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2017

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idtown Magazine turns 10 with this May/June issue, so we flashback over the last 10 years about how Raleigh has changed. We speak to former Raleigh mayor Charles Meeker (2001-2011) and David Diaz, CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance for the past decade, and ask about what changes to expect in the next 10 years. Indulge us by reading our regular column “The Interview”, featuring our normally low-key owner Ronny Stephens extrapolating about how and why he decided to start publishing city magazines in the Triangle area. Our sister publication Cary Living celebrates 14 years of publishing in 2017. Susan Nutter has lead the NC State Libraries system for 30 years, during the most dramatic time of change within libraries. Last year, she accepted a National Medal for Museum and Library Service in Washington, DC presented by Michelle Obama, on behalf of the NC State Libraries. She is in the top tier of America’s library leaders, and we are happy to share her story this issue. For the second consecutive year we present the Faces and Places of Raleigh, where we introduce local entrepreneurs and their enterprising staff to readers. Spend some time perusing the lovely black-and-white portraiture of many of the folks behind the scenes of these successful local businesses and nonprofits.

In more food news from Raleigh, it wasn’t enough for Kim Hammer to run just one place (her downtown cocktailcoffee-and-dessert hub, Bittersweet). She recently opened her second downtown business, Raleigh Provisions, two blocks away. Here she stocks shelves with locally produced foodstuffs and has plans to expand the theme of locally made in the upcoming months. Among six more artists and the businesses they run in “Local Makers”, we find a dress and gown designer who got her masters in Industrial Design from NC State; a bean-to-bar chocolatier; and a printmaker who formed an art collective and sells from her “tiny house” business on wheels – be sure to read all their fascinating stories. As always, there’s a lot happening in Raleigh these days; check out our advertisers and our event calendar for ideas on where to go and what to do next. And let us know if we should write about one of your favorite people or places in town!

Sioux

Photography Davies Photography | Joe Reale F8 Photo Studios Distribution Manager Joe Lizana Midtown Magazine is published six times annually. Any reproduction in part or in whole of any part of this publication is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher. Midtown Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or art. Unsolicited material is welcome and is considered intended for publication. Such material will become the property of the magazine and will be subject to editing. Material will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Midtown Magazine will not knowingly accept any real estate advertising in violation of US equal opportunity law.

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2 0 1 7 “R A C E” SPECIAL PROGRAMMING Tuesday, May 16, 7pm WRAL 3D Theater CLOSING THE RACE GAP: A DISCUSSION ON HEALTH, WEALTH, EDUCATION AND MEDIA Saturday, March 11, 9am–5pm RHYTHM OF RACE: A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, DANCE AND SPOKEN WORD Thursday, June 15, 7pm Daily Planet Café WHAT’S IN YOUR GENE WALLET? RACE, DNA AND ANCESTRY TESTING Admission is free, but tickets are required. Visit naturalsciences.org/race.

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RACE: Are We So Different? is presented locally by A.J. Fletcher Foundation, with additional support from Duke Energy Foundation, City of Raleigh, Wells Fargo, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

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contents M AY / J U N E

2017

features 71 THE FACES OF RALEIGH

Meet some of the leaders and behind-the-scenes brains of some of our local businesses in our second annual Faces of Raleigh.

88 CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF MIDTOWN MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY FLYBOY PHOTO & MEDIA

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Join us as we take a look at the growth of Midtown and Downtown Raleigh.

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contents M AY / J U N E

2017

departments 32 ON THE SCENE 44 BEER & BARREL 46 CLOSE TO HOME 48 FINANCIAL FOCUS 50 GIVING BACK 52 THE INTERVIEW 56 RAISING THE BAR 58 SUNDAY SUPPER 62 MINDING YOUR BUSINESS 64 HOMESTYLER 68 STYLE LINE 133 DINING GUIDE 154 MIDTOWN DOWNTOWN 162 HEALTHY YOU 183 OUT & ABOUT 194 EVERYDAY PLACES

2017

46 CLOSE TO HOME: THE FIREFIGHTERS OF RALEIGHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STATION NINE PHOTO BY JOE REALE

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TASTE

Winner, Winner TAP AND TABLE’S ROTISSERIE CHICKEN LIVES UP TO THE TROPHY NAME By Steven Major | Photo by Davies Photography THE AVAILABILITY OF GOOD FOOD and great beer is a year-round perk to living in Raleigh, but dining in the Oak City is at its best when the weather warms in the spring so that both can be enjoyed outdoors. Combining a wide selection of craft beers with uniquely delicious pizza and an outdoor space to enjoy the two has made Trophy Brewing and Pizza on Morgan Street a favorite dining spot for many, and has earned them the title of best pizzeria in the state by Thrillist. Their Maywood Avenue brewery and taproom has enjoyed a similar fortune, with food trucks supplying food to patrons as they enjoy a pint al fresco at picnic tables. Chris Powers, David Meeker and David Lockwood have now brought this winning combination to the heart of downtown with the opening of Tap and Table in the 32 | midtownmag.com

space that used to house Busy Bee. As they did with their pizzeria, at Tap and Table they opted for a streamlined menu that would allow them to deliver locally-sourced food in a range of flavors to pair with their beer. To this end, they chose rotisserie chicken and tacos as the main menu items, with a small selection of sides and appetizers. Head chef James Moody has turned the menu concept into a flavorful dining experience unique to downtown. He brines the birds for 24 hours before applying a rub and slowly cooking them on the spit. The salt in the brine keeps the chicken moist by denaturing the proteins while the other flavors of the brine are imparted so that the final product is also more flavorful. The rotisserie cooks the birds slowly and evenly in their

own juices, keeping all that moisture inside as the cane sugar in the rub caramelizes to seal in moisture and add a nutty sweetness to offset the spice of the chili and paprika. The end result is crisp on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and absolutely delicious. The chicken is served with three unique sauces: a creamy and smoky Alabama white sauce, a beer mustard sauce, and their sambal (a chili based sauce). Together with a wide selection of Trophy’s own craft brews, they add diversity and complexity to a seemingly simple menu. Enjoy them all on the patio upstairs when the weather is nice and save room for dessert – the beer float with their Milky Way salted caramel sweet stout and vanilla semifreddo is perfectly suited for a warm North Carolina evening.

The scene

TECH

Explore Raleigh with RGreenway RGREENWAY APP HELPS NAVIGATE RALEIGH’S GREENWAY TRAILS By Dan Bain | Photos courtesy of RGreenway App With spring fully upon us, it seems fitting to share a tech tidbit pertaining to outdoor fitness. RGreenway, an app created by local software developer Eric Majewicz, is just the ticket. Available for iPhone or Android devices, the app helps navigate the 100+ miles of the Capital Area Greenway System. The app displays a map of the Greenway System, plus a list of trails closest to your current location. It provides a description of available trails, including length, pavement status, and parking/ trail access. Fear of getting lost is no longer a valid excuse for staying off the Greenway System – just download the app, turn on your phone’s GPS, and hit the trails! RGreenway is free to download from the iTunes Store and Google Play. 34 | midtownmag.com

Helping you achieve your goals has always been ours

The Beanland Group Michelle Beanland, CRPC® Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor Senior Portfolio Manager 919.319.7114

Congratulations to Michelle Beanland for being recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors.

m_beanland@ml.com Resident of the Triangle area for more than 30 years

Merrill Lynch 5000 Valleystone Drive Suite 100 Cary, NC 27519 fa.ml.com/thebeanlandgroup

Life’s better when we’re connected® America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com. Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value The Bull Symbol, Life’s better when we’re connected and Merrill Lynch are trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. CRPC® is a registered service mark of The College for Financial Planning. © 2017 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. ARFQFN7H | AD-03-17-0272.C | 471003PM-0217 | 03/2017

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STYLE

Season Renewal CAPTURING OPTIMISM THROUGH BOLD PRINTS By Ruhama Wolle | Photography by Tysha Hallman WARM SEASONS ARE FINALLY HERE! A TIME OF renewal, growth, and expansion. Of course, each season brings a transformation, but there’s something about spring and summer that give us the extra energy to get active and create change. Maybe it’s the bursts of colors that help us capture this optimism. Regardless, we don’t remain in any one season indefinitely, so let’s act before the cold returns. This time of year, everyone is talking about purging, cleaning out, and decluttering. This can apply to many of our closets that need the “ruthless purge”, but most importantly it’s a time to let go of the old and make room for the new in our personal lives – envisioning endless possibilities to reach new levels of success, happiness, and wellness in our lives. Before we talk about filling our closets with the current trends that we love, let’s tackle the hard stuff first. Studies have shown a strong link between clothing and our mood state. Fashion has always been an outlet for self-expression. Think about it, as women we want to feel confident in ourselves and what we wear, but which comes first – the confidence or the clothes? I believe we have the power to wear items that represent our personalities and feelings. But when we are feeling unhappy, looking our best isn’t first on our agenda. When we’ve been exposed to hard life experiences, we easily hold, revisiting old wounds that keep us stuck, factoring into how we dress. Our journeys are all different, but we can agree on the mantra: “It’s happened, it’s over and I am okay.” Sometimes the positive outlook is just the first step of letting go. Acceptance of hardship paired with a confident hope that warmer, brighter days are ahead can give us the courage to persist to the new season ahead of us. Karen Pine, coauthor of Flex: Do Something Different and a professor in psychology whose research concerns the issues challenging women today, links clothing that release feelings of happiness as ones that are “well-cut, figureenhancing items made from bright and beautiful fabrics.” And of course, spring/summer biggest trend happens to be colorful, bold prints. The list is endless, from floral canvas artwork prints, playful polka dots and retro and geometric prints, to the powerful jungle and animal prints. This season is all about the visually stunning imagery captured in full blooms from head to toe. Let’s just say the 80s are back and it’s your chance to show your killer colors (inside and out). So be bold, be receptive to unforeseen possibilities, and remember, “We must let go of the life we have planned, to accept the one that is waiting for us.” So what new growth will you focus on this season?

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MODEL: @LUNAVERSE STYLIST: @RU_HAMA

The scene

LEFT: LARA DOWNES RIGHT: JULLIARD QUARTET

ARTS

Chamber Music Raleigh REVEALS 2017/18 SEASON, PERMANENT VENUE By Jackson Cooper | Photos courtesy of Chamber Music Raleigh CHAMBER MUSIC RALEIGH (CMR) revealed its 2017/2018 season to patrons and friends of the organization. With two distinct concert series, a new permanent home venue, developing community partnerships and more, CMR looks to focus on growth and bring a fresh energy to the Triangle area’s developing chamber music scene. This will also be Jackson Cooper’s first fully curated season as CMR’s Executive Director. Perhaps the most exciting news for the upcoming season and beyond is the announcement of CMR’s new permanent home venue within the North Carolina Museum of Art. Chamber Music Raleigh’s board and staff, alongside the museum, look forward to this expansion of the two organizations’ ongoing relationship and the natural influence that visual and performing arts have upon each other. Cooper says, “Our new season is all about collaboration and community. We are beyond thrilled to be partnering with the Museum of Art as our permanent venue for presenting chamber music and expanding into the community with partnerships to present the highest quality chamber music in affordable, accessible ways for all audiences.”

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This season CMR will be presenting two series: Visiting Artists, concerts that will bring highly acclaimed performing artists to our community; and North Carolina Artists, an incubator for established and emerging NC chamber artists. The Visiting Artists series will open with Bernstein at 100: Anniversaries for Lenny, which features guest pianist Lara Downes (whose latest album America Again was named as one of the top classical albums that saved 2016 by NPR) and narrator Alexander Bernstein, the composer’s son, who will bring the beloved music of and the story behind this great composer to life. In October, the acclaimed Julliard Quartet comes to Raleigh. The community partner for this performance is UNC Greensboro’s University Performing Arts Series. While visiting, the quartet will also lead a master class with North Carolina Chamber Music Institute students. The American Chamber Players will return to the CMR stage. Formed by NPR Morning Edition commentator and renowned author Miles Hoffman, the group members are acclaimed musicians from Juilliard, Yale, DePaul, and Kennedy

Center. The Washington Post calls ACP “an extraordinarily talented group who play beautifully together…they have established standards of chamber music performance equal to any in the world.” They will also participate in a variety of educational community outreach events at local synagogues and universities while visiting with CMR. The North Carolina Artists series will feature a mix of artists and repertoire from a flute/piano duo to a song cycle to an edgy string quartet and many more. In partnership with NCMA, CMR will present two special events: collaboration with the NCMA film series, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari featuring Mallarme Chamber Players on Friday October 13th, and the first-ever Spring Garden Party Soirée in March 2018. COMPLETE SERIES LIST All performances take place at Chamber Music Raleigh’s new permanent home at the North Carolina Museum of Art located at 2110 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh. A complete listing of the season is available at chambermusicraleigh.org.

The scene

MINNESOTA’S ASCENDANT AMERICANA BAND HEADLINES THE 2016 BAND TOGETHER MAIN EVENT. PHOTO BY RICH LEVINE, COURTESY OF BAND TOGETHER NC.

MUSIC

More Than Music BEN FOLDS RETURNS TO RALEIGH FOR THE 18TH ANNUAL BAND TOGETHER MAIN EVENT, BENEFITTING YMCA OF THE TRIANGLE By Bryan C. Reed THE NOTION THAT MUSIC CAN change the world often feels like a rock ‘n’ roll cliché. But for the Raleigh-based Band Together NC, it’s more like a mission statement. Founded in the aftermath of 9/11, Band Together operates under a simple idea. Each year, the organization partners with one local charity and uses an annual concert to raise money and awareness. Since 2001, the events have raised more than $6.5 million. This year’s Main Event, on May 6th, brings the NC-bred piano-pop superstar Ben Folds to Red Hat Amphitheatre and supports the YMCA of the Triangle in a project to develop a community in southeast Raleigh, which will include affordable housing, a new school, and healthcare and food resources. “We wanted to be a part of that,” says Matt Strickland, Band Together’s executive director. He acknowledges that the Y is “a little bigger than we would normally work with,” but it still fits Band Together’s modus operandi of supporting “human services and arts organizations that are delivering direct programs to 40 | midtownmag.com

solve a need in our community.” Ambitious outreach has become standard for Band Together. During its first decade, Strickland says, the efforts of volunteers contributed to a total fundraising of more than $1 million. But in the six years since, the organization has grown in scope, raising $3 million in the past two years. “We’ve created what we call partnership philanthropy,” Strickland says. “We work together with one other organization each year where one plus one equals more than two.” And music has remained a core element of that success. Thanks in part to partnerships with the City of Raleigh and LiveNation, Band Together has established Red Hat Amphitheatre as a reliable home for the Main Event and drawn more national talent to its headlining slot. The 2016 event featured rising Americana act Trampled by Turtles; 2015 boasted the eclectic stylings of Michael Franti and Spearhead. This year’s headliner manages both national acclaim and local appeal. Ben Folds cut his teeth in the clubs of Chapel Hill with Ben Folds Five before

breaking out with 1997’s Platinumselling Whatever and Ever Amen. Since then, he’s found success as a solo artist, producer and soundtrack composer. He’ll be joined by New York rock revivalists The London Souls and Asheville jam band The Travers Brothership. “We like that we can connect local artists to this kind of event, and we also like that we can connect fans to music they may not have been exposed to,” Strickland says. But more than an evening’s entertainment, Band Together’s Main Event makes an impact that lasts long after the final encore.

CHECK IT OUT! BAND TOGETHER MAIN EVENT featuring Ben Folds, The London Souls and The Travers Brothership

Saturday, May 6th at 6pm Red Hat Amphitheatre Tickets: $20-$150

The scene

SPORTS

LEFT: SOFTBALL REMAINS AN EVER-POPULAR CO-ED SPORTING OPTION. ABOVE: TRIANGLE RECREATION DEPARTMENTS HAVE SEEN A SPIKE IN CO-ED COMPETITION.

Co-Ed Sports Creates Social Synergy IT’S PART FUN, PART FANTASY FOR THOSE WANTING TO RELIVE THE GLORY DAYS By Dave Droschak | Photos by Alycat Photography and Keenan Hairston Media JENNIFER SIMPSON PLAYED HIGH school softball and was good enough to be recruited at the next level, but unfortunately she tore a knee ligament her senior season of prep ball. She then spent the next four years of college suffering more than physical pain – she had to cope with major withdrawal from the game she grew up loving. So it was a natural progression for Simpson to get back on the field as soon as possible, this time in the form of co-ed sports. “That competitive fire never died, I can tell you that,” said husband Jason Simpson, who is the athletic programs manager for the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department. The male Simpson played co-ed softball with his wife for about a decade, loving every minute of it, until the couple had two kids. Jennifer is now at home with the little ones, and Jason plays in a male church league. He chuckles when asked about the competitive nature of 42 | midtownmag.com

co-ed teams, which are often tagged with a “laid-back” label that at times can’t be further from the truth. “It has been my experience that the women who play in our co-ed leagues are very, very serious,” Jason said. “Often times the women are the ones carrying the team. In fact, some of the teams I’ve been on would have just mopped the floor with the men’s church team I play on now. The women take it serious, so the men have to bump their game up a little bit.” After eight years working in Morrisville, where the town didn’t have any adult softball, Simpson transitioned to Raleigh. He is in charge of 26 co-ed softball teams and 17 co-ed kickball squads, totaling more than 650 adults. Teams are made up of about 15 players, with males and females alternating in the batting order, with different sized balls used when each of the sexes settles into the batter’s box. “I would say it’s definitely popular,

and something that is not going away anytime soon,” he said. “Why? I think because it’s just different. It’s an opportunity for men and women to get out on the field at the same time and spend time together and work as a team. It is a bonding experience for a lot of folks. There is plenty of opportunity to play in a men’s open league or in a men’s church league, but co-ed is different. That’s attractive to many people.” It’s also inexpensive (a t-shirt is all that is really required), and with underhanded slow pitch it’s a game geared toward all skill levels. Add in a major social component for couples and singles looking to meet people in a relaxed setting, and it’s a hit. “What happens is a lot of times we get married couples out there, and it’s an opportunity for them to do something together,” Simpson said. “Even though it may be just an hour or an hour and a half, it is quality time together – and it is so much fun.”

beer& barrel

LEFT: BRETT EVANS, ASSISTANT MANAGER AT THE FLYING SUACER DRAUGHT EMPORIUM (FEATURED BELOW)

A Week to Celebrate Craft Beer SMALL, INDEPENDENT BREWERIES LEAD THE WAY BY JULIE JOHNSON | PHOTOS BY GINNY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

IF YOU ARE A NEWLY-LEGAL BEER drinker, you may take it for granted that your local restaurant offers dozens of beers in myriad styles, that you can pick up a New Belgium six-pack at a convenience store, or that an airport bar offers three choices of IPA. This was not always the case. Ask your once-thirsty elders. This extraordinary diversity represents the triumph of craft beer, a phenomenon of the past three decades. That success is the focus of American Craft Beer Week from May 15th to 21st. Given that US breweries have grown in number from 50 or so to over 5,000 from 1970 to today, craft beer’s place in our culture seems secure. But in fact, the double-digit annual growth 44 | midtownmag.com

of craft beer has attracted the interest of the big guys of international brewing. Having seen mainstream beer sales stagnate, they are now buying craft companies in part or in whole. These purchases include craft darlings Goose Island of Chicago and Seattle’s Elysian (two of nine now owned by Anheuser-Busch), Lagunitas (50% owned by Heineken) and Ballast Point (Constellation), among others. This has brought controversy, as both brewers and drinkers argue about what constitutes craft, and which breweries belong in the craft club. In the Triangle, Raleigh Times and The Flying Saucer will both mark American Craft Beer Week in different

ways, with a slightly different audience in mind, and with their own take on what craft beer actually means. At Raleigh Times, bar manager Bobby Covais has been collecting and aging high-octane stouts for the past year. “Especially for the beer nerds, anytime they see these huge stouts – a lot of them are quite rare – and when they have that bit of age on them, they become even more special and soughtafter,” he says. “The goal is always to bring in new people, but these styles are not really at the introductory level. A lot of people start off with the kölsches and lagers – the more see-through beers, I guess you could call them – and kind of graduate to the stouts.”

