QC Exclusive - No. 5 - July / August 2012

A New Take on the Dilworth’s New Artisan 5 Must Read Books Classic Margarita of the Summer Oils and Vinegars

QCexclusive Charlotte’s Guide To The Good Life

QCExclusive.com

July/August 2012

Samantha NASCAR’S Leading Lady

QC&A

Busch

Wine Flows at Little River

Carolina’s Best Drives Explore amazing roads, breathtaking views, unique

pit stops, great places to stay, and the best sights to see.

The

Top Five Caribbean Destinations

S U L P

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Publishers’ Note

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$19.99/year (6 issues)

Summer Is For Traveling

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et’s be honest: When it heats up, the last thing we want to be doing is working 9 to 5 in some sterile office. We want to be sitting poolside, sipping cocktails and reading magazines. We want to be on the deck of a Chris Craft soaking up Lake Norman sun. And we definitely want to be on an airplane headed to the Caribbean or in the car riding down I-26 on our way to Charleston.

Location is one of my favorite things about our city. Set so close to the best lakes, mountains, and beaches in the South, Charlotte is a perfect home base for summer travel within the region. With an airport that has the reputation the likes of Charlotte-Douglas and so many non-stop flights, the rest of the world is very accessible as well.

In the spirt of the season, we dedicated much of this issue (Issue No. 5) to travel and adventure. We met with the guys of CAFE (Charlotte Area Ferrari Enthusiasts) to discuss their favorite Carolina driving roads, pit stops, and sights to see while on the blacktop. We traveled to Mt. Gilead, NC and met with John Georgius and Will Russell of Little River Winery to enjoy some of their maturing Cabernet Sauvignon, and can now highly recommend a day or weekend trip to their neck of the woods. Our new travel contributor, Andi Perullo shared her story of a recent trip to Dominica, a unique and slightly less traveled Caribbean destination. Her experience ultimately inspired several of our other contributors to share their favorite Caribbean destinations with our readers.

Beyond all the travel editorials is an issue packed with amazing content.

You can read the exclusive and candid interview with Nascar’s leading lady, Samantha Busch. You can check out a wide range of hot products available at the best stores in Charlotte, see the newest styles for the professional gentlemen, and get your palate wet with the best gourmet foods, cocktails, craft brews, and restaurants in the city.

We want to thank you for reading and we hope you enjoy (especially poolside, lakeside, or ocean front).

Brett Barter Jon-Paul Grice Publishers

PAUL SIMON The Village at SouthPark 4300 Sharon Rd. 704- 366-4523 www.PaulSimonCo. com

petermillar.com

The return of style.

QCexclusive Charlotte’s Guide To The Good Life

July/August 2012 Credits | Issue No. 5 PUBLISHERS Brett Barter | Jon-Paul Grice EDITORS Erica Hanks | Kit Mackie

CONTRIBUTORS Melissa Justice | Andi Perullo

Receive 6 issues (1 year) of the QCExclusive magazine for just $19.99 a year. To subscribe visit us at QCExclusive.com and click on the subscribe link, fill out the form, and voila! Or, if you prefer to call us and order a subscription over the phone simply call 704-268-9497. If you would like to subscribe by mail please send check or money order for $19.99 to 3945 Melchor Ave., Charlotte, NC 28211.

Information

PHOTOGRAPHERS Thien La | Jamey Price | Robert Christopher Ray Thomas | Benjamin Getz

QCExclusive is published by Exclusive Media Group, LLC in Charlotte, North Carolina. For advertising information and editorial inquiries please email us at QCExclusive@gmail.com, call us at 704-218-9192, or visit online at www.QCExclusive.com

STYLISTS & ARTISTS Sparkles Hill | Joy Randall | Erica Hanks Hade Robinson | Amy Margolis ILLUSTRATIONS Kasey Murray

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SPECIAL THANKS GOES TO Kevin Fielden, Amy Rowell, Samantha Busch, Turner Herbert, John Georgius, Will Russell, and everyone else who participated in or helped with this issue.

Every spa has relaxation Every salon has stylists Every med clinic has botox WE HAVE IT ALL ... SHOULDN’T YOU?

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July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 7

July/August 2012 Publishers’ Note 4 • Credits 6 • Contributors 10 • Events 12 • Society & Soirees 18 • Character of Charlotte 80 •The Tail End 82

52

cover photo by Jamey Price

49 39

Contents 65

The Good Life 21 22 24 26 28 30

Shoes Summer Reads Business Cookware Smoke & Barrel Cutlery

33 40

Samantha Busch Turner Herbert

47 52 58 62

The Wine Flows Carolina Drives Dominica A Caribbean Summer

65 66 68 70 72

Recipe Gourmet Butcher Libations Restaurant

74 76 78

Food & Drink Guide Real Estate Guide Healthy Life Guide

82

Style/Icon

The Exclusives

12

61

Food & Drink

63

Guides

70

40

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July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 9

Contributors

ROBERT CHRISTOPHER

BENJAMIN GETZ

Erica Hanks

SPARKLES HILL

Benjamin Getz is a food photographer in Charlotte, North Carolina. Viewing subjects, landscapes and moments through a camera lens has been his interest and hobby for 7 years. He’s a supporter of local business, craft beer enthusiast and all-around foodie. He lives with his wife, JJ, in South Charlotte.

Fashion Editor, Erica Hanks grew up in South Florida, where she cultivated a love of fashion at an early age. She has worked in the fashion industry as a consultant for major retailers, has a background in writing and editing, and is currently working on a certification in Photography.

Erica and her husband live in South Charlotte with their three children.

Sparkles Hill’s passion for hairstyling includes a diverse portfolio of work from advertising campaigns, editorial, entertainment, film and runway. She lists projects such as the movie, The Hunger Games, ad campaigns for Modern Salon and Spa, work featured in a variety of publications, and fashion shows like Charlotte NC Fashion Week.

Melissa Justice

ANDI PERULLO

JAMEY PRICE

JOY RANDALL

Melissa grew up on Long Island, New York. When she turned 18, she moved to the Carolinas and has been here ever since. A displaced Yankee with three children and a loving husband, she’s learned to relax after having worked in the public sector. Now she sits lazily reading, writing, and drinking ice tea.

Andi is a Chinese Medicine Doctor/Travel Photojournalist who is exploring life and the world one beautiful adventure at a time. When she is not treating patients, she is traveling or dreaming of the next place to visit. She writes about her travels on her popular blog MyBeautifulAdventures.com.

Jamey is a Charlotte sports photojournalist specializing in anything that moves fast. His passion for sports came from his love of athletics. He has competed as a swimmer, triathelete and steeplechase horse jockey. Jamey loves Jimmy Buffett, Nikon cameras, and anything with a Ferrari logo on it.

Joy Nichelle Randall is the owner of Flawless Makeup Art, based in Charlotte, NC. She is an award winning, professional makeup artist, with over 7 years experience in the beauty and fashion industry. Joy has worked with a wide span of clients from NASCAR Media Group to “The Color Purple” on Broadway.

Owner of Robert Christopher Photography, Robert is a lover of crime dramas, sci-fi, coffee, music, and traveling.

In his spare time he volunteers for various causes in the Charlotte area. He also mentors aspiring photographers in developing their artistic photography. You can find his work at www.RobertChristopher.com.

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Vintage. Contemporary. Classic.

704-365-4400 donaldhaack.com

Tuesday – Friday 10 - 6 Saturday 10 - 4 4611 Sharon Road Across from SouthPark Mall

BBB Member and Charlotte Ethics in Business Award Recipient

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 11

July/August 2012 Events

Editor’s Choice

7/28/12 :: Alison Krauss and Union Station bring the songs of their album Paper Airplane to Charlotte’ Illustration by Kasey Murray

7/13 This Is The 60’s

Take a trip down memory lane to a topsy-turvy decade that included the Beatles, the Vietnam War, and Woodstock.

This stage production will feature 35 songs from artists, such as the Rolling Stones, Mamas & Papas, Jimi Hendrix, Fifth Dimension plus many more. Come prepared to enjoy an evening of times long forgotten.

• www.ovensauditorium.com 7/13-7/22 Disc Golf World Championship

Disc golf is like traditional golf except you use flying discs or Frisbees instead of clubs and ball. The sport is a competitive one. The Professional Disc Golf Association has as many as 40,000+ members. 1000 amateur players will be participating in this year’s PDGA Championship.

• www.pdga.com 7/14 Public Lecture with Madeleine Albright

Join Kathleen V. Jameson, Ph. D., President and CEO of the Mint Museum as she holds an informal conversation with 12 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

former US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright.

Secretary Albright will explain her unusual methods of “conveying…diplomatic messages” through her jewelry.

• www.mintmuseum.org 7/14 Jackson Browne

Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne begins his 2012 Acoustic Tour in Charlotte at the Belk Theater. Powered with emotions, Browne’s music is considered the “most literate and moving” of songs in pop music today. Inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and Songwriter Hall of Fame in 2007, Browne is an amazing performer.

Sara Watkins, a fiddler, will be the guest artist.

• www.carolinatix.org 7/15 XTERRA Whitewater Triathlon

Triathletes put their will to the test this summer at the US National Whitewater Center. This fierce competition starts as participants torpedo into a two part 850 meter swim in the Catawba River and on to the USNWC’s own

Paul Beaune NY Salon (QC Jul-Aug) 6-20-12.pdf

artificial river system. After completing this grueling feat, they immediately transition into the mountain biking portion where they take on the USNWC trail network for 23 km. If they aren’t curled up into the fetal position and begging for their mamas at this point, it’s a 6.5 km. run on the brand new East Main trail to the finish line.

• www.usnwc.org 7/18 Crazy late with Johnny Millwater

This will be a live show and TV taping with comedian Johnny Millwater and Sid Davis. If you’ve always wanted to experience Letterman first hand, then this is your opportunity. The show is 90 minutes long and jammed full of interviews, sketches, and stand-up comedy.

• www.cltcomedyzone.com

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7/20 Architecture + Film

Developed in conjunction with the Charlotte chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art’s Architecture + Film series investigates themes in modern and contemporary architecture through the lens of film.

• www.bechtler.org 7/20 - 7/29 Charlotte Restaurant Week

K

Real Beauty for Real People New customers receive a free Kerastase product!

Colony Place · 704-540-9188 · paulbeaunenysalon.com

Charlotte Restaurant Week is a metro-area promotion during which numerous upscale restaurants offer a prix fixe, three-course (or more) dinner for $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity). Restaurants represented in the promotion stretch across many neighborhoods of Charlotte and around the area to Matthews; the Lake Norman area of northern Mecklenburg, Iredell, and Lincoln counties; Concord in Cabarrus County; Belmont and Gastonia in Gaston; Waxhaw in Union; and down to Fort Mill, SC, in York.

• www.charlotterestaurantweek.com 7/21 Summer Music Festival

Maze, Frankie Beverly, Patti Labelle, the O’Jays, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and special guest Tank will perform at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at 6 p.m.

• www.livenation.com 7/22 311 Unity Tour

311came up with their name based on the police code for indecent exposure in their hometown of Omaha, Nebraska after one of their band-mates was arrested for streaking.

Since then, they have all been streaking their way up the charts with their own brand of music which combines ska, reggae fusion, and funk. They will be in Charlotte accompanied by Slightly Stoopid and The Aggrolites which promises to be the party-concert of the summer!

• www.livenation.com July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 13

July/August 2012 Events 7/25 Kiss and Motley Crue

Launching their 2012 tour together, two of the hottest rock ‘n roll groups--Kiss and Motley Crue—will perform at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. For at least three decades these two groups have continued to amaze audiences worldwide.

• www.livenation.com 7/26-7/29 Floyd fest

Just hours from Charlotte on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, Virginia is one of the greatest folk/bluegrass festivals in the southeast featuring an amazing lineup.

• www.floydfest.com 7/26 TRAIN

Train, an American pop band from San Francisco, will be performing with special guest artist Mat Kearney. Winner of three Grammy Awards, Train’s 2nd and 3rd album also hit platinum. Come listen to hits, such as “Marry Me”, “If It’s love”, “Meet Virginia,” and more.

• www.timewarnercablearena.com 7/27 Nickelback w/ Bush and My Darkest Days

Nickelback has decided to extend their tour allowing them to stop in Charlotte and play their unique style of rock for fans here.

• www.livenation.com

7/28 ALISON KRAUSS AND UNION STATION

Alison Krauss and Union Station with Jerry Douglas visit to showcase the songs of their most recent album, Paper Airplane, a critically acclaimed release. With one of the most beautiful voices in the world, Alison Krauss serenades the audience while Union Station members Dan Tyminski (guitar, mandolin and lead vocals), Barry Bales (bass and harmony vocals), Ron Block (banjo, guitar and harmony vocals), and Jerry Douglas (Dobro and harmony vocals) play in perfect harmony.

• www.timewarnercablearena.com 7/30 Comedy Zone Comedy Class Graduation

Charlotte’s newest and funniest comedians will take the stage to make you laugh. Come support these new graduates from the Comedy Zone’s Comedy Classes. This is sure to be a night to remember.

• www.cltcomedyzone.com 7/31 Maria Bamford

Thirty-seven year old Maria Bamford promises a night you will never forget. Starring on the series “The Comedians of Comedy Tour,” Bamford is a powerhouse. Through years of self-examination and secretarial work, she is now following her dream.

• www.cltcomedyzone.com

ELBOW

FOOT

HAND

HIP

KNEE

PEDIATRIC

SHOULDER

SPINE

SPORTS MED

For excellent care in these areas:

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8/3 Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd

With songs like “Ramblin Man” and “Free Bird,” how can you pass up an evening with these two rock ‘n roll legends? The answer is you can’t! This is a must see for rock ‘n roll lovers.

• www.livenation.com 8/3 Jazz At The Bechtler

The Ziad Jazz Quartet pays tribute to American jazz tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins at the August 3 Jazz at the Bechtler concert. Songs will include Pent Up House, St. Thomas, Oleo, Doxy, Airegin and Tenor Madness.

• www.bechtler.org 8/5 Bridal Showcase

Twice a year wedding professionals gather together for the main purpose of showcasing their wares. Sponsored by Belk Department Stores, Party Reflections, and The Knot, the Bridal showcase is exciting, exhilarating, and mind boggling. The food, the clothes, the gowns, the romantic honeymoon getaways…the list goes on and on. And, the Grand Finale Fashion show is also something you don’t want to miss. It is presented by The Men’s Wearhouse, and David’s Bridal. Don’t forget Brides-to-Be, you must register on-line to be eligible for giveaways, prizes, and contests.

• www.thebridalshowcasenc.com

8/5 Carnival of Madness 2012

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre proudly presents Evanescence, Chevelle, Cavo, New Medicine, and Halestorm, for the third annual Carnival of Madness Tour fueled by Monster Energy. With a line-up like this you will be in for an amazing night of music and fun.

• www.livenation.com 8/9 Rascal Flatts with Little Big Town

“Changed Tour 2012” is Rascal Flatts celebratory tour based on their album Changed. Since their debut in 2000, Rascal Flatts has earned over 40 awards and is one of the “hottest-selling” bands on tour.

• www.livenation.com 8/11 Def Leppard and Poison

The “Rock of Ages Tour 2012” is another one of this year’s must see events for rock’n roll music lovers. Def Leppard and Poison are the Who-Who’s of rock’n roll.

• www.livenation.com 8/15-8/26 The Merchant of Venice

Shakespeare is at his best when writing about betrayal, love, and revenge. One of his more “controversial plays”, the Merchant of Venice revolves around religious strife and the “battle between the sexes.”

• www.charlotteshakespeare.com

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July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 15

July/August 2012 Events 8/18 Afternoon w/ the Winemaker

Come join winemaker, Kiley Evans for a tour of the Raffaldini Winery. Learn the ins-and–outs of winemaking while enjoying a glass of wine.

• www.raffaldini.com 8/20 Steve Vai

AMANDA UPRICHARD

THREE DOTS

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RACHEL PALLY

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RED ENGINE

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FRENCH CONNECTION

PH: 704.366.7272 [ follow us: PinkHangerOnline.com 2935 Providence Road, Suite 103 [ Charlotte, NC 28211 Mon–Thu 10am to 7pm | Fri & Sat 11am to 6pm | Sun 1pm to 5 pm

Steve Vai is one of the revered few on that short list of best players of all time that include the likes of Robert Johnson, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Ry Cooder, Stevie Ray Vaughn (need we say more?) who have changed the way we all think about what a guitar can really do. Now is your chance to see this icon of the axe melt your mind as he takes you down the electric highway into Rock and Roll Nirvana.

• www.livenation.com

8/21 Jason Mraz with Christina Perri

Jason Mraz performs in Charlotte celebrating his new album Love is a Four Letter Word. Appearing as guest artist is Christina Perri.

• www.livenation.com 8/23 Epicentre Alive After Five

This is how Charlotte’s young professionals kick-start their weekend in style! As the largest weekly happy hour and free entertainment celebration in the city, Alive After Five turns the Epicentre into a destination for co-workers and friends to gather and unwind.

Come out and enjoy the music of “Swingin Richards”, tasty beverages and a fun, casual atmosphere. With so many great bars and restaurants in the area, the party doesn’t have to stop there!

• www.aliveafterfives.com 8/25 Toby Keith

Country western singer-songwriter, producer, and actor Toby Keith will be performing with country rock musician Brantley Gilbert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.

• www.livenation.com 16 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

8/25-8/26 Pride Charlotte Festival

Charlotte will be celebrating its diversity in all its glory: cultural, ethnically, and artistically. Music, comedy, and dance are but a few of the wonderful events that are scheduled. Come and have an exciting time while simultaneously learning about all the different cultures and people who make up Charlotte.

• www.pridecharlotte.com 8/26 PHISH

One of, if not the world’s greatest jam bands, Phish, comes to the Queen City to play the second leg of their 2012 summer tour at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.

• www.livenation.com

8/29 Big Time Rush with Cody Simpson and Rachel Crow

Charlotte is proud to be one of the stops on the “Big Time Summer Tour” which is currently touring throughout the US and Canada. The show will feature “Australian phenomenon” Cody Simpson, an X-Factor finalist, as well as “Nickelodeon talent” Rachel Crow.

• www.livenation.com 8/31 Matthews Alive Festival

The Matthews Alive Festival is a Labor Day weekend celebration dedicated to the support of local nonprofit organizations through music, arts and community involvement.

Like their slogan says, it will be a “Good time funding good works.”

• www.matthewsalive.org

GET YOUR EVENT LISTED! We are always looking for the best events in the Charlotte area.

If you would like to have an event showcased here please contact us at QCExclusive@gmail.com. You can also submit events for FREE on our website. Simply visit us online at www. QCExclusive.com.

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 17

Society & Soirees 1

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Who was there?

1. Jameka Whitten and Yolanda Davis 2. Lynne Kush and Lisa Riordan 3. Amy Bentz, Julie Spiers, and Jill Leatherman 4. James Anderson, Thomas Davis, and Chris Harris 5. Max and Tatiana Papis 6. Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Newman, and friend 7. Danielle Frye, Ryan Knox, Tricia Letarte, and Lauren Swartz 8. Allison Bourne-Vanneck and Jay Harris 9. Shane McDevitt, Nichole Lewis, Lana Laws, and Preston Lewis

Photos shown are from the William Wilson Celebrity Golf Invitational and Catwalk For A Cause 18 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

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Good Life Summer Reads • 22 | Business • 24 | Cookware • 26 | Smoke & Barrel • 28 | Cutlery • 30 Boat Shoes

Evolution of an American Classic

Bahamas $74.95

A

s the saying goes, necessity is the mother of all inventions. If that’s the case than the boat shoe should be the poster child for this iconic proverb. One winter day in 1935, Paul Sperry, was taking a stroll on an ice covered Conneticut pond with his dog Prince. He noticed that while he walked gingerly so as not to slip, Prince was able to run and change direction without any problems keeping traction. Upon closer inspection of Prince’s paws, he noticed a tiny tread-like pattern that enabled Prince to navigate the ice without slippage. As an avid boater that spent many hours slipping and sliding atop the decks of sailboats while traversing the coastline of New England, this struck a chord with Paul, and the Sperry Top Sider was born. Nowadays, the once functional piece of footwear that typically only came in brown, can be found in a slew of different colors that are perfect for expressing your own personal sense of verve and style. Pair them with brightly colored blouses and a pleated skirt, or short skirt, or go for a more casual look with a pair of khaki shorts. These women’s Topsiders, as well as a wide variety of men’s Sperry’s, are available at SouthPark in Nordstrom.

Angelfish $89.95

Madras $84.95

A/O $89.95

Bahamas $74.95

The Good Life Books

Summer Reads Independent bookstores are like local watering holes. Not only does everyone know your name, but everyone knows exactly what you like. These bookstores are the best places to get customized reads based on your tastes.

Unfortunately, these gems of Americana are starting to be few and far between. Lucky for us, we have a wonderful little neighborhood store right here in town called Park Road Books.

They recommended five great reads that will last you through the dog days. So, pour yourself a refreshing glass of ice tea, grab a nice spot in the shade, and unwind with one of these works.

• Rules of Civility Finally available in paperback, Amor Towles’ ‘Rules of Civility’ harkens back to the gaudy world of America circa 1930. Think Fitzgerald, with an edge.

• Trenchmouth Taggart

Reminiscent of Ron Rash and other contemporary Appalachianfiction greats, Glenn Taylor’s narrative recounts the sweeping, century-spanning epic of a West Virginian wanderer. It’s at once complex, soulful, and captivating, • Blood Bones and Butter

Rarely do we get a glimpse into the culinary world from a female 22 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

perspective, and that’s precisely what Gabrielle Hamilton gives us.

Her writing is redolently engaging, recounting the people and places she meets on her accidental venture into the world of food.

• The Art of Fielding

A promising debut from one of the freshest voices in fiction, ‘The Art of Fielding’ is an engaging comingof-age tale of Middle-American Henry Skrimshander. Recruited to Westish College’s baseball program, Henry is thrust into an unfamiliar world of eccentric school deans, gay roommates, and the usual heartaches and hurrahs of a college campus. You

needn’t be a fan of baseball to enjoy Skrimshander’s journey.

• A Good American

A love song to the author’s adoptive state of Missouri, this debut novel chronicles the multigenerational stories of a family of German immigrants. All about America from the beginnings of World War I, to the jazz renaissance of New Orleans in the 1920s, and far beyond, this is a glimpse into a fascinating family, told with graceful humor and a lot of heart.

To support your local bookstore visit Park Road Books at 4139 Park Road or visit www.parkroadbooks.com.

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The Good Life Business 1

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The Pen is Mightier When paired with a team of accessories like cufflinks, a business card holder, and a classic leather briefcase it is much mightier.

If you truly understand the intrinsic value of a signature than you understand the importance of the pen that writes it. The signature is a representation of your core values, intentions, and honor code. Signatures have started wars, declared independence, and proclaimed emancipation. So, if your signature embodies the highest level of integrity and purpose, shouldn’t your pen?

There are few pens in the world with the integrity and purpose of a Montblanc.

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The German penmaker is known for its labor intensive design, precision, and experience. This reflection of elegance and status has placed them at the top of the pen pantheon. Even politicians and businessmen like Ronald Reagan and Queen Elizabeth have acknowledged the pen’s greatness with their signature. You should as well. To compliment their pens, Montblanc also offers other fine luxury accessories for both men and women.

Products Pictured 1. Horlogerie Red Gold Cufflinks, $475 2. StarWalker Red Gold Pen, $1,130 3. Meisterstück 2-Gusset Briefcase, $1,440 4. Meisterstück Business Cardholder $180 5. StarWalker Ballpoint, $385 Available at the Montblanc location at SouthPark by visiting or calling 704.442.1222. For more details visit www.Montblanc.com.

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 25

The Good Life

Cookware

Low Country Boil Ingredients • 8 baby red potatoes • 4 shucked ears of corn • 1/2 large yellow onion, • 2 smoked sausages cut • 1 lb large raw shrimp (shell on) • One can of beer of choice • Old Bay spice

Directions Add water to the pot and bring to a boil. Dash Old Bay spice into boiling water than add the beer, potatoes, corn, and onions and let the ingredients simmer for half an hour. Add sausage to the boil and let the ingredients simmer for one more half hour.

Add the shrimp and cook til they are pink. You are ready to serve.

For the adventurer Add crab and crawdads five minutes before you add the shrimp.

For those that would rather try a low country boil at a restaurant in Charlotte visit Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar and Ribs (BoardwalkBillys.com).

The Crucible

hands down choice in any size French/Dutch oven is made by Le Creuset.

On paper, there’s little Known as the cookware of choice for creating classic hearty soups and stews, to justify the high cost of Le Creuset is very popular in the Fall and Winter. However these are the Le Creuset Dutch ovens perfect solution for summertime dishes like a low country boil, Louisiana style (upwards of $200 for the gumbo, braised pork barbecue, and a whole bunch of other summer goodness. larger ones) compared to similar, cheaper brands. But hen it comes to French/ you to use them all year round. Here fans of Le Creuset’s enamel-coated Dutch “ovens” it seems are a few ideas for summer use; slow cast-iron pots nonetheless say that we are programmed cook a pork shoulder or any other they are worth every penny. These to think they are only appropriate meat for pulled pork sandwiches or ovens will last your whole life, come to use when certain outside factors tacos, baked beans on the grill or with a lifetime warranty, come in a cue us; the mercury drops below over a campfire, steamed mussels, large array of colors, and can take a 50 degrees, someone invites us to a fruit cobblers, cooked grains to put serious beating without damage or tailgate party, the leaves start to turn on a cold salad, use it as a deep fryer chipping. Le Cookery in Blakeney colors and make the move to our front for seafood or chicken, any side has a huge selection of these French/ yard, or it’s time to go out and buy dishes on the grill, and the list goes Dutch ovens from 1Qt all the way up Halloween candy. The truth is, these on. When it comes to these sultans to 13QT, as well as the entire gambit workhorses are good for far more of simmer, all ovens are not created of any other kind of Le Creuset than just making casseroles, soups equal. If you are looking for quality, cookware you need. and apple butter, and are just begging durability, and aesthetic appeal, the

W

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The Good Life Action 1

Blackjack

Strategy Do you hit or stay?

