Cary, NC – Readers of Go Local have asked us to mention Circus and now is as good a time as any. Circus has an old time, down-home charm you just won’t find in out-parcel chain restaurants. (more…)

Photo by Leslie Huffman

Cary, NC – Having an invisible car is both a privilege and a burden.  Mostly a burden.  O.K., it’s down right scary!  When I purchased my large gray-green Honda minivan in 2002, I had no idea that, like Harry Potter, it had a cloak of invisibility.  So to my surprise, when driving home from the gym one morning, this guy stopped at a stop sign pulled right out in front of my big van that was moving 40 miles an hour and collided into my front end.  That was just the beginning. (more…)

Story and pictures by Brendan Bailey for CaryCitizen

Cary, NC – There’s no doubt. The Meat House in Saltbox Village, set to open on Saturday, isn’t your father’s butcher shop.

Instead of walking into the usual butcher shop with a tall, glass refrigerated counter and a grouchy butcher yelling out the current order number, customers at The Meat House are greeted at the door.

Customers are welcomed to sample a wide variety of chips, dips and salsas, marinated beef tips and chicken.

GATOR, ELK AND CALF THYMUS

While The Meat House offers all-natural, humane beef & chicken, pork and lamb, the store is loaded with a wide variety of wines, beer, pasta, breads, cheeses, rubs, produce and more.  Customers can purchase “made-to-order” sandwiches made from quality Boar’s Head meats and cheeses.

Owner Derek Wilkins says that personal service is the difference that customers will find when comparing The Meat House with local grocery stores.

“If you have a question about a specific cut of meat, an employee will come out from behind the counter and help you find exactly the cut that you’re looking for.  They’ll even bring out the whole slab of meat for you to select your cut,” says Wilkins.

The Meat House also takes orders for exotic meats like alligator or elk, which require a 2-3 day notice.  The store just received their first exotic meat order: “sweet bread” (calf thymus).

“We’re going to see what people are asking for.  If there’s demand for something specific that we don’t currently carry, we’ll add it,” says Wilkins.

The Meat House also provides a wide variety of vacuum-packed marinated meats and vegetable sides, perfect for cookouts and tailgating, including broccoli with cheese sauce, asparagus with herb butter and sliced red potatoes in marinade.  Wilkins expects that the marinated beef tips will be the store’s biggest seller.

ENTREPRENEURS IN CARY

After an 18 year career with Time Warner Cable, Derek is opening The Meat Store with his parents Craig and Cynthia.  Together, they plan on adding more stores in the Triangle in near future.  Wilkins is happy with his first location, which happens to be the first Meat House franchise in North Carolina.

“The timing was perfect!  Saltbox Village is a good fit with all the other specialty stores,” says Wilkins.

The Meat House officially opens Saturday, January 23, but the doors are likely open for curious customers who may already smell steak and chicken being cooked on the grill.

More pix from Brendan ~

Cary, NC- If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary for a special occasion, look no further than An, the Asian Fusion restaurant located in Weston’s Arboretum. Chef Michael Chuong’s signature ‘New World’ cuisine, represents an elegant blend of Southeast Asian flavors and European influences. Chuong has artfully combined the elegance of a French four-star restaurant with the sensational flavors of a Southeast Asian market.

THE RESTAURANT

Sleek dark wood columns and floors create an elegant restrained backdrop giving the illusion of space and privacy between tables of diners. We had occasion to dine here for our 21st anniversary on a Tuesday night before the New Year’s Holiday. It was a slower night, and the service was remarkable. The wait staff are well versed in the dishes they serve. As we had not been to the restaurant previously, our waiter suggested the tasting menu for $60 a person, or you may add a wine pairing for an additional $20 each. We were feeling  adventurous and chose our selections individually.

THE DINNER

We started with a Cava Spanish sparkling wine paired with  smoked salmon and Alaskan King Crab Sashimi. Hal had the Calamari, which was served in a bowl with 2 dipping sauces. There was an abundance of this dish and it could easily serve a couple diners as a nice sized appetizer.

For main course, I chose the Seafood Bouillabaisse. The half lobster tail was perfect, surrounded my the most tender mussels that I believe I have ever eaten. The broth was subtle and aromatic with a hint of sour cream. Hal ordered the Duck Two Ways, served as a confit and also sliced thin with a sauce of lentils beside it.

