Latest Buzz on...

Fashion, Food & Fun 

Cocoa Loco - Valentine's Day Chocolate Delights

Coo-Coo for Cocoa:  It's not your fault ... As a child you were smothered with Hershey's Kisses, fell in love with the Swiss Miss, and were coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs.  Even as your tastes became

Videri Chocolate Factory

more sophisticated, your cocoa cravings never diminished ... just got more refined.  Luckily, the chocolate gods have blessed the Triangle with local chocolatiers who have raised the chocolate bar with infectious treats.  Do the truffle shuffle and check out these local talents ... the morsel the merrier.

Wine Not? - Videri Chocolate Factory: There's a new "sweet spot" in the Warehouse District in downtown Raleigh.  The Videri Chocolate Factory has opened in the in the Historic Depot Building across from The Pitt on Davie Street.  The owners are now in full production turning cocoa beans into multiple varieties of milk and dark chocolate bars.  Choices include Classic Dark Chocolate, Sea Salt Chocolate, and Peppermint ... and they are also experimenting with smaller morsels.  What's unique about Videri is the ability to mix chocolate with wine.  That's right, wine.  They promote BYOB (bring your own bottle and glass ... or buy one of their chocolate dipped glasses).  Initial reviews have been cocoa-lossal and be sure to take a tour of the chocolate factory.  Website

Mom's Toffee - Chapel Hill Toffee: Karen Graves' homemade toffee was always a special treat

Chapel Hill Toffee

for Mark Graves and his brother, Scott, growing up in their home in Chapel Hill. Over twenty years later, that special treat has blossomed into a family business carried at A Southern Season, The Fresh Market, NoFo, and over 20 fine retailers. They begin by creating a thick layer of traditional English toffee that is then hand-coated on both sides with a top-secret blend of dark chocolates. The smooth layers are finished off with the sprinkling of fresh pecans that gives Chapel Hill Toffee its iconic look and distinctive southern twist! Order online or visit a local retailer.  Website

From Bean to Bar Code - Escazu Artisan Chocolates- Located at 936 N Blount Street, Raleigh, Escazu Artisan Chocolates are makers of handcrafted chocolates using the finest all-natural and organic ingredients from across Latin America. They produce the Escazu line of "Bean to Bar" chocolate bars - with blends of Costa Rican, Ecuadorian, and Venezuelan beans and single bean origin chocolates.  Equally scrumptious are Daniel Centeno's small chocolate concoctions with bold and unexpected flavor combinations.  An assortment gift pack will surely put you at the top of your special someone's food chain.   Call 919.832.3433 or order online via Website.

Passion Fruit - WR Chocolatier- Raleigh (online & local retailers):  WR Chocolatier, founded by

WR Chocolatier

Teresa Wilkerson, produces hand-crafted chocolates that are expertly flavored.  The menu includes 18 varieties of chocolate truffles, truffle pops, and chocolate bark. Show them you care with a box of their handmade Valentine's collection which includes Passion Fruit Caramel, Raspberry Vanilla and intense Dark Chocolate. Available at Fresh Market in Cameron Village, NOFO@ the Pig (Raleigh), & The Weaver Street Markets (Chapel Hill).  Website

Reverence - Dolly Mama Handmade Chocolates: Durham's Dolly

Dolly Mama Chocolates

Mama handmade chocolates are crafted using local, hormone-free cream and pure, fresh ingredients; no artificial ingredients are ever used. Each chocolate is unique and hand-crafted: like snowflakes, no two are alike.  Crafted by Dolly Marcarelli (Santa Fe artisan), these fine chocolates can be purchased at the Durham Farmers' Market, Loaf Bakery, & Wine Authorites.  Call 919.401.8292 or click on Website.

Scarce Commodity - Azurelise Chocolate Truffles- 208 North Harrington Street, Raleigh:  Raleigh has a truffle maker extraordinaire ... Reginald O. Savage of Azurelise Chocolate Truffles.  Started in 2002, this one man chocolate shop was featured on the Food Network's "Road Tasted With The Neelys". So what's so unique about Azurelise Chocolate Truffles?   One bite and you'll think you won the lottery. Scarce? ... yes, but you can go online (or call 919-946-5063) to place an order.  You can have them shipped or pick them up at the Harrington Street location.  Website

Sweet Swing - The Chocolate Door- 516 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill:  Offering

The Chocolate Door

handmade chocolates and truffles with over 30 permanent flavors plus seasonal specials, The Chocolate Door lets us enter a world of gourmet chocolate.  Try their famous bacon, chili, and salty potato chip flavors.  Owned by Meghan Rosensweet (aptly named), the chocolates are made onsite.  Mix these delights with their coffee-to-go, cookies and other baked goods.  Call 919.240.7290 or visit Online to view flavors.

To Bee or Not to Bee     

Getting to Know You - Rangoni Firenze Shoes Grand Opening

They say that you can't really know someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes.

And while you're all for making friends, traipsing around in somebody else's grungy,smelly shoes isn't really your thing.

