Uptown Magazine: July 2009

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

june 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. 2 uptown www.uptownclt.com

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Enjoy South Park Living! Townhomes From The $180’s.

ToUr 6 decoraTed Model hoMes, open daily! • 1,747 to 4,500 square feet • 1 or 2 car attached garage • 2 to 5 bedrooms and 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 baths with owner’s bedroom up or down • Bonus room, loft & rec rooms available •Gated entrance with clubhouse, fitness center & Jr. olympic pool •1 mile from South Park mall and Lynx light rail station

parksouthstationUM.com

704-643-7112 Directions: I-77 to Exit 5/Tyvola Rd. Go East 2.6 mi. toward SouthPark 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. Prices and offers subject to change without notice. See a sales representative forwww.uptownclt.com details.

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Welcoming Families Home 3 uptown For Over 60 Years

6/23/2009 11:12:28 AM

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may.08 www.uptownclt.com

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all the pleasure half the price

HALF PRICE GIFT CERTIFICATES AT HALFVILLE.COM 6

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CALL FOR MORE INFO 704.944.0554

6/23/2009 11:13:34 AM

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6/23/2009 11:13:35 AM

ONLY ONE DEALER HAS SERVED MAZDA CUSTOMERS FOR OVER 27 YEARS IN CHARLOTTE.

MONTGOMERY MAZDA DELIVERS!

WE WELCOME ALL CUSTOMERS IN CHARLOTTE, CONCORD, LAKE NORMAN AND ROCK HILL AREAS TO OUR MAZDA FAMILY!!!

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Supplies Limited... Call to Reserve Car & Color Dealer retains all rebates, incentives + discounts special offers cannot be combine w/ advertised price. Prices plus tax, tag and 499 processing fee pictures for illustrative purposes only. In stock units only must qualify for loyalty program for MAZDA 6 offer only. See dealer for details.

6735 E Independence Blvd. sale Hours: monday-Friday 9am-9pm Saturday 9am-6pm • Closed Sunday

704.563.1510

oNLY mINUTes FRom UPTowN! .

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6/23/2009 11:13:43 AM

sold in less than 3 weeks! 720 E. 10th street $524,000

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RESULTS COUNT! call me today so I can help you too Visit me at 218 North College Street www.uptownclt.com 9 uptown iselluptown.com 704.608.0964

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6/23/2009 11:13:49 AM

the seen

pictures: fenix fotography

trying on everything was half the fun

It was a night of skirts, shoes, and wine at Joey Hewell’s J-Studio open house. All the pretty ladies turned out for the great deals and fantastic fashion direct from the Left Coast. Joey’s selections did not disappoint, and most of the racks were bare by the time the last drop of wine was poured.

jordana harmon

joey hewell, brittney cason, brian kugler

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not everyone was interested in the fashion

6/23/2009 11:13:55 AM

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Foot Solutions Summer Shoe Spectacular-come see our array of colors and styles! Walk Away the Stress of Your Day!

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The finest offerings from our Uptown retailers

Foot Solutions 1235 East Boulevard 704.335.4070 Kenilworth Commons Shopping Center FootSolutions.com/Charlotte

Urban Pet Summer sizzling styles… everything you want for your furry friends: soft harnesses, doggy bags and leashes too! Grooming room now open! 4149 Park Road Park Road Shopping Center 704.644.7019 urbanpetcharlotte.com

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The Charlotte Antique Show With a new home at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center on Hwy 49 we’re now only 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte. Next show is August 28-30. Greater Charlotte Antique & Collectibles 4751 Hwy 49, Concord, NC 704.596.4643 charlotteantiqueshow.com

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Skatell’s Manufacturing Jewelers The lowest price on GIA and EGL certified diamonds--guaranteed! Come in today and see the best selection of designer and one of a kind jewelry pieces. Mention Uptown Magazine & receive an ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT! Skatell’s Manufacturing Jewelers 9433 Pineville Matthews Rd. 704.544.1118 Skatells.com

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Peak Fitness - Morehead Come see why Peak Fitness on Morehead is Uptown Charlotte’s most popular Health Club! All specials for this location only.

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Peak Fitness- Morehead 1001 Morehead Square Drive 704.332.4500

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Call us! 84,000 fans could be reading your advertisement right now.

Melissa Fazio Uptown Magazine 704.340.8130 [email protected]

Metropolitan Kitchen & Bath Zoli - Z2 Wall Mounted Vanity Lattice wood countertop with glass overlay--includes bowl, countertop, stainless support, and chrome hardware. Metropolitan Kitchen & Bath 1719 South Boulevard 704.334.2002 metropolitanbuilders.com

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www.uptownclt.com

6/23/2009 12:04:19 PM

cool down charlotte’s traveling aFter work party

ing now.

ath nity

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select fridays this summer. uptown cool down. start your weekends off right! Join your friends and fellow professionals Friday at 5 p.m., as Charlotte’s hottest bars and restaurants throw open their doors to offer up some of the most spectacular food and drink specials around. Celebrate what’s sure to be one cool summer! 5 p.M. on the 2nd and 4th Friday’s oF the Month starting in July

Cool Down sponsors:

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JULY 10TH, 5 p.m. Apostrophe Lounge south tryon street 704.371.7079 www.apostrophelounge.com

JULY 24TH, 5 p.m.

LAvecchiA’s 225 e 6th street 704.370.6776 www.uptownclt.com uptown www.lavecchias.com

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6/23/2009 11:14:04 AM

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*

uptown

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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A year and a half ago John Zoët was freezing his bollocks off in Modesto, California, trying to fall asleep in a Burlington Northern boxcar. Through grace and the generosity of good people, he now works in a kitchen, studies the culinary arts at Johnson & Wales, and sleeps in a warm bed. Torn between sanity and the life of a vagabond, he writes to quell the call of the road.

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.

Up-and-coming graphic designer Benjamin Gelnett contributes this month’s cover illustration. Along with poster exhibitions at the Art Institutes of Charlotte and Indianapolis, Ben was featured in Print Magazine’s Regional Design Annual this past December. When he’s not organizing, promoting, or participating in local art and music events, he enjoys camping with his wife Kara and all his friends.Visit smackhound.com

www.uptownclt.com

6/23/2009 11:14:07 AM

say more

with your smile!

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, reach him at [email protected]

CHELSEA COOLEY- Miss U.S.A. 2005 Dentistry by Dr. Shapiro

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.”

Edward I. Shapiro, DDS Dilworth • Myers Park • Uptown

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

704.632.9922 www.ShapiroSmiles.com www.uptownclt.com

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Photo Courtesy of Rosa Dest Interior Design

704.332.9848

www.uptownclt.com

6/23/2009 11:14:12 AM

uptown

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

A NEW VU OF LIFE IN PLAZA MIDWOOD Celina Marann Mincey is an emerging artist in many forms. She is the editor of Central Speak, a community magazine. As a singer/songwriter, she is beginning to perform locally while completing an album in the studio. Capturing people with a lens as well as with words, Celina is a freelance photographer and dabbles in oil painting. This month Celina strolls the streets of Uptown with Doug Smith.

