Fundraising with Wine and The Piano Man

By Dathan Kazsuk | Sep 15, 2013

Twitter: @TriangleAT | Facebook: Triangle Around Town | Instagram: @trianglearoundtown

Joe O'Keefe, center, plays songs on his keyboard along side his
daughter and college friend.

Finding great customer service these days is like finding a needle in a haystack. 

And I know every time I make my way into Wine 101 in Wake Forest, the needle is always there to welcome me. A handshake. A pat on the back. A sample of a new beer on draft that I would probably like. It’s all there. All thanks to Joe, Jeffrey and Rufus.

My last visit to Wine 101 just so happened to be on Sept. 13. It was a Friday. It's one of those nights where Mr. Jason Voorhees gets a lot of attention. But not that night. One that freaky Friday, all the attention was upon Wine 101 store owner Joe O'Keefe. 

After the store closed its doors to the general public around 8:30 pm, a flock of around 30 stuck around for a fundraiser to help support a new Wake Forest community theater. Forest Moon Theater is helmed by the team of Bob Baird and Cathy Gouge, they along with O’Keefe, were on hand for this night of entertainment.

If you know O’Keefe, like I do, you know that even though he runs a wine shop, music is his passion. And he showed the crowd his passion for music that night when he sat behind his keyboard and pounded out tunes to some of his favorite artists.

Billy Joel. Elton John. Ben Folds. Don McLean … to name a few. He kicked off his set with Joel’s Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, which starts up aptly enough with the lyrics, “A bottle of white, a bottle of red, perhaps a bottle of rose´ instead …”

We enjoyed around an hour of tunes by O’Keefe, which had us all singing along with him to Elton John’s Benny and the Jets, Don McLean’s American Pie, and the final song of the evening, the timeless Billy Joel classic, Piano Man. My hats off to O’Keefe and Wine 101 for hosting this fundraiser.

And I can’t wait to catch a performance at the new Forest Moon Theater in Wake Forest.

ECU Pirates fall short to Virginia Tech

LOCAL FEATURE

By Dathan Kazsuk | Sep 14, 2013

Twitter: @TriangleAT | Facebook: Triangle Around Town | Instagram: @trianglearoundtown

Purple! Gold! Purple! Gold!

This color combination was seen and heard a lot on Sept. 14, when I made my first ever appearance to Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium … home of the East Carolina Pirates.

The stadium, which seats 50,000 Pirate fans, were up on their feet when their home town team went head-to-head against the Hokies of Virginia Tech. The game started off pretty good for the Pirates, who took their opening drive 75-yards for the team’s only touchdown of the afternoon.

A view from our seats in the Pirate Club Seating.

Yes. I said it. The Pirates only scored 1 touchdown … and 1 field goal. But it was fun watching the game with my wife and two of our friends, who were nice enough to invite us to the game. Along with giving us tickets to watch the game in the Pirate Club seats, they also invited us to their “breakfast tailgate.”

The ECU band's formation is in the shape of our state.

After we had a few alcoholic drinks, we made our way into the stadium, and up to our seats. The seats had us looking down around the 40-yard line, so we had a great view of every play. But there was one thing that we could have used … some clouds! The sun was beating down on us the entire game, and with no sunscreen, I got baked!

My forearms, knees, nose and neck were beet red when I got home. The same applies to my wife, who is also as bright as a red solo cup.

One of the highlights of the game was Virginia Tech’s kicker, who kept the Pirates hopes up all day. Cody Journell missed two easy field goals, one extra point, and would have missed a third field goal if it wasn’t called back due to a penalty on the Pirates. I joked with my friend, telling him that “Cody was the Pirates best player.”

A video clip I took in between plays.

So, after the Pirates lost the game 15-10, I broke down the game to my friend.

"Your quarterback stinks," I said.

"I wasn't expecting them to win this game anyway," he replies.

"You won't win many if he continues to play like that. The O-line is bad, and no receivers can get open. But their record is 2-1, so who knows."

ECU's next game is against the dreaded Tar Heels in Chapel Hill. This is one game where I hope the Pirates come out of there 3-1. Yeah, I'm not a UNC fan ... sorry.

Wine Down Wednesday

By Jen  | August 30, 2013

Twitter: @TriangleAT | Facebook: Triangle Around Town | Instagram: @trianglearoundtown

Wine Down Wednesday …. sounds great, doesn't it?   I thought so too when I first came across this Meet Up during the Fall of 2012. Advertised as a “dynamic networking and professional development group,” it is definitely that and more.  What really caught my eye was, of course, the wine tastings!  I’m definitely not big at networking and find myself out of my comfort zone when attending events alone –  but sometimes you need to break out of that comfort zone – and just take a chance.  And wine always helps in those situations!  So, by now you are probably asking yourself, ‘What is Wine Down Wednesday, exactly?’ This meet up group visits local wine bars around the Triangle and couples a wine tasting with two motivational speakers who present their experiences and leadership skills as well as a featured non-profit.  After attending a few events at the end of 2012, I found myself with some scheduling conflicts and have just now started attending again and can honestly say, I walk out of there feeling inspired … inspired to work on those “ideas” we have to supplement our lives, whether to increase our incomes or quite honestly, just to increase our lives!

