12.11
CULTURE
TRAVEL ISSUE & NEW YEARS EVE GUIDE
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
FASHION
FITNESS
LIFESTYLE
NIGHTLIFE
WING IN THE
NEW YEAR!
AT THE
WING
And don’t miss our NY Day Bowl Day Blast Charlotte CharlotteEpiCentre EpiCentre• •704-716-WING 704-716-WING • • S.S.Charlotte CharlotteAyrsley AyrsleyTown TownBlvd. Blvd.• •980-297-7000 980-297-7000
AT THE
WING 2 0 12
the line ups.
EPICENTRE - JOYSTICK & DJ SCOOTER S. CHARLOTTE - BRENT CATES DUO UNIVERSITY - THE AROSTOCRATS NE Charlotte - University 9539 Pinnacle Dr. • 704-708-WILD • w w w. w i l d w i n g c a f e. c o m
| 7pm-12am Sunday, February 19th eekend preSidentS’ day W mcdowell Street the blake hotel | 555 S.
beneFiting
ticketS are $50 till december 31St at all participating eStabliShmentS. aSk yOur SerVer Or bartender FOr detailS
ticket price iS all incluSiVe: includeS an Open bar With tOp ShelF liquOr, Full line OF premium beerS, and a dinner buFFet FrOm the men’S club ticketS aVailable Online at charlottebartendersball.com Semi FOrmal required | black tie OptiOnal 21 and up Only | dOn’t drink and driVe thankS tO all Our SpOnSOrS
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Now Booking Holiday Parties
Great Fun, Food and Drink Specials Every Day Serving the Best 21 Day Aged Angus Steaks in South Charlotte. Catering available offsite in your office, home or facility. Rivergate Shopping Center 14142 Rivergate Parkway | Charlotte, NC 28273 | 704-505-8888 Stone Crest Shopping Center, Ballantyne 7828 E Rea Rd. | Charlotte, NC 28277 | 704-543-8587
7 Days a week Lunch, Dinner, and Late Night Bar Service Sunday Champagne Brunch
publisher’s note I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving and with Christmas and the New Year only several weeks away, it seems like 2011 has flown by. With the holiday season in full force, opportunities abound to celebrate and enjoy your time with friends and family! Elevate Lifestyle would like to wish everyone the best and safest of holidays, and would like to welcome all the holiday visitors into town as well. With New Year’s Eve, there are always lots of fun parties and events to consider attending, so we hope you’ll find this issue helpful in determining your plans for that special evening. We have a special section that gives all the 411 on the best New Year’s Eve parties here in Charlotte. Some of our hospitality partners have tailored their messages this month to tell you about their New Year’s Eve events going on at their restaurant and bars. Plus, we will have them all listed plus many more on our online event calendar at www.ElevateLifestyle.com. For those who are looking to travel for the holidays, we have you covered as well. December is our “Travel Issue”. From places to spend your New Year’s Eve around the world, to some of the world’s top restaurants, the best gyms to work out in while you are traveling and a lot more! The vote begins December 5 for the 2012 Elevate Lifestyle Awards. You are able to choose your “best of the city” in these seven different categories: Culture, Dining, Entertainment, Fashion, Fitness, Lifestyle, and Nightlife. By simply registering a vote for your favorite, you will enter for a chance to win some of the many great prizes which will be given away at the huge party in April when all the winners are announced. Happy New Year! We will be back in February to start the beginning of our ninth year! Steve Caldwell
e
team
Publisher Steve Caldwell Editor Edy Hinson Creative Director Greg Smith Design and Production Greenspon Advertising HOME AGAIN Cover and Photo Spread Photography Photography: Jim Merrill Photography, JMTFoto.com Featuring Designs By Luis Machicao, LuisMachicao.com Model: Ashley Loehr, ICE Model & Talent Management Location: Cusco, Peru Advertising, Sponsorship, Website Sales, and General Advertising Sales Information Brad Cheek | Stephanie Bennett | Steve Caldwell Contributing Editors Culture Editor: Louise Albano-Hurley | Dining Editor: Nikki Wilson Entertainment Editor: Denise Gregory | Fashion Editor: Debra Kennedy Fitness Editor: Monique Douglas | Nightlife Editor: Sean Flynn Contributing Writers Fitness Columnist: Dr. Ryan Shum | Claire Morton | Jinny Oh Event, Article and Website Photography Auger Images | Eun Park | Lazyday.com | Steve Caldwell | Trip Bye Interns Alex Ramsey | Jinny Oh
2 nd Annual Ragin’ Rudder
S I N New Year’s ervice
ndustry
ight
Cruise Bash
“We serve you before you serve them!”