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

• Modern Loft-Style Design • Storefront Windows • 10 – 16 Foot Ceilings

here for: the smell of ink on paper

• One and Two Bedroom Condos

interests: juxtaposition, transformation, mystery, clarity, the process of becoming, images, and design

• Priced from the $170s - $240s

contributions to this issue: table of contents website: littleshiva.com

• Walk to Eclectic Shops & Restaurants

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

Special Incentives No HOA dues for 2009 $2,000 Closing Cost

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

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Letter from the editor

Editor/Publisher Todd Trimakas Advertising Matt Kokenes 704.944.0551

Four years ago things were different. The Park condo tower was selling like cold beer on a hot night, George W. was happily ensconced in the White House, the Dow Jones was close to 14,000, Wachovia was a bank, and Uptown Magazine was but a twinkle in my eye. Fast forward to today: the landscape couldn’t be more different. No shit, right? The Park is a rotting hulk of a building, we’re down to one national bank headquartered in town, the most amazing change has taken hold in the White House, we “tweet” via Twitter, and post our lives online using Facebook. Plus, I’ve been lucky enough to see the printing of a full 48 issues of Uptown Magazine. Throughout this period Uptown has captured the top of the Center City, perhaps best exemplified by the time Donald Trump came to town promising a tower—a tower that never materialized. Look-

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ing back on those days, it’s amazing how much we fawned over him and his assemblage. Those were heady days, and everyone, myself and this magazine included, was caught up in the momentum. Hell, it was fun. In more recent times I also think we’ve also captured the bottom, with the Dow submarining below 8,000 and the government all but nationalizing the major banks and auto manufacturers. But just as the Donald paying a visit might have been Charlotte at the top, I think we’ve seen the bottom—and it’s behind us. The bank stimulus money is coming in, there are barely any U.S. automakers left for the government to take over, folks are slowly starting to buy houses again, and Friday nights in Uptown are a happening affair. Imagine where we will be for the next 48 issues of Uptown, who will run the city, which towers will be completed, what social media will spring up next, and what will be the topic of the day. One thing I know for sure is that we will be here enjoying the interesting days, capturing the character of the Center City, entertaining you, and gathering plenty of stories for the grandchildren. ~Todd Trimakas Publisher / Editor [email protected]

Executive Editor Andy Graves Contributing Editor Peter Reinhart (Food) Contributors Celina Mincey Chris Wooten Alessandra Salvatore Little Shiva Signal Studio John Zoët Bryan Reed Photography Ryan Sumner Todd Trimakas Sharan Downes Cover Benjamin Gelnett 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.

www.uptownclt.com

6/23/2009 3:07:36 PM

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www.uptownclt.com

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6/23/2009 11:14:21 AM

health

words: alessandra salvatore

Ahhhh, summer. How we have waited for this! To be sitting at the pool, soaking up the sun, having a mimosa – this is the life. Days become longer and clothes become shorter, even on men lately. I don’t know whether it’s a European trend or what, but I am seeing more and more Speedos these days, and “boy shorts” are actually being worn by boys. I scan the pool at my complex, taking in the scene, when suddenly – is that – cellulite? On a man? It can’t be. I look down at my drink. How strong is this stuff? I readjust my sight and look again to confirm what I had seen – OMG, men actually get cellulite? My first instinct is to rejoice, to stand up and do a victory dance, to point and scream and poke at it (sorry guys). I almost can’t help myself. I feel like I’ve just spotted Bigfoot, right here at our pool. We women have been battling cellulite every way we can, some of us ever-so-conscious of it that we drown ourselves in cocoa butter and try to sit in our office chairs for as little amounts of time as possible, to avoid “cottage cheese” butt. So yes, for a moment I was actually happy to find that men are not immune to this lovely trait. But, sigh, after careful thought and consideration, and much sympathy, I am here to help. Let’s face it boys, you care what you look like; some of you more than us ladies these days. “Metrosexual” is no longer a term reserved for that lone boy with spikey hair you see flexing in the mirror at the gym. Spa books are spilling with appointments from men, retail is pumping products and ads at you, and nail salons are enjoying a whole new clientele. It started out slowly: men would get their hair highlighted, then their brows waxed; then there was the slow introduction and acceptance of “guyliner,” “mandals,” and the “murse.” But, as with most things in life, with the good must come the bad. I now introduce to you: “maleulite”. According to Sharon Bell, health and fitness enthusiast and author, “For many years, men have not really been very concerned about how they look physically because they really do not wear very short shorts and expose their thighs and buttocks. Although women are more likely to have cellulite than men, the male gender is not spared from this annoying aesthetic problem.” Still don’t believe me? Anyone remember the infamous moment when Howard Stern flew over the crowd at the 1992 Video Music Awards in assless chaps as “Fartman”? Google that, barf, and then come talk to me. Now that you’ve got your head in the game, here are some things you could do to keep your maleulite in check: Take a walk. The more you sit in your office chair, the better your chances are of having your rear look like an orange peel. Get up and walk around, even if it’s only for a half an hour a day. Drink more water. Water is the best way to help keep your skin smooth. Period. Invest in a moisturizing body scrub. While this will not eliminate cellulite, it will help smooth your skin and make it much less noticeable. My favorite is St. Ives Smoothing In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polish in Mineral Therapy ($7, drugstores). Good luck with the battle, boys, and remember: We women love a man with dimples. On his face, that is. U You can reach Alessandra at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

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6/23/2009 11:14:24 AM

IT’S TIME TO

The Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium will feature an international field of 200 of the world’s best riders competing for over $75,000 in prize monies. Last year more than 35,000 spectators watched an elite field of riders from 23 countries, and this year’s crowd is expected to be even bigger!

F R E E FA M I LY F U N ! Saturday, August 8th Women race at 5:30 pm

| |

Trade / Tryon Men at7 pm

www.charlottecriterium.org

All proceeds benefit Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas.

www.charlottecriterium.org www.btfcnc.org

www.btfcnc.org

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6/23/2009 11:14:30 AM

home

Candle lovers, brace yourselves: I’ve hit the mother lode. I may have found the best smelling candles I have ever come across. This is a bold statement coming from someone like me, as I am completely obsessed with burning candles—so much so that the other night, when some friends were coming over, my husband had to tell me to leave some un-lit for fear that “they may think we are trying to seduce them.” But I can’t help it; something about the flicker of a candle just makes me feel instantly calm. I met Susan by chance. We got to talking and she told me about how she started experimenting making her own line of soy candles, which she named Classic Wicks, in her basement last year. “Great,” I thought, “How can I get out of hosting a candle party? My cat is allergic? I have to dye my hair? Think, think!” But before I could concoct a legitimate excuse, she pulled a few samples out of her bag. One sniff later and I was hooked: Susan has become my candle dealer. Even before taking a whiff, there’s a lot to love about them. They’re hand poured, and made from soy wax, which burns cleaner and is purportedly healthier to breathe than paraffin wax, which most candles are made from. An easy way to see the difference is to inspect the jar that your candle is in. Most times you will find heavy black soot around the rim of your candle jar. This is not the case with soy candles. A cleaner jar means cleaner air. Another pleasant surprise is how easily the soy wax could be cleaned from the container it is in. All it takes is soapy warm water and a damp cloth, which beats the hours in the refrigerator and the chisel you need to clean the excess wax from regular candles. Although they are soy, this is not some sort of “green” marketing ploy. What I love most about Susan and Classic Wicks is her honesty and where her motivation stems from. She has truly created something that appeals to her personally, something that she would feel comfortable burning in her own home around her own family. She goes to great lengths to select which scents make the best smelling candles, and which fragrances are compatible with which waxes. Her talent and experimental nature has yielded such amazing scents as Cranberry Marmalade, Sage & Pomegranate,

