To Bee or Not To Bee

The People's Choice - 2012 Best Beltline Buzz Articles

Ah... Statistics! Such a fine tool to figure out what's hot and what's not; what's a good catch and what to scratch.

We decided to give you some insights on what YOU, our subscribers liked the most in 2012. We read the many comments you emailed us and studied our statistical reports which show us our most popular issues. Here are the highlights:

Casual Foods / Take-Outs - We have a Tie!

Holy Cow! - BurgerFi Comes to the Triangle ( Dec. 10, 2012)

In the immortal words of Bart Simpson, "Don't have a cow, man." Good advice in most cases. However, when your taste buds are screaming, "Where's The Beef?", it's time to give in to your carnivore instincts.  Besides, we're suckers for anything you can eat with our hands ... like a good hamburger.  Sorry Chic-fil-A! BurgerFi focuses on all-natural, grass-fed beef. They do this because it tastes better and it's better for you - with no chemicals, and no additives.

Take-n-Bake - Papa Murphy's Pizza (Jan. 16, 2012)

"A pizzeria where you make your own pizza pie" explained Cosmo Kramer (Seinfeld) about his newest enterprise. But, there was a disagreement with Poppie as to whether a pizza becomes a pizza when it comes out or the oven or when you fist start to make it. Well, according to "Papa" (as in Papa Murphy's Take-N-Bake Pizza), it's the latter and this #1 consumer-rated pizza chain has started a revolution.  It now has 5 stores in the Triangle: 2 in Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and now in Raleigh at The Shops at Oberlin Court (near Gigi's Cupcakes).  Papa Murphy's Pizzas are "Handmade Fresh - Home Baked Great - Always a Good Value".

Fine Dining

He's the Man - Treat Your Man to Mandolin (Jun. 11, 2012)

When it comes to being the fun parent, there's no contest - Dad always wins!  On Father's Day, help him keep his 'cool credentials' and take him to a great place to eat for Brunch or Lunch without going broke.  Your chips-off-the-old-block can have a chilled-out time with dear old Dad and at the same time make him proud that you didn't have to hand him the bill.

Man oh man it's Brunch at Mandolin!  Mandolin Restaurant is now serving Brunch and Lunch on Saturday's and Sunday's, starting 11am till 2:30pm. Begin your Father's Day celebration with a Bloody Man-dolin, a special Bloody Mary Mix, Luksusova Vodka, and Pickled Okra.

Fashion

In Jeanious - Beija-Flor Trunk Show at Certain Things (Oct. 1, 2012)

You and the hapless sales girl make quite a sight. All those heaps, all that denim.... and all of it that 'didn't quite work. '  You blame the jeans.  She blames your genes.  Stop this madness!  A Miracle Jean: What is Beija-Flor you ask?  It's a premium denim jean manufactured in Brazil... with the reputation of being the most comfortable jean ever made!  Some refer to them as the 'miracle jean'.  They make you look 10 pounds thinner, if you need it.  It gives you a little more booty if needed, or gives you a little less booty if needed.  How can it do something for everyone? 

Home D�cor

Mama Mia!  We're Sensing a Pattern - VIETRI Opens First Shop in Belk Department Store in Crabtree Valley Mall (Aug. 20, 2012)

Mix and matching patterns galore in handcrafted dinnerware, flatware, glassware, linens, and accessories is what VIETRI is all about and what makes them so popular to collect.

Entertainment

Rock & Roll Stroll - Hall of Famers Hit the Triangle (Feb. 20, 2012)

Perhaps their 401-K's are underperforming ... or they are just trying to regain some "rock cred".  Whatever the reason, fans in the Triangle will get an opportunity to catch four Hall of Fame acts in March and April.  Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Elton John, The Beach Boys, and Red Hot Chili Peppers and Country Music Hall of Famer, Loretta Lynn, will grace our stages and showcase the talent and tunes of a generation.  So what if their Mod-A-Go-Go stretch elastic pants now have Sansabelt, they (like Keith Richards) are the survivors.  Imagine what stories they can tell!

Specialties - We Have a Tie!

