home stewing in my anxiety and wanted something to take my mind off of that,” Murray said. “When thinking about adopting a furry friend logistically, it all made sense

Mic — puppies require a lot k of time and commitment to training.” She teaches theater at a local charter school, which returned to hybrid learning in September. Mickey has adjusted well, but he will have to make one more adjustment when the school returns to a full in-person schedule, keeping Murray away from home more.

WHEN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC began keeping people home in March 2020, some who had been thinking about adding a pet to their family saw an opportunity: Time at home equaled time to devote to a new pet. “In conversations, I found there were a lot of people who wanted to get a pet and didn’t, because they weren’t home enough,” said Molly Stone-Sapir, director of Community Initiatives and a pet behavior specialist with the SPCA of Wake County. “When it came to be that so many people had more time at home, this idea that they thought wasn’t feasible became more feasible.”

continued on page 16

Puppies wait to be adopted at the SPCA of Wake County. CARY MAGAZINE 15

“In conversations, I found there were a lot of people who wanted to get a pet and didn’t, because they weren’t home enough. When it came to be that so many people had more time at home, this idea that they thought wasn’t feasible became more feasible.” — Molly Stone-Sapir, director of Community Initiatives, SPCA of Wake County.

continued from page 15

Stone-Sapir and Margaret Gruen, assistant professor of Behavioral Medicine with North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, say every animal will be different in adjusting to change. Dogs are more likely to show signs of anxiety when their routine changes, however, cats can show signs as well. “It depends on the individual pet for sure — there is a huge range in personality and temperament,” Gruen said. “In general they adapt pretty well, but like everyone, the more we can prepare them the better they’re going to do.” Prepare for change

Molly Stone-Sapir gives Jocky a cuddle during a training session. The high-energy dog, who was returned to the SPCA by his first owner, is now getting the training and socialization he needs.

MAY 2021

Gruen’s advice is, in fact, the short answer for pet owners: Start preparing your pet ahead of time. Think about what the animal’s day is going to look like and try to replicate that now, before the owner has to be away at work, Gruen says. If the pet isn’t used to being left at all, owners can work up to longer periods of alone time, beginning with brief interludes and slowly extending them, Stone-Sapir says. A good start could be just walking to the end of the driveway and back. Pet owners making other changes to the routine can practice those now as well, such as adding a dog walker. With cats, specifically, Gruen says studies have shown that cats who get played with more frequently display fewer behavioral issues. So make some time to play with your cat during the hours that you are home. This type of pre-planning is exactly what Rocio Lopez and her husband, Mike Trovero, are doing for their Labradoodle puppy, Brie. The couple and their four children added Brie to the family during the pandemic. continued on page 18

Bri e

Brie the Labradoodle eyes a stuffed bird during playtime with Rocio Lopez, center, and her children, Valentina Trovero, 11, left, and Lorenzo Trovero, 13.

CARY MAGAZINE 17

Tips to Help Your Pet Adjust As pet owners begin to head back to the office, both Margaret Gruen and Molly Stone-Sapir urge pet owners to start preparing their pets ahead of time when possible. • If the pet will be put in a crate or restricted to certain parts of the home, work on that in short bursts before leaving them all day, Gruen says. • If the pet has not been left alone, leave for short periods and gradually build up the time, says Stone-Sapir. • Don’t make a fuss when coming and going, she says. This cuts down on the pet’s anxiety when it sees nothing special happens when the owner leaves or returns. • Associate leaving with something fun, Gruen says. Fill a Kong with peanut butter, for example, and make that a special treat that the dog only receives when you’re away. It will also keep the dog occupied in the owner’s absence. • Start new routines in advance. If the owner plans to come home every day at lunch to walk the dog, or plans to hire a dog walker, start those routines before returning to the office. • If problems do arise, owners can take several steps. Force-free behavior modification information is online and at local libraries, Stone-Sapir says. If owners can’t get resolution on their own, contact a pet behavior consultant or trainer. • Owners can also contact their vet for help, Gruen adds. Medications exist to help with separation anxiety, and a vet can explore those options if necessary.

MAY 2021

continued from page 16

“It seemed like the right time to us, between spending more dedicated time to training the puppy and ensuring that they have all the positive attention that they need,” Lopez said. The family feels lucky that their return to the office has been gradual. They made plans to get a dog walker, and are currently taking Brie to dog daycare two days each week for socialization, Lopez says.

Rocio Lopez and her family had more time at home last year, so they could give their puppy lots of attention. Now that the family is gradually returning to school and the office, Brie goes to dog daycare twice a week.

“The dog is fine being left alone but loves people around,” she said. “Our concern is ensuring the transition back to more time away from home is gradually paced for all of us.” Signs of a problem

The most common problem for dogs and cats is separation anxiety, Gruen says. Separation anxiety when the owner is not home may be marked by excessive vocalization, salivation, pacing, panting or

whining, according to Stone-Sapir. In more serious instances, the pet may chew or be destructive inside the house. Specifically, pet owners may notice dogs chewing or digging in areas where someone would enter or leave, such as the door frame. Animals may also urinate or defecate where they shouldn’t. Sometimes, it’s small and manageable. A pet may pace or whine for a couple minutes and then relax. At the other extreme, it can last much longer and be more

destructive, Stone-Sapir says. Gruen stresses that owners should seek help and remember the animal isn’t acting out of anger, and to have patience. “Owners should recognize that the pet isn’t doing it because they’re mad at them. It’s because their dog is distressed by being without them,” she said. “Training and medication, if needed, are about working to change the whole emotional context of people leaving.” t CARY MAGAZINE 19

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MAY 2021

PETS ON PARADE COMPILED BY AMBER KEISTER

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE the unconditional love that a pet can give, and boy, we’ve needed it! Companion animals, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress and anxiety, keep us active, and ease our loneliness. The past year has provided paw-sitive proof. Since we were at home, we had more time to spend with our pets, walking through the neighborhood or cuddling on the couch. And for many people, it was the perfect time to bring a dog or cat into the family. It was also a great opportunity to take adorable photos! We asked for your pictures and your stories, and it was hard to choose from so many cute faces. We hope you enjoy a peek at these aww-some animals.

SCOOTER

COTTEN Our Pembroke cardigan corgi, Cotten, has brought so much love and joy to our home and hearts. She helped us through this quarantine more than she will ever know. Cotten’s favorite thing to do is to play ball and go for car rides. She also loves chasing our cats around the house, much to their dismay. She loves going to Dairy Queen for an occasional Pup Cup. — Pamela Genovesi Macdonald, Clayton

Could there be a cuter, more personable cat? Scooter is a sweet kitty who earned his name as a newly adopted kitten who couldn’t get his “wheels” going on the hardwood floors. His legs would spin in circles like a scooter! This adorable 16-year-old cat serves as an efficient office assistant when not on the lookout for birds or watching Lucky Dog. A few weeks ago he urgently alerted his owner to a water pipe break in the middle of the night, proving that Lassie has nothing on him! — Kathi Bentley, Cary

SAGE AND BANKS Sage and Banks are a sister and brother duo who entered our family in September 2020. Like many others I am sure, we added these two dogs to our family. Sage is our son Bryan’s and Banks is our daughter Sara’s. They love playing together in our Lochmere Highlands home and they have helped brighten lots of neighbors and friends with their energy and play. Given the year 2020 was, they have provided real joy to so many in such a short period of time. — Rob & Julie Nauman, Cary

KIA She came to me because her first owner went into hospice. She loves to run all over the house, but her little cat feet sound like a herd of cattle. She loves to play, purr and eat treats. — Kathy Boyer, Cary CARY MAGAZINE 21

OAKLEY I said we weren’t going to be those people buying a quarantine puppy. We already had a dog and a cat, plus a 7-year-old and a 4-yearold. Our house already felt like a zoo. Then my husband’s friend fostered this puppy, and my husband fell in love. The adoption agency came by to meet us, and the next thing I know, we were signing papers and had a puppy again! We decided to name him Oakley for the City of Oaks. Those first two days were rough, navigating virtual school, a busy preschooler who wasn’t too sure about our new puppy, and the constant playing of the puppy and our older dog. Then, I’d sit down at the end of the day, and the puppy would snuggle up next to me, and it would melt all my stress away. I wasn't in the greatest headspace at the end of last year, but those puppy snuggles saved me on the hard days. Now we’re in a groove, and while it's not always easy having a busybody puppy around, we wouldn’t trade him for the world. — Patty Chandley, Raleigh

PENNY My 7-year-old Dalmatian Lucky Penny is a hoot. Although she's deaf, she doesn't let her deafness define her! She's a fast runner and has participated in AKC Fast CAT, where the dog runs 100 yards chasing a lure. Penny is a neighborhood favorite; five neighborhood girls have had their first job as Penny's afternoon walker. Penny and I walk around town to earn miles toward the Dalmatian Distance Log Program. As a result, we've walked every trail and visited every park in Cary. — Joann Keyton, Cary

BRISCO Brisco is my constant companion. When I’m sick, Brisco lies right beside me and will stay there for hours. When I fainted recently and fell to the floor, I was woken up by his licking my face. The doctor said it was probably a good thing I had him. On good days he loves going to the dog park here in Cary and socializes with the other dogs. He always makes me smile with his expressive eyes. — Sandra Jones, Cary 22

MAY 2021

WILBUR We live in Cary and have a beach house in the Outer Banks in Hatteras. We recently lost our golden retriever, Oakley, and our Pekinese-Pomeranian, Choo Choo. We wanted a pup that reminded us of our beloved dogs, so we chose Wilbur from a breeder in Virginia who breeds mini-goldens (golden retriever/Cavalier King Charles spaniel.) We named him after Wilbur Wright! Wilbur is a playful, cuddly, kissable, soft and silky, well behaved and smart puppy. Our whole family (my husband Richard and my three 20-something kids) have fallen in love with him! He is indeed “Mr. Wright!” — Aleece Spalding, Cary

AVERY Avery is a 2-year-old Maltipoo who is an energetic, loving, people- and dog-person bundle of joy! She loves taking walks, chasing birds, seeing people, and running in large circles. She is the love of our life, and brings joy to us every day with some kind of crazy antic. If you talk to her or ask her if she wants to go for a ride or see her cousins, she looks you straight in the eye and cocks her head like, “What did you say Mom or Dad?” — Sandi Colwell, Cary

GUSTER WICKET AND WILLOW Our pups are papillons and are true to the breed: friendly, alert and happy. They should also add yappy. The big dog, Wicket, weighs 6 pounds and is 13 years old. The little dog, Willow, weighs 4 pounds and is 4 years old. We love these guys! — Alisa Wright Colopy, Cary

Thanks so much for allowing us the opportunity to show our adorable new puppy, Guster! He’s 75% miniature poodle and 25% Cavalier King Charles spaniel. A few months prior to getting Guster we got a puppy who was tragically killed. A year prior to that we lost our 16-year-old miniature poodle. While heartbroken, we had 16 wonderful years with her! My husband, both boys, and I were with her when she passed. Who could ask for more than all those wonderful years and time together? Having little Guster is especially a joy to us right now! — John & Krista Andrukonis, Cary

CRYSTAL MURRAY Murray is a very laid back rescue cat! He lives with the Owens family in Apex, including four girls who love him, a dog, two other cats and three rats. It is a very active household but nothing bothers him. He just finds his spot on the chair and tunes out the chaos. — Beth, Bruce, Molly, Caroline, Elise and Emily Owens of Apex, and Thanta Isenhour of Cary

ARLO Life is less lonely with a dog! Arlo, an Australian cattle dog, wakes up every day just happy. He was abandoned as a puppy, and I was lucky enough to rescue him. You can’t help but smile when you are around him, as he is just so funny and full of personality. He always wants to be with me, and does not know the meaning of personal space! I would not have it any other way. — Carolynn Klein, Apex

Crystal is a mutt. We got her from the Rockingham Humane Society when she was just 8 weeks old. She is now 10 years old and going strong. She's considered a senior dog, but you wouldn't know it. She's doggone awesome! She's loyal and determined to get the squirrel out in our yard. — Holly Lurcock, Cary CARY MAGAZINE 23

MAUI Maui loves hanging out at her favorite downtown Cary spot, Pharmacy Bottle + Beverage. — Dana Duvernay, Cary

JOSIE

KNEESOX Kneesox is a 12-year-old Cornish Rex cat who loves people! She has a short, wavy coat that feels like velvet and hardly sheds. My husband and I adore how affectionate (and needy) she is. She is very vocal and always has something to say! I adopted Kneesox when she was 5 years old as a retired show cat. She used to live a busy life on the road with her previous owners, competing in Cat Fanciers’ Association shows and winning ribbons. Now, she is enjoying her golden years getting spoiled. When she’s not curled up on our laps, she can usually be found buried under a blanket, or lounging in her personal heated bed. — Caitlin Allegrezza, Morrisville

BLAZE This is Blaze the Ragdoll. He enjoys walking outside on a leash, lying on his back in the middle of the floor, and sitting around looking beautiful. — Mimosa Hines, Cary 24

MAY 2021

Josie loves protecting the house from birds and squirrels. — Karen Duvernay, Cary

HARLEY Harley loves visiting the Starbucks on N.W. Maynard Road in Cary. This is her when mom doesn’t get her a pupachino. — Dana Duvernay, Cary

BIRDIE Birdie the yellow Lab is sweet, cute and so much fun. She’s the best addition to our family full of boys, which includes her older brother, Leo, a 4-year-old golden retriever. Birdie was born Nov. 1, 2020, she came home Dec 7. She was 8 weeks in the photo. — Jennifer Persinger, Apex

HENRY BEAR AND KAI Our son’s black puppy, Bear, loves our little white dog, Kai! Kai was rescued from living with 48 other dogs and has to be the sweetest dog ever! — Jane Hearn, Raleigh

Henry is 2 years old, and he loves going to the beach, golf cart rides, stealing kitchen towels and dad's stinky socks. He has definitely loved having mom and dad home during quarantine. He sits on the porch all day and watches the golfers come by. — Justin Sharpe, Cary

BLAYDEN

BRODY

KONA

Brody is the youngest, just one year old. He leaps for joy and starts “singing“ as soon as my car turns in his driveway. Blayden is more reserved. At 8 years old, he is not so much into leaping, but he has joined in the vocalizing. He has a

most endearing nurturing behavior. If he hears you sneeze, he will run right over and jump up and study your face with great concern, until you reassure him that you are OK. Kona is the old lady of the group at

11. Her whole body wiggles with delight when she sees me, and she is quite good at being first in line for a hug and a pet, even before the grandchildren or my daughter or son-in-law! — Sue Buning, Cary

NORMAN & NELLIE The tan dog is Norman; he’s 6 years old. Nellie is the brindle; she’s 10 months. They are both bullmastiffs from the same breeder. They are the best dogs ever and the biggest, sweetest babies. They even have an Instagram page, @norman_and_nellie. — Meghan Roy, Cary

GIN AND TONIC We adopted these brothers two years ago, after we had lost our Boo Kitty, and these boys healed our hearts. They roughhouse all the time and cuddle so cutely when it's nap time. Tonic is more lively and is a definite mama's boy. Gin is the gentleman of the pair and loves to hang out with my husband and oldest son. We love these guys and are so thankful they are a part of our family. — Jennifer Smith, Apex

FRAN & FIONA Fran the Frenchie and Fiona the English bulldog are both N.C. puppy mill rescues we’ve had for nine years. — Jin and Heather Lee, Apex

BISCUIT My dog Biscuit loves being praised and fawned over. He is the neighborhood greeter and alerts me when the mail truck arrives and the Amazon truck is out front. — Richard Lewison, Holly Springs CARY MAGAZINE 25

PIPER Piper is a 4-year-old English springer spaniel with a ton of personality! He is quite handsome and well behaved, although a bit hard headed at times. He is the center of the household, loves to swim, run in the woods, chase squirrels and rabbits, and be a most patient babysitter for our 2-year-old grandson. One of his funniest antics is that he takes himself outside at night to do his business, but carries a lit flashlight in his mouth so he can see where he is going. Pretty smart, huh? — Barbara O’Cain & Dave Searcy, Cary

JAZZ Our sweet rescue cat Jazz likes to take naps in the sun. This morning it was a little bright. — Beth Foley, Cary

CODY AND CHARLIE CHANCE, JORDAN & DRAKE Chance, a Lab mix, is 11 years old; Jordan the cat is 13; and Drake, an American Labrador, is 10. I rescued all of them at a year old. I’ve been a veterinary technician and worked in the field when I rescued Chance. I couldn’t afford his vet visits but knew I wanted to keep him, so I started working at the veterinary kennel. I love my pets but they all have some sort of medical problem that may affect their longevity. — Jessica Luyben, Wilmington 26

MAY 2021

Cody and Charlie love exploring the Triangle with their human. Here they are enjoying a Holly Springs Salamander game at Ting Park! — Abby Moody, Willow Spring

MISTY Misty, our 3-year-old King Charles Cavalier spaniel, loves walking on our beautiful Cary greenways! She has been an incredible companion for us during pandemic isolation. We are seniors and so thankful for her unconditional love and the joy she has brought us. — Gail and Jay Crosson, Cary

TED Ted gets a lot of attention cruising around town, soaking up the sun in his convertible. He even poses for photo ops at stoplights. — Melissa Levesque, Leland, N.C.

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CARY MAGAZINE 27

small business spotlight

The Pet Pantry EDITED BY AMBER KEISTER PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER are choosing to eat local, organic food, so it’s not surprising that health-conscious consumers are also seeking healthier alternatives for their animal companions. Enter The Pet Pantry, which has been delivering its own brand of all-natural dog and cat food to owners’ doors since 2005. “Animals have always been of great importance to me, and I wanted my company to involve this passion I have for their health and well-being,” said Thor Wendland, founder of the Apex-based company. “With The Pet Pantry I can be involved with animals while also serving their families, solving problems, and improving their nutrition on a daily basis. I have been doing this for over 16 years and have never regretted my decision to open The Pet Pantry.” A dog or cat's digestive system plays an important role in its overall immune system, Wendland says, making diet an essential component in a pet’s health.

The Pet Pantry employees prepare pet food orders that will be delivered directly to customers' homes.

That’s why the company’s recipes include human-grade meats, vitamin-rich grains, vegetables and other ingredients selected to promote the pets’ overall wellbeing. The Pet Pantry’s food has no byproducts, corn, wheat or chemicals. Plus, it’s made in the United States. Not only is the food different, but his business model is different, which Wendland recently explained. What services or products do you offer that are different from chain pet-supply stores?

Why did you decide to formulate

We are different from chain pet-supply stores because we do not have a brick and mortar location, which keeps our overhead low, and allows us to invest more into the

your own pet food?

Jeremy Izquierdo fills orders at The Pet Pantry warehouse in Apex. 28

MAY 2021

quality of our ingredients. We quickly deliver our customer’s orders at no charge. We are also directly responsible for the quality of our products and stand behind everything we sell with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In over 16 years of operation, we have never had a pet food recall. We also train our team members to help customers with nutrition issues their pets are having. For many pet-supply stores, food is not the emphasis and is a shrinking part of their business.

My goal with The Pet Pantry was to deliver a superior quality product at a fantastic value. I wanted our food to use high-quality

Max Garrett loads a Pet Pantry van, getting ready for the day's deliveries. Most pet food orders are filled within 24 hours.

A goldfinch eats from a bird feeder in front of The Pet Pantry, which also sells wild bird feed.

ingredients that benefited the health of the animal. When I started my business, the pet food industry was dominated by large multinational corporations that were more concerned about market share and profits, rather than delivering a high-quality food. I worked with small animal nutritionists and veterinarians to formulate recipes that have stood the test of time. For example, our recipes have always contained ancient grains, which are now being introduced in other brands. We were also one of the first to include glucosamine and chondroitin in our foods. Has your vision for the business changed since you opened in 2005?

My vision has remained steady: to deliver a superior pet food while also delivering the best possible customer service. Over the years, I have been approached about franchising and different expansion ideas, but I have always wanted to optimize versus maximize. I enjoy what we do and how we do it. As long as we are relevant to our customers and can satisfy their needs, we will keep innovating and serving our community.

Thor Wendland, founder of The Pet Pantry, tends to business while enjoying the company of Millie, the office cat. "Animals have always been of great importance to me," he says.

the small business owner who is responsible for making sure everything gets done, and the customer is pleased. This can lead to very long days, and it can be a challenge to get everything done. The satisfaction of doing it well and seeing pets thrive, makes it all worth it. What has been the best thing about owning the business?

What has been the biggest challenge as a small business owner?

Time is a struggle for most small business owners, and that is the same for me. I have an extremely high standard of customer service and food quality. Ultimately, it is

For me the best thing about owning my own business is that I can create a company that I would want to do business with as a customer. Customer satisfaction is very important to me and as the owner I do all I can to keep

a 5-star rating. I strive to hire kind people that share my commitment to service, and empower them to do whatever it takes, without having to ask permission or consult a policy manual. Our policy manual is very short, “exceed our customer’s expectations in everything we do.” Working with a great group of people and seeing the results of our hard work is a great joy of owning my business. t The Pet Pantry 2521 Schieffelin Road, Suite 132, Apex (919) 303-1990 thepetpantry.com CARY MAGAZINE 29

nonprofit spotlight

Alley Cats and Angels WRITTEN BY MONA DOUGANI | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

SINCE 2008, Alley Cats and Angels has saved the lives of over 2,500 cats of all breeds, ages, abilities, and health circumstances. The Apex-based organization is an all-volunteer, foster home-based cat rescue founded with the goal of “being an advocate for forgotten felines.” It is dedicated to improving the lives of stray, abandoned, and feral cats in the Triangle. “I think something that makes us unique compared to other rescues is that we are all foster home-based, so we do not have a building, shelter, or one location where people can come look at our cats. All the cats that are in our program are being fostered by one of our volunteers,” said Megan Trapasso, secretary of Alley Cats and Angels. When the cats are ready for adoption, they are held at either the Morrisville or Knightdale PetSmart to help transition these feline friends into their forever homes. Allysa Thomas, a foster volunteer with Alley Cats and Angels, wanted to help other cats receive the same amount of love she

MAY 2021

gives her own pet. In 2019, she signed up to volunteer as a nightly cleaner, and when COVID-19 hit she interviewed to become a foster parent. Since then, Thomas has poured her heart and soul into the rescue. “Being able to see our shyer cats and kittens blossom into their own personality and develop confidence is so rewarding. I have had the pleasure of fostering several very shy cats and kittens, and watching them go from hiding to walking around either my house, or seeing updates from them in their forever home house owning it, is the most rewarding,” said Thomas. Along with the unique foster services provided, the organization also focuses on those cats that may need additional care. “Our motto is ‘advocates for forgotten felines,’” Trapasso said. “So we tend to gravitate towards the cats that are more needy. ...We tend to take the worst of the worst and the ones who need us most.” However, Alley Cats and Angels does more than offer foster services and host

Huginn, a black-and-white kitten, eyes her sibling Muninn, reaching from the backpack. Huginn is being adopted by Tyler Reino and Taylor Shane of Apex, who first saw the kitten online.

Megan Trapasso, who is on the board of directors for Alley Cats and Angels, arrives at Pet Smart in Morrisville with a kitten in a see-though backpack.

adoption events for cats with varying care needs. Its Barn/Garden Cat program places suitable outdoor cats in rural settings. The nonprofit also has a Spay Neuter Assistance program and a Feral Cat Trap Neuter Release education and assistance program. The Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program is the organization's most important focus, Trapasso says, because a decrease in the population of feral cats will make an enormous difference in the community. “There will never be enough adopters for the number of unwanted cats out there,

Jackie Mecca of Knightdale cuddles with her new kitten during an adoption event at the Pet Smart in Morrisville.

Allysa Thomas, a volunteer with Alley Cats and Angels, introduces Muninn the kitten to aquarium fish at Pet Smart in Morrisville.

Our motto is ‘advocates for forgotten felines.’ So we tend to gravitate towards the cats that are more needy. We tend to take the worst of the worst and the ones who need us most.” — Allysa Thomas, a foster volunteer, Alley Cats and Angels

so I think our mission to educate people to spay, neuter, and to manage these feral cat colonies is the best,” she said. This past year, the nonprofit has had to make some adjustments. Typically Alley Cats and Angels hold adoption events on the weekends at the Morrisville or Knightdale PetSmart. For now, these events have been halted, and others are held virtually, though the organization hopes their programs will return to an in-person fashion soon. “We have tried to limit the face-to-face contact we have with people, due to safety. We have been doing more video meet-andgreets, especially when the pandemic first started, so people would Facetime with the

cat that they might want,” Trapasso said. Meet-and-greets are now being held at PetSmart by appointment only. The nonprofit has also had to change the format of many of their fundraising events, including their biggest fundraiser, Alley Cats and Ales. Usually held at a local brewery, the silent auction was held online last year, and the organization did not raise as many donations as it typically does. Though Alley Cats and Angels has had to make some changes, its commitment to helping cats in the Triangle has not faltered. The number of cats the organization has taken in has increased from 285 cats in 2019, to 358 in 2020.

Rico is blind and has two heart conditions. He is one of the special needs cats available for adoption at Alley Cats and Angels.

One of the greatest needs for Alley Cats and Angels is financial donations, however it can also use volunteers for nightly cleanings at the PetSmart locations and foster home volunteers. “We can only save as many cats as we have room for in our foster homes, so unfortunately if someone asks us, ‘Can you take this cat or this litter of kittens?’ we can not take them unless we have a foster home for them,” Trapasso said. For more information on how to get involved in Alley Cats and Angels visit alleycatsandangels.org. The nonprofit is also accepting donations for its 2021 silent auction, Alley Cats and Ales. For information, contact auction@alleycatsandangels.org. CARY MAGAZINE 31

Dog-Friendly Day Trips New Adventures are Just Down the Road! WRITTEN BY JENNY STOUT, TRIPSWITHPETS.COM

WE ALL HAVE favorite local “go-to” spots when it comes to spending quality time with our furkids. And while these places are familiar and fun, sometimes we get an itch to see and try something new. What’s a good cure for that itch? A dog-friendly day trip, of course!

MAY 2021

We’ve come up with five dogfriendly destinations — all within a two-hour drive, and perfect for day-trippers and their furry companions. So, make a plan to go somewhere new with your pooch!

