E SSENTIALS
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Your Guide to the Good Life.
Breaking more than a few eggs
BY SARAH CAMPBELL PHOTOS BY CINDY BURNHAM
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hat’s not to like about brunch? You can sleep in without missing the best things about breakfast. Most every local spot features Southern favorites such as biscuits and gravy, grits and bacon. Another upside to brunch? It’s perfectly acceptable to skip the breakfast items altogether and go for a more hearty meal that includes fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, or shrimp and grits. Brunch is a meal without rules. Local brunch lovers can probably rattle off their favorite spots in mere minutes. We’ve compiled a list of breakfast and brunch stops for your consideration. Eat up.
CAROLINA DINING ROOM
Thomas Raye prepares made-to-order omelets in the Carolina Dining Room at the Carolina Hotel.
Dubbed the “Queen of the South,” the century-old hotel has a sophisticated charm, said the resort’s executive chef, Thierry Debailleul. But he added that doesn’t mean it’s stuffy. “It used to be very formal, white tablecloth-type dining, but now it’s more relaxed,” he said. “There’s more natural lighting and large tables where big groups of friends can sit and enjoy a meal together.” It’s the expansive spread that makes the hotel’s brunch a standout, Debailleul said, and one that attracts golfers and travelers. It also routinely lands on travel writers’ best-of lists. The buffet serves everything from pancakes and waffles to egg whites and grits. “We’re known for the variety, the fact that you can find anything to satisfy your tastebuds,” Debailleul said. “We have hearty, heavy dishes and light, healthyinspired entrees.” Debailleul said the restaurant’s sausage gravy with biscuits is one of its most popular dishes. “You’d be amazed by how much sausage gravy we go
through in a month,” he said. The restaurant has a full-time omelet chef who creates made-toorder selections. Debailleul said they serve seasonal fruit grown by local farmers as much as possible. “Right now, we’ve got strawberries and blueberries,” he said. Greg Olsen, who recently was visiting from Boston, can vouch for the restaurant’s variety. “It’s the most extravagant buffet I’ve ever seen,” he said. “Talk about impressive. I guess I’ll have to walk it off on the golf course.” Gary Brown sets the tone, playing piano in the background. “The music really adds to the ambiance,” he said. “I can tell it puts people at ease.” Debailleul said the restaurant’s goal is to provide an experience, not just a quick bite to eat. The details: The Carolina Hotel is at 80 Carolina Vista Drive, Pinehurst. The daily breakfast buffet is $25 from 6 to 10 a.m. Breakfast will be served today, in honor of the U.S. Open, from noon to 2:30 p.m. and costs $27.
Tomato sandwich, anyone? Your Garden Roger Mercer
DEAR ROGER: My tomatoes look great now but don’t do anything in the midsummer heat. They stop bearing and get a serious case of the wimpies. Is there anything I can do to make them bear? — Jack, Fayetteville DEAR ROGER: I think today’s hybrid tomatoes don’t taste as good as the older varieties, such as German-Johnson that my grandmother used to grow. Do you know of any really good-tasting tomatoes? — Sara, Lumberton DEAR SARA AND JACK: Many home-garden tomatoes are bred nowadays by hybridizers in cool California climates. Claims of continuous bearing are true in mild summer climates. But not in southeastern North Carolina. Most home-garden tomato breeders pay more attention to flavor than to heatresistance. So there
are plenty of very goodtasting tomatoes around. You’ll find some oldies and newer types that do well here. I’ve always hated the way tomatoes quit bearing in our hot summers. I’ve long recommended Celebrity and Parks Whopper. I also suggested Campbell 1327, Rutgers and Heinz 1439, which are good canning types that don’t keep bearing through heat. I like tomato sandwiches about as well as any food you could offer me. And when the tomatoes quit coming, I get grumpy. The store-bought fruits just won’t do. A real tomato sandwich has to be made with dead-ripe tomatoes just picked from the garden. Once night temperatures remain in the upper 70s, and daytime temperatures get to 88 or above, fruits fail to develop. You may use Blossom-Set, a type of hormone, to help force fruits to set. Even then, plants will not be in good condition and fruit set will be spotty. In recent years, tomato breeders have been paying attention to the hot, humid Southeast. New varieties offer better heat and improved disease resistance that make our tomatoes bear right through summer heat and into fall.
