Category Archives: Uncategorized

Friday Fun Food Facts – January 31, 2025

Featured Restaurant News

  • And then there were four (and soon to be five). That’s right, The Pickled Onion, arguably the Triangle’s favorite locally owned and operated sports bar, is quickly moving into the former Village Grill spot in North Raleigh’s Lafayette Village (Village Grill closed on December 20th after 14 years). Expect a pretty quick turnaround where we will see them open in April. And we should see their fifth Pickled Onion location open in Youngsville at 701 Tarboro Road not too far behind that. The Pickled Onion also operates the breakfast spot Sundays AM Eatery up in Wakefield Commons. Visit Pickled Onion here.

Wake County Restaurant News

  • Raleigh Magazine posted this week that the long-anticipated Mala Pata and Peynote Minibar could open as early as next month in Gateway Plaza. They are being brought to us by four folks very well known in the local food scene – Angela Salamanca (Centro/Ex-Voto/Gallo Pelón/Patty Boy), Marshall Davis (Ex-Voto/Gallo Pelón/Patty Boy), Eric Montagne and Zack Gragg (both with Locals Seafood). Raleigh Magazine noted that they will deliver unique Mexican dishes infused with Southern flavors (think lechona tacos and collard green tamales), plus frozen drinks and refined central and South American classics. Follow along on Instagram here.

  • Raleigh Downtown reported on Instagram that Omakase by Kai, a new Omakase-style Japanese restaurant, is set to open soon on the ground floor of the Hyatt House Hotel at Seaboard Station (15 Seaboard Avenue). The space features a wrap around sake bar, promising a fully immersive dining experience, and is the latest creation from chef/owner James Chung, who also operates Kai Sushi & Sake Bar in North Raleigh. Might be best to follow along on Instagram here.

  • The Triangle Business Journal reported that over in Raleigh’s Village District, Matthew Bettinger (think SideBar and Hank’s Downtown Dive in Cary) is moving into the former Which Wich location next to Goodnights Comedy Club with a new bar called Mr. Henry Lounge & Cocktails. The bar is named after Bettinger’s dog. Look for them to open in June.

  • Up in North Raleigh, saw that Jalwa Indian Bistro opened on January 27th in the former Saint Jacques space in the North Ridge Shopping Center at 6112 Falls of the Neuse Road. Check them out here.

  • Owner Alex Chandler shared with me that they have opened the Cary location of the MilkShake Factory (he also owns the location in Durham) at 161 E Chatham Street. They are currently in soft opening mode and will have their Grand Opening event on February 15th from noon until 4 p.m. featuring live music, giveaways, lots of chocolate samples, and a FREE vanilla shake. Visit their Facebook event page for all the details.

  • Also in Cary, reader Kevin Crutchfield shared some exciting news. The former Mookie’s space in Tryon Village (1010 Tryon Village Drive, Suite 705) is being taken over by the owner of The Craft House who will open an Italian restaurant. Look for them to open this August. Stay tuned for more details.

  • And we close the Wake County section with a happiest of birthdays to Transfer Co. Food Hall’s Benchwarmers Bagels. They turn six this Saturday, February 1st. I’m sure they’ll have something special going on Saturday morning (they are open 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. – but remember bagels go quickly). A great way to kick-off your Saturday. This will be a big year for Benchwarmers as they open a second location, and a third on the way in 2026. Visit them here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

  • Axios reported this week that Durham chefs Matt Kelly and Tom Cuomo are opening Dino’s, a new pizza restaurant in University Hill in the former BB’s Crispy Chicken space. Look for them to serve up hoagies, wings, chicken parms and made-to-order pizzas (New Jersey style). The space will feature a large outdoor patio and they will offer delivery. They could open as early as March.

  • For those keeping up with their New Year’s resolutions by going to the Gym every day, you have a new option in downtown Durham. My buddy Glenn Gillen shared with me this week that on a recent stroll in downtown Durham he noticed that Gym Tacos had opened in the former Pompieri Pizza space. The menu features tortas, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas and, of course, their delicious tacos! You can find them at 102 City Hall Plaza. Check them out on Instagram here.

  • Zweli’s Ekhaya in Durham at 406 Blackwell Street will begin offering Sunday brunch THIS SUNDAY February 2nd (and every Sunday) from 10 a.m until 3 p.m. Look for creations like Caramel Rum Bread Pudding and Banana Foster’s French Toast with Caramelized Pistachios and Honey Ricotta Cream. Make your reservation now!

