Meet The Sisters of Twine And Twig
Chef Paul Verica’s Heritage Food & Drink
St. Paul And The Broken Bones
Charlotte’s Guide To The Good Life
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QCExclusive.com
Vol. 3 | No. 2 Mar/Apr 2014
Beer Town Queen City’s Best Breweries
n’s Cup The Quee ’s Rite Of
Charlotte turns To Spring Re dwood Brooklan urse Raceco
Art For Everyone Sonia and Isaac Luski Share Their Collection
Pg.100
Steve Cook’s Equitas One Man’s Aspirations To Educate The World
Bob Peters, of Pisces, and his handcrafted La Zanahoria Milagro, a mixture of tequila, vermouth and carrot juice.
The Horse Trials World Class Eventing At The Fork Farm
Story And Recipe | p.61
The
HANDCRAFTED Issue Meet nineteen of Charlotte’s finest artisans, crafters, and creators influencing our city’s growing handmade goods movement.
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THE EXCLUSIVES MARCH/APRIL FEATURES 81
86
90
ART FOR EVERYONE
THE SISTERS OF TWINE & TWIG
CRAFT BREW TOWN
Local art collectors generously share their pieces with the city.
Local designs focus on natural, organic and found objects.
The Queen City’s craft brewery movement is hoppin’.
96
100
EXUDES ELEGANCE
QUEEN’S CUP STEEPLECHASE
A Metropolitan renovation emanates excellence.
Charlotte’s Rite Of Spring is back, and back with a vengeance.
Photo of The Queen’s Cup Steeplechase by Jamey Price | pg. 100
12 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
2014
March/April Publishers’ Note 16 • Contributors 18 • Information 18 • Subscribe 20 • Credits 22 • Contact 24 • Eventist 27
73
86
Contents The Good Life 35
Benefactor
40
Musicality
The Supper Club
Steve Cook of Equitas wants to educate the world St. Paul And The Broken Bones bring soul to the Chop Shop
44
Equestrian
46
Tastemakers
Meet the founders of luxury shirt maker Imperial Black
Cocktail
73 76 78
Art
Bob The Bartender
Recipe
Heritage Food And Drink
Artisanal
Santoros of Enderly Coffee
Home & Design
The Horse Trials at the Fork Farm And Stables is back
The Market 51
61 64 68
Handcrafted
Charlotte artist Josh Brown
61
Farmhouse Style
5 Tips for your farm stylings
Garden
Urban gardening tips
Nineteen of Charlotte’s best artisans, craftsmen, jewelers, designers and proprietors impacting our local community and economy.
54 To subscribe, advertise, or comment please contact us at qcexclusive@gmail.com, visit us at qcexclusive.com, or call 704.268.9497 14 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
PUBLISHERS’ NOTE
I
Made by Hand
’ve always had an interest in woodworking. It’s the fascination I have with creating something with my own two hands that has always drawn me to the craft. Whenever I need a piece of furniture for a room in my home, my first thought, to the dismay of my lovely lady, is always “I can build that.” Now whether or not that’s true is another thing altogether, but I always try. Usually what happens next are hours and hours of planning, several trips to the hardware store (because it is an inevitability that I will forget something), a longer-than-projected timeline, and lots and lots of hard work, frustration, and humility. But every now and then, when a piece comes together just right, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. After all, I built something that I love, that is completely unique, with my own sweat and self determination. Turns out there are a lot of people in the Queen City that feel the same way about handmade products and are far more talented than I. In fact the handcrafted scene in Charlotte is thriving. More and more people are turning to their particular skill or craft to make a living and the community has been very supportive. Retailers in our great city, like Cottage Chic in Dilworth and The Sporting Gent on Selwyn among many others, are embracing the handmade movement by offering a wide range of fine, local, handmade products. Online marketplace Etsy and others give hundreds of craftsmen and women an opportunity to sell their amazing, original creations to millions worldwide. This is a huge coup for the artisan revolution against the likes of mass produced, made-in-China, big box store products. And we are 100% behind this movement! Within these pages you’ll meet some of the most skilled, creative, and original Charlotteans making all kinds of amazing things. You’ll get to see Gypsy Raku’s terrariums, Nick Plescz’s electric guitars, Micah Whitson’s prints, Josh Brown’s animal art, Twine and Twig’s necklaces, Three Trees Bindery’s bark books, and so much more. We hope you enjoy and remember to support local. Sincerely, Brett Barter Jon-Paul Grice
16 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
CONTRIBUTORS
JAMEY PRICE An award winning photojournalist based in Charlotte, Jamey’s work has been published by Road and Track, Sports Illustrated, Southern Living, and more. Visit www.jameypricephoto.com.
MELISSA JUSTICE A displaced Yankee, Melissa has embraced the south. After working in the public sector for over a decade, she now spends her time sitting on her porch, lazily reading, writing, and drinking ice tea.
DEVEN LEIGH ELLIS When she’s not figuring out more innovative ways to travel, Leigh enjoys eating, reading about food, cooking and having other people cook for her.
18 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
KASEY MURRAY A graduate of the College of Charleston, Kasey loves to paint and travel. She is a massage therapist and an artist specializing in pet portraits and commissions. artbykaseymurray.blogspot.com.
KIT MACKIE As a food writer, Kit has an appetite for the written word. Having spent over ten years cooking both in the industry, her passion for food and drink is only exceeded by her love for telling stories.
STEVEN MILLS The Charlotte native specializes in lifestyle, editorial, and corporate photography. When not behind the viewfinder, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their husky. www.stevenmillsphotography.com
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CONTRIBUTORS Melissa Justice Deven Leigh Ellis Kit Mackie Kasey Murray Gib Sabally PHOTOGRAPHERS Thien La Jamey Price Lunahzon Photography Steven Mills Jim Schmid
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EVENTIST THE GOING ONS AROUND CHARLOTTE
EDITOR’S CHOICE (4/26) Queen’s Cup Steeplechase The annual rite of spring returns. The South’s best steeplechase race awaits. Feel the rumble of the grounds as thoroughbreds and jockeys compete for the coveted Queen’s Cup. | • www.queenscup.org Photo by Jamey Price
MARCH / APRIL 2014
Reasons To be Pretty
Dance Charlotte Festival
Charlotte Goes Green
3/6 - 3/29 - Charlotte Actor’s Theatre presents Neil La Bute’s show Reasons To Be Pretty, a play that meshes comedy and drama while touching on aspects of love and how difficult it is to attain. • www.charlottesgotalot.com
3/14 - 3/15 - Charlotte Dance Festival’s biggest event of the year will be held at Booth Playhouse and will feature two days of Dance Charlotte at its finest. Dance companies from all over the nation will display their talents. Dance enthusiasts won’t want to miss this. • www.blumenthalarts.org
3/15 - Good eats, good music, and good times. The 18th annual Charlotte Goes Green Festival is coming back to uptown Charlotte. From a variety of vendors to arts and crafts and music on the US Airways stage this is a wonderful event for the entire family. • www.charlottestpatsday.com
3/15 - Woody Holton will visit the Charlotte Museum of History. The topic, Forced Founders, will focus on Native Americans, Slaves and the American Revolution in the South. • www.charlottemuseum.org
3/18 - The Jazz Arts Initiative’s monthly series is sure to pack a punch this month. The Jazz Room at The Stage Theatre offers smooth sounds from local artists. • www.blumenthalarts.org
Champions Tennis Series
3/13 - The Champions Tennis Series is back at Time-Warner Cable Arena. Watch some of the world’s best tennis players from the past 30 years, including, Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe, as well as many other legends of the game, play in the Champions Cup. • www.powersharesseries.com
History Talks Lecture Series
The Jazz Room
Mar/Apr 2014 • @qcexclusive • 27
The
EVENTIST
MARCH / APRIL 2014
Sweet Tooth Festival 3/22 - One of the Queen City’s favorite events, Charlotte’s original desert festival is back. The Sweet Tooth Festival will be held at the Omni Hotel this March to tantalize your taste buds. This experience will be catered by over 25 bakeries specializing in all sorts of delectable sweets. With mounds of samples and cooking workshops this year’s festival is rolling out the red carpet for all the sweets lovers. • www.sweettoothfestival.com Preservation Hall Jazz Band
EDITOR’S CHOICE (3/21) St. Paul And The Broken Bones Hear the soulful sounds of St. Paul and the Broken Bones at the Chop Shop in NoDa this March. The up-and-coming band from Alabama combines a rich, classic sound with an energetic stage presence that makes for one of the best live shows you will ever see. | • www.chopshopnoda.com Photo features cover of the band’s new album, Half The City
3/26 - Everybody knows that New Orleans is the heart of jazz in this country. This month at the McGlohon the Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings New Orleans to you. Founded in 1961 Preservation has been traveling all over the world sharing with people one of the French Quarter’s finest acts. If you love old time jazz this will be a night to remember. • www.blumenthalarts.org Slam Charlotte Poetry Slam
Driving Miss Daisy 3/21 - 4/6 - Theatre Charlotte is proud to present the award-winning book and movie Driving Miss Daisy at the Eloise R. MacDonald Playhouse. This play touches on friendship and social restrictions just prior to the Civil Rights movement. This play is a must for theatre lovers everywhere. • www.theatrecharlotte.org St. Paul and the Broken Bones
3/21 - Hear the soulful sounds of St. Paul and the Broken Bones at the Chop Shop in NoDa this March. The up-andcoming band from Alabama combines a rich, classic sound with an energetic 28 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
stage presence that makes for one of the best live shows you will ever see. • www.chopshopnoda.com Harlem Globetrotters
3/22 - The Harlem Globetrotters are not your ordinary basketball team. They are second to none when it comes to Basketball 101. Legends in their own right, the Globetrotters will be making their annual trip to Time Warner Cable Arena this March. This showcase of tricks, flash and sportsmanship will be an event for everyone to see. Don’t miss out on this slam dunk opportunity. • www.timewarnercablearena.com
3/28 - Slam Charlotte Poetry Slam is back for another round of metaphors and powerful poetic performances. For years Slam Charlotte has provided a home for poets to sharpen their skills. • www.blumenthalarts.org The Ten Tenors On Broadway 3/31 - Broadway graces the Knight Theatre yet again as the Ten Tenors sing their way to your hearts. This group from the land down under travel all over the world performing over 250 times a year. This unique mixture of rock and classical music will make this evening a very special one. • www.blumenthalarts.org
The
EVENTIST
MARCH / APRIL 2014
Charlotte Symphony Pops 4/4 - 4/5 - Grammy award winning singer Debby Boone will be performing at the Knight theatre this spring. This performance will make you feel nostalgic with songs from the past that you fell in love with. This performance will be conducted by the talented John Oddo. • www.charlottesymphony.org Jazz on the Green
EDITOR’S CHOICE (4/11-4/12) All Russian Christopher Warren Green is conducting another masterpiece at the Belk Theatre. Charlotte Symphony’s All Russian touches some of the best Russian works including Prokofiev & Stravinsky. • www.blumenthalarts.org
Ghost The Musical 4/1 - 4/6 - Ghost The Musical is coming to Charlotte in April. Don’t miss a night of magic and song as this broadway musical delivers just as powerful of a performance as the iconic movie does. The Belk Theatre will be the place to visit during this run. • www.blumenthalarts.org International Horse Trials
4/2 - 4/6 - The Horse Trials is essentially an “equestrian triathlon” of Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping and a spectacular event to attend with the entire family. The Fork Farm and Stables will host approximately 350 30 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
competitors from across this country and around the world. There will be young riders competing in the lower divisions and International medalists. • www.forkstables.com The Sunshine Boys
4/4 - Pease Auditorium has always been known for bringing timeless pieces of art to its stage. This spring they bring Neil Simon’s The Sunshine Boys to the campus of Central Piedmont Community College. This show touches on the ups and downs of the entertainment business and it also shows how reunions are sometimes really important. • www.cpcc.edu
4/5 - Jazz on the green is one of the many events being showcased during the annual Sensoria festival. Held on the Overcash lawn of the CPCC campus, Jazz on the Green displays jazz ensembles from K-12th grade. They also showcase colleges as well. • sensoria.cpcc.edu Antoine Williams
4/5 - North Carolina raised artist Antoine Williams is being featured at the Harvey B. Gantt Center. Sponsored by Snyder’s-Lance Incorporated, Williams aims to share his views of the definition of the word “artist” and what it means to be one. He will also be spearheading another one of his famous workshops for everyone to enjoy. • www.ganttcenter.org Artfusion: Flower Power
4/9 - Allure of the Flowers headlines the ArtFusion experience that features local artists while providing garden tips. • www.mintmuseum.org Savor The Sixties
4/9 - The 60’s were a time of music, freedom, food, & Civil Rights. The decade helped shape the way America is today. Levine Museum of the South will attempt to capture all the nuances of the
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The
EVENTIST
MARCH / APRIL 2014
Taste of The Mint 4/17 - This month’s version of Taste of the Mint is sure to be a special one. Along with food and beverage selections from some of Charlotte’s finest restaurants, the Women of Vision: National Geographic will be showcased. • www.mintmuseum.org Other Desert Cities
EDITOR’S CHOICE (4/2-4/6) International Horse Trials Fork Farm and Stables showcases the country’s best dressage, cross country, and show jumping events. • www.forkstables.com
decade with “Savor the Sixties”. Not only a tasty, but educational event. • www.museumofthenewsouth.org All Russian
4/11 - 4/12 - Christopher Warren Green is conducting another masterpiece at the Belk Theater. Charlotte Symphony’s All Russian touches works such as Prokofiev & Stravinsky. • www.blumenthalarts.org
Lady Sings The Blues 4/13 - One of America’s most dignified jazz singers is being captured in film at the Harvey B. Gantt Center. Diana Ross plays Billie Holiday in the movie Lady 32 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
Sings The Blues. This is another installment in The Classic International Black Cinema Series. If you haven’t seen the movie or been to the museum you don’t want to miss out on this experience. • www.ganttcenter.org BLUE MAN GROUP
4/15 - 4/20 - The popular performers come to the Belk Theater to showcase their unique and fun style for the people of the Queen City. If you like technology, comedy, and music, you will enjoy this completely original and very entertaining event. Tickets will sell fast for this popular group, so be sure to order them today. • www.blumenthalarts.org
4/17 - 5/10 - Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte in it’s 25th season is bringing the Tony award nominated drama to Charlotte this spring. Dennis Delamar is back in the director’s chair for this two act play. If you have an appetite for mystery and humor than this show is just for you. • www.atcharlotte.org Bruce Springsteen
4/19 - The Boss. Simply put, there is no other. Bruce Springsteen is coming to Charlotte this spring. If you were born in the USA or anywhere else for that matter you don’t want to miss this night with Rock & Roll Royalty. • www.timewarnercablearena.com Queen’s Cup Steeplechase
4/26 - Spend a wonderful afternoon in the beautiful piedmont countryside with your family and friends celebrating the region’s only annual Rite of Spring the Queen’s Cup. This is, bar none, the South’s best steeplechase race, and you can’t afford to miss it. Get your bowties and sundresses ready! • www.queenscup.org If you would like to list an upcoming event in “THE EVENTIST” section in a future issue of QCExclusive Magazine please send your event information to QCExclusive@gmail.com.
