May2014

maY 2014

Pint Central Food Truck Friday’s Walking Food Tours

7th Street Market BB&T BallPark May On Montford

MIDWEEK ON

eat DRINK play

getting you over the hump EVERY WEDNESDAY STARTING MAY 7

CRAFT BEER SPECIALS • COCKTAIL SPECIALS FOOD SPECIALS* • BOWLING • TRIVIA LIVE MUSIC • GIVEAWAYS

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Wine Wednesday Half Price Bottles Of Wine *Any Bottle Under $40 Featured Red & White Wine $4 Bud Family Bottles $2 Orange Kamikaze Shots $5 Small Bites Menu $4 Calamari | Wings (5) Buffalo Shrimp Fried Asparagus Cajun Chicken Eggroll Hummus w/Pita Points Spinach & Artichoke Dip Fried Pickles | BBQ Chicken Chips Crab Cake Balls

Rivergate Shopping Center 14142 Rivergate Parkway Charlotte, NC 28273 704.504.8888 Stonecrest Shopping Center 7828 E Rea Rd. Charlotte, NC 28277 704.543.8587 Southpark Mall 4331 Barclay Downs Dr. Charlotte, NC 28209 704.442.4000

City-Tavern.com

Look Marvelous for May

Relax and Renew: HydraFacial + Brow Wax + Botox (up to 25 units): ONLY $349!

Restore and Volumize: Purchase 1 Syringe of Juvederm, Receive FREE Botox (up to 20 units): ONLY $549!

Carolina Age Management Institue Birkdale Village [Above Red Rocks CafĂŠ] 8712 Lindholm Drive - Suite 302 - Huntersville, NC 28078 carolinaagemanagement.com | Phone: 704-869-2445

CENTRAL

CENTRAL

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publisher’s note I would like to thank everyone for coming out to our Seventh Annual Elevate Lifestyle 2014 “THE BEST OF THE CITY” and the Elevate Your Spring Style Fashion Show on Tuesday, April 8th at Rooftop 210 in the EpiCentre. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all of our sponsors for this awesome event!

I hope all is well with everyone; this month’s issue is our annual Bon Appétit Guide…so if you’re not hungry now, you certainly will be once you finish reading all the great articles on 7th Street Market, Food Truck Fridays, Walking Food Tours and Elevate’s TOP PICKS for some of Charlotte BEST Restaurants. Then, you can wash it all down by reading BY THE PINT to learn all the latest and greatest when it comes to beer!

Now with the nice spring weather here FINALLY, it’s the perfect time for some outdoor fun. Elevate Lifestyle has partnered up with Icehouse Bar & Grill in South End for Weekend Warmup every Thursday in May, which is benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Then, at the EpiCentre, you have Alive After Five on Thursdays which goes on through the summer. On Fridays in May and June you’ll have FRIDAY LIVE! at the NC Music Factory and in the Southpark area at Piedmont Towne Center, you have Concerts In The Round every Friday in May. For more information on these events or others you can always go to ElevateLifestyle.com or LIKE us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

Until next month, Steve Caldwell

Saturday, June 7th 2014 2pm - 10pm Family Friendly • Bounce House • Raffle Silent Auction • Cornhole Tournament Local & Regional Brews BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW: TICKETSSOEASY.COM/SBMF 366 North Caswell Road, Charlotte 28204 704.375.0218 • KennedysCharlotte.com

Publisher Steve Caldwell Editor Telisha Wheeler Creative Director Greg Smith Design and Production Greenspon Advertising Cover Photo Image Photography: Jim Merrill, JMT Photography JMTFoto.com Model: Emily Armstrong Hair and Makeup: Angela Rabon Advertising, Sponsorship, And Website Sales Information Christie Hannula, Christi@ElevateLifestyle.com Steve Caldwell, Steve@ElevateLifestyle.com Contributing Editors Adam Williams | Bradley Rhyne | Brandon Russell Brian DeBrun | David Sentendrey | Debra Kennedy Gregory Lawrence | Jay Johnson | Jacob St. John | Julie Tache Lauren Nguyen | Stan Owings | Steve Caldwell TekaRose | The Squishy Monster | Troy Adams Contributing Photographers CM Photography, Backprint.com/CMPhoto Cris Anler Photography and Design, CrisAnlerDesign.com Green Valley Photography, GreenValleyPhoto.biz Johnny Perez, Jammin JP Production TrueBlue Promotions

“The Winners Are Revealed”

Friday, June 13th 8pm - 11pm @ SUITE Please RSVP@ElevateLifestyle.com

by Wednesday, June 11th ElevateLifestyle.com

SUITECharlotte.com

contents may 2014

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The Trend Report

A Night At The Ballpark

28 34 40

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CAMI - Defying Gravity

By The Pint Pint Cental

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Walking Food Tours

Food Truck Fridays

7th Street Market

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May On Montford

Elevate’s Top Picks

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CANNED C R A F T B E E R F E S T I VA L June 28th, 2014 - 1PM til 5PM 1627 Montford Drive Charlotte 28209

who sAys hAPPiNEss DoEsN’T CoME iN A CAN?

CANsRECyClEDBEERFEsT.CoM

CAROLINA AGE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE - Defying Gravity

By Debra Kennedy, Lifestyle Editor Age Management Medicine is one of the fastest growing medical specialties worldwide and CAMI (Carolina Age Management Institute) is making a positive presence with their “Fountain of Youth” facility located in Birkdale Village in Huntersville, NC. CAMI is a unique hybrid between a traditional clinical environment and a medical spa in that all the services offered are medical grade. The setting is very comfortable and the offices look like you are stepping into the most prestigious facility in LA or NYC. Dr. Stephen Giordano truly cares about the future of medicine and is a visionary. He is the poster boy for “Results Driven Procedures” and is committed to making people of all shapes and sizes feel better. Dr. Giordano is a graduate of West Virginia University, received his medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Erie, PA. He completed his internship in internal medicine at Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, in Pittsburgh, PA and his residency in internal medicine at St. John

West Shore Hospital in Westlake, Ohio. He is a modern day explorer that has found ways to age well, feel great and love life!

The team at CAMI includes Dr. Mahdi Ajjan, Denise Curtis, PA, Beth Craft, LE, and Rachel Denton, LE. Denise is a graduate of the Wake Forest University Physician’s Assistant program. Denise has over 15 years of experience in the cosmetic medicine field, and is one of the very first Botox and dermal filler injectors in NC. Denise is an expert in all types of laser treatments as well.

Beth and Rachel are tops in their field of medical aesthetics and specialize helping your skin glow with treatments like HydraFacial, chemical peels, and laser hair reduction.

CAMI offers skin rejuvenation at its finest with BBL (Broad Band Light or IPL), PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) – a much sought after revolutionary new treatment for removing scars and restoring lost volume. Other fantastic and popular treatments CAMI offers include NeoGraft for hair restoration, dermal fillers for facial creases and wrinkles, laser hair removal, TCA peels, and of course Botox!!

