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VOL. 36 / PUB. 40 • THE CAPE FEAR’S ALTERNATIVE VOICE FOR 35 YEARS • APRIL 8 - 14, 2020 • FREE

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Meet our Pet Cover Contest winner, Nova Campagna encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 1

HODGE PODGE Vol. 36 / Pub. 40 April 8-14, 2020

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MUSIC pg. 10 • By Brooke Suddeth Brooke interviews local musician Tyler Mckaig and artist Cammeron Batanides about their latest livestream. Art by Cammeron Batanides

phrase of the week OK, ZOOMER A pejorative used to dismiss Baby Boomers who suddenly can’t get enough of video-chat technology.

“Virtual game night for the fourth time this week? OK, Zoomer.”

COVER EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief:

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Staff Editors:

Shannon Rae Gentry >> shannon@encorepub.com Jeff Oloizia >> jeffrey@encorepub.com

Art Director/Office Manager:

This week’s cover is our favorite of the year! Our Pet Cover Contest always get us giddy over paws galore. We hosted the contest last week on Facebook (with over two dozen entries), and Nova Campagna (above) stole our hearts and votes. Nova celebrated her third birthday last Saturday with her new sister, Suki. We interviewed the sweet shepsky about all her favorite thinsg on page 22.

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FOOD pg. 21 • By Lauren Sears Lauren Sears interviews Vivian Howard about her new PBS show, “Somewhere South,” which premiered March 27 and uncovers the roots of Southern culinary heritage. Courtesy “Somewhere South”

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Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler,

Anghus, Tom Tomorrow, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, John Wolfe, Joan C.W. Hoffmann

Interns: Lauren Sears, Darius Melton, Brooke Suddeth

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EXTRA pg. 31 • By Shannon Rae Gentry Continuing her series on finding sustainable everyday products to help relieve our dependency on single-use plastics, Shannon looks at a local company, River Organics, which makes beauty products.

Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • News of the Weird, pg. 6 • Cranky Foreigner, pg. 9 • Music, pg. 10 • Film, pg. 13 Art, pg. 14 • Gallery Guide, pg. 15 • Dining, pgs. 16-21 • Extra, pgs. 22-28 • Crossword, pg. 27 Horoscopes/Tom Tomorrow, pg. 29 • Carpe Librum, pg. 30

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LIVE I

’m turning 40 this year. At my last birthday, I set a variety of goals for my 40th year: finish a rough draft of a specific book I want to get done; spend my 40th birthday at Woodstock; learn to ride a motorcycle; and, finally, take a long road trip somewhere in the VW bus, preferably with Jock and the dogs. Included in all this is a plan to pay off the bookstore’s debts, incurred after Florence, and to get us in better shape financially to face the Front Street Enhancement Project (wherein our block of Front Street and the one by The Cotton Exchange get torn up for a few months as all the infrastructure gets updated). I’d also like to get the final room in the bed and breakfast opened as well.

Well, that has all gone out the window.

Right now if I make it to my 40th birthday with Jock and the dogs, alive and healthy, and with hope for reopening the bookstore to the public, it will be cause for celebration and a huge sigh of relief.

Ten years ago, our building of 26 years got condemned. We spent March through November of 2010 with all the inventory in storage, hemorrhaging money on the new building purchase, including its renovation. So, somehow, our current state of things feels vaguely familiar.

I remember praying repeatedly 10 years ago that if I could just get the bookstore open again, I wouldn’t complain about work. Well, we are human;

Gwenyfar looks at turning 40 amidst a stay-at-home order

LOCAL

we all make bargains with the divine that are emblematic of our frailty. I still complain—I am a very flawed human after all—but I do remember that plea regularly, now perhaps more than ever.

We are all coping with sudden changes and adjustments to our lives none of us foresaw. Deb Shoemaker of New Perspective Art Therapy Counseling noted in a phone conversation last week that learning to do art therapy via Zoom has been a change. After a few bumps in the road, she’s got a process figured out with the right camera angles. Not surprisingly, her younger clients have found the transition easier than some of her older clients. More than anything, realizing an online class is possible has been powerful. Frankly, now more than ever, art therapy can be essential to processing what is happening; thankfully, for Deb and her clients, she is providing that, tool.

I was at the post office shipping books when I saw Jimmy Pierce of Kids Making It (go visit their gift shop when it reopens on Castle Street). Its program teaches woodworking skills to middle and high school students. The kids get to see the projects through to the finish, selling their products and keeping proceeds. In addition to woodworking skills, they also learn entrepreneurship. Of course, the only

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BY GWEN YFAR thing any of us talk about these days is the virus and how we are all responding to it. But I had to ask Jimmy: How does an after-school woodworking program handle social distancing with a room full of teenagers? Well, Pierce and his staff have been putting together video tutorials and dropping off projects for the kids to work on at home. (For everyone’s health and safety, the retail gift shop is closed.)

“You know,” I said Jock over dinner, “with Jimmy Pierce, there are no setbacks, just a different way of thinking about problem-solving. That’s what he teaches, and that’s what they are doing.”

“So it sounds like you had a pretty good day,” he observed.

“Well, I always like seeing Jimmy, and it is far too rare,” I nodded. “But you know I love the post office, right?”

“Yes,” he chuckled. “You do love the post office.”

Jock and many of my close acquaintances have endured a multitude of soliloquies over the years about the wonders of the U.S. Postal Service. I am a devoted fan, starting with Ben Franklin.

ROHLER

POST OFFICE ART The downtown post office—with its abundant light, beautiful marble and mural—is a place Gwenyfar loves to go daily for interaction with downtown friends and business owners, but during the pandemic it’s rather empty.

Photo by Gwenyfar Rohler

“Now, going to the downtown post office has become incredibly depressing for me. It is so beautiful: the marble floors and walls, the big windows that bring in the light, the lattice for the vents by the ceiling. And, of course, the mural.”

“That is a great mural,” Jock agreed.

“It’s public art—a project funded by the government to beautify the country. In times of great crisis, true leadership has managed to put emphasis on the value of culture, creating something worth living for: Churchill, FDR, JFK … but don’t get me started,” I slumped.

“So how is the post office handling this?” Jock asked.

“Well, the staff are amazing. They are keeping the service windows open and adapting as best and fast as they can.

They wear masks and gloves; the credit-card machines are on little tables in front of the windows now. I have to say, they are true heroes. If they shut down, I don’t know what we are going to do. But it looks like the scene from a horror film in there: plastic shower curtains have been hung over the service windows, there’s hazard tape on the floor to note 6-foot marks for social distancing. It is dark, gray and sad in a building that was so beautiful only two weeks ago.”

“So, you were shipping books? That sounds positive,” the ever-optimistic Mr. Brandis tried again.

“Yes, shipping and curbside pickup are much appreciated right now.”

I shook my head.

“I thought if we went into quarantine, I would finally sit down and get a draft of that book done. Instead, I seem to be doing a lot of paperwork and trying to figure out how to sew cloth masks for us.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I love you; you are important, and if cloth masks are the next step to your health and well-being, then that’s what we’ll do. I guess the changes are just accelerating at a speed that leaves me reeling. I need some time to process this.”

Jock’s life, I think more than most, is relatively unchanged by the stay-athome order. Other than not being able to go to Folks Café four times a day to see his friends or play pool a Blue Post, he is still doing what he does most days: inventing and innovating in his shop. Steven’s Hardware, Grainger, Bruce Watkins and Gulf Stream Steel are all open as essential businesses, so he can get many of the materials he needs and see a lot of the people he would see in an average week.

For me, like many small business owners, things are a bit more hectic. I’m trying to sort through paperwork that is entirely new, in order to do what’s best for my staff, and trying to figure out new models to keep things going while still being a good member of the community. We will figure this out, and we will see each other again.

I might even get a draft of a book written.

I paused.

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encing workers who do leave their cameras on. [United Press International, 3/26/2020; —In Melbourne, Australia, “a bit of boreWashington Post, 3/28/2020] dom in isolation” led 27-year-old astrophys—App developers Daniel Ahmadizadeh icist Daniel Reardon to experiment on March 26 with an idea to stop people and Christopher Smeder have good news from touching their faces —a neck- for those in the dating pool during this time lace and accompanying bracelet of social distancing and staying at home. of magnets that would sound Quarantine Together is a text-based app they an alarm whenever someone launched on March 15 that asks users once a reached up, The Guardian re- day whether they’ve washed their hands, and ported. When that didn’t work, if they say yes, they’re introduced to anothReardon started playing with the er user. Nivi Jayasekar of San Francisco told powerful neodymium magnets, CNN she was eager to give it a shot: “It was a clipping them to his earlobes and hilarious idea. I feel like it’s an opportunity to nostrils, and that’s where things went form a deeper connection with someone bewrong. Two magnets inside his nostrils be- fore meeting them,” she said. Ahmadizadeh came stuck together, and he couldn’t sepa- reports that sign-ups have been growing by rate them. Reardon tried using pliers, but they 50% every day. [CNN, 3/29/2020]] became magnetized: “Every time I brought the pliers close to my nose, my entire nose DOGGONE IT! would shift toward the pliers and then the Alberto Tito Alejandro, 51, was arrested pliers would stick to the magnet,” he said. Fi- following a high-speed chase after Washingnally, his partner “took me to the hospital that ton state troopers received multiple calls on she works in because she wanted all her col- March 29 about a car hitting two other vehileagues to laugh at me,” and doctors applied cles south of Seattle and then racing away at an anesthetic spray, then manually removed speeds up to 100 mph, AFP reported. Trooper the magnets. “Needless to say, I am not go- Heather Axtman said when officers got close ing to play with the magnets anymore,” Rear- to the 1996 Buick, they were shocked to see don said. [The Guardian, 3/30/2020] a dog sitting in the driver’s seat. Alejandro

ANNALS OF ISOLATON

—Donuts Delite in Rochester, New York, has found a special way to pay tribute to immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci. Since March 23, the shop has been printing Dr. Fauci’s image on thin, edible paper, then applying it to the buttercream frosting on its doughnuts.

Nick Semeraro, franchisee of the shop, told the Democrat & Chronicle: “He’s on TV giving us the facts; you’ve got to respect that. ... People are buying them like crazy. We’re making more right now.” The doc doughnuts go for $20 per dozen, curbside pickup and delivery available. [Democrat & Chronicle, 3/30/2020]

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—A survey commissioned by Mentimeter, an interactive presentation company, found that 12% of people working from home turn their computer’s camera off during a video meeting because they’re wearing few or no clothes, United Press International reported on March 26. Along with that, Walmart Executive Vice President Dan Bartlett told The Washington Post, “we’re seeing increased sales in tops, but not bottoms,” a phenomenon presumably driven by video confer-

was steering and pushing the gas pedal from the passenger seat. “When we took him into custody,” Axtman said, “he admitted to our troopers that he was teaching his dog to drive. ... I’ve heard a lot of excuses ... but I’ve never had an excuse that the dog was driving.” Alejandro was charged on multiple counts, including driving under the influence of drugs. [AFP, 3/30/2020]

GOVERNMENT IN ACTION Business Insider reported the U.S. Navy installed new toilet and sewage systems on two of its aircraft carriers— the Nimitz-class USS George H.W. Bush and the newer USS Gerald R. Ford—but found they “reportedly cannot withstand demand without having problems.” Frequent clogs require the Navy to “acid flush” the sewage systems “on a regular basis,” each flush costing $400,000, a Government Accountability Office review indicated. The carriers house a crew of more than 4,000 people. [Business Insider, 3/24/2020]

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AMERICAN TUNE

Cranky Foreigner sings a dirge for American exceptionalism Human ingenuity seems to keep us above it all—”nature red in tooth and claw” stuff. It’s like we live on a NASCAR planet: going faster every year and never blowing a head gasket. I mean, we’ve got the technology to fix the head gasket while driving like a madman, right?