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T H E Q U E E N C I T Y ’ S G U I D E TO L I V I N G B E T T E R
BENEFACTOR
Face Of Justice Steve Cook, founder of Charlotte based Equitas, has one major goal: to educate children in developing countries. by Melissa Justice | photos by Lunahzon
GOOD LIFE TABLE OF CONTENTS: BENEFACTOR • p.35 | MusICALITY • p.38 | EQUESTRIAN • p.42 | TASTEMAKERS • p.46
19 e
GOOD LIFE
Th
19th century American author Herman Melville once said, “We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results.” These profound words are a true example of the comings and goings of humanitarian activist, photographer, and filmmaker Steve Cook. Born in a small town south of Chicago with a population of 1800, Cook followed his father around the streets of Atlanta, Illinois taking pictures and listening to the many stories the locals had to tell. Attending Arizona State, Cook pursued music but his interest in photography and computer science took the lead. He lived in Texas when he was in the Air Force, moved to Virginia where he worked as a software consultant and met his wife, and then back to Arizona. That is when they both decided it was time to put down roots. He and his wife chose Charlotte, NC. “It’s a perfect location for the business, and it’s affordable which allows us to travel internationally. We consider it home,” says Cook. In hopes of breaking into fashion and commercial work, Cook planned a trip to NYC where he was scheduled to have a portfolio review. He had a few fashion photos but most of the photos were of his trip to Malawi. “Why would you want to break into the fashion world with all these,” he was asked. “What are you really passionate about--fashion or your dabbling in Malawi?' It was at this point that Cook changed his focus to editorial videography. The pivotal change took place after reading an article in Sojourner’s Magazine, a magazine whose theme is social justice. The topic was slavery. Cook learned that there are roughly 27 million slaves in the world today, which is far more than it ever was when slavery was considered legal. Children are used as slave labor working in gold mines and on chocolate farms while Thailand focuses on sex trafficking. “I was angry with
36 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
myself for not knowing this,” confesses Cook. “Ignorance is bliss, but I realized my life was going down the wrong path.” Cook and his wife sold their home in Phoenix and moved to Charlotte in hopes of replicating their Arizona lifestyle. “We had made some money, and like most, we wanted to generate an income, live comfortably, and save for the future,” says Cook. But after reading that article it metaphorically, “landed me in the Sudan, in Darfur during the civil war where genocide was taking place.” Soon after, Cook read Dave Eggers novel What is the What, a fictionalized account of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee
and member of the lost Boys of Sudan. Forced to leave his village along with many other children, some of whom were only seven years old, they cross three different countries keeping ahead of the threats that pursue them: the militia, the airstrikes, and the dangers of the African wilderness. Eventually, they are resettled in the United States. What struck Cook most was when Deng prepares to meet his sponsor for the very first time. Because he is so nervous, Deng irons, all the night long, the only pair of pants worthy to wear to such a meeting. The only problem being is that they didn’t even fit. “I said to my wife, ‘I’ve got a clos-
BENEFACTOR
A Milawi village at sunset. A young Milawi boy leans against a tire, resting after a soccer game. A shy but curious Milawi child bundled up stares at Steve Cook as he photographs the village. Steve Cook at his home in uptown Charlotte with his photography and videography equipment.
et full of clothes and this young man only has one pair of pants, and they don’t even fit.’ That’s when I got serious.” Cook scheduled a meeting with friends and explained what was on his heart. His vision was to start an organization that would raise awareness about what was happening in Darfur, Sudan. Working off the platform of the Beijing Olympics, the group had the Charlotte Torch Rally. The word went out and from the embers was born, Equitas (meaning Justice in Latin). Because the Sudan is highly volatile and a travelers nightmare, Cook’s focus changed to Malawi, a land locked country in southeast Africa and nicknamed “The Warm Heart of Africa. “On our first meeting in Malawi, we met with Chiefs, Elders, and Community Church leaders. Although we helped build an irrigation system in one village, plus two wells, improved the roads and bought them two oxen and a cart to help with transporting the produce to market, we learned this was not sus-
tainable,” says Cook. “The reality is that reports.” Cook’s wife is his anchor implewells break, oxen are stolen, and they’d menting all activities behind the scenes. be right back where they started.” Hav“She’s amazing, and I couldn’t do this ing as many as a million orphans, Malawi without her,” says Cook. Best defined children needed help (UNICEF defines as a grassroots organization, Equitas is orphans as children who have lost one dependent on the community to fundor both of their parents). The Malawi raise, to donor match, and to spread the government who pays for every student good news by word-of-mouth. “I am an to attend primary school does not proAmbassador,” says Cook. “My goal is to vide secondary education free-of-charge. raise awareness in the community and Most families can’t afford the to get them to take owneryearly cost of $300 to send a “I said to my ship of Equitas. At Piedchild to school let alone other mont Open IB Middle School, wife, ‘I’ve got siblings, nieces or nephews. a closet full of teacher Jonathan George has Without a secondary edubeen organizing fundraisclothes and cation, these children are ers for Equitas for the past this young unable to get paid employman only has seven years. He started Club ment; therefore, they grow Malawi which involves the one pair of up to be sustenance farmpants, and they students in raising funds for ers, living hand-to-mouth don’t even fit.’ Malawi orphans. This year’s with no chance of breaking That’s when I fundraisers are #Oscars4Ed, free from poverty. an opportunity to choose got serious.” Cook realized that only with who will win the Oscars in an education could the future of Malawi various categories by donating to Equichildren change, so, this is Equitas’ fotas (a $15 minimum) and possibly win a cus. “We started out with 75 orphans,” $100 movie card. Another one is #Piedsays Cook, “but now we sponsor 200 montWalk4Ed, where the students plan and raise $60,000 dollars a year. I’ve got on walking 6 miles one way from South trusted partnerships on the ground who Charlotte to school on the morning of keep me abreast of things,” says Cook, continued on page 38 “And Equitas donors receive quarterly Mar/Apr 2014 • @qcexclusive • 37
BENEFACTOR
“Even though they are living with nothing - they still find joy in dancing and singing. It’s amazing.” March 14th as a way of understanding what lengths children in other countries will go to get an education. The 6 mile walk mirrors the one-way distance Portiphar, a 20 year old that is finishing his final year of secondary school walks to and from school daily. He rises at 5 am and walks the 6 miles to school where he has school chores, studies seven different subjects, practices soccer, and walks back home arriving by dusk to eat, spend some time with his mother and grandmother and then head to bed where he studies by kerosene lamp before turning down the flame. What’s astounding to Cook is the immense joy everyone shares. “Even though they are living in abject poverty-living with nothing - they still find joy in dancing and singing. It’s amazing,” says Cook. Firmly believing that education is the way to help break the cycle of poverty, Cook understands how important it is for self, for family, for community, and for country. Lack of education is an injustice,” says Cook. “Equitas is my way of partnering with 100’s of others to bring justice to this area of humanity.” For further information and to donate visit Equitas online at www.equitas.cc or call them at 704.258.5859.
38 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
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GOOD LIFE
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Soulful Bones
The up-and-coming Alabama band, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, makes their way to Charlotte’s Chop Shop on March 21st for a can’t miss performance. On the docket are songs from their new album, Half The City, as well as classic covers from the likes of Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. Frontman Paul Janeway’s powerful voice, dramatic stage presence, and agile dance moves soothe the soul. His accompaniment of brass - including horns and trombone - as well as a tight rhythm section and deft guitarist - complete this religious experience. Meet the band that is about to blow your mind. photos courtesy of Dave McClister | interview with Ben Griner of St. Paul And The Broken Bones
The first time we heard you guys, I could immediately hear the strong Memphis Soul and Stax records influence in the arrangements and the lyrical content. What is it about that sound and dynamic that speaks to y'all and where else do influences come from? I think the sound we've tried to create is built around trying to really showcase what we think our strong suit is, or at least what makes us different than a lot of bands, which is Paul's voice and obviously the way he sings is similar to lots of those vocalists that recorded in Muscle Shoals and Memphis in the 60's. I think we really looked to the bands in the recordings that came out of FAME and Stax and places like that as kind of a guidebook as to how to prop up a dynamic frontman like Paul. Since Paul had been brought up with a lot 40 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
of gospel and soul that some of us hadn't really been around growing up, we had a little bit of catching up to do, so I think when we started writing the songs that ended up making up the album, a lot of other things seeped into it, because we'd all played in rock, pop, country, or jazz bands but never really a soul band, which is definitely the way we wanted to go. How long have you been playing together?
Paul and Jesse were in another band for a while several years ago and having been playing together a lot longer than the rest of us, but this group of six guys has been together for about a year and a half. And of course, we've also had Al Gamble playing organ with us since this summer, and he's on the record too, so that's a welcome addition.
Even though all the members of the band have a pretty diverse background in genres and personal experiences, you seem to all have great chemistry and have the passion that is required to convey an authentic Southern soul sound and dynamic. In the beginning stages, was it hard to all get on the same page? Even though we all played very different music when we met, I think everyone was struck by the songs Paul and Jesse had already written, and once we'd played our first show together, there was no question in my mind that I wanted to be on board with the band. We really meshed very well from the beginning, and when we started writing songs together, you definitely felt everyone's different influences seeping in, but that wasn't really a problem, because I think we really were on the same page as far as what the end goal was and we were all stepping outside of our musical comfort zones together. It also helped that we had to write most of the album in less than two months, so there was very little time to worry about whether what we were doing was "authentic.” We just knew that we had to get it done or miss an opportunity to make what we thought was going to be a really cool record. Being that you are all a bunch of young white guys doing classic southern soul roots music, was there ever any concern with being taken seriously by audiences, and the industry in general as far as commercial viability and appeal?
It's fun music to make, and you can make it whether you're green, blue, red, or whatever. I think Louis Armstrong said, "If you ain't got it in you, you can't blow it out" and that's really true in music like this where a lot of it is more of a feeling you have to discover as opposed to anything anyone can tell you how to do. We're totally still discovering it. I hope everyone who hears our music enjoys it, and they don't even have to take it seriously if they don't want to, but I think and I hope that if you hear the album, or see a show, that you'll feel what we felt when we were playing it.
MUSICALITY
“It’s fun music to make, and you can make it whether you’re green, blue, red, or whatever. I think Louis Armstrong said, “If you ain’t got it in you, you can’t blow it out” and that’s really true in music like this.” For your first full length and newly released album, "Half The City" how would you describe the sound, theme, and message to our readers? The sound is something that's really hard to describe. It's soul, but it's not your mom and dad's soul, and its some other things besides just that, too. I can't speak much to any sort of unifying theme or message because I wrote exactly zero of the lyrics for the album, but I'd say it's a little bit about love, and a little bit about heartbreak, and a lot about just trying to figure out this life we're all living.
