11 minute read
Renee Wants to Know
Food, Glorious Food!
The Lake Norman Eats Group on Facebook
by Karel Bond Lucander | photography by Lisa Crates
Realtor Lauren Rocco founded The Lake Norman Eats Facebook group and serves as its moderator.
Who has the best burger? Where can I get authentic Italian? Where’s a good place to eat on the water? Everything you want to know about where to eat in Lake Norman is just a click away on the “Lake Norman Eats” Facebook group. And along with the inside scoop (literally, when the subject of ice cream comes up) you’ll see appetizing photos posted by fellow epicureans. Lake Norman Eats has become the place to see what’s new in the LKN food scene.
a recipe to help after shutdown
As the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down in March 2020, Lauren Rocco huddled with friends and brainstormed ways to help business owners. Her family was in the restaurant business before moving from Florida to Huntersville in 2012, and she understands their challenges. To do her part, she founded Lake Norman Eats for local restauranteurs to share information about their “curbside service, specials and menus.”
Today, Lake Norman Eats has more than 14.5K members. What began as a place for restaurant owners to post updates is now also where locals highlight favorite new and old haunts. The group offers a good mix of support for casual and high-end dining. You’ll even find fellow foodies offer tips about where to eat while traveling to area destinations, from Gatlinburg to Charleston.
Restaurant owners have thanked Rocco for starting this group. “I have received only positive feedback from restaurant owners, some even saying this Facebook group helped keep their doors open,” she says. “There were a few that actually opened during the pandemic, and I was told if it weren’t for the group, some people would never have heard of the new spot.”
moderating has its challenges
As the sole moderator and administrator, Rocco checks the site regularly. She doesn’t like to micromanage and for the most part members “do an awesome job of self-policing.”
“Most people mean well, but every now and then you have to deal with someone that just needs a little more Jesus and a big ole’ coffee!” she says with a grin.
And for LKN foodies looking for the latest updates, there’s no better place to meetup virtually.
“It’s been a great resource for the community to access that information quickly,” she adds.
her favorites
When asked about her favorite LKN places to eat and drink, Rocco says, “I love so many of them.” Her list includes Del Sur Fresh Mex & Cantina, Main Street Coffee & Coworking, Barrel & Fork, Osito’s Tacos & Tortas, Juan Loco, Jason’s Deli “and I could keep going!”
timing is everything
Rocco says had it not been for the pandemic, the group would not be as popular as it is. “It was timing for sure,” she says. “It launched right when no one knew who was open or closed and if they were doing dine in. Plus, people were bored, and food was all we had!”
But now that Lake Norman Eats exists, traffic keeps coming and the group keeps growing. Rocco’s goal is to continue to be a place for people to share.
As a realtor for eXp Realty, Rocco adds, “My out-of-town clients always ask: ‘Where’s the best place to eat around here?’ I always have great ideas.”
Check out Lake Norman Eats on Facebook.
A Living Mermaid at the Carolina Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace.
A past Downtown Mooresville Candy Grab event.
Fun for Fall!
Events
National Night Out (Oct. 5) Join the Cornelius Police Department for the National Night Out event promoting community safety and crime prevention with family-fun activities, food, and more. Free. 6-8 p.m. Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius, www.cornelius. org/189/Police-Department.
Ales & Autos Cruise-in (Oct. 9) Get ready to flex—the muscle car cruise-in is rolling in, so see all makes and models and grab a cold locally brewed beer as you peruse. Free. 4-7 p.m. Eleven Lakes Brewing, 10228 Bailey Road, Suite 201, Cornelius, www.facebook.com/ elevenlakesbrewing/events.
The Downtown Davidson Fall Arts Festival (Oct. 9) The festival returns bigger and better than ever with more than 40 local artists, live music and more. Free. 4-7 p.m. Downtown Davidson, www. ci.davidson.nc.us.
Hooked on Cornelius (Oct. 9) In a partnership with the Town of Cornelius, Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists and North Carolina Wildlife Resources, this year’s event is free for ages 7-12 years, but registration is required. Fishing rods will be available for participant use. 10 a.m.-noon. The upper pond at Robbins Park, 17738 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius, www.cornelius.org.
Pints For Parker (Oct. 17) Help save lives with Pounding for Parker Foundation. Sign-up to donate a pint of blood or stop by for a pint of beer. All proceeds benefit LKN’s youngest cancer fighters. Pumpkins and mums available for sale, too. Lost Worlds Brewing, 19700-D One Norman Blvd., Cornelius, www.PoundingforParker.org.
A Taste of Davidson (Oct. 23) Celebrate the flavors of Davidson with samples from local restaurants, family-friendly entertainment, and more. Free. 6-10 p.m. Circles@30, Davidson, www.ci.davidson.nc.us.
