MetroBravo | Food and Services Featured in Part Two of MetroBravo!

Food and Services Featured in Part Two of MetroBravo!

Balloting

The MetroBravo winners in the July issue whet your appetite. Now you’re ready for a second helping. The awards section in this issue presents the best places in the area for dining-taking out or indulging—as well as the area’s best in professional services, entertainment venues and health care facilities.

Whether you’re in the mood for a mouth-watering steak or delicious dessert, the food category presents a taste of the best restaurants in the area. Find out whether last year’s winner and area staple, Bloomsbury Bistro, was able to defend its top spot in the best restaurant category; or whether or not one of the new eateries in North Hills received a Standing Ovation from voters.

After deciding where to dine, keep reading for ideas about where to go after the meal. The Bravo awards offer suggestions on the best places to go dancing, hear live music, or go to the movie theatre. And if it’s sightseeing you’re interested in, browse the built environment section for buildings to include on your list of places to see.

Flip to the final pages of Bravo awards for helpful hints on local professionals to serve your every need. Categories include doctors, lawyers, accountants and health-care professionals you can turn to for help.

As always, congratulations to our winners and thanks to our readers for voting for their favorites in the 2006 MetroBravo! reader’s poll.

by Jennifer Hadra and Dan Reeves

ANOTHER HURRICANES UPSET

By David Droschak

Some call it the biggest upset in the seven years of Metro Magazine’s “best of” MetroBravo! readers’ poll. In a sports market traditionally dominated by big-time university teams, the winner is the Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes.

I know, it’s still hard to fathom, even for the most die-hard hockey fans in the Triangle. But yes, the Holy Grail of hockey was captured in North Carolina, not Canada.

And it was all accomplished with zero optimism from outsiders when the 2005-06 season began back in October. The Hurricanes were picked dead last in the NHL by many prognosticators.

Just who is smiling and licking barbecue sauce off their fingers now?

The Hurricanes turned the area on its ear with a miracle run to the Cup finals four years ago, but lost all momentum after two dismal seasons and a work stoppage in 2004-05 that again raised questions about the viability of the sport in Southern markets—particularly Raleigh.

A new salary cap was geared to even out the playing field for teams like Carolina. However, there was little fanfare leading up to the season when no big-time free agents were signed by general manager Jim Rutherford. After selling out the season opener, only 10,968 showed up at the RBC Center five days later to see a 7-2 victory over Washington.

Few imagined what was down the road. The club won on New Year’s Eve to go 14 games over .500. Then a remarkable 13-1 record in January served notice that Carolina—of all teams—was a serious Cup contender.

The Hurricanes ended up setting franchise records for wins (52) and points (112) while winning the Southeast Division by a whopping 20 points over Tampa Bay. Eric Staal, a 22-year-old center, emerged as the NHL’s next superstar with a 100-point season in coach Peter Laviolette’s fast-paced style that the fans loved. (Staal’s emergence was matched in the postseason by 21-year-old rookie goalie Cam Ward, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.)

Hurricanes’ flags began to fly in cars again and tailgating reached art form as the playoffs approached. Several third period playoff comebacks—the norm for a lot of the regular season— eventually landed Carolina in a Game 7 at home against Buffalo for the Eastern Conference title. Another magical third period produced the second Cup appearance in the last four years. No other NHL franchise can claim that.

After going up 2-0 in the best-of-7 series against Edmonton, the Canes ran the string to yet another Game 7—this time to decide the Cup. Was it the biggest sporting event ever held in Raleigh? The hottest ticket in town? You bet it was.

“There was a great buzz,” said Rutherford, who was named the NHL’s executive of the year for putting the pieces together to win the Cup. “It was four times bigger than in 2002.”

“Before we never could get to a point where we could get that elite player to get us over the hump,” Rutherford said.

The crafty GM now has two stars on his hands and hockey’s ultimate prize to cherish.

“The population is growing and I think there’s a bright future here for hockey,” Rutherford said.

Who will argue that point now?