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Since you guys are A fairly new band and still getting to know each other in general, time on the road together can reveal a lot of different things. What are some funny quirks or annoying habits that y'all have started to notice about one another?
Haha, there are nice little things that we all have to get used to about one another, but I think we all let them just slide by because we have to be good friends to each other in order to do what we do. In touring with the new album, what regions of the country do you think you most resonate with?
So far, the southeast, which is home, has been very warm to us, but as we start going out west and hit the east coast a couple more times this year, I guess we'll see if it's just a southern thing or not. Mar/Apr 2014 • @qcexclusive • 41
MUSICALITY
continued from p.41
When you guys first step on stage in your bow ties, blazers, and vests I think that audiences have an immediate first impression of what they are about to hear and then when you actually start playing I can imagine that a lot of audiences are probably like whoa, didn't see that coming. Is that strategic from you guys and do you have some funny stories on audience reactions?
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It’s not anything we gave a lot of thought to until recently when we have to tour a lot and find a way to clean all these suits and shirts. We just kind of did that from the beginning to look a little more tidy on stage and it just became a thing, so we kept doing it. When you've got 7 or 8 guys on stage, its hard to look like you're serious about what you're doing if everyone's wearing a different concert tee or someone's got a flannel shirt on and some other guy's got a three piece suit on, and we like to feel like we're going to work when we get up there, so dressing up a bit helps with that. There's definitely always that element of surprise, especially when we play in a new town, that hits when the intro to the first song ends and Paul hits that first note. It's shocking and you can really see on people's faces when they're getting something they totally didn't expect. You are coming back to Charlotte to perform at the Chop Shop on Friday March, 21st. Will you be performing 'Half The City" in it's entirety or will you be performing other songs or covers as well?
The album, front to back, is less than forty minutes long, so when we do a live show, you can expect to hear just about every track from the record and some covers that we enjoy doing. Where can our readers buy the album?
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You can buy CDs or our vinyl record in fine record stores across the country or at www.stpaulandthebrokenbones.com. iTunes has it as well, as does Spotify. And of course, you can buy a copy at our show!
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EQUESTRIAN
The Horse Trials One of the premier equestrian events is back as The Fork Farm and Stables hosts their International Horse Trials featuring the best in dressage, cross country, and show jumping. by Brett Barter
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he Fork is 1600 acres of land located at the confluence of the Pee Dee and Rocky River. The land was originally owned by the Colson family who in 1771 was issued a permit allowing them to open an “Ordinary,” or inn. Actively farmed over two centuries, Jim Cogdell purchased the land in 1999 with his goal to conserve and preserve the land. A major event that takes place at The Fork is the horse trials, an “equestrian triathlon of dressage, cross country, and show jumping.” Considered the ultimate competition, the sport is a Three Day Eventing. Dressage begins the trials and is a series of “movements performed around markers in the arena.” There is no jumping. The horse is judged based on the fluidity and obedience shown to the rider. Cross country, a timed race is the second phase and demonstrates the riders and horse’s endurance, speed, and daring as they gallop over difficult terrain and jump obstacles lying in their path. Show jumping is the final phase—also timed--and is made up of jumps of various degrees. 44 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
The event starts on Wednesday April 2nd with a Young Event Horse Division and sporting clay competition called Shoot for the Stars. The activities continue with Dressage on Thursday and Friday, and end with Cross Country and Show Jumping on Saturday and Sunday. An international event, The Fork Horse Trials draws the world’s top riders and horses from around the world. “Competitors come from Canada, UK, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, and all across the United States.” There are fun activities for the entire family plus a variety of vendors to explore. Besides the horse trials and sporting clay competition, Land Rover of Charlotte will do a cross country drive; there will be a Ladies Champagne Luncheon and several hat awards. A VIP tent will be set up overlooking the dressage CIC*** and will have an open bar. For the children, there is a huge amount of space to enjoy, play, and learn about nature and animals. It’s also the perfect opportunity for companies to bring their clients and/or employees for an affordable and entertaining time. Located approximately one hour east of Charlotte, The Fork Horse Trials is an event you won’t want to miss. For further information go to www.forkstables.com.
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Mar/Apr 2014 • @qcexclusive • 45
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Imperial The men of Charlotte’s Imperial Black combine sartorial travel with quite nice shirts.
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The guys behind Imperial Black have one goal - to make damn fine shirts. Mission accomplished. Inspired by their world travels, partners in the up-andcoming luxury brand Christian Gregson, Roger Shreero, and Mac Lackey are ready to take off. In his former life Christian Gregson was an executive in the packaging industry. He spent most of his days on a plane or at a conference table in some far away place. His travels took him around the globe – Asia, Africa, and South America just to name a few – and his experiences are many. On these trips, once the busi-
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Roger Shreero, Christian Gregson, and Jason Yarborough of Imperial Black
ness was finalized, Gregson made it a priority to take some personal time to experience the many offerings of his destinations. While on a trip to Italy, he set out in search for the perfect shirt. You see, fine tailored shirts are in his pedigree. According to Gregson, “Both of my parents are British and I just got used to having nice tailored clothing. My Grandad was the type of guy that would mow the lawn in a cardigan and a tie. It’s the way I was brought up - you don’t need a million things, you just need a couple of nice things. I’ve always gone through life with that in my head.” Although Gregson has been in America since 1982, he still holds
his green card. He doesn’t even know why and considers it crazy but a hunch says it’s because he doesn’t want to lose touch with his heritage – and who would? Back in Italy, Gregson stumbled upon a true gem, a family of shirtmakers who had been handcrafting for over six generations. Their shirts, with over 200 years of precision and technique stitched into every detail, were different than any he had ever worn. “Its’ all they care about doing and they are proud as hell of it. You want to do business with those kind of people,” said Gregson. Previously partial to English cut, this Italian style of tailoring, fabric, and overall quality made Photos by Lunahzon
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him a believer. On every return trip to Italy he made it a priority to purchase a new shirt from the family. Eventually, after receiving compliments on the shirts from friends and colleagues, as well as inquiries on where they could buy them, Gregson started to ask, “I’m getting ready to order some shirts...who wants one?’ So, we started growing that way and then we got some interest from some investors that thought we had a great product, had a great story, and the rest is history.” Roger Shreero, an investment banker and sartorial traveler, was one of Gregson’s friends who kept asking about the shirts. The two began to work together on Imperial Black and with the help of Mac Lackey, a successful entrepreneur and founder of Charlotte’s own Mountain Khaki, officially launched the brand last fall. In just six short months, Imperial Black has seen steady growth by selling high quality Italian made shirts to style dilettantes across the country. Their success stems from two important pillars: stories of travel and quality of construction. Imperial Black’s collections are based on the travels of Gregson, Shreero, and 48 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
TASTEMAKERS
Lackey. The gauchos in Argentina, the rolling hills of Great Britain as seen from the window seat while landing at Heathrow, the eucalyptus and salt air of the headlands around Big Sur, and the Fincas of Spain and Portugal are just some of their journeys that embolden their designs. The travel theme is pervasive throughout their brand. When one goes to order a particular style on their
website, he will find, along with the description and specs of the shirt, travel tips to the places where the inspiration was born. Each of their shirts are short runs - limited editions so to speak – and once they run out they are forever retired. This aspect is very popular with the brand’s devotees, allowing them to have exclusivity with both the style and story behind the garment.
Inspired by and striving to match the impeccable quality of renowned brands like Kiton and Brunello Cucinelli, Imperial Black’s shirts are some of the finest you will find, handmade by the most skilled in their craft. The group of Gregson, Shreero, and Lackey is constantly perfecting the fit, the materials, and the design and once you try one on for yourself you’ll be hooked. Gregson does want to remind customers however, that although these shirts aren’t inexpensive, they are made to be worn. “My grandmother was the kind of woman that if you were at her house for breakfast she would serve you bacon and eggs with her good china, crystal and silver. She thought it was ridiculous to put them away and only use them for special occasions. That’s how we view our shirts. We have beautiful shirts and they are so damn well made. Don’t be too precious with them. You can use them. Wear them with a pair of jeans, wear them with a suit, cram them into your travel bag. Just use them. Just wear them.” For more information on the brand or to purchase your first fine Imperial Black shirt or accessory visit them online at www.imperialblack.com. Photos by Lunahzon
Mar/Apr 2014 • @qcexclusive • 49
new old
L U X U R Y C U S T O M H O M E S 704-975-5196
| www.newold.com | build@newold.com
T H E Q U E E N C I T Y ’ S G U I D E TO LO C A L A RT I S A N S
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Handcrafted
Nineteen of Charlotte’s best artisans, craftsmen, jewelers, designers and other proprietors impacting our local community and economy. photos of Three Trees Bindery by Lunahzon
HANDMADE
MARKET TABLE OF CONTENTS: THREE TREES BINDERY • p.51 | OLD TRY • p.54 | GYPSY RAKU • p.56 | NC GUITAR WORKS • p.58
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THREE TREES BINDERY MICHELLE SKIBA
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by Melissa Justice | photos by Lunahzon
ho doesn't love to pick up a book, to run their fingers along the spine, to smell the pages, and to wonder what lies between its covers? Man's mystification with the written word stems from a history that pre-dates the first century AD. Wax tablets (wood covered with wax), diptychs (doubled leaved), and polytych (panel paintings) are examples of hinged texts. The Roman codex from the Latin word caudex means "the trunk of trees,” the pages of which were sewn together between wooden boards. 52 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
With the digital age, some people have chosen to set aside print media for the sleek yet sterile ereader; however, there are still millions of bibliophiles who relentlessly pursue the natural beauty and feel of books. Realistically speaking, can you imagine reading the 9th century Irish text, Book of Kells on an ereader? No, not at all! Book binding may be an old art form, but it is one that will remain no matter what the techno ideologues think. You need look no further for proof than the thriving book binding business, Three Trees Bindery, founded by horticulturist
and book lover Michelle Skiba. Skiba, as her friends call her, is an avid journal keeper and book collector who moved to Charlotte as a child. "Captivated by the unique and varied characters of wood," she loves working with her hands. "It's very intimate," says Skiba. Owner of a landscaping business specializing in gardens - flower gardens, seasonal color, containers and vegetables gardens - Skiba enjoys the diversity that the making of books and journals affords her. She started making books when she was 20 years old. "I was making paper in my apartment, and I had stacks and stacks
Charlotte is in the midst of a major handmade movement. Instead of the sterile, unoriginal, and mass produced, our city is embracing products made here, created by hand (throw in some sweat too) that exude character and originality and have a story. Meet fifteen local artisans you should be supporting. of it. Not knowing what to do with it all, I decided to start making books," says Skiba. "My motto has always been ‘do what you love,’ and I believe the only way to find any measure of lasting fulfillment is by doing what I am passionate about. It may be a non-traditional way to approach business, but I measure my success on my level of joy and excitement." To some this philosophy might be a bit of a “gamble”; however, Skiba wakes up every morning excited to start the day. Three Trees Bindery specializes in designing and creating custom wood photo albums, guest books, and blank journals. Most of the pieces are custom-made, but Skiba keeps an inventory of books ready to be sold on her online shop. At present Etsy.com is her biggest "revenue stream." Binding books is a "meditated process.” The action takes place in the present with a great deal of concentration. The process takes about six hours. “You can't do it from start to finish in one day,” says Skiba. “You work in stages.” The bark for her covers come from Maine but also from her wanderings in the woods.
Birch bark is her specialty. "I peel the bark down to a thin veneer and put the bark on the oak using a press similar to ones used to make furniture," explains Skiba. Each book is then sanded and finished with tongue oil, so the bark has a natural look and feel. Skiba utilizes a Coptic binding stitch, a very old method of sewing the leaves and pages together with an exposed crisscrossed stitch. Her method of binding also incorporates some unique techniques that make the books even more gorgeous and one-of-a-kind. Skiba’s love of books combined with a respect for storytelling and the preservation of memories makes book binding, for her, a very personal experience. "It’s a privilege to work with people, to hear little pieces of their life and to provide them with the keepsake to preserve that special memory,” says Skiba. “I feel lucky to have the opportunity to utilize my skills, passion, and creativity while earning a livelihood in the process.” For more information visit www. ThreeTreesBindery.com or her Etsy store at www.ThreeTreesBindery.etsy.com.
“My motto has always been ‘do what you love.’”