the life

words: alessandra salvatore

and Cedarwood Vanilla, and I am trying my best right now to avoid gnawing through the jar of Banana Nut Bread that is burning next to me. Most of the ingredients in her candles are from local vendors, and she recycles virtually everything she can. While her line offers several sizes of glasses and tins to choose from, Susan will also take your favorite vintage tea cups or containers and fill them with your favorite scented candle—great for wedding or shower favors! After it has burned, you may recycle your container by bringing it back to her for a refill. I’m also totally digging the fact that the candles are all white or cream, so I can put my favorite scents anywhere in the house and they will match perfectly. Perhaps Susan says it best: “Our products are designed to be simple, natural and unadorned, so you can enjoy the calm ambiance provided by the candle.” Susan, keep your phone on; I will need my fix again very soon. U

You can visit Susan’s website and view her line at ClassicWicks.com. You can reach Alessandra at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

www.uptownclt.com

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drinks

words: alessandra salvatore

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his one is for my fellow winos out there. We love our wine, it warms our insides in a way that nothing else ever could. Pair it with some cheese, some laughs, and some of our best friends, and it doesn’t get much better that that. As much as I love it, sometimes on a hot summer’s day I just can’t bring myself to order a glass of red and sit outside. But, as dedicated good little winos must do, we adapt: Thank God for Sangria! See, as most of us know, studies show that a glass (or five) of wine a day is actually good for us! As long as it’s sipped in moderation (or guzzled by the case) it will really help us get healthy! Swear! Three times a week (or 50) is a great thing to do! And what would be an even better way to reap more health benefits from your wine? Why, to throw fruit in it, of course! Talk about a guiltfree drink! Here are two amazing Sangria recipes. The white is compliments of Cantina, on East Boulevard (thank you Michael!), and the red is compliments of my sister, who makes the best damn red Sangria I’ve ever tasted. Enjoy!

the life

White Sangria: ½ gallon Franzia Chablis 1 cup simple syrup 1 cup brandy 1 cup fresh lime juice ½ cup O.J. ½ cup apple juice Fresh slices, one each, of lemon, lime, and orange Handful of raspberries ¼ oz Chambord Sprite Seltzer Combine all ingredients except for the Chambord, Sprite, and seltzer. Let sit overnight. When ready to serve, pack a stem glass full of ice, fill with ¾ Sangria and ¼ Sprite or soda water (if you like it sweeter, use the Sprite). Top off with Chambord. Shelf life: 3 days 26

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Red Sangria: ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup water 2 large lemons 2 large oranges 2 apples, cored and sliced, skin on 2 750-ml bottles of your favorite dry red wine 1 cup Grand Marnier (substituting peach schnapps is okay, but the Grand Marnier tastes much better) Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until the mixture forms a syrup. Remove from heat and let cool. Thinly slice one of the lemons and one of the oranges. Halve the remaining lemon and orange, then squeeze their juice into a pitcher. Throw the rinds into the pitcher, too. Combine remaining ingredients into the pitcher, including the syrup, and refrigerate overnight. Add your favorite seasonal fruits. We found that peaches, pitted cherries, and grapes work well. When ready to serve, pack a stem glass with ice and fill with ¾ sangria and ¼ with Sprite or seltzer and enjoy! Shelf life: 3 days U

You can reach Alessandra at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

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words: john zoët pictures: fenix fotography

There is a place in the town where I grew up, a lunchtime legend, a spot that sears the memory of any hot dog-loving man, called Hap’s Grill. It’s a dive so narrow it claims a fraction of an address, sandwiched in at 116½ North Main Street in Salisbury, North Carolina. The grill slings lunch six days a week, from ten until three, and on all six of those days you’ll find a line before you find the door. Why, you might ask? It’s for hot dogs and hamburgers, priced to afford, and with a flavor that keeps barking, “Come back for more.”

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I think of the hot dog as a series of personal choices. For instance, I order it “all the way,” and I fancy the notion of ordering one—or three of them—damn near every day. A hot dog “all the way” at Hap’s is dressed only with mustard, chili, and onions, because perfection doesn’t need help getting noticed. If I had the capacity to adequately describe the “it” that is the essence of perfection (the intangible element found in every bite, every single time), I might consider trying to describe it, but I’m only human. I have a strong suspicion that it is found somewhere in the chili, but the exact essence has eluded me for years, and not for a lack of searching. Suffice it to say that I’m by no means above jumping inside of a dumpster, if the dumpster contains clues for locating the Holy Grail of hot dogs. I’ve digressed, so let me now speak frankly. Until further notice, Hap’s Grill sells the greatest hot dog within the width of this wide world. Yes, I do understand the gravity of my claim, the absurdity of staking it against the vast plentitude of possible weenies worldwide, but bettors must lay a wager, and I’ve chosen my dog. The time has come to start the circuit, take to the tracks and size up the competition, measure them dog to dog, open all the doors and see who finishes ahead of the pack. I tend to take big bites, so where better to begin than in the Queen City where—from old to new, classic to eclectic, and a bounty in between—an emergently epicurean city houses some stiff competition. After seeking some guidance, I put my nose to

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the road. My first destination: Penguin Drive-In. A friend gave me simple directions: take a right out of the parking lot onto Trade Street, a left onto Central, and a right onto Thomas. The Penguin will be on my right; I can’t miss it. She was wrong. The fourth time I crossed over King Street, it occurred to me that perhaps this busy and centrally located street might morph into Central. The primary function of street signs in Charlotte, it seems, is the befuddlement of motorists (though that’s grist for a different article). But fortune favors travelers seeking flavor, and where King fell short, Central Street sallied forth. Onward I drove, with my ragtop down, my stomach churning in harmony with the humming of my engine. An obvious right on Thomas brought me face to place with the distinguished Penguin. Extinguishing my smoke, I stepped inside. I swear I heard one of those old fashioned door bells upon entering, though no such bell exists. A black and red checkered floor ducks beneath the wooden diner-style booths against the far wall—the original pine paneling from 1954. Along the length of the wall are large iron letters, the sort you might see on abandoned ‘50s-era factories, spelling out one of the most cherished words ever to exit or enter the mouth of a Carolinian: Barbecue. Denying temptation, especially one as sumptuous as chopped pig, is not an exercise I’m accustomed to practicing. Recalling the sanctity of my purpose, I diverted my eyes leftward and strolled over to the round swivel stools bolted to the floor by www.uptownclt.com

