elifestyle

CULTURE DINING ENTERTAINMENT FASHION FITNESS NIGHTLIFE

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12.09elifestyle

N E W Y E A R S E V E G U I D ETHE LUXURY ISSUE

wing in the new year!

the count down is on!the line ups.

Charlotte (EpiCentre) - U-Phonik (Cover TBD)

S. Charlotte (Ayrsley) - Joystick (Cover TBD)

N.E. Charlotte (University) - Crash Box (Cover TBD)

the party favo� . Free Party Favors & Champagne Toast

Special Champagne CocktailsAnd More!

the next day.New Year’s Day at the Wing

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He� o 2010

New Year’s Day at the WingWild Wing Bowl Day Buffet (Noon to 10pm)

Wild Wing Ultimate Bloody Mary Menu Champagne Mimosas & Poinsettias Specials

Friday, January 1st • NCAA Bowl Games All Day!

✦Other Bowl Game Happenings!

Saturday, January 2ndAT&T Cotton Bowl • AutoZone Liberty Bowl • Valero Alamo Bowl

International Bowl • Papa Johns Bowl

BOWL GAME MADNESSAT THE WING!

NE Charlotte - University 9539 Pinnacle Dr. • 704-708-WILD • www.w i l dw ingca fe. com

Monday, January 4thTostitos Fiesta Bowl

Tuesday, January 5thFedex Orange Bowl

Wed., January 6thGMAC Bowl

Thursday, January 7thCiti National Championship

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THANKS TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS

Cast Your Votes Now atElevateLifestye.com

What’s in it for you?Simply registering a vote for your favorite will enter you for a chance to win one of the many great prizes. Plus, you’ll be able to say you contributed to the most comprehensive ex-clusive “Best Of” contest to see what makes Charlotte tick.

Voting consists of categories in six different areas:

Then join Elevate Lifestyle as the winners are announced at a massive awards party in April 2010.

the best of the cityelevate lifestyle awards

culture, dining, entertainment, fashion, fitness, nightlife

the vote begins December 14th, 2009

culture

fashion

dining

fitness

entertainment

nightlife

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving, and with Christmas and the New Year only several weeks away, it seems like 2009 has flown by. With the holiday season in full force, opportunities abound to celebrate and enjoy your time with friends and family! Elevate Life-style would like to wish everyone the best and safest of holidays, and would like to welcome all the holiday visitors into town as well.

With New Year’s Eve, there are always lots of fun parties and events to consider attending, so we hope you’ll find this issue helpful in determining your plans for that very special evening. Our hospitality partners have tailored their messages this month to tell you about the New Year’s Eve events going on at their restaurants and bars. Plus, we’ll have them on our Web site starting Dec. 20 to help you make your plans for ringing in the New Year.

December is also our “Luxury Issue.” As we look forward to 2010, we hope these are some items we will all be able to afford in the near future. From spas around the country to some of the most expensive food and drink money can buy, this month’s Elevate will showcase some of the world’s most luxurious indulgences.

Happy New Year! We will be back in February to start the beginning of our seventh year!--Steve

publisher’s note

President & Editor in Chief:Steve Caldwell steve@ElevateCharlotte.com

Assistant Editor: Edy Hinson

Creative Director: Greg Smith

Design & Production: Greenspon Advertising

Cover & Photography Spread: Photography: Gabriel Everett, Fashion Photographer www.gabrieleverett.com, Models: Kaitlyn and Lindsay

with Evolution, and Justin with Directions USA, Clothing: Sloan Boutique and INTERMIX at Southpark Mall,

Stylist: Gabriel Everett, Hair Stylist: Mandi English, Make Up: Scott Weaver

Advertising, Sponsorship, and Website Sales GeneralAdvertising Sales Information:

Erin Bumgarner, Jonathan Burgess and Steve Caldwell

Promotions and Marketing Director: Jonathan Burgess

Contributing Writers: Culture Editor Laura Vossberg, Dining Editor Aishwarya Ramaswamy,Entertainment Editor Denise Gregory, Fashion Editor Debra Kennedy,

Fitness Editor Monique Douglas, Nightlife Editor Brittney Cason; Jessica Poston, Kyle Ferris, Michael Lourie, Ryan Self, Sarah Coombes,

and Steve Caldwell

Event, Article, and Website Photography: Eun Park,Jonathan Burgess, Lazyday.com, and Steve Caldwell

Interns: Jessica Poston and Kyle Ferris

eteam ELEVATE

HAT TRICK

FRIDAY, DEC 18TH

BUCKHEAD SALOON

CHARLOTTECHECKERS- VS. -

S. CAROLINA

STINGRAYS

22 Culture: Businesses, Get Creative

24 Entertainment: Turn Up The Heat

32 Fashion: Holiday Gift Picks

36 Fitness: Running For A Cause

40 Nightlife: The Moral Hangover

56 Lifestyle: Our House

94 Nightlife: Kazba @ EpiCentre

CONTENTS

46 Trust Fund Babies

62 Gorgeous Glo

66 Savoring Perfection

72 How To Eat Like a King

66 Beyond Top Shelf

94 ‘Tis the Season for Tranquility

90 Blowin’ Smoke With Class

LUXURY

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businesses, get creative!Have you ever thought about how new start-up companies launched their businesses before social media or blogging?

As those of you who read last month’s column already know, I recently launched Blue Wheel Photography + Design with my business partner, Brent Gulledge. It has been a thrilling experience getting it up off the ground, and I couldn’t imagine doing it without Facebook, Twitter, our blog updates, and a little creativity. Since Day One of launching, I have been all over Facebook and Twitter. It’s such an essential tool to send out updates, events, or for myself, recent photo sessions to share with our followers.

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eI recently went to a networking event for Charlotte Wedding and Event professionals through www.MeetUp.com, where social me-dia panelists Scott Hepburn, Roy Morejon and Fred Sexton gave us their expert opinions on social media and blogging. There was a wide variety of age groups and professions in the room. The main topics were how social media can help grow your business, and what to do and not to do when blogging.

I found the event interesting and it made me feel good about the marketing I had done so far to launch Blue Wheel. To me, reach-ing out to friends and local professionals on Facebook and Twitter comes very easily, and I’m amazed at how many people I’ve “met” just through connecting with social media. Others at the event who aren’t as familiar with the social media generation were unsure how to start up their own Facebook fan page or Twitter account, and just how to go about getting more followers.

One of the most rewarding things I’ve done on Twitter so far is to take advantage of the new “lists” feature. There are definitely some tweaks with this feature that Twitter still needs to work out, but overall, I could easily tell other wedding and event profession-als in Charlotte I would love to meet them face to face by includ-ing them on my list, bluewheelphoto/would_love_to_meet. Then I spent a few hours one evening going through my Charlotte Twitter connections and looking up other Charlotte wedding vendors and including them on my list, bluewheelphoto/Charlotte_Wedding_Vendors. Then in just a short little time, I’ve connected with more than 100 local professionals and even had businesses reach out to me to be included on my list. Love social media!

I feel very fortunate to have built up a huge networking circle in Charlotte since having moved here four years ago. Most of that is because it’s now so easy to stay in touch with local professionals and friends that you meet each day. Once you go to an event, you meet someone, and then immediately get on your computer to find them online on either Facebook or Twitter. Then, you in-

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estantly become friends and can stay connected and get their latest updates. It’s also important for you to stay connected with these contacts by sending them messages periodically, inviting them to your upcoming events or sending them a blog post. Social media helps in getting to know these contacts better, and allows you to truly know them, instead of just meeting once and then saying you’re close friends.

