May 2012

Our cover story focuses on Josh Parker, the 28-year-old developer who's trying to surmount downtown's largest remaining hurdle: redeveloping the mammoth Chesterfield Building at the corner of Main and Duke streets. It's the most in-depth piece of journalism we've published in our 4+ year history, and we intend to do more of the same going forward. We hope you'll give it a read and tell us what you think.

We sent the piece to Josh, and he praised it, though I don't think he was nuts about our cover headline, Is Josh Parker For Real? For what it's worth, the answer to that question is probably a yes, but the smart, likable and extremely ambitious Parker still is a bit of an unproven commodity. Email me at mattdees@durhammag.com with any comments or criticisms.

Elsewhere, you'll find the winners of our 2nd annual Best of Durham reader poll.

Voters selected their favorites in more than 70 categories, and we list the gold, silver and bronze medalists (hey, it's an Olympic year) in each. We highlighted 8 of the winners, including Dame's Chicken & Waffles, Best Teacher Jeff Burch, Best Artist Steven Ray Miller, Everything But Grannies Panties, Linda Dickerson, Cuban Revolution and The Kitchen Specialist. Read all about 'em!

Spring means golf season is in full swing, so editorial intern and Duke junior Rachel Apostoles checked in with four Durham golf courses - Croasdaile, Hope Valley, Hillandale and Treyburn - and met some of their devoted regulars. And Columnist Chad Whited even got a lesson from Ed Ibarguen, the PGA Master Professional at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. Be sure to read about his experience, then see if Ed can't help shave a stroke or 10 off your game.

Assistant Editor Amanda MacLaren and photographer Briana Brough were in for a treat when they got a home-cooked meal from Antonio Rios and Danielle Martini-Rios, owners of Blue Corn Café. Check out their feast and learn more about the remarkable husband-and-wife team.

Our Great Home feature focuses on the gorgeous, fully renovated Croasdaile house of Jeff Files. You don't want to miss the amazing photos and the cool story by Community & Events Editor Dana Lange about the partnership between Jeff and interior designer Teresa Chancellor of Teresa's on Main.

The new issue is on stands tomorrow - Parker & Otis, Whole Foods, The Regulator Bookshop, Sam's Quik Shop, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Kerr Drug - so go grab yours!