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Published: May 8, 2008
Fiona's Poetry and Pool Hall coming to the Arts District
John M. Cahoon and Phillip (Opie) Kirby owners of Finnegan's Wake Scot/Irish Pub located at 620 N. Trade Street are expanding and opening another establishment on Trade Street. The new place will be called Fiona's Poetry and Pool Hall. They taking over the space next door at 616 N. Trade Street formerly occupied by Miller - The Printer.
Plans are to use the additional 2,600 square feet space as an extension of Finnegan's Wake. Fiona's will have an enlarged bar area that will increase the restaurant's beer taps to twenty-four. Access will be through two doors from Finnegan's Wake. Plans include pool tables and dart boards adding a sporty atmosphere to the pub. This includes establishing dart leagues for patrons to take part in. Planned also, programming for live music, comedy and poetry reading during the week and weekend. With the additional space, a fireplace is being built along with a private dining room that will accommodate 50 patrons along with an outside deck that will increase the occupancy up to 100 patrons. Construction will begin this spring with an anticipated opening in the fall. Stay tuned for additional details.
Salute! The North Carolina Wine Celebration returns Saturday, May 10th. Bigger and Better
The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership is hosting again the Salute! The North Carolina Wine Celebration, to be held in downtown Winston-Salem, on Saturday, May 10, 2008. The 2007 event was selected as one of the "Top 20 Events In The Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society, and this year's festival was selected as a "Featured Event For 2008" by Southern Living Magazine.
Salute! will be held from 12 noon until 6 p.m. on Fourth Street, in the heart of downtown. Winemakers will be on hand with samples and of their harvest—and bottles available for purchase—for more than 6,000 attendees. This year, a host of wineries throughout the state will be offering wine for tasting and purchase.
In addition to the main festival on May 10th, festival organizers announced that Winemaker Dinners will be held on Friday, May 9th, at several fine restaurants throughout the city. These reservation-only dinners will be creative collaborations between chefs and the vintners to produce unique food and wine pairings for their guests.
Prior to the Winemaker Dinners on May 9th, a special reception to be hosted by Southern Living Magazine will be held at the historic Henry F. Shaffner House, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Salute! A Wine Workshop and Reception with Southern Living," will be a ticketed event open to the public and will feature a special appearance and demonstration by Scott Jones, Food Editor of Southern Living Magazine.
Live entertainment will feature an early set by beach music favorite, Doubletake, and a later, a performance by Carnivalito, with their popular high-energy Latin sound. Festival organizers also announced the Salute After Party!, beginning at 6:00 p.m. following the festival. The free After Party will be jumping with a rare Winston-Salem appearance by the popular The Sleeping Booty Band, and a cash bar with a wide selection of beers and wines. Smitty's Notes and Foothills Brewing are sponsors for this event.
The Downtown Triple Threat is back for another season!
The "Downtown Music Series" kicks off its remarkable season this week and looks to keep getting better each year. Several changes were added for the 2008 season due to feedback from the public about the event series as a whole.
Alive After Five is returning back to Corpening Plaza by popular demand this year, better bands and will start Thursday, May 8th from 5-9 p.m. with the group Cosmic Charlie. Alive after Five will run through June 26th.
Friday Night Jazz will start on Friday, May 9th and has moved off of Fourth Street to Corpening Plaza. This year's changes include presenting a high caliber of national smooth jazz acts. Programming was handled by Post Entertainment. An additional change will be the Friday Night Jazz program will be held mostly every other Friday throughout the summer. Kicking off the first week will be jazz violinist Ken Ford. Friday Night Jazz will run through August 8th.
Summer on Trade will start on Saturday, May 17th and will be a mix of jazz, Americana, blues and R&B. The band kicking off that series will be Caleb Caudle. Summer on Trade will run through August 16th. For up-to-the-minute news and event schedules visit http://www.winstonsalemevents.org.
