{"id":1655,"date":"2021-12-17T07:16:35","date_gmt":"2021-12-17T12:16:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=1655"},"modified":"2021-12-17T07:23:06","modified_gmt":"2021-12-17T12:23:06","slug":"friday-fun-food-facts-december-17-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=1655","title":{"rendered":"Friday Fun Food Facts &#8211; December 17, 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Featured Restaurant News<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Littler<\/strong> owners <strong>Gray Brooks<\/strong>, <strong>Cara Stacy<\/strong> and <strong>Jay Owens<\/strong> announced this week that their famed restaurant, which closed temporarily in March 2020, will soon reopen. The restaurant will operate under the leadership of chefs <strong>Elizabeth Murray<\/strong> and <strong>Tanya Matta<\/strong> \u2013 who have returned to North Carolina after working in some of the best restaurants in the country. <strong>Murray<\/strong> will lead <strong>Littler\u2019s<\/strong> kitchen, and collaborate with<strong> Brooks<\/strong> on the bistro menu, while <strong>Matta<\/strong> will be spearheading the pastry programs at <strong>Littler<\/strong>, <strong>Pizzeria Toro<\/strong> and <strong>Jack Tar &amp; The Colonel\u2019s Daughter<\/strong>. Both natives of North Carolina, <strong>Murray<\/strong> is from the Blowing Rock-Boone area, while <strong>Matta<\/strong> is a Durham native. <strong>Littler<\/strong> is located at 110 E. Parrish Street. No word yet on an exact opening date. <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/littlerdurham.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Re-familiarize yourself here<\/span><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Wake County Restaurant News<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Here he grows again! <strong>Giorgios Bakatsias<\/strong>, owner of <strong>Giorgios Hospitality Group<\/strong> and James Beard nominee, is bringing two new concepts to the growing <strong>North Hills<\/strong> area of Raleigh where he already operates <strong>Rosewater Kitchen &amp; Bar<\/strong>. <strong>Las Ramblas<\/strong>, a Spanish tapas bar, will take over the former pizza restaurant <strong>Piola<\/strong> space and <strong>Giorgio Pizza Bar<\/strong> will take over the former <strong>Zoe\u2019s Kitchen<\/strong> spot. These two additions will be <strong>Bakatsias&#8217;<\/strong> 13th and 14th restaurants after he earlier announced the opening of <strong>East End Bistro<\/strong> in Raleigh\u2019s new <strong>East End Market<\/strong> and <strong>Krill\u2019s <\/strong>opening in Durham. Both <strong>Las Ramblas<\/strong> and <strong>Giorgio Pizza Bar<\/strong> are on schedule to open in 2022. <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.giorgiosgroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Check out the Giorgios Hospitality Group here<\/span><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>And down in Fuquay-Varina, <strong>Chris Creighton<\/strong> shared the news that the owners of the <strong>Medi Bites<\/strong> food truck will take over operations of <strong>Nil&#8217;s Bakery Cafe<\/strong> at 513 Broad Street. The transition will take place around the middle of January. Congratulation to <strong>Mustafa<\/strong> and <strong>Sibel Karaca<\/strong> on their retirement after 16 successful years! Visit <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/nilscafe.weebly.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Nil&#8217;s here<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.medibites.net\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Medi Bites here<\/span><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Durham, Orange &amp; Chatham Restaurant News<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>And if <strong>Littler<\/strong> reopening isn&#8217;t big enough for Durhamites, the other great news is that <strong>Matt Kelly<\/strong> will reopen <strong>St. James Seafood<\/strong> in January. Here is hoping the third time is the charm! You will remember it first opened in 2017, replacing <strong>Fishmonger&#8217;s<\/strong>, only to close in 2018 after the gas explosion just outside <strong>Kaffeinate<\/strong> coffee shop on North Duke Street. Then it reopened in early 2020, only to have to close again due to the pandemic. <strong>Kelly<\/strong> also owns <strong>Vin Rouge<\/strong>, <strong>Mothers &amp; Sons Trattoria<\/strong> and <strong>Mateo Bar de Tapas<\/strong>. Thanks to <strong>Andrea Weigl<\/strong> as well as <strong>Indy Week<\/strong> for sharing the details of the reopening. Keep up with <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/stjamesseafood\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">updates on their Facebook page here<\/span><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>WRAL&#8217;s Sarah Krueger <\/strong>shared the news that a new vegan restaurant is coming to <strong>Erwin Terrace<\/strong> in Durham (2816 Erwin Rd.) near <strong>Nosh<\/strong>. The <strong>Pure Vegan Cafe<\/strong> will take over the space formerly occupied by <strong>The Northern Spy<\/strong>. With locations in Raleigh and Cary, their menu features all vegan food, cold pressed juices as well as bowls and smoothies. An opening date has not been announced yet. <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.purevegancafe.com\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Keep up with their