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New Year’s Eve Dinner @ Sono!

December 11, 2010 By ZMaverick

New Year’s Eve Dinner in downtown Raleigh!

Sono Sushi Bar

Sono is right in the heart of downtown Raleigh’s New Year’s Eve celebration! This year, Sono has an amazing set menu for 50 dollars per person. Call today to make your dinner reservations: 919-521-5328!

New Year’s Eve Set Menu

50 dollars per person

1st CourseChoice of:

SEARED TUNA Fresh avocado crème fraiche, baby arugula, balsamic ponzu, garlic chips.

SASHIMI SPECIAL Red snapper carpaccio, seared salmon with Japanese mustard vinaigrette, bonito shoyu marinated tuna.

SUSHI TRADITIONAL 6 pieces chef’s choice nigiri sushi.

WHITE TUNA POKE Fresh white tuna, masago, chives, layu chili oil, tobiko caviar, nori chips.

PAN SEARED SCALLOPS U10 diver scallops, honey baked butternut squash soup, dark mushroom soy balsamic glaze.

2nd Course Choice of:

TUNA “WELLINGTON” Konbu soy marinated tuna, shitake duxelles, bonito infused prosciutto, sage butter miso, puff pastry.

SAUTÉED SHRIMP & UNI RISOTTO Jumbo white shrimp, uni puree, shari risotto, cilantro tempura.

GRILLED CHICKEN Kalbi marinade, house teriyaki, wasabi infused Japanese sweet potato puree.

SKIRT STEAK SSAM Asian pear infused anticucho marinade, onion relish, garlic chips, grilled romaine.

SPECIAL ROLL COMBINATION Your choice of any two rolls on our sushi menu.

SUSHI COMBINATION 7 pieces sushi and your choice of a roll. SONO SASHIMI SPECIAL Assorted chef’s choice sashimi served on “glowing glacier” and dry ice effect.

3rd Course Choice of:

GREEN TEA CHEESE
CAKE HOT FUDGE BROWNIE WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM
TRIO OF ICE CREAM

Sono Sushi Bar
319 Fayettville Street
Raleigh, N.C. 27601

Filed Under: Dining, Events, Featured, Nightlife Tagged With: raleigh restaurants, sono, Sushi

Ring in 2011 in Downtown Raleigh!

December 8, 2010 By ZMaverick

Ring in 2011
in downtown Raleigh!

Ring in 2011 at The Oxford Gastropub in downtown Raleigh! The capital city’s main celebrations (the acorn drop + fireworks) all take place on Fayetteville Street and you can be in the heart of the party.

We have dinner and late night celebrations. Dinner has limited seatings and we are offering a set menu. Call for reservations: 919.832.6622. Late night, we have live music from Aftershock, no cover, and a free champagne toast at midnight for everybody!

Oxford Raleigh

See full details on dinner + late night below…

The Dinner Menu

$45 per person during our 6pm or 7pm early dinner seatings
$55 per person during our 8pm or 9pm late night seatings

First Course
choice of:

FRIED PUMPKIN GNOCCHI
bleu cheese butter | toasted pumpkin seeds | arugula

OXFORD HOUSE OR CAESAR SALAD
choice of dressing: grain mustard vinaigrette | balsamic |
smoky chipotle ranch | bleu cheese

Second Course
choice of:

COLORADO LAMB RACK
curried chick peas | lentils & leeks | mint yogurt

BRAISED PORK SHANK
white bean ragout | duck confit | parsnip |
bing cherry gastrique

HERB ROASTED CHICKEN BREAST
cranberry & pecan rice pilaf | grilled asparagus | thyme veloute

GRILLED NEW YORK STRIP
roasted root vegetables | lump crab | caviar béarnaise

Third Course
choice of:

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE TIRAMISU

WARM APPLE CRISP

WHITE CHOCOLATE & CRANBERRY BRIOCHE BREAD PUDDING

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

Late Night – Ring in 2011!

Join us at the Oxford to enjoy the Triangle’s Premiere 80′s rock cover band, Aftershock! Playing from 10:30pm-2am you can rock out and sing along to popular songs of the 80s rock era. NO COVER! Free Champagne Toast at Midnight for everybody!

Call for reservations: 919.832.6622

The Oxford
319 Fayettville Street
Raleigh, N.C. 27601

Filed Under: Dining, Events, Featured, Music, Nightlife Tagged With: gastro pub, new years eve, Oxford, raleigh events

New Year’s Resolutions – Fitness!

November 12, 2010 By ZMaverick

Don’t dread your 2011 New Year’s resolutions…embrace them with ITB Fitness!

2011 is quickly approaching and the time has come to choose your New Year’s resolution. Most people choose to start a fitness routine in the new year with hopes of shedding those pesky extra pounds they gained over the Holidays. The difficulty isn’t the act of making this resolution or even starting the fitness routine; the difficulty comes in committing long term to the exercise program because it usually fails to fit into their lifestyle.

