Uptown Magazine: August 2009

august.09 www.uptownclt.com

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P : call Kylie at 704.370.2861 W : SteelGardens.com e : [email protected]

The ulTimaTe in uRBan liVinG. Welcome To noDa. Nestled in NoDa's Arts District, Steel Gardens offers a

Condos from the 120's

distinctive experience defined by modern architecture,

Townhomes from the 190's

soaring spaces and high end finishes. With entertainment

Single Family Homes from the 340's

and restaurant choices right in your neighborhood, the convenience of city-life is finally affordable.

Live. Entertain. Love. Steel GardenS diStinctive featureS: • 2 Car Attached Garages Available • 6 Decorated Model Homes To View • 2008 Top Ten - Best Selling Townhome Community In Charlotte

August sPECIALs: • Receive an $8000 GoveRnment Rebate • 100% FinancinG available • $2500 contRibUteD to cloSinG coStS For a limited time only at Steel Gardens. See agent for details.

Directions: SteelGardens - 825 Herrin Ave. - Take I-277N to NC49 (Tryon St. & N. Davidson St.) | Exit 3B | Right on N. Davidson St. | Right on 36th St. | Left on Spencer St. | Left on Herrin Ave. | Parking lot on left side of model home.

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7/28/2009 5:02:20 PM

Townhomes with Garages in Uptown & South Park!

From the $180’s

Townhomes from the $210’s

1 Mile from South Park Mall & Lynx Light Rail Station.

Best Value Per Square Foot in Uptown! Located in the Popular Gateway Center Area of 4th Ward.

Tour 6 Decorated Model Homes, Open Daily! • 1,747 to 4,500 sq.ft. • 2 to 4 bedrooms and 2 ½ to 3 ½ baths with owner’s bedroom up or down • 1 or 2-car attached garage • Bonus room, loft & rec rooms available • Gated entrance with clubhouse, fitness center & pool

Model Now Open! • 1,397 to 1,704 sq.ft. • 2 to 4 bedrooms • 2 to 3 ½ baths • 1 or 2-car garage • Rec room • Balcony • Walk-in closets • Full brick • One block from Gold Rush Stop

(704) 643-7112

(704) 334-0375

Directions: I-77 to Exit 5/Tyvola Rd. Go East 2.6 mi. toward South Park Mall. Right on Park Rd. Go .5 mi. to right on Archdale Dr. Go 0.7 mi. to left into community on Park Royal Avenue. Model homes ahead on right.

Directions: From Uptown, take Tryon St. South to 6th St. Turn left and go 0.8 mi. to N. Irwin Ave. Turn right to decorated model on left.

Model Hours: Sun–Mon. 12-6, Tues.–Sat. 10-6 Prices and offers subject to change without notice. See a Sales and Marketing Representative for details.

Welcoming Families Home for Over 60 Years

For More Information, Visit RyanHomesUM.com www.uptownclt.com

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7/28/2009 5:02:20 PM

NO INTEREST FOR 6 MONTHS. Save even more than before with Allstate. Drivers who switched to Allstate saved an average of $353 a year. So when you’re shopping for car insurance, call me first. You could be surprised by how much you’ll save.

JC Alvarado (704) 954-0003 Uptown Insurance AG & Financial Services 112 South Tryon Street Suite 300 Tryon Plaza Building (Trade and Tryon)

6100 E Independence Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28212 704-332-8008 www.cdwcharlotte.com

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Annual savings based on information reported nationally by new Allstate auto customers for policies written in 2007. Actual savings will vary. Allstate Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2008 Allstate Insurance Company

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7/28/2009 5:02:21 PM

cabinetry

Metropolitan Kitchen & Bath One stop kitchen and bath design center that excels at customer service and making your remodel simple and hassle free. Our system of “one person point of contact” utilizes our in house team of Metro Design and Building professionals so you can relax and focus on your residential, commercial, remodeling, or historic renovation project. Located within Metropolitan Design on South in Historic South End. Call for an appointment today.

www.uptownclt.com

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7/28/2009 5:02:22 PM

25% off all used office furniture*

Go Green & saVe MoneY. Larner’s Office Furniture Outlet is Charlotte’s premier showroom for new and used office furniture. Offering chairs, desks and file cabinets for home and corporate offices... we’ve got you covered.

*Current

InventOry thru 8/31/09

Executive Looks. Exceptional Price.

3 1 1 1 F re e d o m D r.

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w w w. L a r n e r s O f f i c e . c o m

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704.399.1948

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NODA Historic Ar ts Distric t

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7/28/2009 5:02:36 PM

the seen

pictures: catchlight studio

Firefly Vodka sno-cones kept people from going home for two Fridays last month. They stayed for the inaugural Uptown Cool Down events that were held right after work in the comfy cool confines of LaVecchia’s and Apostrophe Lounge. There are plenty more adult sno-cones to be had: the Cool Down continues through August, on the second and fourth Fridays of the month.

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7/29/2009 10:26:21 AM

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the seen

pictures: catchlight studio

The modern esthetic of the Element, on Craig Avenue, was the perfect setting for The McDevitt Agency’s first in a series of White Parties. The only thing that wasn’t white was the blue Curacao margaritas, flowing along with the red-hot beats of the live DJ.

Framed Beaded Inse Door Style: 500/4/H Wood Species: Maple Color: Buttermilk

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7/29/2009 10:28:57 AM

D&D's Flooring offers one of Charlottes largest selections of tile, stone and granite for your kitchen, slate and glass for your bath, custom wood flooring with inlay detail for your entryway, carpet and custom area rugs for your living room. Offering superior installation with the attention to detail that you demand. Visit our showroom to preview the latest in custom finishes and green alternatives. (Free Design services available now through labor Day weekenD) 628 West Morehead Street | 1 block west of Panthers Stadium | 704.374.9125

Framed Beaded Inset Door Style: 500/4/H Wood Species: Maple Color: Buttermilk

cabinets by Design, provides functional and aesthetically pleasing cabinet designs and quality cabinetry products. Established in 1999, Cabinets By Design boasts a staff with more than 75 years of combined cabinetry experience! We strive to meet the needs and desires of our clients while working within their budget. visit our showroom to preview custom cabinetry From: geppetto / Forestown, luxor & cabico

2914 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209 |

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www.cabinetsbydesignllc.com | 704.339.0222

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Originally from NY, Alessandra Salvatore has called Uptown Charlotte home for a year now. An avid writer of articles, reviews, and screenplays, Alessandra’s other addictions include interior decorating, red wine, and “swapping”—she recently created SwapSassy.com, a website where fashionistas can swap clothing. When not scoping the Charlotte scene, you can find her at home in the company of her husband, Greg, and her fat cat, Marcus. 16

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As an archival kind of guy, Lew Herman created the Charlotte Music Archive housed in Charlotte’s Main Public Library. As a musician and producer he founded FireAntMusic.com, an eclectic record label featured on EMusic and ITunes. He’s freelanced about music and travel for Creative Loafing (and others), for 15+ years. He worked as a Reference Librarian at Queens, but was laid off shortly after buying his flight to Cartagena.

Ryan Sumner is both Creative Director and Owner of Fenix Fotography, a full-service photo studio located in Plaza-Midwood that’s dedicated to creating compelling and artful images for corporate, advertising, fashion, and weddings. The studio also offers on site studio work for executive headshots. Ryan photographed this month’s fashion section. Click to fenixfoto.com to find out more.

Charlotte native Matt Kokenes is no stranger to the media-sales business in the Queen City. He has been selling both print and television for almost seven years. Through perseverance and intestinal fortitude, Matt has shown he has the toughness to succeed in this business and was recently promoted to Ad Director for the magazine. Shake Matt’s hand if you see him—he deserves it, plus he looks much better in person.

A man about town with his camera, George Lanis of Catch Light Studio has been photographing people in his native Charlotte for years. From friends’ weddings to parties to family photos for the holidays, his work is creative and diverse, and he’s always looking to show you in the best light. Check out catchlightonline.com for more.

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7/28/2009 5:02:56 PM

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Charlotte’s all-time favorite show is back. Get your tickets NOW for this hilarious whodunit!

Bryan Reed is a man of simple interests— among them, words, records, movies, and adjusting to life as a grown-up (whatever that means). Since graduating from UNCChapel Hill’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Bryan’s been living the dream, working as the assistant editor of Charlotte-based music magazine Shuffle, and freelancing for several publications including Tiny Mix Tapes and several weekly newspapers across the Carolinas.

Chris Wooten is a designer, artist, builder of tree houses, father, and avid traveler who is known for a neurotically meticulous attention to detail. Since the 1990s, Chris has been designing print and interactive solutions with zeal! Modry Design Studio was born after he hooked up with his partner in 2003. For now the company is firmly rooted in NoDa. If you want to talk design, stop by their studio or find them them online at ModryDesignStudio. com

Freelance writer Andy Graves spent his childhood and teenage years on a small, muddy dairy farm in upstate New York. He came by higher education in Helsinki; Baltimore; Cork, Ireland; and Buffalo, New York. When pressed about what he does for a living, he will explain that he is a hobo. He wanders aimlessly, tells aimless stories, and generally commits one aimless blunder after another. To learn more about the rambling, email [email protected]

Photos: Curtis Wilson Photography © 2009.

NOW PLAYING! Stage Door Theater

WEEKLY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

Tues.-Thurs. 7:30PM • Fri. 8PM Sat. 2PM & 8PM • Sun. 2PM & 6:30PM

704.372.1000 BlumenthalCenter.org Group Sales: 704.379.1380 www.uptownclt.com

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Bea Quirk had her first article published in Jack & Jill magazine at age seven, and her first book soon followed. Her first byline in Charlotte was in 1981, for the Observer, where she covered South Carolina high school football. She has since expanded her range of expertise, having written for most every major publication in Charlotte on practically every aspect of life here. Curiosity and a love of her craft are what drive her.

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SIGNAL is a design, production, and creative editorial studio focused on creating engaging and entertaining work for all forms of moving images. Our core team of Directors, Designers, Animators, and Producers has substantial experience in both long and short-format entertainment, sports, and live action programming for broadcast outlets such as Speed Channel, FOX, ESPN, ABC, Style Network, National Geographic, FUEL TV, NASCAR, Lionsgate, IFC, and more.

name: Little Shiva species: mutant here for: the smell of ink on paper interests: juxtaposition, transformation, mystery, clarity, the process of becoming, images, and design contributions to this issue: table of contents website: littleshiva.com

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7/28/2009 5:03:01 PM

You’re invited to a screening that could change your life. Screenings Include:

I

n the time it takes to watch a movie, Presbyterian Women’s Center can develop a wellness program around your unique health goals.

It’s called Women’s Health by Design, a private two-hour consultation with a nurse practitioner who will help create a personalized health plan based on your health history and individual screening results.

Heart disease screening Diabetes screening Osteoporosis screening Skin cancer screening Blood pressure

Nutrition and exercise assessment Basic safety assessment Body Mass Index (BMI) Vision Guidance on additional women’s screenings

Receive $75 off the normal $225 consultation fee when you call 704-384-4WMN to schedule an appointment, or visit www.presbyterian.org/women for more information.

Your Gateway to a healthier smile.

Comprehensive & CosmetiC Dentistry NOW ACCEPTING

AETNA CIGNA DELTA DENTAL DENTEMAX MET LIFE

Patricia Aguirre, DMD

Jessica Patel, DDS

900 West Trade St. - Suite 120 gatewaydentalsmile.com

Photo Courtesy of Rosa Dest Interior Design

704.332.9848 www.uptownclt.com

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Letter from the editor

Editor/Publisher Todd Trimakas Advertising Matt Kokenes 704.944.0551

I traveled to Mexico during my college days, and besides a horrific gastrointestinal disorder, I also brought back an amazing insight that has stayed with me until today. That insight is that I can choose where I live and what I do or don’t do to pay the bills; I have the ability to choose those things that make me happy. I gained this insight from a weathered merchant marine I met south of the border. He would ferry his cargo around the world for six months of the year and the other six months he would gather up his wife and two small children and go surfing in the most remote regions of southern Mexico. I met him in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. He would wake up when the sun crested the mountainous jungle surrounding the beach and catch monstrous waves all morning, chill-out with fish tacos and Coronas for lunch, hit the waves again in the

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afternoon, and then party all night. He was obviously having a fantastic time, but for me that wasn’t the point, the most amazing part for me was that he could do this at all. He neither had a job with a Fortune 500 company nor went to work with a briefcase tucked underneath a suited arm. His life was fantastically exotic for me because I grew up in an environment where I didn’t even question my trajectory—I was supposed to go to college, get a job at a large publicly traded corporation, contribute 14 percent to my 401(k), and retire at 65 to do something that I always wanted to do when I was younger. Even after my Mexican experience I followed that prescribed trajectory, checked all my boxes, and was looking forward to 65, when I could do what I wanted to do—and then cancer happened. Cancer won, Dad lost in 2001. I then realized not only do we have the ability to make ourselves happy, we have a finite window of time to make those choices. I decided to choose. What I find most difficult is that there are quite a few days where I have no doubt that I made the wrong choice. There has to be something better than THIS, but then there are quite a few days where things are good, attitudes are positive and the sun is shining. Choice is an empowering and tremendously weighty option that we all have. Even though these are truly unique and challenging times, make sure to remember that you still have a choice to try to improve your happiness, and realize that sometimes even the better choice is a bitch. ~Todd Trimakas Publisher / Editor [email protected]

Executive Editor Andy Graves Contributing Editor Peter Reinhart (Food) Contributors Chris Wooten Alessandra Salvatore Little Shiva Signal Studio Lew Herman Bea Quirk Bryan Reed Photography Ryan Sumner Todd Trimakas George Lanis Cover Ryan Sumner Distribution Sean Chesney Office 1600 Fulton Ave., #140 Charlotte, NC 28205 Contact us at [email protected] Uptown Magazine is a trademark of Uptown Publishing inc., copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Uptown is printed monthly and subscriptions are $25 annually and can be purchased online at uptownclt.com.

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drinks

words: alessandra salvatore

It’s Friday, 5 p.m. You’ve made your last phone call, sent your last email, and shut down your computer. You’ve had a rough week and you’re ready to kick off a well deserved weekend, which most likely involves some sort of alcohol consumption. Whether it means committing an entire night to your favorite watering hole or hopping from bar to bar, one thing is for sure—you will be taken care of by a bartender. The word “bartender” for many people conjures up images of sexy clubs, great music, and gorgeous, happy people flipping bottles of booze and pouring drinks with finesse. In reality, the life of a bartender isn’t so glamorous. Night shifts can be grueling, they are on their feet for hours, and by the time you begin to feel your hangover the next morning, they are usually just putting their liquor-matted heads on their pillows and calling it a night. And then there’s dealing with drunk people. Picture those irritating people you come across in your office or anywhere within your general line of work. Now picture dealing with them when they are drunk. Remember belligerent Bruce from the ‘07 Christmas party? Bartenders deal with Bruce on a nightly basis and, let’s face it, you have been Bruce at least once in your life—we all have. Bartenders never know what kind of night lies ahead of them, and they must come to work prepared. Ask bartenders for their craziest experience behind a bar and chances are they will rack their brain for ten minutes before coming out with something. This isn’t because nothing comes to mind; this is because they’ve got so much to tell that they don’t know where to start. I had a friend whom I bartended with in New York. Late one night two regular patrons, reasonable men, got into a heated discussion about which cookies were better, Keebler Chocolate Fudge or Chunky Chips Ahoy. The conversation escalated and, as one would remove a chain or piece of jewelry in preparation for a throw-down, one of the men removed his false eye. At this point, my friend yelled, “John! That’s it! Pick your eyeball up from my bar, put it back in your head, and get the hell outta here!” It was there, after uttering that sentence, when she realized just how crazy her job was. (Other unusual phrases bartenders have told me they’ve spoken include: “Pick your pants back up,” “No sir, the little elves did not come and take your Rumple Mintze away, we’ve simply run out”--and, perhaps my favorite, “Please stop peeing in my bus bin.”) Keep in mind that these are not all your typical dive bars. Bruce shows up no matter how pricy or swanky the establishment. While bartending can be a blast, it also takes its toll. Just ask Kyle, a bartender at BlackFinn. “Bartending is a great gig, especially if you are in school or looking to make extra cash. You work three shifts a week, have a great time, and make a killing.” However, he also notes some drawbacks. “Our night doesn’t end when you go home. We may lock the door at 2 a.m., but we are cleaning up messes and restocking the bar until 4:00 or 4:30 a.m.” He also talks about having to restock during prime time on a Saturday night, trying to navigate through a sea of socialites with two cases of beer on his shoulder. Bartenders are much more than pretty people who can shake a mean drink. During a span of one shift they are therapists, life coaches, marathon runners, diplomats, intellectuals, matchmakers, entertainers. But most of all, they are people. I’ve always felt, and still feel, that everyone should tend bar for at least six months—it doesn’t matter how many degrees you have, your education is incomplete without having done so. The experience will give you a new perspective on life and understanding of people, and will certainly give you more compassion for your bartender. Despite the gripes, they love their job, even when Bruce stops by for a drink. U Reach Alessandra at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

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7/28/2009 5:03:12 PM

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say more

with your smile! What our clients have to say... “I cannot tell you how very impressed we are with Dr. Shapiro and his entire staff! Thank you for all that you do!”

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“Your office and staff is the best in the Carolina’s - I always look forward to my visits and you always make me smile!” “I absolutely loved the experience and you made me feel like a family member. I was nervous, but it was over with right away.”

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general practice | sedation dentistry cosmetic & restorative dentistry | neuromuscular dentistry

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are you sexy? coming in october

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7/29/2009 10:16:52 AM

food the life

words: alessandra salvatore

It’s Saturday night and I am starving. Let’s take a walk Uptown and see what we’ve got. There’s Nix, the burger joint, which is great—but I don’t eat meat. How about Capital Grille? Nah, there’s that meat thing again. What about Ruth’s Chris? Morton’s? Chima Brazilian Steakhouse? Is BLT at the Ritz open yet? Ahh! Has Uptown Charlotte become a vegetarian’s nightmare? While the above-listed restaurants are insanely delicious and have wonderful menus, meat is just not my thing these days. And, let’s face it, it’s hard to frequent a place for its mouthwatering, top-notch steaks and expect a great vegetarian meal. (I use the term “vegetarian” loosely here, considering I do eat fish, whereas a true vegetarian does not.) It can be tricky in Uptown Charlotte to discover where the best meatless meals are at. And when I say best, I mean best. See, just because we vegetarians don’t eat meat doesn’t mean we dab ourselves with patchouli oil and head out to a restaurant to enjoy a plate of raw vegetables with a side of trail mix. Yes, many of us choose to forego meat to be healthy. Which totally explains why I could tear through a plate of lobster mac-and-cheese from Zink faster than you can read this sentence. My first encounter with not eating meat was at Alexander Michael’s, when my husband ordered the honey garlic barbecue wings and I stammered, “G-g-g-garden burger, please.” I had visions of picking up my veggie burger and slapping him across the face with it, then stealing the wings and devouring them as fast as I could. But once I tasted my veggie burger, my rage quickly subsided—it’s the best I’ve ever eaten. A thick, fresh, and juicy patty enveloped by Texas toast, with ranch on the side—who could complain about that? For a great lunch on the go, head over to Blynk Organic for an ATM sandwich—avocado, tomato, and mozzarella, with basil pesto on multigrain bread—for $6.45, and pair it with a delicious soup du jour. You’ll score big here: they usually have several fresh vegetarian options at reasonable prices. For dinner, head to Basil and order the green curry with tofu. It is absolutely delicious, bursting with flavor from the eggplant, bamboo shoots, and, of course, basil. For you “flexitarians,” head over to LaVecchia’s and order the almond encrusted tilapia. Just be ready to wake up in the middle of the night jonesing for the mashed potatoes that come with it—they are addicting. When RiRa comes back, give it a warm welcome by ordering up the Edenmore Plate, which is herbed polenta, grilled portabello, spinach, and goat cheese, covered in an Irish parsley sauce. And lastly, head over to Cosmos Café and order yourself the wild mushroom ravioli. While not an enormous portion, it is definitely filling, especially if you kick it off with the California dip—roasted artichoke, spinach, and parmesan cheese, served with warm pita. It would be ideal to have in Charlotte at least one establishment with a menu devoted only to delicious, fresh vegan/vegetarian meals. But in the meantime, give the above dishes a go. All of them will give even your most carnivorous friends some serious food envy, and will definitely prevent anyone from getting slapped in the face with a vegetable. U

Reach Alessandra at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com www.uptownclt.com

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home

words: alessandra salvatore

I check out people’s balconies. Hey, it’s better than butts, right? I am always intrigued to see what people make of this often neglected space that holds so much potential. In the old Uptown unit my husband and I lived in, we didn’t show our balcony much love. Upon first moving in we spent so much energy on the inside that the balcony became the bastard stepchild we had no time for. We didn’t want to leave it empty, so we lugged home a crappy small wooden table with two ridiculously uncomfortable chairs to match, stuck a plain canvas umbrella through the middle of the table, set a candle down, and called it a day. We thought we did a decent job, but the candle melted in the sun, the chairs collapsed, and the table fell apart. And then we noticed our umbrella was gone. “Did you bring the umbrella in today?” “Uh, no, did you?” “Nope. Hey wasn’t it really windy out today?” Shit. The umbrella never did turn up. I’m guessing that sailing through the sky from a sixth floor balcony would leave some sort of a mark, and that if

the life

inviting. Instead, opt for a cozy looking bench, like this espresso colored “wicker” one with some throw cushions, and a small coffee table. These were from Garden Ridge, in Pineville, where cushions were on sale and could be mixed and matched. Be sure to choose colors that complement what you’ve got inside, but with a pop or two of a sunny color, as shown here. Pick some plants. A great tip when it comes to decorating is that greenery will pull a space together and warm it up instantly. Go visit Tushar at the new Lowe’s on South Boulevard, he will hook you up with which plants are best for you. Another great spot is Campbell’s Nursery just up South from Lowe’s. I went with a fern, because it’s low maintenance and hard to kill. Grab a pot or two while you are at Garden Ridge, like this adorable clay one with a rustic sun design. They are usually buy one, get one half off. Add ambiance. Another effortless way to cozy up a space is to add a few candles. I placed one in the center of the coffee table, and found these two great lanterns at Z Gallerie in the Northlake Mall for only $9.99 each. You can stake them right into your plant, as shown. If you can, add a rug. Once we realized we had no use for our inexpensive area rug in our new space, we put it outside. It is unexpected, and makes a world of a difference. Of course, this works best only if your balcony is covered. As you can see, it doesn’t take much to beef up your balcony. I hope I’ve given you some ideas, or at least helped to make your umbrella a little less suicidal. U Reach Alessandra at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

any real damage was done, we’d have heard about it. But just in case you were the one hit with it, innocent reader, my apologies. I believe our balcony was so sad that our umbrella just couldn’t take it anymore and jumped. I loved the idea of having a balcony, and couldn’t figure out what was keeping me from enjoying it. While moving into our new unit, we just couldn’t bring ourselves to schlep the sad old set with us. So we agreed to spend some time on our new balcony, to make it a place where we would actually want to stay and hang for a while. The result was a beautiful area that has become our favorite “room” in our home—a place that I love so much I would sleep out there if I could. It was easier than I thought, and all it took was a little dough and some TLC. Here are some tips and ideas for you to pimp your own balcony: Quit being boring. Your first impulse may be to purchase a table and two chairs. Not only is this predictable, but it isn’t the least bit 26

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7/28/2009 5:03:18 PM

IT’S HIP. IT’S URBAN. IT’S CLOSE. PLAZA-VU.COM

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fall lighting sale. Take 20% off all lighting, including our popular drum pendants. Available in various shapes and

Located conveniently near the corner of The Plaza and McClintock Rd. Move in Today!

sizes, and over 100 fabrics. Special Incentives No HOA dues for 2009 $2,000 Closing Cost

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Hurry, sale ends august 29tH

Pat Deely - (704) 604.9303 - [email protected] Lana Laws - (704) 779.9005 - [email protected] www.uptownclt.com

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7/28/2009 5:03:23 PM

When I told my well seasoned travel friends I was going to Colombia for a month, they politely declined my invitation to meet there. “Oh, don’t think we’re ready for Colombia—not too safe yet. I’ll wait till the war is really over.” Another said, “Just seems kinda dicey there, still.” www.uptownclt.com words & pictures: lew herman 29 uptown

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I’m thinking, “Wait a minute. Why am I going? Isn’t this one of the world’s most desperate places? Don’t they kidnap people there? Sixty years of civil war between the leftist FARC and ELN, government sponsored paramilitaries massacring entire villages—am I crazy? We sponsor 30

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the government there with billions—Plan Colombia—which would make Americans an obvious target, hmmm. I remember the FARC captured three Americans several years ago and they only recently were rescued. There’s still a war going on! I didn’t mention the narcotics trade with Colombia at its core. You know, cocaine, marijuana, the drug cartels? This could be a grave mistake. I should buy more insurance. With Cartagena located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, you can see why the drug trade starts here. Centrally located between the U.S. and the cocaine-

growing parts of South America to its south, it’s a just short hop across the Caribbean and you’re in the drug import/ export business. Nonetheless, Cartagena is an architectural jewel. It has 500-year-old buildings and intact, original city walls— murallas—with intact bulwarks and towers, surrounding the entire original city. An official UNESCO World Heritage site, it clockwise from top: outside and inside the swiss residial // the streets of cartagena // overlooking cartagena // getsemani, the author’s neighborhood

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also has Castillo San Felipe, the largest fort Spain ever built in the New World. It took 100 years to build and looms large over the city. Flying in on Avianca, an airline that serves as the flag carrier of Colombia, getting free drinks, I’m thinking, “This may not be too bad. Drinking helps. More whiskey, please?” Upon landing, the entire plane erupted in loud cheers and rapturous applause. Though the taxi leaving the airport went through the nicest parts of the city, along beaches and the better neighborhoods near the water, I had a sinking feeling that I may not have made the wisest vacation choice. The beaches had dingy, coarse, mud-colored sand, and the weather was more humid than Charleston in August. The streets were garbage strewn, filled with questionable looking people. I didn’t notice the drug dealers or the prostitutes—both male and female—until later, as they generally come out at night. The taxi driver overcharged me and wanted a tip. Even getting a taxi was a pain, as everyone near the cab had an outstretched palm. The place my wife Beth and I chose in advance was both windowless and airless. Pulling into the street of the hostel was a disappointment, to say the least. Again, hordes of people outside, wandering like zombie extras from “Shaun of the Dead.” One aging beggar had his hand out before I even had my bags. The street smelled like rancid garbage, gasoline, and spilled cheap liquor. The old city looked more like a crime-ridden dump than a UNESCO heritage site, but I resolved to wait out initial impressions. I gave the place a chance to impress, and it did—eventually. Cartagena is a cultural cousin of Havana in geography, appearance, musically, and even the strange accents, where the locals drop not only endings but consonants as well. Here salsa is king, and nearby was the city’s most famous club, the Café Havana. People outside the club were dancing in the streets—one top: café havana in cartagena bottom: black cat café

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even dancing with a broomstick. I visited the club often, drinking fabulous mojitos— Cuban or Colombian rum only—and realized, This place rocks. Watching the teams of bartenders—mashing the mint leaves, adding double shots of rum, all done with a flair—was worth the small cover. It looked like the place was brought over from Havana brick by brick. I found other bars as well, all interesting, some dirt cheap—ice-cold beers 60 cents each—to more classy types in the old city, like the intimate Via Apia, where every night is a party. You can live large like a tourist and drink at American prices or you can drink like a Colombian and drink heavily for next to nothing. Word of warning though: do not drink too much like a Colombian, because when you get the cheap stuff from the corner grocery, the bottles aren’t sealed and they sometimes add water or worse. When I bought rum at the corner store they would pull out a little paper cup and let me sample it. Many locals drink aguardiente, literally “firewater,” which, when good, tastes like licorice flavored swill—worse if you get the cheap stuff. scenes from tayrona national park

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Our Spanish school, Nueva Lengua, was good. My teacher for three weeks, Daisy, was great. The school was more expensive than most in Latin America, and the teachers were uniformly excellent. Residing at the Swiss Residial (that’s its name—no sign on the street), we made friends, practiced our Spanish, figured out the local accents, and began frequenting clubs while exploring the city of two million and its surrounding countryside. One excursion was visiting the Totumo Mud Volcano about an hour away. It’s a shabby, sad little volcano, maybe 150 feet tall. You walk to the top on some rickety stairs to the crater, filled entirely with mud, and plop yourself in. It’s hundreds of feet deep but no one sinks. You lie on top and the local dudes give you a total rubdown and massage before you can escape. It’s pretty inexpensive, so you do it all and the locals expect and receive well-earned tips. After the mud rubdown you walk shakily to the nearby lagoon and

the local women grab you, strip you, and wash the mud from you. When it’s over you feel shook up but better than when you started. Their beautiful lagoon where you wash the mud off is a polluted affair, so you hold your breath as long as possible, never daring to swallow anything. Any money you happen to have on you during any of these processes is stealthily removed. Most of us left our valuables behind in a locked, guarded van. In Cartagena we worried at first about crime in our neighborhood, Getsemani, not known for its safety after dark. Cheesy yet romantic, just like the movies, it was populated by shadowy characters; bums, drunks, drug dealers, hookers, beggars, and loud, screaming (sometimes singing) vendors and hucksters—people selling anything from coffee to Chiclets to jewelry. It seemed like half the population was sleeping on sidewalks or in doorways. On one street there was an internet café next door to a love hotel—pay by the hour, please—and then a restaurant/bar with speakers blasting, then hookers, then the corner grocery where beer was cheap and you drink outside and there was always a crowd of drunks, many already collapsed

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www.OmSpa.net on sidewalks. Those places attracted hookers who smell easy money when they see it. Drug dealers were added to the street mix, well spaced along the way. I didn’t notice them at first until my Spanish improved. Then I realized they were whispering, “Coca, marijuana, chicas, muchachos?” Luckily, my personal reality was different. First, the crime problem is not as bad as it seems. Unlike most large South American cities, you really can wander around old Cartagena at night, even in our section, Getsemani, which is on the verge of gentrification. Once the street people see you more than once, they don’t bother you. The entire country, especially the touristy old city, has soldiers and police on every corner. Not oppressive figures, they say hello to you when they’re not on their cells talking to their girlfriends. All carry machine guns, at first disheartening, to say the least, but their job is just to be visible.

The authorities don’t want tourists and travelers robbed, kidnapped, or raped, and the system works. As a result, the old city really jumps at night and you don’t need to take radio taxis at night like in other Latin cities. Armed with our improved Spanish, we continued exploring. Unlike our loaded Euro pals, Sebastien and Susanne, who opted for tours, we set out on our own. We headed north in the vicinity of Santa Marta, another old, historic Colombian city. Taking a break from the heat and humidity, we opted for the mountain village of Minca, 15 miles into the Sierra Nevada above Santa Marta. Up a huge hill, we rented a cozy cabin shaded by a fully loaded mango tree. Owned by a German expat named Cris, he explained, “They call me Cris, short for Cristobal, but my real name is Ronald. Why they don’t call me Ronaldo, I’ll never know.” From our cabin hiking trails extended

farther into the Sierra. Ten years ago I wouldn’t have dreamed of following trails like this in Colombia. Talking to Cris, he said the rebel group FARC hasn’t been active here in ten years. “Last time they came through they broke into the local liquor store and stole 20 bottles of aguardiente. Eight years ago some tourists were kidnapped and killed (actually it was 2003) on the way to the Lost City, but it’s been quiet ever since. They just wanted people to know that they’re still around.” Several days in the mountains brought cooler weather but the drawback was no hot water so we returned to the lowlands—the torrid zone—so at least coldwater showers would be tolerable. After two days of torrential downpours and no electricity—we couldn’t even find our cabin after dark—we headed for small beach town/fishing village Taganga and then Tayrona National Park, farther up the coast. Taganga was an enjoyable, tranquil, www.uptownclt.com

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trippy place, but we left to visit the nearby tropical paradise of Tayrona National Park, as it was our mission to get off the grid. A fisherman took us in his boat to the most distant part of the national park. Because of guerrilla activity, Tayrona Park is often closed by the Colombian authorities, seemingly at random, as they do not want any international “incidents.” We got dropped off at what we thought was the most isolated part of the park, but it was crawling with backpackers. So much so that there was a water shortage, no showers and high prices for just renting a hammock in miserable, fetid conditions. I soaked my hat in cold water to cool my brow and someone yelled (in Spanish), “Stop wasting water!” We immediately hiked out, taking a trail to Arrecifes Beach, where we pursued our agenda of hammock testing and beachcombing. Under every shade tree were tiny restaurants, juice stands, potato chip vendors, even horses and mules. We continued our beachcombing—funny this was guerrilla territory not long ago—visiting a place called La Piscina—the Pool— where our touring Euro friends, Sebastien and Susanne, found us. They say anything can happen in Colombia and it usually does, and this was a perfect example. We joined them on their tour, though we’d already covered the areas they were going. We decided to meet them later that evening at their hammock spot, located outside the park, in Los Angeles—Los Angeles, Colombia, that is. We hiked out of the park, walking a good six miles through dense jungle foliage, dodging blood-sucking insects and horse, burro, and mule traffic, finally getting a ride near the end from a park service shuttle. We flagged down a local bus, Colombian style, on the highway to Los Angeles, and then it was another brief hike to our new hammocks at another palm-sheltered, secluded beach. When our friends finally showed up, after dark, they thoughtfully brought many cold Aguilas, the local brew. Back in Cartagena, I learned to love the shabbiness, the sleaze, the music, the smells, the sultry ambience, the casual way the people dress. The local people are so happy seeing visitors that they shake your hand, telling you how brave you are to visit their country. But, I still had some problems. Once, several delinquents jumped onto our slow-moving van as it slowed for a curve. We didn’t know if they were robbing us or just aiming for a free ride up the mountain. Another time someone grabbed me while I was walking alone down a dark Cartagena street, demanding money. I pushed him out of my way and just said no. By then I had my favorite juice bar, the Ceiba, where they showed me pictures of fruits I never heard of, like maracuya and nispero. Their inexpensive juices, blended with milk, were an entire meal, rich and tasty. Though the Cartagena beaches were not good—crowded, polluted and filled with vendors—the only way to get away from them was staying in the water. I finally found a rooftop pool that was spectacular, catching breezes and with a million dollar view. Too bad it was my last full day in seedy Cartagena. U Reach Lew at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com www.uptownclt.com

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THE PSYCHIC DOWN THE STREET An ancient Zen koan teaches, “When the student is ready, the master appears.” It’s a statement that has always resonated with me. To absorb wisdom, develop insight, or make a life change, we have to be ready. There has to be a need, an openness and a willingness to see things in new ways and with a different perspective. Otherwise, the knowledge--the power, perhaps--within us remains dormant and untapped.