FOOD

Restaurant

Standing Ovation

Bloomsbury Bistro, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Raleigh

Enoteca Vin, Raleigh

Bloomsbury Bistro

Since 1995 Raleigh’s Bloomsbury Bistro has delighted patrons with fine cuisine, atmosphere, and service. Chef John Toler has stretched his culinary prowess into a signature style that makes Bloomsbury Bistro stand alone. As the menu changes every six weeks, the quality of food and service stays exactly the same: impeccable. It is no surprise that Metro readers have found a spot to return to knowing that each occasion will be something to remember.

New Restaurant

Standing Ovation

Vivace, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Mura, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

115 Midtowne, Raleigh

Romantic Restaurant

Standing Ovation

Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Bloomsbury Bistro, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Enoteca Vin, Raleigh

Restaurant for Take-Out

Standing Ovation

Red Dragon Chinese Restaurant, Raleigh

MetroBravo

PF Chang’s China Bistro, Nationwide

Honorable Mention

Zest Caf & Home Art, Raleigh

Close Call

Hot Point Caf, Raleigh

Restaurant for Power Lunch

Standing Ovation

Glenwood Grill, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Winston’s Grille, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Mura, Raleigh

Restaurant to Take Kids

Standing Ovation

Applebee’s, Nationwide

MetroBravo

Moe’s Southwest Grill, Nationwide

Honorable Mention

Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh

Close Call

Fat Daddy’s, Raleigh

Restaurant for Special Occasion

Standing Ovation

Second Empire, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Angus Barn, Raleigh

Coastal Restaurant

Standing Ovation

Blue Moon Bistro, Beaufort

Bluewater, Wrightsville Beach

MetroBravo

Jerry’s Food, Wine & Spirits, Wilmington

Honorable Mention

Dockside Restaurant & Marina, Wilmington

Close Call

Port Land Grille, Wilmington

Ethnic Restaurant

Standing Ovation

Mura, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Jibarra Modern Mexican and Tequila Lounge, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Royal India Restaurant, Raleigh

Mura

Japanese fusion has found a home at North Hills. The sleek metropolitan interior is stylish, offering a completely unique dining experience uncommon in the area. Any item from the extensive menu will delight: be it a roll of beautifully presented sushi or a dish featuring world renowned Kobe beef or Toro (fatty tuna). The spacious bar area—separate from the more formal dining room—is the perfect setting for sipping a signature cocktail or a glass of wine from Mura’s wide-ranging and impressive list. Upon entering you are greeted every night with easy jazz from a grand piano. And if you prefer privacy, Mura offers secluded Tatami rooms for a minimal fee.

Outdoor Dining

Standing Ovation

Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Vivace, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Crook’s Corner Caf & Bar, Chapel Hill

The Weathervane Caf, Chapel Hill

Vivace—Lively

It seems that Kevin and Stacy Jennings have it all figured out when it comes to creating restaurants for Raleigh to enjoy. Their latest addition, Vivace—that’s “lively” en Italiano—has captured the attention of food lovers throughout the area. They keep it casual with modest prices for Chef Jeremy Sabo’s creations. Visitors choose from a wide variety of traditional Italian dishes revamped to suit an adventuresome palate. Their success with Frazier’s and Porter’s City Tavern have made the Jennings the proud proprietors of a gastronomic triple threat! Vivace lives up to its name. It has become the most “lively” spot in town.

Specialty Foods Store

Standing Ovation

Whole Foods, Triangle-wide

MetroBravo

A Southern Season, Chapel Hill

Honorable Mention

The Fresh Market, Nationwide

Deli

Standing Ovation

Village Deli, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Jason’s Deli, Nationwide

Honorable Mention

Caf Carolina & Bakery, Raleigh

Margarita

Standing Ovation

Dos Taquitos Mexican Restaurant, Raleigh

MetroBravo

El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh

Close Call

Jibarra Modern Mexican and Tequila Lounge, Raleigh

Martini

Standing Ovation

Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Blue Martini Bar and Lounge, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Bogart’s American Grill, Raleigh

Close Call

Vinnie’s Steakhouse and Tavern, Raleigh

Bloody Mary

Standing Ovation

NOFO at the Pig, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Enoteca Vin, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Dockside Restaurant & Marina, Wilmington

