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features 3. The Diversity of Downtown 7. David mao says 告別 to the Duck* 9. a Triangle Tradition Turns 25 12. local history: Out of the ‘Ordinary’: a history of Taverns in Raleigh 12 ½ East Hargett Street | Raleigh, NC 2701 13. Discover hillsborough street! www.RaleighDowntowner.com | www.raleigh2.com 24. Krispy Kreme: a Raleigh Tradition . .
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General offıce ınquırıes: food & wine offi [email protected] 8. Nightlife: The Foundation 10. Downtown Dining: martin street pizza ———— 15. uncorked: Turning Wine into money 18. Bartender to Bartender Publısher / Owner Crash Gregg Founders Sig Hutchinson, Randall Gregg 20. let’s Do lunch: The Brass grill Food Edıtor Brian Adornetto Copy Edıtor Melissa Santos business Musıc Edıtor Dan Strobel 14. Neighborhood News Busıness Sales Dırector David Bartos Senıor Wrıter Peter Eichenberger 26. Downtown snapshot From the Downtown Raleigh alliance Lead Desıgner Katie Severa 27. Raleigh public Record News Assıstant Desıgner Blair Womack 28. New Downtown Businesses Offıce Assıstant Lauren Wiley 28. Business profi le: The Barkery Account Manager Chris Moutos, Louise Griffi n, 29. 10 Questions with with D. Brandon Trainer, president and CEO of the George Chunn Raleigh Black Chamber of Commerce Photography edıtor Ted Salamone Photographer Darryl Morrow, Max Cohen
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These are just a few of the places The hudson sheraton hotel info desk Theatre in the park pourch/Bassment fIVE poInTS/HAYES BARTon Tir Na Nog irish pub where the Downtowner is avail- West at North progress Energy building lobby Beansprout Restaurant sushi Blues / zely & Ritz (sidewalk) hayes Barton pharmacy Big Ed’s (sidewalk) able each month. With our 98%+ RBC plaza Cooper’s BBQ helios Café (sidewalk) hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery pickup rate, many locations run Capital City Club lounge CAMERon VILLAGE Brueggers Bagels Nofo @ the pig poWERHoUSE dISTRICT out after just a few weeks. if doWnToWn progress Energy Building harris Teeter/suntrust Bank Bada Bing pizza Rialto Napper Tandy’s you can’t fi nd a copy, visit our in all Raleigh Rickshaws commissary BB&T salon 21 Third place Coffee 42nd street website and read the current pDF Wake County Courthouse bu•ku Capital Bank The Cupcake Bakery shoppe lilly’s pizza available online. you can catch Raleigh City Council Building Carolina Café Cameron Village library primp salonBar J. Edwin’s salon up on past issues too. Crema Village Draft house Fly salon hayes Barton salon WAREHoUSE dISTRICT Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Flying saucer Bar if you have suggestions for Offi ce of the secretary of state spize york Companies lee hansley gallery another location where you’d like Raleigh Visitors Center Village Deli Bliss salon The pit Restaurant North Carolina Theatre offi ce SEABoARd STATIon Jibarra Restaurant to see the Downtowner, email us at Broadway series south box offi ce great Outdoor provision Company Revolver Boutique seaboard imports [email protected]. Foster’s Deep south—The Bar Raleigh urban Design Center HILLSBoRoUGH ST./nCSU seaboard Fitness White Rabbit We love hearing from our readers! Empire properties second Empire Restaurant HISToRIC dISTRICT seaboard Wine Raleigh City museum WRal-TV5 lobby GLEnWood SoUTH legislative Building cafe 18 seaboard (sidewalk) doWnToWn CondoS Downtown Raleigh alliance porter’s Restaurant (sidewalk) sullivan’s steakhouse (foyer) peace street pharmacy ace hardware MIdToWn/n. RALEIGH The Dawson Raleigh Times Bar irregardless Café 510 glenwood business foyer Oakwood Bed & Breakfast galatea Barnes & Noble (Crabtree) 510 glenwood sitti Char-grill (sidewalk) 510 glenwood (sidewalk) NC museum of history Borders Bookstore (Creekside) Carolina Ballet offi ce park Devereux gravy goodnight’s Comedy Club mellow mushroom NC Dept. of labor MooRE SQUARE The Cotton mill morning Times Clarion hotel hibernian NC Dept. of agriculture Capstrat advertising artspace Q shack (North hills) The paramount French | West | Vaughn ymCa hillsborough street sauced pizza Duck and Dumpling palladium plaza landmark Tavern The Diversity of Downtown Introductıon by Peter Eıchenberger
here is a particularly engaging Native ports, whether in brocade and chains, a real- TAmerican myth that could be applied to ity we are under obligation to rise above and February (jointly Black History and Asian His- yet never forget. A great part of America and tory Month), loosely that it is this continent's des- Raleigh's strengths emerge through a synergy tiny to foster a place and environment where all of individual greatness and the diff erences dis- the tribes would lay down their arms and begin played in the faces of her people. A whole nine- to coexist under an umbrella of cooperation. teenth century horror of “mongrel races” is Th ere certainly have been large-scale aggre- slowly subsiding with generations. People pos- gations of race before, the vast Roman Empire sess more commonality than diff erences. Th e springs to mind, but the scale, exuberance and three primary threads of the emerging American Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed a plurality of the American experience is with- ethnicity, European, Native and African have Raleigh audience when he spoke at Broughton High School on February , 8. out historical precedent. Th ose forced into the been intertwining to the point that race won't phOTO FROm ThE RalEigh CiTy musEum EXhiBiT “lET us maRCh ON” Roman Empire were never allowed to forget matter much in the not-to-distant future, except who and whose legendary origins they served to scientists, thereby leaving money as the pri- It has been said that the diversity that is what whereas one of the strengths of America is its mary barrier separating folks. makes Raleigh so unique: a melting pot of cul- foundation of individual and ideological com- While Raleigh and North Carolina have done tures, races, education, age, and jobs. Th is diver- ponents from native soil and the world. better than most, we still have to work to ameliorate sity may be a large part of what has kept Raleigh the ravages of prejudice and history. Our local public from becoming entrenched in the depression spaces containing many representations, most we have been mired in for the past year or so. with a historic reference, some possessed of mawk- One only has to travel down almost any street ish sentimentality. Within that we have neglected in downtown to discover a pleasant cross-sec- the totality of our history. While there are plans tion of residents, visitors, business owners, and for a tribute to our African heritage, this Freedom workers. representation, the projected location is off the —————— beaten track, in neither park nor the Capitol e interviewed just a few of Raleigh's grounds, likely to be missed by many visitors and remarkable people, who have diff erent residents. W backgrounds and viewpoints, but all with down- Th is unfortunate, unintended slight could be A richly diverse crowd historically attends the many town Raleigh in their interest. events held downtown including Raleigh Wide Open righted—or at least serve as a good start—and also reduce the under-representation of women As with all great powers, America's story is with a memorial to Anna J. Cooper. Cooper was Angela Salamanca spotted with blood. But it is also true that this a Raleigh woman born into slavery who gradu- Restaurant Owner and Chef, titanic melding of cultures and genotypes has ated from the Sorbonne to become a luminary Dos Taquıtos Centro gone comparatively smoothly considering the in American education, a vigorous proponent of by Ally Motola hurdles and challenges. Th at peculiar, unique gift women in academia, the fourth black woman to of Homo Sapiens for organization can become a receive a doctorate in philosophy. Th ere exists One would imagine that it would be hard being messy business when dealing with people, espe- a Anna J. Cooper park in Washington DC and a Latin American woman running a business cially as the orderings emerge from ideologies rightly should be some mark or respect here in her in a city where the majority of business owners based on conquest and gain that took millennia home town. At the peripheral risk of the charge of are predominantly white men but Dos Taquitos to develop, with which we as a world, nation and “clutter,” Cooper's native tribute could be a simple, Centro owner and chef, Angela Salamanca, begs people continually joust. modest statue on “Union” square (the correct to diff er. She’s received a very warm welcome From the beginning America has been a name of the Capitol grounds). It is the smaller, by both her patrons and surrounding business mixture of everyone who’s come through her symbolic acts that can have the greatest eff ect. owners in the area. >>>
RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 3 Salamanca claims to “When downtown is vibrant, all is good, such discrimination and therefore not able to partici- be unfettered by any hin- as in sectors of employment”, says West. “However, pate in downtown decisions and activities. Today, drances associated with her over the past 20 years, we have lost a large percent- we are located in the epicenter of what happens gender. “For professional age of black businesses. We need to fi gure out how downtown and it aff ects us all. We love being a women, we still have a long to create an environment where everyone who has part of the revitalization.” Johnson’s daughters, way to go, but I don’t feel the will to become a part of downtown can do so, Mischelle and Kimberley are also very active discriminated against; I feel and obviously money is the big issue.” in the continued nurturing of Hamlin Drugs. really comfortable.” Th e creation of task forces such as the South- According to Mischelle, “We do the best for Dos Taquitos Centro owner/chef Angela Raleigh has come a long east Raleigh Assembly and its predecessors try our customers and you might see me out on my Salamanca way in terms of gender and to ensure that there is equality in diversity. West Segway delivering prescriptions. It’s not so much race issues. Th e diversity among downtown busi- states that “downtown creates a common identity the legacy as it is providing fi rst-class service for nesses is growing, with many restaurants open- and strengthens humanity. Just take a look when the people of downtown Raleigh.” ing up with an array of ethnic backgrounds. we have a downtown festival such as Raleigh Wide Salamanca notes the change is rooted in an infl ux Open or the opening of City Plaza.” of individuals to the downtown area from other Samad Hachby major metropolitan areas like New York City or Owner, Mosaıc Wıne et Lounge Chicago. “People from other cities are already John M. Johnson When we opened Mosaic in 200, the name was exposed to—and are more comfortable with—the Owner/Pharmacıst, Hamlın Drugs intended to capture every piece in a mosaic tile; impact of globalization on our culture.” by Chrıs Moutos what I mean by that is every ethnicity, every cul- In fact, the change in cultural blending here in tural background, every person who is part of Raleigh has opened so much for Salamanca that John M. Johnson has owned Hamlin Drugs since the community. At Mosaic, we try to represent she sees the potential for business ventures she he came to Raleigh on a cold Sunday morning in every type of music for all types of people. Our never thought could reach the Raleigh market. March of 157. His original partner, Clarence C. brand that we were creating was a She admits owning a Mexican Restaurant as a Coleman, has since passed, but John- very diff erent brand, a diverse brand. Colombian is a confusing concept to some, but at son has continued their vision and We have had a very positive reception the time when the original Dos Taquitos opened become an integral part of downtown to being