Another creative way to stay connected this holiday season with-out spending much (or any) money is to send a custom eHoliday card. I recently designed our eHoliday card and have designed a few for other businesses and friends. Postage can get expensive when you want to reach out to so many people, and since we have all these online sources to post these cards (Facebook, Twitter, your company blog, and email), it’s easy to send a personalized message to many people. The personalization part is important because your connections aren’t going to feel important this holi-day season if they receive a mass message with them in the BCC box. Send an eHoliday card with your connections in the TO box, and them only. Show them your appreciation and it will go a long way.

Find ways social media can help you grow your business and stay connected with each person you meet. My husband always tells me to set goals to meet at least one new contact each week, and personally stay connected with them. That’s 52 contacts a year, and just think how your network and business will grow!

Become a fan of Blue Wheel Photography + Design on Facebook!Facebook.com/BlueWheelPhotography

Watch out for our Elevate Lifestyle monthly contest post on De-cember 14th to win this month’s prize!

Laura Gainor, Culture Editor

5 ways to turn up the heat at your holiday partyDid you enjoy Thanksgiving? Are you overstuffed with macaroni and cheese, pumpkin pie, and a variety of salads and meats? I am, for sure. So now that the food situation has been taken care of for the holidays, what about the entertainment?

If you’re lucky, most of the family events will be stationed at some-one else’s place, and you’ll be asked for ideas on what to do for entertainment. Instead of purchasing tickets to the theater in bulk for the fam, try these five at-home activities that will turn up the heat at your holiday party!

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eWii -- Need I say more? With the new DJ Hero and Wii Resort, I don’t think you can ask for better entertainment. Gather together and convince your technologically challenged parents/grandpar-ents to join in on the fun. I did, and you should see my grandpa hoola-hoop on the Wii Fit! He has very little coordination, so he looks like he’s going to crack his hip! Everyone will get a kick out of this, and you’ll never forget this fond memory. Videotape it with your Flip It! Now you’ve created a long lasting memory that will entertain family and friends for years to come.

Texas Hold ‘Em – No money, just use chips and see how this can really raise the intensity at your family gathering. You could even put on Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face!” Everyone’s got that uncle or brother who can teach cards to even the least savvy of players. I once played Dominoes with my grandpa’s great-uncle who is from Puerto Rico, and he taught me some tricks to use right here in the States. Watch out, I’m ruthless on Dominoes! But no matter if you’re a seasoned vet or are just learning, a no-stakes game of cards can liven up any get-together!

Bake Me Silly Party -- This is what I do! My mom often accuses me of finding random reasons for partying ... and she’s right. This one’s for the girlfriends! I’m thinking homemade pumpkin pies, holiday bark, sugar cookies, and exchanging Secret Santa gifts. Double-spike some egg nog, and that’s entertainment in and of itself! But remember to party responsibly ... especially when drink-ing and baking.

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eCaroling to your favorite Holiday Tunes My Personal Playlist of Christmas Favorites: 1. Boys II Men; Christmas Interpretations 2. CeCe Winans; The Holiday Album 3. Mariah Carey; Merry Christmas 4. Frank Sinatra; Christmas Collections

New Release Holiday Albums: Taylor Swift; The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection Wynton Marsalis; Christmas Jazz Jam Sting; If on a Winter’s Night Norah Jones; The Fall

Gift Hunt -- On any given day, your family could try this game. I’m sure many of us receive gifts at the holidays that we’ve been hinting at all year-round. So here’s a way to get them early!

Hide your loved one’s gift in a specific place in a room. Then, take a sheet of paper and write down a clue to the hidden location. (Make it challenging enough to cause the recipient to think long and hard.) A clue could be “in the room where we decided the christening of our first born would be in July,” or “in the place where you keep the strawberry satchels that make my favorite pair of shoes smell fruity.” Clues like these will surely get them hunting. Three tries and you’re out. If your loved one cannot find the gift, then you decide whether he/she should get it on that day or wait for the holiday! This could be fun … especially when you add special twists like, “Do this on one leg.” Sounds enter-taining to me!

I hope you try at least one of these activities this holiday season. You’ll find there’s nothing more important than sharing laughs and silly fun with the folks you love most. Seeing their faces light up during those special moments is priceless. You’ll find that it’s worth putting in all you’ve got to create an environment that begets pleasant memories. So use these ideas as a kicking-off point to start planning all the fun at your house (or someone else’s) this season.

From Elevate’s family to yours -- Happy Holidays!Denise Gregory, Entertainment Editor

debra’s holiday gift picksMy absolute favorite time of year is here, and as Christmas time approach-es, I am going to recommend a few things that I have on my list or that I will be purchasing as a gift for someone else. Every year, it seems as if Christ-mas comes a bit earlier. Decorations in the stores are displayed earlier, the sales begin earlier, and that means the thoughts and excitement begin earlier. Actually, this is a good thing. When you buy earlier, the gift is more thoughtful. It seems that as time runs out, the more frenzied we become, and then we buy whatever is available at the last minute. This year, get ahead of the game. Not only will you have time to relax and enjoy the holi-day, but you will find great joy in selecting gifts that are sure to please even the pickiest friend, co-worker or relative.

With these gift ideas, you will excitedly await seeing the delight of the person who is receiving your special gift; because it will be personally hand-select-ed by the person who knows them best – you! Likewise, you will be receiving something you will love -- because you added it to your list ... and I promise you will not be disappointed.

The secret to selecting the perfect gift is to know what the person enjoys doing, and a little about their personality. I have searched and searched to share with you gifts that will be unique, appreciated and loved.

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eJo Malone’s Tea Box Candle Collection

For those that love entertaining and find great joy in inviting friends and family over for dinner, Jo Malone’s Tea Box Candles Collection Set is the perfect gift. Elegantly understated, this collec-tion begins with the beautiful presenta-tion of an iconic crème-colored gift box, tied with grosgrain ribbon. Inside, even more delight is experienced as an aro-ma of Parma Violets and sweet almond macaroon escapes and fills the room. Candles are always on the top of wish

lists, so if you are looking for something very special for that someone very special – Jo Malone’s Tea Box Candle Collection is the gift. The presentation of this gift will impress the receiver for years to come. One of my favorites, and I give it five stars. Available at fine department stores everywhere -- $395.

La Mer – The Signature CollectionFrequently, I get asked the same question: does it really matter what skin care you use? My answer is always the same – YES! If I was only able to use one beauty product – It would be La Mer. You read so often how it is favored by those who demand only the best and are willing to pay for it. And that’s for one reason, plain and simple – it works! I have used it for many years and will for many more. Still, this is one of my favorite gifts to receive. Each year, La Mer offers holiday packages that I call “little miracles”! My favorite is The Signature Collection. Jet-setters will revel in this limited edition collection featuring introductory/travel sizes of the most popular products including Crème de la mer, lifting face serum and eye concentrate. The perfect gift for the woman that has everything! Presented in La Mer’s Signature, gift-ready box. Available at fine department stores everywhere -- $240.