Cosmopolitan

Standing Ovation

Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Bogart’s American Grill, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Blue Martini Bar and Lounge, Raleigh

Beer

Standing Ovation

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Carolina Ale House, Triangle-wide

Honorable Mention

Carolina Brewery, Chapel Hill

Close Call

Top of the Hill, Chapel Hill

Wine

Standing Ovation

Enoteca Vin, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Angus Barn, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Vinnie’s Steakhouse and Tavern, Raleigh

Close Call

April & George Gallery & Wine Bar, Raleigh

Best Place to Eat While Dieting

Standing Ovation

Applebee’s, Nationwide

MetroBravo

The Rockford, Raleigh

Whole Foods, Triangle-wide

Honorable Mention

Zest Caf & Home Art, Raleigh

Close Call

Home

Quick & Easy Meal

Standing Ovation

Moe’s Southwest Grill, Nationwide

MetroBravo

Panera Bread, Nationwide

Honorable Mention

Sunflower’s Sandwich Shop, Raleigh

Close Call

K&W Cafeteria, Nationwide

Coffee House

Standing Ovation

Starbucks, Nationwide

MetroBravo

Third Place Coffeehouse, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Helios Coffee Company, Raleigh

Wine Retailer

Standing Ovation

Total Wine & More, Triangle-wide

MetroBravo

The Wine Merchant, Triangle-wide

Honorable Mention

Seaboard Wine Warehouse, Raleigh

Sports Bar

Standing Ovation

Carolina Ale House, Triangle-wide

MetroBravo

Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, Triangle-wide

Honorable Mention

Playmakers, Raleigh

Hi 5, Raleigh

Place with Best Cocktail Menu

Standing Ovation

Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Blue Martini Bar and Lounge, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Bogart’s American Grill, Raleigh

Chef

Standing Ovation

John Toler, Bloomsbury Bistro, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Ashley Christiansen, Enoteca Vin, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Jeremy Sabo, Vivace, Raleigh

Caterer

Standing Ovation

LadyFingers, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Mitchell’s Catering & Events, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Catering Works, Raleigh

Waitstaff

Standing Ovation

Vinnie’s Steakhouse and Tavern, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Bloomsbury Bistro, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Angus Barn, Raleigh

Best place for: Appetizers

Standing Ovation

The Red Room Tapas Lounge, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Winston’s Grille, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Lucky 32, Statewide

BBQ

Standing Ovation

Smithfield’s Chicken ’n Bar-BQ, Statewide

MetroBravo

The Q Shack, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Cooper’s Barbeque & Catering, Raleigh

Hot Dog

Standing Ovation

Snoopy’s Hot Dogs, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Pharaoh’s, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

The Roast Grill, Raleigh

Hamburger

Standing Ovation

Char-Grill, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Cook Out, Triangle-wide

Pizza

Standing Ovation

Mellow Mushroom, Triangle-wide

MetroBravo

Lilly’s Pizza, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Capital Creations Gourmet Pizza, Raleigh

Steaks

Standing Ovation

Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Angus Barn, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Vinnie’s Steakhouse and Tavern, Raleigh

Seafood

Standing Ovation

42nd Street Oyster Bar, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Bonefish Grill, Statewide

Honorable Mention

Fins Restaurant, Raleigh

Oysters

Standing Ovation

42nd Street Oyster Bar, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Gino Russo’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Tony’s Bourbon Street Oyster Bar, Cary

Dessert

Standing Ovation

Hayes Barton Dessertery & Caf, Raleigh

MetroBravo

The Cheesecake Factory, Statewide

Honorable Mention

Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern, Raleigh

Second Empire

Raleigh’s Second Empire has established itself as one of the top fine dining experiences in the region since it opened in 1997. Set in the renovated Dodd-Hinsdale house on Hillsborough Street a few blocks from downtown Raleigh—with a generous front porch and more informal dining downstairs—it was voted the area’s most romantic restaurant by our readers in this year’s balloting. Love means a full course meal at Second Empire.

EDUCATION

Daycare Center

Standing Ovation

Primrose Schools, Triangle-wide

MetroBravo

Rex Child Development Center, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

White Memorial Presbyterian Weekday School, Raleigh

Kindergarten

Standing Ovation

Chesterbrook Academy, Triangle-wide

MetroBravo

Lacy Elementary, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

St. Michael School, Cary

Private Lower School

Standing Ovation

St. Timothy’s School, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Ravenscroft School, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Cary Academy, Cary

Private High School

Standing Ovation

St. Mary’s School, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Ravenscroft School, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Cary Academy, Cary

Private College

Standing Ovation

Duke University, Durham

MetroBravo

Meredith College, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Peace College, Raleigh

Public College

Standing Ovation

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MetroBravo

North Carolina State University, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

East Carolina University, Greenville

East Carolina University

The Pirates of Greenville have done it again. That’s right, East Carolina University is still the reigning party school according to Metro readers. It is no surprise to those who either attended ECU—or have simply been around Greenville for more than a few hours: they do indeed know how to party. Greek life, a competitive football team and being the big university in Eastern NC (with a world class medical school to boot) has created a recipe that keeps ECU in the top ranks of socially active universities. Some say party schools are rated by consumption of alcohol. Let’s just say that the Pirates know how to get down, drinks or not.

Party School

Standing Ovation

East Carolina University, Greenville

MetroBravo

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Honorable Mention

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

OUT IN THE PUBLIC

Museum

Standing Ovation

NC Museum of Art, Raleigh

MetroBravo

NC Museum of Natural Science, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

NC Museum of History, Raleigh

Historic Site

Standing Ovation

Tryon Palace, New Bern

MetroBravo

Fort Fisher, Kure Beach

Honorable Mention

The Lost Colony, Outer Banks

Charity Event

Standing Ovation

The Mannequin Ball, Raleigh

MetroBravo

The Fur Ball, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

The Red Sword Ball, Raleigh

Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic, Cary

Cultural Event

Standing Ovation

North Carolina Symphony, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Artsplosure, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

The Nutcracker, Carolina Ballet, Raleigh

Close Call

Raleigh International Spy Conference, Raleigh

Place to Propose

Standing Ovation

Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham

MetroBravo

Beach

Honorable Mention

Old Well, University of North Carolina

at Chapel Hill

Place to go Dancing

Standing Ovation

The Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh

MetroBravo

The Office, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Reds Beach Music, Raleigh

Close Call

Bogart’s American Grill, Raleigh

Dance Studio

Standing Ovation

Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Durham and Raleigh

MetroBravo

Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Ninth Street Dance, Durham

Fred Astaire Dance Studio

If the long, lean legs or rock solid abs of the celebrities on Dancing with the Stars’ inspired you to hit the dance floor, you’re in luck. While dancing might not be your day job, studios like Standing Ovation winner Fred Astaire Dance Studio offer programs tailored to fit into your schedule and fitness level. Fred Astaire’s “Three Way System” of instruction combines private and group lessons with fun-filled practice parties. The studio’s introductory program will give you a chance to learn the basic steps to popular social dances such as the Mambo and Cha Cha, while keeping you fit and relieving stress in an enjoyable, highly energizing way.

Club to Hear Live Music

Standing Ovation

Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro

Honorable Mention

The Pour House, Raleigh

Cats Cradle

Who would have thought that the leading music venue in NC for rock n’ roll would be tucked away in a shopping center adjacent to a video store at the Carrboro end of Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street? Well, anyone who knows about music knows that the Cat’s Cradle is the most important place in the region for up and coming rock acts to perform—and has been for over 25 years. The schedule at the Cradle typically consists of independent and alternative performers striving to reach the area’s uber-hip audiences. The Cradle rocks.

