HUMBLE PIE FASHION UNCORKED · fundraising culture by doubling contributed income over a five year period. She has also worked exten-sively in the community to forge meaningful part-nerships

HUMBLE PIEFred Benton lovessome Humble Pieand you will too

FASHIONConsignmentshopping: The thrill of the hunt

UNCORKEDRead up on Matt’swine tips in “ReadingBetween the Wines”

PAGE 2 ~ VOL 4, ISSUE 9 DOWNTOWN RALEIGH’S PREMIER MONTHLY MAGAZINE RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER

By Elizabeth Shugg

Long before the inventionof radio, television ormovies, ancient Greeksamused audiences with

orations of the “Odyssey” and“Iliad.” Storytelling evolved into

theater, and the creation of Greek tragedies like“Oedipus” and Roman comedies like “Pseudolus”underscored the foundation of performing arts as acultural necessity.

The Renaissance and Protestant Reformation of the15th and 16th centuries produced notable play-wrights Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson and, ofcourse, William Shakespeare, who spawned a theatrical genre all his own. As the 18th, 19th and20th centuries passed, performing arts incorporatedmore commercialization and technological innova-tion. Storylines focused on ordinary people. Criticalreviews impacted performance perceptions and“natural” acting attracted the bourgeoisie. Theater,no longer presided over by religion and monarchs,could liberate itself to serve the masses. And it has.

Today, performing arts venues cover a superb cross

section of genres, and Raleigh’s are no exception.Audiences can contemplate social issues highlight-ed in a Broadway Series South or NC Theatre pro-duction, indulge in the graceful elegance of theCarolina Ballet, and savor classical masterpiecesperformed by the North Carolina Symphony or theOpera Company of North Carolina. Theatre in thePark, Raleigh Little Theatre, Burning Coal TheatreCompany and Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy

fuse original productions with classics to showcaselocal and national talent. And PineCone, the Pied-mont Council of Traditional Music, has succeededin defining North Carolina’s musical culture andidentity. No doubt, performing arts options here arevast and varied and show that Raleigh has trulyreached the next level of performing arts status.

■ The Raleigh DowntownerVol. 4, Issue 9

LEFT: Michael Minarik portrays thetitle character in the NorthCarolina Theatre’s October production of Phantom. The play is based on GastonLeroux’s novel, The Phantom of the Opera, and is filled withplot twists, enchanting musicand fascinating characters.

The Downtowner is a local monthly print magazine dedicated to coverage of downtown Raleighwhile the online publication focuses on a wider area surrounding downtown.

617 West Jones Street ■ Raleigh, NC 27603919.821.9000

www.raleighdowntowner.com ■ www.raleigh2.com

Online issues, ad rates/media kit, rack locations andarchived issues are available on www.raleighdowntowner.com

For advertising, call or send email to [email protected] inquiries may be sent to [email protected]

All press releases should be sent to [email protected]

PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ................. Crash GreggFOUNDERS ................................................... Sig Hutchinson, Randall GreggSALES / ACCOUNT MANAGER .................. Chris MoutosFOOD EDITOR .............................................. Fred BentonMARKETING & RESEARCH MANAGER ..... Melissa SantosFASHION WRITER ....................................... Kelly HubbardWRITERS ...................................................... Dave Rose, Matt Fern, Jack Glasure,....................................................................... Peter Eichenberger, Crash GreggPHOTOGRAPHERS ....................................... Jeff Basladynski, Brendan Meyer, Crash GreggPROOFREADING / EDITING ........................ Melissa SantosLAYOUT / PHOTO EDITING ......................... Tina Savoy

© Copyright 2008, Downtown Raleigh Publishing, LLCThe name, logo, and any logo iterations of the Raleigh Downtowner and the Downtowner D graphic are a TM of Downtown

Raleigh Publishing LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission.

Continued on page 3

Scene from Broadway Series South’s visually stunning production of “The Lion King”

Raleigh Performing Arts Come Full CircleEnjoy a Spectacular Cross Section of Entertainment in Downtown

UPCOMING ISSUES

Volume 4, Issue 10 - The Business of Downtown Volume 4, Issue 11 - Gift Guide

So, as the air turns crisp, dust offyour fall finery and get ready for anight out on the town. We’ve outlinedall of your options here, in our per-forming arts special issue.

BROADWAY SENSATIONSFor 11-plus years, Broadway SeriesSouth has delivered blockbuster hits

straight out of New York City.November 4th marks the opening ofBroadway Series South’s 2008-2009season in Raleigh MemorialAuditorium with “Rain, the BeatlesExperience,” which runs throughNovember 9th. Remaining 2008shows include “The World’s GreatestMagic Show” Nov 12-13, “Seinfeld”Nov 14, “An Evening With ColinMochrie and Brad Sherwood” Nov16, “Annie” Nov 18-23, “Manheim

Steamroller Christmas” Dec 1,“Chicago” Dec 2-7 and “The RatPack” Dec 30-Jan 4.

Shows scheduled for 2009 include “ AChorus Line” Jan. 6-11, Art Garfunkeland his band Feb. 6, “Stomp” Feb. 10-15, “Pink Floyd Experience” Feb. 19-20, “Dora the Explorer” Feb. 20-22,“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” March 31-April 5, “Happy Days” April 14-19,“Lord of the Dance” April 24-26, “TheWizard of Oz” May 5-10, “HighSchool Musical 2” June 13-21, and theNorth Carolina debut of the 2006Tony Award-Winning Best in Musical,“Jersey Boys,” June 24-July 18.

According to Jim Lavery, BroadwaySeries South General Manager, eachseason presents a new opportunity toconnect with the public in a differentway. “Our goal every year is to bringa well-rounded series home toDowntown Raleigh. This year’s line-up includes some shows that are per-petual crowd pleasers and some newones that promise to offer a fresh per-spective. We are thrilled to be bring-ing JERSEY BOYS to North Carolinafor the first time. Following theshow’s critical acclaim on Broadway,regional audiences are in for a realtreat. We’re confident our tried and

true patrons will enjoy the eclecticmix of shows and for those that havenever attended one of our produc-tions this might just be the year! ”Log on towww.BroadwaySeriesSouth.com formore information.

North Carolina Theatre closes its2008 season with Yeston and Kopit’s“Phantom” Oct. 18-26, the story of amysterious masked man living underthe catacombs of the Paris OperaHouse who falls in love with streetsinger Christine and offers to trainher for the opera. The theatre kicksoff 2009 with “Miss Saigon” March21-29, a moving performance setagainst stunning sets, and teams upwith Broadway Series South June 13-21 to present the North Carolinaregional premiere of Disney’s “HighSchool Musical 2.” The show is appro-priate for all ages and follows up theoriginal “High School Musical” pro-duction.

On July 11-19 the North CarolinaTheater celebrates its 50th anniver-sary of performing the Rodgers andHammerstein classic, “The Sound of

RALEIGHDOWNTOWNER DOWNTOWN RALEIGH’S PREMIER MONTHLY MAGAZINE VOL 4, ISSUE 9 ~ PAGE 3

Continued from page 2

Nigel Casey in “The Rat Pack: Live at the Sands” from Broadway Series South

Continued on page 4

Music.” Looking ahead, “West Side Story,” a classiclove story based on William Shakespeare’s “Romeoand Juliet,” is set to run Oct. 17-25, 2009, and prom-ises high-energy music and dance numbers.

As the 2008 season closes, North Carolina Theatresays goodbye to Executive Director and ProducerWilliam Jones, who has accepted a position as presi-

dent and executive producer of Casa Mañana inFort Worth, Texas. Casa Mañana, a $10-millionregional theater, produces and presents up to 20 liveproductions each year.

Jones began serving as executive director and pro-ducer of North Carolina Theatre in 2003. His com-mitment to youth education and outreach led to theopening of the North Carolina TheatreConservatory in 2004. “I’m going to miss NC

Theatre like missing a limb,” Jones says. “I’m excit-ed about the new challenges ahead and will alwaysbe a part of North Carolina Theatre.”

Lisa Grele Barrie has been with NC Theatre since2003 and was promoted to Managing Director at thebeginning of the year. As Development Director, shewas instrumental in jumpstarting a dynamicfundraising culture by doubling contributed incomeover a five year period. She has also worked exten-sively in the community to forge meaningful part-nerships and collaborations. Barrie commented,“NC Theatre celebrates our 25th anniversary seasonthis year with a fabulous line-up of shows that reflectour commitment to artistic excellence and anexpanded education program that engages aspiringyoung artists and underserved youth. Throughrenewed partnerships in the community and a pas-sionate staff and board, NC Theatre is poised tobegin a new chapter that honors its past whileexploring new directions to expand its mission andvision into this community.”

North Carolina Theatre’s main stage productionsare presented in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. Visitwww.nctheatre.com for ticket and show information.

HOMETOWN DRAMARaleigh boasts a treasury of local talent throughTheatre in the Park, Burning Coal TheatreCompany, Raleigh Little Theatre and Hot SummerNights.