VIVACE – BY H2proHow can you look fabulous in those designer jeans if your hair is not cooperating? Yes, hair tools are a must on the beauty wish listthis season. H2pro recently launched the Vivace one-inch superior flat

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eiron that makes it possible to have healthier, shinier and more vibrant hair without the damage. This is one of my favorites because it allows me to have the hair my stylist gives me in the chair when I get home. This flat iron allows you to style your hair

in loose curls, tight curls, waves or straight in a matter of minutes. I also love the flexibility, with a variable temperature setting from 140 degrees to 450 degrees. Look great in those jeans, or that suit or dress, with hair that says, “I am ready to take on the world!” You can order the Vivace by calling 1-800-896-7728 or by emailing info@h2proshop.com -- $150.

Lola Fragrance by Marc JacobsMost of us get some type of fragrance un-der the tree every year. This year, Marc Jacobs has the scent that will be sold out everywhere – Marc Jacobs’ Lola. Fresh off the runway, this fragrance features a colorful flower top that is a perfect replica of the hats featured recently in his collection. And the scent is fresh yet sexy, totally capturing the free spirit of today’s sexy and modern girl. Smell it once, and you’re hooked. Available in fine department stores -- $65.

Make this Christmas the most special ever with a little skill, a lot of creativity and early shopping. That way, you can relax and enjoy the holiday! My wish is that my list helps you put together your wish list, or helps you find a special gift for someone on your list.

May peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through.

Remember, beauty gets the attention and personality gets the heart.You can visit my Web site at www.DebraKennedyShow.com or e-mail me at debra@elevatecharlotte.com.

Debra Kennedy, Fashion Editor

running for a causeWhen tragedy strikes, people react in different ways. Some are talkers, and find serenity and comfort in speaking through the emo-tions. Others are introverts and would rather have solitude to filter through the feelings alone. I am a mixture of both, which was evi-dent when my best friend had no idea how to be there for me when a close friend of mine passed away.

That friend, Ricky Childers, passed away Thursday, Oct. 22. When I got the call, I experienced a fog of shock. Then the fog dissipated and made way for the disbelief. Then came the tears that poured out uncontrollably. The following day was just a repeat of the previ-ous. But then several days later, it was no longer so obvious that I was dealing with the loss of a loved one. Work continued. Life continued. But I knew what was lying beneath it all, and I replayed the last moments we spent together and thought back to the last time we spoke.

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eUnfortunately, in this day and age, no one really “speaks” any-more: we text, we Facebook, we tweet. My last conversation with Ricky was sent via Direct Message on Twitter, on the day he was leaving for vacation. We chatted about his upcoming trip and how excited he was. I told him to be safe, that I was jealous he was going to the Caribbean, that I loved him and to have fun. His last message to me made mention of a half-marathon on Nov. 7 at the Dowd YMCA. He wanted to know if I’d join him. I responded with something to the effect of, “Wow, Nov. 7, that’s soon for 13 miles! But, I’ll think about it … I’ll let you know when you get back!”

He passed two days later.

Now that Ricky isn’t physically here, I think about him often and I think about our last conversation. I think about how he once told me he was proud of me for running two half-mara-thons within two months. I thought about how cool it would have been to have run this race together. So in his honor, I have decided to run the Dowd YMCA race, as a tribute to him.

This concept of running a race as a tribute to someone is not a foreign concept by any means. Races like the Susan G. Ko-men for a Cure were actually founded on inspiration and as a tribute to a loved one. (Komen’s race was an idea founded by Susan’s sister, Nancy). With the holidays arriving, I think of this time of year as a kick-off to the race season. Races range from local staples like Charlotte’s “Thunder Road Marathon and Half Marathon” (a general race), to those that are spon-sored by or created for a cause, like the “Lungstrong 15k/5k” that supports the fight against lung cancer. You can truly find just about any race to participate in around this time of year.

The race that Ricky wanted us to do together, the Dowd YMCA race, is “held as a fundraiser for community outreach programs -- which include job training, summer camps for

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children and mentorship programs for local teens” (www.ymcacharlotte.org). With a heart as large as his and my prior experience as a teacher, it is no surprise Ricky would want us to participate in this race.

So with the holidays nearby and you in your gift-giving spirit, remember that not all gifts have to be purchased. Go out and volunteer for the homeless! Donate your time to Operation Christmas Child! Visit ElevateLifestyle.com to get the latest on benefits and functions that sponsor a cause or give back to the community! Run for a cause, ‘cause it’s the holidays! Whatever your motivation, start the new year off right, and get out there and donate your time or get fit for a cause!

Above all, just do it with love. Happy holidays, and ‘til next time…

Monique Douglas, Fitness Editor

Crash

Ace & TJ

Kelly Meyers

The “O” Show

www.kiss951.com

the moral hangoverThere is a hangover. Then there’s the kind of hangover that even a greasy breakfast washed down with Pepto can’t cure … the moral hangover.

Moral Hangover (n) Def: A feeling of intense regret and personal worthless-ness after a night of alcohol induced moral turpitude. When your pride is hurting in addition to your liver.

Personally - I’d take a tummy ache and dehydration headache, or even a tiger-in-the-bathroom like in the movie The Hangover over a moral hangover. Be-cause I’d rather nurse those symptoms than nurse a relationship damaged in drunkenness … or have to repair irre-placeable damage done to my dignity.

After attending the grand opening of Enso where I sampled their variety of sake, I woke up with a physical hang-over. I made a b-line for the coffee maker and I found myself jealous of it … it has a filter. Why can’t I get one of those? Notice how alcohol tends to deactivate that trigger in your brain that allows you to think before you speak? And they say a drunk mind speaks so-ber thoughts, yeah well I speak a little too much too – like the time I told a co-hort that he had chronic bad breath and

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eI feel bad because everyone always talks about him behind his back, but won’t tell him. Or, the time I got mad and broke up with my boyfriend when I didn’t really want to.

A moral hangover can be waking up and realizing you don’t re-member a fraction of the night and have to call your friends to reinforce the fact you didn’t do anything immoral. Or, recovering from making a big life altering decision while under the influ-ence. A drunk mind doesn’t always speak sober thoughts, but rather irrational ones.

And ladies, have you ever woken up after a night out and found yourself with running mascara, unanswered drunk dials, a bro-ken heel, and no sense of otherwise self-respect? Well, that means you were most likely “that girl” last night and that can generate a moral hangover that feels worse than period cramps. As for the guys, their moral hangover usually kicks in when feel exhausted from the over exertion of testosterone the night be-fore – or, wake up and roll over. But remember, it’s not the walk of shame … it’s the stride of pride.

And then there’s the dreaded messages tormenting you from your outbox. So much for my idea of inventing a breathalyzer app for your phone so that restricts you from calling certain num-bers if you’ve been drinking… because now there’s text mes-saging, and while phones have a lot of bells and whistles – it doesn’t have a filter like a coffee maker either. Drinking may impair your motor skills… except when it comes to operating the keypad on a cell phone apparently because impaired fingers are the devil’s text messagers.