Closings

  • A couple of closures up in North Raleigh’s Lafayette Village. After 14 years, Village Grill closed their doors back just before Christmas. And this week, Driftwood Cantina closed their doors as well. Read above for what is going into the Village Grill spot. And stay tuned for a very exciting announcement for what is coming to the Driftwood Cantina spot.

  • Also in Raleigh, and I guess not too many people noticed, but Uncle Julio’s at Crabtree Valley Mall apparently closed back in October/November. Guess I missed that (or didn’t miss that). Thanks to reader Spencer Brown for the heads up. The location in Durham remains open.

  • Sad to share that Durham’s Mike D’s BBQ has closed at 455 S Driver Street. He was the winner of “I Quit” TV Show and had award winning sauces and rubs. They opened in 2013.

  • Over Carrboro, Chapelboro reported that 401 Main would close after a five-year run at the close of business on Tuesday, February 4th.

  • A couple of closures in Cary’s Parkside Town Commons. Reader Tim Decker notified us that both Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt have closed. Menchies still has locations in Garner and Durham. The next closest Dickey’s is in Southern Pines.

Food Trucks

  • 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

  • This Saturday is one of the most important days of the year. Yes, this Saturday, February 1st is National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. And what better way to celebrate it than stopping by one of the locations of Two Roosters Ice Cream where they will serve Bojangles Bo-Berry Biscuits with Two Roosters ice cream. Yes, you read that right. And they will have six cereal guest flavors! All their stores will be open from 9 a.m. until noon. Get details and locations here.

  • Rocky Top Catering is proud to sponsor and host the 7th Annual Cooking for the Kids benefiting Overflowing Hands and King’s Ridge which kicks off with Round One the week of February 17th. This fun competition matches eight premier Triangle chefs in a tournament-style culinary showdown to win cash prizes. The competition takes place at Millbrook Manor (formerly 1705 East) at 1705 East Millbrook Road in Raleigh. Round Two takes place February 26th and 27th and the Finale is scheduled for March 5. See the participating chefs as well as purchase tickets here. Thanks to Dean Ogan for reaching out to me about this great event!

  • Tickets went on sale earlier this month for An Evening To Ignite, the annual fundraiser by the teams at The Merrimon-Wynne House, Band Together and La Fête Planning & Design. The nonprofit beneficiary of this year’s event will be Ripe for Revival, which operates a fleet of pay-what-you-can mobile markets in central and eastern North Carolina. They will use the proceeds to expand the mobile markets’ presence in Raleigh. This year’s An Evening To Ignite will be March 14, 2025 in downtown Raleigh. Get tickets here and get information on Ripe for Revival 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.

  • 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)

Food Bank Corner

  • With over 560,000 community members facing food insecurity and hunger at its highest in over 15 years, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is working overtime to ensure no one goes hungry. Your generous support is making a positive impact for people who are fighting to stay afloat. Monthly giving is a great way to increase your impact for our neighbors. Just $10 a month could provide 50 meals to families experiencing hunger. A monthly pledge is a steadfast commitment to providing nourishment across our community. Join a caring group of donors by becoming a Sustainer today!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Friday Fun Food Facts – January 24, 2025

Featured Restaurant News

  • A second State of Beer opened yesterday in downtown Raleigh. The bottle shop and restaurant occupies a second transformed bungalow in the curve of West Morgan Street (851 W. Morgan St.) next door to The Bend Bar, a cozy neighborhood spot serving local craft beers, wine and craft cocktails, which opened last month. The original State of Beer at 401 Hillsborough St. will continue to operate through at least late 2026. The new location features a full kitchen allowing them to introduce new items like harissa dry rubbed wings, homemade mozzarella sticks and chicken cutlet sandwiches. The dining space features a seven-seat bar, two dozen indoor seats, a deck connecting the bungalows and a spacious backyard with fire pits and seating areas nestled among the trees. Plans for the third bungalow are still to be determined. Might be best to check them out on Instagram.

Wake County Restaurant News

  • The folks over at North Hills shared the news that Foxcroft Wine Co. opened their sixth location (and first in the Triangle) in the former Midtown Grille spot in the Lassiter District. Their concept offers a full-service restaurant offering sharable plates and entrees designed to be paired with an extensive selection of wines (40+ wines by the glass). Get familiar with them here. Thanks to reader Jack Tookey for the heads up!

  • Toastique, a gourmet toast, juice, and coffee bar franchise, will debut its first Raleigh location in a 1,415-square-foot retail space on the ground floor of 1000 Social in The Exchange Raleigh. The franchise is owned by Jessalyn Abril and Kristi Kaltenbach and will open in the third quarter of 2025. They will offer a unique menu featuring gourmet toast, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, coffee, espresso, and more. The only other North Carolina location is in Charlotte. Get to know them here.