Every Dog Deserves His Day - Woof Gang Bakery Opens in North Hills (Jan. 23, 2012)

If your dog could talk, what would he say?  "I love eating off the floor ... and your annoying baby voice."  Probably not.  Here's what we think your pooch is trying to tell you.  There's a truly unique pet store, Woof Gang Bakery, that has just opened in Raleigh North Hills.

Pardon My French - Macarons & Macaroons (Jul. 9, 2012)

Americans.... so unreefahned...so unsofistique.  Zay have zees tings called - how you say? - Macaroon?  You know, from how you zay coconut?  Zay look so tak-ee.  When will zey learn to make a real pastray macaron?   Ooh la la...Si bon et si fran�ais!

Videos

It's Show Time ... Z-Team Going Viral with YouTube Video 'Call Me Maybe' (Jun.18,2012)

Call Me Maybe

Is there anybody alive who hasn't seen at least one version of a 'Call Me Maybe' parody? Don't worry if you answered "yes". Until a week ago, neither had the doctors at Zaytoun Orthodontics. However, rather than sit on the sidelines, they decided to join the craze with their own YouTube video. Click on the video arrow below and let their patients, doctors, staff, and family make you smile and tap your feet.

Latest Buzz on...

Fashion, Food & Fun  

Lucky 13? - The Triangle Toasts New Years Eve 2013

I Vow to Drive Myself to the Gym More Often - To Avoid Perspiring.  Are you feeling lucky?      Whether you think we are falling off the proverbial fiscal cliff or just readying ourselves for life's good fortune, 2013 is upon us.   No matter what side of the fence you think we are on, it's time to make those resolutions that have no chance of coming true (like actually reading an instruction manual).  So sing a chorus of Auld Lang Syne and remember,   "Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to." 

Say goodbye to 2012 and kick off the Lucky 13 New Year by attending one of the many new Triangle New Years Eve events including:

First Night Raleigh 2013 - 2pm to Late:  First Night just keeps getting better and better!  From spectacular aerial acts from Cirque de Vol Studios to rides on the Jumbo Drop and Ferris Wheel to ball  room dancing, fashion shows, and of course Music!   The circus theme is everywhere with acrobats, daredevils, fire shows, and mystics.  Enjoy an expanded Children's Celebration at First Night Raleigh 2013, with Performances and Activities from 2:00 to 6:00 on New Year's Eve on Bicentennial Plaza and inside the NC Museum of History, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and the New Nature Research Center.  $9 all day passes in advance, more at the gate (Tickets).  There is even a Free Phone App to guide you through the night. 

Swing with the North Carolina Symphony: Let the NC Symphony whisk you into 2013 as legendary jazzman Jeff Tyzik leads the orchestra in Big Band classics by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and more, followed by those unforgettable melodies from Vienna so perfect for New Year's Eve. Make it a night of great music before you go out and enjoy the fireworks.  Meymandi Concert Hall, Progress Energy Center for The Performing Arts, 8pm.  Website 

Oro - The Gold Affair - Downtown Raleigh:  Party with ORO (Raleigh's newest Tapas sensation) this   New Year's Eve! $150 gets you in the door for heavy hors d'oeuvres and all well liquor, wine, and beer - All tax and gratuity included. Live DJ playing the best music from yesterday and today.  ORO will be decorated for the occasion with plenty of festive items. All you need to bring is yourself, but seating is limited.  Black Tie Optional. Website 

50 Shades of Gray Midnight Masquerade Madness - Hilton North Raleigh - 8pm:  NYE Extravaganza 2013: "50 Shades of Grey Midnight Masquerade Madness".  VIP (All access includes comp appetizers limited supplies, access to Loftons VIP lounge, Comp Champagne/Wine Ticket).  VIP: $35 VIP Couple: $65.  Tickets and Event Website 