Here are a few of those great new very tasty tomatoes: Amelia: Listed first because it was the best performer of the hot-weather tomatoes in garden tests of five varieties that I conducted several years ago. It is large, tasty and a good bearer that resists cracking. The only drawback is some pruning and sucker removal is needed for best bearing. Sources include Totally Tomatoes, HPS Seeds and Twilley Seeds. Listed as determinate, but keeps growing and bearing for me. Heatmaster: This one I have yet to try. It’s new this year from Totally Tomatoes, which describes it as “bred for hot, humid climates . has the ability to set fruit under higher temperatures than other varieties.” Produces exceptional yields of large, 7-ounce, firm fruit. Good for fresh eating. Good disease resistance. Determinate. Fletcher: Bred in North Carolina and one of the finest introduced by the N.C. State University breeding program. It is large, tasty and persistent. It is not specifically a heat-resistant setter, but it is so disease-resistant and so good that it deserves a spot in the garden of any tomato enthusiast. Top Gun: Produces like gangbusters on strong vines. Another great tomato-sandwich variety. One of the most disease-resistant tomatoes. Talladega: It’s hot in Talladega, and speed is appreciated there – in car races. Still, this tomato is pretty fast to mature and it’s a winner, I’d say. Amazing disease-resistance makes it special, in addition to its ability to set fruits in heat over a very long season. Celebrity: Available in almost all vegetable catalogs, and garden centers because it’s great and many people grow it. It is still the best of the very, very disease-resistant tomatoes. And it is somewhat reliable in more heat than most. One of the best tomatoes for Southeast gardens, and I’ve recommended it almost every year for many years. Some people think it’s too juicy. I don’t object to a bit of tomato juice running down my chin. Send your questions and suggestions to roger@ mercergarden.com or write to Roger Mercer, Mercers Garden, 6215 Maude St., Fayetteville, NC Please include your telephone number.
2 | ESSENTIALS | Sunday, June 22, 2014
Four sure-fire steps for planning a memorable vacation.
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f you want to take an unforgettable family vacation this year, the idea of planning might seem overwhelming. But travel experts agree that planning ahead and researching your options are important steps to ensure your trip is stressfree and full of fun. Follow these five steps to plan a trip your entire family will love and remember for years to come:
STEP 1:
MAKE A TRAVEL WISH LIST
Kick off your travel planning by talking to all family members about what they’d like to see and do on vacation. Keep it lighthearted and have some fun – chat with your 4-year-old over breakfast or text your teen after school. As you have these conversations, notice commonalities, such as location and experiences.
STEP 2:
CHOOSE A DESTINATION FOR EVERYONE
Perhaps the most important consideration when planning a family vacation is to select a destination that has something for every person in your group. Myrtle Beach, S.C. is a great example of a location that is great for all ages. The 60 miles of pristine beaches are just one reason to visit – foodies can indulge on the best Southern and lowcountry cuisine; cultural enthusiasts can experience beautiful art museums and plantations; golfers tee
off at a one of the many championship courses in the area. From water parks to natural wonders, Myrtle Beach is a true gem for family vacations. Visit visitmyrtlebeach.com to learn more.
STEP 3:
SELECT YOUR IDEAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Whether you’re vacationing for a long weekend or multiple weeks, it’s important to choose the right accommodations for your family. For example, if you know you’ll be at the beach daily, stay at a shoreside resort. If you want to save on eating expenses, look into condos with kitchens. For big groups such as family reunions, consider a beach house that allows everyone to stay in their own room within one shared space.