Vanquish Fat Reduction is a new player in the arena and all the buzz is circulating on this amazing new treatment. I first heard about it as Whoopi Goldberg received the treatment on a recent segment on The

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View. Whoopi never endorses anything and when I heard her say, “It works,” I was sold. Vanquish is a machine that delivers energy selectively into the tissue by focusing the RF energy into fat layers, while restricting the delivery of high heat elsewhere; all of this with NO burning or blistering. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you want to fit into those skinny jeans or get beach ready, this is your secret weapon. With four 30-minute treatments, you will be camera ready, beach ready and skinny jeans ready. No down time, affordable and results driven, I call this a triple win!

CAMI is fully staffed with a professional, friendly team who make you feel welcomed the second you walk into the office. This facility truly has something for everyone.

Check out their website at CarolinaAgeManagement.com and you will be amazed at all of their offerings. You never know who you might run into as they have many athletes and celebrities as clients. The wonderful thing about CAMI is that YOU are treated like a celebrity when you arrive as they follow Dr. Giordano’s vision of “Medicine is an art that needs talent behind it” and CAMI sure has a lot of talent!

Carolina Age Management 8712 Lindholm Dr. S302, Huntersville NC 28078 | 704.997.6530

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ElEvatE gEts social.

CONNECT WITH US! Find us online for the latest in entertainment, dining, fashion, and nightlife in Charlotte.

ElevateLifestyle ElevateCharlotte @ElevateLifestyle @ElevateCLT ElevateLifestyle ElevateLifestyle.com

The Trend Report

FASHION SPOTLIGHT on Charlotte Fashionista, Lori Coen-Terrell This month I sat down with one of Charlotte’s hottest fashion trendsetters.

Lori Coen-Terrell has been taking the city by storm for years with her super cool, super chic vintage style. This girl loves fashion so much that she even spent part of her career in NYC as Store Director of the incredibly cool Betsy Johnson boutique in Soho. After her time in NYC, she returned to the Queen City and we are so grateful to have such an amazing fashion goddess among us. Lori and I met at Carpe Diem for some apps and cocktails to discuss everything fashion! Check out what she had to say: Stan Owings: Who is your fashion inspiration?

Lori Coen-Terrell: Diane Krueger SO: What is the fashion must-have for Spring?

LCT: Cigarette pants and the boyfriend jean

SO: Who is your favorite fashion designer?

LCT: Chanel and Dior. They are both classic and unmistakable!

SO: You love vintage clothing, what is the draw?

LCT: Vintage clothes are unique. You won’t see everyone in the same thing and I find the cuts are flattering.

SO: If you could only have one accessory, what would it be?

LCT: A silver cuff (bracelet) SO: Who is your favorite stylist?

LCT: Rachel Zoe SO: You lived in NYC, what is the biggest difference between fashion in NYC and Charlotte?

LCT: NYC is always ahead of the trend. It takes a lot longer for those trends to hit Charlotte. I also feel New Yorkers take more fashion risks!

SO: What’s your favorite spring fashion trend?

LCT: The Mod 60’s look.

SO: If stranded on an island what fashion item would you have to have? What makeup item?

LCT: “UNSEEN VOGUE” the secret history of fashion photography (coffee table book). As far as makeup, BB Cream by iMpact color cosmetics.

SO: Flats or Heels?

LCT: 20 years ago, heels. Now, flats!

SO: Who is your favorite current fashion icon?

LCT: Cate Blanchett SO: Favorite shoe designer?

LCT: Jeffrey Campbell SO: What is your favorite fashion city?

LCT: New York City

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SO: What is your favorite Charlotte fashion event?

LCT: Front Row Charlotte SO: What is your favorite cocktail when attending a fashion event?

LCT: Gin and Tonic SO: What is your favorite red lip color? (Lori is known for her signature red lip) LCT: “i’M confident 2” by iMpact color cosmetics SO: What is your dream handbag?

LCT: Hermes Birkin Bag SO: What are your thoughts on fashion icon, Sarah Jessica Parker?

LCT: She is lovely and authentic. I adore her!

SO: Favorite place to shop in Charlotte?

LCT: Frock Shop SO: Lastly, if you could defend anything in public, what would it be?

LCT: Treating one another, regardless of what we have or don’t have, with kindness and respect!

As you can see by Lori’s last answer, she is not just fabulous when it comes to fashion. She is truly one of the sweetest and kindest people. I think we should all meditate on her answer and challenge ourselves to not judge each other and instead love each other. Make kindness and respect the “fashion” we put on every day.

I want to extend a very special thank you to Lori for her time and for an amazing interview! You can check Lori out at Shine Salon where she is the Salon Director and is doing so everyday looking FABULOUS! Stan Owings Creator/Founder iMpact color cosmetics

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We use a combination of fragrantly mixed spices, and specialized in northern Indian cuisine, cooked in the traditional Tandoori style.

Lunch Buffet Timings Monday-Friday: 11am-2:30pm | Saturday & Sunday: 12pm-3pm Dinner Timings (A-La-Carte) Sunday-Thursday: 5pm-9:30pm | Friday & Saturday: 5pm-10:30pm Let us cater your next event 919.247.8207 8706 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Suite 170 Charlotte, NC 28226 Tower Place Shopping Center | 704.542.3933 | BombayGrille.com

By Seth Stratton Driving past uptown this summer, motorists on I-7 and I-277 will notice a glow to uptown Charlotte, something usually only reserved for a Sunday or Thursday night once or twice season at Bank of America Stadium: professional baseball has returned to its rightful place in the city’s center.

Taking in a game between the Charlotte Knights and Durham Bulls Monday night, the rising stars on the field who are all eager to “get the call” up t the Big Leagues took a backseat to the true star, the new ball park in Charlotte’s Third Ward.

Baseball no longer holds the cache it once did. And for the hundreds of minor league teams that don’t have a lucrative TV deal, butts in seats still matter. So many parks have broadened their appeal beyond baseball, aiming to reach the buttoned-down after-work crowd, the young families – even teens and college students will find a niche at the ballpark. And by the time the rain turned from a minor annoyance to – “yeah, we should probably head to the car now – most fans at BB&T Ballpark in uptown Charlotte had received their money’s worth.

I’ve been to other minor league parks in the state – NewBridge Bank Park in Greensboro, the other BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem and CMC-Northeast Stadium in Kannapolis. The nice thing about the Tar Heel State is how much it has embraced baseball despite not having a major league team anywhere close to its borders. Whether it’s a wooden-bat college league or a Triple A affiliate where you regularly see major league players, these communities support their teams.

That’s evident in Charlotte too. In just their fourth game of the season, the new Knights gear was spotted throughout the stadium. Gone are the blue and green colors, replaced with a sharp black and gold package of jerseys and logos.

While walking around the stadium, it hits you: there’s really not a bad seat in the house. You’re never far from many concessions and there are few obstacles to taking in the action, even while waiting in line for a bite or drink.

Speaking of which, I trudged around the stadium looking for something “ballparky” to eat. Hailing from the Midwest, I head to Hot Dog Nation behind home plate, one of many specialized vendors, for a

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bratwurst and homemade chips. The brat was OK, tasted just like a Johnsonville, but came with peppers and onions and the bun was nice and soft. Not sure if the chips were supposed to be hot or like homemade potato chips but were not warm and a little salty.