Ira David Wood III as Captain Hook in North Carolina Theatre’s “Peter Pan”

Continued on page 5

Theatre in the Park offers mainstage and annual productions thatcaptivate Raleigh audiences year afteryear. Located in the northern end ofRaleigh’s scenic Pullen Park and leadby Executive and Artistic Director IraDavid Wood III, this internationally-acclaimed theater boasted an atten-dance of more than 40,000 people lastyear alone.

Theatre In The Park celebrates its61st Season with professionally per-

formed dramas, comedies, contempo-rary and classic productions includ-ing “Macbeth” by Shakespeare, andis best known for their annual holidayclassic “A Christmas Carol,” starringIra David Wood III as Scrooge. Thisyear represents the 34th anniversaryof this family favorite, once voted intothe “Top 20 events in the Southeast”by Southeast Tourism Society.

“A Christmas Carol” will run Dec. 5-17 in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium,followed by “A Christmas Memory”Dec. 19-21. Other shows include“Macbeth” by Shakespeare Feb. 6-15,

“Life X 3” by Yasmina Reza April 17-26 and “Charley’s Aunt” by BrandonThomas June 5-14. To order tickets,visit www.theatreinthepark.com.

Burning Coal Theatre Companyaims to produce explosive re-exami-nations of overlooked classic, modernand contemporary plays that addresspoignant social issues and themeswith minimalist production values.

Burning Coal is housed in the newlyrenovated Murphey School auditori-um, creating a 14-175 seat flexibleperforming space out of a 100-year-old historic building The MurpheySchool auditorium was the room inwhich, in the summer of 1960, theRaleigh City School board met andvoted to begin the desegregation ofRaleigh schools. It was closed in


Scene from Theatre in the Park’s “Lion in Winter”

Burning Coal’s new home in the renovated 100-year-old Murphy School Auditorium


Continued on page 6


1977 when Wake County took overthe school system. It sat dormantfor 31 years until Burning Coal re-opened the space in February, 2008,renaming it the Meymandi Theatre atMurphey School Auditorium.

Burning Coal’s artistic director,Jerome Davis, is a professional the-atre artist who has worked with someof the great performers and teachersof our time (Ellen Burstyn, UtaHagen, Adrian Hall, David Edgar,Oliver Platt, and others). Says Davis

of Burning Coal, “Our mission is toproduce ‘literate, visceral, affecting’theatre that is experienced, not sim-ply seen. We are working toward thecreation of a fully professional compa-ny of theatre artists living in andworking out of Raleigh. We like todo comedies, dramas and musicalsthat are about something, not neces-sarily serious plays but plays that areabout something important to ourpeople and our times. We mix thesenewer plays with classics byShakespeare, Ibsen, Moliere,Beckett, etc., for the purpose of bal-ance and contrast. We are also inter-ested in developing new writers andnew writing for the theatre and havestaged world premieres or regionalpremieres of many new works in our12 year history.”

The theater launched its 2008-2009season Sept. 11-28 with “ThePrisoner’s Dilemma,” which featureda cast of 19 playing more than 40roles.

Next up, “Hysteria” will appear atMeymandi Theatre Nov. 6-23. ThisSigmund Freud and Salvador Dalifarce set in 1938 London on the eveof World War II, features a wild“dream” sequence during which theset turns into a Dali painting.

Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” runsDec. 4-21, Juan Mayorga’s “Way toHeaven” is scheduled for Jan. 22-Feb.6 and Ian Finley’s “1960” will showApril 9-24. All shows are located atMeymandi Theatre on Polk Street.To learn more about Burning Coal orto order tickets, visit their website atwww.burningcoal.org.

Since 1936, Raleigh Little Theatrehas entertained audiences with 11captivating and educating produc-tions annually. It all started when agroup of Raleigh performers joinedforces with technical workers fromthe Federal Theatre to create a com-munity theater for Raleigh. Civicleader Cantey Venable Sutton playedan important role in encouraging theFederal Works ProgressAdministration construction of themain theatre, amphitheatre and RoseGarden.

Raleigh Little Theatre has only grownsince then, and Managing DirectorEllen Landau credits the theatre’scontinued success to its volunteers:“Volunteers have been the life bloodof the theatre from the beginning.Six hundred volunteers fill over 2,000jobs each season; our actors are allvolunteers, as are members of thetechnical crews working the lights,changing the sets, pulling the cur-tain, showing patrons to their seats,or selling candy bars at intermission.”

Remaining Raleigh Little Theatreshows in 2008 include “Deathtrap”Oct. 10-26, “Bunnicula” Nov. 7-23 and“Cinderella XXV” Dec. 12-21. Showsin 2009 include “The Prime of MissJean Brodie” Feb. 13-March 1; “Wileyand the Hairy Man” March 13-29;“Lend Me a Tenor” April 10-26; “Sideby Side by Sondheim” May 8, 9, 15and 16; “Bread and Puppet Theater”March 22-24; and “Cabaret” June 5-28. To order tickets, visitwww.raleighlittletheatre.org.

Hot Summer Nights at theKennedy is a professional theatrecompany whose mission is to servethe citizens of Raleigh, Wake Countyand Eastern North Carolina by “keep-ing the lights on” and producing pro-

fessional theatrical performances inthe 130-seat Kennedy Theatre at theProgress Energy Center for thePerforming Arts during the summermonths. Hot Summer Nights aims toproduce great black box style theatreshows that are varied in type, attitudeand scope and employ actors, stagecrew and staff of all ages, races andcreeds from North Carolina andBroadway. The summer of 2009 willbe Hot Summer Nights fifth seasonfor Triangle audiences.

The theatre company is the brain-child of local businessman K.D.Kennedy, Jr. and his son MichaelKennedy and has become a familyaffair in recent years. “We are reallytrying to extend our range as a the-atre so that it meets our goal of incor-porating the best that NC and thesoutheast area has to offer as well asthe best that NY has to offer. Thishelps us sustain our goal of being asmall professional theatre with highproduction value, and creates thebest scenario I could imagine”, saysMichael Kennedy. In 2007, TonyAward Nominee Alan Campbell(Sunset Boulevard, Contact) joinedthe company as Artistic Directoralong side his wife, Broadway starand Raleigh native Lauren Kennedy.As Publicity and Media RelationsDirector Hilary Russo sums up,“With a tour-de-force family like theKennedys behind the wheel, coupledwith their passion to keep the artsalive in Raleigh and their contribu-tions to the Downtown Revitalizationproject, it’s no surprise Hot SummerNights at the Kennedy has becomeone of the best professional theatresin the Triangle.”

For more information visit www.hot-summernightsatthekennedy.org.

“A Christmas Memory” by TrumanCapote is performed by Ira David Wood III every year immediately following “A Christmas Carol.”

“A Christmas Memory” is a one manperformance by David, performed at theIra David Wood III Pullen Park Theatre

In December 2008, Raleigh Little Theatre will present the 25th anniversary performances of Cinderella at the Fletcher Opera Theater in the

Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Stuart Wagner

Lauren Kennedy in “Beyond Broadway” from Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy


Continued on page 7


GRACEFUL INDULGENCES True to tradition, the CarolinaBallet promises a mesmerizing line-up of performances during the 2008-2009 season. Led by Artistic DirectorRobert Weiss, the company will per-form three world premieres and five

story ballets. Several of the perform-ances will be accompanied by livemusic from the Ciompi Quartet,North Carolina Master Chorale andNorth Carolina Symphony.

The world premiere of “Don Quixote”debuts in conjunction with theNasher Museum of Art’s exhibit, “ElGreco to Velasquez: Art During the

Reign of Phillip III” at RaleighMemorial Auditorium Oct. 9-12.“Messiah” is scheduled for Nov. 26-30, followed by “Nutcracker” Dec. 19-28. The Carolina Ballet begins 2009with “Balenchine—By George!” Jan.29-Feb. 1, “Tolstoy and Shakespeare:Masterworks in Motion” Feb. 26-March 1,” “Bernstein and Robbins:American Music and Dance” April 9-12, “Coppelia” April 30-May 3 and“Beauty and the Beast” May 28-31.

Founded in 1984 by Ann Vorus as theRaleigh Dance Theatre, the CarolinaBallet launched in 1997 with theacquisition of Weiss as founding artis-tic director. Previously, Weiss servedas principal dancer with the NewYork City Ballet and past artisticdirector of the Pennsylvania Ballet.To learn more about the 2008-2009season or to order tickets, visitwww.carolinaballet.com.

North Carolina Music Director Grant Llewellyn

Performers in “Swan Lake,” from the 2007 Carolina Ballet season


Continued on page 8


MUSICAL MAGNIFICENCE The North Carolina Symphony,Opera Company of North Carolinaand Piedmont Council of TraditionalMusic, known as PineCone, all callRaleigh home. This trio of talentedorganizations complements the city’simpressive performing arts offeringsand also plays an important role indefining Raleigh’s musical imprint onthe region.

