Friday Fun Food Facts – July 14, 2023

Triangle Restaurant News
Triangle restaurant news…that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler. 

Featured Restaurant News

  • We first told you about this back in June, but the Triangle Business Journal provided the latest update on Giorgios Bakatsias and his newest restaurant. Nikos, a reimagined version of the former Nikos Greek Taverna, is set to open July 19 at 905 W. Main St. The restaurant is part of Giorgios Hospitality Group and will be his 16th restaurant! Nikos is located in Brightleaf Square and will bring back the authentic Greek dishes that the former Nikos was known for, with the addition of Aegean and Middle Eastern-inspired plates. Get to know the new Nikos here.

Wake County Restaurant News

  • Over in Cary reader James Dobrowolski shared with us that he drove by the old Szechuan Taste spot inside the Lowes Food center in Cary (6430 Tryon Rd.) and noticed that there is a “coming soon” sign for a new Vietnamese spot called Pho Thien Phat a “Vietnamese noodle house.” We could not find an online presence for them so you will have to swing by!
  • Out in Morrisville, got word this week that the latest location of Wayback Burgers is now open. They are located at 1550 Aviation Parkway out by the airport in the new RDU Galleria building/gas station/food court. Check them out here.
  • Down in Wendell, apparently I have been remiss in keeping up with all that is happening/opening down that way. Thankfully reader Susan Neilson got me up to speed. I hereby tap Susan as my Wendell foodie news beat reporter! Let’s catch up quickly with some fairly recent openings. Don Beto’s Tacos & Tequilla, Pico De Gallo and Farmers and Merchants. Get by and check them all out! And it won’t be long before the second location of Parkside Diner (original is in downtown Raleigh) will open. Stay tuned! Susan, I’m counting on you to let me know! 🙂
  • And not too far in Selma (Johnston County) we got word this week that the Old North State Food Hall has added three new vendors (located at 67 JR Road in Selma). The Ice Storm, with an original location in Goldsboro, boasts an extensive collection of unique and innovative ice cream and cone flavors. The Hot Dog Bar, where their menu showcases hot dogs with an assortment of toppings, including their delicious homemade chili. Wings and a variety of appetizers round out the menu offerings. And JoCo Coffee Co., serving fresh, locally roasted Full Bloom coffee drinks, bubble tea, baked goods, brunch items, and terrific salads. Visit the hall and their full line-up of offerings here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

  • Thanks to our friends over at Bites of Bull City, we learned that a concept called CasteLion, serving up pizza, pasta and more, will be moving into the former Big C Waffles spot at 2110 Allendown Drive. No word on an open date and we were unable to locate an online presence just yet.
  • Also in Durham, saw on Instagram this week that the Zinchouse, a winery, brewery and event space, will soon be adding a whiskey/bourbon cigar bar. No word on a timeline nor do they have a name for it just yet. That’s where you come in. Head on over to their Instagram page and offer your suggestion on what it should be called. Do so here.

Closings

  • Founded in 2004, we got word this week that Saint Jacques French Cuisine in North Raleigh closed their doors this past Saturday.

Food Trucks

  • WRAL reminded us to head on over to Durham Central Park this Sunday (July 16) from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. for the NC Foodtruck Fair. This food tuck rodeo will feature games, entertainment, bounce houses, a water slide and vendors. They will also be collecting donations for Durham County Meals on Wheels and for Durham Central Park. Get all the details here.
  • And it is official, Jake and Shannon Wolf and their team over at Capital Club 16 have started rolling around town in their new food truck called The Wandering Wolf. Capital Club 16 is a traditional American restaurant with German influence. You will find their truck at local breweries and they are available for private and corporate events. Check it out here.
  • The next Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo is Sunday, September 3 from 12-4 p.m. The final rodeo of the season will be October 29. All the rodeos are from 12-4 p.m. Giddyup! Here is the link.
  • 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

  • They have been open for a little over two months now, but Lula & Sadie’s announced their Grand Opening Celebration next Friday, July 21st, from 6 to 10 p.m. at their new location in Lakewood at 2022 Chapel Hill Rd. They are inviting guests to enjoy an evening featuring their beautifully crafted menu, stylish ambiance and exceptional southern hospitality. Secure your spot here.
  • On August 10th at 6:30 p.m., the folks over at Prohibitive will hold an “All About Pinots” wine pairing as they taste through varieties of Pinots paired with tapas. Prohibitive is located at the historic Matthews House in Cary (317 W. Chatham Street). Cost is $85 per person. Reserve your spot here.
  • The folks over at Acme are bringing back Salt & Smoke on Saturday, October 28th. This year’s event will be held at The Barn at Sonark Media (located just off of Old 86 in Hillsborough). If you are not familiar with the event, it is a full afternoon and evening of live music, whole hog barbecue, raw oysters, roasted clams and plenty of the right beverages to wash it all down – local beer, wine and cocktails. And if you get your tickets now, through the end of this month there is a $25 discount for all tickets purchased (just use the code FINALLY when checking out). Get all the details and tickets here.