Other food vendors included Chick-fil-A, Whisky River, Dave and Frank’s: Taste of the South, Sahlen’s hot dog carts, The Show: Ballpark Grill, Queen City Q, Salsarita’s, Just Fresh, Sweet Swing (ice cream), Domino’s and Chicken Fry Fry. The most unique menu items probably come from Dave and Frank’s – gourmet pork rhinds and southern peach tea with sliced peaches. This isn’t Charleston where you find tri-tip, frog legs and “sushi dogs,” at River Dogs’ games. But there is plenty of variety.

Looking for an adult beverage to accompany my dinner, I saw one of the digital billboards in the right field wall advertise A Knights Ale, a specialty beer brewed just for the Knights by Charlotte’s own NoDa Brewing Company at three different concession stands. I went to the first one “Beers of the World,” but they directed me to another one, who directed me to another one. One worker said they were sold out while the other said it wasn’t available yet. Determined to find it, I finally spotted it at a Queen City Q vendor near section 117. As to be expected there are a few kinks still to be worked out at the stadium.

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The Knights Ale was refreshing and, like most everything NoDa does, full of flavor. It won’t go down like a domestic light beer but if you prefer to enjoy beer instead of consume it, give it a shot, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. It was also nice to see Olde Mecklenburg, Foothills and Natty Greene’s vendors at the stadium to compete with the Budweiser’s, Miller’s, Coors’ and Sam Adams carts.

I tried to grab a cup of frozen yogurt around the 7th inning stretch at Fuzzy Peach, the shop that also has an entrance from the sidewalk outside the stadium and will be open year-round, but it was closed, probably since first pitch was delayed 30 minutes from threatening severe weather. It looked like they had about six different flavors. According to the Knights’ website, the yogurt shop was founded in 2010 in Wilmington and has about 40 locations, most near the coast.

My $10 ticket got me a seat just beyond right field. The only complaint I would have about the seat is the giant video board was directly behind me and I had to keep turning around to see what was going on between innings and any at-bat info. The smaller video screens updating balls, strikes, innings and score weren’t working early but were fine later in the game. Again, just a few kinks.

The ushers and workers were all very nice. And the stadium has dispatched a small army of cleanup workers to make sure there isn’t a stray wrapper or plastic cup blowing around. There almost seemed to be as many staff as fans later in the game.

There were also $1 games in center field for kids and a fun “mascot race,” between innings featuring a King, Queen and Jester akin to the Milwaukee Brewers’ sausages or the Washington Nationals’ pirates.

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And when a Bull smacked a home run into left field in the top of the fifth, the man who was fortunate to grab it off the hop was urged immediately to “throw it back,” by the fans – a tradition many teams, including the Chicago Cubs, have embraced, which the man obliged after a quick photo.

The nice thing about baseball is it doesn’t demand all of your attention. Unlike basketball and football, the action ebbs and flows. You can talk with friends or make new ones. You can bring your baby with you to make some great memories or celebrate your 91st birthday with friends and family. You can get caught up in a game without knowing a single players’ name. You can lean back in your seat, and take in the warm night air and the buzz of conversations around you, while feeling a million miles away from that work deadline or final exam or other pressures we face on a daily basis.

There is no clock in baseball. You come when you can and leave when you’re ready. You gaze at the skyline and Augusta-like grass in the outfield and realize Charlotte just might be a baseball town after all.

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BY THE PINT

By Steve Caldwell, Publisher Welcome to “By The Pint” where we write about ALL THINGS BEER. We will keep you updated on new breweries, that are expanding or opening up in Charlotte. We’re giving you the 411 on all upcoming beer festivals in the Charlotte area and around the Carolinas. Letting you know the latest when it comes to finding that newest brew you are searching for.

Sugar Creek Brewing Company just recently announced that it will open Charlotte’s first Belgianinspired craft brewery in July of this year. Co-Founded and operated by Charlotte native Joe Vogelbacher, and USMC veteran Eric Flanigan, Sugar Creek Brewing Company will be located at 215 Southside Drive, currently the site of The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Together The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and Sugar Creek Brewing Company will continue the transformation of Charlotte’s Lower South End neighborhood into an attractive destination for families and beer lovers alike.

Sugar Creek Brewing Company’s 30,000 sq. ft. facility will house the brewery, taproom, private event room, and an outdoor patio. The space will undergo a round of renovations following Sugar Creek’s entry into the site. The updated interior will provide patrons with a first class experience that will accent the history of beer and complement the fond memories shared between family and friends.

Sugar Creek Brewing Company is dedicated to the craftsmanship of fresh, high-quality beer in a style and commitment representative of Belgian Trappist monks. A diverse set of fine beers, including flagship ale, will be available on-tap and to-go by growler in the Sugar Creek taproom, as well as off-site consumption via distribution to local area restaurants, bars, and stores. Sugar Creek Brewing Company aims to create numerous local job opportunities and thousands of happy patrons in the Charlotte community.

Do you like “craft beer”? Well The Beer Growler will be your place to get your fix if you don’t want a night out on the town. The Beer Growler is an Atlanta based chain that is opening up their first location in Charlotte at the Dilworth Station in the South End area (across the street from World of Beer in the old Elder Gallery space). They are a filling station for growlers for sodas, beers and other beverages such as cider, cream soda or root beer.

They currently have seven locations which are all in Georgia, all but one is owned by franchisees. The future location in South End is owned by Janet King, Kristen Knox and Brandee Winkler. North Carolina has the most breweries in the South. They plan to have a dedicated number of taps for the local breweries in town such as Triple C Brewery, Unknown Brewery, and NoDa Brewery. They plan to have a minimal of 45 taps on a custom made tap wall.

You will pay for the growler and then pay to have it filled up with your choice of beverage. They will also have merchandise related to craft beer such as apparel and glassware. They plan to be open by end of July depending upon how the build out goes.

UPCOMING BEER FESTIVALS Beer Bourbon BBQ Festival will be on Saturday, May 10 at the Symphony Park in Southpark. It will be a great day of beer sippin’ (over 60 beers on tap), bourbon tastin’ (over 40 different flavors), music listening’ (rock and some blue

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grass), cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’ (pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chickens, sausages and any fixin’ you could imagine, the prices are low and the portions are heavy). Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE –TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon. You can enjoy seminars in the Tasting Theater with Master Distillers, Brewmasters, and Pit Masters. There are some great contests on the Main Stage: BBQ Bean Eating Contest and the BBQ Babe Contest and some cool exhibits of Brewerania, hot sauces, bbq accessories, and even a cigar tent for all guests. Tickets are available at the door, but advance ticket purchasers have priority entry so purchase yours now at BeerAndBourbon.com. Session tickets are limited and are sold first come first serve. There is lots of free parking all around the festival site.

Moore County Chamber of Commerce presents the 5th Annual Festival of Beers on Saturday, May 17th. This year’s event is coordinated by the Moore County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Railhouse Brewery, Triangle Wine and Murphy Insurance. The Festival of Beers will be held on the property of the Southern Pines Elks Lodge from 3 p.m. until 6 pm. Tickets are $30 now (available at the Moore County Chamber of Commerce or online at MooreCountyChamber.com, Railhouse Brewery, and Triangle Wine). Because of the popularity of the event, the Chamber urges advance ticket purchase as it has sold out 4 consecutive years.