Place to Hear Jazz

Standing Ovation

Bogart’s American Grill, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Zydeco Downtown, Raleigh

Place to Hear Rock

Standing Ovation

Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro

MetroBravo

Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Alltel Pavilion at Walnut Creek, Raleigh

Independent Movie Theater

Standing Ovation

Rialto Theatre, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Galaxy Cinema, Cary

Honorable Mention

Colony Theatres, Raleigh

Movie Theater

Standing Ovation

Regal North Hills Stadium 14, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Regal Brier Creek Stadium 14, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Raleigh Grande Cinema, Raleigh

Favorite Sports Team

Standing Ovation

Carolina Hurricanes

MetroBravo

UNC Tar Heels

Honorable Mention

NC State Wolfpack

Golf Course

Standing Ovation

Pinehurst, Pinehurst

MetroBravo

Raleigh Country Club, Raleigh

Prestonwood Country Club, Cary

Honorable Mention

MacGregor Downs Country Club, Cary

Sporting Event

Standing Ovation

Carolina Hurricanes, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Atlantic Coast Conference Basketball

Honorable Mention

North Carolina State University Football, Raleigh

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Theatre Building

Standing Ovation

Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Raleigh Little Theatre, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

PlayMakers Repertory Company Center for Dramatic Art, Chapel Hill

Commercial Building

Standing Ovation

Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh

MetroBravo

American Tobacco Building, Durham

Honorable Mention

Blue Cross Blue Shield Building, Chapel Hill

Campus Building

Standing Ovation

Duke Chapel, Duke University, Durham

MetroBravo

Memorial Hall, University of North Carolina

at Chapel Hill

Honorable Mention

Dean E. Smith Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Corporate Building

Standing Ovation

Wachovia, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Progress Energy, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

SAS Campus, Cary

Government Building

Standing Ovation

North Carolina’s State Capitol Building, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Legislative Building, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

The Governor’s Mansion, Raleigh

Outdoor Venue

Standing Ovation

Alltel Pavilion at Walnut Creek, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Regency Park, Cary

Honorable Mention

NC Museum of Art Outdoor Amphitheatre, Raleigh

Public Building

Standing Ovation

North Carolina’s State Capitol Building, Raleigh

MetroBravo

RBC Center, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Exploris, Raleigh

TECH LIFE

Internet Service Provider

Standing Ovation

Roadrunner, Time Warner Cable

MetroBravo

EarthLink, Inc.

Honorable Mention

America Online

Cell phone service

Standing Ovation

Verizon Wireless

MetroBravo

Sprint/Nextel

Honorable Mention

Alltel

Mac or PC

Standing Ovation

MetroBravo

Mac

HEALTH CARE/WELLNESS

Hospital

Standing Ovation

Rex Hospital, Raleigh

MetroBravo

WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Duke Hospital, Durham

Hospitals

Regardless of where you reside in the Triangle, rest assured that your health is in good hands. Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill are two of the leading research and teaching hospitals in the nation, and with Wake Med and Rex healthcare systems right in our backyard, Triangle residents have a place to go to for all their ailments and health care needs. Having a baby? Check out Rex Hospital’s Family Birthing Center. Expectant mothers can take advantage of a myriad of classes to instruct new moms about issues they will face before and after childbirth. Experiencing heart problems? Wake Med Heart Center was named one of the “Top Ten Cardiovascular Surgery Programs” in the country by the AARP’s Modern Maturity magazine. The hospital recently more than doubled its square footage to open up new observational beds, catheterization labs and electro-physiology labs.

Emergency Room

Standing Ovation

Rex Hospital, Raleigh

MetroBravo

WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

University of North Carolina Hospitals,

Chapel Hill

Birthing Center

Standing Ovation

Rex Hospital, Raleigh

MetroBravo

WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

University of North Carolina Hospitals,

Chapel Hill

Cardiac Center

Standing Ovation

WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Rex Heart Center, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Duke Heart Center, Durham

Cancer Care Center

Standing Ovation

Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, Durham

MetroBravo

Rex Cancer Center, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill

Eyecare Center

Standing Ovation

Kelly Eye Center, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Duke Eye Center, Durham

Honorable Mention

Raleigh Eye Center, Raleigh

Plastic Surgery Center

Standing Ovation

Personal Image Center of North Carolina, Cary

MetroBravo

Duke Health’s Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Durham

Honorable Mention

Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center, Raleigh

Vein Clinic

Standing Ovation

Duke Aesthetic Center, Durham

MetroBravo

Vein Care of North Carolina, Raleigh

Raleigh Vein & Laser Center, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Triangle Vein Clinic, Cary

