May 2011 "The Food Issue"

05.11

THE FOOD ISSUE CULTURE

DINING ENTERTAINMENT

FASHION

FITNESS

LIFESTYLE

NIGHTLIFE

hot wings. cold beer.

good times. live music!

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G CAF E’S WIN

Where/When: The Divide Golf Club Monday, june 6th • 12:00pm Shotgun ual a Ann

er S u mm TOUT

2nd

SHOO

Charlotte EpiCentre • 704-716-WING • S. Charlotte Ayrsley Town Blvd. • 980-297-7000

Price: $360 Per Foursome Deadline: Saturday, June 4th Enter at: Wild Wing Cafe • 2132 Ayrsley Town Blvd. for more info contact dave at 704-491-3479 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

ion ns reg tio te ty: nt i p c ot me eO arl he nc r t vest Ch a e he ov Fin , In gt all es s* rin s om als ink ve h e ure *L Co td t: wn os les ea , To k a recl p gr s tic o oo Ar me are eb tteF o c p Fa ere s, H rlo o Th on Cha d s p Con m/ nu joi k.co o so Al ebo c Fa

Scott Lindsley, Realtor / Broker - My Townhome Realty (704) 906-1645

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Dilworth’s Most

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Boutique

Voted Charlotte’s “best low-carb lunch & best wraps!” by elevate magazine

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Join us for Happy Hour Fridays! 3-6pm Book a private party to relax and indulge with friends.

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1212 South Blvd. I Charlotte I NC I 28203

Learn from the Pro that teaches the Pros!

Special Rate for Elevate Lifestyle Readers: A 2 hour 4 person clinic at $60 per person.

Mention this ad, and visit www.randyjoynergolf.com to book a lesson!

Monday, May 23rd 2011 Charlotte Golf links VOTED BEST PRO GOLFER

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publisher’s note I want to thank all those who came out for our Fourth Annual Elevate Lifestyle Awards Party at Suite on April 14. A good time was had by all, and I hope you all can join us at San Antonio’s on Thursday, May 5 for our annual Cinco De Mayo Celebration. For all you race fans, we will be doing a party bus up to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the ALL STAR RACE on Saturday, May 21, then the following Monday, join us for our Back To Life Chipping Fore Charity Golf Classic at Charlotte Golf Links.

I hope all is well with everyone and you’re enjoying the nice spring weather. So it’s the perfect time for Alive After 5 at the EpiCentre Pavilion, MET Live at the Metropolitan on Thursdays, and FRIDAY LIVE! every week at the Factory.

To stay up-to-date on all these events and more, you can always check out our event calendar at ElevateLifestyle.com.

This month’s issue is our annual “Dining Guide,” so if you’re not hungry now, you will be after you read some of the great articles about the best restaurants in Charlotte. This month is also Farm To Fork Restaurant Month, and with more than 15 restaurants participating, be sure to plan a couple nights out with your friends to try some local cuisine.

Have a great Memorial Weekend!

Until next month, Steve Caldwell

the 5th AnnuAl

White PArty Saturday, June 25th 6-11pm

DJ Spinning FaShion Show perFormerS

general admission Tickets available as well as Vip Tables, Day Beds, and Cabanas. more details at Bandtastic.com

e

team

Publisher: Steve Caldwell Editor: Edy Hinson Creative Director: Greg Smith

THE SEARCH IS ON!

Design and Production: Greenspon Advertising Cover and Photo Spread Photography: Photography: Fenix Fotography, FenixFoto.com; Fashion Styling: Jennifer Misenheimer, WelcomeToEscape.com; Hair: Joey Hewell, JStudioSouthend.com; Makeup: Scott “Scooter” Arnold, facebook.com/scooter28; Swimwear: The Red Door, TheRedDoorStore.com and Everything But Water, EveryThingButWater.com; Shoes: Step by Sloan, SloanBoutique.com; Models: Evolution: EvolutionMT.com Advertising, Sponsorship, Website Sales, and General Advertising Sales Information: Brad Cheek, Christine Younghans, Dempsey Gibson, and Steve Caldwell Contributing Editors: Culture Editor: Chrystal Rose, Dining Editor: Nikki Wilson, Entertainment Editor: Denise Gregory, Fashion Editor: Debra Kennedy, Fitness Editor: Monique Douglas, Nightlife Editor: Sean Flynn Contributing Writers: Allison Penland, Ashley Hampton, Elaine Gregory, Lisa Lemaster, Michael Zographos, Richard Gruica and Shanece Edge Event, Article and Website Photography: Auger Images, Eun Park, Lazyday.com, Steve Caldwell, and Trip Bye Interns: Ashley Hampton, Elaine Gregory, Michael Zographos, and Shanece Edge

Do you think

you have the

CoveR GiRl

2011

noWS youR ChanCe to Be on the CoveR oF the September Fashion issue For More Details Please email us at: covergirl2011@elevatelifestyle.com

look?

CONTENTS 24 Culture: Hot Summer Theatre 30 Entertainment: Drink Suite 36 Fashion: RE: Salon And Med Spa 42 Fitness: Loze Your Excuse 46 Lifestyle: McDevitt Agency 52 Nightlife: Memorial Day Weekend 58 Fashion: Tease

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T H E

D E S S E R T

B A R

...And you thought we just served desserts.

dining guide 68 New On The Dining Scene 74 LOL Café Gourmet 78 Good Eats & Meets 80 Carolina’s Farm To Fork 84 Three Jewels And The Crown 88 Buy Fresh 94 Local Libations

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Bus Leaves At 12:30pm & 4:30pm From Downtown.

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culture

hot summer theater When I was growing up, one of my favorite things to do in the summer time was go to the theater. My nana would take me to this barn turned playhouse in Maine where -- despite the sticky summer heat -- I was mesmerized by the performances. The singing, the dancing, the yelling, the crying, the fake gun smoke: I loved every bit of it, especially watching these people live a life that was so real to them. They made it real to me.

My love for the arts grew into a desire to perform and the desire drove me to try it. This time I wasn’t watching. I was singing, dancing, yelling, laughing, crying; I’d never felt more alive. Theater will always be close to my heart.

For me, summer and theater go hand in hand. Here are a few upcoming shows worth seeing:

Lord of the Flies Wednesday, May 11 through Saturday, May 14 at Wachovia Playhouse What happens when a plane crashes on a deserted island leaving only young boys as survivors? The classic by William Golding explores the thin line between reason and chaos as the boys attempt to survive the wilderness and each other.

Rent Friday, May 13 through Sunday, May 29 at Theatre Charlotte This particular show is incredibly powerful and one of my personal favorites. The edgy script and catchy music convey the lives of seven friends in the city of New York, each somehow affected by AIDS. This is a Tony award winner and a Broadway hit, a truly fantastic show.