The North Carolina Symphony,founded in 1932, kicked off the firstof 12 concerts in the 2008-2009 DukeMedicine Classical Raleigh Series onSept. 12 with “From the New Worldto the West Side.” Remaining 2008concerts in this series include“Rhapsody in Blue” Oct. 24-25,“Russian Thunder” Nov. 7-8 and“Dvorak’s Cello Concerto” Nov. 21-22. The series extends through May2009.

The 2008 Friday Favorites Seriesincludes Oct. 10, Jan. 9 and May 8concerts. A third series, the 2008-2009 Fidelity Investments Pop Series,resumes Nov. 28-29 with the sympho-ny’s annual presentation of “HolidayPops.” “Bugs Bunny on Broadway” isset for Jan. 23-24 and The PointerSisters will join the symphony Feb.20-21 with high-energy performancesof “Slow Hand” and “Jump for MyLove.” “Blue Skies and GoldenSands” is scheduled for March 27-29and “I Got Rhythm! Mickey andJudy’s Hollywood” is scheduled forApril 17-18. To order tickets, visitwww.ncsymphony.org.

“There is so much to look forward toin the new season. I think the rangeof repertoire, the gifted guest artistsand our own highly skilled musicianswill answer Ian McEwan’s poignantwords in his novel Saturday: ‘Thereare moments when musicians togeth-er touch something sweeter thanthey’ve ever found before inrehearsals or performance, beyondthe merely collaborative or technical-ly proficient, when their expressionbecomes as easy and graceful asfriendship or love.’ This is what westrive for, always, says NC SymphonyMusic Director Grant Llewellyn.

Musical talent blends with dramawhen the Opera Company ofNorth Carolina performs. Now inits second decade, the companyopened its 2008-2009 season inSeptember with “I Pagliacci,” an

intense theatrical performance com-bining lust, jealousy and revenge.

As the Opera Company's new princi-pal conductor and artistic advisor,Timothy Meyers will conduct allthree productions in the 2008-2009season, cast all of The OperaCompany's productions and assist thecompany with fulfilling short-termartistic goals as well as long-termartistic planning. At 33 years of age,Myers is one of the youngest artisticleaders of an American opera compa-ny. Says General Director FrankGrebowski, “Bringing Timothy onboard marks a significant step for-ward for The Opera Company ofNorth Carolina. Under his guidance,skills as a conductor, high perform-ance standards, and artistic vision,the company’s artistic growth, matu-ration, and diversification will certain-ly accelerate.”

“La Cenerentola,” set for Feb. 14-15during the “Month of Love—andLovely Music,” follows a storylinemuch like “Cinderella,” proving lovedoes conquer all. “Rigoletto,” whichwill be performed March 13-14,blends a terrifying curse with a grip-ping tale of revenge, aristocratic arro-gance and fatherly devotion.

The Opera Company of NorthCarolina launched its “A Taste ofOpera” series in September, whichcombines music with dinner.Tentative dates for this series includeOct. 23, Nov. 6, Jan. 15, Feb. 5 andMarch 5. Learn more at www.oper-anc.com.

PineCone, the Piedmont Council ofTraditional Music, formed in 1984 tohonor and celebrate traditional music

in North Carolina, which consists offiddle tunes, ballads, bluegrass,blues, gospel, swing, folk and othertraditional variations. PineCone is aprivate, non-profit organization gov-erned by a volunteer board of direc-tors made up of Triangle citizens. Awide range of musicians perform inPineCone’s concert series. Somehave played at Carnegie Hall whileothers are just starting out.

PineCone’s Down-Home Series at theProgress Energy Center featuresEdgar Meyer and Chris Thile Oct. 15,Dailey and Vincent Nov. 12, Pickin’ aBluegrass All-Star Jam Jan. 8, NanciGriffith Jan. 21, David Grisman andJohn Sebastian Feb. 7, JakeShimabukuro Feb. 28, and DanTyminski Band and Tony Rice UnitMarch 11.

PineCone’s Music of the CarolinasSeries includes “Ballot Box Ballads”with Suzanne and Jim Oct. 12, LoydArneach Nov. 16, Triangle Shape-Note Singers Dec. 14, Music from theN.C. Piedmont CD release concert inpartnership with the N.C. ArtsCouncil Folklife Program Feb. 8,Craicdown March 8, and Scott AinslieJune 14. (Several shows in this serieshave not yet been announced.) OtherPineCone series include the GarnerFamily Series and Listening RoomSeries. For ticket information and alist of musicians, dates and locations,visit www.pinecone.org.

“Since 1984, we've been Raleigh’snumber one source for traditionalroots music. Each year, we offerlocal audiences more than 125 musicprograms, including concerts, partici-patory music sessions, and weeklyradio shows on 94.7FM WQDR—ThePineCone Bluegrass Show. If it ishigh quality folk music that youdesire, then PineCone has what youare looking for,” says ExecutiveDirector William Lewis.

Since the days of ancient Greece, per-forming arts have transcended gener-ations and crossed cultural barriers.Raleigh keeps that spirit alive with awide variety and style of shows, andas our city grows, the performingarts options here will only increase.Get involved. Attend a play, opera orconcert and become a part of some-thing special.

Elizabeth Shugg is a local freelancewriter and editor. Learn more atwww.elizabethshugg.com


From this year’s Opera Company season: Cio-Cio-San, known as Butterfly, (AngelaMaria Blasi) enchants her new husband Lt. Pinkerton (Adam Diegel). Goro, the

opportunistic marriage broker, (Dean Anthony) is in background

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile, part of PineCone's Down-Home Series


By Raleigh City Museum Staff

t oday the Dorothea Dix Hospital has garnered much attention because of the controver-sy surrounding its closing. Numerous questions concerning patient relocation and per-manent closure have been asked and remain unanswered, largely due to differing opin-

ions. The one question that can be firmly answered, however, is “Who was Dorothea Dix?"

Dorothea Lynde Dix was born on April 4, 1802 in Hampden, Maine. Her family backgroundno doubt influenced her later efforts to provide the mentally ill with proper care and facili-ties. Because Dix’s father spent much time travelling and her mother suffered from depres-sion, Dorothea moved to Boston to live with her grandmother. Dix’s grandmother saw to itthat Dorothea received a proper education, and Dorothea’s passion for education inspiredher to open a school at age 19.

Dorothea was plagued by her own health problems, suffering from “lung trouble” anddepression. Today, most sources agree that what ailed her was tuberculosis, and in 1836 sheclosed her school because of her illness. Dorothea traveled abroad to Europe to recover,and once there studied new theories on caring for the mentally ill. It was there that shefound her calling to reform the healthcare system in the United States.

Once back in the US, Dorothea traveled from state to state where she lobbied for the cre-ation of healthcare facilities and increased understanding of the mentally ill. She wasappalled to learn that many people who suffered from mental illnesses were imprisoned injails and treated like criminals.

In 1848, Dorothea traveled to North Carolina and discovered the state’s primitive stance interms of healthcare reform. Understanding the challenge in front of her, she set up resi-dence at the Mansion House hotel. The state’s General Assembly was in session at thistime, but legislators ignored Dorothea's proposal for a state hospital for the mentally ill.

While she was at the Mansion House hotel, a representative from Cumberland County,James C. Dobbin, also stayed there with his wife Louisa. Louisa Dobbin and Dorothea Dixbecame fast friends and when Louisa fell terminally ill, Dorothea cared for her throughouther sickness. Prior to her death, Louisa asked Dorothea how she could repay her friend forher kindness, and Dorothea requested that she ask her husband to speak to the GeneralAssembly about her proposed bill for a mental hospital.

After Louisa's death, James made a moving speech to his fellow legislators and within aweek a bill was passed to create the State Hospital for the Insane in Wake County.

Dorothea did not want the hospital named after her but agreed to name it Dix Hill, after hergrandfather, Dr. Elijah Dix. After her death, Dix Hill became Dorothea Dix Hospital.

Alexander Jackson Davis served as architect for the hospital, and many prominent Raleighfamilies such as the Hintons and Mordecais had a hand in the hospital’s creation. After eightyears of construction, the hospital officially opened its doors in 1856 with 11 patients.County residents paid a special tax of roughly two cents per month to support the hospital.

Dorothea Dix Hospital occupies 425 acres of land and at its height had the capacity to carefor over 600 patients. Though the future of Dorothea Dix Hospital is uncertain, the efforts ofDorothea Dix remain resonant in today's state healthcare programs for the mentally ill.

The Raleigh City Museum is located at 220 Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh and is openfrom 10am-4pm Tuesday through Friday, and 1-4pm on Saturdays. If you have any questions,please call 919.832.3775 or check out our website at www.raleighcitymuseum.org.