  • WRAL reported this week that Corbett’s Burger and Soda Bar, a family-run burger and soda bar, will bring gourmet burgers and unique sodas to the Holly Springs area, their fifth location (four in the Triangle and one at the coast). It looks like the location will open today or tomorrow (check their social media posts before heading out) at 7224 GB Alford Highway. Check out Corbett’s here.

  • Two new concepts are on the way over at 1601 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh. First up, Ruth Guerra, co-owner of Que Pashoo Mariscos Bar and Grill, along with her sister-in-law, Vanesa Paz, will open Que Pashoo Tacos & Bar where guests can expect a variety of tacos made with high-quality, fresh ingredients, alongside craft cocktails. Next up, Wes Woody, a Raleigh native, will introduce his first solo venture, Squeeze, a juice bar and café focused on health and wellness. Look to enjoy fresh juices, acai bowls, customizable smoothies, and clean, nutritious meals such as salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads. Both will open as early as March. Visit Que Pashoo here and Squeeze here.

  • Michael DePersia of DePersia & Associates shared that he sold Thaiphoon Bistro at 301 Glenwood Avenue in Downtown Raleigh (next to Sushi Blues and The Hibernian). After a brief remodel the new owners will open up as an Indian restaurant and bar serving lunch and dinner. The last remaining Thaiphoon Bistro is still open on Creedmoor Road in the Stonehenge Shopping Center.

  • My buddy David McCreary shared that Farmside Kitchen is coming soon to 316 Colonades Way, Suite 212 in Cary’s Waverly Place. They will serve up hearty, wholesome and nutritious grain bowls, salads and grilled protein. This will be the second Farmside spot in the Triangle, which already has a location in Durham. Get familiar with them here.

  • And David McCreary (clearly my eastern Wake County correspondent) shared that Tiny House Treats, a family owned and operated drive-thru-only frozen custard and dessert shop, has opened at 1013 E. Broad Street Fuquay-Varina in the Walmart parking lot. Discover more on Instagram here.

  • And finally, kudos to the latest round of Triangle area chefs and restaurants securing spots as semi-finalists in the prestigious James Beard Awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of Food.” Chef Scott Crawford and his company Crawford Hospitality are semifinalists for outstanding restaurateur, a national honor. In the outstanding chef category, Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood in Durham was given the nod as a semi-finalist. Moore won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast in 2022. In the emerging chef category, Bhavin Chhatwani of Tamasha Modern Indian in Raleigh was announced as a semifinalist. Figulina in Raleigh is a semifinalist in the best new restaurant category. Durham’s The Bar Beej is competing in the best new bar category. Christopher Prieto of Prime Barbecue in Knightdale is a semi-finalist for the Best Chef in the Southeast award. Finalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards will be announced on Wednesday, April 2, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

     

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

  • Zweli’s Ekhaya in Durham at 406 Blackwell Street will begin offering Sunday brunch on February 2nd (and every Sunday) from 10 a.m until 3 p.m. Look for creations like Caramel Rum Bread Pudding and Banana Foster’s French Toast with Caramelized Pistachios and Honey Ricotta Cream. Make your reservation now!

Closings

  • 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

  • Downtown Raleigh’s Whiskey Kitchen (201 W. Martin Street), popular among whiskey and culinary enthusiasts, is hosting an exclusive Paired Whiskey Dinner featuring Glenmorangie Scotch on January 29th. Guests will indulge in a specially crafted multi-course menu, each dish expertly paired with Glenmorangie’s iconic Scotch whiskies. The complete menu and pairing details are available on the Whiskey Kitchen event page.

  • Tickets went on sale earlier this month for An Evening To Ignite, the annual fundraiser by the teams at The Merrimon-Wynne House, Band Together and La Fête Planning & Design. The nonprofit beneficiary of this year’s event will be Ripe for Revival, which operates a fleet of pay-what-you-can mobile markets in central and eastern North Carolina. They will use the proceeds to expand the mobile markets’ presence in Raleigh. This year’s An Evening To Ignite will be March 14, 2025 in downtown Raleigh. Get tickets here and get information on Ripe for Revival here.

Food Bank Corner

  • With over 560,000 community members facing food insecurity and hunger at its highest in over 15 years, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is working overtime to ensure no one goes hungry. Your generous support is making a positive impact for people who are fighting to stay afloat. Monthly giving is a great way to increase your impact for our neighbors. Just $10 a month could provide 50 meals to families experiencing hunger. A monthly pledge is a steadfast commitment to providing nourishment across our community. Join a caring group of donors by becoming a Sustainer today!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized