into the playoffs in April. While the seasonended with a disappointing 4-0 sweep loss tothe Orlando Magic, the Bobcats had to fig-ure they would be back in the postseason thisyear.

Fiscal restraint over the summer cost themstarting point guard Raymond Felton andpart-time starter Tyson Chandler.

In their place now are former first-roundpick D.J. Augustin and free agent signees likeShaun Livingston and Kwame Brown.

Here’s what Jackson and Wallace had tosay about the season during an interview onMedia Day with Southern Sports JournalEditor Richard Walker.

Southern Sports Journal: Now that youmade the playoffs last year, what are thisyear’s goals?Jackson: We just want to be better than lastyear. If you come into the season wanting toget better, that answers all questions as far asgetting farther in the playoffs. We had agreat year last year but we have to be a betterteam this year. But I think you’ll see us in theplayoffs and being a team that’s more solidi-fied at the end of the season.

SSJ: The Eastern Conference, by virtuallyeveryone’s estimation, got better in the off-season, particularly in Miami where they re-signed Dwyane Wade and signed LeBronJames and Chris Bosh. Where do theBobcats fit in?Jackson: I was talking to somebody about aweek ago that everything has shifted to theEast again. The West has probably twodominant teams and the competition is inthe East again. I think it’s good for usbecause last year I think we kinda settledagainst teams that were under .500. Wekinda played to their level. We know wecan’t do that this year. We have to come outand play every game like we’re playing theLakers or the Miami Heat.

SSJ: You didn’t add any draft picks or makemany high profile moves in the offseason. Sohow will your team be better?Wallace: I think the main thing is thatwe’ve finally gotten a team that’s put togeth-er in training camp. Hopefully, there’s nomiddle of the season acquisitions and any-thing like that. I know teams are looking atus as not adding any key players and we lostone of the key players to our playoff run lastyear in Raymond Felton. So it’s going to bean adjustment for us. But I can assure thefans they’re going to get the same competi-tive Bobcats we’ve been over the years andwill play the best that we can be.Jackson: I said it last year and I’m going tostick by it this year. The big thing is that wehave to believe in ourselves first. We have toremember that feeling we had when weplayed Milwaukee at the end of the seasonand how crazy this place was. And they cameout because we were winning games anddoing what we were supposed to do. If wedo our job, everything else will take care ofitself. Even with the new guys, the core isstill the same. We don’t have Raymond here,but I think we have guys that can fill thosespots and I think we’ll be OK.

SSJ: So do you think you’ve kept up with therest of the conference?Wallace: No. Because we lost some keyplayers. We lost Raymond and Tyson andthey were key players. But we’re going intothis knowing Dwyane didn’t have LeBronand Chris Bosh on his team last year so it’san adjustment for him. We’re equal as any-body else in training camp. We just have towork harder and improve ourselves morethan some of those teams with talented play-ers. But it’s not something that we can’t do.We just have to push ourselves and, at theend of the day, look to the goals that we canaccomplish.

continues on page 5

JACKSON & WALLACE INTERVIEW continues

GERALD WALLACEA fierce competitor on either endof the court. In the past we triedto find a photo without the protruding mouthpiece, but nowwe’ve come to love this Jordan-esque display of concentration.

R eserve your seats now for the 12th annual boxing and entertainment galabenefiting the Fight Night for Kids Foundation, a 501-C3 non-profitorganization.The Foundation has raised over $1,000,000 to assist numer-

ous children‚ through various charities across Mecklenburg County. The black tieextravaganza starts with a reception, followed by gourmet dining in the ballroom,then live entertainment followed by a live auction. The evening’s main event: liveprofessional boxing sanctioned by the World Boxing Council. When the bellsounds, ringside is where you’ll want to be.

And rest assured, you’ll be joined by some recognizable faces—professionalatheletes, prominent business folk and celebriies of every variety. Make plans toattend this great event now—learn more online at www.FightNightforKids.org.