Most people admit that after a month they find themselves “too busy” to hit the gym or lacking the progress they expected to make, so they simply give up. One way to combat this popular affliction is to gather a few co-workers, friends, or family members and commit to a healthy New Year’s resolution together.

ITB Fitness can help you and your group create realistic goals and provide you with an effective exercise plan. The guidance you will receive from your certified personal trainer coupled with the motivation you’ll get from your group is a recipe for success!

Whether you have a fitness facility to use or not, ITB Fitness will provide you with creative and time efficient exercise routines tailored to your environment and your needs. Contact ITB Fitness for more information about personal and small group training; if you are still looking for that perfect gift for someone, give them the gift of fitness…it leads to a life well lived.

P.S. As a 2011 New Year incentive, ITB Fitness wants to give you $100 in cash! To claim your $100 in cash, all you have to do is get your company to utilize our corporate fitness services!

Happy Holidays, The ITB Fitness Team
info@itbfitness.com
919.302.0339
www.itbfitness.com

Filed Under: Featured, ITB Fitness, Sports & Recreation

Raleigh’s First Boutique and Bar Concept Opens

October 29, 2010 By ZMaverick

Eschelon Hospitalityventure is the sixth of Patel’s businesses under the Eschelon Hospitality umbrella and it

combines two of his passions into a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

Dapper Style House features the latest trends in menswear, women’s dresses and accessories.

Local designers, including Julkee Fashion and Holly Aiken, will also sell their items in the

downtown boutique. Dapper’s bar, highlighting creative cocktails and local brews, extends

across the entire width of the store.

“I wanted to create a space where folks can just be themselves, score some fabulous threads,

listen to some sweet grooves and enjoy a frosty beverage. A place where you could just be- be

accepted, be comfortable, be happy,” says Betzi Hekman, the store’s operator and buyer.

Hekman also emphasizes the importance of focusing on local artists and the community- hence

her brainchild “Nightingale Series” project. The Nightingale Series will release three new

photos each month during a First Friday celebration. The photos are taken by local photographer

Greg Myers and include twelve of North Carolina’s finest models, as well as Dapper Style

House’s trendy clothing. Inspired by fabulous fashion and life’s not-so-fabulous complications,

the Nightingale Series chronicles the tales of twelve different characters by telling one piece of

the story each month in three photos.

Dapper Style House’s grand opening event will be a downtown Raleigh “First Friday” event on

Friday, November 5, 2010. The event will feature the Nightingale Series models, food from

Eschelon Hospitality restaurants and live music.

About Eschelon Hospitality

Eschelon Hospitality was founded in 2006 by G. Patel with the purpose of developing and

delivering exciting and unique hospitality concepts to the Raleigh-Durham area. Eschelon takes

pride in creating new and trendy concepts. We take every measure to ensure our guests have a

memorable experience by operating to uncompromising standards of service, courtesy,

cleanliness and customer satisfaction.

Raleigh’s First Boutique and Bar Concept Opens Today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

919.306.5329

tzechini@eschelonhospitality.com

www.eschelonhospitality.com

Contact:

Tara Zechini

Raleigh, NC – October 28, 2010 — Dapper Style House – a unique boutique and bar concept -

opens today in downtown Raleigh. Owned by local entrepreneur Gaurav Patel, this business

Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Featured, Style & Beauty

DREADING HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN?

October 21, 2010 By ZMaverick

The holiday’s are swiftly approaching and that means an abundance of holiday feasting. From the gut stuffing day long turkey feast to the month long traditional celebrations of egg nog and fruit cake it is no wonder that people put on weight around the holidays. Temptation is everywhere and the majority consensus is that once defeated, surrender and indulge. After all, the New Year is the time for making health and fitness resolutions to get back into shape; right? Well…probably not the best way to head into the three month feasting season. Decide now how you will prepare for the upcoming stress of last minute ‘whatevers’ and ‘hard to resist’ treats. Having a well laid out fitness plan of realistic goals and time efficient workouts is the best way to get through the holiday season sans weight gain and guilt. Indulge in taking care of yourself by hiring an ITB Fitness certified personal trainer to provide you with the tools to thrive in health throughout the next few months. Having the right attitude and the right support going into the season will help you feel like you have some control over your mind and your body. Let ITB Fitness help you and/or a group of co-workers/friends stay focused on health this holiday season so your guilty pleasures can become enjoyable ones. Contact us today for a realistic and time efficient holiday workout program… info@itbfitness.com 919.302.0339 www.itbfitness.com

Filed Under: Featured, ITB Fitness, Sports & Recreation

Aveda Institute’s One Day Offer

October 18, 2010 By ZMaverick

Up to 54% OFF a $50 Voucher Towards ANY Menu Service at Aveda Institute!

www.ZSpotDeals.com

Today’s Deal:

You get $50 OFF ANY SERVICE offered at Aveda Institute Chapel Hill. Depending on how many people buy this deal you could pay as low $23.

