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Fashion, Food & Fun

No Strings Attached - Mandolin Restaurant Opens

Bluegrass Flavor:  The bluegrass kitchen has come a long way as Nouveau Southern Cuisine is the rage.  However, recent new openings have missed the mark.  Yes, they have chef pedigree; use local produce and spirits; and add wonderful new twists and flavors to traditional fare.  All good.  But when was the last time you were welcomed into a restaurant and asked if they could take your coat, and feel true Southern Hospitality?  It was so refreshing last Saturday to find a new restaurant that gets it right ... Mandolin (named after the instrument and located in the Hayes Barton section of Raleigh).   Sean Fowler, Raleigh native and former chef at Fearrington House, debuts his first restaurant and it is already a finely tuned instrument that clearly "frets" the details.   In two words ... Perfect Harmony.  Menus 

Homecoming:  Long before helicopter parents and cargo pants, kids were free to ride bikes and hang at the neighborhood drug store counter for cherry cokes and fries.  One such drugstore, Johnson's Pharmacy, stood at the corner of Oberlin and Fairview and attracted a hoard of neighborhood kids, including one Sean Fowler.  Flash forward to 2011 and the same Sean wants to locate his restaurant at the spot of his childhood memories ... only to find that it is leased to another restaurant.  As fate would have it, the lease became available and Mandolin had a home.

Fine Tuned:  Like bluegrass, southern cuisine has its roots in tradition but continues to evolve.  After a gracious welcome by Lizzy Fisher and being seated (in comfortable chairs, thank you), our server, Dennis, expertly described the menu which includes a wonderful compliment of fine food, wine and spirits.  Where possible, all ingredients (including spirits) are locally sourced which guarantees fresh quality and supports the NC economy.  After taking drink orders, we were served exquisite rolls and corn bread (compliments of the pastry chef).   Deciding on the first and second courses was challenging as everything looked tempting.  We began with a large, Panzanella Salad and ordered Chicken and Waffles and North Carolina Pork Spareribs for entrees.  Both were excellent ... mouth watering flavors accompanied by equally delicious sides.  Had our party been larger, most certainly we would have also gone for the fresh fish (Striped Bass or Flounder), Braised Beef Short Ribs or Grilled Nooherooka Sirloin.  Portions were generous and prices were fair.

Encore:  One warning, you MUST save room for dessert.  The pastry chef creates all the desserts daily including the accompanying homemade ice cream.  The Hot Chocolate Souffl� with Chantilly Cream was heavenly; light but extravagant at the same time.  Equally popular is the Spiced Apple Pop-tarts with homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.  And the Sweet Potato Pie with Bourbon Ice Cream also looked intriguing.  Next Time.

Dinner, Lunch, & Soon Brunch:  Mandolin (2519 Fairview Road, Raleigh) is open daily (except Mondays).  Contact: 919.322.0365, Online Reservations; Hours of Operation: Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11:30am-2:30pm; Dinner 5:30-9:30pm (Friday/Saturday Dinner to 10pm); Sat. & Sun. Brunch: Coming soon after New Years!  Website 

Get Involved!  There is something for everyone. You may be into athletics, love of fashion, or involved with children or pets. Whatever it is... We appreciate your support! Click Here to read more.    

To Bee or Not to Bee 

Prime Presents for Picky Girls 

Gift it up for the girls...Assuming she doesn't peak, these thoughtful gifts surprise and delight!

Sea Change: You'd move mountains for her. Prove it with a modern mountainous fishbowl. Fishscape is designed by Johan Liden and Rinat Aruh of Aruliden Design Group of NY.  It's hand-blown with its own mountain range and can contain 2.5 gallons of water. This stunning conversation piece and art piece is available Online. Not surprisingly it took the Red Dot Award for 2011!  Fish not included. Website.   

True Colors: If she's not afraid to make a statement, then look no further than Stanley Mace Andersen's pottery made in Bakersville, NC

Stan Andersen works with earthenware clay and primarily makes utilitarian ware for the table and kitchen. He uses the majolica technique in decorating pots. He wants his pottery to contribute to enjoyment of preparing, serving, and presenting food.  

He paints quickly and directly on the raw glazed surface, creating liquid flowing lines, splashes of color and overlaps of brushstrokes. His hallmarks are exuberance and casual spontaneity, rhythm and grace.

You may purchase Andersen's pieces locally at The Collectors Gallery at 443 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, 27601 ph: 919.828.6500. Website. For online shopping click here.

Anderson's Studio is located at 187 Water St, Bakersville, NC 28705, ph: 828-688-2645.

Quench Her Thirst: Dehydration was so last season. Take your latte to go in these cute 16 oz. tumblers. Cottie Cups quench anyone's desire for the perfect holiday gift. Cottie Barber the designer of Cottie Cups from Raleigh has designed hundreds of patterns that will please everyone you know.

Pick your hot or cold Cottie Cups in three different sizes 12, 16 or 24 ounces and give them to all your friends and family. The cups are double wall insulated, includes a lid and are both dishwasher and microwave safe.  And most importantly they are made in the USA and have a Lifetime Warranty!

Cottie Cups are found in stores across the country with many here in the Triangle. Visit the website to find Triangle retail stores who carry Cottie Cups. Cottie Cups: ph 919-786-6133, Email,  Website.