Cats Tuesday, May 24 through Sunday, May 29 at Belk Theater This is a great show for the whole family and a wonderful introduction to theater for the unfamiliar. As one of the longest running shows on Broadway, it’s a fun show that will put a smile on just about anyone’s face.

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APRIl SHoWERS BRINg...loW HoME PRICES! Shrek The Musical Tuesday, June 14 through Sunday, June 19 at Belk Theater How can you not love Shrek? This is another great show for the whole family considering the movies are known for jokes that sail right over the kids’ heads.

And SellerS, ASk About the beSt toolS to Sell in todAy’S mArket!

The Sound of Music Friday, June 10 through Sunday, June 26 at Matthews Community Center When a nun is a bit too chipper for the religious life, she is sent to take care of a naval captain’s seven children. The uptight family starts to loosen up, smile, sing and laugh again. This Rodgers and Hammerstein classic will bring nostalgia to those of you who grew up watching the movie.

Mamma Mia! Tuesday, July 26 through Sunday, July 31 at Belk Theater Not knowing who her father is, a daughter invites the three possibilities from her mother’s past to her wedding in Greece — without telling her mother. A feel-good global smash hit that is great for a night out with the girls.

Cirque Du Soleil Alegría Wednesday, August 3 through Sunday, August 7 at Time Warner Cable Arena Another Cirque Du Soleil show is coming to Charlotte! While not classic theater, every Cirque show is worth seeing.

If you aren’t normally into theater, do something different this summer and check it out. We’re lucky here in Charlotte to have such great performing arts centers and the talent to back them up. Why not give it a try? You might fall in love…

Chrystal Rose, Culture Editor Chrystal is an aspiring author and currently blogs on xtalrose. com about dating and relationships. You can follow her on twitter via xtal_rose.

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entertainment

drink suite Find NEW Places to ‘Go H.A.M’ Elevate Lifestyle presents the Newest, Tech-Savviest Addition to Nightlife!

Wednesdays for their half-priced martinis, visit Angry Ale’s on Thursdays for their pitcher specials (right after kickball), and trek the Piedmont for Brio’s $2.95 menu and Italian Wedding Cake Martinis. That was my committed routine. But finding new places for my friends and I seemed a hassle as I would need to visit too many sites, find Patron specials, then relay it back to the girls. Let’s face it, finding new spots and new people to hang out with can be a little complicated since we’re all used to our neighborhood joints. However, thanks to Drink Suite, I can spend more time focusing on ‘getting it in!’ than on ‘where to go.’

On site, you can sign up as a Facebook or Twitter user to search the latest bars, shot specials, and simply plan your evening. Think bachelorette/bachelor party planning. The site even has a ‘share’ feature, allowing you to build a slideshow of events and assign a time and place where the antics will began! Yep, D.S. makes “Going H.A.M.” a bit more interesting. If you’re more like me, in a routine, you can save those slideshows for later use. Cool, eh?

Technology has conditioned us to become more sociable these days, especially in our most single and vivacious state. We want to connect more!

Our generation is on a search to find livelier yuppies just like ourselves. In line with Facebook or Google, with a twist of lime, comes our very own Drink Suite — a search engine and drink index that lets you take control of your nightlife. This site gives you the options to organize partying around personal interests, venues, premium liquors, and sports!

As a socialite, I find myself mentally filing away my favorite bars, drink specials and tapas menus. Years ago, I’d hit up Therapy on

Are you a die-hard sports fan? Venues will begin associating themselves with different sporting teams on D.S., attracting a sundry of fan-based customers. So in any season, socialites can find the perfect bar for ‘raising cain’ for their favorite teams and find the most tailored crowd in which to do it. Wouldn’t it 31

be cool if there was a pitcher special for the Celtics? You know Rondo’s nothing to play with! Here’s another reason to chug green beer this time of the year.

Come launch date, D.S. will commence in more than 100 cities including Charlotte, and other cities in the Southeast region.

In fact, founders Lee Burgess and Karen Price intend to take D.S. global.

Traveling to Germany this summer? Whether business or personal, you can plan your vacation before you land, meanwhile, brief your colleagues, buddies and or family beforehand with just a few clicks. D.S. is so cool that it will be able to translate more than 10 languages, so no matter where you’re traveling, sharing your plans becomes more fluid and less confusing.

And if you really wanna take a gamble, use the D.S. “random button,” which shuffles through nearby cocktail lounges, pool halls, and saloons. You could end up 25 miles away from home, chatting for hours with a hottie you would have never met close to home. Now that’s living D.S.!

Wanna party? Get connected with me and hundreds of others on DrinkSuite.com. See you there …

Denise Gregory, Entertainment Editor 32

Summer ConCert SerieS

Kenny CheSney tour ConCert thurSday, June 2nd

Meet Up At 4PM @

$20 Includes Transporation to/from the Concert, Ice Cold Beers and Cocktails on the Ride Up and Drink Specials Pre and Post at Dixie’s Tavern.

Bus will leave at 6pm SHARP! Doesn’t include concert ticket.

SPACE IS LIMITED, SO BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW AT BANDTASTIC.COM More details at ElevateLifestyle.com

fashion

Everything was designed to create a serene, seamless environment of well-being and beauty. Stress levels are maxed out for most people these days and spas are supposed to help people de-stress.

Now for the services you will be addicted to: The JetPeel Facial – Kate Mulrooney This cutting edge technology has revolutionized skin revitalization.

RE: SALON AND MED SPA There are countless spas in Charlotte, including day spas, luxury hotel spas and spas that have been around for decades. RE: SALON AND MED SPA is my pick for best spa in Charlotte.

From the moment you enter this ultra-chic spa, you are captivated.

Yes, it is rich in history and it is most definitely state-of-the-art design savvy, but what really seals the deal is the warmth you experience from the staff. Each client is greeted as if they were a well-liked family member. It starts with the lovely Lindsey Hathaway, co-owner and operator, who is devoted to enhancing the client’s well-being through innovative treatments in an atmosphere of beauty, designed to delight the senses.

You may remember the campaign to keep the Historic Fire Station Number Two around, as it was on the verge of destruction. RE: SALON AND MED SPA came to the rescue and transformed the building from an old fireman’s hang-out, to one of the most modern salons in Charlotte. They are at the forefront of innovation in salon services, with distinctive cosmedical services that exert the newest technology in facial resurfacing and lasers, while providing an experience like no other.