“We come on the ship they call the Mayflower “We come on the ship that sailed the moon “We come in the age’s most uncertain hour “and sing an American tune”

BY THE CRANKY FOREIGNER

“A

So sings the message in the bottle.

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

nd I don’t know a soul who’s not been battered

In Paul Simon’s “American Tune,” the Cranky Foreigner hears a message ahead of its time.

“I don’t have a friend who feels at ease

Photo via Drümmkopf, Flickr

“I don’t know a dream that’s not been shattered “or driven to its knees “But it’s all right, it’s all right “We’ve lived so well so long “Still, when I think of the road “We’re traveling on “I wonder what went wrong “I can’t help it, I wonder what went wrong” —Paul Simon, “American Tune” Many of us have a musical artist that we say recorded the “soundtrack of our lives.”

Mine is Paul Simon. I was a teenager when—a bit bored with “I Want to Hold Your Hand”—I first heard “The Sound of Silence.” Thereafter, I bought every Simon and Garfunkel album—and wore them out. Post Garfunkel, there was one track on Simon’s solo album, “There Goes Rhymin’ Simon,” that sounded like it was from another time and place. It was beautiful poetry—dark and ominous.

Now, “American Tune” seems to be well on its way to becoming the soundtrack of the current pandemic. Covers abound on YouTube. Today it sounds like an examination in a bottle, aimed specifically at 2020, yet dated 1975: “We lived so well so long, I wonder what went wrong.”

So what went wrong?

America’s tune had better be great to get us through 2020. I fear the one we’ll get is “God Bless America.” Don’t get me wrong: It’s a great tune but has zero humility. It’s more like, “God! Get your ass down here and bless the place! We’ve got a wall to build!”

Blessing America always seems to be God’s job; “He’ll take care of it. Now let’s get on with trashing the place.” Blessing seems to be a one-way street: We demand it and offer nothing in return.

I’m not a very philosophical person, so I have a hard time sorting out the difference between God and Mother Nature. God is infinitely distant and has clearly lost interest in his creation. Nature is literally underfoot every day. If we hadn’t so effectively separated the two, priests and environmentalists would do the same job. Yet, people expressing concerns for what’s underfoot are often dismissed as “libtards” by those who fear God. Joni Mitchell—a so-called “libtard” before her time—asked for spots on her apples as long as we “leave her the birds and the bees.” Silly, girl. Doesn’t she realize, deep in her heart, she really wants perfect apples?

Monsanto understands.

My fear is, when this is over, we will have blown so many trillions of our grandchildren’s dollars, we’ll have an airtight excuse for not giving Joni her birds and bees. Sorry, dear—Boeing and Exxon come first. Aren’t you listening to Simon?

It’s the biggest question everyone is asking while everything around us seems to be falling apart. Some might say now is not the time to talk about it ... but now is the best time. Sure, these troubles will pass, and Mr. Trump has promised us a big party. I’m sure there will be parades with tanks and rockets.

We’ll be happy to forget the overwhelming sense of foreboding and loss.

Before we celebrate, let’s turn and walk away to get the bigger picture. What do you see? Death graphs and Dow numbers? Important people pointing fingers?

Step back a bit more. Look again. See it?

It’s not an economic or public-health crisis. It’s an environmental one.

The story that underlies every headline is that of our generous, hospitable planet suddenly becoming less generous and hospitable. Neil Young sang about keeping Mother Nature on the run. I think Mother Nature now has responded, “Not so fast, buddy.” Looks to me like our planet is trying to cure itself of its own disease: us.

In the fifth grade, we learned about the balance of nature, but it was always suggested that balance didn’t apply to us. Too many deer ate too many saplings. The next year it was wolves and saplings. In the end, we’ve learned there’s room for us all.

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BETTER

MUSIC AND ART Cammeron Batanides (left) paints while local musicians, like Tyler Mckaig (right), play live during the new COVID Compliant livestream series.

TOGETHER

Courtesy photos

Cammeron Batanides and Tyler Mckaig host livestream with music and art

BY BROOKE SUDDETH

C

reativity is abundant in Wilmington, but the act feels trickier than ever since artists must adapt to COVID-19 mandates. In-person gigs have been canceled, and audiences required to stay home. However, local musician Tyler Mckaig and artist Cammeron Batanides have found a way to interact with fans without ever leaving the house.

Together, the two are hosting a pair of livestreams of Mckaig playing her original songs while Batanides creates a live painting inspired by the music.

DETAILS COVID COMPLIANT Livestreaming original music with Tyler Mckaig and live painting with Cammeron Batanides Viewable at YouTube, ArtByCammeron: I’m with the Painter and Facebook, @artbycammeron

The concept isn’t altogether unfamiliar to Batanides, who has painted in front of both virtual and physical audiences since 2005. The UNCW studio art grad works in liquitex acrylic gouache and Grumbacher college. Over the years she has recorded watercolors, and painted live for fund- two albums—“Tyler Take One” and “River to raisers, reggae shows and the Port City Sea”—and is currently working on a third.

Salsa Splash.

“Tyler Take One” consists of both orig“[Live-painting and painting in private] inals and covers she performed with the are two completely different forms of cre- jazz band. Her jazz professor Marc Seigel ation,” she describes. “Although you’re still accompanied her on several, and Leroy creating a painting, everything else is so Harper recorded the album. The album is a extremely different: the energy, the vibes, blend of jazz, soul and folk. having a timeline etc. It’s really nice to be “River to Sea” features a mix of Mckaig’s able to switch it up and stay fresh. It keeps original songs, recorded with Carl Blackme inspired and excited about creating.” mon. “‘The title track is about my now husMckaig and Batanides have put togeth- band,” Mckaig reveals. “He was going on a er an hour-long livestream that showcas- long trip at the height of our relationship, es both of their talents simultaneously. and it was the moment I decided, ‘I’ve got Mckaig has been singing for as long as to go with you.’ It’s about the growth of a she can remember, in school choirs and relationship and folding into it. Plus, we in talent shows as a kid. She started gui- met on the Cape Fear River, and we both tar lessons at 16 and joined Cape Fear love the ocean, so it just seemed fitting.

Community College’s jazz band while in The river leads to the sea.”

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aig during their performance. The final product shows Batanides signature style of a faceless form: Mckaig in front of the microphone, guitar in hand. The background shows a crowd of fans cheering her on in different shades of blue. AnFamily remains an important inspira- other guitar bears the title of their series, tion to Mckaig’s work overall. That in- COVID Compliant. spiration can be heard in the “River to The painting, a 20”x16” acrylic on canSea” track “Family.” “That song is for my vas, is for sale at the discount price of friends and people in my life who have $150. Interested parties can contact Batabecome like family, particularly the step nides via social media or her website. “It’s siblings I grew up with,” she tells. “It has the first time I’ve ever completed a live the lyrics, ‘You know I will always love you painting in one hour!” she says. / You can count on that,’ which I think is a Continuing to share creations is a healgood reminder for the ones you might not be physically close with [during this time ing process for the artists, who thrive on their audiences. Mckaig and Batanides of social distancing].” appreciate the empathy and sheer joy it Batanides spent about a week develop- brings. “Live streaming is a way we can ing the idea for their collaboration but was get some of that feeling back,” Mckaig thrown for a loop each time new restric- expresses. “It is also a way to connect tions were announced due to COVID-19. with my fans, friends and collaborators Determined to make it happen, she reached while we’re all stuck at home.” out to friend and local musician Randy Mc“For the artists, it makes us feel normal Quay for advice. again,” Batanides adds. “We get to contin“He shared with me a lot of his experi- ue to create/perform and it gives us someences [with livestreams] and allowed me to thing to look forward to. I hope for viewers bounce some ideas off of him, which was it will provide a positive break from all of incredibly helpful,” Batanides says. “That’s the things going on in the world right now.” when I decided to contact Tyler. She Upcoming dates for future livestreams worked so hard and found a way for us to be together via split screen and communi- have not been set, but the plan is to host cate in real time. It’s really a beautiful thing them once a week on Fridays from 7 p.m. when artists of all kinds can get together to - 8 p.m. After another session with Mckaig, Batanides has plans to collaborate create something like this.” with other local musicians like Randy McGetting the livestream up and running Quay and Travis Shallow. She also hopes took a lot of trial and error. But the duo per- to work with Jamaican artists, as reggae severed to adapt to this new normal. is her lifeblood.

“We encountered test sessions where I Viewers can watch live on Facebook and couldn’t hear her, or she couldn’t hear me,” find previous broadcasts any time on their Batanides says, “but Tyler would go in and Facebook page, as well as on Batanides’ find a solution. We got a little nervous, but YouTube channel, ArtByCammeron: I’m it all worked out and in the end. I’m really With the Painter. Tips are welcome and can happy with our first livestream.” be made via the artists’ Venmo accounts: During the livestream Mckaig sings while Batanides works on her painting. The pair often take breaks in between songs to interact with each other and viewers. Batanides completed a painted portrait of Mck-

@Tyler-Mck and @Cammeron-Batanides.

20% of tips from the first two livestreams are going to the employees of Gravity Records, to help support a staple business in Wilmington’s music scene.

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FOR THE KIDS AND ADULTS Pixar’s ‘Onward’ doesn’t do anything novel, but it’s not a bad way to spend time quarantined in a house.

Photo courtesy Pixcar

AVOIDING

BY ANGHUS

I

f nothing else, this nasty debilitating donkey punch of a global pandemic has given all of us the opportunity to catch up on all those good movies and shows available through a dozen different streaming services. And while the vast majority of people out there will devote that to train wrecks like “Tiger King,” I decided to create a list of recent movies made available online for those people seeking out a more soul-stirring experience than a crazed redneck with a mullet mistreating majestic animals. I can’t promise you’ll be more entertained, but you will not hate yourself nearly as much.

Netflix: “Paddleton” TV-MA | 1h 29min Directed by Alex Lehmann Starring Christine Woods, Mark Duplass, Ray Romano Michael (Mark Duplass) and Andy (Ray Romano) are middle-aged neighbors and best friends living an unextraordinary life in an equally unextraordinary apartment complex. They make pizza, watch kung fu movies and play a made-up game called ‘paddleton’ (roll credits). Michael learns he has untreatable cancer and decides that he wants to die on his own terms. In order to do that, Andy decides to drive Michael cross-country on one last adventure so they can pick up a cocktail of drugs that will end his life.

This is a movie that works because of two very capable actors in Duplass in Romano who deliver excellent performances and make this friendship feel genuine.

These two guys only have each other. Michael has to deal with his own mortality while Andy struggles with a life without his only human connection. Paddleton is a nice blend of light comedy, heartwarming friendship and a third act so heartbreaking that you will cry yourself into a stupor. Something about a movie forcing you to deal with your own mortality that feels

weirdly topical.

Hulu: “The Day Shall Come” Unrated | 1h 27min Directed by Christopher Morris Starring Andrel McPherson, Miles Robbins, Marchánt Davis Chris Morris is probably a director most people aren’t familiar with. He’s a brilliant comic mind from the UK who made one of the 21st century’s most surreal and most entertaining pitch-black comedies about aspiring terrorists, “Four Lions.” His latest film covers similar thematic territories as he examines a young, poverty-stricken militant named Moses. He runs a small commune of like-minded souls who are dealing with an ideological struggle; continue a path of non-violence or become radicalized and start breaking shit.

He becomes the target of an FBI investigation which is trying to coerce potential terrorists into committing illegal acts and then shipping them off to prison for the remainder of their lives. The legality of this is questionable, and Morris mines it for comedic effect. “The Day Shall Come” is a very dark, alarming piece of cinema. Unapologetic in its assertions and somewhat heartbreaking in its conclusion. Like Morris’ previous films and television shows, there’s a clarity of vision and fearlessness which is unrivaled.

the same basic movie every year. The animation is always top-notch and there’s always great talent involved. But the story beats are basically the same and each experience feels painfully simple.

