TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• A much anticipated announcement this week revealing that chef Saif Rahman (best known for his role as executive chef of Raleigh’s Vidrio and 2021 winner of NCRLA’s coveted Chef of the Year award) and artist Patrick Shanahan (known on the hospitality scene for Watts & Ward and The Ark Royal) have collaborated to open Peregrine. It will be located at 1000 Social Street, becoming the flagship restaurant at The Exchange Raleigh in Midtown – featuring an expansive 4-acre central park with lush greens and a water element amidst a 40-acre, mixed-use project. The concept is described as a love letter to Rahman’s life traversing the globe with the menu drawing inspiration from his childhood home in South Asia, to his new home in North Carolina. They are aiming for a February, 2025 opening. Might be best to follow along on Instagram here or sign-up for updates on their website here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Get ready to round up your furry friends and get ready to head over to where Barking Dog NYC will soon open its first North Carolina location in the Park District of North Hills. With two popular locations in New York City, Barking Dog brings its pet-friendly charm and vibrant dining experience to Raleigh. Known for its relaxed, neighborhood vibe, the restaurant will serve breakfast, brunch, and comfort food classics. No word yet on the exact opening date, but start getting familiar with them here.

• High Rail is now open at Seaboard Station (11 Seaboard Ave.) on the 7th floor of the Hyatt House hotel. The bar features a 4,500 sq. ft. terrace with an outdoor bar, lounge seating, fire pits and a stunning view of downtown. Enjoy a menu of shareables, from seared tuna stacks and delectable North Carolina-inspired crab dip, to signature dishes and sandwiches, such as grilled chicken thighs in a citrus and herbaceous accompaniment and a traditional fried chicken sandwich served with house pickles. The cocktail menu welcomes 16 varieties of crafted concoctions – incorporating a 1792 small batch bourbon within its Copperline cocktail and a classic interpretation of a modern martini service. Get familiar with them here.

• Kane Realty Corporation shared this week that the newest concept coming to downtown Raleigh’s Smoky Hollow development will be La Cucina Italiana. Featuring authentic Italian flavors, they are known for their fresh, handcrafted dishes like pizza, pasta, and Italian specialities (including gluten-free and vegan options). The restaurant will be located next to Madre and is expected to open in early 2025. If you can’t wait, they also have a location in Clayton. Check them out here.

• Raleigh Magazine shared the news this week that The Bomb Bar out of South Carolina is opening its first North Carolina location at Gateway Plaza (2409 Crabtree Blvd.) just outside of downtown Raleigh TOMORROW November 16th. Think of it as a superfood ball (superfood balls packed with nuts, seeds and nutrients) that transforms your regular smoothie into a satisfying and nutritious meal. They will also feature Jubala Coffee and healthy eats like acai bowls and avocado toast made with Boulted Bread. Start getting familiar with them here.

• The eagerly anticipated fast casual Northern Mexican concept from chef Ford Fry, Little Rey will open at Raleigh’s Iron Works on Monday, December 9. Located at 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Suite 102, the 4,200+ square-foot space will feature ample indoor seating, a spacious patio and a walk-up to-go window. Their Northern Mexican inspired menu created by Fry will boast wood-roasted “chicken al carbon” at its core plus staples like al carbon tacos, traditional street style tacos, salads and fresh salsas, all on hand-made tortillas – and all to balance out those refreshing margaritas. This will be their first location in North Carolina. See “Events” section below for a couple of events to get a sneak peek at Little Rey. Get to know them here.

• Michael DePersia of DePersia & Associates shared with me that they sold a place called Casa Smoothie in the Swift Creek Shopping Center in Raleigh (2893 Jones Franklin Road) to a local group. He noted that they will be changing the concept to Jumbo Wings, where they will presumably specialize in chicken wings. Stay tuned.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Triangle Business Journal reported this week that the owner of Cucciolo Osteria in Durham and Cucciolo Terrazza in Raleigh’s North Hills has leased the former Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria space next door to Nantucket Grill (5850 Fayetteville Road) in Sutton Station in south Durham for his new restaurant called Cucciolo Famiglia. Look for them to open next spring. Until then, visit Cucciolo Osteria here and Cucciolo Terrazzo here.
  
  
• The News & Observer reported that Honeygirl Meadery will hold their grand opening in their new Tasting Room at Durham’s American Tobacco campus on Saturday, November 16th. The new digs will feature a tasting room, two bars, and an outdoor patio. Enjoy samples and special dishes from James Beard Award-winning chef Ricky Moore from Saltbox. Get all the details on the tasting room here.