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See Matt See Matt jump See Matt fall through the sky at 124 MPH

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the bar. They were spaced amply apart from each other in a deliberate effort to make even a lone customer feel at home in a bustling atmosphere. Saddling the stool, I caught the attention of the barkeeper who obliged my request for a glass of water on the rocks. Just to be sure, I asked him if they accepted debit cards, to which he replied, “Of course man, it’s the ‘90s”. Caught off guard, I paused. He chuckled when he noticed my eyes reaching back, searching for the section of my mind that remembers which era I’m in. Assuring me that the millennium had passed and that they do indeed accept plastic, he asked what I’d be havin’. “I’ll start with a Race Track Dog,” I said. It was one of five hot dogs available on the menu.

optional flavors, dependent on whichever one, or ones, I focused on. As I thumbed up the fallen bits of bacon, I ordered the dog that had barked the loudest from the moment I entered this open-kitchen “King of Kennels”: the one Penguin declared was their “famous” hot dog, delectably decked with pimento cheese and chili: “The Winky-Dink.” I’m pretty sure that you have to be born below the Mason-Dixon Line to possess a proper appreciation for the combination of porksomething (a.k.a. hot dog) and pimento cheese. I apologize to any regionally aloof readers, but the description it evokes isn’t translatable into English—it’s something along the lines of mmm-mm-sou-eeeee, pronounced phonetically. When chili is put on top of a noise like that, again, I lack the

I apologize to any regionally aloof readers, but the description it evokes isn’t translatable into English—it’s something along the lines of mmm-mm-sou-eeeee, pronounced phonetically. “The Race Track” was delightful from start to finish, classically adorned with chili, mustard, slaw, and onions. It wore just enough chili to require a few napkin dabs to the chin, but not too many. The bite of the dog could still be heard, that quick snap of the casing before the flame-swollen flavor soaks your palate. I checker-flagged “The Race Track” with room to spare, double-checked the menu, and flagged down my crew chief (a.k.a. bartender) to order doggy number two. A breed they call “Brian’s Connecticut Dog” looked like an ideal intermezzo (there was still one more I had to have), wearing kraut, crumbled bacon, and stone-ground mustard. I don’t know who this Brian chap is, but I’d sure as hell like to shake his hand. The combination of flavors had class, connecting deep within of my palate: dominant but delicate. The true marvel of “Brian’s” components was that they were equally established, contrastingly complementarily, and still the dog barked! I could almost pretend I was eating a naked hot dog, dressed up in

vocabulary. The Winky-Dink possesses “it,” the intangible element that delights in disguise. As for the competition, I’d only be telling you what I think you want to hear if I conceded my claim of Hap’s greatness to the Penguin. Don’t misunderstand me, Penguin Drive-In runs a damn fine dog, but the “it” wasn’t exactly the same. Their hot dog was dynamite, but in a novel sense; I couldn’t crave it on a daily basis, as I do the Hap’s. But I could, however, and probably will, crave it weekly. I can say with certainty that I’ll be back to the Penguin again and I encourage you to join me. If I’m not there, don’t worry; there’s a stool with your name on it. As for “The Winky-Dink,” you intoxicatingly delightful dog, I know it won’t be long before it’s time to take you on another walk. U Penguin Drive-In 1921 Commonwealth Avenue - 704.375.6959 Reach John at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

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words: bryan reed

the secret life of geeks

sci-fi convention as bachelor party – a final frontier?

“Are you in some sort of play?” asks a Chick-fil-A cashier after I hand him the money for my sandwich. He’s not saying it so bluntly, but he’s wondering why I’m dressed as the Punisher.

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n a black, skull-emblazoned t-shirt and combat boots, and strapped head to foot with

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weaponry—Nerf weaponry, to be clear—I’m as close to the Marvel Comics antihero as my decidedly un-superhuman physique will allow. And the fact that I’m eating lunch with a Star

Trek: The Next Generation officer, “Ash” from The Evil Dead, and the hat-wearing stick figure from the webcomic xkcd probably doesn’t help my cause.

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6/23/2009 11:14:54 AM

all pictures are of attendees of the concarolinas convention

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“No,” I tell him. “There’s a sci-fi convention this weekend.” I gesture across the adjacent parking lot to the Hilton University Place hotel, the site of the seventh annual ConCarolinas, and my best friend’s bachelor party.

one of us had ever been to a sci-fi convention before. We’d all thought it seemed like fun, and we’d all kept those thoughts to ourselves. The fact that among our foursome were avid fans of comics, zombie movies, and Star Trek, an amateur blacksmith, and an indie rock connoisseur was, until now, just run-ofthe-mill geekiness. It had never been formally acknowledged in public. And with one of our ranks tying the knot, it never would have been acknowledged had we not forgone the standard beer-and-boobies bachelor party for something far better suited to our suspended maturity—ConCarolinas. And any reservations we had were erased with two words appearing on the Saturday afternoon schedule: Nerf War. “If we’re going to do this, then we have to really do it,” I said. We were not going to be plainclothes observers, but eager participants in all the Con has to offer. We were to arrive costumed and prepared, and most of all, we were to find our niche within the many realms of the convention’s broad embrace of “speculative fiction”—which encompasses sci-fi, horror,

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fantasy, comics gaming and all other things geeky. It took three days, and a somewhat embarrassing trip to Toys “R” Us to gather our supplies.

It’s hard to blame the Toys “R” Us cashier for the wayward look she tossed our way. We were, after all, three twenty-somethings— grown men by most accounts—pulling out the plastic to cover a tab in excess of $200. In the bag: 12 Nerf guns, a cache of spare foam ammo, and a top-of-the line phaser—modeled after the one used by a young James T. Kirk in J.J. Abrams’s blockbuster Star Trek—for the groom-to-be. By Friday afternoon we were ready. We were early to the convention. Or, more specifically, we arrived an hour past the official opening, but at least two hours before the festivities really picked up.

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onCarolinas is a relatively small convention, begun, officially, in 2003, though a mini-con, “Prequel,” was held in 2002. As it would turn out, this year proved to be the biggest for ConCarolinas, with 965 participants registered by Saturday night’s costume contest. But at 4 o’clock Friday afternoon, the scene was tentative. We wandered the grounds, checking out the vendors whose wares ranged from replica weaponry and original fiction to board games and rare Star Trek memorabilia. We ducked out for an early www.uptownclt.com

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dinner and came back in time to catch the first set from the Geek Comedy Tour, a troupe of Washington, D.C.-based comedians and selfproclaimed geeks. “We’d ask for there to be no heckling,” began Jimmy Merritt. “We got made fun of a lot in high school, and if we got made fun of at a sci-fi convention, well, one can only handle

The Geek Comedy Tour’s website offers explanation: “Comedy club crowds don’t fully appreciate jokes about comic books, anime, and video games. So, they’ve decided to let their freak flag fly, form together, and bring their geek jokes to the horde that needs them most.” Like the comedians who sought a

so much.” The crowd laughed. Heartily. Debunked stereotype No. 1: Geeks don’t actually take themselves all that seriously.

convention crowd who would understand their jokes, those in attendance at a sci-fi convention are looking for people who understand their vernacular – and who can recognize a good

“We’d ask for there to be no heckling,” began Jimmy Merritt. “We got made fun of a lot in high school, and if we got made fun of at a sci-fi convention, well, one can only handle so much.” Not only were the four performing comedians – Merritt, Jake Young, James Jones and Joe Deeley – bountifully funny, they served as an apt means of understanding the convention’s culture.