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7/29/2009 9:26:20 AM

www.uptownclt.com words:uptown bea quirk

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I

n other words, one might say that things happen for a reason. I believe that was the case when, out of the blue, I was invited to write my first article for this magazine. The assignment: visit some local psychics and share my experiences with readers. Yet I wasn’t consciously thinking about the significance of the assignment when I quickly said yes. I wouldn’t call myself a “true believer.” After all, I’ve been a journalist for some 35 years. Skepticism, if not an innate trait, is highly ingrained in people with my training. But I’m open-minded, too. In the late 1980s, when I was first divorced, I regularly saw Boots, a psychic who did readings at The Two Sisters, a curio shop she owned with her sister, Betsy, on Seventh Street. I can no longer remember whether her predictions were accurate. But she--and her sister-gave me reassurance and a sense that I could indeed find my way by myself in an environment that was soothing, non-judgmental, and full of warmth and light-heartedness. I guess when I didn’t need that kind of support anymore, I drifted away.

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It was with this background that I began looking for psychics. I began by Googling “psychic” and “Charlotte.” A number of names came up, and the three I talked to were all listed in the results page. I also send out an email to a wide group of friends asking for suggestions and recommendations. I chose LeSola Morgan pretty much because of her website, but the other two-Mary Beth Wrenn and Imeldia--were suggested by friends or friends of friends.

My first reading is with Morgan at her metaphysical/New Age store, Mama Bessie’s Place, on Central Avenue. Her store carries spiritual supplies and books, including rosary beads, crucifixes, and statuettes of Catholic saints, the Buddha, and Egyptian gods, as well as Islamic prayer beads, incense, candles, oils, and crystals. We quickly discover we graduated from Boston University within a year of each other, and we reminisce about the city and the school. Morgan is a practitioner of the Lucumi religion, which blends

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the beliefs and practices of the Yoruba tribe from Africa, Caribbean slaves, and Catholicism. One tenet of the religion is that each of us has a spirit who communicates with us and guides us through life. For Morgan, that spirit is Mama Bessie, an African slave who lived in the Carolinas. Mama Bessie came to her while she was in college, and in 2007, Mama Bessie told Morgan to leave Boston, where she had been in college administration for more than 30 years, and move to Charlotte. By consulting with Mama Bessie and other spirits, Morgan is able to help her clients make choices about their lives. She says the relationship is telepathic in nature, and that she sometimes has to decide whether to tell a stranger about the vision she has gotten about their future. For a formal reading, we use a small room in the back of the store. We sit across from each other at a small table covered in a white cloth with a collection of items such as a glass of water, a slave doll, a seashell, and a crucifix. She rubs oil on her forehead and the back of her neck, wraps a blue shawl around her shoulders, and begins to pray, asking good spirits and healthy influences for assistance and for evil spirits to keep away. Then she asks me what I want to know. I tell her of a recent break I have made with a part of my life that had been very important to me for many years, and that I feel at loose ends. That seems to set the tone for the rest of the session, as she speaks many times of the lack of joy in my life and my need to bring it back. She advises me to begin trusting people more and to stop isolating myself. To uplift myself--and my home--I need to finish cleaning out my closet that holds my writings (a project I told her about), to burn candles, especially yellow and orange ones, and to fill my house with colorful flowers. Drinking chamomile tea will help me, too. It’s not an unpleasant experience, but with every question I ask, she returns to the theme of joylessness. I am painfully aware of how blue I have been lately, and this constant refrain dampens my enthusiasm for asking questions. Our session lasts about 40 minutes, but she says most last about an hour. She typically charges $45 a session. figurine from mama bessie’s place

Mary Beth Wrenn was on vacation when I first tried to reach her, but she is anxious to speak with me. So we decide to talk over the phone. Wrenn is probably Charlotte’s best-known psychic, frequently appearing on radio shows and even surreptitiously helping the local police. She provides readings once a week at the Tribal Wisdom bookstore, in Plaza-Midwood, and at her home, as well as over the phone and via the Internet. She, too, has a website--and clients from around the globe. Wrenn says her mother also had “the gift” and that when she www.uptownclt.com

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was young, she thought everyone had it. She was working in the Methodist Church when she first began giving readings. In 1993, she was “intuitively drawn” to Charlotte from New Jersey and began giving readings at Central Sun, a metaphysical shop that closed several years ago. Wrenn can use different media to give readings, because, she explains, “I can see people’s auras with my eyes closed and then can access the energetic projections of their future. It’s like I can pick up on the energy frequency given off by someone’s soul and then transmit it back to the person in a language they can understand. Once someone has this information, it is up to them to decide what to do with it. Each individual is responsible for their future.” Spirits talk to Wrenn, too, but she often can’t distinguish between the living and the dead. Although people usually ask her about “getting laid and getting paid,” she says she works best without any questions. Her fees vary, based on the length of the reading. If she can’t read someone, she doesn’t charge. Then we turn to me. I don’t ask any questions, just let her go where the spirits take her. It is quite a trip. First thing she says: “You have a brilliant red energy field.” That means I am passionate, she explains, and the first thing she mentions is a strong sense of social justice--as well as a strong, intense sex drive. She chuckles when she tells me this. My face turns red. Other intriguing observations: I was a lawyer in a past life, which is why I always weigh my options carefully before making a decision. It’s one reason I am so picky about men. She advises me to continue freelancing instead of working for one publication, and tells me I will become known for writing murder mysteries that spoof local politicians. Something important will happen to me on February 11. This was definitely more fun. Sounds like I’ve got some things coming up to enliven my life.

Imeldia is soft-spoken with a honey-like Southern accent. She had her first psychic experience when she was ten, but it was difficult explaining it to others in the small, “very Christian” North Carolina town where she grew up. Even though she has been doing readings since 1973 and provided them at Central Sun for many years, she cultivates a low profile. She asks that I not use her last name or mention where she lives. (The reading is in her East Charlotte home.) But, she adds, she considers herself a Christian. “The two don’t conflict--this is how God uses me to help people. I try to give them hope.” Her fees, based on the length of the reading, range from $55 to $115. The table we sit at is covered in a white cloth with a varied collection of objects--among them a Jewish dreidel, prayer beads, a crystal ball, a feather, and a tortoise shell. When giving a reading, Imeldia prays first and uses a regular deck of playing cards, which 42

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she describes as tools: specifically dowsers, the ancient devices that helped people find water. “Our subconscious is like water, and our bodies are 90 percent water. The answers to people’s questions are inside of them. During a reading, your brain switches to where you can get at them.” Imeldia is also an amateur astrologist, and she often uses my date of birth to make predictions or observations. When she hears I was born on November 11, she is delighted. “That is the most psychic day of the year and a very powerful time of the year,” she tells me. “Eleven is a karmic number--you have a specific destiny for the greater good and benefit of mankind. People watch you and learn from you--you are teaching all the time. You show the rest of us what can be done.” Now this I like. And it sets the mood, as we begin sharing things about each other and laughing like adolescent girlfriends sharing secrets. There’s a definite connection between us. I keep asking more and more questions, and we are both eager to see what the cards have to say as I pull three out of the deck each time. The eight of clubs pops up as the main card--and that means luck in terms of money is on the way. She tells me I am driven to work “very very hard” and am “one of the most dependable people in the universe.” I have a brilliant mind, but tend towards moodiness. Politics is in my path, but “you’ll always be a writer. Writing is what you are all about and what you love.” I can expect major life changes in October 2012 when my second “Saturn Return” occurs. That’s when the planet is in the same position as the day I was born. We kid about the Mayan prophecy that the world will end December 21, 2012. At the end of the 90 minutes, she tells me, “Stick around for the good stuff. You’ll soon make progress in the things you feel conflicted about. Things will go smoother than you think.”

I don’t know if I believe all that I heard in these readings. But they leave me with a sense of well-being and a feeling of lightheartedness and playfulness I have not felt in a long while. Instead of promising only loss and limitations, life once again feels full of possibilities and potential. As I mull over these feelings, I realize that this is the real reason for the assignment. It doesn’t really matter if these readings are “true” or “accurate” in an objective sense. I was searching for--and needed--an opening door. Meeting these three psychics pointed out the way to it. It’s up to me to walk through. U Mama Bessie’s Place 3010 Monroe Road - 704.632.9911 Mary Beth Wrenn www.marybethwrenn.com Reach Bea at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

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the lights

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7/28/2009 5:04:20 PM

words: matt kokenes

The stage lights were just warming up as Tom Wahl explained the premise of “Shear Madness” an hour before showtime. Tiny droplets appeared on my forehead as that bit of constant heat, like an August afternoon, was coupled with building anticipation about my walk-on role in that night’s performance. “Oh, they get a lot brighter when we start the show,” he smiled, glancing upward. www.uptownclt.com

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left: cast before the show below: the cast caught in the act

T

om Wahl, who plays the lead character, Tony, has spent a good portion of his life under bright lights. A card-carrying member of the Screen Actors Guild and the Actors’ Equity Association, he has shared the big screen with the likes of Jim Carrey and Renee Zellweger. His stage credits read like a habitual felon’s rap sheet. Yet for someone with such experience, he’s surprisingly modest and happy to answer my questions about this show. He was also surprisingly…well, normal. Before I met him, I half-expected the entire troupe of actors would be juggling bowling pins on stage together with their feet while taking afternoon tea. Tom seemed more like a composed art gallery curator, calmly showing me around the various parts of the show’s set. The stage layout provides the audience with a wide-angle view of the interior of the Shear Madness Salon (“at 301 East Blvd., in Fashionable Dilworth”), outfitted with two barber chairs, wash basin, waiting area, shampoo, towels, etc., with doors leading “outside” the salon that members of the cast alternately burst through and slip in and out of throughout the two-hour performance. I asked Tom for the most basic of tips on drama in preparation for my role as newsreader, which would come at the beginning of the second act. “Just have fun, and don’t read too quickly. A lot

of people rush through it and it makes it hard for the audience to follow,” he kindly offered. “There are jokes built into the script, so you should get a few laughs. If so, pause and give the audience a minute before reading on.” Honestly, I was looking for a more dramatic trade secret like, “Tilt your head up at 33 degrees, project your head from left to right. Alternately widen and squint your eyes while extending your hand.” Looking back, his simple advice for my role makes sense. My way would have been perfect for a reenactment of a Fidel Castro Speech in

