December 2008

	Insider's Guide to CLT Between the ever-changing security rules, airline bag charges, and serious delays, flying anywhere, let alone out of one of the country's largest airports, can be exhausting. But it doesn't have to be that bad. Really. This new world airport guide will help you navigate not only the 1.7 million square feet of CLT, but also make traveling more manageable and, yes, less horrid Edited By BLAKE MILLER
	The Best Restaurants The election is finally over, and the economy is old news. There's nothing left to do but eat. And at these twenty-one restaurants, you can't go wrong. Plus, tips on how to eat cheap(ish)ly at every spot on the list By RICHARD THURMOND  Restaurateur of the Year Chances are, one of Frank Scibelli's restaurants is also one of your favorite dining haunts. The man who owns Mama Ricotta's, Cantina 1511, and Big Daddy's Burger Bar shares his secret for success, his love of simple food, and his next big thing
	Behind the Music The Double Door Inn, Charlotte's legendary blues and rock club, opened thirty-five years ago this month. This oral and photographic history takes a look at how it all began and some highlights along the way By DEBBIE WALLACE Photographs By DANIEL COSTON

Departments

Life Lines
My friends and I have been through some valleys together, but we've also climbed some mountains. And none of us could have done it alone
By Laurie Prince

City Affairs
With Double Oaks, the city has made its largest-ever investment in a redevelopment project. Maybe this time it'll get it right
By Jarvis Holliday

In Every Issue

• Editor’s Note
• Letters  

The Buzz

Spotlight Ben Roe is quickly changing the face of WDAV
News & Notes Local Wachovians aren't the only ones ticked off about the Wells Fargo merger. Plus, a local author tells you how to go green 365 days of the year
Money & Power RushmoreDrive.com's founder tells us why he's created Google for the black community. Plus, the official postelection Power Meter
QC Culture A Cliffs Notes version of surviving the holidays with family
Reality Check Local taste-makers give their favorite gifts to each other…all for around $100
Real Estate The story behind the $1 million foreclosures in Union County

Life/Style: Holiday Gift Guide

For everyone you know, here's the perfect gift, from trendy and hip to luxurious and over-the-top
Myers Park Mom
Lake Norman Lady
Ballantyne Baby
Uptown Uncle
Dilworth Dad
NoDa Nephew
SouthPark Sister

Back Page

Sign of the Times
Photograph by Chris Edwards

Charlotte Guides

Agenda
Spotlight Richie Havens brings his guitar and unmistakable voice to the McGlohon Theatre
Best Bets Six artists showcase their drawings at The McColl Center for Visual Art, Neil Diamond rocks Time Warner Cable Arena, and The Velveteen Rabbit performs for kids and adults alike. Plus, Charlotte Comedy Theatre offers laughs and plenty of audience involvement 
Conversation GRAMMY-nominated recording artist and renowned piano player Jim Brickman shares his thoughts on Charlotte and playing during the holidays
Calendar What to do this month

Eat, Drink
Local Flavor Keep lunch costs down and dig into one of these PB&Js Quick Bite Barbecue hasn't tasted this good in a while—here's where to find it
The Dish Common Market makes two. Plus, Chima Brazilian Steakhouse opens in uptown
Nightlife South End's newest nightlife addition, Apostrophe, hits the right notes
Uncorked After much tasting, Van Miller finally found some decent organic wines
Restaurant Listings