The History Behind the Hospital:The Story of Dorothea Dix

Dorothea Lynde Dix was born in 1802 and through her efforts, then-named Dix Hill opened in 1856

Dorothea Dix Hospital occupies 425 acres of land and at it’s height had the capacity for over 600 patients

One of the many buildings at Dorothea Dix Hospital today


By Fred BentonFood and DiningEditor

i was food editorof SpectatorMagazine

(almost from thepublication’s begin-

nings under Bernie Reeves and its endunder Daily Planet), for about twodecades. Humble Pie, a cornerstonerestaurant of downtown Raleigh’swarehouse district has been opennearly the same amount of time. In allthat time our paths unfortunatelynever crossed. I’d heard of HumblePie and the original owners, who wererumored to be wildly talented in foodprep but were also a tad eccentric. Ithought of Humble Pie in humbleterms: a smallish downtown eaterywhere everyone crowded in. Not so, Isoon learned with my first visit thererecently. Humble Pie has one of thebiggest outside dining terraces indowntown Raleigh plus the inside isalmost cavernous, with strings of lighthanging artfully around, adding to anatmosphere of festivity. It’s a neatplace. I like it and am now a fan ofHumble Pie, from co-owner Jim

Beriau who could not have been nicerto the young but talented chefRaymond “Andy” Cordova.

My overall impression is that themenu is a hybrid of sushi, Mexicanand California vegetarian, from simpleto complex tastes. My publisher CrashGregg, David Basnight of BeechwoodTours and I began our foray of theHumble Pie menu with somethingsimple: the Cheese Tray featuring

assorted cheeses, a mirepoix of dates,walnuts, whole grained mustard andthin, buttery crostini ($14)—and forme, a margarita since Jim pointed outthat their margaritas are exceptionallygood. They are. The one I drank wasmore like the original margarita thatcalled for fresh-squeezed orange juicerather than an orange liqueur as partof its flavor base. Three cheers for thismargarita. I don’t drink often butwhen I drink, I like to drink superbly.

This was by no means a wasted effort.And of the cheese tray, I loved mostparticularly the creamy goat cheesethat I topped with the works (a smearof date, a piece or two of walnut and asmudge of mustard.) What a grandtaste to enliven the ol’ buds. But thenext appetizer, Tempura Asparagus($8) nearly knocked us out of ourchairs. Fabulous! Crunchy as couldbe, and the asparagus spears cookedperfectly. In my mind there are nowtwo restaurants that rank as havingthe best appetizers: An New WorldCuisine in Cary and now, Humble Pie.Another memorable appetizer atHumble Pie is a hybrid of Mexican,French and Mediterranean: BroiledTetilla Cheese covered with a redgrape gastrique (a sweet reduction)and fried lavosh ($7). What geniusput this taste combination togetherhas a superb palate. Another threecheers! Less appealing to me, perhapsit just lacked luster in this panoply ofstar-quality appetizers was theSpinach Tart ($9) that was clearlyupstaged by the crispy, all tooSouthern Fried Green Tomatoesaccented with an apple cider and

Continued on page 11

Humble Piedowntown dining


bacon aioli, Swiss chard and baconlardons ($9). The fried green toma-toes were really masterfully done, niceand crunchy without loss of integrity(which means the intrinsic tomato fla-vor was not lost to the fry) – and per-haps I’m being picky but the term“aioli” jumps out at me. Aioli is themother of emulsion sauces, like may-onnaise. In fact, the French Duc deMayon stole the recipe for aioli fromthe Spanish Court, took it back to hisnative land and suddenly mayonnaisewas born, credited to the French. Atany rate aioli is garlic mayonnaise—intensely garlic. To my memory therewas no emulsion sauce with the toma-toes; instead, the vinegar-bacon combi-nation was a wet dressing–very good

but not mayonnaise-like. Another starin the pantheon of Humble Pie appetiz-ers has got to be the Seared SeaScallops served atop creamy garlicpolenta with grape tomato relish andbasil verjus vinaigrette (a nice greensauce). This appetizer is $12 and all Itasted when I sampled this dish wasthe scallops (excellent) and the polen-ta (I could have eaten a bowl of this!)My suggestion here is that you use aspoon to best capture all the flavors.

The Tuna Tostado ($12) is a delec-table and glaring example of Japanmeets Tex-Mex as well as one of themost popular items on the menuwhich is Godzilla Roll ($12) that fea-tures ahi tuna plus the sushi works:soy sauce, wasabi and ginger. Nowone of Jim’s favorite items on the

menu is the entree Chicken andDumplings ($12). This is an authenticpreparation of chicken and dumplings.There are actual dumplings. I thinkSoutherners confuse chicken and pas-try or chicken slick as being the sameas chicken and dumplings. Chickenand dumplings, to me, a Mason-Dixonline preparation linked to the state ofMaryland and parts of Pennsylvania.Chicken and pastry and chicken anddumplings is a matter of how the flour-fat component, that in both, is cookedin the hot chicken broth is cut. Fordumplings the flour-fat is rolled andcut as for biscuits; for chicken slickthe flour-fat component is rolled andcut, thinly or thick, in strips. AtHumble Pie you get dumplings. Butfor me, my favorite entree is theRicotta and Butternut Squash-Stuffed

Conchiglioni ($13). Conchiglioni is alarge conch shell-shaped pasta. To methis dish was autumn in every bite. Iloved the major hit of butternutsquash. I probably need to call Andyand ask him how to make this.Thanksgiving dinner in pasta!

For me this meal could only be com-pleted by diving into Humble Pie’sBanana Nut Bread Pudding ($6) orKey Lime Pie (the “real” kind, notgreen!) ($6). But to Jim and Andy, Ihad to ask, where’s the humble pie atHumble Pie?!

I am pleased to heartily recommendHumble Pie for your dining out itiner-ary. And my compliments to chefAndy Cordova—a talented young man.

■RD


Be sure to check out Humble Pie’s new sampler platters to taste a variety of tasty dishes

Chef Andy Cordova will keep your taste buds excited while at Humble Pie

112 Lake Boone Tr. $814,900

3110 Glenwood Ave. $675,000

1802 Sunset Ave. $287,000

4810 Rockport Dr. $228,000

415 New Bern Ave. $549,000

1824 White Oak Rd. $600,000

Oakwood Mews Condos From low 400’s

525 Steel Street $79,900

2121 Oakton Dr. $435,000

1309 Shadyside Dr. $215,000


By Kelly Hubbard

Updatingyourwardrobewith the

latest designerfashions each sea-son can be entic-

ing, but something even more appeal-ing is snagging name-brand pieces forhalf the price. We’re not talking aboutsorting through rows of sale racks inhopes of finding a discount; we’re talk-ing about consignment boutiqueswhere you are almost guaranteed tofind a great deal.

How often have you cleaned out yourcloset with the intent to give away any-thing that has not been worn in years?And, how often have you kept an itembecause you either paid too muchmoney for it or swore that you wouldwear it soon? Consignment shops area great way to recycle your clothingand accessories and give them a newlife.

It is a mutually beneficial set up: theconsignors are able to bring in theirgarments that they no longer wear andget some money back in return, whilethe shoppers benefit from the deals ondesigner and unique pieces. Why notget the best of both worlds? Many con-signors bring in items to trade and optfor store credit towards their next fab-ulous find.

Designer denim has really exploded inpopularity within the past five years,with some pairs of jeans going formore than $200. Local consignors canrock a different designer each month,selling a pair of 7 for All Mankindjeans and turn around to use storecredit towards a pair of Joe’s Jeans.

Take James McLamb, for example,who enjoys visiting Stuff Consignmentin downtown Raleigh about once aweek. On one recent visit, McLambfound a pair of True Religion jeans for$85, which normally retails for $195.He’s a consignor who typically brings

in last season’s fashions to sell but isalso interested in seeking out trendyor vintage pieces to add to his collec-tion.

May Chynces can vouch for the thrillof consignment shopping. She worksas a bar manager at The Pit, a barbe-cue restaurant around the corner from

Stuff Consignment, and usually visitsthe shop about five times per week. “Ican find items for work, pick up agreat pair of jeans – and Stuff has thebest shoes,” Chynces said as shegushed about her recent Prada heelspurchase.

Women and men’s shoes are a hotitem that shoppers seek out in con-signment shops. You can easily find atop designer with a price tag that’seasy on your wallet. The same goesfor formal wear like cocktail dresses,suits and tuxedos. “It makes shoppersfeel good knowing that they’re wear-ing a designer label,” said Liz Johnson,owner of Revolver, an upscale consign-ment boutique in downtown Raleigh.“You’re getting the quality of the namebrand, and at times, for less than halfthe price.”

Even though consignors bring in lastseason’s trends, usually they’re not outof style yet. Plus, there are still many

fashion

Continued on page 13Slip into a trendy sweater dress by M Missonior kick it up with a vintage pair of violet heels

Consignment ShoppingThe Thrill of the Hunt


classic brands available for the taking,like Lacoste, Banana Republic andPolo, all of which are timeless. Ladiescan pair a business-appropriatestriped J. Crew dress shirt for $18with a vintage, olive green jacket for$20 and then splurge on a Diane vonFurstenberg dress. Guys who arelooking to invest in a suit and tie for aspecial occasion or are just looking toadd to their wardrobe can find it all inconsignment shops.