December 28, 2011
8pm - 11pm
Live Entertainment Light apps & drink specials all night
Countdown ‘Chambull’ Toast
Pre-party @ Prohibition 5pm-6:30pm Pre-party @ The Rusty Rudder 6pm-7:30pm Bus departs Prohibition @ 6:30pm Yacht boards @ 7:30pm from The Rusty Rudder $15 adv - cruise / preparty @ The Rudder $20 adv - cruise / preparty / ride from Prohibition $25 at the door Groups of 20 or more inquire about transportation
Reservations: 704-451-7433 / raginuptown@gmail.com
TRAVEL ISSUE & NEW YEARS EVE GUIDE 32 42 52 58 64 70 76
Going Home! Charlotte’s NEW YEAR’S EVE 2012 Parties! Once In A Lifetime Healthy Holiday Travel NYE Destinations “The Fun Ship” Some Call It Amateur Night
ABOARD THE RAGIN’ LUXURY YACHT ON LKN
Saturday, February 11th 7pm - 12 Midnight Your $20 Ticket Price Includes Transportation from Uptown, Hors d’oeuvres, Drink and Beer Specials From Host Bar. There will be a Cash Bar on the two story 90’ heated yacht with DJ Spinning and After Party at the Host Bar. SPACE IS LIMITED, SO BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW AT www.Bandtastic.com! Need More Information? Go To ElevateLifestyle.com
elevate lifestyle aWards
the best of the city
culture | dining | entertainment | fashion fitness | lifestyle | nightlife
the vote begins december 5th, 2011
Cast Your Votes Now at facebook.com/elevateLifestyle
What’s in it for you? Simply registering a vote for your favorite will enter you for a chance to win one of the many great prizes. Plus, you’ll be able to say you contributed to the most comprehensive exclusive “Best Of The City” contest to see what makes Charlotte tick.
culture
dining
fitness
entertainment
lifestyle
fashion
nightlife
CAST YOUR VOTE IN SEVEN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES
Then join Elevate Lifestyle as the winners are announced at a massive awards party in April 2012.
HotWorks.org Presents 4th Annual
Charlotte Fine Art Show December 9-11, 2011
™
New Location! Charlotte Convention Center
Marilee Hall, Clay
Friday, Dec 9 11am-7pm; Saturday, Dec 10 & Sunday, Dec 11 10am-5pm $8 admission - three day pass $10; 12 & Under Free
www.HotWorks.org proud sponsor of the Institute for the Arts & Education, Inc. Discounted Patron Parking at LAZ Parking/Charlotte Westin Parking Center $6 Max/ $3 first hour Located Adjacent to Convention Center – must show art show stub upon departure
MAGAZINE
CULTURE best theater company best historical site best art gallery
best big shot photographer best cultural event best museum to view
elevate lifestyle awards
the best of the city
cast yoUr vote Now! facebook.com/elevatelifestyle
DINING best bbq restaurant best low-carb lunch best chips and salsa
best friend chicken best greek restaurant best lakeside dining
elevate lifestyle awards
the best of the city
cast yoUr vote Now! facebook.com/elevatelifestyle
ENTERTAINMENT best comedy club best bowling alley best club dj
best electronics store best limousine company best morning radio show
elevate lifestyle awards
the best of the city
cast yoUr vote Now! facebook.com/elevatelifestyle
FASHION best loungewear best nail salon best spa
best snippiest stylist best tanning salon best unisex boutique
elevate lifestyle awards
the best of the city
cast yoUr vote Now! facebook.com/elevatelifestyle
FITNESS best bike shop best golf course best intramurals
best gym to socialize best personal trainer best sports facility
elevate lifestyle awards
the best of the city
cast yoUr vote Now! facebook.com/elevatelifestyle
LIFESTYLE best antique store best pet grooming best cooking school
best wedding registry best fabric store best exotic florist
elevate lifestyle awards
the best of the city
cast yoUr vote Now! facebook.com/elevatelifestyle
NIGHTLIFE best “in crowd” bar best college hangout best girl’s night out
best party of the year best s.i.n. night best sports bar
elevate lifestyle awards
the best of the city
cast yoUr vote Now! facebook.com/elevatelifestyle
Warm-Up Your Cold Winter Nights
An outdoor fireplace or firepit adds year-round warm and cozy times to the comfort and value of your home! Our environmentally-friendly custom fireplaces are beautiful and architecturally-pleasing additions to your outdoor living space. With Spring just around the corner, this is the perfect time to begin planning and building your new outdoor living spaces and additions. We have some of the region's top creative design specialists on staff who can create a custom outdoor living space that will add years of charm and beauty to your home.
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AWARD WINNING RESTAURANT SINCE 1998 Freshest Seafood In Charlotte USDA Steaks Everything Made From Scratch DAILY DRINK AND FOOD SPECIALS 3 For $30 Menu Every Day THE PERFECT PLACE TO DINE BEFORE ANY GAME OR SHOW New Year’s Eve Celebration Champagne Toast | Light Hors D’oeuvrers Light Music Mon. - Thur. 5:30pm - 10:00pm Fri. & Sat. 5:30pm – 11:00pm 214 N. Tryon Street Parking Validated @ Hearst Tower Reservations Are Recommended 704.370.6776 L AV E C C H I A S . C O M
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NIX’s uses the BEST ingredients and FINEST quality of meat found on the market. ALL NEW WINE, BEER & DRAFT LIST!! SEASONAL AND LOCAL BREWS ADDED WEEKLY
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Purchase a $100 gift card, receive a $20 bonus card. Offer valid through December 24, 2011
Holiday Laser Special Buy One Get One 50% off Mix or Match Laser Hair Removal, Skin Rejuvenation, Skin Tightening and i-Lipo
704.334.8087 www.resalonandmedspa.com 1212 South Boulevard Charlotte,NC |28203
Charlotte’s New Year’s Eve
2012 Parties! Don’t bother spending hundreds of dollars finding a vacation spot elsewhere for New Year’s Eve. Charlotte’s NYE parties are just about ready to ring in 2012, and there’s no shortage of things to do. Elevate’s got the inside track on all the hottest places to go to in Charlotte on December 31. We’ve broken down our top New Year’s venues into three categories: bars and restaurants, clubs and parties, and other events. So check out our New Year’s Eve Guide, pick your perfect itinerary, and have the best New Year’s Eve to remember.
