fiction

fiction by Daniel Wallace | illustration by Mariano Santillan

Ibought a car from one of those grassy roadside lots, paid in cash that arguably wasn’t mine and disappeared into the night like the smoky tail of a dying match. I was in the next state by morning, at a Waffle Shoppe full of truckers and farmers and dropouts, all of them wearing baseball caps, none of them backwards. I turned mine around.

I found a booth in the back. Waitress caught my eye and winked. “Be right with you, hon,” she said, same as they always do, like it’s from the handbook. Tangerine lipstick and penciledin eyebrows, thin tinsel gray hair in a ponytail. She was my age probably but looked twice that, weary but indestructible, like she’d been standing up her entire life and be buried that way too. She walked over to me with the pot, veins like river maps beneath her skin, face that had been through a lot, too much, but she smiled with a warmth that was so real I felt it in my heart. Nametag: Kate.

“Morning, baby. Coffee?”

I nodded, she poured. “What can I do you for, sweetie?” Like she might take me in her arms and rock me to sleep.

I kept my face low reading from the menu but when I looked up to order her eyes were fixed on me. She blinked once, kept staring. I could see her tongue resting against the top of her bottom teeth, her mouth hanging open just that much.

“Good lord.” She gave me the once over twice. “You’re — aren’t you — ?”

I turned away. There was a TV on the wall and I wondered if I’d been on it already, but nothing I’d done would make the news. That’s what I told myself. I thought I was faster than my past. But maybe nobody is that fast.

She pointed at me.

“You’re Dustin — Dustin — lord, my brain has gone to mush. I just saw you.”

Impossible. Never in my life. And I’m no Dustin. “Sorry?”

“Last night. The movie, your movie. Oh, you know — San Francisco Nights! With Julia Roberts!” An exclamation point, like she’d just won a prize. “Dustin Evers. You are Dustin Evers and I cannot freaking believe it. Oh good lord.”

Her smile made her makeup flake and her lipstick crack.

I shook my head. “I think you have me confused with somebody else.” Matter of fact, a little gruff, putting her off without pushing too hard.

But her eyes wouldn’t let me go.

Dustin Evers, I thought.

Dustin Evers, the actor.

Okay. “You got me,” I said.

I’d seen that movie too. A pastry chef and a fireman fall in love when her bakery burns down. I shrugged and almost smiled and she shivered like a woman about to freeze. She motioned a cohort over, a girl who might have been her daughter, twins basically separated by 20 or 30 years.

“Lucy,” she said, in a whisper. “Get over here. Look at this.”

Lucy dragged herself over and looked at me with her dull dead sleepy eyes. “Hey, sugar,” she said. Then to Kate: “What am I looking at?”

“You’re looking at Dustin Evers,” Kate said. “San Francisco Nights?”

Lucy took a minute to fall into the magical world Kate made for her and then just like that she was all in. She opened her mouth but no words came out.

“Oh, oh, oh wow,” she said, finally. “Wow wow wow.” Then, blushing: “I’ve had a crush on you since I was 12.”

They laughed. I laughed. Like I’d heard it all before.

“Well, thank you, I guess,” I said. “The camera is kind to me.”

“God was kind to you,” Kate said. “That face of yours is a gift from God.” She looked at Lucy. “I can’t believe I’m saying this to Dustin Evers!”

“Dustin Freaking Evers.”

“What’s she like?” Lucy said. “Julia Roberts. They say she’s nice but I think, I don’t know, she might be full of herself.”

I sipped my coffee. “She’s an absolute angel,” I said.

“Is there a movie around here you’re making?”

“Yes,” I said. “There is. Right down the road.”

“Wow,” Lucy said. “Wow wow.”

“That how you hurt your hand?”

She was addressing the blood lines on my knuckles.

“Yes. I do my own stunts.”

“His own stunts.”

Lucy and Kate looked at each other, because did they ever have a story to tell now.

“What’s it about?” Kate said.

“Yeah,” Lucy said. “What’s it all about?”