If you’re a dedicated consignmentshopper, you can score by finding vin-tage pieces that will be sure to set youapart from the crowd. Revolver has apair of vintage, royal purple heels – atrendy color for this season – withruffle trim on the toe that resemblesone of Prada’s fall styles. Johnson said she receives great feedback from her

customers who buy vintage, “Peoplebuy things from here and receivecomplements from people asking,‘Where’d you get that!?’” She said thecool factor is they are often wearing aone-of-a-kind piece. The best discover-ies can be non-name-brand items thatreflect a current trend because theyare stylish but no one else will havethem.

Revolver Manager Mary Holt Fickesexplained that the concept of consign-

ment boutiques is like shopping inyour friend’s closet. “A lot of peoplepurchase clothing for hundreds ofdollars and wear it once,” she said.“The great thing about consignmentis that you can make a little moneyback on your purchase and you knowit will go to a good home.”

Consignment shops like StuffConsignment and Revolver are dedi-cated to providing their customerswith quality pieces in good conditionand practice strong scrutiny during

their selection process. The storeswill carry unique, designer or vintageitems from the average person butyou will also find clothes with theoriginal tags still on. Some of thesecould be brand-new clothing fromlocal boutiques looking to sell theirseasonal inventory to make room forthe next season of merchandise.

Accessories like shoes, purses, mes-senger bags, scarves and jewelry canbe major investments, too.Consignment boutiques are a greatplace to search for a deal on uniqueor designer accessories to add to yourattire. You will also find local design-ers’ work in Revolver such as screenprint tees and jewelry. J Bird Designsbreathes new life into old hardware,charms and vintage buttons; checkout her vintage button earrings foronly $10. In addition to clothing andaccessories, Stuff Consignment alsofeatures interesting and originalhome furnishing items.

Stuff Consignment is located at 307W. Martin Street and Revolver recent-ly moved to its new location at 124Glenwood Avenue in downtownRaleigh. Both stores are celebratingtheir three-year anniversaries this fall.

■RD


Finding a great deal on accessories at Stuffcan be just as thrilling as shopping for clothes


AROUNDTOWNAROUNDTOWNAROUNDTOWNAROUND

The photos on this page were taken at the SPCA benefit “Down by the Tracks,” held at Seaboard Station Shopping Center


AROUNDTOWNAROUNDTOWNAROUNDTOWNAROUND

Greg Hatem (Empire) and Samantha Smith (N&O) Doug Grissom (Raleigh Convention Center), wife Kim & daughterRick Jones (owner, The Mint) and Marti

Balazs Szabo, artist and author Lindsay, Billy and Elizabeth

The photos above were taken at various Raleigh Convention Center and Marriott City Center events

Roger Krupa (Raleigh Convention Center) and wife Linda Lee Tripi (designer), Ken Bowers (City Planning)Trish and John Healy from Hyde Street Holdings

Paul and Jamie from Black FlowerLeboeuf and Hilary at Amra’s

Gwen, Tomand Ashley

fromBrooklyn

Heights bar

Photo jbaz.net


The Deep South Local Music Review

The Deep South Local Music Review is written by Dave Rose with contributions by Elizabeth Barrett. Dave is the co-founder and co-owner of Deep South Entertainment. Formed in 1995, Deep South Entertainment is a record label, artist management company, and concert

event production company with offices in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee. Deep South is best known locally as producers of the Bud Light Downtown Live summer concert series, featuring national recording artists. Their latest addition to downtown Raleigh

is Deep South–The Bar. Elizabeth is a UNC student working part time for Deep South and the Downtown Live concert series.

e ach month, we look at three local bands within a wide range of music types, from rock to reggae, country to classic. You won’tfind any negative or bad reviews here, just bands worth hearing in your favorite local music hangout. Enjoy the reviews,

check out the bands when they’re in town, and be sure to mention you read about them in the Raleigh Downtowner Deep SouthLocal Music Review.

Artist: buzzround Album: buzzround Genre:Acoustic/Indie/Roots www.myspace.com/buzzround

Jeff Debonzo (bass/guitar/vocals) and Spence Rownd (guitar/harmonica/vocals) started playing when they were still students at Leesville HighSchool. The duo went their separate ways when Jeff headed to Appalachian State and Spence to UNC-Wilmington, but continued opening for localbands. All in their mid-20s now, buzzround’s members also include Jeff’s brother, Keef Debonzo (bass/guitar/vocals) and Matt Austin (drums/per-cussion), who joined the group about a year ago.

After two years of playing around South Carolina and at local venues in Raleigh, Boone and Wilmington, the guys finally released their self-titledCD just a few months ago. They are proud to have Joe Kwon, a current member of the Avett Brothers, as a featured artist on the track “With You.”

Jeff describes buzzround's sound as “50's love song, Hootie-type pop, G-Love inspired ditties—really all over the place—centered around solidsongwriting.” He and brother Keef have significant musical influence to draw from, as their father Dave Debonzo fronted popular 70s bluegrassband, Headin’ South.

The guys have recently developed ties with fellow Raleigh-based band American Aquarium, opening for them twice at Lincoln Theatre. Returningthe favor, American Aquarium will open for the group in November.

Artist: Birds of Avalon Album: Outer Upper Inner Genre: Rock/Psychedelic/Progressive www.myspace.com/birdsofavalon

Birds of Avalon is made up of Cheetie Kumar (guitar), David Mueller (bass), Scott Nurkin (drums), Paul Siler (guitar) and Craig Tilley (key-boards/vocals). Their first album, Bazaar Bazaar, was released in May 2007 and followed by a tour with Ted Leo, who told Harp Magazine thatBirds of Avalon was his “favorite new band.” The Flaming Lips, also part of the tour, gave the band the same praise on their Web site. Shortly after,they set off for their European tour.

After spending most of last year on the road, the guys were ready to get back to making music. The EP Upper Inner Outer, released in March, wasrecorded without the use of any computers in an attempt to stray from the typical modern sound. Mitch Easter, the motivation behind this soundexperiment, has produced for alt-rock favorites like REM, Pavement and Wilco.

According to the band’s myspace page, this experiment led to “mysterious sounds and tones which you could never contrive deliberately...just whatwe were after.” The group has managed to transform this method into an art form, as their style will rock you out, lift you up and draw you in.

Artist: Arrogance Album: The 5’ 11” Record Genre: Indie/Powerpop/Rock www.myspace.com/arrogancerock

These guys are the first to admit that they did coin their name as a reference to their power to upstage other bands. But given their sharp sound,clever lyrics and passion for making music, their confidence is well-justified.

Arrogance began in 1969 inside a UNC-Chapel Hill campus dorm. Don Dixon and Robert Kirkland, then freshmen at the university, soon addedkeyboardist Marty Stout, drummer Scott Davison and guitarist Rod Abernethy. The albums Give Us a Break in 1973 and Prolepsis 1975 wereboth self-produced and self-released, an especially pioneering move for bands during that time.

Arrogance disbanded in 1983 after failing to receive the attention and acclaim that they knew they deserved. In the meantime, founding-memberDixon produced albums for REM, The Backsliders, Kim Carnes, Marti Jones, James McMurtry and Chris Stamey.

And thanks to Dixon’s encouragement, his band came together once again for a 30-year reunion and the re-release of their catalog in 2000.Withthe release of The 5’11” Record, which includes previously recorded but unreleased music, Arrogance has finally gained the exceptional reviewsand fan base they've always deserved.

What Gen Y & Z are listening to…By Elizabeth Barrett (Deep South Entertainment)

Wonder what music high school and college studentsare listening to and downloading onto their iPods?Each month we’ll give you a quick look as to whatyou’re likely to hear blaring out of dorm room windowson college campuses and out of car windows through-out the Triangle.

Artist:The Virgins Album:

The Virgins(Alternative/Indie Rock)

www.myspace.com/thevirginsnyc

Artist:The BlackKeysAlbum:

Attack &Release(Rock)

www.myspace.com/theblackkeys

Artist:RatatatAlbum:

Classics(Electronic/Rock)

www.myspace.com/ratatatmusic



By Jack Glasure

When along-timefriend

invited me to checkout his adventure

guide service in the capital city ofColumbia, SC, I had to check a mapand make sure it met the one tank cri-terion in order to qualify for this col-umn. Surprisingly, it did; it's a merethree-hour drive away. But he sug-gested I travel from downtownRaleigh by Amtrak instead—aroundtrip fare of just $68 bucks. It

sounded like a good way to catch upon some reading, so I gave it a shot.The train experience was better thanexpected, clean and comfortable actu-ally, though the schedule required abit of planning to avoid sleep depriva-tion. The Silver Streak comesthrough Raleigh on the Friday nightsouthbound route around 9pm, arriv-

ing in Columbia at 1:30am. Thenorthbound return departs ColumbiaMonday mornings at 2am, arrivingback in Raleigh at 6:30am. Columbia is fortunate to have threerivers flowing through an area theycall the Riverbanks Region, and therivers are ideal for outdoor recreation.We spent the morning kayaking

amongst the rapids of the CongareeRiver, which flows right through thecity and is paralleled by an extensivenetwork of well-manicured greenwaysand boardwalks. Lots of people wererunning and biking on the trails, butwe ran on the river rocks. I managedto follow closely behind my guide ashe worked his way through a milecourse of boulders. We occasionallywaded across shallow areas, and asthe afternoon heat arrived, swam inthe deeper pools fed by an invigorat-ing and refreshing current.