9th Annual Laketoberfest Music & Brew Festival (Oct. 23) This community event features live music, beer from local N.C. breweries, a variety of food trucks, a kids’ zone with crafts and games, and more. Event proceeds benefit Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists. Free. 4-9 p.m. Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius, www. cornelius.org. Huntersville Halloween (Oct. 24) Boo! It’s time for balloon twisters, airbrushed tattoo artists, games, local craft vendors, food trucks, a costume contest, and a Halloween Movie in the Park. The costume contest begins at 5:30 p.m. and the movie begins at dusk. See website for a list of the contest categories. Free. 4-7 p.m. Huntersville Athletic Park, 11720 Verhoeff Drive, Huntersville, www.huntersville.org.
Downtown Mooresville Candy Grab (Oct. 29) Kids and adults alike have a great time visiting the Downtown businesses that are handing out candy. Dress up and have fun, but don’t be late! The event ends promptly at 5 p.m. Free. 3-5 p.m. Downtown Mooresville, Mooresville, www.downtownmooresville.com.
Amazing Maize Maze (Through Nov. 7) One of the largest corn mazes in the Southeast returns. New this year is the Historic Rural Hill phone app where you can collect your map pieces, fill in your crossword puzzle, and figure out the words scramble to complete the ultimate challenge. Night mazes begin this month. Ticket prices range from $9-$13. Check website for available time slots. Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, www.ruralhill.net.
The Carolina Renaissance Festival (Weekends through Nov. 21)
The festival returns and is a full-day of entertainment and pageantry as history comes alive with hundreds of costumed characters re-creating a 16th Century European Marketplace. You’ll find music, comedy and theater, food and drink, fine hand-made arts and crafts, artisan demonstrations, games, and rides. No pets, please. Free parking; tickets are $17-$27. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville, www.carolina.renfestinfo.com
Compiled by Bek Mitchell-Kidd
Theatre
Exit Laughing (Through Oct. 10) When the biggest highlight in your life for the past 30 years has been your weekly bridge night out with the “girls,” what do you do when one of your foursome inconveniently dies? If you’re Connie, Leona, and Millie, three southern ladies from Birmingham, you do the most daring thing you’ve ever done. You “borrow” the ashes from the funeral home for one last card game, and the wildest, most exciting night of your lives. Masks required for all patrons regardless of vaccine status. Students, $15, Seniors, $18, Adults, $20. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour Street, Davidson, www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org.
Living Well
Your local resource for health and wellness services near you
Acupuncture
Best Acupuncture Deleon Best LAc Tom Cohen LAc Raven Seltzer LAc 8213 Village Harbor Drive Cornelius NC 28031 • 704 655 8298 bestacupuncture.com
Audiology
PHC – Lake Norman Ear, Nose & Throat
Megan Mathis-Webb, AuD Susie Riggs, AuD Del L. Hawk, Au.D 140 Gateway Blvd. Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638
Cardiology
PHC – Cardiology
Jips Zachariah, MD 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829
Dermatology
PHC – Mooresville Dermatology Center
Naomi Simon, MD Michael Redmond, MD Kristin Prochaska, PA-C Gina Noble, PA-C Justin Loucks, PA-C Susan Stevens, RN, BSN Michelle Caamano, RN, BSN Laetitia Cloete, Licensed Aesthetician 128 Medical Park Road, Suite 201 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1827
PHC – Wolfe Dermatology
Steven F. Wolfe, MD Molly Small, PA-C 114 Gateway Blvd., Unit D Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-663-2085
Riva Dermatology
“Imagine your skin at its Best!” General Dermatology for the Family, Botox, Fillers, Laser/IPL & more Kerry Shafran, MD, FAAD Lindsay Jayson, MPAS, PA-C Erin Dice, MPAS, PA-C Ashley Noone, MPAP, PA-C Nikki Leahy, MSBS, PA-C Mari Klos, CMA, LME 704-896-8837 Cornelius, Mooresville, Denver www.Rivaderm.com
Ears, Nose and Throat
PHC – Lake Norman Ear, Nose, & Throat
Keith Meetze, MD Thomas Warren, MD Herb Wettreich, MD Fred New, Jr., ANP 140 Gateway Blvd. Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638
Family Medicine
Iredell Family Medicine
Jodi Stutts, MD Lori Sumner, PA Kristie Smith, MSN, FNP 544 Brawley School Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-360-5190
PHC – Nabors Family Medicine
Emily Nabors, MD 142 Professional Park Drive Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-696-2083
PHC – Lake Norman Family Medicine