Veterinarian

Standing Ovation

Oberlin Road Animal Hospital, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Hayes Barton Animal Hospital, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Bowman Animal Hospital, Raleigh

Falls Village Veterinary Hospital, Raleigh

Acupuncturist

Standing Ovation

Marc Cutler, D.O.M. (N.M.) L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., Advanced Healthcare Solutions, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Dr. Zheng, Eastern Traditions, Cary

Honorable Mention

C. Daerr Reid, L.Ac. MSOM, East Coast Acupuncture and Massage, Wilmington

Assisted Living Center

Standing Ovation

Springmoor Lifecare Retirement Community, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Magnolia Glen Retirement Community, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Sunrise Assisted Living, Raleigh

Health Club

Standing Ovation

Gold’s Gym Athletic Club, Triangle-wide

MetroBravo

O2 Fitness Health Clubs, Triangle-wide & Wilmington

Honorable Mention

Capital Fitness Health Center, Triangle-wide

Wellness Center

Standing Ovation

Rex Healthcare Wellness Center, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Duke Health and Fitness Center, Durham

Honorable Mention

The Wellness Center at Meadowmont,

Chapel Hill

Pilates Studio

Standing Ovation

Body Balance Movement Therapy, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Triangle Pilates, Cary

Honorable Mention

O2 Fitness Health Clubs, Triangle-wide

Yoga Studio

Standing Ovation

Moving Mantra Yoga Studio, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Five Points Fitness Studio, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Raleigh Yoga Center, Raleigh

Day Spa

Standing Ovation

Synergy Spa, Raleigh

Skin Sense: A Day Spa, Raleigh & Cary

MetroBravo

Natural Body Spa & Shoppe, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Iatria Day Spa, Raleigh

Hair Salon

Standing Ovation

Samuel Cole Salon, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Mitchell’s Hair Styling, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Douglas Carroll Salon, Raleigh

DS Parada Color Caf, Raleigh

Personal Image Center

For anyone who thinks the phrase “cosmetic procedures” is just an ambiguous term for “plastic surgery”—think again. Plastic surgery centers like Personal Image Center now offer a variety of non-surgical, cosmetic procedures such as laser hair and tattoo removal, microdermabrasion or the new BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy. This FDA-approved therapy is designed to kill bacteria in the skin’s sebaceous glands and clear up acne and rough, scaly skin patches caused by actinic keratoses and overexposure to the sun. After just one month of blue light sessions, patients are guaranteed to have clearer skin and more self-confidence.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Residential Real Estate Company

Standing Ovation

York Simpson Underwood, Triangle-wide

MetroBravo

Fonville Morrisey, Triangle-wide

Honorable Mention

Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, Triangle-wide

Commercial Real Estate Company

Standing Ovation

York Properties, Triangle-wide

MetroBravo

Coldwell Banker Commercial, Triangle-wide

Honorable Mention

Kane Realty Corporation, Triangle-wide

Coastal Real Estate Company

Standing Ovation

Intracoastal Realty Corporation, Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Southport, Surf City & Topsail Beach

MetroBravo

Cannon & Gruber Realtors, Atlantic Beach

Honorable Mention

Coldwell Banker Seacoast Realty, Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Topsail Beach, Southport

Al Williams Properties, Atlantic Beach

Intracoastal Realty

When it comes to buying and selling property on the coast in the Cape Fear region, one company stands out for Metro readers. Locally owned and operated since 1975, Intracoastal Realty has built a solid name for itself in Southeastern North Carolina, dedicated to suiting the needs of each client and holding its place as the market leader in coastal real estate.