“What it’s all about?” Philosophers now. “Well, I guess it’s about a man who did some things he wished he hadn’t done, tries to run away from it all, meets a woman on a farm who sees him for who he could be, deep down, then hires him on to mend fences, and they, well, you know.”

“Sounds like my kind of movie. What’s it called?”

“Mending Fences,” I said, and I saw it unfolding before me.

The woman on the farm — tall, copper hair, a widow maybe, tough unyielding eyes at first but deep pools of goodness and almost spiritual power, me working the land for her, sleeping in the barn on a bale of old hay, her scraggly mutt my first best friend, that mutt follows me around everywhere, and I was milking cows, riding horses, saving her life from that snake — a rattler — that almost bit her, how we picnicked beneath that big old oak tree, the one her granddad planted 100 years before, and then how one thing led to another and I kissed her beneath a sickle moon, and finally I told her everything, everything I did leading up to the night I got that car from the roadside lot, all of it, I couldn’t live that lie a minute longer but figured when I told her she would leave me and she almost does, she almost leaves me but she doesn’t, and she says hon, sweetheart, sugar, baby, damn it if I don’t love you, but you gotta go back and make things right, have to before we can move into the next thing, into the rest of our lives, together. And so in the movie I do, I go back and I see the girl and I see the man and my mother and my father and I do what I can to make it right, and then I come back to her and she takes me in her arms and the music swells and finally I’m happy, we are happy, and that’s why it’s called Mending Fences.

I told them the whole thing, and by the time I was done I was surrounded by all of them, the truckers, the farmers, the dropouts and a short order cook to boot. They loved me so much. Someone even bought my breakfast. And then it was over: I told them I had to get back on set. But I want to thank the Academy and my great director and Julia for being the best costar a guy could ask for . . . but more than all of them put together I have to thank Kate and Lucy for that morning, for the greatest gift I ever got in my life, to be another man for just those few minutes, to be famous for not being me. SP

Daniel Wallace’s memoir, This Isn’t Going to End Well, will be published by Algonquin Books in April, 2023.

We’re grateful for you.

As the holiday season commences, we’re reflecting back on the amazing year our agents have had all thanks to you - our clients, family, and friends. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust as we navigate the market hand in hand and work towards homeownership together.

35°13’37”N | 80°50’35”W

Compass is a licensed real estate broker under the name “Compass South Carolina, LLC” in South Carolina and under the name “Compass” in North Carolina and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein intended for informational purposes only. *As of 2021 Closed Sales Volume, RealTrends 500

AT INDIGO HOME, HOUSES ARE OUR CRAFT.

Our Team has 30+ years experience representing buyers and sellers of luxury properties with an added focus on the design and sale of new construction. Our clients appreciate our collective expertise. With the fast paced changes in the real estate market and the challenges that come with them, we rise to meet the moment. We embody an entrepreneurial spirit and love for the Queen City. Let our reputation for outstanding representation work for you.

9256 HEYDON HALL CIRCLE UNDER CONTRACT 13601 GIRL SCOUT ROAD JUST SOLD 420 MOUNTAINVIEW DRIVE JUST SOLD

Jennifer Monroe M. 704.307.3369 jennifer@indigohomeclt.com

Noah Spencer M. 704.524.4549 noah@indigohomeclt.com Amanda Kupchella M. 828.329.0996 amanda@indigohomeclt.com

Michelle Rios-Kidd M. 704.724.2091 michelle@indigohomeclt.com

Lisa Emory

From historic townhomes to idyllic country estates, I represent some of the most remarkable properties across North Carolina.

Contact me today for insight into my unparalleled service.

Broker/Realtor NC/SC M. 704.724.3504 lisa.emory@compass.com

ACTIVE | 1951 Harris Road, Charlotte, NC 28211

5 BD | 7 FB | 3 HB | 9,347 SQ FT

Gated resort-like estate with stunning pool house and elevator. Property has been pre-inspected and is fully automated by Savant Solutions.