The JetPeel provides non-invasive, painless delivery of vital nutrients (oxygen and sterile saline), while simultaneously achieving deep cleansing, moisturizing and exfoliating by using a highly pressurized oxygen jet that accelerates through a hand-held fine nozzle. It facilitates the effectiveness of other procedures such as chemical peels, Laser, IPL and other treatments, imbuing the skin with a radiant glow. It is also highly effective in wrinkle reduction, smoothing fine lines, reducing sun damage and stimulating skin rejuvenation. Solution enriching ingredients such as nutrients, vitamins and minerals can be introduced deep into the skin with no needles, and no pain or discomfort. This treatment takes about an hour and you leave looking and feeling years younger.

BRAZILIAN HAIR TREATMENT - Andrew Cordell First, I want to share my absolute favorite. The Brazilian Keratin hair treatment.

Andrew Cordell is a true artist. He has an extensive background as a stylist and makeup artist. You may see him racing down the streets of Charlotte as he is an avid runner, but his real talent is at RE: SALON AND MED SPA. I was not blessed with pretty hair.

When I had three people tell me how beautiful my hair was at Southpark Mall after my Brazilian hair treatment, I knew Andrew Cordell was my new best friend.

This treatment is amazing. It is safe and healthy for your hair and can make even the most challenged hair look amazing. I

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glamorous works of art.

She shaped my brows, tinted them and also gave my lashes a perm. All of these skills in less than an hour. I could not believe how much of a difference it made in my appearance.

She is an expert at brow shaping, lash and brow tinting, lash perming, eyelash extensions, threading and brazilian waxing. I will be visiting Elizabeth on a regular basis.

had heard the buzz on this treatment for quite some time but really did not believe the hype. As a beauty expert, I have already recommended this treatment on television as a prime way to get hair worthy of Hollywood. This treatment will transform your hair and smooth it out for less frizz.

The process takes about three hours and you cannot wash your hair for five days but the outcome outweighs any inconvenience. The result will be silky, shiny hair that will last up to five months. And I might also share that Andrew is amazing at cut, color, hairdreams extensions and makeup as well as being an expert in Brazilian hair treatment.

My expert advice is to give Andrew a call as soon as you read this article as he already has a long waiting list and you will definitely want to get on his books.

QUEEN OF BROWS – Elizabeth Queener I had heard about this amazing beauty that did unbelievable things with brows. Is there really an art to shaping your brows? Yes, there is. Elizabeth is world-renowned for her brow skills. She really is called the “Queen of Brows” and her last name is Queener – not just an accident. She transformed my sparse brows into

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RE: SALON AND MED SPA offers the most elite stylists, estheticians, massage therapists and medical staff in the city of Charlotte. There are so many amazing wonders about this spa and the only way to really “get it” is to see for yourself.

They have a Phyto Hair Scope that magnifies the hair and scalp 200 times, allowing stylists to identify your hair challenges and prescribe the best treatments and products for you. The Spa carries Phyto Hair Products exclusively.

You can even have your teeth whitened as you wait for your spa treatment.

Want to stop by and check out the spa yourself? Every Friday night you can Refresh, Drink and Be Happy at RE: SALON AND MED SPA Happy Hour, from 3 to 6 p.m., where express services are available. Find out what all of Charlotte is talking about. You will be glad you did!

Debra Kennedy, Fashion Editor

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Whether your goal is to finally slip into those skinny jeans, or you’re just looking to become a little more fit and fabulous, the Loze Your Excuse “Weight Loss Challenge” is a great way to kick-start a better you!

If you are one of the few selected, you will have the opportunity to work with a certified personal trainer on staff at ZX Fitness, as well as have classes and a regimen set up for you to achieve your weight loss goals.

You also will have the opportunity to work with a dietitian and a nutritionist during your weight loss challenge so you are able to maintain your loss.

The winning participant will receive a prize package valued at more than $1,000. The challenge is open to males and females, and you do not have to be a member to participate in the Loze Your Excuse “Weight Loss Challenge.”

Congratulations on your decision to get serious about weight loss. Sign up now at lozeyourexcuse@ZXFitness.com. What do you have to lose?

lifestyle

ZX Fitness, along with several notable promotional partners like Paschal Promotions and 704Events, are helping to gain new faces in their facilities -- male and female -- and challenge them to an eight- to ten-week weight loss test. The idea is to have a three-month health and fitness competition between four people to help people get in the gym, to lose as much weight as possible and in a healthy way. Each contestant will have access to a dietician/nutritionist to ensure that the right foods and nutrients are being consumed for optimal weight loss. A trainer will also be on-hand for the obvious reasons: ample exercise, correct form and assistance, as well as for motivational purposes.

ZX Fitness boasts being the leader in group fitness, so it’s no wonder they would host a huge city-wide challenge with fantastic prizes.

More than $1,000 in prizes for the winner, including a one-year membership to ZX Fitness, personal training sessions from ZX Fitness, a $200 gift card from Energy Café, a makeover from RE: Med Spa & Salon, a top-of-the-line bicycle from Anheuser-Busch, and more!

loze your excuse The Queen City is slimming down! Starting in May and continuing throughout the summer, Elevate Lifestyle is partnering up with ZX Fitness for their highly anticipated “LYX weight loss challenge,” better known as “LoZe your eXcuse” (notice the capitalized “Z” and “X”). ZX Fitness will be choosing participants for this weight loss challenge. This is the second annual challenge that ZX Fitness has hosted in the Charlotte area, so for those of you who are timid or lackadaisical, this isn’t for you! This event will prove to be bigger this year and the final four contestants will be the apple of the Queen City’s eye!

Registration is open now until the end of May, so don’t hesitate; stop with the excuses! It only takes 100 words max and a recent picture to get your submission going! Email to lozeyourexcuse@zxfitness.com to tell them why you believe you should be chosen; it’s that easy.

The fun begins June 6 for the duration of three months of being flaunted via web, TV and radio as you reach your health and fitness goals!

For more details on Loze Your Excuse, visit the ZX Fitness Web site at www.zxfitness.com/lozeyourexcuse.

For sponsorship information, contact Steve Caldwell at steve@elevatelifestyle.com.

Monique Douglas, Fitness Editor 43

lifestyle

REAL ESTATE

The McDevitt Agency’s own Shane McDevitt sat down with us at Elevate Lifestyle Magazine to shed some light on his success in the real estate market here in the Queen City, and gave us even more reasons to believe Charlotte’s success is here to stay.

Elevate: What is unique about the Charlotte area’s real estate market versus America as a whole?

Shane McDevitt, McDevitt Agency: Charlotte was one of the last major markets to begin taking the downturn and I feel is now one of the first making a comeback. We also did not experience the booms in real estate that markets like Florida and Las Vegas saw.

