Midtown magazine November December 2021

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Festive

front doors 2021 GIFT GUIDE HOLIDAY PIES EAST COAST GETAWAYS + BEAUTY EXPERTS MIDTOWN

|

DOWNTOWN

|

NORTH RALEIGH

| WAKE FOREST |

CLAYTON

Every Woman Wants a Bailey Box Under the Tree Raleigh | Rocky Mount | Greenville | Los Angeles www.baileybox.com

Q E Follow along on social @BaileysFineJewelry to see all our amazing sparkle!

You’ve always enjoyed the finer things in life... why compromise now?

After Hospital Rehab — for a Clientele Accustomed to Only the Best.

World Class Rehabilitation HillcrestNC.com/hospital AFTER HOSPITAL REHAB

24/7 SKILLED NURSING

Don’t accept less — Tell the hospital you want to go to Hillcrest Raleigh!

May your Holidays be as Bright as your Smile

dental

center

2021

The Ar of Your Smi e

DIAMOND

AWARD BEST DENTIST

We have installed 3803 Computer Drive, Raleigh, NC

SURGICALLYCLEANAIR.COM units as additional precautions for our practice.

• 919.786.6766 •

RenaissanceDentalCenter.com

Choices are our specialty.

As you can see, at our new Oberlin Road location, we specialize in specialties. Twelve of them at last count.

Which means you have all sorts of choices. Which, in turn, means you have access and convenience. Visit us at wakemed.org or visit us in person. It’s your choice.

Specialties at 505 Oberlin Road • • • • •

ENT — Head & Neck Surgery Heart & Vascular — Cardiology Imaging Services by Raleigh Radiology Laboratory Services OB-GYN

Specialties at 601 Oberlin Road • Primary Care • Urgent Care

• • • • •

Physical and Occupational Therapy Surgery Urology & Pediatric Urology Wake Orthopaedics Wake Ortho Urgent Care

Specializing in • BREAST AUGMENTATION • REVISIONAL BREAST SURGERY • BREAST LIFT • LIPOSUCTION & BODY CONTOURING • TUMMY TUCK • MOMMY MAKEOVER

• BUTTOCK IMPLANTS

• FACELIFT • EYELID SURGERY • BROWLIFT

Injectables • BOTOX • RESTYLANE

CHISTOPHER J MOREA, MD

7700 LEAD MINE RD • RALEIGH, NC 27615 (919) 845-7880 • DRMOREAPLASTICSURGERY.COM

E DITOR’S LET T ER

W

e recently moved to a home with mature trees and landscaping the previous owners painstakingly planted and cared for. In two places they planted my favorite tree—the magnolia. Both are, at most, 15 years old, but one already stands an impressive 24 feet tall. As a child growing up in Athens, Georgia, I climbed a magnolia tree on my great-grandparents’ property that easily towered 50 feet. My sister, cousins and I would climb as high as we could and sit on its branches for as long as our bodies held up, gazing upon the meadow behind my great-grandparents’ home and spying on the adults up the hill as they would periodically come out of the house to look for us.

Since this tree reminds me of those carefree days, and because family memories and traditions are an important part of my holiday season, this young magnolia tree’s glossy green leaves will adorn our front door in the shape of a Christmas wreath. I also picked some juniper sprigs to mix in, then applied Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer to capture and seal the green colors so we can enjoy the wreath for years to come. Find inspiration for creating your own wreath and front door decor in “Festive Front Doors” on page 26, which offers tips from local interior designers and florists, as well as breathtaking front door decor expertly designed by La Maison and Trellis Floral, Lloyd & Lady Boutiques and Flowers on Broad Street.

Photo by Revolution Studios

bags &accessories

Once the decorating is done, it’s time to make your gift list and check it twice. We’ve presented 43 ideas for you to consider in our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide, which begins in a special section just after page 64. While you’re out shopping, pick up some baking ingredients so you can make one—or all—of the five holiday pie recipes local chefs have exclusively shared with us starting on page 34. And if the urge to travel hits you before, during or after the holidays, we’ve compiled a list of East Coast holiday destinations beginning on page 42 that will transcend you into a Hallmark Christmas movie scene and provide festive backdrops for unforgettable memories (and photos).

As your holiday plans take shape this season, remember to pay tribute to the people behind local nonprofits that are helping our brothers and sisters in need. Beginning on page 50, we’ve shined a spotlight on 14 nonprofit leaders who are making a difference in the lives of Wake County citizens—from children and teens, to mothers diagnosed with cancer and members of the homeless community who just need a place to take a hot shower and enjoy a meal. On page 100, check out our Giving Back special section to discover additonal nonprofits making a difference in communities across the area.

The Tokyo Olympics may have ended months ago, but athletes who participated in them are already looking ahead to future endeavors. Beginning on page 66, we talk to two Wake County silver medalists: swimmer Claire Curzan and diver Andrew Capobianco. Both brought home much more than Olympic hardware.

Discover innovative beauty advice in our Beauty Experts special section that begins on page 71, and dive into our department stories beginning on page 80 to explore Bloomsbury Bistro and cocktail bar C. Grace. Get to know the always entertaining Ira David Wood III, and learn about Wake Monarch Academy—the Triangle’s first recovery high school.

pongopanna.com | @pongopanna

designed in nc 8 | midtownmag.com

Don’t miss one page of this issue. We’ve filled it with seasonal inspiration, impactful people and heartfelt stories. May you and yours enjoy a blessed and memorable holiday season. Thanks for letting us be a part of it.

Beth Shugg, Editor

We Help You Plan for Your Financial Goals Save the Date: 2021 Webinars Living well today and tomorrow. Actionable strategies and exploration of options for your portfolio.

Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 Location: Online

Richardson Private Wealth Advisors

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. James.M.Richardson@ampf.com I AR License #2359768 The time and dates of these events are subject to change. These are informational seminars. There is no cost or obligation.

Plan for the future. How an estate plan helps put you in control.

Date: Wednesday, December 29, 2021 Location: Online

Investment products are not federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2021 Ameriprise Financial, LLC., All rights reserved.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

3605 Glenwood Ave., Suite 201 I Raleigh, NC 27612 I 919.670.3355 I RichardsonPrivateWealthAdvisors.com I Facebook.com/RichardsonPrivateWealthAdvisors

YOUR IDEAL FUTURE. YOUR IDEAL LOCATION.

Coming in 2024!

An Upscale, Life Plan Community inside the beltline.

(Off Oberlin Road between Oberlin Magnet Middle School and Fairview Road) Become a Priority Partner! Call today to learn more.

919.887.7634 Your timing in joining this elite group establishes your priority position on our wait list.

NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN CENTER

2010 FAIRVIEW ROAD

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27608

A Life Plan Community offered by Liberty Senior Living.

HAYESBARTONPLACE.COM

© 2021 Hayes Barton Place

The Premier Periodontal Practice of The Triangle Drs. Aakash Mehandru, Justin Valentine, Michael Stella, Reinaldo Deliz-Guzman and Michael Kretchmer are committed to

providing you with excellent periodontal and surgical care in a comfortable environment. Our friendly, knowledgeable team will address every question and concern. Your oral health needs, goals, and priorities are the focus of your customized treatment

plan. We want to work with you to create the beautiful, healthy smile of your dreams. In its 20th year of providing conservative,

compassionate care, Tar Heel Periodontics has been the leader in providing world class continuing education for dentists in the Triangle. If you are new to the area and have found a new general dentist, they most likely have attended our courses. Our doctors enjoy giving back in dentistry, which includes

teaching at Adams UNC School of Dentistry and volunteering at Wake Smiles Dental Clinic and the UNC Student Health Action Coalition. Our doctors have also served as presidents of both major local dental societies, covering the entire Triangle. Tar Heel Periodontics

also supports local sports teams in North Carolina. We are proud partners of the Carolina Hurricanes, Durham Bulls, and North Carolina FC and NC Courage soccer teams.

Phone: 919-844-7140 Fax: 919-303-8488 info@tarheelperio.com www.tarheelperio.com @tarheelperio Founded in 2002

5 OFFICE LOCATIONS 10931 Strickland Rd.

600 Doctor Calvin Jones Hwy

3100 NC Highway 55

245 E NC Hwy 54

1235 US Highway 70

Suite 101

#112

Suite 203

Suite 203

Garner, NC 27529

Raleigh, NC 27615

Wake Forest, NC 27587

Cary, NC 27519

Durham, NC 27713

THEGATORBUG PUBLI S H ER Ronny Stephens EX EC UTI V E EDI TOR Beth Shugg A RT A N D WEB DI R ECTOR Sean Byrne G R A PH I C DES I G NE R Adam Cave GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND COPY EDITOR Cindy Huntley CO N TR I BUTI N G EDITOR Janice Lewine

A Contemporary

WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

Serving a wide variety of ages, sizes, and prices

S O C I A L MEDI A A ND CO MMUN I TY EN G AG EMENT M ANAGE R Melissa Wistehuff S EN I O R ACCO UN T EX EC UT IVE Charis Painter ACCOUN T EX EC UTIVE S Mercedes Rico Stefanie McClary INTERN Lexi McLaughlin DI STR I BUTI O N Joe Lizana, Manager DistribuTech.net CON TR I BUTI N G WR ITE RS Elliot Acosta, Elizabeth Brignac, Kurt Dusterberg, Samantha Gratton, Mandy Howard, Katie Jansen, Janice Lewine, Charlotte Russell, Melissa Wistehuff CO N TR I BUTI N G PH OTOGRAPHE RS Em Batemen, Jared Caldwell, Josh Manning, MASH Photography, Jenny Midgely, Brian Mullins Photography

Midtown magazine is published six times annually. Any reproduc-

tion in part or in whole of any part of this publication is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

Midtown magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or art. Unsolicited material is welcome and is consid-

ered intended for publication. Such material becomes the property of the magazine and is subject to editing. Midtown magazine will

not knowingly accept any real estate advertising in violation of U.S. equal opportunity law.

919.830.1857 MIDTOWN EAST SHOPPING CENTER 1111-110 MERCANTILE DRIVE, RALEIGH THEGATORBUG.COM 12 | midtownmag.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS 6 print issues (1 year) Available online at midtownmag.com 4818-204 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27609 Phone: 919.782.4710 Fax: 919.782.4763

STEVEN SHELL LIVING

BORN IN LONDON ENJOYED AROUND THE WORLD EST. 1992

“so much more than just a great furniture store”

Raleigh, NC 2030 Clark Avenue 919.803.1033 @stevenshelllivingraleigh

Mount Pleasant, SC 640 Coleman Boulevard 843.216.3900 @stevenshellliving

CONTENTS

Em Bateman

N OV E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

26

F E AT U R E S

26

FESTIVE FRONT DOORS

2 0 2 1

Read exper t tips for creating elegant holiday entr yways

34

5 PIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Dazzle guests with a slice—or two—of pastr y paradise

42

EAST COAST HOLIDAY GETAWAYS

Change up your family traditions at one of

these festive destinations

50

LOOK FOR THE HELPERS

Meet 14 nonprofit leaders making a difference

in Wake County

64A

2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Find something for ever yone on your list

66

SILVER LININGS

Two Wake County athletes bring home much

more than Olympic hardware from Tokyo ON THE COVER:

This Raleigh home’s front door was festively designed and

decorated by La Maison and Trellis Floral, an interior design

and floral boutique in North Hills. Photography by Josh Manning.

Special thanks to Jenny Midgley of Content Marketing Collective

Em Bateman

for photographing our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide.

34

14 | midtownmag.com

Elegant Living Enveloped By Nature A LOYD BUILDERS DEVELOPMENT

A True Custom Home Experience from 2mm+

Coming Spring 2022

shadowcreekestates.com | 919-646-6808

CONTENTS N OV E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

2 0 2 1

Em Bateman

D E PARTM E NT S

Jared Caldwell

80

80

C H E F ’ S TA BL E

84

MU S I C

90

P E R F O R MI NG A RT S

96

E D U C AT I O N

Brian Mullins

84

90

Bloomsbur y Bistro’s owners enrich a process that is already working

Enjoy eclectic tunes, cocktails and company at C . Grace

Ira David Wood III and “A Christmas Carol” are back on stage—in person

Wake Monarch Academy, the Triangle’s first recover y high school, opens in Raleigh

I N E VE RY I SSU E

18

O N T H E S C E NE

104

OUT & ABOUT

120

KA L E I D O S C O P E

S P O N S O R ED CO N T EN T

71 83

Social Scene ǀ Home Styler | Sister Cities

Events ǀ Dine & Draft ǀ Midtown Mingles ǀ New Around Town

B E A U T Y E X P E RT S L A N E & A S S O C I AT E S

100 G I V I N G

B ACK

16 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_1_FrontMatter.indd 16

10/19/21 12:47 PM

Every Stage, Every Age Excellence in Women’s Health Care Our Our goal goal at at Boylan Boylan Women’s Women’s Health Health is to provide the highest quality is to provide the highest quality of of care care in a professional, competent and in a professional, competent and compassionate compassionate manner. manner.

For For an an appointment appointment call call 919-781-9650 919-781-9650 WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING CARE WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING CARE · · · · · · · ·

Routine well-woman examinations Routine well-woman examinations Menopause and hormone Menopause and hormone replacement therapy replacement therapy Breast care Breast care Contraceptive management Contraceptive management

· · · · · · · ·

TORRANCE LEWIS, M.D. TORRANCE LEWIS, M.D.

Fertility evaluation Fertility evaluation Minimally invasive surgery Minimally invasive surgery Sexual dysfunction Sexual dysfunction Vaginal rejuvenation Vaginal rejuvenation

· · · · · · · ·

TRACY LATHROP, M.D. TRACY LATHROP, M.D. All physicians are Board-Certified All physicians are Board-Certified

Menstrual irregularities Menstrual irregularities Uterine fibroids Uterine fibroids Endometriosis Endometriosis Osteoporosis Osteoporosis

· · · · · · · ·

ANGELA BESS, M.D. ANGELA BESS, M.D.

Cervical and uterine polyps Cervical and uterine polyps Ovarian cysts Ovarian cysts Abnormal cervical cytology Abnormal cervical cytology Sexually transmitted infection Sexually transmitted infection

ASK ABOUT OUR RESTORATIVE HEALTH & AESTHETIC SERVICES ASK ABOUT OUR RESTORATIVE HEALTH & AESTHETIC SERVICES

3900 Browning Place, Suite 202, Raleigh, NC 27609 | 919-781-9650 | BoylanHealthcare.com 3900 Browning Place, Suite 202, Raleigh, NC 27609 | 919-781-9650 | BoylanHealthcare.com 111221MM_1_FrontMatter.indd 17

10/19/21 1:36 PM

ONtheSCENE

SOCIAL SCENE

|

HOME STYLER

|

SISTER CITIES

Friday Night Lights shine on a Wake Christian Academy varsity football game in late September.

Mum’s the word at Logan’s One Stop Garden Shop during the autumn season.

Activate Good volunteers add some color and a “good” reminder to the side of a downtown Raleigh building on E. Martin Street.

T EX T & PHOTOS BY MEL I SSA WI STEHUFF

Get Social With Us! 18 | midtownmag.com

midtownmag.com

Raleigh offers plenty of quaint spots—like Rebus Works—for getting some fresh air while you work remotely.

midtownmagazine

midtownmag

midtownmagazine

8724 GLENWOOD AVENUE | RALEIGH | 919.670.4400 FURNISHNC.COM | /FURNISHRALEIGH | /FURNISHNC

ONtheSCENE

SOCIAL SCENE

FESTIVE holiday VIBE

|

HOME STYLER

|

SISTER CITIES

4 Holiday spirit can show up anywhere, but the dining room is where you will create memories when you gather for special meals—or just use it to make crafts and fill out holiday cards. It’s also often one of the first rooms guests see when they enter your home. Whether you adorn your dining room with tasteful touches or whimsical delights, here are some accessories that will create a festive vibe.

1 1. Merry Advent artisan centerpiece, $145 | NOFO @ the pig 2. “Merry Merry” and “Merry Christmas” throw pillows, $40 each | Swagger 3. Estelle colored stem glass, $30 | La Maison Estelle colored stemless glass, $28 | La Maison 4. Dangle gnome towels, $16 each | Swagger

BY KU RT D U ST ERBERG Photos provided by vendors

20 | midtownmag.com

2

3

ZENN PL ASTIC SURGERY ZENN PL ASTIC SURGERY EXPERIENCED. ARTISTIC. TRUSTED.

Congratulations Dr. Zenn Named one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2021

by Newsweek.

Dr. Zenn is honored to have been selected by his peers in the categories of Facelift and Breast Augmentation.

Zenn Plastic Surgery also welcomes Aesthetic Nurse Injector and skin care expert Tara Cypher, who brings with her 10+ years of injecting experience and hundreds of patients who trust her to continue the Botox and Filler treatments that keep them looking their best.

7920 ACC Boulevard I Suite 110 I Raleigh, NC 919.480.3885 I zennplasticsurgery.com

ONtheSCENE

SOCIAL SCENE

|

HOME STYLER

|

SISTER CITIES

Boone. Photo courtesy of Appalachian State University

Blowing Rock. Photo courtesy of Wander and Wish

Hawksnest. Photo courtesy of Melisa Wistehuff

Downtown Blowing Rock.

MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORS

Neighboring towns Boone and Blowing Rock claim unique mountain flair and picturesque vistas BOONE

The town of Boone is most often associated with Appalachian State University, which attracts college students who prefer the great outdoors over the hustle and bustle of a big city campus.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Boone is the perfect destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Discover three ski resorts within a few miles of town: Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort. Winter is a white-hot time for tourists to flock to the area in search of slopes, but don’t count out the rest of the seasons. From hiking to fly-fishing to river tubing in the spring and summer, or colorful scenic drives and Mountaineers football in the fall, Boone should be a must on everyone’s annual getaway bucket list.

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in nearby Banner Elk and Hawksnest Zipline and Snow Tubing in Seven Devils welcome adrenaline junkies. Those who desire a slower pace will enjoy traversing the High Country Wine Trail—a tour of local wineries that starts in Boone.

22 | midtownmag.com

BLOWING ROCK

Grandfather Mountain.

Tweetsie Railroad. Photo courtesy of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Photo courtesy of Cindy Huntley

Photo courtesy of Blowing Rock Tourism Development

BY ME LIS S A W I ST EH U FF

Just south of Boone, a rock formation known as Blowing Rock juts out more than 1,500 feet above the Johns River Gorge.

Due to the formation’s shape and size, wind from the gorge often blows vertically, causing light objects to float upwards into the sky. The wind is so steady during winter that snow seemingly falls upside down. This rock formation also serves as inspiration for the surrounding town’s name.

Blowing Rock’s Main Street hosts one of North Carolina’s most popular Fourth of July parades each year, in addition to a festive annual Christmas parade, which takes place on November 27 this year. Visitors appreciate its art galleries, shopping and dining options, parks, and historic hotels like Chetola Resort and the Green Park Inn. These attractions create a laid-back yet picture-perfect vibe.

Tweetsie Railroad brings the Wild West to life, delighting kids of all ages. Its popular Tweetsie Christmas event runs November 19–December 30. Linville Caverns, Grandfather Mountain and Mystery Hill are other must-see attractions while you’re in town.

24 | midtownmag.com

100+ Women Give $100 Each to a Local Nonprofit When you donate $100 to a charity, you may wonder if you are making a difference.

But when 100 people donate $100 at the same time, they raise $10,000 for a worthy cause.

That’s impact. No additional fundraising, no silent auction donations to solicit, no volunteering (unless that’s your thing!). Simply a great way to give back right in our own community every quarter.

! y a d o T n i o j Become a member today! www.giveahootraleigh.org/joinus • For questions or more information, email hello@100whogive.com SCAN HERE TO JOIN!

AWARD RECEIPIENT Hope Center at Pullen 2 Bluebirds Farm CORRAL Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle Fill Your Bucket List Foundation US Veterans Corps Table Raleigh Rescue Mission Alley Cats and Angels Rebuilding Together of the Triangle HopeLine Triangle Aphasia Project

GROUP DONATION $11,900 $15,200 $17,100 $17,300 $20,146 $20,673 $19,540 $18,755 $5,000 $19,936 $18,956 $17,872

AWARD RECIPIENT Dress for Success of the Triangle Life Experiences SafeChild House of Hope The Center for Volunteer Caregiving Meg's Smile Foundation Brown Bag Ministry Ship Community Outreach Designed for Joy Families Together Living with Autism Join us for our next donation!

GROUP DONATION $17,517 $16,000 $23,657 $15,300 $16,465 $15,330 $11,183 $13,830 $15,204 $14,804 $12,454 Let’s make it the best one yet!