First, let’s go with boxing. Ladies and gentlemen, your attentionplease—the undisputed champion of youth charity events hasentered the arena— it’s FIGHT NIGHT FOR KIDS, January 20th, 2011.

BOXERS AND BALLERINAS

Performing Arts Seasonin Full Swing at BlumenthalNothing whispers World-Class like thesupport for the arts that has madeCharlotte a model for other cities seek-ing to add culture, pizzazz and interestfor residents and visitors alike.Generations of stewardship and phil-antrhopy in the Queen City are to thankfor the abundance of vibrant art of everysort–alive and breathtaking this very season. See the entire season schedule atwww.ProwlerMagazine.com.

EVENTS & AT TR ACT ION S

BURT SUGAR

each biscuit into two layers. Press eachbiscuit layer to form 3 1/2-inch roundpieces.3) Place 1 rounded tablespoon cheesemixture on each dough round. Wrapdough around cheese mixture, pinch-ing edges to seal. Repeat with remain-ing can of dough and cheese mixture.4) Arrange 8 balls, seam side down andsides almost touching, to form ring onsprayed cookie sheet, leaving 3-inchhole in center. Arrange 14 balls, sidesalmost touching, around outside of firstring. Arrange remaining 18 ballsaround outside of second ring. Brushwreath with beaten egg. Sprinkle withsesame seed.5) Bake at 375 degrees F. for 18 to 25minutes or until golden brown.Carefully slide wreath from cookie

Ingredients8 oz. (2 cups) finely shredded Swiss cheese1 1/2cups (about 8 oz.) chopped, cookedham1/4 cup sliced green onions2 tablespoons honey mustard2(12-oz.) cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits1 egg, beaten1 tablespoon sesame seed or poppy seed2 tablespoons diced red and green bellpepper1 green onion fan, if desired

Directions1) Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray largecookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.In large bowl, combine cheese, ham,onions and mustard; mix well.2) Separate 1 can of dough into 10 biscuits;leave second can in refrigerator. Separate

FAMILIAR OR FIRST TIME GUESTS FOR DINNER? Blend a sumptuous meal with easy conversation when you revive a French tradition:

B Y L O R I S C OT THOT BUTTERED RUMIngredients1 stick unsalted butter, softened2 cups light brown 1 teaspoon ground 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmegPinch ground clovesSaltBottle dark rumBoiling water

DirectionsIn a bowl, together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, ,cloves, and salt. Refrigerate until almost firm.Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the butter mixtureinto 12 small mugs. Pour about 3 ounces of intoeach mug (filling about halfway). Top with boilingwater (to fill the remaining half), stir well, andserve immediately.Perfect for cold game night tail-gating!

CARAMEL COFFEEIngredients6 tablespoons of coffee (any variety)4 1/2 cups of cold water

1/2 cup of Kraft Caramel Dessert ToppingWhipped creamHeath Bars (chopped into small pieces)Directions1) Pour the caramel topping into your coffee potas you usually make it using cold water.2) Stir the finished coffee and the carameltogether well.3) Serve the coffee in individual cups.4) Garnish each cup with a generous amount ofwhipped cream and chopped chocolate toffee bits.

CANDY CANE MARTINIIngredients3 oz. club soda or sparkling water2 oz. vodka1 oz. peppermint schnappsSplash of red berry juiceIceDirections1) Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice.Shake well, but quickly as not to lose the fizz fromthe club soda.2) Pour into a martini glass and hang two minicandy canes from the rim of the glass.

FESTIVE HAM AND CHEESE WREATHBuild this pull-apart wreath out of refrigerated biscuit dough wrappedaround a ham and cheese filling.

Prep Time: 45 MinTotal Time: 1 Hr 10 MinMakes: 1 wreath, 40 appetizers

the fondue set. Available in stores and online in many affordable varieties.

A C H R I S T M A S S TO R Y

Holiday Spirits Drinking GameOur Halloween Drinking Game garnered so much feedback and enthusiasm we’ve decided toinclude a game in each issue where possible. It goes without saying that playing means not driv-ing—so indulge, stay put and HAVE FUN!