I attended the last Wine Down Wednesday this past week at a new wine boutique, Vino Amoari, with around 30 or so other members!  As usual, I arrived a little early and found everyone still setting up for the evening. I eventually found my spot at the bar anxiously awaiting the first speaker as I joined in on some conversations with other attendees.  The wine manager, Karleigh, was a fantastic host as was the wine distributor and shop owner, who were also there. 

The wine tasting consisted of 5 wines for $6 served throughout the event and included a Baby Prosecco, Hunter's Chardonnay, an Albarino, Secreto de Viu Manent 2007 Syrah (good enough to even buy a bottle on the way out the door) and a Treasure Hunter Bordeaux Blend out of Napa Valley. These were all paired with cheese, meat, hummus and strawberries soaked in Prosecco!  And if that was not enough, the speakers were amazing and inspirational, as always!

The first speaker, Dr. Barnsley Brown, author of “Get Out of Debt and Get On With Your Life,” spoke on the Three Secrets to Financial Fitness and Power!  This was not quite what I was expecting as I was thinking this would be more a talk of how to manage your money. Dr. Brown took a totally different approach to prosperity by asking us what our highest values were … what is important to “YOU” and what drains “YOU!” Ironically, although I put family, career and volunteerism as my top three highest values, my number one was really my cat, Oreo!  Although I did not take advantage of purchasing an autographed copy of her book, I’m wishing I had!

Next, Lisa Bamford from Doing Good Network (DGN), the charity sponsor for night, introduced Fred Fletcher as he spoke about his life, the organization, and the work they do to raise funds for nonprofit organizations that are in need of funding.  Fred also announced Bands 4 Good Challenge 2013 which is a virtual music video competition that will provide exposure to unsigned, aspiring musicians along with the opportunity to raise funds for nonprofit military support organizations.  For more information, go to www.bands4good.com 

After a short break, Megan and Barton Cutter took the “stage” (if you will) to talk about how to transform your personal vision into lasting results. The Cutters are the authors of Ink in the Wheels: Stories to Make Love Roll, a memoir about their journey as an inter-ability couple. What I took away from this presentation was have a vision, live your life to its fullest potential, never give up and accept who you are.

Following the presenters, the networking continued and I met some great people and made some great contacts. Ironically, however, I was asked at least three times why, if I work for a corporation, do I attend such events?  Interesting. Well, I can honestly say that I attend, other than for my love of wine, to learn from others, be inspired by others, hope to take our ideas and gain the confidence and inspiration to make our dreams come true. It is not always about money. I have to keep telling myself that since our inspiration and passion revolve around starting a non-profit.  And if nothing else, I made some contacts for our Wine and Beer club.

Pairing Sparkling Wine with Homemade Sorbet to Celebrate Summer

By Jen  | August 27, 2013

Twitter: @TriangleAT | Facebook: Triangle Around Town | Instagram: @trianglearoundtown

It was a typical August evening with slight humidity and stale air as we prepared for our second at-home Wine & Beer Club event. Thankfully we chose the theme of Sparkling wine paired with homemade sorbet. This proved to be a perfect combination on such a warm evening.   

We had a small but lively group tasting the different arrays of sparkling wines from Spain, Italy, France, and even New Mexico!  Dathan had the honor of doing the pouring and talking about the wine as I remained busy in the kitchen preparing the homemade sorbets to be served. I think I confirmed what I already knew which is that food prep and service are not my forte! 

As I frantically scooped sorbet into small “favor” glasses wondering what I was thinking with that suggestion aside from the cute and classy look, I could hear the “oohs and ahhs” in the other room as everyone took their first sip and again when paired with a refreshing sorbet.  Most thumbs up and some thumbs sideways but overall, from what I observed and heard, I would say Alex at Total Wine did an excellent job of selecting our wines for the evening.  We even had the pleasure of tasting a “bonus” French champagne, compliments of Club member, and neighbor, Matt!

As the wine continued to flow, with each new sip the conversations grew louder as new friends and contacts were made. One lucky winner walked away with a $10 gift card to the local wine shop and cafe, Uncorked, and two “unadvertised” Angel of Grace bracelets were sold with proceeds being donated to the American Heart Association. There is nothing like wine to bring people together!  