Festive

front doors

EXPERT TIPS FOR CREATING ELEGANT HOLIDAY ENTRYWAYS

BY SAMANTHA GRATTON

W

hether you are inviting guests inside or aspire to create a festive view of your entryway for neighbors and passersby, your front door sets the tone for your home’s holiday decor throughout. Decorating this prominently viewed area is

also a fun way to embrace the season.

“The holidays are a time that people really lean into decor and design,” says Martha Schneider, owner and principal designer of La Maison and Trellis Floral, an interior design and floral boutique in North Hills. “The design aesthetic really tells the story of the direction of what you’re going to do.”

Perhaps you have yearly decorating traditions, or maybe this is your first time decking out your door. Regardless, says Ashley Whiteside, interior stylist and owner of Whiteside Art and Interiors, it’s important to keep the fundamentals of design in mind. “There are basic principles that can tie everything together,” she says. “If you are overdoing it or trying to bring together too many things, it can look jumbled, but if you have a strong foundation, it can tie everything together.” Whiteside likes to collaborate with clients by having them ask themselves this question: “If I can’t change everything, what can I change that would elevate the space?”

DIY IT Crafting a holiday wreath is a perfect do-it-yourself project. As Donna Pittman, owner of Flowers on Broad Street in Fuquay-Varina, puts it, “It’s so easy—just time-consuming.”

Most designers start with ribbon. Classic reds and soft velvets are holiday favorites. Silver and gold make a statement that can be seen from a distance. For something different, Pittman says many of her clients choose forest green ribbons. A popular color palette at Lloyd & Lady Boutiques in North Raleigh is blue, white and gold, says owner Keith Lloyd. “I always let my ribbons tell me what I’m going to do,” he adds.

Attach the ribbon to your wreath or greenery first before adding bigger items like magnolia the bigger pieces to the wreath, then add in the smaller details.

“The most interesting wreaths that I do have a lot of elements in them—different kinds of greenery, pine cones, berries,” says Pittman, who has decorated the North Carolina Executive Mansion for Christmas in the past. Other factors to consider include adding pussy willow, faux botanicals, succulents, ornamental balls, holiday bells, sprigs of juniper, and dried elements such as pomegranates, orange slices and flowers.

PHOTO BY JOSH MANNING

leaves, eucalyptus leaves or ornaments. If you aren’t keen on including ribbon, start by attaching

26 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Features.indd 26

10/19/21 10:54 AM

TELL A STORY Your doorfront continues the story you are telling and extends your holiday theme.

“The design aesthetic really tells the story of the direction of what you’re going to do,” says Martha Schneider, owner and prinicipal designer of La Maison and Trellis Floral, and designer of this doorfront in Raleigh.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

111221MM_Features.indd 27

| 27

10/19/21 1:42 PM

LET THE RIBBON BE YOUR GUIDE A popular color palette at Lloyd & Lady Boutiques is PHOTO BY EM BATEMAN

blue, white and gold, says owner Keith Lloyd, who

28 | midtownmag.com

created this wreath. “I always let my ribbons tell me what I’m going to do,” he says.

MIX ELEMENTS “The most interesting wreaths that I do have a lot of elements in them—different kinds of greenery, pine cones, berries,” says Flowers on Broad Street owner Donna Pittman, who designed the

PHOTO BY JOSH MANNING

wreath at right.

“You take those into the inside as well—if you’re using pine cones and dried fruit on the doorway, you could easily incorporate

suggesting that you choose what feels right to you and best suits your home’s unique style.

that into your tabletop or coffee table

BUY IT

centerpieces,” Schneider says.

Just like your wreath, the rest of your door

There are plenty of ways to customize

front or porch can continue the story you

a wreath so it reflects your personal style.

are telling and extend your holiday theme.

Want to create a bright and glamorous look?

Martha Stilwell, in-house designer at Steven

Spray paint magnolia leaves in metallic gold

Shell Living, says “Anything to add dimension

or silver, or add twinkle lights. Achieve a

and texture is a win.” Lanterns containing

rustic vibe by incorporating olive leaves,

flameless candles illuminate and enhance

cinnamon sticks or burlap ribbon. Weave blue

décor. A new doormat freshens up the space,

and silver colors into your wreath as a tribute

and planters on each side of the door create

to Hanukkah. And you can’t go wrong by

symmetry. New winter pillows or warm

twisting elegant ribbons through traditional

flannel blankets tossed onto porch chairs

fresh greenery for a classic Christmas wreath.

create a comfortable, cozy look.

“Sometimes they are bare and organic, and

“Lighting is the cherry on top in a porch

sometimes they are really overdone with lots

scene, because it adds ambience that you

of design and elements,” Schneider says,

can’t get from textiles, planters, shapes and

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 29

TA K E I T I N S I D E Extend your wreath decor inside by incorporating its elements into your tabletop centerpieces. This wreath, designed by Flowers on Broad Street owner Donna Pittman, blends pine cones with several kinds of greenery.

WREATH DO’S AND DON’TS Donna Pittman of Flowers on Broad Street in Fuquay-Varina and Keith Lloyd of Lloyd & Lady Boutiques in Raleigh offer these tips for what works and what doesn’t when it comes to making your own wreath.

PHOTO BY JOSH MANNING

DO’S •

outdoor furniture alone,” Whiteside says. She

Some designers recommend having one

suggests lanterns with flickering candles that

wreath for Christmas and another one for the

are on a timer so you don’t have to turn them

rest of the season. After the holidays, achieve

on and off.

a pared-down look by using local and natural

WINTER-IZE IT The designers we spoke to say choosing a natural decorating theme for fall and winter— that can be dressed up during the holidays,

materials such as magnolia leaves, holly or tree branches. “Whatever is growing in North Carolina at that time is what we prefer to see on a door,” Lloyd says.

Evergreen boxwoods add a fresh look

of course—allows you to transition and adjust

during winter when placed in planters on

the decor subtly and as needed throughout

each side of your door. Those same planters

those months. A grapevine wreath, for

can continue to serve your space year-round

example, reflects a rustic look and provides

if you seasonally rotate the plants they

space to weave in natural foliage. Modify it by

contain. “Always have planters that flank

adding corn husks or pine cones for fall, then

the door and something seasonal in there,”

replace those items with greenery and festive

Whiteside says. “That’s the most basic thing

ribbon for the holidays. Strip it down a bit for

you can do for almost any house to make it

the remainder of winter.

look better: a wreath and two planters.”

30 | midtownmag.com

Do keep it simple if you’re new to making your own wreath.

• Do use an elevated wreath form, which makes it easier to add texture and dimension. The most popular types of wreath forms, which you can purchase at craft stores or online, are made from extruded foam, grapevine wire, straw or hoops.

• Do choose a 24- or 30-inch wreath for oversized doors.

• Do attach the wreath to your door with a large suction cup or wire, and make sure it holds firm.

DON’TS • Don’t use a glue gun if you want your wreath to last. Try using hot melt pan glue instead to achieve extra strength.

• Don’t use a metal door hanger, which could ruin the wood on your door.

• Don’t hang your wreath in the attic when storing it, because the glue could melt. Instead, store it flat in a bag and place it under a bed or in a spare room for safekeeping.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

111221MM_Features.indd 31

| 31

10/19/21 2:34 PM

32 | midtownmag.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

111221MM_Features.indd 33

| 33

10/19/21 2:53 PM

Catering Works’ Grandma’s Chocolate Pie Ingredients 1 pie shell 2¼ cups of sugar 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted 3 eggs 9 ounces of evaporated milk

1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon of iodized salt 4½ tablespoons of cocoa powder Whipped cream, for topping

Directions In a bowl, whisk the sugar with the cocoa powder, butter, beaten eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla and salt until smooth. Pour the filling into the pie shell and bake it for about 45 minutes, until the filling is set around the edges but a little jiggly in the center. Cover the crust with strips of foil halfway through baking.

Transfer the pie to a rack and let it cool completely before cutting it.

Serve with whipped cream. This pie can be refrigerated overnight, so you can make it ahead of time.

34 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Features.indd 34

10/26/21 9:52 AM

5

Pies for the

Holidays DAZZLE GUESTS WITH A SLICE— OR TWO—OF PASTRY PARADISE

BY K AT I E J A N S E N P H OTOS BY E M BAT E M A N , U N L E S S OT H E R W I S E N OT E D

A

s the holidays approach, your to-do list can easily become a mile long with all of the planning, decorating, grocery shopping, gift-wrapping, guest room prepping and/or hotel booking you have to accomplish. When it comes to

dessert, however, local bakers are here to take one thing off your plate—by putting pie on it.

From the home-baker-turned-small-business-owner, to the large-scale caterer or neighborhood café and bakeshop, Triangle businesses are pulling out all the stops to ensure their customers have a successful holiday season, replete with dazzling and delicious pies.

We’ve rounded up five of our favorite pies for the holidays—OK, four pies and an one amazing tart—to help you cut out the research and make an informed decision about what to serve for, arguably, the most important part of the meal. This list includes classics like Grandma’s Chocolate Pie, as well as a creative Cozy Pie offering a flavor combination reminiscent of sitting around a warm fire on a cold winter night.

These pies are all available for purchase this holiday season at the participating businesses and restaurants that created them. But if you’re feeling ambitious, we’ve got the recipes for you to bake them from scratch in your own kitchen. (Don’t worry—we won’t tell anyone if you buy one or two and pass them off as homemade. After all, there’s nothing like supporting a local restaurant while also impressing the in-laws!)

From a pumpkin tart that will surely become a Thanksgiving staple, to a perfect-for-Christmas

pie featuring a gingersnap crust, these pies will send you bustling through the holiday season with confidence (and a fork in hand)! Whether your guests are craving chocolate or passionate about pecan, you’ll have options to impress even the most demanding sweet tooth. You may even find yourself wishing you could lose the turkey or ham and host a pie party instead of Thanksgiving dinner. Our recommendation: Bake (or buy) these pies as quickly as possible and try all five before the holiday season comes to a close!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 35

A. Bean Bakes’ Cozy Pie (Inspired by Milk Bar’s Milk Bar Pie) Crust Ingredients 1 stick of unsalted butter 1/3 cup of light brown sugar ¼ cup of granulated sugar 1 egg yolk ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

1 cup of gingersnap cookie crumbs (grind down or use a rolling pin to break them into crumbs) ½ teaspoon of kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder 1 pinch of baking soda

Gingersnap Crust Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Beat the butter and sugars on medium speed using a hand or stand mixer for 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and beat on medium speed using a hand or stand mixer for 2 minutes (everything should be thoroughly combined).

Add all remaining dry ingredients and beat the mixture on the lowest speed for 1 minute, until combined. Be careful not to overmix, which could make the cookie crust tough.

Spread the mixture across a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake the crusts for 15 minutes and then let them cool to room temperature.

Filling Ingredients ¾ cup of granulated sugar 1/3 cup of dark brown sugar 2 tablespoons of milk powder 2 tablespoons of corn powder (ground freeze-dried corn also works well) 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt

1 stick of unsalted butter, melted 4 egg yolks 1 tablespoon of orange zest ¼ cup of heavy cream 4¼ teaspoons of cold brew coffee 1 teaspoon of espresso powder ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract

Filling Directions Combine the sugars, milk powder, corn powder and salt in a mixing bowl with a whisk. Add the melted butter and beat the mixture with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes.

Add each of the 4 egg yolks, one at a time, on the lowest speed.

(Each egg should be incorporated into the mix before you add the next.) Add the orange zest, heavy cream, coffee, espresso powder and vanilla to the mixing bowl and beat on low speed for 3 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Break down the crust into crumbs using your hands and, using the backs of your fingers, press the crumbs into a 9.5-inch pie pan (glass pans work best). Pour the prepared filling into the pie pan.

Bake the assembled pie for 20 minutes. The pie should still wiggle in the center, but the sides should be firm). Lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees and bake the assembled pie for 15 additional minutes.

Once the pie has cooled completely (this is very important for glass pans, as they can shatter), wrap the pan in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer overnight.

When serving the pie the next day, sprinkle some of the extra gingersnap crust or powdered sugar on each piece for decoration, as desired. Any remaining pieces of pie should be individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container before putting them back into the freezer. This pie will stay fresh in the freezer for several months, so you can enjoy it all season long!

36 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Features.indd 36

10/19/21 12:58 PM

Union Special’s Butterscotch Pecan Pie (Makes two pies)

Ingredients 1½ cups of granulated sugar ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons of butter 5 large eggs 1½ cups of corn syrup 1 pound (or 6 cups) of pecans (whole or pieces) Pinch of salt Two partially baked pie shells Directions Place the sugar in a pot with enough water to make the consistency of wet sand, and cook until it turns into a nice caramel color. If you have a thermometer, cook the sugar to 325–340 degrees.

Remove the sugar mixture from the heat and pour it into the corn syrup. Gently whisk the mixture together. Cool the mixture overnight on the counter.

The next day, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Melt the butter and set it aside. Divide the pecans in half and spread them into each pie shell.

Whisk up the corn syrup and sugar mixture if it has separated. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together while slowly pouring the melted butter into the eggs. Pour the corn syrup and sugar mixture into the eggs slowly, and whisk everything together until it is completely mixed.

Pour the filling over the pecans and use a fork to even the pecans out before baking the pie.

Bake in the preheated oven until the pie is golden brown and barely jiggly..

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 37

Once in A Blue Moon Bakery’s Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Crust Ingredients 1½ cups of flour ¼ teaspoon of salt 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed 2–4 tablespoons of ice water Filling Ingredients 1½ cups of medium pecan pieces, toasted in the oven at 350 degrees for 8 minutes 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter 3 ounces of bittersweet chocolate, chopped ½ cup of dark corn syrup ½ cup of light corn syrup ¾ cup of dark brown sugar 4 eggs 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder 1/3 cup of bourbon ¼ teaspoon of salt ½ teaspoon of vanilla Tart Dough Directions For the crust, put the flour and butter in a food processor and pulse while slowly adding the chilled butter to the mixture until pea-sized pieces form. Slowly add ice water until dough just starts to come together. Form the mixture into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour. Once the dough is chilled, flour a surface and roll the dough into a 12-inch disk. Place the dough in a pie shell and crimp the edges.

For the filling, melt the butter and bittersweet chocolate together in a heavy-bottomed saucepan until the mixture is smooth. Let this mixture cool down for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled butter-chocolate mixture, corn syrups, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, eggs, cocoa powder and bourbon.

Spread the toasted pecans evenly across the bottom of the pan and pour in the mixture. The pecans should float to the top. Place the pie on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes. The pie is ready when the filling is just set in the middle and barely jiggles when you gently shake the pan. Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

38 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Features.indd 38

10/19/21 12:54 PM

La Farm Bakery’s Fall Harvest Pumpkin Tart Ingredients 2 cups of all-purpose flour ½ cup of salted butter 1 cup of powdered sugar 1 egg Pumpkin Pie Filling Ingredients 16 ounces of pumpkin puree (1 can) 4 eggs ¾ cup of brown sugar ½ cup of whole milk ½ cup of heavy cream ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice Pinch of salt

Tart Dough Directions In an electric mixer, with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, butter and powdered sugar until there are tiny balls of butter. Add the eggs and mix for approximately 25 seconds on the first speed, until everything is well combined.

Once all ingredients are combined, divide the dough into two even portions and shape them into disks. Wrap the dough portions in plastic wrap and place both in the refrigerator overnight.

Prebaking the Tart Dough Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. After letting the tart dough chill overnight in the refrigerator, roll it out so it is a few inches larger than your tart pan. Transfer the dough onto the tart pan.

Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and carefully remove the parchment paper and pie weights.

Let it cool for at least 30 minutes.

Filling and Baking the Pumpkin Tart Directions

Ensure that the oven is preheated to 375 degrees. Mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, whole milk, heavy cream, pumpkin pie spice and salt together until smooth.

Pour the pumpkin tart filling into the cooled tart crust and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is almost set (a small part of the center should be a little wobbly, but the rest should be completely set).

Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Decorate it with your choice of whipped cream, candied nuts or pumpkin seeds and enjoy!

PHOTO BY ANNA ROUTH

Cut a large square of parchment paper or aluminum foil that is an inch or two larger than the tart pan and place it over the dough-lined pan.

Fill the lined tart dough with pie weights (dry beans also work; this prevents the dough from puffing while baking).

Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 39

C . T. W E E K E N D S L a d i e s

F a s h i o n s

Featuring

THE GIFT OF

Relaxation

Featuring

Styles that resonate with today’s woman.

HAIRCUTS | MEMBERSHIPS | GIFT CARDS

Cameron Village | 437 Daniels Street ctweekends.com | 919.787.9073

BOOK NOW BOARDROOMSALON.COM MIDTOWN EAST - 1101 MERCANTILE DRIVE, SUITE 120

40 | midtownmag.com Untitled-5 1

10/7/21 10:54 AM

Oral Health Care Tailored to You Our mission is to provide high quality personalized care to our patients in a friendly, safe and comfortable environment.

Personalized treatment with a focus on minimally invasive procedures, scientific evidence and the latest technologies.

Advanced technology and the professinal expertise we deliver are the best in modern dentistry.

Thiago Morelli, DDS, MS

3200 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 122, Raleigh 919-510-8888 www.northcarolinaperio.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 41

EAST COAST

HOLIDAY GETAWAYS CHANGE UP YOUR FAMILY TRADITIONS BY VISITING ONE OF THESE FESTIVE DESTINATIONS

PHOTO BY EMILY CHAPLIN/EXPLORE ASHEVILLE

BY M A N D Y H OWA R D

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE LIGHTS UP DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

There are many obvious reasons Asheville should be at the top of your holiday destination list. Christmas at Biltmore, America’s Largest Home, is one of North Carolina’s most beloved and well-known holiday traditions. With distinct celebration events planned for day and night, Biltmore transports its guests back in time to catch a glimpse of what it was like to be hosted by the Vanderbilt family for Christmas. More than 100 decorated trees, 10,000 ornaments and 100,000 lights make Biltmore a nonstop holiday feast for the eyes.

Asheville and surrounding towns also boast fantastic winter sports opportunities. High elevation mountain peaks make Asheville the perfect destination for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and zip lining. But have you tried snowshoeing and ice climbing? Maybe a winter adventure is the perfect gift for that hard-to-shopfor person in your life.

While these may be the best-known reasons to hop on Interstate 40 and head west for the holidays, don’t forget to check out the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn, or the drive-through Winter Lights show at The North Carolina Arboretum.

While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for B-boy Santa, the dancing man in the bright red suit who loves to surprise shoppers and delight visitors with smooth moves straight outta the North Pole.

THE BEACHES (WILMINGTON)

North Carolina’s beaches, as they say in show biz, need no introduction. Call it lucky, call it blessed, call it a smart choice … we have the unbelievable luxury of packing up our cars and heading east to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country on a moment’s notice. But, too many of us confine beach getaways to summer or spring break.

Here’s why you should spend this holiday season at one or more of our nearby beaches.

Let’s start by talking about the most festive race on the coast: The Jingle Bell Run at Wrightsville Beach. Think Santa can’t take a 5K? Let this run prove you wrong as you watch a dozen Santas, some reindeer and the occasional snowflake sprint by. Prizes are awarded for the race, of course, but what makes this run truly an event is that prizes are also awarded for best holiday costume, best group holiday costume, best pet costume and best decorated stroller.

44 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Holiday Getaways_pp41-47.indd 44

LOW COUNTRY (CHARLESTON)

Charleston is ready for Christmas and hopes you’ll come along for the sleigh ride. One glance at christmasincharleston.com will prove that if anyone is ready for Christmas this year, it’s the Low Country.

Start your visit with a trip to the Charleston Visitor Center on Meeting Street to see the Festival of Trees. This free event serves as a festive fundraiser where visitors can bid on trees and wreaths in order to support cancer patients and survivors.

Next, make sure you reserve a spot for the 32nd annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. Open every night, rain or shine, mid-November through December 31, this dazzling display includes a driving tour, festival train ride, “Amazing Dancing Light Display,” carousel, Santa’s Sweet Shoppe and marshmallow roasting. Did we mention photo opportunities with Santa and the area’s largest sand sculpture? This event is truly for the whole family.

Last, while you know and love Charleston for its historic charm, holiday spirit takes this beloved Southern town to the next level. Nearly every historic home and walking tour features houses and neighborhoods decked out in full décor.

The candlelit tour of Drayton Hall, for example, is a can’t-miss event, as it boasts being the “oldest untouched home open to the public in the United States.”

Need to do some last-minute shopping? Find the perfect gift at the Charleston Holiday Market or “Yuletide on the Ashley” Holiday Market and Craft Fair.