Havana from the ‘60s. Not so much for this bit part in “Shear Madness” at the Stage Door Theater. Over 8 million people worldwide have seen this refreshingly unique whodunit, where in every performance audience participation helps solve the crime. The inception of the play, though, is as fascinating and creative as the performance itself. In 1963, German psychologist and writer Paul Pörtner wrote a play, entitled “Scherenschnitte,” to use as a scientific study of how people perceive or misperceive reality. The brief play was set in a unisex hair salon and revolved around the offstage murder of a concert pianist. The experiment’s subjects were asked to solve the murder based on their individual perceptions of the events and the six stereotypical characters surrounding the murder. Veteran theater directors Bruce Jordan and Marilyn Abrams saw theatrical potential in the “primitive” script and from it developed “Shear Madness,” which debuted in 1978. As an ensemble, the cast maintained the action and the characterizations that received a good response from the audience night after night, and also incorporated the actual audience responses into the play. The play evolved into a show that changed each

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conservative crowd attending most of the city’s theater shows. Stage Manager Cubby Terry was able to break it down for me. “It varies widely from show to show,” he explained. “Some nights we draw an overwhelmingly younger crowd. You really never know. At an afternoon performance the other day we had over 100 folks from an active senior living center come see ‘Shear Madness’. They were actually one of the loudest and most involved groups we’ve ever had at ‘Shear Madness.’ They were a lot of fun. On the flip side, I had one woman recently who took issue with the George W. Bush joke, and every chance she got, for the duration of the play, shouted her disapproval. That’s the nature of a true audience participation show, though—you

left: the author reading his lines below: tom keeping it in

practiced walking from behind the set, through the door and over to my place on the stage where I’d be reading my part. Reading from a hand-held page and a half (thankfully part of the actual role, a newsman) to a modest crowd of 140 people seemed easy enough, and I didn’t spend too much time rehearsing my lines. They assured me that there was no way I could “screw up the play,” no matter how unprepared and inept I might be. Some of my creative improvisation ideas, like moon-walking to the spot where I’d be delivering this profound soliloquy (Michael Jackson fever still the rage at the time), were quickly shot down by stage

Tom had morphed into another person, a flamboyant salon owner rocking a pink Polo shirt and stylist’s apron. time it was performed, and now, decades later, “Shear Madness” incorporates not only the contributions of the audience, but also frequent references to the latest media scandals and local news items. In the end, Paul Pörtner’s science-based psychodrama became the audience interactive, whodunit comedy it is today. During the first act of the show on my big night, I heard plenty of local references. CPCC, Creative Loafing, NASCAR, and even Price’s Chicken Coop were worked into the fabric of the play. A joke that cast the Ballantyne neighborhood as looking down its nose at “lowly” Pineville drew raucous laughter from the mainly 50+ crowd, including myself. I was surprised when other jokes, including a slowpitch one about George W. Bush, and another one asking one of the salon’s customers, lathered up and ready for a shave, to “turn your head to the far right—you know, like Rush Limbaugh,” drew disapproving groans from the audience. This made me wonder about the theater scene in Charlotte. Who frequents stage performances here? Does the demographic change based on the night and the show, or is it typically the older and apparently more 48

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really never know what’s going to happen. That’s the beauty of it.” Robert Touchstone, Director of Marketing and Development over at Actor’s Theater, echoed much of what Cubby Terry said about the theater scene in Charlotte. “Of course the audience demographic depends on the show, but by and large it’s usually an older, more affluent crowd that we see come through here. Your average season ticket holder is typically between 50 and 70 years old.” A surprising shift from the status quo, though, says Robert, came when zombies limped through town back in June to perform “Evil Dead: The Musical.” “’Evil Dead’ crushed our attendance goals,” said Touchstone. “We sold out 90 percent of our shows, and the majority of the audience members were not regular theater patrons. In fact about half of them were experiencing our venue—Actor’s Theater—for the first time. I was floored by how young the audience was, many of them late-teens and early twenty-somethings. I had no idea Charlotte had that kind of zombiemovie cult following.” Back at the Stage Door Theater, showtime approached, and the flurry of activity around the stage began to crescendo. The lights overhead really began to sizzle. To the amusement of Cubby and Tom, I repeatedly

veteran Jack Dillon. “Go for it,” says Dillon, who plays Detective Nick O’Brien. “Just be ready to get some laughs. And to be clear, we’ll be

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laughing at you not with you,” he winks, sipping coffee in a white t-shirt and jeans while reclining on one of the barber chairs onstage. Comfortably seated at a table in front of the stage, trying to calmly polish up on my lines, I glanced up and noticed that all of the actors had now slipped away to wardrobe, and in groups of twos and fours, the audience had begun filling the theater’s seats. The paper in my hands began to dampen and tremble slightly. I found $6 in my wallet for a Tanqueray and tonic to slow my pulse. And in a flash, the show was underway. My new friend Tom Wahl, who less than an hour ago had personally provided my tour of the set and basic instruction on my speaking part had now become Tony Whitcomb. Tom had morphed into another person, a flamboyant salon owner rocking a pink Polo shirt and stylist’s apron. The transformation was instant and amazing—and incredibly entertaining. While music played, he made his way around the stage, with fluid motions and natural deftness, interacting with props and the other characters. To my surprise I could not take my eyes off him. For certain, I’m a fan of theater, but I can count on one hand the number of plays I’ve seen. I love to be entertained like the next guy, but admittedly the vast majority of my entertainment budget has been diverted toward live music shows. When I do enjoy dramatic performances, it’s typically with a large butter-soaked bag of popcorn close by, and digitally mastered sound thundering from large speakers on all sides. What I witnessed happening on the stage was nothing short of magic. It was true performing art, and in less than an hour I’d get to be a part of it. For a few minutes I’d share the stage with these pros. “Break a leg,” smiles Terry Cubby, with a handshake, as I’m poised just outside the “front door” of the salon, waiting for my cue. In less than a minute, I’ll rush in, move to the front of the stage, right side, and read my urgent news update on the death of renowned concert pianist Isabella Churney. Jack sat back there with me, as Detective Nick O’Brien happened to be outside the salon at the same time. “You’ll be fine. Just remember to pace yourself. The jokes are built into the script.” The stage lights had indeed brightened, which was perhaps a blessing, as the audience

was merely a pattern of round silhouettes. When I made my entrance I could not make out a single face in the crowd. Acknowledging Tony, I moved down the steps and toward the front of the stage to share my important news update with the audience, my lines tucked into the July issue of Uptown Magazine held high toward the crowd for a shameless company plug. I read them slowly, as instructed, and sure enough the built-in jokes about Lindsay Lohan and Humpy Wheeler drew laughs. Looking back, I’m thankful to Cubby that I wasn’t placed in the line of fire with any of the show’s political jokes. While I read, making sure to project my voice and look up from the page periodically, I could sense motion on stage to my left as the actors, cued by certain lines in my script, reacted timely to yield even greater audience applause. In a blur, my moment in the bright lights was over, and I was walking back through the front door and out of the salon. By all accounts it was a success, although folks who know me said I seemed a bit nervous. They were right, but in the end I had read the part and hadn’t screwed up the play. The beauty of “Shear Madness,” though, is that I couldn’t have screwed up the play. The time-tested improvisational comedic template would have allowed the group of veteran actors to quickly turn any flub of mine into even more laughter for the audience. In fact the audience probably wouldn’t even have noticed the mistake. Best of all, this talented cast has added one more enthusiastic fan to their legion of millions—and convinced a creature of habit to branch out, ditch the Dolby 7.1 and special effects of the big screen every now and then, and come back again to experience the centuriesold art of comedy and drama performed live on stage. My short stint on stage may have been a onetime deal, but that’s okay. At “Shear Madness,” you don’t need to be onstage to get in on the action—a seat in the back row will work just fine. U You can reach Matt at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

Cash for Clunkers is new to the United Sates of America, but in fact this program has been going on in some fashion for quite awhile in Europe. The idea is that the government subsidizes your purchase of a new vehicle by giving you thousands for your old piece of junk! Sounds great! Here are the specifics you should be aware of to qualify: u Your old vehicle must get less than 18 miles per gallon. u Your old vehicle has to have been manufactured in the last 25 model years—that’s 1985 or later. u Businesses are not eligible under the law. u Your old vehicle must have been insured for the previous twelve months. u Customers are entitled to one certificate per transaction. u Cash back for your clunker depends on the both the vehicle being turned in and the vehicle being purchased—either $3500 or $4500. Check out www.fueleconomy.gov to calculate your award. u If your vehicle is worth more than $3500, you may want to trade it in for a tax credit. You will not receive the tax credit by getting the Clunker certificate credit. u This offer applies only to new vehicle purchases and is not retroactivate. u The official government name for cash for clunkers is the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 or “C.A.R.S.,” for short. Of course! We here at Town and Country Toyota have a website to help you navigate the laws, at www.cashforclunkers.com. The automobile industry needs a jumpstart (no pun intended) and conservationists love this offer because it raises gas mileage and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Toyota was a big winner with the hybrid vehicle tax credit and is poised to help you again. Let’s all hope it works again for all motorists and manufacturers. Be safe out there!

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Monday morning brought rain. And plenty of it. The trees seem greener than usual. Their limbs sag with the weight of the summer rain. But inside his wood-paneled living room, in a soft leather easy chair, Dolphus Ramseur couldn’t be more comfortable. And he’s got good reason to kick his sock-clad feet up. Ramseur Records, the label that bears his surname, has bucked all expectations and its flagship band, The Avett Brothers, has grown under Ramseur’s guidance to become one of the most talked-about bands in the country.