• Also in Durham, we’ve got the Official Grand Opening Party, also on Saturday, November 16th, for James Beard Award-nominated chef Oscar Diaz’s new all-day cafe Aaktun Coffee + Bar at 704 Ramseur Street. The party is from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. This concept is brought to us by Diaz and the folks behind Mezcalito Group. Aaktun joins Little Bull and the soon-to-open Tataco on the Durham drink/food scene. The eatery offers a diverse menu, blending Mexican-American cuisine with global influences. The concept will feature a late-night menu and extended hours until 2 a.m. Get to know them here.

Closings

• After nearly two years in business, Cary ice cream shop Howdy Homemade Ice Cream will be closing on November 24th. Howdy employed individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Food Trucks

• The Durham Foodie Fare returns to Durham’s Central Park tonight (November 15th) from 5:30 until 8:30. The monthly foodie and art markets feature a food truck rodeo, 30+ local vendors, drinks, and more. Get all the details here.

• Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don’t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Events

• The tenth-annual WRAL Voters’ Choice Awards are back! Vote for your top 5 local favorites in over 100 categories (including Food & Drink) now through December 11th. Winners will be announced in January, 2025. Vote now!

• Little Rey, which is opening on December 9th, will hold one more “sneak peek” event for you to start getting familiar with their concept. Fry and his team will host a pre-opening party open to the public on Saturday, December 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the new Little Rey location. A selection of the restaurant’s beloved bites will be free for all attendees, plus drinks will be available to purchase. Visit Little Rey here.

• Sassool’s 6th Annual Humus Mix Off is just around the corner so whip out your recipe box and submit your best dish the weekend of November 15th-17th. The top three winners will compete for the final vote at their holiday event at FigMint Farms on December 7th. Get all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• The countdown to Thanksgiving is on! For community members facing food insecurity, sharing meals over the holidays can be especially challenging. We’re exactly a month away from Thanksgiving, yet unemployment numbers are on the rise and expensive grocery prices won’t budge. Right now, more than 560,000 people are facing food insecurity in our 34-county service area — nearly 111,000 more than last year! And as a result, 1 in 7 people across our region are unsure where their next meal will come from. Your support this holiday season can make a meaningful difference during the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina’s busiest time of year! Every $10 you give can provide 50 meals and help more children, families, and seniors in food-insecure households.

Featured Restaurant News

• The eagerly anticipated fast casual Northern Mexican concept from chef Ford Fry, Little Rey will open at Raleigh’s Iron Works on Monday, December 9. Located at 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Suite 102, the 4,200+ square-foot space will feature ample indoor seating, a spacious patio and a walk-up to-go window. Their Northern Mexican inspired menu created by Fry will boast wood-roasted “chicken al carbon” at its core plus staples like al carbon tacos, traditional street style tacos, salads and fresh salsas, all on hand-made tortillas – and all to balance out those refreshing margaritas. This will be their first location in North Carolina. See “Events” section below for a couple of events to get a sneak peek at Little Rey. Get to know them here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Got word this week that health-food chain True Food Kitchen, based out of Scottsdale, Arizona, is opening their first North Carolina location next Monday, November 11th at 4104 Main at North Hills St. The 5,798-square-foot space is part of the North Hills Main District and also has 1,241 square feet of outdoor dining. In addition to a wide array of appetizers, menu items include sourdough pizzas, salads and bowls, burgers and more. Get familiar with them here.

• The Brass Tap is opening their downtown Raleigh taproom to the public on November 11th at 16 N. West St. in the new 400H building joining joins Press Coffee, Cocktails & Crepes which opened in the same building just a few weeks ago. Congrats to franchisees Roshan Baral and Niraj Bidari. Don’t expect this to be the only location they open in the Triangle. Stay tuned. Visit The Brass Tap here.

• Raleigh Magazine shared the news this week that The Bomb Bar out of South Carolina is opening its first North Carolina location at Gateway Plaza (2409 Crabtree Blvd.) just outside of downtown Raleigh on November 16. Think of it as a superfood ball (superfood balls packed with nuts, seeds and nutrients) that transforms your regular smoothie into a satisfying and nutritious meal. They will also feature Jubala Coffee and healthy eats like acai bowls and avocado toast made with Boulted Bread. Start getting familiar with them here.

• The folks down at Carroll’s Kitchen shared the news this week that thanks to Highwoods Properties, they have been given the opportunity to expand where they will be able to double the number of women they serve every year, as well as increase their impact and involvement in the community. If you are not familiar with CK, they are a nonprofit social enterprise restaurant creating healthy employment for women overcoming crisis. Get to know them and support them here.

