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Published: May 20, 2009
Greetings again Smittyheads!
A lot of news hot off the press. The newsletter has literally been re-written in the last few hours before press time. A new tapas bar coming downtown along with a few cool loft rental openings occurring soon. Also, a special and unique fundraiser for Meals on Wheels coming up in a few weeks.
Two thirds of the "Summer Triple Threat" Downtown Music series kicks off this week. Much more is below.
Now to business at hand...
News from Around the Scene
Tonic - A Tapas Bar coming downtown.
Word on the street the past few weeks is someone has taken over the space downtown formerly occupied by Speakeasy Jazz Club located at 410 Fourth Street. The club closed last fall after a six year run. Just confirmed the new tenant will be tapas bar called - Tonic. The proprietors are Terry and Freddy Lee. The two brothers are no strangers to the restaurant scene in Winston-Salem. They also own the popular fine dining restaurants Bernardin's and Bleu.
Plans are to totally renovate the 1,750 sq. ft. space putting in plenty of comfortable sofas and chairs for lounging. They plan to create an open air feel to the bar by exposing the space to natural lighting provided by the floor to ceiling windows. In doing so, this will allow patrons to feel a part of the activity along Fourth Street. Tonic will be serving a variety of tapas items that can be a first stop while having dinner out or make meal while there. Pretty sure whatever they create will be tasty given the dining experience of their other restaurants. Tonic will have all ABC permits. An anticipated opening is planned for early June. This will be a welcome addition to the bustling block at Fourth and Marshall Street.
Alive after Five and Downtown Jazz kicks off the week!
The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership's "Music in the Streets" Summer series kicks off this week. Here's the scoop: Alive After Five will be held in Corpening Plaza from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. starting this Thursday evening May 21st until July 30th. Admission is free.
Downtown Jazz debuts its seven-date schedule this Friday evening May 22nd from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Concerts will be held every 2nd and 4th Friday through August 28th in Corpening Plaza. Admission is free.
Summer On Trade begins in TWO weeks on Saturday, June 6th from 7 p.m.-10 p.m., and runs every Saturday at 6th and Trade Streets through Labor Day, September 5th. Admission is free.
Check out the entire program schedule for all these events at http://www.dwsp.org/music
Fast Company magazine "100 Most Creative People in Business" for 2009 - Dr. Anthony Atala
One of Winston-Salem's top doctors and medical researcher has been named by Fast Company magazine as one of the "100 Most Creative People in Business for 2009. Fast Company is a trendy thought magazine that covers entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and creativity from business, entertainment and the arts. That person is Dr. Anthony Atala. Dr Atala is Head of the Urology Department at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and North Carolina Baptist Medical Center. However, he is well known for his cutting edge research and work through the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
The Institute is located in the Piedmont Triad Research Park and the largest of its kind in the world; growing 22 different tissues from bladders, heart valves, muscles to fingers. He is also Co-director of the Unites States Army's Armed Forces Institute for Regenerative Medicine. This is a $250 million effort among 27 institutions to speed up efforts to help wounded soldiers.
This recognition from Fast Company puts Dr. Atala in the company of visionary thinkers like the developers at Facebook, CEO of Cisco Systems to creative types of many companies in design and innovation. Just think - What Dr. Atala and his 170 person staff are doing right downtown in a building located in our research park every day is helping change the medical world. Congratulations Dr. Atala!
Stratford Place "Music in the Courtyard" Jazz Series returns Thursday, May 21st, 2009
Looking for an alternative to live music downtown this summer, but still want to chill after work and listen to some tunes? The merchants at Stratford Place Shopping Center (off Business 40 and Stratford Road) are sponsoring "Music in the Courtyard" jazz series every Thursday from May 21 through August 27 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. This is the tenth year that they have teamed together for this event.
The courtyard provides a great setting where you can sit out with friends and co-workers after work, get some grub, and listen to a little live music. Big Shotz Tavern will set up tables in the courtyard, adding a cool ambience. This is a free event. For more information call 724-5454 or Music in the Courtyard" web site
Revolve Music Night @ The Garage features "The Making of REM's Murmur" with producers Don Dixon & Mitch Easter and moderated by Parke Puterbugh (ex Rolling Stone columnist) followed by performances by Dixon, The Mitch Easter Band and Jews & Catholics (Courtesy of The Garage newsletter)
On Friday, May 22, 2009 the Revolve Music Night at The Garage features "The Making of Murmur"- a conversation with Murmur producers Mitch Easter and Don Dixon about the making of R.E.M.'s pivotal album Murmur. Panel moderated by Parke Puterbaugh, who was a writer/editor at Rolling Stone when Murmur came out. He got to do the first in-depth national story on R.E.M. for the magazine and interviewed them on other occasions for various national and international publications.