Punisher costume when they see it. It was a bit absurd, though not entirely unexpected to hear two men debating whether a certain Stargate rifle could defeat a Jedi wielding a lightsaber. I’m still not sure, nor www.uptownclt.com

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am I sure it matters. Surely, there are more important topics to address, such as whether the Marvel Comics Universe is better than the DC Comics Universe. (For the record, it is.) But even amid such straight-faced absurdity, there’s an overriding sense of selfawareness that seems to say, it’s okay to laugh

somehow validated by the wider culture at large. Even Star Trek is a blockbuster in the summer of ’09. What had once been a term of disparagement is now a badge of honor. But the sci-fi convention is still a niche experience. It’s something that makes the event into something of a lighthearted

It was a bit absurd, though not entirely unexpected to hear two men debating whether a certain Stargate rifle could defeat a Jedi wielding a lightsaber.

with us; we realize this is all kind of silly. And that’s kind of what’s great about it.

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oday, in a world where techno-gadgets, video games, and movies based on comic books are as mainstream as you can get, it would seem geek culture has been

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celebration of all things geek, and one that still exists largely outside the mainstream purview. The fact that ConCarolinas is a relatively small convention, with a clean, simple presentation makes it feel more like an informal gathering than a hyper-active, disorienting geek-mall. Instead, ConCarolinas offers an

environment where one can view a screening of the independent zombie film, A Fistful of Brains, and then not only run into the entire cast the next day, but be offered a role as an extra in the forthcoming sequel. For the novice convention-goer that I am, the smaller-scale atmosphere was refreshing and inviting.

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y the time Saturday finally arrived I had only one thing on my mind. Nerf war. Biding my time until the 3 p.m. battle, I was able to revel in some of the convention’s more interesting offerings. A screening of an episode of Star Trek Phase II—the Webdistributed, fan-created continuation of the original Star Trek series—proved to be all the campy fun of the original, despite having to adjust to a Captain Kirk who wasn’t William Shatner, and a Spock who wasn’t Leonard Nimoy. After that, hotel burgers and a Society for Creative Anachronism tournament. The local branch of the SCA, an organization that researches and reenacts pre-17th Century

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6/23/2009 11:15:08 AM

European warfare, arrived with their full-scale armor and rattan-wood weapons ready for battle. This, as it would soon become apparent, is very serious business. The knights follow strict armor requirements, as they battle with solid wood arms, and fight in full-force, un-choreographed combat. Unlike medieval warfare, nobody in the SCA actually dies, but serious bruises and even knockouts occur. And then the clock struck three. Unloading a backpack full of Nerf armaments—hundreds of rounds of foam darts and those twelve aforementioned guns—and holstering it on our persons, our group proved an intimidating gatekeeper for our competitors, who were, compared to us, woefully under-armed. “Can I be on your team?” one young Stormtrooper offered by way of introduction. He brandished a Nerf sniper rifle and a timid expression. Nobody, it seemed, was interested in a

We made sure to make it to the costume contest, though. In part to cheer on our “Ash” as he recited the famous “This is my boomstick!” soliloquy from Army of Darkness, and in part to see what his competition was. What we didn’t count on was the hilarious, pervasive, and communal heckling. One costumed contender, dressed as a Jawa—an alien species from the Star Wars canon—was greeted not with the music accompanying the Jawa scenes in the movies, which nobody could remember, but with an uproarious sing-along of the theme from Mel Brooks’s Star Wars spoof, Spaceballs. By the contest’s end, though, one intrepid spectator had downloaded the Jawa theme to his iPhone and proceeded to bring it to the stage to be played over the loudspeakers. Such participation from the audience was as crucial to the spirit of the costume contest as the costumes themselves. At least it made the fact that our “Ash” didn’t even place

The local branch of the SCA, an organization that researches and reenacts pre-17th Century European warfare, arrived with their full-scale armor and rattan-wood weapons ready for battle. shoot-out with the Punisher and his posse. I’m happy to report that the opposing forces, which did arrive eventually, were vastly outgunned, even as they outnumbered our close-knit team. And while the skirmish was loosely organized, to say the least, it accomplished its primary objective. We had fun. Our foursome had earned a reputation for Nerf combat that seemed to spread through the convention halls like a red-hot rumor.

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hough ConCarolinas is considered a small convention, its offerings are broad. Among the events we missed due to the confines of time were a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, another of the Thai ghost movie Shutter, Klingon karaoke, and countless panel discussions on topics ranging from podcasting to paranormal studies.

in the novice division a bit easier to swallow. To be fair, with ultra-accurate period costumes, a Boba Fett uniform with working lights, and a way-too-in-character Rainbow Brite as his competition, poor “Ash” didn’t really stand much of a chance. It was a valiant effort, though. Maybe next year.

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he weekend ends quietly. I go home, shed my costume and its persona, shelve the arsenal, and go back to my usual routine on Monday. The rest of crew does likewise. We carry on in the real world as relatively normal people. I assume most of the other 961 people who attended ConCarolinas do, too. At least until ConCarolinas VII begins June 4, 2010. U

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

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words: matt kokenes www.uptownclt.com uptown

pictures: sharan downes / skydive carolina 6/23/2009 11:15:14 AM

It was the door that I thought about most often in the weeks leading up to my jump. Not a large door, but a very significant one to be sure. Would the door be friendly and reassuring as I plunged through it, cheering me on as I trusted my life to time-tested technology and layers of proven safety measures? Or would the cold aluminum archway, peppered with anonymous rivets and bolts, stare me down with a sinister, threatening glare, as though this may be the last door I ever step through? For a month I dreamt of the door almost nightly. I thought about it during business meetings, at dinner. The door was on my mind while I was at the bar having fun, and while I was playing golf. It was top-of-mind when I drifted off to sleep, and still there as the ceiling came into focus in the morning. The thing is, I knew without a doubt that I could harness up and cram into the small plane with the rest of the thrill seekers. That much I was sure of. But would I make it through the door?