There are also $10 tickets available for designated drivers. All guests at the Festival of Beers receive a commemorative glass and have access to water and soda.

Confirmed participants include Aviator, Big Boss, Bombshell, Double Barley, Lonerider, Oskar Blues, Railhouse Brewery, Triangle Wine and White

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Sheet. The Festival of Beers anticipates up to 20 North Carolina Breweries pouring over 40 craft beers.

The 3rd Annual Asheville Beer Week is Friday, May 23rd through Saturday, May 31, 2014, where they celebrate all things beer in Asheville. The week of events will include tastings, dinners, beer education, and other beer-related fun (and nonsense). Asheville Beer Week culminates with Asheville’s 5th Annual Beer City Festival on May 31st, where dozens of breweries (and plenty of live music) are slated to appear on Roger McGuire Green. You can get more details at AshevilleBeerWeek.com.

Cans Recycled Canned Craft Beer Festival will be held at Brazwell’s Premium Pub in their parking lot on Saturday, June 28th from 1pm to 5pm. The beer festival will be Benefitting Guys With Ties.

WHO SAYS HAPPINESS DOESN’T COME IN A CAN? Part of the Craft Beer Revolution is the movement by breweries from bottling their beers to canning their craft beer. In the past, canned beer was looked down upon by craft beer drinkers because it was associated with “cheaper” beer and because of the metallic taste that can often be present when drinking from cans. As technology has advanced, the benefits of canning beers have taken a giant leap forward in the packaging and flavor preservation of craft beers. Join us at the inaugural Cans: Recycled Canned Craft Beer festival to learn more about the benefits of canned beers and help celebrate those breweries who have lead this packaging revolution.

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Confirmed breweries at press time are Carolina Brewing Company, Redhook Brewery, Kona Brewery Company, SweetWater Brewing Company, Oscars Blues Brewery, New Belgium Brewing, and Blue Moon Brewery. Ticket info at CansRecyledBeerFest.com

CA N N E D CRAFT BEER F E S T I VA L June 28th, 2014 - 1PM til 5PM 1627 Montford Drive Charlotte 28209

who sAys hAPPiNEss DoEsN’T CoME iN A CAN?

CANsRECyClEDBEERFEsT.CoM

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The new 1037

with a new spin on Country’s Hottest Hits

The Countryfried Mix

with dj sinister fridays 10p-3a

The Country Club

with dee jay silver saturdays 10p-3a

Starting april 4th

facebook.com/1037wsoc @thenew1037

INTERVIEW WITH....

Chef Mario, Pint Central Steve Caldwell, Publisher I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mario this past week to learn a little more about his newest venture. He is originally from Argentina but has been in the States since he was 12 years old. He has been in Charlotte off and on for 20 years. I have eaten at Pint Central at least 4 times since they opened in February, and each and every time, I have had a different dish and they all have been exceptional.

How long have you been in the restaurant business?

I’ve been in the business for 14 years.

Does your nationality have an influence on your menu?

There are few tapas that are very traditional to my country, but there are several other countries that are represented on the menu from Asian, Mediterranean, French, Italian, etc.

How long have you been a chef?

I’ve been a chef for over 14 years.

Besides being the Chef at Pint Central, you also are the owner; how are you able to balance both?

Being the owner and chef among the other many hats I wear throughout the day can be overwhelming at times. I love what I do so it’s not really work when you’re living your dream.

What type of cuisine is served at Pint Central?

I have put together a very unique menu covering all tastes from many countries. I have tapas and small plates so you are able to try several options in one sitting.

How often do you plan to change out the menu?

The menu will and has changed since we opened, but it will change at least four times a year according to the seasons and what local products I can get my hands on.

Do you do a lot of “Farm to Fork” on your menu?

We are as “Farm to Fork” as we can be. We make our own cheese from local goat milk, make our own sausage, and by June 80% of the produce will be come from my 30 acre farm in Concord, NC. Someone told me you raise your own beef and pork?

I do have cows, goats, and hogs that I’m raising but they are not ready for the restaurant yet!

What is the weirdest request received from a patron?

I guess the weirdest request I got was to fly me out of the country to cater a wedding, that’s a new one for me at least.

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

My favorite ingredient would have to be any protein: beef, fish, chicken, etc as long as it’s fresh.

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play anything day on

Thank you, Charlotte, for your generous donations during Play Anything DayÂ

from all the kids at Levine Children's Hospital and Kiss 95.1!

weekly Drink SpeCiAlS weD: HAlf priCeD GlASSeS & BottleS of wine tHu: $4 32oz Blue Moon AnD Mofo liGHt Beer fri: $2.50 Miller lite BottleS, $6 liquor pintS AnD $5 fireBAll SAt: $2.50 CoorS liGHt BottleS, $6 liquor pintS AnD $5 fireBAll Sun: $2 BuD liGHtS, $3 MiMoSAS AnD $6 liquor pintS

1518 Montford Drive

Charlotte 28209

704.525.3663

AngryAles.com

Walking Food Tours Are you looking for something different to do this weekend or one day next week? If so you should check out the Charlotte Neighborhood Walking Food Tours which is brought to you by FEAST Food Tours & Culinary Event.

It was all started by Krista Martin in winter of 2012, she was born in Ohio but moved to Charlotte in 1991 to go to college but never left. Below are the walking tours she is currently offering.

Local Flavors of Historic NoDa Charlotte’s Arts District, NoDa, is bursting with a vibrant nightlife and creative local flavor with historical character. You could spend all day savoring some great cuisine & local craft beer from some great culinary artisans. On this tour, we will meet those artisans and find out how their passion gets transformed into deliciousness.

Soul of the South Uptown What is Southern Cuisine? On this food tour, we sample and sip our way through Uptown Charlotte’s best representations of the local South through its ingredients, cuisine, & farmers. Chefs and restaurant owners will showcase their Southern Heritage through their cuisine and explain how they source from or benefit the local community.

Photography courtesy of Heist Brewery

Uptown Chic Behind-the-Scenes Uptown Charlotte is bulging with national corporate restaurants. Yeah yeah‌you can eat at any of them in most cities across the country. However, have you ever really gotten to know what these restaurants are all about? Do you normally get to go into the kitchen and have the chef give you a cooking demonstration?

Dives to Dining Plaza Midwood The diversity in the Historic Plaza Midwood neighborhood is apparent as you stroll along and gaze at its architecture, art, and historical sites. That diversity is carried through to its cuisine where you can experience comfort in fried pickles, BBQ, and local beer all the way to fine dining & exquisite wines.

Bars & Bites in Historic South End Historic South End is Charlotte’s fastest growing community to live, work, & play and is now home to a variety of establishments to enjoy fellowship over great food and beverages. These experiences could be at a comfortable wine bar, upscale restaurant, brewery & food truck combination, or a local pub.

Private Group Tours & Events Looking to do a unique experience for team building besides going bowling? Want to WOW a friend for their birthday? Need to provide a fun outing for your organization? We can organize a private group tour, provide event planning for a unique experience, or execute a culinary excursion specific to your tastes.

