Featured Restaurant News
- Chef and two-time James Beard semifinalist Oscar Diaz, who just opened the Clayton location of Aaktun last week, joined with his long-time business partners, Mezcalito Group Inc., to open the highly-anticipated TaTaco this week, their latest Durham venture. Located at 620 Foster Street, TaTaco is inspired by the energy of a traditional Mexican mercado. Their menu includes the staples of Mexican cuisine, including tacos and quesadillas to enchiladas and flautas. TaTaco is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Best to visit them on Instagram here.
Wake County Restaurant News
- As noted above, over in Clayton executive chef Oscar Diaz and business partners Mezcalito Group Inc., opened a second location of Aaktun this past week, which has an original location in Durham. Modeled after that location, the day-to-night eatery at 401 E. Main Street (former Crawford Cookshop spot) will boast the same Tulum-inspired atmosphere, culturally remixed cuisine, Tiki-inspired beverage program, and energy found at the Durham flagship. Check them out here.
- In Cary, the Triangle Business Journal reported that Chicago-born fast-casual concept, Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar, is now open at Cary’s Fenton development. The menu features burgers, its signature Wok Out Bowls, fresh salads, desserts as well as a curated selection of craft beer, wine and cocktails. The location has a spacious outdoor patio with a pergola, heaters, misters and fans. Inside, the expansive bar has six televisions and a plush lounge. Interesting Tidbit: Doc B’s was founded in Chicago in September 2013 by Craig Bernstein and named after his late father, “Doc B.” Get to know them here.
- In downtown Apex, one of my long-time followers, Eric (who shared that he has been following my blog for close to a decade!) notified me that Foxtail Coffee, a chain from Florida, has opened up shop around the corner from Downtown Apex on Hunter Street across from the skate park (76 Hunter Street). It’s been open for about a week now and seems to be a huge hit so far filling up the underserved breakfast and coffee niche in Apex (according to Eric). This is their first location in the state. Check them out here.
- Down in Fuquay Varina, friend David McCreary shared with me the news that Lucci Blue’s Social Cafe & Deli is scheduled to open later this spring at 209 Fayetteville Street in the Varina business district of Fuquay. The spot will offer artisan sandwiches, a wine bar, gourmet charcuterie, fresh pastries, hot and cold coffee drinks and more. A connected event space is already open for business and is promoting paint-and-sip experiences, dance and yoga classes, private parties and more. Brush up on all the details here.
- On a recent drive down Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, I noticed that Chex Grill & Wings has opened at 3006 Hillsborough Street on the ground floor of Uncommon Raleigh (student housing). They are known for their wings and sauces in a wide variety of flavors. They have locations in South Carolina and Tennessee and this will mark their 14th location in North Carolina, and the first in the Triangle. Get familiar with them here (at writing, the Raleigh link was not set up yet).
- Out in Brier Creek, Triangle Business Journal reported that Epic Chophouse, which has three other locations in the Carolinas (Mooresville, Greensboro and Fort Mill), will open on April 2 in the former Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse in Brier Creek. But don’t expect anything familiar nor for it to look like your grandfathers’ steakhouse, they poured nearly $6.5 million into the space – which basically gutted the former location. Their online menu features a charbroiled tomahawk pork chop for $31, while a USDA prime bone-in ribeye costs $69 and a 28-ounce porterhouse costs $65. Get to know them here.
- Hank’s Downtown Dive is coming to Raleigh….at least for one night as they “takeover” Gussie’s (927 W Morgan Street) bringing their fried chicken, oysters, and cocktails on the road next Tuesday, April 1st starting at 4 p.m. One night only! Visit them on Instagram for the latest and all the details.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- Chicken chain Zaxbys is expanding in North Carolina with the grand opening of its newest location in Chapel Hill on Wednesday, April 2. Located at 127 E Franklin St., the new restaurant is designed with the UNC community in mind, featuring extended late-night hours and Zaxbys first-ever self-service kiosks for quick and easy ordering. To celebrate the grand opening, they will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Jess Anderson, and Zaxbys VP of Operations Horace Williams on opening day at 10 a.m. Visit Zaxbys now.
- Over in Chatham County, the Indy Week reported that Esteban Brunello, who recently closed Brunello Wine Bar in downtown Durham, will open a wine shop in Chapel Hill’s Governors Village around May 1. His new shop, EB Wines will focus primarily on retail sales but will also offer a selection of wines by the glass and bottle alongside some beer and cider options. Follow along on Instagram for upcoming announcements. Thanks to Glenn Gillen for bringing this to our attention.
- Out at Raleigh-Durham International Airport we can now enjoy more of the local flavors as Bongiorno & Son opened an outpost there last Saturday. Like at their original Lafayette Village location, look to find authentic ingredients, family-inspired recipes for sandwiches and Italian specialties — plus out there you will also get breakfast and coffee service. They are located at Terminal 2, near Gate D5 and they are open daily from 4 a.m. until the last departure. Congrats to Michael Bongiorno and his team! Best to check them out on Instagram here.
Closings
- Hate to even type it. Legendary 42nd Street Oyster Bar closes this weekend after a nearly 100-year run.
Food Trucks
- The remaining schedule for the Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeos is as follows: April 13; June 1; and November 2.. All rodeos are from 12 noon until 4 p.m. and will feature over 50+ food trucks with cuisine from all over the world, and family fun – making it the ultimate Sunday Funday in Durham Central Park (501 Foster Street)! Get all the details here.