After soaking in some sunshine todry off our shorts and shoes, wepicked up a lunch day pack from near-by Earth Fare and drove 20 miles outof town to Congaree National Park,where we walked the 2.4 mile board-walk loop trail. The park containsone of the country’s last remainingstands of old-growth forest, includingbald cypress and loblolly pines thatreach up to 165 feet. Four nationalrecord trees are located within the

Columbia, South Carolina


Kayaking on the Saluda River, near downtown Columbia, SC


park, and there are more than 150 trees larger than12 feet in circumference. The forest canopy standshigh overhead, enhancing the illusion of perpetualtwilight. Barred owls often call during daylight, andthey say that in the summer, a gentle rain is felt only

as a fine mist below the forest's canopy.

The highlight of the trip was the vibrant sports barscene. My friend showed me about two dozen hotspots over two nights, each unique in design, loca-tion and social amenities. There’s a healthy compe-tition going on in Columbia among the restaurantsto attract sports fans with the best environment forwatching ballgames. Every place we visited hadcomfortable seating, friendly service and the latestvideo technology. Since the University of SouthCarolina is located downtown, the sidewalk cafesand coffee shops were all busy, providing an activecollege town atmosphere.

If you’d like some help planning a trip to Columbia,just shoot me an email and I’ll gladly connect youwith my friend who can steer you in the right direc-tion.

Safe travels!

One Tank Trips is a regular column about road tripsto great destinations within a gas tank’s range ofRaleigh. Send us your ideas for future trips or stopsalong the way that we shouldn’t miss [email protected].

Jack Glasure is Chief Marketing Officer atFrench/West/Vaughan and can be contacted [email protected].

■RD


The 2.4 mile Congaree Boardwalk loop within the Park,containing four national record trees and more than 150

others which are over 12 feet in circumference

The Downtowner’s One Tank Trip’s Jack Glasure withColumbia host and outdoor adventure guide Noah Sager


B E T T E R L I V I N GBEST OF THE BEST!! And now our new READER POLL!! (see below)Fred Benton knows the Triangle! Benton, long-time lifestyle journalist covering theTriangle for over 20 years, has definite ideas about businesses that he feels are particularlyconsumer-friendly and offer superlative product and service. This list is the sole propertyand decision-making of Fred Benton and BetterlivingNC Productions and is not affiliatedwith the Raleigh Downtowner. This list is a companion information guide that Bentonpresents on WCKB radio and is heard throughout southeastern NC. Angus Barn - Glenwood Avenue, close toRDU International Airport, 787-3505. TheBEST steaks!42nd Street Oyster Bar - 508 West JonesStreet, Raleigh, 831-2811. 42ndstoysterbar.comBEST Seafood Salad! The Point at Glenwood - 1626 GlenwoodAvenue at Five Points, Raleigh, 755-1007.BEST Reuben Sandwich!larrysbeans.com - 828-1234. Your web site forBEST coffees.Lilly’s Pizza - Five Points, Raleigh, 833-0226.lillyspizza.com BEST pizza! BEST house sidesalad! BEST beer selection! Abbey Road Grill - Located corner W.Chatham and Old Apex roads, 2 miles fromdowntown Cary. 481-4434; abbeyroadgrill.comBEST burger, BEST onion rings! NoFo - 2014 Fairview Road, at Five Points,Raleigh, 821-1240. BEST retail for feeding theeye and palate. nofo.comWaraji Japanese Restaurant - DuraleighRoad, corner of Duraleigh and Pleasant Valleyroads, 783-1883. “If you knew sushi like I knowsushi.” BEST sushi! warajirestaurant.comNina’s Ristorante - 801 Leadmine Road,Harvest Plaza, 845-1122. BEST NY-style Italian!Trish the Dish Catering - Raleigh, 852-0369.Fabulous fun food for the budget-minded!Cafe Tiramisu - North Ridge Shpg Ctr, nearAce Hardware, Falls of Neuse Road, 981-0305.BEST stuffed pork chop! BEST fried cheese souffle!

William and Garland Motel - Hwy.58, SalterPath, 252-247-3733. BEST budget-friendly familyaccommodations on the Crystal Coast!The Black Mountain Inn - 828-669-6528. Best in Black Mountain! Pet-friendly! www.blackmountaininn.comThe Lamplight Inn - Henderson 252-438-6311.Pet-friendly; great breakfasts! www.lamplightbnb.netSpringfield Inn - a bed and breakfast, 252-426-8471, [email protected] Hertford, BEST breakfast! Farm-fresh every-thing!Dakota Grill - 9549 Chapel Hill Road (Hwy.54), intersection with Cary Parkway, 463-9526.BEST exotic burger (double bison burger), andBEST chili for pepperheads.An New World Cuisine - Corner of WestinParkway and Harrison, Cary in Arboretum atWestin Shpg. Center, 2800 Renaissance ParkPlace, 677-9229. BEST appetizers! My hands-down favorites are Shrimp Cupcakes andShrimp Fritters. www.ancuisines.comSimpson’s Beef & Seafood - at Creedmoorand Millbrook roads, 783-8818. BEST prime rib! BEST coconut shrimp!Apex Chiropractic - Apex, 362-9066. I couldhardly walk. Acupuncture saved my life!Vic’s Italian Café & Restaurant - CityMarket at 331 Blake Street, 829-1790. BESTLobster Ravioli, BEST Ricotta Cheesecake,BEST Chicken PiccataTasca Brava - 607 Glenwood Ave., 828-0840.tascabrava.com BEST Sangria, BEST Paella

READER EMAIL POLL: At what restaurant do you feel you get the best valuefor your money? Please send your vote to [email protected].

By Fred BentonFood and DiningEditor

it was a blusteryfall day, plenty ofwind chill, and a

perfect day to visit The Big Easy, aFayetteville Street mecca for the spicyfood that made New Orleans famous. Idragged myself inside, not a bit hun-gry; however, a food writer must eat tomake a living. I have to say that theatmosphere of The Big Easy, with itsgood spirits and friendly wait staff(that I had originally gruffly labeled as“too perky”) got to me. While I didn’tsee a miracle, I did feel myself uplift-ed. The Big Easy is truly the big easy!

My friends and I began our taste ofCajun magic with two platters, theOyster Fry ($8.75) and AlligatorBites ($7.75). Both were credible. Theoysters were tasty, and just spicyenough to be warming. The alligatorwas a bit chewy, but apparently that’spar for the course for the reptilian

meat. I did find the mustard sauce thatwas served with both the oysters andthe alligator too astringent for mytaste, but the white rémoulade withthe oysters was delicious.

A friend who had joined us at the table

opted for one of The Big Easy’s mostpopular selections, the half n’half po’boy ($8.75), which has fried oystersand fried shrimp presented on a roll.You’ll see a lot of po’ boy sandwicheson the menu here. Here’s the story ofhow the po’ boy and New Orleans

joined delectably greasy hands: In the1800s, sisters at a local convent tookpity on the poor children who livednear them. They were always knock-ing on the convent door begging foralms. Knowing that these childrenwere hungry the sisters fried upbatches of oysters and put them in aroll for easy eating and transport. Aknock came at the door and a sand-wich was offered---a sandwich thatlater became to be known as a“po’boy,” commemorating the poorchildren who were the original benefi-ciaries of a potable feast that all ofNew Orleans soon began to crave.

Another must try at The Big Easyintroduces you to a variety of menuoptions all on one platter, A Taste ofLouisiana ($13.75). The menu prom-ises a “generous portion of jambalaya,chicken gumbo, fried shrimp or gator,red beans and rice.” The chickengumbo is truly reminiscent of one I’ve


The Big Easylet’s do lunch


tried while in Louisiana and enjoyedits authentic flavor.

My friends know that I can’t pass uponion rings and I have to say that theOnion Rings ($1.35) here are sensa-tional and crunchy as all get-out. Icould have munched on these all day!

The Big Easy offers late night fooduntil 2am seven days a week, a full bararea, and a Mardi Gras-style secondfloor overlooking the dining areabelow, complete with darts and pooltable, great for a small group to con-gregate, eat and relax.

In my opinion The Big Easy lives up toits name. Enjoy!

■RD


from an unassuming buildingjust around the corner from thebustle of Glenwood Southcomes a different kind of buzz,

one that will last well after the night’send…..at least that’s the kind ofatmosphere Paul Lewis and JamieSaad want to create at their new barBlack Flower. Located at 517 WestPeace Street (just east of Mojo’s), oneof its main goal is to promoteRaleigh’s culture.