We had steadier, more stable growth supported by steady, stable economic and job growth.

E: What do you think has made the Charlotte area such a soughtafter location for businesses?

S: Not only do we have a great location, weather, and vibe in this

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city, we have constant growth in Charlotte as well. Arts, hospitality, parks, sports, nightlife, commercial and residential real estate. When one of these sectors isn’t performing at a peak, others are, so we are always seeing growth, development and improvement.

E: How do you see the future of the real estate market in Charlotte?

S: Sales have picked up in the residential market for us drastically since November of 2010 and it hasn’t slowed down.

The entry level market and the luxury market are both seeing a high level of activity. And the middle market is starting to loosen up as well.

E: Which type of real estate is moving the quickest as of now?

S: [The] high end luxury market has seen a big increase in activity since this past December/January. Prices seem to have stabilized and interest rates are still favorable. I think people have been waiting to see how low it would go and I think we have hit that spot. So, people across the board are finally getting off the fence and realizing now is the time to buy.

E: What are some of your most popular properties?

S: Properties in Myers Park, Uptown, and Uptown’s surrounding neighborhoods have been seeing a lot of action. We just finished selling out The Trust … and three of our new construction projects are seeing a lot of interest: The Madison -- luxury condos and penthouses at an unbeatable price; Studio6 -- six very modern condos coming soon to NoDa; and SKYE condominiums -- a 22-story high-rise development with a rooftop restaurant and pool.

E: What is the philosophy of the McDevitt Agency?

S: We have a pretty easy philosophy we follow... Be a professional, be an expert, work hard, have fun, and make money.

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E: Tell us a little about your sales team.

S: They are the best of the best: a very select group of market experts who come together to form what I consider to be a “dream team” of brokers. I couldn’t be happier with the team we have.

E: How did you pick such a team?

S: We don’t go to real estate schools [and] send out mass recruitment emails or anything like that. We find new brokers by internal recommendations and by setting minimum production and sales standards.

E: What made you choose them?

S: Seeing them in action doing what they do. Looking for those brokers that are experienced, ethical, personable, driven, and professional.

E: What is the McDevitt Agency’s biggest advantage?

S: We are all market experts. No part-time brokers here. We are all career brokers who take our jobs seriously, handle our clients with professionalism, and put our experience to work for them. People know that when they call The McDevitt Agency, they will get the best of the best.

E: As far as your business strategy goes, what is your next big move?

S: Our core focus is and will always be residential real estate. We have a good foothold in Uptown and the surrounding neighborhoods. Our luxury market is expanding its client base, our presence in the Myers Park/South park area is seeing growth, and we have future plans for LKN waterfront sales.

We will also be adding on a division to assist clients with retail and restaurant space: the type of space you see at the ground

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level of office and condo towers, at the EpiCentre, Metropolitan, Birkdale Village, Phillips Place, etc.

E: How did you get to where you are today?

S: Hard work, thinking out of the box, and surrounding myself with great people.

E: What was the biggest contributing factor to your success?

S: The desire to create something new and fresh in the real estate industry and an unrelentless drive to succeed.

E: To who or what do you owe your success?

S: All of the great brokers who work with us. Each brings their own ideas and expertise to The McDevitt Agency making us better as a whole. Kelly McDevitt, the co-owner and COO of the company, who is the brains of our operation, keeps us a smooth running machine!

Michael Zographos

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nightlife

memorial day weekend Memorial Day weekend brings thousands of people from all walks of life to Charlotte to attend the Coca-Cola 600 Race and party in the Queen City.

Downtown is a no-brainer particularly during Memorial Day weekend mainly due to Speed Street. Speed Street is part of the Coca-Cola 600 Race weekend experience, boasting ‘stars, cars and guitars’ throughout the streets of downtown for three days. There are way too many events and concerts to list so grab a schedule and plan around whatever tickles your fancy. Once you are here, everything from restaurants, clubs and bars are all within walking distance.

If you are searching out a bar, you should stumble down to what I like to call the ‘Irish Corner’, off Fifth and Tryon. When I walk on Fifth Street I can’t help but to grin like a little fat kid when he sees the Krispy Kreme Hot Now sign lit up; especially when I walk into my favorite bar in the city, Connolly’s. The darkest bar in Charlotte playing some of the best tunes thanks to the bartenders’ shared set list. Connolly’s, Ri Ra’s, and Prohibition -- all of which are some of the best bars in downtown -- are all smack dead on this corner.

From celebrities to ‘M&M’s’ (mustaches and mullets), everyone flocks around downtown to enjoy what our city has to offer.

Normally, people visiting from out of town and even people who live here go directly downtown, which is great, but don’t sell the Q.C. that short.

Like most big cities, we have our own little sections which could be called boroughs, if you will. I am going to roll out a guide for all you out-of-towners and even Charlotteons to use. Off the top of my head, Downtown, NoDa and Plaza Midwood are what could be classified as a few of our boroughs; all of which are within walking distance or a short cab from center city.

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If you feel like getting your club on, walk down to District 300 where two of the hottest new clubs -- Phoenix and RE:Public -- recently opened.

Epicentre at Trade and College is situated over an open-air pavilion and caters to just about everything you may need to scratch your nightlife itch: restaurants, bars, clubs, a piano bar and even a bowling alley. Everyone from the brothers from “A Night at The Roxbury,” to ‘The Dude’ rolling pins drinking white russians are all here at the Epicentre taking in the city.

Plaza Midwood is one of Charlotte’s most diverse and eclectic neighborhoods, and is where I tend to frequent to shrink my liver and expand my waistline.

Start the night off with some grub at the newly polished Diamond Restaurant and inhale a corn dog, pig wings, even fried chicken.

Not feeling the music line up at Speed Street this year? Head to Snug Harbor for their Fourth Annual Snug 600 concert festival. Three days of some of Charlotte’s legendary bands.

Catch Charlotte’s own Aqualads and Belmont Playboys, both playing here Saturday night!

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Whiskey Warehouse -- the home of the $4 Jack Daniels -- has an extensive list of every type of whiskey imaginable. Sip a whiskey and take in the newly built rooftop bar with one of the best views of the city’s skyline! To quote the band Modest Mouse, “Late nights with warm, warm whiskey. I think the good times they are all just killing me!”. And they always do when I leave this neighborhood, and I love it!

NoDa, short for North Davidson Street, is nestled in Historic North Charlotte’s Art District and is filled with a diverse mix of galleries, shops, restaurants and bars.

If you’re in the mood for a more intimate folk scene, head to The Evening Muse: voted the best acoustic music club in the city.