Food Bank Corner

  • Right now, one in five people in central and eastern North Carolina don’t have enough to eat. Your tax-deductible gift helps provide food and hope to families, children, and seniors right here in our community. Together, we can help people in our community during their greatest time of need. Give here. Every $10 you donate provides 50 meals! #noonegoeshungry

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Friday Fun Food Facts – July 7, 2023

Triangle Restaurant News
Triangle restaurant news…that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler. 

Featured Restaurant News

  • Perhaps you’ve enjoyed his rubs and sauces or had the privilege of attending an event he has catered. But soon you’ll be able to sit down and enjoy his cooking in his new smokehouse. This week Carrie Brogren shared the news that July 15th will be the grand opening for Mike D’s BBQ Smokehouse and Retail. The smokehouse is located at 455 S. Driver Street in East Durham. Congratulations to Michael “Mike D” De Los Santos and his entire team for their continued success. Get to know them here.

Wake County Restaurant News

  • Triangle Business Journal shared this week that Cary is getting another breakfast and lunch option with a new location planned for Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken. The new Rise store is planned for 575 New Waverly Place inside Cary’s Waverly Place shopping center (former home to The European Cleaners). It will be a corporate-owned store. Visit Rise here.
  • Got word from David McCreary that Chicago-style pizza chain Rosatti’s is coming soon to 76 Hunter St., Suite 104 near downtown Apex. No word on an open date. Check them out here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

  • My friends over at Bites of Bull City shared recently that Szechuan Mansion Hotpot, which has an original location in Cary, opened on Ninth Street in Durham. Check them out on Instagram here.
  • Also in Durham, Lesley Stracks-Mullem (owner of Taste Carolina) shared the news that Chimbanga’s Neighborhood Market, has opened on Morgan Street (506 N. Mangum Street, #103) near Everlou Coffee. We could not find an online presence for them, so you will just have to pay them a visit!
  • We first told you about this in March of 2022, but Chapelboro just provided an update on the newest breakfast eatery in Chapel Hill. Over in Eastgate Crossing, Snooze, An A.M. Eatery is inching closer to opening with an expectation to do so just after the summer. When they do, they will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. This would be their first location in the Triangle, fourth location in North Carolina. Visit Snooze here.
  • Kudos to Pure Soul over in Durham for securing the #1 spot of best eateries in North and South Carolina according to Yelp. The restaurant, located at 4125 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., is known for serving plant-based versions of soul food dishes. Get familiar with them here.

Closings

  • I saw on a post in the Chapel Hill Carrboro Facebook Foodies group the unfortunate news Rasa Restaurant in Chapel Hill North Shopping Center (think Harris Teeter on MLK Blvd.) will close on July 29. Get by before then.

Food Trucks

  • The next Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo is Sunday, September 3 from 12-4 p.m. The final rodeo of the season will be October 29. All the rodeos are from 12-4 p.m. Giddyup! Here is the link.
  • 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

  • They have been open for a little over two months now, but Lula & Sadie’s announced their Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, July 21st, from 6 to 10 p.m. at their new location in Lakewood at 2022 Chapel Hill Rd. They are inviting guests to enjoy an evening featuring their beautifully crafted menu, stylish ambiance and exceptional southern hospitality. Secure your spot here.
  • The folks over at Acme are bringing back Salt & Smoke on Saturday, October 28th. This year’s event will be held at The Barn at Sonark Media (located just off of Old 86 in Hillsborough). If you are not familiar with the event, it is a full afternoon and evening of live music, whole hog barbecue, raw oysters, roasted clams and plenty of the right beverages to wash it all down – local beer, wine and cocktails. And if you get your tickets now, through the end of this month there is a $25 discount for all tickets purchased (just use the code FINALLY when checking out). Get all the details and tickets here.

Food Bank Corner

  • Right now, one in five people in central and eastern North Carolina don’t have enough to eat. Your tax-deductible gift helps provide food and hope to families, children, and seniors right here in our community. Together, we can help people in our community during their greatest time of need. Give here. Every $10 you donate provides 50 meals! #noonegoeshungry

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized