Here are the results from a press release sent out by David's Bridal (www.davidsbridal.com):
#DOS and #DONTS
Observations from Charlotte's social scene
Yes, this is a bit of a sticky subject: overactive sweat glands. It's something I hadn't really thought about until one of my favorite socials on the Charlotte scene openly told me once during a party that they suffered from this problem. Even though I have never seen them look anything other than perfect and poised, it was something that was a constant source of anxiety for them.
If you suffer from this condition too, here's a chance to learn about a possible solution in a super stylish setting. Dr. Elizabeth Rostan is giving out information about the new miraDry procedure, which is billed as "a revolutionary treatment to end under arm sweating." She'll talk during a special event at Taylor Richards & Conger from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 22 at the Phillips Place boutique that houses both the men's store Taylor Richards & Conger and its women's store, TRC W.
The newest Porsches from Hendrick Porsche will be on display and there are giveaway drawings of prizes from Charlotte Skin & Laser, Hendrick Porsche, TRC W and Taylor Richards & Conger.
Space is limited; RSVP at 704-366-9092; or email rp@trcstyle.com.
Follow Olivia on Twitter @oliviafortson
I'm so excited about this event I feel like
wagging my tail.
On May 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Mint Museum Randolph is
hosting a Yappy Hour. The invitation encourages guests to celebrate furry tails
with cocktails. Cute!
There will be pet-friendly activities, games, door prizes
and more. Mint members get in free and enjoy one drink on the museum’s tab; a
cash bar takes care of the rest. For nonmembers the admission is $5. All dogs on
a leash are welcome. If you don’t have a dog, you’re still welcome to attend.
Details: 704-337-2000; www.mintmuseum.org.
Follow Olivia on Twitter @oliviafortson
I've just returned from the funeral service for a man who had a reputation as being one of Charlotte's best cooks. He was adored by business titans including Hugh McColl Jr. and was sketched by famous fresco artist Ben Long. But most importantly he was a man of kindness and character who was loved by his enormous family and his many friends who gathered at A. E. Grier and Sons Funeral Home this afternoon to say goodbye.
David Frank Williams, known as "Big Dave," died May 3 at Presbyterian Hospital. His obituary in the paper was small and didn't have a photo, so I wanted to make sure those who knew and loved him were aware that he died at age 71.
It was an absolutely beautiful service and so spiritual and meaningful that afterward I felt sanctified.
It also reminded me that sometimes after people die, we learn fascinating things about them that we wished we had known while they were alive. But many, including David, aren't braggers, so they don't go around tooting their own horn.
In the funeral program, we learned that although Dave was born in Charlotte and attended York Road High School, he started his restaurant career working at the famous Hotel Piccadilly on 45th Street and Broadway in New York City. The hotel near Times Square was torn down in the early 1980s is now the site of the Marriott Marquis, but when Dave was there in its heyday he served a list of famous people including Elizabeth Taylor, Sammy Davis Jr. and President John F. Kennedy.
When he returned to Charlotte he worked at a hotspot of the time, a restaurant called Shenanigans on Independence Boulevard. In the late 1980s, he started working at Fenwick's and was there until his retirement a couple of years ago.
If you've never been to Fenwick's, it's truly a little gem on Charlotte's restaurant scene. It's owned by Catherine and Don Rabb. Observer Food section readers know Catherine as our popular wine columnist and she's also a senior instructor at Johnson & Wales.
My father had a knack for sniffing out great places, so when I became a student at Queens it didn't take him long to find Fenwick's. One of the biggest treats in the world for me was when he would come visit and take me to Fenwick's for a Blue Cheese Burger. I thought it was the best thing ever. Dave would cook it and Don's good looking son Dane would serve it while I sat there with my father that I loved so much. Let me tell you, I was one happy girl.
Several years later when I moved to the Eastover neighborhood right behind Fenwick's, my husband and I became regulars and we still call it our club. All the wonderful people we've met there over the years are our Fenwick's Friends.
Through it all Dave was always there, always supervising the grill and always had a smile on his face. He also always had a toothpick at work. When Don Rabb got up to speak at the funeral on behalf of all the Fenwick's staff, he told a funny story about how one of Dave's wealthy regular customers gave him a gold toothpick as a gift, but he never brought that one to work.
Our Food Editor Kathleen Purvis wasn't able to attend the funeral because she was signing copies of two of her books at a big author event today, but she told me that Dave never missed a day of work unless he was on vacation. She was a big fan of his and loved to watch the magical way he could work that grill with all different kinds of meats and fish going at once and they were all cooked to perfection. Fans of his fried oysters say they were the best they've ever had anywhere.
Dave's son, "Little Dave" works there now and is also a fantastic cook. He's added a few innovative things to the menu and is known for his baking skills (Fenwick's desserts are divine).
And now another of Don and Catherine's good looking sons, Dustin, is working there and to me he looks so much like his older half-brother Dane. The cycle of life goes on. Big Dave is joyous and at peace in heaven. And all his Fenwick's Friends, and all those who loved him, will never forget him and his calming presence that radiated strength and character. And his smile.
Follow Olivia on Twitter @oliviafortson
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute Gala is my favorite celebrity fashion event of the year, surpassing even the Oscars.
The 2014 gala honored the British-born designer Charles James (1906-1978) whose refined and lush gowns were beautifully constructed. He was particularly fond of strapless dresses.
I think it's always fun to look through photos of guests at these major events and decide who, if you could only name one person, would be your pick for best dressed.
To me, it was 22-year-old British model Suki Waterhouse, a.k.a. actor Bradley Cooper's current flame. I think it's important to follow the theme of the gala, and her Burberry gown was absolute perfection. It was reminiscent of James' ultra feminine creations, but still looked modern. I feel sure that since James began his career as a designer when he opened a hat shop in Chicago, he would have tipped his topper to Miss Waterhouse if he had seen her on the red carpet. The right woman in the right dress at the right time is truly a beautiful thing.
Charlotte Plastic Surgery (www.charlotteplasticsurgery.com) was started in 1951 when Dr. William Berkeley became the first plastic surgeon to serve the Charlotte community. More than 60 years later, it has continued its reputation as one of the most acclaimed plastic surgery centers in North Carolina.