Friday Fun Food Facts – February 21, 2025

Featured Restaurant News

• If you are a fan of diners (who isn’t!?!), we’ve got big news for you this week! Tucker Street Diner has opened in the Smoky Hollow development in downtown Raleigh. It is brought to us by Michelle and James Park who also own The Shiny Diner (formerly Gypsy’s Shiny Diner) in Raleigh off of Buck Jones Road and Peak City Diner in Apex, off of Perry Road and Highway 55. Tucker Street Diner showcases classic American fare with a modern twist. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients for both quality and sustainability. They also have a coffee shop, featuring artisanal coffees and an all-day breakfast menu. Best to check them out on Instagram here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Triangle Business Journal reported this week that Cortez, known for its oysters and cocktails, will close after service on March 2 in the Glenwood South District of Raleigh, ending a nearly eight-year run. Brothers Charlie and Hector Ibarra, who also own Jose and Sons, will quickly undertake “extensive remodeling” of the space to make way for a new restaurant that will open in April. Details to follow soon. But in the meantime, you still have a few weeks for one more visit to Cortez. Visit them here.

• Also in downtown Raleigh, Raleating shared that Paul & Jack Bakery & Pastry Shop (with a location already in Wake Forest) has opened in the former Layered Croissanterie space (911 N West Street). This European bakery has quite a following in Wake Forest and now has a second location for you to enjoy their baked goods like fresh croissants, cheesecakes, bombolonis and more. Might be best to check them out on Instagram here.

• Inside the Morgan Street Food Hall, the Crispy Cod has officially landed. They’re serving up golden, hand-battered fish, perfectly crispy fries, and all the classic flavors you love. Add a side of tangy tartar sauce or a splash of malt vinegar, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort meal. Visit them on Instagram here.

• Over off Whittaker Mill Road, Raleigh Magazine shared the news that Mandy Tamplin will open a concept called Stellar in the now-closed Taste, Small Plates & Wine Bar in High Park Village. Tamplin previously owned a wine bar called Stellar Wine Co. in Portsmouth, Virginia. The wine bar/restaurant will be a joint venture with Seaboard Wine and is expected to open sometime around the middle of next month. Also expect wine classes, wine dinners and more. Stay tuned for additional details!⁠

• The Triangle Business Journal reported that Haraz Coffee House, a company based in Dearborn, Michigan, and specializes in Yemeni coffee, is making its way to 3915 Western Blvd. They will be located in the building that sits out in front of Amedeo’s. Since first opening in 2021, they have expanded to 17 locations, with over 100 in the works through franchising. This will be their second location in North Carolina (Charlotte has a location). No word on the open date. Start getting familiar with them on Instagram here.

• A couple of updates from reader David Amann. First up, Baker’s Dozen Donuts is moving into the spot where Bonafide Bakeshop & Cafe used to be in Beaver Commons at 1232 W. Williams Street in Apex. Their post online suggests they hope to be open by this summer. Next up, Lazza Pizza will be opening in Cary where Romeo’s Pizza used to be at 645 Mills Park Drive. Look for them to open soon as they are simply waiting on the Town of Cary to sign off on everything.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Over in Chapel Hill, we first told you about this in October, 2024, but we learned that Chapel Chill opened their doors yesterday (February 20). As you might guess, they are an ice cream shop serving up handcrafted premium ice cream right in the store using the best ingredients available. They will always have 24 flavors available, including non-dairy options. And if you can’t decide, they offer a cute little “flight” of four flavors for your enjoyment (and indecisiveness). They are conveniently located on Weaver Dairy Road in Cedar Falls Courtyard, the same shopping center as The Pig and PiggyBack as well as Beau Catering. Congrats to the Louis family — Lauren and Andy and their daughters, Brooke and Julia. Might be best to follow along on Instagram for updates. Thanks to reader Warren Greshes for the heads up.