Cirque Du Solas New Years Eve Ball 2013:  Come celebrate New Year's Eve in style, elegance, and   grace. Book your dinner party today to enjoy our one-of-a-kind prix fixe dinner menu for only $75. A   15,000 Square Foot 3 Floor Mega New Years Eve Celebration with Live Entertainment / 5 Djs / 4 Dance Floors / 5 Bars / Fire Dancers / Stilt Walkers / Circus Performers / Belly Dancers / Laser and Confetti Shows / 3D Special Effects / Largest Sound Systems in the Region / VIP Entry for pretix holders / Valet Available.  Call 919-755-0755 for Table Reservations or more info.  Website, Menu 

Scarlet & Cocktails at The Oxford - Downtown Raleigh:  The Oxford is throwing a huge cocktail party to ring in 2013 as well as a late night party! One cover charge at the door gets you in to the party with complimentary heavy hors d'oeuvres and live music. The buffet and cocktail party hors d'oeuvres will be available from 7pm -10pm. Live music (Scarlet) on The Oxford's main stage all night long.  $20 at the door for adults, $10 for children ages 7-12, No charge for children 6 and under.  After 10pm, The Oxford becomes a 21+ establishment.  Website 

Culinary Fireworks this New Year's Eve in Chapel Hill:

Elaine's on Franklin: Four courses for $69 per person. Add another $30 per person for a glass of champagne plus wine pairings with each course. The menu includes oysters rockefeller, duck a l'orange, Moroccan-spiced N.C. scallops (pictured above) and Venezuelan chocolate creme brulee.  Menu:

Beatles at City Kitchen:  Dine a la carte from 5 to 7:30 p.m. From 8 p.m. onward, enjoy live music by   Back Beat (a Beatles tribute band), dancing, a four-course dinner and a champagne toast. Plus, ladies will receive a special gift. $55 per person.

Braving the Elements: Element's Chef Michael will be featuring a special, five-course New Year's Eve tasting menu for $65 per person as well as a limited dinner menu. Courses include At the stroke of midnight, guests will toast with champagne. Website 

And Don't Forget Durham!

Motorboat New Year's Eve Party:  Yes, the Motorboat has once again pulled into port. Join Motorco and The Wusses in bringing in 2013!  The Motorboat Party is a themed event. Please come dressed in your finest "yacht-wear". Nautical outfits of any order are cool as is cheeky formal attire or goofy 80's beach wear. Just wear something!  Tickets: $18; Motorco Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham

Roxy NYE Murder Mystery Party:  Murder At The Juice Joint ... As the widow to Louie Marie, the  original Juice Joint owner, Rosie Marie not only inherited a gold mine but the power that comes with it. It  is hard to say, is Rosie out to avenge her husband's death or capitalize on it?  Other characters include Notorious Nick Nemetz- North Side Mob Boss, Mugsy Malone- North Side Henchman, and Cy Ramsey- Juice Joint Bouncer and North Side Gang Member. 1pm - 2am.  The Roxy, 802 W. Main Street, Durham

Vote Now and Vote Often - Broughton HS needs our help!   

They are in the finals to win so please vote every day! After competing with 750 schools nationwide - Broughton HS is in the final round of the Under Armour Challenge.  They can't win without you!

Voting is ON in the Final Championship Round for the Under Armour Finding Undeniable Contest. How amazing to watch a local school face each round of challenges and earn a spot in the Championship round.  And now, it's up to this community to help them finish STRONG!

This is a competition to earn over $140,000 in uniforms, equipment and apparel, and they are facing a very strong opponent in FPCA from Georgia.

Please follow the steps below, and please forward this newsletter to family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and ANYONE and EVERYONE who would vote for this Raleigh high school.

You can vote once per day between now and January 4, 2013.

Step 1: GO VOTE!! http://www.findingundeniable.com/

Step 2: Select LOG IN TO VOTE

Step 3: Vote for Broughton!

Note that you must have a Facebook account to vote -

Thank you for your support!