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But even as Concord’s favorite sons graduate to the big leagues—their Rick Rubin-produced major label debut, I And Love And You, arrives in September via Columbia Records—Ramseur and his label aren’t slowing down. For one thing, Ramseur maintains his title as The Avetts’ manager. And for another, Ramseur Records—despite some recent band-related setbacks—is thriving, against all odds, and against the riptide of failure in the record

industry. The Everybodyfields, a Tennessee country band whose 2007 album, Everything Is Okay, was released, by Ramseur, to strong acclaim, broke up. But its front man Sam Quinn soldiers on, fronting his new band, Japan Ten. The young Durham-based Bombadil is saddled with core member Daniel Michalek’s inability to play and tour due to a serious nerve condition in his hands—but that didn’t stop the quartet from releasing its second, and by miles its best, record, Tarpits and Canyonlands, earlier this year. But then there’s Samantha Crain, a 22-year-old songwriter from Oklahoma who has been making waves on the strength of her stellar debut, Songs In The Night. Sharing a leg of a recent Avett Brothers tour, says Ramseur, Crain averaged 40 CDs sold per night. Match this with strong reviews from The Washington Post, The New York Times, Paste, and even Rolling Stone, and a stint on last year’s Hotel Café Tour alongside Rachael Yamagata, Ingrid Michaelson, and others. But though her sound is more in line

with Neil Young’s casual, spacey country-rock than the Avett Brothers’ bluegrass-grungeand-soul mélange, Crain’s ascendancy owes to the same guiding principle Dolph Ramseur applied to the Avetts when they were still playing a bookstore in Concord—”one fan at a time.” The phrase has practically become a tagline for Ramseur Records. And as the rain clears, so does my understanding of how Ramseur’s “one fan at a time” philosophy came to be, and why it’s been so successful. On the deck, behind a pair of glass doors, Lilly, the Ramseur family’s Argentine dogo—a sweetheart of a dog you might mistake for a polar bear if this wasn’t the North Carolina summer—is ambling back and forth hoping for some attention. Inside, Dolph Ramseur, a husband and father of two boys, is leaning back in that leather chair, a late-model MacBook on his lap. This is the day-to-day operation of Ramseur Records, an independent label that, in the past two years, has landed two albums (the Avett Brothers’ Emotionalism and The Second Gleam) in the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart; a label whose flagship artist

avett brothers mid-flight

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sold out a 7,000-capacity amphitheatre in Cary, N.C., last summer, even when stars like Ben Folds couldn’t. The label’s “warehouse” is a spare room off of the kitchen – the kitchen where empty glass bottles of Sun-Drop cast emerald shadows next to the sink. And its corporate office is an easy chair, a cordless telephone, and a laptop. “People would be shocked if they knew how little money we spent on this,” Ramseur says. He’s probably right. Emotionalism has sold more than 67,000 copies since its release in 2007, and The Second Gleam, which peaked at No. 82 on the Billboard chart, has sold 35,000 copies. For a new artist signed to a major label, it’s not unheard of for an $80,000 promotional budget to result in 4,000 albums sold. Ramseur’s promotional budget for The Second Gleam: $3,500. “Some of the world’s greatest art is made with no money,” says Ramseur. He should know. He’s estimated the first record Ramseur released, a collection of field recordings done with British singer-songwriter Martin Stephenson and several North Carolinian old-time folk artists, cost about $150. And even as his bands’ ambitions and fan-bases have grown, Ramseur still operates on a budget. It’s a trait Ramseur learned from Stephenson, and from his fascination with the British post-punk movement of the 80s. Bands like Joy Division, Echo and the

Bunnymen, and Orange Juice built their legacies from records released by tiny, shoestring labels with names like Factory Records and Kitchenware Records. As a teenager, Ramseur was enthralled with the music coming from the UK, and the bold artistic statements that seemed to solidify his favorite bands’ identities. He discovered this music listening to “Flipsides,” a college rock program that aired each night on Davidson College’s student radio station. “I would go to sleep to it every night,” he says. But, he adds, “as much as I was eaten up by post-punk music, I was eaten up by folk music and Piedmont blues.” Years later, Ramseur’s lifelong love of folk and old-time song craft, the work ethic of British post-punk and of his own blue-collar upbringing would form the common-sense philosophy that guides Ramseur Records. “One fan at a time. Get out there, work hard, tour hard and stay true to your art.” Ramseur was born and raised in Concord. He remembers when the town was dominated by textile mills, and his high school classmates living in mill-homes. Both his grandfathers worked in the mills for more than 50 years. He found his escape in music, and in tennis. “Tennis was a way to get out,” he says, “to see what else was out there in the world.” He was fortunate enough to practice with the coaches at Davidson, which set him up for a scholarship at Michigan’s Ferris State University. He graduated with a degree in professional tennis management, and embarked on a career as a tennis pro, teaching lessons at country clubs around the U.S. But music was never far from his thoughts. Wherever he worked, he says, “I’d always find the key record stores around.” He’d returned to North Carolina when he began correspondence with Stephenson, one of his musical heroes. They began a friendship based on mutual love of the folk and blues of the Piedmont region. It wasn’t long before Ramseur was taking notes from Stephenson’s career, and putting them to use, first with that $150 Stephenson album, then with an album from Mt. Holly-based roots-rocker David Childers.

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“I consider North Carolina the center of the universe when it comes to music,” Ramseur says. He cites not only the folk, blues, and country legends sprouted from the state’s red clay soil, but also the deep-running histories of jazz (John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk both were born here), funk (George Clinton is from Kannapolis and James Brown recorded “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” in Charlotte), and rock music. “I really think the Avett Brothers are putting another piece in that puzzle,” he says. “A big piece.” And to think, Ramseur might’ve missed it. When his mother mentioned a young bluegrass band from Concord she’d read about, called The Avett Brothers, Ramseur dismissed it. “I’m not a big bluegrass fan,” he says. “I mean, I can listen to it. It just doesn’t really float my boat.” But when he heard the band’s name again, and heard about its intense, unhinged live shows and its ability to connect with fans, Ramseur made the fateful decision to see the scrappy young trio at a bar in the University area. Not long after, Ramseur changed his tune: “I want everybody in the world to hear

‘em.” Five full-length albums, two EPs, and thousands of road miles later, that same scrappy trio (now quartet) is filling thousands of seats in cities nationwide, and Ramseur Records is enjoying a higher profile in the music industry. But it didn’t come without work. Ramseur remembers early on, playing the same small towns again and again, building the empire one fan at a time. It’s a trait he learned from Stephenson, who in his heyday would sell more concert tickets than whoever was on the top of the pops. He had built loyalty, and hence, longevity. Ramseur hopes his acts would do likewise. “It just takes time,” he says. “You gotta touch every rung on the ladder.” The approach seems, perhaps, too logical. What about hits? What about the next big thing? “We just do our own thing, and I just stay out of the ‘being cool’ thing.” Instead of aiming for bands with new and novel sounds, Ramseur steers toward bands with a solid, unique presentation, and—most importantly—actual songs. “It’s all song-based, and that’s what I’m really into has just always been songs.”

That commodity is in no short supply in the Ramseur Records catalog. From the Avetts’ warm, honest odes to love, family, and home, to the seriousness underlying Bombadil’s whimsy and sonic kaleidoscope, to Sam Quinn’s shuffling heartbreak, and to Samantha Crain’s soulful narratives, the constant is a very real soulfulness and artistic vision. “Whether it sells one copy or a million, at the end of the day it’s a great work of art,” Ramseur says. He speaks often in future tense, of Samantha Crain fans 20 years from now, of hearing The Avett Brothers in 50 years. And it’s that long-term vision that has, perhaps, been the label’s most vital element. This isn’t music for now, it’s music forever. It’s not disposable. Or at least its creators would hope so. It’s actually quite telling when Ramseur says, of his label’s ascendance, “It’s been a slow, steady balloon ride, not a rocket ship.” He’s not in it for the boom-and-bust, the onehit-wonders or the crash landings. He’s taking his time, putting in the work, and enjoying the journey. U

Reach Bryan at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

samantha crain

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sweater: friendly neighbor | the flock $38 shirt: classic | the flock $34

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shirt: rebel | the flock $28 58

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shirt: tree hugger | the flock $32

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scarf: companion | the flock $17 shirt: original | the flock $26 60

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Dining and Nightlife Guide AMERICAN Alexander Michael’s – $ 401 W. 9th St. 704.332.6789 Brevard Court Sundries – $ 145 Brevard Court 704.342.4700 Camilles – $ 1518 E. 3rd St. 704.342.4606 Cans – $ 500 W. 5th St. 704.940.0200 Cedar Street Tavern – $ 120 N. Cedar St. 704.333.3448 Champions – $ 100 W. Trade St. - Marriott Hotel 704.333.9000 Comet Grill – $ 2224 Park Rd. 704.371.4300 Cosmos Cafe – $ 300 N. College St. 704.372.3553 Dogwood Cafe – $ 138 Brevard Court 704.376.8353 East Boulevard Grill – $ 1601 East Blvd. 704.332.2414 Ember Grille – $$$ 601 S. College St. WestinHotel 704.335.2064 Fenwick’s – $ 511 Providence Rd. 704.333.2750 Fox and Hound – $ 330 N. Tryon St. 704.333.4113 French Quarter – $ 321 S. Church St. 704.377.7415 John’s Country Kitchen – $ 1518 Central Ave. 704.333.9551 Nix – $ 201 N. Tryon St. 704.347.2739 Pike’s Soda Shop – $ 1930 Camden Rd. 704.372.0097 Presto Bar and Grill – $ 445 W. Trade St. 704.334.7088 Providence Café – $ $ 829 Providence R d. 704.376.2008 Providence Road Sundries – $ 1522 Providence Rd. 704.366.4467 Rock Bottom – $ 401 N. Tryon St. 704.334.2739 Selwyn Pub – $ 2801 Selwyn Ave. 704.333.3443 Simmons Fourth Ward Restaurant – $ 516 N. Graham St. 704.334.6640 Something Classic Café – $ 715 Providence Rd. 704.347.3666 South 21 – $ 3101 E. Independence Blvd. 704.377.4509 Southend Brewery – $$ 2100 South Blvd. 704.358.4677 Stool Pigeons – $ 214 N. Church St. 704.358.3788 The Gin Mill South End – $ 1411 S. Tryon St. 704.373.0782 The Graduate – $ 123 W. Trade St. 704.358.3024 The Penguin – $ 1921 Commonwealth Ave. 704.375.6959 The Philosopher’s Stone – $ 1958 E. Seventh St. 704.350.1331 The Pub – $ 710 West Trade St. 704.333.9818 Thomas Street Tavern – $ 1218 Thomas Ave. 704.376.1622 Tic Toc Coffeeshop – $ 512 N. Tryon St. 704.375.5750 Union Grille – $ 222 E 3rd St. – Hilton Towers 704.331.4360 Vinnie’s Sardine – $ 1714 South Blvd. 704-332-0006 Zack’s Hamburgers – $ 4009 South Blvd. 704.525.1720

AMERICAN MODERN 131 Main – $$ 1315 East Blvd. 300 East – $$ 300 East Blvd.