• If you’ve been around the Triangle food scene for a minute, you’ll recognize the name Tyler Huntington. Tyler reached out to me this week to let me know that the Beer Study has opened in their new location in the South Green development in Carrboro (yes, they moved there from their location on Franklin Street; they also have a location in Durham) at 101 Two Hills Drive. They are next to The Flying Pierogi Delicatessen, who will be providing food options in Beer Study. Of note, the two businesses are working together on future events. Might be best to check them out on their Facebook page here.

• Over in Durham, buddy Glenn Gillen shared with me that Hope Cafe, serving up authentic Thai cuisine, has opened in the Woodcroft Shopping Center in the space formerly occupied by GG Fish and Chicken at 4711 Hope Valley Road. Get to know them here.

Closings

• None to report. Keep eating local, folks!

Food Trucks

• The Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeos for 2025 kick off THIS Sunday, February 23rd from 12 noon until 4 p.m. The event features over 50+ food trucks with cuisine from all over the world, and family fun – making it the ultimate Sunday Funday in Durham Central Park (501 Foster Street)! Mark your calendars for the remaining dates in 2025 – they are: April 13; June 1; and November 2. Get all the details here.

• 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

• We are heading into the second round of the 7th Annual Cooking for the Kids benefiting Overflowing Hands and King’s Ridge. The 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!

• Get ready to nosh! The Jewish Food Festival returns on Sunday, March 9, from 2–5 PM at Jewish for Good at the Levin JCC (1937 W. Cornwallis Road), bringing together mouthwatering Jewish cuisine, local restaurant favorites, and a vibrant community celebration. The event showcases a diverse spread of Jewish delicacies, from brisket and bourekas to knishes and chopped liver, alongside signature offerings from local favorites including Brandwein’s Bagels, LocoPops, The Parlour, Isaac’s Bagels, Rockwood Pantry, Hummus Y’all, and more. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jewish cuisine or looking to try something new, the festival offers something delicious for everyone. Get all the details here.

• The Beer Study in Carrboro, will have their Grand Re Re Opening Chili Cookoff on Saturday, March 15th from noon until 10 p.m. at their new location in the South Green development in Carrboro at 101 Two Hills Drive. Get all the details, including prizes for the top 3 vote getters, on their Facebook events page here.

• Join Catering Works and the Museum of Art for the Art of Tea in Bloom at the East Café from March 19th through 23rd. This Afternoon Tea experience features a prix-fixe menu including savory canapes, finger sandwiches and floral inspired patisserie. Premium teas or coffee included. Floral inspired cocktails are available for purchase separately. Select from standard, gluten free, vegetarian or vegan ticket. Get ticket and all the details here.

• Or, here is another fun event from Catering Works and the Museum of Art on April 11th. Seeing Red, a presentation in the new Conservation Gallery, features the history, symbolism, and materiality of red dyes and pigments in art. It features an interactive display and works of art from the NCMA collection to illustrate the artistic use of red. At this event enjoy a short tour of Seeing Red with Director of Conservation Perry Hurt, creator of the installation. Then in the NCMA Café, embark on a deep dive into red wine, presented by wine educator and owner of Vitis House Doreen Colondres. A fascinating, unique, and cross-cultural combination of art and wine, with creative food pairings by Chef Rick Sloan of Catering Works and the NCMA Café. Get details and tickets here.

• To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Irregardless in downtown Raleigh is hosting a series of special prix fixe dinners, each celebrating a different decade in the restaurant’s history. The first event will honor the 1970s with a nostalgic three-course meal at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, priced at $80 per person. Get tickets and all the details here. Additional dinners are as follows: 1985 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. May 21 (tickets and details here); 1995 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. July 9; 2005 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10; and 2015 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12.

• 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

• Who is hungry? The reality is, hunger no longer has a single face. It’s woven into the lives of far too many in our community. This isn’t an isolated issue; it’s a reflection of systemic challenges. Hunger impacts us all, and we have a responsibility to address it. So, what is the solution? It is us. It’s all of us working together to create a community where everyone has the nourishment they need to thrive. Help create a solution to hunger in our community with your gift to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. Every $10 you give provides 50 meals! Donate now!