Haw River in Saxapahaw SAXAPAHAW IS BEST DESCRIBED as a place that’s in the middle of nowhere, but close to everywhere. If you and your pup are outdoor enthusiasts, then the nearby Haw River is the place to be, and it’s less than an hour’s drive. A broad dam slows the river into smooth, flat water — making it perfect for novice two- and four-legged paddleboarders or kayakers. This flat-water paddling experience is also ideal for those dry summer days when water levels are low. After your water adventures, make a pitstop at Haw River Farmhouse Ales Brewery. It’s dog friendly inside the taproom and out on the patio! We can’t forget the neighboring town of Graham, where you can start your day at Press Coffee + Crepes in the quaint downtown area. Outdoor tables provide the perfect spot to enjoy European-inspired crepes and fresh-brewed coffee, all with your dog by your side. Plus, check out the sights and sniffs at Saxapahaw Island Park, with its scenic walking trails, a meadow and river access.

contributed photo

Round Peak Vineyards in Mount Airy

THE FICTIONAL TOWN OF MAYBERRY, from the TV sitcom “The Andy Griffith Show,” was based on actor Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy. So if you’re looking to go somewhere with your pooch that takes you back to a simpler time, then it’s worth the two-hour drive. Located right at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Round Peak Vineyards is a must-see destination when visiting, especially for wine connoisseurs. Dogs are welcome anywhere on the 12-acre property, including the crush pad patio with its spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and vineyard. The staff offer biscuits to four-legged patrons, and there’s a small, fenced-in, off-leash area where pups can play. Sip on awardwinning wines while enjoying a picnic lunch with your pooch. Also, the local Round Peak dogs usually come around to meet and greet the winery’s guests. Shutterstock

contributed photos

CARY MAGAZINE 33

Tour Old Wilmington in Wilmington

contributed photos

WILMINGTON IS A QUICK TWO-HOUR JAUNT, and while it’s a great coastal town for beach lovers and water dogs, history buffs absolutely love it here! In fact, there’s so much to see and do, you might want to make it a weekend getaway. Diving into Wilmington’s history is easy since there are plenty of walking (and ghost) tours around the area. Tour Old Wilmington invites you to discover a hidden history and experience life during the Victorian Era. You’ll see what life was like during the Civil War, learn about old customs and traditions, and hear exciting folklore and tales of the sea. Beyond history, the Riverfront Farmers Market welcomes pets and their people to shop for the best local produce. Plus, there are many restaurants, breweries and coffee shops offering outside seating areas, where dogs can join their humans for dining and relaxing. All of this comes together to make Wilmington a very dog-friendly day-trip destination!

About TripsWithPets TripsWithPets has been helping pet parents find and book pet-friendly accommodations since 2003. TripsWithPets provides online reservations at over 30,000 pet-friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for all they need to book the perfect place to stay with their pet — including detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.

MAY 2021

Uptown Umbrella Market in Greenville HEAD AN HOUR AND A HALF EAST to arrive in Greenville, the “Gem of the East.” While it’s a growing city, there are plenty of rivers and more than 300 acres of parks, making it a very dog-friendly place. For a perfect mid-week getaway, pack up your pup and plan to shop ’til you drop at the Uptown Umbrella Market. On Wednesday evenings from May through August, you can enjoy fresh produce from local farmers, handmade art and jewelry, homemade ice cream and baked goods, and live music on the Five Points Plaza. Before heading home, stop over at Pitt Street Brewing Company, where pups are welcome in the taproom and outside areas. Home to the award-winning Dapple Dog Dry Stout, the brewery offers a waste bag stand in the backyard area and provides water bowls for furry patrons.

contributed photos

Riverside Mill near Roanoke Rapids ROANOKE RAPIDS, located only an hour and a half northeast along the scenic Roanoke River, offers plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. Just 5 miles down the road in Weldon, you’ll find Riverside Mill — a historic cotton mill that’s been converted into an antique mall, art gallery and shopping outlet all rolled into one. With 100-plus spaces for local antique dealers and artisans, it’s the perfect spot for those who are into antiquing. Pooches are welcome to browse with their pet parents, and there’s a picnic area to rest, relax and sample homemade treats from various vendors. After browsing and shopping, take in some walking and bird-watching along the Roanoke Canal Trail in Roanoke Rapids. Well-preserved remnants of the 19th century Roanoke Canal line can be seen along this 7.5-mile trail — including a large tow path, aqueduct and stone culvert. Bird- and nature-lovers visit all year to catch glimpses of bald eagles, osprey, hawks, owls, woodpeckers and herons, just to name a few.

contributed photos

CARY MAGAZINE 35

GRAND G OPENIN

Bark in the Park PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

With an acre to run and play, the new offleash dog park at Sugg Farm in Holly Springs is a great spot for pups to exercise and socialize, and it’s less than 30 minutes from downtown Cary. There is no fee to use the dog park. Designated large (over 30 pounds) and small breed areas keep the park safe for all four-legged friends. Additional details and park regulations can be found at hollyspringsnc.us. More photos from opening day at the park are at carymagazine.com!

MAY 2021

VISIT THE DOG PARK AT SUGG FARM 2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs Parks is open from 8:00 A.M. until one hour before Bass Lake closes (typically sunset).

CARY MAGAZINE 37

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A New

Season

for Style PRODUCED BY EMILY UHLAND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

A YEARLONG AFFAIR with leisure wear has left many of us at a style standstill. Not to worry, local boutiques are ready and waiting to guide us into a new season of fashion. With these spring style ideas, which combine up-andcoming trends and some timeless classics, you can bring creativity and fun back into your wardrobe, and discover easy transitions from daytime casual to — at last — an excuse to dress up.

TREND TO TRY:

Printed Shorts WIth graphic prints and bold colors, patterned shorts bring personality and polish to warm weather wear. A neutral top, such as this ribbed bodysuit, keeps the look simple and comfortable. Shorts are quickly dressed up with a coordinating puff-sleeve crop top, showcasing another popular seasonal trend: matching sets. Ribbon-tie heels create a head-to-toe statement. LEFT Havana leaf print shorts, $58 Ribbed bodysuit, $39 Necklace, $29 Gold leaf earrings, $16.50 From Villa 19 Boutique Knotted sandals, $19.99, Target Woven hat, $12.99, TJ Maxx

ABOVE Havana leaf print shorts, $58 Havana leaf puff-sleeve crop top, $56 Scrunchie, $5 Gold leaf earrings, $16.50 From Villa 19 Boutique Ribbon-tie heels, $46, Cousin Couture

CARY MAGAZINE 39

SIGNATURE ITEM:

Floral Blouse

Just as the azaleas bloom every year, colorful florals emerge annually for spring’s finest fashion, reinvented this year in bright hues and floaty fabrics. With a pair of jean shorts and slide-on mules, this look gets you out the door in a flash. Add in lush, silky pants with tailored details for sophisticated office attire that transitions easily to dinner out.

LEFT Floral top, $43 Relaxed-fit pants, $68 CP Creative House double-layer toggle-chain necklace, $64.00 From Villa 19 Boutique

RIGHT Floral top, $43 Corduroy top-knot headband, $22 Denim shorts, $56 From Villa 19 Boutique Crossbody basket bag, $19.99, TJ Maxx Striped slides, $24.99, Target

CP Creative House jewelry, featured above, is handmade by Apex resident Christina Payer, who also works at Villa 19. View more jewelry and art by Payer on Instagram at @cp.creative.house.

MAY 2021

Platform slides, $34.99 Top handle clutch, $25 From Target

Rose & Lee Collective, in downtown Apex, offers ethically and sustainably produced brands, many made by women recovering from crisis situations. The store’s website allows customers to “Shop by Story,” choosing products that empower others, give back, or support local and eco-friendly businesses. LEFT Striped jacket, $64 Knotted tank, $48 White denim, $72 Teal drop earrings, $28 Blue Planet sunglasses, $45 From Rose & Lee Collective Necklace, $29, Villa 19 Woven slides, $24.99, Target

TREND TO TRY:

Tone-on-tone Monochrome

A consistent color palette looks easy, breezy and effortless during summer’s warm days. Adding a striped blazer and textured slides makes this combo Zoom-, board- or happy hour-meeting ready. BELOW Knotted tank, $48 White denim, $72 Buffalo horn earrings, $54 Blue Planet sunglasses, $45 Leather crossbody bag, $84 From Rose & Lee Collective Knotted sandals, $19.99, Target CARY MAGAZINE 41

TREND TO TRY:

Tennis Skirt

Country club sports, such as tennis and golf, have surged during the last year, ushering in a renaissance of preppy fashion. Pair a rainbow-hued cable-knit sweater vest and crisp white sneakers for a cheerful summer picnic or a day on — or off — the courts. Ruffled sleeves, a smocked bodice and statement shoes transition this look for a date night or cocktail hour.

ABOVE White pleated tennis skort, $49 Pastel rainbow sweater vest, $49 Beaded strawberry earrings, $26 Sneakers, $49 From Cousin Couture Gray leather mini-backpack, $99, Rose & Lee Collective RIGHT White pleated tennis skort, $49 Puff-sleeve top, $44 Beaded rainbow earrings, $26 Ribbon-tie heels, $46 From Cousin Couture Crossbody basket bag, $19.99, TJ Maxx

MAY 2021

LEFT Button-front shirtdress, $69 Belt, $36 Earrings, $26 From Cousin Couture Blue crossbody clutch, $19.99 Woven hat, $12.99 From TJ Maxx Gingham heels, similar Nordstrom

SIGNATURE ITEM:

White Shirtdress A menswear-inspired shirtdress has long been a timeless classic. Accent with an oversized sweater vest for a casual, friendly vibe. Speaking of classic, red, white and blue works all summer long. Statement accessories, such as checked heels and a designer-inspired belt, dress the look up for backyard barbecues. RIGHT Button-front shirtdress, $69 Cable-knit sweater vest, $69 Sneakers, $49 Pink daisy headband, $30 From Cousin Couture Leather crossbody bag, $84 Blue Planet sunglasses $60 From Rose & Lee Collective CARY MAGAZINE 43

TREND TO TRY:

Body Suit

A throwback to ’90s fashion, bodysuits create smooth, tucked in silhouettes without repeated retucking. Ease into the trend by adding a layer, such as this soft, boxy cardigan. Or jump right in to the trend with high-waisted jeans that accentuate the natural waist and platform heels. LEFT Blue Planet sunglasses, $60 Striped bodysuit, $30 Button-front cardigan, $40 Skinny jeans with distressed hem, $68 Gray leather backpack, $99 From Rose & Lee Collective Sneakers, $49, Cousin Couture

Where to Shop Rose and Lee Collective 104 W. Chatham St., Apex (919) 372-5384 roseandleeco.com Villa 19 Boutique 219 N. Salem St., Suite 103, Apex (919) 303-0651 villanineteen.com Cousin Couture 212 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-0003 thecousintocouture.com Target, target.com TJ Maxx, tjmaxx.com 44

MAY 2021

BELOW Blue Planet sunglasses, $60 Striped bodysuit, $30 Skinny jeans with distressed hem, $68 Teal drop earrings, $28 From Rose & Lee Collective CP Creative House double-layer togglechain necklace, $64.00, Villa 19 Platform slides, $34.99 Top-handle clutch, $25 From Target

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The Upchurch-Williams House, built in 1905, was moved to its present location in 2015. Entrepreneur Cara Powell bought the property in 2020, with the goal of transforming the historic home into a wedding and event venue, to be called The Upchurch.

A Labor of Love Cara Powell’s quest to create The Upchurch WRITTEN BY AMBER KEISTER PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

MAY 2021

nce upon a time, Cara Powell married her Prince Charming and decided she wanted to help other brides create their own fairy-tale weddings. “In 2017, I met my now husband, who’s absolutely amazing, and then exactly a year to the day we got married,” she said. “We just have this really amazing, magical love story.” Her latest adventure has been full of magic moments and a few dragons to slay as well. For more than a year, Powell has been preparing to transform the historic Upchurch-Williams house and nearly 6 acres of pastoral surroundings into The Upchurch, a wedding and event venue in Apex. continued on page 48

CARY MAGAZINE 47

continued from page 47

Following her heart

Capital Area Preservation

TOP: According to Capital Area Preservation, the Upchurch-Williams House is an example of the transitional Queen Anne-Colonial Revival style built throughout Wake County in the period when the switch from cotton to tobacco brought local farmers a notable level of prosperity. RIGHT: Brooke Powell, 5, takes a close look at one of the fireplaces original to the home.