“Have you ever met someone that makes you feel like you’re the only one in the room amongst a sea of people? Carrie is that kind of person. We had the opportunity to work with Carrie as a buyer and seller and in both experiences the words that come to mind are personal, professional and detail oriented. She went above and beyond our expectations. From our struggle with technology, to providing economic information, to sweeping the front patio for a photo shoot to coordinating the staging - if Carrie said she was taking care of it - she meant it!” - Tammy and Richard

“We recently moved here from Texas for a new job. Carrie was fantastic! She was extremely knowledgeable about Charlotte including schools, restaurants, commute times and other area amenities. She took the time to get to know my family and helped us find a great house and school all in one weekend.” - Aaron, Relocation Client

Carrie Brighton

Your Trusted Top Producer since 2005, Carrie advises buyers and sellers across all price points. She is committed to a client focused approach that garners proven results year after year. Contact Carrie anytime to help you navigate 2023’s real estate market.

Carrie Brighton M. 704.241.4418 carrie.brighton@compass.com

YOUR HOME IS YOUR GREATEST INVESTMENT...

...And your most important. In a competitive real estate market, it has never been more important to work with a team of experienced agents. Call us today!

4417 Oglukian Rd | ACTIVE

4 BD | 3 FB | 1 HB | $1,649,000 2115 Lorene Ave | ACTIVE

3 BD | 3 FB | 1 HB | $1,149,000 3001 Robin Road | PENDING

5 BD | 5 FB | 1 HB | $1,395,000

Tracey Cook & Ashley Pizzo

T. 704.236.11135 | A. 704.756.8654 tracey.cook@compass.com ashley.pizzo@compass.com

Abby Fitch & Stacie Fulton

A. 704.975.7465 | S. 704.907.7845 abby.fitch@compass.com stacie.fulton@compass.com

Mike Stearns

Mike was amazing to work with and got us through this entire process. We were looking from 400 miles away and when we couldn’t be there, Mike went & did the home tours for us. When we were able to come down, Mike cleared his calendar to be able to take us on home tours. We changed our situation like people changing clothes and he never faltered. He scheduled and attended inspections, walk-throughs, tours. He gave recommendations on vendors. Mike was my sounding board - he would let me rant, rave, and cry - then tell me “come on, let’s go look at the next one.” We would not be in this awesome house without him! If you need a real estate agent (and new buddy), call Mike. - Buyers Jim & Tammy McCormick

Mike has been selling real estate in Charlotte and the surrounding areas for over 16 years. He’s known for his no-nonsense, client-centric approach to listing and buying property with his loyal clients. Mike is constantly learning to help keep his clients informed of current trends in the market. Why would you trust one of your largest financial transactions to just anyone? You need a seasoned professional to coach you to make the best decision possible for you today, and in the future.

Mike Stearns M. 704.441.2478 mike.stearns@compass.com

Henderson Ventures is an exclusive brokerage founded by Gerald and Nilou Henderson, created on the principles of diversity, unparalleled levels of service, and integrity. Henderson Ventures services Charlotte, NC and its surrounding areas including South Carolina. We specialize in Sports and Entertainment, relocation, new construction, and real estate development.

8402 Fairview Road | $4,799,000 | Listed by Nilou Henderson

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Jennifer Vick and Co. far exceeded our expectations and we cannot recommend her and her team enough. They did a great job of identifying what needed to be done to sell our house for maximum return and coordinating every person involved. They have a great knowledge of real estate and more importantly are extraordinarily resourceful making the sale of our home effortless. In fact, we packed up and moved across the country before putting our house on the market. If you need the best team to sell your home quickly and professionally with outstanding results - then you will find what you need with Jennifer Vick & Co. - L Rapone

Jennifer Vick & Co

M. 704.284.7674 info@jennifervickco.com

Providing an authentic and truly personal real estate experience.