“Onward,” their latest outing, made a quick trip from the theater to the new Disney+ streaming service this past week. Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley (Chris Pratt) are elf brothers in a world where magic has been replaced by technology. The landscape is filled with mythical creatures doing the most pedantic things. After they discover a magic spell left behind by their dear, departed dad, they take off on a road trip to complete the spell.

TRAIN

WRECKS Anghus highlights the good shows and flicks despite the bad and ugly

Directed by Alma Har’el This might be one of Pixar’s most manip- Starring Shia LaBeouf, Lucas ulative recent outings. This movie pushes Hedges, Noah Jupe more buttons than the elevator operator at the Burj Khalifa. The movie isn’t bad, but it doesn’t rival the jewels in the Pixar crown.

I suppose it’s unfair to expect a studio to improve with each subsequent effort, but “Onward” doesn’t do anything novel to this familiar formula. But, if you need a movie to kill an hour and 42 minutes with your kids while trapped inside your house, you could do much, much worse.

Amazon Prime: “Honey Boy” R | 1h 34min

Shia LaBeouf penned a semi-autobiographical script about the relationship with his estranged father in this fascinating piece drama from director Alma Har’el.

LaBeouf also plays his own father, which might be the most psychologically interesting artistic endeavor of the past year.

The film is a tightly packed piece of family drama with the typical trappings of movies that are about movies: obnoxious stage father; kids having to grow up too soon; what people are willing to sacrifice for a steady paycheck. LaBeouf’s performance is excellent and worth checking out.

Disney+: “Onward” PG | 1h 42min Directed by Dan Scanlon Starring Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus Pixar and I haven’t been on the best of terms, which is to say that I’ve been bored senseless by Pixar for the better part of a decade. What started out as the greatest thing to happen to animation since the words “Hiyao Miyazaki” has become a cookie-cutter cartoon factory that makes encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 13

INFLUENCE OF

NATURE Phil Freelon photography exhibit at CAM goes virtual for him. It seriously informed all of his work as an artist and architect. The intimacy of the images holds me. I welcome discovering and imagining what held him.

C

ameron Art Museum’s “Structure in Space and Time—Photography

by Phil Freelon” has been a passion project the staff and others curated with the architect himself before his passing last July. A graduate of NC State and MIT, Freelon is most well-known for his work designing famed structures, like the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Center for Civil & Human Rights and the Museum of the African Diaspora. Freelon also was a photographer who documented his structures and the inspiration for them.

“Our trustee, Bill Malloy, was a colleague of Phil’s years ago and helped us with an introduction to him,” CAM executive director Anne Brennan tells.

At first, Freelon’s hesitancy to do the exhibition was expected He was suffering from a three-year battle with ALS, and, aside from having to take careful care of his health, was preparing a redesign of Freedom Park, east of the North Carolina Legislative Building in Raleigh. Still, Freelon agreed and became excited for the opporunity, according to Brennan. “He had never had a museum exhibition of his photography.” With the help of Ben Alper, Freelon selected digital files and even the paper they would be printed on for the exhibit. Alper did all the matting and printing with the help of Durham’s Craven Allen Gallery’s donation of services. The group effort found success in the opening of Freelon’s solo exhibition on October 19, 2019.

With the help of Ben Alper, Freelon agreed and selected digital files, even down to the paper they would be printed on, for the exhibit. Alper did all the matting and printing, with the help of Durham’s Craven Allen Gal-

BY S HEA CAR VER LIGHT-ATTRACTING CORONA “Untitled: Inside the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture,” c. 2016. Color inkjet print Collection of the Estate of Philip Freelon

lery’s donation of services. The group effort found success in the opening of Freelon’s solo exhibition on October 19, 2019.

“I believe he knew he would not be alive when the exhibition opened to the public,” Brennan admits. “The entire exhibition was built on love, relationships and fervent belief in Phil.” Seventeen photos have been on view and were slated to close April 26. However, due to the museum’s closing because of COVID-19, staff members Nan Pope and Bob Unchester have worked to turn Freelon’s work into a virtual exhibit, slated to run through June 20.

We interviewed Brennan about Freelon’s work and how viewers can best sharpen their eye to appreciate the exhibit. encore (e): What fascinates you most about Freelan’s work?

Anne Brennan (AB): Anne Brennan (AB): Personally, these images offer a world into his mind and heart. Talking with Phil about his photography, he unequivocally valued the personal journey he took with a camera and discoveries he made with it as a serious artistic endeavor. It was not an avocation

14 encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

For example, “Holden Beach in Snow.”

One might think, Why black and white when he could have used color? What’s so interesting about an old car hood covered in snow, parked underneath a beach cottage on stilts? If you quieten your mind and heart and remember how important structure and light was to him, a world of wonder opens.

And think how very quiet and still those moments were for him. Think of the quality of sound around him and how it changes in snow. And a blanket of snow simplifies and heighten form. The diagonals, the structure, the long cast of shadows begins to play. We can see the shadows more clearly due to the snow, and enjoy the geometry, humility and solitary nature of it all.

Several works bear an exquisite solitude: “Single Skull: Florence” and “Havana Stadium,” with the solitary figure seated in the stands of this abandoned stadium. He incisively brings us to that very moment with him. e: Freelon was known for his attention to designing spaces that welcome diversity and inclusiveness. Talk us through some photographs indicative of this mission.

AB: Phil decided early in his architectural career he would only design buildings that enhanced the beauty, health and quality of community. Schools, libraries, museums, public sector buildings that often we have grown to expect to be spare and soulless, Phil wanted them to be beautiful spaces.

He was so proud of the Durham County Human Services Complex, which welcomes light and its high ceilings cause our spirits to soar. Every person’s spirit. He believed hardcore service buildings, and all the people who need and use them, deserve good design.

Philip served as architect of record for the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture (SMAAHC). Of all his crowning achievements, this is the work he will be known for most. He brought over the finish line in 2016 this project, first pitched to the U.S. government in 1915 by men who served in the U.S. Colored Troops during the

American Civil War. This exhibition brings to light three photographs Phil took, representing aspects of this structure and project: “Parallel Monuments,” “Untitled Inside the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture” and “Deep Roots.”

I especially love “Deep Roots.” Here Phil is photographing and capturing what none of us will ever see: the foundation being dug for the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture. He loved excavation, evidence of decay, wear and history. Think of the metaphor that the foundation of this important museum, finally being realized in our nation, meant for him. e: His work also is complementary between the design and natural world; explain how this is visible to viewers.

AB: Study “Structure in Bloom” and then look at his photographs “Parallel Monuments” and “Untitled: Inside the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture”—they offer direct clues about his design process influenced by nature.

His student and colleague, Michael Stevenson, shares how Phil “loved to put holes in his designs so that when light came through his buildings, they would create art, in and of themselves, too.” Look at the delicate yet strong lacey matrix of the coral being held up to the clear sky in “Structure in Bloom” (most probably the hand holding it is his wife’s Nneena’s hand), and then enjoy the light-attracting corona he chose for the Smithsonian. e: What programs, if any, do you have planned around this exhibit?

AB: We will feature Facebook posts telling stories about individual works, which hopefully lead participants back to the virtual exhibition. We dream of engaging some of his former students, colleagues and friends to share stories, which will increase all our knowledge about this great man, this great artist who continues to contribute to this world through his architecture, his photography and his memorable words. . . . He would be so pleased if a viewer was able to discover something new about himself or herself, their place and their work in the world.

CAM also posted the exhibit, “Stories in Print – Prints from the Permanent Collection,” as a virtual series.

DETAILS STRUCTURE IN SPACE AND TIME—PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIL FREELON Virtual exhibit from Cameron Art Museum Free • cameronartmuseum.org On display through June 30

GALLERY GUIDE

art exposure!

22527 Highway 17N Hampstead, NC (910) 803-0302 • (910) 330-4077 Tues. - Sat. 10am - 5pm (or by appt.) www.artexposure50.com

ArtExposure will be hosting “Metal and Fiber, a show featuring the metal work of Vicki Thatcher and the Fiber work of Jan Lewis. The show will run until the end of August. Check outartexposure50.com for upcoming events and classes!

ART IN BLOOM GALLERY

210 Princess St. • (484) 885-3037 Temporarily closed or call for appt. aibgallery.com

Art in Bloom Gallery is temporarily closed except for appointments until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. View and purchase art via our website at https://aibgallery.com/product-category/group-exhibit/. Free delivery or shipping provided.

On view: “New Art by Helen Lewis, Debra Bucci & Naomi Jones with Photographer, Brian Peterson,” through April 19. The group art exhibit showcases original art in a variety of mediums. “Ancient Practice: Encaustic Art

by Helen Lewis” is a new body of work investigating new directions with an ancient practice fusing pigment and beeswax on wooden panels.

The group art exhibit showcases original art in a variety of media. “Ancient Practice: Encaustic Art by Helen Lewis” is a new body of work investigating new directions with an ancient practice fusing pigment and beeswax on wooden panels.

ART IN BLOOM SATELLITE VENUES www.aibgallery.com

In addition to our gallery at 210 Princess Street, Art in Bloom Gallery partners with local businesses to exhibit original art in other locations.

However, due to COVID-19 “Ways of Wax” art exhibit at Platypus & Gnome is closed until further notice.

NEW ELEMENTS GALLERY

271 N. Front St. • (919) 343-8997.

Tues. - Sat. 11am - 6pm (or by appt.) newelementsgallery.com

“Juncture,” featuring art by BF Reed and jewelry by Aja Butler-Burns, is a conceptual exhibition combining Reed’s geometric shapes and organic offerings, and Butler-Burns jewelry that uses geometric crystals and organic metal shapes to create connections that elevate consciousness and brings us closer to nature.

New Elements is temporarily closed until further notice per the COVID-19 pandemic.

WILMA DANIELS GALLERY

200 Hanover St. (bottom level, parking deck) Mon.-Fri., noon-5pm http://cfcc.edu/danielsgallery

At this time CFCC and the Wilma Daniels Gallery is closed and will reopen once the COVID-19 pandemic passes and we are clear to get business back to normal.

encorepub.com

DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AT 98.3 THE PENGUIN

Please stay safe and follow guidelines.

We will get by, we will survive!

SPECIALTY SHOWS: THE EVENING EXPERIMENT WITH ERIC MILLER, WEDNESDAYS 7-9PM THE FRIDAY NIGHT PANIC JAM FRIDAYS AT 8PM ACOUSTIC CAFE SATURDAYS FROM 7-9AM ETOWN SATURDAYS AT 9AM PUTUMAYO WORLD MUSIC HOUR SUNDAYS AT 8AM

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encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 15

DINING

GUIDE

Indoch ine 7 W ayne Dr. • www.i ndochin ewilmin gton.co m • Cou rtesy ph oto

AMERICAN BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie. Dine inside or at their award-winning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sunday April - October. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com.

4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256-8500.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri 11a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sat & Sun 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ MUSIC: Music every Sunday in Summer ■ WEBSITE: bluewaterdining.com

shellfish to pastas, sandwiches, and Certified Angus Beef selections. We offer half-priced oysters from 4-6 every Wednesday & live music with our Sunday Brunch from 11-3.

Whether you are just looking for a great meal & incredible scenery, or a large event space for hundreds of people, Elijah’s is the place to be.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11:30-10:00; Friday and Saturday 11:30-11:00 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ILM; kids menu

PINE VALLEY MARKET

Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years,

securing encore’s Best-Of awards in catering, gourmet shop and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambiance of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and

peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates.

