Featured Restaurant News
- Next Wednesday, May 28th marks the opening of the second Triangle-area location of Simply Crepes. They have moved into the former Zoës Kitchen, then Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, space in the Shoppes at Oberlin Court at 1028 Oberlin Road. They are a full-service, casual restaurant, offering a progressively traditional French country house experience. The location has received a complete remodel and definitely has a ‘French feel’ complete with fireplace settings and a private event space! This is the concept’s fifth location, and second outside of New York. Their other local spot is in North Raleigh’s Lafayette Village. Visit their Oberlin Road location here.
Wake County Restaurant News
- Cape Fear Seafood Company officially opened its Cary location last Monday at 1885 Lake Pine Drive in the MacGregor Square Center (former Brewster’s Pub spot). This is their fourth Triangle-area location, joining the established Village District, Wake Forest and North Raleigh locations. The space is absolutely gorgeous and features a large outdoor dining area complete with a fire-pit. Definitely work it into your Memorial Day weekend rotation. Check out their newest location here.
- And another opening. Napa Bistro & Wine Bar opened this past Wednesday bringing cool, crisp vibes from California’s Napa Valley to Glenwood Place (think Ladyfingers, just inside the belt line off Glenwood). Hailing from Charlotte, this concept from Conway Restaurant Group is Napa’s fourth restaurant in North Carolina and its first in the Triangle. Guests can expect an elevated atmosphere with wine country cuisine, cocktails, and of course, a carefully-selected wine list – perfect for brunches, happy hours, and date nights all spring and summer long. Get to know them here.
- RALtoday shared the news that Escazu Chocolates is hosting a Farewell Party this Sunday, May 25th at its current Blount Street location before moving to their new location in Gateway Plaza. Important to note, this is NOT their last day at the Blount Street location. They will soon snnounce when they will complete the transition to the new location. At the party, expect pottery by Liz Kelly, matcha and tea from Feature Flora, and, of course, sweets from the artisan chocolatier. Best to follow along on Instagram for details on the party as well as their pending announcement about the move.
- Got word from Chris Creighton that The Peak on Salem in Apex has temporarily closed. The Tramonto Food Group, which also operates MacGregor Ale House and Chef’s Palette, will open Serafina, an upscale Italian concept, in that space in June. Visit The Tramonto Food Group for the latest.
- Up in North Raleigh in Lafayette Village, got word this week that the former Zanyu Asian Noodles is under new ownership and will now operate as Lotus Noodle House. While signage is up on the building, this is still a little early in the transition as I was unable to find an online presence for the new concept. Stay tuned.
- The Triangle Business Journal reported this week that students at NC State will be able to enjoy a little local dining beginning in the fall with the announcement this week that Cary’s La Farm Bakery will open an outpost in the former Port City Java at 101 Current Drive in Park Shops. Joining them on campus this fall will be Chapel Hill’s Mediterranean Deli, Bakery and Catering coming to the Atrium Food Court on campus replacing the eateries Delirious and Union 51.
- Down in Fuquay-Varina, got word this week that the new Famous Toastery is opening next Tuesday, May 27th. This is the second Triangle-area location (the other is in Cary) and the first location to showcase their brand’s refreshed design and updated menu, all focused on fresh, made-from-scratch breakfast, lunch, and brunch in a warm, community-centered space. They are located at 620 Lakestone Commons Avenue. Check them out here.
- Up in Rolesville, Dominick Rodriguez shared on the Rolesville NC Real Community Information Facebook page that Salty Shores II is now open in the former Off the Hook Seafood space at 308 Southtown Circle. This is the second location for Salty Shores, with the original location in Wilson. And more good news, Off the Hook Seafood will continue to operate their food truck. Visit Off the Hook on Instagram here. Get to know Salty Shores here on their Facebook page.
- And finally, a congratulations to Bates and Anthony Battaglia on the 4th anniversary of their bar, Teets located in the heart of the Glenwood South district. They will have a 4th Anniversary Party on May 31st at 425 Glenwood Avenue featuring a free cookout, raffles and giveaways along with live music, DJs and drink specials all night. Follow along on Instagram here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- Fresh off the announcement that Lutra Cafe and Bakery will open their own brick-and-mortar, they announced this week that they will start Sunday brunch residency at Durham’s Cheeni (202 Corcoran St. Suite 100, Durham) starting June 1. The brunch residency at Cheeni will give diners a chance to taste Lutra’s expanded cafe menu months before chef-owner Chris McLaurin opens Lutra’s counter-service restaurant at American Tobacco Campus by the end of 2025. The Sunday brunch will be offered from 8-11 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis featuring a menu that includes the sweet and savory buns as well as a breakfast sandwich, biscuits and gravy, bread pudding, granola bowl, 100-layer hash browns, fruit salad and more. The menu will evolve seasonally and Saturday brunch will be added later. For updates, follow them on Instagram here.
Closings
- None to report. Keep eating local, folks!
Food Trucks
- The remaining schedule for the Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeos is as follows: June 1; and November 2.. All rodeos are from 12 noon until 4 p.m. and will feature 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)! 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
- NC Sugar Rush will be held in downtown Raleigh’s City Plaza THIS 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)
- Also on Saturday, June 7th is the 5th Annual Bubbles & Brisket featuring BBQ pit-master/chefs and an array of sparkling beverages ranging from Champagne, cava, cremant, prosecco, beer, sodas to non-alcoholic and boozy cocktails. With the purchase of a ticket, guests will enjoy various styles of brisket and side dishes prepared by the best talent across the country, along with enjoying multiple styles of sparkling wine from around the world. Tickets are $75 (early bird is $65). Discounted six-pack group tickets available. The VIP Experience ($135) tickets include: Early entrance, VIP Trig Modern lounge, specialty Champagne & brisket tastings concierge full-service of all chef offerings. Purchase tickets and get all the details here.
- Grab your family, friends, and your appetite, and get ready for the local food event of the summer! The 2025 Farm to Fork Picnic is on June 8th from 4 to 7 p.m.! Many of the area’s best farmers and chefs will team up to create delectable bite-size dishes, throughout the grounds of the beautiful Donovan Manor in Fuquay-Varina. The event will also feature local food artisans and beverage producers, with live music, fun activities for children, and surprises for the whole family. Get tickets and all the details here.
- The NC Hops Festival is Saturday, June 14th at Midtown Park in North Hills. Enjoy North Carolina breweries, food trucks, local vendors, live music and more. Get tickets and all the details here.
Food Bank Corner
- In a few weeks, thousands of children in central and eastern North Carolina will lose access to free and reduced-price school meals — a vital source of daily nutrition. The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has a plan to ensure kids continue to get the food they need while school is out. You can help support this effort by providing critical meals to children facing food insecurity today. Thanks in advance for helping to keep kids nourished and fueled during the summer months.