Lucky for you, getting to know Rangoni Firenze Shoes, the new Italian shoe boutique in Cameron Village, involves nothing of the sort. The shoe designer's pleasing collection of Amalfi flats, heels and wedges is one you'll want to slip right on.

Now That's Italian!: Ugo Rangoni was a leather salesman in Florence, Italy. In 1937, he founded a company on a simple premise: "Shoes should be made using the best materials possible." And Ugo knew how to find the best. The Rangoni recipe of "quality plus comfort" proved so popular that in the early 1940s the

Niccolo Rangoni at Grand Opening in Cameron Village Store

 Feels like Butta: Many of the finest tanneries in the world are located just miles from the Rangoni headquarters in Florence, Italy and it's from these that the leather for Amalfi shoes originates. Stop by Rangoni Firenze and check out their cutting-edge shoes that are high on style as they are on comfort. Each shoe or boot is crafted with a cushion insert to add comfort to its fashion forward look.

If the Shoe Fits: The boutique is loaded with an extensive selection of shoes in various styles heights and sizes that will take you from casual weekends at the beach to boardrooms to elegant weddings or a night on the town.

In the Bag: While shoes are the main focus, the handbags should not be missed. They come in luxurious leathers, metallic finishes, and exotic skins. Clutches, hobos, satchels, and totes are all there but with unique twists that makes it hard to walk out without one.

Rangoni Firenze boots, flats, and sandals might just make that last nine-tenths of a mile a little more bearable as you're getting to know them.

Wannit?  Come 'n get it!

You are invited to the Spring 2012 Showing of Worth New York - A Modern, Luxurious, Alluring & Sophisticated collection. Friday, February 3 - Monday, February 13.

1909 Reid Street - Raleigh, 27608. Please call for your personal appointment by contacting Peggy Fain at 919-833-6833 or Ann Proctor at 919-417-6455. Emails: pfain@worthcollection.com and  aproctor@worthcollection.com To preview this Spring Collection, visit Worth NY Website.   

 

 

  

 Classes by Marlowe K Earl: Draw Like a Kid Again...Fearless and Fun! Each session last 6 weeks, $270 per session.  Materials included in all classes. Each 90 minute class is individualized to meet your needs. Family Special: Come and draw with your kid and get a 20% Family Discount. Two Student Minimum for all classes. Custom Class Times available for all classes. NC Public School Certified K-12 Art Teacher. Call Marlowe K Earl at 919-397-8023, or Email. Mordecai Neighborhood.  Twenty plus years public and private school experience, successful students are her specialty! 

 

Meet the BeeHive Girls! The Behive Girls stationery and gift line is a fun colorful way to celebrate the power of girlfriends! These girls each have a special personality, with a humorous and positive message to share with all the amazing women in your life. 

 

 

Fork & Barrel: Daily Specials & Events -  Wine Monday:  End your Monday with 30% Off All Wine Inventory Bottle & Glass, $ 2 Bud Light Draft, $ 3 Sam Winter Lager.   Happy Hour Monday- Friday:  Half Price Appetizers from 4 to 6:30.  Join Fork & Barrel Mobile VIP club and text FNB to 919-439-6501 to receive special offers & coupons.

 Fork and Barrel:  6675-105 Falls of the Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615, Tel: (919) 322-0190,  Email   

Let's Get Organized.  Make your first resolution for 2012 to get organized in your home.  Call  Zaytoun Interiors if you need help re-arranging all those fabulous books and accessories you received over the holidays or if you're finally going to take the plunge and re-decorate the family room, now that all the kids have flown the coop!   Website, Email, Phone: 305-793-8510. 

Price Reduced $599,000: 2748 St. Mary's St. Raleigh, 27609. Ideal Location! Walk to great schools, greenway and North Hills! Renovated in 1995. New paint/ refinished floors. DR w/FP, LR/Sunroom & large FR. Large White Kitchen w/granite & subway tile backsplash. 5 bedrooms. Private quaint backyard -wooden play equip, greenhouse, climbing trees, Covered Carport, & 1car garage, 2 decks, fully landscaped.  Contact: Jill Rekuc, Olde Raleigh Real Estate at 919-389-0555.  Website. 

Kenna Custom Painting: A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference when designing your home and Kenna Custom Painting has helped countless clients transform their homes with a professional, quality paint job. Whether it's a new home, a renovation, or a simple touch up, their highly trained staff will get the job done on time, with no mess, and exactly the way you want. Customer satisfaction is their highest priority.

Contact: Kenna Custom Painting, Inc: 2517 Noblin Rd. Suite #115 Raleigh, 27604. Phone: (919) 855-0082. Website

Auditions for the 2012 Performance Edge Summer Showcase will be held Sunday, February 12 @ 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. The audition site, (note the new site & address), is: Raleigh Boychoir Centre 1329 Ridge Road, Raleigh, 27607. The 2012 Performance Edge Summer Showcase week is: June 18-23. Cost for the week:  $450.00. The camp is currently designed for students, rising ninth thru college. For complete information:  www.performanceedge.net. 

For More Bargain Buzz ... Click Here