You have 14:

3

2

6

7

The dealer shows:

The dealer has got to hit.

What do you do?

Choose One:

Stay? or

5

4

Hit? Answer Below

Products Pictured:

Smoke & Barrel

Z

Geneva’s Quintessential

ino Davidoff, son of Russian tobacco merchants, grew his parents’ Geneva, Switzerland tobacconist shop into one of the world’s most luxurious brands. In 1967, Davidoff was approached by the Cubatabaco, the country’s state owned monopoly and maker of Cohiba, to produce a custom cigar for all of Zino’s boutique shops. One year later the first Davidoff cigars were released, garnering high praise and establishing the brand as an industry leader almost overnight. That reputation is still growing nearly 50 years later. Their premiere 28 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

cigar is the Davidoff Millennium Robusto, a cigar draped in a unique, Ecuadorian sun-grown wrapper that encases a hand selected and aged Dominican tobacco. The highly complex blend allows for a perfectly-balanced smoke full of rich flavors and aromas, making it one of the world’s finest smokes. If a full flavor cigar is not what you are searching for than try the Davidoff 2000, a lighter smoke with an equally unmatched reputation. These sticks as well as Davidoff cigar accessories are available at Tinder Box at SouthPark, Uptown, or the Arboretum.

1 Zino Tobacco Leaf Matte Humador; $1,170.

2. Davidoff Silver Lighter; $680.

3. Davidoff Round Plug Gold; $355.

4. Davidoff Crystal Ashtray Cut; $335.

5. Brizard Havana Lizard Case; $120.

6. Davidoff Millenium Robusto Cigar; $17.90.

7. Davidoff 2000; $11 Available at Tinder Box of the Carolinas. tinderboxcigars.com

Blackjack Answer If you stayed with your 14 you were correct.

The dealer’s hole card was a ten. He hit a Queen of Clubs and busted. Tip: Anytime the dealer has a 2,3,4,5 or 6 showing and you have a 14 your best chance to win the hand and double your money is to stay.

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 29

The Good Life “These knives deliver the beauty of sharpness, following the concept of the famous Japanese samurai swords.”

Cutlery

East Meets West Miyabi combines the strength of European knives made for knights with the sharpness of folded metal made using traditional samurai methods.

T

he German name Henckel has been synonymous with world class cutlery since the 18th century.

In fact, they were given

a Royal Warrant of Appointment as purveyors of knives to the Imperial and Royal Court of Austria-Hungary. In recent years, with the growing popularity of sushi and

sashimi in Western cultures, Japanese food and culture has become popular around the globe – and with it interest in knives made in Japan because of their unique combination

of aesthetics,precision and sharpness. The ancient techniques used to make these knives can be traced back to the days when ancient Samurai (members of the Japanese warrior class) roamed the provinces armed with nothing more than their swords.

These swords were created through a process of folding forged steel over and over again to produce tens of thousands of layers which result in unmatched strength, flexibility, and sharpness. Today, Henckel has it’s own answer to the growing demand for Japanese knives, MIYABI. MIYABI knives deliver the beauty of sharpness, following the concept of the famous Japanese swords.

Since the 14th century Seki has been the center of the Japanese sword and knife industry. In 2004 Henckel acquired one of Seki’s leading manufacturers of top-quality knives and the MIYABI brand was born.

These knives have quickly become the favorites of world renowned chefs and are even endorsed by Iron Chef Morimoto. They are also endorsed and carried

by Clinton Greif, owner of Le Cookery located in Blakeney Village. Le Cookery is one of the few places that you can find these MIYABI knives in Charlotte. www.lecookeryusa.com

Beyond cutlery, if you need a real samurai sword, on July 21-22 the Charlotte Gun Show will be at the Park Expo and Conference Center. Vendors will feature everything from rare over and under shotguns to folded metal Samurai swords. Visit cegunshows.com for more information and times..

30 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

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July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 31

The Majestic Bath www.themajesticbath.com

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Style/Icon QC&A

Racingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Lady

Samantha Busch Photos by Thien La

Model Samantha Busch Wardrobe Styling Erica Hanks Hair Sparkles Hill Makeup Joy Randall

Dress: Ralph Lauren, Neiman Marcus, $698 Bangle: Nordstrom, $28 Earrings: Sloan, $40 Ring: Diamonds Direct

“I love to point out stunning features on them that they overlook every day. Every woman is beautiful, special, and unique and if they don’t have anyone in their lives to point that out to them, I will.”

34 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

S

She is the darling of raceday, tweeting up-to-the-minute commentary on her husband’s performances and sharing fashion tips with thousands of ladies at the track and beyond.

But Samantha Busch is more than just a social media queen. She is a loving wife, a caring philanthropist, and a proud midwesterner. We lucked out and had the opportunity to spend a day with Samantha, learning about what makes her tick, laughing a lot, and getting inspired to do more for our community. Get to know the recent recipient of her Master’s Degree, the health nut, and the fashionista, Samantha Busch, in this exclusive QC&A. Where are you from and where did you grow up?

Have you always enjoyed health and fitness?

I grew up in Northwest Indiana about thirty minutes outside of Chicago. It was such a wonderful place to grow up because you got the best of both worlds. We lived in a decent sized town but it had a small-town feel with lots of kids and activities that all the families would go to. Also, you had the city a short drive away with so much culture and exciting things to do. As a kid, I loved to go to Navy Pier and the Field Museum.

When you were a child what was your favorite thing to do?

Yes I have! My dad actually was an amateur bodybuilder back in the day so when I was little I was exposed to his workouts because we had a mini gym in our basement. He was also big into boxing . He taught my friends and I some basic moves which inspired us in high school to take some great kickboxing classes.

Did you go to school to specialize in fitness? If not how did you get involved with it?

I was very active as a kid but, believe it or not, I also had a little bit of tomboy in me! I grew up in a neighborhood where there were 10 boys and myself so I played everything from football, basketball, street hockey, you name it. If the boys were playing it, I would try. Of course, I was always still me at heart because even as a little girl I would roll up to the street hockey game ( a whole house away) in my little pink Barbie corvette. I always held my own with them come game time.

What was the most important lesson your parents taught you?

To always go out of my way to be nice and help others. And to thank God for what he has blessed me with. They wanted me to use my time here to make a positive impact. Even the smallest comment can have a major impact on someone either positive or negative so be mindful of what you say.

Any words of wisdom from your parents that molded you into the person you are today?

You can’t change the past but you can mold your future. And always go with your gut.

I did not. I actually got my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Purdue University and went on to get my Masters in Industrial/ Organizational psychology from Austin Peay State University. I got heavily involved in fitness in high school when I worked at a local health club. It was there that I really learned a lot about all the various types of equipment and all about personal training. When I went to college I knew I wanted to do more in fitness so I trained to become an aerobics instructor and taught bodysculpt classes and spin classes.

How do you use health and fitness to encourage women and improve self esteem issues?

I have always been a huge health and fitness advocate and people, through getting to know me personally or through social media outlets, began to ask me questions about my daily routines. This really started a fitness dialogue and opened many doors for me to try to help them. Most women that contacted me really just wanted to lose a few pounds or tone up specific areas but they did not have a lot of time and couldn’t go to the gym. I felt like I was in the same boat because of how little time

I have. Since I’m not always able to go to an actual gym, I created quick and effective workout routines with minimal equipment. I posted a few blogs on my site and I got a huge response! I am a huge people person and I really like to get to know these women and hear their stories. I love that many of them keep me posted on their progress. It is very exciting for me to see the emotion a woman will have when I meet her at an event and she tells me that my blogs and tips have helped her to lose weight or overcome some hurdle.

It encourages me to continue doing what I do. Some of these women, when I first meet them, talk so poorly about themselves. It is probably because people in their lives tell them negative things. I love to point out stunning features on them that they overlook every day. Every woman is beautiful, special and unique and if they don’t have anyone in their lives to point that out to them, I will!

What are your suggestions for people who want to be healthier ?

Fitness inspiration that goes along with the words my parents told me: You can’t change the past but you can mold your future. Every morning you wake up, you are faced with choices and you can either live your life the same or you can change your life. The choice is yours and yours alone. Write down the goals that you want for yourself, not what anyone else wants for you. Put it on a sticky note on your bathroom mirror and every day make choices that will get you closer to your goals.

Aside from helping people reach their fitness goals you and Kyle are also active philanthropists. Tell us about the charities you donate to?

The Kyle Busch Foundation has many passions. Kyle and I both love July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 35

QC&A kids so many of the charities that we support revolve around them. To date, we have five homes around the country that we help support and are looking to help another wonderful organization called Barium Springs located in the greater Charlotte area (Troutman) in the upcoming months.

I had the opportunity to visit this facility just a few weeks ago and spend time with the young children.

I sat and had lunch with the 4-5 year old group and was greatly touched by their enthusiasm and questions so, in the future, we plan on providing them with financial support as well as with activities that they possibly wouldn’t get to experience otherwise. We try to help all of our homes financially to meet their basic needs but also provide them with “fun” things too. This past Christmas, we asked each of the homes for individual Christmas wishes for all the children. Two other women and I shopped for about 3 days straight for hours at a time to get the exact presents that over 300 children specifically wanted. We wanted them to feel really special and get exactly what they asked for and it was a very moving experience to see the small things children would ask for that many may take for granted.

What inspired you to get involved with all of the charities that you support?

Kyle and I realize that we are very blessed and God put us in this position to do something good with our blessings. We have been given this great platform and we should use it to help others. Kyle and I were blessed to have wonderful childhoods and it is heartbreaking to hear that not all kids have this opportunity.

Your childhood should be carefree and innocent; a time filled with happy memories. Many of these kids have been through very traumatic experiences and I feel that it is our duty to try to provide them with comfort and fun activities to let them be what they truly are, children.

36 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

Do you have any inspiring stories of people that you have helped?

Aside from helping children, I am very passionate about helping women of all age ranges. I really love to interact via Twitter with the teenage girls and help them with things such as what to wear to prom or how to do their hair. It makes my day when they send me a picture of themselves on their big day dressed up or with the hair style I recommended that they are so happy with. I just love to be an ear for girls that may not know where to turn for questions like this.

I never had a big sister either so I feel like, for some of them, I help with that role. One really moving email I received was from a young girl who was starting college and nervous because she was shy and also wanted to lose weight. It really meant a lot to me that she reached out to me and asked me for my advice. I wanted so much to help her…and still do!

How would you encourage others to donate their time and effort?

Many of these homes need volunteers for so many different activities.

Barium Springs has people come in to read stories to the children or help assist them with some of their extra programs. One thing they are going to initiate is activities to ward off childhood obesity. One idea they had was a Zumba-type class for kids. Go spend time dancing around with them, it will be a blast!

Have you always been interested in style and fashion?

Yes, I have always been in to fashion and have always had a really eclectic taste. I don’t really follow any one trend or look. I just throw on whatever I feel like that day. I also take risks a lot in what I wear. I like to go crazy with color and accessories.

My passion has always been for shoes! I blame my grandma for this but, long story short, my grandma has Alzheimer’s and when we were moving her in with my parents we were cleaning out her house and came upon a countless number of

shoe boxes. It was like entering a shoe department. Also, same as me, she never threw any of them away.

They are so hard for me to part with.

Clothes I don’t mind getting rid of, but shoes I justify in my head that I will need them forever for some outrageous event or because they will come back in style. I have a pair of crazy pink pointy pumps that I have had since my freshman year of high school and they are so out there but I justify keeping them because one day if someone throws an 80’s party I’ll have shoes for an outfit.

So you have found a way to use your own individual fashion to donate to charitable organizations?

Yes! I started an eBay store and part of the proceeds go to the Kyle Busch Foundation. This kind of started because I would wear something to a race and girls would ask where I got it from. Many times it came from an outlet mall or a TJ Maxx or Marshalls so there was really no guarantee that it would be there. A friend of mine suggested putting it up on eBay so people can have the opportunity to buy it. So that’s exactly what I did. I also set the prices low so that everyone could have a chance to buy them. For example, I sell BCBG tops for $10-15, H&M tops for $3-$5 and so on. I love when people who purchase the items send me pictures of them going out somewhere in the item. It’s fun and interactive and also helps raise money for the Kyle Busch Foundation.

How did you and Kyle meet?

Kyle and I crossed paths the summer going into my senior year in college.

We began to get to know each other via the phone and emails and eventually started a long distance relationship throughout my senior year. Upon graduation, I relocated to Charlotte and we got engaged on February 4, 2010 and we were wed on December 31, 2010. We were married in Chicago because my huge family is there and we really loved the venues in Chicago. We were married at the beautiful Holy Name

QC&A

“I feel that it is our duty to try to provide them with comfort and fun activities to let them be what they truly are, children.”