• Triangle Business Journal shared the news this week that Church Spirits & Cocktails, located in Goldsboro, is opening a second space at 213 W. Main St. in downtown Clayton in the former home of Epic Axe. Check them out here.
  
  

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Reader Kim Garcia shared with me that Coupe & Stein Champagne Bar officially opened at the first of this month in the Golden Belt complex (800 Taylor Street). She noted that it’s a great new cocktail spot to unwind with a glass of champagne, crafted cocktail, or one of their exclusive selections. Get to know them here.

• My buddy Burgeoning Baker shared that Durham will be home to the latest edition of drive-thru coffee concept Scooter’s Coffee. This looks to be their 5th North Carolina location (they also have one in Clayton). They will be located at 1051 MLK Jr. Blvd. No word on a timeline. Start getting familiar with them here.

• The News & Observer reported that Honeygirl Meadery will hold their grand opening in their new Tasting Room at Durham’s American Tobacco campus on Saturday, November 16th. The new digs will feature a tasting room, two bars, and an outdoor patio. Enjoy samples and special dishes from James Beard Award-winning chef Ricky Moore from Saltbox. Get all the details on the tasting room here.

Closings

• Sad to share that Indian Monsoon Restaurant & Bar located at 105 W. Morgan Street in Durham just announced that it will be closing on November 13th. Triangle Business Journal added that the restaurant will be transitioning to new ownership and hinted at a new iteration of Indian Monsoon.

Food Trucks

• Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don’t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Events

• The tenth-annual WRAL Voters’ Choice Awards are back! Vote for your top 5 local favorites in over 100 categories (including Food & Drink) now through December 11th. Winners will be announced in January, 2025. Vote now!

• Southwestern Wake County’s biggest BBQ, Blues and Brews Festival of the year is coming to downtown Fuquay-Varina tomorrow, November 9th, from noon until 4 p.m. Sample and judge BBQ from the region’s top pitmasters, enjoy live blues music, and sip on locally brewed craft beverages. You’ll also have the chance to explore local businesses, meet talented artisans at their vendor’s market, and connect with community groups. This family-friendly event has something for everyone. Get all the details here.

• The 2nd Farm To Table Dinner celebrating Transplanting Traditions is this Saturday, November 9th. You’ll be able to meet leadership at the farm, tour the farm, enjoy cultural music, drinks and snacks, participate in their raffle and silent auction, and dine with them for a farm to table meal with traditional Karen and Burmese dishes and spirits. It takes place at Transplanting Traditions Community Farm, 2912B Jones Ferry Road in Chapel Hill with the social hour from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and the dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Register and get all the details here.

• One of the newest kids on the block in downtown Raleigh, Figulina announced via Instagram that they are starting Sunday Brunch THIS Sunday, November 10th! Brunch will be served every Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. — and while reservations are recommended, they’ll have plenty of space for walk-ins on their patio and community table as well. Make your reservations here.

• Little Rey, which is opening on December 9th, will hold a couple of “sneak peek” events for you to start getting familiar with their concept. First up, check out Raleigh Underground Market at Midtown Park in North Hills on Sunday, November 10, where they’ll be making breakfast tacos. Fry and his team will also be hosting a pre-opening party open to the public on Saturday, December 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the new Little Rey location. A selection of the restaurant’s beloved bites will be free for all attendees, plus drinks will be available to purchase. Visit Little Rey here.

• Sassool’s 6th Annual Humus Mix Off is just around the corner so whip out your recipe box and submit your best dish the weekend of November 15th-17th. The top three winners will compete for the final vote at their holiday event at FigMint Farms on December 7th. Get all the details here.

• Seabird’s (Wilmington) Chef/Owner Dean Neff will team up with Preeti Waas from Cheeni in Durham for a dinner on Wednesday, November 20th specifically earmarked to benefit industry peers in Western North Carolina, in the wake of Hurricane Helene. (They are also doing a dinner in Wilmington on October 15th). Tickets are $150. Tickets for the Durham event can be purchased here.

Food Bank Corner

• The countdown to Thanksgiving is on! For community members facing food insecurity, sharing meals over the holidays can be especially challenging. We’re exactly a month away from Thanksgiving, yet unemployment numbers are on the rise and expensive grocery prices won’t budge. Right now, more than 560,000 people are facing food insecurity in our 34-county service area — nearly 111,000 more than last year! And as a result, 1 in 7 people across our region are unsure where their next meal will come from. Your support this holiday season can make a meaningful difference during the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina’s busiest time of year! Every $10 you give can provide 50 meals and help more children, families, and seniors in food-insecure households.