Shimmer

shine

THE SPARKLY SEASON IS HERE: STYLE AND ENTERTAINING INSPIRATION TO HELP YOU GET IN THE SPIRIT

styling + production: Whitley Adkins

photographs: Olly Yung

interiors styling: Brooke Werhane Maples

hair + makeup: Anna Grace Makeup

model: Rebecca Eliasek with Modelogic Mid-Atlantic

photography assistant: Alvin Hall

Ramy Brook Evan top, $295, and Go Silk “Go Long For It” skirt, $298, both Sloan; Alexandre Birman suede sandals, stylist’s own; Chanel Boy wallet on chain circa 2019 $4,999, Tiffany & Co. Paloma mabe pearl 18K yellow gold cuff circa 2000, $46,999, sapphire and diamond ring in 14K white gold circa 1980, $4,999, and 18K two-tone platinum and gold diamond bracelet, $23,999, all Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry; 18K yellow gold diamond open swirl ring, $2,420, and 14K yellow gold aquamarine drop earrings with diamonds, $4,020, both Diamonds Direct

Zanzibar faux hide olive green pillows, $198 each, mirrored XOX game board, $170, and stemless tortoise glass, $15, all Laura Park; passport ornament, $20, and holiday helper ornament, $10, both The Buttercup; butterfly ornament, $44, and silver grape dish, $850, both Elizabeth Bruns

Hand-painted ring holder, $175, candles, $136, and silk white rose winter floral arrangement, $220, all Elizabeth Bruns; Roberto Coin 18K white gold diamond classic triangle earrings, $4,500, Fink’s Jewelers; 14K yellow gold ruby and diamond band, $8,520, 18K rose gold oval pink sapphire eternity band, $4,200, and 14K white gold emerald cut light blue topaz and blue topaz ring, $950, all Diamonds Direct; Arzberger Stationers custom invitation, price on request; Christmas tree tea towel, $40-$120, shopmdthreads.com White Bone Box, $55, Laura Park; Roberto Coin 18K white gold diamonds by the inch necklace, $9,770, Fink’s Jewelers

On model: Ajour lingerie robe, $168, and Linda Hartman silk chemise, $160, both I.C. London; 14K yellow gold emerald and diamond halo pendant necklace, $1,540, Diamonds Direct; David Yurman 18K yellow gold diamond two-row pave crossover bracelet, $9,800, and 18K yellow gold diamond petite X bracelet, $2,900, both Fink’s Jewelers

Audra Mod gown, $895, FOUND Collection; Reformation Molly platform sandals, stylist’s own, Shopbop.com; Mignonne Gavigan Champagne earrings, $425, mignonnegavigan.com

Garland, $40, and mercury glass Christmas trees, $40-$100, all Elizabeth Bruns; framed work on paper, $450, Gregg Irby Gallery Charlotte; stools, Slate Interiors Left hand: 14K white and yellow gold diamond twist 5-row ring, $3,150, 14K yellow gold ruby and diamond band, $8,520, both Diamonds Direct

Right hand: 18K yellow gold diamond ring by Doris Panos $5,999, Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry; David Yurman 18K yellow gold petite infinity ring, $1,350, Fink’s Jewelers

Ganni sequin mini shirtdress, $625, Thirty-One Jane; Kristin Hayes Jewelry custom earrings, stylists own, kristinhayesjewelry.com; Inez Isabel sandal, $248, inez.com

Custom floral centerpiece, City Stems, price on request; garland, $40, mercury glass Christmas trees, $40-$100, ruby Champagne glass, $145, and twisted candles in English green, $40, all Elizabeth Bruns; Royal Crown Derby Old Imari dinner plate, $340, Royal Crown Derby Olde Avesbury dinner plate, $186, Spode Woodland dinner plate, $47, and napkins, $63/set, all John Dabbs Ltd.; Furbish block-print red cloth coasters, $29, The Buttercup; stemless tortoise glass, $15, Laura Park; Merry and Bright cloth cocktail napkins, set/4 $40-$70, shopmdthreads.com; assorted pastries, Chez Marie Cafe

Bracelets (as napkin rings): 14K white gold blue sapphire and diamond bangle, $6,750, Diamonds Direct; David Yurman 18K yellow gold diamond two-row pave crossover bracelet, $9,800, and David Yurman 18K yellow gold diamond petite X bracelet, $2,900, both Fink’s Jewelers

Right Hand: 14K white gold emerald cut light blue topaz and blue topaz ring, $950, 14K yellow gold ruby and diamond band, $8,520, and 18K white gold emerald and diamond ring, $3,200, all Diamonds Direct