Dress: Alberta Ferretti, Coplon's; $3815 Necklace: Coral, $420 Earrings & Ring: Diamonds Direct Cuff: Sloan, $220 37 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 37

QC&A Cathedral and our reception was at the Chicago Cultural Center which was originally Chicago’s public library. The wedding was a vintage glam theme and was done in plums, golds and feathers. The absolute best moment of the wedding was when I was walking down the aisle with my dad. It was a crazy long aisle and there were a ton of people there but my only focus was straight ahead at Kyle. It was one of those moments where everything else in the room fades away. It was truly magical, and of course, I proceeded to burst into tears. Just to see the emotion on his face too was so overwhelming. We had so much fun dancing the night away with our friends and family. The whole day was just beyond perfect!

What are you looking forward to the most for your future?

Kids!!!

You recently got a master’s degree.

What was that experience like?

I got my masters in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology through Austin Peay State University’s online program. The program was very rigorous and challenging. It is very impressive what a great education you can receive online through the various online classroom formats.

It was a lot of work and there were many days that, even on race day, I would have a stack of papers with me, going over my notes or working on a paper during the cautions.

Was Kyle’s racing lifestyle new to you or have you been around the racing world?

It was completely new to me. I had never been to a race before. The joke

was the only driver I really knew of was Jeff Gordon because his name was featured in one of Nelly’s rap songs.

It was such a learning experience but I love it. I was constantly asking Kyle and the crew guys’ questions about various car parts or different things.

I still do because it is such a huge part of their lives and I like to know what’s going on when Kyle will say various scenarios on the radio. The engineers up on the box are always really nice about answering different race questions during the race when they have time. I love seeing the look on Kyle’s face when he says something and I throw some racing terminology back at him.

What gave you the idea to give updates on Twitter about all the races for your fans?

I was not the first to start doing that but when I saw many others doing it I jumped on board to see what all the buzz was about and I was instantly hooked. It is instant access to so much information. I love the fact that people really get to interact with each other. It makes it very personal and is awesome for our sport. I love to tweet pictures and give race updates so that everyone feels like they are sitting up on the box with us. My favorite thing is that I get to bring a touch of girly to NASCAR. I can give race updates about pit stops and adjustments while also answering questions about fashion. I have a race day shoe pic tweet that started once almost as a joke by someone asking me about my shoes and has taken off into a weekly thing. I love when I get done with driver intros and am getting ready for the race and look at my phone and see a ton of tweets asking about what shoes I am wearing.

Samantha in a J. Mendel dress from Coplon’s; $3100 and cuffs and earrings from Diamonds Direct.

Do you think race updates are the main reason you have so many fans on social media or do you think it is your fitness and fashion advice?

It is probably because I give various tips from how to create homemade face masks to how to jazz up canned food to how to get an effective workout on your couch. I think another reason too is because I really try to interact with everyone. I truly enjoy hearing their stories and such and it’s funny because there are some people that I actually get to meet and interact with faceto-face. I have become really close to some. There is one family in particular that has a daughter Lexie who is 14 and she is just the sweetest girl in the entire world and her and her family come to many of the races. When I see them it is like seeing long lost family.

What are your hobbies outside of fitness, fashion, and racing?

I love to read. My favorite types of books are murder mysteries. I can get lost in a good book for hours! I also really love to go on walks and hikes.

Thirty Seconds With Racing’s :30 Leading Lady Samantha Busch Beach or Mountains?

Beach

Going fast or taking it slow?

Going fast

Beer or Wine?

Wine

Caribbean or Europe?

Europe is my dream trip

Pizza or Filet Mignon?

Neither, healthy option please!

Bieber or Timberlake?

Timberlake

Jeans or Dress and High Heels?

Dress and high heels

Country or Rock N Roll?

Pop and oldies (1960s/1970s)

Ryan Gosling or Ryan Reynolds?

Ryan Reynolds

38 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

Coming Soon!

Look for Samantha’s new fitness column starting in the next issue of QCExclusive magazine. Her column will consist of workouts that will help you stay fit and encourage you to live a healthy lifestyle even when you are busy or on the go. You can also follow her on Twitter at @SamanthaBusch.

Dress: Alice + Olivia, Neiman Marcus; $440 Necklace: Kate Spade, Nordstrom; $378 Cuff: Lotus, $28 Shoes: Valentino, Neiman Marcus; $745

I love seeing the look on Kyle’s face when he says something and I throw some racing terminology back at him.

39 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 39

Model: Turner Herbert Though firmly rooted in Charlotte, Turner Herbert spends much of his time concerned with happenings in some of the world’s most corrupt locales. As an attorney with Parker Poe LLP, Turner specializes in international corruption law. He assists clients -- whether manufacturers, defense contractors, or others with operations abroad -- navigate the murky waters of foreign bribery laws and ensure that they conduct business lawfully.

More generally, Turner represents companies in a wide variety of governmental investigations. A Davidson College graduate and former Mecklenburg County Young Lawyer of the Year, Turner cherishes time with his wife and two children in their Dilworth home. He’s easily spotted around town in his ‘71 MGB.

www.parkerpoe.com/attorneys/wc-turner-herbert/ 40 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Style

Summer of Distinction Photography Thien La Model Turner Herbert Wardrobe Styling Amy Margolis Stylist of Nordstrom South Park Hair Nikki Lowery

Grey suit, Boss, Nordstrom, $795.

Black stripe suit, Boss, Nordstrom, $795.

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 43

Black stripe jacket, Boss, Nordstrom, $795.

Blue and White checkered shirt, Boss, Nordstrom,$125.

Red cotton pant, Boss, Nordstrom, $195.

Grey suit, Boss, Nordstrom, $795.

The

Exclusives The Wine Flows • 47 | Carolina Drives • 52 | Dominica • 58 | A Caribben Summer • 47

The Wine Flows At the foothills of the ancient Uhwarrie Mountain Range, lies an expansive 1,350 acre farm located on the banks of the Little River. The land is fertile, its stewards knowledgeable, and its harvest, after years of maturation, is impressive.

by Melissa Justice 47 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 47

N

avigationally challenged is best defined as “someone who couldn’t find their way out of a paper bag,” and that’s me. So when I woke Friday morning, I made sure to allot 90 minutes for the 55 minute drive to the Little River Winery in Mt. Gilead, North Carolina.

I was scheduled to meet the Vineyard Manager, Will Russell at 10:30. Highway 73 was free of traffic, but I had gotten lost earlier in the drive. With but a few minutes to spare, I suddenly spotted a long driveway bordered with grapevines. At the top of the hill was a beautiful white Colonial style farm house. The sign read, Little River Winery.

“Thank goodness, I made it.”

Pulling into the parking lot, I grabbed my purse and recorder, threw my non-essentials in the trunk, and walked over to where two gentlemen were standing, clearly waiting for me.

“Hi Sorry I didn’t get here sooner. I took a wrong turn.”

“That’s okay. Let me introduce myself. I’m Will Russell and this is Kevin Childers. I’m the Vineyard Manager and Kevin assists with the wine.”

We shook hands and set out on the tour. Russell earned a BS in Horticultural Science from North Carolina State University. As General Manager of the vineyard, he manages construction of the winery, keeps the tractors working, runs the fields, and is a Jack-of-all-Trades. Childers was newly hired to assist with wine production.

The tasting area was just a short walk from where we parked. Located under a canopy of trees it was once a picnic shelter, but the owner had renovated into a beautiful, enclosed building with a stone fireplace at one end. “The tasting room is open Tuesday thru Saturday,” says Russell. “But on the weekend, different groups use the facility. The FSA Office does a tour of the area of which we’re one of the last stops. You can’t start a tour with wine,” he says with a smile. “Then there’s the Shag club. They have a good time. They bring lawn chairs, have a covered dish dinner, and set a DJ up in the corner. It gets hot sometimes, but they don’t seem to mind. If you look outside towards the water you can see our Sporting Clay course.”

Not your ordinary winery, the Little River Winery is housed on a 1350 acre farm called Summer Duck Farm.

The entire facility is private. There are 20 acres of grapes, about 100 acres of corn, sporting clay, duck ponds, three quail courses, bull frogging, dog pens, a hunting lodge, cemetery, swimming pool, workout pool, wine cellar, winery, and wine trailer. The magnitude of what was housed on the farm was hard to conceive sight unseen.

“You mentioned earlier that there’s a lot of hunting that takes place on the farm.”

“Yeah, hunting season runs during the fall months,” says Russell. “We flood 60+ acres and the rain floods another 30 acres of swamp land, a total of 90 acres underwater.

We bring in about 900 ducks. They’re raised here on the property but are free to roam wherever they choose. Since we’re on a natural migration course, the ducks usually return and bring lots of friends,” says Russell. “Then of course, there’s quail, wild pig, and deer. Let’s head up towards the winery.”

The primary mode of transportation on the farm is a gator, an all-terrain utility vehicle that looks like an oversized golf cart on steroids. It can go about anywhere maneuvering through woods, ruts, and across narrow bridges between waterways. Having never ridden in one before, I’m reticent. I look at the back seat and see it’s covered with dirt. I go to brush it off but stop myself.

“Why bother,” I say.

I climb onto the gator and we head towards the mobile tasting room, the Little River Winery’s unique marketing strategy. “It’s an interesting story,” says Russell. “Me and my boss couldn’t figure out where we wanted to put a tasting room, since we’re out in nowhere. We were drinking wine one night, and I was running my mouth too much when we came up with the idea of equipping a trailer with a generator and taking it to special events around North and South Carolina. Instead of begging people to come see us, we’d just go wherever there was a party.”

Seeing the amazing trailer, turned tasting room, I replied, “That’s a great idea. You should drink wine and run your mouth more often.”

The trailer is black, shiny, and sleek.

The interior walls are covered with beautiful caramel colored wood. There’s special shelving to hold wine bottles and mirrors and greenery to enhance the size and atmosphere of the trailer. The trailer has surroundsound, Wi-Fi, blue ray, and heating and air conditioning, all of which run off a generator. “We had a local company working on the trailer,” explains Russell, “but it was taking too long, so we went with Golden Gate Trailers on 77 out of Charlotte. They do all the hauling for NASCAR. Right now, we travel to events held in the mountains, in Wilmington, Morehead City, Little River, South Carolina, and up and down the North and South Carolina coast--pretty much anywhere there’s a good festival.”

Next, we entered the winery where the tanks, hoppers, sorting tables, and crushers were all on wheels. Since the winery is “growing so fast, mobility was the best way to go,” says Russell. Our winery is different than others; it’s not beautiful. It’s built to be functional, and the Boss likes it that way. ” Opposite Page: Kevin Childers (left), John Before John Georgius became Georgius (center), Will founder of the Little River Winery, Russell (left) sit admiring their wine. he was President of First Union.

“We were drinking wine late one night and I was running my mouth way too much when we came up with the idea.”

48 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 49

50 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

“It takes a lot of beer to make a good wine. Somehow, that makes sense.”

Now in his mid-60s, Georgius appears to enjoy life immensely. Initially, his intent was to buy a good amount of land, so he could shoot his shot gun. “There aren’t too many places to do that around here,” Georgius says. “I started looking in South Carolina, but Bob Jordan, former Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina and good friend, suggested I come up here. ‘We’ve got good land in North Carolina,’ he tells me. So I did.”

Georgius purchased the farm in the late 80’s from an elderly woman who lived alone on the property because her husband was in a nursing home. “The property was nice,” he says. “Of course the grass was uncut and about 8 feet tall, and the fences needed mending, but there was a pond. To my surprise the house didn’t need any immediate work although later on I did add a new kitchen, chimney, and enclosed back porch onto the original structure.

Dating back to the 1850’s, the house is on the National Register of Historic Places. Several other buildings on the property are also on the register: a corn crib, a stone green house, an entry wall built at the end of the drive, and a cemetery that pre-dates the Civil War. Overtime, Georgius expanded the farm to the size it is today. “A good friend of mine, Charlie Shelton of Shelton Vineyards convinced me to get into the grape business.

We used to go to France together,” says Georgius. “We’d visit wineries and drink wine. He came back after one trip and tells me, ‘the way we drink wine and go to the different wineries, I’m going to put in a vineyard and start selling wine.’”

The plan was for Georgius to plant grapes and sell them to Shelton, but Shelton Vineyards had more grapes than they could use. As a result, Georgius sold his grapes to Childress instead. “We kept winning awards with our grapes,” says Georgius. “We decided that since growing grapes wasn’t a profitable business, we needed to get into winemaking. By 2008, we were doing just that.”

During his travels to Argentina, Georgius met Alberto Antonini, a renowned winemaker whose experience as senior winemaker for the Antinori and Frescobaldi families in Italy and winemaker for Altos Las Hormigas was just what the Little River Winery needed. Hired as a consultant to winemaking, Antonini liked what he saw, but he also knew there were things that needed fixing. He started with the grapes making lots of suggestions early on to correct what the winery wasn’t doing right. “The last few years,” says Georgius, “Alberto’s really happy. The wine that’s in the barrels right now, he particularly likes.”