Timothy A. Barker, MD Heather C. Kompanik, MD Bruce L. Seaton, DO Amanda H. Bailey, DO Sherard Spangler, PA Daniel King, PA-C 357 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-7328
PHC – Sailview Family Medicine
Tiana Losinski, MD 206 Joe V. Knox Ave. Suite J Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-360-4801
PHC – Full Circle Family Medicine
James W. McNabb, MD Jacqueline Swope, FNP 435 East Statesville Avenue Mooresville, NC 28115 • 704-663-5056
PHC – Fairview Family Medicine
Golnar Lashgari, MD Jennifer Scharbius, MD 150 Fairview Road, Suite 210 Mooresville, NC 28117 •704-235-0300
PHC - Troutman Family Medicine
Amrish C. Patel, MD Amanda Honeychuck, NP Kimberly Whiton, FNP 154 S Main Troutman, NC 28166 • 704-528-9903
Gastroenterology
Charlotte Gastroenterology and Hepatology
John H. Moore, III, M.D. Steven A. Josephson, M.D. Scott A. Brotze, M.D. Michael W. Ryan, M.D. Devi Thangavelu, M.D. Vinaya Maddukuri, M.D. Nicholas R. Crews, M.D. Lake Norman Offices: 13808 Professional Center Dr. Huntersville, NC 28078 115 Commerce Pointe Blvd. Mooresville, NC 28117 Appointment Line: 704-377-0246 www.charlottegastro.com Locations also in Charlotte, Mint Hill, Matthews, and Ballantyne
PHC –Northlake Digestive Care
Carl A. Foulks, Jr., MD April Lockman, NP 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021
PHC –Comprehensive Digestive Care Center
Vivek Trivedi, MD Tiedre Palmer, FNP-C 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021
Internal Medicine
PHC – Internal Medicine & Weight Management
Manish G. Patel, MD Julie Abney, PA Andrea Brock, PA-C 128 Medical Park Road, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-1001
PHC – Lake Norman Internal Medicine
John C. Gatlin, MD LuAnne V. Gatlin, MD 548 Williamson Road, Suite 6 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-660-5520
Stout Internal Medicine & Wellness
Dr. Sam Stout Andrea Colvin, NP 444 Williamson Road, Suite B Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-360-9310
Neurology
PHC – Neurology & Sleep Medicine
Dharmen S. Shah, MD 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-873-1100
PHC – Lake Norman Neurology
Andrew J. Braunstein, DO Ryan Conrad, MD Craig D. DuBois, MD Douglas Jeffery, MD Roderick Elias, MD 124 Professional Park Dr, Ste A Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-662-3077
PHC – Lake Norman Neurology
Andrew J. Braunstein, DO Ryan Conrad, MD Craig D. DuBois, MD Douglas Jeffery, MD Roderick Elias, MD 9735 Kincey Avenue, Ste 203 Huntersville, NC 28078 • 704-766-9050
NeuroSurgery- Spine
Iredell NeuroSpine
Peter Miller, MD, Ph.D. 544 Brawley School Road 28117 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-954-8277 IredellNeuroSpine.com
Obstetrics/Gynecology
PHC – Lake Norman OB/GYN
James Al-Hussaini, MD Laura Arigo, MD Katie Collins, DO Grant Miller, MD James Wilson, MD Nicole S. Wellbaum, MD Coral Bruss, ANP-C 131 Medical Park Road, Suite 102 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-663-1282
Occupational Medicine
Iredell Occupational Medicine
Joe Wolyniak, DO 653 Bluefield Road, Suite B, Mooresville NC 28117 • 980-444-2630
Oncology
Southern Oncology Specialists
William Mitchell, MD Poras Patel, MD 46 Medical Park Rd, Suite 212 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-659-7850
Orthopaedic Surgery
Iredell Orthopaedic Center
Jason Batley, MD 544 Brawley School Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-0956
PHC – Piedmont Bone & Joint
Scott Brandon, MD Brett L. Feldman, MD Alex Seldomridge III, MD Kim Lefreniere, PA-C 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829
Orthopedic Surgery – Spine
PHC – Piedmont Bone & Joint
Alex Seldomridge, III, MD 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1838
Physiatry –Interventional Spine Care
PHC –Govil Spine & Pain Care
Harsh Govil, MD, MPH April Hatfield, FNP-C 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829
Primary Care
Iredell Primary Care for Women
Eva Imperial, MD, FAAFP 114 Gateway Blvd, Suite B Mooresville, NC 28117 • 980-435-0406
PULMONOLOGY
PHC –Pulmonology
Enrique Ordaz MD Jose Perez MD Ahmed Elnaggar, MD 125 Days Inn Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-838-8240
Rheumatology
PHC – Rheumatology
Sean M. Fahey, MD Dijana Christianson, DO 128 Medical Park Road, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-1001
Iredell Mooresville
653 Bluefield Road, Mooresville NC 28117
Iredell Urgent Care
OPEN 24 HOURS • Suite A • 704-360-6500
Iredell Imaging at Mooresville
Suite C • 704-360-6460
Iredell Rehab at Mooresville
Suite E • 704-360-6490
Iredell Surgery at Mooresville
Suite D • 704-360-6470
Family Care Center of Mooresville
Suite F • 704-360-6480