And to Black Flower, that meansmore than just enlisting artist AdamPeele to paint the graphic black-and-white flower awning, matching interi-or walls and wall paintings. It meansgiving him and all other local creativeminds a venue in which to showcasetheir talents—and thereby giving allof Raleigh a place at which to seethese area artists and musicians.With the rebirth of downtown andtop-rankings from Forbes andKiplinger’s, Raleigh is attractingmore businesses and establishingitself as a major market in the US.

What Black Flower plans to do isextend that revitalization and thoseaccolades to the city’s art scene, help-ing to develop a cultural identity forRaleigh. In creating a neighborhoodbar for both locals and local talent,Black Flower will not only be sup-porting and exposing Raleigh’s cul-ture but also cultivating the commu-nity’s interest in it.

Black Flower will be open seven daysper week until 2am and will featurevarious live music. If the grand open-ing weekend was any indication ofthe success of Black Flower, it shoulddo just fine.

Black Flower517 West Peace Street, Raleigh919.900.8147www.black-flower.com

Visit our website for more bar photos.■RD

Black Flower Now OpenA creative new addition to Glenwood South

The Big Easy222 Fayetteville StreetDowntown Raleigh919.832.6082

Hours: 11-2 a.m., everyday (lunch and dinner)

Reservations: Yes

Average Lunch Check: $8-10

Take Out: Yes

Off-Premise Catering Available: Yes

Noise Level: Moderate

Private Dining / Meeting Space: Up to 50

Wireless Internet: Yes

Low Carb Menu Choices: Yes

Vegetarian Choices: Yes

Smoking Area: In bar

Full Bar: Yes

Outdoor Dining: Yes

Web Site: www.thebigeasync.com

Parking: Street or Moore or Alexander Square lots

QUICK BYTES: THE BIG EASY


EVENTS CALENDARON STAGECALENDARBrought to you by 42nd Street OysterBar and their commitment to theperforming arts and artists inRaleigh. 919.831.2811 508 West Jones St., Raleigh

October 18-26NC Theatre PresentsWYeston & Kopit's Phantom

Join NCT as weunveil the FIRSTAmericanPhantom, basedon GastonLeroux's thrilling

1910 novel. Experience a fuller, richerversion of Phantom with a moredeveloped plot, deeper characters,beautiful lyrics and soaring melodies.Like the Phantom, our ticket holdershave a life-sustaining need for beauti-ful music - and this original is our sal-vation! To purchase tickets, call theNCT Box Office at 919.831.6941x6944 or visit their website atwww.nctheatre.com

October 24-25NC Symphony Presents TheRhapsody in Blue

Program: Debussy: NocturnesGershwin: Rhapsody in BlueFauré: PavaneGershwin: Second Rhapsody(“Rhapsody in Rivets”)Ravel: Daphnis et Chloe Suite No. 2Featuring: James Gaffigan, guest con-ductor, Anne-Marie McDermott,piano, Carolina Choir, lead by SusanKlebanow. For more information, visitwww.ncsymphony.org

OTHER EVENTSOctober 18-19

Art RaleighIn the tradition ofsome of theworld's most

vibrant locales, Art Raleigh will trans-form the city into a weekend celebra-tion of the state's fine art and craftcommunity. This first-of-its-kind artfair will showcase Raleigh's leadinggalleries, arts organizations, and ajuried arts and crafts exhibition andsale.For more information, visit www.artsaliveraleigh.com

October 112008 “CHAIRity”To Benefit Habitat

for Humanity of Wake County

To celebrate the role artists play inadvancing cultural and social develop-ment, and to align that role with thecontribution Habitat for Humanitymakes to society, Purple Armchairwill host the 2008 “CHAIRity,” a galafundraiser for Habitat/Wake County,which will be held in the store onSaturday, October 11.

Over 50 Triangle area artists have“recycled” old wooden chairs fromHabitat/Wake’s ReStore Center inRaleigh into one-of-a-kind works ofart. The chairs-turned-art will beexhibited in public spaces aroundRaleigh for a month leading up to theevening of October 11, when galaattendees will bid on these unusualworks of original art (both silent and“live”). Seventy-five percent of thewinning bid for each door will bedonated to Habitat/Wake County. Theremaining 25 percent goes to theartists. The gala event, including livemusic, will be free and open to thepublic.Purple Armchair, 600 North WestStreet, 919-341-8572, 7-11pm.www.purplearmchair.com

October 26, SundaySecondEmpire 5kClassicSecond

Empire Restaurant and Tavern isproud to present the 9th AnnualSecond Empire 5K Classic – one ofthe fastest 5K courses in the Trianglearea on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at2:00 PM. The event will once againfeature the CU Fitness Center Pump‘n Run Competition. Located in down-town Raleigh in the elegantly restoredDodd-Hinsdale House, SecondEmpire combines history, atmos-phere, and gourmet cuisine for anunforgettable dining experience. Theexterior architecture of the Dodd-Hinsdale House is Second EmpireVictorian, a style originating inFrance under Napoleon III. It repre-sents the last example of this influ-ence in Raleigh.

November 15, Saturday7th annual CollectorsGala at ArtspaceThis is the only

major fundraiserheld each year in

support of Artspace exhibitions, edu-cational programming, and communi-ty outreach to children and adults indifficult circumstances. The event fea-tures the unique opportunity forguests to dine in artists’ studios andto enjoy purchasing local artwork inboth the live and silent auctions, as



well as purchasing artwork displayedthroughout the building.

Our schedule for the evening:Cocktails & Hors d’Oeuvres andSilent Auction Opens 6pmDinner 7:30pmLive Auction 9pmSilent Auction Closes 11pm

Individual tickets on sale now: $125per person. Table sponsorships arestill available at $5,000, $2,500, and$1,500 levels.

Visit www.artspacenc.org or call919.821.2787 for more information.

November 16, SundayAn Evening With Colin Mochrie & Brad SherwoodColin Mochrie andBrad Sherwood, stars

of the Emmy nominated Who’s LineIs It Anyway? have teamed up to pres-ent an evening of extraordinaryimprovisational comedy.

Using their quick wit, Colin and Bradtake contributions from the audienceto create hilarious and originalscenes…. Just like a live version of

‘Whose Line’! Throughout theevening, the show becomes trulyinteractive as audience members arecalled to the stage to participate inthe fun. Their high-profile presenta-tions have played to sold-out venuesall over the country. Don’t miss themost exciting comedy event of theyear!

Visit www.broadwayseriessouth.com formore information and tickets.

“A Christmas Carol”Tickets On Sale

Theatre In The Park'soriginal musical com-edy adaptation of AChristmas Carol,based on the book by

Charles Dickens and adapted for thestage by Ira David Wood III,December 9 – 17. Progress EnergyCenter for the Performing Arts,Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh.

Visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 919-834-4000$19-75 all performancesPurchase tickets in person atMemorial Auditorium Box Office,beginning October 20th.


Fido deserves a lunch break too!

pet sitting service for downtown raleigh


REAL ESTATE$36K DOWNTOWN CONDO CREDIT!Buyer opting not to purchase a downtowncondo with rooftop pool is your good for-tune. Over $36,000 in purchase credit forjust $10,000. Can be assigned to any condoover $450,000. [email protected]

CAMERON PARKLive downtown in style! Gorgeous circa1915 Arts & Crafts redo with all new every-thing. Incredible cook's kitchen open tofamily room, vintage built-ins, tile, mould-ings and light fixtures, 3 fireplaces, coveredporches, wet bar, vaulter master w/FP.Great downtown location with no condofee! Walk to Glenwood South, CameronVillage, Broughton HS. $825k. ContactMichael Clay at YSU, 919-272-3929 [email protected]

FOR RENT: LOCATION, LOCATIONSeven houses for rent, 3-4 blocks toFayetteville Street/restaurants, work, etc. 3& 4 bedroom houses on individual lots andnice residential community. Rents $1200-1400 per month. Some historic houses.Contact Mitch Meeks at 919.573.0133 [email protected] for moreinformation.

MORE UNIQUE HOMESFresh ideas. Proven success. Peter atPrudential. 919-971-4118. Pictures, plansand historic district maps atwww.peterRumsey.com

GOVERNOR’S SQUAREThe pick of the litter. Your 3rd floor porchoverlooks the city skyline. You are sur-rounded by the Oakwood & MordecaiHistoric neighborhoods. The next doorPerson Street Pharmacy, Conti’s andRosie’s Plate offer eats and nearby MarshWoodwinds, Nicole’s Studio and theBurning Coal Theater serve up the arts.710 N. Person St. Unit #306. 800 squarefeet. 1 BR/1.5 Baths. $145,000. Peter atPrudential. 919-971-4118. Pictures, plan andmaps at www.peterRumsey.com

212 HAYWOOD STREETWalk to downtown! This fabulous remod-eled home will be 90% new! Lovely hard-woods and granite countertops will be just

a few of the wonderful upgrades. You havestumbled on a hard to find ranch styledhome with 3 or 4 bedrooms. You choose!$335,000 is a bargain for 2200 sq feet homein the midst of all the action! Be part of theconstruction process and call Michelle withKeaton Barrow Realty today. 271-8241 [email protected].