BlackFinn Saloon: The Roaring Twenties Ring in the New Year’s with Black Finn’s Third Annual Roaring Twenties party. Ticket purchases include party favors, champagne toast, and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are available online at FullHouseConcerts.MusicToday.com/FullHouseConcerts/MoreInfo.aspx?event=146454&outlet=9 for $25 before the event and $35 the day of. Tickets are also available at the door for $35. This is a 21+ event with guest DJ. Parking is available at the EpiCentre parking garage. 210 E. Trade St. | 704.971.4440 | BlackFinnCharlotte.com Buckhead Saloon: New Year’s Eve 2012 Come celebrate your New Year’s Eve with Buckhead Saloon. Tickets can be purchased online at www.BuckheadNewYears2012.eventbrite. com for $50 each. Event is from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover includes open bar (nothing excluded), party favors, and champagne toast at midnight. This is a 21+ event. There is parking available on Fifth St. parking garage next to Buckhead. There will be a DJ and live performance by Scott Munns Band. 201 E. Fifth St. | 704.370.0687 | 360Charlotte.com Dilworth Neighborhood Grill: DNG’s Eighth Annual Celebration Each year Dilworth’s Neighborhood Grille is a sold out party. This year they are hosting their Eighth Annual NYE Celebration. There will be four bars with beer, wine and top-shelf liquor. Tickets are available at www.bandtastic.com/DNGNYEParty for an all inclusive fee of $70 + $5 service fee. This includes lavish buffets both upstairs and downstairs, champagne toast at midnight and features DJ Mike D and DK Dynamite. Party starts at 8:30 p.m. and lasts until 1 a.m. Tickets will sell fast so don’t delay. 911 E. Morehead St. | 704.377.3808 | DilworthGrill.com Howl at the Moon: 2012 New Year’s Eve Bash Howl at the Moon is hosting its Fourth Annual New Year’s Eve Bash featuring live entertainment from “The World’s Greatest Dueling Piano Show!” This event begins as early at 6 p.m. and goes to 2 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.HowlCharlotteNYE.eventbrite. com for $25 regular standing room tickets and $80 for VIP sitting. VIP tickets include dinner, party favors, champagne toast and drinks. Howl
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at the Moon is also offering special rates for The Blake hotel for $179 on NYE night –must email Howl at the Moon for this rate. This is a 21+ event with live music. Parking is available at the EpiCentre parking garage. 210 E. Trade St. Suite A308 | 704.936.4695 HowlatTheMoon.com Kennedy’s Premium Bar and Grill: New Year’s Eve 2012 Kennedy’s is hosting their Second Annual New Year’s Eve party. Covers are $60 for ladies and $70 for gentlemen, which include open bar, hors d’oeuvres, party favors and champagne toast at midnight. Open bar includes top shelf from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.KennedysNewYears2012.eventbrite.com. This is a 21+ event. There will be a DJ. Parking can be found on the parking lot by Kennedy’s or at Pecan Point Shopping Center. 366 N. Caswell Rd. | 704.375.0218 | KennedysCharlotte.com Lavecchia’s: New Year’s Eve Menu Special Come enjoy a great meal or appetizers and drinks at Lavecchia’s before you begin your New Year’s Eve adventures. They are having their special New Year’s Eve menu featuring some of their most delicious choices like Lobster Spring Roll appetizer, Poached Pear Salad, Maple & Black Pepper Glazed Pork Tenderloin, and Key Lime Crumb Cake. Parking is available at Hearst Tower Garage. 214 N. Tryon St. | 704.370.6776 | LaVecchias.com Libretto’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen Located in the main plaza of the EpiCentre, Libretto’s is the place to stop by before your endless night of NYE party begins or after since it will be opened until 4 a.m. Libretto’s offers authentic NYC pizzas, as well as a full menu of Italian classics. It was voted the Best Pizza by Elevate Lifestyle readers in 2010 and 2011. Delivery is available. 210 E. Trade St. Suite D-164 | 704.971.9088 | LibrettosPizzeria.com
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Mez and Kazba: Fourth Annual Black Tie Ball Mez and Kazba present the largest and most upscale New Year’s Eve party in Charlotte. Tickets are $40 before the event and $50 the day of and can be purchased online at their website. Ticket includes party favors. VIP is available. Open bar tickets are $120 before December 27 and $140 after. There’s a cocktail or formal attire dress code. This is a 21+ event with special guest DJs. Parking is available at the EpiCentre parking deck. 210 E. Trade St. | 704.971.2400 | MezCharlotte.com | KazbaCharlotte.com Nix Burger and Brew Come see us before the ball drops for some burgers and drinks. Nix Burger and Brew is open until 11 p.m. Parking is available at Fifth Third Bank garage. 201 N. Tryon St. | 704.347.2739 | NixBurger.com Prohibition: New Year’s Eve 2012 Come out to Prohibition’s open bar New Year’s celebration with all you can drink beer and liquor. There will be a special guest DJ Supa Skip. Base ticket is $60 for purchases before December 20. This includes open bar from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. There is also VIP package available that starts at 8 p.m. with appetizers for $80. There are tables available for a party of 12 for $500 and comes with four bottles of champagne and party favors for the reserved area. More information is included on their Web site. Parking is available at the Parking Hearst Tower or Fifth Third Bank garage. 200 N. Tryon St. | 704.358.4244 | Prohibition.com Ragin Luxury Yacht: Ragin Rudder NYE Yacht Cruise & Party Come jump aboard the Luxury Yacht for not your typical NYE party. This is the second annual, and last year was a blast. The boat is heated so need to worry about the cold. Everyone will meet up at The Rudder from 6 to 7:30 p.m and then proceed to the dock and party till 11 p.m. on the yacht. Then the post party will be back at The Rudder from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. The cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door if any tickets are left. That price includes light appetizers’, drink specials and a champagne toast at The Rudder. If you need more info call the number below. 20210 Henderson Road, Cornelius | 704.451.7433 | RaginUptown.com