PHOTO BY BRETT COTTRELL, COURTESY OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY

THE MOUNTAINS (ASHEVILLE)

If hundreds of holiday dashers aren’t enough to drive you a tad over two hours east, check out Enchanted Airlie at Airlie Gardens to see magnificent holiday lights and displays (tickets sell out quickly so order them in advance; no tickets are sold at the door). And just across the bridge, Kure and Carolina beaches host a month-long Island of Lights Festival that includes a Christmas Flotilla (scheduled for November 27 this year) and New Year’s “Beach Ball Drop.”

NEW ENGLAND (MANCHESTER AND WOODSTOCK, VERMONT)

Did you binge Hallmark Christmas movies last year and are ready to experience that Northeastern small-town holiday charm for yourself? Look no further than the cozy town of Woodstock, Vermont. Your own personal Hallmark Christmas experience is only a 12-hour drive or four-hour flight away!

Woodstock was voted one of the most beautiful towns in America by Condé Nast Traveler, which reported, “For a dose of absurdly quaint New England charm, it’s tough to do better than this town in the Green Mountains.” While that charm includes antique shops and bed-and-breakfasts, it also claims the infamous Suicide Six ski area. First opened in 1936, the resort boasts one of the first

PHOTO BY DOUG HICKOCK

N

ever have the words from the popular Christmas carol, “We Need a Little Christmas,” felt more true. Collectively, we have been through a lot and we need a lot of holiday cheer, right this very minute! So, whether you’re looking for joyful festivities or a peaceful holiday season, pack up the car, gather the kids and make your merry!

10/19/21 12:07 PM

ENCHANTED AIRLIE AT AIRLIE GARDENS IN WILMINGTON ATTRACTS VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

CHARLESTON’S HISTORIC CHARM AND FESTIVE SPIRIT TAKE THE HOLIDAYS TO THE NEXT LEVEL. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 45

DISNEY (ORLANDO)

You know that famous commercial, “You’ve just won the Super Bowl … What are you doing next?”

To which, of course, the answer is, “I’m going to Disney World!”

Well, should we all be asked, “You’ve just experienced the craziest year ever and survived online and masked school … What are you going to do next?”—the answer might be the same!

Let’s face it—we all deserve a trip to Disney World. And with the theme park pulling out all the stops for its 50-year celebration, now is a great time to go!

Disney Magical Vacation Planner Melissa Shaheen says, “There is nothing more magical than Disney World all dressed up for the holidays.

The trees in every resort are spectacular. Every park is decked out. All of the characters are in their holiday best! If you purchase a ticket to the after-hours event at Magic Kingdom on select dates, it will SNOW on Main Street!”

Just remember to either check in with a vacation planner or pay close attention to the website, because Disney has strict COVID-19 regulations to ensure the best possible experience for all guests.

Bonus? RDU offers a direct flight to Orlando!

(For more direct flight holiday destinations, check out the information below.)

N O NSTO P FE ST IV E FUN

BY MANDY HOWARD

While COVID-19 has impacted a number of flights, Raleigh-Durham International Airport still offers dozens of nonstop flights to some of the country’s most festive destinations. Here are a few to check out.

Photo courtesy of Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce

rope tows and the oldest continually operated ski school in the nation.

Snow sports in Vermont are obviously to die for, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the actual hallmark of the Woodstock holiday season: Wassail Weekend. This event features horse-andbuggies, carolers and townsfolk all gathering for a lighting of the tree and Yule log. This Wassail is part of why Woodstock made it on Country Living’s “55 Best Christmas Towns to Put on Your Holiday Bucket List.” We wholeheartedly agree!

Also on our list is the neighboring town of Manchester. If you go, book a stay at the Wilburton Inn, which is nationally ranked by CNN and Rand McNally, and known to give a “White Christmas” vibe. (This is good to know if your Christmas movie tastes veer more toward Bing Crosby than Hallmark.)

New York City

Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, go ice skating in Bryant Park, take a carriage ride around Central Park, check out the “Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes” and window shop on 5th Avenue.

Nashville

Check out “A Country Christmas” at Gaylord Opryland November 12–January 2, featuring events like “Breakfast With Charlie Brown,” “The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas in Tennessee Dinner Show” and the “ICE!” exhibit, which features unbelievable sculptures made entirely of ice.

Chicago

Hop on the Holiday Train in Chicago … literally. The Chicago Transit Authority annually runs a holiday train (and bus), spreading joy, cheer and festivity throughout the city. While you’re there, be sure to stroll The Magnificent Mile for shopping and stop by Millennium Park to see the official city tree and do a little ice skating!

Mild temperatures and an incredibly festive atmosphere will greet you if you choose to travel west for the holidays. Phoenix boasts magnificent holiday light displays—and temperatures that allow you to enjoy the walk. Check out 1.5 million lights during Glendale Glitters November 19–21, or the tree that boasts a million lighting options at Scottsdazzle November 27–January 1 in nearby Scottsdale. Also, if you’re craving space and nature, you’re less than four hours away from the Grand Canyon.

Note: Check all events ahead of time to ensure they are still scheduled to take place.

Photo by Chris Shugg

Phoenix

46 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Holiday Getaways_pp41-47.indd 46

10/19/21 12:07 PM

STAR IN YOUR OWN NEW ENGLAND-STYLE HALLMARK MOVIE IN VERMONT.

DISNEY PULLS OUT ALL THE HOLIDAY BELLS AND WHISTLES, FROM 70-FOOT HOLIDAY TREES TO GARLANDS ACROSS MAIN STREET.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 47

48 | midtownmag.com

Nine Compassionate Providers With Over

175

Years of Combined Experience.

Excellence in Neurosurgery

NEW FACILITY

NOW OPEN 5221 SIX FORKS ROAD, RALEIGH, NC Brandon C. Burnsed M.D.

Takanori Fukushima M.D.

RALEIGH OFFICE: 5838 Six Forks Road, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27609 GOLDSBORO OFFICE: 2605 Hospital Road, Goldsboro, NC 27543

raleighneurosurgical.com | 919.785.3400

Most Experienced

Minimally Invasive

Monday–Thursday: 9am–5pm Friday: 9am–2pm Closed On Weekends And Holidays

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 49

LOOK FOR THE HELPERS 14 NONPROFIT LEADERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN WAKE COUNTY

BY ELIZABETH BRIGNAC | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN MULLINS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

D

allas Bonavita talks about how Note in the Pocket briefly operated from an empty Spanish classroom loaned by a church. Kathy Johnson describes a moving encounter between a volunteer and a guest at Oak City Cares. Michelle Zechmann recounts

Haven House’s frantic search for a flute for one of the organization’s kids, and how a volunteer produced one within hours. Community stories flowed generously from our conversations with the nonprofit leaders profiled in this feature.

When asked about themselves, however, several of them seemed surprised. “The article is partly about you,” we kept reminding them.

It is, perhaps, unsurprising that people who devote their lives to community service tend to think in terms of the community—and, most of all, about the clients at the center of their work. But, as Mr. Rogers famously told his audience, in times of trouble, it’s a good idea to “look for the helpers.” We didn’t have to look far. Meet 14 of Wake County’s best helpers, and

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA GRELE BARRIE

take the time to read about the good work they do to benefit our community.

50 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Nonprofit_Leaders.indd 50

10/19/21 12:02 PM

<<<

Dallas Bonavita Executive Director, Note in the Pocket

Dallas Bonavita began working with Note in the Pocket a decade ago. Under her leadership, the program has gone from clothing 1,500 to 5,000 children per year.

Clothing availability affects children on many levels, Bonavita says. “It’s social, emotional, mental, physical and educational … it hits them in a hundred different ways.”

Bonavita acknowledges programs like Dress for Success for adults. “Our children need the same advantages and selfconfidence,” she says, emphasizing that the program’s goal is to provide kids with clothing that fits properly.

Note in the Pocket is expanding into Durham County soon. “Clothing insecurity is something that nobody is really addressing on a significant level anywhere nationally,” Bonavita says. Someday, she hopes Note in the Pocket will fill that gap.

<<<

Lisa Grele Barrie Executive Director, Raleigh City Farm

Lisa Grele Barrie has been with Raleigh City Farm since the site was an empty lot. In 2011, she heard about an urban farm being developed near her home and showed up at the 1-acre site on the first work day ready to dig. She became executive director in 2020.

Today, Raleigh City Farm helps build community food security. The farm has donated 41% of its produce this year to local food banks, and hopes to build more community partnerships and advocate for civic policies that support urban farming.

Perhaps most important to Barrie is the mission Raleigh City Farm has prioritized from the beginning: turning empty urban lots into green community spaces. “Stopping in a city and seeing a garden—it’s inspiring, it’s necessary and it lifts our spirits,” Barrie says.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 51

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROB LEWIS

<<<

Susan Bowers

Executive Director, Helene Foundation The Helene Foundation assists Triangle-area mothers who lack social support and have been diagnosed with cancer. “These women—they don’t have anybody,” says Susan Bowers, who has directed the foundation since 2012. Through vendors, the foundation supports household needs and removes sources of stress. It funds services like house cleaning and childcare, and provides necessities like gas money and school supplies. If a mother dies, the foundation offers support to her family.

“I’ve got the most heartbreaking job because I see firsthand what these families go through,” Bowers says. “But it’s also heartwarming, because I get to see the relief that we can bring to them.” To date, the foundation has supported 254 families and more than 500 children.

52 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Nonprofit_Leaders.indd 52

10/19/21 12:02 PM

>>>

Utica Cason

Founder and Executive Director, SOAR Outreach In 2017, Utica Cason was inspired by a rise in bullying-related teen suicides to provide free hygiene kits to low-income youth. Aware of a need for hygiene items, which public assistance programs generally do not cover, she developed SOAR Outreach to ensure that these teens could receive them. “Our hygiene kits promote self-confidence and decrease bullying. We want to make students feel good about themselves so they will want to attend school regularly,” she says.

SOAR partners with schools that teach a large population of low-income students. School social workers distribute kits to the students as needed. During the pandemic, SOAR Outreach also partnered with community aid programs, distributing 400–600 hygiene kits per month, as well as school supplies, Chromebooks and other education-related resources..

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 53

<<<

Joy Currey

Founder and President, Corral Riding Academy Joy Currey grew up riding horses on the Cary farm where she has since established a Corral Riding Academy location. After working in other states with struggling teens, Currey returned to Raleigh, where she heard repeatedly that at-risk kids needed resources.

Initially, Currey offered horseback riding through human services and juvenile justice programs, but she saw that her kids needed more. Soon, Corral Riding Academy began functioning as a long-term, holistic intervention program supporting girls through middle and high school.

Today, the organization provides young women with equine-assisted therapy, educational support, mentorship and social services. “We’re looking at each kid individually and trying to decide exactly what she needs,” Currey says.

The nonprofit serves 30 girls each year through its holistic program and provides equine therapy to 55 more. Currey hopes to double these numbers by 2030.

54 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Nonprofit_Leaders.indd 54

10/19/21 12:02 PM

<<<

Jan Frantz

Founder, Read and Feed

Sherry Overton Shudra

Executive Director, Read and Feed

Years ago, while volunteering in a local kindergarten class, Jan Frantz noticed one child hiding under a desk.

“Miss Jan, I’m not very smart,” he later explained. Frantz built a supportive relationship with the child, under which he thrived. “I think that’s the important part … you need that mentor, consistently, week after week, to be there,” Frantz says. She founded Read and Feed on this premise.

Working with the school, Frantz found seven children needing literacy support. Since transportation was a barrier, she brought a mobile learning unit to their neighborhood. She fed them nutritious meals before they started reading, and she returned every week. The program proved successful, so Frantz expanded it.

Ten years later, Read and Feed serves over 600 students annually at 30 locations, including three mobile units.

Executive Director Sherry Overton Shudra now runs the program. A longtime pharmaceutical businesswoman, Shudra became a consultant for service organizations in transition. Her background made her an ideal candidate for leading Read and Feed, as the program is in the process of expanding. “We would love to be able to eventually replicate this program in other counties,” Shudra says, adding that due to the pandemic, “there is no time better than now.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 55

<<<

Kathy Johnson

Executive Director, Oak City Cares Kathy Johnson runs Oak City Cares, a public-private partnership that accommodates the needs of Raleigh’s homeless population. Representatives from service agencies, city government programs, corporations and faith-based organizations have worked together to create a system that has become a model for homelessness outreach. Guests can shower at the center, do laundry and eat hot meals. Volunteers and staff assist them by recruiting help from among more than 20 on-site community service partners.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHY JOHNSON

Johnson, who worked at a women’s shelter for 20 years, has directed Oak City Cares since 2018 and has coordinated many of its community partnerships. She emphasizes the respect with which Oak City Cares treats its guests. “Remembering people’s names and knowing their stories … creating relationships, true relationships” with people who often feel invisible is central to the project’s mission, she says

>>>

Pilar Rocha-Goldberg

President and CEO, El Centro Hispano

Rocha-Goldberg says the Triangle Latino population is continually changing, requiring its support systems to adapt. “We need to be aware of the needs of the community all the time,” she says. The center opened its Wake County branch in February 2020 and was immediately faced with the need to transform its mobile health unit into a COVID response operations base, offering pandemic updates in Spanish, and providing COVID testing and other health services.

During the pandemic, the center continued to help members of the Latino community with access to lawyers, educational support, mental health services, youth programs, social services and other forms of assistance.

Last year, El Centro Hispano served 109,558 clients.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PILAR ROCHA-GOLDBERG

Pilar Rocha-Goldberg first encountered El Centro Hispano in 2004 while doing nutrition research for Duke University. The center asked her to volunteer.

Five years later, she found herself directing it.

56 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Nonprofit_Leaders.indd 56

10/19/21 12:02 PM

>>>

Howard Manning

Executive Director, Dorcas Ministries

When Howard Manning left GlaxoSmithKline in 2003, he thought he was retiring. “God took a two-by-four and put me where He wanted me to be,” he says, laughing. For 15 years, Manning has run Dorcas Ministries, which provides a food bank, social services and professional support for the Cary and Morrisville community, and serves 25,000 clients annually.

In 2008, under Manning’s leadership, the ministry relocated to a shopping center and invited other nonprofits to lease space there. The goal: to create a one-stop nonprofit hub where people could fulfill many needs at once. The plan worked so well that Wake County is now opening a health and human services location in the same complex.

A few years down the road, Manning hopes to expand Dorcas Ministries’ efforts into affordable housing services and advocacy work.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 57

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADAM ISMAIL

<<<

Vicki Ismail

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Carroll’s Kitchen In 2016, Vicki Ismail co-founded Carroll’s Kitchen, which teaches women life-management and job skills through work at its café. The program has assisted 32 women so far through years of mentoring and professional training. Mutual support is central to the experience— so much so that openness to community engagement factors into a candidate’s acceptance into the program.

At the suggestion of the program’s catering manager, a Carroll’s Kitchen graduate, the café is working with an entrepreneurial clinic at North Carolina State University to sell food in vending machines as well as at the café. Ismail and her staff hope to expand these machines into local hospitals and other businesses. “When businesses continually buy from us and choose us, that supports our program as much as some donations,” Ismail says. “The more work we have, the more women we can employ.”

58 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Nonprofit_Leaders.indd 58

10/19/21 12:02 PM

<<<

Josie Sawyer

Executive and Clinical Director, Lucy Daniels Center Josie Sawyer began working as a therapist at the Lucy Daniels Center in 2016, drawn to the program’s therapeutic approach. She became the center’s executive director in 2019. “Rather than helping a child extinguish a behavior … it’s about understanding where that behavior came from in the first place,” she says.

The Lucy Daniels Center offers outpatient family therapy with adjusted costs for needy families, and a school for children with emotional or behavioral learning barriers.

It also offers free therapeutic outreach, including observation and consultation for local schools. “I think it’s pretty cool that the Lucy Daniels Center started as a therapeutic preschool in a church basement 30 years ago,” Sawyer says. “And here we are now touching dozens of counties in North Carolina, serving 700 families a year.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 59

>>>

Rebecca Smith

Director, Frankie Lemmon School Rebecca Smith began volunteering at the Frankie Lemmon School in 2000 as a Meredith College course requirement. That project led to a changed major and a lifelong vocation.

“It wasn’t just that I wanted to be a teacher,” Smith says. “I wanted to be a teacher at Frankie Lemmon.”

Frankie Lemmon School has been offering preschool for Triangle children with special education needs since 1965. Under Smith’s direction, the preschool has moved to a larger building and has admitted some children with typical education needs.

Children with many different disabilities, including rare ones, attend Frankie Lemmon School. “We have at least two kids each year who are one of 10 or 20 in the world in terms of their diagnosis,” Smith says. “We just meet their needs where they are.”

60 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Nonprofit_Leaders.indd 60

10/19/21 12:02 PM

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE ZECHMAN

< <<

Michelle Zechmann CEO, Haven House Services

Michelle Zechmann spent her early career working with the juvenile justice system, wilderness therapy organizations, government programs and mentally ill youth. Prepared by these experiences, she has led Haven House Services since 2009.

Haven House Services assists youth in crisis through 11 different programs that address homelessness and offer behavioral interventions. Many young people are referred to Haven House Services through school and juvenile justice systems. The program’s street outreach team offers assistance to youth on the streets and in encampments. “Everyone’s got a different story,” Zechmann says. “Most of our kids come with a lot of trauma.”

A clinician works with each young person who comes to Haven House Services, after which the organization works out which programs can best support that teen’s needs. Last year, the organization served nearly 1,200 kids.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 61

62 | midtownmag.com

month It was a ussion, c n o c y after m s feeling and I wa t rinch, bu G e h t e lik Center n i a r B a Carolin a pinch. n i e m helped y I am joll w o n d n A of the because CBC team and Ollie.

Doc and

THE TRIANGLE’S PREMIER CONCIERGE SUNLESS TANNING SERVICE. www.CarolinaBrainCenter.com Dr. Darcy D. Dane, DC, DACNB (919) 703-0207

The Perfect Gift On Tap! Olive Oils, Specialty Oils & Balsamic Vinegars Imported & Local Gourmet Foods Holiday Gift Sets & Baskets Olive Oil Based Skin Care Charcuterie Boards & Accessories Fine, French & Italian Linens Corporate Gifts (Volume Discounts) Midtown East 1110 Mercantile Drive, Suite 110 919.510.5510

midtownoliveoil.com Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday 12pm-4pm

Serving the Greater Raleigh area since 2010

844.SPRAYTN OakCitySunless.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 63

64 | midtownmag.com

THE 2021 HOLIDAY

GIFT GUIDE C O M P I L E D B Y T H E M I D T O W N S TA F F

PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY MIDGLEY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

It’s time to make your list and check it twice!

Browse our 2021 holiday gift guide for inspiration. All of these items are available from local boutiques and businesses right here in the Triangle. Happy shopping!

KYOSHINO/GETTY IMAGES

Note: Some items are available online only, while others are available in stores. Some are available both online and in stores.