Fish tacos anyone? Leather and Lace is close to the racetrack, but to get the real and best fish tacos in town you need to surf to Cabo Fish Taco. Cabo has even been shown on the food network and is certainly a NoDa staple. Have a Blacken Mahi taco and wet the palate at Solstice Tavern, Sanctuary or any other chill dive within walking distance.

Surely after reading this guide you can see that Charlotte’s nightlife is steady strong no matter what part of the city you choose, and it will only get better year after year. I would have to say Charlotte, N.C is a......duh, winning ?!!

Cheers!

Sean Flynn, Nightlife Editor 55

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dining

new on the dining scene I think I’m in love with Charlotte. And being from Upstate New York, that’s not always the easiest confession to make. Yet my favorite part of the Queen City has got to be the food.

When I go out in Charlotte, I want something good. No, scratch that. I want something gooood. I mean knock-your-socks-off, over-the-moon, Panthers-winning-the-Superbowl (hey, it could happen) good. And the best way to discover something good is to scout out the newest pubs, restaurants, cafes, dives and bistros out there.

So at Elevate Lifestyle, we did the legwork for you. With May being the Dining Issue, we did our homework and found all the new places around town you should be checking out. From Italian to Asian to the newest tap houses with the best bar menus, these places will have you ordering seconds. Maybe even thirds. Or in my case with drinks, fourths. Bon Appétit!

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt Just in time for summer, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is bringing the sweet relief of ice cream to Northlake Mall. With 31 different flavors to choose from, including red velvet, kiwi and passion fruit, the possibilities are endless when you pair them up with the loads of different toppings. How about some mango on top of that sundae? Or maybe the marshmallows, Captain Crunch and gummy bears are more your style. Either way, load it up and enjoy.

6801 Northlake Mall Drive (Inside Northlake Mall) 704.839.1705 | OrangeLeafYogurt.com Cast Iron Waffles The only thing better than a warm waffle to start off the morning is getting a warm, freshly made, handcrafted waffle, like the ones found at Cast Iron Waffles. With the chefs at Cast Iron making the dough fresh daily in house, it’s no wonder they are called the home of the authentic Liége Belgian Waffle.

Try the Liége waffle “extra sweet,” made with maple butter, Belgian chocolate, Nutella and fresh fruit.

Make sure to pair your waffle with a handcrafted cappuccino, or if you want to stick with a classic cup of joe, Cast Iron offers premium fair-trade, organic coffee.

9604 Longstone Lane, Charlotte 704.469.1971 | CastIronWaffles.com FINZ Raw Bar and Grill If you haven’t stopped by FINZ Raw Bar and Grill, located in the old Vinnie’s spot in Matthews, you’re seriously missing out. With Italian roots and a love for the good food, FINZ offers something for everyone, whether it’s the roasted oysters, the open meatball parmesan sandwich or the crab leg dinner. Yet, it’s not just the food that’s making customers become regulars. FINZ has quickly become a local neighborhood pub with nights for live music, trivia, karaoke and dart competitions.

142 East John Street, Matthews 704.814.9114 | FinzRawBar.com

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Stackers Sandwich Shop New to Charlotte, Stackers opened this past February and is attracting new patrons daily with its pizza, fresh salads and massive sandwiches. With the slogan, “You like it! We stack it!”, Stackers is glad to pile your sandwich high with extra meat and goodies to tame any appetite. Make sure to pair your juicy lucy stacker or the Carolina stacker with a heap of sweet potato waffle fries or a side of fried pickles.

1300 Central Avenue, Plaza Midwood Boardwalk Billy’s Opening its third location in Charlotte, Boardwalk Billy’s is the perfect spot to relax, drink a few cold ones and feel the summer rolling in. The newest location recently opened its doors in Dilworth and offers the best fan fare around with daily drink specials, a calendar full of events and a rooftop deck. Best part of it all, Billy’s stays open for good times til 2 a.m., seven days a week.

1514 East Boulevard, Charlotte 704.332.9292 | BoardWalkBillys.com Fiamma Restaurant With just one bite, you’ll think you’re in Italy. Fiamma Restaurant knows quality ingredients and is sparing no expense to bring them to you. The fish is flown in daily from Europe. The pasta and pizza doughs are made fresh twice a day in the kitchen, and the Italian meats and cheeses are imported from the finest markets. The taste of Tuscany just got one step closer.

2418 Park Road, Charlotte 704.333.3062 | Fiamma-Restaurant.com Malaya Kitchen At Malaya Kitchen, you’ll find tasty Asian fusion cuisine that brings together flavors from Singapore, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and India.

The menu is vast and offers all your favorite beef, chicken, duck, pork and noodles cuisine, as well as vegetarian and vegan options for the Asian lover in us all.

8200 Providence Road, Charlotte | 704.541.6668

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Yoforia Yoforia is no stranger to Charlotte as this is its fourth location in the Queen City. A variety of flavors and frozen yogurt -- aka “froyo” -- toppers can be found here all while offering a more nutritious, yet tasty, alternative to ice cream.

5355 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Ballantyne 704.246.3386 | yoforia.com Aloha Hawaiian BBQ & Grill Even if you can’t afford to visit Hawaii, you can still bring the tastes of the island to your table.

Aloha Hawaiian BBQ recently made a home in the Whitehall area and is serving up authentic Hawaiian cuisine, which brings together the tastes of many different cultures throughout the world. Whether you try the kalbi short ribs or the loco moco, Aloha is sure to offer your palate something new and exciting. No hula skirt required.

8170-G South Tryon Street, Whitehall 704.583.2122 | AlohaBBQGrill.com Energy Café If you’re not craving the International flair of Emzy or Mizan, the Duke Energy Building has another way to please. Energy Café is opening a second location in Uptown, with the goal of providing customers with healthy, nutritious food made with whole, unprocessed ingredients as well as organic products. Energy will offer onthe-go meals featuring wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups, smoothies and a frozen yogurt bar.

Don’t start lining up just yet. The newest location will open in June.

550 South Tryon Street, Duke Energy Building 704.910.1094 | EnergyCafeCharlotte.com

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Krazy Fish With a name like Krazy Fish, you know the newest restaurant to hit Central Avenue is going to have style, spunk and one unique menu. Self-described as “world soul seafood fusion in Plaza Midwood with legendary flair,” the eatery is already gaining popularity with specials like sofrito grilled pork chops, shrimp gazpacho and the beefana sandwich topped with spicy aioli. Make sure to take a look around as well to experience a laidback atmosphere, as the place is adorned with abstract fish art, a hanging surfboard and plenty of street signs.