In the mid-1980s, he moved back to North Carolina, where he continues to follow the fertile regional scene-which owes much to Mitch, Don, R.E.M. and Murmur-at close range. The fun begins at 5 PM with a Murmur listening party at Revolve HQ. This is a private event, sponsored by Natty Greene's. To sign up, send an email to revolvefestival@earthlink.net with names of all guests. Limited capacity, but we'll take as many as we're allowed. Listening party ends at 6.
Be sure to check out the great independent films Revolve is bringing to Winston-Salem at http:www.revolvefestival.com.
UNCSA School of Filmmaking Student Screenings - May 28-29, 2009
Mark your calendars! It's that time of year to highlight one of the best little secrets in town that happens once a year. The University of North Carolina School of the Arts' School of Filmmaking presents its annual Student Screenings. You might not be aware that we have one of the best filmmaking schools in the country--right here in our own backyard. The filmmaking school faculty staff have been cranking out the next generation of feature film, video, television and documentary directors, editors, cinematographers, production workers and screenwriters. The film school is inviting the Winston-Salem community to view the hard work that some its third- and fourth-year students have done this year. What's so special about these projects and screenings is the feedback.
Many of the location shots are filmed right around the Winston-Salem and Piedmont Triad community. UNCSA is one of the only film schools that actually gives its students money to produce their films as opposed to having them go out and raise the funds. You are in for a treat! The showings will be held at the ACE Exhibition Complex in the Studio Village located at 1533 South Main Street. The screenings run as follows: On Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m. at the Main Theater and at 8 p.m. at the Babcock Theater, there will be a screening of third-year students' projects. On Friday May 29 at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Main Theater and 8 p.m. at the Babcock Theater, fourth-year students will present their projects. Admission to the showings is $5.00 and can be purchased through the UNCSA Box Office by calling 721-1945 or or online at http://www.ncarts.edu/performances To give you a heads-up, tickets sell out quickly, so get yours early. For general information, contact the UNCSA School of Filmmaking at 770-1330; Web site: http://www.ncarts.edu/ncsaprod/filmmaking.
Ninth Annual The "Original" North Carolina Wine Festival, Saturday, May 30, 2009
Returning is the Ninth Annual "Original" North Carolina Wine Festival sponsored by 600/1200 WSJS & NewsTalk 1230 WMFR at Tanglewood Park on Saturday, May 30th from 12:00 p.m.- 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.
Nearly 40 wineries throughout the state will be involved in this year's Festival. Advance ticket prices are $20 at area Harris Teeter stores, online through PayPal or $25 at the gate day of the event. Parking is free.
Complimentary Wine Festival tasting glasses and a commemorative ticket/program will be provided at the entrance for the first 20,000 adults who plan to sample these North Carolina wines. Wines will be available for both free tasting (included with ticket purchase) and may be purchased by the glass, bottle or case from each of the participating North Carolina wineries.
Arts and craft vendors will on hand to add to the fun. This year's entertainment will be The Chairmen of the Board. Tickets are on sale at Triad area Harris Teeter stores and are $20 in advance or $25 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.
The $20 million Gallery Lofts in downtown scheduled to open June 1.
The long anticipated development project from the Goler CDC is set to open for lease on June 1st. The Gallery Loft is a project at the former Brown and Williamson tobacco plant located at Sixth and Chestnut Street. The conversion was done by Baltimore-based developer Landex Development LLC. The 82 one- and two-bedroom loft apartments which range between 900 and 1,500 square feet and will lease from $900 to $1,700. About 15 percent of the units have been leased. Tenants can begin moving on June 1st.
The Gallery Lofts has a fitness center, a television lounge, energy efficient windows, on-site parking, bike and scooter storage, and a washer and dryer in each apartment. The lofts are located three blocks east of the arts district and north of the Piedmont Triad Research Park. For more information visit http://www.thegalleryliving.com
Winston Factory Lofts due to open in August for lease.