It’s a tricky business, growing wine in North Carolina.

The weather is inconsistent with frosts occurring during the 3rd and 4th weeks of April, unexpected hail storms, hot days and nights rather than hot days and cool nights which grapes love, and the dreaded diseases that come with over wet soil. But Georgius is certain that in the next five years, despite the challenges of weather and disease, “No one in North Carolina will have to apologize for their wines.”“So Mr. Georgius,” “What’s your goal for the winery?”

“I’d like us to eventually produce about 6000 bottles of wine: 2,000 of traditional grape and 4,000 of the fruit varieties. We have two lines: The Little River label that specializes in traditional wines, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, and our Crawdad label that specializes in fruit wines: Blueberry, Blackberry, Peach, and Pineapple.

These fruit varieties are more oriented towards a younger crowd. Right now Will’s planning several new varieties.”

“The facts are we had the land; we had the interest and the resources to bring in the talent to make sure we’re not putting out a lousy product. We’ve leased some land on the interstate about eight miles from here, and next spring, we plan on setting up the mobile tasting trailer, and selling wine and produce, another one of Will’s ideas.

We’re moving right along, but remember this farm is much more than a vineyard,” continues Georgius.”

After our initial ride to the winery and talking with Mr. Georgius, Russell continues our tour crossing almost 500 acres of farmland. We first investigate the cemetery where tombstones pre-date the Civil War. The oldest one I saw had a birth date of 1798. Vinca minor covers the ground like a carpet and dead leaves crackle under our feet as we step reverently among the gravestones. We drive around 100 acres of corn that will soon be combined and sold at market, make friends with the pointers and bird flushers at the dog pen, investigate a barn built around 1824 where a scene from the movie BillyBathgate was filmed. We ride through mud and ruts, pass streams and fields newly planted with vegetation to aid the natural habitat: ducks, quail, bull frogs and other wildlife. Corn, sunflower, gypsum weed, banana lilies, the list goes on and on. It’s a tremendous amount of work for just three people, but Russell and his men enjoy it. To them it’s “more play than work.”

At the end of our tour, I take the time to really look at Will Russell. He’s an ordinary guy—tanned, clean shaven but probably more comfortable with a twelve o’clock shadow, wearing sun glasses, worn jeans and a weathered tee that reads “Good waves and cold beer.” I remember hearing him say early on in the tour, “It takes a lot of beer to make a good wine.” Somehow, that craziness makes sense. My focus changes to Mr. Georgius who’s a kindly man with white hair and a smile that touches his eyes.

He has a tenacious spirit and a keen business sense, both necessary attributes when facing the ups and downs of running a vineyard.

Put these two men together and they’re unstoppable.

Each complements the other. Whether working out sweating in the sun and heat of the day or enjoying a time of rest talking shop while sharing a bottle of wine or case of beer, Georgius and Russell both think out-of-the-box, walking to the beat of a different drummer. That’s why Little River Winery is a foregone success.

Visit www.LittleRiverWines.com for more information.

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 51

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The open road is a beckoning, a strangeness, a place where a man can lose himself.â&#x20AC;?

- William Trogdon

Carolina Drives Photos by Jamey Price Special thanks to CAFE

Road trips are a summer pastime. With the help of several driving enthusiasts from CAFE, all of whom are no stranger to the state’s best blacktops, we’ve compiled a list just for you. These are the Carolina’s best roads to drive, sights to see, and pit stops and stays along the way. Start your engines.

E

ver since the invention of the automobile, adolescent boys around the globe have been daydreaming about their favorite cars.

This fascination is fueled by car magazines and bedroom walls plastered with posters.

Exotics like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche were some of the favorites among boys of my era. As a 12 year old, I had a poster of a red Ferrari 308 GTS (the car that Magnum PI drove in the hit 1980’s TV series), a white Lamborghini Countach, and a black Porsche 911 turbo. I would lay in my bed, hands interlaced behind my head, and stare at those posters for hours at a time, imagining what it would be like to be able to one day have one of my own, or at least have the experience of driving one.

Recently I met Kevin Fielden, President of the Charlotte Area Ferrari Enthusiasts (or CAFE). As a Ferrari owner himself, Kevin started the club in 2004 as a way to connect with other exotic car owners and enthusiasts around Charlotte. Today there are over 200 members, some who own Ferraris, some who own other super cars, and others with simple aspirations to own one.

The members are a relaxed bunch that love driving their cars and sharing their stories. Along with numerous lunches, gatherings, and rallies, CAFE hosts two large shows annually, Motor Italiani in the Spring and Ferraris at Morrison in the Fall. These are always open to the public and it is free to attend as a spectator.

On a sweaty morning in June I met Kevin and a group of CAFE members at Cars and Coffee, a monthly gathering of auto enthusiasts and a can’t miss event for car geeks, young and old (www.charlotte.carsandcoffee.info). After the event we set out in a caravan of Italian exotics that included eight Ferraris (365 GT 2+2, two 308 GTS’s, two 328GTS’s,348ts, two 360’s, 550 Maranello) and three Lamborghinis (Countach, Diablo, and Gallardo) to explore one of the club’s favorite driving roads. The route we drove wound down Blacksnake in Stanley, NC, included a stop at the historic Rock Springs Campground in Denver, and culminated at a luncheon lake side. For the boy inside of me, this forty mile stretch of road, along with the caravan, was a sight to behold and a dream come true. With the windows down the entire drive I could hear the exhilarating symphony of sounds as these Italian thoroughbreds bellowed and wailed with every downshift. Heads turned the entire way as we whipped past pedestrians and meandered through the curves of the beautiful Lake Norman countryside.

Needless to say, the drive was fantastic. It also was the catalyst that inspired me to compile the list below, ‘Carolina Drives’. I was able to meet a few days later with Kevin, and two other CAFE members, Tom Fisher and Pat Lewandowski.

While we took some amazing shots of their cars on site at Brooklandwood, home of the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase, they shared their insider opinions on a wide range of car topics including the best roads in our area and beyond.

Through emails and phone calls, other members of the club chimed in with their opinions on road trips and our compilation was born.

Here are the best ‘Carolina Drives’, but before we get started remember these things. You may not own a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. Your car probably can’t go anywhere near 200mph. Hell, supercars might not even interest you. But either way there is no denying that this summer you need to get out there and explore the roads of the Carolinas! After all, the road trip has been an American pastime for almost as long as cars have existed and it is your duty to continue this tradition and see our beautiful state. So, hop in the car, roll down your windows, turn the radio up, and become a baron of the blacktop.

Along the way be sure to take in all the great sights and pit stops and don’t forget to buckle your seat belt.

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Carolina

Drives

The best roads, pit stops, sights, and stays in the Old North State •••

Outer Banks Scenic Byway By far, one of the most scenic drives in America is this Coastal Byway. This 140 mile stretch down the coast begins in Beaufort, North Carolina and continues to the junction of State Highway #12 near Whalebone, North Carolina and Nags Head.

Centered on a rich maritime culture, the byway boasts views of the barrier islands, wild and virtually untouched sand dunes and marsh, two national wildlife refuges, historic lighthouses and villages, Pea Island and Cedar Island, and lastly, the largest estuary system in the world. You can see all of this in five and half hours, allowing three and a half of those hours on two separate ferry rides. For the surfing buffs out there, be sure to stop in Buxton, home of the largest surf on the east coast. And though it is possible to do all of this in a day the last thing you want is to feel is rushed through this beautiful drive. Ocracoke Island is a great halfway mark and a perfect spot to stay the night. Or stay at one of the many historic inns in Nags Head. Every option provided with breathtaking views.

•••

Tail of the Dragon Considered one of the world’s foremost motorcycling and sports car roads, the Tail of the Dragon is located on US129 crossing Deal’s Gap on the Tennessee/ North Carolina border. With 318 curves in 11 miles, this road is not for the queasy. It also isn’t for sightseeing. The road itself is the sight to see and the adventure to experience.

•••

Crowder’s Mountain Drive Close in proximity to Charlotte, this drive will take you by Crowder’s and Kings Mountains in Gaston and Cleveland counties. Before you set out on the journey, pack a picnic lunch and wear some athletic shoes and attire. Not only is this a great drive, it’s also great for outdoor enthusiasts. To begin following the byway, take Exit 10 from I-85 and follow U.S. 29/74 to the community of Mountain View.

Exit onto Sparrow Springs Road (S.R. 1125), where the route begins.

Follow Sparrow Springs Road and turn right onto Pinnacle Road (S.R. 1104) as they wind around the base of Crowder’s and Kings Mountains.

Continue on Sparrow Springs Road as it veers right into the area around Crowder’s Mountain State Park. The park showcases the local mountains, which are remnants of the ancient Appalachians. Here you can break out the picnic basket and have a bite, or enjoy hiking or rock climbing in the park. Continue following the byway by turning right to stay on Sparrow Springs Road for two miles, and then right again onto Pinnacle Road. The first mile is gravel.

•••

Grassy Island Drive This route starts about an hour from Charlotte and will take you right between Mt Gilead and Wadesboro. The byway begins on Pinkston River Road (S.R. 1627) in Anson County at the crossover with U.S. 52. Head south through the swamps, pines and farms along the banks of the Pee Dee River until the 4.8-mile mark, take a left onto Grassy Island Road (S.R. 1634). Here you find The Pee Dee Refuge, the only inland wildlife refuge in North Carolina, which features a self-guided auto or hiking trail along a migratory bird habitat.

Further along Grassy Island Road turn left onto N.C. 109 (after 4.6 miles). One mile more and you’ll cross the Pee Dee River. On the opposite side of the river, two-and-

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a-half miles into Richmond County, turn right onto another Grassy Island Road (S.R. 1148). This stretch of road features the geological transition between the lowland piedmont region to the Uwharrie Mountain expanse. The byway ends northwest of Rockingham at the intersection with Holly Grove Church Road (S.R. 1146). If you’re hungry, go south on S.R. 1146 and head to Rockingham to Godfather’s Pizza on East Broad Street. Their crust is amazing and they pile on the toppings. If you happen to have your clubs with you, check out The Richmond Pines Country Club. It was designed by Donald Ross, the father of golf course architecture and offers a challenge to any level golfer.

•••

US24/27 Scenic Drive This drive begins by following the byway in Carthage west towards Biscoe. Continuing on the route, you will pass through the town of Troy, located on the eastern border of the Uwharrie National Forest. Here, approaching the Pee Dee River, you see both Horse Trough and Shelter Mountain on either side of the route.

Cross the Pee Dee River and Lake Tillery into Stanly County. While crossing the river, notice that Stony Mountain frames the path of the Pee Dee River’s west shore. The route ends just south of Albemarle. Head to Blue Bay Seafood on Main Street in downtown Albemarle if you’re hungry. It’s not upscale by any means but the portions are good, hush puppies are outstanding, and the service is friendly and welcoming.

If Seafood isn’t your thing, check out

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Whispering Pines BBQ. the BBQ is hickory smoked with a vinegar-based sauce, and is always fresh and lean.

You can even order right from your car. If you decide to take this drive on a weekend, treat yourself to a bit of nostalgia at the Badin Drive in.

Gates open at 7pm and the movie starts at dark.

•••

Blue Ridge Parkway As arguably the most famous American Roadway, this National Park stretches 469 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. With something to do or see on virtually every mile marker, this parkway demands time and attention, and at a steady 35 miles an hour, this trip is not to be rushed.

Lined with spectacular mountain views, hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and parks, you can’t go wrong choosing which adventure to stumble upon.

•••

Pee Dee Valley This route starts out in the town of Baden, NC which is registered on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases some of the earliest examples of French architecture in NC with it’s French inspired townhouses. As you drive South you’ll be in close proximity to the Morrow Mountain State Park.

If you want to get out and stretch your legs, take a left on S.R. 1798 and go about a mile and a half to the Park entrance. There you can find hiking and equestrian trails

and take in the panoramic views of Badin Lake to the north and Lake Tillery to the South. After the park, jump back on 1720 and go to NC 24/27/73 and go left. Take this for about 2 miles then take a right onto S.R. 1740 for the last leg of the trip straight into Norwood. If you’re stomach starts to rumble, stop into Milano’s Italian restaurant on main Street in downtown Norwood to refuel. Serves basic Italian fare and pizzas and that are pretty darn good for a small NC town.

•••

Waterfall Byway If you find yourself on the west side of the state or on U.S. 64, this route is a must. If you head West on 64, the route begins in the city of Roasman. About 7 miles in you’ll come to the Toxaway River and on your left will be Toxaway Falls.

From Toxaway it is about three miles into the Sapphire Valley resort area. Pass by Lakes Fairfield and Sapphire before crossing the Horse Pasture River, located about 1.5 miles east of Cashiers. From there it is eight winding miles to the town of Highlands. Two miles west of Highlands you’ll pass by the 120foot drop of Bridal Veil Falls, than Dry Falls, about one mile west of Bridal Veil, is on the left. This fall, on the Cullasaja River, is so named because you can walk underneath the roaring water and not get wet.