Take advantage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri. 10

PLEASE, CALL AHEAD TO MAKE SURE RESTAURANTS ARE OPEN

ELIJAH’S

Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets. As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers everything from fresh local seafood and

16 encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

DURING THE COVID-19 SHUTDOWN. SOME MAY BE DOING DELIVERY AND/OR TAKEOUT ONLY.

a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: pinevalleymarket.com

THE TROLLY STOP

Trolly Stop Grill and Catering is a four store franchise in North Carolina. Trolly Stop Hot Dogs opened in Wrightsville Beach in 1976. That store name has never changed. Since the Wrightsville Beach store, the newer stores sell hotdogs, hamburgers, beef and chicken cheese steaks, fries, hand dipped ice cream, milk shakes, floats and more.

Our types of dogs are: Southern (Trolly Dog, beef and pork), Northern (all beef), Smoke Sausage (pork), Fat Free (turkey), Veggie (soy). Voted Best Hot Dog in Wilmington for decades.

Check our website trollystophotdogs.com for hours of operations, specific store offerings and telephone numbers, or contact Rick Coombs, 910-297-8416, rtrollystop@aol.com We offer catering serving 25-1000 people.

Franchises available.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ LOCATIONS: Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 452-3952, Wrightsville Beach (910) 2563921, Southport (910) 457-7017, Boone, NC (828) 265-2658, Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 ■ WEBSITE: trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN INDOCHINE RESTAURANT

If you’re ready to experience the wonders of the Orient without having to leave Wilmington, join us at Indochine for a truly unique experience. Indochine brings the flavors of the Far East to the Port City, combining the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in an atmosphere that will transport you and your taste buds. Relax in our elegantly decorated dining room, complete with antique Asian decor as well as contemporary artwork and music. Our diverse, friendly and efficient staff will serve you beautifully presented dishes full of enticing aromas and flavors.

Be sure to try such signature items as the spicy and savory Roasted Duck with Red Curry, or the beautifully presented and delicious Shrimp and Scallops in a Nest. Be sure to save room for our world famous desert, the banana egg roll! We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, and our extensive menu suits any taste. After dinner, enjoy specialty drinks by the koi pond in our Asian garden. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), (910) 251-9229.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.- Fri. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for lunch.

Mon.- Sun. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. for dinner.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: indochinewilmington.com

NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET

For more than a decade, Nikki’s downtown has served diners the best in sushi. With freshly crafted ingredients making up their rolls, sushi and sashimi, a taste of innovation comes with every order. Daily they offer specialty rolls specific to the Front Street location, such as the My Yoshi, K-Town and Crunchy Eel rolls. But for less adventurous diners looking for options beyond sushi, Nikki’s serves an array of sandwiches, wraps and gyros, too. They also make it a point to host all dietary needs, omnivores, carnivores and herbivores alike. They have burgers and cheesesteaks, as well as falafal pitas and

veggie wraps, as well as an extensive Japanese fare menu, such as bento boxes and tempura platters. Daily dessert and drink special are also on order. Check out their website and Facebook for more information. 16 S. Front St. (910) 7719151.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am 10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 12pm10pm. Last call on food 15 minutes before closing.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: nikkissushibar.com

OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE

We have reinvented “Hibachi cuisine.” Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse is like no other. Our highly skilled chefs cook an incredible dinner while entertaining you on the way.

Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. We are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure we serve only the finest food products. We believe good, healthy food aids vital functions for well-being, both physically and mentally. Our menu consists of a wide range of steak, seafood, and chicken for the specially designed “Teppan Grill.” We also serve tastebud-tingling Japanese sushi, hand rolls, sashimi, tempura dishes, and noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Our all-you-can-eat sushie menu and daily specials can be found at okamisteakhouse.com! 614 S College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am 2:30pm / 4-10pm; Fri., 11am-2:30pm / 4pm-11pm; Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 11am9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: okamisteakhouse.com

SZECHUAN 132

Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City. Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South College Road (in University Landing), (910) 799-1426.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch specials ■ WEBSITE: szechuan132.com

nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT- 20% Dinner Entrees. Wednesday 80S NIGHT - 80smusic and menu prices. Sundays are the best dealdowntown - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are BuyOne, Get One $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine Bottles.Nightly Drink Specials.

Gluten-Free Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert.

■ WEBSITE: yosake.com. @yosakeilm on Twitter & Instagram. Like us on Facebook.

BAGELS ROUND BAGELS

Round Bagels and Donuts features 17 varieties of New York-style bagels, baked fresh daily on site in a steam bagel oven. Round offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches, grilled and fresh to order. Round also offers fresh-made donuts daily! Stop by Monday Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., and on Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Homemade bagels, cream

cheeses, donuts, sandwiches, coffee and more ■ WEBSITE: roundbagelsanddonuts.com

FONDUE THE LITTLE DIPPER

Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant!

The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats,

seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a four-course meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Reservations are appreciated for parties of any size. Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 251-0433.

■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; open daily from Memorial Day through October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING Sunday half-price wine bottles; Monday beer and wine flights on special; Tuesday Local’s Night $11/person cheese and chocolate; Wednesday Ladies Night; Thursday $27 4-course prix fixe; Friday “Date Night” $85/couple for 3 courses and a bottle of wine.

■ MUSIC: Tuesdays & Thursdays, MayOct., 7– 9 p.m. (weather permitting) ■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com

IRISH THE HARP

Experience the finest traditional Irish family recipes and popular favorites served in a casual yet elegant traditional pub atmosphere.

The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St., proudly uses the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, to bring you and yours the most delicious Irish fare! We have a fully stocked bar featuring favorite Irish beers and whiskies. We are open every day for both American and Irish breakfast, served to noon weekdays

We’re not just hot dogs!

YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE

Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the delicious Downtown spot for date night, socializing with friends, or any large dinner party. Home to the never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger. Inspired features change weekly showcasing our commitment to local farms. Full bar including a comprehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian Import Bottles. 33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 7633172.

■ SERVING DINNER: 7 nights a week, 5pm; Sun-Wed. ‘til 10pm, Thurs ‘til 11pm, Fri-Sat, ‘til Midnight.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: 1/2 Price Sushi/Appetizer Menu

$5 Meal Deals

Offering philly cheesesteaks, burgers, grilled cheeses, frank ’n’ beans and more!

Offering hot dog cart service for catering, 60 or more!

Drop-off catering offered!

We ha Impos ve the s Burgeible r

WILMINGTON 4502 Fountain Dr Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 452-3952

11am to 6:30pm, 7 days a week

encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 17

and 2 p.m. weekends. Regular menu to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends. Join us for trivia at 8:30 on Thursdays and live music on Fridays – call ahead for schedule (910) 763-1607.

Located just beside Greenfield Lake and Park at the south end of downtown Wilmington, The Harp is a lovely Irish pub committed to bringing traditional Irish flavor, tradition and hospitality to the Cape Fear area ■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenfield Lake/DowntownSouth ■ FEATURING: Homemade soups, desserts and breads, free open wifi, new enlarged patio area, and big screen TVs at the bar featuring major soccer matches worldwide.

■ WEBSITE: harpwilmington.com

SLAINTE IRISH PUB

Slainte Irish Pub in Monkey Junction has traditional pub fare with an Irish flair. We have a large selection of Irish whiskey, and over 23 different beers on draft, and 40 different craft beers in bottles. They have a large well lit outdoor patio with a full bar also. Come have some fun! They currently do not take reservations, but promise to take care of you when you get here!

5607 Carolina Beach Rd. #100, (910) 399-3980 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 11:30 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington, Monkey Junction ■ FEATURING: Irish grub, whiskeys, beer, wine, fun.

■ WEBSITE: facebook.com/slaintemj

ITALIAN ANTONIO’S

Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a family-owned restaurant which serves New York style pizza and pasta. From daily specials during lunch and dinner to a friendly waitstaff ensuring a top-notch experience, whether dining in, taking out or getting delivery, to generous portions, the Antonio’s experience is an unforgettable one. Serving subs, salads, pizza by the slice or pie, pasta, and more, dine-in, take-out and delivery! 3501 Oleander Dr., #2, and 5120 S. College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sun., open at 11:30 a.m.)

■ NEIGHBORHOOD DELIVERY OFFERED: Monkey Junction and near Independence Mall ■ WEBSITE: antoniospizzaandpasta.com

THE ITALIAN BISTRO

The Italian Bistro is a family-owned, fullservice Italian restaurant and pizzeria located in Porters Neck. They offer a wide variety of N.Y. style thin-crust pizza and homemade Italian dishes seven days a week!

The Italian Bistro strives to bring customers a variety of homemade items made with the freshest, local ingredients. Every pizza and entrée is made to order and served with a smile from our amazing staff.

Their warm, inviting, atmosphere is perfect for “date night” or “family night.” Let them show you why “fresh, homemade and local” is part of everything they do. 8211 Market St. (910) 6867774

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 18 encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun brunch, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Porters Neck ■ WEBSITE: italianbistronc.com

SLICE OF LIFE

“Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza.

We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits.

Visit us downtown at 125 Market Street, (910) 251-9444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 and in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m., 7 days/week, 365 days/year.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: Largest tequila selection in town!

■ WEBSITE: grabslice.com

MEXICAN ZOCALO

Zocalo Street Food and Tequila brings a modern version of cooking traditional Mexican street food through perfected recipes, with excellent presentation. Zócalo was the main ceremonial center for the Aztecs, and presently, it is the main square in central Mexico City. It bridges old school tradition with a twist of innovative cooking. Zocalo also has weekly events, such as their margarita and food tasting every Monday, 5-8 p.m., and a live taco station every Tuesday , 5-8 p.m. Live Latin music Is showcased every other Saturday and Sunday brunch begins at 10 a.m.

Be sure to try Zocalo’s wide selection of the best tequilas! Owned and operated locally, locations are in Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC. Take out and delivery available through most apps.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER AND BRUNCH: Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m - 10 p.m.; Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; closes 9 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Pointe at Barclay ■ WEBSITE: zocalostreetfood.com

SANDWICHES J. MICHAEL’S PHILLY DELI

The Philly Deli celebrated their 38th anniversary in August 2017. Thier first store was located in Hanover Center—the oldest shopping center in Wilmington. Since, two more Philly Delis have been added: one at Porters Neck and one at Monkey Junction.

The Philly Deli started out by importing all of their steak meat and hoagie rolls straight from Amoroso Baking Company, located on 55th Street in downtown Philadelphia! It’s a practice they maintain to this day.

We also have a great collection of salads to choose from, including the classic chef’s salad, chicken salad, and tuna salad, all made fresh every day in our three Wilmington, NC restaurants. 8232 Market St., 3501 Oleander Dr., 609 Piner Rd.

■ OPEN: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday -Thursday,11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Friday -

Saturday.

You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemi-

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Porters Neck, North and an-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as

South Wilmington, ■ WEBSITE: https://phillydeli.com

SEAFOOD CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY

Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick, Cape Fear Seafood Company has become a local hotspot for the freshest, tastiest seafood in the area. With it’s growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to locations in Porters Neck and Waterford in Leland. “We are a dedicated group of individuals working together as a team to serve spectacular food, wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting,” restaurateur Evans Trawick says. “At CFSC every dish is prepared with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Our staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of southern hospitality.” Cape Fear Seafood Company has been recognized by encore magazine for best seafood in 2015, as well as by Wilmington Magazine in 2015 and 2016, and Star News from 2013 through 2016.

Monkey Junction: 5226 S. College Road Suite 5, 910-799-7077. Porter’s Neck: 140 Hays Lane #140, 910-681-1140. Waterford: 143 Poole Rd., Leland, NC 28451 ■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30am4pm daily; Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm 10pm; Sun., 4pm-8:30pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, north Wilmington and Leland ■ WESBITE: capefearseafoodcompany.com

CATCH

Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina. Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010.

Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche to name a few. Larger Plates include, Charleston Crab Cakes, Flounder Escovitch & Miso Salmon. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest.

(Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-7993847.

■ SERVING DINNER: Mon.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List ■ WEBSITE: catchwilmington.com

DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR

Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street.

comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Fresh daily steamed oysters.

■ WEBSITE: dockstreetoysterbar.net

MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Established in 1998, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is locally owned and operated by Shelly McGowan and managed by her team of culinary professionals. Michael’s aspires to bring you the highest quality and freshest fin fish, shell fish, mollusks, beef, pork, poultry and produce. Our menu consists of mainly locally grown and made from scratch items. We count on our local fishermen and farmers to supply us with seasonal, North Carolina favorites on a daily basis. Adorned walls include awards such as 3 time gold medalist at the International Seafood Chowder Cook-Off, Entrepreneur of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Encores readers’ choice in Best Seafood to name a few. 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd. (910) 458-7761 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days 11 am – 9 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Carolina Beach ■ FEATURING: Award-winning chowder, local se food and more!

■ WEBSITE: MikesCfood.com

THE PILOT HOUSE

The Pilot House Restaurant is Wilmington’s premier seafood and steak house with a touch of the South. We specialize in local seafood and produce. Featuring the only Downtown bar that faces the river and opening our doors in 1978, The Pilot House is the oldest restaurant in the Downtown area. We offer stunning riverfront views in a newly-renovated relaxed, casual setting inside or on one of our two outdoor decks. Join us for $5.00 select appetizers Sunday-Thursday and live music every Friday and Saturday nigh on our umbrella deck. Large parties welcome. Private event space available.

910-343-0200. 2 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch,. 11am-3pm. Kids menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverfront Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Fresh local seafood specialties, Riverfront Dining, free on-site parking ■ MUSIC: Outside Every Friday and Saturday ■ WEBSITE: pilothouserest.com

■ WEBSITE: caseysbuffet.com

Time!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Carolina

Beach Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-2am; Sun: Noon2am, Historic Wilmington: Sun-Thurs: 11am10pm; Fri-Sat:11am-Midnight.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Carolina Beach/Downtown ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials. Like us on Facebook!

■ WEBSITE: TheShuckinShack.com

SOUTHERN CASEY’S BUFFET

In Wilmington, everyone knows where to go for solid country cooking. That place is Casey’s Buffet, winner of encore’s Best Country Cookin’/ Soul Food and Buffet categories. “Every day we are open, somebody tells us it tastes just like their grandma’s or mama’s cooking,” co-owner Gena Casey says. Gena and her husband Larry run the show at the Oleander Drive restaurant where people are urged to enjoy all food indigenous to the South: fried chicken, barbecue, catfish, mac‘n’cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken‘n’dumplings, biscuits and homemade banana puddin’ are among a few of many other delectable items. 5559 Oleander Drive.

(910) 798-2913.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Mon. & Tues.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Pig’s feet and chitterlings.

RX RESTAURANT & BAR

Located in downtown Wilmington, Rx Restaurant and Bar is here to feed your soul, serving up Southern cuisine made with ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. The Rx chef is committed to bringing fresh food to your table, so the menu changes daily based on what he finds locally. Rx drinks are as unique as the food—and just what the doctor ordered. Join us for a dining experience you will never forget! 421 Castle St.; 910 399-3080.

■ SERVING BRUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Thurs, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm; Sun., 10am-3pm and 5-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: rxwilmington.com

TAPAS/WINE BAR THE FORTUNATE GLASS WINE BAR

Under new ownership! Tom Noonan invites you to enjoy his remodeled space, featuring a new sound system and new bar, in a warm, relaxed environment. Taste 40 craft beers, over 400 wines by the bottle, a wide selection of cheese and charcuterie, with gourmet small plates and desserts to go! And don’t miss their weekly wine tastings, every Tuesday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

SERVING DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Mon., Closed; Tues.-Thurs., 4 p.m. - 12 a.m.; Fri., 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sun., 4 - 10 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown, 29 S Front St. WEBSITE: fortunateglass.com

SHUCKIN’ SHACK

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has two locations in the Port City area. The original Shack is located in Carolina Beach at 6A N. Lake Park Blvd.

(910-458-7380) and our second location is at 109 Market Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington (910-833-8622). The Shack is the place you want to be to catch your favorite sports team on 7 TV’s carrying all major sports packages. A variety of fresh seafood is available daily including oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab legs. Shuckin’ Shack has expanded its menu now offering fish tacos, crab cake sliders, fried oyster po-boys, fresh salads, and more.

Come in and check out the Shack’s daily lunch, dinner, and drink specials. It’s a Good Shuckin’

encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 19

LINE ‘EM UP You may not be able to drink at your favorite bar right now, but with recipes from the likes of Blind Elephant and Caprice Bistro, you can bring your favorite bar into your home.

Photo via Unsplash

ANOTHER

BY JOAN C.W. HOFFMANN

H

ow did everybody like last week’s quarantinis? As I write this, I’m thinking about making the Rx Cure while I pickle-brine some chicken to fry for dinner. And the blood orange marg from PinPoint also has been calling my name. It’ll be a good “excuse” to buy agave nectar.

This week I’ve been focusing on frozen drinks. Last night I made piña coladas, with equal parts gold rum (but feel free to use locally made white rum from End of Days Distillery), coconut cream liqueur, unsweetened coconut milk and mango pineapple juice—plus, a little bit of honey for sweetness. I added a bunch of ice and blended until smooth, then served with a sprinkle of Aperol on the top and of course a cocktail umbrella. But don’t tip me for this. Instead, try one of the quarantinis below, contributed by local Wilmington bartenders, and show them your appreciation by donating to their Venmo or CashApp accounts instead.

FAT TONY’S ITALIAN PUB: Bury Me In The Sand Fat Tony’s has been serving up Italian fare in downtown Wilmington since 2003.

Bar Manager Daniel Barbour and general manager Erin Dodge have been creating crafty cocktails going on three years. Barbour lent us hid recipe for Bury Me In The

Sand—sure to delight.

1 oz Raspberry rum 1 oz Malibu rum 1 oz orange juice 1 oz pineapple juice Pour contents into shaker over ice, shake, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a swirl of raspberry syrup.

Venmo: @Daniel-Barbour-6

Serve on the rocks and garnish with torched orange peel.

If using pepper slices, make sure to strain. Smoke the glass for extra goodness. (Check out YouTube to learn how to torch orange peel and smoke a glass.)

Cash App: $Mdl530

CAPRICE BISTRO Lock Down Drank

When quarantine is over, I insist everyBLIND ELEPHANT: one go to the Caprice Bistro sofa bar, order mussels and frites, and a cocktail from The Weekend Tuxedo Chris Tolbert. Tolbert has been a artender Downtown’s swanky speakeasy is and server for nine years, and is instruknown for fanciful cocktails, mixed with mental in writing cocktails for the menu. bitters and tinctures galore. When the He dreams up the dreamiest libations. quarantine is over, readers may want to 2 oz white rum head back to Blind Elephant to try their small batch, barrel-aged spirits.

3 or 4 mint leaves In the meantime, try out this boozy, 1.5 oz fresh lemon juice (a little over half bourbon-based creation by bartender a lemon) Matt Long.

1 tsp granulated cane sugar 1.5 oz Larceny bourbon About 1/2 oz red wine (I prefer pinot 0.5 oz Luxardo maraschino cherry liquor noir) 0.5 oz agave syrup.

Combine rum, mint leaves, lemon juice and cane sugar in a shaker. Fill almost 3/4 0.5 oz orange juice with ice and shake it hard! The goal is to 0.5 oz juiced ginger infuse the mint and sugar and get it realDash of Bitterman’s hellfire habanero ly cold. Shake until the shaker is nice and shrub, or add a couple jalapeño/habañero frosty. Strain over ice in a high ball glass. slices Then take some old red wine that’s been

READ US ONLINE AT

encorepub.com 20 encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

sitting around or leftover from last night (the oxidized wine works really well with this) and float a nice layer on top. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy.

Or for hop heads out there: Swap the lemon for grapefruit and top with a nice, fresh IPA instead of wine.

Venmo: @Chris-Tolbert-4

ROUND

More quarantinis from ILM’s best bartenders THE LAZY PIRATE: Life’s a Beach & Foamin’ Ocean During this crazy coronavirus time, Carolina Beach residents can still count on Lazy Pirate for delicious eats—takeout only, of course. They can also make below cocktails at home, coming from the minds of bartenders Lindsay Chase and Chris Magrini, respectively.

Life’s A Beach 1 oz spiced rum 1 oz coconut rum 0.5 oz banana liqueur 1 oz each pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine Serve on the rocks with orange and pineapple slices for garnish Foamin’ Ocean 1.5 oz black cherry rum 1 oz watermelon liquer 0.5 oz blue curacao 2 oz pineapple juice Shake with ice to combine, and serve on the rocks. Garnish with a pineapple slice.

Venmo: @lindsay-chase-08 @chris-magrini

CULINARY HERITAGE Vivian Howard (left) learns how to make red dot dumplings from Carol Chinn (center) and Sally Chow at Chow’s home in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

BEYOND THE

Courtesy photo, ‘Somewhere South’

BY LAUREN SEARS

V

ivian Howard has worked hard to become an authority on Southern cooking. Her Peabody Award-winning series “A Chef’s Life,” which premiered on PBS in 2013, depicted the small-town chef as teacher, introducing viewers to ingredients that inspire her seasonal menus at Chef and the Farmer in Kinston, NC. Her 2016 cookbook “Deep Run Roots,” a New York Times bestseller, furthered this narrative, mixing recipes with personal anecdotes and establishing Howard as something of a Southern Julia Child. Along the way, she opened more beloved restaurants, including Boiler Room Oyster Bar in Kinston, and local favorite Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria in Wilmington.

Howard’s new show, “Somewhere South” (also on PBS), finds her assuming the unfamiliar role of student, as she enters various kitchens around the South to learn more about her culinary heritage. The show takes a non-traditional approach to traditional Southern cuisine. Viewers won’t find typical, diner-style biscuits and gravy; instead, Howard explores the region’s myriad cultures and staple dishes that unify them.

“The South is a diverse place with a lot of communities and cultures that call it home,” Howard says. “It’s not just black and white.”

The six-episode series premiered on March 27 with a pilot exploring the history of hand pies. As Howard journeys to find the most efficient method of making hand pies for her in-the-works online bakery, she uncovers their rich history.

As it turns out, the hand pie began in immigrant communities of strenuous day laborers—coal miners, factory and field workers who needed a filling, mobile food option to get them through a day’s work.

Hand pies since have evolved into different forms: the sweet treat of an applejack, an empanada or a savory calzone.

“There are only pieces of our history that we’ve been taught,” Howards says. “[When

its own cuisine and traditions.

DETAILS

Howard believes food evolves from our individual experiences. Cultures inevitably shape the environment around them, which in turn influences food. This creates a story to tell. “We tried to look at places where their stories are not often told,” Howard admits.

SOMEWHERE SOUTH

“Somewhere South” proved a steep learning curve. Whereas “A Chef’s Life” focused on Howard’s personal story and her own relationship to food, “Somewhere South” forced her to reflect on the difficulties of filming the other side: telling a story in a way that accurately represents the undocumented struggle behind a group of people.

New show with Vivian Howard Airs Fridays, 9 p.m. on PBS somewheresouthtv.com you explore], you see the South for what it is and what it was and how we got to this place. I learned a lot in that process, and I wanted to be part of sharing a more accurate story about how we got where we are.”