Two Peaches Design For Betsy & Sara it’s all about chemistry. They work together on projects involving home decor, wearables and designs for special events. They are guided by a compass that uses nature and trends to lead them to their creation destination. Two Georgia peaches in Charlotte are creating and crafting for a living and at the same time living the American dream. • www.etsy.com/shop/TwoPeachesDesign Shortgrass DESIGNS Shortgrass Designs is a letter press print shop that designs handmade goods. Shortgrass was founded in 2010 by Claire Short, who strives for every product made by Shortgrass to be made crisp and clean. From greeting cards to coasters, custom invitations to journals Shortgrass Designs always work hard to take their homemade products to the next level. • www.shortgrassdesigns.com Gina Van Dyke Pottery Gina Van Dyke’s pottery has been showcased all across the world. Her contemporary Raku and Stoneware displays a unique shimmering style she can call all her own. Clay is the foundation of Gina’s life and she is proud to keep the pottery tradition alive. • www.vandykepottery.com
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THE OLD TRY MICAH AND MARIANNA WHITSON
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by Deven Leigh Ellis | photos by Jamey Price
s a native Alabaman who struggled with the implications of his Southern heritage, it took Micah Whitson six years in harsh Boston winters to realize the South wasn’t quite what he thought it was. “I always wanted to live around
snow and my trek [around the South] wasn’t getting it done,” says Whitson. “To find out what I was running from, I wanted to get someplace more ‘cultured’, only to find there were just as many closed-minded folks there as there are here. It’s a human thing and not just a Southern thing,” he continues. What he was running from isn’t clear, even to Whitson himself, but the South, in its abundant hospitality and forgiving nature, welcomed him back with open arms. After relocating to the Queen City, Micah and his wife, Marianna, adopted William Faulkner’s proposal and began to print what they knew: Southern aphorisms and, eventually, t-shirts of beloved city names. The advertising and design duo packed these products neatly into TheOldTry.com, their goal to have everything they create “take someone home.” The Whitsons embrace simplicity in their designs, which are printed and shipped from South Carolina, Georgia and Massachusetts, and split the workload of the busi54 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
ness pretty evenly. “My wife does all the real stuff that keeps us employed and above the law,” says Micah, who “does the design and social media.” He enjoys editing down as a means of stretching the design limits, likening it to “designing in handcuffs.” He uses only print that already exists in the shop, cutting with black instead of adding additional colors. It works: Page after page of pithy designs read “sold out” on the website.
Ink Floyd Ink Floyd is not just a full service screen printing company. They thrive on copromotion and focus on momentumbuilding. Whether you want banners, t-shirts, stickers, or design work when you choose Ink Floyd for your printing needs you get a unique, professional, and uber-creative design printed right here in Charlotte. • www.inkfloyd.com Roy and Barbara Strassberg Roy and Barbara are retired educators turned ceramic artists residing in Davidson, North Carolina. They own their own showroom which is a base for sculptures, pottery and other projects. They are well known for using their favorite materials such as reduction fired stoneware and porcelain to provide a custom touch. • www.monacharlotte.com John Wofford Industrial, sculptural, and artistic are just several adjectives to describe John’s combined metal and woodwork. His completely original designs from benches to impressive sculptures are mind-blowing. • www.johnwofford.com
Even those Southerners currently living in or near their home state like to show off some down-home pride, and the Whitsons’ art obliges. Their designs also appeal to wayward travelers. “We’re branching out from just making Southern goods. That was well and good when we were missing home. But now that we’re here [in Charlotte], I want to make something for the Iowan who is stuck in Arizona and missing the corn field,” says Micah.
Products are available for purchase online at TheOldTry.com (which although an online store, also closes on Sundays just to remind people to “take a break”). You can also find The Old Try prints at Charlotte’s own The Sporting Gent on Selwyn Avenue where Marc Williams, owner, has nothing but good things to say. “Every print they make hits the nail right on the head. They have a very real talent. There’s been a tremendous response to
their prints, especially any prints having to do with our city. Being locally-owned and operated ourselves, we try to carry as many local Carolina-based brands as we can, and The Old Try was at the top of our list of must-haves. We’re very proud to call them a partner.” Along with current avenues to purchase The Old Try prints, the creative couple’s also aspire to open a retail location in the Queen City soon, so be on the look out. Mar/Apr 2014 • @qcexclusive • 55
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GYPSY RAKU Brittany and Nate Cline
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he world of once upon a time lives on in fairy tales, myths and legends; however, sometimes it can be found in the most unusual of places. Pennsylvania natives Brittany and Nate Cline are a "husband and wife team who love to make art together." Their specialties are live moss terrariums--fairy homes, and miniature habitats with gnomes and hobbit doors. Inspired by the imagination, the Cline’s draw from the earth, color, and fantasy world where happiness prevails and life is simple. In truth, the Shire does exist. Working what they considered to be dead end jobs in Pennsylvania, the Cline’s decided to quit and move south. "It was a toss-up between Texas and North Carolina, but we chose North Carolina because of the weather, and it has a good market for pottery and ceramics," says Cline. Making the move 56 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
was nerve racking but having had the opportunity to take a layoff, they didn't have to find a job. Instead, by focusing on their art, they rallied enough business to make a living. Interest in pottery making started when Cline was in high school. "I took a ceramics class and loved it," she says. After graduating, I asked my dad to put me in a studio and he agreed. He and my Mom are both successful potters. Our first experience with the local craft and art shows was at the Music and Art festival in Buffalo New York, a fundraiser that helps keep art and music in the schools. “We made and sold ceramic necklaces, pendants with organic swirly designs and some with the Yin and Yang symbol," says Cline. With an art show scheduled in Raleigh for September 2012, and her parents having just moved to a new house with a back yard full of moss, Cline came
up with an idea to make live moss terrariums with houses, mushrooms, and little landscapes. A few weeks later, they opened the Gypsy Raku, an Etsy. com shop and started selling. Within 24 hours they had made their first sale followed by one a week until Christmas when sales went through the roof. With the start of 2013, Cline revamped the Gypsy Raku with better photos. This led to immediate success, and from that day on, "it's seldom that we don't get on average 3 to 5 sales per day," says Cline. Since their home is also their studio space, it must be organized. They use various mediums to create the moss terrariums, such as clay, live moss, pebbles, glass, and earth. Each sculpted piece is one of a kind, handmade and unique with varying colors. The firing process used is called Raku, and because of how the clay is baked, it creates a shiny, metallic, and crackled finish. Different from
Whispering Willow Soaps Whispering Willow Soaps use organic oils in their products as they strive to be as original and natural as possible. Not only do they handcraft certain types of soap they make lip balm, detergent, candles and more. • www.whisperingwillow.net Nathan Rose Nathan Rose has traveled all over this great country creating custom furniture and cabinetry. A Charlotte native, Rose has built sets and props as well as furniture for theatres and exhibits. His main focus now is working with wood in its most natural essence. • www. nathanrosefurniture.com Olive Yew
most pottery that is baked in a kiln and allowed to cool on its own, the Raku process pulls out the glazed pieces while they are red hot. “We place them into a bin with something combustible such as newspaper or leaves. When the hot pieces come into contact with the material," says Cline, "they normally catch on fire. We then smother the flame and let the piece sit in the smoldering smoke while the effects take place. Once the pieces cool, they’re cleaned, scrubbed, and torched." Learning how to harvest the moss and make terrariums was something Cline and her husband researched. The concept of creating miniature landscapes and villages was because they were cute. "I think miniature things are adorable and what a container garden needs is a little house tucked into a little rock path with a moss covered tree, some mushrooms, and maybe a gnome
or two,” says Cline. With bell jars and mason jars, and glassware with lids, the Cline's have come up with a line of restockable items of which the top sellers are the Tree of Life live moss terrarium and the Hey Cupcake live moss terrarium. Almost every piece is custom made and can be personalized by adding a set of initials inside a heart carved into the tree trunk. "We also do wedding favors which are fun and little," says Cline. With a lot of new ideas on the horizon, such as Catch a Fairy Tale terrarium with field guide and journal, Gypsy Raku plans on developing an educational and imaginative kit both parents and their children can enjoy together. Success is swift. Based on the 1900 sales they've had during the one year, the five star rating plus over 3,850 followers, the Gypsy Raku might need a larger space sooner than they think.
Founded in 2011, Olive Yew specializes in custom, petite pieces made of silver and gold. Olive Yew can also make jewelry for special occasions as well as oneof-a-kind pieces. All of Olive Yew pieces are made in Charlotte, North Carolina. • www.oliveyew.com Meredith Jackson JEWELRY For Meredith Jackson it’s not just about jewelry. As a former interior designer, Jackson’s jewelry design focuses on being natural and exhibiting beauty in each piece. Meredith uses stones and metals in her collections, all of which are made in Charlotte, NC, to mesh tone, texture, polish and color. • www.meredithjackson.com COLSEN KEANE Scott Hofert and his team of skilled leatherworkers produce some of the very best leather bags and accessories, all proudly made in Charlotte. • www.colsenkeane.com
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NC GUITAR WORKS NICK PLESCZ AND CRAIG LANDAU by Deven Leigh Ellis | photos by Steven Mills
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ptly nestled in the NC Music Factory near Uptown, NC Guitar Works is the place where guitars aren't just created, they're perfected. Together, proprietor Nick Plescz and luthier Craig Landau boast over three decades' experience repairing, playing, modifying and crafting the versatile string instrument. As a luthier, or, someone skilled in the making of stringed musical instruments, Landau pioneered the business after catching interest in the craft at age 15, and studying under other luthiers at Reliable Music in Charlotte. He met and trained Plescz after hiring him for a construction job, and the two created NC Guitar Works. The pair initially garnered inspiration for lutherie from different places: Plescz, enjoying the utility of an entirely self-made creation, and Landau, improving upon another's design until he made his perfect guitar. The men converged on a single aim, culminating in "a relentless pursuit of perfection," says Landau. Although NC Guitar Works offers standard services such as set-ups, tuning and crack repairs, crafting custom guitars is 58 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
big business, leaving little time for much else. Taking the client's requested specifications into account, the luthiers draw on their technical, musical and artistic skills to interpret and fashion a novel instrument. "Our guitars are built one at a time by two experts who care and strive for a perfect final product," says Landau. He and Plescz have access to "a large cache of special exotic woods," in addition to more familiar materials, like Mahogany, Cedar and Ebony. While Landau's and Plescz's passions lie in creating the instruments, they insist their proficiencies in playing many styles of music, including jazz, bluegrass and fingerstyle, aid the proper creation of a perfected instrument. "Being able to play well gives you the ability to 'feel' the instrument and make necessary changes to accommodate the desired result," says Landau. He also stresses the importance of patience when building a guitar, adding that "one wrong move can ruin the instrument." With a base price of $4500, a little bit of crazy doesn't hurt, either. Landau and Plescz may be reached at (704) 969-0070 or online at their website at www.ncguitarworks.com.
2nd Story Wood Co. If you love rustic barnwood furniture you’ll love the pieces that Scott and Carl Miller of 2nd Story Wood Co. create in their workroom in Charlotte, NC. The father - son team make sure that the barnwood they use in their builds is of the best quality showcasing rustic grey coloring, amazing textures, and a lot of character. From brilliant barnwood dining and side tables to custom pieces, all of their designs mesh creative metal work with precise woodworking skill. • www.2ndstorywood.com ERIN MCDERMOTT JEWELRY
Opposite Page: Nick Plescz (left) and Craig Landau (right) at NC Guitar Works studio. Middle: Tools of the guitar trade. This Page: Nick Plescz admiring a beautiful guitar built and perfected by NC Guitar Works.
Local Charlotte jewelry maker Erin McDermott has a growing reputation. Her artwork is stunning and creative featuring all kinds of colors, materials, and textures that pop. Erin specializes in unique jewelry from necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to really cool clutches and other accessories. You can find her work in many of the best boutiques in Charlotte including Cottage Chic in Dilworth. • www.erinmcdermott.com SHAMROCK WOOD STUDIO Michael Mckee of Shamrock Wood Studio makes some of the most refined pieces of furniture in Charlotte. From tables and stools to his statement rocking chairs, Mckee’s work exudes precision and all of his pieces have fantastic lines and curves. • www.shamrockwoodstudio.com CHARLOTTE HEADBOARDS Anthony Evans designs and upholsters custom headboards for those looking to have a unique bedroom look. • www.meredithjackson.com
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T H E Q U E E N C I T Y ’ S G U I D E TO F O O D & D R I N K
THE
S UPPER C LUB Art Of Bartending At Pisces Sushi at The Metropolitan, Charlotte native Bob Peters stirs, shakes, mixes, and whips up some of the finest drinks in the Queen City. recipes by Bob Peters of Pisces
COCKTAILS
La Zanahoria Milagro INGREDIENTS 1.5 oz. Milagro Reposado tequila .5oz. of Italian sweet vermouth 2 oz. organic carrot juice
METHOD Add ingediants into glass with ice and stir for 30 rotations. Strain into martini glass and garnish with Thai basil blossom.
SUPPER CLUB TABLE OF CONTENTS: COCKTAILS • p.61 | RECIPEs • p.64 | ARTISANAL • p.68
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COCKTAILS
Tito’s Kombucha Mule INGREDIENTS .5oz lime juice 1.5oz Tito’s vodka 1 Lenny Boy Ginger Kombucha METHOD
Add lime juice and Tito’s vodka into copper mug. Pour Kambucha into the mug. Stir, garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy.