in downtown to myself and up in Raleigh over 20 years ago, the market for Raleigh, while taking the pharmacy Mosaic and we have a very good rap- Colombian food was nonexistent. However, today to new heights and overcoming many port with our neighboring businesses she feels the market in downtown is open to every- barriers along the way. as well as the other bars and restau- thing and anything. Let’s remember the times. Back rants around town. As a woman and a Colombian, Salamanca feels then, African-Americans were not able During the past four years, we’ve very positive about the growth in diversity amongst to cross Wilmington Street heading Owner/Pharmacist, seen such a boom in business, espe- downtown businesses. “Overall, I feel we have been westward. “East Hargett Street was the Hamlin Drugs John M. Johnson cially in downtown, despite the really blessed because we have great customers and principal place of commerce in Wake decline in the economy; a lot of new restaurants have grown so much in the last two years.” County for blacks and Hamlin Drugs was a hub since blacks could not eat elsewhere. We always with diff erent cuisines and styles, new bars, and provided a high standard of service for people new businesses. Th ere have been a lot of new ideas of color,” Johnson recalls. Times have changed. and events like SparkCon, Mosaic MusicFest, and James West Th ankfully, says Johnson, “we have a culturally Raleigh Wide Open. Th ese types of things would Raleıgh Cıty Councıl Member diverse clientele now. Th ere used to be a time not happen if we didn’t live in a and Mayor Pro Tempore when people would peek in the door, see me and diverse and creative commu- by Chrıs Moutos then turn around and go the other way. Now we nity. I don’t think we’re quite Th e enthusiasm that exudes from Dr. James West have people with dogs and families in the area there yet, and I don’t believe when he speaks about the people of downtown come in the store. Luckily, people seem to be more that African Americans are Raleigh is contagious. Dr. West, whose district focused on quality and service than on race.” truly represented in business, encompasses much of downtown and contigu- In 1, Johnson wanted to buy the lot next especially downtown. If we do a survey of people who live ous residential areas, has seen many changes since door (Hamlin Drugs was originally located in Owner, Mosaic moving here in 170 to work with the North Caro- what is now Moore Square Station) and erect a downtown, the percentage of Wine et Lounge lina Cooperative Extension Services. building for the store. At that time, banks were minorities who live downtown Samad Hachby Th e changing landscape and cultural diversity not as amenable to lending money to blacks and would be very low. I believe in our city core creates opportunity imposed higher interest rates, diff erent the cost of the new condos are too high and and loss that impacts rooted history in terms and equity requirements, and are only aff ordable to a small percentage of the certain areas. Th e southeast quadrant vendors wanted cash. Not to be hin- population. of downtown has a deep-rooted Afri- dered, Johnson and Coleman obtained I would like to see more people living down- can-American history that is inherent fi nancing through BB&T and built at town in less expensive housing. We need mid- to what Raleigh was and will be. Dr. Hamlin’s current location. and moderate-priced housing in downtown to West states that “with change, there Th e cultural and diversity changes attract not only lawyers and business executives is pain. Some benefi t and some don’t, in downtown Raleigh are positive. but also young professionals and workers. Th e Raleigh City Council high pricing skews the landscape we are trying but looking at downtown from the big Member and Mayor Pro Johnson says, “For a long time we were perspective, we all benefi t.” Tempore Dr. James West mindful of our place, aware of the to build. Teachers and artists cannot aff ord to
4 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 live downtown and yet they are two infl uential groups calling for change success was not immediately experienced, the very important sectors of society. in Raleigh. Th e activism of these eff orts of our local trailblazers began a process Th e city has to encourage projects students, and others that joined where integration became inevitable. that by mandate will allow for mid- them, soon forced institutions and income people to aff ord condos and businesses in Raleigh to recognize Call the Raleigh City Museum at .82. or visit living space. We need a wider cross the inevitability of integration. their website for more information at www.raleigh- citymuseum.org, or better yet, visit the Raleigh City section of people living downtown. Other groups also began to voice Museum and learn more about this and other exhib- We’re starting in the right direction their desire to see change. Many its, including Th e Art of Business, Abstactations and but we have a way to go. religious leaders of both African Th e [R]evolution of Media. American and white congregations Let Us March on: Raleigh’s Journey spoke in favor of civil rights for all. Towards Civil Rights Let Us March Still, change did not come easily On, a civil rights exhibit centered or without protest from some. on Raleigh, is currently on display Although Raleigh is not normally at the Raleigh City Museum. It is considered one of the hotbeds of one of their core exhibits, along with It Started racial tension, this city did have its share of prob- with Acres, and will be part of the museum lems with integration. Th e progress made toward indefi nitely. civil rights in this city was the result of the eff orts of individuals who dared to stand up and demand from the exhibit Raleigh experienced a time of change. Portions of their stories are here for great confl ict and change during the mid-150s you to read and hear. Th ese individuals, African to the mid-170s. One of the fi rst steps toward American and white, faced hostility and antago- integration was taken by local families in their nism while holding strong to their convictions. As eff orts to desegregate the Raleigh City Schools. this exhibit will show, their beliefs were not always Demonstrators protesting the segregated lunch counters became a common site on Fayetteville Street in Later, university students became one of the most enough to allow them to triumph. Yet, even when phOTO FROm ThE RalEigh CiTy musEum EXhiBiT “lET us maRCh ON”
RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 5 SIGn Up foR free Reader Rewards!
he Downtowner is proud to continue another • Four $25 gift certificates to The Mint Restaurant Tinstallment of Reader Rewards. Each month, located on Fayetteville Street, in the heart of we give away gifts and services to our devoted read- downtown. www.themintrestaurant.com ers, with this month’s Rewards worth over $600. • Four $25 gift certificates toSitti . Chef Ghassan To sign up for Reader Rewards, just visit our Jaroui has created an authentic Lebanese menu website at www.RaleighDowntowner.com and click served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. on the SIGN UP NOW! button. You’ll be eligible to www.sitti-raleigh.com win Reader Rewards each month by signing up for • Five $20 gift certificates to Gravy. Gravy’s Chef our online news magazine. The Downtowner will Tony Fusco serves a versatile menu of truly won- help keep you informed about all the latest news and derful Italian-American cuisine. Open 7 days a events happening in and around Raleigh. week. www.gravyraleigh.com • Ten $10 gift certificates toSpize Cafe on Fayette- This Month’s Reader Rewards ville Street. Soups, salads, noodle salads, fresh • Four $25 gift certificates to Thaiphoon Bistro in rolls and baguettes. www.spizecafe.com Glenwood South. Superb authentic Thai right in We’d like to thank our readers and advertisers for downtown. Located behind Hibernian Pub. making the Downtowner a huge success. Reader www.thaiphoonbistro.com Rewards are our way of saying thanks and also to • Four $25 gift certificates toJibarra Mexican Res- introduce you to some of our great advertisers. Be taurant in the historic warehouse district. Tradi- sure to sign up to win your share! tional Mexican dishes + contemporary presenta- tion = amazing results. www.jibarra.net www.RaleighDowntowner.com
WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED The Raleigh Downtowner Magazine is searching for contributing writers and photographers for both our print and web editions. If you’re passionate about any of the topics below, or have a new idea you’d like to pitch, send us an email to [email protected].
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6 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 告別
David Mao Says 告別 to the Duck* by Ally Motola
ith every ending there is always a new to visit the Mandarin House and a friendship arose, fi rst arrived in Raleigh the weather was the most Wbeginning, and for the Duck & Dump- eventually leading to the pair’s joint venture of the noticeable diff erence he encountered, but claims ling, the transition into the Year of the Tiger paral- Duck and Dumpling, which opened in 2002. he is fi nally adjusting to the unpredictable tem- lels with the retirement of beloved Chef David Mao When asked what he liked best about his res- peratures Raleigh has to off er. For the past three and the debut of Chef James Boyle. With over 0 taurant being in downtown, Mao says he always months, Boyle has studied under Mao, learning years of experience, Mao has decided to hang up enjoyed meeting the diverse lunch crowd from how to make his renowned duck dumplings from his Chef’s coat and pass on his recipes to the up- nearby businesses. “In strip mall restaurants, you scratch, which Boyle says, “is a lost art in itself.” Th e and-coming Boyle. can only cater to a small group of people.” He also new chef hopes to bring more fl avors and recipes thinks that downtown has a lot of plenty of restau- from a variety of Asian countries. His background rants for now. He’d like to see more small, family- in Th ai cuisine will only add to the Duck’s fl are for owned retail stores so people can go to work and fl avor, but he promises to keep the Duck’s favorite then aft erwards, go shop. dishes on the menu. Th e intricacies of Asian recipes are practically programmed into Boyle’s nature, as he hails from a Th ai family well-versed in the restaurant busi- ness. He has been working in the kitchen of his mother’s restaurants in Miami since the age of 12 as well as with his grandmother in Th ailand where he cooked in a wok over an outdoor wood fi re on the Th ai coast, which is as authentic as one can get without being a native. With the utmost certainty, Boyle will con- tinue the attention to detail and friendly qualities for which Mao has made the Duck & Dumpling famous. Aft er 0-plus years in the business, Mao is With this transition, the Duck will progress into leaving a legacy of Asian cuisine that was the fi rst of the next decade with a chef who is sure to bring a its kind in Raleigh. Th e Duck was created to cater to new era of zest to the hip downtown Asian Fusion the sophisticated taste buds that took Chinese food restaurant. Patrons can expect the same atmosphere past egg foo young and chow mein. “Th e Duck is of intimate lighting and romance, while their palettes Mao’s history at the Duck theoretically began in more authentic Asian food, using more fresh ingre- have something new to look forward to. Mao will be 1 at his restaurant the Mandarin House, located dients,” says Mao. missed in the Raleigh restaurant world, but his mark in Cameron Village. He met Greg Hatem, then Boyle, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate and former on this industry will be remembered indefi nitely. photographer for the NCSU paper the Technician, Executive Chef at the Kung Fu Kitchen at the Cat- during a photo shoot for an article. Greg continued alina Hotel and Resort in Miami, says when he *Farewell in Chinese