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hen the moment came, would I take a deep breath and just jump out, plain and simple—or would my resolve crumble like Wachovia? Would I man up and burst through that door into swirling wet clouds and cobalt-blue sky like everyone else on the plane, or just fold like a lawn chair? Or do people even do that? Has anyone ever gotten up there with every intention of jumping, but panicked and decided it’s a no go, despite all the favorable statistics? Do they freeze on that silver threshold, gripped with terror and humiliated, only to ride in shame back down to earth with the pilot? Maybe I’d be the first. It’s not that I’m new to the idea of risking life and limb for kicks. I think dangerous pastimes are fun and it never fails to make me feel more alive every time I cheat death. As a teenager, it was rock climbing:

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scaling tall stone cliffs with mettle and calculation. above: matt But with the safety net of technologically advanced during his dive ropes, harnesses, carabiners, and so on, a fall from 200 feet would likely cause little more than a racing pulse and some chafing around the waist. I don’t remember ever hoping for a thrill by intentionally jumping off of the wall. Trying to get to the top every time without falling through the air was the thrill. A decade ago, at Appalachian State, with the help of deeply discounted student tickets, I discovered I enjoyed flying through the air on the local ski slopes. Unwilling to wait until my riding skills reached even an intermediate level, I charged through icy snowboard parks at Hawksnest, Sugar, and Beech, and launched over big double jumps intent only on soaring through the frigid air, with no consideration on how I would safely land on the other side. It was my tailbone, not the edge of my snowboard, that typically bore the brunt of these impulsive feats, and the shiny, rock-hard North Carolina slopes weren’t any more forgiving than a hockey rink. Many a 90-minute class was spent painfully shifting from cheek to cheek the next day, but the few seconds spent flying through the air was more than worth it. An amazing feeling. When a friend taught me how to work the gearing and clutch to tap in to the power band on a Kawasaki KX 250 motocross bike, I forgot

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quiet sports like rock climbing and snowboarding even existed. Both my life and my wallet were for several years consumed by the raw bursts of furious, sweet-smelling two-stroke power that could so easily propel cycle and rider over a 60-foot jump from a near standstill. I was soon on a first name basis with the folks at Boone Orthopaedic, yet despite a steady stream of smashed up motorcycles and shattered bones, and even against blunt suggestions from my doctor that I consider taking up golf, the feeling of flying through the air for a few seconds made it all worth it. Despite the doctor bills, months on crutches, ruined sets of handlebars, I had become obsessed with the feeling of flying. But even the biggest jumps, the ones where coming up a few feet short guaranteed a trip to the emergency room, were not in the same realm as the 12,000-foot skydive I was chewing my fingernails over. And as scary as any big motocross jump might be, it was over in a brief, heart-pounding flash, as the knobby tires landed safely back on the ground. James LaBarrie, the Director at Skydive Carolina, explained that once I had flung myself out of their airplane—assuming I did—I would be in a 120-mile-per-hour freefall for an entire minute. Freefall. I’d be plummeting straight down through the clouds from a height of 12,000 feet for 60 whole seconds.

I was stuck on this idea as he continued on above: brotha about the ensuing parachute ride that would last fred pre-jump a few more minutes. While he spoke more about how the veteran instructor I’d be securely fastened to would handle all the important things, such as packing the main parachute, the backup chute, and pulling the rip cord, I tried hard to get my head around the concept of falling out of the sky for an entire minute. What if I didn’t like the feeling of freefall? Once I jump, there’s no calling time out, no “Stop the ride, I want off!” Would I have a panic attack? Or would I instead become a skydiving junkie, placing my previous “dangerous” pastimes in another category of hobbies altogether, along with knitting and Wii? Perhaps it would be the closest thing to heaven on earth and I’d never want it to end. I’d probably want to go again—three more times before lunch! Or maybe I’d shit my pants midair. Should I pack an extra pair of underwear just in case? Hmmm. The sun seemed to rise and set at an unfairly quickening pace in the days leading up to “show time,” and before I knew it I was driving south on I-77 as dawn pushed red light through a cushion of low-lying clouds to my left. Off to the right, the towering silhouette of Carrowinds’s

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“Drop Zone” ride made me smile. I was to report at Skydive Carolina, in Chester, South Carolina—just safely outside the airspace of Charlotte Douglas International Airport—at 7 a.m. sharp to prepare for an 8 o’clock dance with destiny. Local radio and TV golden boy Brotha Fred had signed on for the jump as well, and I have to admit, I felt a little better knowing Fred was on board. After all, terrible air disasters never happen to celebrities. Well, except for Buddy Holly. And Patsy Cline and Otis Redding. The Big Bopper. Randy Rhoads. Stevie Ray Vaughn. Payne Stewart. Oh man. With each passing mile marker, my heart pounder harder. Skydive Carolina has been at it since 1986, and it’s apparent as soon as you step foot on the grounds. The nearly 900-acre site just an hour south of Charlotte is well

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organized, with three runways forming an efficient triangle adjacent to the prep hangar, snack bar (Dale’s “Dive” In) and other facility buildings. It was immediately obvious, even to this novice, that the runway layout was conducive to rapid loading, takeoff, and landing—what looked to be potentially two dozen takeoffs and landings a day. After signing, dating, and initialing enough legal documents to freak out a real estate closing attorney, the reality of what was about to happen began to sink in. My hands moved in slow motion as I signed and dated each page. The first two-thirds of the instructional video featured a young, stern attorney whose lead-in sentence was delivered without the slightest tinge of irony or humor. “What you are about to do is extremely dangerous,” he informed us solemnly. After that, he used every possible combination of words in the English language to drive home the point that, “All of those papers you just signed are important legal documents. If you sue us, you cannot win.” The video also described how to position our bodies during freefall: back arched, arms up and out. No tips on how to grow a pair and jump, though. Having signed the legal documents and endured the video, we were asked to sit tight on standby in the picnic area until it was time to

suit up and board the plane. Just a few more minutes. The group of skydivers who had rumbled up into the gray morning sky just as we were checking in were now floating back to earth, 20 parachutes that grew from tiny dots high in the sky to billowing flashes of brilliant color steering straight down toward us. The sky suddenly became darker, though, and the few minutes period before “go time” was extended. Indefinitely. The clouds weren’t rain clouds thankfully, but Skydive Carolina’s safety protocol dictates that the ground be visible from a height of 12,000 feet before anyone jumps from one of their planes. That made sense to me. Twenty people jumping into a thick white cloud just seconds apart, all pulling parachutes without sight of each other or the ground didn’t seem like a good idea. A half hour later I was beginning to feel like an iced field goal kicker lining up a 30-footer for the win in the final seconds of the big game—only I was in some twisted European league where the other team had 20 timeouts and had saved them all for the sole purpose of crushing my nerve. After two hours, the pile of low-lying cloud cover stubbornly kept the planes grounded, and we continued to wait. Noon approached, and while Brotha Fred took pictures with one group of adoring fans after another, I sipped one small Styrofoam cup of