Another episode explores the history of porridge. Every culture or region has some version of the dish, with the Southern staple being grits. To learn more about how this dish came to be, Howard traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, and discovered the surprising origins of this “soul food.”

Like most of us, Howard says she had always associated slavery with labor; however, she learned many African Americans were selected initially and brought to America based on their knowledge and skill of cultivating rice. The grain was the backbone of the Southern economy for years. “That’s an important point that reframes slavery and, really, African Americans’ contribution to our economy and certainly our cooking traditions,” she tells.

Howard and her crew spent three years traveling all over the South, from tasting dim sum in the Chinese communities of rural Mississippi, to exploring the Japanese barbecue of Southern Texas, to attending a smoked mullet festival in Central Florida.

(The latter was the surprising winner for her favorite dish while traveling.) Each location was an unlikely food destination within itself, showing how each community offers

TABLE Vivian Howard’s new show explores the lesser known roots of Southern dishes

For example, in an upcoming episode, she will travel to North Carolina and visit the Lumbee Tribe to taste a collard sandwich: two slices of thin, fried cornbread, stacked with collards and fatback. She learns about the foundation of the unique handheld and its roots in Robeson County.

“On ‘A Chef’s Life,’ it was really just my story, so I could say whatever I wanted to within that because it was mine,” she says.

“But when you’re sharing other people’s stories and wanting it to be their representation of things, it’s just a different way of approaching it. That was something we always had at top of mind.”

Along the way, it’s become the most rewarding part of filming the show for Howard. As she journeyed to unlikely food destinations and dug deep into their cultural paradigm, she found within each experience more similarities than differences. Consequently, this led her to feel more connected to the South and its contributions to the greater global community.

“We all break bread for the same reasons,” Howard says, “and they’re both to fill our bodies and to fill our souls.”

“Somewhere South” airs every Friday night at 9 p.m. on PBS. For more information—and for recipes for pepperoni rolls, applejacks and more—visit somewheresouthtv.com. encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 21

MISS ENCORE

2020 Meet our Pet Cover Contest Model, Nova Campagna and I didn’t understand why she was shy at first. I wasn’t so sure about sharing cuddles and couch space, but in quarantine, we’ve grown closer since I have someone to play with.

A

dmittedly, it’s one of our favorite editions of the year: encore’s Pet Cover Contest. It brings sheer joy to the staff to do nothing but look at pictures of dogs, cats, parrots, ferrets and whatever other animals people cuddle and love in their households. This year proved no exception. If anything it was more necessary to bring joy and smiles to everyone during these weird times of living in isolation.

Last week we asked readers to comment on our Facebook post announcing the contest with their two favorite pics of their pets.

We also requested they donate at least $5 to Canines for Service, which helps train service dogs for veterans, first responders and others need. We had more than 20 participants help us raise $180 for the local charity.

During ranked-choice voting, our staff crowned Ms. Nova Campagna as Miss Encore 2020. A David Bowie-eyed shepsky, Nova’s birthday also happened to be Saturday, April 4. The newly minted 3-year-old took some time away from her party to answer a few questions about her win in our annual Pet Cover Model Contest. encore (e): Is this your first modeling gig—winning encore’s pet cover contest?

Nova Campagna (NC): Yes, I’ve had a few small features, like being featured on the digital display at Pet Paradise, but I’ve never

BY S HEA CAR VER

BIRTHDAY QUEEN Nova Campagna celebrated her 3rd birthday with homemade doggie cake and the crown for encore’s 2020 Pet Contest Cover Model winner.

Photo by Martha Campagna

been a full-blown cover girl. e: How does it feel to win?

NC: I’ve known this day was coming since I was a pup, but I’m honored my first big break was with encore. e: I understand you just had a birthday.

How did you celebrate?

NC: We usually have a big dog party, but due to quarantine we couldn’t invite anyone over, so Mom baked me a birthday cake, and Suki and I had a great time. e: Is Suki your sibling?

NC: I was an only child until February when I got a little sister named Suki. She’s a husky, like me, and it took me some time to get used to her. She had a hard childhood,

22 encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

seagull chasing, wave jumping ... I love it all.

But if I can’t get to the beach, I love a long hike at Carolina Beach State Park or Abbey Nature Preserve, lounging in the kiddie pool at home, or sitting on the front porch with Mom and Dad while they play a record. e: Do you have a boyfriend?

NC: I’m too focused on my career and personal ambitions to be concerned with boys.

Maybe one day. e: What are your career goals?

NC: Modeling! I want to show the world that you don’t have to be purebred to be beautiful, and to be a role model for other dogs like me. It doesn’t matter what your doggie DNA kit says, what matters is how comfortable you feel in your own fur. e: Wet food or dry food?

NC: Um, all food. e: Favorite snacks?

NC: Chicken. And bacon. Or ... any food. e: Favorite toy?

NC: My big red jolly ball! e: Fave TV show? Movie? Book? Game?

NC: Every time Mom and Dad leave the e: Who are your human parents? What do house, they leave the TV on for me. I’ve you love most about them—anything they do watched all of “Golden Girls,” “Sex and the that also drives you crazy?

City,” “King of the Hill,” and the entire “Lord NC: Martha and Mitchell are my mom and of the Rings” trilogy. Currently, I’m really into dad, and they both work in the beer industry. “Love Island UK.” Now that I’m 3, I think I’m Dad works at Fermental, and I’ve been a reg- old enough. ular there since the day I was adopted. Mom e: Do you do tricks? works at Untappd, so, naturally, we were always going to local breweries and seeing NC: Tricks? Pssh. I like to make my parents our friends. Man, I miss that! do tricks. I’ve got them completely trained..

They’re the best parents, except for when e: On a scale of one to 10 bones, how they tell me I can’t have any more cookies smart are you? or get mad when I chase the cats around. (I NC: Probably a 15. The first day I went can’t help it!) to daycare, I opened all the gates and ran e: Are you social distancing appropriate- through all the play yards like I owned it all. ly? How are you handling be cooped up with Mom and Dad had no idea what they were your parents all day? getting into.

NC: Social distancing is hard! Whenever e: So you must get told a lot you have we go on walks, we (begrudgingly) make Bowie eyes; you a fan of his work? Other sure to cross the street if we see other dogs fave music? in order to maintain the 6-foot distance. I NC: While I appreciate his artistry, I relate definitely miss doggie daycare and the dog more to Taylor Swift. park, but having Mom working from home means I never have to be alone. I love the e: The biggest misconception about dogs extra snuggles and playtime lunch breaks. is… e: What does a day in your life look like?

NC: That we’re man’s best friend. Mom is definitely mine.

NC: I like to wake up early and greet the day tail wagging, usually spending a few e: If you could have any wish in the world minutes in the backyard, taking in the fresh granted, what would it be? morning air and staring off into the distance.

NC: That we could hurry up and beat this My parents call this my “reflection time.” I’m virus so we can play with our friends again. a firm believer in eating a hearty breakfast e: Anything else we should know? and tend to spend the rest of my day taking long walks, chasing tennis balls and bumNC: This past year I was diagnosed with blebees in the backyard, and lounging on the an immune disorder that has kept me from sofa. playing as hard as I used to, but I’ve learned to not let it hold me back or define who I am. I e: What are your favorite hobbies? couldn’t have gotten through this year withNC: My absolute favorite thing to do is out Dr. Amy White and the entire staff at Porswim. I might be half-husky, but I’m a defi- ter’s Neck Vet! I know I can live the rest of my nite beach babe. Sunbathing, sand digging, life to the fullest with their support.

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Call us at 910.392.0078 www.Computer-Medics.biz help@Computer-Medics.biz

103 N Lake Park Blvd #B Carolina Beach, NC (910) 458-5226 elcazadormex.com encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 23

CONTEST TANK Owner: Jairo Rodriguez This fine piece of doggie is Tank. He loves snoozing in the sun, coming to work with me, keeping an eye on his new baby brother, and playing with his toys all day everyday! He also really loves to snuggle up and be loved!

Cuteness overload from our Pet Cover Contest 2020

RUNNERS-UP

NYMERIA Owner: Samantha Jane Hi I’m Nymeria and I love to run fast, eat all the things, and pose for pictures.

TRUFFLE Owner: Judy Royal

ROSIE Owner: Jessica Horne

CHESTER

My name is Truffle. I like sunrise walks on the beach and being a party animal. I was rescued from the Sampson County Animal Shelter in July 2013 and love living in Carolina Beach.

Hi everyone! I’m Rosie, a 3 month old valley bulldog/boxer mix. I love eating, being outside, and annoying my big brother Marley.

LOLA Owner: Tammy Scalfaro Hey all, this is Lola (or Nonnie, her nickname). Lola is a spry 13 years old and her favorite hobbies are snacking and hanging out in the garage with her dad.

Owner: Billie Fitzsimons Chester is a cocker Spaniel rescue.

He’s a velcro dog so of course his favorite hobbies are following me wherever I go and cuddling with me wherever I’m sitting or resting.

PIXIE Owner: Leigh Kelly

Meet Pixie. Peek-a-boo is her favorite game

ARCHIE

HARLEY

I’m Archie. I still live with my parents Wade and Ashley. Long walks are my jam! Hey ladies!

This is Harley (aka Harls Barkley, aka the Wondermutt) his favorite hobbies are sleeping and eating.

Owner: Ashley Adler

Owner: Danielle Gagnon

24 encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

Finnegan Owner: Breanne Wall

TONY

Owner: Corey Douglas

Meet Tony. Tony enjoys taking his mom and dad for a walk!

Finnegan is a very energetic pup and his favorite thing to do is play fetch (seriously he will play all day everyday).

NAVAR Owner: Samanta Jane

PENNY

Hi I’m Navar and I love yoga, snuggling, and letting my girlfriend Shea kiss me.

LIZZIE

JACK

Owner: Claudia Opper

Owner: Brianna Walter Hey, I’m Jack. We believe he is a 1.5-year-old rescue pup! He loves going for rides in the car (even though this is to the vet) and herding his 15 toys from one room to another.

Owner: Taylor Holmes Hi, my name is Penny doodle. I’m a almost 3-year-old goldendoodle! My fave hobbies are hanging out with my mommy Taylor Holmes on the beach and playing with tennis balls! Ball is life!

Lizzie loves keeping busy during the day, but one of her favorite activities is jumping up onto her hind legs and giving dance performances!

MAX Owner: Leigh Kelly Max loves any kind of play: chase, fetch and toss the toy, to name a few!

FINNEGAN

BEEBEE

Owner: Krista Green Hi! I’m Finnegan Harold! I enjoy dressing up for special occasions, finding the biggest sticks possible to play fetch with and cuddling with my mom Krista.

MOLLY Owner: Brianna Walter Hi! I am Molly and I am 8 years old. My favorite hobbies are sleeping, eating, and going on the 45 different walks a day now that my human is home!

RAY RAY

This is BeeBee. She likes to eat, sleep and play ball. She is also an ambassador for Carolina Boxer Rescue which is where we adopted her. You’ll see her at their local events in the kissing booth.

Owner: Lisa Hill Wertheim Meet Ray Ray. He loves to fetch his ball.

BEAU

LACY

SPUD & TATER

BOGEY

Owner: Lorna Owens

Spud & Tater (son and mom) like to eat, play, swim, destroy toys, and hang out with their humans.

My favorite hobby is hanging out at Mad Mole Brewing with my parents Katherine and Wes McManus.

Beau loves to play dress up and figuring out the maximum amount of bed coverage he can obtain each night (yes, the human bed and not his dog bed).

Owner: Bethany O’neal

Owner: Lynette Steffee

Owner: Katherine McManus

Owner: Alexis Scott This is Lacy! She loves going to daycare at Pet Bazaar, jumping all the waves at the beach and, of course, testing out mommy’s new glasses.

encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 25

OFFICE

The pets of encore’s staff and its contributors

HELPERS

PRINCE SHADOW WOLF MONSTER

COCO

GOOSE!