Birch Wood Spoons (in blue and rainbow), $10 each Designed for Joy

Yuletide Cheer Bucket, $169 Midtown Olive Oil

Bud Vase, $25 Max Hugo Interior Design

Vivian Howard Rubs, $11 NOFO @ the Pig

Charcuterie Board, $115 Designed for Joy

Ulrike Isensee Scarf, $250 C.T. Weekends Vilagallo Zebra Coat, $431 Kannon’s Clothing for Women

Brodie Camo Cashmere Sweater, starting at $325 Copper Penny

Pongopanna Olli Isla Jumbo Clutch, $525 pongopanna.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF COPPER PENNY

Fedora Hat, $28 Swagger PHOTO COURTESY OF SWAGGER

Mink Slides (in black and blue), $316 Jbat Boutique at Douglas Carroll Salon, Spa and Boutique

Fluffity Slippers by Valentina Rangoni, $445 Rangoni Firenze Shoes PHOTO COURTESY OF RANGONI FIRENZE SHOES

Breitling SuperOcean Heritage ‘57 Pastel Paradise (with iced latte dial), $4,630 Fink’s Jewelers PHOTO BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY

Lora Nikolova “Samantha” Necklace, $336 C.T. Weekends

Love Knot Ring (in 14 carat yellow gold), $995 Bailey’s Fine Jewelry PHOTO COURTESY OF BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY

Monica Rich Kosann White and Grey Enamel Locket, $585 Bailey’s Fine Jewelry PHOTO COURTESY OF BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY

Darla Hoop Earrings (in 18 carat yellow gold vermeil), $98 Kendra Scott PHOTO COURTESY OF KENDRA SCOTT

Hammered Plate Cuff Bracelet (in gold), $16 Swagger PHOTO COURTESY OF SWAGGER

Custom Mignonne Gavigan Rainbow Colorblock Madeline Earrings, $225 The Gatorbug PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GATORBUG

Alligator Money Clip, $75 Onward Reserve PHOTO COURTESY OF ONWARD RESERVE

Boardroom Salon for Men Membership, $700–$1,250/year Boardroom Salon for Men PHOTO COURTESY OF BOARDROOM SALON FOR MEN

The North Face Men’s Canyonlands Hoodie, $89 Great Outdoor Provision Co. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH FACE

​​Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave, $17 Onward Reserve L.E.N. Leathergoods Belts, starting at $250 Liles Clothing Studio PHOTO COURTESY OF LILES CLOTHING STUDIO

Moonshine Gentleman’s Soap, $16.95 NOFO @ the Pig

Waterville Flannel Diamond Quilted Vest (in wheat and cobalt), $495 Kannon’s Clothing for Men

“Jump the Moon” Book and Pony Set (by local author Kathy Simmers), $39.99 readjumpthemoon.com PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHY SIMMERS

Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Mini Dollhouse, $59.49 (prices vary depending on store) Learning Express Toys & Gifts and other local Melissa & Doug retailers

Melissa & Doug Flip Fish Baby Toy, $21.49 (prices vary depending on store) Learning Express Toys & Gifts and other local Melissa & Doug retailers

PHOTO COURTESY OF MELISSA & DOUG

PHOTO COURTESY OF MELISSA & DOUG

The Woobles Crochet Kits for Beginners, $25–$80 thewoobles.com PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WOOBLES

Cream Lamby Baby Security Blanket, $19.95 NOFO @ the Pig

Melissa & Doug Service Station Parking Garage, $32.49 (prices vary depending on store) Learning Express Toys & Gifts and other local Melissa & Doug retailers PHOTO COURTESY OF MELISSA & DOUG

Ruffwear Pacific Ring Toy, $24.95 Great Outdoor Provision Co. Watercolor Pet Portraits, $75–$295 (must be ordered by Thanksgiving weekend in time for Christmas delivery) Amy Richards Illustration

PHOTO COURTESY OF RUFFWEAR

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY RICHARDS ILLUSTRATION

Ruffwear Gnawt-a-Stick, $14.95 Great Outdoor Provision Co. PHOTO COURTESY OF RUFFWEAR

K&H Pet Bed Warmer, $28.99–$34.99 Phydeaux

Ruffwear Summit Trex Boots, $25 Phydeaux

PHOTO COURTESY OF K&H PET PRODUCTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF RUFFWEAR

Hand-Painted Pet Ornaments, $59–$69 (must be ordered by Thanksgiving weekend in time for Christmas delivery) Amy Richards Illustration PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY RICHARDS ILLUSTRATION

Haute Shore Weekender Bag, $155 Copper Penny

Bernina B325 Sewing Machine, $999 Bernina World of Sewing

PHOTO COURTESY OF COPPER PENNY

PHOTO COURTESY OF BERNINA WORLD OF SEWING

“Raleigh, NC” Town Sign, $36 The Rusty Bucket PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RUSTY BUCKET

Highwave Roam 16-Ounce Travel Mug, $30 Tin Roof Teas

Grosvenor Drinks Trolley (shown in green leaf), $718.20 Steven Shell Living PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVEN SHELL LIVING

Smile

WITH CONFIDENCE

A

wow

DENTAL EXPERIENCE IN CARY, NORTH CAROLINA Offering today’s leading cosmetic dental treatments

I am currently doing Invisalign with Preston Dental and honestly, I’ve never been so excited to go to the dentist. Providing Netflix and aromatic neck pillows is really just the icing on the already sweet cake that is Preston Dental! And to think I found them because of an Instagram ad?! - Katie K.

Dr. Patel has been providing beautiful confident smiles for more than a decade and is dedicated to her mission to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

Both times I’ve walked into this dental office I heard laughter and great music. Dr. Meenal Patel is the best dentist I’ve ever been to, and she and her staff are amazing. Today I spent over three hours in the dentist chair—which was also a massage chair— and it was a pleasant experience. - Joe L.

Preston Dental Loft

140 Preston Executive Drive Suite 200, Cary (919) 467-6111

prestondentalloft.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 65

SILVER LININGS Wake County athletes Claire Curzan and Andrew Capobianco brought home much more than hardware from the Tokyo Olympics

I

n the wake of the Tokyo Olympic games, athletes return home and are greeted by a rush of excitement involving celebrations and homecoming parties.

For many of them, once the dust—or glitter—settles, training resumes. Plans take shape for future competitions, and they get back at it. We talked with two local Olympians who brought home much more than silver medals from Tokyo—and who may not be done competing just yet.

CLAIRE CURZAN Claire Curzan didn’t have much time to bask in the afterglow of the Tokyo Olympics. After returning home, the Car y swimmer spent a week at the beach with her family, but by mid-August, she was back at Cardinal Gibbons High School for the start of her senior year. “Things around me are settling down, but I’m still pretty excited about the whole experience,” she says.

Curzan has good reason. She was part of the women’s 4-by-100-meter medley relay, swimming the butterfly leg in the preliminar y round to qualify the U.S. for the finals. But because the prelims involve two swimmers per stroke, the 17-yearold was sidelined for the finals by virtue of having the slower time in her stroke.

Instead, she watched from the stands as her teammates clinched the silver medal for the relay team. “I would have rather been swimming,” Curzan says with a laugh.

“It’s so hard to watch because you feel so out of control. I knew the girls were going to do well for us, but I couldn’t watch for a lot of it because I was so ner vous.”

The medley relay was just part of her Olympic experience. Curzan competed individually in the 100-meter butterfly and placed 10th at 57.42 seconds. “Looking back on it now, I’m super proud of myself,”

66 | midtownmag.com

BY KURT DUSTERBERG she says. “It was my first Olympics. For any kind of first-time experience, there’s going to be some of that hardship or difficulty. I’m glad I was able to experience it this time. I’m learning a lot about it and, hopefully, I’ll be able to use what I’m learning to make myself better.”

Curzan has been making a name for herself in the pool for years. After taking her first swim lessons at age 3, she began swimming year-round at age 7. She started making waves at age 12 when she had her first national age group record at an Ohio State meet. In 2020, her time of 56.61 at the U.S. Open Swimming Championships in Greensboro wasn’t just a personal best, it was also just .63 seconds off the American record.

“I wish there was something I could pinpoint, but I don’t think there’s a magical sauce for swimming,” she says. “Like any sport, you have to put in a lot of training, so I guess the better quality training for me—running and working on heart muscles—helped my endurance. But I think I’ve had a lot of body awareness since I did dance when I was little. I think that’s lent itself to my swimming.”

The days since the Olympics have given Curzan a chance to enjoy the spotlight, as well as share her success with others.

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza in Car y hosted an evening for the public to come meet the hometown Olympian.

“Ever yone does want to see the medal,” she says. “I kind of love sharing that because I know if I hadn’t gone to the Olympics, it wouldn’t be ver y common to see one in ever yday life. So I tr y to show it to as many people as I can, to have them hold it. It’s heavier than you would think.”

Even back at school, there are little moments that remind Claire of her newfound celebrity. “Ever yone’s kept it

pretty much on the down-low, which has been nice,” she says. “Occasionally I hear through the hallways, ‘Oh my goodness, that’s Claire!’ and it makes me smile. It’s really cute.”

Curzan tries to maintain a normal teenage life, but her training at Triangle Aquatic Center sometimes requires a bit of accommodation. Cardinal Gibbons High School modified her first period schedule last year so she could train in the morning before joining classes in time for second period. “They’ve been really good about making sure that I’m getting the classes that I need, but also having a social life and being able to train when I want to,” she says.

Like most young, elite athletes, Curzan has had to find a balance between training and enjoying her teenage years.

“Anyone at my level does have to make some sacrifices, but my friends are super supportive of it, so they understand if I can’t go to their house one night,” she says. “I tr y my best over the weekends, when I have the most time, to go hang out with ever yone.”

Curzan is turning her focus to college now, pursuing Stanford University and the University of Virginia, two schools with outstanding NCAA swimming programs.

But as she takes aim on the collegiate record books, she will keep one eye on qualifying for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

“I’ve heard that people who qualify [once] put more pressure on themselves the next time. I don’t want to do that,” Curzan says. “I would love to make another Olympic team. We will just have to see what happens in three years.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLAIRE CURZAN

CLAIRE CURZAN MEDALED

BY HELPING TEAM USA QUALIFY FOR THE WOMEN’S 4-BY-1OO METER RELAY.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 67

ANDREW CAPOBIANCO Like the dives he executed in the Tokyo Olympic games in July, Andrew Capobianco’s journey to a silver medal in the men’s synchronized 3 meter springboard competition had its share of twists and turns. The Holly Springs diver walked away from a budding gymnastics career at age 13 after winning the USA Diving Junior National Championship in 2013. Soon after, his family moved from New York to Holly Springs so Andrew could train under an elite diving coach, only to learn the coach was leaving for a college job.

But things have a way of working out when you have exceptional talent. Such was the case for Capobianco, who won a silver medal in synchronized 3-meter springboard diving with teammate Mike Hixon in Tokyo.

Now back at Indiana University, where he is a decorated NCAA champion, Capobianco is getting ready for his redshirt senior season.

How are things on campus these days?

Are there a few more people who recognize you?

Yeah, definitely. It’s pretty cool. I definitely appreciate all the attention. All the athletes at IU have been very excited for me and very welcoming with me coming back, as well as random people on campus being like, ‘Oh my God, I watched you! Congratulations!’ So I’m really happy to share my experience, and I’m really happy people have been supporting me. But I’m definitely ready to go back to a somewhat normal life and just focus on schoolwork and get back to diving.

Did you spend some time in Holly Springs before heading back to college?

I was home for about four days, and it was a pretty crazy four days between homecoming events and meet-and-greets and just seeing family. But it was an amazing four days. The support I’ve gotten from the Holly Springs community has been unmatched. I’m just so grateful to have that.

You started diving at age 11. That sounds like a bit of a late start to win an Olympic medal by 21.

It is a little bit of a late start. It’s kind of a niche sport. Most times, divers start when they are

68 | midtownmag.com

6 or 7, and most times [they start] through family—or you come through gymnastics. But I started gymnastics when I was 9, and the sports kind of overlap a decent amount. It was a pretty easy transition for me.

Your family moved to Holly Springs from New York. Was that move primarily for you to be able to train?

Yeah, the move to North Carolina was a lot for me, but they were all good with it because they knew that I had that dream. They’ve been so supportive the whole way. We made that move when I was 13. I was going to high school and I wanted to go to a more advanced diving program. Drew Johansen, who was the head Olympics coach this year and for the past two Olympics, used to be the head coach at Duke Diving Club. When I moved, I moved with the thought that he was going to be my diving coach, but he actually got the job at IU when I moved to North Carolina. So I was never actually coached by him until I came to IU, which is kind of funny.

The move wasn’t all for me. My older brother, Christian, is currently in his third year at North Carolina State University, and that was his dream. And my twin brother, Matt, wanted to go to UNC for pharmacy school, so it really did work out well for the whole family.

But the main driver was my diving.

Was that a challenge for your parents?

Both of them were police officers in New York, and they both retired when we moved, so it was a pretty easy move for them, luckily. But they both had to up and leave everything they’ve ever known, because they had lived in New York their whole lives. They’re both fully retired, following us around.

Let’s talk about the Olympics. You and Mike Hixon made six dives in the finals.

Your last two dives, the inward 3½ and the forward 4½ , looked near perfect.

Were you feeling the pressure of each successive dive?

What we talked about going into the competition was just trusting your training and letting it all out there. We talked about autopilot a lot. That’s how it felt. Once I

got into the competition, I let my mind and thoughts go, and let my body do what it was trained to do. While I was in the competition, obviously it’s hard not to think and not to look at the scoreboard, so I did know that we were doing pretty well. At the same time, I was not really thinking about the outcome; I was trying to focus on each dive. As much pressure as there was, I wasn’t feeling too much pressure because of the mindset I went in with.

How do you synchronize dives with a partner? Do you talk about it or study video, or something else?

It’s a lot of repetitions and a lot of video analysis. That’s kind of the big piece that puts me and Mike together in synchro. We do count on the board. I’m the one who counts, so I say, “1, 2, 3, go.” You kind of figure it out as you go, and you kind of match each other’s diving styles. For me, I’m better at the twisting dives, whereas Michael’s strengths are the spinning dives, so I think we were both able to learn from each other. We’ve been training together for [more than] four years, so it comes a little bit naturally after that amount of time.

Did you find yourself having any unique emotions during your Olympic experience?

While I was there, I had these little clips in my mind, thinking back to when I first started diving and when I started gymnastics, all the long car rides I used to have with my dad. It was amazing to see that the lifelong dream had paid off. Especially when I was done competing, I had a feeling of gratitude. I was just walking around [Olympic] village and I really finally took everything in, that I was at the Olympics and had achieved a lifelong dream. I had a lot of emotion. Some of it was relief, because I knew that it was all over and there was no more pressure.

Did you have enough of a “kid” experience and a social life, or were your teen years dedicated to diving?

I don’t think I had much of a kid experience at all. I wouldn’t really change any of it, because I reached my goals. I wouldn’t have really wanted to do anything else. I loved diving and

I had a great group of friends in my diving community, but I didn’t really have too much time at Holly Springs High School to make friends or do anything because I only went to school half of the day. Basically, I would go to practice in the morning, then go to school for two periods, and then I would go back to practice for three hours in the afternoon. I’m very grateful that Holly Springs High School allowed me to do that. Without them [giving me that flexibility], I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today.

What are you studying, and what do you want to do when you graduate?

I’m an exercise science major and I’m doing a coaching minor because I want to stay in diving as a coach when I graduate and retire from the sport. It’s a great community to be a part of, and I don’t want to leave it. I want to give back to the sport that gave me so much, and hopefully take some kids and make their dreams come true like mine did.

Do you think you will try to qualify for another Olympics?

There are a lot of other competitions to focus on in the coming years before [the 2024 Olympics in] Paris. That’s kind of my goal as well, to get diving a bit more out there and try to get diving a bit more publicity in the years before the Olympics. I’m hoping to make the world championship team this coming year, and hopefully get a medal individually. I will definitely continue diving until at least Paris, and hopefully until Los Angeles in 2028.

ANDREW CAPOBIANCO MEDALED IN THE MEN’S SYNCHRONIZED 3 METER SPRINGBOARD COMPETITION.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDREW CAPOBIANCO

Capobianco and Curzan were not alone in bringing hardware back to the Triangle from the Tokyo Olympic games. Here are other some other locals who earned medals: • Clayton’s Kendra Harrison earned the silver medal in the women’s 100-meter hurdles. The 28-year-old Clayton High School graduate set the world record in 2016 with a time of 12:20.

• Garner native and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University student Randolph Ross Jr. won gold in the 4-by-400-meter relay.

• Cary resident Katie Zaferes won bronze in the women’s triathlon and silver in the mixed relay event.

• Nikita Ducarroz, a Swiss BMX rider who trains in Holly Springs, took the bronze medal in the women’s BMX freestyle event.

• Daniel Dhers, a Venezuelan rider who also trains in Holly Springs, won the silver in the men’s BMX freestyle.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 69

70 | midtownmag.com

111221MM_Olympics.indd 70

10/19/21 12:11 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BEAUTY EXPERTS

READ EXPERT ADVICE FROM PROFESSIONALS AROUND THE TRIANGLE, AND DISCOVER WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR INNER AND OUTER BEAUTY VIA A VARIETY OF COSMETIC ENHANCEMENTS, MEDICAL AESTHETICS AND LUXURY SPA TREATMENTS. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 71

2021 BEAUTY EXPERTS

|

ALIETHA’S SUNKISSED TANS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Alietha’s Sunkissed Tans is a mobile spray tanning company that provides a luxurious experience to all her clients in the comfort of their home. Alietha believes her clients shouldn’t have to sacrifice health for beauty.

Alietha only uses the industry’s top-quality brands that are vegan, paraben-free and cruelty-free. Recognizing that each client’s skin tone and desires are unique, Alietha offers several options to choose from, including a custom blend of a regular eight-hour solution, a rapid solution, and her new clear solution that’s great for age spots and scarring.

A l i e t h a ’ s S u n k i s s e d Ta n s M o b i l e S p r a y Ta n s 919.610.0940 aliethassunkissedtans.com vagaro.com/aliethassunkissedtans linktr.ee/aliethassunkissedtans

72 | midtownmag.com

Alietha’s goal is to make every client feel comfortable and more confident while achieving a beautiful glow. As the official sponsor for Miss North Carolina, Miss North Carolina USA, and Miss North Carolina Teen USA, Alietha understands the importance of achieving a flawless glow that’s right for each person. Through continued education, Alietha has focused on staying updated on current trends in the tanning industry and is multimastercertified in spray tanning, including competition tanning and contouring. Alietha specializes in bridal spray tans, pageants, and dance competitions, and offers single purchase and monthly packages to fit every client’s needs.

2021 BEAUTY EXPERTS

|

BEAUTY CO.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Beauty Co. isn’t a company. It’s a collaborative, colorful, compassionate concept, and a refreshing, new approach to skin renewal treatments.

We empower YOU, our patient, to feel like the very best version of yourself through safe and effective treatments that provide lasting results with little risk. Instead of highpressure sales, we discuss your concerns, educate you on treatment possibilities, and work with you to develop a longterm plan that puts you in control of the aging process and keeps your skin glowing.

Our first responsibility is to patients seeking medicallybacked treatments to improve their appearance, while providing a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere. We offer nonsurgical restoration, enhancements, state-of-the-art skin care treatments, and natural injection techniques such as Botox cosmetic, Juvéderm and Kybella treatments.

Our approach to anti-aging treatments combined with advanced technology optimizes the results for skin conditions such as acne, dark spots, mature skin, dry skin and more.

Beauty Co. Midtown East Shopping Center 1110 Mercantile Drive, Suite 100 Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 984.222.0026 beautycoraleigh.com

Kelly Gibbs, RN, BSN, CANS, offers more than 20 years of medical experience. She is a national trainer and speaker for Allergan, the company that makes Botox and Juvederm.

She and the rest of the Beauty Co. team believe everyone is happier and more confident when they look and feel their very best. By customizing treatments based on our patients’ beauty goals and advanced aesthetic medicine, we give our patients natural results that enhance their overall look.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 73

2021 BEAUTY EXPERTS

|

DOUGLAS CARROLL SALON + JBAT BOUTIQUE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Douglas Carroll Salon is celebrating 35 years as Raleigh’s premiere salon! Also featuring Jbat Boutique, in-house.

Welcome to Douglas Carroll Salon, where it’s all about you.

Douglas Carroll Salon • Spa • Boutique 6 3 2 5 Fa l l s o f N e u s e R o a d # 2 7 Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 919.876.5411 douglascarrollsalon.com

74 | midtownmag.com

• Where building relationships is our first priority.

• Where you will feel like you are the most important person in a very busy salon.

• Where expertise in cutting, coloring and overall development of your style is a time-honored tradition.

• Where 35 years of doing it right has built our brand and the trust of our guests.

• Where almost 400 reviews reveal the truth of who we are.

• Where our in-house boutique, Jbat, can finish off your sense of style.

• Where we are always challenging our best!

2021 BEAUTY EXPERTS

|

DRYBAR

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Drybar is a blowout bar that focuses on one thing and being the best at it. When you come into the shop, you will be greeted and offered a drink. Your stylist will have a consultation with you to decide what style you are looking for, and then he or she will wash, blow-dry and style your hair. We also offer updos and braids.

Drybar is dedicated to making women feel confident and happy. We do that through thorough education and over-the-top customer service. Brand consistency is super important to us, and no matter which Drybar across the country you walk into, you should expect the same quality and customer service in every shop. Plus, our shops look and smell nothing like a regular salon, and we have thought of every little detail to help you relax and have a great time. With two local shops and a wide range of hours, Drybar can take care of all of your styling needs!

Drybar Raleigh at Midtown East 1111 Mercantile Drive, Suite 100 Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 919.670.1072 Drybar Cary at Waverly Place 302 Colonades Way, Suite 206 Cary, North Carolina 27518 919.238.7264 thedrybar.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 75

2021 BEAUTY EXPERTS

|

THE MEDSPA

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Rated one of the top medical spas in the Raleigh area, The MedSpa believes that beautiful skin is for everyone!

We take delight in providing our clients with the most current technology in the industry. Our entire staff is hand-selected from the best the area has to offer—each of our service providers has more than 12 years of experience in the esthetic industry.

The MedSpa 1112 Dresser Court Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 919.333.4418 themedsparaleigh.com

76 | midtownmag.com

Your skin care goals are important—to you and to us! That’s why we take the time to listen and create your skin care plan starting with your initial complimentary consultation and following up with you throughout your entire process. Allof our talented medical estheticians are highly sought after, skilled and certified in laser, cosmetic and body procedures that build healthy, revitalized skin. Natalie enjoys working with skin of color and addressing pigmentation concerns.