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black coffee after another. And I thought some more about that door. Finally, a patch of brilliant blue sky shoved the clouds aside, and there was a flurry of activity. Engines were fired up, instructions crackled through the loudspeaker, restless skydivers sprang into action and suited up, packing parachutes, donning helmets and goggles, and waiting to board. Our marching orders were given, and my heart rate, which had slowed back to normal over the last five hours, despite the ten cups of coffee, was now racing again. It was go time. I gulped giant mouthfuls of air and tried to smile big toothy smiles for the camera. My legs were stilts and my chest frosted over as Keith, my instructor and tandem partner, cinched my harness impossibly tight over my shoulders and waist. I’m not sure, but I think Keith must have been a cop or maybe ex-military—an MP at Guantanamo Bay perhaps. He had me so tight around the arm and onto the plane so quickly—we were the first ones on, in fact—that for a second I felt like I was being thrown in the slammer. Perhaps this is Skydive Carolina protocol: Get the first timers on the plane fast and scuttle any chance of second thoughts and backing out. Without time to think about it, I was hustled in through the door that I had obsessed about for so many weeks. It actually ended up being a ramp in the back of the plane. I was buckled into a military style

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canvas seat at the front of the plane, just behind the cockpit. Before there was time to blurt out, “Hold on a minute,” the plane was packed with a rainbow of jumpsuits and backpacks and accelerating down the 5,000-foot runway. With a little help from growing spring wind gusts, the sun and the sky had the clouds on the run—but for how long? I could see the pilot’s hand throttle up and I felt the twin-prop CASA obediently respond, hoisting our group at a steep angle towards the sky. The mood on the plane was positive and fun, with plenty of high fives and bursts of cheering. After all, scary, fun, or all of the above, something incredible was about to happen. Everyone wore a helmet camera to capture the trip to the ground. I felt an instant bond with every soul on that airplane. Sitting on the floor in front of me wearing a color scheme that Pablo Picasso wouldn’t have thought up, was a man well into his 80s. He looked at me and smiled, giving me the thumbs up. I felt a little better. I might not need that extra pair of underwear after all. As the plane rose, the altimeter strapped to my waist dutifully continued to spin clockwise. With each gain of 1,000 feet, the scene on the plane became more surreal. Even above the din of the engines I now could hear myself breathing, my chest straining against the harness. Brotha Fred and his sister Amanda, who had come all the way

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from Arizona to make this jump with her big brother, were all smiles. Of course that guy’s not nervous, he freaking works in broadcast media for a living. Bastard! I glanced back at the door. The ramp had begun to lower. The span of time that followed I’ll never forget for the duration of my natural life—like my first car crash, or where I was on 9/11. As Keith asked me to go ahead and stand up, my chest heaved and my vision narrowed. Color already had begun streaming out of the back of the plane, with some of the veteran skydivers literally sprinting out to leap off of the ramp, backs arched, into the blue abyss. “We’ll walk to the back and stand at the edge of the ramp and hold onto the overhead railing,” Keith shouted over the roar of the wind. “I’ll count to three, and we’ll just step off together, backwards.” Backwards. That’s how I went through the door that I had obsessed about for weeks. I tumbled off of the ramp backwards, and with Keith’s help I raced toward the persistent field of cloud cover that in the time since we had taken off had fought its way back over the landing area. I could not see the ground, only blue on all sides and a blanket of white below. The 60-seconds freefall blew by and felt more like ten. Describing that brief span just isn’t possible, at least not for me. But I can say

this: After I jumped out—backwards—I wasn’t scared, and didn’t feel unpleasant in any way. And while I’m sure everyone takes something different from the experience, I think I know now the core reason why people do these jumps. For a few glorious moments I was in a peaceful place, deafeningly quiet, where, without technology, human beings can’t normally go and live to tell about it. Yes, physically it was amazing. What else could you put your body through that even comes close? Sorry Carrowinds. That brief time spent in the air touched a place deep inside me. For a few seconds I was shown a glimpse of something mere mortals aren’t meant to see. A quick peek into heaven maybe. I didn’t end up needing that backup pair of underwear after all, and I can say this for certain: The next time I jump, I’ll be sprinting out headfirst through that door. U Special thanks to James, Annette, Keith, and all of the friendly staff at Skydive Carolina. www.skydivecarolina.com

You can reach Matt at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

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words: celina mincey

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conversation

You only need to walk a few blocks with Doug Smith to gain a sense of his distinctive charm: insider knowledge combined with old school ethics mixed with senior spunk. He’s got a smile that’s sly but honest, and he uses it with the energy of a much younger man. His classic features make him the kind of handsome that withstands time. But what leaves the most lasting impression is his optimism— around every corner he has something positive to say.

Doug Smith www.uptownclt.com

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It’s

a bright Charlotte day, the temperature is a smooth 75 degrees and Doug is as easygoing as the breeze. His memories seem to grow out of the very buildings we pass, as if there is a piece of his story in each one. He loves this town, but is not blinded by it, and has spent his most of his 42 year career trying to keep it on its toes. We begin our stroll in Polk Park near Trade and Tryon’s intersection, now called Independence Square, though Doug hasn’t broken the habit of referring to it as “The Square.” He tells me how his great grandfather ran a hauling service in the early 1900s, bringing by horse and wagon the stones to build the Independence Building (now replaced by 101 Independence Center), which gave Charlotte claim to North Carolina’s tallest commercial building at the time. We pass the Bank of America building and Doug eases into another story. In the 1950s, 100 North Tryon wasn’t a corporate high rise, but a department store of a different era, S.H. Kress & 52

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Co., a destination for Charlotte’s elite. At Kress’s, Doug enjoyed popularity among his teenage peers because his aunt worked the lunch counter. When she could be sure no one was looking, she’d slip them a chocolate covered donut or two and they could enjoy the delectables for free. Doug conjures a picture of Charlotte’s Uptown remarkably different from today’s landscape. There used to be five or six big theaters. Charlotte Theater was cheaper than its fancy counterparts, the Carolina or the Imperial. For 10 cents you could watch three cowboy features when the same coin would buy you only one at the other theaters. It was common for homeless people to frequent the Charlotte to enjoy an air-conditioned afternoon. Doug and his friends weren’t supposed to hang out there, or on East Trade Street, the pawn shop lane. “But we loved it,” Doug remembers. “We were all into World War II memorabilia. We found hats, knapsacks, ribbons. So even though Dad would drop us off to see a movie and say, ‘Don’t go to East Trade,’ that’s the first place we’d head.” They also often skipped the ride, asking their parents for the 15 cent bus fare which they’d pocket, then walk from their Wilmore neighborhood to Uptown. This same mischievous spirit is alive in Doug today, and is certainly what helped him excel in his career. When he was assigned to city hall, it was his job, along with his colleague Pat Stith, to get the scoop in time for an afternoon deadline. City Hall meetings regularly began at 1:00, forcing the pair to figure out ahead of