Left Hand: David Yurman 18K yellow gold cable stackable band, $695, and 18K yellow gold cable stack ring, $850, both Fink’s Jewelers; 14K white gold multi-color cushion cut sapphire ring with pave diamonds, $13,450, 14K yellow gold diamond pave X ring, $1,550, and 18K rose gold oval pink sapphire eternity band, $4,200, all Diamonds Direct

Vintage cigarette case in 14K two-tone gold with diamonds and black and green enamel circa 1924, $9,999, lapis, coral, and diamond brooch in 14K yellow gold circa 1950s, $2,599, Tiffany & Co. Paloma Mabe pearl 18K yellow gold cuff circa 2000, $46,999, sapphire and diamond ring in 14K white gold circa 1980, $4,999, 18K two-tone platinum and gold diamond bracelet, $23,999, and multi-gem and diamond pendant necklace in 18K yellow gold, $1,199, all Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry

Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40MM watch, $6,050, David Yurman 18K yellow gold diamond Helena tassel necklace, $9,900, Marco Bicego 18K yellow gold Paradise mixed gemstone graduated necklace, $2,260, Roberto Coin diamond Venetian Princess medallion necklace, $6,400, all Fink’s Jewelers

18K yellow gold diamond open swirl ring, $2,420, 14K yellow gold multi tourmaline and diamond bracelet, $8,600, 14K yellow gold rainbow sapphire and diamond bracelet, $5,750, 18K yellow gold diamond “Y” paperclip necklace, $12,100, all Diamonds Direct

Wake Me For Coffee Linda Hartman silk eye mask $36, I.C. London; Mignonne Gavigan Thora scarf necklace, $250, mignonnegavigan.com; Suzanne berry match strikers, $160, and orange skin matchbox cover, $80, both Laura Park; playing cards, $25, The Buttercup; blue faux ostrich leather travel backgammon set, $123, and faux crocodile mahjong game set, $204, both Abode Home; Christmas tree cloth cocktail napkins, set/4 $40-$70, shopmdthreads.com; Arzberger Stationers custom holiday card, price on request

On model: Cynthia Mod floral trousers, $350, and tunic, $350, FOUND Collection; Emerson Fry vegan leopard coat, $530, and Simitri fringe clutch, $375, both Sloan; vintage Manolo Blahnik gemstone pumps, stylist’s own; 14K yellow gold ruby and diamond band, $8,520, and 18K yellow gold multitourmaline and diamond ball earrings, $2,000, both Diamonds Direct

Bedside Table: Two-drawer zebra wood side chest made in Italy, $4,125, Abode Home; lamp, $150, Hamilton-Stuart; hand-painted lampshade, Werhane Maples Art and Interiors, price on request; framed work on paper, $1,250, Gregg Irby Gallery Charlotte; cotton tissue box cover, $58, Bedside Manor; holiday greenery arrangement, $220, silver grape dish, $850, and hourglass bronze sculpture, $425, all Elizabeth Bruns On Bed: Royal Crown Derby Old Imari dinner plate, $340, John Dabbs Ltd.; Kevin O’Brien Studio handstitched king comforter, $879, and euro sham, $158, Matouk pillow cases, $214, and flat sheet, $349, Designers Guild throw, $250, and Dove and Donkey alpaca wool throw, $698, all Bedside Manor; assorted pastries, Chez Marie Café SP

FLORAL DESIGNER JAY LUGIBIHL’S HOLIDAY DOORWAY INSTALLATIONS ARE ONE-OF-A-KIND WORKS OF ART.

by Cathy Martin photographs by The Beautiful Mess Photography

for 11 months of the year, floral designer Jay Lugibihl is renowned for his swoon-worthy wedding designs and his gorgeous arrangements for Quail Hollow Club and other private clients. But come December, Lugibihl, owner and head designer at In Bloom Ltd., is known for something else: his dazzling doorway displays, crafted in the moment with a combination of decorative items from his South End studio and fresh, gathered greenery — sometimes pulled straight from his clients’ gardens.