progress here<\/span><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Closings \/ Cancellations<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>None to report. Keep eating local, folks! <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Food Trucks\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don\u2019t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on <strong>Street Food Finder<\/strong> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/streetfoodfinder.com\/c\/nc\/durham\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">here<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Events<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Looking for restaurants open on Christmas Day? Well, <strong>WRAL<\/strong> is compiling such a list. <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wral.com\/list-of-restaurants-and-stores-open-on-christmas-day\/19441410\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Check it out here<\/span><\/a><\/strong>. If your restaurant is open and not on that list, please follow that link and reach out to <strong>WRAL<\/strong> as they are constantly updating that list. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Also of note, please brace yourself. All <strong>Chick-fil-A<\/strong> locations will be closed Saturday (Christmas Day) and the following Sunday (duh) &#8211; so an entire weekend without <strong>Chick-fil-A<\/strong>! You have been warned. If you have children, plan accordingly.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>And speaking of warnings, please note that the <strong>Super Bowl<\/strong> AND <strong>Valentine&#8217;s<\/strong> fall on the same weekend in 2022. The <strong>Super Bowl <\/strong>is on <strong>Sunday, February 13th<\/strong>, the day before Valentine&#8217;s. And we know everyone typically books their Valentine&#8217;s date nights on that weekend. You have been warned. Guys, don&#8217;t screw this one up. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The <strong>Downtown Raleigh Alliance<\/strong> has officially launched their <strong>Sip and Savor the Season<\/strong> guides, which gives you all the intel you need to pick a drink or dinner spot while shopping in downtown Raleigh. You\u2019ll find festive and seasonal cocktails, coffees, ciders, beers, and more. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/downtownraleigh.org\/holiday-hub\/sip-the-season\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Check it out here<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies<\/strong> is doing a holiday charity collaboration again this year with <strong>Christmas House<\/strong>. Donations will go towards the purchase of grocery gift cards that will be distributed to local families in need (as identified by Orange\/Chapel Hill\/ Carrboro School system social workers). Additionally, during the month of December, they have partnered with <strong>Tandem<\/strong> restaurant in Carrboro to sell <strong>Carrie Brogren\u2019s<\/strong> \u201cPartridge in a Pear Tree\u201d holiday cocktail with a portion of the sales from each cocktail added to the <strong>Christmas House<\/strong> donations. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=PMTE6NUH9GP48\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Make your donations here<\/span><\/a><\/strong>. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandemcarrboro.com\/\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Visit Tandem here<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Food Bank Corner<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Double your impact with your holiday donation to the <strong>Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina<\/strong>! Because of the ongoing economic effects of the pandemic, and the rising cost of food, many of our neighbors are struggling this year. They are having trouble making ends meet and the holidays will only add to the pinch as heating bills soar and kids miss school meals during holiday break. Fortunately, there\u2019s a chance now to make <strong><em>twice<\/em><\/strong> the difference for families facing hunger this year. Compassionate friends are matching all donations up to $600,000 to help our neighbors have a happy and bountiful holiday season. Donations must be made before December 31 to secure the match. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.foodbankcenc.org\/site\/Donation2\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Your gift today can provide two times as much food to families in our community<\/span><\/a>.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Featured Restaurant News Littler owners Gray Brooks, Cara Stacy and Jay Owens announced this week that their famed restaurant, which closed temporarily in March 2020, will soon reopen. The restaurant will operate under the leadership of chefs Elizabeth Murray and &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=1655\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1655","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1655","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1655"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1655\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1660,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1655\/revisions\/1660"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1655"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1655"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}