We couldn’t resist and the dessert menu was a treat. The Apple Crumble was a work of art topped with a dehydrated paper thin apple slice in which the apple flavor was so intense and a great counterpoint to the creamy filling and crumbled streusle below.

ABOUT THE CHEF

After 8 years as the beloved Executive Chef at Prestonwood Country Club, Ann Goodnight bestowed on Chuong his biggest honor yet – to partner with him in opening his own restaurant. An opened in the Summer of 2006. An represents the culmination of Chuong’s talent, heritage and culinary experience, introducing a Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant like no other to the region. Here, Chuong’s life story will unfold at the table, through his version of “ New World ” cuisine.

We truly felt as if we had been transported to another world while dining at An. The room is hushed and intimate and the service truly made us feel special. The menu is well priced for the level of service and dining that you will expect at such a high end establishment.

Vincent Reh of Byron Hill. Staff photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – Remember the old time radio shops from long ago? Meet Vincent Reh, the owner of Byron Hill, Ltd. Vincent has a thriving business on Woodwinds Industrial Court catering to high-end audiophiles, musicians and vintage radio enthusiasts.

This is the place to go if you have a tube amplifier or a classic Mackintosh stereo receiver in need of repair. People are passionate about their old-skool analog  gear – some claim it has a warmer, richer tone than today’s digital equipment. And, unlike contemporary offerings, vintage audio was made to be repaired. Vincent keeps a stock of tubes, capacitors and whatnot on hand.

An electrical engineer by training, Mr. Reh started his business in Vermont in 2001. Clients with a love of tube audio included actor James Gandolfini and musician Al DiMeola. Mr. Reh moved the business to Cary in 2007 in pursuit of better economic conditions.

A licensed ham radio operator for more than 30 years, Vincent has authored several books and more than 200 magazine articles on a variety of radio and technical topics.

His prices are reasonable, his service is personal and his business is unique. If you have a tube amp or high-end, vintage audio gear (I saw a Leslie at his shop – that’s an exotic keyboard amplifier), you’ll be glad to know there’s a guy who can fix it right here in Cary at Byron Hill Ltd.

Hammond B3 organ with a Leslie amplifier cabinet

Adore Designer Resale Boutique

Cary, NC — With today’s lagging economy many shoppers are “making the sacrifice” and heading to resale shops rather than the malls and boutiques.  But what they’re finding out is that shopping resale is no sacrifice at all, but rather, a way to buy the very best brands in a unique environment at amazing prices.  In recent months, high-end designer resale shops have been the beneficiaries of a subtle shift in consumer thinking.  Fashion lovers, even those who can afford to splurge, are reassessing their priorities.

Nancy Alinovi, of Adore, says, “I wanted to bring a new and much needed twist to resale with the glamor, the service and the uniqueness of a high-end boutique.  Great design, workmanship, and style can be green and affordable.”

The National Association of Resale And Thrift Shops (NARTS) says the resale industry is one of the few recession proof segments of retailing. Not only does it survive during economic downturns but it grows and thrives.  The appeal is twofold… consumers are attracted to buying quality merchandise at a fraction of the original cost and there is a financial incentive to sell, consign or donate their unused or unwanted items.

“The slumping economy may draw people in, but once they visit a resale shop for the first time they are pleasantly surprised with the high quality of merchandise and are forever hooked on a new way of smart spending,” says Chris Cowman, NARTS President.

Resale shops are a way to update your wardrobe without seriously denting your bank account — or your sense of social propriety.  In a world that is valuing recycling more and more, shopping resale is not only savvy but also eco-friendly.  And resale has always been about getting great clothing and accessories at great prices.

If you have a closet full of unwanted clothes, jewelry or home accessories, a consignment shop might be just what you need.  A consignment store will handle the marketing and sale of your merchandise, and hopefully you will make some money in the process.  Most stores will give you 40 – 50% of the selling price of your items.