For more information on these neighborhood food tours please contact them at: info@FeastFoodTours.com, 980.258.9992 or at their website FeastFoodTours.com

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Every Hour is Happy Hour at The French Quarter One of Uptown’s Oldest Establishments

“Serving Charlotte Since 1978” ACROSS THE STREET FROM ROMARE BEARDON PARK & BB&T BALLPARK

The SpoT BeFore and aFTer all leVIne CenTer For The arTS eVenTS

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BAR FOR THE CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS DAILY DRINK AND FOOD SPECIALS

Monday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm Friday & Saturday 11 am – 10 pm Bar Open Till Last Call

Check out our page for special events.

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321 S. Church St. 704.377.7415 - Located in Historical Brevard Court FrenchQuarterCharlotte.com

Aptly named “Food Truck Fridays,” South End hosts this event every Friday beginning at 5 pm so you can start your weekends off right with some of the best local food in town. The typically empty South End lot has now been revitalized as the hot spot for foodies and some of Charlotte’s best food trucks alike.

Among some of the participating food trucks are Papi Queso, known for their grilled cheese, Herban Legend that is known for their fried green tomato sandwiches, and the famed King of Pops, just to name a few. There are some fine points to consider when gearing up for “Food Truck Fridays” and those are to get there early, bring your own chairs/blanket, and that its b.y.o.b, debit/credit card, and dog friendly.

When asking regular patrons, they recommend arriving before 6 pm if you hope to sample dishes before they run out and avoid some of the lines that can tend to be super long, which they mention can be an indication of how delicious and in demand a certain food trucks food is. Food is served “picnic style” since there is limited seating available; that being one reason Brian the coordinator and owner of Herban Legend says that they hope to expand once it’s financially feasible.

He says that they’re also working out details to hopefully extend closing hours from 10 pm to midnight to better serve patrons, something that they’re currently in talks with the city about. This limitation was once upheld when so-called “roach coaches” were what dominated the food truck scene. This concept has long been overturned with the food truck revolution with a philosophy that focuses on eclectic offerings at affordable prices, taking the Charlotte foodie generation by storm.

Within walking distance of one another, you can experience all different types of cuisine while supporting our local food truck scene.

“Food Truck Fridays” has been so successful that they’ve now added a “Sizzlin’ Saturdays” event as well with NoDa throwing in on the mix with their NoDa Food Truck Alley Rally. It calls itself the “mother trucker of all food rallies” and is held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. NoDa Food Truck Alley Rally is held in the Area 51

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parking lot and features local craft beers from neighboring breweries as well as live entertainment to go along with their food trucks. Be sure to check out these food truck events, especially with the weather warming up. Gone are the days of obscure, greasy meats wrapped in tin foil. Charlotte joins the ranks of other cities with prolific food truck scenes and welcomes the hip, accessible (and not to mention delicious) vibe of the food truck.

Food Truck Fridays/Sizzlin’ Saturdays: 5-9 pm at 1616 Camden Road in Charlotte next to the Southend location of The Common Market where you can purchase alcohol.

Twitter: @cltfoodtrucks Facebook: foodtruckfriday NoDa Alley Rally: 5-8 pm at the corner of 15th and N. Davidson Street.

Facebook: nodaalleyrally Angela Kim “The Squishy Monster” Cooking Channel Host | Blogger

TheSquishyMonster.com Twitter: @asquishymonster Facebook.com/TheSquishyMonster Youtube.com/TheSquishyMonsterTSM

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22 LOCAL TAPS

& SERVING FULL MENU TIL 2AM DAILY DRINK SPECIALS AT OUR NEW BAR

Thursday: $3 Noda Drafts, $5 Flavored Vodka Drinks, $3.50 Bells Two Hearted & Bells Oberon Bottles Friday: $3 All Drafts, $5 Red Bull Vodkas, $4 Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey Shots Saturday: $3 Mother Earth Brewery Drafts, $3 Angry Orchard Cider Bottles, $5 Titos Vodka Drinks Sunday: $3 Corona & Corona Lt Bottles, $3 Highland Brewery Drafts, $4 Fireball, Jager & Rumplminze Shots

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Wednesday: $3 Natty Greene Drafts, $3.50 All Craft & Import Bottles, $4 Well Liquor Drinks

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Tuesday: $3 Triple C Drafts, $5 Jack Daniels Drinks, $4 Grape Gatorade shots

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Monday: $3 Olde Meck Drafts, $5 Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shots

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Mon. - Sat. 11am to 2am Sun: 11:30am - 2am 1521 Montford Drive Charlotte 28209 704.521.8188 | RoastingCo.com LIKE

AND FOLLOW

US FOR UPDATES REGARDING LIVE MUSIC, TRIVIA, ETC.

7th Street Market

By Jacob St. John Driving down 7th Street, you may not know about the hidden gem that lies within it. The 7th Street Market is an eclectic utopia of the creative. From food vendors to artists to the eclectic, you will always come in and find something new and unique.

The aromas of freshly baked baguettes, decadent brownies, and roasted coffee awaken your taste buds before even taking the second step into the market. The food vendors make your plate their canvas; they put their heart and soul into their work. As you sit down (once you have made the hard decision on what to eat) you surround yourself with other locals and tourists who have the same passion for food as you do. However, if you aren’t as passionate for food as others, don’t be discouraged to visit the 7th Street Market. The owners of each shop are approachable and will guide each individual palate on a journey to remember. No two shops are alike and each offer a different cuisine and flavor profile to attract all, which makes the 7th Street Market a great location for groups.

The Food Artisans of 7th Street Market Local Loaf: The bread bakery of the Market that features Ham & Cheese Croissants, Brunchwhiches (sandwiches made with brunch in mind, but served all day), and freshly baked breads. They take pride by creating high quality products that keep the customers coming back for more.

LocalLoafCharlotte.com | 704.357.3188 Cloud 9 Confections: A sweet tooth’s dream of brownies, seasonal cupcakes, cookies galore, and other indulgences that you regret--but can’t get enough of. The baker’s always keep the customers desires in mind when creating the sugary masterpieces.

Cloud9Confections.com | 704.334.7554 Pure Pizza: This pizzeria makes it their mission to use the best ingredients when making the most important portion of the pizza, the crust.

However, the best also needs the freshest, local ingredients that it deserves—which Pure Pizza always delivers.

PurePizzaclt.com | 980.207.0037 Orrman’s Cheese Shop: Though they may be known for their wide array of local cheeses, their sandwich menu is worth a try. From a sophisticated take on the grilled cheese to a grown-up’s version of a peanut butter & jelly with a creamy goat cheese, your tastes buds will thank you.

OrrmansCheese | 980.226.3025 Viva Raw: One of the biggest health trends of the year is juicing and Viva Raw is providing its customers with some of the finest, unprocessed

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juices in the Charlotte area. You can stop by and try just one juice or get yourself set-up with a juice cleansing and detoxification system.

Viva-Raw.com | 980.275.3834 Not Just Coffee: Enjoy an individual experience at this pour-over coffee establishment. Every cup of coffee is made for you, in front of you, and you are treated as family instead of just a customer. If you come on a weekend, you must be willing to wait, but it is well worth the time.

NotJustCoffeeQC.com | 704.817.3868 Bonsai Fusion Sushi: With fresh ingredients and a made-to-order mentality, Bonsai Fusion Sushi has some of the best sushi in the Queen City. The intimate location’s four barstools allow you to watch and have conversations with the chef during your entire meal. They are very knowledgeable about sushi and you are sure to learn something no matter if you are a novice or pro to sushi.