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RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 7 Foundation ———— Nightlife by Melıssa Santos ————
ost people don’t go into a cramped crawl space and to fi nd, but ended up a perfect fi t for their search. “Our Mthink, “Th is looks like a fun place to hang out.” But background is architecture, design and building,” Vince that’s why Foundation is such a great concept and bar: says. “But we could only take our concept so far. We knew owners Vince Whitehurst and Will Alphin don’t think like we had to fi nd someone who could take it to the next level.” everyone else. Vince and Will, both architects, had been “We met with Drew, who has a culinary background and hired to renovate 21 Fayetteville Street and came up with understands fresh ingredients and cocktails, and he com- the idea for a bar aft er seeing the stone walls in the build- pletely understood our idea,” Will continues. ing’s foundation. Says Vince, “It was what the space told For Andrew, the focus on regional drinks made sense us it needed to be. If it had told us it needed to be an auto because as he explains, “Th e NC microbrew scene is really parts store, it would have been that.” strong and is still growing. Our state is among the top-con- As for the concept, “A big sumers of craft beer nationally.” part of that is being proud of Th e beer is all local, and seven of the eight wines they carry where we are—the South,” come from the eastern seaboard. (Th ey do have a California Will explains. “When we wine because you can’t duplicate those varietals in NC and travel, we like to go places one French champagne because ““their landlord is French.”) that are local. We thought But they say the real draw is the bourbon and the cocktails. it would be great to have a According to an article in the N&O, Foundation doesn’t just bar in Raleigh that was about what’s best in our area.” Th is have the biggest bourbon collection in Raleigh; it has the sounds easy enough to execute, but as he explains, “When largest in all of Wake County. And if you’re one those people we were meeting with people in the bar and restaurant who—gasp—doesn’t like bourbon, one of Andrew’s drinks business to discuss our idea, a lot of them just laughed might just convince you otherwise. His menu changes four at us. Even aft er we opened, one of our regular custom- times a year and starts with seasonal ingredients he picks ers who works for the commerce department told his boss up at the farmer’s market that are then mixed with regional about the bar and his boss bet him that we’d be out of busi- liquors (including Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon and Vir- ness in six months.” ginia Lightning) and his hand-made sodas, which include Apparently that wasn’t a smart bet because two years tonic, ginger ale, cola, and peach. later, not only is Foundation still open but it’s now a fi xture in the downtown bar circuit. And that’s largely due to the owner’s being “hard- headed,” as Vince puts it, about what they wanted in a bar: “To us, the concept was always a no-brainer,” he says. “We never second-guessed ourselves or thought, ‘Hey, they’re right. We’re never going to be able to do this.’” But they did do it, and to their exact specifi cations. Everything in Foundation from the design to the drinks is an extension of their original idea. Vince and Will even built all the fur- niture and the steps leading to the front door. Sure, a seasonal menu featuring local, fresh ingredients As soon as you come down the subway-like stairs and may seem unconventional for a bar, but Foundation isn’t into the bar, you can tell Foundation is unlike any other your traditional bar. While most places rely on heavy adver- bar in Raleigh. Th ere are no neon Bud Light and Miller tising to attract customers, Foundation promotes itself only Lite signs adorning the wall, no sofas, mood lighting or by word of mouth. Th ey intentionally don’t advertise so thumping bass, just paintings from local artists, a bright people can discover the bar on their own because as Vince yellow bench along the back wall and a few simple, sleek puts it, “You fi nd out about all the best things that way.” wood-and-steel tables, chairs and stools. And instead of When you’re in the mood to head downtown for some- a chalkboard advertising the night’s shot or draft special, thing diff erent, stop in—or down, rather—and check out there’s a printed menu listing all their drink off erings and Foundation. manager Andrew Sheperd’s specialty cocktails. foundation Andrew, who went to culinary school in New York and 213 Fayetteville street | 919.896.6016 | www.foundationnc.com worked at Watts Grocery prior to Foundation, took a while Open 7 days a week 4 pm to 2 am
8 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 A Triangle Tradition Turns 25 by Brıan Van Norman
he longtime Triangle tradition, A Toast to the People’s Choice Award, in which guests vote for their TTriangle, celebrates its silver anniversary on favorite restaurant. Th e remaining awards are voted March 7, 2010. For a quarter-century, area residents on by local judges from professions ranging from have been enjoying the Toast’s culinary delicacies chefs to food critics to culinary instructors. In cel- and enchanting atmosphere, all while supporting a ebration of the 25th anniversary, event organizers are great cause—helping children and adults with spe- adding a pastry competition. cial needs. Th is year’s event will be held at the North Adding to the excitement of the evening is a live Carolina State University McKimmon Center in and a silent auction, as well as raffl es with prizes Raleigh from 5:0 p.m. to p.m. including vacation packages, artwork, jewelry, In 1, the fi rst Toast raised $,000 to help build sporting gift s and more. All auction and raffl e items residential facilities. Since then, it has evolved into Th e tastings from Solas and Chef Vogelsburg are donated by organizations from throughout the are always crowd favorites. the signature fundraising event for the Tammy Lynn Triangle. “Th e outpouring of support from area Memorial Foundation, which in turn supports the have made an impression on me, and the Triangle is organizations is astounding,” says Mary Freeman, following programs and services of the Tammy Lynn lucky to have such an amazing facility for children president and CEO of the Tammy Lynn Center for Center for Developmental Disabilities: Community with developmental disabilities and their families.” Developmental Disabilities. “Th is sustained support Residential, Early Childhood Intervention, Respite Th eToast , which off ers guests samples from nearly has played an integral role in the growth of the Toast Care, and non-Medicaid Day Services. Last year, 0 of the Triangle’s fi nest restaurants, caterers and and the Tammy Lynn Center.” nearly 1,200 guests attended the event, helping to purveyors of fi ne wines and specialty beers, features a Event and ticket information for the 2010 A Toast raise more than $11,000. friendly competition among participating restaurants. to the Triangle is available online at www.atoast- Angela Hampton, ABC11/WTVD news anchor, is Six “Best in Show” awards are given each year: People’s tothetriangle.org. serving as honorary chair for this year’s Toast. “I have Choice Award, Best Visual Th eme, Best First Course, Brian Van Norman is a freelance writer and public a special place in my heart for Tammy Lynn Center,” Best Entrée, Best Dessert and Best Presentation. relations specialist for Articulon. He can be reached at says Hampton. “Th e children and the caring staff All restaurant participants are eligible for the [email protected].
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RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 9 Downtown DınıNg
Martin Street pizza by Brıan Adornetto, Food Edıtor
Brian is a culinary instructor, food writer and personal Th e Bender family, who also owns and operates chef. His business, Love at First Bite, specializes in private Five Star Restaurant (one street up on Hargett) and cooking classes and intimate dinners. For more informa- Alibi Bar (which is located on the fl oor below), runs tion, please visit Brian at www.loveatfi rstbite.net. MSP, so it seems only natural that Chef Dan Gray of rom the New York City subway-styled logo and Five Star Restaurant oversees the kitchen at Martin Fthe long, brushed nickel bar to the fl at screen TVs Street Pizza as well. His menu consists of salads, pizzas, and late night hours, Martin Street Pizza (MSP) is a far sandwiches, pastas, and a few appetizers in addition cry from your typical greasy spoon pizzeria. Th anks to several daily specials and a soup of the day. to the fl oor to ceiling windows, MSP is fi lled with an On our visit, we started our meal with a Caesar abundance of natural light and provides diners with Salad ($.5), Caprese Bruschetta ($.5) and Italian the fun opportunity to people watch, Wedding Soup ($), the soup of the Day. and the .000-square-foot space gives MSP’s Caesar was more than enough customers plenty of elbow room. MSP for two to share and was loaded with is a welcome addition to the downtown house made croutons. Th e Bruschetta, dining scene as it fi lls a glaring need: Gray’s riff on Caprese Salad, con- a place to grab a quick, hearty slice of sisted of sliced and slightly toasted pizza. Prices are simple as they’re the Italian bread layered with slices of same for lunch and dinner. Roma tomatoes and fresh mozzarella
10 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 Martin Street pizza 14 W. martin street | 919.301.8791
———— hours lunch: monday thru Friday: 11am until 3pm Dinner: Thursday thru saturday 5pm until 3am sprinkled with herbs and cheese lover’s dream (and our Cuisine: italian american drizzled with garlic bal- personal favorite). Dining style: Casual meals: lunch and Dinner samic syrup. Gray also put Our entrees included Egg- atmosphere: urban pizzeria his own spin on the Italian plant Parmesan over Spa- service: Friendly and attentive Dress: Come as you are wedding soup by serving ghetti, Meatballs Marinara and Recommended Dishes: White Out pizza and the Chicken Marsala, the special Daily special the homemade meatballs Features: Bar dining, Night time outdoor seating, in a creamy tomato soup. of the day (usually $7.5). Th e Catering, Take out, Vegetarian options, Kid- Eggplant was fi lling and moist friendly, Daily and weekly food specials, late Add to that the fresh spin- night drink specials. Credit cards accepted ach and parmesan cheese but not at all oily, so it’s easy to alcohol: Full bar parking: street and nearby parking decks and lots and the result is a dish see why it’s a customer favor- Wireless: yes that’s a fi lling, entrée-sized antidote for the cold weather. ite. Th e hand-rolled meatballs were tender, covered with Reservations: Not necessary Next came three huge slices of of MSP’s most popu- homemade marinara, and topped with melted provolone lar pizzas, all loaded with toppings. Th e crust had a nice and parmesan cheeses. Th e Chicken Marsala was juicy consistency and a good chew without being too bready. and light, and the sauce, which was enhanced with sautéed “Th e Vegetarian” ($12.5) was abundant with fresh spin- mushrooms and fresh tomatoes, was perfect for sopping up ach, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and olives while “Th e with the accompanying garlic bread. Martin St. Meat” ($1.5) was piled high with sausage, If you’re looking for a family friendly dinner or aff ord- pepperoni, ground beef, and bacon; it’s a bona fi de belly able lunch—you can get a slice of pizza, side salad, and buster. “Th e White Out” ($12.5) with ricotta, fresh moz- drink for only $5.—or a late night snack downtown, zarella, parmesan, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil was a check out Martin Street Pizza. You won’t leave hungry.