Charity is masterful in her esthetic expertise and gentle touch, and Jennifer loves teaching clients how to achieve their ultimate skin care result through combination treatments using her laser expertise, and through skin care education. Our entire staff is poised to assist you in achieving your esthetic result and dedicated to your satisfaction. We look forward to meeting you! Discover The MedSpa. Discover You.

2021 BEAUTY EXPERTS

|

NEW LIFE AESTHETICS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

New Life Aesthetics is a boutique medical skin care practice owned and operated by Meredith Harris. Meredith is a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner with 24 years of experience in caring for women and in the sub-specialty of medical aesthetics. Meredith recently welcomed experienced aesthetic nurse Heather Shelton Roberts, BSN, RN, to the New Life Aesthetics dream team.

Each guest is treated to a personalized experience in which education and customized care is the focus of every appointment. The team’s top concern is delivering safe, beautiful outcomes with impeccable care, leaving guests feeling and looking refreshed, and reflecting the best version of themselves. Common concerns that New Life Aesthetics provides solutions for are anti-aging, problematic skin, sun damage, skin tightening, body contouring and sexual health/wellness.

New Life Aesthetics 5816 Creedmoor Road, Suite 103B Raleigh, North Carolina 27612 919.521.8282 newlifeaesthetics.com

Meredith is a highly sought-after educator and trainer in the medical aesthetics market. When she is not seeing guests in the office, she can be found hosting injectors for training, traveling to medical practices throughout the country to educate and consult, speaking from the main stage of live medical conferences, and serving on advisory boards for Allergan Aesthetics. Detailed care, follow-up and passion for education is notable through every touchpoint that each New Life Aesthetic guest experiences.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 77

2021 BEAUTY EXPERTS

|

SPECIALISTS IN PLASTIC SURGERY

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Benjamin Wood, MD Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Amanda Olsen, PA-C Physician Assistant Certified Injector Amanda is an expert in enhancing patients’ natural beauty. She has over a decade of experience in treating all age groups, skin types and ethnicities. Her techniques provide patients with a natural, refreshed appearance.

Botox | Xeomin | Dysport Filler Lips | Cheeks | Jaw | Chin Body Skin Quality Biostimulator Radiesse

Dr. Wood specializes in the full spectrum of injectable treatments.

As medical director for Merz Aesthetics, he collaborates with global leaders in clinical development of state-of-the-art aesthetic services. He applies his advanced clinical expertise and anatomical knowledge to help patients achieve their desired goals.

Botox | Xeomin | Dysport Filler Under Eye | Liquid Rhinoplasty Lips | Cheeks | Jaw | Chin Body Skin Quality Biostimulator Radiesse

Candace Zumbach, LMA Medical Aesthetician + CoolSculpting Specialist Candace has over a decade of experience helping patients develop positive selfimage through skin treatments and proper at-home skin care regimens. Candace is also certified in CoolSculpting and has performed over 2,000 treatments. She is an expert in developing custom treatment plans to freeze away pockets of stubborn fat.

Microneedling | Chemical Peels Facials | Dermaplaning Medical-Grade Skincare ZO Skin Health SkinCeuticals | EltaMD

Our Aesthetic Division offers the latest in injectables, skin treatments and medical-grade skin care by top-tier providers.

Specialists in Plastic Surgery / A e s t h e t i c D i v i s i o n 3633 Harden Road, Suite 200, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 919.785.0505 | specialistsinplasticsurgery.com

78 | midtownmag.com

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Izumi Tonic, $58 The only product you need for healthier hair. Strengthening hair treatment featuring Japanese-sourced rice water to make hair 10x stronger, repair damage and prevent breakage. A miracle worker— cuts blow-dry time in half!

Douglas Carroll Salon • Spa • Boutique douglascarrollsalon.com / 919.876.5411

Daily Power Defense by ZO Skin Health, $150 A powerful antioxidant serum designed to improve the appearance of lines + wrinkles and help promote overall skin health. Supports skin barrier function for optimal skin health.

Beauty Co. beautycoraleigh.com / 984.222.0026

2021 BEAUTY EXPERTS

|

BEAUTY BUYS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Anti-Ox CE Fe, $99 Dramatically delivers unparalleled results to reverse the signs of aging by increasing collagen production, providing superior antioxidant protection, correcting hyperpigmentation and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

New Life Aesthetics newlifeaesthetics.com / 919.521.8282

ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum, $148 Our favorite “beauty sleep” product. Naturally derived growth factors improve overall appearance of skin; 93% experience improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, texture and smoothness after 12 weeks.

The MedSpa themedsparaleigh.com / 919.333.4418 ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener, $120 Repair skin overnight to reveal a brighter, clearer and smoother complexion. This powerful blend of retinol and plant-derived bakuchiol eliminates visible discoloration and promotes cell turnover.

Specialists in Plastic Surgery specialistsinplasticsurgery.com / 919.785.0505

Sunless Tanning Mousse, $40 Dark tanning mousse perfect for in-between tanning appointments or to simply keep you tan all year long! Universal for all skin types; comes with a mitt.

Alietha’s Sunkissed Tans aliethassunkissedtans.com / 919.610.0940

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 79

D E PA R T M E N T S C H E F ' S TA B L E

BLOOMSBURY BISTRO NEW OWNERS STEPHEN AND ANNA STUART KOSTER ENRICH WHAT IS ALREADY WORKING AT THIS BELOVED RALEIGH RESTAURANT

BY ELLIOT ACOSTA ǀ PHOTOS BY EM BATEMAN

I

t was March 1995 when John Toler opened a quant bistro tucked in the corner of Raleigh’s Five Points neighborhood. That restaurant, which he named Bloomsbury Bistro, became a prelude to the kind of chef-driven, ingredient-focused, crafted cuisine the City of Oaks has built its current culinary reputation on. During nearly three decades of operation, Bloomsbury Bistro has been able to sustain community support and critical acclaim. It was this renowned reputation that attracted Stephen Koster’s attention to the Five Points establishment a decade ago.

In the age before social media or Yelp, Koster learned about Bloomsbury Bistro the old-fashioned way—a friend had recommended the restaurant to him. Charmed by its quality food and lack of pretentiousness, Bloomsbury Bistro became a special place for Koster. He struck up a friendship with Toler over the years, and would later hold his engagement party to his wife, Anne Stuart, there. Koster would even approach Toler about opening a restaurant together.

Instead, fate had different plans, as the two were brought together when Toler decided to step away from the restaurant business and began looking for someone to take over Bloomsbury Bistro.

That person turned out to be Koster.

INCUBATING TALENT

Koster’s first restaurant stint took place at a former Hillsborough Street Italian joint called Amici’s, which was conveniently located next to North Carolina State University, Koster’s alma mater. But he truly earned his stripes at the iconic 42nd Street Oyster Bar, where he performed any and all jobs. Through conversations with the restaurant’s staff, Koster saw an opportunity to make the jump to management, and took the leap. This experience ignited a passion within him to run his own restaurant—a passion that stayed with him until August 2019, when he saw his chance to pursue the Bloomsbury Bistro ownership opportunity.

Although Koster appreciates the varied experiences he gleaned from his past restaurant posts, childhood memories of cooking with his mother serve as the core of his culinary training—and have helped build Bloomsbury Bistro’s menu. Koster also leans heavily on the restaurant’s Southern roots. But he doesn’t stop at Carolina cuisine, taking inspiration as far south as Creole cooking.

While Koster stays actively involved in developing Bloomsbury Bistro’s menu with a culinary team that includes longtime employee Chef De Cuisine Brian Farwing, he tries to avoid the title of chef for himself. The way he sees it, the culinary process’ end result is not completed by a single entity—he believes what comes out on each plate constitutes a team effort. Dishes like the Banana Cream Tart epitomizes this collaboration since Koster, Farwing and Pastry Chef Jeff Robinson all had their hands in its creation. Koster hopes this kind of teamwork and sharing among talented individuals leads to Bloomsbury Bistro’s kitchen becoming an incubator of culinary talent.

MAKING A MARK

“It’s super intimidating,” Koster admits, when asked how it feels to take over a restaurant with Bloomsbury Bistro’s level of prestige.

Toler’s full endorsement, however, has paved the way for Koster to see 80 | midtownmag.com

more opportunities than challenges. His first order of business was to create an online presence; the eatery didn’t have one previously, since it had opened before the rise of social media.

But Koster’s real aim is to build on Bloomsbury Bistro’s existing stellar reputation by focusing on what made it successful in the first place: an emphasis on quality ingredients and dedication to service.

That being said, Koster does want to put his own mark on the restaurant and push the envelope a bit by encouraging regulars to explore some of the its new creations—like the cucumber gazpacho, a departure from the restaurant’s typical summer soup.

Though maintaining and building on the success of Bloomsbury Bistro’s menu is of the utmost importance to Koster, it ultimately takes a back seat to making his diners happy. That means putting guests at the center of the occasion. “Hospitality shouldn’t be sacrificed for culinary greatness” says Koster’s co-owner and wife, Anne Stuart.

To that end, Koster is willing to go to great lengths to ensure diners get an experience that makes them happy. “If someone wants A1 [steak sauce], I’ll go across the street and grab that customer some A1,” he says.

The perks of working with a tremendous staff and the community’s continuing support are just part of what makes owning Bloomsbury Bistro a dream come true for Koster. And it’s a dream he plans to keep going for another 26 years.

OWNING BLOOMSBURY BISTRO IS A DREAM COME TRUE FOR STEPHEN KOSTER.

BLOOMSBURY BISTRO BANANA CREAM TART PASTRY CREAM INGREDIENTS ½ cup of sugar ¼ cup of cornstarch 2 egg yolks Pinch of salt 1½ cups of half-and-half 1 vanilla bean, seeded 2½ tablespoons of butter, diced PASTY CREAM DIRECTIONS Whisk the sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks and salt together in a heavy saucepan. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half until no lumps remain. Add the scraped vanilla bean seeds.

Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Boil the mixture for 1 minute, then remove it from the heat. Stir in the butter until it melts and incorporates into the pastry cream. Place the pan in ice water and whisk the custard occasionally until it cools.

Put plastic wrap directly on top of the warm custard (to prevent a film from forming), then chill it for 4 hours or until it is set.

NILLA WAFER PIE CRUST INGREDIENTS 2 cups of Nilla wafers ¼ cup of sugar 1/8 teaspoon of salt ½ cup of butter, melted NILLA WAFER PIE CRUST DIRECTIONS Stir together all ingredients and press the mixture evenly onto the bottom and up the side of a 9-inch tart pan with a removeable bottom. Bake until it’s just set, for about 8–10 minutes. Remove the crust from the oven and cool it completely.

BOURBON SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE INGREDIENTS 2 cups of sugar ½ cup of water 1 cup of heavy whipping cream ½ cup of unsalted butter 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract ¼ cup of bourbon 2 teaspoons of salt

BOURBON SALTED CARAMEL DIRECTIONS In a deep pot, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Once the sugar has caramelized and is a deep golden amber color, remove it from heat. Carefully pour in and whisk in the heavy cream. Add the butter and whisk it in until the mixture is combined. Lastly, whisk in the vanilla, bourbon and salt. Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool completely.

Refrigerate. Serve at room temperature.

ASSEMBLY DIRECTIONS Slice two medium bananas on a bias. Arrange the slices in a circular pattern, starting from the outer inside rim and working toward the center. Use any extra banana slices to fill in any exposed tart shell. Start spreading the pastry cream over the bananas in a thin layer, to fill in any of the gaps between the banana slices. (Consider using an offset spatula for this). Spread enough of the remaining pastry cream over the bananas so it is flush with the top of the tart shell. Chill until it’s ready to cut.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

111221MM_Departments_Bloomsbury.indd 81

| 81

10/19/21 1:03 PM

f o “M M e r n ne $5 idt tio xt 0 o ow n cl ff n” ea y ns ou e r

A Better Tomorrow is in your Hands

G E T M I DTO W N M AG A Z I N E DELIVERED TO YO U R M A I L B OX

Functional Medicine | Personal Health Coaching · · · · · ·

Boost your immune system Improve physical and mental performance Reverse chronic disease Clear brain fog Reduce joint pain and inflammation Lower blood sugar

Raleigh’s top-rated Metabolic Clearing Program Removes toxins to support healthy organs and replenish essential nutrients and minerals.

ANTI-AGING / AESTHETICS VOTED RALEIGH’S BEST MED SPA 2020 & 2021

1

N

O

V

E

and Lea Lott, PA-C

FE ST 2 IV W A O E D M D 2 IF E 0 EC 2 FE N O 0 R R MA G EN K C I F V EL IN T C I EB RT E G G U R U ID A A TI L E O N S

M

B

E

R

/D

Dr. Bhavna Vaidya-Tank

in li e n Da n t e r y s

E

C

E

M

B

D H ec D o aD

E

R

2

0

2

0

8470 Falls of Neuse Road Suite 114, Raleigh novishealth.com 919.891.9600

FOCUSING ON:

Top-of-the-Line Aesthetics • Whole Body Wellness Hormone/Sexual Health • Weight Management Botox & Fillers • Lasers & Body Contouring

AWARD

AWARD BEST FAMILY DOCTOR

2021

BEST MED SPA

DIAMOND

2021

DIAMOND

2021

2021

Facials & Chemical Peels • Hydrafacial

DIAMOND

AWARD BEST PLACE TO DE-AGE

DIAMOND

AWARD BEST SPA EXPERIENCE

8020 CREEDMOOR ROAD, RALEIGH • REGENESISMD.COM • 919.322.28 44 82 | midtownmag.com

S U B S C R I B E TO DAY midtownmag.com/ subscribe

SPONSORED CONTENT POLISHED IMPRESSIONS

What to Know as You Consider Veneers

By Dr. Michael DesRosiers, DDS, LVIF Certified Dentist For many considering cosmetic dental changes, veneers have made their way to the top of trending search results. Veneers have many aesthetic benefits and are one of the easiest cosmetic changes you can make to your teeth. However, there are some important considerations to make before deciding if veneers are right for you.

First off, let’s define veneers Veneers are a type of cosmetic covering bonded to your tooth and are usually made out of a porcelaintype material. They are mainly used in cosmetic applications to change either the shade or the shape of your teeth, for a greater cosmetic result.

How veneers treatment works Typically your veneers treatment is divided into two appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist trims a tiny amount of enamel off your teeth. This creates

space for the veneer placement. Next, an impression is made, your shade is determined, and the veneers are created in a lab. A temporary veneer is placed until the final veneer from the lab is ready. During your second appointment, the final veneers are bonded to your teeth and the dentist ensures a perfect fit!

Bring on the coffee and tea Porcelain veneers are not made of enamel like the front of your natural teeth. This actually gives you some benefits. The main advantage is that they do not stain as your normal teeth would. They are also incredibly hard, making them more resistant to damage than your natural teeth. In fact, they have the advantage over natural teeth in terms of resistance to damage or staining.

Veneers are long-lasting cosmetic options Like most anything, the typical recipe for how long a restoration lasts has a lot to do with how you take

care of it. If you are diligent about home care and keep up with regular dental cleanings, there’s no reason your veneers can’t last a lifetime.

Dr. Michael DesRosiers is an LVIF Certified Dentist at Lane & Associates Family Dentistry, which offers cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneer services at several locations across the Triangle.

Lane & Associates Family Dentistry Locations throughout the Triangle 877.lane.dds | lanedds.com

The information on this page is provided to the public by the advertiser mentioned above.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 83

D E PA R T M E N T S

MUSIC

EVERYONE’S JAM

BY KATIE JANSEN

PHOTOS BY JARED CALDWELL

ENJOY ECLECTIC COCKTAILS, COMPANY AND TUNES AT C. GRACE

BY KATIE JANSEN

84 | midtownmag.com

|

PHOTOS BY JARED CALDWELL

W

hen Catrina Godwin opened C. Grace in downtown Raleigh at 407 Glenwood Avenue a decade ago, she didn’t realize that, one day, jazz music would pour forth from those doors each night. A lifelong entrepreneur and businesswoman, Godwin didn’t have much bar experience—but she did have a vision.

Leaning on her previous experience with a dance studio and event center, she decided to build a stage inside the building. She had a vague idea that she’d put a piano there one day, and bring in professionals to play it.

That early inkling turned out to be a good investment, as C. Grace has now become a successful jazz club featuring live performances every night. Just a handful of regulars include trumpeter Al Strong, pianists J.R. Wright and Ryan Hansler, saxophonist Gregg Gelb, and drummer Todd Proctor.

WHY JAZZ? Godwin, who enjoys a variety of music genres, reflects on that. “Jazz just makes sense—it goes with the room,” she says. “I’m a very visual person, and it all congeals together and makes the room feel like a really comfortable place to hang out.”

After closing for over a year due to the pandemic—from March 2020 to late June 2021—C. Grace is back and, Godwin says, better than ever. New general manager Jeremy Powers has worked to create a four-pronged drink program that also matches the feeling of the room, which is decorated with black-painted walls, upholstered sofas and armchairs, leather bar stools and red velvet curtains. “The central thing is, how can we find ways to make the spirit in this room come alive?” Powers rhetorically asks. “When you see the velvet all around, and the sparkling lights, it screams elegance—so we’re going with Champagne.”

Absinthe is another primary menu feature, and also a nod to the room—not so much what you see, but what you hear. The anise-flavored spirit has ties to both French and New Orleans jazz. The other two prongs of C. Grace’s program, brandy and amaro, are about finding a niche among the range of whiskey bars already present in downtown Raleigh. “We’re doing interesting, quirky, elevated things you wouldn’t find elsewhere,” Powers says. “I’ve got a bunch of nice cognac and Armagnac—it’s similar to bourbon, but more varied and a chance to try something new.”

C. GRACE OWNER CATRINA GODWIN

85 | midtownmag.com

C. Grace also has plenty of French wines on hand. And for cocktails? There’s always the house favorite: the Odd Perfection—a rich, creamy drink with Kraken Black Spiced Rum and egg yolk. As for the rest of the cocktail menu, C. Grace is returning to the classics.

While the bar offers a wide variety of new and unexpected concoctions, “we want this to be a place where people gather together around the music and find something recognizable on the menu that they feel comfortable ordering,” Powers says.

People do come together around the music, with regulars flocking to the bar from places as far-flung as Fayetteville for weekly Tuesday jazz jam sessions, where the stage is open and anyone can sign up to play.

The sounds emanating from the stage align perfectly with the eclectic décor and drink menu. “Jazz is such an innovative style,” Godwin says.

“It’s amazing to me how connected the musicians are, how they can make something sound easy and rehearsed”—even if it’s their first time playing together, she adds.

Many of the regulars rally around not only the music, but also the camaraderie—which includes the bar’s unofficial mascot, Sprinkles

the stuffed bobcat, who offers another nod to Godwin’s unique interests by representing a piece of taxidermy she saved from a friend’s curb when he was about to be thrown away. One of her customers named him and started a Twitter account for him long ago that is now defunct, but patrons and fans can keep up with Sprinkle’s musings on C. Grace’s website, cgracebar.com, under a section called “Observations & Contemplations.”

Godwin credits C. Grace’s continued success not only to the musicians’ talent, but also to her family—especially her son Grier and daughter Catherine—the bar’s namesake and Godwin’s “right hand.”

She is also thankful for the help of Matthew Bettinger, the founding general manager and creator of the Odd Perfection, who has since departed from C. Grace to open two Cary businesses: SideBar, an upscale bar; and Hank’s Downtown Dive, a restaurant serving local and Mexican fare. C. Grace became even more of a family affair when Bettinger ended up marrying Catherine, and became Godwin’s son-in-law. And the C. Grace legacy continues with the recent birth of Godwin’s grandbaby.

C. GRACE’S ODD PERFECTION VANILLA SYRUP INGREDIENTS 8 ounces of sugar 8 ounces of water 1–1½ ounces of vanilla extract (depending on taste) VANILLA SYRUP DIRECTIONS Simmer ingredients in a saucepan until sugar dissolves. This recipe will make a quart of vanilla syrup.

COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS 2 ounces of black rum (preferably Kraken Black Spiced Rum) 1 ounce of vanilla syrup 1 egg yolk Combine the ingredients in a shaker and dry shake it (without ice) to whip up the egg yolk. Then add ice and shake until the mixture becomes cold. Strain the mixture into a coupe glass and grate a coffee bean on top for garnish.

86 | midtownmag.com

Live authentically.

TM

Celebrate Christmas with us in The Village!

THE VILLAGE DISTRICT 404 DANIELS STREET (919) 615-3376

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

111221MM_CGrace_IDW.indd 87

| 87

10/19/21 12:05 PM

Chef-driven menu.