View website for services offered: www.avedachapelhill.com

About Aveda Institute Chapel Hill:

Aveda Institute Chapel Hill is unlike any other cosmetology and beauty school. From creating a unique learning environment for cosmetology and esthiology students to simulating real-world experiences through our hands-on salon and spa training clinic.

Aveda Institutes (Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham and Greensboro, North Carolina) inspire hair, nail, makeup, skin care and spa students to exceed expectations and seek lifelong learning beyond the traditional classroom. Aveda beauty schools in NC promote the concept that education encompasses more than learning basic technical skills. An Aveda education for cosmetology and spa is about the student realizing their full potential and growing as an individual and a professional.

With world-class technical training under their belts, Aveda Institute Chapel Hill, NC graduates have excelled in a remarkable range of careers, including hair cutting, coloring, styling and skin care. Our cosmetic and esthetic curriculum is specifically designed to prepare beauty school students for the state licensing examination and allow them to learn the technical, personal and business skills necessary to work in a professional salon environment. Those searching for a strong cosmetology foundation need look no further than Aveda Institute Chapel Hill located in North Carolina.

Our experienced NC Licensed Instructors offer extensive knowledge of core fundamentals and advanced beauty techniques while providing students with the valuable business acumen and customer service skills necessary for a successful salon career.

Whether you are discovering your future or changing your career path, learn more by contacting NC’s most complete and acclaimed hair and spa school today.

Aveda Institute Chapel Hill
website
200 W Franklin St
Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Filed Under: 1/2 Off Gift Certificates, Featured, Great Deals, Style & Beauty

The Oxford Offers Private Corporate & Event Rooms

October 4, 2010 By ZMaverick

Private Parlor Room

The Oxford Gastro Pub in Downtown Raleigh is the perfect place to host your next big event. Bachelor parties, Baby Showers, Birthday Parties, Retirement Parties, Work Presentations… you name it!

To try this amazing restaurant, check out our 1/2 Off Gift Certificates: www.ZSpotlight.com/GreatDeals

You can also sign up for our Deal of the Day: www.ZSpotDeals.com

The private parlor room is the perfect intimate setting for a group looking for a reason to celebrate. The room accommodates 20-40 people for a sit down dinner meal or upwards of 80 people for a standing cocktail event. The parlor offers its own private bar with a bar tender to cater to you and your guests. The retractable big screen TV is yours to control feel free to watch the game or to show a slideshow of the happy couple at a rehearsal dinner or even a presentation for a work meeting. Keep your party V.I.P only with the privacy screens for the windows that overlook the main dining room and a faux fireplace and leather sofas to make your guests feel as comfortable as possible. The twinkling starlight ceiling can be altered to match your theme. Custom menus and setups can be created for your special event as well as buffet options.

The Oxford
319 Fayetteville St.
Raleigh , NC 27601
(919) 832-6622

Filed Under: Dining, Events

Deal Of The Day – Mangia Bistro

September 29, 2010 By ZMaverick

TODAY’S DEAL – www.ZSpotDeals.com

Mangia Bistro
2519 Fairview Road Raleigh
Raleigh, NC 27608

This is an exceptional offer considering the fact that it is being made for two great restaurants situation in one location. For $20 your voucher is good at either “Mangia Bistro” OR “Eats Kitchen and Bar” both of which are located in the same space across from each other.

So go ahead and take advantage of this great deal and then take your time on deciding on where to go. In fact wait until you get there to decide…either way you can’t go wrong. Both are exceptional. A little about these fine restaurants…

Situated at the corner of Fairview Road and Oberlin Road, “Mangia bistro” and “Eats kitchen and bar” brings a new flair to the typical Italian restaurant and world cuisine here in Raleigh. These are not chain restaurants, only the freshest and finest dishes are served here. Dine in, take away or even have your cuisine delivered on a Vespa motorscooter.

No compromises, no shortcuts, authentic Italian, great American….eat and enjoy.

Visit Mangia at: http://mangiaraleigh.com
or
Visit Eat at: http://raleigheat.com/

Filed Under: 1/2 Off Gift Certificates, Dining, Featured, Great Deals

Corporate Fitness Programs

September 23, 2010 By ZMaverick

There are so many reasons to commit to a fitness routine: improve your cardio health, lose weight, gain endurance, be a better example to your children; but what if one of the reasons was to improve your work environment?

Studies have shown that when an individual commits to a fitness routine with a friend or co-worker they are more likely to be committed a year later. The goal isn’t to create a “right now” workout, it’s to create a “lifestyle routine”.

Since you spend most of your time with the people you work with, utilizing them and making a commitment as a team will create the accountability and support needed to succeed with whatever your health goals are. At ITB Fitness, we believe in creating a Corporate Fitness program personalized to your group goals while understanding the specific needs of the individuals within your group. As a team you’ll learn to work together to encourage healthy eating habits, motivate each other to be active, and celebrate your health achievements; it’s a great way to improve company morale.