Don’t let alcohol poison your emotions in addition to your body. Although … sometimes bad decisions do lead to good stories

Brittney Cason, Nightlife Editor

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trust fundbabiesGabriel Everett, Fashion Photographer

Photography: Gabriel Everett, Fashion Photographer www.gabrieleverett.comModels: Kaitlyn and Lindsay with Evolution, and Justin with Directions USA

Clothing: Sloan Boutique and INTERMIX at Southpark MallStylist: Gabriel Everett

Hair Stylist: Mandi English Make Up: Scott Weaver

128246d_4.25x5.5.pgs 10.05.2009 14:19 PowerTrap .003

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w.gabrieleverett.com

our house, in the middle of the...city?It’s 2 a.m. and these young Charlotteans are just beginning their night. Crying out for something to fulfill them, these Uptowners are up all hours of the night. Living in the center of Charlotte, the city is their playground. Yet, while the individuals above may sound like your typical nightlifers, they are actually a sample of Charlotte’s increasing population, children. While the city has traditionally been seen as the nightlifer’s playing field, Uptown is increasingly becoming a place for families. One example of this increasing trend is the Wopperer family.

Josh and Laura Wopperer have lived in Charlotte or its surrounding ar-eas for several years so when the couple had twins (Juliana Rose and Isabel Reese) they decided the city would remain home for their family. Since Charlotte is better known for its nightlife scene, the first question that came to mind was “what is the family appeal in Uptown Charlotte?”

“Without a doubt, it’s the convenience; we have everything we could want right at our fingertips,” commented Josh and Laura.

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Having children has not changed the Wopperers love of social-izing either. Living in a city where corner restaurants and complex living allow for meeting new people is perfect for this family who looks forward to raising their children in such a friendly, safe & social environment.

“It will help their social development by immersing the children in a diverse environment,” Josh said.

Yet the benefits of family living reach further than its sociable atmosphere. The Wopperers appreciate the security of Uptown. Knowing there are police on patrol at every corner and their build-ing access is restricted by keycard to homeowners only helped the Wopperers in their decision to stay in the city. There are also a dozen or so families with kids ranging from toddlers to teenag-ers within the building, many of which wouldn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand, creating a very warm and neighborly atmosphere.

There’s also a multitude of activities in and out of the Wopperer’s condominium for families to enjoy. “It’s convenient,” Josh said as he showed me around the Wopperer’s complex. Complete with

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eAs I sat in the Wopperer’s home, I saw how peaceful their condominium was. The babies were lying comfortably in their rockers, with classical mu-sic to lull them to sleep. (I definitely thought about slipping in the rocker when no one was looking.)

It was then I realized I couldn’t hear the screaming, jubilant nightlifer’s I frequently heard from the Epicenter. “We don’t hear the nightlife crowds,” Laura and Josh said. “The AVENUE is well constructed, and I’m sure the fact that we are so high up helps. We have lived in places where it has been a little noisier before.”

Peace and quiet, family activities, a place that allows for socializing and safety ... it appears that Uptown Charlotte has it all. So what about the financial benefits of living Uptown? “It’s the little things,” answered Josh. Parking is included in the purchase of a condo, as is the water, building electricity & trash services. If you need your dry cleaning done within the day – the concierge can get that done. Or if you need help bringing up groceries (Harris Teeter is only one block away) they are always willing to help. Due to the ability to walk everywhere, we’ve required only one car, which we rarely use, so we save on gas too.” “Oh, and there’s no upkeep costs,” added Laura. No gardening, mowing lawns, fixing gutters or raking leaves. That leaves more time to spend with their family.

Josh and Laura Wopperer have two kids, two dogs, and a beautifully deco-rated condominium. All that’s missing is the white picket fence. However, they do have a spectacular balcony that overlooks the entire city ... which includes every sunset and the July 4th fireworks. “You can see Uptown’s fireworks and the Panthers’ display, but also fireworks in Concord and fur-ther,” Laura added. “It’s really cool.”

After seeing the Wopperer’s heaven, I can’t help but sing ... “Our house, in the middle of the city.”

Sarah Coombes

Photography by: Chuck Eaton, www.chuckeaton.netme@chuckeaton.net, 704.844.2993

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ea pool, gym, movie theatre, and a club room, the Wopperer’s condominium building has everything. “You can go down a couple floors and the gym is right there. Whereas if you’re living in the suburbs, you may have to drive twenty minutes to get to the gym,” Josh com-mented.

The AVENUE even includes 24/7 con-cierge staff who help out at a moment’s notice by walking the dogs or making reservations at the Wopperers favorite restaurants.

Therefore families, especially young children, don’t have far to go to enjoy a leisurely lifestyle -- and what’s more leisurely than having your favorite activities close by? “And if there’s a reason we need to get home quickly, while Laura was pregnant, or now with the babies, we’re only a few minutes away.”

Outside of the Wopperer’s condominium complex, there’s even more for families to do. “The Epicenter is family friendly,” Josh said. The Wopperers informed me that the Epicenter & Belk Theatres host kids shows, and then, of course, there’s Strike City. “Oh and the fugdery and ice-cream places,” Laura added.

Furthermore there’s ImaginON, Discovery Place, a multitude of small shops and Uptown parks such as Marshall Park. And when big events come to Charlotte, like Blues, Brews and BBQ or the Taste of Char-lotte, there’s always something for the kids, from petting zoos to bouncy castles.

“Dining out always makes for great fun as we can bring the kids and the dogs and enjoy the weather on outdoor patios that many of the local cafés offer.” Josh said.

gorgeous gloAn ambitious new business owner to Charlotte, Karen Scaglia of Gorgeous Glo Salon took a few moments out of her busy day to discuss with us her background and the significance of her salon services. Karen has been a prominent figure in the production of a new and exciting spray tanning product. The technological and safety advancements of the spray tanning available at Gorgeous Glo are leading the way to glowing new horizons in tanning. This is what she had to say about a lifetime in the beauty industry, and her move to Charlotte.

Where did you get the idea to go into the spray tanning business?I came to the realization that it was time to start maintaining the health of my skin (not getting any younger…). Having a beauty industry background, I decided to bring the best product I could find and turn it into a business, as well.

Do you expect this product to be as popular in Charlotte as it is in Los Angeles?Absolutely. I realize that it is new to the Charlotte market, but the need to maintain your skin in a healthy way is still there.

Why is your product the best?Simply … the results speak for themselves. The product is applied by a technician not a pre-guaged machine, therefore the results are flawless. Not to mention, the color is fabulous!

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eHow long does each spray tan session usually take?Approximately 30 minutes (this includes the spray, dry-time and getting dressed).

How long does it last?Approximately seven to 10 days.

Is Gorgeous Glo effective for people with very pale skin?Yes, it works on every skin tone.

Is it safe?Yes, the product is safe for you and the environment.

Is there anyone for whom the product is not safe?No.

Are there certain steps you can take to maximize your spray tan after you get it?Yes, we have several great products to maintain and elongate the tan.

What is the worst spray tan mishap you have experienced?Actually, it was self-induced … I got the bright idea to spray myself. Needless to say, it was not a gorgeous glow!

How often would you recommend spray tan sessions?Depending on your needs, it may be once a week or simply for special occasions. Everyone’s needs are different.

Do you believe spray tanning will eventually become more of a habit than tanning beds?Yes, as more people become aware of the health risks associated with tanning, they will turn to this healthy alternative.

Do you plan to open up other locations?Yes. We hope to open other locations within the next year.

What is your plan in five years?To be retired.