The concept of craft as small and specialized is important at Raleigh Times. “We don’t carry any of what people would consider macrobrews – no Budweiser, no Miller Lite, no Coors Light, beers like that.” But he won’t necessarily exclude craft beers from breweries now owned by the big beer companies, so long as the integrity of the beer doesn’t falter. “If that’s something that we start to see, then of course we’ll look in a different direction.” The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium in Raleigh is one of 16 in a chain founded 22 years ago. The bar was a rare source of non-mainstream beer back when critics wondered if there was room in the market for a specialty beer spot. “We like to tap a new special beer each day for American Craft Beer Week. We’ll run $3 dollar specials on really good beers,” says general manager Josh Hamilton. He discusses the beer selection for “the wall” (the tap selection behind the bar) with the chain’s beer director, but the choice is ultimately a local one. “We try to keep our eyes open for the best up-and-coming breweries, because we’ve grown with companies like them over the years,” he says. “There’s always

something new to try, and if someone is new to craft beer, their friends will lead them here.” Hamilton also doesn’t rule out carrying beer from small breweries that have been purchased by the corporate players. “True craft is definitely our highest priority and they get first dibs on my wall, but I can’t say that an AB-owned beer would never go there,” he says. Some have only become available in the Triangle thanks to the distribution muscle of Anheuser-Busch. “If one or two of those beers is carried, that’s okay. But if we’re carrying nine or 10 beers under the Anheuser-Busch blanket, that’s like having 10 beers from the same brewery at one time.” It also means ten fewer taps for small, independent companies. For a week in May, support the small independent breweries that have invigorated the beer scene. That’s how your favorite brand, whatever it is, got its start. Note: For a list of bars and breweries hosting events for American Craft Beer Week, see craftbeer.com/events.

TOP: BOBBY COVAIS, BAR MANAGER AT RALEIGH TIMES. BOTTOM: WHAT’S ON TAP AT RALEIGH TIMES. PHOTOS BY MATT WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Neighborhood Heroes SINCE 1963 THE FIREFIGHTERS OF RALEIGH’S STATION NINE HAVE SERVED AND PROTECTED THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY. BY CARLA TURCHETTI | PHOTOS BY JOE REALE

THE FIREFIGHTERS AT STATION NINE on Six Forks Road have had a front-row seat to change for more than 30 years in North Raleigh, and now Midtown. The firehouse has changed little on the outside with its familiar brick exterior and flag flying high in the sky. There have been improvements inside, as well as technology updates, and there are talks of renovations in the future. But the physical structure of Station Nine doesn’t matter so much as the heroes who reside inside have been on the job 24 hours a day as Midtown has changed and grown. The map on the wall clearly shows the primary area this fire station serves. And they know it like the backs of their hands. “We have 300 streets in our first territory,” says Lt. William Janke, who is usually behind the wheel of Engine Nine when he’s on duty. “It takes time to get 46 | midtownmag.com

familiar with all the special issues you might run into.” Their captain, Richard Siebel, says they have instant recall on street names and business locations as well as best routes and cut-throughs. But they are also likely to be called anywhere in the city when the fire department’s sophisticated responder software calculates that they can get to a scene faster than anyone else or they are needed to join in the fight against a large event like March’s big fire downtown at The Metropolitan apartment building. “We saw the sky crane fall as we were coming into town,” says Capt. Siebel. “We saw it fall and that was the last thing we were thinking of on the way in. People were yelling ‘it’s falling’, and nobody knew which way.” In that case – and always – this

group rushes toward danger, instead of away from it. “You don’t really think about it until it’s over, and then you think, wait a minute,” says firefighter Emmet Bagwell. Bagwell’s dad, Battalion Chief G. Randy Bagwell, retired from the Raleigh Fire Department in 2016. The Bagwell family tree is loaded with Raleigh firefighters, and Emmet Bagwell says joining the department was a natural move for him. “When I was born, my dad was a captain,” Bagwell says. “When I got older it was one of those things where it would have been pointless not to do it. I enjoy it and I understand it, and I’ve loved it ever since.” Capt. Siebel is part of another family line in the department. His son decided in tenth grade that he too

wanted to become a firefighter, and is currently training at the Raleigh Fire Academy. Capt. Siebel says he hopes that the active community outreach from Station Nine means that in addition to his son, others might become tomorrow’s firefighters-in-training. “When you see someone come by the firehouse with Mom and years later they are graduating from the Fire Academy – there’s nothing like it.” Each platoon works shifts that are 24 hours long, which means they arrive at work ready to take each and every call while immersed in maintenance of the station and the equipment. They shop for groceries and work together to prepare their meals – it’s not takeout here. One spring afternoon lunch included Caesar salads with chicken off the backyard grill, and the shrimp and grits prepared by firefighter Will Haliko is legendary around Station Nine. When it’s time to shut out the lights and go to sleep, the firefighters know that there is every possibility they will be awakened by an emergency. They finish the shift by dawn’s light with a morning shower once the next platoon arrives. Each day is structured in routine that is likely to be upended at any second by the next report of smoke, an accident, or a medical emergency. The renaissance of North Hills, the firehouse’s next-door neighbor, has brought in additional workers, shoppers, diners and traffic. Residents in the new construction have increased the neighborhood population and live in high-rise buildings, which has introduced some issues that Station Nine never faced in the 1960s. “The challenge is for us to constantly keep up and ride around and look at the buildings and find the little hidden alleyways, and the guys who have been here for a while know this stuff,” says Capt. Siebel. “There are big challenges as far as what you see, but also what you don’t see behind the scenes.” Which can mean even if you don’t see smoke, there might be fire. “A lot of times with those types of calls you may not see anything from outside the building, but once you get in there, there might be something going on,” says Capt. Siebel. “Sometimes it takes a little more time to figure out. It’s not like a house where you can just see smoke or fire.” There are also multiple properties in the neighborhood that provide housing for senior citizens. “With the older generation in our territory and a lot more high-rises, there are more calls for a fire alarm or someone in distress,” says firefighter Will Haliko. But each new resident seems to become an old friend. Neighbors regularly stop by to drop off homemade treats or maybe some garden-fresh produce. Some peek in the windows to see if the truck is parked in the garage so they can come on back and say ‘hey’. There are station visits, field trips, presentations, and all kinds of outreach designed to increase the knowledge base of the community and keep it ever safer. For those on the outside of the firehouse, it matters who is on the inside of the firehouse. And the feeling is mutual. “They look after us, that’s the one thing that hasn’t changed,” says Capt. Siebel. “When I worked here back in the 80s and 90s the community and the fire station were pretty well in touch. Now, it’s just as busy and just as involved. When you come here every day you know you have made a difference.” midtownmag.com | 47

financial focus

SPONSORED CONTENT

The Value of Fine Oriental Rugs BY ZAKI KHALIFA, ZAKI ORIENTAL RUGS

MANY FACTORS DETERMINE THE quality of a hand-knotted oriental rug: the number of knots per square inch, the type of knot, the quality of the dyes, the standard of craftsmanship and the fiber used. Judging each factor requires knowledge and experience. For example, the fiber of hand-knotted rugs is most commonly wool, or silk, or a combination of the two. But for the past many years, there has been substantial production using look-alike artificial fibers whose inherent value is much less. Wool and silk also vary significantly in quality. Without experience evaluating such fibers, one easily misjudges. 48 | midtownmag.com

In a similar vein, it used to be thought that the country of origin was a reliable guide to quality; but in fact, the country itself is not a major determinant. Most important is the dedication of the makers themselves, along with the strength and longevity of the local practice of rugweaving. In every rug-weaving region, if you look carefully, you can find at least some makers with strong dedication; but, with unfortunate frequency, you also find many whose standards are lamentable. In short, expertise in hand-knotted oriental rugs is hard to come by. If you are considering the purchase of a handmade rug, your important first

choice is where to look. If you lack years of experience, you are in the position of relying on the knowledge of someone else to ensure the quality of the rug you choose. Seek an oriental rug dealer with a longstanding good reputation. You might check the dealer’s standing with the local Better Business Bureau. Drop in and tell the dealer what you envision for your rug (not forgetting practical details like size!). As she or he shows you possibilities, ask, “Why would you recommend this one?”. Also ask, “If I wanted something a little better, what would you offer, and what makes it better?” or “Can you show me something less expensive, and tell me why it is less?”

If the answers are filled with superlative guarantees, with “amazing” percentage reductions and “astonishing” savings, you might take your search elsewhere. But you will find that many dealers take pride in the merch-andise they offer. They enjoy explaining the characteristics of each piece, and the trade-offs between price and quality. Such explanations can help you gain confidence that expert knowledge and experience went into the dealer’s selection of merchandise in the first place. Then you can consult your taste in the color and look of each rug without needless worry. midtownmag.com | 49

giving back

The Eyes Have It PREVENT BLINDNESS NC BY CAROL WILLS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GINNY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

ANYA HELFRICH AND WENDY AVES love their jobs – and it’s easy to see why. Helfrich is the Certification Program Director and Aves is the Certification and Community Screening Coordinator for Prevent Blindness NC (PBNC). Their work promotes the efforts of this agency to provide statewide vision screening training, direct-service screening, and follow-up services across the age spectrum in collaboration with child care centers, public schools, and other partner agencies. PBNC is an independent affiliate of a national organization, Prevent Blindness. Studies show that one in 10 preschool children and one in four school-age children have vision problems. PBNC partners with school 50 | midtownmag.com

nurses all over Wake County to train school staff and volunteer groups to conduct mass vision screenings in schools. PBNC’s preschool program visits 50 centers in Raleigh and 13 in Cary. Helfrich explains the process like this: “Normally when you think of vision screening, you think of a vision chart – which is not appropriate in some scenarios,” she says. “For young children, we use a photo-refractive vision screening technology which involves a device similar to a camera.” One four-year-old girl referred for an eye exam and fitted with glasses was described by her grateful mother as having improved behavior, attitude, and general demeanor. “If it were not for your program, I wouldn’t have known

how bad my daughter’s vision was,” her mother said. Many children with vision problems come from families who cannot afford eye exams and glasses, so PBNC matches these children with vouchers donated to the agency in-kind. And some adults face the same limitations. “There’s no point in screening someone and finding out they have a vision problem if they can’t access an eye exam for diagnosis and treatment,” Helfrich says. Aves adds, “The voucher program allows us to assist needy families promptly.” Of the 39,500 children screened in Wake County during the 2015-2016 school year, 2,900 had to be referred for an eye exam. Last year, PBNC gave 99

children’s vouchers and 37 adult vouchers in Wake County, with a total value of $16,070. There are two particularly vulnerable periods for significant vision loss or blindness – early childhood and advanced age. Just because a child or adult has normal vision one year does not mean that their vision will not change the next. PBNC screening programs are designed to detect problems as soon as they arise and before the individual is impacted by the negative consequences that untreated vision problems can cause. Helfrich can speak to the need for trained vision screeners in every school. But screening school children is only part of PBNC’s program. PBNC conducts adult screenings in community health clinics – focusing on diabetic screening, since people with untreated diabetes are 25 times more likely to lose their sight than the general population. “As many as 50 percent of people with diabetes are not getting regular eye exams,” says Aves. “We are working with low-income, high-risk populations.” Their adult vision screening program uses a special camera to view the retina, making it possible to detect such conditions as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. John Denny, MD, who serves as the Board Chairman for PBNC, points out that the adult retinal screening program provides cutting-edge telemedicine to North Carolinians who would otherwise face significant barriers to receiving eye care. “This program reaches populations where financial limitations can result in vision loss,” he says. This work calls for generous support from North Carolina citizens and the companies they work for. Additional funding comes from the state, from foundation funding, individual donations and special events. Vouchers, to the tune of $200,000, are donated from across the state. PBNC maintains a presence each year at the NC State Fair, where people can get initial screening from trained volunteers. Last year, PBNC did 1,600 adult vision screenings over the course of 11 days of the fair. They also do screenings at health clinics and senior centers for a total of eight different screening events in Wake County. This will be the 26th year for the tennis tournament which is PBNC’s big yearly fundraiser. The tournament will take place August 4th-6th and is hosted by the MacGregor Downs Country Club. Friday evening patron tickets are $40, and the mixed doubles tournament team entry costs $100 and includes an event t-shirt and breakfast and lunch on Saturday for each team member. Tournament entry and admission for two to the Patron Party is $160, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Visit www.pbnc.org for more information.

THE SPECTACULAR

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RALEIGH MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM

CHECK IT OUT! PREVENT BLINDNESS NC Volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Features board members, vision screenings, and special events.

midtownmag.com | 51

the interview

13 Questions With:

Ronny Stephens OWNER OF MIDTOWN MAGAZINE BY KURT DUSTERBERG PHOTO BY DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHY

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WHEN YOU PICK UP THIS magazine, you’re getting a little piece of Ronny Stephens. He’s never written an article, but as president/owner of Midtown Magazine and Cary Living Magazine, he has made these pages possible. Stephens moved his family to North Carolina from a small town in Florida in the late 1970s – nothing wrong with small towns, a lot of wonderful things come from them – he simply felt that greater opportunities would exist for his family in Raleigh... particularly for his children. A North Raleigh resident since 2000, Stephens is slowing down his activity in the publishing business, but has no interest in retirement. If another business opportunity or idea comes along, Stephens says he may give it a try … but he will always be grateful to the many people who have helped make the magazines successful.

Midtown Magazine: Where were you raised? Ronny Stephens: I grew up in a small two-traffic light town in north Florida, a place called Havana. I lived there through high school and when I went to college [at Florida State University], I commuted. I lived in Florida until 1978. MM: What did you study in college? RS: I had aspirations of being in advertising design, but honestly did not have the talent. A little later on I was a real estate agent – I even had my own small company. I had a few office jobs, yet I was looking for something that offered a little more opportunity and independence. MM: How did you get started in publishing? RS: When I was in real estate in Tallahassee, I became acquainted with the Tallahassee Homes & Land [magazine] representative. At that time they published 10 or 12 magazines in various cities; they later grew to a few hundred magazines, and fortunately when I came along the Raleigh area was available. In 1978, we packed up and moved to North Carolina. I knew very little about Raleigh, absolutely nothing about the printing business, and very little about the advertising business. Just based on my familiarity with Homes & Land, I thought this could be a good opportunity. So we moved up here, and it was certainly a challenge for the first year or so. Yet I stuck with it...eventually establishing many good relationships. Over time the magazine became a fairly rewarding business. MM: What other business ventures were you involved in? RS: I bought a telephone answering service, where you have the operators who answer calls for a small business. That was before the days of cell phones...I believe we were one of the first companies to introduce voicemail to the area. I did that for a few years and sold it. I have been involved with a few other publications over the years – some good and some not so good. MM: So you have a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit, is that right? RS: I always had to go out and create a job. If I’ve ever had an idea, I’ve never felt like I needed a whole lot of opinions. Most people would have told me, don’t do it. When I’ve seen a need or an opportunity, and if I could convince myself, I would have at it. Sales were one of the best opportunities for me. I’ve always had a keen interest in talking to young people who are starting their own companies. I think it’s very interesting. If you find somebody willing to do that, you’ll find somebody who has a lot of independence and more than a little bit of nerve. midtownmag.com | 53

MM: You started Cary Living in 2003 and Midtown Magazine in 2007. You published Homes & Land for 30 years. What is common to those experiences? RS: You must believe in your product. You go out there and pound the pavement, knock on doors, face a lot of rejection – then go on to the next prospect. While I did have good sales assistance, I’ve never considered myself a good salesperson. What I have considered myself good at is building relationships, convincing people that, if you give me a try, I’m going to work hard for you. I consider myself honest and ethical – certainly a hard worker. What I had to do was convince you to let me go to work for you. Overall, I suppose I/we were successful doing that. MM: What role do you want your magazines to play in your community? RS: I’ve always wanted the next magazine we publish to be better than the last one. With Midtown and Cary Living, we’re not going to get into politics or controversial subjects. If you want that, watch CNN or FOX News. I want our magazines to be of general interest, and I want it to be a feel-good magazine. We do want to produce articles that are informative and beneficial to our readers. Health articles, for example, might help someone along the way. MM: Do you get much feedback? RS: I hope I don’t sound like I’m being boastful, but everybody I talk to about our magazines says, oh, it’s one of my favorite magazines. That just elates me, because that’s what I’m trying to do. But I can’t take a lot of credit for that. I’ve always tried to surround myself with great people and great talent. The magazines aren’t published with a lot of input from what Stephens said to do. We want a lot of feedback and input from as many sources as we can get. Our staff meets with our freelance writers, who constantly supply us with story ideas, and we often receive great ideas from our readers and advertisers. When you have people telling you that you’re 54 | midtownmag.com

doing a great job, it makes everyone more enthusiastic. I am very proud of and pleased with everyone who makes Midtown Magazine and Cary Living Magazine better and better as the years go on. MM: What can you tell me about your family? RS: I have four adult children and 10 grandchildren. They live in Charlotte, Jamestown, and Raleigh. I’m very proud of every one of them. I’ve been so blessed when it comes to family. Everybody’s healthy. They’re all doing well in the professions they’ve chosen. MM: What kind of interests do you have away from work? RS: I do enjoy going out fishing from time to time with my son. I have played a little bit of golf, but not a lot lately. I still hope to get back into it. It’s a good game and I’ve always enjoyed it. [Years ago] I was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout master. I used to umpire Little League, and when we lived in Chapel Hill I even coached a few teams when my two sons were playing baseball. I wanted to be there for them. We had a lot of fun with that. MM: What is the best part of living in the Triangle? RS: It is a clean, wholesome atmosphere. Our growth is based upon top-notch industries coming to Raleigh, Cary, Wake County, and RTP. I like the education opportunities here. I think it’s incumbent upon the younger generation to go to college and become part of something the Triangle offers. You couldn’t find a better place to raise a family than here. As I mentioned earlier, when we moved to North Carolina, I knew very little about Raleigh. We were extremely fortunate and lucky to have chosen this area. MM: You mentioned you are 74 years old. You still have your hands full, don’t you? RS: I’m not tired of working, but I’ve worked very hard over the years. I’m slowing down a little bit. If I get to the office at 9:15, that’s all right with me. I go home at two or three o’clock. At my age, you just don’t have the energy that came with being younger. I really want to emphasize this: You’ve got to have some help from people – good people. Our distributors, graphic designers, sales people, and our publisher/editor. They’re the parts that make this business work. MM: Any final comments? RS: Finally, a word to our readers and advertisers: Thank you! You are the main part of our success with Midtown Magazine and Cary Living Magazine!

Have a suggestion for next issue’s The Interview? Send it to us: info@midtownmag.com. midtownmag.com | 55

raising thebar

Child Custody ANSWERS TO YOUR LEGAL QUESTIONS

What is the difference between legal and physical custody?

“Legal custody” is generally defined as decision making authority by a parent over significant issues affecting the welfare of a child, including, but not limited to, educational, medical and religious decisions. One parent may have sole legal custody, or parents may share joint legal custody. For example, a parent with sole legal custody has the legal authority to make decisions about school enrollment or medical procedures without the other parent’s input. However, when parents share joint legal custody, they must consult with each other and reach an agreement prior to making these major decisions. “Physical custody” refers to where the child resides and the right to make day-to-day decisions regarding routines and daily life. The parent with whom the child resides for a majority of the time has primary physical custody, while the other parent has secondary physical custody. If the child lives equally with both parents, the parents share joint physical custody.