2501 Central Avenue, Plaza Midwood | 704.332.1004 Akahana Asian Bistro As a lover of all things sushi, Charlotte can never have enough great sushi bars. Akahana opened its doors this past winter and boasts the “most expansive sushi menu in Charlotte.” In addition to the vast sushi menu, Akahana offers hibachi, noodle dishes, Thai, Tamaki cuisine, vegetarian options and more. And to be a new sushi restaurant offering buy-one-get-one-free sushi rolls for all the rolls everyday? Oh, yes, please!

1308 The Plaza, Plaza Midwood 704.817.9365 | AkahanaAsianBistro.com Bluprint Restaurant Have breakfast in Santa Monica. How about lunch in Atlanta? Why not pop in for dinner in New York? Walk into Bluprint, which just opened its doors in April, and choose which room you’d like to dine in. The walls are graced with different scenes from different cities, offering the perfect backdrop to a delicious meal. The wasabi aioli makes the salmon BLT come alive while the homemade tiramisu, made fresh by Johnson & Wales students, makes the perfect ending to any meal.

227 West Trade Street, Carillon Building 704.910.4301 | BluPrintRestaurant.com AZN Restaurant Already a favorite in Florida, AZN is hoping to gain the same fan base here in Charlotte.

The Pan Asian restaurant will have plenty of sushi to go around for lunch and dinner, as well as a mix of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. While you’re there, check out their Happy Hour menu, which will offer discounted drinks everyday. Located in Piedmont Town Center, AZN is aiming for a summer grand opening.

Piedmont Town Center, SouthPark Nikki Wilson

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dining

E: How did you come up with the name for your company?

H: When I think about how all of this came about, I seriously laugh out loud. Hey, truth is, I got dumped and I turned it into a business. Doesn’t that make you laugh out loud?

E: When will your product be in stores?

H: They are in stores now.

E: What are a couple names of the stores carrying your rolls?

H: Common Market, Laurel Market, to name a few. The others are all convenient stores all over Charlotte.

pepperoni rolls What is a pepperoni roll? Unless you are a native West Virginian you most likely are not sure what to expect. Imagine a warm, soft, homemade, mouth watering, large roll jam-packed full of zesty, delicious, slices of pepperoni. That’s just the beginning; now add pepper jack cheese, or even jalapenos to give it a kick, and you have a quick, easy sandwich that is out of this world!

We were lucky enough to interview Heidi Ebbert and get the scoop on what these ‘pepperoni rolls’ are all about!

Elevate: How did you come up with idea of the pepperoni rolls?

Heidi Ebbert: I didn’t. It’s a West Virginia thing. I’m a West Virginia girl and grew up with them. They are a staple there. Before now, you couldn’t buy them anywhere else but in West Virginia. All of my friends would beg me to make them. I think I’ve always been known as the girl who brings the pepperoni rolls.

When I thought I was going to be moving six months ago, my friends wanted to know how to get them once I moved. That’s when I decided I was going to have to start selling them. When I got dumped and didn’t move I thought well ... now what … it was such a great idea, so why not do it here instead. So glad I didn’t move!

E: How did you get your rolls into the current stores and how do you plan to get them into the other 50 stores?

H: Once the stores saw how well they sold, it was easy. It’s a win-win for the stores too. They are making twice what they make on most of the other products they carry. Right now the focus is to get the flow down. We could grow 20 stores overnight but we need to be smart. I take pride in knowing that the rolls on the shelves are fresh and yummy.

E: What kind of marketing have you been doing thus far to get your rolls out into the market?

H: None, really. I love to network. I tell anyone who will listen what I’m doing and where they can buy them. It’s amazing how many people are willing to help and give me names and numbers. West Virginians are quite happy they don’t have to drive back there to get them!

E: Will you market the pepperoni rolls as a snack food?

H: Honestly, they are great for anytime. I’ve always taken them to tailgates or parties that I have or attend. It’s a food that is just easy to grab because they are just as good room temp as they are heated up. So you can enjoy them anytime, anywhere.

E: Are you baking them at home or are you in a catering kitchen?

H: At home, but by year end we plan to have them in a facility with a production line.

E: Have you always loved to cook/bake?

H: Yes. My mom was a home economics teacher so the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

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E: How long does is take you to make the pepperoni rolls and get them into the stores on the shelves?

H: Once baking is complete and rolls are packaged, they are on the shelves the next day.

E: How are the pepperoni rolls packaged?

H: Each roll is individually bagged and sealed for extra freshness.

E: What is the shelf-life for your product?

H: Five days right now since we don’t freeze. We deliver to stores twice a week so the rolls are always fresh.

CHARLOTTE BEST UPSCALE JAPANESE SUSHI BAR AND LOUNGE Voted BEST Sushi Restaurant 2010 “City Search” Voted BEST Endless Options 2010 “Elevate Lifestyle”

E: How much do the rolls cost for a consumer?

H: Around $3.00 E: Are there different flavors for the rolls?

H: Yes. Pepperoni; pepperoni with jack cheese; and the favorite, pepperoni and jack cheese with extra jalapenos for an added kick. Making me hungry just talking about them.

E: Do you plan to venture out into other types of rolls, once you get going?

H: Not anytime time soon. However, I am sure we will. I have some other really great recipes that would be perfect. I just love the idea of having great handmade type foods in markets and convenient stores.

E: Who is your target market?

H: On-the-go type. My ultimate goal is to get them into big sporting venues like Panthers, Bobcats and Nascar. They would sell like crazy in those venues!!

Elaine Gregory

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Please call 704.334.0009 to make your reservation now!

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dining The premise of Good Eats and Meets is to explore all that Charlotte has to offer in the culinary world, whether it’s testing the “Best of Charlotte” restaurants or sampling the “greasy spoons.” The group is for adventurous people who enjoy sharing a meal and great conversation and the best part about it all? Membership is absolutely free! The majority of people living in Charlotte are transplants from other areas and founder Richard Gruica wanted to “provide a gathering place for all those who love food and socializing in the Queen City with the idea of broadening their knowledge of regional specialties.” The group brings people of all ages and walks of life together in the European style of “breaking bread,” and also supports the local restaurant economy. Road trips, wine tastings, classes, farmers’ market tours, dinners, brunches and smaller-scale tasting and dinner parties, as well as many other events can be found on the social calendar. Doing something to raise awareness for the local growing community and all the wonderful products that they produce has always been very important to the vision of Good Eats and Meets. According to Richard, big business has stolen the identity from food, making it merely something to eat. “There is a huge disconnect between farmers, growers, chefs, and consumers,” he said.

NEW MENU RELEASE MAY 2011

“People do not realize there is a family with personal pride behind the food. I want to put the identity and the correlation of mouth, brain, heart, and family back into food.”