Gather a group of people at work willing to make a commitment to their health and ITB Fitness will create a fitness program that’s fun for everyone. There is no need to have a fitness facility on site as our team of certified personal and group fitness trainers are geared to setting up programs based on the workplace environment. Start now…annual physicals are right around the corner. When your doctor says “you need to start exercising”, you can say “I’m way ahead of you…ITB Fitness has helped me start a Corporate Fitness program”.

919.302.0339
info@itbfitness.com
www.itbfitness.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Effects of Lack of Sleep

September 22, 2010 By ZMaverick

The Effects of Lack of Sleep

The busier our lives get and the more we try to squeeze in everything we have to do, we snooze less. This is one of the worst things we can do to our bodies! Sleep deprivation impairs our coordination, reflexes, memory, productivity, concentration, can make us depressed, and decrease sex drive. Aside from the mental impairments lack of sleep can cause, it can also age our skin, weaken the immune system, and cause weight gain!

Getting enough sleep is a critical component of weight control. Lack of sleep can alter two important hormones that can lead to overeating and weight gain- ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin is an appetite stimulating hormone. Leptin is considered a satiety, or fullness, hormone. Sleep deprivation increases Ghrelin and decreases Leptin. When ghrelin levels are up people feel hungry. Low levels of leptin indicate starvation and increase appetite. These hormones have been called “the yin and yang of hunger.” One is the accelerator for eating (ghrelin) and the other is the brake (leptin). This may be a part of the reason why sleepy college students and new parents pack on weight.

Skipping hours of sleep may also make work outs less enjoyable because it is harder to get through. Inadequate amount of rest can prevent you from achieving the results of your exercise program. Results of exercise are accomplished during rest and recovery phase. If you want to peak your mental and physical condition you need lots of sleep.

The three important things everyone should do are clean eating, healthy sleeping, and fun exercise. Keep your hunger hormones in check by getting plenty of rest (7-8 hours a night). And the cool thing about exercise is it helps you sleep. So snuggle up!! It will help your body restore itself for the demands of tomorrow.

Filed Under: Featured, Rapid Fitness, Sports & Recreation Tagged With: fitness, krystal reynolds, sleep

The Power of the Core

June 21, 2010 By ZMaverick

Power of the Core

There are many people who think that abs and core means the same thing. The truth is the abs is just one area that makes up the core. Besides the “upper, lower and side” abs, the core also includes muscles of the low back, butt, hips, and the deep layer of the abdominals, called the transverse abdominus. If you want to locate the transverse abdominus, take a deep breath and cough. The area that you felt tighten up is the deep layer of the abs. Working the deep muscles contributes to a leaner, flatter appearance of the stomach.

The core is also known as the “powerhouse.” The core protects the spine, the low back, and stabilizes the pelvis. Training the core will improve posture, enhance athletic performance, increase balance, and prevent injuries, in addition to making the stomach flatter. Correcting posture will make you look slimmer instantly. Overtraining the abs and under training the core can increase the risk of low back pain and injury.

There are so many ways to train the powerhouse. This can include medicine balls, kettle bells, swiss balls, bosu’s, benches, weights, and cables. The list can go on and on. The easiest, cheapest, and most effective way is Pilates. Pilates is nothing new, and it was actually developed in 1912 by Joseph Pilates. The only thing you need is a mat and good form. Pilates works all the muscles of the abs, hips, low back, glutes, and even arms and shoulders. Pilates targets the stabilizer muscles, which are close to the skeleton. Even some top athletes and body builders have strong large muscles but their small stabilizer muscles are weak. Some may be interested in training the core for the health benefits, while others may be interested in it for the looks of a flatter stronger stomach and toned hips. No matter how strong you get your core, if your nutrition is not clean, your 6-pack will have a difficult time to show through the layers of fat.

You can find me at Rapid Fitness downtown every Wednesday at 7:30pm for a challenging Pilates class and know you are in good hands. All fitness levels are welcome!

KrystalReynolds.com

Filed Under: Featured, Rapid Fitness, Sports & Recreation

Rapid Fitness Opens New Location

May 13, 2010 By ZMaverick

Rapid Fitness North Raleigh

6150 Falls of Neuse Road
Raleigh, NC 27609

P 919-790-2400

Hours of Operation:
Now open!
Passport Membership includes pool access – Upgrade Today!
Monday – Friday 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Amenities:
Pool, Hot Tub, Steam Room – Sauna, Chiropractic, Indoor Track, Massage Therapy, Child Care, Sauna, Spin Room, Smoothie Bar, Personal Training, Group Fitness, Aerobics e

Filed Under: Featured, Rapid Fitness, Sports & Recreation

AVEDA INSTITUTE CHAPEL HILL RAISES OVER $4,000 FOR FLASHES OF HOPE

February 24, 2010 By ZMaverick

CHAPEL HILL—The Aveda Institute Chapel raised over $4000 for Flashes of Hope recently during its monthly tip for a cause campaign. Flashes of Hope is a non-profit organization that works with commercial photographers to provide free portraits to children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses. The Aveda Institute Chapel Hill is a school of cosmetology and skin care. Each month students and staff raise funds for charity through tips donated by service guests. For more information call 919.960.4769 or visit us at www.avedachapelhill.com.