What type of custodial schedule can I expect?

Have a question? Let us hear it: info@midtownmag.com

MeettheCounsel

Helen M. O’Shaughnessy

Julianne B. Rothert

Wake Family Law Group wakefamilylawgroup.com This is paid legal advertisement. The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. No attorney client relationship is created by the publication and reading of this article. All domestic matters are different and all specific questions should be directed to an attorney who can answer those questions and provide legal advice based on your unique circumstances.

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The standard used by North Carolina courts to determine legal and physical custody of a child is what custodial arrangement is in the best interest of the child. Custody cases are very fact specific. There is no presumption in North Carolina towards a particular custodial schedule or in favor of a mother versus a father. Most custody cases do not reach a point where a judge is forced to make a decision because parties often resolve the issues between themselves either through settlement negotiations or mediation. However, if a custody trial cannot be avoided, the court will consider any and all evidence that relates to the best interest of the child. Custody schedules may have a primary

custodian, with the other parent having, for example, custody every other weekend and once during the week, with shared holiday and vacation time; or a schedule may be joint physical custody with the child spending equal time with both parents. Joint (or equal) physical custody can be accomplished several different ways, with the most common arrangements being a week on/week off schedule or a 2-2-5 schedule, with one parent having every Monday and Tuesday, the other parent having every Wednesday and Thursday and the parties alternating Friday through Monday. Keep in mind that parents can agree to whatever custodial schedule they believe is best for their family outside of court.

sunday supper

Bloomsbury Bistro JOHN TOLER, CHEF/OWNER BY PAUL SAVERY PHOTOS BY DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR THE PAST 22 YEARS JOHN TOLER HAS been the owner/chef at Bloomsbury Bistro at Five Points, northwest of downtown Raleigh. An assumption that the restaurant was named after the famous literary group in London – Virginia Woolf, etc. – is quietly corrected by Toler, a history buff who clarifies that the restaurant is located on the edge of Bloomsbury Historic District. After a little research he discovered that just north of Five Points was the 100-acre Bloomsbury Amusement Park, opened in 1912 on a property that is currently the site of the Carolina Country Club. Reared in rural West Virginia as the fifth child of a coal mining family, Toler helped with the family vegetable garden which included a rhubarb patch. He hunted in the woods with his father and they always ate the game they killed, which included deer and turkey. He learned to honor and respect these animals, using the whole animal in the kitchen and leaving little waste. In the late ‘80s he received formal training at L’Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda, Maryland, and after graduation worked with some of the best chefs in America in the late eighties and early nineties, including the late French chef Jean Lois Palladin, who cooked at Watergate in Washington DC. Today Toler employs French cooking techniques in his restaurant as he explores cuisines from around the world. The depth and complexity of flavors in his dishes are derived from good, rich homemade stocks and sauces. Above all he is determined to keep his food “unfussy”. When he moved to North Carolina he quickly found a position as sous chef at the Mondo Bistro restaurant in Chapel Hill, and left in 1995 to open his own place in Raleigh. Despite the long hours and hard work, Toler appreciates the freedom he is afforded by owning his own restaurant.

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He likes “the luxury of being able to cook whatever the heck I feel like cooking every day of the week. My menus are prone to venture into lots of nooks and crannies of global flavors. But, I have never wanted to get cornered into a labeled style of cooking that I have to adhere to.” Toler, referring to his relationship with his customers, says: “I am flattered that my customers have come to trust me over the years when I stray off the beaten path now and then. They trust that I will deliver a dish to them that is approachable and understandable.” Like his mentor Jean Louis Palladin, he rejects the hidebound orthodoxies of cooking. Toler considers himself very privileged to be part of the early Triangle food scene. From his early days at the Bloomsbury Bistro he has supported the farm-to-table movement, but chooses not to list on his menu the name of every farmer, fisherman, and cattle herder who supplies him, stating: “It should be assumed that a good restaurant is striving to work with the best ingredients available at any given moment, which, inherently, is something local.” The first menus at the Bistro featured “fish caught daily by my buddy Hannon from the Outer Banks and goat cheese from the famed Celebrity Dairy.” The Bloomsbury Bistro’s menu currently offers starters like Crab Ragoon and Thai Lobster Bisque, and main dishes such as Pot au Feu and Proscuitto and Fig Stuffed Saddle of Rabbit. On the dessert menu a favored English dessert, Lemon Posset, is included alongside the likes of classic Rhubarb Crisp. Since his three children, Vaughn, Ross, and Aubrey were young, Toler has liked to cook simple meals for the family. “One-pot meals like corned beef and cabbage, cassoulet, or a really hearty soup are my go-to dishes.” As a single father, he does frequently cook for them at home. “I made the decision several years back about where I should spend the bulk of my time. I forced myself to pull away from the Bistro kitchen and stay focused on raising my children.” He adds, “An evening meal together is as important to my family as anything else I can do for them. It is extremely satisfying to cook for them; it’s what I am good at.” Rhubarb holds a special place in Toler’s heart, and he considers it “magical”. Rhubarb is technically a vegetable producing bright pink to red stalks. Rhubarb is naturally very tart, so it is routinely cooked with a lot of sugar. He adds, “My childhood sweetheart’s grandma called it ‘pie plant’.” Toler has selected his mother’s rhubarb pie for the recipe for Sunday Supper. As a child, he recalls eating it straight out of the garden with sugar dusted on it, adding that it was equally as good eaten as a savory, with just a sprinkle of salt.

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midtownmag.com | 59

CHEF’S NOTE: I prefer to use a basic Crisco pie dough recipe for this pie. It is a very simple, rustic pie, and it needs a basic crust.

ANITA’S RHUBARB PIE Bloomsbury Bistro | Chef John Toler

Filler Ingredients 4 cups 1¼ cups ¼ cup ½ tsp 2 Tbsp Double batch

chopped Rhubarb sugar kraft Minute Tapioca pudding grated orange zest unsalted butter pie dough

Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Mix fruit, sugar, and tapioca in a non-reactive bowl and stir well. Let stand for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Line a 9-inch pie pan with the bottom layer of dough. Fill with fruit mixture, and dot the top with butter. Cover with top crust, crimp the dough together and flute the edge. Cut 4 narrow slits in the crust to allow steam to escape. Bake in preheated 400° oven for 45-50 minutes. If the crust browns too quickly, cover it with foil. The pie is done when the filling starts to bubble up through the slits.

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Crust Ingredients 2 ½ cups 1 tsp 1 cup 8-10 Tbsp

This will make enough dough for both top and bottom crust layers.

all-purpose flour salt vegetable shortening (ice cold) ice cold water

Crust Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Stir together the dry ingredients. Cut the shortening into the flour with a pastry blender, or 2 forks. Work the dough together until it resembles course meal. Add about ¾ of the water and gently work the dough into a ball. Take a small ball of dough and squeeze it together. If the dough crumbles apart, gradually add a little more water. Squeeze another ball of dough together. Keep adding water, just until the dough will cling together. Divide the dough into 2 pieces.One ball should be about 60% of the dough, and the other about 40%.The larger ball will be for the bottom of the pie. Shape the dough into 6-inch disks and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

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minding yourbusiness

Harry’s Guitar Shop MORE THAN THIRTY YEARS LATER IT REMAINS THE HUB OF STRINGS AND THINGS IN RALEIGH. BY CARLA TURCHETTI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE REALE

IT WAS ACTUALLY PRETTY SIMPLE back in 1985. Harry Tueting had been playing the guitar since he was a little boy and he just couldn’t find a shop that carried the things he wanted to have as a musician. “I was playing in a little duo and we were having trouble buying things,” Teuting says. And that’s how it began – first as a shop on Johnson Street, and then 30 years more in a building on Glenwood South, and now in a spacious location off of Blue Ridge Road. “Parking downtown is a nightmare and I have a lot more space 62 | midtownmag.com

inside this building,” Teuting says. “Our teaching space has doubled in size, and we have a loading dock and a proper warehouse.” Harry’s Guitar Shop is like a candy shop for musicians. Owned and completely staffed by musicians, the walls are covered with gleaming instruments that aren’t just limited to acoustic and electric guitars. He’s got banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and more. And while it is a place that provides a home for accomplished musicians, absolute beginners are welcome to become part of the community here as well. The instruments themselves run

the gamut from entry level to extremely sophisticated. Lessons of all kinds are available, and Harry says he is frequently asked how early children can begin learning to play. “Usually about first grade,” Tueting says. “Once they have the idea that they have to have homework and do work on their own, then they can take it to heart. They move fast. They are quick. It’s always fun to see how fast they do it.” Harry began playing the guitar as a youngster and still plays every day. The shop is very focused on lessons and developing musicians.

“Look at the kinds of things that can be played on a guitar – rock and country and jazz and blues and gospel. It’s the teacher’s goal to find what in that wide range sparks the most interest in a student.” Because if the student is interested, he or she will continue to play. “Lots of people buy a first guitar, but people who learn to play through lessons might buy another guitar. So if you want to keep a customer through the years, what you want to do is have someone interested in their own music.” Technology has come a long way since Harry opened the doors in 1985. His first business partner didn’t even think the shop needed a computer. Today the entire inventory is found in his online store, and that has given him a customer base with no geographical boundaries. That’s different from the old days when a nationwide catalog generated excitement when it landed in mailboxes in this area. “When the new Musician’s Friend paper catalog hit the mail, it did two things,” Tueting says. “It attracted a lot of business. It was the biggest non-local competitor and a huge catalog, but it generated a lot of business for us, too, because of what customers wanted that they had seen in Musician’s Friend.” And the shift into a digital world has also benefitted the shop. “I think email and cellphones changed the business. People will be anywhere now and call you. It’s much more convenient for people because they can learn a lot of things without stopping in.” But in the end it is simply the music that keeps Harry, his business and his customers connected. “We know that we have something important in common with everyone who walks in the door. And we know that our mission is to help them play their music as they want to.” That means helping each person discover and develop the most authentic musician within. “While our experience of playing music in whatever way we each do guides us in helping them, we don’t try to make that be more important than what they are doing – because THAT is what’s important.”

“

Marinated octopus — more tender than you would have thought possible, tossed with diced Granny Smith apples in a vibrant sorrel dressing, and draped over a smoked marrow bone — is a must if it’s in the offing.” -greg cox

MOT TODURHAM.CO M

PA RT O F U RBA N FO O D GROUP midtownmag.com | 63

home styler

Shabby Chic, Vintage-inspired or Repurposed

Delightfully Distressed STYLED BY VALERIE TROUPE VALERIETROUPE.COM PHOTOS BY F8 PHOTO STUDIOS F8PHOTOSTUDIOS.COM

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, REPURPOSE! Repurposed items as design elements in the home are a great way to incorporate green living in our everyday lives. Save that broken china or old, dated armoire and get creative! Painting an old table a bold color and distressing the finish makes it a truly unique piece. Don’t feel like starting a project? There are plenty of distressed or repurposed items you can choose from for an accent piece or for a memorable, one-of-a-kind gift. Vintage items add some retro flair to your decor and nothing says “welcome home” like a living space filled with warm, distressed textures and comfortable, shabby chic furniture. However you style your home or garden, mix it up, have fun, and make it inviting!

(1) Sea urchin porcelain bowl and lid $47.99; Air plants, starting at $3.99; ATLANTIC GARDENING COMPANY 5217 ATLANTIC AVE; ATLANTICAVENUEGARDEN.COM (2) Oversized antique vintage bulbs $100-$105 (average life 3,000 hours); BEYOND BLUE INTERIORS NORTH HILLS, 4350 LASSITER AT NORTH HILLS AVE #102; BEYONDBLUEINTERIORS.COM

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3 4

(3) Railroad oyster shuckers $52; NOFO @THE PIG 2014 FAIRVIEW RD; NOFO.COM (4) Swarovski Crystal door hardware starting around $300; BIRD DECORATIVE HARDWARE & BATH 1505 CAPITAL BLVD; BIRDDECORATIVEHARDWARE.COM (5) Mahogany hand painted, distressed red hutch $950; LLOYD & LADY BOUTIQUES 8847 SIX FORKS RD; LLOYDANDLADYNC.COM midtownmag.com | 65

8 (6) Hand-crafted metal sculpture from the C. Jere Collection by Artisan House $759; AMBIENTE MODERN FURNITURE 3915 BERYL RD; Terrarium with succulents $30; Bright coral indoor/outdoor pillow 20” x 20” $20; AFFORDABLE CHIC 2315 LYNN RD #106; MYRALEIGHBOUTIQUE.COM (8) Distressed wood hurricane lantern $54.99; HOMEWOOD NURSERY & GARDEN CENTER 10809 HONEYCUTT RD; AMBIENTEFURNITURE.COM (7) HOMEWOODNURSERY.COM

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(9) Original Van Collier piece “Lucien” chair $1,100, available in custom finishes and textiles; “Bruno” drinks table $399; EATMAN’S CARPETS & INTERIORS 2641-104 NOBLIN RD; EATMANSINC.COM (10) Faux pearl ladies desk clock from mid-19th century $60; HUNT AND GATHER SEABOARD STATION, 10 W. FRANKLIN ST, SUITE 100; HUNTANDGATHERRALEIGH.COM (11) 1920s era chinoiserie radio/bar cabinet from an important Chicago estate $1,400; DT & CO; 715 W. MORGAN ST; DTANDCOMPANY.COM

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style line

A STORY. THE HISTORY. PURCHASING, OWNING AND WEARING A ONE-OF-A-KIND DESIGN THAT “SPEAKS” TO YOU. THE THRILL OF THE HUNT. THIS IS THE MAGIC OF VINTAGE.

FASHION FIND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE REALE BY HELEN BANZET WALLACE SANCTION OF STYLE WWW.SANCTIONOFSTYLE.COM (PROFILE PHOTO BY PETITE SIMON PHOTOGRAPHY)

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I HAVE LONG APPRECIATED AND LOVED clothing from past eras. The exquisite designs, fantastic prints, beautiful fabrics, and painstaking attention to every last detail can be mind boggling. This kind of craftsmanship isn’t always easy to find in our day and age of mass production. New to the vintage fashion scene? Maybe you have a misinformed or preconceived idea about vintage fashion? Or maybe, you’re simply curious and want to learn more about how to buy and wear it? Regardless, here are a few things to know. Vintage is not the same as thrift. Quality, well-curated vintage has been hunted, sourced, cleaned, and repaired before items hit the rack. Unless personal alterations are required, it’s ready to wear. Most vintage buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts considered vintage to be a piece that is twenty years or older. Prices

TOP: 1970S MEDIEVAL-THEME PRINTED BLOUSE, $48. JEANS: 1970S SNAP-FRONT JEANS, $130. SHOES: VINTAGE BURGUNDY LEATHER CLOGS, STYLISTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OWN. DRESS: 1970S RED CHIFFON DRESS, $128. RALEIGH VINTAGE 18 GLENWOOD AVENUE; RALEIGHVINTAGE.COM

can vary and are typically determined by rarity of the piece, age, condition, desirability and of course, labels. High profile designer labels can fetch big dollars. I was delighted that many of my favorites were affordable. A stroll through Raleigh Vintage will cheerfully ease newcomers or any secondguessing skeptic. Andi Shelton and Isaac Panzarella have transformed a former illegal nightclub (back in the day) into a beautiful, ethereal space with the most amazingly curated selection of vintage clothing, some pieces dating as early as the 1910s. My favorite decades? midtownmag.com | 69

DRESS: VINTAGE 1920S BLACK EMBROIDERED DRESS, $198. NECKLACES: GOOD GIRL STUDIO “STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES” NECKLACE, $238. STERLING SILVER MOTHER-OF-PEARL, ABALONE, AND ONYX FLORAL INLAY NECKLACE, $88. RINGS: RIGHT HAND, VINTAGE GREEN CHRYSOPRASE AND MARCASITE RING, $48. LEFT HAND, VINTAGE STERLING SILVER RING WITH ABALONE CACTUS INLAY, $28. REVOLVER CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE 122 GLENWOOD AVENUE; REVOLVERBOUTIQUE.COM

DRESS: 1970S ESTEVEZ PEACH CHIFFON DISCO DRESS WITH CHIFFON AND RHINESTONE BELT, $180. EARRINGS: MIGNONNE GAVIGAN “GENEVIEVE” EARRINGS, STYLIST’S OWN. HOUSE OF LANDOR 520 N WEST STREET

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The sixties and seventies of course. What you’ll find: denim, t-shirts, jeans, embroidered tops, tunics, jackets, amazing sweaters, knits, day dresses, dresses for evening, jumpsuits, jewelry, accessories, and lots more. Raleigh Vintage has the goods one would expect to find in larger, fashion-forward cities like New York and Los Angeles. But it’s all right here in our city. Behind an unassuming white door marked by the number 18. The best way to wear vintage? Mix it up. Start by incorporating a single vintage piece. This pair of high-waisted 1970s snap-front jeans (pictured) would be a great place to start. Wear them with a well-loved concert tee or tuck in a pretty blouse that’s already hanging in your closet. Want the look that’s pictured? Snag this 1970s medieval-theme printed blouse, too. Incorporating vintage into your wardrobe and wearing it isn’t new. Swing the pendulum from casual to dressy with this 1970s red floral chiffon maxi dress (pictured) Pull it all together with a pair of edgy pumps and an upper arm cuff, if you dare. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for fantastic vintage accessories including necklaces, rings, bracelets, and belts. You will never go wrong keeping it minimalistic and simple by styling a classic white t-shirt, jeans, and your best leather sandals with a great vintage leather bag. House Of Landor’s Mary Beth Paulson stocks the loveliest selection of vintage dresses and coats from labels including Donald Brooks, Halston, Jacqueline de Ribes, Malcolm Starr, and Mollie Parnis to name a few. And Revolver’s Liz Johnson Flaherty has been selling consignment and vintage to local customers for over ten years. Doesn’t it feel great to wear something totally unique and one-of-a-kind? Give new life to a vintage piece today and add a new chapter to the story...