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StrikeCity: Strike in the New Year Bowl for just $20.12 per hour this New Year’s Eve at StrikeCity. There will be a DJ playing all night from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. Bowling includes shoe rentals, complimentary champagne toast, and party favors. You can purchase tickets at StrikeCity. This is a 21+ event. Parking is available at EpiCentre parking deck. 210 E. Trade St. | 704.716.9300 StrikeCityCharlotte.com Suite: Black Tie Affair Suite, the club that redefined nightlife in the Queen City, wants to redefine your New Year’s Eve. Join Suite for an evening of social sophistication as you surround yourself with old and new friends alike during their Black Tie Affair. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the night goes on until 2 a.m. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at Suite. Cover includes party favors and champagne toast. This is a 21+ event. There is parking available at EpiCentre. Celebrity guest is to be determined. There will be a DJ at the event. 210 E. Trade St. | 704.971.7878 SuiteCharlotte.com The Comedy Zone: Laugh in the New Year’s Come to the NC Music Factory for it’s annual NYE comedy shows. This year there will be 2 big comedy shows with headliner John Wesley Austin from CMT. Other special guests are Sirius XM Radio, Bob & Sheri and Bob & Tom. An early bird show starts at 8 p.m. featuring an all-inclusive dinner and show package as well as the traditional
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Late-Nite party show at 10:15 p.m. featuring a special shared dessert, champagne toast, party favors, and the Time Square Ball Drop on TV. The 8 p.m. dinner and show packages are $45 for general admission and $47.50 for Gold Circle seats. The 10:15 p.m. dessert, champagne and party package is $40 for general admission and $42.50 for Gold Circle seats. Show only tickets are also available for both shows. Just show tickets are $20 for general admission and $22.50 for Gold Circle seat for the 8 p.m. show; and, $30 for general admission and $32.50 for Gold Circle seat for the 10:15 show. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the early show and 9:45 for the late show. Group ticket rates are available for parties of 12 or more; you save $5 per ticket on the packages. No discounts on show only tickets. You can purchase tickets online or by phone. The early show is 18+ and the late show is 21+ event. There is free parking at the NC Music Factory. There is also live music upstairs at the Saloon after the show. 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. | 980.321.4702 | CLTComedyZone.com TILT: New Year’s Eve 2012 For $60, enjoy Tilt’s NYE Open Bar. It includes everything but shots, which are $2 a piece. Cover also includes champagne toast and party favors. From 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., come party with DJ Precise. This event is 21+ with an expected age range from 21 to 44. You can buy purchase your tickets at Tilt. Parking is on Marriot Center City Hotel. 127 W. Trade St. | 704.347.4870 | TiltOnTrade.com Town Tavern: New Year’s Eve 2012 Ring in the New Year’s at Town Tavern! Event goes from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. Tickets are available online at www.BandTastic.com/TownTavernCharlotteNYE2012 for $65 for ladies and $75 for men. Tickets include hors d’oeuvres, open bar, party favors, and champagne toast. This is a 21+ event with a DJ. Parking is available at Hearst Tower. 200 N. Tryon St. | 704.334.3324 | TownTavernCharlotte.com VIDA: New Year’s Eve Menu Special Come enjoy one of Charlotte’s best seafood experiences at VIDA before you begin your New Year’s Eve adventures. They are having their special New Year’s Eve menu featuring some of their most delicious choices like Oyster on the Half Shell with a Serrano Mignonette appe-
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tizer ($2.35 A La Carte $10), Grilled Maine Lobster with Crab Avocado Salad and Lemon Butter ($11.24 A La Carte $34), and top it off with White Chocolate Crème Brulee with Heath Bar Crunch (A La Carte $7). 210 E. Tryon St. Suite A104 704.971.8432 | VidaCantina.com Whisky River: Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Party Whiskey River is hosting a Studio 54 themed New Year’s Eve party with complimentary appetizers, party favors, and champagne toast at midnight. Event tickets are available for purchase online at their website for $30 pre-sale and $35 on the day of. Tickets are also available at the door for $35. There will be a DJ. This is a 21+ event. Parking is available at the EpiCentre parking deck. 210 E. Trade St. Suite A208 | 704.749.1097 TheWhiskeyRiver.com/Charlotte Wild Wing Café – Ayrsley: New Year’s Eve @ Wild Wing Café If you don’t want to spend a lot on cover charges this New Year’s Eve celebration, come out to the Wild Wing Café’s annual New Year’s bash. Covers are only $5 bought on site. There will be giveaway prizes and drink specials from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover charge includes champagne toast and party favors. There will be live music by Brent Cates. Expected age crowd is from 25 to 44. There will be parking available onsite. 2132 Ayrsley Town Blvd. | 980.297.7000 | WildWingCafe.com Wild Wing Café – Epicentre: Wingin in the New Year Wing your way to Wild Wing Café at Epicentre this New Year’s Eve. Event starts at 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. Call Wild Wing for more details on cover charges. Event includes party favors, champagne toast and will host a DJ and live music. This is a 21+ event. There will be parking available at EpiCentre garage. 210 E. Trade St. Suite D262 | 704.716.9464 | WildWingCafe.com Jinny Oh
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ONCE IN-A-LIFETIME Elevate’s December issue is all about travel and ringing in the New Year! While people vacation to relax, others travel to see new sights and experience new things – and dining should definitely be one of those new things. While taste of new foods should be the top of your list, don’t forget the atmosphere. The weirdest options are some of the best and the craziest wait staff can make your experience. Check out a few picks of the most unique places to wine, dine and try an once-in-a-lifetime cultural shock.
