Featured Restaurant News
- Thanks to a tip from Crystal Mace over at PFS Sales in Raleigh, we learned the opening date of the newest location of Gym Tacos. They will open on January 31st on Hillsborough Street across from Meredith College in the former Burger King/Hieu Bowl Vietnamese Kitchen spot (3701 Hillsborough St.)! This will be their third location counting their trucks over on Six Forks Road and their sports bar in Bedford (space formerly occupied by the Public House) at 1540 Dunn Road. And remember, it is better to eat some good tacos before going to the gym. See you in line on January 31st! In the meantime, visit Gym Tacos here.
Wake County Restaurant News
- We first told you about Bright Spot Donuts back in July, 2021, but the Triangle Business Journal provided an update this week and a possible opening date. As you’ll remember, Bright Spot is another venture of the teams from Boulted Bread, Jubala Coffee, and Benchwarmers Bagels. It is located in the Five Points area at 1501 Sunrise Avenue in a completely renovated building (The Junction at Five Points). It is possible they will be open before March according to the article. Let’s just say, we can’t wait! Congrats to the ownership team of Sam Kirkpatrick, Josh Bellamy, Andrew Cash, John Knox and Sarah Millsaps – that is a tremendous amount of talent! Best to follow them on Instagram for updates and announcements.
- Up at Triangle Town Center, blogger EatRaleigh shared that Lechon Latin BBQ Joint is now in soft open mode. Their menu focuses on roasted Puerto Rican style pork dishes. They are located at 5959 Triangle Town Blvd. Visit them on Instagram here.
- Also in Raleigh, reader Patrick Fish notified us that the newest location of Wingstop just opened at 8205 Fayetteville Road (401 heading towards Fuquay-Varina). Visit them here.
- This isn’t Wake County (actually Harnett County) but close enough…we got word from reader Neal Zipser that Napper Tandy’s Irish Bar has opened (they opened on January 17) in Angier at 27 S. Broad Street East. It is locally owned and operated by Robert Stapleton and Danny Babb. Guinness for me please! Check them out here.
- This is fun – to look at some things we have to look forward to in 2022 in Raleigh/Wake County thanks to our friends over at Visit Raleigh. Heads up, most of these are food related. Check it out here.
- And finally, a quick congratulations to Catering Works as they were announced as a winner of the 2022 Wedding Wire Couples’ Choice Awards, an accolade representing the top wedding professionals across the board in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism reviewed by couples on Wedding Wire. Visit Catering Works here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- Our friends over at Bites of Bull City shared that a new meadery and bottle shop, Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop, just opened in the basement of Joe Van Gogh coffee shop on Broad Street (1104 Broad Street). Learn all about them and their plans on a post on the Bites of Bull City blog here.
- An update on Rockwood Dairy Bar thanks to Glenn Gillen. Glenn pointed us to a Facebook post where owner Stephanie Rosse shared that she is joining National Geographic cruises as an assistant chef. Therefore, we will not see a reopening of Rockwood Dairy Bar, but rather she will do occasional popups in Durham when she is back in the area. Check out their Facebook postings here to get the full skinny.
- Another update on the Mr. Fries Man coming to Durham that we first reported on back in July, 2021. They are scheduled to have their grand opening this Saturday, January 22 at 11:00 a.m. at their location at 1105 W. Main Street in the Bartlett condo building. The concept began in the Los Angeles market, and now has nearly 20 locations across the United States. This will be the first location in North Carolina. Tune into their social media for any updates/changes due to the weather. Follow them on Instagram here.
- The folks over at the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau have put together a great list of dining options in Orange County (Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, etc.) that have outdoor seating and heaters. Check out the list here.
Closings / Cancellations
- Thanks to reader Jack Tookey, we learned that the Starbucks located in the middle of the Main District of North Hills has closed permanently (don’t fret, there are two additional locations within walking distance). But the better news is that here was a Carriage House Coffee stand/mobile unit parked outside. Not sure if they plan on moving in permanently, but that seems to be where they are hanging out these days. Yea local! Visit them here.
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
- Thanks to a tip from Sitti’s executive chef Tracy Wildrick, I was reminded that Triangle Restaurant Week begins this Monday, January 24th and runs through January 30th. TRW is a week-long celebration of culinary excellence designed to incorporate the premier Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding area restaurants. During TRW, participating restaurants offer special three-course menu options and fixed pricing, a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to indulge in the area’s finest cuisine. No reservations, tickets or passes required. Pricing for the event is $15 for a 3-course lunch, and $25, $30, $35 or $40 for a 2-3 – course dinner. Price is for each person and does not include beverages, tax or gratuity. Find out which restaurants are participating and all the details here.
- Mark your calendars for February 3 through February 5th for the Triangle Wine & Food Experience. It is North Carolina’s premier wine and food event with all proceeds benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School & Developmental Center. The event features acclaimed winemakers and celebrity chefs from all over the world, as well as thousands of donors and supporters, participating in this truly amazing event. This three-day affair includes winery dinners at the Triangle’s top restaurants, wine tastings at area wine shops, and trade events. TWFE weekend culminates in the Grand Auction, which features a dazzling selection of wine and food, and an exciting auction that features rare and incredible lots. Tickets are on sale now. Get all the details here.
- Guys, you have been warned. Please note that the Super Bowl AND Valentine’s fall on the same weekend in 2022. The Super Bowl is on Sunday, February 13th, the day before Valentine’s. And we know everyone typically books their Valentine’s date nights on that weekend. You have been warned.
Food Bank Corner
- You can make a difference every month! Despite a record amount of food being distributed to individuals, seniors, children, veterans, and families of all kinds who are facing hunger last year, the food bank is still not meeting the increased need in the 34 counties the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina serves. Their partner agencies on the front lines are still reporting a sustained 35% increase in need over pre-pandemic levels. They need your reliable support to nourish all their neighbors in need. Sign up this January and your 1st monthly gift can be matched up to $2,500! Start giving today! #NoOneGoesHungry