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2017

FACES OF

RALEIGH Year-round, Midtown Magazine writes about notable individuals and groups in business, education, medical, and nonprofit areas of expertise. Just once a year – in our May/June issue – we produce one spectacular publication introducing you to dozens of folks who are behind the scenes making Raleigh such a vibrant, creative, diverse, and compelling city to live, eat and drink, work and play in. Introducing our second annual Faces and Places of Raleigh. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID DAVIES

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2017

FACES OF

RALEIGH THE FACE OF

BEST DENTAL EXPERIENCE RENAISSANCE DENTAL >>> Dr. Jill Sonner, Dr. Anita Wells, Dr. Anna Abernethy Doctors Abernethy, Sonner, and Wells pride themselves on delivering comfortable, personalized care. Some might say they provide “the royal treatment” to every client, and their mission is to always provide the best experience dentistry has to offer. The doctors’ dedication to continued education & advancement of skill allow them to offer a variety of restorative and cosmetic treatment options unique to each patient. Whether you’re seeking general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry or restorative dental care, they will work to define a treatment plan perfect for your unique needs. Fostering long-term patient relationships based on mutual trust, excellent customer service, and the best clinical care available, the team maintains deep personal respect for each patient’s needs and values their time. Renaissance Dental’s customized approach to dental care ensures a comfortable – even luxurious – experience. From televisions and warm neck pillows to massage chairs and a relaxing paraffin hand therapy…they put the “treat” in treatment. 3803 COMPUTER DRIVE, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.786.6766 | RENAISSANCEDENTALCENTER.COM 72 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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2017

FACES OF

RALEIGH

THE FACE OF

BODY CONTOURING RALEIGH PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER >>> Glenn Lyle, MD, Rhett High, MD, Adam Purzycki, MD At Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center, Doctors Rhett High, Glenn Lyle and Adam Purzycki have over 40 years of combined experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Their forte is body contouring – tummy tucks, liposuction, mommy makeovers, buttock augmentation via fat grafting, thigh lifts, and arm lifts. Body contouring also includes breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction as well as post-mastectomy reconstruction. They also help patients improve their appearance after massive weight loss – whether it is after weight loss surgery or achieved with diet alone. Their surgery center is fully accredited and licensed with the State of North Carolina. At RPSC, all doctors utilize a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. Surgery is performed in a safe, private and comfortable environment. They are committed to educating their patients and helping them feel confident about their decisions. Dr. Lyle, Dr. Purzycki and Dr. High are focused on providing beautiful, natural results while providing excellent care for their patients. 1112 DRESSER COURT, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.872.2616 | RALEIGHPLASTICSURGERY.COM 74 | midtownmag.com

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2017

FACES OF

RALEIGH

THE FACE OF

BRAND LOCAL, PRINT LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL BAY SIX >>> Katherine Dickinson-Hite, owner Katherine Dickinson-Hite is owner/President and head of Business Development for BaySix, a locally owned, innovative branding and imprint company. BaySix has successfully been elevating brand messaging for corporations, businesses, sporting organizations, events, schools, and nonprofits for more than 20 years. With screen printing and embroidery, pad printing, and sublimation equipment in house, BaySix has numerous production capabilities to create products that show off your brand. Centrally located in Raleighâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boylan Heights neighborhood, BaySix is accessible, so no need to go out of the Triangle, the state or the country. Katherine may be the face but her dedicated and creative staff makes it happen. They are committed to excellent customer service and development of your brand message and design that cultivates local business with national and international reach. We are in Raleigh. We are BaySix! 414 DUPONT CIRCLE, RALEIGH, NC 27603 | 919.833.3851 | WEAREBAYSIX.COM 76 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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2017

FACES OF

RALEIGH

THE FACE OF

CUSTOM DESIGN MEETS LEGENDERY SERVICE BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY >>> Clyde Bailey

Since 1948, service has been the foundation of the Bailey’s family business. At the heart of it all is Bailey’s unparalleled standard of excellence. Clyde says, “ There is no limit to what we will do to make your Bailey’s experience world class from start to finish.”

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Service has always been Clyde’s passion. Over the years he has built an exceptional team of highly skilled craftsmen including 12 master jewelry designers, two certified watchmakers and eight gemologists. Bailey’s award-winning designers are the geniuses behind countless one-of-a-kind masterpieces. The crown jewel of Bailey’s service is their state-of-the-art design studio in their Cameron Village store. Whether you’re designing your dream ring or needing repairs or appraisals, Bailey’s is the name you can trust. Voted Best Place for Designer Jewelry, Wedding Rings, and Custom Jewelry, Bailey’s is honored to serve you in all of life’s “Bailey Box Moments”. RALEIGH’S CAMERON VILLAGE & CRABTREE VALLEY MALL | 919-829-7337 | BAILEYBOX.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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2017

FACES OF

RALEIGH

THE FACE OF

DIAMOND JEWELRY

RALEIGH DIAMOND >>> Raleigh Diamond is a locally owned jewelry store started by the Vincent family in 2008. We specialize in diamonds, custom engagement rings, bridal sets and jewelry design. Our Glenwood Avenue location is Raleigh’s largest fine jewelry store and features an amazing 10,000 square foot showroom. At Raleigh Diamond, we do business the right way, with old-fashioned ethics and modern methods. We focus on the relationship, not the sale. We don’t have canned sales presentations, or deal closing routines like the corporate chains or mall stores. We will not be undersold by our competitors. Give us a chance to earn your business. We want to be your family’s jeweler.

5925 GLENWOOD AVENUE #100, RALEIGH, NC 27612 | 919.725.3444 | RALEIGHDIAMOND.COM 80 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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2017

FACES OF

RALEIGH

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THE FACE OF

LUXURY HOMES ARTHUR RUTENBERG HOMES >>> Every Arthur Rutenberg Home is a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream home, a home meticulously tailored to match your lifestyle, meeting the needs of your family. From the earliest design meeting through budgeting, selections, construction, and ultimately your move-in, our focus is on capturing your dreams in your new luxury home. We offer over a century of luxury homebuilding experience blended together with a wide range of customizable floor plans, interior design services, and incorporating spectacular outdoor living designs.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

We design and build in many communities throughout the Greater Raleigh area. We own premium lots in multiple communities such as Wakefield Estates, Avalaire, Waterstone, Falls Reserve and Camberly. Of course, we can build ‘on your lot’ or help you find a great property match, including teardowns in Northridge, North Hills or Inside the Beltline. Please visit us to experience a better way to design and build your dream home. You Dream. We Build. ARTHUR RUTENBERG HOMES – MONTEREY BAY RALEIGH | 2101 BLUE HAVEN COURT – WAKE FOREST, NC 27587 ARTHURRUTENBERGHOMES.COM/BUILDERS/MONTEREYBAYRALEIGH CALL 919.570.5557 OR COME AND VISIT US AT THE BALLANTYNE MODEL – AND SHARE YOUR DREAMS. OUR MODEL HOME IS OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 9AM TO 6PM AND SUNDAY 10AM TO 6PM.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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2017

FACES OF

RALEIGH

THE FACE OF

REAL-LIFE LEARNING THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF RALEIGH >>> Your child was born ready – to contribute, to experience, to explore, to learn, to know, and to understand the world and how it works. School, as most of us think of it, is meant to help students get ready, to prepare them in many different ways for each advancing step toward success in college and, ultimately, life. For students, school years are much more than just preparation for “real life”; they are real life. The ways in which our students learn and live today shape the people they will become tomorrow. Each level of our curriculum has been specifically designed to provide the optimal learning environment. And our vigorous and encompassing toddler-through-grade 12 program ensures that our students are ever more ready to live their lives to the fullest – intellectually, interpersonally, and with independence – not only in the future, but now and at every age and stage of their development. NORTH RALEIGH AND BRIER CREEK CAMPUSES | 919.848.1545 | MSR.ORG 84 | midtownmag.com

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2017

FACES OF

RALEIGH

THE FACE OF

RESIDENTIAL LEASING AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT BLOCK & ASSOCIATES REALTY >>> Joshua Furr, Sharon Schovain

Sharon Schovain & Joshua Furr, with a combined half-century of proven results, are HUNTING FOR NEW BUSINESS! Sharon created the concept for corporate rentals and developed Block’s leasing side of the business. She watched it grow as property owners, investors, area builders, realtors and corporations have taken advantage of her experience and integrity. She considers each client a privilege to do business with. Residential Rental Specialist Joshua Furr has clinched the title once again as being the #1 independent leasing broker in Wake County for the sixth consecutive year. Each year, thousands of property owners lease their homes and depend on Joshua and Block to help them place high-caliber tenants who will treat their homes with great respect! Sharon and Joshua can “Bearly” wait to guide you through the leasing forest! JOSHUA FURR | #1 LEASING AGENT IN WAKE COUNTY | 919.606.3461 | JFURR@BLOCKREALTY.COM | JOSHUAFURR.COM 107 EDINBURGH SOUTH DRIVE, SUITE 100 | CARY, NC 27511 86 | midtownmag.com

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SHARON SCHOVAIN | BROKER-IN-CHARGE, OWNER | 919.459.6319 | SSCHOVAIN@BLOCKREALTY.COM WE SUCCESSFULLY ASSIST 2,400 LANDLORDS, INVESTORS AND BUILDERS EACH YEAR. SPECIAL PROMOTION

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TEN YEARS OF C

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F CHANGE Ten years ago. Fayetteville Street had just reopened to traffic. The Raleigh Convention Center wasn’t complete. And patients were still being treated at Dorothea Dix Hospital. It’s been a decade of change in the capital city, and much of it has taken place with bricks and mortar.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTH HILLS

CARLA TURCHETTI AND CORBIE HILL

“The extensive amount of development in Downtown and Midtown has been unprecedented for Raleigh in the last 10 years,” says Charles Meeker, former Mayor of Raleigh from 2001 to 2011, and a member of Raleigh City Council for eight years prior to that. David Diaz served as president and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, a nonprofit advocacy group, for the last decade. He says he can pinpoint the flash point of the change downtown. “Early on, the transformation of Fayetteville Street into a multi-modal main street combined with the construction of the Raleigh Convention Center were the two most impactful projects,” Diaz says. “They ushered in the revitalization of downtown.” Diaz, who recently left the Downtown Raleigh Alliance for a job in Virginia, says another key factor in revitalization was the commitment businesses made to downtown. “The relocation of Red Hat’s goal headquarters, the regional headquarters at Citrix and the growth of HQ Raleigh in downtown Raleigh, transformed it from a government center into a dynamic center of technology, innovation and startups.”

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SKY HIGH To see some of the dramatic changes in Raleigh, just look up. The tallest building downtown is PNC Plaza, which opened in 2008. The tallest residential building is Skyhouse Apartments, which opened in 2014. The tallest building in Midtown is the 17-story Captrust Tower that was completed in 2009. The advent of these taller buildings has changed the look of the city’s skylines. And new, mixed-use high-rises combine retail space, office space, and residential space. “Midtown has really risen to become part of our skyline to be both home for people as well a place for shopping and dining,” says Meeker. Some of the people who live near all the North Hills development have had a front-row seat to all of the change. The neighborhood of Lakemont was formed during the 1950s, at about the time the shopping area that would later become the two-story North Hills Mall was being built. Kevin LeCount, who has been a Lakemont resident since 2001 and is active in the community as president of the board of directors at Lakemont Swim and Tennis Club, has watched the development unfold. “The massive changes to the neighborhood have not changed the character of Lakemont,” LeCount says. Yes, some homes now have skyscrapers in their sight path, but it is an exciting development. It doesn’t change the way you live and interact with your neighbor in Lakemont. The feel of the Lakemont neighborhood has only improved since the development has sprung up around us. We still love our neighbors and our neighborhood, and we still have an awardwinning, outstanding magnet elementary school as well as a magnet middle school here in Lakemont. LeCount says his neighborhood is not a suburb of all the activity of North Hills; he believes it stands on its own. And the neighborhood swim club is more successful than ever because, in addition to major renovations that were completed two years ago, the growth of North Hills is a positive. “There is a turnover to a younger, more family-oriented demographic in the Lakemont neighborhood, replacing older homeowners who had empty nests. The success of the North Hills developments in general is making homes in Lakemont more desirable,” LeCount says. And with every new building and older home renovation, there are more options that make downtown Raleigh a very livable place. “There are a lot more condominiums and apartments than there were 10 years ago, as well as many more restaurants and nightspots,” Meeker says. PHOTO BY FLYBOY PHOTO & MEDIA

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PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO North Hills offers options for shopping, working, exercising, living, and dining out. And Diaz says eating out is one of the key reasons why downtown has grown as a destination. “The proliferation of dining – in one year alone 50 restaurants opened – coupled with the emergence of local, talented chefs such as Ashley Christensen and Cheetie Kumar, elevated downtown into a desirable location for people of all ages and tastes.” On the online review site TripAdvisor, diners have left their comments about more than 1,440 restaurants in Raleigh.

2017

THE NEXT TEN YEARS

DIAMOND

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So what is ahead for Raleigh in the next ten years? Former mayor Meeker says the new building will continue. “The trend toward more urban development is likely to be more pronounced during the next ten years, so we’ll see even more tall buildings and apartments and condominiums near the focal areas,” Meeker says. Diaz agrees that more and more people will make their homes in downtown in the upcoming decade.

CRAFT YOUR OWN PIZZA AT PIEOLOGY; SUNDAY FUNDAY; LOCAL CRAFT BEER

“A critical mass of downtown dwellers, some 10,000, will make downtown a bona fide neighborhood,” Diaz says. “The surge in hotel development will elevate downtown’s role as a tourist center. And the completion of the transit station, bike share stations and related transportation projects will link downtown to the rest of the Triangle like never before,” Diaz says. And Diaz says watch out for the planned aerial tram connecting the Red Hat Amphitheater, which opened up in 2010 downtown, to the new Dix Park. “It will create that distinctive amenity we lack now,” Diaz says. “That will provide the signature photo for Raleigh’s skyline to be recognized on the national scene.” Dix Park is the 300-plus acres that once housed the Dorothea Dix Hospital.

The city bought it from the state for $52 million and the same company that designed Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York has been charged with bringing Raleigh’s vision of a central park into reality. “We have recently selected our park consultant and are beginning the planning phase for Dix Park,” Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane says. “While it is too early to say what the park will look like in 10 years, we do know we are creating one of the great civic spaces that will help define Raleigh. Like much of the city that will both benefit and struggle with growth in the coming decade, we will look to balance the development of the park to meet the needs of the growing population while also preserving the character and history that makes the park unique to Raleigh.”

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BY THE NUMBERS

RALEIGH Founded in 1792 (225 years ago) MAYOR: Nancy McFarlane NICKNAME: City of Oaks AVERAGE RAINFALL 46.58 inches AVERAGE TEMPERATURE 60.8°F POPULATION in 2007: 378,891; in 2015: 451,066 MEDIAN AGE in 2007: 32.3; in 2015: 32.8 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME in 2007: $51,071; in 2015: $56,910 CITY SQUARE MILES 2007: 139.92; in 2017: 146.52; in 2020 (projected): 211 NCSU ENROLLMENT 2007: 31,802; in 2016: 33,755

WAKE TECH ENROLLMENT in 2007-2008: 62,165; in 2015-2016: 70,480 HOUSING UNITS in 2007: 158,227; 2015: 195,293 RALEIGH BREWERIES in 2007: 1; in 2017: 17 MILES OF GREENWAY TRAIL in 2007: 57.06; in 2017: 117 NUMBER OF PARKS in 2007: 194; in 2017: 220 Thanks to John Boyette, Kyle Little, Kellee Beach, and George Nance with the City of Raleigh for their help in gathering city data; to Lisa Parker with NC Craft Brewers Guild and Erik Lars Myers with Mystery Brewing for brewery numbers.

THEN & NOW HILLSBOROUGH STREET Legendary bar and sandwich joint Sadlack’s Heroes stood across from the NC State Bell Tower for four decades, drawing faithful lunch regulars and featuring prominently in the early years of musicians like Ryan Adams and Whiskeytown. Comedian Zach Galifianakis, who attended NC State (without graduating, though) used to swing by just for the memories. At the end of 2013, Sadlack’s closed; today, an Aloft Hotel stands in its place. RED HAT AMPHITHEATRE Back in 2007, Walnut Creek Amphitheatre was the only Raleigh amphitheatre. Many North Carolinians owe their cherished first concert memories to Walnut Creek (for the author of this piece it was Pearl Jam, in August 1998), yet there was room, too, for a stage of comparable size downtown. In summer 2010, the Raleigh Amphitheater opened; by 2012, Red Hat had scored the naming rights. In its seven years, it’s been responsible for even more cherished concert memories (for the author of this piece, the September 2013 Sigur Rós show stands out).

PHOTO COURTESY OF RED HAT AMPHITHEATER / RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER BY JASON MOORE PHOTO

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ANNIVERSARY SHOUT-OUTS “Huge congratulations on the 10-year anniversary of Midtown Magazine!! That is an incredible milestone – an estimated 96 percent of businesses fail within 10 years, so to be among the four percent that are still running is true testament to the quality of the magazine and the loyal following you’ve built here in Raleigh!” – Bolt PR 2017 marks anniversaries for these Raleigh businesses: Barry’s Café - 25 years Bra Patch - 10 years Bolt Public Relations - 10 years Cameron Clothing - 25 years Catering Works - 28 years Davis & Pyle Plastic Surgery - 15 years DT&CO - 4 years Elizabeth Marion Clinical Skincare - 8 years First Benefits Insurance Mutual, Inc. - 25 years First Tennessee Bank - 153 years Innovative Design - 40 years Jill’s Beach - 15 years North Carolina Retail Merchants Association - 115 Years The Pit Authentic Barbeque (Empire Eats) - 10 Years Pulse Pilates - 5 years Renaissance Dental - 8 years Shop Local Raleigh - 8 years Saint Mary’s School - 175 years Urban Ministries of Wake County - 36 years Vast Marketing Solutions - 3 years Vinnie’s Steak House & Tavern - 30 years Wake County SmartStart - 20 years

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NORTH HILLS ITB and OTB – two abbreviations that mean a world of difference within Raleigh (and may just turn to gibberish once you’re outside of Wake County). Over the past decade, North Hills has grown substantially, becoming a gateway of sorts between the two sides of the Beltline.

WAKE TECH NORTHERN WAKE CAMPUS Wake Tech’s Northern Wake Campus opened 10 years ago, rendering classes at the community college much more accessible to students in North Raleigh. Not only are all buildings on this campus LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), but it was the first college or university in the US to have such a distinction.

RALEIGH BY THE YEAR 2007: 2008: 2009: 2010: 2011: 2012: 2013: 2014: 2015: 2016: 2017:

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Wake Tech’s Northern Wake Campus opens; Big Boss Brewing opens; First issue of Midtown prints in May. Raleigh Convention Center opens. U2 plays Carter-Finley Stadium as part of the band’s high-tech, high-concept 360° Tour. Inaugural Hopscotch Music Festival; Red Hat Amphitheater opens (as Raleigh Amphitheater). Modern art museum CAM Raleigh opens downtown; Raleigh is struck by a damaging, deadly tornado. The Nature Research Center wing of the Museum of Natural Science, featuring the multi-story Daily Planet globe that immediately became a Jones Street landmark, opens in April. James B. Hunt Jr. Library opens at NC State University’s Centennial Campus; IBMA moves its Wide Open Bluegrass street festival to Raleigh. The infamous Raleigh “snowpocalypse” photo, featuring a car on fire on snowy, shut-down Glenwood Avenue, goes viral. NC Museum of Art begins yearlong expansion of NCMA Park, including a new elliptical lawn, promenade, and contemporary gardens; the Rolling Stones play Carter-Finley Stadium. NC State University’s retro-futuristic, endearing, and quirky (or infamous and hideous, depending on who you ask) Harrelson Hall is demolished. Raleigh turns 225.

PHOTO BY DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHY

HOPSCOTCH MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS SEPTEMBER 7TH-10TH.

RALEIGH LIVE MUSIC When Mark Connor moved to Raleigh in the start of 2008, Raleigh wasn’t the live music mecca it is today. True, he could catch a show many nights a week at Slim’s, The Pour House, Lincoln Theatre, or Humble Pie, which had occasional shows; yet the programming just didn’t have the consistency it does today. Kings, the prior downtown music hub, had been demolished to make way for the Convention Center, and its second iteration wouldn’t open until 2010. As a result, Raleigh music-lovers would drive to Chapel Hill to see shows at a higher frequency than today. Yet some things, such as Thursday nights’ Local Band Local Beer at the original Tir na nOg, were early steps toward Raleigh becoming a music destination in and of itself. “The scene was interesting and obviously ready to grow, though,” Connor says. “You could see [bands] at Tir na nOg on Thursdays. It seemed like our whole scene started their Thursday nights there.” A lot of times, Connor would be there the whole time: those were good bills, he recalls. By 2009, he was booking at Slim’s (today he manages the bar and venue and also owns The Cave in Chapel Hill), giving him front-row seats to the moment everything crystallized. “I really think that Hopscotch was what changed

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everything,” he says. “I think it changed Raleigh in a much broader sense than just our music scene represents, but that’s a study for another day.” Without the organizers of that first festival – Greg Lowenhagen, Grayson Currin, and Paul Siler – he doesn’t believe the Raleigh music scene would have exploded as it has. The three-day music fest, the first year of which was headlined by rap legend Public Enemy, put Raleigh on the map for touring musicians, he says, and encouraged a more diverse audience as well. Jump forward to 2017, and he feels like Raleigh is in good hands with Catie Yerkes at Slim’s, Frank Meadows at Kings, Adam Lindstaedt at The Pour House, Chris Malarkey at Lincoln Theatre, and Daniel Tomas at the new Ruby Deluxe. Today, too, Local Band Local Beer survives at The Pour House. “Raleigh was cool when I moved here in 2008, but it’s a way cooler place for music now,” says Connor. “I hope we can look back in another 10 years and say the same thing.” Since 2007, we’ve lost The Brewery, Southland Ballroom, Berkeley Cafe (as a music venue), Tir na nOg (first location), Kings (first location), DIVEbar, Volume 11, Marsh Woodwinds, and Sadlack’s Heroes. On the bright side, we’ve gained Red Hat Amphitheatre, Kings Barcade, Neptunes Parlour, The Maywood, Ruby Deluxe, Deep South the Bar.