Chill Out Quoz, Dubai While Carolinians shutter at the thought of cold weather, Dubai welcomes it as the country is known for hot and dry weather. This made Dubai the perfect home for Chill Out, the only ice lounge located in the Middle East. Opened in June 2007, everything in the restaurant is sculpted of solid ice, from the furniture to the décor to the silverware. Patrons are served mocktails (no alcohol is available) or hot chocolate in cups of ice while dining on soups, salads and skewered meats. Your entry fee of AED 60, which equals $16, includes plenty of winter wear to bundle up. And you’ll need it. The temperature is kept at a cool 21 degrees. NINJA New York, New York At NINJA restaurant in New York, it’s not just about the food but also all about the show. Step out of the streets of New York and into the ancient days of Japan as the eatery is laid out as a complexity of mazes and contraptions. Servers are dressed in traditional ninja attire, real swords included, and are trained in a variety of moves and hand signals. Don’t be surprised to see a ninja greet you at the door by dropping in from the ceiling or to hear two ninjas screaming across the
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restaurant before battling. And while the show must be impressive, so must the food. The crab salad is a popular dish served laid upon half a grapefruit with a sword piercing the middle. Remove the sword and watch as billows of smoke from dry ice pour onto the table. Dinner in the Sky Brussels-based, Available in 35 countries Love high-class cuisine? How about high-sky cuisine? Dinner in the Sky gives you both as your table of 22 guests are lifted 50 meters in the air and served a variety of drinks and dishes. Guests are strapped into their seats around the edges as a chef, server and entertainer handles all the rest in the middle of the platform. The view is up to you as Dinner in the Sky can be rented in 35 different countries and can re-locate to your desired destination. Yet, if you just wish to be a guest, Dinner in the Sky will be taking reservations for seats when they lifted the table above the capitol of Brussels for four weeks in June and July 2012. Cabbages and Condoms Bangkok, Thailand Cabbages and Condoms is a modern, trendy restaurant that mixes the owners love for food and safe sex. No joke. Order a coffee and you’ll get cream and a condom served on the side. The restaurant is adorned with hanging lights and sex toys, and feel free to grab a drink at the always popular Vasectomy Bar. The staff promises to serve up good food at a good price and tells patrons “our food is guaranteed not to cause pregnancy”. And as funny as it may be, C&C is serious about safe sex as a portion of the proceeds are donated to an AIDS prevention group. 54
Annalakshmi Singapore One of Singapore’s most popular vegetarian restaurants, Annalakshmi believes it’s not only the food you eat but the ambiance around the food that makes it taste good. The restaurant is decorated with four thousand years of Indian culture in mind and promotes this as a cultural dining experience. Yet it’s not the atmosphere that makes this place so unique. Annalakshmi’s trademark is “eat til your heart’s content, then pay what your heart feels”. That’s right, there are no prices on the menu and at the meal’s end, customers pay according to what they feel is worthy. Same goes for the tip since servers are there on a voluntary basis. While this method works out quite well for diners, it has worked well for the restaurant as well who has been open for 15 years. Ithaa Undersea Rangalifinolhu, Maldives Dine with the fish 16 feet below sea level at the city’s most popular restaurant. Ithaa Underwater will give you just that as you travel under the waves of the Indian Ocean to dine with a panoramic view of the ocean, in a restaurant shaped like a tunnel. The restaurant houses only 14 seats but has been talked about for it’s stellar menu of seasonal dishes as well as the amazing view. Visitors can also rent the restaurant overnight to sleep below the sea life. Nikki Wilson, Dining Editor 55
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Strategies for a Healthy Holiday Travel Season! It’s holiday season and with Thanksgiving all gobbled up, it’s time to look ahead for the remaining few weeks of 2011. With the December holidays quickly arriving on the horizon, there will be plenty of opportunities to continue having drinks and eats in good company. However, what about all those extra calories? There will be plenty of opportunities to squeeze in some workouts whether you are traveling away or sticking around. Although training harder is always an option, with the tricky intersection of holiday events, impending work deadlines before the New Year and travel plans, training and eating smarter is definitely a consideration you should remember. If you have been on track with your training goals, take advantage of this final junction of the year
to steam ahead‌finishing the year strong and entering 2012 with fresh momentum, ahead of the curve of the perennial New Years resolution enthusiasts. If traveling on the road for the holidays, here are a few methods to keep yourself in shape and focused: No matter where you are staying, research and find out what exercise equipment and space is available. If staying at a hotel, this should be easy to research with the internet. If staying with friends/family, find out if anyone works out regularly and see if you can plan to tag along. It is something fun for you to do together, challenge each other and perhaps swap different training concepts by trying something new. Plant the idea in advance that you are going to exercise.