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Bentley’s on 27 – $$$ 201 S. College St. Fl. 27 704.343.9201 (Charlotte Plaza Building) Bonterra Restaurant – $$$ 1829 Cleveland Ave. 704.333.9463 Carpe Diem – $$$ 1535 Elizabeth Ave. 704.377.7976 City Tavern – $$ 1514 East Blvd. 704.343.2489 City Tavern – $$ 214 N. Tryon St. 704.334.6688 Custom Shop – $$$ 1601 Elizabeth Ave. 704.333.3396 Fig Tree – $$$ 1601 E. Seventh St. 704.332.3322 Harry & Jeans 201 S. Tryon St. 704.333.4300 Lulu – $$ 1911 Central Ave. 704.376.2242 McNinch House – $$$ 511 N. Church St. 704.332.6159 Mimosa Grill – $$ 301 S. Tryon St. 704.343.0700 Monticello – $$ 235 N. Tryon St. – Dunhill Hotel 704.342.1193 Pewter Rose Bistro – $$ 1820 South Blvd. 704.332.8149 Ratcliffe on the Green – $$ 435 S. Tryon St. 704.358.9898 Taverna 100 – $$$ 100 N. Tryon St. – Founder’s Hall 704.344.0515 Zown Restaurant – $$ 710 W. Trade St. 704.379.7555 Zink – $$ 201 N. Tryon St. 704.444.9001

ASIAN 88 China Bistro – $ 1620 E. 4th St. 704.335.0288 Basil Thai – $ 210 N. Church St. 704.332.7212 China King – $ 128 Brevard Ct. 704.334-7770 China Queen Buffet – $ 127 N. Tryon St. Ste 3 704.377.1928 China Saute – $ 2214 Park Rd 704.333.1116 Creation – $ 1221-A The Plaza 704.372.2561 Cuisine Malaya – $ 1411 Elizabeth Ave. 704.372.0766 Dim Sum – $ 2920 Central Ave. 704.569.1128 Eggroll King – $ 8907 Steelechase Dr. 704.372.6401 Emperor Chinese – $ 337 S. Kings Dr. 704.333.2688 Fortune Cookie – $ 208 East Independence Blvd. 704.377.1388 Fujiyama – $ 320 S. Tryon St. 704.334.5158 Fuse Box – $ 227 W. Trade St. 704.376.8885 Ginbu 401 – $ 401 Providence Rd. 704.372.2288 Great Wok – $ 718 W Trade St. Ste M 704.333.0080 Ho Ho China Bistro – $ 1742 Lombardy Cir. 704.376.0807 Hong Kong – $ 1713 Central Ave. 704.376.6818 Koko – $ 6609 Elfreda Rd. 704.338.6869 Monsoon Thai Cuisine – $ 2801 South Blvd. 704.523.6778 Orient Express – $ 3200 N Graham St. 704.332.6255 Pho An Hoa – $ 4832 Central Ave. 704.537.2595 Pho Hoa – $ 3000 Central Ave. 704.536.7110 SOHO Bistro – $ 214 N Tryon St. 704.333.5189

Thai Taste – $ 324 East Blvd. 704.332.0001 Taipei Express – $ 731 Providence Rd. 704.334.2288 Tin Tin Box & Noodles – $ 101 N. Tryon St. 704.377.3223 Zen Asian Fusion – $ 1716 Kenilworth Ave. 704.358.9688

BAKERY Cloud 9 Confections – $ 201 S. College St. Suite 270 Great Harvest Bread – $ 901 S. Kings Dr. Marguerite’s Bakery – $ 2424 N. Davidson St. Nova’s Bakery – $ 1511 Central Ave. Panera Bread – $ 601 Providence Rd.

704.334.7554 704.333.0431 704.675.5756 704.333.5566 704.374.0581

BARBEQUE Art’s Barbecue – $ 900 E. Morehead St. 704.334.9424 Jolina Tex Mex & BBQ – $ 500 S. College St. 704.375.0994 Mac’s Speed Shop – $ 2511 South Blvd. 704.522.6227 Rib Palace – $ 1300 Central Ave. 704.333.8841

Dilworth Coffee – $ 1235 East Blvd # B, 704.358.8003 330 S Tryon St, 704.334.4575 Dilworth Playhouse Cafe – $ 1427 South Blvd. 704.632.0336 Einstein Brothers – $ $ - 201 S. Tryon St. 704.332.4015 Einstein Brothers – $ 1501 South Blvd. 704.333.4370 Java Passage – $ 101 W. Worthington 704.277.6558 Jump N Joe’s Java Joint – $ 105 E. Morehead St. 704.372.3217 La Tea Da’s – $ 1942 E. 7th St. 704.372.9599 Nova’s Bakery – $ 1511 Central Ave. 704.333.5566 PJ’s Coffee & Lounge - $ 210 E. Trade St. (Epicentre) 704.688.0366 Port City Java – $ 214 N. Tryon St. (Hearst) 704.335.3335 SK Netcafe – $ 1425 Elizabeth Ave. 704.334.1523 Starbucks – $ 545 Providence Rd. 704.372.1591 Starbucks – $ 101 S. Tryon St. 704.374.9519 Tic Toc Coffee shop – $ 704.375.5750 512 N. Tryon St.

DELI

Adams 7th Street Market – $ 401 Hawthorne Ln. 704.334.0001 Art’s Barbecue – $ 900 E. Morehead St. 704.334.9424 Art’s Barbecue – $ Common Market – $ 900 E. Morehead St. 704.334.9424 Coffee Cup – $ 2007 Commonwealth Ave. 704.334-6209 914 S. Clarkson St. 704.375.8855 Dikadee’s Deli – $ 1419 East Blvd. 704.333.3354 Einstein Brothers – $ Dogwood Cafe – $ 201 S. Tryon St. 704.332.4015 138 Brevard Court 704.376.8353 Einstein Brothers – $ 1501 South Blvd. 704.333.4370 Fresco Cafe & Deli – $ 704.376.5777 IHOP – $ 3642 Moultrie St. 2715 E. Independence Blvd. 704.334.9502 Grand Central Deli – $ 101 N. Tryon St. Monticello – $$ 704.348.7032 235 N. Tryon St. – Dunhill Hotel 704.342.1193 Great Harvest Bread Co. – $ Owen’s Bagel & Deli – $ 901 S. Kings Dr. 704.333.0431 2041 South Blvd. 704.333.5385 Groucho’s Deli – $ Tic Toc Coffeeshop – $ 201 N. Tryon St. 704.342.0030 512 N. Tryon St. 704.375.5750 Halfpenny’s – $ 30 Two First Union Ctr. 704.342.9697 BRITISH Jersey Mike’s Subs – $ 128 S. Tryon St. 704.343.0006 Big Ben’s Pub – $ Jersey Mike’s Subs – $ 1408 East Blvd. 704.295.9155 801 Providence R d. 704.334.6338 Jersey Mikes Subs – $ CAJUN & CREOLE 2001 E. 7th St. 704.375.1985 Jump N Joe’s Java Joint – $ Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen – $ 105 E. Morehead St. 704.372.3217 Laurel Market South – $ 501 E. 36th St. 704.331.9898 1515 South Blvd. 704.334.2185 Cajun Queen – $$ Leo’s Delicatessen – $ 1800 E 7th St. 704.377.9017 1421 Elizabeth Ave. 704.375.2400 C A R I B B E A N Li’l Dino – $ 401 S. Tryon St. 704.342.0560 Matt’s Chicago Dog – $ Anntony’s Caribbean Cafe – $ 425 S. Tryon St. 704.333.3650 2001 E. 7th St. 704.342.0749 Owen’s Bagel & Deli – $ Austin’s Caribbean Cuisine – $ 2041 South Blvd. 704.333.5385 345 S. Kings Dr. 704.331.8778 Philadelphia Deli – $ CHINESE 1025 S. Kings Dr. 704.333.4489 Phil’s Tavern – $ 105 E. Fifth St. 704.347.0035 88 China Bistro – $ Rainbow Café – $ 1620 E. 4th St. 704.335.0288 400 South Tryon 704.332.8918 Vanloi Chinese Barbecue – $ Reid’s – $ 3101 Central Ave. 704.566.8808 225 E. 7th St. 704.377.1312 Wok Express – $ Ri-Ra Irish Pub – $ 601 S. Kings Dr. 704.375.1122 208 N. Tryon St 704.333.5554 Salvador Deli – $ COFFEE SHOPS N. Davidson St. 704.334.2344 Sammy’suptown Deli – $ Caribou Coffee – $ www.uptownclt.com 63 1113 Pecan Ave. 704.376.1956 100 N. Tryon St. 704.372.5507

BREAKFAST

7/28/2009 5:05:14 PM

Dining and Nightlife Guide Sandwich Club – $ 525 N. Tryon St. Sandwich Club – $ 435 S. Tryon St. Substation II - $ 1601 South Blvd 1941 E. 7th St.

704.334.0133 704.344.1975 704-332-3100 704-358-8100

DESSERT Crave the Dessert Bar – $ 501 W. 5th St. 704.277.9993 Dairy Queen – $ 1431 Central Ave. 704.377.4294 Dolce Ristorante – $$ 1710 Kenilworth Ave. 704.332.7525 Luce Ristorante – $$ 214 N. Tryon St. – Hearst Plaza 704.344.9222 Monticello – $$ 235 N. Tryon St.– Dunhill Hotel 704.342.1193

ECLECTIC The Melting Pot – $$$ 901 S. Kings Dr. Stuite 140-B 704.548.2431 Therapy Cafe – $ 401 N. Tryon St. 704.333.1353 The Fig Tree – $$ 1601 E. 7th St. 704.332.3322

FRENCH Terra – $$ 545-B Providence Rd.

704.332.1886

GREEK Greek Isles – $$ 200 E. Bland St. Little Village Grill – $ 710-G W. Trade St. Showmars – $ 214 N. Tryon St.

704.444.9000 704.347.2184 704.333.5833

INDIAN Copper – $$ 311 East Blvd. Maharani – $ 901 S. Kings Dr. Suruchi’s – $ 129 W. Trade St.

704.333.0063 704.370.2824 704.372.7333

Carrabba’s Italian Grill – $$ 1520 South Blvd. 704.377.2458 Coco Osteria – $$  214 N. Tryon St.–Hearst Plaza 704.344.8878 Dolce Ristorante – $$ 1710 Kenilworth Ave. 704.332.7525 Fig Tree – $$$ 1601 E. 7th St. 704.332.3322 Frankie’s Italian Grille – $$ 800 E. Morehead St. 704.358.8004 Hawthorne’s NY Pizza – $ 1701 E. 7th St. 704.358.9339 Intermezzo Pizzeria & Café – $ 1427 E. 10th St. 704.347.2626 Little Italy – $ 2221 Central Ave. 704.375.1625

August 09.indd 64

L AT I N Cloud 9 Confections – $ 201 S. College St. 704.334.7554 Latorre’s – $$ 118 W. 5th St. 704.377.4448 Coffee Cup – $ 914 S. Clarkson St. 704.375.8855

M E AT & T H R E E Dish – $ 1220 Thomas Ave. 704.344.0343 Mert’s Heart & Soul – $ 214 N. College St. 704.342.4222 Blue – $$$ 214 N. Tryon St. 704.927.2583 Intermezzo Pizzeria & Café – $ 1427 E. 10th Street 704.347.2626

MEXICAN

I TA L I A N

64

Luce Ristorante & Bar – $$$ 214 N. Tryon St. – Hearst Plaza 704.344.9222 Mama Ricotta’s – $$ 601 S. Kings Dr. 704.343.0148 Open Kitchen – $ 1318 W. Morehead St. 704.375.7449 Pasta & Provisions – $ 1528 Providence Rd. 704.364.2622 Portofino’s Italian – $$ 3124 Eastway Dr. 704.568.7933 Primo Ristorante – $$ 116 Middleton Dr. 704.334.3346 Cafe Siena – $$ 230 N. College St. 704.602.2750 Salute Ristorante – $$ 613 Providence Rd 704.342.9767 Terra – $$ 545-B Providence Rd. 704.332.1886 Villa Francesca 321 Caldwell St. 704.333.7447 Volare – $$ 1523 Elizabeth Ave. 704.370.0208 Zio Authentic Italian – $$ 116 Middleton Dr. 704.344.0100

uptown

Cabo Fish Taco – $ 3201 N. Davidson St. Johnny Burrito – $ 301 S. Tryon St. La Paz – $$ 1910 South Blvd. Phat Burrito – $ 1537 Camden Rd. Salsarita’s – $ 101 S. Tryon St. Taqueria La Unica – $ 2801 Central Ave.