New festivals include Hopscotch Music Festival and IBMA’s Wide Open Bluegrass. The following survivors were around in 2007 and are still going strong, if not growing: The North Carolina Symphony, SPARKcon (which has a dedicated music portion), Slim’s Downtown Distillery, Lincoln Theatre, and The Pour House.

RALEIGH BEER If 2007 saw the start of Midtown, it saw the start of Raleigh beer, at least as we know it today. That’s the year Big Boss Brewing Company opened, and brewer John Pyburn started with them that same year. “There wasn’t an option 10 years ago in Raleigh to professionally brew, as there weren’t any other breweries around,” he recalls. “I dabbled in home brewing with college buddies, but nothing serious.” In Raleigh itself, Lonerider Brewing Company opened in 2008, notes Erik Lars Myers, founder, CEO and head brewer at Mystery Brewing Company and co-author of two editions of North Carolina Craft Beer and Breweries; everyone else opened after 2010, mirroring a statewide craft beer explosion. In the first edition of Myers’ book, there were 45 North Carolina breweries. By 2016, when the second edition was published, the number had grown to 140 (and growing), with the

greater Triangle boasting a total of 48 breweries by 2017, according to Lisa Parker of the NC Craft Brewers Guild. In Raleigh, newcomers include downtown cycling-oriented hotspot (and social hub) Crank Arm Brewing, northeast Raleigh’s Compass Rose Brewery, the cleverly named Clouds Brewing, and Trophy Brewing Co. on Maywood.

RALEIGH FOOD TRUCKS A gradual easing of food truck regulations over the past decade has resulted in more of these mobile restaurants around Raleigh – and higher visibility. One Raleigh food truck, Pho Nomenal Dumpling, even won season six of Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race reality show in 2015.

DIAMOND

AWARD

BEST PLACE FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER

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RALEIGH OF THE FUTURE

DIAMOND

AWARD

BEST PLACE TO IMPRESS A DATE

“The future success of cities in the 21st century will most likely be judged by their ability to adapt and meet the challenges presented by global climate change and the need to become more sustainable in their form and function,” reads The 2030 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Raleigh. Under the name “Greenprint Raleigh,” conservation, energy efficiency, and sustainable development are one of the 474page report’s six themes. The 2030 plan also suggests creating formally designated arts districts, some of which, such as the area around Moore Square, already fill that de facto role. Dorothea Dix Park, though, will come sooner than 2030. Its 308 acres, which the City of Raleigh acquired in 2015, are slated to become a destination park. The shape of this eventual park is still in flux, as the planning process only really began in earnest this year. Yet it’s in accomplished hands: landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh was tapped earlier in 2017 to create Dix Park’s master plan. His impressive CV includes Brooklyn Bridge Park, Chicago’s Maggie Daley Park, and the presidential centers of both Barack Obama and George W. Bush.

2017

DIAMOND

AWARD BEST SALON FOR COLOR

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FACES OF

RALEIGH

THE FACE OF

THE #1 SALES TEAM IN NORTH AMERICA THE JIM ALLEN GROUP – COLDWELL BANKER HPW >>> Jim Allen

The Jim Allen Group – Coldwell Banker HPW is committed to creating exceptional real estate experiences for our customers and communities. We specialize in new construction, resale homes and relocation clients. The Jim Allen Group is the #1 Team in North America in both total units and GCI (Gross Commissionable Income), and has been the #1 team in the Triangle since 1996. The Jim Allen Group, comprised of 46 real estate professionals who are each hand-picked and personally trained by Jim Allen, have over 500 years of combined experience to help you buy, sell or build your dream home. Let’s get started. 5000 FALLS OF NEUSE ROAD, SUITE 235, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.845.9909 | WWW.JIMALLEN.COM 102 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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AESTHETIC DENTISTRY RUSSO DDS >>> Justin M. Russo, DDS Dr. Justin Russo, a highly trained cosmetic and general dentist, offers patients a progressive approach and cutting-edge dental techniques to achieve the smile they deserve. His passion for aesthetic dentistry stems from using his artistic abilities to analyze facial features and enhance the natural smile to make patients look and feel better, as well as improving their overall health. Dr. Russo can perform quick smile enhancements as well as customized smile makeovers with porcelain veneers. Providing a comfortable in-office experience with the latest dental equipment, Dr. Russo has quickly become the Triangleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go-to dentist for aesthetic, high-quality dental care. LEESVILLE TOWNE CENTRE | 13220 STRICKLAND ROAD #166, RALEIGH, NC 27613 | 919.890.5147 | RUSSODDSRALEIGH.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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AESTHETICS SYNERGY AND COLLINS PLASTIC SURGERY >>> Anna Churchill, R. Stewart Collins, MD Synergy and Collins Plastic Surgery are the Triangleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only full-service beauty destination. We offer our clients a state-of-the-art Plastic Surgery Center with a private operating room, as well as award-winning spas featuring Advanced Clinical Skin Care. When visiting Synergy and Collins Plastic Surgery you will be supported by an expert team of over 75 talented medical and spa professionals, all of whom are dedicated to bringing you the latest advances in plastic surgery, medical aesthetics, laser treatments, skin care, nail care and body therapy. INSIDE THE BELTLINE: 2603 GLENWOOD AVENUE, RALEIGH, NC 27608 NORTH RALEIGH: 8300 HEALTH PARK, RALEIGH, NC 27615 919.510.5130 | FEELSYNERGY.COM 104 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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FACES OF

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THE FACE OF

ALLURE HOMES, A REFINED BUILD ALLURE HOMES >>> Paul Baggett

Paul Baggett grew up on a Sampson County tobacco farm, where his penchant for taking apart and rebuilding lawn mowers, tractors and cars alongside his father made for memorable family stories. Paul spent many after-school hours in his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mechanic shop, where he learned how to manage a successful business and earn the trust of loyal, lifelong customers. After graduating with a business degree and working in sales, Paul decided in 2005 to rekindle his childhood interest in building. He founded Allure Homes and has been building and remodeling beautiful custom homes in Raleigh for over a decade. 312 W. MILLBROOK ROAD, SUITE 241, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.696.8500 | ALLUREHOMESNC.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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ANTI-AGING MEDICINE FAMILY WELLNESS & REGENESIS MD >>> Dr. Bhavna Vaidya-Tank Dr. Vaidya-Tank is a Board-Certified member of the Association for Anti-Aging Medicine and a wellrespected Integrative Physician in the Raleigh area. She founded her Family Wellness Clinic in Clayton 14 years ago, and just celebrated the one-year anniversary of Raleigh’s Family Wellness and Regenesis MD. Dr. Vaidya-Tank’s unique fusion of Medical Aesthetics and Overall Wellness in one single location is her answer to her patients’ varying needs. The practice specializes in top-of-the-line advanced aesthetics, hormonal treatments, cutting-edge technology, weight loss, and sexual health. Family Wellness and Regenesis MD is dedicated to treating each patient from the inside out. 8020 CREEDMOOR RD, RALEIGH, NC 27613 | 919.322.2844 | REGENESISMD.COM 106 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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ANXIETY-FREE DENTISTRY SEDATION DENTAL CARE AT RALEIGH SMILE CENTER >>> Dr. Dan Davidian, Dr. Tracy Davidian Drs. Dan and Tracy Davidian have been the face of sedation in Raleigh for the last 15 years. With a passion and expertise for alleviating dental anxiety, both modestly agree it’s the Sedation Dental Care team that makes the magic happen. “We provide many levels of sedation, from light nitrous oxide gas sedation, IV/oral sedation and general anesthesia. We often see patients that haven’t seen the dentist in as many as 15 to 20 years, doing in one appointment what would normally take seven to ten.” 3917 SUNSET RIDGE ROAD, RALEIGH, NC 27607 | 919.783.9686 | RALEIGHSMILECENTER.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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ARTISTRY, PERMANENT COSMETICS

FABULOUSLY FLAWLESS >>> Stacey Heffner Stacey Heffner is the owner of Fabulously Flawless and specializes in the artistry of jaw-dropping permanent cosmetics, paramedical tattooing, and skin rejuvenation. Stacey is a former RN, but her lifelong passion for beauty and helping women and men look and feel their best inspired her to enter into the permanent makeup and skin rejuvenation industry. Stacey is a Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional (CPCP) and holds 11 permanent cosmetics and paramedical certifications. Fabulously Flawlessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; services include permanent eyebrows, eyeliner, eyeshadow and lip tattooing, microblading, areola restoration, hair follicle replication, skin pigmentation and scar camouflage, 3D eyelashes, and anti-aging treatments. 5640 SIX FORKS ROAD, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.637.2554 | FABULOUSLYFLAWLESSNC.COM 108 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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ATHLETE AND PAIN MANAGEMENT MASSAGE THE SPORT OF MASSAGE >>> Suzie Bush, LMBT Inspired 20 years ago by her triathlete husband with lower back pain, Suzie Bush has helped many athletes, chronic pain and post-surgery clients perform and live pain-free. Along with Dagmar, Emma and Becky, her team of licensed practitioners, TSOM specializes in Therapeutic Medical Massage. Even though pain is not fun, our light and upbeat, ‘No Nicey-Nicey’ approach is refreshingly different. No naps here! Our motto is ‘Train Hard. Recover Smart’. This is detailed work on the table addressing muscle imbalance and referred pain. We are grateful for all who trust in our skills to help them perform and live life to the fullest. It’s why we do what we do. 8317 SIX FORKS ROAD #101, RALEIGH, NC 27615 | 919.395.9435 | THESPORTOFMASSAGE.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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AUTHENTIC NORTHERN ITALIAN CAFÉ TIRAMISU >>> Richard, Paolo & Rodolfo DeMartino

Café Tiramisu is widely known as one of the best restaurants in Raleigh. Anyone who has visited will tell you they love the fact that it is family owned and operated; it is an institution built upon high standards of quality fresh food with the patriarch of the family, Paolo De Martino there every day along with his two sons, Rodolfo and Richard, in the kitchen. From the moment you walk in, you know you have arrived at an elegant place that is steeped in special traditions. Order anything on the menu and you are sure to not be disappointed. For 21 years Café Tiramisu has served its famous spinach fettuccini. On any given night you could easily look around the dining room to spot someone famous or a family of three generations enjoying a meal. 6008 FALLS OF NEUSE ROAD, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919. 790.1006 | CAFETIRAMISU.NET 110 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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BABYSITTING CONQUERED PLATINUM SITTERS >>> Stephanie Keefer, CEO PlatinumSitters was founded by a busy mom of two, who had a big idea after one too many lastminute babysitter cancellations. A new revolution to modernize and simplify babysitting is here! PlatinumSitters families have access to only the most experienced and pre-qualified sitters in the community. This web-based company allows parents and sitters to create custom profiles, request and confirm bookings, rate each other and enjoy cashless transactions. The solution comes with ease, quick connections and the value of a short notice sitter at the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fingertips. 1.877.594.5530 | HELLO@PLATINUMSITTERS.COM | PLATINUMSITTERS.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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BEAUTIFUL SKIN THE MEDSPA AT RALEIGH PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER >>> Front: Sherie Bender and Jennifer Daniels, Owner Back: Katie Willard, Nikki Davis and Nicole Pennington The MedSpa believes that beautiful skin is for everyone! Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive and out of reach – it just needs to work for YOU and your lifestyle. The MedSpa staff will assess your desired goals through targeted consultation and discussion of your skincare lifestyle and match proven corrective techniques with attainable outcomes. Our staff is dedicated, professional and responsive to your individual needs and facial concerns. Our focus is always on optimizing your overall skin health through customized protocols paired with intentional care designed to work for you. We offer a full menu of state of the art cosmetic and body procedures that build healthy revitalized skin. Discover The MedSpa. Discover You. 1112 DRESSER CT, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.333.4418 | FACEBOOK.COM/THEMEDSPARPSC 112 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

2017

FACES OF

RALEIGH

THE FACE OF

BEAUTY

BLUE WATER SPA / MICHAEL LAW MD AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY >>> Mari Beth Mari Beth, aesthetic maven at Blue Water Spa for 14 years, defines beauty. She and her team have beautified 54,000+ Blue Water Spa clients. As a top provider in the triangle of Botox®, Juvederm®, aesthetic laser treatments, medical spa services and Latisse®, Mari Beth’s team, supervised by Plastic Surgeon Michael Law MD, delivers results. Our approach is no pressure for clients and no quotas for staff. Listening, caring and providing consistently safe and effective treatments is the culture of Blue Water Spa. 10941 RAVEN RIDGE ROAD, SUITE 101, RALEIGH, NC 27614 | 919.870.6066 | BLUEWATERSPA.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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BOUDOIR AND GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAPHY REVOLUTION STUDIOS >>> Somer Hadley, owner Looking for an ego boost, the perfect gift, or just a ton of fun? Somer Hadley has been empowering women in the Triangle and beyond by capturing their sexy side during boudoir and glamour photography sessions at her Raleigh-based studio. Long-lashed makeovers and sexy dress-up for your photo shoot is what Revolution does best but the passion of her business and its continuous success is her ability to ignite inner beauty and confidence through this imagery and photographic experience. 6909 GLENWOOD AVENUE #102, RALEIGH, NC 27612 | 919.349.6512 | WWW.REVOLUTION-STUDIOS.COM 114 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

2017

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BRA FITTING PROFESSIONALS THE BRA PATCH >>> Ruth Dowdy, owner The Bra Patch is one of those little hidden gems that still practices the lost art of bra fitting. Just walk in the door and you will see it’s all about bras. Finding just the right fit for each woman has kept customers flocking to the Bra Patch for more than 40 years. Their personal attention, experienced staff of fitters, and huge selection make the Bra Patch THE destination for finding the perfect undergarment to make every woman look and feel her best. The Bra Patch also works with women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer, fitting and providing post-mastectomy items. Under their staff’s personal and sensitive care, women can once again feel confident and beautiful. NORTH MARKET SQUARE | 1603 N MARKET DRIVE, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.876.8677 | THEBRAPATCH.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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BREAST AUGMENTATION DAVIS & PYLE PLASTIC SURGERY >>> Dr. Glenn M. Davis After spending 12 years in the Navy, Dr. Davis moved to Raleigh to focus his area of expertise on plastic and reconstructive surgery. For more than 25 years since, he has become Raleighâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Breast Surgeon. With an impeccable eye for detail and an understanding of the subtleties in Breast Augmentation, his niche in this town has carved itself out. The motto on their website is Experience, Education, Excellence. After an hour long, face to face consultation, it is easy to understand how he is one of the most experienced, educated and excellent surgeons in America. 2304 WESVILL COURT, SUITE 360, RALEIGH, NC 27607 919.785.1220 | DPRALEIGH.COM 116 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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FACES OF

RALEIGH

THE FACE OF

BUILD A BETTER WARDROBE STYLEFINDER BOUTIQUE >>> Mary Michele Nidiffer, Master Style Coach + Founder Mary Michele Nidiffer knows there’s a better way to shop! Master Style Coach and Founder of StyleFinder Boutique, Michele has helped thousands of women fill their closets with only the right pieces. Using her proprietary StyleFinder ID® System, she and her Stylista’s work with each client to determine what their true style is, then dress them according to who they are. Her clients have gained more than just great clothes – they possess a confidence that is unmistakable. Come in for a visit and let the StyleFinder Stylistas help you dress like you mean it! 6801 FALLS OF NEUSE ROAD #104, RALEIGH, NC 27615 | 919.454.3068 | SHOPSTYLEFINDER.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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CHEF PREPARED MEALS DONOVAN’S DISH >>> Jill Donovan Never Cook Again! Words so powerful Jill Donovan trademarked them to represent her chef-prepared meal delivery service “Dish to Door”. Jill owns Donovan’s Dish, an awardwinning catering company featuring fresh, made from scratch, locally sourced foods. “People were always asking for our food outside of events, so we opened a Take-Out Market in Apex.” Once word spread of the Market, clients in Raleigh wanted Donovan’s Dish’s meals to go as well – and thus, “Dish to Door” was born. With a full ecommerce website that offers fresh and frozen entrees, hors d’ouevres, soups and sides, all chef-prepared, you can literally Never Cook Again! 800 W WILLIAMS STREET #112, APEX, NC 27502 | 919.651.8309 | DONOVANSDISH.COM 118 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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FACES OF

RALEIGH

THE FACE OF

COMMUNITY LIVING TAMMY LYNN CENTER >>> Tammy Lynn Center has a long history of providing community living to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Wake County, having started its first community group home in 1997. TLC is committed to providing inclusive community living options to residents, focusing on independence and quality of life. Residents receive the training and support needed to live as independently as possible. Many are active participants in the local community, playing on the neighborhood baseball team and volunteering with Meals on Wheels each week. Two of four of the residents photographed above have lived with TLC for more than 30 years! 739 CHAPPELL DRIVE, RALEIGH, NC 27606 | 919.832.3909 | TAMMYLYNNCENTER.ORG SPECIAL PROMOTION

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CONFIDENT RETIREMENT RICHARDSON PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISORS >>> Becky Tolbert, Bishana Shipp, James M. Richardson, Marlene Schneider, Tim Rutt The team at Richardson Private Wealth Advisors uses a retirement planning approach that goes beyond advisory meetings and outstanding client service. Their client experience includes invitations to events of interest including: financial informational seminars, lifestyle webinars, bring-a-friend events, and community service and volunteer opportunities. Clients are provided with this multifaceted approach because they believe that active engagement coupled with the help of their advisory team makes the road to retirement an enlightening, fun, and overall fulfilling experience. 3720 BENSON DRIVE, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.874.0024 | WWW.RICHARDSONPRIVATEWEALTHADVISORS.COM 120 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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COOL BODY SCULPTING BLUE WATER SPA / MICHAEL LAW MD AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY >>> Having performed over 5,000 treatments, Blue Water Spa is a number one provider of CoolSculpting® in Raleigh. Blue Water Spa’s team has helped their clients achieve their goals of looking their best. Our expert CoolSculpting® providers are workout fanatics, but they still had areas of stubborn fat. Their physiques are the result of hard work and CoolSculpting®. With two CoolSculpting® systems (results in half the time), a pristine treatment room with a big screen TV and Netflix, Blue Water Spa clients enjoy relaxation, and fat loss with no downtime. 10941 RAVEN RIDGE ROAD, SUITE 103, RALEIGH, NC 27614 | 919.870.6066 | MICHAELLAWMD.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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GET THE SKIN YOU DESERVE • Facial dermal volumizing • Skin tightening and fine line reduction • Facial skin contouring • Acne scar improvement • Skin resurfacing • Skin texture renewal • Visible results after the 1st treatment • Long-term measurable results • Clinically proven technologies