About four miles from Dry Falls are the Cullasaja Falls. Located on the left heading west, this impressive cascade drops 310 feet in onehalf mile. If you are looking to stay overnight, the Fire Mountain Resort just outside of Highlands sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet and the views and scenery are incredible.

Stay at their quaint Inn, or opt for more luxurious accomodatons with their cabins or treehouses.

For fine dining in the area, On The Verandah located on the banks of Lake Sequoya. Jazz piano drifts in from the dining room as the sun sets over the trees. Fresh seafood is always on the menu; in the fall, look for wild game like buffalo, antelope and wild boar.

Cover spread credits: Kevin Fielden’s Gray Ferrari, Pat Lewandowski’s Red Ferrari, Tom Fisher’s Lamborghini shot

by Jamey Price on location at Brooklandwood farm, home of the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase, in Mineral Springs,NC.

•••

Pamlico Scenic Byway If you are headed to the Outer Banks for a little R&R, this is the most scenic route you can take to really soak in the views and vistas of the NC Coastline. It’s definitely not the quickest way to get there but it is the most scenic. The drive starts in the Town of Washington and follows along the Pamlico River to the Pamlico Sound. As you make your way along the coast towards US 264, you will pass through the town of Bath, which is the oldest incorporated town in all of NC and home to St Thomas Church, which is NC’s oldest church built in 1734.

From here you will continue to the town of Belhaven which is a major stopping point for boats traveling the Intracoastal Waterway and a great place to see some beautiful yachts, sailboats and fishing vessels. Beyond Belhaven is the town of Scranton where you can enjoy an unusual stretch of road where drainage canals and trees on either side form a unique and protective seven-mile tunnel with views of vast fields and tree farms on either side. From here you will get onto US 264. Continue east and at the second curve the road begins to follow the southern shoreline of Lake Mattamuskeet, a natural freshwater lake of about 30,000 acres discovered in 1585.

Continue East towards Engelhard.

On your way out of town look to the east to see the Pamlico Sound.

Continue on U.S. 264 through the wetlands and maritime forests of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. As you travel north towards Stumpy Point, note the nearby U.S. Army and Navy bombing ranges along and be sure to watch for the almost extinct red wolves along the last portion of the route while traveling through the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge. The intersection of U.S. 64/264 marks the end of this scenic byway but will continue on to the Outer Banks. Each of these small towns along the byway offer many options for quaint bed and breakfasts and dining choices.

Dominica

story and photos

by Andi Perullo Explore the Commonwealth of Dominica and four other top Caribbean hot spots.

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 59

L

Located in the West Indies, Dominica is a Caribbean nation that few visit, yet should be at the top of everyone’s dream destination list. Affectionately known as the “Nature Island,” it is an unspoiled ecological haven saturated with volcanoes, waterfalls, rivers, and rainforests. The island iS an adventurist’s playground, as well as a paradise that offers the ultimate in relaxation.

Dominica is served by two airports: Melville Hall (DOM) and Canefield (DCF), though most visitors will arrive through the former, as it is the larger of the two and accommodates commercial airlines. International flights from the United States and Europe are connected to the country through hubs in Puerto Rico, Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. Weather is favorable year-round, thus plan your visit when it best suits your schedule.

An exotic getaway deserves lavish accommodations and Rosalie Bay Resort is the perfect choice. Situated amongst the lush and verdant foothills of the Morne Trois Pitons, here is where unbridled romance meets the untamed wilderness of Dominica.

Over a decade ago, an American woman fell in love with both a man from the island, as well as the country itself, and together they envisioned and then built by hand Rosalie Bay Resort. This grand property was the first luxury hotel of its kind on Dominica and the couple’s mission is for guests to also fall in love with their surroundings, to employ local residents, and to educate everyone they come in contact

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with about the importance of protecting the environment.

This stunning resort is situated on 22 acres of land directly between the Rosalie River and a picturesque black sand beach creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and quietly glamorous. There are a wide variety of rooms to choose from, though it is worth splurging for an oceanfront suite, where you can fall asleep at night to the peaceful sounds of the Atlantic Ocean. Thankfully, mosquitos are not a problem in this part of the Caribbean, so it is encouraged to leave your windows open at night and to relax on your porch swing during the day.

Rosalie Bay Resort features all of the amenities you expect in a tropical holiday: fine dining in a restaurant that only uses local ingredients, an onyx-lined pool in the center of the resort that is filled with fresh saltwater, complimentary wifi, breathtaking beach views, and a superb spa that only uses organic products. There are also free morning and evening yoga classes, which are offered on a private beach. A true vacation from the world awaits you at this property.

Between March and October endangered leatherbacks, the world’s largest turtle, lay their eggs along the resort’s beach. If you inform the staff that you would like to watch this magnificent act of nature they will contact you immediately if they see one. It is an unforgettable experience that is alone worth making the trip to Dominica.

Of course, there is so much more to the Nature Island than your accommodations. There are 365 rivers on Dominica, however the only one navigable by boat is the Indian River, where a part of Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. Tours are offered including guides that are highly knowledgeable and passionate about showing off their gorgeous island. Another must-visit spot is the Emerald Pool. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a tranquil grotto in the middle of a rainforest. Take a plunge in it while splashing underneath its refreshing waterfall. Finally, while Dominica is known for its impressive snorkeling and diving reefs, it is also known for its abundant whale and dolphin sightings. Make sure to dedicate at least one day to water activities.

Let your desires guide you during your stay; maybe you will want to enjoy a hike through the mountains or maybe you will want to do nothing more than drink the milk of a fresh coconut from a palm tree while relaxing on the beach. Whether you are visiting for Rosalie Bay Resorts an adventure or simply for a great tan, the is an eco-luxury infectious pulse of Dominica’s heart is felt and wellness retreat nestled on 22 acres. everywhere and it is guaranteed that you For more information will depart the island already planning visit online at www. your return. rosaliebay.com

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historic Alice town, and the Bimini Big Game Club resort and marina, the island is a perfect destination for vacationers looking to relax or sportsmen looking to throw in a line.

• www.biggameclubbimini.com

Curacao

A Caribbean Summer the waters of the west indies are beckoning. if i were you i would answer the call by visiting one of these four amazing locales.

Bimini Islands In the mid 1930’s, a giant blue marlin weighing over 500 pounds was caught offshore of Bimini.

Earnest Hemingway was living on the north island at the time where he spent his days aboard a flats boat wielding one of four things: a fishing rod, a Montegrappa fountain pen, a strong cocktail, or a Thompson submachine gun. At night he sipped one of his favorite drinks, “Death in the Gulfstream” (a concoction made up of Bols Genever, 62 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

lime juice, lime zest, cane sugar, and Angostura aromatic bitters) and shared stories at the Compleat Angler. When he heard the story of the aforementioned 500 pounder he started writing a manuscript to pay homage to the powerful fish.

He eventually entitled the work The Old Man and the Sea, a book that is now recognized as one of the most iconic pieces of American literature to date.

A lot has changed since Hemingway’s days on the island.

The Compleat Angler has long since burnt down, hurricanes ranging in names from Cleo to Wilma have blown the island to Hell and back, and 500 pound marlin don’t show their bills nearly as often. But Bimini’s still got that lore. With its’ glassy turqoise water, white sand beaches, restaurants and bars of

The only downside of Curacao is its rather close location to Venezuela and the likes of their president Hugo Chavez who has hated us for years. Other than that, we can’t find one thing not to like about this unique Caribbean destination.

In 1499, the Spanish arrived on the sands of Curacao, enslaved the indigenous population and then left. Although the island was a virtually untouched paradise, Curacao was not attractive to the Spanish because it did not rest on gold deposits. A century and a half later, the Dutch West India Company settled and founded Curacao’s capital, Willemstad, a port used for trade and commerce.

The Dutch imprint on the island is still visible today. The architecture lining the harbor of Curacao’s main city is more reminiscent of Amsterdam, 5,000 miles across the Atlantic, than Caracas, only 172 miles south east. Restaurants serve Netherlands’ favorites like broodje gezond, kroket, and frikandel.Diners wash down their traditional Dutch dishes with beers like Grolsch and Heineken. The European feel of the port city is something to behold, but let’s be honest, it is the beaches and not Willemstad that have people enamored with Curacao. White sands, teal blue water, rolling green hills and an amazing coral reef are the real moneymakers for this island. While on Curacao there are a handful of must-do activities including visiting Shete Boka National Park, snorkeling

the underwater marine park, touring the liquer distillery, and checking out the sea aquarium. When visiting Curacao, stay at the Baoase Luxury Resort, a five star locale honored on Conde Nast Traveler’s hot list and TripAdvisor’s top ten list of romantic Caribbean destinations.

• www.baoase.com

Turks & Caicos Turks and Caicos was first discovered by the Spanish in 1512 and since then has been owned and colonized by everyone from the French to the British. Today, Turks and Caicos is a British overseas territory and although cricket is the national sport it is known to many sportsmen as one of the greatest bonefishing locales in the world. The bonefish there swim in the turqoise colored flats off the coast of the islands snacking on shrimp and crab in the sand. All the while their tails are pointed north, out of the water, to the sky. This allows for fishermen to cast at a target (the bonefish’s tail) and adds to the sport exponentially.

Guided trips on the island are in high demand at a price of $800 per day. Turks and Caicos also offers absolutely pristine waters that make snorkeling and diving great options.

Many who visit say that the island has the most spectacularly clear water in the world, allowing you to see all the way to the sea floor below and take in all the amazing creatures that inhabit this beautiful island’s shores.

Turks and Caicos offers a plethora of outdoor activities ranging from kite surfing to sailing, horseback riding to world class golf. Another option, of course, if you just want to relax, is to soak up some sun, read a book, and enjoy one of the many great beaches the island has to offer.

• turksandcaicosbonefishing.com

Sport Fish of the Caribbean Cuba Sure, we still have an embargo on Cuba that makes it extremely difficult to puff on a life changing cigar like the Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona. And yes we know that 50 years ago Cuba with the help of its Communist brethren in Russia, pointed warheads in our direction initiating said embargo. And than there’s the 800 pound gorilla in the room. You know, Fidel Castro, the dictator who has enforced his rules at the peril of Cubans for nearly his entire life.

All of these things have set Cuba back. The Colonial cobblestone streets of Havana are cracking, the paint on the once colorful neoclassical buildings is chipping, and the cars imported from Detroit’s heyday are rusting from the salty air.

It all sounds decrepit and broken, and from a political stand point it probably is. But as a traveler there is something charming about this little time capsule in the Caribbean, something so impressive about the will of the Cubans, and a soulfulness that permeates from the streets, hills, and beaches of Cuba.

FYI, there is no U.S. embassy in Cuba (if you have issues while there go to the Swiss embassy in Havana) so visit with caution. However, as a destination the reward is truly worth the risk. For those whose curiosities abound, when visiting Havana stay at either the Santa Isabel or the Saratoga and be treated to true Caribbean sophistication while being surrounded by history dating back to the Jesuit days of the 1700s. While exploring the Old City taste true Cuban food at El Aljibe, tour the Cohiba factory, and order a daiquiri at the Floridita. There you can raise your glass and toast, quietly of course, to liberty.

• www.hotelsantaisabel.com

Great sportsmen and women like Teddy Roosevelt,Ted Williams, and Joan Wulff have fished the waters of the Caribbean in search of these five elusive game fish. Now it’s your turn. Which of these will you catch on your trip?

Bonefish Known as the phantom, the bonefish is pound for pound the fastest and strongest saltwater fish in the world.

Dolphin The common dolphin or the Mahi Mahi is one of the premier sports fish in the world due to its strength, beautiful coloring, and taste.

Blue Marlin The world’s number one game fish, this is the offshore fisherman’s dream and luckily they get big. The world record is 1,402 lbs.

Permit Permit can grow to upwards of 75 pounds. They feed on shrimp and crabs mostly and are a popular fish to catch when tailing.

Tarpon Tarpon can grow up to eight feet long and weigh over 250 pounds. They are known as the Silver King for their coloration and fighting ability.

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Food&Drink

Gourmet • Olive Oil • 66 | Butcher • Ribeye • 68 | Libations • Craft Brews • 70 | Restaurant • Levant • 72

The Beer Margarita

What happens when you combine a margarita, a mojito, and a cerveza?

A pitcher of goodness we like to call the new official drink of Summer.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 Limes • Mint Leaves • 2 Coronas • 1 1/2 Cans of 7Up • Frozen Limeade • 8 oz. of Espolon Tequila

Directions: Mix Coronas, 7Up, Limeade, and Tequila in a pitcher. Squeeze two wedges of lime into a glass. Muddle several mint leaves in glass. Add ice and mixture. Garnish with lime wheel and mint.

Food & Drink Health Fact:

The polyphenols and oleic acids in olive oil are naturally occuring anti oxidants and fatty acids that act as anti inflammatories, cancer fighting agents as well as lower blood pressure and the risk of coronary heart disease.

Simply put, This isn’t your daddy’s olive oil.

For The

Love of Oil In ancient Greece, athletes ritually rubbed it all over their bodies. More than a mere commodity

to the peoples of the Mediterranean: it has been medicinal, magical, and an endless source of fascination and wonder.