Jessica Polton

savoring perfection:a celebration of belgian beerThere’s a natural affinity between Belgian beers and fine food. When the two meet, any occasion becomes a cause for celebration. Just as you might uncork a bottle of Chardonnay or a favorite Pinot Noir to accent your menu, Belgian beers complement a variety of foods, providing a bal-ance of flavors and aromas to elevate your experience.

Belgians enjoy one of the most vibrant and diverse beer cultures in the world, and beer is incorporated into all aspects of the meal, even dessert. No other country offers such a stunning variety of authentic and colorful beer styles.

Belgian brewing methods vary widely, and some are extremely unique, such as Belgian lambic beers that provide a fascinating combination of earthy aromas and fruity tartness. Six of the world’s seven Trappist brew-eries reside in Belgium. These strong ales are brewed following a mo-nastic tradition that dates back more than a thousand years.

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eToday, Belgium has approximately 125 breweries that produce more than 500 different beers. The most popular styles include European pils, white, dubbel, tripel, blonde, brown, amber and Flemish red.

Beer and FoodWhen pairing beer and food, one of the most im-portant things to consider is the balance between the beer and the food it’s matched with. This in-cludes the weight and intensity of the food, and the aroma and taste of the beer. Achieving the right harmony between the aromatics of the beer and food is one of the guiding principles of pairing.

“The wide range of Belgian beer styles ensures there’s a beer for every setting and meal,” said Bart Vandaele, owner/executive chef of Belga Café in Washington, D.C. “Experimenting with different combinations is the key to great cooking and to a great tasting meal.”

It’s equally important to serve the beer in a glass that enhances the aroma and allows for the forma-tion of the proper foam collar, or head.

Stella ArtoisThe crisp, dry flavor of Stella Artois makes it an ideal accompaniment for a variety of cuisines from around the world. The mild malt and light hops accentuate the richness of dishes such as lamb, lobster and shellfish without overwhelming the bal-ance of flavors.

“Stella Artois brings out the hidden, secret flavor in recipes which you can’t pinpoint but would miss if it wasn’t there,” said Chef Daniel Joly, Belgian-Born

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eLeffe BlondeLeffe Blonde is a Belgian Abbey ale dating back to the 13th century. The golden ale has spicy aromas of clove and vanilla, smoky caramel and roast-ed notes. The taste is sweet and silky, slightly drying with a well-balanced bit-terness.

Leffe Blonde is served in a high-stemmed glass known as the Leffe Chalice, enabling drinkers to enjoy Leffe’s delicate malt aroma and robust, creamy warmth.

The Belgian Pouring RitualHaving the proper glassware to best accentuate the flavors, aromas and ap-pearance of a particular beer is only the first step in serving the ideal Belgian beer. For the full experience, it must be properly poured from the tap.

The Belgians have mastered the art of the perfect pour, which not only ensures the utmost enjoyment of the beer, but also showcases the pouring process itself.

This art, known as The Belgian Pouring Ritual, is a nine-step, time-honored tradition that contributes to the country’s legendary gold standard of beer service. Each of the nine steps serves a specific purpose, optimizing serving consistency, drinking enjoyment and the romance of the beer itself.

Side Bar: The Belgian Pouring Ritual Step One: THE PURIFICATIONThe bartender selects the signature glass for the beer being poured. The glass is scrubbed in a cool-water bath, preferably with a mild detergent. It’s then rinsed with cold water to chill the glass.

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eMaster Chef, owner/executive chef at Mirabelle At Beaver Creek in Colorado. “The mild malt and light hops of Stella Artois accentuate the richness of foods without overwhelming the balance of flavors.”

The signature Stella Artois Chalice is probably the most well-known Belgian glass. The distinctive Chalice releases the beer’s flavor and multi-textured aromas. It is also specially designed to highlight the Belgian Pouring Ritual.

HoegaardenThe Original Belgian White Beer, Hoegaarden has a soft body, naturally cloudy white appearance and thick, frothy head. With its citrusy finish, Hoegaarden (pronounced who-gar-den) is the perfect complement for light salads and seafood.

The beer is brewed with real Curaçao orange peel, a dash of coriander and a blend of wheat and malted barley for a refreshing flavor and spicy nose. Hoegaarden was awarded four consecu-tive gold medals at the ‘02, ‘04, ‘06 and ‘08 World Beer Cup®.

“The unique flavors of Hoegaarden add a freshness to recipes that enhances the seasoning of both the beer and the dish,” said Sir Marc Stroobandt, Master Beer Sommelier and Belgian Beer Ambassador, The F&B Partner-ship. “The beer is great as an ingredient or infusion, as well as an accompaniment to a wide variety of light dishes like salads, spiced Asian food, seafood and, above all, mussels.”

Hoegaarden is served in a hexagonal glass that showcases its natu-ral cloudiness and spicy coriander-infused aroma. The thickness of the glass helps to maintain the desired serving temperature.

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eStep Two: THE SACRIFICEThe tap is opened in one swift motion to let the first burst of foam flow away. It must never enter the glass, thus ensuring every drop of beer is fresh.

Step Three: THE LIQUID ALCHEMYThe glass is held at a 45-degree angle to create the perfect balance of liquid to foam.

Step Four: THE HEAD The head is created by straightening and lowering the glass. The foam is visually appealing and releases the beer’s aroma.

Step Five: THE REMOVAL The bartender closes the tap in one quick action and moves the glass away from the faucet to ensure no drops spoil the perfect head.

Step Six: THE BEHEADING While the beer is flowing over the edge of the glass, the bartender cuts the head gently with a head cutter at a 45-degree angle. This eliminates the larger bubbles that burst easily and accelerate the dissipation of the head.

Step Seven: THE JUDGMENTThe bartender now stands in judgment. The beer’s head should be two fingers thick.

Step Eight: THE CLEANSINGThe bartender then rinses the bottom and sides of the glass. This keeps the glass clean and cool and makes it comfortable to hold.

Step Nine: THE BESTOWAL A perfectly poured pint of Belgian beer is presented with the logos of the coaster and glass facing the customer.

Michael Lourie

how to eat like a kingWhat do people eat when they have more money than they know what to do with? Probably some of the foods I am about to re-veal. If you want to spend more in one bite than a typical American household spends on groceries in an entire year, then this is a must-read!

Kobe BeefIf the saying that “happy cows produce better meats” holds true, then perhaps Kobe beef comes from the happiest cows in the world. Kobe is a region of Japan where these special Kobe beef produc-ing cows come from. They are pampered with daily massages, fed sake, and given

as good of a life as a farm animal could possibly ask for. For au-thentic Kobe beef from Japan, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $800 per pound.

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eIranian Imperial CaviarImperial caviar is considered the connoisseur’s caviar. As the name suggests, this type of caviar is con-sidered to be of a royal nature, and was historically reserved for the Im-perial Persian king. Imperial caviar

is known for its gorgeous nutty flavor, big size grains, firm texture and golden color. The pristine environment and cool waters of the South Caspian Sea make this caviar without equal. Around $250 per ounce, you can expect to pay close to $7,000 for 35 ounces of the gem of the sea.

Caspian Imperial CaviarIf you don’t want to completely break the bank with Iranian Imperial Cavi-ar, you can go with Caspian Impe-rial instead. Served in four of the eight highest-ranked restaurants in the United States, this rare caviar is guaranteed to please even the most

sophisticated of connoisseurs. Starting at about $200 per ounce, you can spend up to $6,500 on a 35 ounce tin of this exquisite delicacy.