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RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 11 LOCAL HISTORY Out of the ‘Ordinary’: A History of Taverns in Raleigh
by Krıstın Good, Raleıgh Cıty Museum
he lively bars and favorite brews which Finally, as community landmarks and form the backdrop of a night out are but popular gathering places, taverns were T the latest in a long history of taverns that sites of a variety of forms of entertainment have played a decisive role in the history of beyond that provided by alcohol alone. For Wake County and the city of Raleigh. instance, in the early nineteenth century, Th e history of taverns in the region travelling shows exhibiting exotic animals can be traced back to the mid-eighteenth and human performers commonly set century, when the area that would become up near taverns. Furthermore, New Ruin Wake County was only sparsely popu- Tavern in western Wake County not only lated. Travelers passing through in need of regularly hosted dancing and gambling, food and shelter typically stayed as paying Sir Isaac Hunter’s Tavern but sports such as horse-racing, wrestling guests in the homes of private citizens who COuRTEsy OF ThE NORTh CaROliNa sTaTE aRChiVEs matches, cock-fi ghting, and gander-pull- had obtained a license to operate an inn, ing took place nearby. or “ordinary” at their place of residence. commissioners met to vote on several eli- While Raleigh’s taverns may no longer In addition to providing shelter, food and gible tracts of land. When a majority vote infl uence landmark legislation, inspire riots stabling for the horses, the keeper of the could not be reached, the commissioners or host unusual entertainment, they still ordinary did business by selling liquor (by adjourned for the night at Joel Lane’s Tavern, play a vital role in the landscape of down- the drink or gallon) to his guests. whose property was one of the sites on the town Raleigh and the lives of its residents. Several of these early taverns featured ballot. “Th e record does not reveal … the One may only wonder how much history is prominently in Wake County’s history. For causes for a shift in their votes,” but the next still made over an ice-cold beer in some of example, the taverns of Lodwick Tanner day, the two votes for Lane’s property had downtown Raleigh’s favorite bars. and David Mims were used as landmarks increased to fi ve, and it was chosen as the to establish the boundary between the site for the new capital city. Local legend has newly formed Wake County and Johnston it that this mysterious “shift in votes” was due County in 1771. Also, more famously, it to the infl uence of Lane’s “cherry bounce,” a was a tavern that determined the location potent drink made of mashed cherries, sugar for the capital of Raleigh, when in 17, and aged whiskey or brandy. the Constitutional Convention agreed to Taverns were the cause of yet another memorable event in Raleigh’s history when, in 1, controversy arose over the site of Raleigh’s market house. So many taverns Th e Raleigh City Museum is located at 22 Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh and had opened near the old market house (on is open from am-pm Hargett between Fayetteville and Wilm- Tuesday through Friday, and ington) that the area, dubbed “Grog Alley,” -pm on Saturdays. Join us Th e Yarborough House had become “the scene of much drink- in celebrating Raleigh Beer was a popular hotel ing and disorder, of many a fi sticuff fi ght, Week on Saturday, March and local watering , from :pm-:pm, as hole in the early s and occasionally a homicide.” A party in the Raleigh City Museum, favor of moving the market house won the Busy Bee Cafe, and New fi x the capital within ten miles of Sir Isaac municipal election of 10, and victorious Raleigh present Homebrewed Hunter’s Tavern, a well-known watering supporters marched through Grog Alley Raleigh, a beer fest featuring 2 top-notch home brewers. hole in Wake County. shouting and carrying torches. Th is so For further information, please call -82- However, the exact site of the capital irritated the owners and frequenters of the or check out our website at www.raleigh- was not chosen until 172, when a group of taverns, that a bloody riot ensued. citymuseum.org.
12 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 DISCOVER by Peter Eıchenberger
ontinuing past Enterprise Street, the third and skedaddle. But these are no lightweight foo Cinstallment of Discover Hillsborough Street foo drinks, bud. Th ese babies, with names like resumes. Aft er a short stop to admire the new Yo Adrian (20 calories and 5 grams of protein) cantilever roof structure on North Hall, an NCSU and Chocolate Chimp, may make you drop that dorm originally built in the 70s as a Lemontree same old burger for some new ideas about what’s Inn—part of the general street’s upgrades—we for lunch. maneuver past the ubiquitous barrels, trenching Onward, at 202-10, we fi nd Sugar Magno- and disrupted pavement to fi nd our little main lia, a recently-opened family-owned branch out drag with more of a collegiate “fl ava.” of Ann Arbor, MI’s Orchid Lane, run by NCSU alumnus John Cooper Elias. Th e shop is a fair trade, eco-friendly retail fi rm that markets a variety of craft s and clothing from around the world. Th e wall of incense served to remind me of the iconoclastic vibe of the street’s residents, Sylvia’s is a bit quieter and more accommodating but Sugar Magnolia is a diff erent sort of Hillsbor- than many of the other restaurants on the street, ough Street, off ering a wide range of craft s and so there’s no alcohol and no wall of televisions. I natural fi ber women’s clothing. Th e craft s range spoke to Joe, all business and few words, who was from carved wood masks and objects to wall working the counter. hangings. Both clothes and craft s are sourced “How long y’all been here?” I asked, registering during buying trips to places like Nepal, India the authenticity of the place by the classic Italian For a quarter century at the intersection with de rigueur red-and-white checked tablecloths. Logan Court, the Brueggers Bagel Bakery chain “Ten years,” said Joe, somewhat taken aback at 202 Hillsborough Street has provided suste- that I wasn’t there for the pizza. nance without which a generation of humanities Good pizza joints tend to develop strident fol- scholars would have likely perished. Th ere they lowings and in that Sylvia’s is right there, accord- can be seen mornings, some dining en situ, many ing to online reviews. A majority of reviewers more scurrying to Tompkins and Winston Hall, granted Sylvia’s Pizza 5 stars. Typical accompany- to-go cups and bags in hand. Brueggers off ers to ing comments lauded the non-pizza choices with the bagelphile a credible version of that distinctly a caveat that good food can sometimes take time New York treat with a full range of toppings and to prepare. Go. Eat. other light fare such as soups and beverages.
Bruegger’s Bagels and Indonesia as well as the Americas (North 2302 hillsborough st | 919.828.7103 and South). Th is isn’t your mall store and that’s www.brueggers.com evident in the wares and prices. Nothing in the store costs more than $15 bucks. Th at’s a very rea- planet Smoothie sonable rate for objects d’art you can’t get any- 2302-104 hillsborough st. | 919.839.0022 where else, plus you’re providing a small part of a www.planetsmoothie.com living for those in poor nations. Finally, the fi rst of the multitude of Italian joints Sugar Magnolia on the street: Sylvia’s Pizza, at 20 Hillsborough 2302-106 hillsborough st Street. It’s a combination sit-down restaurant Sylvia’s pizza Next door, at 202-102, we land on Planet that has everything from Alfredo to Zitti with a 2304 hillsborough street | 919.821.5720 Smoothie, which is what the sign indicates, heavy emphasis on pizza by the slice, a dominant a place for you to drop in, grab a liquid lunch division of the United State’s major food groups.
RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 13 from our his column will be a monthly feature including advertısers the capable, Th ai-infl uenced hands of Chef James news from a few of our great partners here in the Boyle from Miami. Located in Moore Square. T Raleigh Downtowner Magazine. www.theduckanddumpling.com Seaboard Ace Hardware is pleased to announce Neighborhood News it has expanded and now devotes an entire sec- Nicholas Bradford recently moved his offi ces tion of its store to kitchenware. According to Bob downtown to 11 N. West Street, Suite 20. Brad- King, “we are now off ering a wide range of gad- for Pretty in Pink Foundation clients who are ford is a fi nancial advisor for Edward Jones. getry, utensils, dishes and cookware from manu- currently undergoing breast cancer treatment at www.edwaredjones.com facturers such as OXO and Norpro at a very rea- participating medical facilities. sonable price.” Located in Seaboard Station. www.all-pointsnc.com 0/0 Photo-Video was recently hired by the www.seaboardace.com Raleigh Downtowner Magazine to begin working You can now order take out online at Dos Taqui- on online videos to be included on their website. Jibarra Modern Mexican recently rolled out their tos Centro for quick pick up. Open for dinner www.2020photo-video.com Spring menu, which includes several new appetizers, (Th -Sat) as well as lunch (M-Sat). Located at seafood items, price reductions on certain dinner R-Line stop R20 on Wilmington Street. Ed Mitchell of Th e Pit Restaurant will be behind entrees. Located in the Historic Depot Building of www.dostaquitoscentro.com the bar on March 2nd and on March 15th, sit down the Warehouse District. www.jibarra.net with Ed for a family style dinner (reservations Th e Mint Restaurant was recently named the required). Located on Davie Street in the Ware- In late March, Mosaic Wine et Lounge has the “Best Place to Impress a Date” by the readers of house District. www.thepit-raleigh.com prestigious honor of attending and participating Midtown Magazine. Th ey are also now open for in the 2010 Winter Music Conference in Miami. dinner on Monday nights and are adding a live DJ Hosted Solutions recently introduced an Th is will be the second year Mosaic has repre- upstairs on Saturday nights aft er 10pm. Located enhancement to our Stratus Trusted Cloud, called sented Raleigh at this event. Located in Glenwood in central downtown on Fayetteville Street. Stratus Cloud Storage. Th is service is a storage- South. www.mosaicwinelounge.com www.themintrestaurant.com on-demand solution that provides you with com- plete control over the storage, distribution and All-Points Personal Transportation announced David Mao of Th e Duck & Dumpling is retir- retrieval of data from any location, anytime, using that it will help provide transportation alternatives ing aft er eight years, handing over the reins to a web services API. www.hostedsolutions.com
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14 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 Uncorked Turning Wine into Money by Joel Morgan
ine has been a been specifi cally created for that Wpart of human night to spotlight and accentuate existence for millen- the wine brought to the restaurant. nia. It’s been used in Th e Gala is a Bacchanalian fes- religious ceremonies, celebrations, tival of fi ne wines, great food and cooking, business, and the simple amazing wine auction lots. While act of enjoying a glass with friends. enjoying the “Big Guns” of wine pro- Over the past few decades, how- vided by local distributors, patrons ever, a new aspect and purpose for can bid on Silent and All-Star Auc- wine has occurred—using wine to tion items. Many of the winemak- raise funds for charity or non-profi t ers are pouring the wine themselves organizations. Alcohol has been and answering questions about their served at many fundraisers but the wines, so this is a rare opportunity advent of using wine as a means for anyone whom loves a wine to unto itself has revolutionized how actually meet the winemaker and ask charities raise money. But why use questions. Once the auction begins, wine? One reason is that many you get to see and place bids on people interested in fi ne wine and one-of–a-kind and rare cult wines. food are in a position to give. People attending a wine Th ere are also trips, jewelry, fashion items, and other charity event are already expecting to enjoy them- lots but the main attraction is the wine itself. Many of selves. Combine that with a few glasses of wine, and a the wines at the auction simply cannot be purchased healthy competition oft en ensues between the bidders anymore or are of such cult status they are in extremely when more favored type of wine or cult wine appears limited quantity. When the bidding wars begin, auc- on the auction block, driving prices that start out as tion lot prices can surge to over $0,000—sometimes “fair market value” to astronomical heights. One six- even higher. To fi nd out more about Th e Triangle Wine liter bottle of wine sold at a wine auction for $500,000 Experience, visit www.twenc.org. in 2000, at that time was the world-record sum paid With an event such as this, it’s clear that wine has for a single bottle of wine. Not every wine auction or become a successful way for charitable organizations to wine charity fundraiser can raise such a staggering raise funds. Th ese events aren’t amount of money, but the idea remains constant; wine just appealing to the most die is an eff ective way to raise money. Th ere are many wine hard wine collectors but are charity events throughout the state and country both also good for anyone who has large and small, but the Triangle Wine Experience in a desire to learn about amaz- Raleigh stands out. ing wines while donating to Th e Triangle Wine Experience, the premier wine a worthwhile cause. With the charity event of North Carolina, is a three day wine current economic situation, it’s been increasingly diffi - and food event that benefi ts the Frankie Lemmon cult in the area of fundraising. A few glasses/bottles of School, a local school for children with developmental wine are a great way to relax contributors into opening disabilities. TWE begins with an array of Winemaker’s their wallets a little further and donating with a contri- Dinners at some the Triangle’s best restaurants and bution or through auction item purchases. And sure, culminates in a Wine World star-studded gala auction. not every type of non-profi t or charity event is a good Th e Winemaker’s Dinners are exactly what the name fi t for wine, but many diverse charities have benefi ted implies, enjoying a dinner with a winemaker that has and will continue to do so in the future. I will say yes to any organization that contacts me and needs help, as it’s very hard to say no to a charity. Well, that and I always love a good glass of wine, especially if it’s for a worthwhile cause. Joel is a wine distributor for Epicure Wines, committee member for Triangle Wine Experience and an avid wine geek. He can be reached at joel at epicurwines dot com. Photos by Bella Rose Photography, www.bellarosephoto.com
RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 15 Photos below from the Triangle Wine Experience Photos by Bella Rose Photography
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Carson and Ashton enoying dinner at Spize Café
Chris Bender’s birthday party at Five Star Kyle and friends out on the town
Photos below from Meals on Wheels Fat Tuesday Benefit The girls at Brooklyn Heights
16 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 Photos below from the Bachelor Bid for Charity Photos by Tom Geiger
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Sam and Brian at a non-disclosed location
Birthday celebration at Brooklyn Heights Floritza, Ally and friends at Mosaic
Andew Teaguer and friend at bu•ku Wiliam, Tony and Sean on opening night at bu•ku
Ben and friend at Isaac Hunter’s Tavern
RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 17 Bartender Bartender by Frank Walser Each month Busy Bee bartender Frank “Slacker” Walser sits down with fellow downtown bartenders to ask the hard-hitting questions that every- one else is afraid to ask.