BonsaiFusionCharlotte.com | 704.620.1534 Meat & Fish Co.: If you are looking for a fresh cut of meat, seafood, or wild game, Meat & Fish Co. is your one-stop shop. They’ll provide you an experience in flavor for any budget. Don’t be afraid to ask the knowledgeable butchers about the availability or capability of any of their meat-- you may be shocked about what you can find.

MeatAndFishCompany.com | 704.910.2048 Assorted Table Wine Shoppe: You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to visit Uptown’s only fine wine retailer. Including seasonal specials, the shop features unique wines, sake, and craft beers along with cocktail biters, EVOO, and balsamic vinegar. Tuesdays are $5 wine tastings, wine & cheese pairings happen each Wednesday, and are available to help you plan your next party wine choices.

AssortedTableWine.com | 704.227.3234 barCHOCOLATE: Two best-friends turned chocolatiers have created a chocolate shop experience worth trying. Using the best ingredients and creative flavor profiles, and their chocolates are always made with love. With unique flavors from ghost pepper to bee pollen; their bonbons and macaroons are sure to excite your taste buds.

BarChocolateCLT.com | 704.953.0987

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Salt of the Earth: By following their motto of “Use Less, Taste More,� Salts of the Earth shows their customers the wonderful world of salt and the possibilities that are available with the correct use of them. The shop owners are group of characters that make salt fun to learn about and they offer many taste-tastings throughout the day. What can you do with salt? Salts-Of-The-Earth.com | 704.451.4987 Novel Sweets: This vegan bakery in the Market will please every palate, whether you live the animal or non-animal diet. All of their menu items are named after literary characters and you are welcome to shop their actual literary collection as well.

NovelSweets.com | 908.461.5972 Greenman Farms: This farm is able to create flavors in your mouth that reminds you of how your grandmother made pickles, relishes, jellies, and jams. The farm also provides one of the few locations Uptown to buy locally grown, organic products with a name that you can trust. The products are seasonal and always changing.

The hours of 7th Street Market are Monday through Friday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday 8:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Sunday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Parking is provided in the 7th Street Parking Lot and it is validated up to 90 minutes. 7th Street Market is a must visit for foodies of all shapes and sizes.

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white russian

the amsterdam muLe

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new amsterdam dirty martini

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Full service fine in restaurant with great “Southern Specialties” We take great pride in serving the freshest, highest-quality food possible.

We start out fresh daily, making every one of our soups, salad dressings and sauces from scratch.

We don’t cut corners and we don’t settle when it comes to fresh ingredients.

“AS SEEN ON THE FOOD NETWORK”

Mon. 11am-4pm | Tues. through Thur. 11am-8pm | Fri. and Sat. 11am-9pm 9101 Pineville Matthews Rd. Pineville, NC 28134 704.855.1803 | SweetTeasCatering.com

Whether you are planning a catered event at your house or your office, or for a special occasion we can handle it…

May on Montford

By Telisha “Teka Rose” Wheeler, Editor Montford Drive has become one of Charlotte’s most premier addresses. Its growth and development has been extremely impressive and sought after by many Charlotteans. All walks of life seek out this fresh address, which provides an eclectic vibe that has all of your dining and entertainment needs. Neatly tucked in the Park Road Shopping Center, Montford Drive has scores of Charlotteans seeking it out on any given night. Numerous dining establishments, bars and plenty of fun is to be had on Montford Drive. Elevate Lifestyle would like to introduce those not in the know to some of our favorite establishments on Montford Drive, and those already in the know…we’ll see you there!

Angry Ale’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill Angry Ale’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill features all that a bar goer could want. With a newly expanded menu, they feature classic bar fare favorites such as their famed wings with 16 different flavor sauces to choose from, burgers and fries, to the newly released Kebab plate with beef and chicken accompanied by a tasty Sriracha dipping sauce. People frequent Angry Ale’s for their drink specials and selection of beers and signature frozen drinks like their frozen Cherry Moonshine, Frozen Bomb Pop and frozen Margarita. Their huge deck (which has a newly added outside bar with tons of seating) is the perfect place for people watching and enjoying summertime brews with friends.

Every Thursday come get a Big Ass Cup or the B.A.C with a featured drink for only $4! While Angry Ale’s is still your friendly neighborhood Bar & Grill on Montford, it has a Big Ass personality!

1518 Montford Drive | 28209 | 704.525.3663 | AngryAles.com Brazwell’s Premium Pub Open seven days a week, Brazwell’s amazing menu keeps customers coming back for something new every time! Serving wings by the pound for every wing lover, daily homemade lunch specials, delectable appetizer’s and scrumptious entrees (think Pesto Salmon or a Sesame Tuna Platter); Brazwell’s prep for even the pickiest palate. Those looking for a weekday wind down can take advantage of their happy hour Monday through Frida y and get half priced appetizer’s from 4pm to 6pm. Drinks specials are available every day and features some of the best drafts and signature drinks for everyone in your crew. They also have $2 Mimosas on Sundays and their ever popular $4 Bloody Mary Bar all weekend. Runners love their Running for Brews Tuesday specials and they feature live music on the porch every Thursday! With special events going on constantly, Brazwell’s keeps Montford Drive the place to be!

1627 Montford Drive | 28209 | 704.523.3500 | BrazwellsPub.com

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Roasting Company Enjoy a relaxed and casual dining experience at The Roasting Company. A stellar selection of roasted chicken and pork entrees, sandwich’s, wraps and taco will have your mouth watering for more. Their menu is vast and caters to lunch or dinner for one, two or twenty plus! The Roasting Company provides lunch and dinner fare seven days a week for everyone, even the kiddies. You can dine in, have your event catered or take your food to go. With all of their roasted selections, they didn’t forget about Charlotte’s vast Vegetarian base, and included a plethora of veggie selections and even feature daily veggie list. No tiny options to choose from here folks, they have a complete list of tasty everything for everyone. Formerly a restaurant only, they have expanded and added a premium bar to accommodate the bar lover’s in the area. Their bar as an added bonus features 22 locally brewed craft beers! They have shot and drink specials weekly and live music to enjoy in or outside on the weekends. The Roasting Company’s longevity proves they are where you want to be in Charlotte.

1521 Montford Drive | 28209 | 704.521.8188 | RoastingCo.com Ten Park Lanes This isn’t your average bowling alley. Sure bowling happens here, but Ten Park Lanes is so much more than shoes and pins. You can enjoy signature foods that will make you forget you’re eating at a bowling alley. Dishes range from burgers, devil dawgs, and chicken sliders to salad selections, yummy appetizers and Ten Parks signature Que Stacked Mason jar which was featured on The Food Network. They have three full services bars, 32 beers on tap (which they rotate seasonally), local craft brews and a moonshine bar! Their new Garden and Game Center, launched last summer is located outside and includes bocce ball and ping pong for gamers of all ages…oh yeah, it’s free for guests. Thursday through Sunday, you can check out live music. At 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays you can hear some of Charlotte’s top DJ’s spinning the wheels. They have a variety of events year round and always have a little something for

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MIDWEEK ON

everyone. Friend and family approved Ten Park Lanes lives up to their motto “It’s not just bowling anymore!”