Bulleit Ten Year Blood Orange Old Fashioned
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Behind the bar at Pisces Sushi, next to the levitating jelly fish, you’ll find Charlotte native Bob Peters stirring, shaking, mixing, and whipping up some of the finest drinks your palate has ever tasted. Bob tinkers for hours a day with recipe ideas. When he’s not tinkering he’s researching - looking for the perfect products and ingredients - so he can deliver, masterfully of course, his take on everything from a classic martini and a mind-blowing Old Fashioned to the most eccentric, creative, and refined concoctions you’ve ever sipped. Bob shared some of his favorite recipes with us and we hope you enjoy them. Remember to visit Bob at Pisces Sushi at the Metropolitan and if you are interested in more recipes and some mixology mythology follow Bob on Twitter at @BobTheBartender and on Instagram at @Bob_Peters.
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INGREDIENTS 1 Brandied cherry 1 Blood orange wedge 2 dashes of bitters .5oz of simple syrup 1.5oz Bulleit 10 year METHOD
Add all ingredients, except for the bourbon, into an old fashioned glass. Muddle ingredients together. Then fill the glass with ice and add the Bulleit 10 year bourbon. Stir for 30 rotations and enjoy.
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RECIPE
Waxhaw Heritage Chef Paul Verica’s Heritage Food & Drink in Waxhaw is serving up exciting, fresh farm-to-table food. recipe by Chef Paul Verica | photos by JP Grice
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hef Paul Verica started restaurants, The Dunhill hotel and, as a dishwasher at an most recently, the prestigious Club at Italian Specialty Market Longview. And now, Verica, with the in Philadelphia, PA where he help of his partners, has pinnacled the developed a passion for food. culinary ladder with the opening of his He attended the Restaurant School at very own restaurant, Heritage Food Walnut Hill College and even staged with & Drink, in Waxhaw, NC. The farm-toMichelin Three Star Chefs Alain Passard table, new-American style restaurant of L’Arpege and the late, features a menu that Paul Verica of Heritage great Bernard Louisseau changes with the seasons Food And Drink in of La Cote D’Or. Verica’s (most times daily) and Waxhaw, NC. Paul garnising his Beef Tartar. accolades are abundant. is driven by Charlotte’s Paul and his son, Alex, He was Executive Chef farmers and purveyors. stand proud in front of the Heritage bar. for the Providence Bistro Heritage’s atmosphere is 64 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
inviting, almost as if you’ve been invited to your neighbor’s house out in the country. The food is fantastic, very fresh, simple yet complex, and very popular so remember to make reservations well in advance. When dining at Heritage Food & Drink in Waxhaw be sure to try the deviled eggs, the pork tenderloin, and the beef tartar (amongst others), a dish that is highly sought, and a dish that Chef Verica so kindly has shared with our QCExclusive readers. Chef Paul Verica’s Beef Tartar Recipe on Page 66
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Mar/Apr 2014 • @qcexclusive • 65
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RECIPE
Beef Tartar with Quail Egg, Parsley, Radishes, Olive Oil, and Aged Balsamic. by Paul Verica of Heritage Food And Drink
INGREDIENTS • 1 pound beef tenderloin • 1 tablespoon whole caper, drained of brine • 1 tablespoon fresh minced – flat leaf parsley • 1 fluid ounce extra virgin olive oil – something fruity • Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
Place a stainless steel mixing bowl in the freezer. Be sure that all of your ingredients are very cold. Slice the beef into thin medallions and slightly pound with the back of a chef’s knife – make the pieces as evenly sized as possible. Slice the pounded beef medallions into thin strips and then mince by hand until the meat has the texture and appearance of ground beef – chop and cut until the texture is fine. Then mince the capers and the parsley. Place the beef, parsley, and capers in the chilled mixing bowl and mix well, add the olive oil, salt and pepper and mix again. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Hold the tartar mix in the fridge. PARSLEY PUREE INGREDIENTS • 2 cups parsley stems leaves and trimmings • 3 tablespoons ultra tex 3 • Salt and pepper – to taste
PARSLEY PUREE METHOD
Bring large pot of water to boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Plunge the 66 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
parsley into the water for 10 seconds. Remove the parsley from the water, reserve the water and place the parsley in ice water. Once the parsley is chilled – roughly chop and place the parsley in the blender – add some of the cooking liquid and puree until smooth. Add the ultra tex and puree again until smooth and the puree has the texture of pudding – season – and reserve in a squeeze bottle.
TO PLATE THE DISH Arrange the tartar mixture in a ring mold. Pan fry – sunny-side-up quail egg –place atop the beef. Place parsley puree around the beef. Slice radishes using a mandolin and arrange. Shave pieces of pecorino cheese using a veggie peeler and arrange. Toast brioche – other toast points - and stack. Garnish with arugula, olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar.
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Coffee Community If you like good coffee and giving back to the community you are going to love Tony Santoro’s Endery Coffee
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photos by Steven Mills | by Melissa Justice
istorians believe the use of coffee dates back to before the 11th century A.D. Thought to be native to East Africa, the Arabs began cultivating coffee by the 14th century. By the 16th century, it had spread to the rest of the Middle East, the Balkans, Italy, Europe, and finally to the Americas. Needless to say, the drinking of coffee became an integral part of society. It is no different today where you are guaranteed to find a coffee shop on almost every corner of a big city and at least three or four shops in the small68 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
est of towns. In Enderly Park on the Westside of Charlotte, you will find a relatively new coffee shop called Enderly Coffee. Opening its doors in July of 2012, Tony and Becky Santoro took a leap of faith while retaining their teaching positions in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System. Having moved to Charlotte from Detroit, Michigan, the Santoro’s have spent the last seven years doing what they love best, teaching in Title 1 schools “pouring life into [their] students.” Being long time coffee drinkers and having frequented multiple coffee shops in and around
ARTISANAL
the country, they decided to branch out of their comfort zone and grow a company with a mission. In 2012, a good friend of theirs went on a mission trip to a small village outside of Guatemala City. Knowing the Santoro’s passion for coffee, he picked up a bag of beans to bring home from a local farmer in the village. “The beans were fresh, unique, and very tasty. Because this village is very missional and the church the Santoro’s belong to is “vested in the village,” they decided to do their part and “reach out to them.” Luckily for the Santoro’s, the farmer’s son--who lives in America--distributes his father’s coffee beans around the country. “We are able to buy directly through the farmer’s family, putting more money back into their pockets,” says Santoro. “We are proud that we can trade directly with our farmers. We’re also connected with farmers from Panama, Costa Rica, and Rwanda.” Having started roasting their beans four years ago, the Santoro’s believe that “fresh roast and grind are essential to truly reaching the potential of the coffee beans.” There is so much flavor lost when roasted beans or ground coffee beans sit on the shelf for a month at a time. “Coffee is like wine,” says Santoro. “There are so many intricate flavors and nuances that can be pulled from a bean; every crop is different.”
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Enderly coffee makes their mark by connecting to the community and by giving back a portion of their proceeds to the local ministry, Hyaets Organization. Hyaets Organization is a church ministry that has been in the “neighborhood since 2005 supporting the youth, putting on Freedom School during the summer months, and opening their homes to youth groups weekly.” The Santoro’s believe that supporting the city in which one lives is very important. As a result, this is one of Enderly Coffee’s main aspects. The plan is to generate income for the neighborhood while eventually employing and training a few transitional teens or adults who reside in Enderly Park. “We love our city, and we know that the residents of Charlotte love their city too. So, it’s important; if you love your city, you support it,” says Santoro. “It makes for a better city. It makes for a stronger city.” Along with supporting the local community here in Charlotte, Enderly Coffee also plans to work with Equitas, an organization in Charlotte that helps educate students in Africa, and roast coffee from Malawi and other countries to
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ARTISANAL
support their important causes. The coffee you find at Enderly Coffee won’t be found on the shelf of your local grocer. Wanting to open the eyes of the local coffee drinkers around the city, the Santoro’s strive to bring out the beauty and complexity found in a well roasted coffee bean. When you step into Enderly Coffee, you know that it’s different from other competitors. The Santoro’s like to describe it as a “coffee shop that is intentionally a mission” - and one that does not necessarily include the prerequisite of being hip. It is simply a place for people that like good coffee. Owning a coffee shop is a dream come true. Finding the right space and being able to remain in the Westside of Charlotte has been a challenge, but having a heart for Enderly Park and its residents is the primary and sole reason they plan on remaining right where they are while establishing themselves both as a landmark and a presence with their neighbors. For more information or to place an order visit Enderly online at www.enderlycoffee.com.
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T H E Q U E E N C I T Y ’ S G U I D E TO T H E H O M E
& ART
A Vibrant Talent Meet Up-And-Coming Charlotte Artist Josh Brown by Kasey Murray
HOME & DESIGN TABLE OF CONTENTS: ART • p.73 | FARMHOUSE STYLE • p.76 | GARDEN • p.78
HOME&DESIGN
ART
photos by Lillian Mueller
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Still just in college, Charlottean and Savannah College of Art and Design student Josh Brown is creating some fun, colorful, and technically sound paintings that are well beyond his age.
Growing up with a father in the military, Josh Brown moved around a lot before landing in the first place he thought of as “home” in Charlotte. Though he is not new to Charlotte he is fairly new to the art scene. When asked what he thought of the flourishing scene in Charlotte, Josh responded, “It certainly is growing! I am excited to see how the art scene in Charlotte is developing. I am new to it all but I am constantly impressed by the work of my fellow artists.” As a junior at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) one would think he would be quite new to everything, but don’t let his youth fool you. Josh Brown is passionate about what he does. He loves it, it makes him happy, and that translates clearly in his vibrant works. Energy, happiness, and vibrancy is his inspiration and his purpose. “The colorful and energetic people of Charlotte help to fuel my work. I want to make aesthetically pleasing art that puts a smile on your face.” His art career started with him seeking advice from the owners of his favorite gallery in Charlotte, Shain Gallery. He
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approached Gaby and Joy to seek professional advice regarding his painting and sculptures and ended up sharing wall space with artists that Josh considers an honor to be associated with. When he started painting, before he was in Shain Gallery or accepting commissions, Josh painted for his friends and family. They provided the acrylic paints, canvas and the subject they wanted. Now that he is busy painting for galleries and patrons, he still treats each piece as if he was hand crafting it for a dear friend or family member. Despite all of his initial success, Josh paints for the fun of it and doesn’t see it as work. “I try to constantly remind myself not to treat painting as a job. As soon as it becomes a job...a chore the fun will be lost.” When initially looking at Josh’s paintings and sculptures the vibrant acrylic colors accompanied by the vivid brush movements are the most noticeable features. The energy he exudes is easily translated in his paintings and sculptures. His work can be seen at Shain Gallery on Selwyn Avenue in Charlotte and Matre Gallery in Atlanta, GA or on his website at www.joshbrownfineart.com.
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HOME&DESIGN
FARMHOUSE STYLE
:: Reclaimed Farm Tables The look of reclaimed wood when used on almost any furniture design, from stools and chairs to frames and bookcases, adds an extra touch of character, but there is something extra special about the use of reclaimed wood when building a beautiful, large dining table. The imperfections and tones of the wood create a beautiful aesthetic and the strength and durability of the aged wood create a functionality that is nearly uncomparable. For some of the most beautiful reclaimed wood tables in Charlotte contact the folks at 2nd Story Wood Co. at 2ndstorywood.com. :: Rocking ChairS
Nothing reminds you of the South more than someone reading a book on the front porch, sweet tea in hand, soaking up the warm Spring air, all the while rocking to and from in a fine rocking chair. There is something nostalgic and enviable about that image. If you are interested in purchasing one of the finest rocking chairs we have ever seen, check out the works of Shamrock Wood Studio. Michael McKee’s fine woodworking combines precision with amazing lines and surprising functionality and durability. Visit Shamrock Wood Studio online at www.shamrockwoodstudio.com. :: Antique Cupboards
Farm & Form If you want to achieve an authentic farmhouse or country style aesthetic consider these five design accents. :: Rustic Barndoors
Cupboards bring an old fashioned touch to today’s modern home. They can be painted or refinished to match your home settings. Beautiful chabby chic styles have gotten very popular of late. So too have the classic antique pie safes with the punched tin. No matter which you choose to accomplish your country/farm look you can’t go wrong. There are several great places in Charlotte to locate a fine antique or chabby chic antique cupboard including Sleepy Poet and Nadeau, both on South Boulevard.