Aveda offers local an amazing deal with a few 1/2 Off Gift Certificates on ZSpot.com. Check them out here!

And also, you can always show your ZSpotCard, and will be receiving an incentive every time you visit!

www.avedachapelhill.com

Filed Under: Charity Events, Events, Featured, Great Deals, Style & Beauty, ZSpotCard Tagged With: aveda institute

Tobacco Road Cellars Wine Series Set to Begin @ Solas

February 17, 2010 By ZMaverick

Tobacco Road Cellars Wine Series Set to Begin

Billed as “Not Your Typical Winemaker Dinner”

January 25, 2010; Raleigh, NC – Boutique winery, Tobacco Road Cellars, is hosting a wine
series at Solas in the Glenwood South entertainment district of downtown Raleigh beginning
Wednesday, January 27th and following on February 24th and March 24th.

Winery owner Jason Earnest will walk the dining room and introduce Tobacco Road Cellars to diners as well as offer special pricing for some of his winery’s highly acclaimed vintages like Tobacco Road ‘s deep red with soft purple rim, lifted bright fresh berry fruit showing red currant and blueberry notes. Rich mouth filling weight that swamps the palate with ripe, juicy flavor that runs through to a long and fine tannin finish.”

Also featured on January 27th is a Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highland, one of California’s up and coming viticulture regions. In fact, many wine writers and enthusiasts agree that the Santa Lucia Highlands stands shoulder to shoulder among the top names in Pinot. From Santa Barbara’s White Hawk Vineyard, Earnest is introducing a beautiful Syrah created through a 100% signature single vineyard. This region is quickly being recognized by wine connoisseurs the world over as a top producing wine region.

“Drinking good wine is an experience, something special; it’s a celebration of sharing, connecting with someone and making memories,” says Earnest. The North Carolina native started Tobacco Road Cellars in 2004 after going to Napa Valley on a whim to create own wine to give as holiday gifts. After bottling 25 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and tasting his bounty, Earnest was bitten by this new passion. Earnest has not lost sight on what brought his vision to where he is today. He plans on keeping Tobacco Road Cellars very intimate, keeping it a oneon-one personal experience that is lacking in today’s world.

“From the succulent grapes that we hand pick, to the high-end French oak barrels we use for aging, to the delicate hand-dipped wax seal, we pay attention to every single detail and demand the highest quality at every level,” remarked Earnest. Today, Tobacco Road Cellars has a halfdozen bottlings under its belt, a host of loyal collectors and wine enthusiasts vying for a bottle of their limited production, and the endorsement of Gary Vaynerchuk of the nation’s best-known wine aficionados. Tobacco Road Cellars also was just named “Winery of the Month” by Amanda Hagood of The

Reservations are recommended for the Tobacco Road Wine Series at Solas where diners also will enjoy an award winning meal from Executive Chef Cliff Vogelsberg.

What: Tobacco Road Cellars Winer SeriesSharon Delaney McCloud; 919-810-5085; sharondmccloud@gmail.com

When: January 27th, February 24th and March 24th

Time: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Where: Solas – 419 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh

Reservations: Call Solas now at 919-755-0755

Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Dining, Events, Featured, Nightlife, Wine Tagged With: Solas, solas-raleigh, tobacco-road-cellars

Mura of North Hills – ZSpotCard Raleigh

February 4, 2010 By ZMaverick

What a great ZSpotCard deal!

Mura Japanese Steakhouse of North Hills Mall in Raleigh, N.C. has become a favorite for singles and couples to enjoy high end sushi in a romantic environment. This Raleigh sushi restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, as well as private dining options for corporate and special events. Be sure to visit Mura’s website to see all they have to offer.

We are excited to announce to all of our ZSpotCard holders that each time you purchase a sushi roll, you can receive a 2^nd of equal or lesser value for 50% off every time you show your ZSpotCard.

It’s as easy as that! So make sure to keep your ZSpotCard handy, and tell your friends about this wonderful deal. There are hundreds of savings everywhere you go if you own our valuable ZSpotCard, so visit the site today, and continue to save. These days, every dollar truly does count, and we promote you to support the local businesses in the world of Z that want to offer you great reasons to come experience their products and services.

Links of interest:
Mura Japanese Steakhouse
ZSpotlight.com
½ Off Gift Certificates
Every Day ZSpotCard Offers
ZSpot Daily Blog

Mura Japanese Fine Dining
4121 Main at North Hills St.
Suite 110, North Hills Mall Raleigh , NC 27609
(919) 781-7887

Filed Under: Dining, Featured, Great Deals, ZSpotCard, ZSpotlight News

Carolina Ale House hosts Canes Cool Bar Tour 2009

September 25, 2009 By ZMaverick

Carolina Ale House is the Exclusive Host of the Canes Cool Bar Tours Once Again

Carolina Ale House and the Carolina Hurricanes Team up for Another Great Season of Hockey

Raleigh, NC – When the Canes are on the road during the 2009-2010 season, Caniac fans will once again gather at Carolina Ale House for the Canes Cool Bars Tour. All Carolina Ale House locations will play host to games, contests, prizes, raffles and more. The Canes’ mascot, Stormy, will be in the house, as well as Ron the Ref & members of the Eye Care Associates Storm Squad.