Winston Factory Lofts announced the opening of a model unit available for tours immediately. Available for occupancy in August 2009, Winston Factory Lofts will contain 85 luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom loft apartment homes for lease.
Winston Factory Lofts is located in downtown Winston-Salem in a six-story building constructed by the P. H. Hanes Company in 1920 for textile manufacturing. One of the most architecturally refined industrial buildings in Winston-Salem, the building displays Beaux-Arts style details unusual among the City's industrial architecture. The building was subsequently used by the Brown-Rogers-Dixon Company for warehousing and distribution and acquired by Clachan Properties, LLC in 2006. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated by the City as a Historic Landmark.
Construction has involved all new mechanical and fire alarm systems; roof, skylight and window replacement; restoration of the façade; new main entrance foyer accessing a new lobby and lounge. The development effort has selectively introduced contemporary architectural features while preserving the attractive historic character of the building. In addition to loft designs that showcase the 13"+ ceilings, Winston Factory Lofts will have an amenity package not offered to date in the downtown Winston Salem market. Project amenities include indoor parking, outdoor pool with water feature, outdoor fireplace, rooftop deck, indoor fitness center, and tenant lounge fireplace and bar. For additional information http://www.WinstonFactoryLofts.com.
The Annual Smitty's Notes "Best of Winston-Salem" Contest
It's back! Your turn to vote for your Winston-Salem favorites in the Annual Smitty's Notes "Best of Winston-Salem" contest has arrived. You did such a fabulous job in 2008 that we want to take your temperature, if you will, for 2009.
Smitty's Notes has decided to join the ranks in taking a stab at naming some of the "bests" in our fair city. As a Winston-Salem- centric e-newsletter with more than 11,000 subscribers, we're asking YOU to tell us your favorite places to eat, play and hang out. The poll's results may lead you to check out some new things you haven't tried, thanks to the recommendations from fellow Smittyheads. I know last year results made me explore of some of your choices. In this year's survey, followed your suggestions from last year by removing a few categories and adding others. I agree: Many of the new categories deserved a vote.
So, here's the deal: Just click on the link below (cut and paste in your browser, if necessary). Take your time. Fill out the survey. Comments supporting your choices are encouraged. The contest will run until midnight June 30, 2009. Results will be announced after July 2, 2009 in the Smitty's Notes e-newsletter and on SmittysNotes.com which will also feature a special section on all the good things you recommended.
Submissions may be anonymous; however, if you wish to share your contact information, Smitty's Notes will randomly select one person to receive a Southern Community Bank $50 Visa gift card. I've learned that you folks always need a little incentive!
I need your help to get a good sampling. Forward this e-mail to all of your friends, colleagues and crew. Bombard your address book.
"Best of Winston-Salem" Contest Link - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ZIo4GS95DoRmQYRp_2fbFCbQ_3d_3d
Everyone's input is important. I look forward to reading and sharing your choices (Enjoyed many a chuckle at last year's results). Thanks again for your interest and continued support!
Smitty's Notes and The Stocked Pot & Co. Cooking School present an "Edible Evening" Fundraiser - June 12th and 13th.
Smitty's Notes has teamed with Chef Don McMillian and Andrew McMillian of the The Stocked Pot & Co. Cooking School in hosting an "Edible Evening" cooking and dining weekend in support of Senior Services "Meal on Wheels" program.
The Stocked Pot was hugely popular in the 1980's and 90's as the place to learn to cook simple to exotic dishes under the tutelage of Chef Don. The shop was located at Reynolda Village and also had a weekly cooking segment on WXII Channel 12 noon news broadcast for many years. Attending the class became known as having the "Chef Don Experience".
The Stocked Pot now has popular demonstration and hands-on cooking classes. Here's the fun part. As part of the fundraiser night, you will be cooking up your own dinner with the rest of attendees. There will be three classes held on June 12th and 13th. An adults class the evenings of June 12th and 13th. A children's class the morning of June 13th. Half the registration cost will be donated to Meals on Wheels. A silent auction is planned for the June 13 evening dinner. All proceeds from those items will go to Meal on Wheels.
This should be a fun event. Look for a special e-mail announcement in the coming days regarding specific details. Space will be limited. For more information about The Stocked Pot & Co. Cooking School visit http://www.TheStockedPot.com or call 336-499-5844. Classes must be booked online. The Stocked Pot & Co. Cooking School is located at 381 Jonestown Road next to Bernardin's Fine Dining.
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