n the eternal words of musical juggernauts Train, “Meet Virginia.” What’s that? You Ithink Train is a terrible band? Me too, but that shouldn’t stop you from going to Lucky B’s, aka Around Th e Corner, and meeting Virginia Winstead. She has worked at Lucky B’s since 200 and has seen a thing or two since moving behind the bar. In the future, Virginia plans on putting her Communications degree to good use by hopefully landing a job in pubic relations. In the meantime, Virginia sharpens her people skills four nights a week on Glenwood South. To quote the almighty Train again (sorry), “her hair is always a mess.” Well, not really, but she did have some bite marks on her neck when we sat down for this interview. . Most embarrassing thing to happen on a date? I was walking down a fl ight of stairs to meet my date and my heel got caught in the space between the boards on the stairs and I fell all the way down the fl ight of stairs and landed right in front of him. . Celebrity you would like to marry? Brad Pitt. Or Beyonce. . Do you prefer a guy with facial hair or clean shaven? Facial hair. . Recurring fantasy of yours (keep it PG-)? Move to the Caribbean and open a tiki hut bar. Cocktail style. . Favorite article of clothing you own but afraid to wear in public? Stirrup pants . Creepiest thing a bar guest has ever done? Once a guy tried to hold my hand and sing Kumbayah to me. . Vice of choice? Whiskey . Favorite thing about downtown Raleigh? It’s a great place to people-watch, no Community is the new connection matter what time of day you’re here. is the new Raleigh . Worst thing you’ve ever done in public? I don’t remember. Which is why I know it’s bad. Renaissance . Celebrity you resemble most? I’ve gotten everything from Audrey Hepburn to the slutty girl on Dawson’s Creek. I have no idea.
Discover a community with connections. A ave you ever wished you had a bar in your own home? Personally, I think it Hwould be great—dangerous, but great. Unfortunately, most people can’t aff ord location that connects to the rhythm of such luxuries, myself included. Th ankfully, downtown Raleigh is lucky to have downtown. A lifestyle that connects with friends Brooklyn Heights. It might not be your home, but bartender Jermaine “JJ” McDaniel & family. A home that connects your life and will do his best to make it feel that way. Like many downtown patrons, JJ is a trans- your dreams. plant; born in Reno and raised in Detroit. He may have honed his bartending skills in Chapel Hill while attending UNC, but he calls Raleigh home, and you can bet he Conveniently located on Tryon Road in Raleigh. is making downtown-newcomers feel like this city is home too. Townhomes from the $140s. Single-Family . Most dangerous thing you’ve ever done? In high school, my buddies and I would homes from the $220s. Custom Homes from jump off this old train bridge into a river! It was pretty high and very intense at fi rst, but aft er awhile we’d do fl ips and all kinds of crazy tricks. I miss those days. the $300s. Connect with over 350 people that . If you could only watch fi ve movies for the rest of your life, which call Renaissance Park home. Come see ones would you pick? Dazed and Confused. Godfather. Zoolander. why...Community, value, beautiful homes, great Avatar 3D. True Romance. amenities! . Would you rather own a spider monkey or a buff alo? D e fi n i t e l y a buff alo. What the f is a spider monkey? . Most embarrassing thing to happen on a date? I’m not easily embarrassed, so anything that may have been embarrassing I probably just laughed and took a shot of Jameson. Who knows? Ask the girls I’ve dated... ) Would you rather be rich or famous? Rich. Famous people can’t go anywhere with- out being bothered. I’d rather no one know who I am. . Favorite Star Wars character? Choose Yoda I think I will. “Try not. Do or do not. Th ere is no try” Yoda . If you found a magic lamp, what would be your three wishes? 1. For a magic light bulb. 2. Endless cash. . Endless Peace . Biggest guilty pleasure? Defi nitely my Avril Lavigne CDs. Don’t judge me Raleigh! An Urban Take On Traditional Living . Worst thing about being a bartender? Being a bartend at Brooklyn Heights is per- Connect at RenaissancePark.com fect. Great crowd. Great Boss. Great Music. Th e worst part has to be all the gorgeous drunk girls throwing themselves at us all the time. Take Dawson St. heading away from Downtown. Continue on S. Saunders St. and merge onto S. Wilmington St. Continue for one mile. . What aspect of your personality best represents your inner nerd? My inner nerd
EQUAL HOUSING comes out weekly when I’m at the library in Cameron Village grabbing some new OPPORTUNITY Turn right on Tryon Rd., then right on Junction Blvd. books. My friend said my outer nerd better represents my inner nerd.
18 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 BAndpROFilE
JackTheRadio by Dan Strobel, Music Editor
ackTh eRadio is the brainchild of project where he writes and performs as soft ware engineers), JackTh eRadio is making JGeorge Hage and A.C. Hill, both folk and gospel music) slows things time to put some tracks to tape at Warrior Sound musicians who have been living and down and shows the band’s soft studios with the help of producer Al Jacobs and writing in Raleigh for almost ten years. touch. Both A.C. and George were hope to have their fi rst full-length album out by Aft er a prolifi c two-week bender in quick to acknowledge that their tunes the summer of 2010. 2005 where they lived together and won’t be drawing hordes of scream- JackTh eRadio is slated to play a few live shows wrote an album’s worth of material, ing kids, but they’re okay with that. around the area in the coming months, including Band rendering of “Jack- the duo pressed a few hundred CDs theRadio” fi gure they battle As George explains, “Everyone in this First Friday festivities in May at Artspace art gal- and played some live shows around through music. band has been in the music business lery. Check out their website www.myspace.com/ the area, but an inexplicable break fol- for a while and knows what it’s like to jacktheradio for more information. lowed their initial creative rush. “It sounds kind try and write music to fi t into a niche or market Oh, in case you’re curious about the name, of lame saying that we just got busy with other but right now we are all just making music that we here’s the offi cial story: Tired of the music on the projects and things going on in our lives, but it’s enjoy listening to and creating.” radio the name was a play on words to get rid of the truth,” says George. Even though jobs and school make the logis- (jack) your radio; a movement of sorts. It was also Fast forward fi ve years through girlfriends, tics of practicing and performing slightly diffi cult a bit of a play on the phrase “Jack of all trades”, jobs and numerous musical projects like Year- for the four-piece (Larry attends UNC-Chapel making music (the radio) their trade. In the past ling, Oso Optimo and Dakota Darling, and A.C. Hill where he’s double-majoring in law and politi- year it’s spawned into a fi ctional character, ‘Jack, and George are ready to get JackTh eRadio roll- cal science; Brent is an architect and designer in the Radio (God)’ who they’re aurally battling in ing again. Recently recruiting ex-Dakota Dar- Raleigh, and George and A.C. both work at IBM the name of world safety. ling bassist Larry Dempsey and drummer Brent Francese, currently working the skins for Raleigh band Silver, were both steps in the right direction: “Larry and Brent are both amazing guys who are incredibly focused and are bringing lots of good ideas to JackTh eRadio. Both George and I think that if we all stay motivated, good things are going to happen,” A.C. says. Described by George as sounding like “if Derek Trucks was in Spoon,” JackTh eRadio off ers a blend of rock and roll unique to the downtown Raleigh area. Bluesy-rock riff s lie down next to booming choruses and catchy keyboard lines, while the occasional soft ballad (A.C. has a solo
Chef Brian Adornetto
What you want, When you want it, The way you want it!
