Featured Restaurant News
- It is hard this week to not be focused on the restaurants (as well as individuals and other businesses) that were so severely impacted by Chantal – including so many in Chapel Hill, Mebane, Hillsborough and Saxapahaw….to name a few. It will be weeks, if not months, before many of these establishments will re-open. Please be generous in any support you can personally lend to these folks – many GoFundMe sites have been set up. My advice would be to closely follow the social media sites of your favorite places to get updates on how you might be able to help.
Wake County Restaurant News
- EAT Restaurant Partners out of Richmond expanded this past Tuesday into North Carolina, and specifically Raleigh, with the opening of Wong’s Tacos in the Glenlake development just up the hill from Crabtree Valley Mall at 4251 Park Lake Avenue. The full-service, Asian-Mexican fusion spot (internally dubbed “Mexanese”) brings playful energy, bold flavors resulting in Asian ingredients wrapped in Mexican style and served in a vibrant, family-friendly setting that’s as fun as it is flavorful. Get to know them here. (Note: someone needs to let their web designer know they are not located in Glenlake, NC….)
- In Raleigh, Raleigh Magazine shared the news that Virginia-based Peruvian restaurant Inka Grill is opening in the former Capital Club 16 space on West Martin Street. The magazine highlighted some of the menu items including faves like lomo saltado (a steak-based dish typically served with fries or rice), ceviche, Peruvian-style paella and other authentic eats. This will be their first venture outside of Virginia, with what looks like a possible second North Carolina location opening soon in Greensboro. No word on an open date. Visit them here.
- Also in Raleigh, Timber Pizza Co. (named Pizzeria of the Year by Bon Appétit) just launched its brand-new summer menu, extended hours and a happy hour dubbed “Timber Time.” They are now open daily from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. and their Timber Time (Monday–Thursday) features $5 draft beers, $6 house wines, and $7 cocktails. Check out their new summer menu on Instagram here.
- Shawarma Stop, a go-to spot for fresh, traditional Mediterranean food near North Carolina State University, is officially expanding into the RTP area near Wake Tech’s RTP campus. The popular locally-owned restaurant is opening a second location in The MarketPlace at Perimeter Park retail center in Morrisville at 10966 Chapel Hill Road. The restaurant’s grand opening celebration is set for Saturday, July 12, from 12 to 6 p.m. Check them out here.
- Over in Cary, acclaimed North Carolina chef Greg Gettles has been named executive chef of Peck & Plume, the signature restaurant at The Mayton, a 44-room boutique hotel overlooking the Downtown Cary Park. A rising star of the Triangle dining scene in the early 2010s, Gettles was celebrated for his innovative, ingredient-driven cooking. He worked at such esteemed restaurants as both Magnolia Grill and Piedmont in Durham, and Herons at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary. After stints in Charleston and Atlanta, he has returned to the Triangle. Visit Peck & Plume here.
- Also in Cary, reader Chris Allen reached out to us to let us know that The Williams House: Craft Taproom has opened in Cary where Bull City Ciderworks used to be (210 East Chatham Street). This week is their grand-opening week (July 8-12) where they are serving up craft beer, coffee (started on Tuesday), cocktails and more! Stop by and check them out here.
- Out in Wendell, the Triangle Business Journal reported that Lauren and Chris Gass, both with deep culinary backgrounds, will open Bellow Butcher Co. this fall at 8 N. Main St. in downtown Wendell. In addition to pork and beef cuts, they will sell deli sandwiches, build-your-own charcuterie board items and a number of retail items, including locally-made jams, honey and crackers according to TBJ. Locals will recognize Chris from his time as the former chef de cuisine at Brodeto and before that at Mandolin. Keep up with their progress on Instagram here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- A little more detail on the news we reported last week about the former Dog House on Guess Road (near Broad St) soon becoming LRB Provisions. We learned this week that Amanda Orser, former chef de cuisine of the legendary Magnolia Grill, is behind the new concept and will open later this summer. The cozy counter-service spot will focus on takeout lunch to start, with hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Monday. LRB Provisions’ menu, which will use ingredients from local farms and purveyors, will include sandwiches on house baked breads and rolls, as well as seasonal soups, salads and sides. The menu also will include rotating flavors of house-made potato chips, smoked meats and fish, pickles, desserts and beverages. On weekends, they will offer brunch boxes with bialys, smoked and cured fish, schmears and pickles. Keep up with their progress here.
