TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• Greg Lewis has only gotten busier during the Covid pandemic. After closing Pittsboro Roadhouse, he quickly turned his attention to opening his much-anticipated steakhouse, The Sycamore, in Pittsboro’s historic Chatham Mills. We got word this week that he is shooting for an April opening! Greg has also moved his catering operation, 39 West Catering, to Chatham Mills in a brand new kitchen space and is now operating an event space called Events at Forest Hall adjacent to The Sycamore. Keep up with Greg (if you can) on the The Sycamore website here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• The Triangle Business Journal reported this week that Iron Oaks Taproom will join Sushi Mon (which we reported back in January – they have opened in a temporary location adjacent to the new location) at Glenwood Place just inside the beltline on Glenwood Avenue later this year. Craft beer, wine, cocktails and tapas are on the menu along with golf simulators. Congrats to Stuart Pannill and Andreas Handrinos on their venture. We could not find an online presence for them yet. Stay tuned.

• Saw on Raleigh Convergence that Raleigh Cheesy, known for their custom charcuterie boards, is opening a store front today, February 12 at 1460 Chapel Ridge Road in Apex. Opening weekend schedule is as follows: Friday 12-7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday – 10 a.m. -12 noon with brunch and regular boxes from 3 – 8 p.m. Get by and enjoy your grab-and-go boxes! All the details here.

• On a recent visit to Tranfer Co. Food Hall, I noticed that Burial Beer is expanding into new space on the corner with a bottle shop they are calling The Exhibit Bottle Shop. They will open on March 13th. They noted that they will be getting a full facelift with new murals, more seating, new two tops, twice the number of existing taps and a bevy of updates. Keep up with their progress on Instagram here.

• Also in downtown Raleigh, Ashton Mae Smith noted in her weekly newsletter that the Flying Mayan, where the Southwest meets the Southeast, has reopened at 319 Fayetteville Street. Visit them here.

• Looking for all the outdoor dining options in Downtown Raleigh? The Downtown Raleigh Alliance has put together a great list of those options, and they even divided it up by district. Check out that list here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Got word this week that Chapel Hill Restaurant Group’s latest venture, LuLuBangBang, is opening for indoor dining on February 23rd (you can order take-out now). LuLuBangBang’s offers pan-Asian street food and tiki drinks from chef/partner William D’Auvray, who previously opened the fried chicken spot Lula’s. It is located adjacent to CHRG’s Mez and Page Road Grill at 5418 Page Road. Visit their site here.

• Old East Tavern in Chapel Hill’s East 54 development opened for business yesterday. As you will recall, this is Bottle Rev Chapel Hill, the Chapel Hill location of the Raleigh-based bottle shop, is in the space left by Tobacco Road Sports Cafe. You will also recall that Josh Coburn will be the executive chef. Coburn recently worked as the executive chef of City Kitchen, Check out their new website here.

• Over in Durham, got word that the newest location of The Loop has opened at 1116 Broad Street (which was most recently home to DeeLuxe Chicken and before that, Watts Grocery). This location joins the other Durham location on Duke’s campus and a location in Chapel Hill. Visit them here.

• And here are a couple of wonderful resources for those looking to dine in downtown Durham or downtown Chapel Hill – Downtown Durham Inc. has an up-to-date listing of the status of each restaurant in downtown Durham. Check out the list here. And the Downtown Chapel Hill Partnership has put together a similar list for Chapel Hill here.

Closings / Cancellations

• Leigh Watson shared the sad news that Remedy Diner, which relocated from Hargett St. to Morgan St. in 2017, has closed their doors.

• Got word from Melissa and Alvin Cotto that they are closing their catering operation, We Cook For You, at the end of this month. However, they will continue to operate their chocolate fountain rental company, Raleigh Chocolate Fountains which you can find here.

• Savor Eatery in Bakery in downtown Chapel Hill announced via Facebook that this Sunday would be their last day in operation. Get by between now and Sunday to enjoy one last gluten-free treat!