Revamped Twin City Diner now open
Twin City Diner reopened this past month after doing extensive renovation. Owner, Chris "Gus" Karahalios tore down interior to the concrete and revamped the entire restaurant. The diner has all new tables, chairs, flooring and wall coverings, and features historic images of Winston-Salem which is very cool. The space was reconfigured to include an enlarged bar along with a smoke-free dining area. Smoking is limited to the bar area which has a "Smoke Eater" ventilation system.
The 20-year-old restaurant during the process developed a new logo and menu, including new entrees, salads and sandwiches, while keeping traditional dishes. New entrees include a bacon wrapped filet mignon, Greek Chicken, Mediterranean shrimp and orzo pasta. The revamped restaurant has been a big hit with the regulars and new customers in the West End neighborhood.
Twin City Diner is located at 1425 A West First Street. Hours: Sunday-Saturday11:00am-10:00pm. Telephone: 724-4203
Downtown Developments (Courtesy of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership)
Hatch, Inc. now occupies over 12,000 s.f. on the lobby floor of Winston Tower after relocating from .Commerce Plaza. The company is an early childhood education solutions provider known for its computer technology used in classrooms nationwide. Hatch offers a full catalog of over 3,500 products that are stocked in its warehouse.
Leonard Ryden Burr has completed a renovation of its offices at 1012 Glade Street to create space for up to 15 more sales associates. Leonard Ryden Burr, a residential real estate company, posted a 9.1% increase in sales last year over 2006 as compared with the overall market decline.
Uptown Runaround Concierge is offering full concierge services to downtown businesses and residents alike. As a time-saver for its clients, the company can provide errand services, grocery shopping, delivery/courier service, all types of business services, personal services or simply waiting. To learn more, visit www.uptownrunaroundconcierge.com or call 336. 377-2411. The company is licensed and bonded.
Winston-Salem has been named of the Top 100 Cities to Live and Launch! "Rolling with the changing times, Winston-Salem has shifted its economic focus from tobacco, textiles, and furniture to biotech, supply-chain logistics and product distribution. Like its business climate, Winston-Salem's social reputation has undergone a change. The city has worked hard over the past 10 years to improve the quality of life it offers, largely by broadening and better promoting its culinary and arts scenes. Music venues and galleries are scattered throughout the city, and annual theatre and film festivals keep arts mavens happy."
Find out more about Downtown Happenings @ http://www.dwsp.org
Greek Festival 2008
On May 16, 17, and 18, the Greek community is inviting everyone to its "Annual Greek Festival" at the Greek Orthodox Church (435 Keating Drive, off of Country Club & Silas Crk Pkwy.) Here's what's on tap for the weekend: plenty o' Greek dancing, informative tours of the beautiful church, and shopping at the Agora (Market Place), where you can purchase arts, crafts and other goodies. Speaking of goodies, the most important part of the festival in my opinion, is the F-O-O-D. And plenty of it! Gyros, moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki and my favorite, spanakopita!
Every year, the festival reminds me that a taste of Ouzo (a popular Greek liqueur) and beer do not mix. A HUGE mistake. Lesson learned in my wilder, younger days. The festival hours on Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $1.00. You can also call in take-out orders from the event. Telephone: 765-FOOD (3663). Additional Info: Call 765-7145 or visit the Web site at http://www.wsgoc.org/greekfest.html
Foothills Brewing is "Movin' On Up"
Foothills Brewing is growing once again, with a brewery expansion planned this August. They just announced the purchase of two sixty-barrel fermenters and two sixty-barrel brite tanks will effectively double beer production capacity. Look for an increase in places throughout North Carolina where you can enjoy a Foothills beer even when you're not at our restaurant. Click here to see where you can find Foothills on tap.
Also, Foothills will be having live music every Saturday night at 10:30 pm. To see who is playing each weekend visit their full event calendar
To stay on top of what's happening at your favorite hometown brewery, sign up for their monthly newsletter clicking here. Foothills Brewing is located at 628 W. Fourth Street. For more information visit http://www.foothillsbrewing.com or call 777-3348
Find Your Spring and Summer Festival
As we crank up the start of the spring and summer festival season in the Piedmont Triad and Western North Carolina. Nearly every weekend between now until September there will be a street festival of some kind going on somewhere. Most of them are within a day's drive of Winston, here in North Carolina, and in Virginia.