MAY 2021

It’s important to know that Powell’s entrepreneurial streak runs right through her heart. More than 16 years ago, the selfdescribed romantic fell in love with wedding photography at her first assignment. “I just loved being there for people in such a vulnerable and intimate time, and I just felt like it was what I was meant to do,” she said. She launched f8 Photo Studios, and the business did well, keeping her very busy. But after her own wedding, Powell wanted to spend more time with her husband, Brad, and two step-daughters, Julia, 10, and Brooke, 5. Plus, the work was physically exhausting. “It is a lot of work to shoot a wedding,” she said. “You’re up, you’re down, you’re squatting, you’re on the ground, you’re up on chairs. I mean, it’s 10 hours a day on concrete. It’s crazy.” Running an event venue checked all the boxes. The business was still in the wedding industry; she would have a better work-life balance. And because Powell had worked with brides for years, she could look at a location from their point of view. “I've shot weddings all over the world, so I’ve seen every type of venue that you can imagine,” Powell said. “I know what a lot of the complaints are, the pitfalls, what’s great, what’s not. I just really had a vision for it.” A magic moment

For her new enterprise, she wanted a historic property, something reminiscent of her childhood in Charleston, S.C. By 2019, several buildings were on her radar, including the Upchurch-Williams house, but Powell hadn’t settled on anything yet. That is, until a chance meeting with a local real estate agent. continued on page 50

“Even though some of these parts have

Cara Powell, who owns f8 Photo Studios, launched this project to be able to spend more time with her family. “The goal is to try to create more work-life balance, and owning something on this scale, it takes Cara Powell off the radar, so to speak, and the house can speak for itself," she says.

been frustrating, I’ve just tried to find joy in other pieces of it that make me really happy. I’m super excited to see it come together.” — Cara Powell

CARY MAGAZINE 49

Service that goes

continued from page 48

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She was taking his picture, chatting about the Upchurch-Williams house, how she couldn’t stop thinking about it, but wasn’t sure it was a good fit. He stopped her, explaining that his firm was working with the owners to sell the land, separate from the historic home. “I was like, ‘No, no, they can’t do that!’ Because I needed (the land), if I was going to use it for a venue. I literally called them that afternoon. I’m like, ‘You can’t subdivide! Let me see it.’ And so that was the start of it,” Powell said. “I swear it was kismet.” Originally built in 1905, the UpchurchWilliams house was a private home until 2014, when the last occupant died. The heir donated the house to Capital Area Preservation, with a stipulation that the nonprofit

would move the house to a different plot of land, which was included in the gift. CAP removed the modern updates, took the house back to its 1905 footprint, stabilized the remaining structure, and in 2015, moved the house to its present location on Roberts Road. There it sat. The property was large and needed a great deal of work, both daunting prospects for a private owner. Commercial buyers were reluctant as well, because the property was zoned residential. So, when Powell called that afternoon, CAP was ready to make a deal. Fighting dragons

It took several months to get the property rezoned for an event venue, but in January 2020, Powell bought the property for $460,000. At the time, she expected to spend about $500,000

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Cara and Brad Powell tour the house with Julia, 10, and Brooke, 5. Architectural details, like the bay windows and wraparound porch, were big selling points for the historic home.

to renovate the house and another $500,000 to build an adjoining event space. That turned out to be optimistic. Even if a global pandemic hadn’t hit a few months after she signed the contract, working with a historic property would have been challenging enough. Ethan Page, architect at Maurer Architecture, says his firm had to gain approvals from Capital Area Preservation and the Wake County Historic Board. Incorporating a second building on the property was particularly tricky. “There’s actually a historic easement around the house that we couldn’t build the venue building within that easement,” Page said. “We explored an option early on where the venue building was going to be closer to the street, but ultimately it ended up lower on the site.” continued on page 52 CARY MAGAZINE 51

Maurer Architecture

Renderings of The Upchurch show how weddings and receptions will be staged. Brides will exit the house onto a tiered patio, above, and walk to the circular wedding lawn, right. Guests will be welcomed after the ceremony at the conservatory pavilion, top right.

continued from page 51

In order to stay true to the historical significance of the house, the modern conservatory had to be built away from the house, out of sight. That meant Powell had to landscape more than the two acres around the house, driving up site preparation costs. And because of COVID, the price of construction materials also skyrocketed. But the biggest setback has been sewer access. When she bought the property, she was told she could install a septic system, but that was if the house were to be used as a residence. A commercial property needed to tie into the sewer line. “Essentially you have this designated Apex landmark, where I’ve invested all this money, and I could not get utilities for my property,” Powell said. After more than a year of investigating one fruitless strategy after another, the final 52

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estimate to hook into the water and sewer line was $350,000 — more than triple the $80,000 she had anticipated. “There’s been many times where my husband or friends had to talk me off the ledge, from just selling the property and walking away,” said Powell, who estimates she will spend at least $2.5 million on the project. Looking to a happy ending

At last, she broke ground in April, and construction will take roughly 10 months. Powell is now booking weddings for spring 2022 and hopes to hold 50 events a year at The Upchurch. “I’m so knocking on wood right now, but I honestly think the worst of it for me is over,” she said. “I think I’ve done so much pre-planning that the hard parts are done.” The 3,700-square-foot house will contain two dressing suites for the wedding

party, and its wraparound porch will be a picturesque stage for photos. “They’ll have beautiful spaces, to be able to get ready, to do hair and makeup, shoot details, shoot some nice pictures,” Powell said. “Then there’s going to be a tiered patio that the bride will walk down, out the back of the house onto a circular wedding lawn that’s ensconsed in magnolias.” After the ceremony, guests can enjoy cocktails on the tiered patio or stroll through the house, she says. For the reception, guests will follow a path leading from the house to the 4,900-square-foot conservatory pavilion. “Being able to bring back this home to its previous glory and saving this property creates such a unique story,” Powell said. “I think the story is really romantic, and it just adds value for a couple looking to set the scene for their big day.” t

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CARY MAGAZINE 53

‘More Than a Haircut’ for Cary Barber WRITTEN BY JACK FREDERICK PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZINE SOUSSI

Zine Soussi, owner of Chicut Barber Studio, studied at Wake Tech Community College.

MAY 2021

IT TOOK YEARS for Zine Soussi to arrive where he is today, running Chicut Barber Studio in Cary’s Tryon Village. Soussi's business opened in November 2019, offering a high-end barber experience, including haircuts, beard trims and shaves for all hair types and hair styles. The slogan for his business is ‘It’s more than a haircut,’ and for the 42-year-old Morrocan-born barber, it is. “We make sure that every single client walks out the door very happy,” Soussi said. “We are part of the community, and we do the best we can to make the client happy. We focus on the details.” Soussi first became interested in cutting hair when he was growing up in Morocco. He trimmed and styled his own hair because his family couldn’t afford haircuts. Though he’s always known

“It was not easy, but I’m glad I did it. That’s how we grow; that’s life skills. If you don’t go for it, you can’t get it.” — Zine Soussi

The interior of Chicut Barber Studio, located in Cary’s Tryon Village.

he wanted to be a barber, he didn’t have the opportunity to pursue formal training until he moved to North Carolina from New York City in 2016. “I was waiting to get everything done right professionally,” Soussi said. “I never got the chance in New York City. I was busy working different jobs because I had a family. I have four boys, so it was hard in New York City to go to work and go to school at the same time.” Shortly after settling in the Triangle, Soussi enrolled in the Wake Technical Community College Barber School full time. A year later, he graduated in the first class to come from the program, and Chicut Barber Studio became the fruit of that labor. “It was not easy, but I’m glad I did it,” Soussi said of going to barber school. “That’s how we grow; that’s life skills. If you don’t go for it, you can’t get it.” When he opened the business, Soussi reached out to Wake Tech, looking for apprentices as a way to give back to the program. Student barbers must apprentice with a licensed barber for at least a year before applying for a license themselves. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to go to school if Wake Tech class wasn’t available, because it’s very expensive,” Soussi said. “That’s why I want to give back to Wake Tech. I want to give back to the students — everybody.”

Like many barber shop and hair salon owners across the state, Soussi has struggled during the pandemic. A few months after opening Chicut Barber Studio, state and local mandates shut down his business for months. Now that he has reopened, with safety precautions in place, Soussi says business has been picking up again. After quite a journey, the Cary business owner is happy to be doing what he loves again. “It’s getting better,” Soussi said. “I know it’s a process and I know it’s not something easy. It’s the first time ever, and we understand we’re in a pandemic. It’s something that’s not easy, but the good thing is we’re still alive.” The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., by appointment. t Chicut Barber Studio 8204 Tryon Woods Drive, Suite 104, Cary (919) 900-8423 chicutbarberstudio.com

CARY MAGAZINE 55

restaurant profile

Di Fara Pizza is available for takeout, but the owners encourage patrons to eat the pizza immediately, either on the patio, inside the restaurant, or in the parking lot outside.

MAY 2021

DI FARA

PIZZA TAVERN WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

W About a dozen beers are on draft, including plenty of brews from North Carolina and New York. Cider, hard seltzer, wine and cocktails are also available.

hen Gregory and Valerie Norton moved from New York to North Carolina to open an authentic Brooklyn-style pizza joint, the couple thought through every conceivable facet — even down to replicating water from the Big Apple to make the dough. continued on page 58

The four-cheese calzone is big enough to feed four to five hungry people, and goes great with a side of marinara sauce.

CARY MAGAZINE 57

continued from page 57

Duplicating the formula for New York water is key to Di Fara's pizza, the owners say.

It’s this kind of attention to detail that has made downtown Cary’s Di Fara Pizza Tavern such a popular new dining destination ever since it opened earlier this year. Never mind that the original Di Fara location in the Empire State, started by Gregory Norton’s uncle Dominic DeMarco in 1965, has been deemed among the best pizzerias in New York City by the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. As natives of Brooklyn, the Nortons desired a new way of life for themselves and their three young daughters, away from the hustle and bustle they experienced up north.

“We considered moving to South Carolina, Florida, Texas and even Arizona, but we ultimately settled on Cary and haven’t looked back since,” said Gregory Norton, a burly 6-foot-4-inch man who practically treats you like a family member as soon as you meet him. As if opening a restaurant during a pandemic wasn’t stressful enough, the couple overcame obstacles such as a potential location in Apex falling through, a leaky roof prior to the new landlord stepping up, and a life-threatening situation for Valerie during the delivery of the couple’s third child. “The anxiety was there every day, and I almost gave up several times, but somehow we got through it,” said Gregory Norton. Valerie Norton shared her perspective on the importance of persevering during adversity. “There’s always a reason why it’s not the right time to open, and things are never perfect, but you have to move ahead and make things happen,” she said. “It wasn’t easy, but we made needed changes along the way as they needed to happen.” As fate would have it, the eatery debuted in February on National Pizza Day. It didn’t take long for word to get out that Di Fara is the real deal. Need evidence? Consider these facts: First-rate ingredients are imported from Italy; a skilled staff is in place; and a workhorse Woodstone Oven anchors the cozy kitchen. “The oven stays between 750 and 800 degrees to get the char we need on the crust,” Gregory Norton explained. “We don’t cut any corners when it comes to ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, Grana Padano cheese and snips of fresh basil. We only use the best items we can find.” continued on page 60

In February, Gregory and Valerie Norton opened Di Fara Pizza Tavern, serving Brooklyn-style pies in downtown Cary. 58

MAY 2021

“The calzone has low-moisture mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, seasoned ricotta and hand-grated Grana Padano with fresh-cut basil and house made garlic oil sauce,” says owner Gregory Norton.

CARY MAGAZINE 59

continued from page 58

ABOVE: Adding to the restaurant's appeal are an open dining room and plenty of televisions to watch the latest game. BELOW: Photos in the dining room pay homage to the original Di Fara location in New York, started by Gregory Norton’s uncle Dominic DeMarco in 1965.

MAY 2021

And then there’s the high-tech water system. The restaurant’s New York WaterMaker machine somehow reproduces the taste and molecular structure of the H2O found in New York City. “We tried making pizza using the local water here, but the difference is night and day,” Gregory Norton said. With just pizza and calzone on the food menu, Di Fara wisely keeps the main thing the main thing. You’ll find about half a dozen varieties of pizza available by the slice, either in traditional style or squares, all day, every day. Among the standout pies include the house classic with sausage, peppers, onions and mushrooms and the Chaos crowned with sausage, meatballs, cherry tomatoes, onions and fresh garlic. For whole pies, consider springing for specialty toppings like soppressata (Italian dry salami), porcini mushrooms, baby eggplant, prosciutto, pancetta and sun-dried roasted peppers.

While pizza is available for takeout, the owners insist Di Fara’s pie is best when eaten hot out of the oven. “I compare it to ordering a ribeye at a restaurant, and when you eat it there, it’s fresh and delicious,” Valerie Norton said. “If you take it to go, you’re not going to get the same taste experience.” The classic, gooey four-cheese calzone is big enough to feed four to five hungry people. Be sure to order a side of marinara sauce to go with it. “The calzone has low-moisture mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, seasoned ricotta and hand-grated Grana Padano with freshcut basil and house made garlic oil sauce,” said Gregory Norton. When it comes to beverages, Di Fara rotates through about a dozen beers on draft,

along with wine and signature cocktails like a strawberry basil martini, a Manhattan and an Aperol Spritz. “I’m a Heineken guy, but the Brooklyn Lager is our most popular beer,” Gregory Norton said. The pizzeria’s layout features an open kitchen at the front of the house and an airy dining room with four-top tables situated on a finely polished cement floor. The 15-seat bar gives guests a closeup view of their favorite sports on any of the 14 wall-mounted televisions. Service is friendly, efficient and accommodating. Di Fara is open daily for dine-in and takeout, and curbside ordering is available. Seating is first-come,

first-served with no reservations accepted. Outdoor picnic tables on the patio fill up fast, so arrive early for an open spot. t 111 East Chatham St., Cary (919) 678-5300 difarapizzatavern.com

A workhorse Woodstone Oven anchors the cozy kitchen, staffed by skilled pizza-makers.

CARY MAGAZINE 61

On a Mission

On a Mission in Downtown Apex

in Downtown Apex WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE MISSION MARKET

LOOKING FOR A communityfocused spot with ethically sourced products, tasty beverages and healthy food? Welcome to The Mission Market, situated in downtown Apex. Founded and owned by Kyle and Megan Denis, the husband-and-wife duo who also run Apex Outfitter & Board Co., The Mission Market has grown in favor with locals seeking a casual hangout to drink, eat and shop. “We take pride in our customer service, and we know most of our guests on a first62

MAY 2021

name basis, because we know we are here thanks to them,” said General Manager Jennifer Schroeder, who calls herself the owners’ “right-hand woman.” The Mission Market sells a wide assortment of products like all-natural soaps, headbands, handmade jewelry, socks, t-shirts, soy candles, eyewear, greeting cards and more. Consider it sustainable shopping, as the artisans aligned with The Mission Market embrace diverse causes such as combatting sex trafficking, providing economic empow-

erment for women in India, delivering clean water to remote countries, and supporting global reforestation. “The majority of our products have a give-back component in place,” Schroeder said. “Many items are eco-friendly and are gifts for the greater good.” When it comes to the edibles, the menu features espresso-based drinks sourced from Counter Culture Coffee, smoothies, acai bowls, avocado toast and panini sandwiches.

