Featured Restaurant News
- Over in downtown Raleigh’s Morgan Street Food Hall the folks behind Opa! Raleigh (authentic Greek cuisine) have opened Times Square Deli. Look for them to be serving up Philly cheesesteaks, New York style deli sandwiches (think pastrami, Reubens and club sandwiches) and sides like potato twists, onion rings and sweet potato fries. We were unable to find an online presence, so in the meantime, visit Opa! Raleigh here on Instagram.
Wake County Restaurant News
- Last week we told you about Bongiorno & Son’s owner, Michael Bongiorno, and his announcement of opening an Italian cuisine concept at The Exchange Raleigh in Raleigh’s Midtown (1000 Social Street) in the third quarter of 2025. As if that is not enough to take on in 2025, Bongiorno is also in the middle of opening a location in RDU International Airport. Looks like this is going to be a huge 2025 for Bongiorno. Keep up with his progress on both projects on his Instagram page here.
- We first told you about this back in March, but Axios Raleigh shared an update this week on Delaware-bassed brewery Crooked Hammock Brewing sharing that they likely won’t open until early 2026. Located in GlenLake – up the hill from Crabtree Valley Mall — this will be their fourth location and first North Carolina, Look for them to serve house-brewed beers, hard teas and seltzers with an elevated cookout menu. The location affords them a large backyard with plenty of outdoor seating, lawn games and hammocks. Start getting familiar with them here.
- Got word from reader Chris Creighton that the new Chipotle up on Kildaire Farm Road in Cary (3402 Kildaire Farm Road) officially opened last week. Of note, this location has a drive-thru. Check them out here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- Got word through a post on the Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Facebook page that after nine years in Butner, Plumpeez Deli is expanding and moving to Durham. Their last day in Butner is December 31. No word yet on the exact location nor the timeline to get the new space open, but look forward to welcoming a N.Y. style deli serving a variety of sandwiches featuring Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. Look for their pending announcement on their Facebook page here.
- One of our very own needs our help. Chef Vimala Rajendran, who has a heart bigger than life, and her Curryblossom Cafe, an award-winning gem in Chapel Hill, are struggling to make rent. She is reaching out to the community that she has helped time and time again for an assist. While donations would be phenomenal, going to eat at the restaurant or buying gift cards would also help tremendously. Visit Curryblossom here.
Closings
- Mookie’s New York Deli in Cary (1010 Tryon Village Drive, Cary) announced via Facebook this week that they are officially closed after a four-year run.
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
- 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.
- This is kind of cool…a traveling Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy cocktail event that will be in Pittsboro next January 23 and 24. It is a chilling cocktail experience that brings four of his stories off the page and onto the stage as told through the Poe historians while you sip on delicious themed cocktails that are paired with each story. Tickets are $45 and will take place at The Plant (220 Lorax Lane). Get tickets and all the details here.
Food Bank Corner
- The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to spend time with family and friends over delicious festive meals. Unfortunately for many of our friends and neighbors, holiday meals may not be an option. The rising cost of living is putting a strain on our community. By donating a holiday gift, you can help bring comfort and relief to local families fighting food insecurity. It’s a perfect time to give! Until December 31, compassionate friends are matching all gifts to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina up to $503,100. Give $10 now and have double the impact, providing 100 meals.