The 2009-2010 Cool Bar Tour schedule is:

Wed., Oct. 21^st, 7P, Canes vs. NYI @ Cary (2240 Walnut St. Cary)

Wed., Nov. 4^th, 7:30P, Canes vs. FLA @ Brier Creek (7981 Skyland Ridge Pkwy. Raleigh)

Wed., Dec. 9^th, 7P, Canes vs. NJ @ Wake Forest (11685 Northpark Dr. Wake Forest)

Fri., Dec. 18^th, 7:30P, Canes vs. FLA @ North Raleigh (4512 Falls of Neuse Rd. Raleigh)

Thur., Jan. 14^th, 7:30P, Canes vs. DET @ Brier Creek (7981 Skyland Ridge Pkwy. Raleigh)

Sat., Jan. 23^rd, 1P, Canes vs. PHI @ Wilmington (317-C College Rd. Wilmington)

Sat., Feb. 6^th, 7P, Canes vs. NYI @ Durham (3911 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd. Durham)

Wed., Mar. 10^th, 7P, Canes vs. WSH @ Cary (2240 Walnut St. Cary)

Wed., Mar. 31^st, 7P, Canes vs. MTL @ Wake Forest (11685 Northpark Dr. Wake Forest)

Sat., Apr. 10, 1P, Canes vs. BOS @ Raleigh (512 Creekside Dr. Raleigh)

Carolina Ale House has great daily food and drink specials, as well as separate smoking and non-smoking sections (with air purifiers) so the whole family can come out and cheer the Canes on to victory.

Fans that attend five of the 10 Cool Bar events will be entered to win a unique hockey stick chair autographed by the Carolina Hurricanes at the end of the season. (See EXAMPLE of the chair attached. This is not the actual chair.) Some restrictions will apply. Cool Bars schedules are available at any Carolina Ale House and at the RBC Center.

Carolina Ale House (www.CarolinaAleHouse.com), celebrating 10 years of business in 2009, boasts eleven locations (six locations in the Triangle, a location in Terminal 2 of RDU International Airport, two locations South Carolina and two in South Florida.) Additional locations are in the works for 2009 (Fayetteville & Wilmington, NC) and two more confirmed for 2010 (Greenville, SC and a rooftop concept in downtown Raleigh.) LM Restaurants is the parent company of Carolina Ale House and several other award-winning restaurants on the East coast (www.lmrest.com).

Filed Under: Dining, Events, Featured, Nightlife, Sports & Recreation Tagged With: carolina ale house, carolina hurricanes, cool bars, hurricanes hockey, raleigh hockey

Boylan Bridge Brewpub of Raleigh Adds Music

June 3, 2009 By ZMaverick

Initially, the Boylan Bridge Brewpub was adamant about the fact that they would not install TVs or have music, citing they wanted their pub to be a place where discussion among friends, co-workers and neighbors would predominate throughout the pub. And now with groups of congregating customers on their bridge-side patio for one of the best views of downtown Raleigh, the owner/manager of the Brewpub has now changed their mind and announced that a sound system has been installed for entertainment. Manager MC Palermo has announced the venue now has “ALL SIX of our own beers on tap and we have installed a sound system. That’s right. Music. Playing. At the Brewpub. It’s incredible. Come check us out.”

Background on the venue:

Andrew Leager is the owner of the Boylan Bridge Brewpub,, and his vision was to create a pub with a comfortable atmosphere, where people can relax. A few years ago Andrew had been searching for a larger space continue his design and construction business. He noticed the old 1950s railroad building on Boylan Avenue and thought the bottom-floor basement would be the perfect site to relocate. Being an amateur craft beer-brewer for more than ten years, the idea for an old-fashioned community pub came to Andrew, and he thought his concept would work well upstairs. His idea was to build a corner bar in the community where locals can gather for meaningful conversation over a good beer.

Boylan Brewpub serves craft beer brewed on-site by brewmaster Mark Fesche, and obviously the main focus of the pub is serving beer!

Boylan Bridge Pub offers cozy wooden booths similar to those at Player’s Retreat. The patio and view of downtown Raleigh is the most attractive feature of this new venue. The booths have power plugs for laptops and other electronic devices and free wi-fi is available for customers. The pub is open from early morning till late at night, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. The menu items available include chicken wings, cheese fries, pizza, burgers and fish and chips, as well as pasta, pork chops, fish, homemade chili and weekly pig-pickings on the patio, weather permitting. More to follow in the coming months!