Pack workout clothes, footwear and equipment. Do not put it at the bottom of your suitcase/bag either‌ make it obvious and visible by stashing it at the top. This should serve as an instant reminder when you arrive at your destination and begin unpacking: get some activity! If you have time, to get even a quick 15 - 20 minutes of activity in, go for it. Do not procrastinate and get on it right away. When traveling, plans can quickly change on
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the fly, so use your free time wisely. Remember: the first workout will be mentally the hardest but it gets much easier after that. If you have just arrived and finished traveling either by car or plane, one thing is for sure: you have been sitting. Sitting is one of the most physiologically inactive things you can do. New research into “sedentary physiology� links individuals who chronically sit on a daily basis for prolonged periods to higher rates of mortality! To re-energize yourself and kick start your metabolism back up: try a short work out at the minimum (even something as simple as walking) for 10-20 minutes. Your body will thank you! If you do bring equipment, bring something you know how to use well (eg. Suspension trainer, door-mountable pull up bar, resistance bands, jump rope etc) and packs easily via car or plane. There is also some research to support that if you are jet lagged, exercise is a good way to help acclimate to the new time zone. After the exercise, your body will more easily transition to sleep for that evening where you are. Grab a friend/partner to work out with. This keeps you both entertained, motivated and challenged. Better yet, look up a nearby gym, studio, Crossfit to see if you can join in for a few days. Use it as a learning opportunity to find out what different training settings offer and to teach your body something new. If there is less equipment or none available at all, you will have to be creative and perhaps try some new things to adapt. At
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the minimum, exercises including planks, pilates, yoga, squats/ lunges, push ups, plyometrics, running/walking do not require equipment at all. Have fun with it. It may not be your usual routine but remember: some exercise is always better than none.
If you are severely short on time, try short interval training. Decrease your rest time between exercises (remember to preserve good form) or increase your resistance to challenge yourself. There is research to show that short sprint durations (30 seconds to 1 minute) of high intensity cardiovascular exercise (multiple repetitions, of course) can equate to physiological benefits for your muscles and heart similar to longer duration runs. Remember: enjoy it and have fun. When you get back home or return to your normal training routine, it will make the transition that much easier. Have a safe and happy holiday! We’ll see you in 2012. Yours in wellness, Dr. Ryan Shum, Health and Fitness Columnist
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SECOND ANNUAL RAGIN’ RUDDER
NEW YEAR’S EVE YACHT CRUISE & PARTY DECEMBER 31, 2011 - 8:00 - 11:00 $20 BY DEC 30TH / $25 @ THE DOOR YACHT BOARDS @ 7:30
FROM THE RUSTY RUDDER
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LIGHT APPS & DRINK SPECIALS ALL NIGHT
CHAMPAGNE TOAST & BALL DROP @ THE RUSTY RUDDER PRE PARTY @ THE RUDDER FROM 6PM POST PARTY UNTIL 2AM GROUPS OF 20 OR MORE INQUIRE ABOUT TRANSPORTATION
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NEW YEARS EVE
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DilWORTH NEiGHBORHOOD GRillE’S 8th ANNUAl CElEBRATiON Saturday, december 31, 2011 8:30pm – 1:00am $70 + $5 Service fee tHiS price iS aLL iNcLuSive ticketS are oN SaLe Now at neighborhoodgrille.ticketssoeasy.com
dNG Nye factoidS • Each Year, This Event Has Sold Out! • There will be Four (4) Bars • Each Bar has Beer, Wine and Top-shelf Liquor • Lavish Buffets Up and Downstairs – Can You Say Steak Kabob? • Champagne Toast at Midnight • (2) DJ’s This Year : DJ Mike D and DJ Dynamite ticketS wiLL SeLL faSt! do Not deLay!
caLL Now to book your XmaS party!
911 E Morehead St # 200 704.377.3808 NeighborhoodGrille.com
NYE destination hot spots The end of the year is approaching and for most of you that means scouring to find the biggest, best and brightest NYE locations to ring in 2012. Think of Elevate as your own personal zaggat guide as we put the hard work of research prep into an organized cheat sheet of the finest NYE celebrations, world-wide, at your very own fingertips. In no particular order, here are the top 5 locations we found that are sure to fulfill that travel desire as well as entice your fantasies of NYE parties of unsurpassed grandeur.
Prague Party Boats, club nights, beer halls and pub crawls make up what is sure to be an eventful New Years Eve for all parties involved in the land of the Czech Republic. If that isn’t enough try a competing firework display over Prague Castle and the Vltava River. You can watch the pyrotechnics from the top of a Party Boat or from historic bridges such as the Charles Bridge or high on Petrin Hill; both offer amazing panoramic views of the entertainment. Old Town Square revels in the holiday spirit for families while at night the party truly begins with music and dancing.
Accommodation Suggestion: The Florentina Ship Hotel is a large, refurbished river cruiser, moored in the Old Town, in the very heart of Prague.