The iconic Greek poet Homer used to call it “Liquid Gold.”

We call it olive oil. Sophie Jones, owner of Pour Olive located on East Boulevard in Dilworth, says that “Olive Oil is essentially a fruit juice (olive is a fruit) and thus the good things in it like the polyphenols and oleic acids are all time sensitive-they all go away after a time. Freshness trumps provence.” Like grapes, it comes in many different varietals and can be sourced from many different regions. “We’re buying from the northern and southern hemispheres to always keep the freshest oil in the house. Many people come in determined to only buy Italian oil. If you don’t know 66 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

Left: Sansone Olive Oil dispenser and Pour Olive’s oilve oil and balsemic vinegar. Above: Doug, Sophie, and Jack, owners of Pour Olive

when your oil was made, knowing where it’s from is meaningless. Our olives are picked while they are still very green and young-not producing much yield, but hanging onto all their goodness.” The polyphenols and oleic acids Sophie refers to are naturally occuring anti oxidants and fatty acids that act as anti inflammatories, cancer fighting agents as well as lower blood pressure and the risk of coronary heart disease. Simply put, This isn’t your daddy’s olive oil. They have upwards of 20 different oils, some of which are infused with flavors like Blood Orange and Lemon. Others have notes of pepper, artichoke, or strawberry. In addition to 20+ taps of premium, infused and fused olive oils they also have 20+ taps of dark and white balsamics from Modena.

Walk the aisles and let Sophie guide you as you sip and stroll the many different flavor combinations. In addition to being great with salads and meats, she says that you can even drizzle some over ice cream.

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July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 67

Food & Drink The Butcher

The Ribeye

HAVE SOME RESPECT. know where your meat comes from.

The ribeye comes from the Fore Ribs in between the neck and briscuit.

• Preparation

A great prep and rub is the key to a perfect steak. Salt early and liberally and let sit for about 30 minutes so the steak can absorb the salt. After salting it, rub a liberal amount of olive oil on the steak. Lastly, coat both sides of the steak liberally with paprika and be sure to massage it in to the meat. This will give it a beautiful color and make for a savory crust with lots of flavor.

• Cooking

Products from Sur La Table at SouthPark • Cole and Mason Salt Mill $35. • Peugeot Pepper Mill, $100.

It has many aliases like THE Delmonico, Scotch Filet, Beauty Steak, Cowboy Chop, Spencer Steak, and the list goes on depending on whERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD.

T

he ribeye is one of the most flavorful cuts and a favorite among carnivores due to its marbling of fat and inclusion of the rib bone. The cut is sliced from the fore rib section of a cow between the sixth and twelth ribs. Ribeyes are not created equal and there are a few tips you need to know when selecting and cooking a ribeye to get the best flavor.

68 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

• Selection 1)Always go with a bone in.

2)Going thick is always a good idea on the grill - you want steaks at least an inch thick because it’s the best way to guarantee that you get plenty of good crust development while still being able to maintain a nice, expansive medium-rare center.

For really thick double cuts, first cook the steak at a very gentle low heat and flip regularly (4-5 times) before finishing it over ripping hot heat to sear its surface. It’s better to do it in this order rather than searing first and cooking through second. A prewarmed steak will sear much faster, minimizing the amount of overcooked meat under the surface. If the cut is only an inch or so thick, the prewarming step is not necessary and you can get a great medium rare temp by grilling over super high heat (about 500 degrees) cooking each side for about one minute and 30 seconds.

• Let It Rest

This is a step that a lot of people don’t do. In order to allow muscle fibers to cool down and relax so the steak can retain more juices, let the steak rest until it’s two degrees below its maximum cooking temperature.

Bon Appetit

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July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 69

Food & Drink

Libations

Brawley’s

Picks

• Foothills Torch Pilsner A crisp and refreshing Pilsner made with Czech Saaz hops (cinnamonspicy, earthy) which gives it a nice bitterness.

Craft Brews

Boasting more craft breweries than any other state in the American South, North Carolina is the state of Southern beer.

With over 80 breweries statewide and counting, there are a lot of great choices out there for all of you beer enthusiasts, but it’s hard to know where to start. Charlotte alone has 6 breweries in operation, with 3 more already in the works (Triple C, Golden 70 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

Cock, and Heist). So we decided to stop in to Brawley’s Beverages on Park Road and see the Charlotte Beer Czar, Mike Brawley. Mike knows his beer, has the best selection in the city, and is a big supporter of local and regional brews.

• Olde Mecklenberg Brewery RPA This is a cross between an Americanstyle Pale Ale and a German-style lagered ale. A beautiful light amber color, this moderately bitter pale ale is an enjoyable selection for almost any occasion. (Made in Charlotte)

• Aviator’s Devil’s Tramping Ground This is a really good triple (has a higher alcohol content) and is rich and full bodied. Great for someone who wants to try a Belgium style brew.

• Mother Earth Brewery Bourbon Barrel Aged Triple The beer has high bourbon notes and a good amount of spiciness.

This is a great beer or gift for all of the scotch or bourbon drinkers out there.

We’ll be back with more craft brew suggestions next issue. Until then if you don’t want to wait on us, take a trip over to Brawley’s and ask for Mike.

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July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 71

Food & Drink

Above: Omar Kweider, owner of uptown’s Levant.

Restaurant

Below: Levant’s Kebobs, rice, and baba ghanoush.

The Crest of Charlotte’s

Meditteranean Cuisine photos by Benjamin Getz

A

long Central Avenue, if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll notice several hole in the walls that serve up decent Mediterranean cuisine.

But when it comes to the finer side of the dining experience, involving food from that part of the world, up until now there’s been very few quality options. With the advent of Levant, no longer do you have to wait in long security lines, board a giant A330, and endure hours of travel to experience really good Meditteranean cuisine with an atmosphere to match. Levant, one of the city’s newest eateries is located on the Levine Avenue of The Arts near the Mint Museum. This new dining experience fills a major epicurean need in the uptown area.

The Levant, also known as The Crest, is the area bordering the 72 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

Mediterranean, and includes Syria, Palestine, Israel, Egypt, and Turkey. This area of the world is known for its wide variety of wonderful cuisines.

Owner, Omar Kweider has worked really hard to embody this variety on his menu. Growing up with a father that was Palestinian and a mother from Syria, Omar experienced a wide range of cuisines from all over the Crest. You can see the diversity of the region in the menu that he has produced. His chef serves up traditional dishes like baba ghanoush, falafel, tahini sauce, kabobs, stuffed grape leaves, lamb chops, lamb burgers and more.

For the vegetarian there are many options as well, including hummus, falafel, and much more.

The atmosphere of Levant is truly authentic. The restuant features ornate and must-see tablesettings, an elegant bar that serves up an interesting and unique beer and wine selection, and an outdoor patio to enjoy the evening summer weather.

While eating at the restaurant, if you are lucky, owner, Omar, will visit your table, recommend a new dish that you haven’t tried, share a beer, and spread some hospitality straight from the Levant.

501 S. Church St. • 704-333-0930.

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 73

Food & Drink :: Restaurant Guide and seafood, but don’t forget to save room for dessert and port!

• www.bonterradining.com ZEN FUSION

In the mood for sushi? No.. Chinese?

Spanish tapas with sangria? This place has something for everyone.

Zen has every traditional dish from most Asian countries plus an entire Spanish menu. It is literally a fusion between Zen Asian and the very much missed menu at Sole restaurant. Try the Paella, Vietnamese Bun or Pho, Pad Thai, or select from the delicious sushi menu. The hardest part of this dining experience is deciding what to get. And don’t forget the tres leches for dessert!

• www.zenasianfusion.com

Classic mural on the wall of Mickey and Mooch in Huntersville

HUNTERSVILLE / LKN

Queen City Restaurant Guide BALLANTYNE GALLERY

Awarded by Wine Spectator in 2011 with the “Award of Excellence”, Gallery offers contemporary American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, daily. Don’t get too attached to a particular dish though; the menu changes seasonally to provide patrons with fresh, local ingredients.

• www.gallery-restaurant.com TERRACE CAFÉ

Once only a breakfast and lunch spot, this culinary delight is now a triple threat since offering dinner.

With two locations in the Charlotte area, Ballantyne and South Park, Terrace Café offers the best of every meal. Think Red Velvet Waffles and four choices of Eggs Benedicts for breakfast, any combination of soup, salad, sandwich or quiche for lunch, and Coconut Thai Crab 74 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

Cakes and Pan Fried NC Trout with pineapple butter for dinner. There is something for everyone, whether you are a “foodie” or someone that just plain likes food!

• www.terracecafecharlotte.com Dilworth/SOUTHEND BONTERRA

This beautifully renovated 110year old church became the deliciously elegant restaurant it is today over 10 years ago. A hidden gem in Dilworth, Bonterra both architecturally and culinarily will not disappoint. Boasting over 200 wines by the glass and an additional several hundred in their cellar, Bonterra is more than just food. The menu is designed with wine in mind! They offer a vast array of cheeses, olives, cured meats and spreads for nibbling while wine tasting, as well as a full dinner menu complete with steaks

MICKEY & MOOCH

A Big Band themed restaurant, fitted with life size murals, offers a casually elegant dining experience and a sophisticated meal at an exceptional price. What a great local meeting place.

• www.mickeyandmooch.com NORTH HARBOR CLUB

Enjoy dining right on the water, on the patio, at North Harbor Club. Choose from a variety of mouthwateringly fresh seafood dishes, pastas and salads. North Harbor Club provides a creative and fresh dining experience for everyone that visits.

• www.northharborclub.com Montford / Selwyn GOOD FOOD

Another one of Bruce Moffett’s (owner of Barrington’s) creations.

From its start Good Food has a pedigree and credibility few restaurants in the city have.

Sometimes legacies such as this are hard to live up to but not for Good Food. The modern, warm atmosphere soothes and the tapas plates delight, bite after bite.

• www.goodfoodonmontford.com

• Left: Levant • Center: 5Church • Right: Villa Antonio

NOLEN KITCHEN

Nolen Kitchen is a chic, modern restaurant located on Selwyn Ave with a relaxed atmosphere, extensive wine list, and a stellar menu. The brunch is especially popular, most notable are the benedicts and French toast.

•www.nolenkitchen.com NODA

CABO FISH TACO

You haven’t really eaten in NoDa unless you’ve eaten here! We always go for the classic, Cabo’s Signature Beer Battered White Fish Tacos with a salt-rimmed glass of the house “El Cheapo” Margarita.

With an extensive margarita and tequila selection, and an unrivaled SoCal Menu featuring the most traditional fish tacos in town, Cabo Fish Taco makes you want to catch a wave and sport those sunglasses at night!

• www.cabofishtaco.com CRÊPE CELLAR

Where else but NoDa do you find casual French cuisine in a pub setting? The Crêpe Cellar offers this elusive combination of French street food and comfort food. Serving up sweet and savory crêpes with baguette pizzas, Steak & Frites, and of all things…Fish & Chips! If you want to kiss your heart goodbye, try one of the best desserts in the city, the Crêpe Suzette if you dare, but don’t say we didn’t warn you!

• www.crepecellar.com

Plaza Midwood BISTRO LA BON

Nestled at the end of a strip mall on Central, Bistro La Bon is unassuming yet absolutely delicious and sophisticated.

Dinner is full of treats and they excel at dessert, especially the bread pudding. The highlight is the Sunday brunch buffet that is absolutely amazing. However, you definitely should get there early because the restaurant is crowded, and crowded for so many great reasons.

• www.bistrolabon.com SOUL GASTROLOUNGE

I never thought I wanted a mounted peacock on my wall until I went to Soul. The gastrolounge serves innovative sushi and international tapas with a casual and modern flair. Hob-knob with the hippest of Plaza Midwood here and don’t forget Sunday brunch. Two words: Chicken. Waffles.

• www.soulgastrolounge.com

South Park BRICKTOP’S

BrickTop’s offers an eclectic selection including American, Asian, and French fare. With a fun, circular bar and outdoor lounge, BrickTop’s is even a great place to mingle while sipping one of their innovative cocktail concoctions (we like the French 75) and an order of flatbread.

• www.bricktops.com

BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE

BRIO is a casual, white-tablecloth restaurant serving authentic, northern Italian food. BRIO brings the pleasure of the Tuscan country villa to the American city. At BRIO you can enjoy their premium quality steaks, chops and pasta and on Saturdays and Sundays until 3pm BRIO has a wonderful brunch.

• www.brioitalian.com Uptown 5 Church

Executive Chef Jamie Lynch is at the helm of this highly anticipated uptown eatery located on the corner of 5th and Chruch. The menu is “New American” fare featuring locally grown food and seasonal fruits and vegetables where possible, and hand made breads and pastas. Not just a place for a great meal, 5 Church is set up to offer it’s patrons several different vibes from a “cocktail scene” to an intimate dimly lit table for 2. Look up to the ceiling and you can read the entire book, “The Art of War” handwritten word for word.

The Charlotte restaurant scene just got a whole lot cooler.

