NCSU/UNC students win Urban Land Institute competition

Yesterday we received the news that the team comprised of NCSU/UNC students did in fact win the Urban Land Institute's Gerald D. Hines competition. Not only does that mean big things for the students -- $50,000 and great portfolio material, but it's also a big deal for both institutions as well. A huge congratulations to those guys.

Say it ain't so Raleigh.....

Tuesday night I got the news... It's funny how the closing of a small upstairs restaurant can have such an effect on so many, but damn... it did. The Rockford was the scene for many of my most cherished memories over the past 15 years and it's hard to believe that it's really gone. It's the little things in life that truly make a difference and the Rockford was full of those. Whether it was the bartender who went out of her way to make a drink "right" for the pain-in-the-ass customer, the waitress who was seemingly always in a bad mood but yet somehow profoundly human, the "specials" menu dedicated to keeping music lovers entertained, or just the simple comfort of a meatloaf sandwich... The Rockford always just seemed right somehow and made me feel at home. I think an anonymous letter taped to the door sums it up best...

"Thanks for the good times, food, drinks, and friendship..."

Through the years we've lost our share of great places; the original Humble Pie, Vin & The Sting Ray to name a few. Hopefully the reopening of Kings will help bring us back to where we need to be. As things stand now though, Raleigh just got a lot less cool.

Vollis Simpson featured in the NY Times

Local Folk Art legend Vollis Simpson featured in the New York Times

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