“A lot of times I’ll just start cutting branches, and I’ll let the branch dictate what I do, whether it’s using hemlock or magnolia or whatever,” Lugibihl says when describing his free-flowing creative process. “I love using material that’s just out there, foraged things just around.”

His designs took a more imaginative turn in December 2020, when his longtime clients wanted something to smile about as the pandemic spoiled

holiday routines. “That’s the year that I really just started thinking outside the box in terms of some of the front doors.”

Last year, Lugibihl’s outdoor displays graced more than 55 homes. “I basically start the day after Thanksgiving — and it’s nonstop,” he says. When we spoke in late September, he was already booked for the 2022 holiday season.

“One of the problems now is that there’s only so much I can do.” While he brings in a small staff to help with the Christmas rush, most of his clients want Lugibihl’s personal artistic touch.

Growing up on a farm in Ohio, Lugibihl always loved flowers. After college, he got an office job working in technology. “And after about two or three years, I decided I can’t sit inside a cubicle and in front of a computer all day long,” he says. He went to Europe, where he worked in a lilac nursery in Holland.

Upon returning to the United States, he worked in various roles at Fearrington Village in Pittsboro. “There, I learned all the things I enjoy — gardening, food — it’s a beautiful restaurant and inn,” he says. “They

started hosting weddings there. Being in the garden, one day, I just happened to put some flowers on one of their cakes, and it was like, ‘Oh, you’re pretty good at this.’”

After several years as the floral designer at Fearrington, he went out on his own. He moved to Charlotte 13 years ago and opened a small studio in Plaza Midwood, which he quickly outgrew. His current studio-warehouse space in South End is chock full of vases, planters and decorative accessories he’s accumulated for his projects — there’s even a cutting garden out back.

Most clients give him free rein with his designs. Similar to how a sculptor transforms a shapeless block of clay into a work of art, Lugibihl combines branches, berries, pinecones and more into stunning archways, wreaths, garlands and swags. As a result, no two installations are alike.

“I don’t even call them clients anymore — they’re friends. I made a family, almost, because they’ve supported me throughout the years … I’ve been very fortunate.” SP

Going green

Decorating with fresh greenery in the South can be challenging. “People like to decorate fairly early,” Lugibihl says, but fresh-cut branches typically don’t stay green longer than a couple of weeks. The designer offers a few tips for incorporating fresh greenery into your holiday decor.

Avoid direct sun and heat

When it comes to outdoor wreaths and garlands, “it definitely helps if your house doesn’t have direct exposure to the sun,” Lugibihl says. Indoors, consider how high you like to crank up the heat — greenery tends to dry out faster when exposed to warmer air.

Shop your backyard

Look in your backyard first — evergreens such as boxwood, cedar, hemlock, magnolia and nandina berries all work beautifully at the holidays.

Go faux

“Usually, I’m a purist when it comes to real product,” Lugibihl says. But during the holidays, he’s not opposed to mixing in a little high-quality faux greenery. Lugibihl sometimes uses faux greenery as a base, then plugs real branches and berries into it. If you decorate early, you can replenish the real greenery as needed.

“It’s a tough thing to have fresh-cut greens to last six weeks — it’s just not feasible. But incorporating ornaments and incorporating some faux materials with the real at least gives it some longevity.”

connection

Culture

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY EL PURO

FROM CUISINE AND SALSA DANCING TO CIGAR ROLLING AND CLASSIC CARS, THE FAMILY BEHIND EL PURO BRINGS A TASTE OF THEIR CUBAN ROOTS TO CHARLOTTE.

by Sharon Smith | photographs by Justin Driscoll

Before one can taste the flavor journey that awaits at El Puro on South Boulevard in Madison Park, the sights and sounds of pre-revolutionary Cuba greet visitors as they walk in the door.

“It’s going to be like spending a day in Havana,” says Ana Acela Perez, who was born in Cuba and owns El Puro along with her older brother, Emmanuel Perez and mother, Dania Hernandez.

A classic, red-and-white 1955 Ford convertible repurposed as a seating booth frames a front corner of the covered patio, decorated with palms and greenery. Ferns and yellow flowers poke out of the trunk, which doubles as a container garden. A vanity plate reads — what else — “El Puro,” which in Spanish is a term used to mean “father” or “father figure.”