The To-may-to, To-mah-to avocado toast is cherry tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar drizzle and sea salt on multigrain bread.

“The acai bowls are really popular, and we use only fresh ingredients with no added sugar,” Schroeder said. For a nutritious option, order the Beelieve Bowl with acai, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, apple juice, granola, bee pollen and honey. Or splurge a bit and try the Campfire Bowl involving acai, bananas, strawberries, Nutella, almond milk, graham crackers, milk chocolate chips and marshmallow. Prefer a smoothie? Go for the Green Monster featuring pineapple, bananas, strawberries, coconut milk, spinach and flax seed. Among the four varieties of avocado toast, choose the standout To-may-to, Tomah-to with cherry tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar drizzle and sea salt on multigrain bread. “People love to come down, hang out and enjoy the coffee and food,” Schroeder said, adding that The Mission Market provides free WiFi internet. Indoor dining and expanded outdoor seating are available. The Mission Market is open seven days a week. Check the website for hours of operation. t

Kyle and Megan Denis own the Mission Market and Apex Outfitter & Board Co. in downtown Apex.

The Mission Market 124 North Salem St., Apex (919) 629-4064 shopthemission.com CARY MAGAZINE 63

Spend less, get more.

Join Club Publix today and experience a more personalized way to save on the products you love. Sign up at clubpublix.com or text JOIN to 782549 (PUBLIX).

Terms & conditions apply. Message & data rates may apply. Consent is not required to join or make a purchase. Visit publix.com/textalerts for terms & conditions. 64 MAY 2021

liquid assets

3 Day Vacay! RECIPE BY MATTHEW BETTINGER PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

MARGARITAS AREN’T THE ONLY COCKTAIL featuring tequila, even though it seems that way sometimes. The classic paloma also starts with tequila, but finishes with lime juice and grapefruit soda. Matt Bettinger, one of the founders of Hank's Downtown Dive, presents this twist on that refreshing summer cocktail.

1 3/4 ounces tequila ¼ ounce fresh lime juice 1 ounce grapefruit juice 3/4 ounce agave syrup A pinch of salt Float of Aperol, optional Combine all ingredients except for Aperol in a shaker with ice; shake well. Strain the contents of the shaker over fresh ice into a glass rimmed in Tajin, a chili-lime seasoning. Garnish with a float of Aperol, if desired, and a lime wheel.

CARY MAGAZINE 65

The Moving Truck is Leaving! Are you ready to learn about your new community?

Your local welcome team is ready to visit you with a basket full of maps, civic information, gifts, and gift certificates from local businesses. From doctors to dentists and restaurants to repairmen...we help newcomers feel right at home in their new community! For your complimentary welcome visit, or to include a gift for newcomers, call 919.809.0220. Or, visit our website, www.nnws.org.

liquid assets

Pasqua Rosee Historic London Porter from Vecino Brewing

WRITTEN BY DAVE TOLLEFSEN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT if you could get a taste of the past? How about a pint of it? It would be a bit difficult to get a true, firsthand assessment of a beer that was brewed back in 1830. Luckily, breweries are exploring recipes from past centuries, utilizing today’s techniques and ingredients to recreate beer based on tasting notes from way back when. Vecino Brewing in Chapel Hill brewed Pasqua Rosee historic London porter from a recipe dating to 1800. Today’s porters are dark brown to black, but this one is a deep ruby color. The malt that brewers use today to darken beer wasn’t invented when this recipe was created, and another darker malt wasn’t even legal to use. It has a wonderful coffee aroma (courtesy of the malt) that carries lightly into the flavor, along with biscuit and dark chocolate, yet it’s so incredibly smooth. A beer like this is screaming to be paired with something savory. Vecino Brewing has Braised Beef Sliders that melt in your mouth. Take a bite and then follow it with a sip of the porter. Let it swirl in your mouth. The beef is going to blend so well, and then the caramelized onions and smoked gouda are the one-two punch to palate euphoria. Let’s not end it there, because I love a beer like this with something REALLY cheesy. They have a grilled cheese sandwich with Ashe County hoop cheese on sourdough bread that complement each other so

well that you’re going to want to nibble and sip to make the experience last longer. Vecino Brewing is a brewery and restaurant located in the heart of Carrboro at 300 E. Main St. They offer a wide variety of their own beers as well as rotating guest brews.

Dave Tollefsen is one of the NCBeerGuys – they have promoting North Carolina craft beer and breweries on their website, ncbeerguys.com, since 2012. He is an avid homebrewer for more than 10 years and is also part of the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild.

CARY MAGAZINE 67

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

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

Abbey Road Tavern & Grill “Great food … outstanding live music.” 1195 W. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 481-4434; abbeyroadnc.com

Big Dom’s Bagel Shop “Serving bagels, B’donuts and sandwiches” 203 E Chatham St., Cary; (919) 377-1143; bigdomsbagelshop.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; andiasicecream.com

Ashworth Drugs “Quintessential place for freshsqueezed lemonade, old-fashioned milkshakes and hot dogs.” 105 W. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 467-1877; ashworthdrugs.com

ASHWORTH DRUGS 68

MAY 2021

Academy Street Bistro “A fresh take on Italian-American cuisine in the heart of Cary.” 200 S. Academy St., Cary; (919) 377-0509; academystreetbistro.com

Big Mike’s Brew N Que “Beers on tap to compliment locally sourced, farm-to-table BBQ.” 1222 NW Maynard Road, Cary; (919) 799-2023; brewnquenc.com Bonefish Grill “Fresh is our signature.” 2060 Renaissance Park Place, Cary; (919) 677-1347; bonefishgrill.com

Annelore’s German Bakery “Authentic German pastries, breads and pretzels” 308 W. Chatham St., Cary (919) 267-6846 anneloresbakery.com

Bosphorus Restaurant “Traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.” 329-A N. Harrison Ave., Cary; (919) 460-1300; bosphorus-nc.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

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

Awaze Ethiopian Cuisine “East African eatery showcasing vegetarian and vegan options.” 904 Northeast Maynard Road, Cary (919) 377-2599 awazecuisine.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

Dining Guide Brewster’s Pub “Open late, serving a full food and drink menu.” 1885 Lake Pine Drive, Cary (919) 650-1270; brewsterspubcary.com 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 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

Cinnaholic “Over-the-top, decadent cinnamon rolls.” 1209 Parkside Main St., Cary; (919) 650-1407; cinnaholiccary.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 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 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 Daybreak “Omelets and pancakes on the same menu as authentic Mexico City street tacos” 154 E. Chatham St., Cary (919) 439-1181; daybreaknc.com Doherty’s Irish Pub “Catch the game or listen to live music.” 1979 High House Road, Cary; (919) 388-9930; dohertysirishpubnc.com

J&S Pizza Authentic Italian cuisine and New York-style pizza since 1995. Locations in Apex, Cary and Fuquay-Varina. jandsnypizza.com

Enrigo Italian Bistro “Fresh food made from pure ingredients.” 575 New Waverly, Suite 106, Cary; (919) 854-7731; dineenrigo.com Five Guys Burgers and Fries 1121 Parkside Main St., Cary; (919) 380-0450; fiveguys.com Fresca Café & Gelato “French-styled crepes … gelato made with ingredients directly from Italy.” 302 Colonades Way #109, Cary; (919) 581-8171; frescacafe.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

CARY MAGAZINE 69

Dining Guide Jimmy V’s Steakhouse & Tavern “Certified Angus Beef … fresh seafood, Italian specialties, homemade desserts.” 107 Edinburgh South, Suite 131, Cary; (919) 380-8210; jimmyvssteakhouse.com Kababish Café “A celebration of deliciousness and creativity.” 201 W. Chatham St., Suite 103, Cary; (919) 377-8794; kababishcafe.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

Tribeca Tavern “Local craft beers, gourmet burgers and American grub in a casual setting.” 500 Ledgestone Way, Cary; (919) 465-3055; tribecatavernnc.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

JuiceVibes “Made-to-order juices from locally sourced produce.” 1369 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 377-8923; juicevibes.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 NW Cary Parkway, Cary; 220 W. Chatham St., Cary; 5055 Arco Street, Cary; (919) 657-0657; lafarmbakery.com LemonShark Poke “The finest poke ingredients and local brews on tap.” 2000 Boulderstone Way, Cary; (919) 333-0066; lemonsharkpoke.com

ASHWORTH DRUGS 105 W. Chatham St, Cary NC

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

Dining Guide Los Tres Magueyes “We prepare our food fresh daily.” 110 SW Maynard Road, Cary; (919) 460-8757; lostresmagueyescary.com

Mithai Indian Café “Bengali-style sweet and savory selections free of preservatives and artificial flavors.” 744-F East Chatham St., Cary (919) 469-9651; mithaius.com

Pizzeria Faulisi “Simple foods from a simple way of cooking: a wood-burning oven.” 215 E. Chatham St., Suite 101, Cary; pizzeriafaulisi.com

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen “Exceptional renderings of classic Southern dishes.” 7307 Tryon Road, Cary; (919) 233-1632 lucky32.com/cary

MOD Pizza “Serving artisan style pizzas, superfast.” 316 Colonades Way Suite 206-C, Cary (919) 241-72001; modpizza.com/locations/waverly

Pro’s Epicurean Market & Café “Gourmet market, café and wine bar.” 211 East Chatham Street, Cary; (919) 377-1788; prosepicurean.com

Lucky Chicken “All of our beautiful Peru, with every dish.” 1851 N. Harrison Ave., Cary; (919) 338-4325; luckychickennc.net

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

Pure Juicery Bar “The Triangle’s only all-vegan juice bar.” 716 Slash Pine Drive, Cary; (919) 234-1572; purejuicerybar.com

Marco Pollo “Peruvian rotisserie chicken.” 1871 Lake Pine Drive, Cary; (919) 694-5524; marcopollocary.com

Noodle Boulevard “Ten variations on the ramen theme, covering a pan-Asian spectrum.” 1718 Walnut St., Cary; (984) 222-3003; noodleblvd.com

Rally Point Sport Grill “Lunch and dinner food in a pub atmosphere.” 837 Bass Pro Lane, Cary; (919) 678-1088; rallypointsportgrill.com

Maximillians Grill & Wine Bar “Global cuisine using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.” 8314 Chapel Hill Road, Cary; (919) 465-2455; maximilliansgrill.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

more than just juice

Red Bowl Asian Bistro “Each distinctive dish is handcrafted.” 2020 Boulderstone Way, Cary; (919) 388-9977; redbowlcary.com

Hey Shroomies! It’s warming up, but our pizzas are already hot! Mellow wants to help so we’re running 2 groovy specials:

2 Medium One Topping Pizzas for $20

Clean Juice Park West 3035 Village Market Place 919-468-8286

Buy One Large Specialty Pie Get a $10 Large Cheese Pizza We are being super vigilant with the covid guidelines to keep our guests and staff safe & healthy. Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm • Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm

WINNER 2021 20 21

Curbside Pick-Up 919-463-7779

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

CARY MAGAZINE 71

Dining Guide Ruth’s Chris Steak House “Cooked to perfection.” 2010 Renaissance Park Place, Cary; (919) 677-0033; ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/cary Serendipity Gourmet Deli “Discovering the unusual, valuable or pleasantly surprising.” 118 S. Academy St., Cary; (919) 469-1655; serendipitygourmetdelinc.com

Mellow Mushroom “Beer, calzones and creative stonebaked pizzas.” 4300 NW Cary Parkway, Cary; (919) 463-7779 mellowmushroom.com Ricci’s Trattoria “Keeping true to tradition.” 10110 Green Level Church Road, Cary; (919) 380-8410; riccistrattoria.com

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 Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits “Great food always, with a side of good times.” 8111-208 Tryon Woods Drive, Cary; (919) 851-3999; ruckuspizza.com

2021

ALWAYS IN stop and smell the rosés

STYLE Over 1,000 wines to choose from!

Morrisville | Cary Southern Pines | Holly Springs

www.trianglewineco.com

MAY 2021

Sophie’s Grill & Bar “Traditional pub fare along with Old-World cuisine.” 2734 NC-55, Cary; (919) 355-2377; sophiesgrillandbar.com Spirits Pub & Grub “Wide variety of menu items, all prepared in a scratch kitchen.” 701 E. Chatham St., Cary (919) 462-7001; spiritscary.com Stellino’s Italiano “Traditional Italian favorites with a modern twist.” 1150 Parkside Main St., Cary; (919) 694-5761; stellinositaliano.com

Dining Guide Sugar Buzz Bakery “Custom cakes … and more.” 1231 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 238-7224; sugarbuzzbakery.com Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea “Globally influenced coffees and teas.” 726 Slash Pine Drive, Suite 280, Cary (919) 377-2505; sweetwaterscafe.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 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 SW Cary Parkway, Cary; (919) 468-8688; tangerinecafecary.com

Five Guys Burgers and Fries “Fresh ingredients, hand-prepared.” Visit fiveguys.com for area locations.

Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits “Great food always, with a side of good times.” Visit ruckuspizza.com for area locations.

KIDS EAT FREE!

A Taste of Jamaica “A Jamaican food outpost” 600 East 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

THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER

WINNER 2020 20 20

201 20 16

201 20 17

201 20 18

201 20 19

2020 20 20

WINNER 2021 20 21

Open Daily Noon - 11:00 p.m.

MAGGY AWARD WINNING

140 East Chatham Street, Cary 919.650.2853 crosstowndowntown.com

MOST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT - 6 YEARS RUNNING BEST PIZZERIA BEST OUTDOOR DINING BEST APPETIZER

WWW.RUCKUSPIZZA.COM CARY MAGAZINE 73

Dining Guide Thai Spices & Sushi “Freshest, most-authentic Thai cuisine and sushi.” 986 High House Road, Cary; (919) 319-1818; thaispicesandsushi.com

Udupi Café “Authentic south Indian vegetarian cuisine.” 590 E. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 465-0898; sriudupicafe.com

The Big Easy Oven & Tap “Modern, Southern kitchen with New Orleans roots.” 231 Grande Heights Drive, Cary; (919) 468-6007; thebigeasyovenandtap.com

V Pizza “True Neapolitan pizza, made with the absolute best ingredients.” 1389 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary (919) 650-1821; vpizza.com

The Original N.Y. Pizza “Consistent every visit.” 831 Bass Pro Lane, Cary; (919) 677-8484 2763 N.C. 55, Cary; (919) 363-1007 6458 Tryon Road, Cary; (919) 852-2242 theoriginalnypizza.com

Daniel’s Restaurant & Catering “Pasta dishes, hand-stretched pizzas and scratch-made desserts.” 1430 W. Williams St., Apex; (919) 303-1006; danielsapex.com

Verandah “Southern casual environment in a modern, boutique hotel.” 301 A. Academy St., Cary; (919) 670-5000; verandahcary.com

APEX

Totopos Street Food & Tequila “A walk through … Mexico City.” 1388 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 678-3449; totoposfoodandtequila.com/cary

Terra Bonum Salad Cafe & Coffee “Salads, wraps and other healthy lunch options.” 821 Bass Pro Lane, Cary; (984) 664-3030

Abbey Road Tavern & Grill 1700 Center St., Apex; (919) 372-5383; abbeyroadnc.com Anna’s Pizzeria “Piping hot pizzas and mouthwatering Italian food.” 100 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 267-6237; annaspizzeria.com

Tribeca Tavern “Handcrafted burgers, homegrown beer.” 500 Ledgestone Way, Cary; (919) 465-3055; facebook.com/TribecaTavern

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

MAY 2021

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

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 Apex Wings Restaurant & Pub “Time-tested eatery serving up chicken wings and craft beers.” 518 E. Williams St., Apex; (919) 387-0082; apexwings.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 Brew N Que “Beers on tap to compliment locally sourced, farm-to-table BBQ.” 2045 Creekside Landing Drive, Apex; (919) 338-2591; brewnquenc.com Brooklyn Bakery “Wholesome, scratch-baked.” 101 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 362-8408; buttercreamsbakeshop.com Common Grounds Coffee House & Desserts “The highest-quality, locally roasted coffee.” 219 N. Salem St., Suite 101, Apex; (919) 387-0873; commongroundsapex.com

Sassool “Serving authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine.” 1347 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 300-5586; sassool.com Doherty’s Irish Pub “Catch the game or listen to live music.” 5490 Apex Peakway, Apex; (919) 387-4100; dohertysirishpubnc.com

Clean Juice “Organic juices, smoothies and acai bowls.” 3035 Village Market Place, Morrisville; (919) 468-8286; cleanjuice.com Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1075 Pine Plaza Drive, Apex; (919) 616-0011; fiveguys.com

Andia's is a family-owned and -operated, award-winning ice cream business located in the heart of the Triangle. We never compromise our ingredients and are proud to support many other local, small businesses by partnering with them to supply us with freshly made ingredients for our products. No matter how simple or adventurous your palate is, we have something for you. Come visit us at one of our two retail locations, or get our ice cream delivered right to your door.

10120 Green Level Church Rd, #208, Cary, NC 27519 & 1008 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC 27511

CARY MAGAZINE 75

Dining Guide The Peak on Salem “Seasonal contemporary Southern cuisine” 126 North Salem St., Apex (919) 446-6060; thepeakonsalem.com The Provincial “Fresh. Simple.” 119 Salem St., Apex; (919) 372-5921; theprovincialapex.com

Lugano Ristorante “Italian dining in a comfortable and casual atmosphere.” 1060 Darrington Drive, Cary; (919) 468-7229; luganocary.com

Mamma Mia Italian Bistro “A taste of Italy in every bite” 708 Laura Duncan Road, Apex; (919) 363-2228; mammamianc.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

MAY 2021

The Wake Zone Espresso “Your special home away from home.” 6108 Old Jenks Road, Apex; (919) 267-4622; thewakezone.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 mouthwatering 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 Cultivate Coffee Roasters “Modern industrial twist on a small town coffee shop.” 128 S. Fuquay Ave., Fuquay Varina (919) 285-4067; cultivate.coffe Juicehaus “Made-to-order fresh, raw juice.” 509 North Broad St, Fuquay Varina (919) 396-5588; juicehaus.or Los Tres Magueyes “We prepare our food fresh daily.” 401 Wake Chapel Road, Fuquay-Varina; (919) 552-3957; lostresmagueyes.com Stick Boy Bread Co. “Handcrafted baked goods from scratch … all natural ingredients.” 127 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina; (919) 557-2237; stickboyfuquay.com

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 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 Acme Pizza Co. “Chicago-style deep dish pizza.” 204 Village Walk Dr, Holly Springs (919) 552-8800; acmepizzaco.com Los Tres Magueyes 325 North Main Street, Holly Springs; (919) 552-6272; lostresmagueyes.com Mama Bird’s Cookies + Cream “A unique spin on a timeless dessert.” 304 N. Main St., Holly Springs; (919) 762-7808; mamabirdsicecream.com My Way Tavern “Freshly made all-American foods.” 301 W. Center St., Holly Springs; (919) 285-2412; mywaytavern.com Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi “Serving authentic Thai cuisine, fresh sushi and crafted cocktails.” 242 South Main St., Suite 100, Holly Springs (984) 538-6742; oshathaikitchennc.com Rise Biscuits & Donuts 169 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs; (919) 586-7343; risebiscuitsdonuts.com 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 Rd, Holly Springs (919) 267-919); thebutchersmarkets.com

Dining Guide 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

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

The Original N.Y. Pizza 634 Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs (919) 567-0505; theoriginalnypizza.com

Fount Coffee + Kitchen “Coffee and a menu that is 100 percent gluten-free.” 10954 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (984) 888-5454; fountcoffee.com

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

The Full Moon Oyster Bar & Seafood Kitchen “Homemade recipes handed down over the years.” 1600 Village Market Place, Morrisville; (919) 378-9524; fullmoonoysterbar.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

Rey’s “Fine dining with a French Quarter flair.” 1130 Buck Jones Road, Raleigh (919) 380-0122; reysrestaurant.com

Georgina’s Pizzeria & Restaurant “Mouthwatering homemade Italian dishes.” 3536 Davis Drive, Morrisville; (919) 388-3820; georginaspizzeriaandrestaurant.com

Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits 1101 Market Center Drive, Morrisville; (919) 388-3500; ruckuspizza.com

HiPoke “Fresh Fun Poke.” 9573 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville (919) 650-3398; hipokes.com

Saffron Restaurant & Lounge “Gourmet Indian dining experience.” 4121 Davis Drive, Morrisville; (919) 469-5774; saffronnc.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 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 Rise Biscuits & Donuts “Old school, new school, and specialty donuts.” 1100 Market Center Drive, Morrisville; (919) 377-0385; risebiscuitsdonuts.com

Smokey’s BBQ Shack “Meats are dry rubbed with love and slow smoked with hickory wood.” 10800 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (919) 469-1724; smokeysshack.com Taste Vietnamese “Prepared with passion and perfected through generations.” 152 Morrisville Square Way, Morrisville; (919) 234-6385; tastevietnamese.com Village Deli & Grill “Wholesome homemade foods.” 909 Aviation Parkway #100, Morrisville; (919) 462-6191; villagedeli.net ZenFish Poké Bar “Guilt-free, healthy, fast-casual dining.” 9924 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville (919) 234-0914; zenfishpokebar.com CARY MAGAZINE 77

garden adventurer WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY L.A. JACKSON

Summer Spinach Malabar Spinach

78 MAY 2021

SPINACH IS a delectable springtime vegetable many local gardeners enjoy growing for salads and cooked meals. Unfortunately, as temperatures head towards the typical sizzle of summer, spinach bolts and its leaves turn bitter, meaning fresh harvests of these tasty greens are ending soon. But, with spinach’s seasonal decline, there are new opportunities. Now is a good time to experiment and try heatresisting substitutes that can have similar usefulness in the kitchen. Allow me to introduce two popular possibilities:

Malabar Spinach (Basella sp.). It is not related to true spinach (Spinacia oleracea), but the taste of this leafy veggie is close, along with a slight, peppery twang. However, having thicker, almost succulent leaves, my best description of its texture is semi-squishy. I enjoy chomping on Malabar spinach raw (young leaves taste the best), but although they can be cooked, have shied away from heating up these greens because they can create a gelatinous yuck similar to boiled okra. Malabar spinach originates from the Asian tropics as a perennial vine. It does love our hot summers, but is not cold-hardy here, so grow this exotic edible as an annual. It is also called “climbing spinach,” and I know why — for the last three years, my vines zipped up an 8-foot-tall trellis I built for them and Malabar Spinach hung off the sides, looking for more territory to conquer. This vine resists bolting in full sun, but extended dry conditions can turn the leaves bitter, so water regularly and mulch. My first plants came from the Farmer’s Market in Raleigh, but then I found easy-to-grow seeds online at Park Seed (parkseed.com). Okinawa Spinach (Gynura crepioides). This able spinach alternative, which hails originally from Southeast Asia, has similar tasting leaves accented by a light nutty flavoring with a hint of pine. A tender perennial, it makes a nice addition to any salad, and certainly isn’t a stranger to tempura and stir-fry dishes.

12 9

3 6

TIMELY TIP

Another leafy green that can be used as a spinach replacement in the summer is Swiss chard. A distant spinach relative, Swiss chard is comparable in flavor and possibilities for kitchen creations, both cooked and raw.

Okinawa Spinach

Okinawa spinach is also a rather pretty plant. Growing about 2 feet high and wide, it is adorned by slim, serrated leaves that are green on top and a catchy purple underneath. The leaves typically won’t turn bitter in the summer simmer, but to help them maintain their best flavor, provide at least some light midafternoon shade and water regularly. Okinawa spinach can be e-purchased from specialty growers on sites such as Etsy (etsy.com), but I have stayed local and grabbed my starter plants at Big Bloomers (bigbloomersflowerfarm.com) in Sanford. 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.

To Do in the GARDEN

As a bonus, the stems, which with cultivars such as ‘Bright Lights’ and ‘Ruby Red’ are very colorful, can also be eaten and have a yummy, celery-like crunch. Although this alt-spinach resists turning bitter when grown in full sun, providing some afternoon shade will help stabilize its desired tastiness through the long growing season. Because Swiss chard can be an attractive, low-growing plant, consider showing off a few as edible ornamentals in well-placed pots. Swiss Chard

May

• While giving summer spinaches a whirl, don’t forget now is also the prime time to plant such warm-season veggie favorites as squash, tomatoes, pumpkins, eggplant, peppers, watermelons, okra, cucumbers and green beans. • Don’t be too quick to mulch annual flowers and vegetables. Leave the growing ground bare through this month to allow the sun to heat up the soil, which will help stimulate stronger development of young roots.

• Warmer temperatures also mean it’s time to turn such heatseeking bulbs as gladioli, dahlias, caladiums and cannas loose in the ornamental garden. • May is a good month to bring many houseplants outside for a summer vacation. Just be sure to set them in areas of filtered shade, so the sun’s strong summer rays won’t burn their leaves.

CARY MAGAZINE 79

happenings

In honor of National Random Acts of Kindness Day, students at

Kiddie

Academy of West Cary made Thank You cards for nurses, doctors and teachers, tallying up 155 acts of kindness. The project was part of a charity contest, and the academy was awarded $500 to donate to a charity of its choice. Read and Feed of Cary was selected, a nonprofit that works to strengthen literacy skills among underserved elementary school children and provide meals in a nurturing neighborhood environment. kiddieacademy.com/academies/west-cary

Gordon Hutchison

recently published “Reality (can be OK, but mostly it)

CLARA DERMATOLOGY held

Bites,” a book of humorous observations, provocative

a grand opening March 9 at its Cary

viewpoints and unvarnished truths regarding the

office, located at 7250 O’Kelly Chapel

human experience.

Road, Suite 101. Drs. Joanna Hooten

Cary author

and Rebecca Bialas offer a number of services for the face, body, hair, and

THE POLKA DOT MAMA MELANOMA FOUNDATION raised a total of $125,600 at its virtual gala fundraiser, Taste for a Cure, on March 7. According to founder Tracy Callahan, the nonprofit will use the funds to pay for free screenings, early detection programs, awareness campaigns and medical research. polkadotmama.org 80 MAY 2021

nails, including medical and surgical dermatology and many cosmetic treatments. claradermatology.com

Students at Shaw University helped launch the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which organized the first lunch counter sit-ins in Raleigh and Greensboro during the Civil Rights Movement.)

