Ballantyne Magazine covers news, events, real estate, restaurants, shopping, health, schools and business in the upscale Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, NC.
Issue link: https://ballantynemagazine.epubxp.com/i/42111
BALLANTYNE | faces MIKE LIBRETTO Birthplace: Queens, N.Y. Job: Owner, Libretto's Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen in Ballantyne Commons East and The EpiCentre Favorite College Team: None, but finds college sports "incredible to watch. Those athletes play for passion, not a paycheck." Biggest Pet Peeve: Having to ask for something twice What do you like most about your job? My life revolves around food, and I love to watch people enjoying their experience in our restaurants. Do you live in Ballantyne? I split my time between Charlotte and New York City. I originally came to Charlotte back in 2008 for work, to open our location in the EpiCentre. Turns out I really enjoy being here and have made a lot of great friends along the way. What is your favorite Ballantyne-area restaurant? That's a loaded question! Big Daddy's is in the same shopping center as we are, and they make a great burger, so I will give them the number two spot. What is your favorite outdoor activity? I like to golf in the warmer weather, and snowboard in the winter. Ballantyne has a number of great golf courses. I try to get out west once or twice a year to snowboard. Jackson Hole in Wyoming and The Canyons in Park City (Utah) are two of my favorite mountains. Describe your dream vacation. Anywhere that my cell phone doesn't get reception! I'll take a trip to Italy any day, just to eat and drink wine. see MIKE on page 29 28 BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE CELEBRATING TEN YEARS 2000-2010 WINTER 2010-2011