• And got word that Chatham County recently lost not one, but two coffee shops. Peppercorn in Siler City and Blue Dot Coffee on the circle in Pittsboro.

Food Trucks 

• Got word from Jennifer Buchholz that Raleigh will soon be home to a gluten-free truck called Soyuh Gluten Free Kitchen brought to us by Susan Yuh. Follow and get to know them 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

• Looking to spice up your Tuesday nights? Well Bites of Bull City has launched their new weekly dining out/take out event called Tuesday Night Bites. These are special deals offered by some of the best local restaurants in Durham. Not only will these offers give you a sweet, delicious deal and help you fulfill the #durhamtakeoutpledge (to dine/take out at least twice a week to support our local restaurants), but it will also help these establishments thrive on a slower night and survive the winter during a pandemic. Get all the details here. What are you doing next Tuesday night?

• Simply eating out has become a bit of an event. The creativity, caution and care our restaurants have taken (and added expenses!) is nothing short of impressive. One thing they are not short on is passion! Anyway, blogger Beck Eats World has put together a pretty impressive list of restaurants with outdoor heaters. Check out the list here.

• Not exactly an event per se, but rather some things to celebrate. Visit Raleigh put together a list of the best restaurants that opened in 2020 in the greater Raleigh area. Check that list out here. And WRAL’s Out and About put out a broader list of Triangle-wide openings in 2020. Check that list out here.

Food Bank Corner

• Own a restaurant, food truck or catering company and want to help feed kids this summer? Well, the Food Bank’s Programs Team is gearing up to resume free kids meals across the Food Bank’s service area, and is recruiting Meal Vendors (paid). They’re also recruiting community Meal Sites locations to serve and distribute the meals. Interested folks can learn more by signing up for the February 25^th information session here. #noonegoeshungry

Featured Restaurant News

• Who is ready to ball? No, I’m not talking the NBA or March Madness, I’m talking Oak City Meatballs! That’s right, Oak City Meatballs is back open and “balling” — available for to-go and delivery Wednesday through Saturday 4-9pm. They are still slowly bringing back old favorites so not everything will be available – check the online menu for what they are currently serving. Get all the details and order here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• The News & Observer shared this week that (Ish) Delicatessen (yes, the parenthesis are part of the name) will move to the Oakwood neighborhood into the former Pharmacy Cafe space that closed earlier this year. The sandwich shop, nearly five years in the making, is from Matt Fern who was the former beverage director for Ashley Christensen’s AC Restaurants group. After light renovations, the space will have inside seating (for about 25) and outside seating (for about 12). Look for them to open soon(ish). Check them out on Instagram here.

• And we have a date (ish) for the second Raleigh location of Cape Fear Seafood Company — and we don’t have much longer to wait! They shared via Facebook that they are looking at an early April opening. This second Raleigh location will be in the Village District (formerly Cameron Village) in the former Cameron Bar & Grill spot next to the Flying Biscuit. Until then, visit them in their current Raleigh location on Spring Forest Road here.

• In Raleigh, Catering Works shared the news this week via Facebook that they have entered into an exclusive partnership with the North Carolina Museum of Art. More details to follow on their on-site dining concepts and booking of private and social events. Congrats to Jill and Lorin and their entire team! Visit Catering Works here and the North Carolina Museum of Art here.

• Also, saw on Raleigh Convergence that Ashley Christensen’s Death & Taxes is now offering three-course dinner menus from chef Lauren Ivey on Saturday nights this month, paired with wines. Visit Death & Taxes here.

• Crawford and Son has brought back Crawford Curbside Tuesday through Thursday evenings where you can call in pre-orders from 2pm-4pm for same day pick up from 5pm-8pm. Orders may be picked up from the bar or can be brought out curbside to your car. To go cocktails, beer, and wine are also available. Get all the details, including menu, on their website here. Additionally, their sister restaurant next-door, Jolie, is offering a $35 three course pre-fixe menu from 5pm-6pm Tuesday through Saturday. Check those out here.