Human: Mark Basquill, Contributor

Human: Joan Hoffmann, Contributor

5-month-old rescue Coco is coping well with the COVID quarantine. She’s taken up gardening, mostly digging and pulling out plants we’ve apparently planted in the wrong place.

CHOPPER

Human: Shea Carver, Editor-In-Chief

At 16, Shadow Wolf loves sunbathing, snuggles and kisses, and long, slow (very slow) walks to sniff every corner of the earth. Wolfie is taking social-distancing hard, and misses going to work at encore/Coworx, where he is often the main source of attention in every room he enters.

Human: Susie Riddle, Art Director/ Office Manager Chopper is a 2 1/2-year-old Chiweenie who is full of spunk. Sticks are life! He loves being outside, playing with the frisbee and water bottles, or whatever else his family will throw for him to chase.

This is Goose!—a rescue from Dauntless Dog (formerly Animal Avengers). She loves long walks, fox-pouncing into furniture, snacks, and expressing her many opinions.

MAGGIE & FREYA Human: John Hitt, Publisher Maggie and Freya have been first responders for the Hitt family during one of many accidents and sicknesses.

They’re the best caretakers in the land.

LB

CHANCE

RUE

ALFIE

Human: Shannon Gentry, Staff Editor

Human: Jeff Oloizia, Staff Editor

Human: Megan Henry, Ad Representative

Human: Brian Venegas, Ad Representative

LB enjoys food, playing with the hose and snuggles with editor Shea Carver.

Chance’s interests include peanut butter, barking at water and playing floor hockey with bugs.

Rue enjoys begging for food, long naps and never being more than 2 feet from her mom.

Alfie loves everyone and everything. He is always on the go with his backpack that carries his favorite toys.

26 encore | april 8 - april 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

CROSSWORD

THANK YOU WILMINGTON!

SAVE BIG AT THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES

Great Burgers and Hand-cut Fries

AND MANY MORE!

Established 1990

Voted “Best Burger” and “Best Fries” 6 Locations in the Cape Fear

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PRIDE OF

ILM

Taylor Brown on launching his new book during a pandemic

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t’s a day writers dream of: You’ve finished the hard work of writing a book and white-knuckled through pre-publication reviews. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, you are ready to welcome it into the world. But what happens if your book’s publication day comes and you can’t leave the house to promote it?

That’s the reality facing author Taylor Brown, whose fourth novel, “Pride of Eden,” was released March 17—right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Pride of Eden” tells the story of Malaya, a former soldier and anti-poaching ranger, who comes back from Africa to work at a Georgia wildlife sanctuary run by an eccentric ex-jockey and Vietnam vet, Anse Caulfield.

Though the novel spans Africa, Baghdad and a remote island off the Georgia coast, it was born here in Wilmington: Brown, who moved to Savannah in 2019 after eight years in ILM, wrote the majority of it while sipping coffee at Lucky Joe’s on College Road and Bespoke downtown. (He was such a fixture at the lat-

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canceled, I made a short video about the book—just introducing it readers and asking them to buy local if they could. Many of my favorite bookstores were kind enough to share it. That meant a lot to me. I did my first Zoom event a few days ago, which brought together six bookstores and more than 50 readers—it was really cool to see the faces of so many friends and readers from all across country, coming together at once.

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OIZIA

WILD LIFE OF AN AUTHOR ‘Pride of Eden’ author Taylor Brown had to postpone his latest book tour because of COVID-19, but finds connection in the virtual world of self-isolation.

Photo by Addie Jo Bannerman

ter, he earned his own plaque next to the bar.)

Brown was meant to embark on an ambitious, 14-stop book tour on March 15, but had to cancel due to travel concerns. Still, he’s making the most of it.

“I sweat blood for this book, fought tooth and nail for the right words,” he wrote on Instagram, “and I don’t want to see it buried before it has a chance to find its roots.” encore caught up with Brown via email to find out how he’s adapting. encore (e): What ways have you found to promote your book in lieu of being able to travel?

Taylor Brown (TB): As you might imagine, social media has turned out to be huge in this situation. Of course, I’d much prefer to be out in the world, visiting my favorite bookstores and talking to readers in person, but I feel fortunate to have this other way to help get the book out there. For writers 20 years ago, that wouldn’t have been an option. Today, the opportunities are pretty staggering.

On publication day, with the tour already

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I’ve got a Facebook Live event coming up soon, and I’ve been plotting an Instagram Live creative talk with my partner, Addie Jo Bannerman, who’s a painter. To me, that’s been one of the pinpricks of light in this dark time: the creative ways in which sheltering writers, readers, and booksellers are finding ways to come together. It’s affirming—a testament to how much books mean to us that we’re willing to surmount these new hurdles to connect with one another. e: Have you run into any similar speedbumps while promoting your other books?

TB: Oh, where to start! My first novel, “Fallen Land,” came out shortly before the 2016 “Snowpocalypse” hit the South. I was trapped for a couple of days in Hampton Inn in Chapel Hill, where the employees were staying at the hotel, unable to get home. It was a bit like “The Shining.”

Driving to Winston-Salem for my next event, I was surprised the interstate had not been plowed. No lie, I passed overturned semi-trucks, abandoned cars and one very disconcerting Army Humvee on its roof.

Meanwhile, the heat kept cutting out in my 1987 BMW, and the combination of stick shift, rear-wheel drive and a Georgia-born driver was not ideal for traction. I arrived safe in Winston-Salem, if slightly shaken, only to learn my event had been canceled! e: At what point in the writing of your novel did you become aware of Netflix’s “Tiger King” series?

TB: I’d come across Joe Exotic and some of the other characters from “Tiger King” during my research. It wasn’t until the book was deep in the copyediting stage that I listened to

Wondery’s “Joe Exotic: Tiger King” podcast and came to understand the full craziness of the story.

In a strange bit of synchronicity, Netflix’s series “Tiger King” premiered just three days after “Pride of Eden” was published. I had no idea the series was in the works, and of course, no one knew “Tiger King” would become the pop culture phenomenon it has.

The book and series both shed light on the (under)world of big cats in America, and there are some definite parallels in content, if not style.

I do wonder if people are going to start suspecting me of having inside knowledge of some kind. In 2018 the paperback of my novel “The River of Kings” released the very same week a mysterious creature washed up on the beach at the mouth of the Altamaha River—a creature that looked very much like the storied “Altamaha-ha” river monster at the heart of my book. I can’t blame people for suspecting I was behind the hoax.

Months later, we learned it was the work of NYC-based artist and viral hoaxer Zardulu the Mythmaker, whom I’ve never met. Still, there are strange intersections, and I can’t fully explain them.. e: The sanctuary owner in “Pride of Eden,” Anse Caulfield, is similarly larger-than-life.

Who or what inspired this character?

TB: A friend of mine is a firefighter, and his father was the fire chief of a small town in Georgia where a man named Red Palmer once lived. Palmer developed the Cap-Chur tranquilizer gun in the 1950s, and he kept a menagerie of exotic animals on his property. My friend’s father, the fire chief, was at the firehouse one day when a pickup truck roared into the driveway, and Red Palmer jumped out with a giant elephant gun and said, “You ain’t seen a lion, have you?”

“Oh, hell, not again,” said my friend’s father.

To this day, there are reported sightings in that town of mysterious animals, rumored to be fugitives from Palmer’s property, still living on the margins of civilization. That started my imagination working, and the story began to grow legs (and teeth and claws) from there.

Anse is not based on the real Red Palmer, but on my own vision of an eccentric exotic animal owner, as loosely inspired by that story. His looks and laconic nature are inspired by my friend’s father—a former jockey—and his vigilantism might recall that of the Hayduke character in Edward Abbey’s work. e: What’s the best way for readers to purchase your book and support their favorite authors at this time?

TB: Please, consider buying from your local independent bookstores. They are struggling now, and it’s so much better to put your money back into your local community. Two Sisters Bookery, Pomegranate Books and Old Books on Front all carry copies of my books.

I know I’m not alone when I say that bookstores have long been a place of comfort and sanctuary for me—now we have the ability to show our appreciation for these spaces, supporting them during this critical time.

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Moses did 40 years’ worth of hard work on behalf of his people, delivering them out of slavery in Egypt. Yet, God didn’t allow him to enter into the Promised Land. Why? At the end of his travails, he made a minor mistake that angered God beyond reason. Petty? Harsh? Very much so. I’m happy to say your fate will be very different from Moses’.

Some months from now, when your labors bring you to the brink of your own personal version of the Promised Land, not even a small error will prevent you from entering and enjoying it. What you do in the coming weeks will help ensure that later success.

Is there an influence you’re ready to outgrow, Leo? Are there teachers who have given you all they have to offer, and now you need to go in search of new founts of inspiration and education? Have you squeezed all possible value out of certain bright ideas and clever theories that no longer serve you? Are you finished with old sources of excitement that have lost their excitement? These are the kinds of questions I encourage you to ask yourself in the coming weeks.

It’ll be a favorable time to celebrate the joyful art of liberation—to graduate from what might have been true once upon a time, and prepare for the wide-open future after the COVID-19 crisis has mellowed.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Built in the third century B.C., the Colossus of Rhodes was a monumental statue of the Greek sun god. It stood in the harbor of the island of Rhodes, and was called one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Alas, an earthquake struck the area 54 years after it was finished, knocking it over and smashing it into fragments. Three centuries later, many of the chunks still lay scattered around the harbor. I offer this as a teaching story, Taurus. If there are any old psychological ruins lying around in your psyche, I encourage you to conduct an imaginary ritual in which you visualize throwing those ruins into a big bonfire. Clear the slate for the new beginnings that will be available once the COVID-19 crisis has settled.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) “Argue with anything else,” writes author Philip Pullman, “but don’t argue with your own nature.”

Amen! That’s always good advice for you Geminis, and it will be especially crucial in the coming weeks. A certain amount of disputation and challenging dialogue with other people will be healthy for you, even an effective way to get clarity and advance your aims. (Don’t overdo it, of course.) But you must promise never to quarrel with or criticize your own nature. You should aim at being a radiant bastion of inner harmony and a powerhouse of self-love. Do whatever’s necessary to coax all your different aspects to work together in sweet unity.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Like many Cancerians, painter Marc Chagall cultivated an intimate relationship with his dreams and fantasies. His fellow artist Pablo Picasso remarked, “When Chagall paints, you do not know if he is asleep or awake. Somewhere or other inside his head, there must be an angel.” Being a Crab myself, I know how essential it is for us to be in close connection with reverie and the imagination. Every now and then, though, there come occasions when the demands of the material world need our extra, focused attention—when our dreamy tendencies need to be rigorously harnessed in behalf of pragmatism. Now is one of those times.

Your words of power in the coming days are simple: deep, low, down, below, dig, dive, and descend. I invite you to meditate on all the ways you can make them work for you as metaphors and use them to activate interesting, nourishing feelings. There’ll be very little worth exploring on the surface of life in coming weeks, Virgo. All the hottest action and most valuable lessons will be blooming in the fertile darkness.

es evil.” I think that’s an interesting thought for you to consider during coming weeks, Sagittarius. If you want your care and compassion to be effective, you’ll have to synergize them with tough intelligence. You may even need to be a bit ferocious as you strive to ensure your worthy intentions succeed, and people you love get what they need.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Are there any ways in which you have been wishywashy in standing up for what you believe in? Have you shied away from declaring your true thoughts and feelings about important issues that affect you and people you care about? Have you compromised your commitment to authenticity and integrity, for the sake of your ambition or financial gain? In asking you these questions, I am not implying the answers are yes. If in fact you have engaged in even a small amount of any of those behaviors, now is an excellent time to make corrections. As much as possible, Capricorn, focus on being trustworthy and transparent.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Physicist Edward Teller believed there is no such thing as “exact science.” In his view, that’s a good

thing. “Science has always been full of mistakes,” he said, but he added they’re mostly “good mistakes,” motivating scientists to push closer toward the truth.