The Insiders - Would you like to know the activity in your neighborhood, specific to your home?  Sign up for automated email reports of homes for sale in your neighborhood, prices of recently sold homes as well as overall market stats for homes comparable to your specific home.  This report includes interactive maps, charts and home details.  You can choose to receive the email every 2, 4, or 8 weeks, or just view it one time. Want to Get IN the Know for the real estate market in your neighborhood?  Sign up for your free report. Click Here 

Kenna Custom Painting, Inc.  is available to tackle your residential painting needs.  With their great crews that perform very professional jobs on residential homes, you won't believe how quiet and unobtrusive they are.  So if you have that "itch" to freshen up your home, interior or exterior before springtime, contact them now.  Call 919-855-0082 or Email: kennapaint@bellsouth.net.  Website. 

Join My Blog Simply-Refined: I can help you with your Holiday Decor! I am an Interior Designer that can inspire and help you with your designs and decorating needs.  I have been designing and decorating homes for over 20 years.  I worked in Miami for most of my career, but now live in the Triangle.  (I grew up in the Triangle and have always loved the Tar Heel state.)   

Call  Zaytoun Interiors if you're finally ready to decorate or re-decorate your home or office.  What's your style?  If you're not sure, I can help you tap into your inner self and find what makes you want to come home again.  Website, Email, Phone: 305-793-8510.  

In Memory of David Shannon - Chi Phi has partnered with five other UNC fraternities to fully fund and build a Habitat for Humanity home in Chapel Hill beginning in January 2013.

Your support will be crucial to the success of the 2012/13 Brothers project and in fulfilling the dream of home ownership for a deserving Chapel Hill family. Not only will the project provide a new home for a family in need, but it will bring many members from different fraternities together to accomplish this goal.

This year's Brothers project is dedicated to the memory of a lost fraternity brother David Shannon. David was a freshman from Charlotte, who died in an accident this fall. David was an enthusiastic new member of Chi Phi who became very involved with the Brothers project at the start of the year. He raised the most money of any new member, and he very enthusiastically worked at the New Member Blitz Build in September. In just a short time at Carolina, David demonstrated his commitment to service and leadership, and we are very proud to honor his legacy through this year's project: Brothers for David

Chi Phi has committed to raise $78,000 to sponsor the construction of the Brothers for David home. They need your donations to make this project a success.  All funds raised will be used to help pay for the costs of construction materials and contracted labor for the home they will build this spring.

Please make a contribution on the secure online giving page: Click Here.  

Or, you can make a gift by check (with Chi Phi on the memo line) to:

                     Habitat for Humanity of Orange County

                     88 Vilcom Center Drive, Suite L110

                     Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

(All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law)

An Invitation to Consign - Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, LTD is proud to announce that their Three-Day Winter Estate Catalogued Auction was a great success, selling over $1 Million in Fine Art, Jewelry, Antiques, Fine Wine, and other collectible objects to buyers around the world.  This exciting auction was in pace with their previous catalogue-level sales and marks their eighth consecutive $1 Million+ auction. The complete auction results for most recent sales can be found online.

Specialists are now evaluating estate collections and other fine objects for inclusion in the Three-Day Spring Estate Catalogued Auction to be held March 14-16, 2013.  Please contact the gallery to schedule an appointment with one of their specialists today, or tell them about your object or collection by completing this online consignment form. 

Marbles' Noon Year's Eve Offers a Family-Friendly Daytime Celebration - Be the first to celebrate the "noon" year with bubble wrap "fireworks" and a dance-inspiring ball drop at Marbles Kids Museum. For those who wish to ring in 2013 without sleepy eyes, Marbles is hosting a fun, family-friendly event featuring prizes and giveaways. Guests who wear a "First Night Raleigh" button will receive buy-one-get-one free museum admission vouchers for  Monday, December 31 from 11:30 a.m. to5:00 p.m.

Marbles Kids Museum located at 201 East Hargett Street Raleigh, NC 27601

 PRICE: The "Noon Year's Eve" event is included in normal museum admission ($5 per guest; $4 for military adults)

Additionally, in light of the New Year, Wells Fargo IMAX Theatre at Marbles will also be offering guests a free small popcorn with the purchase of an IMAX movie ticket from Monday, December 31, 2012 to Thursday, January 31, 2013.

Did You Know?  For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain. Please support our local business!  This is what The Beltline Buzz is all about.   

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