STEP 4:
CREATE A FUN-FILLED ITINERARY
This is a vacation, and while you shouldn’t plan out every hour of every day, having a basic itinerary gives direction to your trip and will help your group build excitement prior to your departure. Plus, planning ahead allows you to seek out deep discounts on tickets to shows and theme parks like the Alabama Theatre or Wild Water & Wheels in Myrtle Beach. You can even explore free activities like festivals and celebrations in the area that would be worthwhile to attend. — Courtesy of Brandpoint
MID PINES INN
The Mid Pines Inn in Southern Pines is just down the road from today’s Women’s U.S. Open championship round. Pete Hamm, the hotel’s executive chef and director of food and beverage, said people will find peace in the inn’s dining room and terrace, which overlooks Mid Pines’ 18th hole. “It’s relaxing back here,” he said. The Georgian-style inn, built in 1921, has retained its
Southern charm. “When you step in the door here, you’re transported back in time,” said Ross Hutchinson, the Inn’s clubhouse manager. “It’s the atmosphere that makes us stand out.” The dining room features wooden tables and chairs, much like you’d fine in someone’s home. “It’s like sitting at your grandma’s table,” Hamm said. “You just feel comfortable.” The inn features made-to-
order omelets, biscuits and gravy, waffles, grits, oatmeal, fresh fruits and home fries. Specialities include stewed and fried okra as well as fried green tomatoes. The buffet features between six and eight proteins. The expansive seafood table, which features oysters, crab, shrimp, salmon and mackerel, is another hit. Hamm said people also come back for the macaroni and cheese. But the primary brunch
staple, Hamm said, is the Southern fried chicken, which several staff members have been making every Sunday for decades. “It’s such a simple thing, but it’s such a comfort food,” he said. The details: Mid Pines Inn is at 1005 Midland Road, Southern Pines. The daily breakfast buffet is $12 from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. On Sundays, the brunch buffet open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and costs $27.
WHAT’S FOR BREAKFAST?
Here’s a sampling of other brunches in Moore County and Fayetteville, whether you dine during the Open or any other time of year. In Fayetteville, Marquis Market, Blue Moon Cafe, Holiday Inn Bordeaux and Bonefish Grill have Sunday breakfast.
CIRCA 1800
108 Person St. Hours: Brunch served Sundays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost: Items range from $11 to $16. Now serving: Omelets, frittatas and french toast made with bread baked locally by Superior Bakery. Specialities include bananas fosters pancakes; shrimp & grits; and crab cake eggs Benedict. All brunch items served with fresh-baked muffins and fruit. The Bloody Mary bar features three mixes. FYI: Lunch served Monday through Friday. Dinner available daily except Sunday.
HILLTOP HOUSE RESTAURANT
1240 Fort Bragg Road Hours: Brunch buffet served Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost: $19.95 Now serving: Eggs Benedict with fried green tomatoes and smoked salmon; shrimp & grits; bananas foster french toast; prime rib; omelets to order, Belgian waffles to order and cold seafood buffet. Southern specialties include corn pudding, smoked collards and deviled eggs. FYI: Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday, dinner available Friday and Saturday. The restaurant recently was named one of the top 100 brunch spots in the country by users of OpenTable, an online restaurant reservation service.
IRONWOOD CAFE
2176 Midland Road, Pinehurst Hours: Brunch served Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Menu items are $12 to $16 Now serving: Irish whiskey french toast; smoked salmon bene; lump crab scramble; chicken & waffles; chop steak; chicken salad; ham & cheese panini; California reuben; and baja fish tacos. FYI: Dinner served daily. Lunch available Wednesday through Saturday.
PINE CREST INN
50 Dogwood Road, Pinehurst Hours: Breakfast buffet available Sundays, 6:30 to 11 a.m. Cost: $10 Now serving: Omelets and eggs made to order; Southern-style biscuits and gravy; bacon; sausage; ham, muffins. The restaurant adds a specialty item each week. FYI: Breakfast served daily 6:30 to 10 a.m.
Malted red velvet waffles with breaded chicken tenders and rosemary infused maple syrup at Ironwood Cafe.