Persian Saffron SuperiorThis ancient spice is usually referred to as “Sar-Gol” (Head of Flower). Used in the ancient Persian army to dye the king’s soldiers’ outfits to their royal purple, this spice is highly val-ued due to its power. Just a small

touch of saffron can add to any dish an aroma and flavor sure to please. You can purchase one gram for around $8 and two ounces of this luxurious spice sells for well over $400.

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eExecutive Chef Frank Tujague at New York City’s Westin Hotel is the world’s most expensive bagel. White truffle cream cheese, goji berry-infused Ries-ling jelly, and edible gold leaves make the rarity of this bagel easily justify the $1,000 price tag.

Foie GrasFrench for “fat liver,” foie gras is very popular in French cuisine. It is basi-cally the liver of a duck or goose that has been fattened by an ancient Egyp-tian technique called gavaging. Corn mash is force-fed by a tube connected

through the bird’s esophagus to the stomach about two weeks prior to slaughtering. This method of feeding has been scruti-nized by many animal welfare activists as cruel and inhumane. Foie gras can be sold whole, or prepared into mousse, parfait, or pâté, and the cost of this questionable dish is around $200 per pound.

Double Truffle HamburgerThe Double Truffle Hamburger is an item you definitely won’t find on the value menu. Created by celebrity chef Daniel Bouloud at the DB Bistro Mod-erne in New York, this whopper of a burger is a mix of both American and

French cuisine. Seven ounces of sirloin steak are stuffed with truffles, foie gras, and three ounces of rib meat. Dusted with parmesan cheese and stacked neatly on a poppy seed bun, you can purchase this hamburger for a measly $120. Oh yeah, and it comes with a side of fries.

Kyle Ferris

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eBlack TruffleA rare mushroom used for seasoning and garnishing, the black truffle is ideal for first course dishes such as brus-chette, carpaccio, bresaola, cheeses, or to give a special touch to salads. A two ounce jar can easily cost more than $100.

White TruffleOf all the varieties of truffle, the white truffle is held in the highest regard due to its intense flavor, rich aroma and scarcity. They can only be found un-derground on the roots of certain trees in Italy and Croatia. Some refer to this rare treasure as ‘the diamond of

the kitchen.’ You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,300 to $4,200 per pound for white truffles, but the highest amount ever paid was $330,000 for a 3.3-pound truffle.

Bird’s Nest SoupKnown to some as the ‘Caviar of the East,’ bird’s nest soup is a byproduct of a few birds of the swift species. These birds, such as the black-nest and white-nest swiftlet, use glue-like saliva to build their nests, and the little

bundles are prized for their culinary, nutritional and even aphro-disiacal properties. The price tag on this ‘spit soup’ can range anywhere from $900 to $4,500 per pound.

New York City Westin Hotel BagelHow much do you typically spend on a dozen bagels and a small container of cream cheese, $10 or so? Well imagine mul-tiplying the cost by 100 and only getting one bagel! Designed by

Features / Amenities:·Oversized “Green Screen”·Separate control room (overlooking set)·Private on-set dressing rooms·Drive in Stage (warehouse studio)·Set / Prep Area (Break room)·Private studio entrance·Wireless Internet·Equipment rental available

Multiple studios on-locationGreen Screen Studio

Casting StudioSound Recording Studio

Warehouse Studio

beyond the top shelfWe all know the typical top shelf liquors like Patron, Hennessey and Grey Goose, but what if I told you those don’t even hold a candle to the cost of some of the world’s most rare, extravagant, and illustrious alcohol? The cost of just one shot of some of the drinks I am about to unveil could easily buy out the entire top shelf of a traditional bar, and then some. You may need to refinance your house before you consider buying some of these bottles of booze.

VodkaDiva VodkaFrom the Shetland Isles of Scotland comes a one-of-a-kind vodka where no two bottles are identical. Each bottle is crafted with a column of removable crystals that span from the pour spout all the way down to the bottom of the bottle. Each of the 48 gems is hand-selected by a Hatton Garden specialist, and they range from cubic zircona, to amethyst, to diamonds. The vodka

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eitself is triple distilled and filtered through Nordic birch charcoal. Prior to bottling, it is filtered through a thick column of gems that includes diamonds, rubies and emeralds. You can spend up to $1.06 million on this vodka.

CognacHenry IV Dudognon HeritageCognacs are known for being one of the most ex-pensive liquors in the world, so it is no surprise that the most expensive liquor in the world is a Cognac as well. Made from three different types of grapes from the Cognac region of France, Henry IV has been aged for 100 years in barrels that were air-dried for five entire years prior to their use. This 82-proof

bank-breaker comes in one of the most extravagant bottles ever made. Dipped in 24 karat gold and platinum, this bottle is exquisitely adorned with 6,500 individually cut diamonds. Expect to spend a jaw-dropping $2 million on a bottle of Henry IV Dudognon Heritage.

Louis XIII de Rémy MartinMade from grapes of Cognac, France, and bottled in a hand-blown crystal decanter, this is one of the less expensive drinks we’ll look at in this article, but take that with a grain of salt. On the palate, Louis XIII takes you on both a historical and cultural journey. Each bottle is a blend of 1,200 Cognacs, ranging from 40 to 100 years old, created across three generations of Cellar Masters, resulting in the combined labor of 10,000 people. The flavors of eminence in just one sip of Henry XIII include lychee and ginger from China, cigars and a hint of cigar box from Cuba, and cinnamon from Central America. A shot of this Cognac will set you back about $225, or you can spend roughly $1,500 on a 750 milliliter bottle. Even as the weakest price contender on the list, this remarkable drink still eclipses typical top shelf Cognacs such as Hennessey.

TequilaPasion AztecaMade from the pure sap of the blue agave plant that has been fer-mented, triple-distilled, and aged for six years, this is a far cry from

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eMacallan 1926Bottled in 1986 and rebottled in 2002, Macallan 1926 Scotch Whiskey is another one of the most expensive Scotches ever made. It has notes of cloves, coffee and rich, dried fruits. Selling at an auction in New York dur-ing 2007, a bottle of Macallan 1926 sold for an astonishing $54,000. This was also the first liquor auction allowed in New York since the alcohol prohibition in 1920.

ChampagneDom Perignon White Gold JeroboamBottled in three-liter bottles in 1995, this limited edition champagne was made to commemorate the New Year. The bottle comes in a sheath made of white gold which is laser engraved with the Dom Pérignon label, and only 100 were made available. One of these extremely rare bottles of Champagne, coming from a vineyard already known for its costly products, sells for $40,000. On the bright side, a three-liter bottle contains four times as much champagne as a traditional bottle.

Shipwrecked 1907 HeidsieckIn 1916, these 1907 bottles of Heidsieck Champagne set sail for Moscow for the Rus-sian Imperial Family. Unfortunately, a ship-wreck off the coast of Finland caused an 80-year delay. Divers didn’t find the shipwreck until 1997, along with more than 200 bottles of the now renowned 1907 Heidsieck. Now sold to guests at the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow, the high price tag of $275,000 undoubtedly comes from the Champagne’s amazing journey and history.