E veryone loves the story of Ralphie andhis red rider bb gun so why not pair itwith alcohol this year. In the Christmas

Story drinking game you will need: 1) themovie 2) your drink of choice 3) a bottle oftequila and a nice supply of beer.—This game works best with 8 or more peo-ple because of the number of sayings which—Assign each player one of the following sit-uations to pick up on and then announce tothe group.

1) Scott Farkas and his toadie either threatento beat someone up or actually do beat some-one up.2) Randy whines or cries.3) Ralphie’s old man mentions the furnace.4) Mom serves food.

5) Ralphie daydreams.6) Ralphie mentions his secret decoder ring.7) The next door neighbor’s dogs ticks-offRalphie’s old man.8) Someone says you’ll shoot your eye out!9) Anytime anyone mentions a Red Rider BBGun —TEQUILA!10) Every time someone hears their assignedphrase in the movie they yell out ìdrinkî andeveryone takes a sip of their own drink.11) Each time the Red Rider BB Gun ismentioned everyone takes a shot of Tequila.12) Most functional person at the end of themovie is the winner.

All players are sure to get in the Holiday Spirit!

Combine modernfavorites with vintage treasures for memorable

events witha twist...

JOIN US NEXT ISSUE FOR OURGOURMET SUPERBOWL TAILGATINGThis may just be our best set of food andcocktail recipes ever! In the meantime, youcan now see all of our previous recipesonline at www.ProwlerMagazine.com.Enjoy!

sheet onto 14-inch serving platter.Sprinkle with bell pepper. Place onion fanin center of wreath. Serve warm.6) To make a green-onion brush, place thetip of a knife at the onion’s middle and slitthrough the green ends. Place the onion inice water, which will cause the “leaves” tocurl; keep the green-onion brush in wateruntil ready to use.7) Assemble the wreath on a cookie sheet.Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrig-erate for up to two hours. Bake as directedin the recipe.Place the baked wreath on a large decora-tive platter (pound at your favorite partygood store) and surround it with rosemarysprigs.

CIDER CHEESE FONDUEPrep Time: 5 MinCook Time: 10 MinReady In: 15 MinYield 10 servings

Ingredients3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese1 cup shredded Swiss cheese1 tablespoon cornstarch1/8 teaspoon pepper1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, cubed

Directions1) In a large saucepan, bring cider to aboil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Toss thecheeses with cornstarch and pepper; stirinto cider. 2) Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or untilcheese is melted. Transfer to a smallceramic fondue pot or slow cooker; keepwarm. Serve with bread cubes.

CHOCOLATE TOFFEE CRUNCHIESOur Kid Section Columnist Morghan’sFAVORITE HOLIDAY TREAT

Ingredients1 sleeve of saltine crackers1 cup butter1 cup packed brown sugar

2 cups chocolate chips1 cup chopped almonds or pecans, toasted

Directions:1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2) Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray.3) Line crackers on cookie sheet closetogether.4) Melt butter and brown sugar in a medi-um pan on medium-high heat.Stirringoften, heat the mixture for about 3-5 min-utes until it turns into a nice caramel look-ing sauce. 5) Pour the sauce over the crackers untilthey are completely covered. Bake for 15minutes. 6) Remove from oven and immediatelysprinkle chocolate chips over the cookiesheet. 7) The chocolate should start to melt. 8) Spread chocolate over the toffee mix-ture and top with nuts.9) Allow to completely cool before break-ing toffee up in pieces.

Distribute to friends and family quickly—as this delight is best served fresh withindays of making.

Angry Ale’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill 1600 Montford Drive 704 525-FOOD Home Teams UNC, NC State, ASUMust-Try Menu Item Totchos, nachos with tatertots vs tortilla chips

The Attic Bar200 N. Tryon St.704-358-4244Home Teams Ireland GamesMust-Try Menu Item Guiness (that’s what theysaid)

Bailey’s Sports Grille 8500 Pineville-Matthews Road(704) 541-0794

Beantown Tavern130 Matthews Station Street(704) 849-2023 Home Teams Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics,Boston Red Sox, New England PatriotsMust-Try Menu Item Crab Cakes, Lobster Rolls

Bikinis Sports Bar and Grill520 University Center Blvd704-595-1719

Black Bear Saloon900 Seaboard Street 704-716-2327Home Teams Panthers, Tar Heels, Georgia Tech,Phillies. NFL Sunday Ticket, MLB Extra Inningsand ESPN Game Plan.