Cary filmmaker

Hal Goodtree and two colleagues recently won a 2020

Tina Clossick is Coastal Credit Union’s new VP of Corporate

Emmy Award for “Shaw Rising,” a documentary about the South’s first HBCU. Designed

Partnerships, leading the credit union’s

to celebrate Shaw University’s 150th anniversary, “Shaw Rising” depicts the history of the

Community Engagement team. In addition

university and its impact on the course of education and social justice in the United States.

to building relationships and driving

Goodtree, producer with Goodtree Studio, created the project in partnership with Donna

growth among the business partners that

Mitchell and Tim Finkbiner of Durham-based Horizon Productions. All three are named

Coastal serves, Clossick will ensure that

on the award, which was announced March 6. goodtree.studio

Coastal has a strong presence and positive impact among its many corporate partners, and in the community. coastal24.com

Ricky Moore, the chef behind Durham’s Saltbox Seafood Joint, is included in the Museum of Food and Drink’s newest exhibit, “Mapping the Table’s Nation: The African American Legacy Foodways Project.” This ongoing digital experience highlighting African American food and drink businesses across the country is part of the museum's upcoming exhibition, “African/American: Making the Nation’s Table,” which will open in 2022 in Harlem, New York. mofad.org/mapping-the-nations-table

DR. C. HELEN MALONE will join the Cary Skin Center team on June 1. She spent three years as a Mohs surgeon and cosmetic director for the Laser Center at the Baylor Dermatology Department and Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston. Malone is well respected in the fields of cosmetic dermatology and skin cancer surgery. caryskincenter.com

CARY MAGAZINE 81

happenings

LISA HIGGINBOTHAM, The

North Carolina Railway Museum, which

owner of FiveStar Awards & Engraving, was recently inducted as

operates New Hope Valley Railway, is working to save 10 historic railroad cars from the scrap

the 2021 President of the Awards

yard. To preserve these unique pieces of North Carolina railroad history, the nonprofit must

and Personalization Association, an

raise nearly $100,000. The 10 cars are currently parked at a disconnected railway siding at

organization that provides education,

Duke Energy’s Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, and they must be moved to the NCRM rail yard in Bonsal, N.C. After the move, the museum hopes to restore the weathered railroad cars and use them in future operations at the railway. triangletrain.com/save-the-ten

meetings and access to professionals who create, distribute, or sell recognition and personalized products. She has served on the Board of Directors since 2015. Higginbotham serves primarily corporate

ANNA MARIE SMITH

and industrial customers with high quality awards, recognition items and engraving

assumed the role of Chief Human Resources

services from the company she founded in

Officer of HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. and

1999. fivestarawards.net

HomeTrust Bank on March 29. The Ashevillebased HomeTrust has a local office at 1315 Bradford View Drive, Cary. In other news, Jeffrey Burgess was named the assistant vice president, branch manager and business banking officer at the Cary office. Prior to HomeTrust Bank, Burgess served as the branch manager at First Horizon Bank. htb.com

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, with locations in Greenville, Raleigh and Rocky Mount, is expanding its footprint beyond the state of North Carolina with the opening of a location in Los Angeles. The new store is located at 607 S. Hill St. in Los Angeles. baileybox.com

GENERATIONS FAMILY PRACTICE, located in Cary, acquired Rocky Mount Family Medical Center in March. Cary Medical Management will provide technology and administrative services to both practices, ensuring the primary care practices consistently deliver high-value care at the best cost for their customers."This is an exciting opportunity to share, collaborate and expand our delivery of value-based care in Central North Carolina," said Dr. Justin Glodowski, Medical Director at Generations. generationsfamilypractice.com 82 MAY 2021

The

V FOUNDATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH, a top-rated cancer research charity, has

rescheduled the 2021 Victory Ride to Cure Cancer to Aug. 28. The annual event will begin with a month-long virtual experience on July 28 and lead up to ride day. Presented by Braswell Family Farms, the event was originally set for May, but was rescheduled to ensure the health and safety of riders and volunteers. thevictoryride.org

Mary Insprucker, producer and host of the

Lorraine Jordan, known as Bluegrass music’s “Lady

Triangle 411 podcast, recently organized the Pantry for the

of Tradition,” recently opened a casual cafe inside of her music

Pandemic Food Drive campaign, which collected 720 pounds

hall and coffee house.

of food for Dorcas Ministries. Other participants included the

The cafe, located at 101

outreach group Spare Some Change, Triangle 411 listeners and

Timber Pointe Lane in

members of the Cary Women’s Giving Network. triangle411.

Garner, opened April 12.

buzzsprout.com

lorrainescoffeehouse.com

FUQUAY-VARINA GARDEN CLUB will host a Spring Garden Tour May 15-16. Visit

Lorraine Jordan holds two items featured on the menu of her new cafe: a club sandwich and chef salad. Photo by Cindy Burnham / Lucky Shot Productions

The

eight unique gardens hosted by creative gardeners anxious to share their talents. If necessary, safe COVID-19 practices will be practiced. Tickets are $20, and proceeds fund scholarships and community projects. fuquayvarinagardenclub. weebly.com

DURHAM DISTILLERY’S Conniption Navy Strength recently earned the Best American Navy Strength Gin accolade at the World Gin Awards. This is the third consecutive year that Durham Distillery has won the honor for its Navy Strength Gin. durhamdistillery.com CARY MAGAZINE 83

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Garner 4717 Hwy 42 West Garner 919-615-0030

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Shake Shack | Whisk Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop BodyLase | Hollywood Feed Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory ONYX Hair Boutique | vomFASS

Over the last year we’ve all realized that life insurance is becoming a necessity.

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302 Colonades Way Cary, NC 27518 (919) 859-5818

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215 East Chatham Street, Suite 120 Cary, NC 27511 John Miller

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Just like Cary Magazine knows Western Wake County, these individuals and companies are experts in their fields. Whether you’re looking for a veterinarian, a real estate agent or a place to pick up dinner, these local businesses can provide the top-notch services you need.

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Dr. Leslie Yuan Gazdeck , DDS

RICCOBENE DENTISTRY FOR KIDS WE KNOW LITTLE SMILES. We believe in happy, healthy smiles that lead to positive dental experiences. Dr. Leslie Yuan Gazdeck is a board-certified pediatric dentist who strongly believes in prevention and partners with you to tailor treatment needs for your child. She offers inoffice sedation as an option for children who are particularly anxious or have many dental needs.

1000 Crescent Green Drive #200, Cary

We provide a kid-friendly space (castle and Disney-themed!) that will make your child feel at ease. At the end of their visit, all kids receive prizes and stickers. Our team looks forward to meeting you and your child!

(919) 336-5694 BrushAndFloss.com

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Jackie Garner, DDS

RICCOBENE DENTISTRY FOR KIDS WE KNOW HAPPY SMILES. Every child is unique. At Riccobene Dentistry for Kids, we believe every child deser ves a unique experience. From tasting kid-friendly flavors, flavored laughing gas nosies, singing princess songs and watching our favorite car toons with private rooms, our team knows the value in making your child feel special.

1000 Crescent Green Drive #200, Cary

Star ting dental visits and good home-care early help ensure a happy, healthy smile. We understand that early dental visits can help lead to a lifetime of positive dental experiences. So, check us out, and see for yourself! We look for ward to meeting you and your little one to brighten their smile.

(919) 336-5694

BrushAndFloss.com

Poe Gifted & Talented / AIG Basics Magnet Elementary School

WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM WE KNOW WHAT STARTS HERE CHANGES EVERYTHING. WCPSS Office of Magnet & Curriculum • Enhancement Programs 5625 Dillard Drive, Cary 919.533.7289 wcpss.net/magnet

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In the Wake County Public School System, we know that finding the right school for your child is an important decision. We welcome you to discover our Schools of Choice and personalize your child’s education. Our innovative and pioneering magnet programs challenge students to think creatively

while diverse student populations enable students to see things from a different perspective. Starting in kindergarten, we offer magnet programs with a focus in the arts, engineering, language immersion, leadership and more. Visit www.wcpss.net/magnet, and discover how creativity and critical thinking spark the curiosity of our students.

ASHWORTH DRUGS WE KNOW COMMUNITY. Since 1957, Ashwor th’s Soda Fountain has been a favorite community gathering spot for friends and family alike. With COVID restrictions easing up, Pharmacists Cori and Paul, and Fountain Manager Al and his staff, are ready

105 West Chatham Street, Cary

to give you a warm welcome back. Recently, we freshened up our space with NEW FLOORS and SEATING to enhance your visit. So now, at Ashwor th’s Soda Fountain, everything is the same as you fondly remember…ONLY BETTER!

(919) 467-1877

ashworthdrugs.com

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ATLANTIC TIRE & SERVICE WE KNOW CUSTOMER SERVICE. Since 1998, Atlantic Tire & Service has prided itself on going above and beyond for customers. With five locations in North Cary, South Cary, Raleigh, Durham and Wakefield, they are known in the community for impeccable customer service and ethics. In fact, they have won several prestigious awards which recognize such values, including the Eastern Better Business’

Torch Award for Ethical Business Practices, as well as Tire Review’s Top Shop Award. Anthony and Beth Blackman, owners and operators, strive to give back to the community. The company supports 40+ nonprofits and organizations each year and holds complimentary car care clinics geared towards students, women and senior citizens.

5 Triangle Locations! 1380 NW Maynard Road, Cary (919) 319-1614 360 Ashville Avenue, Cary (919) 803-6159 atlantictireonline.com

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BOVENIZER & BAKER ORTHODONTICS WE KNOW STRAIGHT SMILES. When Should Your Child Have an Orthodontic Consult? The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child see an orthodontist at age 7. Your child will start to lose their baby teeth at around age 6, and the last baby tooth is normally lost at around age 12. Many times, younger patients will come into our office and will not be ready to begin treatment, as their teeth need to grow and develop more. Observing your child until they are ready is very important as we monitor the exfoliation and eruption of

2625 Green Level West Road, Cary

teeth to prevent impacted teeth and to see if your child needs early intervention treatment. We tend to be some of the most conservative in the area for start times. This approach means we wait until your child actually needs treatment, so there is no pressure to put braces on immediately. We advocate to let the natural growing process run its course first, so if your child is not ready for braces they can be observed in our Kid’s Club program. This free program allows you to come to our office to be routinely checked to determine the best plan and time of treatment.

(919) 303-4557

bovbakerortho.com

BOND BROTHERS BEER CO. WE KNOW COMMUNITY. Bond Brothers Eastside, the second location for Bond Brothers Beer Co., will feature tasty beverages from their award-winning brewery program, as well as highlight some of the brothers’ deep passions: art, music and horticulture. This new space will be home to original

202 East Cedar Street, Cary

artwork by the brothers, a living wall — and will feature live music four nights a week. The Bond Brothers plan for Eastside is to be a true representation of all that they love. Look to check out their second location soon. The grand opening is scheduled for May 1st.

602 East Chatham Street, Cary bondbrothersbeerco.com

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CARY FAMILY EYE CARE WE KNOW MYOPIA CONTROL. At Cary Family Eye Care, we are your local experts on slowing the progression of myopia (nearsightedness). Children who are nearsighted nearly always get worse over time. Higher myopia means more than just thicker glasses. It greatly increases the risk of vision loss from issues like retinal detachment. The CDC now views progressive myopia as an epidemic. We know how frustrating it is for parents to watch their children become more nearsighted over time. That’s why we created our Myopia Control Clinic. The clinic is dedicated to helping parents of nearsighted children by providing treatment options to slow the progression of myopia. We are proud to be part of the solution to this problem.

10110 Green Level Church Road #102, Cary

Dr. Dwight Barnes is the clinical director of our Myopia Control Clinic. He has extensive training and experience in managing myopia progression. Dr. Dwight is a Fellow of the Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control, one of fewer than 150 worldwide and the only one in the Triangle. He lectures nationally and has a passion for helping fight the myopia epidemic. Our Myopia Control Clinic offers multiple options for limiting the progression of myopia including our Overnight Sight Program. You do not have to just watch your child become more nearsighted. We can help! Cary Family Eye Care is locally owned by Dr. Dwight Barnes and Dr. Kelly Barnes. We have been a part of the local community in West Cary for over 12 years.

(919) 465-7400

caryfamilyeyecare.com

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CERTA PRO WE KNOW PAINTING IS PERSONAL. At CertaPro Painters® of Cary-Apex, NC, we know that finding the right team for your painting project can be overwhelming. We want you to have the best experience as we help your property come to life, and we strive to deliver on our promise of care and quality. With our professionals by your side, the process will be easy and convenient — leaving you time for what matters most. We Do Painting. You Do Life. The team at CertaPro Painters® of Cary-Apex, N.C., is well-positioned to address the unique

207 James Jackson Avenue, Cary

architectural styles and aesthetic requirements in your neighborhood. This allows us to give accurate quotes while providing high-quality workmanship. Whether you have a business facility that needs an exterior refresh or a traditional home that could use updated interior paint, we will work closely with you to minimize inconveniences, keep you constantly informed and deliver on our promises. CertaPro Painters of Cary-Apex has been serving the Cary and Triangle area for over 20 years.

(919) 422-0595

certapro.com

DRYBAR WE KNOW BLOWOUTS. Drybar is a blowout bar that focuses on one thing and being the best at it, and for us, that’s blowouts. When you come into the shop, you’ll be greeted and offered a drink (yes, we serve wine!). Your stylist will have a consultation with you to decide what style you are looking for, and then will wash, blow dry and style your hair. We also do up-dos and braids. Drybar is dedicated to making women feel confident and happy. We do that through thorough education and over-the-top customer service. Brand consistency is super important to us, and no matter which of our nationwide Drybar locations you walk into, you should expect the same quality and customer service in every shop. Plus, our shops look and smell nothing like a regular salon, and we have thought of every little detail to help you relax and have a great time. With two local shops and a wide range of hours, Drybar can take care of all of your styling needs.

Drybar Cary at Waverly Place 302 Colonades Way #206, Cary (919) 238.7264 Drybar Raleigh at Midtown East 1111 Mercantile Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh (919) 670.1072 thedrybar.com

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CARY MAGAZINE

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FOREFRONT DERMATOLOGY WE KNOW MELANOMA SKIN CANCER. Did you know that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime? Skin cancer does not discriminate by age, gender or ethnicity. While skin cancer can occur anywhere on your body, it is commonly located on the head and neck, and in places hard for you to see like the back of the knee, ears or feet. Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, if not detected early can be life-threatening. Dr. John Soderberg at Forefront Dermatology in Cary is here to help with any skin, hair or nail need you may have. Call (919) 439-4206 to schedule your next appointment.

7560 Carpenter Fire Station Road #204, Cary (919) 439-4206 forefrontdermatology.com

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HANK’S DOWNTOWN DIVE WE KNOW HANGING AT THE LOCAL DIVE! We are excited to introduce Hank’s Downtown Dive to Cary. A local spot for all times and all types of gatherings. The room, designed by Catherine Bettinger, is full of bright colors and varied textures evoking feelings of a bohemian cafe. Chef Evan Cordes has developed a menu that is

111 East Chatham Street, Cary

perfect for an afternoon on the patio and a night on the town, and Matthew Bettinger has built a beverage program that flows from the after-work drink into the afternoon cocktail and wraps up with a bottle of wine at dinner. Let’s Hang.

(919) 464-2524

hanksdowntowndive.com

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LITTLE TOOTH CO. WE KNOW THE GROWING SMILE. At Little Tooth Co., we cultivate children who are motivated to maintain healthy smiles. We provide exceptional care at every visit by catering to each developmental stage, and building a dynamic bond with children and their families. We listen to families’ concerns and place value on patience, prevention and education. We understand that every child has a different comfort level in the dental setting and will adapt with knowledge, creativity, positivity and resourcefulness.

504 W. Williams Street, Apex

Dr. Jean You is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist who specializes in the growing smile. In her expertise, she also focuses on behavioral dentistry and working with children who have medical and special needs. She provides a comprehensive and nurturing dental home including infant lip and tongue ties, sleep dentistry and minimally invasive dentistry. Her goal is to broaden the early dental experience in every way from the infant’s first exam to the young adult’s transition.

(919) 303-2873

littletoothco.com

MCCOLLUM LAW, P.C. WE KNOW HOW TO PLAN & PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU! At McCollum Law, we know that finding the right team of professionals to help navigate major life decisions can feel like a daunting task. When it comes to your family, your life and your home, we want you to have the smoothest and most

1135 Kildaire Farm Rd #321, Cary

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stress-free experience possible. Our attorneys and caring support staff not only help you secure the present by sealing your Real Estate deal, but also help secure the future of those you love the most through Estate Planning.

(919) 861-4120

mccollumlawpc.com

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MELLOW MUSHROOM WE KNOW HOSPITALITY. Here at Mellow Mushroom you’ll do more than just enjoy excellent pizza, you’ll become part of a family. When it comes to our guests, we strive to put hospitality and relationships at the top of our list. Our management team works to surpass expectations of all who enjoy delicious food, by creating an

4300 NW Cary Parkway, Cary

environment that will always allow us to put our guests first. We offer a welcoming atmosphere for all ages, so bring the kids, the team or your friends, and become a part of the Mellow Family seven days a week. Can’t make it to Mellow? No worries, we cater so we can bring the Mellow experience to you.

(919) 462-7779

mellowmushroom.com

PARKWAY SLEEPHEALTH CENTERS WE KNOW SLEEP. At Parkway SleepHealth Centers, we help people build healthier lives by providing compassionate, exceptional care for their sleep health needs. We understand the impact that not sleeping well can have on quality of life. We want to make getting the answers to sleep problems as easy as possible, so we offer doctor appointments, sleep studies and CPAP equipment all in one convenient location.

Dr. Singar Jagadeesan is Board Certified in Sleep Medicine and Neurology. He has been actively diagnosing and treating sleep disorders for over 15 years. Dr. Jag is passionate about bridging the gap between conventional and natural medicine.

130 Preston Executive Drive, Suite 103, Cary (919) 462-8081

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parkwaysleep.com

PRESTON FLOWERS WE KNOW LOCAL! Preston Flowers & Gifts is your neighborhood Florist & Gift store, dedicated to serving all your floral needs for every occasion in your life. Our team of experienced designers provide you with the freshest flowers available. We are completely devoted to providing you with that “wow” factor 1848 Boulderstone Way, Cary

that you’ve never seen before. Our store is filled with gifts made by local artisans to complement any arrangement, from handcrafted pizza cutters and charcuterie boards to hot cocoa bombs and locally made home décor! Open until 7 PM on Fridays for your convenience.

(919) 460-4625

prestonflowers.com

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CARY MAGAZINE

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PRIMROSE SCHOOLS WE KNOW EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IS ESSENTIAL. The dedicated leadership teams and educators at Primrose Schools remained in place and strong as they continued to serve and support our community during the global pandemic. It was no surprise to learn that early childhood educators are essential to the fabric of our community. In addition to offering Infant to Private Pre-Kindergarten,

Primrose Schools quickly adapted to support the community needs by offering school age remote learning as well as an accredited Private Kindergarten (which was conducted inperson without interruption). Primrose adheres to stringent processes that focus on the highest health and safety standards while bringing comfort and a sense of normalcy to the lives of many.

primroseapex.com • (919) 339.3874 primroseatthepark.com • (919) 468.8880 primrosewestcary.com • (919) 363.2700 primrosewestlake.com • (919) 662.1322

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THE BUTCHERS MARKET WE KNOW HOW TO DO DINNER DONE EASY. The Butcher’s Market opened in Cary over a decade ago. This Father & Son Team has now grown to five locations and has gained a reputation in Wake County as the go to place for premium meats and specialty grocery items. As a local family business ourselves, we love to offer local products created and grown by local families such as salsa, eggs, and milk. In The Butcher’s Kitchen, our Team

prepares a variety of fresh made side dishes and heat n eat entrees that are perfect for busy families. We offer prime, top-choice & dry aged beef, allnatural local chicken, fresh from the coast seafood, plus some exotic meats. Our butchers will always custom cut and trim our meat to our customer’s specifications. No matter what you come in for, we can always make sure Dinner is Done easy.

1225 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary (919) 465-3082

thebutchersmarkets.com

THE CAR WASH LODGE WE KNOW CLEAN CARS. Your Neighborhood Car Wash! The Car Wash Lodge is a family-owned business that opened its first location in 2013! We are a total car care cleaning company with a variety of options that makes us a one-stop-shop designed to suit everyone’s car washing needs. We are conveniently located in Cary, Morrisville and now Garner! We offer express services, full service (our dedicated team will clean the interior of your vehicle), and a full-scale detail department that includes

interior details, exterior details, full details, and a host of a la carte detailing services. All three of our tunnels proudly feature state-of-the-art products from Blair Ceramics. We also offer our Monthly VIP program so customers can receive unlimited washes for a low fixed price. Whether customers are stopping by for the first time or returning for a routine clean, everyone can expect to receive quick and thorough work and excellent customer service from our expert team.

100 Crescent Commons Drive, Cary (919) 977-0300 1004 Morrisville Carpenter Road, Morrisville (919) 651-9595 4717 Hwy 42 West, Garner (919) 615-0030 thecarwashlodge.com

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CARY MAGAZINE

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THE DOUGLAS REALTY GROUP WE KNOW CARY AND HOW TO GET YOU INTO YOUR DREAM HOME! Our housing market is hot ter than ever, but we have the skills and knowledge to help you find the per fect home. Most listings have multiple offers that are well over the asking price, and some are sold sight unseen. If you’re

107 West Chatham Street, Cary

in the market for a new home, but unsure how to win when the competition is tough, call The Douglas Realty Group! We have the toughest, most knowledgeable agents in Car y, and we can get you into your dream home!

(919) 377-8423 thedouglasrealtygroup.com

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THE TEMPLETON WE KNOW HOW TO REDEFINE SENIOR LIVING. At The Templeton of Cary and Swift Creek Health Center, we are redefining senior living. Seniors today don’t have to give up an active, rewarding lifestyle to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from right-sizing their home and having continuing care in place, should they need it. The

Templeton of Cary and Swift Creek Health Center provide opportunities for whole-person wellness, multiple dining options, and an engaging lifestyle. Whether for yourself or for a loved one, call to schedule a visit to discover all that our community has to offer. You will be glad you did.

The Templeton of Cary with Swift Creek Health Center Independent Living – Assisted Living with Memory Support – Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation (984) 200-3688 • The TempletonofCary.com

TOWN & COUNTRY VETERINARIAN WE KNOW THEY’RE FAMILY. Dr. Nick Ashford established Town and Country Veterinary Hospital in 1995 with a vision of providing affordable, high quality veterinary care to the Cary, Apex and Holly Springs area. He also wanted to separate out the boarding and grooming aspect of a veterinary hospital, so he and his staff could focus on pet health care. Therefore, Town and Country Animal Care Center, which provides boarding, grooming, training and doggy daycare, is located right next door to Town and Country Veterinary Hospital.

2010 North Salem Street, Apex

Town and Country Veterinary Hospital is now owned by Drs. Nick Ashford and Amanda Groulx who continue to strive to provide high quality veterinary medicine in a warm, family-like atmosphere. Our comprehensive veterinary services include preventative care, internal medicine, radiology, dentistry and surgery. At Town and Country Veterinary Hospital, our mission is to celebrate the humananimal bond through competent and compassionate animal health care. We care!

(919) 363-6363

townandcountryveterinaryservices.com

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WAKE MEMORIAL PARK WE KNOW AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS WITH COMPASSION. Is it possible to have traditional values, compassion and care without breaking the bank? It is, if you really care enough to make it happen. The tri-team Cary group of Wake Memorial Park, Wake Funeral and Cremation Services, and Wake Crematory Services makes a point to help families

7002 Green Hope School Road, Cary

address end-of-life issues with a business model that allows us to meet their needs with kindness — but without the sky-rocketing prices. Couple this approach with a locally owned business, and you have a formula for people going through the most difficult time in their lives being made a little easier.

(919) 465-0888

wakememorialpark.com

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WARD FAMILY LAW GROUP WE KNOW DIVORCE IS DIFFICULT. Ward Family Law Group has helped families in Western Wake navigate the difficult issues of separation and divorce since 2000. We limit our practice exclusively to family law matters. At our law firm, you will find board-cer tified family law specialists, a family financial mediator and a parenting coordinator ready to assist you. Whether it’s a high-conflict child custody dispute, a complex equitable distribution case, or a serious domestic violence situation, our lawyers are equipped to help clients find timely, cost-effective, creative solutions. No matter the size of your estate, your income or your circumstances, we are here to help.

790 SE Cary Parkway, Suite 203, Cary (919) 655-1990 wardfamilylawgroup.com

write light

BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Catching a Breeze Megan Crist lets a kite ride the breezy currents on a spring morning at Fred G. Bond Metro Park. The Cary mom managed the liftoff, while her son, 6-year-old Schuyler, held the end of the line.

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REVOLUTIONIZING SPINE CARE

The Triangle’s Premier Spine Care Center At the Wake Orthopaedics Spine Center, our team of fellowship trained spine surgeons are dedicated solely to comprehensive, state-of-the-art care to alleviate pain and restore function and mobility. The Spine Center is the leading minimally invasive spine center in the Triangle. With smaller incisions, performed on an outpatient basis, our patients go home the same day and recover faster. With six convenient locations, the Spine Center gets you back to life, faster.

www.wakeortho.com/spine-center

O P E N I N G M AY 2 0 2 1

Wake Orthopaedics – Cary Wake Orthopaedics Urgent Care NEW! Healthpark of Kildaire 110 Kildaire Park Dr., Ste. 106 Cary, NC 27518

www.wakeortho.com (919) 232-5020

W A K E O R T H O PA E D I C S A P E X B R I E R C R E E K C A R Y G A R N E R N O R T H R A L E I G H R A L E I G H U R G E N T C A R E CARY MAGAZINE 115

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

Wake Radiology UNC REX Introduces ProFound AI

We’re the first outpatient radiology practice in the Triangle to adopt ProFound AI, the first FDA cleared artificial intelligence platform designed for use with 3D screening mammography. ProFound AI 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

iCAD ProFound AI

Cary Magazine May 2021

Articles inside

Nonprofit Spotlight: Alley Cats & Angels

Happenings

Garden Adventurer: Summer Spinach

Liquid Assets: 3 Day Vacay

Small Business Spotlight: The Pet Pantry

Letters from Readers