Kyle Ferris

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eyour typical well tequila. The distillation process uses a mix of eight-, 10- and 12-year-old agave plants. The unrivaled price tag is not only due to the extravagant bottle itself, but also, the contents inside. The bottles are comprised of a mix of gold, silver and platinum, and are personally engraved by a Mexican artist named Alejandro Gomez Oro-peza. One shot of Pasion Azteca is more expensive than 200 bottles of Patron. This heavy weight of tequilas rings in at $9,000 for a shot and $225,000 for a bottle.

RumWray and NephewAs one of four unopened bottles, this rum dates back to the 1940s in Jamaica. The popularity of the ‘Mai Tai’ skyrocketed during the ‘30s, and when Jamaican distillers couldn’t produce rum fast enough, they ultimately had to abandon their traditional distillation methods. At a European Rum festival called “Rumfest,” a bottle of Wray and Nephew Rum was priced at $54,000.

Máximo Extra AñejoMáximo was hand-crafted using traditional rum-making methods by Cuba’s leading Mae-stro, Ronero Don Jose Navarro. The rarity of this rum adds to its value, as there are only 1,000 bottles available worldwide. It is made from a blend of the finest and oldest rum re-serves that come out of Havana Club Cellars in Cuba. Each bottle comes in a lined wooden case and contains a certificate of authenticity and of origin. A bottle of Máximo regularly sells

for around $2,000.

ScotchDalmore 62 Single HighlandThis Malt Scotch Whiskey is one of only 12 bottles produced in 1943. These bottles were made from four single malts, dating from 1868, 1876, 1926 and 1939. Each bottle had a unique name, and the most expensive one, the Matheson (named after the Dalmore Estate’s own-er), sold for more than $58,000.

franklin communications

‘tis the season for tranquility

With an exciting and hectic holiday season coming up, this month’s issue is all about luxury... and what better way to escape the frenzy than a day at one of the most prestigious spas in the nation? These featured spas are among the most elegant and highly acclaimed, fea-turing excellent ratings, stunning interiors and, of course, the tranquility we could all use. From Miami to San Diego, these spas and resorts each have their own unique features, with prices that could even make Santa blush.

Red Door Spa, ChicagoIn Chicago, Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa has an average package rate of $510, but what a gift this would make! When guests escape through the Red Door they are immediately immersed in the luxury that is

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esynonymous with Elizabeth Arden herself. Guests of the spa may select signature spa and salon services from an all-encompassing menu of services and treatments, including skin care, massage and body treatments as well as nail care, hair design and makeup artistry. This luxurious spa is committed to enhancing the lives of its guests through beauty, harmony and well-being.

919 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 / 312-988-9191www.reddoorspas.com

Acqualina Resort and Spa, MiamiThe Acqualina Resort and Spa in Miami has stunning ocean views from every suite, making it well worth the $1,125 pack-age for a one- or two-night stay. This 20,000-square foot spa spans two stories and features 11 multi-functional treatment rooms, one private Spa Treat-ment Suite, four Spa Express Beauty Suites, an outdoor spa

and heated jet pool. Floors of quarter size tiles and teak are com-plemented by walls of slate, tinted glass mosaics and resin panels with hints of sea grass and sea shells. Accent walls are treated with honed concrete, carved wood panels and natural weaves. The flow of water, lighting and its reflections symbolize the cleans-ing process of the body and soul as they take on different forms throughout the spa.

17875 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33160305-918-8000 / www.acqualinaresort.com

The Spa a Mandarin Oriental, MiamiAn award-winning sanctuary at 15,000 square feet, The Spa a Mandarin Oriental Miami features services up to $360 an hour

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-- not surprising, considering it is the only actual five-Star spa in Miami. It features 17 private treatment rooms, including six stunning VIP suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay. Two of the spa’s spa-cious, split-level Mandarin Suites include a personal multi-jet tub

and oversized shower, two are custom-designed for Thai mas-sage and two are especially designed for couples wishing to share their experience.

500 Brickell Key Dr., Miami, FL 33131 / 305-913-8332www.mardarinoriental.com

Ohm Spa, New York CityWhile we all know holiday shopping in the Big Apple can be cha-otic, the Ohm Spa, featuring luxury packages up to $453, can be the perfect stop to add to any to-do list. Seven floors above the busy streets of Fifth Avenue at 29th, this serene day spa tries to avoid a standardized experience. The owners of this New York City establishment, Kathy Yan and husband Jonathan Ho have a different approach to the typical day at the spa. Both are physical therapists and they understand that all spa therapists have their own style and strengths, and that all massages and facials don’t have to be the same, making Ohm Spa quite unique in its luxury appeal.

260 Fifth Ave., Seventh Floor, New York, NY, 10001212-481-7892 / www.ohmspa.com

Alvadora Spa at the Royal Palms Resort, PhoenixThe recipient of the 2009 Mobil Four-Star Spa Award and voted Spa Finder’s ‘Best for Romance,’ Alvadora Spa at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, provides guests with an array of ser-

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evices that indulge the senses. Guests can discover unique signa-ture treatments including the Royal Body Polish, Orange Blossom Body Buff, Citrus Grove Facial and more for up to $360 an hour. The spa’s Mediterranean inspired temptations feature choices that soothe the spirit, rejuvenate the body and enrich the mind. The union of sophistication and elegance with Old World Charm makes the Alvadora Spa a place of romance and nurturing, as well as a perfect holiday getaway.

5200 East Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018800-672-6011 / www.royalpalmshotel.com

The Grand Del Mar, San DiegoThe Grand Del Mar in San Diego, named “Favorite New U.S. Spa” by Spa Magazine readers, and “Top New Spa” by Conde Nast Traveler, is lux-ury at its best, customized to guests’ needs with packages averaging $485. Although Cal-ifornia has many great spas,

this spa promises an entire day of rejuvenation. The Grand Del Mar has packages including Alfresco lunch for one at the resort’s serene Relaxation Pool, use of the luxurious lounge facility, Euro-pean-style wet rooms, indoor whirlpools, plush robes and slippers, complimentary water, hot tea and other organic refreshments. The spa also has top quality spa products and lavishly appointed relaxation rooms.

5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, CA 92130858-314-2020 / www.thegranddelmar.com

Jessica Poston

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e

Current Residencies:Halo, Alley Cat, Whisky River

Call 980.722.6960for Private BookingsDJcompletenc@gmail.com

Follow me on Twitter@ Twitter.com/DJcomplete

Price: $25 General Admission$75 VIP tickets – Includes Open

Bar From 10pm -1am,Only 50 VIP Tickets Available

Dress Code ~ Semi FormalNaked Sushi From 11pm-12amChampagne Toast at Midnight

116 West 5th StCharlotte

704 376 1212 kashmirnightclubs.com

Decadence, Decay and the Demimonde

New Years Eve 2010

blowin’ smoke with classIf you’ve ever partaken in the timeless indulgence of cigar smoking, you probably know that the flavor is just as rich as the history from which it comes. This article gives you a brief insight into some of the most celebrated cigar manufacturers of the past couple hundred years, and shows from where they contrive their prolific heritage.

BolivarNamed after Simon Bolivar, a famous Venezuelan warrior who liber-ated much of South America during the early 19th Century, the Bolivar range boasts a very robust flavor that has received praise from industry experts. Originally founded in 1901, this Cuban cigar uses Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers, a Connecticut medio tiempo binder, and a San Augustine ligero wrapper. Bolivarian cigars have been highly sought after since the day they first hit the market.