The Farm to Fork Restaurant Month will hopefully bring about a collaboration of all things local, that will not only raise the level of awareness, but will also be an avenue to further enhance all things fresh and local. A portion of the proceeds from the event will create a subsidy to benefit small, family-owned farms in the event of a natural disaster. By dining at these restaurants and participating in this event, you will not only experience an incredible opportunity to enjoy ultra-fresh local products from virtually every corner of the Carolinas served by the finest restaurants right here in the Queen City, but you will be impacting the lives of families who make their living from the land.

For more information on becoming a member of Good Eats and Meets, please visit www.meetup.com/goodeats-charlotte

911 E. Morehead Street S200 Neighborhoodgrille.com 704.377.3808

dining

carolina’s farm to fork Good Eats & Meets is taking an edible journey through North Carolina, and we would like you to join us. The idea is simple: Some of the finest restaurants that support the “Local Food” movement will serve special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus from Sunday through Thursday for the month of May. Lunches will be priced at $10.95, $14.95 and $18.95. Dinners will be priced at $18.95, $28.95 and $38.95. We will also have the option to feature brunch. The chefs at the participating restaurants will use their culinary talents to prepare a meal using as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible, including produce from regional farms, meats from local ranchers and other components sourced from the Carolinas. We will also be featuring special events, classes and seminars as part of the month.

This is much more than a simple dining event. It is a vision to start a fund to help those in need and to raise awareness for all things local.

We are very excited to bring this event to the Carolinas and would love for you to be a part of this experience by sharing this month of incredible food, which supports ALL things local, including growers and producers throughout the Carolinas. Join us, and savor every minute of it!

Our Mission: We are establishing the “Carolina’s Farmers Fund,” with a portion of the proceeds and donations from the month of May to help local farmers in times of need, natural disaster or a catastrophic occurrence.

For more information on what we are trying to accomplish, please go to www.meetup.com/goodeats-charlotte.

Richard Gruica

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dining

three jewels in the crown of the queen city When researching Charlotte restaurants for the May ‘Dining Issue,’ I was lucky enough to run across a real treasure: a restaurant group of three of my favorites, all of whom use fresh ingredients from local farmers in their delicious menu items! Ilios Noche, Nolen Kitchen, and Big View Diner make up the Stratos Restaurant Group, otherwise known as SRG. I have frequented all three establishments and can quite honestly say both the food and the service are stellar!

ety of Greek spreads, authentic meat and seafood creations, and fresh pasta dishes. Its ‘Greek Style Ribs’ were recently featured in Ballantyne Magazine. They even feature a special $5 Meze and Wine menu from 3 to 6 p.m., spotlighting some tasty appetizers and featured wines. This is the perfect stop for date night or girls’ night!

Just two years after the launch of its first restaurant, SRG unveiled Nolen Kitchen in Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood. Named for famous landscape architect John Nolen, who is credited with designing Myers Park as well as New York City’s Central Park, Nolen Kitchen features a retro-continental feel with a complementary menu and strictly American wine list. Nolen Kitchen updates their menu each season to bring its patrons the freshest ingredients and flavors available.

A neighborhood restaurant with a comfortable feel, Nolen’s menu features soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and some classics with a twist, like the Miso Glazed Salmon with shiitake risotto and the Chili Rubbed Pork Ribs with poblano crema and jicama slaw. Being a classic neighborhood tavern, they also offer a Happy Hour menu with $3 appetizer specials Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 and Ladies Night every Wednesday.

Stratos Restaurant Group was born after Stratos Lambos and Angelo Kaltsounis met while attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Shortly after, they decided to bring a Greek and Italian inspired upscale restaurant to the Ballantyne area of Charlotte. In 2003, the concept was brought to life as Ilios Noche.

Kaltsounis’ brother, Frank, an acclaimed pastry chef, came aboard as a managing partner as well. Ilios Noche’s menu features a vari-

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The third and newest addition to SRG pays tribute to the “new generation” of Northeastern Greekowned diners. Big View Diner Lounge is an upscale but affordable restaurant with family appeal in terms of menu and pricing.

The open kitchen includes a full bakery where award-winning Frank Kaltsounis prepares desserts and pastries for all three SRG restaurants.

Big View has a casual, comfortable feel while continuing to match the quality and service of its sister restaurants. Featuring a classic diner menu with a full breakfast under $5, menu items as low as $2.99, and almost nothing over $12, everyone is sure to find something they love! Menu items at Big View are prepared by chefs using all natural ingredients, and include vegetarian options as well as lighter fare, in addition to classic diner offerings.

All three SRG restaurants make their food from scratch using all natural, organic, and locally grown produce which is handpicked from local farms. Their menus state that they are ‘committed to the health and well-being of their customers and employees.’ You can check out a more detailed description of each restaurant, as well as full seasonal menus, at www.

StratosRestaurantGroup.com.

Lisa Lemaster

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dining

charlotte area farmers’ markets Charlotte’s Farmers’ Markets are growing and we have an increasing number of great places to shop for food grown here in North and South Carolina. The good news is we have more and more new farmers selling in the markets as each year rolls around. That means more food that’s not only healthy, organic, and fairly traded, but also as fresh as it gets, which translates to unparalleled deliciousness.

But there’s a catch: it’s Charlotte’s dirty little secret. Many of the farmers’ markets in the Charlotte area are selling predominantly, if not totally, imported produce from Latin America, California, Florida or points beyond. How can you tell? The easiest way to make sure you are supporting our farmers is to shop at one of these great markets: Matthews Community Farmers’ Market The Matthews Community Farmers’ Market is the largest, most diverse producers-only farmers’ market in the greater Charlotte area. All food and other market products are grown, raised or made within 50 miles of Matthews. At the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market, customers buy food directly from local farmers -- that’s as fresh, tasty and nutri-

tious as it gets. The market provides the community with locally raised foods as patrons help preserve the tradition of small farms in the area. Customers make a direct connection with the source of their food and get to know the person or farm family who grows it. What also makes Matthews Community Farmers’ Market so diverse is that you can enjoy cooking demonstrations by top local chefs and relaxing live music throughout the season. You can even get your culinary questions answered and learn basic food prep skills at our weekly Chefs’ Secrets class. And, our special events schedule is always full of family-friendly activities and fun contests.