Space for 15-250.

spaces

Craft Cocktails.

Event

Award-winning.

Unique and artful Private

extraordinary events

Raleigh’s premiere Mediterranean restaurant 500 Glenwood Ave. | Downtown Raleigh | 919-803-6033 VidrioRaleigh.com | Events@VidrioRaleigh.com

88 | midtownmag.com

O A K PA R K S H O P P I N G C E N T E R

Oak Park S h o p p i n g

C e n t e r

Accents Hair Salon Anime Paradaisu Artistry Ink Studio Bernina World of Sewing Capital Buy Sell Trade Capitol Comics Casa Carbone Ristorante Douglas Furs of Raleigh FRESH. Local Ice Cream Gentlemen’s Choice Barber Shop Gingham & Posh Homeschool Gathering Place Jack Rabbit Signs Maggi Bridal Maus Piano and Organ Company Nature’s Releaf NC O’Malleys Pub and Restaurant Precision Quartz INC Punkture Tattoo Studio Rogue Self Defense The Organic Bedroom The Peddler Steak House Triangle Design Kitchens Wren & Willow Montessori Locally owned and operated for more than 50 years!

A WORLD OF STITCHING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

BERNINA 790 PLUS New Limited Crystal Edition INCLUDES Crystal Edition Suitcase System Inspiration Kit with Swarovski Crystals Additional Embroidery Designs Smoother, quieter and faster embroidery

LET IT SHINE! Machines / Classes / Fabric

6001 Glenwood Avenue 919.787.0181 | OakParkShops.com

Oak Park Shopping Center | 6013 Glenwood Ave Mon-Sat 10-5 | Sundays 1-5 919.782.2945 | berninaworldofsewing.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 89

D E PA R T M E N T S

PERFORMING ARTS

BRINGING BACK

‘BAH HUMBUG’ Ira David Wood III and “A Christmas Carol” are back on stage—in person—after going virtual last year

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF | PHOTO BY BRIAN MULLINS

90 | midtownmag.com

I

ra David Wood III’s “A Christmas Carol” is as synonymous with holiday traditions as visiting Santa Claus at Crabtree Valley Mall. In fact, though Ebenezer Scrooge may be known as selfish, the well-known Raleigh actor who plays him shares many similarities with jolly old Saint Nick: Wood spends every Christmas season hard at work; he’s a giver; and, having contributed to local theater in incalculable ways, he seeks to reignite the magic of the holiday season within audience members every year.

“To me, the secret of the show is for the audience to identify with Scrooge

and make the emotional transformation with him by the end of the play,” Wood says. “It’s always my hope that everyone will rediscover the spark of magic that Christmas brought them as a child and carry it with them throughout the season.”

Wood—or David, as he likes to be called—will celebrate a remarkable 48th season this year playing Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol,” which will be presented December 9–12 at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh and December 15–19 at Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham.

After pivoting to virtual screenings last year due to the pandemic, Wood is excited to be back on stage in his old stomping grounds.

Having spent nearly five decades playing Scrooge, Wood knows a thing or two about his own personal ghosts of Christmases past, present and future.

“There’s a reason that the Ghost of Christmas Past appears first in the story,” he says. “One must heal their inner child before one can move on to healing their present self.”

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Raised in the small town of Enfield, Wood says his only obvious career path was in agriculture. But his father died when he was just 12 years old, so Wood escaped from his grief by “retreating into a world of make-believe. It’s the only way I could survive the loss,” he recalls.

Knowing he’d rather play the piano than throw a football, Wood was one of the first students to enroll at the North Carolina School of the Arts in 1965.

After attending a production of “The Nutcracker” as a student there, he recalls the look of wonder on the faces of the children in the audience and knew he wanted to one day be the giver of such happiness to others.

Never could he have imagined, though, that he would headline a performance that would one day sell more than two million tickets and delight audience-goers for nearly half a century, while also being lauded as one of the most successful shows in North Carolina’s theater history.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 91

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT

Wood claims countless check marks on his resume and a storied career envied by many, but he readily shares that his most important role is that of “Dad.” Daughter Evan Rachel Wood of “Westworld” and “Frozen 2” fame is a household name in the entertainment industry.

Growing up in the theater world undoubtedly served as a catalyst to her love of acting. One of her first gigs was playing the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past in her father’s production. Nowadays, her father is the fan, and he’s first in line to watch her on the big screen.

Nearing the age of 74, Wood plans to retire his prosthetic nose and signature teddy bear for good after “A Christmas Carol’s” 50th season in 2023, ending his run as the production’s lovable protagonist. But fans who count the show as a holiday tradition shouldn’t fret. Wood’s son, Ira David Wood IV, known as “Ira,” will succeed his father as Ebenezer Scrooge. Ira first took over the leading role in 2010 when Wood underwent heart surgery. Since then, the father/son duo have alternated nights as the titular character, and Wood says watching his son on stage is one of his favorite pastimes. “Not only does it give me a chance to relax, it’s so much fun to watch him transform on stage,” Wood says.

Nine-year-old Thomas, Wood’s youngest child, will play the role of the baker boy in this year’s production. “I don’t know if Thomas will go into show business like his siblings have, but I hope to be around long enough to support him in whatever direction he chooses. It’s been one of the greatest joys of my life having my children on stage with me,” he says nostalgically.

“Seeing my sons on stage fills my heart with more joy than I ever thought imaginable, and watching my daughter on the big screen makes my entire soul burst with pride,” Wood says. “What more can you ask for as a father than to see your children succeed in what they love?”

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS LAUGHTER

Each year, Wood incorporates news and hot topics into “A Christmas Carol” with topical jokes that create lighthearted moments. No doubt, the past two years have given his funny bone a plethora of concepts to choose from. “There have been so many sad news stories lately, but there have also been things that are simply comedy gold,” he says. He does admit, however, that sometimes it is hard to find a balance between funny and offensive, because he doesn’t want to steer far from the show’s true message.

When asked to hint at some topics that might come up this season, Wood offers, with a smile, “It’s honestly hard to choose from all the obvious jokes this time around, but Scrooge is the original social distancer,” he says with a chuckle. “He’d be the first to tell you to ‘hide your ugly face behind a mask’ and not-so-gently tell you to ‘get 6 feet away from him,’” Wood says in his character’s signature voice.

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE

As soon as the curtains close each year, Wood begins writing next season’s script. “I constantly have new ideas, new jokes, ideas of how to make it better. Plus, if I don’t write it down, at my age I’m likely to forget it!” he quips.

Although his time as leading man is nearing an inevitable end, Wood says his heart will always be with the bright lights of the theater and the art of storytelling. He plans to continue writing and playing make-believe.

“I’ve always said that I don’t want my theater to be a dessert …

I want it to be the main course,” Wood says with a gleam in his eye.

Here’s hoping that gleam—and Ebenezer Scrooge himself—is here to stay for many years to come.

SEE THE SHOW! “A Christmas Carol”

December 9–12 at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts December 15–19 at Durham Performing Arts Center Learn more and purchase tickets at theatreinthepark.com/whats-on/a-christmas-carol-2021.html.

Photo by Catherine Davis Photography

92 | midtownmag.com

2021

DIAMOND

AWARD BEST FLORIST

4120-103 Main at North Hills Raleigh, NC 27609

919.366.5000

@copperpennyraleigh

Large selection of oriental, classic, and contemporary rugs.

We offer expert cleaning and repairs.

Poinsettia Par�� SAT. NOV. 20th

Homewood FOR THE Holidays!

HOMEWOOD-GROWN POINSETTIAS

Fargo-Hanna ORIENTAL RUGS OF RALEIGH

GIFTS - ORNAMENTS - DECORATIONS - MADE IN NC “Since 1919”

816 Springfield Commons Drive • Raleigh • 919.790.8539 FargoHannaRugs.com

10809 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, NC | 919-847-0117 homewoodwoodnursery.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 93

94 | midtownmag.com

Nightly Features

Tuesday & Thursday: All bottled wine is half price. Includes our Reserve Collection.

Saturday: Slow-roasted, Certified Angus Beef prime rib.

2021

Complimentary Deviled Eggs Every Night!

DIAMOND

AWARD

2021

BEST STEAKHOUSE

DIAMOND

AWARD BEST RESTAURANT

7440 Six Forks Road • Raleigh • vinniessteakhouse.com • 919.847.7319 • Call for reservations or

GET SOCIAL WITH US!

Let us help you if the Holidays bring you down.

www.midtownmag.com midtownm agazine m idtownmag midtownmagazine

919.861.4111 one-eightycounseling.com 5510 Six Forks Road, Suite 125 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 95

D E PA R T M E N T S E D U C AT I O N

HOPE AND HEALING WAKE MONARCH ACADEMY, THE TRIANGLE’S FIRST RECOVERY HIGH SCHOOL, OPENS IN RALEIGH

BY JANICE LEWINE | PHOTOS BY JARED CALDWELL

T

om’s battle with drugs began in middle school. Pensive and articulate, the 17-year-old holds nothing back when discussing his past. “I was curious [about drugs],” he says. “There was nothing really wrong in my life. I was trying to get high every day, any way I could.”

Last year, when COVID-19 shut down schools and sent learning online, Tom spent his days at home like every teenager—alone.

“I got super depressed. My drug use ramped up. I’d go out for a walk and get them. I had any drug I wanted at my fingertips,” he says.

Tom’s parents hoped military school would reform him, but the effort proved futile. He returned home to Raleigh and, while working with a therapist, learned about Wake Monarch Academy, a recovery school for adolescents that would soon open its doors at 824 N. Bloodworth Street in Raleigh.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH

Wake Monarch Academy was founded

by Leah Wright, an educator who retired after 30 years with the Wake County Public School System. Wright knows all too well the heart-wrenching struggle of addiction: Her son fought a dependency on hard drugs as a teenager. The lack of adolescent treatment centers in North Carolina and a supportive educational environment for her son compelled Wright to help other families— and bury the stigma of addiction. “Addiction is a family disease,” says Wright, who— as Wake Monarch Academy’s executive director—welcomed her first students in August. “It involves the parents, the siblings.

It’s so important to include everyone in the healing process.”

Wake Monarch Academy doesn’t function as a treatment center but, instead, offers a strong educational program and counseling to adolescents in grades 9–12 who have completed at least a 30-day rehab program.

Housed inside Open Table United Methodist Church in downtown Raleigh, the school accepts students on a rolling basis due to their nature of addiction and recovery.

Admission is based on in-person interviews; a compelling essay; reference letters from a primary treatment provider, counselor and parent; and other criteria. As part of their rehabilitation process, students must establish 96 | midtownmag.com

WAKE MONARCH ACADEMY FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LEAH WRIGHT

intrinsic motivation to maintain their sobriety and undergo frequent and random drug testing.

Wake Monarch Academy can enroll up to 10 students this year. It follows a modified year-round calendar, and offers a rigorous and engaging curriculum through online and direct instruction that aligns with state and national standards. A private learning institution, it is supported by student tuition, grants, fundraisers and private donations.

SERENE AND SUPPORTIVE

Wake Monarch Academy feels more like a home than school. Learning spaces are cozy and adorned with positive affirmations like “Believe in yourself” and “Dealing with life is simple and can be done” written on whiteboards. Community service projects are held in higher regard than homework. But Wright says she knows even her efforts can’t touch the overwhelming need out there for a program like this.

Academic coordinator Maureen Reiser is proud of what Wake Monarch Academy has accomplished, and is even prouder of its students. “I love this approach where we’re incorporating mental health in with their education,” she says. “This generation, Gen Z, is open about mental health and that’s very promising. It’s so unjust the way young people who struggle with substance use disorder get written off by society, when recreational drug use and drinking have inundated our culture.”

Jack*, an affable teen attending Wake Monarch Academy whose use of marijuana led to a reliance on codeine and alcohol, as well as stealing money to support his habit, has a new outlook on life. “The school’s done a lot for my happiness,” he says. “A big reason I did drugs was because I was sad, but I wasn’t having the time of my life getting high.”

Through hard work and determination, Jack achieved sobriety last year at age 15. He credits Wake Monarch Academy and its community partner, The Insight Program, which offers substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation services, with his ability to stay clean. He enjoys classes in history and politics, and has learned to play chess.

DEFYING THE ODDS

Adolescents recovering from substance misuse often have no choice but to return to the same environment where they likely began their addiction. At Wake Monarch Academy, recovery support is built into the school day.

“We knew a traditional high school experience—full day, full load—did not really support his sobriety,” says Carolyn*, Jack’s mother. The teachers here understand, and support their recovery. I’m grateful he had this option, and we appreciate that he’s becoming more of an advocate for himself.”

This sentiment is echoed by Julie*, Tom’s mother. “I wanted [Tom] to have face-to-face, oneon-one support and enthusiasm for learning, and to socialize with other kids,” she says. “I didn’t want him to be alone, learning online. Wake Monarch Academy provides him with structure, and he’s with people who understand his situation and his goals. There’s no judgement.”

Reflecting on her own son’s recovery, Wright sympathizes with everyone who has waged a war against substance misuse. “We fight for those we’ve lost. No one chooses this journey, but we’re stronger together,” she says. “In recovery, we take one day at a time.”

Knowing her students are winning their battles brings a smile to Wright’s face. “I can see their personalities and leadership skills continue to develop,” she says. “They have a voice here, and we’re setting the stage for their future.”

It’s a future that excites Tom. “I could graduate quickly if I put the effort in, but I would rather put the time into my recovery,” he says. “Life’s a lot better when you’re not having to rely on drugs to feel happy. It’s just better to give of yourself.”

Learn more at wakemonarchacademy.org. *Names have been changed to protect the families' identities.

FAR RIGHT, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

Wake Monarch Academy students learn how to advocate for themselves. Uplifting affirmations hang on the walls to create a positive environment. The school is housed inside of Open Table United Methodist Church in downtown Raleigh.

ON THE RIGHT

Wake Monarch Academy offers students cozy studying spaces and bright, clean interiors.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 97

Advent Christmas Tree. good things come in small packages.

ADVERTISE WITH MIDTOWN MAGAZINE

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

nofo @ the pig | 2014 fairview road | 919.821.1240 | www.nofo.com

SPACE RESERVATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 1

November 17-21 The Carolina Hotel

80 Carolina Vista, Pinehurst

OPENS 10 am Daily

(admission by ANY monetary donation)

Call to learn more!

a benefit for

Sandhills Childrens Center

919.782.4710 advertise@midtownmag.com

Silent Auction of lavish trees, wreaths, and more!

FestivalofTrees.org 98 | midtownmag.com

910.692.3323

The Tradition Returns! starring IRA DAVID WOOD III *Ira David Wood IV will play Scrooge at select shows

December 9–12 @ Duke Energy Center Memorial Auditorium >> 800.982.2787 / ticketmaster.com

December 15–19 @ DPAC • On sale now! >> 919.680.2787 / dpacnc.com

919.831.6058 • TheatreInThePark.com

GIVING BACK

Explore this special section to find out how Triangle nonprofits are helping those in need within our community.

Please consider lending these organizations a hand.

Making space for God to move Located in the heart of Midtown, St. Mark’s is your hometown, neighborhood church! We are a gathering of authentic people who strive to reflect the love, acceptance and hospitality that Jesus modeled. We respond to the needs of our community through our Mission-A-Month Program. Each month, we focus on a new service project that allows us to support local emergency response teams, those experiencing food insecurity, children and others who are vulnerable.

We offer a Sunday morning worship service with traditional and contemporary elements, opportunities for spiritual formation for all, and creative ways to give back to our community. At St. Mark’s you can come as you are and know that your presence with us will be a gift!

Sponsored Content | Giving Back

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church 4801 Six Forks Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 919.787.0544 stmarksraleigh.org

The Helene Foundation

Supporting Mothers Fighting Cancer The Helene Foundation supports mothers fighting cancer to positively impact families. Our goal is for the family to maintain as much normalcy as possible during this time, since a mother’s diagnosis affects the entire family. We assist women receiving treatment at a Triangle area cancer facility. Until there is a cure, the Helene Foundation will be #HereForTheNow. For additional information, ways to get involved, or to donate, please visit our website, helenefoundation.org.

Helene Foundation 13200 Strickland Road, Suite 114-308 Raleigh, North Carolina 27613 919.280.7800 helenefoundation.org

111221MM_GivingBack.indd 101

Oak City Cares No person should experience homelessness alone.

Oak City Cares is a gathering space where we listen to, connect with, and serve persons at risk of or experiencing homelessness so they can quickly reestablish a home.

At Oak City Cares, your generosity allows our Wake County neighbors caring connections to life-changing services.

Make a donation today at oakcitycares.org/donate.

Oak City Cares 1430 S. Wilmington Street Raleigh, North Carolina 27603 984.344.9604 oakcitycares.org

10/19/21 3:52 PM

ROYAL ETIQUETTE

102 | midtownmag.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 103

EVENTS

|

DINE & DRAFT

OUT&ABOUT |

MIDTOWN MINGLES

|

|

NEW AROUND TOWN

KALEIDOSCOPE

Photo by Matthew Lewine

NOVEMBER LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL

November 5–14 Fletcher Theater 2 E. South Street, Raleigh Angela Robinson stars as beloved jazz singer Billie Holiday in North Carolina Theatre’s stirring production that intimately shares her loves and losses through the songs that made her famous.

nctheatre.com

NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL

November 19–January 9, 6–10 p.m.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary Koka Booth Amphitheatre transforms into a magical setting of twinkling lights, music and live performances this holiday season.

Visit after dark or purchase a Twilight Ticket offered Thursday– Sunday evenings, 4:30–6 p.m., to watch the lanterns come to life as the sun sets. Purchase tickets online.

boothamphitheatre.com

RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE

November 20, 9:40 a.m.–noon Downtown Raleigh November 6, 4–6 p.m.

Experience holiday pageantry and excitement North Carolina State Fairgrounds as the 77th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh returns to a live, on-street format this year.

Photo courtesy of Hear the beautiful sounds of handbell music Presented by Shop Local Raleigh, the mile-long North Carolina Theatre as hundreds of local ringers, conducted by parade features marching bands, decorated floats, distinguished handbell composer Karen Buckwalter, deliver a free super-sized balloons and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. public concert in the Kerr Scott Building. shoplocalraleigh.org

CAPITAL AREA HANDBELL FESTIVAL

rr.org

MAGIC & MISCHIEF, A WIZARD’S MARKET

November 6, 2–7 p.m.

820 Clay Street, Raleigh Young wizards, unite! Create magical crafts, practice spells, and shop for enchanting items and treats while mysterious characters and mythical beasts entertain you under an autumn moon at Fred Fletcher Park. Admission is free.

eventbrite.com

“FIDELIO”

GOBBLER’S RUN 5K

November 25, 8 a.m.

Downtown Wake Forest A Thanksgiving tradition for 16 years, the Gobbler’s Run 5K welcomes young and old to raise funds for the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club. Hobble now, gobble later, and help change the lives of 1,100 local children.

Register online.

gobblersrun.com

“CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC”

November 14, 2 p.m.

November 26–28 Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh 2 E. South Street, Raleigh Be mesmerized by the world of illusion as five Photo courtesy of Beethoven’s only opera is based on a true story from of the world’s top magicians perform at Raleigh Champions of Magic the French Revolution about a woman who, disguised Memorial Auditorium. Don’t miss an escape from as a man, frees her husband from prison. Sung in Houdini’s water torture cell, levitation high above German with English supertitles, “Fidelio” continues to resonate the stage, a mind-blowing prediction that has to be seen to be with audiences around the world—not only for its musical impact, believed, and a grand finale that but also for its messages of hope and freedom. defies explanation.

ncopera.org

104 | midtownmag.com

ticketmaster.com

BY JAN IC E LE W I N E

RALEIGH INTERNET SUMMIT

November 18–19, 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

500 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh Renowned guest speakers offer cutting-edge marketing strategies in content creation, social media, email marketing, SEO, analytics and more at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Break-out sessions, networking opportunities and an exhibitor showcase round out the event. Register online.

internetsummit.com

DECEMBER

50TH ANNUAL HISTORIC OAKWOOD CANDLELIGHT TOUR

December 11–12, 1–7 p.m.

Downtown Raleigh Tour 12 homes dating from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s in Raleigh’s Historic Oakwood section.

Elegantly decorated for Christmas, the homes are staffed with docents who tell the rich history of each property. Purchase Photo courtesy of Historic Oakwood tickets online.

historicoakwood.org/ historic-oakwood-candlelight-tour

“IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS”

UGLY SWEATER BAR CRAWL

December 5, 3 and 7 p.m.