• www.5church.com Levant

A new addition to the uptown dining scene, this Middle Eastern gem is well worth the trip. The striking decor sets the stage for the incredible food ranging from kabobs to baba ganoush that is to come.

• 704-333-0930.

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 75

Real Estate Guide

Pastoral views surround this exceptional home on over 23 acres.

Chef’s kitchen with coffered ceiling and custom bi-level island opens to the great room with impressive vaulted, cedar ceiling and views of the sumptuous pool. The master suite accesses the outdoor living/ pool area and has a lavish master bath. The modern brick barn/ outbuilding, with a convenient restroom, drive-through layout and 12’ tall doors, will accommodate horses, car collection or workshop.

An equestrian or auto enthusiast’s dream. $1,100,000.

•www.LNRLuxury.com

From the moment you enter this magnificent home you are greeted with abundant architectural detailing. Enhanced columns, arched details and a winding walnut and iron stairway are just a few of the delights. Kitchen features chef’s choice appliances, custom finishes and cabinetry.

Screened and covered back deck wraps the full length of the home and features cedar floor and ceilings, along with a wood burning stone fireplace creating an ambiance which combines luxury with comfort. $1,075,000.

• www.LNRLuxury.com

The Celadon - Three stories of modern marvel! This 2bed/2.5 bath townhome will be coming to the market soon. This townhome is full of upgrades and customizations throughout.

Contact list agent Shane McDevitt for details at Shane@ TheMcDevittAgency.com • TheMcDevittAgency.com

Stunning traditional Myers Park home situated on a serene half acre lot with exquisite gardens, Koi pond with fountains, terrace, brick arbor dining area, and stone privacy walls. Completely renovated and updated in 2004 and features 4BR/3.2BA, high ceilings, hardwood flooring, 6 fireplaces (3 are Buck Creek stone), Rutt custom cabinetry and millwork throughout, topof-the-line appliances, Marvin French doors, red clay tile roof, and copper gutters. Detached Carriage House with two car garage below. $1,949,000.

•www.HMProperties.com

Elegant moldings and details are throughout this custom home featuring elevator access to all three levels. It also includes 5BR/5.2BA, study, formal DR, Butler’s Pantry, Great Room and Bonus Room with fireplaces, cook’s kitchen with Wolf and SubZero stainless steel appliances, Master Suite with steam shower, terrace, screened porch, and 3 car garage. Wide plank hardwood flooring.

Finished walk-out basement with a 2nd living quarters that includes a theater room, media center, kitchenette/ bar, and more. $1,495,000.

• www.HMProperties.com

The Avenue 1402 - Condo is COMPLETELY UPGRADED with every closet customized by California Closets, large storage space, 2 full sized spaces on P4, HW throughout, surround sound speakers throughout, upgraded lighting fixtures, LG W/D & stainless steel fridge included.

Largest condo in building besides penthouses. This corner unit has a beautiful city view along w/ a nice protected view facing West to see sunsets.

• AvenueCustomCityView.com

76 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

Healthy Life Guide Li Jie McGimsey AA HOM Acupuncture

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i Jie McGimsey has a CAOM National Board Exam Certificate and is an NC State Licensed Acupuncturist. She also is a medical masseuse and does real authentic Acupressure or Chinese Tui Na and Japanese Shiatsu. She trained in Beijing, China and has over 10 years of experience working in the Acupuncture Department of a major hospital in Beijing. She was an assistant for 10 years to professors of the Beijing Acupuncture University.

She has provided training to visiting patients from all over the world and continues to teach acupuncture and Herbology . Every year she returns to China for further study and while there provides translation and training for those training in Beijing, China. You can visit Li Jie at her office at 1168 S. Kings Drive in Charlotte or online at www.acupuncture-charlotte.com.

What inspired you to become an acupuncturist?

There have been over five generations of “Doctors of Oriental Medicine” as they are called in the US, in my family. My great aunt gave us her hand written book of herbal recipes when we came to the United States.

Her family had an herbal dispensary in Henan Province before WWII where herbs have been grown and processed for thousands of years.

When I was ready to go to college, I chose to study Traditional Chinese Medicine, Diagnostics, Acupuncture and Herbology with a minor in “Western Medicine”. I then was chosen by a major Beijing Hospital to work in their Acupuncture Department assisting professors and teaching acupuncture to new students. We treated strokes, construction accident victims, spinal injuries, bell’s palsy, etc.

How can acupuncture help a person?

Acupuncture can “balance” a person’s energy meridians and alleviate symptoms of illness. It can stop pain, increase energy, and bring mental clarity and relaxation. It can provide sports excellence or improve healing of injuries. It works on race horses or professional atheletes. Acupuncture is a “drugless” method of pain control that can be a substitute for a person that cannot tolerate more drugs.

It can be used to detox someone 78 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

from heroin, alcohol or prescription medication, under a Doctor’s supervision or in a substance abuse program.

What are the most common reasons a person gets acupuncture?

The most common reasons include addiction,aging, allergy & asthma, arthritis, bone & joint problems, cancer, colds and flus, diabetes, Fibromyalgia, foot problems, headaches & migraines, heart health, infertility, insomnia, liver and kidney concerns, weight loss, pain, pregnancy, skin and beauty, stroke and more.

How often should you get acupuncture?

In extreme cases we do 3 times a week, usually once or twice a week.

We have had patients fly in from out of state and get acupuncture everyday for stroke or pain.

What is the history of acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been done in China for thousands of years and done together with herbal remedies, massage (acupressure) and moxibustion (burning of herbs on a point). It possibly began with stone needles and then refined silver and steel needles. Over thousands of years, recipes for treatments have been developed by experience and some

treatments became closely guarded and even family owned “secrets”.

Today an acupuncturist may or may not know how to do acupuncture or herbs for various treatments.

Not all acupuncturists are trained equally and the consumer should be aware of practitioners who don’t know what they are doing. In China the government gathered together traditional doctors and created schools and hospitals around them to train new practitioners. In NC today chiropractors, MDs and physical therapists are being legally allowed to do some acupuncture but in most cases they have not been well trained because acupuncture is not their main area of expertise. So be careful before selecting your acupuncturist.

Are there different kinds of acupuncture?

Yes. There are various traditions of acupuncture: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, even British or 5 element. These types can be radically different in practice and the practitioner can have different levels of skill and training.

If so, what are each kind helpful for?

Different styles of acupuncture are used to reach similar results. It is more the ability of the acupuncturist that determines the outcome than the particular tradition.

After The Referral...

T

he relationship between you and your dentist is a special one. Your dentist may be the first to observe a change in your health. When a periodontal change is noticed, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist.

Left untreated, periodontitis may lead to tooth loss, heart disease, stroke, respiratory issues, and complications with diabetes and pregnancy.

Dr. Kiya Green Dixie, of Matthews Periodontics, is board certified and the only practicing female periodontist in the Charlotte area.

Matthews Periodontics offers patients: Dr. Kiya Green Dixie Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology Before

After

• A soft touch in a caring atmosphere.

• The only laser FDA approved to treat perodontitis, which means therapy without cutting, sutures, or pain.

• Treatment of non-disease periodontal issues, such as frenectomies, gum grafting, correcting gummy smiles, and implant therapy.

• Different levels of sedation, if necessary, including IV sedation, oral sedation, and laughing gas.

• Periodontic care for pediatric and orthodontic patients.

Matthews Periodontics CharRadAdQCExclusive.pdf

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428 Sam Newell Rd. Suite 103, Matthews, NC 28105 (704) 847-5657 • www.matthewsperio.com healthysmiles@matthewsperio.com

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July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 79

Character of Charlotte

Circle of Friends Created to be a support group for those with special needs, Circle of Friends meets on Thursday evenings at Forest Hills’ Church. The headliner is their very own “Circle of Friends” rock band featuring Charlotte dentist Dr. Bob Lowe..

T

he “Circle of Friends” is an organization in musician, but also a guitar teacher. So, Lowe started taking Charlotte started by parents whose son was lessons with Dave, learning to play songs from his past like born with Cerebral Palsy. The two recognized “Sunshine of Your Love” a hit by the power trio, Cream that one of the biggest challenges that any (Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce) and the song person with special needs faces during their that got him completely hooked on the instrument again. lifetime is finding a way to “fit in” and become a productive Dr. Lowe was back in music, and eventually the guitar part of a society that unfortunately, does not always make that he had shunned earlier in his life, led him directly to his involvement with the “Circle of Friends” group, a it easy. A support system for both the person with special band that plays live on a regular basis in Charlotte. Lowe needs and their families, the “Circle of Friends” meets started playing with the band on Thursday nights when he weekly during the school year to provide a place where all wasn’t traveling somewhere for dental lectures. He could see can worship together, play games, dance, share a snack, and immediately the positive affect their music was having on just have fun. Dr. Robert Lowe came to know of the “Circle people with special needs. The joy on their faces of Friends” through his dental assistant, Heather Photos: when they performed was overwhelming to him. and her husband, Dave, who have an autistic son, Dr. Robert (Bob) Lowe Corin. Dave is the music director for the group plays the guitar at the Circle As a self-proclaimed intermediate level, of Friends (left). Young Bob recreational guitar player, playing with other and the leader of the “Circle of Friends” band. practicing guitar in the fall of musicians of all levels of experience and talent, 1967 (right).

As a teenager growing up in the 1960s, the the experience with “Circle of Friends” and the transistor radio, rock and roll music, and live audience is great. concert performances were a big part of Dr. Robert Lowe’s “It’s not about whether or not we play the song or guitar life. Like many teenage boys growing up listening to The solo perfectly….to them, we might as well be ‘The Beatles,’” Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and other classic rock bands, Lowe Lowe says. “Playing music at the Circle of Friends, I get much wanted to learn how to play the guitar. One Christmas when more back from “our gang” than I could possibly give.” he was 13 years old, his parents bought him a guitar and For Dr. Lowe, watching this group of boys and girls, he started taking lessons. He continued to play throughout men and woman interact and have fun has really put into high school, but when he went to college, the guitar went perspective what life is all about. Whether its helping a into his parent’s attic. patient achieve their dental goals or playing in the “Circle Years passed, and then during Christmas of 2002, the of Friends” band on Thursday evening get-togethers at guitar reentered Dr. Lowe’s life. A friend of his gave him Forest Hills Church, as Paul McCartney said so well…”The Love That We Take is Equal To The Love That We Make!” a Fender Stratocaster as a gift. He took this as a sign that For more “Circle of Friends” information find them on he needed to start playing again. As luck would have it, Facebook at Facebook/OofFriends. his dental assistant’s husband was not only a professional

80 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

We offer to help patients with the following conditions: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Back and neck pain Sciatica Joint pain, acute or chronic Arthritis/bursitis Occupational injuries Accident injuries Sport injuries Headaches Peripheral neuropathy Neuralgias Shingles pain Fibromyalgia Phantom limb pain Muscle spasm And many more

July/August 2012 • @qcexclusive • 81

The Tail End

Kasa

- You really think somebody will rent this for 3,500 bones during the DNC?

The Wild Park Beggar Dog

E

lliott Wilkes was working at a state park when he met Kasa, a border collie mix. The dog lived on her own, making rounds to the park to beg for food from visitors and rangers. She was very intelligent but extremely weary of people. She never ever got within arms length of anyone. Even though she was hesitant, she would come back daily in search of food. Her visits went on for months and one day she showed up limping, clearly in pain. To help the dog, Elliott began to feed her and gain her trust. Eventually for the sake of her health, Elliott was able to catch

the dog and take her home. He and his wife named her Kasa, and they spent eight years together as friends.

Kasa, fittingly named after a Hopi word that means dressed in fur, never lost her independence. She still roamed freely most of the time, searching for adventure, and of course the occasional snack. Elliott recalls one moment when the two went hiking and she snuck up on picnickers, successfully stealing a ham sandwich off the table without the two even noticing. Because she had lived on her own for so long in the mountains she had some extremely funny mannerisms. Kasa

would not eat her food on a plate, and instead would drag it off like she did when she was on her own. She also was known to hunt rabbit or squirrel from time to time. Bears, however, scared her. Elliott has a fond memory of the two encountering a black bear. He expected her to defend him like the dogs in “Where The Red Fern Grows” defended their owner. She had different thoughts, expecting Elliott to protect her, then fleeing the scene.

Although Kasa recently passed away, they have nothing but fond memories of her. Kasa will be missed and remembered for her adventuresome ways and kind heart.

GET YOUR PET’S STORY PUBLISHED HERE AND WIN A PET PORTRAIT PAINTING Pets, often times become our best friends. Some are our flushers in the field. Some are protectors of our house. Some take care of the rodents. But, all of them are truly loved. Because of this, we’ve decided to pay homage to pets. If you have a story about your pet send it to us at QCExclusive@gmail.com (Or on Twitter/Instagram at @QCExclusive) along with a photo. Each issue we will choose one pet’s story and publish it right here at “The Tail End.” The owner of that pet will also win a mixed media pet portrait from our artist and illustrator, Kasey Murray (www.artbykaseymurray.blogspot.com).

82 • qcexclusive.com • July/August 2012

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