Atherton Market in Historic South End Atherton Market is located in the heart of Charlotte’s historic South End District, featuring a lively mix of retailers and a high quality Farmers’ Market. From fresh meats and vegetables to unique art and jewelry, the market offers a fantastic shopping experience for a variety of wants and needs. Some of the vendors participating include By Design Furniture, South End Ice House, Athletic Clubs of Charlotte, and Rudino’s Pizza and Grinders. Market Hours: Tuesday - 3 to 7 p.m.; Wednesday - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Saturday - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Davidson Farmers’ Market The Davidson Farmers’ Market is a producer-only, year-round market featuring more than 35 farmers and local producers from within a 100 mile radius.

The market is a lively gathering place for meeting friends and for learning about food, agriculture and nutrition. Growers and producers are on-hand to answer your questions, from “How was this grown?” to questions about

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how to prepare and preserve all types of foods.

The DFM includes a variety of quality goods, such as certified organic, naturally grown and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, grass fed beef, pastured pork and free range chicken and ostrich, eggs from free-range chickens, fresh baked goods, prepared foods, fresh cut flowers, herbs, plants and more. Join them weekly from 8 a.m. until noon, April through October; and 9 a.m. until noon bi-weekly November through March.

Charlotte Regional Farmers Market on Yorkmont Road If you are looking for a friendly place to shop for fresh produce, fresh pork products, grass fed beef, ostrich and emu meat, goat milk cheese, scrumptious baked goods, delectable jams and jellies, unique handmade crafts, goat milk soap, beautiful fresh cut flowers and plants of every kind, you can find it all at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Here you can actually talk to the farmer who grew the freshly harvested produce and/or fruit. Although the Farmers Market is open six days a week, local farmers need to farm so they come out and sell on Saturday mornings. The good news is there are lots of local farmers at Yorkmont on Saturday morning because this market gets the foot traffic in spades. Most all of the local farmers are gathered together at one end of the main hall. Additionally, Local Food Flags provided by Slow Food Charlotte are used to designate the local farmers, making them easy to find, and making it easy to make sure you’re buying local.

Common Grounds Farm Stand The Common Grounds Farm Stand is a community farm stand where volunteers gather local, organic, homemade offerings to sell for the benefits of Charlotte’s Urban Ministry Center. Every penny of the proceeds supports our neighbors who are struggling with homelessness. Common Grounds Farm Stand will be open on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. beginning May 26 and operating through September.

If you don’t see the flag, ask the seller where their food came from, where is their farm, how long have they been farming? If they’re selling food with stickers on it or bananas, you can kind of figure that most of that food needed a passport to get to that market.

Buyer beware.

Mecklenburg County Market This is the oldest market in North Carolina, founded by the Mecklenburg County Home Extension Club in 1935. Most vendors at this market are descendants of the original founders. Currently the Mecklenburg County Market is not all local, but has a great selection of prepared foods and home baked goods, as well as live music by members of the Charlotte Folk Society on Saturday mornings. Their hours: Wednesdays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays, 7 a.m to 1 p.m.

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So what about all the other Farmers’ Markets in town? Well there are many and some are immensely popular, as you will see traffic stopping as folks try to get in and out of corner lot markets. If you don’t shop at one the markets above, take a good, hard look at what these markets are selling. These markets buy from a wholesale distributor in Columbia, S.C. Most of that produce comes from Latin America through Florida and is then trucked up the coast. We certainly don’t begrudge the folks driving down there and back to sell produce on the side of the road in Charlotte, but if you want to support local, look at the label! Be a weary consumer, and remember, vote with your fork!

Ashley Hampton

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dining

brown butcher’s paper. I have memories of myself as a young girl helping my mother and grandmother break beans picked from the garden and I can still remember the deep maroon colored stains on my clothes and hands the day I helped can beets.

Sometimes I think back on those simpler and slower times and realize how fortunate I am to have those memories and the knowledge of how food came to be on my dinner table.

It seems that most people today only know that vegetables come from a can on the grocery store shelf but they don’t know the pride that went into growing and harvesting that can.

My family was proud because it came from our hands and our soil.

Good Eats and Meets Charlotte is pleased to announce the “Farm to Fork” restaurant month series set to begin in May. The main focus of “Farm to Fork” is to promote foods that are grown, sold, prepared, and consumed regionally. Local participating restaurant chefs will use their culinary talent to create delicious prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner, composed almost entirely of Carolina grown farm-fresh ingredients.

local libations: raise a toast and support one of our own As a child, I developed an early appreciation of knowing where the food that my family ate came from. My grandparents were farmers in a small, rural town raising chickens, pigs, cattle, tobacco and a garden always flourishing with fresh vegetables. I can still remember helping my grandfather gather eggs for our Sunday breakfast, and it wasn’t until my early teenage years that I realized that I had never eaten meat purchased from a supermarket! Our freezer had always been full of fresh-from-the farm packages wrapped in

Uncle Scott’s Root Beer, the creation of Carolina Country Provisions co-owners Scott and Suzanne Ramsey, will be one of the many products promoted during the “Farm to Fork” restaurant week series. On the market for nearly four years and available in more than 80 Carolina locations, the old-fashioned root beer is made in Mooresville, N.C. with 98 percent organic and all-natural ingredients. It seems almost sacrilegious to incorporate Uncle Scott’s Root Beer into a cocktail, but I’ve long since lost my child-like innocence, and these days my ideal vision of a simpler and slower time always involves a spirit.

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Kick back and enjoy this adult version of a root beer float, which tastes almost reminiscent of Tootsie Roll candy, and feel good about supporting a local business.

It’s straight from their “farm” to your cocktail glass!

Tootsie Pop Root Beer Float Featuring Uncle Scott’s Root Beer: Combine equal portions of chilled Uncle Scott’s Root Beer and chilled Kahula in a rocks glass and stir well.

Garnish with a maraschino cherry and fresh whipped cream (for an added kick, try Vanilla Whipped Lightning alcohol infused whipped cream.)

For more cocktail ideas visit us on facebook, search for charlottemixologist and for more information on where to find Uncle Scott’s Root Beer, visit: www.unclescottsrootbeer.com Alison Penland

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eleVate lifestyle CoVer Girl DemogRapHiCS anD pYSCHogRapHiCS oF eleVate liFeStYle ReaDeRS: Female 55.4% | male 44.6% age: 21-27 25.5% | 28 - 34: 45% | 35 - 44: 29.3% annual income: less than 35k: 12.2% between 35k - 55k: 31.7% | above 55k: 56.1% exercise Weekly 76.8% SpeCial eDitoRial aDV. RateS: 30% off Rate Card prices For a 3X month Consecutive Buy includes online editorial article & Banner advertisement FoR StRategiC aDVeRtiSing in tHiS iSSue pleaSe Call 980.475.8600 oR email uS at adv@elevatelifestyle.com event Sponsorship opportunity: 5th annual White party Saturday, June 18th nC music Factory Courtyard