1700 Montford Drive | 28209 | 704.523.7633 | RollTen.com Montford Drive doesn’t invite just any place to live there, so your choices include the best of the best. With so many things to see and do, and so very many places to eat and drink, Montford Drive will only become more popular as summer approaches. Don’t be the one left out of one of THE hottest addresses in Charlotte!

We hope to see everyone for Midweek On Montford which kicked off Wednesday, April 30 and goes through July 2. We have partnered up with Roaring Riot and Charlotte Social Broadcasting in helping “getting you over the hump” every Wednesday at the above locations.

There will be drink and beer special, live entertainment, lots of fun activities, and a chance to win some prizes throughout the evening!!

Happy Spring…finally!

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Charlotte’s 9th Annual

SUNDAY MAY 18, 2014

Charity Italian Food and Wine Festival The Best Italian Food and Wine Afternoon in Charlotte and it is all for Charity: Benefitting Nevins Center “Creating Opportunities for People in our Community with Special Needs and Disabilities”

Tickets online www.festaitalianacharlotte.org Presented by the St Anthony Foundation of Charlotte

NY PIZZA – WINGS & SUBS… CARRY-OUT/DELIVERY

FREE DELIVERY $10 Minimum Order Slices available from open till close Catering Available

Hours: Monday – Thursday 11am–10pm Friday & Saturday 11am–11pm Sunday 12:00pm-9:00pm

$10.00 $7.00 ANY LARGE PIZZA WITH UNLIMITED TOPPINGS

ADD A DOZEN WINGS

2212 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203 | 980-209-0131

Elevate’s Top Picks...

By Steve Caldwell, Publisher BlackFinn Saloon BlackFinn American Saloon is a modern day adaptation of a “big-city” saloon; with a welcoming charm and friendly faces found in the traditional neighborhood tavern of yesteryear. BlackFinn offers upscale-casual American fare with a contemporary interpretation of beloved classic cuisine for both lunch and dinner. BlackFinn is renowned for both its delicious fare and its inviting, lively atmosphere every day of the week. Whether it’s time to share an appetizer or quick drink with friends, savor a mouth-watering meal, host a private party, enjoy some cocktails and music in the late-night scene or root for your favorite team on game day! Anytime is a great time to visit your neighborhood BlackFinn.

Monday - Sunday: 11:00am - 2:00am 210 East Trade St., Charlotte 28202 704.971.4440 | BlackFinnCharlotte.com Bombay Grill Since 2000, Bombay Grille, located conveniently in the Tower Place Shopping Center on Highway 51 has been serving South Charlotte’s best traditional Indian dining experience. Bombay Grille specializes in Northern Indian cuisine, and the centuriesold style of Tandoori (clay oven) cooking. Meats, poultry and seafood are cooked over very high heat and served sizzling. The Curry Kitchen offers a wide variety of dishes as well, including vegetarian fare.

Lunch Buffet: Monday - Friday: 11am-2:30pm Saturday & Sunday: 12pm-3pm Dinner: (A-La-Carte) Sunday - Thursday: 5pm-9:30pm Friday & Saturday: 5pm-10:30pm Tower Place Shopping Center 8706 Pineville-Matthews Rd., S170 Charlotte 28226 704.542.3933 | BombayGrille.com

Bubble Step out of the ordinary and into sophistication at Bubble Charlotte, a premium establishment that stimulates the senses.

Bubble Charlotte serves an extensive list of unique cocktails, spirits and select wines that compliment chef-driven small plates, crafted for a mature palate. Strict attention to detail is evident throughout, with exceptional service and hospitality provided at all times. Rich surroundings and stunning décor create an ambience fitting for a casual evening after work or night out on the town. Bubble Charlotte is social sophistication.

210 East Trade St., Charlotte 28202 704.733.9427 | BubbleCharlotte.com City Tavern City Tavern is a neighborhood restaurant specializing in a casual yet elegant atmosphere, with a menu that is simply irresistible. City Tavern offers a chef driven menu featuring comfort foods and crave items. In addition to their delicious menu, there is a full service bar complete with an extensive wine and martini list. Their wine list currently offers over 40 wines by the glass and the martini list boasts over 45 specialty martinis. Don’t forget to take advantage of City Tavern’s daily dinner and drink specials!

Monday - Saturday: 11:00 am - 2:00 am Sunday: 10:30 am - 2:00 am Rivergate: 14142 Rivergate Pkwy., Charlotte 28273 704.504.8888 Stonecrest: 7828 E Rea Rd., Charlotte 28277 704.543.8587 Southpark: 4331 Barclay Downs Dr., Charlotte 28209 704.442.4000 City-Tavern.com

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Dilworth Grille Dilworth Neighborhood Grille was created in 2004 as a meeting place for family and friends in a fun and relaxed environment.

They welcome families, neighbors and private events all the same! There are no strangers, just friends who haven’t met yet! Their menu consists of American food including seafood, pastas, wraps, sandwiches, build-your-own-salads and much more. Dilworth Neighborhood Grille also holds many private events such as wedding rehearsal dinners, campaign events, birthdays, corporate and holiday parties. They have full catering menus available for all events, large and small.

They hope you make Dilworth Neighborhood Grille your second home!

Monday - Thursday: 11:00am - 12:00am Friday - Saturday: 11:00am - 2:00am Sunday: 10:00am - 12:00am 911 E. Morehead St. S200, Charlotte 28204 704.377.3038 | NeighborhoodGrille.com Einstein Bros Bagels It’s not just about bagels anymore. Today’s clever creations have expanded beyond the bagel to bring new taste discoveries to breakfast, lunch and then some. Increasingly, people are turning to their corner Einstein Bros. for quick, tasty lunches—from innovative salads to hearty soups and creative sandwiches. Their cafés have an atmosphere featuring sophisticated fixtures and comfy, casual tables and waiting areas. High-quality food is the standard here, with a diverse menu ranging from gourmet creations, to-go coffee and specialty coffee drinks, to baked goods, salads, made-to-order sandwiches and decadent desserts.

1501 South Blvd., Charlotte 28203 704.333.4370 13736 Conlan Cir., Charlotte 28277 704.840.1566 | EinsteinBros.com

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French Quarter The French Quarter is one of the Queen City’s oldest establishments located in the Uptown Charlotte area. From their famous lunch specials, to their unforgettable chicken wings and drink specials; The French Quarter provides comfort food with a touch of Cajun. Enjoy a glass of wine or a crafted beer on their outdoor patio facing the Romare Bearden Park. Conveniently located a few blocks from the Carolina Panthers Stadium, and only two blocks from the new BB&T Ballpark, you can always meet friends at The French Quarter…where every hour is happy hour!

Monday - Thursday: 11:00am - 9:00pm Friday: 11:00am - 10:00pm 321 S. Church St., Charlotte 28202 704.377.1715 | FrenchQuarterCharlotte.com Greek Isles Greek Isles is located in the heart of South End right on the LYNX light rail at the Bland Street Station. Their menu consists of traditional Greek recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Virtually everything on the menu is prepared in-house; from the bread to the mouthwatering desserts. The fresh herbs grown in the front patio; including oregano, basil, rosemary and mint, provide the distinctive scent of the Greek mountains and the delectable taste and presentation of the dishes. Their variety of dishes is guaranteed to satisfy anyone’s appetite, and the inviting Greek hospitality is certain to make you feel at home.