t Personal Chef Services t Intimate Dinners t Personal Cooking Classes t Private Parties
www.LoveAtFirstBite.net 919.387.1784
RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 19 let’s do lunch
The Brass Grill by Brıan Adornetto, Food Editor
he Brass Grill has been owned displaying the day’s selection of side dish- Tand operated by Monzer Ayesh es—and usually a long line of customers. But and his friendly family since 1. despite the number of people on the day of our It started as a small deli, but a few lunch, we had placed our order, picked up our years later Monzer, a 0-year veteran of the food number and were getting our drinks within industry, added a grill and has been expand- minutes. ing the menu ever since, serving a full break- At fi rst glance, the space looks small, but fast featuring biscuits, eggs and meats and an once you turn the corner, you’ll see that there expansive lunch menu, all are more than enough at great prices. booths and tables in the As soon as you enter dining room to accommo- the early twentieth cen- date the large downtown tury building on Wilm- lunch crowds that visit the ington Street (the doors Grill. By the time we found on Hargett Street are exit a table, our friendly, smil- only), you’ll see a refrig- ing server had brought us erated glass case proudly our silverware, wrapped
20 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 The Brass Grill 208 south Wilmington ave. 919.833.9595 served cold over a salad mix of lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, —— tomatoes, cabbage, and crunchy lo mien noodles. Th e mas- hours sive Quiche (a quarter of the whole) was fi lled with spin- monday to Friday: 7am until 3pm ach, tomatoes and feta cheese and was light and creamy saturday: 9am until 4pm with a golden brown top and billowy center. meals: Breakfast and lunch Th ose dishes were quickly followed by the Falafel Wrap Dining style: Quick serve menu Type: à la carte ($.5), Rib Eye Sandwich ($.5) and Turkey Panini ($5.5 ambiance: Downtown grill and includes a cup of soup or side salad). Tasty and well Recommendations: Thai Chicken salad, Rib Eye sandwich and Quiche seasoned, the Falafel was fi nished with a fl avorful authen- a Downtowner Tip: ask for a “lunch Club Card.” it offers a free lunch for every eight purchased. a tic tahini and hummus sauce. Th e Rib Eye Sandwich—a great deal on top of the already reasonable prices. perfectly grilled six-ounce rib eye served on a spongy hero Dress: Come as you are Features: Vegetarian, low carb, and healthy options. roll—is arguably one of the best steak sandwiches in town. specials, Kid-friendly, TVs, Take out, Catering, in a napkin and tucked inside a small paper bag, and we Trust me; once you eat one of these, you’ll never go back to Delivery, Box lunches. Credit cards accepted alcohol served: None barely had time to enjoy the paintings of local artist Patrick those shaved beef imposters. On our visit, the Panini was parking: street, in nearby parking decks (moore turkey, but be sure to check the blackboard on the counter square, Wilmington station, alexander square) Shanahan hanging on the exposed brick walls before our and parking lots food was delivered to the table. when ordering as it changes daily. Judging by the number Wireless: yes Our server started us off with bowls of homemade Chili of the Paninis on the tables around us, the recent addition and Turkey Corn Chowder ($.5 per bowl or $2.5 for a of the daily special has really taken off . cup), the Th ai Chicken Salad ($7.75) and Quiche ($7.5). Th e Brass Grill can be simply summed up as fresh, fast, Th e slightly spicy chili was plentiful with diced tomatoes fi lling, fl avorful, and economical, all of which make it an and beans and topped with melted cheddar cheese, and the excellent choice for lunch or breakfast. hearty Chowder was chunky and had a bit of a kick thanks Brian is a culinary instructor, food writer, and personal chef. to a pinch of hot pepper. Th e huge Th ai Chicken Salad was His business, Love at First Bite, specializes in private cooking more than enough for two people. Grilled chicken was classes, culinary workshops and intimate dinners. For more tossed with a creamy peanut-and-sesame dressing and information, please visit Brian at www.loveatfi rstbite.net.
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RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 21 Michelob.com ©2009 Michelob Brewing Co. Michelob® Family of Beers, St. Louis, MO
Ad Name: Foam Closing Date: 7.30.9 Trim: 10.125x12.5 Item #: PMF20099568 QC: SM Bleed: None 22 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNEJob/Order #: |607387-207032 VOlumEPub: 6, The issuE Raleigh Downtowner 2 Live: 9.625x12 The
Local Music Review
th’ Bullfrog Garland Mason Eric Strickland genre: americana / Blues / Folk genre: soul / Rock / Blues genre: Country / southern Rock www.myspace.com/thbullfrogwillardmcghee www.myspace.com/garlandmason www.myspace.com/ericwaynestrickland On January 1, 2010, seven musical artists from the Triangle area ————— ————— ————— showcased their talents in Nashville Bowl of jambalaya: check. Bourbon One night aft er the Best of NC Showcase, When you work in the music business, Tennessee in front of top industry Street Moonshine Inc. T-shirt: check. A I walked into the Tin Roof, a local live sometimes a song comes across your desk professionals at the legendary rd and front porch and rocking chair: check. music hang-out on Music Row in Nash- and you just know it’s going to be a smash Lindsley. Th ese seven artists were Okay, now I’ve got all the things I need to ville. It was a Tuesday night around 11 hit. Eric Strickland’s “Drinkin’ Whiskey” chosen to represent the Triangle round out the experience of listening to p.m. and there were maybe 0 people in is one of those songs. Th ere’s no denying from hundreds of artists during a what I consider one of the most authentic the place with two local Nashville musi- it. I remember hearing that the fi rst time six month long competition held at blues musicians in the Triangle. Katrina cians strumming away on stage, playing Jimi Hendrix was interviewed in Rolling Deep South Th e Bar. transplant th’ Bullfrog came to Raleigh some standard Nashville background Stone they asked him, “What’s it like to and bought half of a restaurant on Hills- tunes. Th e vibe was pretty ordinary until fi nally be a star?” And he replied calmly, ————— borough Street (what is now Pearl Café), they invited Garland Mason (one of the “I’ve always been a star. I’ve just been which is where you can fi nd this musical seven amazing artists featured in the NC waiting for everyone else to fi gure it out.” mastermind. A regular at Deep South Th e showcase) to sit in and play a couple of “Drinkin’ Whiskey” is just that. It IS a hit Th e Deep South Local Music Review is writ- Bar, th’ Bullfrog has that musical soul in songs. Two minutes into his performance, song. It may just take everyone else a little ten by Dave Rose. him, and it comes out in his instrumental people were off their barstools and in while to fi gure it out—maybe a month Dave is the co-founder and vocal melodies. Check out his mys- front of the stage dancing and singing from now or maybe even two years. But and co-owner of Deep pace page for upcoming shows. He is also along with this guy who, until moments it will happen. Eric Strickland won the South Entertainment. playing at Durham Blues Festival in Sep- ago, was a complete unknown in Nash- Trailblazer Award in 2001 at the King Formed in , Deep South Entertainment is a record label, tember 2010. It’s a few months from now ville. Mason is a writer of the literary Eagle Awards in Nashville, TN. Th at is an artist management company and concert but, trust me, it’s worth marking on your kind, which infl uences and solidifi es his incredible recognition for this Smithfi eld, event production company with offi ces in calendar. musical writing. His soul goes into the NC native. Currently, Eric doesn’t have Raleigh, North Carolina and Nashville, music and comes out on stage. Garland any show dates posted on his myspace Tennessee. Deep South is best known locally as producer of the Bud Light Mason is a performer, a crowd-pleaser page, but keep checking in to see when Downtown Live summer concert series, and certainly a pleasure to listen to. If he’s playing near you. It’s something you featuring national recording artists. Th eir you know he’s coming your way, take the won’t want to miss. latest addition to downtown Raleigh is opportunity to see him. He doesn’t just Deep South—Th e Bar. put on a great show; he takes you on a musical journey.
RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 23 Krispy Kreme: A Raleigh Tradition ————— by George Chunn —————
aleigh has a lot of doughnuts. Th e Kreme has woven itself into the fabric of the and as a husband and father of three, I relive I-0 beltline that encircles the downtown Raleigh area. those fond experiences through my own chil- RRaleigh Downtown area is shaped like Some of my best memories as a young child dren. Every year before the Raleigh Christmas a doughnut, but it wouldn’t be considered a growing up in Raleigh are of my mother taking Parade, I take my children to Krispy Kreme and “must go” destination, especially during fi ve my sister and me to Krispy Kreme. I knew that we stop at the very store my mother used to o’clock traffi c. And the area of Hillsborough either something fun was about to happen or take us when I was young. As we pull into the Street that’s under renovation—that will soon something fun had just happened. Going there parking lot, I look into the rearview mirror and have three doughnuts (roundabouts). Sure, was an event, something special—a real dough- see the electricity and expectation in their eyes. these doughnuts are helpful in directing traf- nut experience. As soon as we walked in the Th ey know that something magical is about to fi c and getting you where you need to go, but door, the smell of the freshly-made doughnuts happen. It is that tradition and many more like they’re not really places that provide an expe- waft ed through the air straight to our noses. No it that Krispy Kreme has been able to host at its rience or evoke memories. To get that from a adult or child can resist the invitation to peer facilities in Raleigh. doughnut, you need to visit Krispy Kreme. into the display, seeking the source of that olfac- tory pleasure. Th e warm embrace of the aroma combined with the sight of the legions of halos being baptized by a heavenly glaze makes any kid feel like they’re in a sugary Promised Land. And according to Steve Wymer, Krispy Kreme Market Manager for North and South Carolina, that’s exactly the kind of family- oriented experience the company strives for. Th ey have sought and will continue to seek and expand relationships within the commu- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, founded in Win- nities that they are affi liated with. Just recently So, if you’re in Raleigh and are looking for ston-Salem NC, has been operating in Raleigh Krispy Kreme opened its newest location at the a doughnut that’s an experience and a destina- since 17. Currently located at 5 Person City Plaza in downtown Raleigh, a “footprint” tion, head to Krispy Kreme. It’s worth traveling Street, Krispy Kreme has been an endur- store that caters to those who reside, work and through the other doughnuts to get to. ing presence in the downtown Raleigh area have fun in the downtown core. With the addi- for over 0 years. Th e store, which employs tion of Cool Cream ice cream to the assort- Recently, the Krispy Kreme Challenge took place at about 52 employees, generates about 12,000 ment of doughnuts and coff ee, Krispy Kreme the Person Street location, with over people doughnuts a day. Th ese fresh doughnuts are has positioned itself to create lasting traditions participating (and over signed up) and more than , doughnuts prepared and boxed made and distributed daily throughout the in downtown Raleigh for many more genera- for the event. Th e Challenge raised over , surrounding area to various grocery and tions to come. for the NC Children’s Hospital. Read more about convenience stores. Yet beyond the business Based on my own experience, I would say it and see photos on our website at http://bit.ly/ of making and delivering doughnuts, Krispy they’re succeeding. Now, aft er so many years krispykremechallenge.