The fun thing about attending these events are meeting interesting people, experiencing and learning new stuff and tasting great food. Plus, they fill up the weekends with a group of good friends. There is an informative Web site that is dedicated to the festivals in North Carolina.
Go to http://www.southfest.com/northcarolina.shtml and have a ball plowing through it, finding all the festivals you might to explore this spring and summer. Follow the other links to festivals just across the border in Virginia. All are worth a quick day trip out this warm season.
Fifth Letter 2008 Non-Profit Design Grant Program
Fifth Letter, a graphic design studio focusing on nonprofits, publishing, educational institutions, and emerging businesses, is continuing its grant program for area nonprofit organizations for a second year. Applications from nonprofits in the Triad area will be accepted until 5:00 pm on May 30, and materials are available online beginning today.
The staff of Fifth Letter will work with an assembled panel of area business, education, and nonprofit leaders to help choose the initiative(s) that will have the greatest impact in our community. The award(s) given have increased to a total of $12,500 in donated time. Application information can be found by visiting Fifth Letter's website at http://www.fifth-letter.com and searching for "Nonprofit Grant." Under "New and Notes"
Eighth Annual The "Original" North Carolina Wine Festival, Saturday, May 31, 2008
Returning this month is the Eighth Annual "Original" North Carolina Wine Festival sponsored by 600/1200 WSJS & NewsTalk 1230 WMFR at Tanglewood Park on Saturday, May 31st from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The festival is more than just a wine-tasting day; it has become an exceptional Carolina summertime gathering that highlights the growing wine industry in the Piedmont and the recognition of North Carolina by wine lovers across the state and across the country.
Many wineries throughout the state will be involved in this year's Festival. Complimentary commemorative wine-tasting glasses will be provided at the entrance for the first 13,000 adults. Wineries will be serving in tasting tents for easy access, and a large selection of food vendors will be on hand, as well. Arts and craft vendors will on hand to add to the fun. This year's entertainment will be The Chairmen of the Board, The Plaids and The Fairlanes.
Presenting sponsors are 600/1200 WSJS, NewsTalk 1230 WMFR, Woodard and Company Asset Management Group, 101.1 Talk Radio, U.S. Home Interiors, Twin City Chop House, WCWG TV 20 and Harris Teeter. Tickets are on sale at Triad area Lowes Foods stores and are $20 in advance or $25.00 at the gate. Parking is included with the ticket price. For more information go to http://www.ncwinefestival.com/ or contact Julie McMinn 336-733-5836 / jemcminn@wsjs.com
Smitty's Notes is also giving away five pairs (two each) of admission tickets to the Sixth Annual North Carolina Wine Festival. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to register for this random drawing by Midnight Friday, May16th at Smitty! Hook me up on some NC Wine Festival Tickets! Winners will be notified on Monday, May 19th.
Word from a Sponsor - Twin City Quarter
WS Prime Features Mother's Day Brunch
Mother's Day is just around the corner (psssst - it's Sunday, May 11), so why not pamper mom by taking her to brunch at WS Prime in downtown Winston-Salem.
Chef Tim Grandinetti is pulling out all the stops just for mom. Buffet selections include:
• Breakfast items such as omelets and waffles
• Small plates with soups, fresh greens, fried green tomatoes and fresh seasonal fruits and berries
• Chef's special: shrimp and grits, fried chicken or pork loin, along with Cousin Junior's chutney
• Chef's carving board with Angus prime rib
• A pasta station with peppered beef stroganoff, sea scallops and three cheese ravioli
• Desserts - well, all we can say is save room!
Available from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the cost is: adults: $29.95, seniors (55 and up): $26.95 and children ages 5-12: $13.50, plus tax and gratuity. Children under age 4 are free. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 336.722.5232. To view the complete menu, click here.
Private dining rooms for groups up to 20, or combined for up to 40 people, are also available.
WS Prime is located in the Twin City Quarter's Marriott Hotel, 425 North Cherry Street (Fifth and Cherry) in downtown Winston-Salem. Complimentary valet parking is offered.
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