Everything here is done with the intention of capturing a point in time before Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, when the arts and freedom flourished. Perez points to the big brass statement chandeliers, which she picked out because they depict the classic glamour and elegance of Old Havana.

Photos of Cuban luminaries like singer Celia Cruz line the walls. A neon sign near the entrance reads Te quedarás porqué te doy cariño, which translates to “You will stay here because I give you love.” Above the sign, there’s a mural of Benny Moré, the iconic Cuban singer whom Perez calls the “El Puro” of Cuban culture.

It’s a sensory roadmap designed to transport guests back to that bygone era. There’s live music each night and monthly car shows in the parking lot (all makes and models are welcome, though American classics are a favorite). The restaurant has its own cigar brand and frequently hosts cigar-rolling demonstrations. Perez even teaches free salsa lessons to guests on Wednesday nights. “I do it out of love,” she says. “I want them to come here and not only learn but to enjoy themselves and to feel like they’re welcome … that they’re in the culture.”

And there’s the food

The mingling of fine cuisine, music and dance creates an immersive dining experience. Perez’s eyes light up talking about the menu and how every item is authentically Cubaninspired. “I think people who know food know that it’s well done,” she says about a lack of knowledge around Cuban cuisine and a dearth of local establishments. “We are trying to educate people on our food,” she says. “In our country, there’s also really fancy restaurants.”

She smiles describing her favorite appetizer, garbanzos fritos. “I could eat this for every meal … you have to mix it all together, that’s what we do in Cuba,” she says pointing to the sides of plantains and rice. When eaten together, the starter could indeed serve as a main dish. The added depth of chorizo and smoked bacon paired with the beans and house-made sofrito make this dish a solid start to a well-paced meal.

One of the most popular appetizers, tostones rellenos, consists of ropa vieja (shredded beef brisket) and sharp cheddar cheese held together by fried plantain cups. It’s another hearty and satisfying introduction to El Puro’s cuisine. There are also plenty of seafood selections, like langosta macorina (sauteed Caribbean lobster tail with creole sauce and avocado crema), seafood paella and pargo entero (whole fried red snapper with mojo marinade and a lemon finish).

The dessert menu includes a traditional flan kafe (made with cafecito, or Cuban coffee) and a cuatro leches (not three!) sponge cake, a variation of the popular Latin American tres leches dessert. Emmanuel oversees the bar and cocktail menu, which has standard favorites like a mojito and the more adventurous El Jibaro (tequila reposado, dry vermouth, guava nectar, fresh lime juice and cayenne syrup).

And while the warm, dim lighting makes it easy to miss, at the bar there’s a small suitcase tucked into an upper shelf, above rows of bottles and glassware. Perez says it represents how little the family brought to America with them, nothing more than what a suitcase could hold.

Pargo Entero (whole fried snapper)

E l Jibaro Cl a ssi c Mojit o

Inspired by “El Puro”

The Perez family came to the States in 2015 and settled in Lincolnton to be with extended family. “It was a very different life . . . starting over and not knowing the language or culture,” Perez says. Her father worked overnight in a stockroom. Her mother found a minimum-wage job at a long-term care facility. “I remember him going home, and my mom had to prepare the bathtub full of ice and water” to soothe his sore muscles.

Within two years, they started to turn a corner. Idael and Dania had just purchased Havana Carolina, a restaurant in downtown Concord. They were excited to share their love of Cuban food and culture.

Two months into the new venture, Idael was tragically taken from them — killed instantly in a car crash the day before Thanksgiving. Perez says they were so overwhelmed and heartbroken, it would have been easy to quit. She was a senior in high school, and her brother had just started college.

Their mom was determined to continue. “My mom always told me that when something terrible happens in your life, you’ve got two options. You either let that thing destroy you, or you use it to strengthen you and inspire other people.”

Perez says El Puro is a love letter dedicated to her father. His picture is on the logo, a reminder of his legacy and love that endures.