CohibaOriginally intended for diplomats and government VIPs, the Cohiba ci-gar made its debut in 1968, shortly after Fidel Castro came into office.

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eFrom the rich soils of Cuba, only the top one percent of the leaves harvested are used in production of these exquisite cigars. Even though Cohiba is a relatively new brand when compared to other top manufacturers, it quickly became a Cuban hallmark and is rec-ognized by cigar enthusiasts across the world.

PartagasThe Partagas brand of cigars is one the most respected names in the world. Founded in 1845 for Jaime Partagas, who sailed from Spain to Cuba, the Partagas range manifests an intensity of flavors that is unrivaled. Its rich history spans more than 160 years, and ranges from the murder of its founder over a rival and a love affair, to the Cuban revolution. Many cigar aficionados agree that this is the best line of cigars in existence.

H. UpmannH. Upmann is one the oldest and most famous cigar manufactur-ers of all time. Founded in Cuba in 1844 by a German banker

named Herman Upmann, these were originally used as a promotional item for his banking firm. Since then, these fine cigars have won seven gold medals at various international ex-hibitions during the mid to late 1800s. The famous ci-gar request made by John F. Kennedy on the evening prior to the declaration of the American trade em-bargo was for an Upmann

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eCigar, specifically a Petit Upmann. These cigars are prized for their consistency, as each cigar undergoes rigorous quality control before being shipped for retail.

Sancho PanzaFounded in 1852 by Emilio Ahmsted, the Sancho Panza cigar

brand was named after the servant to Don Quixote from Miguel de Cervantes’ famous 17th century nov-el. These cigars are most commonly noted for their size, as many of them are considerably larger than typical cigars. Each cigar is handmade, yet due to

the mass production of the Sancho Panza, the cost to purchase this unique and historical treat is relatively inexpensive.

Romeo y JulietaFounded in 1875 by Inocencio Alvarez and Mannin Garcia, Ro-meo y Julieta is one of the best selling cigar brands in the world to-day. Noted for its variety, its range includes more than 60 different cigars, each with a distinct taste. It has found popularity among celebrities and politicians worldwide. There is bound to be a cigar that strikes the appeal of any enthusiast.

MontecristoDebuting in 1935, the Montecristo cigar is a byproduct of story-telling among factory workers. The popular tale of the Count of Montecristo is rumored to have been the inspiration for the now famous brand of cigar. It has become the most respected and sought after of the Havanas, and it is now the standard by which all other Havanas are judged.

Kyle Ferris

I’m sitting down with Derek Braun (of dbraun Promotions), who has been a part of projects such as the controversial Beautiful Club, the reinvention of The Sunset Club, The Pink Party, Lucid Dreams Mansion Party, Kanye West’s After Party, theater parties at Mez and many more events. He now brings his promotional and VIP experience in the night club industry to Kazba, as Manag-ing Partner.

Kazba is located in the EpiCentre complex on the third floor, to the right of Mez.

What will Kazba look like?It is going to have a Moroccan feel ... lots of fabrics, pillows, low seating, rugs, ottomans, tented VIPs, a dark candle-lit atmosphere. [It will be] the first lounge in Charlotte with a nano glass wall that completely opens the club to the open air, revealing Charlotte’s beautiful skyline and a patio with lounge furniture, greenery and a firewall.

What type of music will you have?Music will start off with sexy vocal house music, and then as the night peaks, you will hear the hottest remixes and dance music that will make you want to dance on the furniture!

Will Kazba be serving food?We will have a light food menu.

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eWhat will the scene be like?Big city-style lounge like you find in New York, L.A. or Miami. Mainly a VIP club -- mostly table service, super-exclusive, fashionable dress code, beautiful people, unmatched atmosphere and service.

How big will Kazba be?The inside is 1,500 square feet and the outside patio is 500 square feet, [and we] will only allow about 150 people in at one time. We are con-centrating more on quality service, drinks, music,VIP service and overall customer experience than we are volume of people ... Also due to the size, it won’t take many people to ‘set a scene.’ Kazba will be known as one of those places that always has something going on.

I assume there will be a VIP area?The VIP areas will be unmatched by any in Charlotte. There are four VIP booths against the back wall. Each will be sectioned off with gold beads, fabric walls, cushioned seating and pillow backing. There will also be a four section Moroccan style tent that will be surrounded from ceiling to floor with fabric that can be closed for privacy. This section can act as four different VIP sections or one large section for private parties. We will also have sections available on the patio as weather permits.

Tell me a little about your staff?All of our staff has had prior nightlife experience in Las Vegas and New York, [as well as] managerial experience. This will ensure that our service will be bar none. They will be creating an array of exotic drinks never seen in Charlotte before.

Who else is involved in this new venture?Steve Houraney -- he brings many years of management and VIP experi-ence in the bar/restaurant industry to Kazba as Managing Partner.

The most important question, when will Kazba be opening?Look for the e-mail from Elevate Lifestyle, which will give you all the de-tails.

Steve Caldwell

Elevate 6 Year Anniversary Party11/13/09Suite

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DJ Roonie G11/21/09Mez

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AUTOCROSSDAYS: Supercar Sensation is the only company in the world that allows you the chance to explore the han-dling limits of super cars on a closed circuit autocross course. Enjoy a friendly competition and vie for prozes. Perfect for corporate team building activities. SEveral dates available per year. Custom dates available for large group outings of 50 or more. TRACKDAYS: Unleash the true potential of our super cards under the guidance of a professional driving instruc-tor. Develop high performance driving skills including visualization, cornering techniques, braking thresholds, racing line, all while enjoying first hand the power and capability of our super cars.

ONE HOURTOUR: Drive 3 super cars during one sensational hour on a custom designed countryside route guided by our driving concierge. Passenger included. TWO HOURTOUR: Drive 3 super cars during a two hour exciting journey on a custom designed countryside route guided by our driving concierge. Passenger included. FOUR HOURTOUR: Drive 3 super cars during a four hour memorable journey on a custom designed countryside route guided by our driving concierge. Passenger included.

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41 Odell School Road, Suite A Concord, NC 28031SUPERCARSENSATION.COM 866.376.8093

serving breakfast, lunch and dinner& the famous wednesday martini madness!

an eclectic full menu is available frommorning until late night!

mon: 1/2 price glasses & bottles of winetues: $2 domestics & $3 microbrews

wed: award winning 1/2 price martini nightthurs: $5 house flavored margarita martinis

Fri & sat: live music, no cover

mon & tues: 7:30am - 12:00amWed - fri: 7:30am - 2:00am

sat: 11:00am - 2:00am

704.333.1353 TherapyCafe.net401 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 20202

Town Tavern11/20/09

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Cosmo’s 12 Year Anniversary11/11/09Cosmo’s

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Checkers Hat Trick11/13/09Buckhead

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Wild Wing Cafe Extreme Tailgate Party10/25/09Uptown

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Red Hot Turkey Trot11/24/09Wachovia Atrium

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Trim: 4.25x5.5Bleed: 4.5x5.75Live: 3.75x5

Closing Date: 11.30.9QC: SMPub: Elevate Charlotte

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