If you want to add an extra dimension to an entryway in your :: Farmhouse Sinks home than there is no better option than a barndoor. Barndoors Farmhouse sinks are the centerpiece of traditional kitchens. are not as easy to come by as they used to be, nor as cheap, They act as both a statement piece that just begs for conversabut you can find them at a variety of places, from antique consignment stores and places like Restoration Hardware to the tion, as well as a functional piece due to their large size and source itself: country farms with barns. Whichever single trough. If you are going for an authentic farmClockwise: way you find yours (and choose wisely) once you add A Shamrock Wood house or country-style design aesthetic this is truly it to your entryway with a classic sliding hardware kit, Studio rocking chair. a necessity. Majestic Bath | Kitchen And Bath ShowDetail of a tin punched your room undergoes quite the dramatic change - an cupboard. A 2nd Story room on Sharon Amity Road in Charlotte is a good Wood Co. Table. artistic quality no matter if the door is open or closed. source for beautiful sinks. 76 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
CRAFTSMANSHIP IS ALIVE & WELL Established in 1900, Stickley Furniture’s considerable art and craft continues today, uncompromised. Because inch for inch, line for line, angle for angle, we remain faithful to the Stickley tradition of excellence. Our exceptional men and women who mastered the craft of furniture making are the secret to the Stickley success story. They create timeless works of art with loving hands, careful attention to detail and an eye for exceptional beauty. Discover the world of Stickley Furniture at the Stickley, Audi & Co. showroom.
7215 Smith Corners Blvd. (I-77 and Harris Blvd.), Charlotte 704.597.0718 complimentary interior design service Located just off I-77 at Exit 18 in the Smith
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Corners Shopping Center at the corner of W.WT Harris Blvd & Statesville Road
Mar/Apr 2014 • @qcexclusive • 77
HOME&DESIGN The
GARDEN
Veggie Garden
With Spring just around the corner it’s time to start planning your garden. Here are ten tips to help your garden flourish. Start Growing These In March And April Arugula Asparagus Beets Chard
Greens Green Onions Kale Nettles
Pea greens Radishes Scallions Strawberries
6 Be aware of animals that may take
advantage of your hardwork. Choose locations in your yard that butt up to fences and provide barriers, either wire, wood, or plastic for the exposed locations. Scarecrows are always useful.
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Mulch your soil. It will conserve water, replace nutrients and protect the vegetables from cool temperatures. It also keeps the weeds down.
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If you are a beginner to vegetables, start small and don’t get frustrated. Remember that no one is born with a green thumb - gardening takes a lot of practice.
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If you don’t have room for a garden or raised bed because you live in an apartment or condominum, you can still have a great garden by taking advantage of bright windows and potted fruits and vegetables.
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Choose two locales in your yard, one shaded and one that receives bright light most of the day. These two locations will allow you to grow a variety of vegetables and herbs no matter the type of light the plant needs.
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Raised beds are a great way to make vegetable gardens easy. Instead of spending hours upon hours tilling up an area of your lawn just build a simple elevated bed, fill in with soil, and plant away.
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Make sure the location you pick for your garden will fit harmoniously into your already existing outdoor living space. Placing gardens next to 78 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
9 Veggie gardens don’t have to look places you already frequent in your yard will help you be a better steward.
dishoveled and rag tag. Quite the opposite, if you really put some thought into your garden design and add certain features, from stone walkways and other stonescapes to beautiful wooden dividers and fences, it will only add to the aesthetic of your home.
5 When planting in March and April, 10 be sure to have a back-up plan just in case a later frost occurs. A layer of plastic over the garden on cold nights can protect your bounty just enough.
Remember to harvest when ready. Plants like tomatoes and other various fruits will produce more if they don’t have to support fruit that is ready to be picked.
host your next Business retreat or corporate event at lucky clays farm Amenities Include: • Conference Center • Stocked Fishing Ponds • Trails on 472 Acres
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THE FEATURES OF THIS ISSUE
ART
Art For Everyone Charlotte art collectors Sonia and Isaac Luski on living the American dream, their art obsession, and sharing that obsession with the world to make it a better place. photos by Jamey Price
THE EXCLUsIVES TABLE OF CONTENTS: ART • p.81 | STYLE • p.86 | FOOD & DRINK • p.90 | HOME• p.96 | SPORT • p.100
THE HOME The beautiful houses that line the suburban streets don’t compare to the cultural treasures inside Sonia and Isaac Luski’s Foxcroft home. I use the term “home” lightly. If someone were to blindfold me and place me in the Luski’s living room and then remove said blindfold I would think I was in a secret curated museum - not a home. Then again, that is exactly what this place is. As I waited on the stoop of the Luski’s home before meeting both Sonia and Isaac, I peeked through the vertical windows that lined their front door. I didn’t want to come across as rude, but I was anxious to see what was behind their walls. The foyer was lined with sculptures and paintings, some pieces that I recognized, others that were new to the senses, all of them jaw dropping. As my eyes scanned the entrance hall, each piece of art, like a breadcrumb on a forest floor, led me to the next masterpiece. There must’ve been over thirty museum-worthy pieces in that one room alone. It was at that moment I knew, before even entering, that this was going to be an experience of a lifetime.
collection really was. I had one last glance-over of all the pieces in the foyer before I made my way through the rest of the home. Sonia, guided me like a tour director, through the many rooms of their gallery. Wall to wall, in almost every room, pieces from world renowned artists were on showcase. Paintings and works on paper by Carlos Estevez, W. Louis Jones, Cundo Bermudez, incredible spinning cubes from Jon Kuhn, glasswork from Richard Jolley, and so much more. As big as their home was I was beginning to realize that the Luski’s may just need a bigger one. After a once-over of most of the house I met Sonia’s husband Isaac in the kitchen. Immediately, before introducing myself, I asked, “Isaac, where do you watch tv?” He pointed to a small three foot by three foot space with an accent chair and a laptop-sized flat screen. “I don’t watch much, but when I do, I watch it here.” Why would you watch television? There was so much visual stimulation already. I immediately felt foolish for asking, then the feeling was stifled when I saw a self-portrait of Chuck Close. The Luskis have an extensive collection of Chuck Close prints, arguably the most famous living American artist. I needed a second to look, examine, and process what I was experiencing before any other silly questions left my mouth. Aside from their shared interest in collecting art, the
“We appreciate art. With my fingers all I can do is sign a check. I can’t carve, sculpt clay, or blow glass. I’ve tried but I am no good.” Sonia greeted me at the door with a welcoming smile, excited to show her and Isaac’s personal rotating exhibition. This is the purpose of their collection after all, to share its beauty. While exchanging pleasantries in the foyer I couldn’t help but fixate on a tryptic on the wall behind her. Noticing my fascination, Sonia asked if I was familiar with the work of the artist, Charles Clary, who was introduced to them by their son, Moses. I was not, but I couldn’t look away. As an artist myself, I am always fascinated with the process. What was it made of? How did he do it? Reading my mind, Sonia answered, “It’s paper. He cuts each piece out and layers them behind a wood panel.” “That’s amazing!” I said, “What patience he must have. That would take forever.” “Well, we must have five or so more of his in here if you’d like to take a look.” I had heard of the Luski’s collection before meeting them, but this was the first clue as to how vast their personal 82 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
Luskis are no different from any other couple who have
been married for over sixty years. Their love for each other is evident, their joy for life almost enviable, and both of them are easy to talk to. I found myself distracted in conversation, droning on about myself because they asked, and genuinely cared to know the answers. When I was able to direct the conversation back to them their stories started flowing. Sonia and Isaac are the embodiment of the American dream. A successful dry goods wholesaler in Cuba with his father, Israel Luski, and his brother, Abraham. Sonia risked everything to emigrate to Charlotte over fifty years ago. They left Castro’s regime, much like Castro left Cuba, in the dust, bringing very little with them. However, Sonia was able to bring an armful of Cuban paintings to Charlotte, the genesis of their art collection. Having an opportunity to start over, Isaac, along with Abraham,entrenched themselves in the real estate development industry. At the time, Charlotte’s city limits
stopped at Sharon Amity. Taking advantage of the city’s bustling growth, they worked hard as they still do to this day, and profited. “This country is a blessed country because it gives opportunities. If you work hard and use your brain you can succeed,” said Isaac. Their first trip to Penland School of Crafts near Spruce Pines, North Carolina in 1967 was the inspiration to start their expansive glass collection. There they met renowned glass blowing artists Mark Peiser, Harvey Littleton, and Richard Ritter. Pioneers of their craft, Peiser, Littleton, and Ritter became lifelong friends of the Luskis, among numerous glass artists. Like Peiser,Littleton and Ritter, most of the artists that the Luskis support are like family and they are honored to back them. They appreciate the artists just as much as they appreciate the art that they create. They respect their talent and understand the dedication it takes to make a living as an artist. “We appreciate art. With my fingers all I can do is sign a check. I can’t carve, sculpt clay, or blow glass. I’ve tried but I am no good,” explained Isaac. Isaac claims he has no artistic bone in his body, so how does he know which artists to invest in. Well, the answer is simple. “We use our instinct. Between Sonia and I, we select what we
THE FOUNDATION
The Foundation for the Carolinas has been working since 1958 to connect donors and organizations to the philanthropic needs of our own community and beyond. With $1.3 billion in total assets, the Foundation for the Carolinas is one of the largest community foundations in the United States. For Isaac and Sonia, they are very thankful to be involved with the foundation. The foundation is located in a four story building named for the Luski and the Gorelick families in the heart of Uptown Charlotte and houses an art gallery on the first floor known as the Sonia and Isaac Luski Gallery. Full of offices and conference rooms, the center works as a hub for philanthropic related exchanges for the community to use. Rooms are also available for rent for private events and corporate gatherings with all proceeds benefiting The Foundation. It was important for Sonia and Isaac to have a welcoming place where the community can gather and appreciate art. According to Sonia, “We helped open The Foundation with the wishes that it would be free for everyone to enjoy. That was our objective. Anyone can come in and look at the art and get close to the glass sculptures.” like and we buy it. The artists became the best with time. We The Foundation for the Carolinas, under Michael Marsicano’s didn’t know what we were buying. If it becomes valuable, there direction, created this unique art environment and works hard is nothing wrong with that, but as far as we know, we bought to rotate the paintings and sculptures to give the community what we liked. If the value doesn’t grow, it doesn’t matter to us a fresh view of the Luski’s collection. The works of Rick Beck, because we still get to enjoy it for the rest of our lives.” Paul Stankard, Stephen Dee Edwards, W. Louis Jones, Charles In fact, the Luskis enjoy the beauty of their art so much they Clary, Cundo Bermudez, Micheal Taylor, William Carlson, Steve can’t help to share it with others. Art is their passion and they Weinberg and many other artists are featured in the gallery. believe it should be shared with the community. Unlike some Also, while visiting The Foundation, the vertical gardens of collectors, the Luskis don’t keep their art for their personal Patrick LeBlanc are a must see. viewing pleasure. They share their passion and enjoy exposing The Luskis have successfully found a way to do what they love, everyone to art. They have donated pieces regionally to give to the community, and share their passion with others. In museums in Hickory, Rock Hill, Asheville, NC State, UNCC, CPCC, their 80’s now, I asked them when or if they ever think they Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Levine Children’s Hospital and will stop collecting art. Sonia responds in her cheeky fashion, Cancer Center, Mint Museum, Presbyterian Hospital, Char-Meck “My favorite piece is the one I haven’t gotten yet.” Public Libraries, and Shalom Park, just to name a few. Nationally, For more information about the Foundation for the Carolinas they have donated to Museum Of Art And Design in New York please visit their website at www.fftc.org or view the art at City, Corning Museum in Corning, New York, Renwick the gallery at 220 N. Tryon Street Clockwise from top right: Isaac, in his kitchen Museum in Washington, DC, and the Ogden Museum in uptown Charlotte. Currently the with spinning cubes by Jon Kuhn. An admirer stares at one of the most popular paintings at The in New Orleans to name a few. The Luskis are also gallery is featuring the Blue exhibition Foundation. Sonia relaxing in her living room. A with works in shades of cerulean, the primary art donors to the Foundation for the Chuck Close Self Portrait. The Sonia and Isaac Luski Gallery at the Foundation For The Carolinas. azure and cobalt by various artists. Carolinas, a magnificent space in Uptown Charlotte.
“My favorite piece is the one I haven’t gotten yet.”
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STYLE
The Sisters Of
Twine & Twig With great attention to detail, a gung ho spirit, and crazy amounts of creativity, Elizabeth and Jaquelyn of Twine and Twig have built a growing brand that reflects their southern roots and emboldens their world travels. photos by Jamey Price
“Now we ship all over from everywhere from Martha’s Vineyard to Ohio to Connecticut to South Florida. Its been four months and its been nuts.”
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Sisters Elizabeth Stafford White and JaCquelyn Stafford Buckner grew up in Greensboro, NC. One attended UNC-Chapel Hill, the other, College Of Charleston. After college both of the sisters had a short stint in Atlanta and then returned to their Old North State roots, settling down in the Queen City. It’s safe to say that these two are true Carolina girls, and you can see it in their jewelry, inspired by the coastal calmness of the shores of the lowcountry. Elizabeth and Jacquelyn have been collecting jewelry for quite some time. They would go with their cool aunt to flea markets and leave with heaps of African trade beads and other unique treasures that would later inspire the start of Twine and Twig. Starting a jewelry line had never been discussed- until something unfortunate happened. Jacquelyn Buckner’s daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor. During the trying times Jacquelyn’s sister Elizabeth was always there for her family. She would go to the doctor’s
jewelry line, Twine and Twig. Twine and Twig necklaces are natural, organic, and eco-friendly. All of them are hand tied, hand stitched, hand branded, and made right here in Myers Park. Each necklace features their signature suede straps, just one of the many unique aspects of their designs. The materials White and Buckner use are naturally shed or found objects from all over - worldly pieces - sourced from Washington, Africa, The Philippines, Texas, Nepal, North Carolina and other destinations. The unusual but intriguing collection of bits used in their pieces include hand appointments and medical centers carved and hand painted bone, recywith Jacquelyn - and sat next to her cled glass beads, fish vertebrae, boar’s during the six hour surgery to keep teeth, horse hair, turtle shells, and nather calm. She just wanted to support ural stones like quartz, coral and turtheir family and act as a distraction quoise. These incredibly eclectic and for Jacquelyn. Thankfully, the tumor truly different materials make for a was benign and Jacquelyn’s daughter completely unique style, in fact, every is doing fantastic! single necklace is one-of-a-kind. Out of appreciation for being there These unexpected but beautiful mafor her and her family, Jacquelyn deterials, when combined with the suede cided to take Elizabeth to get a gift: strap and the handcrafted elements a necklace. They took the beads that deliver an incredibly earthy, rich, and they collected together at flea markets organic aesthetic. Originally, the sisters did not know how they would be to a jewelry store in town to get them received by the public, but strung. The jeweler told when friends, family, and This Page: Jacquelyn them that they would happiBuckner and Elizabeth even strangers started tossly string the beads on metal White of Twine And Twig. Opposite Page: ing around compliments with a clasp, in usual fashA variety of Twine they thought they may be And Twig Necklaces ion. Elizabeth, wanting this including the antler, on to something. “We were necklace and gesture to be sea urchin, turtle shell and horse hair tassel. nervous that they were going anything but usual passed on to be so weird – that people the jewelers offer and immewere going to say ‘what is this’ – but diately went home to make something luckily it didn’t go that way. It’s funny unique. The necklace she made, by adding the beads to twine, and eventubecause some people have a really natally a suede strap that Jacquelyn added, ural style and our necklaces fit really was gorgeous. The rest is history and well with that. Others wear them with Tory Burch and the preppier look but the two sisters started their very own Mar/Apr 2014 • @qcexclusive • 87
it works. It kind of works on everybody. Even grandmothers are wearing them. We’ve had seventy-five year old women ask where they can get one. It’s crazy,” said Jacquelyn. What started out as a simple show of gratitude from one appreciative sister to another has blossomed into a thriving business. Just four months ago, the sisters launched Twine and Twig by hosting a party at Elizabeth’s Myers Park home. They made two hundred necklaces for the party, with no expectations, and sold out in two hours. Since
All the work has been more than worth it though. The two major lines they have created, Trail (comprised of antlers and horse hair tassels) and Shore (shells and sea urchin spine designs), are widely popular. Their necklaces can be found in over 30 (and growing) retail locations including Poole Shop, Sloan, and Doll in Charlotte. According to Elizabeth, “We weren’t even going to sell in retail. We were just going to have a couple trunk shows every year. “Now we ship all over, from everywhere from Martha’s Vineyard to Ohio to Connecticut to South Florida. Its been four months and its been nuts.” Although both sisters prefer neutral tones they acknowledge the fact that lots of people love color. Their recently released line obliges, featuring turquoise pieces and is a hot seller. Soon, they plan on releasing new jewelry including necklaces made of turtle shells and coral, and both are highly anticipated. With great attention to detail, a gung ho spirit, and crazy amounts of creativity, Elizabeth and Jacquelyn have built a growing brand that reflects their southern roots, emboldens their worldly travels, and makes for some of the finest and most unique necklaces you will ever find. You can learn more about Twine and Twig at www.twineandtwigstyle.com or if you would like a daily peek into the Twine & Twig life, they post a daily peek of new necklaces on Instagram: twineandtwigstyle.
“Even grandmothers are wearing them. We’ve had seventy-five year old women ask where they can get one. It’s crazy.” that inaugural day, they have designed and crafted over one thousand unique pieces – a time consuming process – that is far more difficult than people would ever imagine. “People don’t realize how intense it is to make these. My fingers have bled, we’ve burnt ourselves, the blisters on my hands are absolutely incredible, it’s almost embarrassing. We’ve been working our butts off, but we haven’t gotten sick of it yet. It’s hard work but its fun, ” said Elizabeth. 88 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
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“My fingers have bled, we’ve burnt ourselves, the blisters on my
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hands are absolutely incredible. It’s hard work but it’s fun.”
FOOD & DRINK
CRAFT BEER TOWN Your Guide To The Queen City’s Booming Brewery Scene by Kit Mackie | photos by Jamey Price (Birdsong), Steven Mills (Noda), and Lunahzon (District 9)
With what seems to be a new brewery popping up every month, Charlotte is quickly becoming a hub for craft beer. Here is your guide to the very finest breweries in the Queen City. Free Range Brewing
BIRDSONG
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ead brewer Conor Robinson, along with seven owning partners, have found their place in Charlotte's craft microbrewery scene at Birdsong Brewing Company, located in NoDa at 26th and North Davidson. Robinson started his career in the Baking & Pastry Arts program at Johnson & Wales University. After receiving a degree he began working at Harvest Bread Company, which is where he met Tara Goulet (one of the owning partners) and Matt, a friend who fueled his interest in home brewing. “I was in product development at a bakery,” explained Conor, “so I got really into creating my own beers. I met Chris and Tara Goulet and they wanted to start a brewery. They went up to Portland, Oregon and saw all the breweries there and decided they could totally do that in Charlotte." The transition from baker to brewer was only natural for Robinson, with his background knowledge of yeast and various baking components that easily translated to brewing. They spent a little over a year doing research and working on sessionable recipes. They started retail distribution and tap room sales in December 2011, and have become a well known name in the market with over 170 accounts throughout Charlotte “On a heavy week we brew eight batches. It
is a ten barrel brew house. I say we do an average of 7 batches a week. We try to get everyone involved. We like to get everybody on the pilot system. It's important for everyone here to know how to brew. I like everyone here to have an understanding of how beer is made.” That understanding, as well as Conor's creativity, fuel the creation of both their well known staples, Free Will Pale Ale, Lazy Bird Brown Ale, Higher Ground IPA and Honey Pie Double IPA as well as some more creative options such as Eat A Peach Pale Ale and Doin' Thyme Witbier. Robinson also pushes the boundaries of beer by combining unexpected flavors, such as their claim-to-fame Jalapeno Pale Ale. Birdsong, whose name pokes fun at Robinson's bird song-like snore, continues to strive towards their goal to create outstanding beer, have a low impact on the environment, and create personal relationships and ties to the local community – and that community has embraced their brews. “I never expected to be doing this. It has been pretty crazy. It is pretty surreal when you come in on a Saturday and the place is slammed. All these people are drinking the beer that I made...it's pretty cool.” For more information on Birdsong Brewey visit them at www.birdsongbrewing.com.
This spread: Photos of Conor Robinson and Birdsong Brewing Company by Jamey Price
When it comes to creating innovative beers the Alexander Brothers have turned the corner in taste bud technology. Located in Charlotte, Free Range produces artisan brews and with their pub in it’s final stages of opening It will provide a unique feel like no other in the city. Free Range is bringing a culinary and cultural experience with a homegrown attitude to the table. Make sure you check out what they are brewing. • freerangebrewing.com Four Friends Brewing Since 2007 Four Friends has provided the Queen City with quality artisan beer. Jonathan Fulcher’s imaginative variety gives the drinker a satisfying taste with whatever beer they choose. From Irish Red’s to IPA’s Four Friends selection is one of the best in the city. • fourfriendsbrewing.com Lake Norman Brewing Lake Norman Brewing Company is finally opening it’s doors in Mooresville in March. The microbrewery was founded in 2013 by Mike and Andy Prascak. Their newly famous ale’s along with their uniquely created batches will provide Lake Norman with a selection that is the cream of the crop. • lakenormanbrewingcompany.com
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NODA
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ky’s the limit for former airline pilot Todd Ford, owner of NoDa Brewing Company, who came into Charlotte’s microbrewery scene in October 2011. His interest in creating craft beer, fostered by several years of home brewing, and a strong desire to increase the number of options and styles of beer available in the local market has brought him front-and-center into the craft beer craze. Focusing on creative renditions of classic styles, Ford and head brewer Chad Henderson stretch the boundaries of their recipes with unique ingredients and flavor profiles, such as hops from New Zealand, organic coconut from Malaysia, cacao nibs from Ghana, maple syrup and molasses . Combining these unique elements, along with basic ingredients such as triple filtered water and grains from the best maltsters in the U.S., they have created some of Charlotte’s favorite craft beers such as their hop-forward India Pale Ales and Barrel-Aged Russian Imperial Souts, which can take 4-6 months to age. Their creative vision, paired with their passion for craft beer, has rocketed NoDa Brew-
ing Company to success. Ford attributes some of that success to the collaborative spirit of the industry, noting fellow breweries for their contribution to his palate and to Charlotte, the city that has embraced the growing brewery scene wholeheartedly. “I think that the local beer drinkers saw that a fresh locally produced beverage would beat one produced in a large factory months ago from across the country or the world. The local breweries gave the public a chance to see the brewing process and to be a part of a growing industry. If you asked me ten years ago if I thought I would eventually be in the brewing industry I would have thought you were crazy. My wife and I decided that we could make a new start and create a business that we could be proud of, add to the growing brewery scene in Charlotte while helping grow the local economy. Even though it was a large risk we are glad that we took the chance and now look forward to coming to work every day.” Ford’s dedication to his craft, along with recognition for the need to constantly improve the quality of their product is a characteristic he shares with his fellow brewers, and one of the reason that Charlotte’s microbrewery scene has seen a steady trend of growth. “We have to continue to set ourselves apart through better flavor and local presence. The best part of the business is I get to see the changes and evolution of this industry from the inside. I get to be a part of introducing someone to a new flavor and stretch their concept of what beer can be. I get to be a part of the local economic engine and I get to the opportunity to work with others that are just as motivated to see this industry grow as I.” NoDa’s brews can be found in many Charlotte establishments or you can stop by the Tap Room at 2229 N. Davidson Street for a free brewery tour. For more information visit NoDa Brewing Co. online at www. nodabrewing.com
This spread: Photos of Todd Ford and NODA Brewing Company by Steven Mills
Ass Clown Brewing Founder Matt Glidden is all about creating beers in a responsible way. Maybe that’s why his choices in beer are so vast. The Cornelius, North Carolina based brewing company focuses on local ingredients. They also strive to be environmentally sound as well as very clever with the names of their beers. • assclownbrewery.com Sycamore Brewing Located In Charlotte, Sycamore Brewing company has been home brewing unique recipes for over the last ten years and are currently working on their new brewery space and look to open this summer. Justin and Sarah were born and raised here in the Queen City and the blood, sweat, and tears they pour into their brewery dream are truly homegrown. • sycamorebrew.com Olde Mecklenburg The Beer Haus is designed and decorated to be like the traditional beer halls of Germany. Their beers are all German/Belgium in style which unlike English or most American style ales typically use less hops and therefore don’t have the bitter characteristics. You won’t find an IPA on the tap list. The high gravity and malty winter seasonals (Dunkel, and various Bocks) are nice on a cold winter evening. Their menu features food that is perfect to pair with the German style beers and includes snacks of cheese platters, pretzels and bavarian meats (wursts, schnitzels, etc.). • www.oldemeckbrew.com Heist Brewery Heist features a great bar with a unique atmosphere. The food and beer menu is not risk averse.