• Big news coming out of Cary thanks to my buddy David McCreary. He shared that Jonathan Pierce, owner of The Mason Jar Tavern in Fuquay and Holly Springs and co-owner of Scratch Kitchen & Taproom in Apex, announced that Scratch Kitchen & Taproom will open in downtown Cary this spring in the former Postmaster Restaurant & Bar location at 160 E. Cedar Street, and right next to the Big Mike’s BBQ location we announced last week that is coming soon. Best to follow them on Facebook here for the latest announcements.

• Also in Cary, the Triangle Business Journal reported that Potbelly Sandwich Shop is opening a new location, it’s third in the Triangle, at Parkside Town Commons on the northwestern edge of town. Mohit Kishore and Tulshi Bhakar plan to open in April. They already have locations in Morrisville and Durham and have plans for one more Triangle-area location. Visit Potbelly here.

• Looking for all the outdoor dining options in Downtown Raleigh? The Downtown Raleigh Alliance has put together a great list of those options, and they even divided it up by district. Check out that list here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• WRAL reported this week that North Carolina’s first female and veteran-owned brewery is expanding to Durham. Tobacco Wood Brewing Company plans to open a location this spring at Meridian Business Park. It will be their second location following the flagship pub which opened in 2018 in an old furniture warehouse in the heart of downtown Oxford. The menu includes traditional pub food and barbecue-fusion. Get to know them here.

• While Old East Tavern in Chapel Hill’s East 54 development hasn’t made an official announcement yet, indications on Facebook suggest that announcement will be made in the next few days and it is looking like they will hit their target of opening in February. As you will recall, this is Bottle Rev Chapel Hill, the Chapel Hill location of the Raleigh-based bottle shop, that will be moving to fill the space left by Tobacco Road Sports Cafe. You will also recall that Josh Coburn will be the executive chef. Coburn recently worked as the executive chef of City Kitchen, Check out their new website here and be on the lookout for their upcoming announcement on their Facebook page here.

• Over in Durham they announced this week that the Heavenly Buffaloes location on Erwin Road (former Tamale Factory spot) is now open. Check them out at 2816 Erwin Rd. This marks their second Durham location and joins their other locations in Chapel Hill and Greensboro. Visit their newest location here.

• Also in Durham, RalToday reported that Durham cocktail bar Corpse Reviver Cocktail Bar has reopened with patio service only. The limited menu will feature to-go cocktails available for purchase on the website. Hours are currently 2–8p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Get all the details and order here.

• And here are a couple of wonderful resources for those looking to dine in downtown Durham or downtown Chapel Hill – Downtown Durham Inc. has an up-to-date listing of the status of each restaurant in downtown Durham. Check out the list here. And the Downtown Chapel Hill Partnership has put together a similar list for Chapel Hill here.

Closings / Cancellations

• None to report. Keep eating local, folks!

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

• Valentine’s Day is traditionally a time for couples to enjoy an elegant dinner out or a romantic meal at home. This year, Rocky Top Catering offers the best of both worlds with Couples, Cooking & Cocktails – live cooking classes on Zoom hosted by owner and chef Dean Ogan. Couples can choose from one of two sessions: Saturday, Feb. 13 or Sunday, Feb. 14 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. WRAL’s Ken Smith will be the celebrity chef for the class on Feb. 13 and G-105’s Erica Delong (from the morning Showgram) will be the celebrity chef on Feb. 14. Sign up and get all the details here.

• This Valentines Day let Donovan’s Dish bring the restaurant to you with a delicious Three Course Dinner for Two! Stay safe in the comfort of your own home while starting with a beautifully built Meat & Cheese Box for the ultimate date-night in! Simply heat & eat! All meals will be delivered or available for pickup on Fri., Feb 12 or Sat., Feb. 13th. Order by Wednesday, Feb. 10th. Dining-in has never been so romantic! Get all the details here.