SLY FOX PUB
795 SW Broad St., Southern Pines Hours: Brunch served Sundays, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Menu items are $10 to $15 Now serving: The pub serves up hearty English options made with local ingredients. Choices include gypsy eggs; a corned beef brisket; potato and vegetable hash topped with farmhouse eggs; a bacon & goat cheese frittata, which features tomatoes, grilled asparagus and seasonal greens; shrimp & grits with corned beef and garlic cream; oatmeal stout french toast, served with fresh berries, toasted oats, and mascarpone cheese. FYI: Lunch and dinner served daily.
Sunday, June 22, 2014 | ESSENTIALS | 3
Homes for Extended
FAMILES
BY LISA THORNTON THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
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hen Alenoosh Kohl travels to her mother’s home, she doesn’t have to get into her car and take the interstate. She’s just one door down the hall. Living in a home designed specifically for multigenerational families, Kohl, 44, and her mother Anna, 67, each have private residences under one roof: separate living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and even laundry rooms. “We have the convenience of her being with us, because she wants to be part of our lives, and it makes me feel
private entrance with its own doorbell. Lennar offers four designs ranging from 3,101 to 4,058 square feet and prices from $253,780 to $386,640. Sometimes circumstances change and a home within a home is either no longer needed or could be better used for a different purpose. Classica Homes has come up with a blueprint for spaces that can be adjusted. Classica’s Flex-Gen design, modeled after the setups in luxury yachts, has a layout that makes it easier to convert an in-home suite for other uses. “You can remodel it literally in a weekend by From left, Yuriy Kohl, Anna Bedrosian, Colin Kohl, and Alenoosh Kohl sit in Bedrosian’s apartment, taking out a wall and bingo, which is built inside her daughter Alenoosh’s home. you’ve got a formal dining at ease that if she ever needs but often lead back to Kohl chose a house room again,” said Bill Saint, help we’re here to help her,” finances. Older grandparents design that would allow her President and CEO of said Kohl, who lives on her may move in to ease the mother the privacy of her Classica Homes. side with sons Colin, 13, and cost of child care. A son own space. Flex-Gen designs also Yuriy, 11. or daughter may take in a “We thought it was the have separate HVAC zones Called granny flats parent as a more feasible perfect fit,” said Kohl, who as well as soundproof walls throughout much of Europe, alternative to paying for the moved into a Next Gen home between the two residences. where multigenerational cost of assisted living or a by Lennar in the Lawson There are two floor plans, living is already part of a nursing home. community in Waxhaw, last ranging from 4,300 to large trend, the home-withinThe saggy economy of August. “It makes her feel a-home concept is starting to recent years has also left a like she has her own home.” become a popular housing portion of boomerangs – The designs have a design in the United States adults ages 25-35 who are first-floor private suite that as well. unable to find work after includes a living room, For homebuilders, it’s graduating from college bathroom, bedroom, laundry a small niche market that’s – back on mom and dad’s room and a kitchenette with growing bigger each year. A doorstep. a convection microwave, Pew Research Center study Other families have dishwasher, sink and a estimated that today 51 found multigenerational refrigerator as an option. million Americans live in living suites a good way to Each suite has a separate homes with more than one foster independence in adult HVAC zone and its own other adult generation. children with disabilities such programmable thermostat, The reasons are multiple, as autism or Down syndrome. a tandem garage and a
4 | ESSENTIALS | Sunday, June 22, 2014
4,600 square feet, with suites around 500 square feet. They’re priced from $530,000 to $540,000. For those whose parents may not be able to live independently, medically enhanced cottages may be an option. MEDCottages by N2Care, designed at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, can be placed in a caregiver’s backyard, with electricity and water hooked up to the main home. The homes have a kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom, as well as floors that absorb 38 percent of a fall, cameras that monitor 18 inches from the floor to ensure privacy and a lift system to assist a caregiver in moving a person. “We were trying to give people options that didn’t currently exist in our culture, apart from nursing homes and institutional living,” said Dr. Ken Dupin, founder and CEO of N2Care. “A MEDCottage costs $60,000, which is about one year in a nursing home.”