In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🔥 Daily Quote

🧭 Sunlight Through Clouds: A Sister's Tribute Sparks a Community

✈️Record-Breaking Crowds Expected at U.S. Airports for Fourth of July

🧭 Exploring Auckland NZ Through Food: The Tastebud Tour Experience

😋 Bee BanhMi: Cary’s Gateway to Vietnam’s Best Street Food

😋Tasty Trend: Strawberry Cucumber Salad 🥒🍓 😋

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What is the most popular spice in the world?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” Seneca

Sunlight Through Clouds: A Sister's Tribute Sparks a Community

On January 29, Rebecca Fielding sat on the same scenic overlook in Utah where her brother, Jonathan, had fallen to his death two days earlier. Driven by grief, she intended to end her own life there but found solace in a moment of sunlight. Instead, she left a journal and personal mementos as a tribute to her brother, a passionate young photographer.

Rebecca’s simple act of remembrance evolved when hiker Sherrie Joyce Miller found the journal in June and reached out to her. This led to the creation of a Facebook group, "Jonathan Fielding’s Journal Journey," where travelers update the journal and share messages. The project has become a testament to the deep bond between Rebecca and Jonathan, now involving over 900 members who contribute to his memory.

Rebecca, who faced personal challenges growing up, found support in her brother’s unwavering love. The journal project, born from her grief, keeps his memory alive and shows the power of shared loss to connect strangers.
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Record-Breaking Crowds Expected at U.S. Airports for Fourth of July

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, U.S. airports are seeing record-breaking crowds, with more travelers passing through TSA checkpoints than ever before. The Federal Aviation Administration expects approximately 54,000 flights on Thursday, the highest number this year. Over 70 million Americans are projected to travel during this period, reflecting a significant increase from last year and 2019.

Air travel conditions have improved compared to previous years, with lower cancellation rates and more affordable flight prices. However, summer thunderstorms in key regions could still cause delays.

For road travelers, the busiest times will be on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. Lower gas prices provide some financial relief. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and take advantage of flexible booking options to manage the holiday rush. Read more tips

Exploring Auckland NZ Through Food: The Tastebud Tour Experience

The Tastebud Tour, established in 2010, provides a four-hour exploration of Auckland's diverse food culture. Guided by local experts, participants visit various food communities, including coffee roasters, chefs, and winemakers, and learn the stories behind their flavors.

The tour highlights Auckland's significant landmarks, connecting them to New Zealand's culinary heritage.

On weekends, guests explore city farmers markets, sampling products from passionate artisans. Weekday tours include a stop at a popular local coffee roaster.

Available every day, The Big Foody's tours, founded by Elle Armon-Jones in 2009, offer a unique and immersive experience, showcasing the best of Auckland's culinary scene. Learn more here

Bee BanhMi: Cary’s Gateway to Vietnam’s Best Street Food

In Cary, Bee BanhMi has quickly become a beloved spot for those seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Open for just three years, the restaurant has already made its mark by offering tasty and healthy dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and a dedication to traditional cooking methods. This commitment has made Bee BanhMi more than just a place to eat; it's a trusted kitchen where customers gather to share stories and laughs.

The journey of Bee BanhMi began when Nancy Nguyen, a former teacher from Vietnam, moved to Washington State in 2016. In December 2020, she opened a sushi restaurant with a friend, igniting her passion for the food industry and customer service.

In April 2023, Nancy moved to North Carolina to take over Bee BanhMi from her dear friend Kaley, who had started the restaurant to introduce Cary to the world’s best street food: the banhmi (sandwich). Kaley's hometown banhmi, once praised by Anthony Bourdain, serves as the cornerstone of Bee BanhMi’s menu.

Under Nancy’s care, Bee BanhMi has thrived. The restaurant was voted number three among the ten best Vietnamese restaurants in North Carolina in 2023 by bestthingsnc.com. The unique taste of their banhmi, alongside their carefully cooked pho broth, highlights their dedication to food quality and customer service. The team at Bee BanhMi is passionate about making the restaurant a small but proud local hangout.

Beyond serving delicious food, Bee BanhMi is deeply involved in the local community. The restaurant sponsors Apex High School’s music band and supports local businesses by displaying their flyers. These efforts reflect Nancy’s belief in the importance of community connections.

Looking to the future, Bee BanhMi plans to introduce weekly specials, desserts, and seasonal items. They also aim to expand their catering menu to accommodate events, gatherings, and office functions. With 922 glowing Google reviews, it’s clear that Bee BanhMi has already captured the hearts of many. One reviewer summed it up: "Friendly staff, clean space, yummy food, fair price."

For those who haven’t yet experienced Bee BanhMi, a visit promises not only a taste of Vietnam but also a welcoming spot where community and cuisine come together.

For more information, visit Bee BanhMi website
 Get Directions 1871 Lake Pine Dr, Cary, NC 27511

Just curious…

Strawberry Cucumber Salad 🥒🍓 😋

What the reviewer said about this recipe: “Summer time fresh.” “This looks so refreshing.” “Yummy yummy yummy!” So, give it a try.

📋 Ingredients List:

• 1 1/2 pounds strawberries, quartered

• 4 cups cucumbers, chopped

• 1 small red onion, chopped

• 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed

• 1/2 cup fresh mint, minced

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 1/3 cup golden balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

📝 Instructions:

1. Quarter the strawberries.

2. Chop the cucumbers and red onion.

3. Cube the feta cheese.

4. Mince the fresh mint.

5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, golden balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and pepper.

6. Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh mint.

7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.