- And down in Pittsboro, Greg Lewis is at it again! Under the YOLO Entertainment Group brand, Lewis will soon add a Tavolo to his lineup that already includes The Sycamore at Chatham Mills, 39 West Catering and Forest Hall Chatham Mill. Expect a true taste of Italy in MOSAIC at Chatham Park (367 Freedom Parkway) where they will feature woodfired pizza, house-made pasta, a full bar, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients—all crafted to bring the warmth and flavor of an authentic Italian table. No word yet on an exact open date, but visit their website here to signup for an email notification.
Closings
- Reader Scott Rhodes shared with us that David’s Dumpling and Noodle Bar on Raleigh’s Hillsborough Street has announced on their Facebook page that this Sunday, July 13th, will be their last day of operation after a 15 year run.
Food Trucks
- The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo of 2025 will be on Sunday, November 2. It will run from 12 noon until 4 p.m. featuring over 50+ food trucks with cuisine from all over the world making it the ultimate Sunday Funday in Durham Central Park (501 Foster Street)! Get all the details 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
- Left Hook Coffee‘s fundraising event two weekends ago brought in a good amount of money toward their overall goal – but still leaves about $19k to raise towards making their East Raleigh roasting space into a new shop. So they still need your help. Donate directly to their Kickstarter campaign here.
- Lakeside Kitchen, located on NCSU’s Centennial Campus has added Whiskey Flights to their lineup of some 70 whiskey offerings. Every Whiskey Wednesday, a featured whiskey is offered at a reduced price for your enjoyment. And now they have added six flights with different themes of a pairing of four whiskeys such as “Around the World”, “West of the Mississippi”, “A Mixed Bag” and more as well as a “Build Your Own” Flight. Check out the entire list on their website.
- Mark your calendars. The Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week returns July 24th – August 3rd. This beloved tradition is your invitation to discover the unique, locally-owned restaurants and bars that make downtown Raleigh a true dining destination. Savor exclusive deals, prix fixe menus, and chef-driven specials at your favorite spots across our community. Now in its 17th year, the celebration returns with a fresh new look. Get all the details here.
- Get tickets now! The Grand Finale of NCRLA’s Chef Showdown will take place on Monday, August 4th at Bay 7 in Durham. Presented by Got To Be NC, this one-of-a-kind event showcases the state’s top chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists, and distilleries as they compete for the coveted titles of Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Mixologist & Distillery of the Year, and Best Mocktail of the Year. Guests will savor sweet and savory bites, sip creative cocktails and mocktails, and cast their vote in The People’s Choice Awards—all while celebrating North Carolina’s rich culinary culture. Plus, for the first time ever, the Grand Finale will feature a North Carolina Wine Bar, highlighting some of the state’s top vineyards. Tickets are $150 per person and include all food and beverage tastings. Attendance is limited—don’t miss this unforgettable night of flavor, competition, and local pride. Get tickets and all the details here.
- The inaugural Salt & Smoke & Sound Festival will be held Saturday, October 18th at Blackwood Farm Park between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. The exciting new community event merges together two beloved festivals–Acme’s Salt & Smoke and Sonark Media’s Harvest Festival–into a celebration of food, culture, and music in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Food will be provided by Acme’s Kevin Callaghan and a team of local chefs and food trucks offering a wide variety of dishes and dining options. The festival will feature craft beers, curated beverages, and other interesting spirit-free options. All food and drink will be available for purchase and is not included in the price of festival entry. Tickets are on sale now.
Food Bank Corner
- Yesterday, Congress voted for devastating cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. Amy Beros, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, shared what this will mean for North Carolina. “No one should go hungry—no matter where we live, where we’re from, who we love, or the color of our skin. Yet with this vote by Congress and a stroke of the President’s pen, millions more people will soon face hunger here in North Carolina and across the country.” The Food Bank is moving mountains to make food available to all who need it. They’re still here, no matter what. They need your help now more than ever. Read their full statement here and get involved in the fight to end hunger.