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Sao Paulo, Brazil Reveillon is the biggest of all the New Year parties in Sao Paulo, which takes place on the Avenida Paulista with roughly two million people. This is a large part of the metropolitan area where the crowd is able to gather together. People tend to bring their own bottles for toasting and for stage where musicians and DJs help rally the crowd leading up to midnight. Picture the ultimate white-attire party (symbolizing peace), massive firework displays and beach celebrations. With a city that warrants NYE as one of the most important holidays of the entire year, any tourist is sure to find the festivities, which are held in a variety of locales from nightclubs to the streets, thoroughly enjoyable. Accommodation Suggestion: TRYP Sao Paulo Iguatemi Hotel is a business-friendly hotel located near the heart of attractions, is sleek and still moderately priced for any traveler. Las Vegas, Nevada If you plan on partying it up for the New Year, why not go to the party capital of the world, Las Vegas. The classic strip is transformed to a pedestrian party that lasts well beyond midnight, while the hotels that are erected to entertain pull out all the stops for a night you will never forget. The best part about planning your trip to Vegas is that you can usually score some deals, making your trek to the promised party land a little less pricey than some of the afore mentioned destinations. Accommodation Suggestion: Just make sure to stay on the strip, that is where the most action is and all offer a type of appeal that is synonymous with an adult playground. Orange County, California Take it back with Orange County’s celebratory tradition of a block party for NYE. Who doesn’t like an old-fashioned neighborhood block party, especially one that combines a county fair? Lucky attendees have the fortunate entertainment of fairground rides like the “Super Drop” which in the past has served as the actual “ball drop” to welcome the new year. The evening features tribute bands, the finest food truck food, dancing and entertainment. For
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an evening of perfect weather and low-key, California-cool attraction, join in the festivities down in the OC. Accommodation Suggestion: Hotel Menage Anaheim Boutique Hotel, excellent views and an outdoor poolside bar. Need we say more?
Toronto, Ontario For a more family vibe with some diversity, travel to Toronto where you can pick from a huge selection of spots in their Entertainment District or celebrate in Phillips Square for a fantastic venue filled with performers and shows over the course of three days. For an added bonus, hit up Niagara Falls, an attraction that draws more than eight million visitors a year. The beauty of the falls is sure to be an experience that lasts a lifetime while simultaneously combining two trips in one! Accommodation Suggestion: Marriott Toronto Downtown Eaton Centre, is one of the premier hotels conveniently located in the heart of downtow. Claire Cilip, author of Dine-and-Dash (www.dine-and-dash.com)
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the fun ship DEBRA’S 2012 TOP DESTINATION PICK With all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season winding down, planning your next destination travel adventure can be the highlight of the new year. Our Elevate Lifestyle Destination Issue is one of my favorites. I love to share with YOU, our valued readers, destinations that will leave you longing for more and wishing you had just one extra day before returning back to reality. My goal was to recommend a vacation that you could enjoy without spending an entire day on an airplane or in the car, so that your week’s vacation was just that, an entire week. I will now unveil my “top pick” for the ultimate “Fantasy” vacation: Carnival Fantasy 7‐Day Cruise Ship that ports out of Charleston, South Carolina and is within easy driving distance from North and South Carolina.
Carnival Cruise Line is the most successful passenger shipping company ever and carries one in four cruise passengers worldwide today. Once you cruise with Carnival, you are hooked. The ability to drive to the port of call makes this vacation affordable for families, groups of friends and even weddings. The catch phrase is “The Fun Ship” and that is an understatement. Last summer I cruised on the newest and largest ship, The Dream. Yes, it had all of the bells and whistles of grandness and carried 3,600 passengers. As I boarded the Fantasy this summer, I was not expecting to be mesmerized by the staff and by the ship itself as the ship is older and smaller. Was I ever wrong! I love people, so having the opportunity to meet so many amazing passengers (well not all of the 2,056 of them) made me realize why I love America. The melting pot of unique individuals is what made this ship so much fun. My week aboard the Fantasy was one of the best weeks of my life. My daughter Alexis and I had a “girls only” getaway and I give this experience a five-star plus rating. Fun In The Sun – The Lido deck is where the action is. You can lay by the pool with a constant replacement of umbrella‐ laden cocktails as you listen to a live band or you can retreat to the Serenity (the adults‐only sun deck) for quiet time in the sun. At night you can enjoy a broadway type show, dance the night away at a disco or try your hand in the casino. No rules – just lots of F.U.N. 71
Dining – The dining experience is what truly makes the cruise spectacular. I dine out quite often and my family refers to me as a food snob but I loved and looked forward to each and every nightly seating. Oswaldo was our main server and he greeted “The Kennedy Girls” with a smile and the excitement
of what our selections were for the night. The food was amazing which I still find hard to believe given the fact of how many guests are served in a short period of time. There was always entertainment in the dining room and we were honored to have Desi, the only female Maitre D’ for Carnival. She was beautiful, friendly and made each and every guest feel right at home. During the day you can eat as much as you want (my suggestion is to pace yourself) at the themed buffets, sushi bar, pizza bar or room service. 72