SOME LOCAL CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

• Annie’s Attic has been around since 1998. They buy and sell moderate women’s clothing from jeans to cocktail dresses, jewelry, shoes and accessories.  They are located downtown Cary in Ashworth Village.
• Plato’s Closet buys and sells hip, trendy clothes aimed more for young men and women.  They carry (and are always looking for) items from Abercrombie, American Eagle, Hollister and others.
• Consigning Design accepts men’s wear and ladies’ apparel in addition to home furnishings and decor.  They have 14,000 square feet with a great selection sofas, bedroom sets, dining tables, office furniture, and decorative accessories.
• Adore is the newest Cary consignment shop that buys and sells high-end, designer women’s apparel, jewelry, shoes and handbags.  They will even come to your home to evaluate items you would like to sell.

Saving money will never go out of style.  So head out, explore these local resale shops and find that next great deal.  Happy hunting!

Photo by Leslie Huffman

“For the love of food”, that’s what Chef Trey Smith said when I asked him why he and his father-in-law, Al Kollar, started Amici’s at 1305 NW Maynard.  Both Al and Trey have years of restaurant experience between them.  Al has 35 years managing in many corporate establishments like Cracker Barrel & Ryan’s Steakhouse, while Trey’s culinary training has put him in the kitchens of the Carolina Country Club, Prestonwood Country Club, and An, Asian bistro in Cary.

Amici’s, which means “friends” in Italian, makes everything from scratch.  Their marinara sauce tastes just like mamma’s, that is, the sauce I imagine she would make if she could.  You can taste all the fresh herbs.  When they are not picking the herbs and vegetables out of the garden themselves, they take a trip to the farmer’s market to get fresh ingredients from local farmers. Trey says he rolls 400 to 600 meatballs a day and makes the best eggplant Parmesan I’ve ever tasted.

Open since March, Amici’s is a fantastic family spot.  There is a daily lunch buffet, and kids eat for free with an adult meal.  Come in on Tuesday for the couples special and you won’t be disappointed.

• Freshness – Italian made from scratch using fresh vegetables and herbs from local farmers.
• Variety- From salads, subs & pizza to Lasagna rolls, chicken Parmesan & fettuccine with clams.  Marinara, Alfredo, & meat sauce can be pared with any pasta.  Amici’s will also cater your event.
• Atmosphere – very casual atmosphere with a sparse decor.   Could use a decorator’s touch to warm up the place, but perfect for bringing your kids.
• Price – price point is low and very affordable.  A super value and good portions.  Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal and beverage.  You can’t beat that!

Amici’s is a place to come, be treated as a friend and share a meal.  Tell Al and Trey that CaryCitizen sent you.  You’ll love the food and go back for more.

Mangia!

Photo by Leslie Huffman

I am five feet tall, on a good day.  That means most of my clothes need alterations.  The majority of my adult life I’ve spent looking for a trusted and detailed tailor.  My shabby chic look requires that a professional – with a superb eye – hem it all to fit perfectly.  Then, after years of being subjected to botched alterations, my search was over.

I discovered Krystyna’s Tailor Shop and became a customer for life.  Most of Krystyna’s clientele have been coming to her for years to fix up clothes for their children, their weddings, their weight loss, or their switch to low sensible heels.  Her talent and bubbly personality keep people coming through her doors every five to ten minutes on any given day.  She is constantly shuffling people from the dressing rooms to their perch on the step in front of the mirror. What’s more amazing than her never faltering smile and stream of loyal customers, is her story.

Krystyna McLelland grew up in Grudziadz, Poland.  In the early 1980’s she went to Austria on vacation only to find out she would not return home for 24 years.  While on vacation, her sister called to tell her that her apartment had been raided by the Communist authorities and if she returned home to Poland she would be arrested.  Krystyna’s involvement in a pro-democratic trade union had made her a political refugee without a country.

With the help of the Catholic Church and a sponsor here in Cary, Krystyna made her way to the United States.  She arrived at RDU Airport with $5 in her pocket, the clothes on her back and unable to speak English.  Krystyna worked as a housekeeper and nanny here in Cary until her sponsor helped her get a job in a tailor shop.  She was finally able to put her years of textile training and experience to good use.  After 4 months, she had an apartment and was working with her sponsor to bring her mother and brother to Cary to live with her.

In 1990, Krystyna married Cary High School Coach, Mike McLelland.  Together, the couple opened Krystyna’s Tailor Shop, in Saltbox Village, on Kildaire Farm Road.  On the walls of the shop there are photos of Krystyna’s hometown in Poland.  The photos are from a very emotional homecoming, a 50th birthday gift from her husband.  Krystyna, who came to Cary with nothing, returned to her birthplace 24 years later with a new country, a loving husband, and a successful business.

With a needle and thread Krystyna has sewn together a life full of friends and family.  Determination, hard work and passion are what drive Krystyna and other small business owners like her.  The fabric of a successful Cary is made from this passion and we all are part of it when we Go Local.

Open Saturday mornings through Nov. 21 at Carpenter Village Marketplace in Cary, the Western Wake Farmers’ Market features more than 30 farmers and artisans. Offerings include NC-caught seafood, meats from grass-fed and free-range animals, seasonal fruits and vegetables, eggs, fresh and aged cheeses, artisan breads and pastries, sweets, jewelry, hand-made skin care and cleaning products, flowers and more.

All market goods are grown, harvested or crafted within 125 miles of the marketplace. Why does eating local matter?

“Most food products in the grocery store travel an average of 1,500 miles,” said Juliann Zoetmulder, WWFM president. “The environmental cost of that travel is staggering, not to mention the loss of nutritional value and flavor. Because all our vendors are local, the food retains more of its nutrients, the environmental impact is minimal, and we help local economies by supporting our farmers,” she said.

Part of the market’s mission is for the community to become educated about and benefit from locally grown food. To that end, each week an expert is in the Education Tent. Educators have included chefs cooking locally, nutritionists, composting and gardening experts, and recycling and solar energy enthusiasts, among others. Plus, the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle picks up donations at the end of each market.

The WWFM showcases local musicians as well, who play the market on a pro bono basis. There is an incredible pool of local talent with varying styles, from pop to jazz, blues to rock. The live weekly music adds another dimension of flavor at the market.

The market’s web site, www.WesternWakeFarmersMarket.org, regularly features new articles on local food topics, events, vendor information, what’s in season, and more. Western Wake Eats, the market’s free weekly e-newsletter, highlights what is offered at market in a given week, as well as the featured educator and musician of the week.

The WWFM is open 8 a.m.-12:00 noon currently, but market hours change in November, so check the web site. On Nov. 7, the market will feature its Fall Craft Festival and Thanksgiving Food Drive with local artists and crafters selling their products. Shoppers are asked to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. Area artists and crafters must submit applications (on the market’s home page) for the festival by Oct. 26.

Get fresh, nourishing, tasty local produce at the Western Wake Market and support the community as well. There’s no better way to start your Saturday.

Mayor Weinbrecht and the gang at WWFM

Photos courtesy of Western Wake Farmer’s Market

Another of our favorite places around town is Garden Supply on Old Apex Road. And what better time to cover it than in October, prime planting season.

Garden Supply Company was started in 1996 by Deborah and Keith Ramsey as a landscape and design business. In the spring of 1997, they purchased Zone 7.

In the spring of 1997, what was formally Zone 7 was purchased with six acres, one building, a shed and a small amount of inventory. Today, Garden Supply Company has grown into a business employing 40 plus team members. It is currently recognized by its national peers as a rising retail star. This rise to success is due to a clear vision, surrounding themselves with a top-notch professional staff and a love for our craft. - from GardenSupplyCo.com

WHY WE LIKE GARDEN SUPPLY

A lot of places sell plants. But Garden Supply makes it an art.

Everywhere you turn, amazing arrangements of plants, fountains, ornate pots and unexpected sculptures greet the eye. It really is a visual treat, especially at this time of year. Smells good, too. Kids have stuff to do with a small playground, schools of pond fish in some big tanks at the back and a couple of well-fed cats.

Here’s our review (last time we used this format was for a restaurant review. But hey, tell us what you think):

• Freshness – We’ve shopped here since ‘99 and the plants are always super-healthy, bug free, full and lush. They have a big staff constantly watering, feeding and grooming and the stock moves fast. Plant quality is excellent.

• Variety – Excellent variety. Lot’s of choices in “staple” categories (pansies, roses, mums) and a constant stream of new introductions for connoisseurs. Pretty much anything you want to put in a garden, they have it.

• Appearance – As noted above, the place looks truly awesome.

• Price – You can probably find it cheaper elsewhere. But you get what you pay for.

Now is the right season to plant trees and shrubs as well as annuals for spring color.  So put on the garden gloves, drive over to Garden Supply, stock up on some quality plants and ask for the CaryCitizen discount (just kidding, there is no discount. We made that up).