24 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 CELEBRITYpROFilE Sally Struthers by Crash Gregg
elevision, fi lm and musical celebrity to perform in a particular show that you excited to see them again. Joe Coots, Angie I remember I ran into Ruth once here TSally Struthers stars in the North feel you know well. You know the char- Schworer. And there’s Kinglsey Leggs. He’s in Los Angeles at the beauty shop. She Carolina Th eatre production of Th e Full acter and the lines will come back to you so funny and he can really sing and dance; walked out into the parking lot and said, Monty with Ira David Wood III, which quickly, so it’s not going to be a Hercu- he’s wonderful! “Hello, Sally” with a troubled look on her runs from February 2th through March lean eff ort to learn a new show with only a face. “Ruth, what’s wrong,” I asked. “Well, 7th at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. few weeks to rehearse. And also the three Any favorite movies? Any movie with I’m trying to get my play produced you Th e Full Monty, an Americanized ver- times I’ve performed in Th e Full Monty Ruth Gordon. I was fi rst introduced to know, and I’m having trouble.” “You’re sion of the 17 British fi lm of the same have been glorious experiences full of Ruth Gordon when I was in high school a wonderful writer, why are you having name, follows six unemployed steelwork- fun, happy audiences and and saw the movie Harold trouble getting it produced?” I asked. Her ers from Buff alo, NY, low on both cash lots of laughter. and Maude. She blew me surprising answer was “Well, it’s got 7 and prospects, who decide to present a away. She was fascinat- characters in it.” “7 characters?! Ruth, strip act at a local club aft er seeing their Have you performed in ing and eccentric. As luck what were you thinking?” I asked. She wives’ enthusiasm for a touring company Raleigh before? I’ve been would have it, years later replied without a hesitation, “I’ve got a lot of Chippendales. As they prepare for in NC many times with dif- I did a movie called Th e of friends out of work.” the show, working through their fears, ferent tours that I’ve done. Great Houdinis and Ruth self-consciousness, and anxieties, they I’ve come through with the Gordon played Harry Hou- do you have a favorite comfort food? I overcome their inner demons and fi nd musicals Grease and Annie dini’s mother, so I got to love tomato soup! And if I’m at a fancier strength in their camaraderie. and the female version of work with her. And once restaurant, a tomato bisque. Ever since I We had the pleasure of speaking with Th e Odd Couple on its way I worked with her on that was a little girl, if my mother knew that phOTO By alaN lighT Sally for a delightful interview about The to Broadway. I love NC and movie, we became friends I was sad or not feeling well, she’d make Full Monty, Raleigh, food, and movies. it’s people. Th ey’re friendly. Th ere’s a kind and years later when I went to New York me a bowl of tomato soup, and my mood of an East Coast/Southern genteelness that to do my fi rst Broadway play (Wally’s would change. I even have a collection of What drew you to The Full Monty? I’ve you don’t fi nd other places. I’m excited to Café), I stayed in Ruth Gordon’s brown- Campbell soup cups in my kitchen. th actually done the show through three meet the locals in the show! I’ve actually stone on East 7 Street. My next door Visit www.nctheatre.com for more information runs already! It’s always nice to be asked worked with some of them before and I’m neighbor was Katherine Hepburn! on Th e Full Monty show times and tickets.
It’s all in the label ! Look for Raleigh Rickshaw stickers on the front When a Raleigh Rickshaw door of participating establishments picks you up… for priority pick-up from the Raleigh Rickshaw We’re there for you ! Concierge Transportation Service.
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RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 25 RALEIGHBusiNEss
doWnToWn SnApSHoT from the downtown Raleigh Alliance
Dear Reader, I am oft en reminded how much downtown Raleigh serves as a crossroads for people. Whether you travel downtown for work, visit one of the dozens of arts, cultural or historic venues, attend school, or explore dining and entertainment establish- Davıd Dıaz ments, thousands of people fi nd downtown to be a President and CEO dynamic center of activity every day. Downtown Raleigh Alliance Many downtown organizations and businesses www.YouRHere.com seek ways to off er unique experiences so residents, visitors and employees will choose to frequent downtown and hopefully bring friends and family back on return trips. I am encouraged to fi nd positive public and private sector partnerships which are strengthened by people interested in off ering creative programs, events and services in downtown Raleigh. It fosters an environment unlike any other in the region. I would like to thank readers of the Raleigh Downtowner Magazine for supporting businesses and activities that help make downtown Raleigh a more vibrant place. You may fi nd a convenient calendar of downtown events scheduled during the upcoming months and information about parking, maps and the free R-LINE circulator bus at www.YouRHere.com. Please enjoy this issue of the Raleigh Downtowner Magazine.
26 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 Raleigh News by Raleıgh Publıc Record Staff Tyler Dukes and C. Duncan Pardo
City news brought to you by the Raleigh Public Record, a non-profi t, inde- pendent news site devoted to Raleigh. For more Raleigh news and informa- tion, see raleighpublicrecord.org. feds fund Raleigh-Charlotte rail project An almost two-decade-old project to expand high-speed rail out of Raleigh got a half-billion-dollar boost from the federal government in January. As part of an $ billion infusion of high-speed rail funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, North Carolina will receive $520 million for a number of projects to improve the route running from Raleigh to Charlotte. “It will be the main street for future generations connecting Raleigh with Charlotte and points in between,” Patrick Simmons, director of the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division, said. Simmons said that includes the construction of an additional line from Greensboro to Charlotte, the purchase of more trains and the improvement of the track itself.
“About every two-and-a-half hours during daylight, you will have Offi cial host of the chance to take the train,” he said, noting that the plans will double Raleigh Downtowner the trains’ frequency.
Moore Square redesign in the works Councilors approved $1,000 to move forward with redesigning Moore Square. Chris Counts, a Charlottesville, Virginia, landscape architect who won last year’s juried design competition for redesign- ing the park, will head the planning process. Taking the winning design, Counts and city staff will hold two An Enterprise Class public meetings, consult with stakeholders and designers, and bring a plan back to council this summer. Managed Hosting Provider Hillsborough Street could get bike lanes In January, the city council’s public works committee unanimously You can Trust. approved a resolution to put bike lanes on Hillsborough Street in the area that is currently under renovation across from N.C. State Univer- sity. Funding the bike lanes could go to a vote in March. District B’s John Odom, who sits on the public works committee Leverage the scalability and fl exibility of with Stephenson and Bonner Gaylord (District E), again came out in favor of the dedicated bicycle lanes. “If we’re going to put these enterprise ready, high availability solutions to anywhere, we should put them there,” Odom said, referring to the reduce capex and optimize your IT infrastructure. proximity to N.C. State. Visit HostedSolutions.com to learn how. Th e city says the Hillsborough Street renovation is both under budget and ahead of schedule. Th e lane markings would cost about $0,000 and that would come from the budget already set for the project. DEDICATED HOSTING | COLOCATION | CLOUD COMPUTING MANAGED SERVICES | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES | DISASTER RECOVERY
RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 27 new downtown Businesses RALEIGHBusiNEss Below is a list of new consumer businesses that have opened downtown since our last listing. Drop us an email with any new business openings, closings or news: [email protected] The Barkery pet Food with a Conscience Business Profile by Paul Pennell Colibrisa nutrition and Wellness Spa 308 parham street (City market) 919-800-1383 www.Colibrisa.com dress 14 glenwood avenue 919-523-6021 www.dressraleigh.com MeMe Boutique 323 Blake street (City market) 919-633-7174 bu • ku 110 East Davie street 919-834-6963 www.bukuraleigh.com
OpENiNg laTE FEBRuaRy The Vintage Bar and Lounge 116 N. West st., suite 100 919-833-2823 www.thevintagebarandlounge
RElOCaTED DOWNTOWN BusiNEssEs Hipsteria 600 N. West st. 919-389-0828 White Rabbit Books & Things 300 W. hargett st. 919-856-1429
he Barkery is a pet food store in the Moore Square On your fi rst visit (as it surely was with mine) she’ll Puzzle answers from page Tdistrict with a focus on healthy, organic products. tell you what ingredients you’re feeding your pet with Cheryl Cardinal, the owner and proprietor, opened her commercial foods: rendered meats, chemicals and doors in December of 200 and has been met with a preservatives that are very unhealthy. A dog’s diges- lot of appreciation from nearby dog and cat owners. tive system is strikingly similar to our own, so if you Originally from San Diego, Cheryl has found owning a wouldn’t put it in your own body, why would you in store in downtown Raleigh isn’t that diff erent an expe- your dog’s? And Cheryl’s attitude shines through rience. “It’s refreshing to fi nd another city where pets when you meet her; you can tell she truly has a love for are considered such an integral part of social interac- animals and their well-being. tion,” she says. Every day, weather permitting, people She and her business have been huge supporters of can be seen walking their pooch or taking them to the SPCA, contributing to events like “Down by the dinner and sitting outside at one of the many venues Tracks” at the end of September at Seaboard Station with available outdoor seating and “Hair of the Dog,” an event done in conjunction Besides the various organic and all-natural foods with Café 101. You will routinely fi nd her in the store Cheryl carries, she also takes the time to create healthy babysitting a regular customer’s dog, and she has taken snacks for her customers to purchase for their favorite in a number of pets to help them fi nd better homes. furry friend. Everything from blueberry and pumpkin Th e Barkery is a great place to bring your dog and biscotti (grain and gluten-free, and fi t for people to eat) fi nd some healthy treats or to introduce them to a to pumpkin-carob muffi ns to vegetable pizza sticks can healthier overall diet. Th ere is a good selection of wet be found at Th e Barkery. If you bring your pet with and dry foods for both cats and dogs in addition to the you, they’re free to try anything, and I mean anything. homemade treats Cheryl creates. She also off ers lots Your dog or cat will leave looking forward to another of accessories for your pets, including pet beds, winter visit with Cheryl. jackets and toys. Cheryl’s defi ning philosophy in opening Th e Bark- The Barkery ery is her desire in “educating and converting dog 494 Blount st. | 919.896.6034 | www.thebarkerydowntown.com owners to healthy, more organic living for their pets.”
28 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 RALEIGHBusiNEss
1QUESTIonS with d. Brandon Trainer, president and CEo of the Raleigh Black Chamber of Commerce
by Crash Gregg
he mission of Th e RBCC is to unite African- thoughts he had and how he relates it back to early TAmerican businesses, member organizations and philosophers and poets from the nineteenth century is individuals together to aid in the development of the very cool to me. Even though I’m only 25, I completely Black community within the greater Raleigh area. understand and appreciate his book.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in the Midwest: What is your favorite comfort food? My favorite 1 St. Louis, Missouri. My parents both still live 6 comfort food right now is actually tied to a res- there. I’m a huge Cardinals fan. Hopefully we’ll win a taurant: Th e Big Easy. My favorite dish is their Shrimp World Series this year, but we’ll have to wait and see. and Fries. Th at’s something I know a lot of people around me are tired of hearing me mention. Anytime Tell us a little about your background and what anyone invites me to lunch I always suggest Big Easy 2 brought you to Raleigh. Aft er High School in St. and they know what I’ll be ordering. Louis, I attended and graduated from Harvard Uni- versity with a Bachelors in Science and Economics. I Any favorite movies or TV shows? My favorite relocated to the Raleigh area a year ago because my 7 movie is the Pursuit of Happiness. It was very fi ancé is here. She’s currently a nurse at Wake Med and inspirational for me, very encouraging. I’ve actually is in school to be a nurse practitioner. read the book 27 times and I’ve seen the movie 5 times. It’s just very uplift ing and enlightening to me. What is the Black Chamber of Commerce and 3 how does it serve its members? I thought that by Th ey were very instrumental in what we needed to do you prefer phone, email or text? Email is defi - creating a black chamber of commerce we would be do to go forth and be successful. I also serve on the 8 nitely my preferred way of communicating, only able to enhance what businesses were doing and level national board so that was very helpful because I had because I can do that amongst other things. Sometimes the playing fi eld for African American business owners. counterparts in other areas of the country for great it’s a lot easier to get directly to the point and get some At the Black Chamber of Commerce we focus on the advice. We started hosting “lunch and learns” to bring things taken care of. economic growth and development for the Raleigh- large corporations like Duke and other Fortune Fives Wake County area and we are the gateway to the black and the smaller business owners so they can learn If not for this job, what would you like to be doing? business community, both for non-profi ts and for-prof- how to do business with these groups. Th ere have 9 I think it would have to be a stock broker. I love its. We work very closely with the Raleigh Chamber been a slew of folks behind us that help with our day the lifestyle, the payout and the high intensity of what of Commerce and the Greater Raleigh Convention to day business. It’s truly a team eff ort. they do. I love the fact that they’re helping folks in of Visitors Bureau so we know what’s coming into the a sense and really that’s what my overall mission in city and can then inform our members. I have a great do you have any role models, past or present? life—to help and inspire as many people as I can. team of folks that work with me: my vice president, 5 Two. One is my mentor, an entrepreneur from some ambassadors, and some members who sit on the Charlotte, Brian Wills. He actually went to school What do you like best about Raleigh so far? I board. When we started, we just started networking, with my parents and is defi nitely someone I look up to 10 love the comfort of Raleigh. Th e people here calling up business owners and telling them what we and admire. My other role model is Dr. Cornell West, have really opened up this city to be a home for me in a were trying to do. It’s been going well ever since. who I had the opportunity to meet. I’m currently very short period of time. Th e camaraderie of the people reading his book “Brother West: Live Out Loud.” I really make the city, from our leaders, Governor Perdue What was the fi rst order of business in creating the think so far this is one of my favorite books because I and our great mayor, to the people of the community. 4 RBCC? We immediately started creating synergy can relate to it so well. I am a huge music buff , and I Th e Raleigh Black Chamber of Commerce is located at 2 with the Durham Black Chamber of Commerce, the love all diff erent genres of music. He really keys in on Blue Ridge Road, Suite 2. For more information, call Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce music, especially jazz, which is my one true musical .8.8, email [email protected] or visit their web- and the Winston-Salem Black Chamber of Commerce. love. Seeing the simplicity of his life, yet the complex site www.therbcc.org.
RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 29 in style with Friends, local stars and Celebrities. Enjoy the academy awards ® on the Biggest screen in Raleigh. silent auction featuring hollywood & sports memorabilia as well as items and services from local businesses. indi- Events calendar vidual Tickets - $50 Vip - $100 Table for 8 - $600. For more information call Theatre in The park at 919-831-6936 or visit www.theatreinthepark.com. Brought to you by 2nd Street Oyster Bar and its commitment to March 8, Mon the performing arts and artists in Raleigh. Manning Chamber Music Concert, a special event by .8.28 | 8 West Jones Street, Raleigh the NC symphony. This FREE concert will feature North Car- olina symphony musicians Rebekah Binford, David Kilbride, David marschall, Elizabeth Beilman, Jimmy gilmore and February 12–28 milton Rubén laufer performing Trio, Op. 11 by Beethoven, The Raleigh little Theatre presents Veronica’s Room Overture on hebrew Themes by prokofi ev and The american by ira levin. This chilling mystery thriller by the author Quartet by Dvorak. peace College, Kenan auditorium. Visit of Rosemary’s Baby and Deathtrap straddles the thin line ncsymphony.org for information or call 733.2750. between fantasy and reality, madness and murder. With his signature blend of mystery and gothic horror, levin has March 13, Sat crafted a tale where people are not who they seem and St. patrick’s day parade. The Raleigh st. patrick’s anything can happen to anyone at any time. if there is a Day parade is the second largest st. patrick’s Day parade lesson to be learned from this thriller, it may be “don’t talk in the southeast and this year’s parade will feature close to strangers.” RlT sutton main stage Theatre (Reserved to 4,000 people including fl oats, local dignitaries, media seating). Tickets on sale now from etix.com or from the and entertainment personalities, cultural & civic groups RlT Box Offi ce at 919-821-3111. and again this year local high school marching bands and a celebration for all ethnic groups and cultures. The February 18, Thurs–March 7, Sun celebration continues at the “Wearin’ O’ the green Festi- The Carolina Ballet presents Cinderella at the Fletcher val” in moore square immediately following the parade. Opera Theater. part of the Family series, this unique pro- Enjoy live irish music by Eire lingus and homeland on the gram begins with a one-hour version of Robert Weiss’ shamrock ‘n Roll stage. The irish Village will be fi lled with Cinderella. slightly shorter than the original production, irish organizations, trinkets, jewelry & crafts and a street it is just perfect for little ones with early bedtimes. some for children’s activities. The parade starts at the corner of families will decide to only see that portion of the program, Cabarrus and Wilmington streets at 12:00 noon. The route exiting into their own happily-ever-after. For those who can proceeds north on Wilmington to Davie street. The route stay, you will be treated to works by george Balanchine, the turns west to Fayetteville street and continues north to the father of american ballet. For ticket information, visit www. state house. The route will pass the state house on the carolinaballet.com or call the Ballet line at 719-0900. east side and then turn heading east on Edenton street. The route then turns south on Blount street and ends at moore February 19 & 20, Fri & Sat square, where the festival begins. The NC symphony presents Brach and Brahms. shos- takovich’s driving, rhythmic and challenging Cello Con- March 13, Sat certo No. 1 with guest soloist lynn harrell, whose enor- The 28th annual Run for The oaks. On your mark. get mous strength, energy, forceful personality and virtuosity set. go...Raleigh parks and Recreation Department’s 2010 are defi nitely up to the task. also on the program are Bach’s Run for the Oaks will be held march 13, 8:30 am at moore sparkling and lively Orchestral suite No. 4 in D major and square park. Brahms’s architectural masterpiece, symphony No. 4. a The NC symphony presents the journey of orchestras, conductors and musicians. grant 2009-10 Young peo- at meymandi Concert hall. llewellyn, music Director. Visit ncsymphony.org for tickets ple’s Series: Let’s dance! The North Carolina symphony and North Carolina dance and information or call 733-2750. companies explore dance traditions around the globe, found right here in North Carolina! Kids will hear and see February 26 & 27, Fri & Sat cloggers from the appalachians, their hearts will skip a beat The NC symphony presents Johnny Mathis. With more to african drumming and spanish fl amenco, and their spir- than 350 million records sold world-wide, Johnny mathis its will soar as they watch ballet dancers sail through the air is one of the great popular singers of our time. Visit ncsym- to great orchestral music. in partnership with marbles Kids phony.org for tickets and information or call 733-2750. museum, on saturday from 10-11am and 1-2pm, kids can enjoy the marbles learn your Notes and Be the Conductor February 27, Sat–March 7, Sun activities right in meymandi Concert hall. Come early to get The NC Theatre presents The Full Monty. starring two- in on the fun! Featuring: grant llewellyn, music Director. time Emmy award-winning actress sally struthers and Concerts at 11am and 2pm. Visit ncsymphony.org for ticket Raleigh’s own ira David Wood iii, there is great heart in information or call 733.2750. ThE Full mONTy as six unemployed Buffalo steelworkers come up with a bold way to make some quick cash. in the March 19 & 20, Fri & Sat process they discover renewed self-esteem, the importance NC symphony presents A Journey down the Rhine of friendship and the ability to have fun. as the guys work meymandi Concert hall. Visit ncsymphony.org for ticket through their fears, self-consciousness and anxieties, they information or call 733.2750. fi nd the strength as a group to overcome their inner demons. Nominated for nine Tony awards, The Full monty is a feel- good musical with a modern and delightfully wicked sensi- March 21, Sun Raleigh Chamber music guild presents the Harlem bility. Raleigh memorial auditorium at the progress Energy String Quartet which brings to Raleigh its pioneering Center for the performing arts. Call 919-831-6941 x6944 or mission: advancing diversity in classical music while visit www.nctheatre.com for ticket information. engaging fi rst-time audiences through a repertoire that March 1, Mon Broadway series south presents The pink floyd Experi- ence at meymandi Concert hall. Complete with 200,000 watts of light, full quadraphonic sound and six brilliant musi- cians singing all of pink Floyd’s greatest hits. Call 831-6060 or visit www.broadwayseriessouth.com for ticket information. March 5, Fri first friday. First Friday gallery Walk is one of Raleigh’s most popular downtown evening escapes. Enjoy free self- guided tours of local art galleries, art studios, museums, retail, restaurants and alternative art venues on the fi rst Friday of every month. www.RaleighDowntowner.com/FirstFriday March 5 & 6, Fri & Sat The NC symphony presents The planets at meymandi Concert hall featuring andrew litton, Conductor and Wil- liam Wolfram, piano. Visit ncsymphony.org for tickets and information or call 733-2750. March 7, Sun The biggest movie event of the year is going to be an unfor- gettable night, full of surprises, and oscar night® Amer- ica at Theatre in the park is the next best thing to being at the actual ceremony in hollywood! Celebrate the Oscars
30 RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER | DOWNTOWN RalEigh’s pREmiER mONThly magaziNE | VOlumE 6, issuE 2 highlights works by minority composers. The quartet, March 25, Thurs comprised of First place laureates of the sphinx Com- The North Carolina symphony presents Ben folds Spe- petition, has won accolades from critics for its “panache” cial Event at the meymandi Concert hall. alternate-rock and “groundbreaking” appeal. Time: 3 pm-5 pm at the icon and North Carolina-native Ben Folds joins the North Fletcher Opera Theater at the progress Energy Theater. Carolina symphony on stage for an electric crossover con- pineCone presents Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thun- cert event. Folds and associate Conductor sarah hicks put der, dale Ann Bradley, Michael Cleveland & an epic twist on selections from his latest album, Way to flamekeeper at the meymandi Concert hall. Ricky Normal, as well as favorite songs from his 15-year career skaggs is a 13-time grammy award winner whose name on the cutting edge of rock music. Visit ncsymphony.org has become synonymous with both bluegrass and coun- for tickets and information or call 733-2750. try music. Dale ann Bradley, three-time winner of iBma’s Vocalist of the year award, infuses traditional bluegrass March 25, Thurs music with contemporary flare. michael Cleveland & Broadway series south presents the peking Acrobats Flamekeeper perform blistering instrumentals along with at Memorial Auditorium. Chinese acrobats perform tight vocal trios and duos and fiddle-and-banjo duets that daring maneuvers such as treacherous wire-walking, echo the first-generation stars of bluegrass. Cleveland is trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting, and a seven-time winner of the international Bluegrass music gymnastics defying gravity with amazing displays of association’s Fiddle player of the year. Visit: www.pine- contortion, flexibility, and control. Call 831-6060 or visit cone.org or call 919.664.8302 for ticket information. www.broadwayseriessouth.com for ticket information. Welcome to our new monthly crossword puzzle! Too easy? Too hard? [email protected]
Puzzle answers on page 28
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