Ports of Call – You enjoy three full fun days at sea, Nassau, the Bahamas, Grand Turk and Carnival’s own Island, Half Moon Cay. You can enjoy fun excursions or just relax on one of the beaches. You are in charge of your perfect vacation. Cabins – Spacious and comfortable. The bathrooms are roomy as well with shower, hair dryer and a basket of complimentary toiletries. Ocean-view staterooms and suites offer a minibar and bathrobes. And the best part is the magical room service that happens daily with the towel characters placed on your bed nightly. Overall Experience – The price you pay for the never-ending fun on this ship is worth every penny. Mark Hoffman, the Hotel Director runs one of the best ships sailing the waters today. The flawless execution and the quick turn around time between each sailing speaks volumes for Mark and his team. We left the cruise as happy as when we boarded and I know you will too. I give you my personal promise that you will be talking about your fun cruise on The Fantasy and thanking me for this Destination travel adventure review. Give Oswaldo and Desi my love in the dining room. Happy Travels, Debra A. Kennedy, Fashion Editor Debrakennedyshow.com 73
BOOK YOUR PARTY FOR DECEMBER 2011
SOME CALL IT AMATEUR NIGHT The clanking of crystal, the sound of people puking, random strangers swapping spit- yes this may be a normal Tuesday night for some but for most people these are all the sounds of New Years Eve. Crazy, 2012 is already here! To think that the millennium was 12 years ago and that I could have a 12-year-old child running around calling me daddy is crazy and another reason I haven’t been back to the city of New Orleans. Each year my responsibilities get bigger and I start to go to bed earlier…normally with no sex. But not NYE! Some call it amateur night but I don’t care. I call it a night to raise hell and to do everything I wouldn’t do on a normal night! I’m not waking up in my own bed or in Gastonia with a strange girl I met at The Waffle House this New Years. For one I’m spoken for and two this NYE falls on a Saturday of all nights. This means one to two nights to recover as well as extra travel
days for a unique out of town NYE celebration. Thanks to the help of my friend Erik who has more stamps on his passport then athlete handprints on a Kardashian’s ass, these cities listed will leave you with nothing but the best NYE celebration of your life! Let’s start with a U.S destination. Sin city, we all know the saying, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” (except for the herpes.) What other city in the States parties like a rock star every night let alone NYE. No matter where you are in Vegas expect to celebrate New Years for every time zone. 9 p.m? I’m hammered sucking face screaming Happy New
Years! 11 p.m.? I’m hammered sucking face screaming Happy New Years! Midnight? I’m hammered sucking face screaming Happy New Years -- wait I do this in Charlotte for NYE too, only here I have thousands of people following my lead. Getting here is no problem only a few hour flight with deals constantly running. The parties?? To list would cut in to my drinking time, too many! 77
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand. And boy does she on NYE. Actually over 2 million people do here, thongs and dongs all erupting to a 24 hour party on the beach!
The biggest New Years party in Rio de Janeiro, and in fact one of the biggest outdoor New Years celebrations in the world, takes place at the famous Copacabana Beach. Plenty of luxury hotels offer NYE packages. Definitely get your night started at the amazing Copacabana outdoor event and then see where the kooky night takes you. On a side note, it is the middle of the summer now in Rio, so you can get your tan on in the middle of the winter! Sydney, Australia. Sure it’s a hike mate but the firework display on the harbor here will have you hallucinating fireworks all the way back home to the states. Several affordable cruise companies offer cruises around the harbor which is where you need to stay towards. Sydney’s annual Shore Thing party along Bondi beach will host Snoop Dog and world class DJ’s this NYE. Glebe Island will be hosting several concerts with 78
well known bands too so check out the line ups and attend what music you want to dance and forget to and go from there. Screw the shrimp, your liver and brain cells will be on barbie after leaving here! Edinburgh, Scotland. Hogmanay baby! Hogmanay means “great love day” but in Scotland it means “It’s New Years, lets party!” Either or sounds fun to me. Expect four days of non stop parting, That’s right FOUR DAYS! Each night is broken down to a tradition, starting on the 30th with a torch light procession. Bonfires fill the city nightly which is where the late night parties can be found. And talking about a NYE celebration view? Fireworks over the Edinburgh castle? Edinburgh is arguably the biggest and best NYE party in world. On the official New Years day be sure to be at the Street Party or the Concert In The Gardens- or both! Any feedback or QC night life happenings you think are Elevate worthy that I should share with the QC? seanf@ElevateLifestyle.com. Cheers! Sean Flynn, Nightlife Editor 79
Dandelion Market provides Uptown Charlotte with a place for friends and family to gather and enjoy the best in food and drink, served with a smile. Call to book your Holiday Party!
Open 7 days a week from 11am-2am, serving lunch, brunch and our signature small plates dinner menu. We offer a full bar featuring 24 craft beers on draft and our 25 bottle wine list, each priced at $25.
704.333.7989 | 118 West Fifth St. | Charlotte 28202
DandelionMarketCharlotte.com Dandelion Market
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Come join us at the newly renovated Tyber Creek Pub, brand new kitchen with a new menu, great specials, live music sunday nights & dj’s on the weekends.
TyberCreek.com Keep Informed of All Our Happenings
1933 South Blvd. | Charlotte 28203 P 704-343-2727 | F 704-343-9395
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Elevate Lifestyle Eight Year Anniversary Celebration
D E T N A W INTERNS We are seeking internship candidates who are currently enrolled and seeking school credit for the spring semester. Juniors and seniors with a marketing interest and background are especially encouraged to apply. Hours are 1020 hours a week, and please note, this is an unpaid internship. This internship could lead to a full time position if you are the right candidate. E-mail cover letter, and resume to steve@ElevateLifestyle.com Deadline to apply is December 8th
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ONCE IN A THOUSAND YEARS PARTY
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