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Hybrid energy technology uses fine micro-pins and radio frequency for exceptional dermal volume enhancement of facial skin and other delicate areas such as hands and décolleté. Treatment with the Pollogen LEGEND+™ device is effective and fast with minimal discomfort. It is suitable for all skin types and colors and carried DIAMOND out in a simple ‘walk-in walk-out’ treatment with no downtime. BEST MED SPA

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LOCAL MAKERS

DESIGNERS AND ARTISTS FROM RALEIGH MAKE THEIR MARK. BY SIOUX WATSON

BEKAH BOHLEN, OWNER OF CAT CALL COLLECTIVE PHOTO BY ANNA GOODSON PEEPLES

Bekah Bohlen sells her handmade letterpress goods at Gather Goods, and has also led letterpress workshops there. She participates in pop-up markets such as The Curated Assembly, which was recently put on by Zâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Artiques, and The Handmade Market put together by The Handmaidens. And last year she came up with a solution to taking her goods on the road in the form of The Cat Call Tiny Shop. midtownmag.com | 123

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PHOTOS BY ANNA GOODSON PEEPLES

CAT CALL COLLECTIVE BEKAH BOHLEN, STATIONERY DESIGNER + SHOP OWNER CAT CALL COLLECTIVE – STATIONERY, LIFESTYLE AND HOME GOODS WWW.CATCALLCOLLECTIVE.COM

In February 2016, after winning a #Girlboss Foundation Grant, Bohlen and her husband Martin were able to build an 18' x 8' shop from scratch atop a flatbed trailer – and now, with just a car and trailer hitch, she can bring her store anywhere. It is custom-fitted with retail counter space and shelving to display and sell her line of goods in her own “tiny house store” environment. Bohlen finds it liberating owning her own multilayered business platform, where she can sell her custom letterpress designs in the form of art prints, greeting cards, and stationery anywhere. She’s since expanded the business by curating a line of handmade goods from 14 other madein-the-USA brands, about half of which are North Carolina artists. The collection of goods includes textiles, jewelry, skincare, ceramics, and of course, stationery. The mobile and online retail shop is managed from wherever she happens to be at the moment, whether it be in her mobile shop, at home in her printing studio, or in downtown Durham, where she works during the week as a graphic designer for men’s and women’s fashion store Vert & Vogue. 124 | midtownmag.com

ESCAZU ARTISAN CHOCOLATES HALLOT PARSON, HEAD CHOCOLATE MAKER DANIELLE CENTENO, HEAD CHOCOLATIER ESCAZU ARTISAN CHOCOLATES 936 N BLOUNT STREET | RALEIGH | 919.832.3433 WWW.ESCAZUCHOCOLATES.COM

In a small “workshop” located in the Mordecai neighborhood sits Escazu. The space also contains its retail store, and everything is made and sold right here, including a continually evolving selection of truffles and confections, generally 20-30 flavors or more at any given time. The retail shop also offers coffee drinks made with Counter Culture coffee and 11 different drinking chocolates – including beverages based on historic recipes and single-origin sipping chocolates. There’s also house-made ice cream. What sets Escazu above and apart is the fact that they are a 100% “Bean to Bar” chocolate business. Founded in 2008 by Centeno, a native Venezuelan with culinary degrees from the Culinary Institute of America in New York and the culinary program at Wake Tech and Parson, a native North Carolinian and former chef in Aspen, New York and Dallas, Texas, the Escazu team was the first chocolate shop in the South to produce truffles and confections starting from the whole cacao bean. Using restored antique equipment, Escazu makes their chocolate in the traditional way with a roaster built in the 1920s and a grinder from the ‘30s bought over from Spain. Using beans sourced from Venzuela, Costa Rica, and Peru, the Escazu team roasts, winnows and grinds cacao beans to bring out the complexity of flavors. Chocolate is then aged, tempered, and poured into bars or handcrafted into truffles and chocolate confections. Since opening, they have won five Good Food Awards in San Francisco, and a bronze at the International Chocolate Awards in London.

WE’VE MOVED! 2641 NOBLIN DRIVE RALEIGH NC (Next to Mosaic Tiles)

DANIELLE CENTENO AND HALLOT PARSON PHOTOS COURTESY OF ESCAZU ARTISAN CHOCOLATES.

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17-EAT-001936-Midtown Ad-01.indd 1

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MARIE CORDELLA CORDELLA BRIDAL MARIE CORDELLA, BRIDAL FASHION DESIGNER HISTORIC MORDECAI | 827 N BLOODWORTH ST | RALEIGH 919.538.0740 WWW.CORDELLABRIDAL.COM WWW.MARIECORDELLA.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIE CORDELLA

ESCAPE HERE THIS SUMMER. Enjoy hours and hours of fun, all summer long. • Cool themes, events, and field trips • Healthy meals and snacks • Brand-new backpack with water bottle and T-shirt • Full- and part-time enrollment

Since 2012 when she opened her first Raleigh store, “Marie Cordella” in North Hills, Cordella has been creating bridal fashions for clients. She states,“I’m an experienced ‘total designer’ with a deep love of dress design and modification. My education includes drawing classes at the Corcoran School of Art in addition to an undergraduate education from both Parson’s School of Design and Virginia Commonwealth University.” In 2008, Cordella also added a Masters in Industrial Design from NC State University to that impressive list of education. Three years after opening her first store she moved the location to Bloodworth Street in Mordecai and renamed it “Cordella Bridal”, and business continues to be good. Before opening a brick-and-mortar store, in 2011 Cordella “opened” the Charleston Fashion Week with 12 designs, and busted on to the fashion scene in a large way. Travelling to South Carolina for both Charleston Fashion Week and Charleston Bridal Week has exposed her lines to a national and international market, and her television exposure has been extensive. Her website best explains her primary services: custom bridal gowns, alterations, modifications, masterful lacework, heirloom/vintage gown redesign/restoration as well as custom evening and party dresses – many featured on her secondary website. These services are just the beginning of what the designer can do. So far 2017 has been a busy year for Cordella, who has already received an award from theknot.com for Best Bridal Vendor. With plans to open another shop in Palm Beach, Florida, later this year, she’s set to hit the big time with her dress and gown designs and specialty fashion work.

126 | midtownmag.com

2017

DIAMOND

AWARD

BEST PLACE TO GET A MANI/PEDI

midtownmag.com | 127

NYLA ELISE RICK MOORE, JR, CREATIVE DESIGNER & MARKETING GENIUS NYLA ELISE: GRASSROOTS CLOTHING LINE/HANDMADE GARMENTS WWW.CAROLINACULTURECLOTHING.COM

Raleigh native Rick Moore, Jr. travels the country to merchandise his main production line offerings for Nyla Elise, yet his bread-and-butter business seems to be based in the local Triangle street and music festival scene, at events such as Hopscotch, Sparkcon and the African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County. Moore has managed to grow Nyla Elise into a nationally and internationally recognized brand, largely through the sheer force of his personality and chutzpah. The Word of God Christian Academy graduate had “humble beginnings but giant ambitions” and never stops believing in and promoting his brands; he’s even been known to chase down celebrities at one of the many national film festivals he attends with his lines of t-shirts, jackets and fashion apparel. Some of his enduring and most popular clothing motifs are “Film is my ammo”, “I grew here, you flew here”, and “Read books not labels”. His Carolina Culture clothing line has been recognized widely and Moore has partnered with a few major companies, such as Pepsi and Under Armor. Lenovo featured Moore in a digital commercial, featuring his business use of their Yoga Tab 3 Pro. For clothing that appeals to men and women of all nationalities, with a smart urban edge feel, check out his locally made clothing lines at www.carolinaculutreclothing.com or at your next local street or music festival.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NYLA ELISE

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Join Us

Saturday, June 10 @ 7 p.m.

North Ridge Country Club

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*Includes heavy hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres, live & silent auctions & more. midtownmag.com | 129

PHOTOS ON THE RIGHT BY JAY WINFREY. TOP, STUDIO SHOT; BELOW, LIZ’S INSTALLATION PIECE AT GALLO PELON.

LIZ KELLY POTTERY LIZ KELLY, STUDIO POTTER + CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR WWW.LIZKELLYPOTTERY.COM

You know that thing when you try something in your teens and later in life it becomes your passion and livelihood? At 16, Kelly took a class at the Craft Center at NC State; the medium of clay hooked her, and she became pretty dedicated to the craft. She knew her talent needed catching up to her artistic commitment, so she persevered. An adventurous spirit drew her to Asheville and then Hawaii, and her connection to clay was intermittent. 130 | midtownmag.com

LIZ KELLY HOLDING ONE OF HER CREATIONS. PHOTO BY ELENA CARON.

Returning to Raleigh in 2010, she felt a strong pull to get back into the studio with renewed discipline. At Pullen Arts Center, Kelly took advantage of the availability of communal knowledge and open access. She earned a degree at NC State’s College of Design in Design Studies, continuing to hone her skills in clay. Research into craft at the roots of design had a profound philosophical and aesthetic impact on her studio practice, and she won summer

scholarships to study at Penland for two summers, sandwiched with a study abroad program in Prague. Those experiences changed her viewpoint. “This was a real turning point for me. I vowed to never again make a mediocre pot, and started to insist on a new level of excellence from myself,” she admits. With the establishment of her own studio in May of 2015 came the realization that she now owned a small business, and she herself had transformed into a creative entrepreneur. Kelly sells her work via studio visits, craft shows, custom commission work, and some wholesale and online sales. Current local stores include Holder Goods & Crafts, Edge of Urge, Ramble Supply Co., Escazu Artisan Chocolates, and Oakmoss Attic.

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WINDBLOWN RACHEL CALHOUN, METALSMITH AND JEWELRY MAKER WWW.SHOPWINDBLOWN.COM

Calhoun’s parents challenged their middle school daughter to raise half the needed funds in order to give their consent for a school trip to Italy, and she marched up the street to a local bead shop, and thus began “Earrings by Rachel”. She made her goal by selling her jewelry outside the local grocery store and directly to local boutiques. During college at UNCWilmington, she continued selling her jewelry, and created her Wind Blown website. Calhoun graduated, married, and moved, attending pop-up markets as she could. “My hands LOVED creating new designs, and organizing displays for markets, and the response was always encouraging.” Pursuing the business fulltime was the goal, and in 2017 her dream has come to fruition. Most days she’ll work from her home studio, and occasionally out of the craft center at Pullen Arts Craft Center at NC State – both have a metals studio. All of her designs are built around simplicity; necklaces and earrings are her mainstay, and jewelry lines with brass and gold her favorite materials. “My main shops in the Triangle area are The Makery in Durham, and Ramble Supply Co. in Raleigh. Ramble is a beautifully curated minimalist storefront in downtown Raleigh.” Participation in the many local pop-up markets is key to her sales effort, and she credits Instagram as the best marketing tool for makers such as herself. 132 | midtownmag.com

PHOTOS BY JOANNA PACCHIOLI OF JOANNASUE PHOTOGRAPHY

M Dining Guide Our directory of where to eat in Raleigh.

AFRICAN Abyssinia Ethopian Restaurant 2109-146 Avent Ferry Rd. 919.664.8151 abyssiniarestaurant.net

AMERICAN 18 Seaboard 18 Seaboard Ave. 919.861.4318 18restaurantgroup.com 510 Tavern 510 Glenwood Ave. 919.307.4778 510tavern.com b. good Park at North Hills St. 919.916.5410 555 Fayetteville St. 919.803.3233 bgood.com Ba-Da Wings 2161 Avent Ferry Rd. 919.832.3902 badawings.com Berkeley Cafe 217 W. Martin St. 919.322.0127 berkeleycafe.net Bloomsbury Bistro 509-101 W. Whitaker Mill Rd. 919.834.9011 bloomsburybistro.com Trophy Tap + Table 225 S. Wilmington St. 919.424.7817 trophybrewing.com Cameron Bar and Grill 2018 Clark Ave. 919.755.2231 cameronbarandgrill.com Capital Club 16 6 W. Martin St. 919.747.9345 capitalclub16.com

Carroll’s Kitchen 19 E. Martin Street 919.670.3622 carrollskitchen.org

Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Concern 4821 Grove Barton Rd. 919.785.0043 lynnwoodgrill.com

Clockwork 519 W. North St. 919.307.3215 clockworkraleigh.com Crawford & Son 618 N. Person St. 919.307.4647 crawfordandsonrestaurant.com Death & Taxes 105 W. Hargett St. 984.242.0218 ac-restaurants.com/ death-taxes Edwards Mill Bar & Grill 3201 Edwards Mill Rd. 919.783.5447 edwardsmillbarandgrill.com

Grabbagreen 4421 Six Forks Rd. #103 919.326.7799 Hayes Barton Cafe 2000 Fairview Rd. 919.856.8551 imaginarystudioonline.com/ hayes Iris Restaurant 2110 Blue Ridge Rd. 919.664.6838 ncartmuseum.org/visit/dining

Kings 141 Park at North Hills St. 919.600.5700 kingsbowlamerica.com

Midtown Grille 4421 Six Forks Rd. 919.782.9463 themidtowngrille.com more. 16 N. West St. 919.926.8415 jmrkitchens.com/more

The Players’ Retreat 105 Oberlin Rd. 919.755.9589 playersretreat.net

Chai’s Asian Bistro 8347 Creedmoor Rd. 919.848.8500 chaisasianbistro.com

The Raleigh Times Bar 14 E. Hargett St. 919.833.0999 raleightimesbar.com

Champa Thai & Sushi 8521 Brier Creek Pkwy. 919.806.0078 champathaisushi.com

The Rockford 320 ½ Glenwood Ave. 919.821.9020 therockfordrestaurant.com

Chopstix 5607 Creedmoor Rd. 919.781.6268 raleighchopstix.com

The Station 701 N. Person St. 919.977.1567 stationraleigh.com

Oak City Meatball Shoppe 180 E. Davie St. 919.714.9014 oakcitymeatball.com

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern 330 Hillsborough St. 919.829.3663 second-empire.com Stanbury 938 N. Blount St. 919.977.4321 stanburyrestaurant.com Standard Foods 205 E. Franklin St. 919.307.4652 standard-foods.com Taste 3048 Medlin Dr. 919.322.0568 jmrkitchens.com/taste

The Twisted Fork 3751 Sumner Blvd. 919.792.2535 thetwistedfork.com Tribeca Tavern 6004 Falls of Neuse Rd. 919.790.9992 tribecatavernnc.com Village Grill 8470 Honeycut Rd. 919.890.5340 villagegrillraleigh.com Zest Cafe & Home Art 8831 Six Forks Rd. 919.848.4792 zestcafehomeart.com

ASIAN

David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar 1900 Hillsborough St. 919.239.4536 ddandnb.com Five Star Restaurant 511 W. Hargett St. 919.833.3311 fivestarraleigh.com Hako Sushi 2603-155 Glenwood Ave. 919.235.0589 hakosushinc.com Imperial Garden 7713 Lead Mine Rd. 919.846.1988 imperialgardenrestaurant.com Kimbap Cafe 111 Seaboard Ave. #118 919.900.8053 kimbapcafe.com Lemongrass Thai Restaurant 8320 Litchford Rd. #142 919.954.0377 lemongrassthairestaurant.net

Tazza Kitchen 432 Woodburn Rd. 919.835.9463 tazzakitchen.com

Bida Manda 222 S. Blount St. 919.829.9999 bidamanda.com

Mura 4121 Main St. 919.781.7887 muranorthhills.com

the Oak 4035 Lake Boone Tr. 919.787.9100 jmrkitchens.com/oak

bu•ku 110 E. Davie St. 919.834.6963 bukuraleigh.com

Neo-Asia 6602 Glenwood Ave. 919.783.8383 neo-china.com midtownmag.com | 133

Ni Asian Kitchen 8817 Six Forks Rd. 919.916.5106 niasiankitchen.com

Waraji Japanese Restaurant 5910 Duraleigh Rd. 919.783.1883 warajijapaneserestaurant.com

Orchid Japanese Restaurant 7432 Creedmoor Rd. 919.890.5345 orchidjapanesebuffet.com

FRENCH

Pho Pho Pho 510 Glenwood Ave. #103 phophophonc.com Pho Far East 4011 Capital Blvd. #133 919.876.8621 Pearl Chinese Restaurant 3215 Avent Ferry Rd. 919.233.8776 pearlchinesenc.com Red Dragon Chinese Restaurant 2513 Fairview Rd. 919.782.1102 reddragonraleigh.com

WARAJI JAPANESE RESTUARANT FRESH LEVANT BISTRO

Red Pepper Asian 4121-109 New Bern Ave. 919.594.1006 redpepperasiannc.com Seoul Garden 4701 Atlantic Ave. 919.850.9984 raleighseoulgarden.com ShabaShabu 3080 Wake Forest Rd. 919.501.7755 shabashabu.net Sono 319 Fayetteville St. 919.521.5328 sonoraleigh.com Sushi Blues Cafe 301 Glenwood Ave. 919.664.8061 sushibluescafe.com Sushi O Bistro & Sushi Bar 4361 Lassiter at North Hills 919.783.8180 springrollsrestaurant.com Thaiphoon Bistro 301 Glenwood Ave. #190 919.720.4034 thaiphoonbistro.com

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MEDITERRANEAN / MIDDLE EASTERN Aladdin’s Eatery 8201 Brier Creek Pkwy. 919.806.5700 aladdinseatery.com

Crepe Traditions 141 Park at North Hills St. 919.977.3425 crepetraditions.com Coquette Brasserie 4531 The Circle at North Hills 919.789.0606 coquetteraleigh.com Royale 200 E. Martin St. 919.977.3043 Saint Jacques French 6112 Falls of Neuse Rd. 919.862.2770 saintjacquesfrenchcuisine. com Simply Crêpes 8470 Honeycutt Rd. 919.322.2327 simplycrepes.com

GERMAN J. Betski’s 10 W. Franklin St. 919.833.7999 jbetskis.com

SOUTH AMERICAN Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken 4614 Capital Blvd. 919.713.0000 alpacachicken.com Guasaca Arepa & Salsa Grill 4025 Lake Boone Tr. 919.322.4928 guasaca.com Mami Nora’s 2401 Wake Forest Rd. 919.834.8572 maminoras.com Vinos Finos Tapas and Wine Bar 8450 Honeycutt Rd. 919.747.9233 vinosfinosypicadas.com

Fresh Levant Bistro 8450 Honeycutt Rd. 984.200.3999 freshlevant.com Jasmin Mediterranean Bistro 424 E. Six Forks Rd. 919.743.3336 jasminbistro.com Mona Pita Mediterranean Grill 5260 Capital Blvd. 919.431.6500 monapita.com Neomonde 3817 Beryl Rd. 919.828.1628 neomonde.com Nur Mediterranean Deli & Market 2233 Avent Ferry Rd. 919.828.1523 nurdeli.com Petra Grill 6091 Capital Blvd. 919.599.4959

Sassool 9650 Strickland Rd. 919.847.2700 sassool.com Sitti 137 S. Wilmington St. 919.239.4070 sitti-raleigh.com Tarbouch 5645 Creedmoor Rd. 919.239.4408 tarbouch-nc.com Taverna Agora 326 Hillsborough St. 919.881.8333 tavernaagora.com

Taza Grill 6325 Falls of Neuse Rd. 919.872.7161 tazagrill.com Vidrio 500 Glenwood Ave. #100 919.803.6033 vidrioraleigh.com

