Life + Culture

Gratitude in Unexpected Places

Local author Leslie Hooton shares how she discovered the meaning of Thanksgiving Article by Leslie Hooton | Photography by Art by David French Gratitude is having its yearly moment. Before the frenzy of shopping descends, we are asked to pause and give thanks. Do you ever find it hard to live in that space? Sometimes I do. Last September, I had surgery that went sideways. It left me confined to a wheelchair. I had to go to a rehab center. Being in this compromised predicament, I was unable...

Local Services

Founders Fête

Interior designer Alexis Warren hosts dynamic local female business owners for a fall dinner party in her Myers Park home Article by Catherine Ruth Kelly | Photography by Chris Edwards Fresh, fragrant florals and softly playing music permeated the air on a crisp fall evening as the warm glow of candles and cool craft cocktails beckoned guests inside. Attendees were greeted with spicy grapefruit margaritas and pomegranate spritzes as they stepped through the front door of Alexis Warren’s...

Local Services

The Gift of Travel

Charlotte based luxury travel consultant Elizabeth Walsh suggests 3 unique destinations to make lasting memories Article by Jordy Lievers-Eaton | Photography by Courtesy of Mayflower Inn and Spa, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge and Estelle Manor The holidays are about making memories with the ones you love, and travel is an easy way to do it. Luxury travel expert Elizabeth Walsh, a consultant for Local Foreigner, says, “Our most precious asset is time, and you don’t want to have to cross your...

Food + Beverage

Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Martini

A cozy fall twist on a classic pick-me-up with pumpkin spice flair. Article by Christina Marcellino of Carolina Charm (@carolina_charm) | Photography by Rachel Pepper When it comes to entertaining at Thanksgiving, I’m all about keeping things simple and festive with this Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Martini! There’s no need for fancy equipment or waiting for espresso to cool; store-bought pumpkin cold brew is my secret shortcut. I can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, so guests can enjoy a...

Local Services

Minding Manners

Founder of Charlotte School of Etiquette carries on family tradition Article by Carroll Walton | Photography by Sarah Fitschen Children in Elizabeth Anne Russell’s etiquette classes learn to eat soup with a bowl of melted ice cream. They practice “sticky eyes” when they meet a new person. They take small bites of crackers, keeping their lips tight, because, “Shhh, food is a secret,” Russell reminds. She lets children as young as 5 use china that belonged to her mother. If something breaks...

Food + Beverage

Pintxo Party

Born in San Sebastián, Spain, the joyous tradition of pintxos is spreading Article by Marti Buckley | Photography by Simon Bajada On the northern coast of Spain sits a postcard-perfect town complete with glittering seaside, lush mountains in the distance, and church spires peeking through the skyline. San Sebastián boasts natural beauty, architecture, and a wealth of attractions. But what draws visitors there the most is something smaller in size — the pintxo. The Spanish snack is tapa on a...

Arts + Culture

Confection on Canvas

Young artist Debora Koo brings sweetness to still life Article by Carroll Walton | Photography by Hyung ku Kim The memory is still vivid in artist Debora Koo’s mind. She was 4 years old when she was invited to a friend’s house for a birthday party. She couldn’t take her eyes off the neon pink birthday cake with sugar crystal lettering and Wilton decorations in the shapes of flowers, hearts and “all the girly things,” Koo recalls. “I was in awe when I saw that cake,” said Koo, now an artist...

Style + Beauty

Styled for Fall

Seasonal Favorites selected by "B. Noble Styled" at Phillips Place Article by Brittany Noble Newcomb | Photography by Courtesy of Phillips Place 1. Lana Suede Puffed Sleeve Jacket, alice + olivia  Suede is everywhere this season and this jacket hits the spot with its feminine sleeves and cropped length sitting just above your favorite high-waisted denim. I love a sweet silhouette like a lace dress paired with leather boots to edge it up, and this jacket fits the bill! $1,295 2...

Home + Design

Approachable Fine Dining

L'Ostrica invites guests to savor seasonal menu Article by Carroll Walton | Photography by Courtesy of L'Ostrica, Unify Visual Marketing When co-owners Eric Ferguson and Cat Carter came up with a concept for L’Ostrica restaurant, they knew they wanted to serve a tasting menu based on seasonal ingredients in an intimate setting. Looking back almost a year since the restaurant’s opening, it’s as if their guests know what it’s like to be invited to one of their dinner parties. Carter nods at the...

Local Services

From Rhinestones to Ready-to-wear

Fashion designer Daniel Gonzalez discusses his transformation from the glitz of making dance costumes to his elegant new fall line Article by Carroll Walton | Photography by Amanda Anderson Charlotte fashion designer Daniel Gonzalez, 33, moved to the U.S. at age 9 with his parents and brother Felipe from Pereira, Colombia. His father, whose company transported coffee and bananas, was convinced by a family friend he’d find better opportunities in America. The family moved to Miami first, but...