Contact info:

Boylan Bridge Brewpub
201 South Boylan Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27603
919.803.8927
www.boylanbridge.com

Filed Under: Music, Nightlife Tagged With: boylan bridge brewpub, brewpub raleigh, raleigh beer, raleigh patio, raleigh pub

Luxury Butler Limousine Concierge Joins ZSpotlight.com

June 2, 2009 By ZMaverick

June 1st, 2009 – Luxury Butler Limousine Concierge signs with ZSpotlight.com, offering high end personal concierge services including airplane, helicopter, and limousine services. For more information visit www.ZSpotlight.com or www.luxurybutler.com.

www.ZSpotlight.com/greatdeals

Filed Under: Great Deals, Nightlife, ZSpotlight News Tagged With: airplane raleigh, concierge raleigh, helicopter raleigh, lifestyle raleigh, limo raleigh, limousine raleigh, limousines raleigh, luxury butler, zspotlight

Champa Thai Cafe Reopens, Offers Cash Deals Vs. Credit Cards

June 2, 2009 By ZMaverick

Champa Thai Cafe closed back in April, due to a tough economy. They have now opened back up with “new stimulus deals” on their menu, with one price for credit card payments and a dollar cheaper for meals paid for with cash. Their website that states that they will be open from 10-7pm now. Lunch and very early dinner.

Now if you can only find an ATM machine!

Filed Under: Dining, Uncategorized Tagged With: Champa Thai Cafe Raleigh, economy raleigh, raleigh cafe

Raleigh Museum Opens Chocolate Lecture Series

May 19, 2009 By ZMaverick

Devil’s Food or Taste of Heaven: Museum opens chocolate lecture series

RALEIGH – The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh presents “Devil’s Food or Taste of Heaven” on Tuesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. Join Terry Graedon, medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy, and Kit Gruelle, renowned pastry chef and certified chocoholic, as they discuss the history of chocolate, how the treatment of chocolate affects its flavor, and what recent research tells us about the health effects of chocolate. Low-fat and low-sugar chocolate samples will be available for tasting.

Terry Graedon, along with her husband Joe, published the best-selling “The People’s Pharmacy” in 1976, one of the first books providing drug and health information to consumers. Since then, the Graedons have written many more books in The People’s Pharmacy series, as well as The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper column, which is widely distributed in the United States and abroad. They also co-host an award-winning health talk show that airs weekly on more than 500 stations through public radio, in which they discuss issues relating to drugs, herbs, home remedies, vitamins and related health topics.

Pastry chef Kit Gruelle approached Graedon years ago, curious about the real nutritional value of chocolate. Gruelle’s clientele at the time consisted of participants in a local weight-loss program at Duke University who were eager to find low-fat, low-calorie desserts to curb their “urge to splurge.” Instantly inspired by their first meeting, the two women began collaborating and in 2003 produced “Chocolate Without Guilt,” a cookbook that offers “palate-pleasing solutions to the sweet, decadent and sometimes dark world of chocolate.”

Tickets are $10 ($8 for Friends) per lecture or $25 ($20 for Friends) for the entire series (3 lectures). You may purchase tickets online at www.naturalsciences.org or by calling 919.733.7450 x212. For additional information, contact Elizabeth Iaquinta at 919.733.7450 x352.

This is the first of three lectures complementing the Museum’s current special exhibit, “Chocolate,” which runs through September 7, 2009. This exhibit explores the plant, the products and the culture of chocolate through the lenses of science and history. You’ll begin in the rainforest with the unique cacao tree whose seeds started it all. Visit the ancient Maya civilization of Central America and discover what chocolate meant nearly 1,500 years ago. Then travel forward in time and witness chocolate’s introduction to the upper classes of European society and its transformation into a mass-produced world commodity. “Chocolate” will engage your senses and reveal facets of this sumptuous sweet that you’ve never thought about before. Exhibit tickets are $7 for Adults, $5 for Seniors (age 65+) and Students (with ID), $4 for Children (age 5-11).

Additional “Chocolate” lectures:

Chocolate Making: From Bean to Bar

Wednesday, July 15, 7 p.m.

Discover the secret of making great chocolate with Hallot Parson, co-owner and chocolate maker at Escazu Artisan Chocolates. Taste chocolate made from several varieties of bean sourced from Costa Rica and Venezuela.

Of Chocolate and Kings: The Origins and History of Chocolate in Ancient Mexico

Tuesday, September 1, 7 p.m.

Join Dorie Reents-Budet, Curator of the Art of the Ancient Americas collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, for a discussion of the origins of chocolate, its social and economic roles, and its myriad recipes among the Olmecs, the Maya and the Aztecs.

Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Dining, Uncategorized Tagged With: affects of chocolate, chocolate flavors, chocolate tasting raleigh, Devil's Food, Kit Gruelle, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, pastry chef raleigh, raleigh chocolate, Taste of Heaven

Seaboard Station Now Offering Live Music on Fridays

May 15, 2009 By ZMaverick

For all your live music, visit http://www.ZSpotlight.com

“Music on the Porch” at Seaboard Station
Friday, May 15

Friday Nights 7pm-9pm
Seaboard Station by Peace China and Ace Hardware

A Neighborhood/Business partnership brings back the fun…

- Starting May 15th, 2009
- Free music every Friday night this spring and summer.
- Located on the backside parking lot next Peace China and Ace Hardware.
- The band will setup on the porch next to the restaurant.
- Please feel free to bring lawn chairs and take over the parking lot area.
- This setup should reduce traffic and provide room for the kids to run around.
- The music will be sponsored by Peace China, Ace Hardware, Seaboard Fitness, and Seaboard Wine.
- Peace China has on-premise license, so customers can enjoy a cold beer while you relax.
- Several of the businesses will remain open to allow access to restrooms.

Filed Under: Music Tagged With: first friday raleigh, live music raleigh, raleigh entertainment, seaboard raleigh, Seaboard Station

The Mile High Club Party @ The Mint

May 15, 2009 By ZMaverick

Next Events is scheduled for June 2009. Visit http://www.ZSpotlight.com/themilehighclub

The Mile High Club Party is an exclusive dance party hosted by The Mint on Fayettville Street in Raleigh and www.ZSpotlight.com, the areas largest dining and entertainment guide.

Get ready to take off! ZSpotlight is giving you wings and transforming Raleigh’s most prestigious restaurant The Mint into an upscale night club once a month. Flights take off once a month. Boarding begins at 10:30pm and the flight is taking off at 12:00am. The Skyy will be the limit, and we’re taking you to the ultimate dance destination. ZSpotlight is taking Raleigh’s nightlife into the highest altitude. Introducing nitrous-infused drinks, 02 to keep you up on cloud nine, and Smartwater to hydrate you all the way. Seats on this flight are very exclusive and limited, so book your flight now. This is one flight you definitely don’t want to miss!

To get your tickets, click here!

Filed Under: Dining, Nightlife, ZSpotlight News Tagged With: mile high club, mint restaurant raleigh, raleigh events, special events raleigh, the mint restaurant, upscale nightlife raleigh, zspot, zspotlight

The Busy Bee Cafe is now open!

April 21, 2009 By ZMaverick

The Busy Bee is now open in Raleigh. To visit their website, click here. For more of the best restaurants, visit www.ZSpotlight.com, the Triangle’s largest dining guide.

Old Habits is a traditional bluegrass band hailing from Raleigh, NC (& the surrounding area). The band’s origins go back to when brothers Craig & Bennett Thompson started picking with Lin Peterson in early 2002. After pursuing newgrass for a while (in the original Old Habits) the 3 got together in April 2003 with Brian English for a garage picking session at the Groveland Estate near NCSU. Several fiddle tunes later the sound was complete. In 2006, the guys welcomed Chad Johnson to the group on guitar.

The members have similar interests in playing traditional and progressive bluegrass, drawing influences from Ricky Skaggs, Tony Rice, Del McCoury, Sam Bush and Tim O’Brien. Old Habits has quickly developed a classic sound, fueled by powerful harmonies and strong instrumentals. Expect a fun show filled with a mix of original material and traditional bluegrass songs.

Filed Under: Dining Tagged With: busy bee raleigh, raleigh cafe, raleigh times cafe

Poole’s Diner Featured in Gourmet Magazine

April 21, 2009 By ZMaverick

Last week, Poole’s Downtown Diner got an amazing review in Gourmet Magazine’s online section Restaurants Now.

Filed Under: Dining Tagged With: raleigh diners, raleigh gourmet restaurants, raleigh magazine dining, raleigh poole

New Year’s Eve Dinner @ Sono!

Ring in 2011 in Downtown Raleigh!

New Year’s Resolutions – Fitness!

Raleigh’s First Boutique and Bar Concept Opens

DREADING HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN?

Aveda Institute’s One Day Offer

The Oxford Offers Private Corporate & Event Rooms

Deal Of The Day – Mangia Bistro

Corporate Fitness Programs

The Effects of Lack of Sleep

The Power of the Core

Rapid Fitness Opens New Location

AVEDA INSTITUTE CHAPEL HILL RAISES OVER $4,000 FOR FLASHES OF HOPE

Tobacco Road Cellars Wine Series Set to Begin @ Solas

Mura of North Hills – ZSpotCard Raleigh

Carolina Ale House hosts Canes Cool Bar Tour 2009

Boylan Bridge Brewpub of Raleigh Adds Music

Luxury Butler Limousine Concierge Joins ZSpotlight.com

Champa Thai Cafe Reopens, Offers Cash Deals Vs. Credit Cards

Raleigh Museum Opens Chocolate Lecture Series

Seaboard Station Now Offering Live Music on Fridays

The Mile High Club Party @ The Mint

The Busy Bee Cafe is now open!

Poole’s Diner Featured in Gourmet Magazine

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