“My mom always told me that when something terrible happens in your life, you’ve got two options. You either let that thing destroy you, or you use it to strengthen you and inspire other people.”

Ana Acela Perez, Dania Hernandez and Emmanuel Perez

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY EL PURO

Two Cubas

For the Perez family, the cultural nods harken back to home and the stories told by grandparents of pre-Castro Cuba. Perez’s retelling of their history evokes more than a sense of fond nostalgia. There’s a sense of longing for what was and what could have been.

Perez grew up in Castro’s Cuba, but her parents shielded the children from their struggles and scarcity of freedom. They created a happy childhood full of dance lessons for her and baseball games for Emmanuel. Idael was artistic, known as a percussionist, while Dania worked as a nurse. Eventually, her parents branched out and built their own bed-and-breakfast. With entrepreneurial success came a cost.

“They came to the United States because of opportunities and freedom because, you know, Cuba is a very beautiful island but, unfortunately, our government is not the best,” Perez says.

Taxes on the bed-and-breakfast soared as government overreach grew stifling. Perez says entrepreneurs like her parents were not empowered to flourish at the expense of government-run competitors.

Perhaps that explains their enthusiasm for El Puro and Havana Carolina. “We could never do this in Cuba,” says Perez, who just graduated in May from UNC Charlotte. “We are young, we are learning . . . but you can do anything in this country, so why not do it?”

Last month, the restaurant celebrated its one-year anniversary. El Puro would be so proud. Perez blinks hard several times and acknowledges that yes, their father would have loved to see his dream come true in America. “That logo, that’s my Dad,” she says nodding. And he would probably be at the restaurant most nights playing the drums, enjoying the crowd. SP

El Puro serves dinner nightly, lunch, Tuesday-Friday and weekend brunch at 5033 South Blvd. Find the restaurant online at elpurocubanrestaurant.com or on Instagram @elpurocubanrestaurant.

2022 the year in photos

February

Love Stories

James and Miracle Yoder of Not Just Coffee in South End photographed by

Richard Israel

We might remember 2022 as a reboot — the year of getting back out there. We gave ourselves permission to start dining out again, to travel again, to dress up again. The last few years have also been a period of profound creativity — for interior designers, chefs and artists. At SouthPark, we’re thrilled to be able to work with some of the best photographers in the city and region. On these pages, we highlight some of their work and share some of our favorite images from the last year.

April

Coming up roses

Giovy Buyers, owner of Southern Blossom Florist in Dilworth photographed by Peter Taylor

February

Taking flight

Hot-air ballooning in Statesville photographed by

Jennings Cool Roddey

April

Ranch reimagined

A 1960s Lansdowne home redesigned for indoor-outdoor living photographed by Laura Sumrak with styling by Kendra Surface

MapleWalk, a private garden owned by Tom Nunnenkamp and Lib Jones photographed by

Dustin Peck

May

Garden party

Spring style feature photographed by Olly Yung with styling by Whitley Adkins and Brooke Werhane Maples

August

Closet crush

Artist Kent Youngstrom photographed in his studio by Amy Kolo

May

Postcards from Italy

Roasted oysters at Ever Andalo photographed by

Justin Driscoll

September

Sandhills sojourn

A weekend in picturesque Pinehurst photographed by Mira Adwell with styling by Whitley Adkins

September

The statesman

Pro golfer Webb Simpson at home in Quail Hollow photographed by

Bob Karp

July

Sea Worthy

Model Bella Davison photographed at the Beaufort Hotel by Mira Adwell, styling by Whitley Adkins

August

Life in bloom

A hand-painted mural by artist Bari J. Ackerman photographed by

Megan Easterday

Scott Avett in his art studio outside downtown Concord photographed by Mallory

Cash

September

Staying the course

A powder room in a Longview home designed by Anne Buresh and photographed by

Dustin Peck

September

The gift of 50 years

John Dabbs Ltd. celebrates five decades, photographed by Amy Kolo

October

Spooky spirits

Mena Killough’s Kill Devil Rum punch photographed by

Justin Driscoll

November

Serving up hospitality

Augusto Conte at his flagship restaurant Toscana photographed by Peter Taylor