Head Over Heels: Stomp, stomp, stomp. That's what she'll be doing if you don't get her the coveted Tony Lama cowgirl boots. The Bull Chute Western Wear is the Raleigh area's top source for all western apparel including boots, hats, jeans, shirts, belts, buckles and more. This family-owned and operated business has gained recognition as being one of the premier western stores in the country. Their friendly staff has a wealth of knowledge on western clothing. From product brands to the latest western trends, and will keep you in the loop and in-style.

Each customer is treated with great care and is sure to find exactly what they are looking for. Whether it is a complete outfit, or that pair of cowboy boots, The Bull Chute Western Wear is sure to have it all!

Location: Town Ridge Shopping Center, 6602-6 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, 27612. ph: 919782-2613. Website.  

On the Same Page: She wouldn't be caught dead reading chick lit.  Delight a budding intellectual with Freedom by Jonathan Franzen.  A vividly realized novel (one of the NY Times ten best books of the year) is an absorbing portrait of a dysfunctional family and a take on our troubling times.   

This book and much more can be found at Quail Ridge Books & Music in Ridgewood Shopping Center, 3522 Wade Ave. Raleigh 27607. Ph: 919-828-1588. Shopping for books at Quail Ridge is buying local and helping our community. Website.  

Hold On: This one's in the Bag. Get her the coveted Amanda Hobo by Tory Burch. Soft and slouchy leather makes up this roomy carryall, adorned with iconic logo hardware.  Available at Monkee's in North Hills and Saks Fifth Avenue in Raleigh's Triangle Town Center.    

Bargain Buzz...

Wannit? Come'n Get It!

For your Tar Heel fan: Purchase this Chapel Hill map from Great Big Canvas for a unique Christmas gift by Alice Feagan, illustrator.  As a freelance illustrator Alice works in the unique medium of cut paper. Her playful illustrations contain bold colors and a graphic style that make them appealing. The style and technique Alice uses makes her work applicable to book, editorial, and advertising illustrations. Alice is a UNC graduate now working in Oregon, but Tar Heel born and bred. Website.

Fall Savings at McKenzie Tribe: The fall season is here, and so are great selections of new clothes & accessories at McKenzie Tribe! New items from Johnny-O, Bird Dog Bay, Collared Greens, A Tail We Can Wag, Peter Millar, and more! Fall Woven Shirts - 40% Off. McKenzie Tribe has the perfect outfit for Basketball games, Holiday Parties or a night out on the town. Please stop in the store and to see the new fall line. Website. 

Simply-Refined: Let Michele from Zaytoun Interiors and blogger of Simply-Refined help you with your Christmas decorating. Call or email for an appointment. Zaytoun Interiors has been doing residential
and commercial design for over 20 years with happy clients from Florida to NC! Website, Email: zayint@aol.com, phone: 305-793-8510.

3 Acre Family Estate on Ebenezer Church Rd... Selling 2 Homes separately or together as one package at listing price of $1.13.  4000 Ebenezer Church Rd. - $739,900. 3940 Ebenezer Church Rd. - $399,900. Contact: Jill C. Rekuc, Owner/Broker, Olde Raleigh Real Estate, LLC. 919-389-0555, Email. Website.

The Perfect Christmas Gift: Raleigh's favorite JLR Cookbook recipes from The Junior League of Raleigh.  You're Invited Back is a beautiful cookbook loaded with menus to choose from, whether planning a casual picnic, elegant dinner, or holiday brunch. Some of the recipes are new and some have been handed down through generations of families here in Raleigh. You're Invited Back for another round of Southern hospitality.  Where to purchase 'You're Invited Back': Taylors in Glenwood Village; Lavender & Lace, Bailey's Fine Jewelry, Charlotte's and The Bargain Box in Cameron Village; Charlotte's, Quintessentials & Monkee's in North Hills; The Paper Company in Holly Springs; the NC Museum of History gift shop; A Southern Season in Chapel Hill; The Angus Barn; and Quail Ridge Books and The Wine Merchant in Ridgewood Shopping Center. Or to order online, Click Here.

The Mint Restaurant: Live Jazz on 1st Thursday of the month! Thursday's are Jazz nights with half price on lounge menu and live music.  Remember, parking is no problem when having dinner at The Mint. Please use their Complimentary Valet Parking just outside of their door. The Mint is located at 219 Fayetteville Street. Raleigh, 27601. 919-821-0011.
 


As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I recognize the unmet needs of those who're wrestling with dis-ease, mediocrity, and imbalance.  Clinical counseling at one's convenience allows the client a sense of comfort and control.  We can meet in my home office or in a location of your choice.  I look forward to identifying and overcoming everyday barriers of those who desire to move from potential to potency. Julia Massarelli www.juliamassarelli.com. Call:  919.621.5735 Email: jmassarelli@juliamassarelli.com

Sunflower Studio & Gallery: Artists Reception featuring artists Julie Moye & Martha Johnson, Friday Dec. 9th, 5:00-9:00pm. Multi-media artist Julie Moye works in many mediums, including oils, watercolors, mosaic with tiles and glass, pottery, and concrete. Martha Johnson draws inspiration from the natural world for her collages that are predominately composed of paper but also include fabric, dried plant materials, paints, photographs, stamps, and found objects. Sunflower Studio is  a renovated little blue bungalow in downtown Wake Forest filled with art and joy. Come experience the Sunflower! Regular Hours: T-F-S; 10-5 PM. Sunflower Studio & Gallery, 214 E. Jones Ave. Wake Forest, (919) 570-0765, Website.

 

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