We started the evening with New Age White from Argentina as guests began to fill our house.  The selections and pairings for the evening were:

Marques de Monistrol Seleccion Especial Cava 

from Spain

Santi Nello Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore from Italy 

paired with Cantelope sorbet

Gruet Blanc de Noirs – Methode Champenoise 

from New Mexico 

paired with Honeydew Melon sorbet

Louis Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne Rose 

from France

Piemonte Brachetto Soria 

from Italy 

paired with Strawberry sorbet

As the evening drew on, we paused for a quick survey to help us, as a club, choose our next themed tasting for September at Uncorked.   The choices were: 

South America Wines

South Africa Wines

Wines of Oregon & Washington State

Pick 5:  Regional Malbec Wines

Rose’ Wines

The Varietal Alphabet:  “P” (Petite Verdot, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pintotage, etc.) 

By an overwhelming majority, Wines of Oregon & Washington State were chosen for the September event. Even had I voted, I would not have been able to sway this vote!  September will be amazing as well!  

Fire in the Triangle: Center Stage with Chef Dean Thompson

Chef Dean Thompson of Flight's Restaurant has made it to the Fire in the Triangle finals.

By Dathan Kazsuk | Aug 19, 2013

Twitter: @TriangleAT | Facebook: Triangle Around Town | Instagram: @trianglearoundtown

In my previous blog, “title,” I mentioned that the Fire in the Triangle competition is coming to a close. It’s been a delicious ride for those involved in this sell-out event. The Triangle chefs each night of the competition have created some wonderful dishes. Some better than others. And that’s why we find ourselves down to the final two.

We’ve had a total of 84-dishes crafted by 16 local Triangle chefs in the course of 14 days. We’ve had great beer in the likes of White Street Brewing Company, Gizmo Beer Works and Natty Greene’s. We’ve had great food bloggers documenting each night with their photos and tweets. And you can’t have a competition like this without a brilliant host in the likes of one Mr. Jimmy Crippen.

The finals comes down to chef Scott James of Midtown Grille and chef Dean Thompson of Flight’s Restaurant. If you didn’t know this already, both restaurants hail from within the friendly and popular confides of the North Hills Shopping Center.

I talked to Scott James in my last blog, which you can find here. And now we find out a little about our second competitor, Dean Thompson.

You’re brand new to the Fire in the Triangle competition. Were there any jitters prior to stepping in the kitchen and finding out your secret ingredient for the first time?

Thompson: I did go through the process with Chef Dean Wendel last year.  We didn't get as lucky last year and got beat in the second round.  Regardless, there is always butterflies going into every event.  This isn't something we do on a regular basis, so you're not sure how you match up to the competition.  When they name the secret ingredient you feel a quick sense of anxiety, but 10 minutes later you find your focus.  The hardest part of the day to me is watching my intro video, and hearing the scores for each dish.

Tell me a little about your background?

Thompson: I've been with the company Concord Hospitality and Renaissance Raleigh since the hotel opened in 2008.  I worked under the tutelage of Chef Wendel for 4.5 years.  We are very close to this day.  Chef Wendel is the best chef I've ever come across. Previous to my tenure at Renaissance Raleigh I was the Sous Chef at Hope Valley Country Club, in Durham NC.  I've also worked in some of the best restaurants in New England, Mill's Tavern and Mediterraneo Caffe. My management style is that I can be a coach, cheerleader, mentor, teammate, or physiologist.  I'm a leader who will do whatever it takes to create an environment of passion, pride, and team work.  My cooking style is based on the things I enjoy most.  Mostly with regional American influence.  I use fresh product and interesting flavor combinations, with an emphasis on using a minimal amount of ingredients.   I worked very hard to get to the Executive Chef position at Renaissance Raleigh and Flights restaurant, and we've had a lot of successes along the way.  I started as the Executive Sous Chef, and was given the opportunity to run the daily kitchen operations, everything from hiring, scheduling, menu development, food production, and everything else that goes into managing a full service hotel kitchen. 

I know it’s a friendly competition in the kitchen. Did you get along well with all the chefs you have battled against?

Thompson: Yes, I've gotten along with all the chefs.  I don't think we will be spending a lot of time together in the future, but to me this is like a fraternity.  It's a tough business so there's a mutual respect for the journey that we've all been through.  In order to be successful you have to have a confidence in your ability but humble in your approach. 

Competition Dining has some greats that everyone loves. Some of these amazing people include Jimmy Crippen, Chef Willard and Kristen Baughman. 

Thompson: My thoughts on the competition dining staff are simply put – professional.  I love working with the chefs, both Lawrence and Billy.  Kristen is sweet and Jimmy is a hard working genius.  I've been able to work with all of them, especially when they hold the Final Fire in our hotel.  Win, Lose, or Draw it's been great to be a part of such an amazing experience.  These are memories that don't go away!