704.332.8868 704.371.4448 704.372.4168 704.332.7428 704.342.0950 704.347.5115

MIDDLE EASTERN Kabob Grill – $ 1235-B East Blvd.

704.371.8984

OUTDOOR DINING Big Ben’s Pub – $$ 801 Providence Rd. Cans Bar – $ 500 W. 5th St.

704.334.6338 704.940.0200

East Boulevard Grill – $ 1601 East Blvd. 704.332.2414 Ember Grille – $$$ 601 S. College St. - Westin Hotel 704.335.2064 Ri-Ra Irish Pub – $ 208 N. Tryon St 704.333.5554 Sullivan’s – $$$ 1928 South Blvd. 704.335.8228 The Corner Pub – $ 335 N. Graham St. 704.376.2720

PIZZA Brixx – $ 225 East 6th St. 704.347.2749 Donato’s Pizza - $ 718-A West Trade St 704.714.4743 Domino’s Pizza – $ 343 S. Kings Dr. 704.331.9847 Fuel Pizza – $ 214 N. Tryon St. 704.350.1680 Fuel Pizza – $ 1501 Central Ave. 704.376.3835 Hawthorne’s NY 1701 E. 7th St. 704.358.9339 Latta Pizza – $ 320 S. Tryon St. 704.333.4015 Papa John’s Pizza – $ 1620 E. 4th St. 704.375.7272 Picasso’s – $ 214 N. Church St. 704.331.0133 Pie Town – $$ 710 W. Trade St. 704.379.7555 Pizza Hut – $ 901 S. Kings Dr. 704.377.7006 Rudino’s Pizza & Grinders – $ 2000 South Blvd. - Atherton Mill 704.333.3124 UNO Chicago Grill – $ 401 S. Tryon St. 704.373.0085 Villa Francesca 321 Caldwell St. 704.333.7447 Zio Authentic Italian – $ 116 Middleton Dr. 704.344.0100

QUICK BITES Bojangles’ – $ 310 E Trade St. 704.335.1804 Boston Market – $ 829 Providence Rd. 704.344.0016 Burger King – $ 310 E. Trade St. 704.334.3312 Chick-fil-A – $ 101 S. Tryon St. 704.344.0222 Chicks Restaurant – $ 320 S. Tryon St. – Latta Arcade 704.358.8212 Church’s – $ 1735 W. Trade St. 704.332.2438 Dairy Queen – $ 1431 Central Ave. 704.377.4294 Domino’s Pizza – $ 343 S. Kings Dr. 704.331.9847 Fuel Pizza – $ 214 N. Tryon St. 704.350.1680 Fuel Pizza – $ 1501 Central Ave. 704.376.3835 Green’s Lunch – $ 309 W. 4th St. 704.332.1786 Mr. K’s – $ 2107 South Blvd. 704.375.4318 Papa John’s Pizza – $ 1620 E. 4th St 704.375.7272

Pasta & Provisions – $ 1528 Providence Rd. 704.364.2622 Pita Pit – $ 214 N. Tryon St. 704.333.5856 Quiznos Sub – $ 127 N. Tryon St. 704.374.9921 Quizno’s – $ 320 S. Tryon St. – Latta Arcade 704.372.8922 Roly Poly Sandwiches – $ 317 S. Church St. 704.332.6375 Sbarro – $ 101 S. Tryon St. 704.332.5005 Simply Subs – $ 212 S. Tryon St. 704.333.0503 Smoothie King – $ Epicentre - 210 Trade St. 704.979.6911 Smoothie King – $ One Wachovia Center 704.374.0200 Spoons – $ 415 Hawthorne Ln. 704.376.0874 Woody’s Chicago Style – $ 320 S. Tryon St. - Latta Arcade 704.334.0010 Zack’s Hamburgers – $ 4009 South Blvd. 704.525.1720

S E A F O O D Aquavina – $$$ 435 S. Tryon St. 704.377.9911 Cabo Fish Taco – $ 3201 N. Davidson St. 704.332.8868 Capital Grille – $$$ 201 N. Tryon St. 704.348.1400 Fig Tree –$$$ 1601 E. Seventh St. 704.332.3322 GW Fins – $$ 525 N. Tryon S 704.716.3467 LaVecchia’s – $$$ 225 E. 6th St. 704.370.6776 McCormick & Schmick’s – $$$ 200 South Tryon St. 704.377.0201 McIntosh’s – $$$ 1812 South Blvd. 704.342.1088 Outback Steakhouse – $$ 1412 East Blvd. 704.333.2602

SOUTHERN & SOUL Lupie’s Cafe – $ 2718 Monroe Rd. 704.374.1232 Mert’s Heart and Soul – $ 214 N. College St 704.342.4222 Price’s Chicken Coop – $ 1614 Camden Rd. 704.333.9866 Savannah Red – $$ 100 W. Trade St. 704.333.9000 Marriott City Center

S P A N I S H Arpa Tapas – $$$ 121 W. Trade St. 704.372.7792 Sole Spanish Grille – $$$ 1608 East blvd.. 704.343.9890

S T E A K H O U S E Beef & Bottle – $$$ 4538 South Blvd. Capital Grille – $$$ 201 N. Tryon St.

704.523.9977 704.348.1400

www.uptownclt.com

7/28/2009 5:05:15 PM

Dining and Nightlife Guide

704.372.3553 704.954.0087 704.372.7757 704.370.0100 704.333.8118 704.374.0008

T A P A S Arpa Tapas – $$$ 121 W. Trade St. Cosmos Cafe – $$ 300 N. College St. Town Restaurant – $$ 710 W Trade St.

704.372.7792 704.372.3553 704.379.7555

V E G E T A R I A N Dish – $ 704.344.0343 1220 Thomas Ave. Something Classic Café – $ 715 Providence Rd. 704.347.3666

V I E T N A M E S E Pho An Hoa – $ 4832 Central Ave.

704.537.2595

B A R S Amos SouthEnd – $ 1423 S. Tryon St. 704.377.6874 Apostrophe Lounge – $$ 1400 S. Tryon St. 704.371.7079 BAR Charlotte – $ 300 N. College St. 704.342.2557 Big Ben’s Pub – $$ 801 Providence Rd. 704.334.6338 Brick & Barrel – $ 200 N. Tryon St. 704.370.2808 Buckhead Saloon – $ 201 E. 5th St. 704.370.0687 Cans Bar – $ 500 W. 5th St. 704.940.0200 Cedar Street Tavern – $ 120 N. Cedar St. 704.333.3448 Connolly’s on 5th – $ 115 E. 5th St. 704.358.9070 Cosmos – $$ 300 N. College St. 704.375.8765 Coyote Ugly – $ 521 N. College St. 704.347.6869 Crave the Dessert Bar – $ 501 W. 5th St. 704.277.9993 Crush – $ 300 E. Stonewall St. 704.377.1010

August 09.indd 65

CATERING by OVEN BAKED SUBS

Cosmos Cafe – $$ 300 N. College St. Fujo Uptown Bistro – $$ 301 S. College St KO Sushi – $$ 230 S. Tryon St. Nikko – $$ 1300-F South Blvd. Restaurant i – $$ 1524 East Blvd. Ru-San’s Sushi – $$ 2440 Park Rd.

Serving the best since 1963.

FRESH, CRISP SALADS

S U S H I

Dilworth Bar & Grille 911 E. Morehead St. 704.377.3808 Dilworth Billiards 300 E. Tremont Ave. 704.333.3021 Dixie’s Tavern 301 E. 7th St. 704.374.1700 DoubleDoor Inn 218 E. Independence Blvd. 704.376.1446 Ed’s Tavern 2200 Park Rd. 704.335.0033 Evening Muse 3227 N. Davidson St. 704.376.3737 Fox and Hound – $ 330 N. Tryon St. 704.333.4113 The Graduate – $ 1308 E. The Plaza 704.332.8566 Grand Central Deli – $ 101 N. Tryon St. 704.348.7032 Hartigans Pub – $ 601 S. Ceder St. 704.347.1841 Hawthorne’s NY Pizza – $ 1701 E. 7th St. 704.358.9339 Howl at the Moon – $ 210 E. Trade St. 704.936.4695 Jillian’s SouthEnd – $ 300 E. Bland Street 704.376.4386 Loft 1523 – $$ 1523 Elizabeth Ave. 704.333.5898 Madison’s – $$ 115 Fifth St. 704.299.0580 Morehead Tavern – $ 300 East Morehead St. 704.334.2655 Phil’s Tavern – $ 105 E. Fifth St. 704.347.0035 Picasso’s – $ 214 N. Church St. 704.331.0133 PJ’s Coffee & Lounge - $ 210 E. Trade St. (Epicentre) 704.688.0366 Pravda – $$ 300 N. College St. 704.375.8765 Presto Bar and Grill – $ 445 W. Trade St. 704.334.7088 Ri-Ra Irish Pub – $ 208 N. Tryon St 704.333.5554 Selwyn Pub – $ 2801 Selwyn Ave. 704.333.3443 Stool Pigeons – $ 214 N. Church St. 704.358.3788 Suite – $ 210 E. Trade St. 704.999.7934 The Attic – $ 200 N. Tryon St. 704.358.4244 The Corner Pub – $ 335 N. Graham St. 704.376.2720 The Forum – $$ 300 N. College St. 704.375.8765 The Gin Mill – $ 1411 S. Tryon St. 704.373.0782 The Penguin – $ 1921 Commonwealth Ave. 704.375.6959 The Pub – $ 710 West Trade St. 704.333.9818 Thomas Street Tavern – $ 1218 Thomas St. 704.376.1622 Tilt – $$ 127 W. Trade St. 704.347.4870 Tremont Music Hall – $ 400 W Tremont Ave. 704.343.9494 Tutto Mondo – $ 1820 South Blvd. 704.332.8149 Tyber Creek Pub – $ 1933 South Blvd. 704.343.2727 Vinnie’s Sardine – $ 1714 South Blvd. 704.332.0006 Visulite Theater – $ 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704.358.9250 Whiskey River – $ 210 E. Trade St. 704.749.1097

PARTY SIZES AVAILABLE

Award winning Edge To Edge® Pizzas

BIG & MEATY WINGS

LaVecchia’s – $$$ 225 E. 6th St. 704.370.6776 Longhorn Steakhouse – $$ 700 E. Morehead St. 704.332.2300 McIntosh’s – $$$ 1812 South Blvd. 704.342.1088 Morton’s – $$$ 227 W.Trade St.- Carillon bldg. 704.333.2602 Outback Steakhouse – $$ 1412 East Blvd. 704.333.2602 Ruth’s Chris – $$$ 222 S. Tryon St. 704.338.9444 Sullivan’s – $$$ 1928 South Blvd. 704.335.8228

UPTOWN 704-714-4743 718 W. Trade Street

DINE IN, CARRYOUT & DELIVERY • ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.DONATOS.COM

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www.uptownclt.com

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