MEXICAN Baja Burrito 2109 Avent Ferry Rd. #108 919.834.3431 bajaburrito.net Cafe Capistrano 8471 Garvey Dr. 919.872.1127 cafecapistrano.com Calavera Empanada & Tequila Bar 444 S. Blount St. 919.617.1661 calaveraempanadas.com Cantina 18 433 Daniels St. 919.835.9911 18restaurantgroup.com Centro 106 S. Wilmington St. 919.835.3593 centroraleigh.com Chubby’s Tacos 2444 Wycliff Rd. 919.781.4480 10511 Shadowlawn Dr. 919.846.7044

El Tapatio Restaurante 4511 New Bern Ave. 919.255.9161 Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria 106 S. Wilmington St. 919.835.3593 gallopelon.com Gonza Tacos Y Tequila 7713 Lead Mine Rd. 919.846.5478 gonzatacosytequila.com Gringo A Go Go 100 N. Person St. 919.977.1438 gringoraleigh.com Jose and Sons 327 W. Davie St. 919.755.0556 joseandsons.com La Carreta 1028 Oberlin Rd. 919.977.3271 lacarretaavl.com La Rancherita 2400 Hillsborough St. 919.755.9697 rancheritamex.com Los Cuates 4524 Old Wake Forest Rd. 919.872.6012 goo.gl/KHvrQe Los Tres Magueyes 10410 Moncreiffe Rd. 919.484.9258 lostresnc.com

INDIAN Azitra 8411 Brier Creek Pkwy. 919.484.3939 azitra.com Garland 14 W. Martin St. 919.833.6886 garlandraleigh.com Godavari 9650 Strickland Rd. 919.847.1984 godavarius.com Indio Restaurant & Lounge 222 Glenwood Ave. 919.322.2760 indioraleigh.com Kabab and Curry 2418 Hillsborough St. 919.977.6974 kababcurryraleigh.com Kadhai the Indian Wok 6260-112 Glenwood Ave. 919.785.2864 theindianexpresskadhai.com Royal India 3901 Capital Blvd. 919.981.0849 royalindiannc.com

FORMERLY DEAN’S SEAFOOD GRILL

Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine 6611 Falls of Neuse Rd. 919.848.2262 tajmahalindianraleigh.com The Wild Cook’s Indian Grill 3212 Hillsborough St. 984.232.8530 wildcooksgrill.com

Chuy’s 4020 Market at North Hills St. 919.571.2489 chuys.com

San Jose Mexican Restaurant 5811 Poyner Village Pkwy. 919.790.1919

Dos Taquitos 410 Glenwood Ave. 919.835.9010 dostaquitosnorth.com

The Original Flying Burrito 4800 Grove Barton Rd. 919.785.2734 originalflyingburrito.com

El Dorado 2811 Brentwood Rd. 919.872.8440 eldoradomexicanrestaurant.com

Torero’s 4721 Atlantic Ave. 919.873.9116 torerosmexicanrestaurants.com

Saints & Scholars Irish Pub 909 Spring Forest Rd. 919.878.8828 saintsandscholarspub.com

El Rodeo 4112 Pleasant Valley Rd. 919.571.1188 elrodeoraleigh.com

Virgil’s Original Taqueria 126 S. Salisbury St. 919.833.3866 facebook.com/virgilstacos

The Hibernian 311 Glenwood Ave. 919.833.2258 8021 Falls Of Neuse Rd. 919.803.0290 hibernianpub.com

Zayka Indian Cuisine 10410 Moncreiffe Rd. Ste 103 919.361.5370 zaykaraleigh.com

IRISH Open for Lunch + Dinner Locally Influenced, Seasonal Menu Sunday Brunch $3 Craft Beers All Day, Every Day

DEANSKITCHENANDBAR.COM 919 459.5875 1080 Darrington Drive, Cary midtownmag.com | 135

ITALIAN Amedeos Italian Restaurant 3905 Western Blvd. 919.851.0473 amedeosrestaurant.com Assaggio Italian Restuarant 3501 W. Millbrook Rd. 919.785.2088 assaggios-nc.com Bella Monica 3121 Edwards Mill Rd. 919.881.9778 bellamonica.com Bruno Seafood & Steaks 11211 Galleria Ave. 919.435.6640 brunoraleigh.com

Cafe Tiramisu Cafe Tiramisu 6008 Falls of Neuse Rd. 919.790.1006 cafetiramisu.net Caffé Luna 136 E. Hargett St. 919.832.6090 cafeluna.com Capri Restaurant 6325 Falls of Neuse Rd. 919.878.4424 caprirest.com Casa Carbone Ristorante Italiano 6019 Glenwood Ave. 919.781.8750 casacarbone.com

Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar 420 Fayetteville St. 919.256.1451 jimmyvsraleigh.com Mia Francesca 4100 Main at North Hills St. 919.278.1525 miafrancescaraleigh.com Nina’s Ristorante 8801 Lead Mine Rd. 919.845.1122 ninasrestaurant.com

Tropical Picken Chicken 404 E. Six Forks Rd. 919.703.0661

BBQ Big Al’s BBQ 2920 Forestville Rd. 919.217.0653 bigalsbbqandcatering.com

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar 4208 Six Forks Rd. 919.784.0400 thecowfish.com

Rye Bar & Southern Kitchen 500 Fayetteville St. 919.227.3370 ryeraleigh.com

SOUTHERN

State Farmers’ Market Restaurant 1240 Farmers Market Dr. 919.755.1550 realbiscuits.com

Bare Bones 301-120 Fayetteville St. 919.825.0995

Clyde Cooper’s BBQ 327 S. Wilmington St. 919.832.7614 clydecoopersbbq.com

Pulcinella’s Italian Restaurant 4711 Hope Valley Rd. 919.490.1172 pulcinellasitalianrestaurant.com

Beasley’s Chicken + Honey 237 S. Wilmington St. 919.322.0127 ac-restaurants.com/beasleys

Ole Time Barbecue 6309 Hillsborough St. 919.859.2544 oletimebarbecue.com

Roma Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant 3805 Brentwood Rd. 919.876.2818

The Pit Authentic Barbecue 328 W. Davie St. 919.890.4500 thepit-raleigh.com

Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant 220 Wolfe St. 919.836.9909 bigedscitymarket.com

Tuscan Blu 327 W. Davie St. 919.834.5707 tuscanblu.com Vic’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria 331 Blake St. 919.829.7090 4035 Lake Boone Tr. 984.200.9292 vicsitalianrestaurant.com

Vivace 4209 Lassiter Mill Rd. 919.787.7747 vivaceraleigh.com

The Q Shack 4120 Main at North Hills St. 919.786.4381 theqshack.com

SEAFOOD 42nd Street Oyster Bar 508 W. Jones St. 919.831.2811 42ndstoysterbar.com Captain Stanley’s Seafood 3333 S. Wilmington St. 919.779.7878 facebook.com/captainstanleys

Driftwood Southern Kitchen 8460 Honeycutt Rd. 919.977.8360 driftwoodraleigh.com Humble Pie 317 S. Harrington St. 919.829.9222 humblepierestaurant.com Mandolin 2519 Fairview Rd. 919.322.0365 mandolinraleigh.com

NOFO @ the Pig 2014 Fairview Rd. 919.821.1240 nofo.com

Tupelo Honey Cafe 425 Oberlin Rd. 919.723.9353 tupelohoneycafe.com Flying Biscuit Café 2016 Clark Ave. 919.833.6924 flyingbiscuit.com The Mecca Restaurant 13 E. Martin St. 919.832.5714 mecca-restaurant.com The Remedy Diner 137 E. Hargett St. 919.835.3553 theremedydiner.com

BREAKFAST SPECIALTY Another Broken Egg Cafe 160 Park at North Hills St. 919.307.8195 anotherbrokenegg.com Brigs Restaurant 8111 Creedmoor Rd. 919.870.0994 brigs.com First Watch 6320 Capital Blvd. 919.900.8355 firstwatch.com

Pam’s Farmhouse 5111 Western Blvd. 919.859.9990 facebook.com/pamsfarmhouse

Jubala Coffee 8450 Honeycutt Rd. 919.758.8330 jubalacoffee.com

Jamaican Grille 5500 Atlantic Springs Rd. 919.873.0200

Dean’s Kitchen + Bar 1080 Darrington Dr., Cary 919.459.5875 deanskitchenandbar.com

Poole’s Diner 426 S. McDowell St. 919.832.4477 ac-restaurants.com/pooles

The Morning Times 10 E Hargett St. 919.836.1204 morningtimes-raleigh.com

Piccola Italia 423 Woodburn Rd. 919.833.6888 piccolaitalianc.com

Lee’s Kitchen 4638 Capital Blvd. 919.872.7422 leeskitchenjamaican.com

Margaux’s Restaurant 8111 Creedmoor Rd. 919.846.9846 margauxsrestaurant.com

Provenance 120 E. Martin St. 984.269.5211 provenanceraleigh.com

New World Cafe 4112 Pleasant Valley Rd. 919.786.0091 newworldcoffeehouse.com

Gravy 135 S. Wilmington St. 919.896.8513 gravyraleigh.com

Mum’s Jamaican Restaurant 3901 Capital Blvd. 919.615.2332 mumsjamaicanfood.com

Saltwater Seafood Market and Fry Shack 4 Fenton St. | 919.834.1813 saltwaterseafoodnc.com

Relish Café & Bar 5625 Creedmoor Rd. 919.787.1855 relishraleigh.com

STEAKHOUSE

Farina Neighborhood Italian 8450 Honeycutt Rd. 919.890.0143 farinaraleigh.com Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar 309 N. Dawson St. 919.838.8595 mulinoraleigh.com

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CARIBBEAN Caribbean Café 2645 E. Millbrook Rd. 919.872.4858 caribbeancafenc.com

Angus Barn 9401 Glenwood Ave.

919.791.2444 angusbarn.com Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse 8551 Brier Creek Pkwy. 919.544.3344 brasasteakhouse.com Sullivan’s Steakhouse 414 Glenwood Ave. 919.833.2888 sullivansteakhouse.com The Capital Grille 4242 Six Forks Rd. 919.787.3901 thecapitalgrille.com

Vinnie’s Steak House and Tavern 7440 Six Forks Rd. 919.847.7319 vinniessteakhouse.com

ECLECTIC Flights Restaurant & Lounge 4100 Main at North Hills St. 919.571.8773 flightsnorthhills.com ORO Restaurant & Lounge 18 E. Martin St. 919.239.4010 ororaleigh.com Plates Neighborhood Kitchen 301 Glenwood Ave. 919.828.0018 plateskitchen.com

Cafe Carolina and Bakery 150 Fayetteville St. 919.834.9117 401 Daniels Street 919.821.7117 cafecarolina.com Despina’s Café 8369 Creedmoor Rd. 919.848.5007 despinascafe.com Manhattan Cafe 320 S. Wilmington St. 919.833.6105 manhattancafenc.com Oakwood Cafe 300 E. Edenton St. 919.828.5994 oakwoodcaferaleigh.com Seaboard Cafe 707 Semart Dr. 919.821.7553 seaboardcafe.com Sola Coffee 7705 Lead Mine Rd. 919.803.8983 solacoffee.com Sosta Cafe 130 E. Davie St. 919.833.1006 sostacafe.com

Linus & Pepper’s 126 S. Salisbury St. 919.833.3866

catering from Irregardless Café AT THE GLENWOOD

Lunch Box Deli 2816 Trawick Rd. 919.872.7882 McAlister’s Deli 4361 Lassiter at North Hills Ave. 919.787.9543 mcalistersdeli.com Poppyseed Market 8801 Lead Mine Rd. 919.870.4997 poppyseedmkt.com Village Deli & Grill 500 Daniels St. 919.828.1428 villagedeli.net

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN Fiction Kitchen 428 S. Dawson St. 919.831.4177 thefictionkitchen.com

Catering 919.610.0872 TheGlenwoodVenue.com Irregardless.com

Happy + Hale 443 Fayetteville St. 919.307.4148 happyandhale.com The Daily Planet Cafe 121 W. Jones St. 919.707.8060 thedailyplanetcafe.com

SPANISH Latin Quarters 7335 Six Forks Rd. 919.900.8333 new.latinquartersnc.com

Devolve Moto 304 Glenwood Ave. 919.803.3257 devolvemoto.com

Tasca Brava 607 Glenwood Ave. 919.828.0840 tascabrava.com

The Pharmacy Cafe 702 N. Person St. 919.832.6432 personstreetrx.com

CAFÉ

Groucho’s Deli 10 Horne St. 919.977.7747 grouchos.com

Sunflowers Cafe 8 W. Peace St. 919.833.4676 sunflowersraleigh.com

Acro Café 11 W. Jones St. 919.707.8057 https://goo.gl/34145J

DELI/SANDWHICHES

Benelux Coffee 402 Oberlin Rd. 919.900.8294 beneluxcoffee.com

The Community Deli 901 Oberlin Rd. 919.896.6810 thecommunitydeli.com

Living Kitchen 555 Fayetteville St. 919.324.3515 livingkitchen.com Raleigh Raw 7 W. Hargett St. 919.400.0944 raleighraw.com

Irregardless Cafe & Catering 901 W. Morgan St. 919.833.8898 irregardless.com

BURGER & HOT DOG Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar 111 Seaboard Ave. 919.747.9163 baddaddysburgerbar.com midtownmag.com | 137

EDIBLE ART & BAKERY

CATERING WORKS

PIZZERIA Chow Pizza & Burgers 8311 Creedmoor Rd. 919.841.4995 chowraleigh.com Chuck’s 237 S. Wilmington St. 919.322.0126 ac-restaurants.com/chucks Cloos’ Coney Island 2233 Avent Ferry Rd. 919.834.3354 Jerry’s Grill 813 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. 919.832.7561 JoCa’s Gourmet Dawgs N’ Shakes 8450 Honeycutt Rd. #112 919.322.1590 jocasgourmet.com

Cristo’s NY Style Pizza 1302 E. Milbrook Rd. 919.872.6797 cristospizza.com DeMo’s Pizzeria & Deli 222 Glenwood Ave. 919.754.1050 demospizzeriadeli.com Donatos 111 Seaboard Ave. 919.828.5111 donatos.com Frank’s Pizza 2030 New Bern Ave. 919.231.8990 frankspizzainraleigh.com Gino’s Pizza 6260 Glenwood Ave. 919.783.7555 ginospizzaraleigh.com

Snoopy’s Hot Dogs 600 Hillsborough St. 919.839.2176 snoopys.com

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Pizza La Stella 219 Fayetteville St. pizzalastella.com Stromboli’s Express 2900 Spring Forest Rd. 919.876.4222 strombolisexpress.com

Trophy Brewing & Pizza 827 W. Morgan St. 919.803.4849 trophybrewing.com

BAKERY & DESSERTS Anisette Sweet Shop 209 Bickett Blvd. 919.758.3565 sweetanisette.com

MoJoe’s Burger Joint 620 Glenwood Ave. 919.832.6799 mojoesburgerjoint.com Pharaoh’s Grill at North Hills 4421 Six Forks Rd. 919.420.0840

Pieology Pizzeria 4158 Main at North Hills St. 919.803.5860 3001 Hillsborough St. 919.839.6300 pieology.com

Lilly’s Pizza 1813 Glenwood Ave. 919.833.0226 lillyspizza.com Moonlight Pizza Company 615 W. Morgan St. 919.755.9133 moonlightpizza.com

Annelore’s German Bakery 1249 Farmers Market Dr. 919.294.8040 facebook.com/ anneloresgermanbakery Bittersweet 16 E. Martin St. 919.977.3829 bittersweetraleigh.com

Boulted Bread 614 W. South St. 919.999.3984 boultedbread.com

Yellow Dog Bread Company 219 E. Franklin St. 984.232.0291 facebook.com/ yellowdogbread

CATERING Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Café 4351-115 The Circle at North Hills 919.856.0604 edibleartnc.com Escazú Artisan Chocolates 936 N. Blount St. 919.832.3433 escazuchocolates.com Groovy Duck Bakery 3434 Edwards Mill Rd. 919.787.9233 groovyduckbakeryllc.com Hayes Barton Cafe 2000 Fairview Rd. 919.856.8551 https://goo.gl/2aXSqM lucettegrace 235 S. Salisbury St. 919.307.4950 lucettegrace.com Sugarland 2031 Cameron St. 919.835.2100 facebook.com/ sugarlandraleigh

Catering Works 2319 Laurelbrook St. 919.828.5932 cateringworks.com

Donovan’s Dish 800 W. Williams St. #112 Apex 919.651.8309 donovansdish.com

Rocky Top Catering 1705 E. Millbrook Rd. 919.850.2340 rockytopcatering.com

The Glenwood 3300 Woman’s Club Dr. 919.610.0872 theglenwoodvenue.com

Schedule Your Tour www.sdsw.org/admissions

3400 White Oak Road • Raleigh, NC 27609 • 919-782-3331

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CRANIOFACIAL PAIN & TMJ CAROLINA TMJ & FACIAL PAIN CENTER OF RALEIGH >>> Dr. Tracy Davidian

Carolina TMJ & Facial Pain Center of Raleigh is dedicated exclusively to the treatments of craniofacial pain, TMJ disorders and sleep disordered breathing. Our approach is a comprehensive evaluation for diagnosis and non-invasive treatment therapies. We provide diagnosis and treatment with state-ofthe-art techniques and equipment in a caring, friendly environment. Patients suffering from clicking/popping of the jaw, face pain, migraines, ringing of the ears, loud snoring, or those who suffer with difficulty tolerating CPAP should contact Carolina TMJ & Facial Pain Center to learn more. 5904 SIX FORKS ROAD, SUITE 205, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.3NO.PAIN | CAROLINATMJ.COM 140 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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RALEIGH

THE FACE OF

DE-AGING

DAVIS & PYLE PLASTIC SURGERY >>> Dr. Benjamin Wood Dr. Wood is the face of facial de-aging for one reason: passion. He has dedicated his professional life to better understanding the face and how facial de-aging is not about looking different, it’s about looking refreshed and rejuvenated. For some, facial de-aging seems like it is about vanity. What Dr. Wood believes is different – that when your outside matches your inside, your confidence grows and your ability to do the great things you do improves. It’s as simple as that. Because Dr. Wood has dedicated his professional life to both surgical and non-surgical solutions, an increasing number of people, both men and women, trust him to guide the process of aging, or better stated, de-aging, gracefully.