BlackFinn American Saloon210 E. Trade St. 704-971-4440Home Teams N.C. State Wolfpack, Virginia TechHokies, Purdue Notre DameHuge Crowds for Panther GamesMust-Try Menu Item Signatures sliders—choiceof Beef, Pulled Pork or Crispy Chicken

Boardwalk Billy’s* University8933 J M Keynes Drive704-503-1400* Matthews1636 Sardis Road North 704-841-8688

Home Team FloridaMust-Try Menu Item Ribs and Wings

Brazwell’s1627 Montford DrivePhone 704-523-3500

Buffalo Wild Wings* NASCAR Hall of Fame Uptown400 E .Martin Luther King Jr Blvd* Matthews2530 Sardis Road North* University440 E. McCullough Dr. Ste. 220

Cedar Street Tavern120 North Cedar Street704-333-3448Home Teams Panthers, NFL Sunday TicketMust-Try Menu Item Cedar Street Burger

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille911 East Morehead Street, Suite 100704-377-3808Home Teams Auburn, WVU, UGA, Tenn, Texas,S. Carolina, UNC, Michigan St., Jets, Panthers,SteelersMust-Try Menu Item Crab Cakes, Spiedie Pizza

Dixie’s Tavern301 East 7th Street704-374-1700Home Teams Penn State Nittany Lions,Pittsburgh Steelers

Ed’s Tavern 2200 Park Rd. 28203704-335-0033Home Teams Alabama Crimson TideMust-Try Menu Item Burgers

Fox and Hound Smokehouse and Tavern * 330 North Tryon Street 704-333-4113* Ballantyne15235 John J Delaney Drive704-541-0708Home Teams Clemson, ASU, Bills, Dolphins

Gin Mill 1411 South Tryon Street704-373-0782Home Teams Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish

The Hickory Tavern2005 E. Arbors Dr. + 9 More Locations!

ICEHOUSE South End2100 South Blvd704-375-1128Home Teams Clemson and any team you want onone of their 21 plasma TV’s—Any of their wings areoff the hook!

Jackalope Jack’s Restaurant and Bar 1936 East 7th Street704-347-1918

Jock’s and Jill’s4109 Southstream Blvd. 704-423-0001Home Teams Penn St., ECU, Miami Must-Try Menu Item Halftime Sampler

Midtown Sundries* University Area3425 David Cox Road 704-597-7413* Lake Norman18665 Harborside Dr.704-896-9013

Morehead Street Tavern300 E. Morehead Street 704-334-2655Home Teams WVU, Georgia, PanthersMust-Try Menu Item Steak Chunks

On the Roxx-Dilworth1520 South Blvd704-919-0282

Picasso’s Sports Café1301 East Blvd.704-331-0133 Home Teams Washington Redskins Tar Heels* University230 East W T Harris Boulevard704-595-9553

Providence Road Sundries1522 Providence Road704-366-4467

Selwyn Pub2801 Selwyn Avenue704-333-3443

Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill8760 J M Keynes Drive704-549-8282

Solstice Tavern3221 North Davidson Street(704) 342-2556

Sports Page Food and Spirits* 8400 Belhaven Blvd 704-399-4417* Denver179 Cross Center Dr.Phone: (704) 827-6283* Mooresville128D Argus LnPhone: (704) 662-8851

An Ongoing Feature you’ll findevery month inCharlottePROWLERMagazine!

Where is Your Home Team?

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PROWL WITH US! Advertise your business in this space toreach the greater Charlotte Region. Contact Scott Rogers at704-640-1813 or Scott@PROWLERMagazine for information.