Each new mistake is a better mistake than the last, and explains the available evidence with more accuracy. I suspect you’ve been going through a similar process in your personal life, Aquarius. I predict the good mistakes you’ve recently made will prove to be useful in the long run.

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) Few astrologers would say Pisceans are masters of the obvious or connoisseurs of simplicity. You’re not typically renowned for efficiency or celebrated for directness. Your strength is more likely to be rooted in your emotional riches, your ability to create and appreciate beauty, your power to generate big dreams, and your lyrical perspective on life. So my oracle for you this time may be a bit surprising. I predict in coming weeks, your classic attributes will be very useful when applied to well-grounded, down-toearth activities. Your deep feelings and robust imagination can be indispensable assets in your hard work on the nuts and bolts.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Before the COVID-19 crisis arrived, were you ensconced in roles that were good fits for your specific temperament and set of talents? Did you occupy niches that brought out the best in you and enabled you to offer your best gifts?

Were there places you experienced as power spots—where you felt at home in the world and at peace with your destiny? Once you’ve meditated on those questions for a while, Libra, I’ll ask you to shift gears: Meditate on how you’d like to answer similar questions about your life in the future. Once this crazy time has passed, what roles will be good fits for you? What niches will bring out the best in you? What will be your power spots?

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) “Fen” is a word not used much these days.

It means a marsh or a boggy lowland. Decades ago, Scorpio poet Marianne Moore used it in a short poem. She wrote, “If you will tell me why the fen appears impassable, I will tell you why I think that I can cross it if I try.” In my opinion, that’s an apt battle cry for you right now.

You shouldn’t be upset if people tell you that certain things are impossible for you to do. You should be grateful! Their discouragement will rile up your deep intelligence and inspire you to figure out how you can indeed do those things.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) “Goodness alone is never enough,” wrote author Robert A. Heinlein. “A hard, cold wisdom is required for goodness to accomplish good.

Goodness without wisdom always accomplish-

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LIBRUM

even the clubhouse for an outlaw biker gang. Joe is seriously depressed that none of the bikers recognize him—even though he was vice president and their senator for over 20 years. But as soon as Obama walks in. they all know “the guy who killed Osama Bin Laden!”

Gwenyfar laughs until she cries with Andrew Shaffer’s ‘Hope Never Dies’

BY GWENYFAR ROHLER

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ilmington’s literary community keeps gaining accolades (two National Book Awards nominees in 2015) and attention in the press. With multiple established publishers in the state (Algonquin, Blair) and new smaller presses gaining traction (Lookout, Eno, Bull City), and a pair of well-regarded literary magazines out of UNCW, it is timely to shine a light on discussions around literary publishing. More so, it shows the importance of communicating a truthful story in our present world.

Welcome to Carpe Librum, encore’s

The tables turn and the two wind up abducting a biker and interrogating him in Joe’s rented storage space before going to get ice cream. The investigation has to pause while Obama holds an impromptu seminar on climate change in a gas station—apparently, something more important and for the greater good. These public servants are prepared to make the sacrifice.

biweekly book column, wherein I will dissect a current title and/or an old book—because literature does not exist in a vacuum but emerges to participate in a larger, cultural conversation. I will feature many NC writers; however, the hope is to place the discussion in a larger context and therefore examine works around the world.

Hope Never Dies

By Andrew Shaffer Quirk Books, 2018, pgs. 304 “If I am in tears in three pages, I am putting it down.”

I gestured to the book on the table.

“I mean, right now, I can’t handle any

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more crying—and if I am crying because I miss the two of them so much, then I just have to wait to read it.”

Jock’s eye had been caught by the cover of “Hope Never Dies,” which pictures Joe Biden and Barack Obama in a speeding car.

When I unpacked it a couple of months ago, Anthony had called out to slow down and go back and look at the cover! My eyebrows hit my hairline and I cracked a grin. What a great idea: Joe Biden and Barak Obama as crime solvers in their post-White House years! It looked funny and sweet. I transferred it to my ever-growing “to read” pile and kept moving.

The setup is that Joe Biden, famous for riding Amtrak, is contacted because his favorite Amtrak conductor is found dead on the tracks. In his possession is a paper with a map of Biden’s home address. Joe has sunk into a puddle of self-pity, sort of at loose ends after a lifetime of public service. Now he has nothing to do—and his best friend Barack has moved on and is hanging out with Bradley Cooper instead.

Against all better judgment, and without telling their wives, Joe, Barack and Barack’s secret service guy sets out to solve the case. For two of the most famous men in America, they have an amazing weapon for invisibility: no one actually believes they would show up in the places they do. So they were never there, right?

It is actually an incredibly well-plotted, tight, well-written crime thriller. It just happens to have a thin veneer of satirical Biden/Obama humor thrown in. The deceased Amtrak conductor is accused of using heroin and Joe knows that can’t be true. So the chase takes them through a nursing home, a cemetery, a late-night diner (where they give the secret service agent food poisoning), a total flophouse, and

“Hope Never Dies” is a lovely parody of what an aging male friendship can look like: They try to one-up each other with their cars, and there is an absurd argument about car insurance that sounds word-forword like something Jock and his buddies would recite.

Yes, they do solve the crime. Yes, the climax is a high-stakes, high-octane fight— the kind no man over 70 should engage in on a moving train. And, yes, I was crying by the last page because there moments that were so moving to reassure how much I miss them.

Even though this is completely fictional (fan fiction at its best), I cannot be alone in wanting to spend some time with them right now. With the public health crisis we are facing, it is hard not to yearn for reasoned, science-based, forward-thinking, calm leadership.

Sigh.

The only thing missing from the book is Bo. Seriously, the dog would make a great character. Maybe he will show up in a sequel: “Hope Rides Again”? Now, I spend a lot of time with a 70-plus-year-old gentleman who is forever setting off on adventures—so I am probably better prepared to relate to Jill on this one than many readers.

But I will say: The dynamics of Joe’s personal demons and his love for Jill are pretty adorable.

Right now, I am pretty much reading escapist fiction because it is where I need to be, while trying to wrap my head around the situation unfolding around us.

A well-written mystery novel feels similar for the protagonist: At every turn, they think they have learned something that makes the situation make sense—and at every turn, it becomes more confusing. The great thing about a mystery novel is the solution at the end of the book, and maybe that’s why I like them so much right now: I want a solution that makes sense, but if I can get a few laughs along the way, that’s OK, too.

COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY Organic and natural ingredients go into River Organics’ products, like their highlighting stick (above), and its packaging helps keep plastic out of beauty rituals.

Courtesy photo

SIMPLE

BY SHANNON GENTRY

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e have a multi-layered, toxic relationship with the cosmetic industry.

At its foundation, so to speak, is the deluge of products we inundate our skin with, as well as the waste of purchased items that are hardly used.

A 2017 survey of 3,000 women (commissioned by SkinStore) found an average use of 16 products in the morning, including face wash, toner, serum, eye cream and moisturizer—and that’s before even getting to makeup. Another survey of 4,000 women by Poshly and Stowaway Cosmetics in 2015 revealed the average woman owns about 40 makeup products, of which only five are used regularly.

The plastic waste coming from these products is staggering. According to a Bloomberg article in June 2019, 120 billion units of cosmetics packaging are produced, mostly, for one-time use.

Worse, 87% of these products often sit unused, only to expire and again end up in the trash, since cosmetic containers are typically too small to recycle, and mixed-material items usually end up in a landfill.

River Organics founder Corinne Lefebvre says there’s a whole generation of consumers interested in minimizing their beauty routines with chemical-free, plastic-free, sustainable and healthy products. Since launching in 2017, River Organics has focused the last three years on establishing key products to simplify daily beauty routines with hydrating products.

“I think young girls are embracing [less makeup] as well,” she says. “My older clients [are] just fed up with the whole makeup game, too. They just want healthy skin. . . . That’s our priority. I want healthy products and I want safe products, and I don’t want to kill the planet.”

Based in Wilmington, Lefebvre’s line of lip balms, blushes, body and facial oils,

the south of France.

DETAILS RIVER ORGANICS Products carried at Tidal Creek Co-op, 5329 Oleander Dr. # 100, and Flourish Hair Boutique, 1124 Floral Parkway riverorganics.org concealer, highlighter sticks and more are packaged in paper. Even the outer protective seal is made of biodegradable material and the label is made of sugar cane.

“It took me a year to develop that paper packaging,” she explains. “It takes a long time to develop these products in its own paper packaging.”

At first, it was all about aesthetics; River Organics’ paper packing is lightweight with minimalistic natural tones. It’s thinner than traditional packaging and, therefore, Lefebvre says, often holds twice the amount, as seen with her concealer (made of certified organic moisturizing and plant oils like Moringa, Apricot Kernel and Camellia seed). Nevertheless, Lefebvre faced a challenge early on as well.

“I didn’t think about hot liquid and paper packaging,” she quips. “But the crazy thing is that, even though it’s in paper packaging, the product lasts way longer.”

Lefebvre is originally from Canada but lived in the south of France for seven years. While there she taught art history and worked at a local gallery. Her husband, Fabien Scorza, was a chemical engineer for CHANEL. It came as a surprise when she learned CHANEL actually used a lot of natural products, and experimented with lavender, jasmine, peppermint and other indigenous plants that grow wildly in

We often hear about the differences in products we buy here in America, and how they’re made, versus in other developed countries. For example, California’s 2019 Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act highlights chemicals (which are banned or restricted by other nations) reportedly used by 595 cosmetics manufacturers. Ingredients include formaldehyde, mercury, lead, asbestos and PFAS—the latter of which Wilmingtonians are all-too-familiar with poisoning our own Cape Fear River, i.e. our drinking water. In France, Lefebvre says, homeopathic natural oils and butters always have had a place on shelves alongside Sephora lines or Maybelline. “[French] women seem to counterbalance things in that way,” she says. “I discovered using oils over there because I was just looking for a moisturizer that wasn’t a tiny little tin because all I could find was little NIVEA creams. I found I could purchase oil cheaply, and started using it to moisturize and then I read you could wash your face with it.”

After randomly coming across a lip balm recipe online, Lefebvre decided to experiment. She replaced ingredients with oils and butters she had on hand. It’s now the exact recipe and blend she uses for her lip balm today, seven years later. “I just made them for my friends and stuff at first,” she remembers.

It wasn’t until she moved to Qatar in the Middle East to open the country’s first auction house that she really started to think about her new hobby as a beauty line. “I was learning more about business at the time,” she explains, “so I was like, ‘Oh, I could actually do this on my own.’”

BEAUTY

River Organics takes chemicals and plastics out of makeup Lefebvre’s husband moved to Wilmington in 2010; when she followed in 2016, she knew she wanted to work for herself and not in art. She wanted to take her time cultivating her passion project in beauty and sustainability. Today she runs a small business with tight-knit relationships between her customers and the community at large.

“They are people like me who are involved, who have the ability, and want a better world,” she notes. She also works with the Plastic Ocean Project, donating monthly.

Lefebvre uses certified organic, humane and conflict-free ingredients such as lab-made mica for colors, as found in her rose-gold lip balm. (Mica is a controversial product because it is often mined in developing nations that lack child labor laws.) She also uses iron oxide for natural colors and pigments found in mineral makeup. “The colors are very sheer as well,” she notes. “So I use a lot of blends of colors and I experiment personally on different colors.”

River Organics can be found online or local shops Tidal Creek and Flourish Hair Boutique

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