Wake Forest Renaissance Centre 405 S. Brooks Street, Wake Forest Kick off the yuletide season with a family-friendly show featuring some of the Triangle’s most talented performers.

wakeforestrencen.org

“JOY OF THE SEASON”

December 7, 7:30 p.m.

Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh The North Carolina Master Chorale will present this treasured holiday choral concert featuring favorites like “Sleigh Ride,” “Ding!

Dong! Merrily on High,” “Baby Please Come Home” and “Joy to the World.” The group consists of the 180-voice symphonic choir, the chamber choir, a full orchestra and the newly established youth choir.

ncmasterchorale.org

“A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS”

December 11 and 18, 2–9 p.m.

Downtown Raleigh Don your favorite ugly sweater, Santa suit or elf costume for Bar Crawl Live’s holiday romp through six participating bars on Glenwood Avenue. The merrymaking includes a costume contest, DJs at select venues and an after-party. Purchase tickets online.

stayhappening.com/e/dashinthrough-the-bars-holidaycrawl-raleigh-nc-bar-crawl-liveE3LURLIMDRJL

“THE NUTCRACKER”

December 17–24 Raleigh Memorial Auditorium 2 E. South Street, Raleigh Carolina Ballet’s holiday masterpiece returns to the stage with dancing snow princesses, dueling mice, a magical journey to the Land of Sweets and a dashing Nutcracker Prince.

December 10–12 Photo courtesy of North Carolina Master Chorale carolinaballet.com North Carolina State Fairgrounds 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh Shop for everyone on your holiday list at this upscale market featuring original artwork, antiques, clothing, jewelry, Be sure to check the websites for the events listed here handmade treasures, home decor and delicious treats in the before you head out to ensure they are still taking place.

Jim Graham Building.

vintagemarketdays.com

Photo courtesy of Carolina Ballet

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 105

EV ENTS

|

DINE & DRA FT

AFRICAN NAFKOT ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT 2109-146 Avent Ferry Road 919.890.5530 nafkotethiopianrestaurant.com

AMERICAN 41HUNDRED 4100 Main at North Hills Street 919.278.1478 41hundredrestaurant.com B.GOOD 555 Fayetteville Street 919.803.3233 201 Park at North Hills 919.916.5410 bgood.com BA-DA WINGS 2161 Avent Ferry Road 919.832.3902 badawings.com BB’S CRISPY CHICKEN Midtown East, Raleigh Parkside Town Commons, Morrisville, University Drive, Durham bbscrispychicken.com BERKELEY CAFE 217 W. Martin Street 919.828.9190 facebook.com/berkeleyraleigh BLOOMSBURY BISTRO 509-101 W. Whitaker Mill Road 919.834.9011 bloomsburybistro.com BUENO PAPA FRY BAR Morgan Street Food Hall 411 W Morgan Street toasttab.com/buena-papa-n-a/v3 CAPITAL CLUB 16 16 W. Martin Street 919.747.9345 capitalclub16.com

CAROLINA ALE HOUSE

500 Glenwood Avenue 4512 Falls of Neuse Road 7981 Skyland Ridge Parkway carolinaalehouse.com CARROLL’S KITCHEN 19 E. Martin Street 919.670.3622 carrollskitchen.org CLOCKWORK 519 W. North Street 919.307.3215 clockworkraleigh.com CRAWFORD AND SON 618 N. Person Street 919.307.4647 crawfordandsonrestaurant.com THE DAILY FARE 402 Oberlin Road 919.916.5151 dailyfareraleigh.com DEATH & TAXES 105 W. Hargett Street 984.242.0218 ac-restaurants.com/death-taxes

106 | midtownmag.com

OUT&ABOUT |

M I DTO W N M I N GL E S

FINE FOLK 213 Fayetteville Street (located in Foundation’s basement) Gateway Plaza finefolkraleigh.com GLENWOOD GRILL 2603 Glenwood Avenue #15 919.782.3102 glenwoodgrill.com HAYES BARTON CAFE 2000 Fairview Road 919.856.8551 imaginarystudioonline.com/hayes IRIS RESTAURANT 2110 Blue Ridge Road 919.664.6838 ncartmuseum.org/visit/dining

KINGS DINING & ENTERTAINMENT 141 Park at North Hills Street 919.600.5700 kings-de.com LONERIDER AT FIVE POINTS 1626 Glenwood Avenue 919.322.2434 loneriderbeer.com LYNWOOD GRILL & BREWING CONCERN 4821 Grove Barton Road 919.785.0043 lynnwoodgrill.com METRO DINER 6325 Falls of Neuse Road #73 919.578.9053 metrodiner.com MIDTOWN GRILLE 4421 Six Forks Road 919.782.9463 themidtowngrille.com MY WAY TAVERN 522 St. Mary’s Street 919.900.8273 mywaytavern.com NORTH RIDGE PUB 6010 Falls of Neuse Road 919.790.9125 northridgepub.com THE OAK 4035 Lake Boone Trail 919.787.9100 jmrkitchens.com/oak OAK CITY MEATBALL SHOPPE 180 E. Davie Street 919.714.9014 oakcitymeatball.com PLAYERS RETREAT 105 Oberlin Road 919.755.9589 playersretreat.net THE RALEIGH TIMES BAR 14 E. Hargett Street 919.833.0999 raleightimesbar.com THE ROCKFORD 320½ Glenwood Avenue 919.821.9020 therockfordrestaurant.com

|

N E W A R O UN D TO W N

|

KA L E I DO S CO PE

ROSEWATER KITCHEN & BAR 110 Park at North Hills Street 919.424.7886 rosewaterraleigh.com

CHOPSTIX 5607 Creedmoor Road 919.781.6268 chopstix.com

SECOND EMPIRE RESTAURANT AND TAVERN 330 Hillsborough Street 919.829.3663 second-empire.com

CO 101 Park at North Hills Street 919.258.2070 eatatco.com

STANBURY 938 N. Blount Street 919.977.4321 stanburyraleigh.com THE STATION 701 N. Person Street 919.977.1567 stationraleigh.com STIR 4242 Six Forks Road #100 984.200.8614 stirraleigh.com TASTE 1912 Bernard Street 919.948.7815 thetastebernard.com TEETS 425 Glenwood Avenue 919.803.6112 teetsraleigh.com VILLAGE GRILL 8470 Honeycutt Road 919.890.5340 villagegrillraleigh.com

VITA VITE

313 W. Hargett Street 919.803.3156 200 Park at North Hills Street 919.322.0649 vitaviteraleigh.com

WINSTON’S GRILLE 6401 Falls of Neuse Road 919.790.0700 winstonsgrille.com YARD HOUSE 4208 Six Forks Road 919.881.2590 yardhouse.com ZEST CAFE & HOME ART 8831 Six Forks Road 919.848.4792 zestcafehomeart.com

ASIAN BIDA MANDA 222 S. Blount Street 919.829.9999 bidamanda.com BREWERY BHAVANA 218 S. Blount Street 919.829.9998 brewerybhavana.com

DAVID’S DUMPLING & NOODLE BAR 1900 Hillsborough Street 919.239.4536 ddandnb.com FIVE STAR RESTAURANT 511 W. Hargett Street 919.833.3311 fivestarraleigh.com HAKO JAPANESE RESTAURANT 2603-155 Glenwood Avenue 919.235.0589 hakosushinc.com LEMONGRASS THAI RESTAURANT 8320 Litchford Road #142 919.954.0377 lemongrassthairestaurant.net

MIDTOWN PHO

424 E. Six Forks Road, Suite 105 919.747.9899 midtownphoraleigh.com NEO-ASIA 6602 Glenwood Avenue 919.783.8383 neoasiaraleigh.com NI ASIAN KITCHEN 8817 Six Forks Road 919.916.5106 niasiankitchen.com ORCHID JAPANESE RESTAURANT 7432 Creedmoor Road 919.890.5345 orchidjapanesebuffet.com PEARL CHINESE RESTAURANT 3215 Avent Ferry Road 919.233.8776 pearlchinesenc.com RED DRAGON CHINESE RESTAURANT 2513 Fairview Road 919.782.1102 raleighreddragon.com RED PEPPER ASIAN 4121-109 New Bern Avenue 919.594.1006 redpepper-nc.com SEOUL GARDEN 4701 Atlantic Avenue 919.850.9984 seoulgardennc.com

BUL BOX 4421 Six Forks Road #116A 984.200.3654 bul-box.com

SHABASHABU 3080 Wake Forest Road 919.501.7755 shabashabu.net

CHAMPA THAI & SUSHI 8521 Brier Creek Parkway 919.806.0078 champathaisushi.com

SONO 319 Fayetteville Street 919.521.5328 sonoraleigh.com

THE BEST OF RALEIGH & THE WELLNESS ISSUE

Reserve your space in Raleigh’s leading lifestyle magazine today!

Diamond Awards, Mind/Body Workouts, Brain-Boosting Foods, Winter Soups and More.

Holiday Catering, Corporate Parties, Weddings and more!

With or without our food truck, we will bring our delicious, authentic and ALWAYS handcrafted food to you!

DIAMOND

2021

Coming in January/February 2022

AWARD BEST FOOD TRUCK

Reach more than 140,000 readers with 1 issue covering Raleigh’s hottest zip codes! restaurant • food truck • catering

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE!

SPACE RESERVATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 17

CALL TO LEARN MORE

919.782.4710 advertise@midtownmag.com advertise@caryliving.com

6274 GLENWOOD AVENUE PLEASANT VALLEY PROMENADE | RALEIGH Follow us on social media or visit our website to find our schedule and food truck locations

AREPACULTURENC.COM 919.977.4069 | 919.986.8487

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 107

SPRING ROLLS BISTRO & SUSHI BAR 5433 Wade Park Boulevard 919.803.1118 springrollsrestaurant.com SUSHI BLUES CAFE 301 Glenwood Avenue 919.664.8061 sushibluescafe.com SUSHI O BISTRO + SUSHI BAR 222 Glenwood Avenue 919.838.8868 sushioraleighnc.com THAIPHOON BISTRO 301 Glenwood Avenue #190 919.720.4034 thaiphoonbistroraleigh.com WARAJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 5910 Duraleigh Road 919.783.1883 warajijapaneserestaurant.com

BAKERIES & DESSERT CAFES ANISETTE 209 Bickett Boulevard 919.758.3565 sweetanisette.com

CRUMBL COOKIES 2920 Sherman Oak Place Suite 100 919.249.1333 crumblcookies.com

HOWLING COW DAIRY EDUCATION CENTER AND CREAMERY 100 Dairy Lane 919.513.4695 howlingcow.ncsu.edu

YELLOW DOG BREAD CO. 219 E. Franklin Street 984.232.0291 yellowdogbread.com

THE CUPCAKE SHOPPE 104 Glenwood Avenue 919.821.4223 thecupcakeshopperaleigh.com

LAYERED CROISSANTERIE 911 N. West Street #107 984.200.1200 my-site-108805-104726.square.site

BARBECUE

DUCK DONUTS 8323 Creedmoor Road 919.847.3800 duckdonuts.com

LUCETTEGRACE 235 S. Salisbury Street 919.307.4950 lucettegrace.com

EDIBLE ART BAKERY & DESSERT CAFE 4351-115 The Circle at North Hills 919.856.0604 edibleartnc.com

ESCAZÜ ARTISAN CHOCOLATES 936 N. Blount Street 919.832.3433 escazuchocolates.com GOODBERRY’S FROZEN CUSTARD Multiple Raleigh locations goodberrys.com

BIG AL’S BBQ & CATERING 2920 Forestville Road 919.217.0653 bigalsbbqandcatering.com CITY BARBEQUE Locations throughout the Triangle citybbq.com

MON MACARON 111 Seaboard Avenue #118 monmacaron.us

CLYDE COOPER’S BARBEQUE 327 S. Wilmington Street 919.832.7614 clydecoopersbbq.com

PREMIER CAKES 6617 Falls of Neuse Road #105 919.703.0095 premier-cakes.com

OLE TIME BARBECUE 6309 Hillsborough Street 919.859.2544 oletimebarbecue.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY 8521 Brier Creek Parkway, Suite 103 919.806.8992 rmcf.com

THE PIT AUTHENTIC BARBECUE 328 W. Davie Street 919.890.4500 thepit-raleigh.com

SLICE PIE COMPANY 1400 S. Saunders Street 919.349.8499 slicepiecompany.com

ANNELORE’S GERMAN BAKERY 1249 Farmers Market Drive 919.294.8040 anneloresbakery.com

GREAT HARVEST BREAD COMPANY 8801-119 Lead Mine Road 919.845.8122 greatharvest.com

BITTERSWEET 16 E. Martin Street 919.977.3829 bittersweetraleigh.com

GROOVY DUCK BAKERY 3434 Edwards Mill Road 919.787.9233 groovyduckbakeryllc.com

TWO ROOSTERS ICE CREAM 215 E. Franklin Street, Suite 120 7713 Lead Mine Road Coming soon: 4025 Lake Boone Trail 919.229.0491 tworoosters.com

BOULTED BREAD 614 W. South Street 919.999.3984 boultedbread.com

HAYES BARTON CAFE 2000 Fairview Road 919.856.8551 hayesbartoncafeanddessertery.com

VIDERI CHOCOLATE FACTORY 327 W. Davie Street 919.755.5053 viderichocolatefactory.com

SAM JONES BBQ 502 W. Lenoir Street 984.206.2555 samjonesbbq.com

BREAKFAST/SPECIALTY ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE 160 Park at North Hills Street 919.307.8195 anotherbrokenegg.com

Specializing in regional American seafood, signature dishes, hand cut fish, steaks and chicken, and freshly made desserts.

We pride ourselves on using the freshest possible ingredients and preparing them with love.

VILLAGE DISTRICT 2018 Clark Avenue | Raleigh, NC 984.200.5455

HOURS Sunday-Thursday 11:00-9:00 PM Friday-Saturday 11:00 -10:00 PM

NORTH R A LE IGH 832 Spring Forest Road | Raleigh, NC 984.242.4600

F R E SH | LOCA L | R E L A X | E N JOY | CapeFearSeafoodCompany.com 108 | midtownmag.com

BRIGS 8111 Creedmoor Road 919.870.0994 brigs.com

BULL & BEAR BREW

Available locally or shop online at: The Butcher’s Market 5045 Falls of Neuse Road bullandbearbrew.com CHA HOUSE TEA 3001 Hillsborough Street, Suite 108 919.594.1980 chahouseusa.com CHEENI CHAI + COFFEE + TIFFIN 227 Fayetteville Street 1603 Hillsborough Street cheeniraleigh.com FIRST WATCH Locations throughout the Triangle firstwatch.com IDLE HOUR COFFEE ROASTERS 1818 Oberlin Road #103 984.200.1605 idlehourcoffee.com JUBALA COFFEE 8450 Honeycutt Road 919.758.8330 2100 Hillsborough Street 919.792.1767 jubalacoffee.com THE MORNING TIMES 10 E. Hargett Street 919.836.1204 morningtimes-raleigh.com

NEW WORLD CAFE 4112 Pleasant Valley Road 919.786.0091 newworldcafes.com

MOJOE’S BURGER JOINT 620 Glenwood Avenue 919.832.6799 mojoesburgerjoint.com

PURR CUP CAFE 210 Prospect Avenue 919.322.4003 purrcupcafe.com

SOLA COFFEE 7705 Lead Mine Road 919.803.8983 solacoffee.com

THE ROAST GRILL 7 S. West Street 919.832.8292 roastgrill.com

SOSTA CAFE 130 E. Davie Street 919.833.1006 sostacafe.com

SNOOPY’S HOT DOGS Multiple Raleigh locations snoopys.com

SIR WALTER COFFEE 145 E. Davie Street 919.322.0019 sirwaltercoffee.com

UNION SPECIAL BREAD 2409 Crabtree Boulevard #104 984.200.3094 unionspecialbread.com

CAFÉS

BURGERS & HOT DOGS BAD DADDY’S BURGER BAR

111 Seaboard Avenue 919.747.9163 9402 Falls of the Neuse Road Suite 103 919.233.5880 baddaddysburgerbar.com CHAR-GRILL Four Raleigh locations chargrillusa.com COWBURGER BAR 411 W. Morgan Street (North Hills location coming soon) 919.514.0996 cowbarburger.com CRAVE HOT DOGS & BARBECUE Coming soon to 1028 Oberlin Road, Suite 248 iwantcrave.com CHOW 8311 Creedmoor Road 919.841.4995 chowraleigh.com

BENELUX COFFEE 402 Oberlin Road 919.900.8294 beneluxcoffee.com THE DAILY PLANET CAFE 121 W. Jones Street 919.707.8060 thedailyplanetcafe.com KALE ME CRAZY 2018 Cameron Street 919.239.4660 kalemecrazy.net MANHATTAN CAFE 320 S. Wilmington Street 919.833.6105 manhattancafenc.com THE PHARMACY CAFE 702 N. Person Street 919.832.6432 personstreetrx.com PINE STATE COFFEE Multiple locations in Raleigh pinestatecoffee.com

UNCORKED RALEIGH 10511 Shadowlawn Drive Suite 111 984.200.5423 uncorkedraleigh.com

CATERING CATERING WORKS 2319 Laurelbrook Street 919.828.5932 cateringworks.com DONOVAN’S DISH Serving the Triangle 919.651.8309 donovansdish.com EMPIRE EATS CATERING 415 Royal Street 919.582.9470 empireeatscatering.com THE GARDEN ON MILLBROOK 2400 E. Millbrook Road 919.790.8900 thegardenonmillbrook.com

SALT & LIME

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 109

COMING IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

CAMP GUIDE FUN FOR KIDS IN RALEIGH AND WESTERN WAKE Showcase your camp to our 140,000+ readers in our 2022 Camp Guide!

Our readers send their children to fun, educational and skillbuilding camps every year. No matter what your camp’s focus is, now is the time to let them know about the amazing experiences you have in store for their kids.

Our 2022 Camp Guide will also include a comprehensive directory of camp listings. Only advertisers’ listings will be highlighted to stand out from others and include a 25-word description.

SPACE RESERVATION: NOVEMBER 17

CALL TO LEARN MORE! 919.782.4710 advertise@midtownmag.com advertise@caryliving.com

Southwestern fare with a Southern drawl.

433 Daniels Street | Raleigh, NC | 919.835.9911 18restaurantgroup.com/cantina-18-raleigh

Sweet. Southern. Scratch-made. Since 1982.

It is that time of the year where we pause for those things we are thankful for and share a sweet treat with the ones we love.

Call or visit us today to inquire about your Holiday treats!