Bank

Standing Ovation

Wachovia, Triange-wide

MetroBravo

Bank of America, Triangle-wide

Honorable Mention

State Employees Credit Union, Triangle-wide

Best bank for loans

Standing Ovation

Wachovia, Triangle-wide

MetroBravo

State Employees Credit Union, Triangle-wide

Honorable Mention

First Citizens Bank, Triangle-wide

Insurance Company

Standing Ovation

Nationwide, Triangle-wide

MetroBravo

State Farm Insurance, Triangle-wide

Honorable Mention

Allstate Insurance Company, Triangle-wide

Mortgage Firm

Standing Ovation

Washington Mutual, Triangle-wide

MetroBravo

Countrywide, Triangle-wide

Honorable Mention

Wachovia, Triangle-wide

Brokerage Firm

Standing Ovation

Edward Jones Investments, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Wachovia Securities, Durham, Raleigh & Wilmington

Honorable Mention

Scott & Stringfellow, Inc., Cary, Raleigh & Wilmington

Accounting Firm

Standing Ovation

Lynch & Howard, Raleigh, Knightdale

MetroBravo

Cherry Bekaert & Holland, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Ernst & Young, Raleigh

Event Planning Firm

Standing Ovation

Black Dog Event Company, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Ivy Robinson Weddings & Events, Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Events Associates, Inc., Raleigh

General Law Firm

Standing Ovation

Poyner & Spruill, L.L.P., Raleigh, Rocky Mount & Southern Pines

MetroBravo

Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P., Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Manning Fulton & Skinner, P.A., Raleigh & Wilmington

Real Estate Law Firm

Standing Ovation

Ragsdale Liggett P.L.L.C., Raleigh

MetroBravo

Manning Fulton & Skinner, P.A., Raleigh & Wilmington

Honorable Mention

Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman, L.L.P., Raleigh

Divorce Law Firm

Standing Ovation

Wyrick Robbins, Yates & Ponton, L.L.P., Raleigh

MetroBravo

Tharrington Smith, L.L.P., Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Rosen Divorce Law Firm, Raleigh

Corporate Law Firm

Standing Ovation

Maupin Taylor, P.A., Raleigh & Wilmington

MetroBravo

Poyner & Spruill, L.L.P, Raleigh, Rocky Mount & Southern Pines

Honorable Mention

Hunton & Williams, L.L.P., Raleigh

Criminal Law Firm

Standing Ovation

Cheshire Parker Schneider Bryan & Vitale, L.L.P., Raleigh

MetroBravo

Tharrington Smith, L.L.P., Raleigh

Honorable Mention

Dement Askew Gammon & Dement, L.L.P., Raleigh

Tax Law Firm

Standing Ovation

Bailey & Dixon, L.L.P, Raleigh

MetroBravo

Maupin Taylor, P.A., Raleigh & Wilmington

Honorable Mention

Lynch & Eatman, L.L.P, Raleigh

INDULGENCES

Bottled Water

Standing Ovation

Dasani

MetroBravo

Aquafina

Honorable Mention

Fiji

Le Bleu

Beer

Standing Ovation

Miller Light

MetroBravo

Amstel Light

Honorable Mention

Yuengling

Understanding Wine

Muscadine, Scuppernong, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet—the names of grapes and the wines they produce are enough to make even the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur’s head spin. For the novice wine drinker, differentiating between a winery and vineyard can also be a bit puzzling. So, let’s take a moment to clear up the confusion. The word winery is the American-born term for the physical facility in which the wine is made. A vineyard, on the other hand, is a farm of grapevines where grapes are grown for making wine. While some wineries house a vineyard on, or nearby their own property, many wineries use grapes grown at vineyards around the state or the nation to create the perfect vino. MetroBravo! winners, Duplin Winery and Biltmore Estate not only use grapes from vineyards within miles of the winery itself, but also use grapes from vineyards all over the Southeast region. Other wineries, like Chatham Hill Winery, use grapes grown only in North Carolina vineyards. Both winery and vineyard owners alike take great pride in their produce, knowing that behind every great wine is a great grape.

Vineyard

Standing Ovation

Biltmore Estate, Asheville

MetroBravo

Chatham Hill Winery, Morrisville

Honorable Mention

Duplin Winery, Rose Hill

Liqueur

Standing Ovation

Baileys Irish Cream

MetroBravo

Kahla