• Sassool will be having Valentine’s Day Dessert Boards featuring unique sweet treats, candies, fruits (including chocolate dipped strawberries and figs) and chocolates that you can find in Sassool’s market section. Orders can be made as early as today for pick up from either of our locations on the 12th, 13th or 14th. Each board is $40 and is perfect for a couple or small family to enjoy. A bottle of wine can be added to the dessert board order for $12. They will also be doing a virtual Valentine’s-themed Cooking Class on February 10th at 6:30pm. Check out their Facebook page for details here.

• Cantina 18 in the Village District (formerly Cameron Village) will continue their “Ready for Reheat” dinners with a Valentine’s Dinner for 2. Order by Thursday, February 11th for pickup either Saturday, February 13th between 11 am – 8 pm or Sunday, 14th between 11 am – 5 pm. And this is kind a fun, you can add on a Wine and Design date night paint kit (wine not included). All the details are here.

• Valentine’s Day not your thing? But football is? Check out the Super Bowl package the Angus Barn has put together. Just heat and eat their big game feast for five! The package includes: 2 full racks AB pork ribs; 8 giant roasted turkey wings; 18 filet mignon meatballs in marinara; 12 oversized stuffed potato tots; 1 bag of AB homemade crackers; 1 tub of AB cheddar cheese. All for $120. Add a whole chocolate chess pie for $20. Call in to reserve yours today at 919-781-2444. Get all the details on their Facebook page here.

• Looking to spice up your Tuesday nights? Well Bites of Bull City has launched their new weekly dining out/take out event called Tuesday Night Bites. These are special deals offered by some of the best local restaurants in Durham. Not only will these offers give you a sweet, delicious deal and help you fulfill the #durhamtakeoutpledge (to dine/take out at least twice a week to support our local restaurants), but it will also help these establishments thrive on a slower night and survive the winter during a pandemic. Get all the details here. What are you doing next Tuesday night?

• The Triangle Wine & Food Experience, a series of wine- and food-related events benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center, will look a little different this year due to the pandemic. It runs through Feb. 9. The Triangle Wine & Food Experience festivities will include an online auction, VIP dinner packages, wine tastings, and a live-streamed celebration. All proceeds from the Triangle Wine & Food Experience go directly to the Frankie Lemmon School, a NAEYC accredited, five-star child developmental center that welcomes children ages two to six of all abilities. Get all the details on how you can participate and support them on their website here.

• Anyone up for a little wine and weed? Come on, North Carolina is not quite that liberal just yet. Wine & Weeds (the ‘s’ is very important) is a weekly event where volunteers can drink a complimentary glass of wine while weeding the gardens at the Well Fed Community Garden at 1321 Athens Drive in Raleigh. Get all the details on how you can participate here on their Facebook page. What’s next? Beer & Bongs…?

• Simply eating out has become a bit of an event. The creativity, caution and care our restaurants have taken (and added expenses!) is nothing short of impressive. One thing they are not short on is passion! Anyway, blogger Beck Eats World has put together a pretty impressive list of restaurants with outdoor heaters. Check out the list here.

• Not exactly an event per se, but rather some things to celebrate. Visit Raleigh put together a list of the best restaurants that opened in 2020 in the greater Raleigh area. Check that list out here. And WRAL’s Out and About put out a broader list of Triangle-wide openings in 2020. Check that list out here.

Food Bank Corner

• Own a restaurant, food truck or catering company and want to help feed kids this summer? Well, the Food Bank’s Programs Team is gearing up to resume free kids meals across the Food Bank’s service area, and is recruiting Meal Vendors (paid). They’re also recruiting community Meal Sites locations to serve and distribute the meals. Interested folks can learn more by signing up for the February 25^th information session here. #noonegoeshungry