618 S. WEST STREET.30 acre lot at the corner of S. West and W.South Streets including parkingarea. Suitable for commercial develop-ment; only 2 blocks from new CivicCenter. $273,000. Contact Molly Propst atAllen Tate Realtors. 919-719-2908 [email protected].

PENTHOUSE CONDO @ PARAMOUNTSpectacular Penthouse Condo w/greatviews & only 1 block from Glenwood South& short walk to Cameron Village. 12ft ceil-ings, hardwoods, granite counters, 42" cabi-nets, tile, GE profile appliances, 8ft doors,9ft windows, huge WICs & Hunter-Douglasblinds. Community pool w/view of down-town, fitness center, clubroom w/kitchen &billiards. 2 garage parking spaces & largestorage unit. $479,900 Call Stephen Votinoat McNamara Properties 919-614-0884 /www.mcnamaraproperties.net

510-601 GLENWOODGorgeous Penthouse Corner Unit.

Fabulous view from the balcony!Hardwoods, granite & marble countertops,beautiful paint colors. Secured entry intobuilding. Custom designed solid mahoganybookshelves & cabinets. Walk-in closet inMaster BR w/ custom closet inserts. Hugepatio - great for entertaining! $560,000Glenwood Agency 919-828-0077

COTTON MILLGorgeous warehouse-style unit at theCotton Mill. Two bedroom, two bath unitwith tall ceilings and oversized windowsbringing in lots of natural light. Tile coun-tertops and backsplash in kitchen.Hardwood floors in kitchen, dining and liv-ing rooms. Luxurious master bathroomwith double vanity, tile shower with frame-less glass door and hardwood floors. Amust see unit! $324,000 The GlenwoodAgency 919.828.0077

1021 BRIGHTHURST 206Awesome 2BR/2BA unit at Bishops Ridge!Beautiful paint colors, hardwoods in livingspace, HUGE covered porch! Windowsbringing in lots of natural light. Great floorplan with large living space... great forentertaining! Walk to Fletcher Park!Convenient to Glenwood South, NC State!Perfect location! $1100 per monthGlenwood Agency 919-828-0077

DAWSON 3112BR with over 1100 sq. ft.!!! 10ft. ceilings,recessed lighting, granite countertops,hardwood floors! Lots of storage space -huge closets. Great balcony overlookingdowntown! Nash Sq. Park across the street!Great location! $1400 Glenwood Agency919-828-0077



317-308 W. MORGAN STREETRemarkable 2BR/2BA condo Downtown!Granite countertops, stainless appliances.Hardwood floors throughout, tile floors inbathrooms. Awesome master suite w/ cus-tom closet, double vanities & Jacuzzi!HUGE balcony with great view ofDowntown Raleigh! Two parking spacesand a storage unit. $410K GlenwoodAgency 919-828-0077

1904 FAIRVIEW RDGorgeous bungalow in Five Points! Hugefront porch & amazing back yard, deck,screened porch w/ built-in gas grill, out-side fireplace & fenced yard. Extendedkitchen area has wine/beer appliances &double doors onto patio. Large mstr bdrmw/2 walk-ins. Luxurious mstr bathr w/steam shower, body sprayer. Garage & sepworkshop, large basement. $510K CallGlenwood Agency 919-828-0077

POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT THE RALEIGH DOWNTOWNER INTERNSHIPSWe are accepting resumes for interns forthe upcoming semester. Graphic design,layout, writing, photography, editing, andreporting are just a few of the skills youcan learn. Email your resume [email protected].

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSWe are looking for writers for website arti-cles. Send writing ideas and samples to:[email protected]. New cate-gories ideas and articles welcome!

RN/BRANCH MANAGERResCare Homecare, a leader in its field, hasan exciting opportunity which combinesclinical skills and supervision of staff,reporting directly to area’s ExecutiveDirector. Total P&L responsibility includes:compliance to regulations and standards,selection/supervision of staff, customerservice, and business development. Alsosupervises delivery of service to clientsand performance of employees.

Qualifications include: current NC license,previous supervisory experience, ability toeffectively communicate with internal/external clients, ability to multi-task effec-tively with previous computer/office sys-tems experience.

Position offers competitive compensation,excellent benefits, and opportunity forgrowth. For immediate consideration, for-ward resume and compensation require-ments to: RCHC, 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite103, Raleigh, NC 27609, or fax 919-510-0696, or [email protected] – EOE M/R/V/D



By Matt Fern

all rightdowntownRaleigh; let’s

discuss ordering abottle of wine in arestaurant. The con-

cept is simple. Wine is, after all,merely fermented grape juice madeby farmers and offered by restaurantsto compliment the chef’s cuisine andmake your dinner more enjoyable.

However, when wine lists become dif-ficult to navigate, this simple conceptcan get unnecessarily complicated.Hopefully the following tidbits will dis-pel a few myths regarding the “how-tos” of ordering wine and in turn,make your wining-and-dining experi-ence a source of pleasure, not stress.The main idea is to have guests andservers work harmoniously to selectthe perfect wine for the situation.

First we’ll start with rules for the cus-tomer. It's always a good idea toknow whether you’re looking for a

bottle of red, white or sparkling wine,or even a nice rosé. But if you do findyourself confused, a good startingpoint is this simple rule: red wine withmeat; white wine with chicken or fish.Next read the wine list over. Keep inmind that not all wine lists are createdequal; some may consist of few selec-tions while others may seem morelike reading War and Peace. Somemay be arranged by region while oth-ers may be arranged by style. Somemay give you descriptions of thewines while others may merely listthe names. If you get a bit lost orneed some advice, ask the server tobe your guide. Tell them what youlike to drink and what you're eating.

Remember, they're there to help.

When the server brings the bottleyou've selected, you should actuallylisten to the information that he orshe usually reviews--producer, variety,vintage, and appellation or any vine-yard designates or other qualifica-tions. This is your cue (not after thebottle's been opened!) to say, “Yes, goahead and open” or, “No, that’s notwhat I wanted.” Next the waitershould offer you a taste. This part isimportant so listen up: The taste isfor the sole purpose of finding out if

the bottle is in proper form and notspoiled, not an opportunity for you tosay, “I’ve changed my mind. I justdecided I don’t want Chardonnay.” Ifthis small sample smells like an oldlibrary book, a wet dog or wet card-board, you’ve received a “corked” bot-tle of wine. It happens. And theyshould happily bring you another bot-tle.

Okay servers, it’s your turn. It shouldbe noted that most people know thatyou aren’t going to be waiting tablesfor the rest of your lives, and that theyunderstand that this job is simply agreat way to get yourself through col-lege or supplement your income. But

that doesn’t mean you shouldn't learna little bit about wine in general andmore specifically, the wines yourrestaurant offers. Think of educatingyourself as an investment; it’ll makeyou more money in the long run. Butif you do ignore my advice and remain“iffy” on the subject of wine, pleasedon't feign expertise when promptedfor a suggestion; the wrong wine canruin a meal/date/meeting night. Onthe other hand, if you do know some-thing about wine, please don't try tomake rent by selling the most expen-sive bottle. Instead, have a few sug-

gestions in a variety of price points.

As for opening a bottle of wine: Afterthe guest has ordered the wine, bringit to the table, review the informationon the bottle, and after they’ve accept-ed the bottle, open it (preferably with-out using your legs), making sure topour the host a taste first. Once thebottle has been deemed acceptable,pour the bottle for the other guests atthe table, and repeat as necessary.

Usually wine in restaurants is moreexpensive than in other places. Butkeep in mind that you’re paying forthe lengths to which the business hasgone to find these great bottles ofwine. If you have something specialthat you’d prefer, many places will letyou bring something from your pri-vate collection for a small “corkagefee,” usually between $10 and $20depending on the restaurant.Though, always remember to call therestaurant ahead to check if this isokay and to see if that particular bot-tle is on their list. If it is one theyalready offer, leave your own bottle athome, lest the tacky police cite you.Oh, and I should add that it’s alsopolite to offer the server a taste toenjoy after his or her shift (we can’tdrink on the job in NC!)....

Going out to dinner should be a funexperience, and wine is meant to com-pliment the meal and contribute to thenight's festivity. With these tips inmind, together we can de-bunk the“snooty factor” mistakenly associatedwith ordering wine. Customers willhave more fun and servers will makemore money. That sounds like a win-win situation to me!

Matt Fern is a wine schlep at SeaboardWine Warehouse and occasionally aserver at Poole's Diner. He believes thatit's Beaujolais season (but not the nouveau kind).

To send us your idea for a futureUncorked article, or to comment on acurrent column, please drop us a lineto [email protected].

■RD

Read Between the Wines


Documents

HUMBLE PIE FASHION UNCORKED · fundraising culture by doubling contributed income over a five year period. She has also worked exten-sively in the community to forge meaningful part-nerships