Featured Restaurant News
- We have a date. Mala Pata and its adjacent Peyote mini-bar will open Wednesday, May 14th in Raleigh’s Gateway Plaza, offering a unique dining experience centered around traditional masa-making and vibrant Latin American flavors. Mala Pata is the long-awaited collaboration from a supergroup of North Carolina chefs and restaurateurs. The team includes Angela Salamanca and Marshall Davis, who are behind such eateries and bars as Centro and Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria in Raleigh and Ex-Voto and Patty Boy in Durham; and chefs Eric Montagne and Zack Gragg, who have worked together for nine years at such restaurants as Standard Beer + Food in Raleigh and Locals Seafood in Durham. After being in the works for three years, the team is happy to be finally opening the doors. Check out Mala Pata here on Instagram.
Wake County Restaurant News
- We also have an opening date/party for the second location of Hillsborough Street’s Lucky Tree Bakery & Coffee Roastery. On May 17th from 4 – 8 p.m. they will host an “art party” to officially open their new location in Moore Square Park (former Square Burger spot). Lucky Tree is owned by twin sisters Amanda and Ashley Faries. Expect the same locally roasted coffee and a menu made from whole, wheat-free ingredients with baked goods, and vegan friendly options. Follow along on Instagram for details on their opening.
- We have a quick update for you. Buddy Chris Creighton shared that Baker’s Dozen Donuts, which is moving into the spot where Bonafide Bakeshop & Cafe used to be in Beaver Commons (1232 W. Williams Street) in Apex is looking to open on Monday, May 19th (assuming all final inspections go well). Stay tuned.
- Triangle Business Journal reported this week that we finally have news on the Mami Nora’s building out on Glenwood Avenue. A fast-casual restaurant from Louisville, Kentucky called Jaggers, which is a subsidiary of Texas Roadhouse, has submitted plans to demolish the former Mami Nora’s at 6711 Glenwood Avenue and construct a new building in its place. The new restaurant will have a drive-thru. Jaggers, which is described as a blend of Chick-fil-A and Five Guys, is known for their burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and salads. They also have shakes, including a Ghirardelli brownie shake and a chocolate chip cookie shake. No word on a timeline. Get to know Jaggers here.
- Raleating reported that Nana Morrison’s Soul Food just opened in Cary just off Weston Parkway at 2052 Renaissance Park Place. They noted that this family owned soul food spot from Charlotte is known for their delicious family recipes and southern comfort dishes. Get to know them on their Instagram page here.
- Up in Wake Forest, looks like we are getting very close to the opening of Char-Grill thanks to a tip from reader Zeno Windley. It is located in Crenshaw Corners (think Food Lion) off Hwy. 98 and Durham Rd. in Wake Forest. Looks like this will be the 10th location for Char-Grill. No word on an exact opening date. Visit them here.
- And down in Fuquay-Varina, David McCreary shared that we are getting very close (they are now hiring) to the opening of Mahana Fresh coming soon to the Bengal Towne Centre. If you are not familiar with them, it is a concept focused on providing gluten-free and vegan friendly bowls filled with fresh, health-conscious grains, vegetables and proteins. This will be their second location in the Triangle (they already have a location in Cary). Get to know them here.
Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News
- Ekhaya’s next Southern African Wine Dinner Series is happening on May 22nd starting at 6 p.m. This exploratory wine journey will feature some of Southern Africa’s most unique and rare wines and their dinners (5-course patio dinner) are never overcrowded and are always full of delicious surprises. Book your seat here now.
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
- This year’s Gettin’ Piggy With It is set to take place on May 18th in Raleigh at Maywood Hall and Gardens (622 Maywood Ave Raleigh, NC). The event is hosted by Lawrence Barbecue and Trophy Brewing and features award-winning chefs and pitmasters nationwide, local beer and spirits, games, live music, and much more. Tickets are on sale now. All proceeds go towards the Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center. For 60 years, Frankie Lemmon has been celebrating and educating children of all abilities at little to no cost to their families. Get updates on Instagram 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 second event, set for Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m., takes you back to the 1980s – the decade when Irregardless hit it’s stride. Indulge in a three-course, prix-fixe dinner that highlights iconic dishes from their early days, reimagined for today’s palate. Enhance your experience by adding expertly curated wine/cocktail pairings to each course. Seating is limited, so don’t wait—reserve your spot and join them for a memorable evening of culinary nostalgia and celebration! Tickets and details here. Additional dinners are as follows: 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.
- 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)
- 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.
Food Bank Corner
- From the moment of first becoming a mother, the role comes with many worries: Are they healthy? Are they happy? Are they eating enough? Women in our community are at a higher risk of experiencing food insecurity and health consequences due to hunger. They are forced to make daily sacrifices because of the high cost of food, housing, and childcare — and the choices are never easy. Thanks to your support, the mothers who turn to the Help Center for assistance can receive nourishing food and hope for the future. This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the caregivers and maternal figures (including mothers, grandmothers, aunts, etc.) who do whatever they can to make sure the kids in their lives have everything they need to thrive. Your gift today can honor moms and help them feed their families. Every $10 you give can help provide enough food for 50 meals.