Monday - Thursday: 11:00am - 2:30pm & 5:00pm - 9:30pm Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:30pm 200 E. Bland St., Charlotte 28203 704.444.9000 | GreekIslesRestaurant.com

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Newks Newk’s Eatery is an express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere. Newk’s serves fresh tossed salads, oven-baked sandwiches, California-style pizzas and homemade cakes straight from Newk’s open kitchen. California Style Pizza for those obsessive about olives, mad for mozzarella or who possess a particular passion for pepperoni... rest assured that only the finest ingredients are layered with sweet abundance onto a thin, personal size crust and baked golden in their ovens for you. Their salads are as fresh, lively and flavorful as spring itself. Choice ingredients like Gorgonzola cheese, dried cranberries, grapes, artichoke hearts and pecans is our Newk’s Favorite! Croutons baked right here! Green tossed to order.

These are the things that make a Newk’s salad so supremely satisfying! All of this and more, which is why every Newk’s pizza is a wonderful pie to try!

Monday - Thursday: 10:30am - 9:00pm Friday - Saturday: 10:30am - 10:00pm Sunday: 10:30 am - 9:00 pm Blakeney: 9815 Rea Rd., Charlotte 28277 704.846.5909 Uptown: 101 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 28246 866.999.3799 Newks.com Pint Central Pint Central has an atmosphere like no other. Fun times and laughs at the ready as soon as you come in. It’s a place amongst drinkers and schmoozers of all kinds, a neighborhood at the bar and a selection of food to tie it all together. At Pint Central you can Drink up, Eat up, Speak up and have fun! Whether out for dinner followed by drinks, or drinks and then dinner; Pint Central offers the best location for both. They are not just another place dishing out your average bar food. Their combined cuisine is meticulously crafted from Argentine, European, and American influenced entrees and is sure to satisfy any foodie. It is complemented by 28 brews on tap and a selection of craft bottle beers that will make choosing a drink easy for all palates. Their patio with an outside bar gives you a relaxing break from the busy-paced Uptown tempo, but with enough Charlotte skyline to make you feel at home. The design and theme for Pint Central was developed as a result of countless evenings spent enjoying food and drink at venues all across the United States and abroad. Providing an enjoyable atmosphere

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for patrons is a number one priority, and as a bonus, they pride themselves on making that experience affordable. Come check them out for yourself, you’ll be glad you did!

Monday – Sunday: 11am – 2am 1226 Central Ave., Charlotte 28204 980.237.9108 | Pint-Central.com Q2U BBQ Pit While tailgating at a Panthers game in 2002, the smell of barbeque drifting over from the Blues, Brews & BBQ event in Uptown Charlotte inspired lifelong friends, Mark and Renée Cieslikowski of Lake Wylie, South Carolina and Brian and Linda Rich of Charlotte, North Carolina to embark on a barbeque journey that has resulted in the highly successful Q2U BBQ Pit Restaurant and Catering of Lake Wylie.

After entering the Charlotte event the following year, and achieving respectable results, the Q2U Team was hooked and began entering events sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCB) and the South Carolina Barbecue Association (SCBA). Q2U traveled on weekends, participating in barbeque competitions from New Jersey to Georgia. Their commitment to cooking was achieved when they were awarded the South Carolina Masters of Barbeque Award, the highest distinction for barbeque competitions. This significant achievement was accomplished by being the team with the highest score in a year-long competition across the state of South Carolina.

Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00am- 9:00pm 4052 Charlotte Hwy., Lake Wylie 29710 704.583.0700 | Q-2-u.com Sweet Tea’s Catering Sweet Tea’s Restaurant and Catering take great pride in serving the freshest, highest-quality food possible. Every day they start out fresh, making

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every one of their soups, salad dressings and sauces from scratch.

They don’t cut corners and they don’t settle when it comes to using the freshest ingredients. Whether you are planning a catered event at your house or office, a special occasion, or looking for the cozy family atmosphere at Sweet Tea’s restaurant, they can surely handle it.

Monday – Thursday: 11:00am – 8:00pm Friday & Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm 9101 Pineville Matthews Rd., Pineville 28134 704.855.1803 | SweetTeasCatering.com Whisky River At Whisky River, their unique blend of unpretentious charm, feel-good music and enticing food has made them the South’s favorite spot to unwind.

Owned by NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Whisky River has cemented itself as nightlife royalty in a short period of time. From students to professionals, fun-seekers of all ages can find a reason to enjoy Whisky River. Maybe it’s their enticing menu filled with your favorite burgers, wings, pizzas, sandwiches and more. Perhaps the live music and hand-crafted cocktails are more your speed. Whisky River delivers the best live performances by today’s chart-topping artists, plus world-class DJ’s spinning your favorite rock, country and all around fun music seven nights a week! And with celebrity guests dropping in from time-to-time, you never know who you will run into at Whisky River.

Monday: 11:00am - 12:00am Tuesday - Friday: 11:00am - 2:00am Saturday: 12:00pm - 2:00am Sunday: 12:00pm - 12:00am 210 East Trade St., Charlotte 28202 704.749.1047 | TheWhiskyRiver.com

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Elevate Lifestyle Awards “THE BEST OF THE CITY” 2014 photography by Johnny Perez, Jammin JP Production

ELEVATE YOUR SPRING STYLE Fashion Show photography by Johnny Perez, Jammin JP Production

P U S N I F

AwArd winning BBQ & BBQ CAtering Pork, ChiCken, ribs, brisket, blaCk angus burgers and steaks

We offer a full catering menu for events such as wedding rehearsals, weddings, graduation parties and corporate picnics.

Wednesday – saturday 11:00 am- 9:00 pm 4052 Charlotte hwy lake Wylie, south Carolina 29710 sC 803.831.8883 | nC 704.583.0700

Q-2-u.com

Elevate Lifestyle Queens Cup Steeplechase Outing photography by Cris Anler Photography and Design | CrisAnlerDesign.com

THE

IS NEAR.

www.roaringriot.com THE TRAVELING TAILGATE for PANTHER FANS.

UPCOMING TAILGATES

TAMPA BAY SEPT. 5,6,7 BALTIMORE SEPT. 27, 28 ATLANTA DEC. 27, 28

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Coming in June 2014 Demographics Of Elevate Lifestyle Readers Female 55.4% | Male 44.6% Age: 21-27: 25.5% 28-34: 45.2% | 35-44: 29.3% Annual Income: Less than $35K: 2.2% Between $35k-$54,999: 31.7% Above $55K+: 56.1% Psychographics Of Elevate Lifestyle Readers Dine out 3x a week: 90.2% Go out for drinks 3x a week: 67.1% Order drinks by brand name: 68.3% Order beers by brand name: 81.7% Frequent nightclubs/lounges 73.2% Attend sporting events 93.9% FOR STRATEGIC ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS ISSUE: Please Contact Us At 704.231.9700 adv@ElevateLifestyle.com

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