- Great news as the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo returns to downtown Raleigh on Saturday, June 28th from noon until 6 p.m. all along Fayetteville Street. From savory flavors to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving and cuisine curiosity. Whether you’re a fan of gourmet burgers, delicious tacos, or decadent desserts, our food truck rodeo promises to have something for everyone! Visit their Facebook event page 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
- To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Irregardless in downtown Raleigh is hosting a series of special prix fixe dinners, each celebrating a different decade in the restaurant’s history. The second event, set for Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m., takes you back to the 1980s – the decade when Irregardless hit it’s stride. Indulge in a three-course, prix-fixe dinner that highlights iconic dishes from their early days, reimagined for today’s palate. Enhance your experience by adding expertly curated wine/cocktail pairings to each course. Seating is limited, so don’t wait—reserve your spot and join them for a memorable evening of culinary nostalgia and celebration! Tickets and details here. Additional dinners are as follows: 1995 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. July 9; 2005 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10; and 2015 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12.
- Downtown Raleigh’s Figulina continues its wine dinner series with a special Roman menu on March 31st. The one-night event will celebrate Rome’s iconic dishes. Unlike the other wine dinners in the ongoing series, the Roman event will not be a prix fixe meal. Ellis will offer a special menu highlighting classic Roman dishes, including the four iconic Roman pasta dishes. David Ellis’ downtown Raleigh restaurant was recently named a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant from the James Beard Foundation. The dinners don’t stop there — Look for more to follow: Abruzzo dinner on May 19; a Campania dinner on July 7; an Umbria dinner on Sept. 8; and an Emilia-Romagna dinner on Nov. 10. Book your spot here.
- Fest in the West returns to Cary after a one-year hiatus on Saturday, April 5th from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Mills Park (441 Mills Park Drive). The event is geared towards children and families with tons of entertainment and activities – and of course a plethora of food trucks for everyone’s enjoyment! Get all the details here.
- Up in Brier Creek, we learned this week that Golden Krust, the premier Jamaican fast-casual restaurant group, which opened back in January will have their grand opening celebration on Friday, April 4th from 1 to 5 p.m. at 8741 Brier Creek Pkwy. Visit them here.
- The second annual A Taste of Chatham will be held April 6th from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Chatham County Agricultural Center. This event will offer tastes from numerous local restaurants and beverage vendors, music, and activities. Vendors include Starlight Meadery, BMC Brewery, Thirsty Skull, Lilly Den Farms, JDubs, Postal Fish, The Sycamore, Root Cellar Cafe, and 39 West Catering. This is a fundraiser to support the county Welcome Center, located across from the courthouse in downtown Pittsboro. Get all the details and tickets here.
- Here is another fun event from Catering Works and the Museum of Art on April 11th. Seeing Red, a presentation in the new Conservation Gallery, features the history, symbolism, and materiality of red dyes and pigments in art. It features an interactive display and works of art from the NCMA collection to illustrate the artistic use of red. At this event enjoy a short tour of Seeing Red with Director of Conservation Perry Hurt, creator of the installation. Then in the NCMA Café, embark on a deep dive into red wine, presented by wine educator and owner of Vitis House Doreen Colondres. A fascinating, unique, and cross-cultural combination of art and wine, with creative food pairings by Chef Rick Sloan of Catering Works and the NCMA Café. Get details and tickets here.
- The Pimento Cheese Festival returns to downtown Cary on Saturday, April 12. The event features over 40 food and beverage vendors, including food trucks offering cheesy delights. The event also includes musical performances and a pimento cheese sculpting contest. Get all the cheesey details here.
- Tickets are now on sale for 7th annual Roots for Reece Chef’s Picnic which will be held on Sunday, April 27th in Clayton. This highly anticipated annual event will feature an exciting day of food and drink samples from more than a dozen local chefs, breweries and bars, alongside live music, crafts, a silent auction, raffles and much more. Proceeds from the event will benefit the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to combating the opioid epidemic in North Carolina and providing support to individuals affected by substance use. General admission tickets are available for $100, and VIP tickets, which offer exclusive benefits, are available for $200. Early Bird Tickets cost $100 and include an event t-shirt but must be purchased by March 30th. Tickets and more information can be found at Roots for Reece Chef’s Picnic.
- NC Sugar Rush will be held in downtown Raleigh’s City Plaza on Sunday, May 25th from noon until 6 p.m. If you are not familiar with this yumminess, it is a dessert food only event with something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Sign me up! Get all the details on their Facebook event page here.
- The 10th Annual Raleigh International Food Festival will take place this year on Saturday, June 7th from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street. The event will feature over 120 food trucks/dessert trucks from around the globe with over 60 cultures represented. Free tickets and all the details here. (Tickets not required as this is a free event)
- Also on Saturday, June 7th is the 5th Annual Bubbles & Brisket featuring BBQ pit-master/chefs and an array of sparkling beverages ranging from Champagne, cava, cremant, prosecco, beer, sodas to non-alcoholic and boozy cocktails. With the purchase of a ticket, guests will enjoy various styles of brisket and side dishes prepared by the best talent across the country, along with enjoying multiple styles of sparkling wine from around the world. Tickets are $75 (early bird is $65). Discounted six-pack group tickets available. The VIP Experience ($135) tickets include: Early entrance, VIP Trig Modern lounge, specialty Champagne & brisket tastings concierge full-service of all chef offerings. Purchase tickets and get all the details here.
Food Bank Corner
- The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina celebrates the strength, resilience, and incredible contributions of women and girls everywhere. We also recognize the disproportionate challenges they face, particularly when it comes to food insecurity. Women face social, systemic, and economic barriers that make it harder for them to support themselves. They are paid less, have more health-related costs, and are even charged more for products marketed directly to them.
Every woman in our community deserves a fair opportunity to put food on the table for their family while also taking care of their own health and nutrition. This International Women’s Month, we’re coming together to break down barriers and narrow the gender hunger gap in central and eastern North Carolina. Every gift made until March 31 can be matched to make twice the impact for women facing food insecurity in our community.