2304 WESVILL COURT, SUITE 360, RALEIGH, NC 27607 | 919.785.1220 | DPRALEIGH.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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DOOR HARDWARE AND PLUMBING BIRD DECORATIVE HARDWARE & BATH >>> Jay Johns, Michelle Silvis For the past eight years, Bird Decorative Hardware & Bath has been the Triangle areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trusted source for decorative hardware and plumbing fixtures. Michelle Silvis and Jay Johns offer the Raleigh area over 25 years of combined hands-on industry-specific professional knowledge. Bird Decorative Hardware & Bath is the largest independently owned decorative hardware and plumbing company in the Carolinas. Ranging in styles from traditional to contemporary, there is something guaranteed to enhance a project of any caliber. 1505 CAPITAL BOULEVARD, RALEIGH, NC 27603 | 919.833.5580 | BIRDDECORATIVEHARDWARE.COM 142 | midtownmag.com

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A DOWNTOWN RALEIGH FAMILY JEWELER RELIABLE JEWELRY & LOAN >>> Alan and Phillip Horwitz Trusted…Affordable…Reliable...For three generations, the Horwitz family and Reliable Jewelry Company have offered only the finest quality jewelry, exceptional personal service and industry expertise customers have come to expect…Since 1949. Often referred to as one of downtown Raleigh’s best-kept secrets, Reliable Jewelry’s selections are unmatched and, with vendors from all over the world selling directly to Reliable, their buying power affords them the ability to provide the best prices in the region. Stop by and take a look today. After one visit, you will understand why Reliable Jewelry Company has been Raleigh’s diamond and precious gem mine for over half a century. 345 S WILMINGTON STREET, RALEIGH, NC 27601 | 919.832.3461 | RELIABLEJEWELRY.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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ENGAGEMENT RINGS FINK’S JEWELERS >>> James Pridgen, Jeannene Stephenson, Neil LaGarde, Claire Brown and Antony Sprason Being a family-owned jeweler for 87 years has taught us a thing or two about engagement rings. Each one of our Fink’s diamonds has been hand-selected for their exceptional beauty and excellent light performance. Stop in to browse our incredible selection, or work one-on-one with our design expert to create a custom wedding set just for you. Our relaxed in-store experience and special financing options make it easier than ever to find the ring of your dreams. At Fink’s Jewelers, you get the quality you deserve, the service you expect and the value you trust. 4321 LASSITER AT NORTH HILLS AVENUE | RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.881.8247 | WWW.FINKS.COM 144 | midtownmag.com

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EXCELLENCE. EXPERIENCE. EXCLUSIVITY. MOREA PLASTIC SURGICAL CENTER >>> Perry, Dr. Christopher Morea, Deb, Lorri Dr. Christopher Morea opened Morea Plastic Surgery of North Raleigh in 2000. Specializing in cosmetic surgical procedures of the face, breast and body, he has provided care for thousands of satisfied patients, many returning for additional procedures after receiving positive results from a surgeon they trust. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons with the highest credentials. Dr. Morea gives meticulous attention to detail with every patient, knowing the decision to pursue surgery is a very personal one, always carefully listening to individual aesthetic goals. The ultimate goal is to provide results of a natural, younger looking version of you. 7700 LEAD MINE ROAD, RALEIGH, NC 27615 | 919.845.7880 | DRMOREAPLASTICSURGERY.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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FAMILY LAW WAKE FAMILY LAW GROUP >>> The lawyers at Wake Family Law Group have been providing divorce advice and support for the Triangle community from their offices in Midtown since the firm was formed by a group of Board-Certified Family Law Specialists in 2005.

Their blend of seasoned litigators, mediators, and talented associates offers clients multiple avenues for resolving the complex issues confronting divorcing families with marital estates both big and small, and for matters such as adoption, surrogacy, and premarital agreements. You may also recognize their faces, as they are out in the community, serving on boards, volunteering, coaching, and raising their families (even divorce lawyers get married â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and sometimes even stay married!) right here in our area.

4350 LASSITER AT NORTH HILLS AVENUE, SUITE 360, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.787.4040 | WAKEFAMILYLAWGROUP.COM 146 | midtownmag.com

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FASHION FOR EVERY WOMAN MARTA’S >>> Marta Dziekanowska, Libby, Velvet, Manuela Women’s clothing newcomer, Marta’s, sets the standard for a luxury shopping experience with exceptional customer service and one-of-a-kind selection of designer brands. Our carefully curated catalog of designers and custom line of shirts flatter women of all body types and ages. Manager, Marta Dziekanowska, has a keen eye for detail and a fresh approach to styling her clients. In addition to clothing, we offer a variety of handbags, jewelry and home accessories. A staff favorite is our private label of stylish shirts: each silhouette channels a chic and timeless Audrey Hepburn vibe and are cleverly named after cities such as “New York” and “Charleston”. 4120-100 MAIN AT NORTH HILLS STREET, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.788.4200 | MARTASOFRALEIGH.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD PUB NORTH RIDGE PUB >>> Richard and Rodolfo DeMartino The North Ridge Pub started as a local neighborhood place, but it has turned out to be so much more. People feel at home there with the extensive menu items, and it often feels like a very upscale restaurant with affordable options. From the business person at lunch right into a group of tennis players after their match and into the evening with families and couples, it provides something for everyone. With its full-service bar itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to beat the consistency of quality cooked to order fresh food and exceptional service. From a burger to a filet to homemade hummus along with fresh salads and everything in between, it is a destination that everyone in Raleigh and the surrounding areas should visit. 6010 FALLS OF NEUSE ROAD, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.790.9125 | NORTHRIDGEPUB.COM 148 | midtownmag.com

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FINDING TOMORROW’S HOME LISTINGS TODAY! RE/MAX ONE REALTY >>> Marti Hampton ComingSoonHomesTriangle.com is where buyers find homes not yet on the market, but will be soon. The site has grown to 19 states and over 30 cities, nationally. Marti Hampton, owner of RE/MAX One Realty, founded ComingSoonHomes.com in 2015. Many homeowners begin their home sale with ComingSoonHomes.com. Offered exclusively by Hampton’s company, it drives buyers to that home before it is offered for sale. Hampton explains that “filling the room” with all potential buyers is the best way to set the stage for your home’s grand entrance to the marketplace. MARTI HAMPTON | BROKER/OWNER, RE/MAX ONE REALTY AND THE MARTI HAMPTON TEAM 100 LYNN ROAD, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.601.7710 | 919.781.9883 | 919.232.9242 WWW.COMINGSOONHOMESTRIANGLE.COM | WWW.MARTIHAMPTON.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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FINE ESTATE FURNISHINGS HUNT & GATHER – SEABOARD STATION >>> Abbott Tompkins Abbott Tompkins has been at the helm of the award-winning Hunt & Gather Fine Estate Furnishings at Seaboard Station since its original conception at our Glenwood location in 2010. Abbott has over 20 years expertise in the marketing and selection of fine furniture from all over the world. Along with his team of customer service orientated employees and designers, we offer the optimum shopping experience for the top designers and individuals alike. Hunt & Gather – Seaboard has a vast range from period furnishings to today’s current trends and an awesome lighting collection. We also offer some of the finest estate jewelry collections available in the Triangle. Stop in today for a shopping experience that is second to none. SEABOARD STATION | 10-100 WEST FRANKLIN STREET, RALEIGH, NC 27604 | 919.787.4288 | HUNTANDGATHERRALEIGH.COM 150 | midtownmag.com

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THE FINEST MENSWEAR ON THE PLANET! LILES CLOTHING STUDIO >>> Front: Hamayoun (Alex) Naimee, Becky Bell Back: Shahab Naimee, Lisa Spence, Bruce Liles, Nate Tonnemacher Classic, modern, adventurous and unique; all describe our carefully curated collection of some of the finest menswear on the planet. We offer selections from small artisans and iconic heritage labels. Our assortment of made to measure and custom clothing will satisfy the most discriminating of palettes, and our worldwide sourcing of some of the rarest and most difficult to find makers will astound. Bruce, Hamayoun (Alex), Becky, Nate, Lisa, Shahab and Zahid invite you to join us, sip your favorite libation, pour over swatches, meet your friends and make new ones. 4350 LASSITER AT NORTH HILLS AVENUE, STE 106, RALEIGH, NC 27609 | 919.510.5556 EMAIL: LILES@LILESCLOTHINGSTUDIO.COM | LILESCLOTHINGSTUDIO.COM SPECIAL PROMOTION

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FIRST CLASS CLEAN FIRST CLASS CLEAN >>> Chad Emerick and Jason Tudor, Founders You know how good it feels to have your car detailed. You stand back, stunned by the shiny, newlike exterior, thinking, why didn’t I do this sooner? Chad Emerick and Jason Tudor, Raleigh natives and founders of First Class Clean, want to bring that “new-again” shine to your HOME! The First Class Clean Team are pros with extensive knowledge of safe and effective exterior cleaning practices. Their pressure washing, window cleaning, staining and sealing services will make you fall in love with your home again. No risk of damage. One client told us “The house looks better than the day we moved in!”. Only the highest quality service delivered at standards exceeding your own. 3621 WEST MILL FOREST COURT, RALEIGH, NC 27606 | 919.210.6899 | FIRSTCLASSNC.COM 152 | midtownmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

2017

FACES OF

RALEIGH

THE FACE OF

HOME, LIFE AND AUTO INSURANCE

OAK TREE AGENCY OF RALEIGH, LLC >>> Wynne Dunn, Agency Owner Consistently providing personal, friendly, professional and caring service to all our clients â&#x20AC;&#x201C; big and small. Clientele include small business owners, doctors, lawyers, business executives, and blue-collar folks too. Whether protecting your automobiles, homes, rental properties, or your small business, we will make sure that you and the things that you have worked so hard for are properly covered, should loss occur. Wynne Dunn has a special passion for life insurance planning, and really enjoys helping families make important decisions. Please come see why our customers recommend us to their friends and family. We care, we listen, and we value your business. 700 EXPOSITION PLACE, SUITE 101, RALEIGH, NC 27615 | 919.872.4593 | WWW.ALLSTATEAGENCIES.COM/WYNNEDUNN SPECIAL PROMOTION

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CHECKED IN

FOR THIRTY YEARS, SUSAN NUTTER HAS FOUND UNEXPECTED WAYS TO BUILD A WORLD-CLASS LIBRARY SYSTEM AT NC STATE.

SUSAN NUTTER

BY GRAYSON HAVER CURRIN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF NC STATE UNIVERSITY SUSAN NUTTER NEVER THOUGHT SHE would get her second library. When she arrived in Raleigh in 1987 to lead NC State’s libraries, she was immediately tasked with drafting a strategic plan for the entire system. One of her boldest ideas in the report, as she remembers, was the construction of a high-technology, high-connectivity library on Centennial Campus, the sprawling research hub newly under construction a few miles south of the school’s Hillsborough Street strip. The possibility of Centennial Campus had helped lure Nutter, an associate director at MIT’s library system for most of the decade, to Raleigh. A library of the future, she asserted, would give Wolfpack students a competitive edge that D.H. Hill – that red monolith, long stuffed with rows 154 | midtownmag.com

and rows of enormous volumes at one edge of NC State’s Brickyard – couldn’t. But school administrators ignored her. “They believed the library would disappear. They were even talking that way when I came, what with computers,” she says. “I knew they were wrong. I had been at MIT, and I had been working on a simulation of an online library. I knew what the future could be.” Today, Nutter leans back in a comfortable tan leather chair at a gleaming white modern table in a private conference room on the fourth floor of the James B. Hunt Jr. Library. More like a lavish lounge in some high-dollar hotel suite than a drab conference room of the past, this is the space Nutter says she holds for special occasions and guests, when she really wants to dazzle them.

She has that authority, after all: This is that library she has been talking about since 1987, a fusion of high technology, high education, and high design so stunning that it’s won dozens of awards and been lauded by the likes of Time and The Boston Globe since opening only four years ago. Now the crown jewel of Centennial Campus, its angled glass-and-metal exterior, which offers the sensation that it is always in motion, is only as striking as its interior, where interactive video displays, an automated book retrieval system, and kaleidoscopic furniture that seems to defy the very rules of physics suggest you have landed squarely in the future. In a world of noise, it is an inspiring ark of information and focus. “I didn’t think we’d ever get a new building. I was resigned to that,” she

says, frowning. Then, she breaks into a laugh. “It only took twentyfive years.” Nutter has been at NC State for three decades. Now 72, she is in the top tier of America’s library leaders, having been named “librarian of the year” by Library Journal in 2005 and, after Hunt, the “academic/research librarian of the year” in 2016. According to one award-committee member, she reaffirmed “the very idea of a library’s centrality to its campus community.” Doing that, of course, was neither quick nor easy, and Nutter’s perseverance and devotion are instructive marvels. When Nutter arrived at NC State, the library system, dominated by the aging D.H. Hill, was “bad,” as she says simply. What’s more, she realized they would never have the resources to match the country’s great print catalogues. Technology was the school’s last great chance to give its students and faculty more information. Indeed, Nutter has spent much of her 30-year career in Raleigh overcoming institutional inertia and governmental obstacles through an admixture of imagination, innovation, and ambition. When Hunt opened in 2013, it was the culmination of an arduous quest to bring the school’s libraries online and pull them headlong into the 21st century. “I felt like I had to do something right away, and I had to move on all fronts,” she says of her arrival in 1987. “You don’t get much time before people start to think that whatever the situation is, that’s what you accept. You have to show something, to have a track record.” Nutter began by poring over the library budget, trying to find the areas that needed the most reinforcement and areas that were leaking money. She launched a series of small-scale efforts to stretch NC State’s resources and update the library’s infrastructure. She understood, for instance, that the school spent a vast amount of money on collections, but was not actually getting the materials to people. For a few thousand dollars, she started a rapid delivery service that “would change the lives of our students and faculty.” The system slowly spread across the Triangle, so that books could be delivered from library to library within a matter of hours. She wooed private donors to invest in early CD-ROM technology midtownmag.com | 155

for journals and catalogues, so that NC State students outside of engineering school could see the way the information and technology were merging. And she charmed “an arrogant son of a gun” in the engineering department to network the library in the early ’90s. “He said, ‘Why would I want to do that, to network some dumb library? That’s a little project,” she remembers. “I said, ‘Just do it. You’ll see.’ So he did it, and we were doing that stuff ahead of anyone, even in the country. We started to be known as this innovative space.” Nutter also used old-fashioned North Carolina politics and pride to advance her cause. Not long after moving to Raleigh, Nutter met and married Joe Hewitt, a provost of the libraries at UNC. She understood that her library would never match his or that of Duke University’s “We just don’t have a lot of extra money lying around,” she quips. So she cleverly played on those traditional Triangle rivalries, as if she were an athletics director asking for a bigger stadium. In presentations throughout the ’90s, she told would-be donors and anyone who would listen how UNC and Duke students had access to a comparative wealth of resources. State was getting shortchanged. Those statistics eventually trickled into The News & Observer. Roy H. Park – the 1931 Wolfpack alumnus whose Park Foundation established the prestigious Park Scholarship in 1996 – read about her predicament. “I knew the university wasn’t thrilled with me about that. But he called. He called the development 156 | midtownmag.com

office, and he said, ‘Ask her what she’d do with $100,000 or $200,000,” remembers Nutter, grinning mischievously at the memory. “I told him I’d get it matched, get it up to $500,000, and do something. And he was just thrilled. That big gift gave us some attention.” Later, she had graduate students give legislators tours of D.H. Hill’s special collections dungeon, crowded beneath leaky pipes and crackling plaster. “It was so awful looking. The place looked like a dump,” she says. “But it was good for our purposes.” Eventually, they began to funnel more money her way, too. These are all, she admits, incremental steps that led to the construction of Hunt. She seems to view her career as a war of simultaneous attrition and accretion: her successes led to more resources and more trust from NC State administrators and donors. Her insistence that it was never enough made them, over time, drop the belief that libraries were destined for obsolescence and that she understood best. After thirty years at NC State, Nutter is, by all reports, reluctant to talk about

retirement. Instead, she likes to brag about what’s next on the agenda, about the millions of dollars of renovation that she will soon guide in order to add new technology labs and capabilities at D.H. Hill. She raves about her staff and how “most of the time, I don’t know what’s going on,” a reflection of the fact that she hires smart, young people and allows them to help shape the library. She extols the 300 students they hire every semester – not to do menial work, but to ensure that the library continues to evolve for the students who pay for and depend upon it. And above all, Nutter remains candid about the defiant spirit that led her this far: about how she despises committees and bureaucracy, about how certain administrators have understood her vision and others haven’t, about how the institution must move at the student’s pace, about how the library will only increase in importance as the ways we access information continue to multiply. “Libraries don’t always get that they need to change and develop, and that they need to do that in the context of their community,” she says. “But there’s nothing better than a library.”

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IS NOT GOING TO SIT DOWN FOR LUNCH TODAY. BY GRAYSON HAVER CURRIN PHOTOS BY DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHY

158 | midtownmag.com

On a bright Thursday afternoon in April, Hammer is a whirlwind of motion and words. She paces around the shelves of her miniature downtown Raleigh grocery store, Raleigh Provisions, three weeks after it has opened. She has two things to do at the moment – eat lunch, which she takes in the form of a few snacks she’s grabbed from the shelves, and order more soap for the store’s constantly evolving stock of supplies made by artisans from across the country (but especially in North Carolina). Instead, she pauses between those tasks to race around the smartly designed, well-lit space on the ground floor of the new downtown apartment complex, The Edison Lofts, and rave about what she’s doing: Hammer picks up a formidable, fourteen-percent sour ale from the Lake Norman brewery D9 and gushes about how easy it drinks. She talks about local chocolate and honey, lotion and lip balm, eventually disappearing from the storefront and leaving behind a notable void of energy. A few weeks earlier, not long before Hammer opened Raleigh Provisions, she sat at a rear table in her downtown cocktail-coffeeand-dessert hub, Bittersweet, just two blocks away. She beamed about the possibilities for Raleigh Provisions as she flipped through an immaculate white three-ring binder, stuffed with plastic-sleeved pamphlets from the vendors she was ecstatic to stock – the Durham-based meat vendor Firsthand Foods and the Raleigh-based tomato sauce empire Nellino’s, the playful Dallas snack shop Dude, Sweet Chocolate and the bitters manufacturer Crude, less than a mile across downtown. “The best part about this is that, nine times out of ten when I’m talking to somebody about an order, I’m talking to the people who made the product,” she says. “It’s a lot different in the bartending business.” Those personal connections are essential for Hammer, who talks about food the way most people talk about old friends or favorite memories. A Raleigh native raised by an entomologist and a homemaker, she says that the food industry wasn’t in her family history. Still, she relays her mother’s stories about her great-grandmother’s cooking and gardening adventures as if she’s leafing through a family scrapbook. When she moved to New York to attend college, she became a bartender and fell into the city’s food culture, becoming the sort of person who, by her own admission, would rather overspend on an expensive lunch than pay the most basic bills. midtownmag.com | 159

“It just felt like I was supposed to be, and I was around a lot of people who were very into food. I was taken to these weird underground restaurants,” she says. “And I was always going for it.” But Hammer took a circuitous route to get to the food industry and back to Raleigh. In New York, there were stints in fashion and journalism. After returning to Raleigh, she raised two kids before launching Bitty Cakes, a bakery based in her tiny kitchen with “an oven that would behave sometimes.” A friend had pushed her to start a small business, connecting her to the Small Business Administration and encouraging her to overcome her self-doubt. “I was able to have this home-based business that could wane and grow based on what was happening in my life as a mom, which was huge,” says Hammer. She sold her goods at coffee shops and farmers’ markets, pressing pause when life intervened. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it had I been paying for some huge storefront.” When the kids both began going to school, Hammer began thinking about next steps. She’d fallen in with a cadre of local food entrepreneurs and friends, all driven by the goal of filling the city with delicious, creative possibilities. That led to Bittersweet, on the ground floor of the PNC Tower, in 2015. She’d often speak to customers who marveled at the variety of food offerings in the Triangle and wanted a place to buy items like Big Spoon’s nut butters or Slingshot’s cold-brew coffee. That, as well as the downtown Raleigh retail success of places such as Deco, became the spark for Raleigh Provisions. So Raleigh Provisions fills multiple gaps. One, it is a 160 | midtownmag.com

tourist destination of sorts, a place where visitors can stop in and grab local gifts for the return trip, like a downtown depot of the state’s Got to Be NC agricultural initiative. But it is something of a bodega, too, where the city’s swelling downtown population can stop for fresh bagels made at a nearby bakery or mustards and muffins made in North Raleigh. It is, to an extent, a convenience store of luxurious necessities. But Hammer’s plans for Raleigh Provisions are far more ambitious than a mere foodie boutique. She talks about recipe cards, like instructions for roasting the whole chickens she hopes to soon sell or pasta-making instructions for those on an even more remedial level. Blue Apron-like local meal packs are a possibility. There will be classes in the space’s open rear, as well as demonstrations. Generous samples often grace the counter. It’s all consistent with one mission for Hammer: she just wants people to fall in love with food and realize the sort of wealth that surrounds them, just as she did. midtownmag.com | 161