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The Station #7 Red Ale is a great companion to the Ground Brisket or Porterhouse Burger. The I2PA, not the most intense Double IPA, has a lot of hop variety and flavor. Heist also offers a substantial cocktail menu with offerings that include a variety of beer cocktails and well made classics. • www.heistbrewery.com Triple C Brewing
DISTRICT 9
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ike many Charlotte residents the owners of District 9 Brewing Company, John Ashcraft, Aaron Burton and Andrew Durstewitz, are transplants. Identifying the Queen City as a place of opportunity they moved here and put down roots, which spread quickly as they realized the community shared their love for craft beer. They acquired a taste for craft beer like many brewers do, through trial and error, with a turkey pot in the garage. “I think from the very first batch we brewed in my garage, the dream was there.” says Ashcraft. They started with brewing kits and went on to experiment with their own recipes. Receiving positive feedback from fellow craft beer lovers, and realizing the potential of the growing market, they became licensed to brew. John recalls, “We started planning, put a deadline on our dream and turned it into a series of goals. We self-funded our venture and this year was really a test of the market to see if we could expand successfully. Our goal for 2013 was to sell our first licensed keg. We sold hundreds of pints on our grand opening alone.” At District 9 Brewing Company it's all about Ale. They started with their flagship beers, Experiment #12 Pale Ale, Outpost Black Tea Ale and Battle Hymn Black IPA. They have since evolved and have grown their repertoire to include brews such as a Peruvian Chocolate Ale,
a pumpkin ale called Head of the Horseman and their Barely Legal IPA, continuously experimenting with ingredients and new recipes. “The ingredients in our beer carry different weights of importance depending on what we’re brewing. The water, for example is great straight from the tap for our dark beers with few additions, but we have to add some minerals when we brew IPA’s for the flavor and aroma to pop. Some of our recipes have several hop additions and many types of grain in the bill while others are simple. From grain to glass, it take just over two weeks to brew. We do, however, have one ale aging for three months before it will be ready to our standards” The high standards at D9 have paid off, as their brews are being met with growing demand. Their plan for 2014 is to grow their space and upgrade to a ten barrel system. They also plan to begin taking commercial accounts, to meet the growing needs of both local and far-reaching businesses. Regardless of where their brews travel, Ashcraft attributes their success to the local community. “The best part of the business is sharing our beer with the community. Our purpose is to brew outstanding beer that unites people. We brew beer we love and hope other people enjoy it as much as we do.” For more information visit District 9 online at www.d9brewing.com.
This spread: Photos of District 9 Brewing Company by Lunahzon
According to a friend, “I salivate thinking about the Greenway IPA while sitting at my desk during the day.” The Baby Maker Double IPA is aptly named and delicious, but definitely intense. The outdoor area is very nice for all the good spring and summer weather and dogs are allowed. The inside of Triple C is inviting and features a foosball table, bench seating, and many small tables. The bar is usually well serviced. At Triple C the beer is traditional American; ales with some experimental and are a hit. Good news is the brewery is close enough to walk to the Light Rail if you’ve had one too many. • www.triplecbrewing.com Unknown Brewing Brad Shell, head bossman, as he refers to himself, is a character! His love for adventure and living life to the fullest is a pervasive theme at Unknown. Shell’s pedigree is unmatched - he has been a major player at both Sweetwater and Rogue. His new brewery, located on South Mint Street, is large and in charge with a nice tasting room and a huge brewery space set up for regional and national production. Their featured beers include the Over The Edge American Pale Ale, Head First Ale, and No Shame Wheat, all of which are must tastes. • www.unknownbrewing.com
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HOME
EXUDE ELEGANCE An Eastover home, renovated by Metropolitan Builders, emanates excellence, from the attention to detail of the interior to the craftsmanship of the exterior. Photos by Jim Schmid
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efore an extensive renovation by Charlotte based, Metropolitan Builders, the homeowners described their 5 bedroom 2.5 bath Eastover Colonial style home as “livable and comfortable but dated.” Moving from the DC area where they lived in an 800 square foot tudor, they viewed the house as a great place to start and raise a family. They loved the traditional, older home feel, even with it’s quirky layout. As they lived in it, however, and the family grew, they soon realized they weren’t utilizing the space very well and the quirky layout was neither functional or conducive to raising three energetic young boys. The goal of the renovation was to update and freshen the interior and fixtures and to establish a better flow from room to room by opening up the floorplan. All of this while still trying to maintain the traditional feel of the home that they fell in love with. The result is a renovation that maximizes the square footage of the home and a layout that gives more of a sense of inclusion and togetherness. The renovation started small. The plan was to complete the work in stages - first floor kitchen renovation, then porch, then master bedroom and bath. As they got into it, they soon realized they had so much structural work to be done that it was 98 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
almost impossible to complete one without the others. In the end, every room in the house was touched in some way. During the renovation the stairs were re-oriented so there is now a hallway to access the “family” area of the house. At the same time they removed an enormous brick flue that was the original heating element situated in the middle of the house, moved the pantry, powder room and laundry, which opened up the kitchen and family room. The Kitchen
Before the renovation the kitchen was very closed off, small and dated. The family did not like being separated from the rest of the house. The main goal for the kitchen was for it to truly be the center of the living space. They had an open kitchen/family room in their old home back in DC and they really missed the interaction with the family that this type of layout afforded. It was very important that the kitchen and family
door fireplace. The result is a porch that is truly another living space for the family that can be used and enjoyed all year round. The Master Bath
area not seem separate at all. The wood “furniture grade” countertop on the island is key to achieving this seamlessness, along with the hardwood floors flowing throughout with the same color scheme. The Outdoor Living Space
Before the ronovation the home had a patio with a single row of brick steps leading down to the outdoor area from a small back door. It was not ideal as the family had to almost get in line to single file down the steps, and running up and down them from kitchen to grill was exhausting and inconvenient. Being on a fairly steep grade, they brought the porch up to the first floor level and have four sets of french doors leading onto the porch. They utilized wood floors and beadboard ceilings so that the porch looks like it has been there since the house was built making the flow very seamless. Also added was an outdoor kitchen - sink, garbage, grill, refrigerator and keg - and an outThis Page: Photo of front of home taken by Lunahzon
The goal was to make it feel like a room you might want to hang out in. Not being fans of tile, they went with the warmth of hard wood and beautiful wood molding. The master bathroom is a unique octagonal shape with a center focus on a round table and persian rug in the middle, much like a foyer or entryway. The end result is an interior that is much more open without losing its traditional feel and the addition of an amazing outdoor living area that is a seamless transition bringing the outdoors into the house giving the impression that it was part of the original structure. With the guidance, innovative thinking and execution of the team at Metropolitan Builders, this Eastover family was able to recreate, their perfect home. When asked what their favorite part of the house is now, the lady of the house replied, “Gosh, this is a tough one. My husband and I have this conversation often and it is really hard to pick my favorite. When I am doing laundry, I love my pretty laundry room. When I am cooking, I love my kitchen, my appliances, my pantry. When my boys are all outside on the porch by the fire watching a UNC game, I am thankful for that space that brings my family together and makes them so happy. I love the sanctuary of my master bedroom and bath. I think my husband would say his library. Our home is not the largest nor most tricked out, but its charm and space is perfect for us.” For more info visit www.metropolitanbuilders.com. Mar/Apr 2014 • @qcexclusive • 99
SPORT
BEST KEPT
SECRET by JAMEY PRICE
From the professional thoroughbreds, riders, and trainers to the colorful outfits, fun pre-race activities, and great food and drink, the Queen’s Cup has it all.
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horses. Having ridden for as long as I can remember, I was influenced by my dad, co-race chairman Bill Price, who was an amateur jockey as a teenager, and then started riding again as an adult in the early 2000’s. I’ve even had the pleasure of racing against him at the Queen’s Cup. We have had many fond memories together at the Cup, and It’s Queen’s Cup Saturday—25th of April 2007--and I’m for and for our family, the race is very personal. standing in the paddock at Brooklandwood with my friends, For the Price family, the Queen’s Cup was never about turnfamily, and a thoroughbred race horse named Kill Devil Rum. ing a profit. Quite the contrary, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit orAll I can think about is the job ahead, the dangers and the ganization, the Queen’s Cup has always been our way of givpressure, plus the strength it is going to take to complete the ing back to the community we love, with a sport we love that race. The whole ordeal is not to be taken lightly. It’s not my we wanted to share with the city. To date, the Queen’s Cup has first race, nor my last, but it is an important one none the donated over $600,000 to local charities around the Charlotte less. Truth be told, they are all important. area, something we are very proud of. We have poured a lot What follows is the most invigorating and adrenaline-filled of blood, sweat, and tears into this event. Each year, even we four minutes of my life, and fortunately for me and the horse wonder why we do it. For the show to run smoothly, it takes a I’m riding, the race ends with a victory. It’s my first time winlot of time, a staggering number of volunteers—an ning a race on my home turf, literally my home A young boy, dressed.to the nines in bow tie and army of 300—and that’s just the day of the races, turf. My parents, Bill and Carrington Price, started hat, enjoys a snack during plus the exorbitant amount of work it takes to plan, the Queen’s Cup when I was just six years old. race day. Opposite Page: Member’s Hill Festivities maintain, and run the other 364 days. But we do it The Price Family has always had an affinity for
A surge of adrenaline courses through my body as I buckle my helmet and nervously slap my leg with a padded racing whip. I‘m dressed in bright pink and blue silks, the traditional stable colors for this horse, and typical white silk pants.
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for Charlotte because we love this city, and we love this sport. Frankly, we think it’s the city’s best kept secret. Imagine a perfect April afternoon - the sun is shining, a Carolina blue sky is sprinkled with cumulus clouds, and friends and family gather together for a tailgate in the beautiful countryside south of Charlotte. You’re there for a professional sporting event too; an event that is incredibly graceful, powerful, yet dangerous, poetic, and artistic at the same time. It’s also for charity! Each year, thousands of people from around the Charlotte area, the East Coast and the Globe descend on
designing of bonnets and caps worn by ladies, children, and gentlemen. After the races, the fun begins. The Hotwalk Party is not to be missed. The band King Daddy’s, a Queen’s Cup tradition, play the best songs for a crowd that wants to dance, let loose, and have fun. Food, drink, and celebration of another Queen’s Cup gone by are what the Hotwalk Party is all about. This year’s Queen’s Cup will take place on April 26th, 2014, celebrating its 19th anniversary. The Queen’s Cup - Charlotte’s version of the Carolina Cup in Camden - is a tailgate party where the sport comes to you. Witness all of the action just inches from the rails and “Witness all of the action just inches from the rails see and feel the gallop of the horses approaching at and see and feel the gallop of the horses approaching nearly 40 miles per hour - all the while celebrating at nearly 40 miles per hour - all the while celebrating with a cooler full of beverages and delectables. Along with a cooler full of beverages and delectables.” with the amazing foods and cocktails, the day is full of colorful outfits, fun pre-race activities, professionMineral Springs, a small town just south of the city for a real jockeys, race horses, and big money put on the line for a sport gional event like none other. Six professional steeplechase that dates back to the early 1700’s. It truly has it all. horse races run on a well-manicured mile and a quarter turf We cordially invite you to the Queen’s Cup, a special day - to race course filling the day from 1:00 until nearly 5:00 in the me, to my family, and to the thousands of people who join us, afternoon. Jack Russell terrier races run from gates that open but especially to those charities we work so diligently for. at 10:00 am until about 1:00 in the afternoon. A hat conTickets start at $45. Find out more at www.queenscup.org test shows off the wonderful imaginations put forth in the or on twitter at @queenscup . 104 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
SPONSOR INDEX Please support our sponsors and let them know you saw them in this issue of QCExclusive Magazine. Adult Dentistry Of Ballantyne .................39 Amina Rubinacci .........................................29 Augusta Homes ..............................................6 Blackhawk Hardware ............................107 Blush Beauty And Makeup ......................41 Carmen And Carmen ................................34 Charlotte Rug Gallery ................................47 City Tavern ....................................................71 Classic Attic ..................................................49 Cottage Chic ..................................................24 Cottingham Chalk Hayes ..........................25 Davids Ltd. ......................................................2 Diamonds Direct ........................Back Cover Dr. Lowe DDS .................................................15 Dr. William Linger DDS .............................43 Enhanced Images .......................................49 Fork Farm And Stables............................. 26 Gifted Box ......................................................69 Good’s Home Furnishings .......................65
106 • qcexclusive.com • Mar/Apr 2014
Hendrick Lexus ...........................................33 I.C. London ....................................................49 John Crosland School................................. 45 Kelsey Briggs Eventing............................. 45 Koko Fitness................................................. 41 LaCa Projects............................................... 77 Lake Norman Realty .........................19, 106 Land Rover Charlotte................................. 17 Leah & Co...................................................... 69 Little Gym...................................................... 69 Lucky Clays................................................... 80 Lunahzon Photography............................ 45 Majestic Bath............................................... 79 McDevitt Agency........................................ 13 Metropolitan Builders ..............................72 New Old ..........................................................50 Omni Hotel ....................................................65 Pandora......................................................... 23 Piedmont Town Center............................ 60
Pink Hanger ..................................................42 Premier Sotheby’s...................................... 10 Premiere Home Theater........................... 75 Queen’s Cup Steeplechase...................... 31 Remax Exclusive............................................ 4 Resalon.......................................................... 42 Revolution.................................................... 16 Sally’s Optical.............................................. 38 Silverfly.......................................................... 18 Stella Artois................................................. 67 Steven Mills Photography ........................38 Stickley Audi & Co. .....................................77 Taylor Richards & Conger ........................22 Thai Orchid ...................................................70 The Virginian .................................................8 Whisky River ...............................................63 Williams Knife Co........................................ 20 Windsor Jewelry......................................... 21
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