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previous: views of uptown

time what interesting items might be on the agenda for the day. They noticed a janitor’s routine: he’d go through the top floor offices, housing the city’s higher ups, to collect trash, and then dump it all in the large can in the men’s room to save himself a trip. Doug and Pat spent countless afternoons, one on lookout, one sifting trash, digging out memos, partial letters, and discarded agendas. They scooped City Hall so many times the City Manager accused them of breaking and entering the offices! Doug laughs about it now, but it’s clear he’d do it all again. “That’s what you had to do those days to get information. You couldn’t just Google it. Your options were to get people to tell you, or find it yourself. Everything we could do to get around barriers to information, anything that was legal anyway, we did it to get the story to the public.” During Doug’s 19 year stint as the Charlotte Observer’s Development Columnist, information came a lot easier. However, getting to that position took some doing. Doug was loyal to The Charlotte News from an early age. He delivered papers for the afternoon daily when he was in seventh grade and later began his reporting career there. His paper had always been in fierce competition with The Charlotte Observer. When the Observer closed The Charlotte News in 1985, rather than defect to the rival morning publication, Doug took a position in Wichita. Brutal winters, missing his family, and reporting on cattle and wheat prices helped change his mind. When after four years the Observer called to offer him a post, he took it. Doug served as the Executive Business Director for the Observer, but tired of being inside an office all day. He thought M.S. Van Hecke had the paper’s best job—a high level of autonomy, trusted to cover development, freedom to roam out of the office, lots of connections—and asked Van Hecke to let him know if he was going to retire. As soon as Doug got the news, he went to the Managing Editor. “I told him that I was a local guy, born and raised. I had reported across all the different sectors: police, politics, local news. I convinced him I knew all the players and could earn their trust.” As the development columnist, Doug didn’t have to search for his story in a trash can. Van Hecke helped him establish contacts so that when Doug called, people answered and were willing to speak to him. His articles kept Charlotteans abreast of the real estate climate. Highlighting Charlotte’s exciting growth and development opportunities, his column, “The Next Big Thing,” became a must-read for consumers and real estate professionals alike. Developers and brokers called Doug, eager to share the latest on a project. This is easy to imagine. We don’t walk two blocks without someone stopping to say hello, to shake his hand, to discuss a little piece of business. Doug knows everyone, even the area farmer who runs both a booth at the farmer’s market and a great Uptown martini spot. I can tell Doug loved his job at the paper so I ask him why he decided to retire. His answers make sense in a lot of ways. Cutting his higher-on-the-scale salary saves jobs of young up and comers. He wants to travel, while he’s still, as he tells it, “young and spry.”

He’s not keen to report on the demise of many of the same companies he followed throughout his career. As Charlotte’s real estate guru, he could always go for those big consultant fees! He’s had a good run, but everything in the industry is changing fast. It’s not that he can’t keep up, but why should he? The best thing for Doug Smith about his career was watching Charlotte return to its former stature as a regional hub, a place with pull, to which citizens from all around the Piedmont gravitated. He’s seen it through. From his beginnings as a Charlotte Newsman, when well-to-dos pulled up to Montaldo’s Department Store in chauffeured cars and greeters escorted them inside, to the demise of Uptown’s vibrancy and closing of the store, to the building’s current state as the Mint Museum of Craft & Design. That the archways that once formed the grand entryway for shoppers have been preserved, but the whole building modernized to create a stunning, current cultural space, is a perfect metaphor for Doug’s contribution to Charlotte. His memories are a vivid backdrop upon which he envisions the city’s future. U

This year on this Independence Day in the United States there are few things that conjure up freedom more than owning your own vehicle. Freedom from oppressive government started with the Boston Tea Party, and Paul Revere, a local business man, who had horse power even then, and warned the people of the oncoming British Army. Taxation without representation was the slogan over tea being taxed unfairly. I wonder what those folks would feel like today if their gas was taxed. In today’s world, now with even the government also getting into the car business, they believe in horse power too. With government bailouts for what seems like everybody, why don’t you bail yourself out and hit the open road for some relaxation? True freedom is being able to go where you want to when you want to, and nothing says that more than owning your own car or truck. The feeling of “I own this and nothing owns me” is no more prevalent than when you on a long stretch of open road with nothing on your mind but the wind noise (hopefully not too much) or the radio playing. This is why Americans are in love with the automobile. I believe this is why buying a vehicle this July 4th is a way to assert your independence. While your on your drive we can both be happy we have a form of elected government. Maybe you will get lucky enough to have a friend or loved one next to you, or even to meet your next loved one. Who knows?

You can reach Celina at [email protected] For more info go to www.uptownclt.com

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shirt: registered logo t | 10 deep $36 shorts: armageddon | 10 deep $90 shoes: weapons | converse $75 board: brand | zoo york $60

pictures: fenix fotography | fenixfoto.com stylist: who’s the fairest | whos-the-fairest.biz models: e-agency | evolutionmt.com clothes: o1ne | o1nesb.com location: saturday skateboards | saturdayskateboards.com

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top: spades | hellz $45 pants: raw denim | hellz $105 watch: g-shock | casio $130

top: horsebit v-neck | crooks & castles $36 pants: rodeo | addict $90 watch: camo g-shock | casio $130

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dress: sienna contrast l/s | wesc $105 watch: navy g-shock | casio $130

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top: v-neck | o1ne $25

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pants: venezuela brace | wesc $135 watch: white g-shock | casio $130 jillian courtesy of: wilhelmina-evolution | evolutionmt.com

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shirt: black v-neck | o1ne $135 pants: signature 4 denim | 10 deep $120 board: logo deck | o1ne $40

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hat: bucket | lafayette $50 shirt: lifestyle | lafayette $50 belt: she camo | addict $30 pants: premium raw denim | addict $200 board: brand | zoo york $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 – $ 512 N. Tryon St. 704.375.5750

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 – $$ 704.348.7032 235 N. Tryon St. – Dunhill Hotel 704.342.1193 Great Harvest Bread Co. – $ Owen’s Bagel & Deli – $ 901 S. Kings Dr. 704.333.0431 Groucho’s Deli – $ 2041 South Blvd. 704.333.5385 Tic Toc Coffeeshop – $ 201 N. Tryon St. 704.342.0030 512 N. Tryon St. 704.375.5750 Halfpenny’s – $ 30 Two First Union Ctr. 704.342.9697 BRITISH Jersey Mike’s Subs – $ 128 S. Tryon St. 704.343.0006 Big Ben’s Pub – $ Jersey Mike’s Subs – $ 1408 East Blvd. 704.295.9155 801 Providence R d. 704.334.6338 Jersey Mikes Subs – $ CAJUN & CREOLE 2001 E. 7th St. 704.375.1985 Jump N Joe’s Java Joint – $ Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen – $ 105 E. Morehead St. 704.372.3217 Laurel Market South – $ 501 E. 36th St. 704.331.9898 1515 South Blvd. 704.334.2185 Cajun Queen – $$ 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

6/23/2009 11:16:47 AM

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

July 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

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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

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6/23/2009 11:16:48 AM

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 – $ 704.347.6869 521 N. College St. Crave the Dessert Bar – $ 501 W. 5th St. 704.277.9993 Crush – $ 300 E. Stonewall St. 704.377.1010

July 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 – $ 704.373.0782 1411 S. Tryon St. 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

5.00

$

ANY LARGE PIZZA

OFF

EXPIRES 8/31/09

19.99

$

FOR TWO LARGE ONE TOPPING PIZZAS Tax & delivery not included. EXPIRES 8/31/09

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