4351-115 The Circle at North Hills | 919.856.0604 110 | midtownmag.com

ROCKY TOP CATERING 1705 E. Millbrook Road 919.850.2340 rockytopcatering.com SOUTHLAND BBQ CATERING 5000 Departure Drive 919.757.4972 southlandbbqcatering.com

TASTEFULLY SERVED

Serves Raleigh, Cary, Apex and RTP 919.760.5134 tastefully-served.com

DELIS/SANDWICHES BONGIORNO & SON 8450 Honeycutt Road bongiornoandson.com THE COMMUNITY DELI 901 Oberlin Road 919.896.6810 thecommunitydeli.com GROUCHO’S DELI 10 Horne Street 919.977.7747 grouchos.com (ISH) DELICATESSEN 702 N. Person Streett 984.200.8189 ishdelicatessen.com

VILLAGE DELI & GRILL Multiple Raleigh locations villagedeli.net

ECLECTIC 41HUNDRED 4100 Main at North Hills Street 919.278.1478 41hundredrestaurant.com

INDIAN

IRISH

AZITRA 8411 Brier Creek Parkway 919.484.3939 azitra.com

THE HIBERNIAN 311 Glenwood Avenue 919.833.2258 8021 Falls of Neuse Road 919.803.0290 hibernianpub.com

GARLAND 14 W. Martin Street 919.833.6886 garlandraleigh.com

ORO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 18 E. Martin Street 919.239.4010 ororaleigh.com

KABAB AND CURRY 2412 Hillsborough Street 919.977.6974 kababcurryraleigh.com

PLATES NEIGHBORHOOD KITCHEN 301 Glenwood Avenue 919.828.0018 plateskitchen.com

FRENCH COQUETTE BRASSERIE 4531 The Circle at North Hills 919.789.0606 coquetteraleigh.com JOLIE 620 N. Person Street 919.803.7221 restaurantjolie.com ROYALE 200 E. Martin Street 919.977.3043 toasttab.com/royale/v3

LUNCH BOX DELI 2816 Trawick Road 919.872.7882

SAINT JACQUES 6112 Falls of Neuse Road 919.862.2770 saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com

POPPYSEED MARKET 8801 Lead Mine Road 919.870.4997 poppyseedmkt.com

SIMPLY CRÉPES 8470 Honeycutt Road 919.322.2327 simplycrepes.com

SAINTS & SCHOLARS IRISH PUB 909 Spring Forest Road 919.878.8828 saintsandscholarspub.com

ITALIAN

KADHAI THE INDIAN WOK 6260-112 Glenwood Avenue 919.785.2864 theindianexpresskadhai.com

AMEDEO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 3905 Western Boulevard 919.851.0473 amedeosrestaurant.com

ROYAL INDIA 3901 Capital Boulevard 919.981.0849 royalIndiannc.com

ASSAGGIO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 3501 W. Millbrook Road 919.785.2088 assaggios-nc.com

TAJ MAHAL INDIAN CUISINE 6611 Falls of Neuse Road 919.848.2262 tajmahalindianraleigh.com

BELLA MONICA 3121-103 Edwards Mill Road 919.881.9778 bellamonica.com

TASTE 1912 Bernard Street 919.948.7815 thetastebernard.com

BRUNO SEAFOOD & STEAKS 11211 Galleria Avenue 919.435.6640 brunoraleigh.com

THE WILD COOK’S INDIAN GRILL 3212 Hillsborough Street 984.232.8530 thewildcooksgrill.com ZAYKA INDIAN CUISINE 10410 Moncreiffe Road Suite 103 919.361.5370 zaykaraleigh.com

CAFE TIRAMISU 6008 Falls of Neuse Road 919.790.1006 cafetiramisu.net CAFFÉ LUNA 136 E. Hargett Street 919.832.6090 cafeluna.com

The most popular Vietnamese dishes DI NE-I N TAK E O UT DEL I V ERY HOURS

Sun · Mon · Wed · Thur 11am-9pm Fri · Sat 11am-10pm

Closed on Tuesdays

424 E. Six Forks Rd, Suite 105 Raleigh, NC 27609 919-747-9899 MIDTOWNPHORALEIGH.COM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 111

CAPRI RESTAURANT 6325 Falls of Neuse Road 919.878.4424 caprirest.com

TUSCAN BLU 327 W. Davie Street 919.834.5707 tuscanblu.com

CASA CARBONE RISTORANTE ITALIANO 6019 Glenwood Avenue 919.781.8750 casacarbone.com

VIC’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA 331 Blake Street 919.829.7090 4035 Lake Boone Trail Suite 109 984.200.9292 vicsitalianrestaurant.com

FARINA NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN 8450 Honeycutt Road 919.890.0143 farinaraleigh.com GRAVY 135 S. Wilmington Street 919.896.8513 gravyraleigh.com

VIVACE 4209 Lassiter Mill Road Suite 115 919.787.7747 vivaceraleigh.com

JIMMY V’S OSTERIA + BAR 420 Fayetteville Street 919.256.1451 jimmyvsraleigh.com

MEDITERRANEAN/ MIDDLE EASTERN

MULINO ITALIAN KITCHEN & BAR 309 N. Dawson Street 919.838.8595 mulinoraleigh.com

ABU OMAR HALAL 709 W. Peace Street abuomarhalal.com

PICCOLA ITALIA 423 Woodburn Road 919.833.6888 piccolaitalianc.com

FRESH LEVANT BISTRO 8450 Honeycutt Road 984.200.3999 freshlevant.com

ROMA PIZZERIA & ITALIAN RESTAURANT 3805 Brentwood Road 919.876.2818

JASMIN & OLIVZ MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO Multiple Raleigh locations jasminbistro.com

ilovepokebar.com

NINA’S RISTORANTE 8801 Lead Mine Road 919.845.1122 ninasrestaurant.com

ALADDIN’S EATERY 8201 Brier Creek Parkway 919.806.5700 4209 Lassiter Mill Road 919.977.9025 aladdinseatery.com

112 | midtownmag.com

MIDTOWN OLIVE OIL

1110 Mercantile Drive, Suite 110 919.510.5510 midtownoliveoil.com MONA PITA MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 5260 Capital Boulevard 919.431.6500 monapita.com NEOMONDE 3817 Beryl Road 919.828.1628 neomonde.com NUR MEDITERRANEAN DELI & MARKET 2233 Avent Ferry Road 919.828.1523 THE OLIVE WAGON 8490 Honeycutt Road Suite 106 919.845.7266 theolivewagon.com OPA RALEIGH 411 W. Morgan Street 984.200.9440 oparaleigh.com PETRA GRILL 6091 Capital Boulevard 984.200.2009 SASSOOL 9650 Strickland Road 919.847.2700 sassool.com SITTI 137 S. Wilmington Street 919.239.4070 sitti-raleigh.com

THIS IS HOW WE BOWL “At Poké Bar, we believe fast food should be fresh food.

From our premium ingredients to our exceptional service, eating healthy has never been easier—or more enjoyable! “ Dine-in or Takeout 909 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh (919) 896-6256

TAVERNA AGORA

326 Hillsborough Street 919.881.8333 tavernaagora.com TAZA GRILL 6325 Falls of Neuse Road 919.872.7161 10940 Raven Ridge Road 919.845.7772 tazagrill.com

VIDRIO

500 Glenwood Avenue Suite 100 919.803.6033 vidrioraleigh.com

MEXICAN BAJA BURRITO 2109 Avent Ferry Road Suite 108 919.834.3431 bajaburrito.net BARTACO 4121 Main at North Hills Street 919.626.8226 bartaco.com/location/raleigh CAFE CAPISTRANO 8471 Garvey Drive 919.872.1127

CANTINA 18

433 Daniels Street 919.835.9911 18restaurantgroup.com CENTRO 106 S. Wilmington Street 919.835.3593 centroraleigh.com

CORTEZ 413 Glenwood Avenue 919.342.8227 cortezraleigh.com DOS TAQUITOS 6101 Glenwood Avenue 919.787.3373 dostaquitosraleigh.com DRIFTWOOD CANTINA 8460 Honeycutt Road #1112 919.977.8360 driftwoodraleigh.com EL DORADO 2811 Brentwood Road 919.872.8440 8111 Creedmoor Road 919.848.0788 eldoradomexicanrestaurant. com EL RODEO 329 Blount Street 919.828.0777 2404 Wake Forest Road 919.833.1460 elrodeonc.com EL TAPATIO 4511 New Bern Avenue 919.255.9161 13200 New Falls of Neuse Suite 167 919.554.9676 eltapatiomexican.com FIESTA MEXICANA 2839 Jones Franklin Road 919.859.1303 fiestamexicananc-cary.com

GONZA TACOS Y TEQUILA 7713-39 Lead Mine Road 919.846.5478 2100 Hillsborough Street 919.268.8965 gonzatacosytequila.com

MAKUS EMPANADAS 411 W. Morgan Street, Raleigh Atrium Food Court at NCSU, Raleigh 919.307.4935 makusempanadas.com

GRINGO A GO GO 100 N. Person Street 919.977.1438 gringoraleigh.com

THE ORIGINAL FLYING BURRITO 4800 Grove Barton Road 919.785.2734 originalflyingburrito.com

JOSE AND SONS 4112 Pleasant Valley Road 919.571.1188 joseandsons.com LA CARRETA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 1028 Oberlin Road 919.977.3271 lacarretaraleigh.com LA RANCHERITA 7420 Six Forks Road 919.844.6330 4325 Glenwood Avenue Suite 3000 919.785.1951 laranchnc.com LOS CUATES MEXICAN RESTAURANT 4524 Old Wake Forest Road 919.872.6012 facebook.com/ loscuatesraleighnc LOS TRES MAGUEYES 10410 Moncreiffe Road 919.484.9258

SAN JOSE MEXICAN RESTAURANT 5811 Poyner Village Parkway 919.790.1919 sanjosepoyner.com

SALT & LIME CABO GRILL

6006 Falls of Neuse Road 919.872.2230 saltandlimecabo.com TORCHY’S TACOS 1110 Mercantile Drive, Building 6, Suite 120 torchystacos.com TORERO’S AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE 4721 Atlantic Avenue Suite 101 919.873.9116 torerosmexicanrestaurants. com UNCLE JULIO’S 4325 Glenwood Avenue 984.221.1333 unclejulios.com VIVA MEXICAN KITCHEN 4112 Pleasant Valley Road 919.571.1188 vivamexicankitchen.com

PIZZERIAS BOWSTRING PIZZA AND BREWYARD 1930 Wake Forest Road bowstringbrewyard.com CRISTO’S NY STYLE PIZZA 1302 E. Millbrook Road 919.872.6797 cristospizza.com

TROPHY BREWING + PIZZA 827 W. Morgan Street 919.803.4849 trophybrewing.com

DEMO’S PIZZERIA & DELI 222 Glenwood Avenue Suite 121 919.754.1050 demospizzeriadeli.com DONATOS PIZZA 7860 Alexander Promenade Place 919.957.2880 donatos.com LILLY’S PIZZA 1813 Glenwood Avenue 919.833.0226 lillyspizza.com MOONLIGHT PIZZA COMPANY 615 W. Morgan Street 919.755.9133 moonlightpizza.com THE PIZZA TIMES 210 S. Wilmington Street 919.832.4411 raleightimespizza.com SALVIO’S PIZZERIA 6325 Falls of Neuse Road #69 919.981.5678 salviospizza.com

STROMBOLI’S EXPRESS 3434 Edwards Mill Road 919.785.7075 2900 Spring Forest Road 919.876.4222 strombolisexpress.com

YOUR PIE 4233 Corners Parkway, Suite 250 919.957.0077 yourpie.com

SEAFOOD 42ND STREET OYSTER BAR 508 W. Jones Street 919.831.2811 42ndstoysterbar.com

CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY

832 Spring Forest Road 2019 Clark Avenue in the Village District 984.242.4600 capefearseafoodcompany. com CAPTAIN STANLEY’S SEAFOOD 3333 S. Wilmington Street 919.779.7878 facebook.com/ captainstanleys COUSIN’S MAINE LOBSTER 411 W. Morgan Street 919.867.6203 cousinsmainelobster.com

Enjoy Your Holiday Season Even More!

Holiday meals, weekly entrees and special sides from Tastefully Served let you spend more time with the ones you love at the table, not in the kitchen.

No Shopping, No Prepping, No Cooking, No Cleaning!

Raleigh owned & operated since 2015 919.760.5134 tastefully-served.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

111221MM_Out_About.indd 113

| 113

10/19/21 11:26 AM

THE COWFISH SUSHI BURGER BAR 4208 Six Forks Road 919.784.0400 thecowfish.com MARGAUX’S RESTAURANT 8111 Creedmoor Road Suite 111 919.846.9846 margauxsrestaurant.com MASON’S FAMOUS LOBSTER ROLLS 4121 Main at North Hills Street Suite 100 984.200.1845 masonslobster.com

POKE BAR

909 Spring Forest Road 919.896.6256 ilovepokebar.com SALTWATER SEAFOOD MARKET 4 Fenton Street 919.834.1813 saltwaterseafoodnc.com ST. ROCH FINE OYSTERS + BAR 223 S. Wilmington Street 919.322.0359 strochraleigh.com

SOUTH AMERICAN ALPACA PERUVIAN CHARCOAL CHICKEN 4614 Capital Boulevard 919.713.0000 8211 Brier Creek Parkway Suite 107 919.278.7724 alpacachicken.com

AREPA CULTURE NC

6724 Glenwood Avenue #100 919.986.8487 arepaculturenc.com BARCELONA WINE BAR 430 W. Martin Street 919.808.5400 barcelonawinebar.com GUASACA AREPA & SALSA GRILL 4025 Lake Boone Trail Suite 107 919.322.4928 2512 Hillsborough Street 919.210.6838 guasaca.com MAMI’S 2401 Wake Forest Road 919.834.8572 maminoras.com VINOS FINOS TAPAS AND WINE BAR 8450 Honeycutt Road Suite 110 919.747.9233 vinosfinosypicadas.com

SOUTHERN BEASLEY’S CHICKEN + HONEY 237 S. Wilmington Street 919.322.0127 ac-restaurants.com/beasleys BIG ED’S RESTAURANT 220 Wolfe Street 919.836.9909 5009 Falls of Neuse Road 919.747.9533 bigedsnc.com

FLYING BISCUIT CAFÉ 2016 Clark Avenue 919.833.6924 flyingbiscuit.com HUMBLE PIE 317 S. Harrington Street 919.829.9222 humblepierestaurant.com MANDOLIN 2519 Fairview Road 919.322.0365 mandolinraleigh.com THE MECCA RESTAURANT 13 E. Martin Street 919.832.5714 mecca-restaurant.com

NOFO AT THE PIG

2014 Fairview Road 919.821.1240 nofo.com POOLE’S DINER 426 S. McDowell Street 919.832.4477 ac-restaurants.com/pooles RELISH CRAFT KITCHEN & BOURBON BAR 5625 Creedmoor Road 919.787.1855 relishraleigh.com

STATE FARMERS’ MARKET RESTAURANT 1240 Farmers Market Drive 919.755.1550 realbiscuits.com TUPELO HONEY 425 Oberlin Road 919.723.9353 tupelohoneycafe.com

STEAKHOUSES ANGUS BARN 9401 Glenwood Avenue 919.781.2444 angusbarn.com

GRABBAGREEN 4421 Six Forks Road #103 919.326.7799 grabbagreen.com HAPPY + HALE 200 Park Street at North Hills Suite 101 984.200.3802 happyandhale.com

BRASA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE 8551 Brier Creek Parkway 919.544.3344 brasasteakhouse.com

IRREGARDLESS CAFÉ 901 W. Morgan Street 919.833.8898 irregardless.com

OAK STEAKHOUSE 417 W. Hargett Street 984.255.1818 oakraleigh.com

PURE VEGAN CAFE 8369 Creedmoor Road 919.917.7369 purevegancafe.com

PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE & GRILLE 4509 Creedmoor Road 919.827.4158 perryssteakhouse.com

VINNIE’S STEAK HOUSE AND TAVERN

7440 Six Forks Road 919.847.7319 vinniessteakhouse.com

THE REMEDY DINER 137 E. Hargett Street 919.835.3553 theremedydiner.com

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

RYE BAR & SOUTHERN KITCHEN 500 Fayetteville Street 919.227.3370 ryeraleigh.com

EARTH TO US 2893 Jones Franklin Road 919.809.8622 shopearthtous.com

COMING IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

WELLNESS Q& A

Share your expertise with our more than 140,000 readers in an exclusive Q&A format, professionally designed to showcase your services, products and expert advice.

What are the most current trends and latest breakthroughs in your field? Midtown readers want to know. Show them that you are a valuable resource for happier, healthier lifestyle choices—and give them the answers they are seeking.

SPACE RESERVATION: NOVEMBER 17 CALL TO LEARN MORE! 919.782.4710 advertise@midtownmag.com advertise@caryliving.com

114 | midtownmag.com

FICTION KITCHEN 428 S. Dawson Street 919.831.4177 thefictionkitchen.com

Midtown advertisers have been highlighted. Some restaurants do not have websites and must be contacted by phone. A more comprehensive list of restaurants can be found at midtownmag.com. Please call or check websites for takeout options.

Crafting a style as unique as you.

My mission is to guide my clients in finding a true and unique style that will help them feel self-confident and have a positive attitude. I strongly believe that to find your own style you need to embrace your personal journey and story. featured in

hello@SofiaLujanSyling.com | 919.578.7831 SofiaLujanStyling.com | @SofiaLujanStyling

G E T MI DTO WN’ S LAT E ST NE WS DE L I VE R E D TO YO U R I NBOX

WISHING YOU A HOLLY RALEIGH CHRISTMAS #SHOPLOCALRALEIGH

SHOP, SIP, EAT, SUPPORT & PLAY AT LOCALLY OWNED& INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

SU BSCRIB E TODAY mi dt o wnmag.co m/ t al k- o f - t h e - t r i angl e

shoplocalraleigh.org NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

111221MM_Out_About.indd 115

| 115

10/19/21 11:27 AM

EVENTS

|

DINE & DRAFT

|

OUT&ABOUT

MIDTOWN MINGLES

|

NEW AROUND TOWN

|

KALEIDOSCOPE

MRA 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Midtown Raleigh Alliance marked its 10th anniversary with a celebration that brought together those who helped make the Midtown area what it is today.

The event also highlighted the area’s past, present and future, and featured remarks by Kane Realty Corporation CEO John Kane, CBS-17 News anchor Bill Young and former City of Raleigh Planning Director Mitchell Silver, among others. Guests also enjoyed live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a drink fundraiser with sales that benefitted Dress for Success Triangle.

Photos on this page courtesy of Midtown Raleigh Alliance

BY C IN DY HUN TLE Y 116 | midtownmag.com

EVENTS

|

DINE & DRAFT

|

OUT&ABOUT

MIDTOWN MINGLES

Photos courtesy of Activate Good

SEPTEMBER MONTH OF SERVICE HONORS 9/11 VICTIMS Activate Good, a local nonprofit with a mission of improving the community through “people-powered projects for good,” continued its tradition of honoring those lost on 9/11 with its September Month of Service. Projects included litter sweeps, sorting clothing for local thrift stores, sprucing up community gardens and other public spaces, and making thank you cards for first responders. Community members also came together to paint the “Do Good” mural at 19 E. Martin Street in downtown Raleigh.

|

NEW AROUND TOWN

|

KALEIDOSCOPE

Photo courtesy of the V Foundation

VICTORY RIDE TO CURE CANCER RAISES NEARLY $400,000 FOR RESEARCH The V Foundation for Cancer Research held its fourth annual Victory Ride to Cure Cancer at North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus in August. The one-day cycling event had over 500 registered riders and raised nearly $400,000 to benefit cancer research in North Carolina and nationwide.

Braswell Family Farms hosted a breakfast for the cyclists, and a post-event festival featured live music, food trucks, beverages from local breweries and a kids obstacle course.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 117

118 | midtownmag.com

EVENTS

|

DINE & DRAFT

|

OUT&ABOUT

MIDTOWN MINGLES

NORTH HILLS WELCOMES MEMBERSHIPBASED PRIMARY CARE

One Medical, a membership-based primary care organization, has opened its first North Carolina location in North Hills. Individual memberships are $199 per year and include 24/7/365 virtual care services via its mobile app, including on-demand video visits, secure provider messaging, “Treat Me Now” digital assessments for common health concerns, easy vaccine and medical record access, prescription renewals, and proactive reminders for follow-up care and referral needs.

NEW AROUND TOWN

|

KALEIDOSCOPE

POKÉ BAR—FRESH, FAST FOOD IS HOW THEY BOWL

Poké Bar brings its fresh, fast-casual dining experience to Raleigh and puts its own spin on this healthy Hawaiian staple. With fresh fish daily, premium sauces and top-notch ingredients—in addition to alternate bases, including noodles and greens—Poké Bar’s bowls are made the way each customer wants them: with bold flavors and taste.

909 Spring Forest Road 919.896.6256 ilovepokebar.com

Photos courtesy of Poké Bar

200 Park at North Hills Street, Suite 100 888.663.6331 onemedical.com/locations/rdu

|

BY C IN DY HUN TLE Y

Photos by Ryan Ball of Ballistic Photography, courtesy of One Medical NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

| 119

EVENTS

|

DINE & DRAFT

|

OUT&ABOUT

MIDTOWN MINGLES

|

NEW AROUND TOWN

|

KALEIDOSCOPE

LORI WHITE

SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN TRAIL, 2021 OIL ON CANVAS

12 BY 24 INCHES

“One of the goals of my painting is to let people see the amazing things I see.”

S PA R K I N G A W A R E N E S S

BY CHARLOTTE RUSSELL

Raleigh-based contemporary realist painter and environmentalist Lori White draws on her undergraduate studies in biology at George Mason University, and her Ph.D. in physiology at UNC–Chapel Hill, in addition to her career at the Environmental Protection Agency, as inspiration for her oil paintings. Through her career in environmental science, White is keenly aware of biological changes and habitat loss. Her works capture spectacular moments, like a quiet snow-filled Snowshoe Mountain trail, a belted kingfisher perched on a branch or a silver-spotted skipper drinking nectar from a flower. Through painting, she captures subjects and scenes in nature in hopes of sparking awareness and appreciation for preserving the world around us.

White will be featured in a solo exhibition at the Lucas Mansion in Hiddenite, North Carolina, next year. View more of her work at ldwhiteart.com, via Instagram at @ldwhiteart, or in person at Bel Air Art Center in Rocky Mount, Bull City Art & Frame Company in Durham, and Ambleside Gallery in Greensboro.

120 | midtownmag.com

The Living is

Easy

Single-Family, Townhomes, Active Adult Living! Walking Distance to Shopping and Dining! No City Taxes!

Flowers Plantation 500 NW Flowers Parkway Clayton, North Carolina

FLOWERSPLANTATION.COM

For more information call us at (919) 553-1984