{"id":3692,"date":"2025-03-07T07:27:43","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T12:27:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=3692"},"modified":"2025-03-07T07:34:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T12:34:34","slug":"friday-fun-food-facts-march-7-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=3692","title":{"rendered":"Friday Fun Food Facts &#8211; March 7, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Featured Restaurant News<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Triangle Business Journal<\/strong> reported this week that <strong>Escazu Chocolates<\/strong>&nbsp;will&nbsp;expand with a second location in <strong>Gateway Plaza<\/strong> in the former home of Craft Habit. The chocolatier&#8217;s original location is in <strong>Mordecai<\/strong> next to <strong>Stanbury<\/strong> (at 936 N. Blount Street). Founded in 2008, they roast and grind cacao it sources from Latin American co-ops and farms and also serve hot chocolate, espresso drinks, ice cream, chocolate confections, bars and other retail products. Congrats to owners <strong>Danielle Centeno<\/strong> and <strong>Tiana Young<\/strong> for their continued growth and success. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escazuchocolates.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Visit Escazu here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Wake County Restaurant News<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We first told you about this in February, but the <strong>Downtown Raleigh Alliance<\/strong> announced that Durham\u2019s ice cream shop&nbsp;<strong>Simons Says Dip This<\/strong>&nbsp;will open TODAY (<strong>March 7th<\/strong>) at 621 Hillsborough St. in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>Bloc83<\/strong>&nbsp;in Glenwood South.&nbsp;<strong>Audrey<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Nathan Simons<\/strong>&nbsp;opened the original store in Durham in 2021. The menu features soft-serve vanilla ice cream, 24 dipping sauces and 30 toppings such as hand-spun cotton candy, pistachios and fruit.&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simonssaysdipthis.com\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get familiar with them here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Raleigh Downtown<\/strong> broke the news that<strong> Soul Flavorscape of India<\/strong>, a new North Indian cuisine restaurant, is opening up in Glenwood South this <strong>Saturday, March 8<\/strong> next to <strong>Hibernian Irish Pub &amp; Restaurant<\/strong> in the former location of <strong>Thaiphoon Bistro<\/strong>. Expect authentic flavors of North India with a menu full of creamy curries, fragrant biryanis, sizzling tandooris, and more. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soulflavorscapeofindia.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Check them out here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Raleigh Downtown<\/strong> also shared that <strong>Oma&#8217;s Caf\u00e9 + Wine Bar<\/strong>, an all-day cafe, is now open on the ground floor of the <strong>Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown<\/strong> (616 S. Salisbury Street), directly across from the Raleigh Convention Center, Red Hat Amphitheater, and Martin Marietta Center. Join them for breakfast (coffee from <strong>Five Star Coffee Roasters<\/strong> in Holly Springs), lunch, or dinner and a drink. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.10thandterrace.com\/omas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Visit them online here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over in North Hills, <strong>Raleigh Magazine<\/strong> shared that <strong>Tifa Chocolate &amp; Gelato<\/strong>, a dessert shop, is&nbsp;opening soon near the <strong>Yard House<\/strong> restaurant. The shop will serve handcrafted gelato, coffee, hot chocolate, artisan chocolates, and pastries. This will be their second North Carolina location (Charlotte). <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tifachocolateandgelato.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get to know them here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Up in North Raleigh, my favorite Barnes&#8217; family member, <strong>Julie Barnes<\/strong>, shared with me that <strong>Poke Loong<\/strong> has opened in the former <strong>Papa Murphy&#8217;s<\/strong> spot in the <strong>North Ridge Shopping Center<\/strong> (6106 Falls of the Neuse Road). They are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pokeloongnc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Visit them here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Down in Cary, next <strong>Tuesday, March 11th<\/strong>, <strong>Farmside Kitchen<\/strong> is holding their grand opening at <strong>Waverly Place <\/strong>(316 Colonades Way, Suite 212) next to Petfolk and <strong>Shake Shack<\/strong>. Stop by and and enjoy a <strong>FREE<\/strong> Farmbowl (11 a.m. \u2013 1 p.m. and 5 \u2013 7 p.m.). They will be collecting (and matching) donations for their friends at <strong>Carolina Farms<\/strong>&nbsp;to support their mission. This will be their third location, with others in Durham and Chantilly, Virgina.  <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/farmsidekitchen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get the latest on their Instagram page here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Also in Cary, <strong>Triangle Business Journal<\/strong> reported this week that Cary resident, <strong>Stephen McNulty<\/strong>, plans to open <strong>The Refreshery<\/strong> this summer in the <strong>Meridian East Chatham<\/strong> development, a new luxury residential community along East Chatham Street. <strong>TBJ<\/strong> shared that they will serve cold-pressed juices, coffee and tea as well as light snack options. Later in the day, they will transition to mocktails, or what <strong>McNulty<\/strong> calls \u201csocial tonics:\u201d beverages with adaptogenics, nootropics and drinks infused with CBD or hemp. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caryrefreshery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Check in on them here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>And we close out this section with a kudos and a big congratulations! <strong>Rocky Top Catering<\/strong> announced chef<strong> Michael Blackwell<\/strong> of <strong>North Hills Club<\/strong> as the seventh annual <strong>Cooking for the Kids<\/strong> winner. After three rounds of extensive cooking and extraordinary dishes, <strong>Blackwell<\/strong> was voted to take home the grand prize of $10,000. He competed against and cooked alongside chef <strong>Ryan Grimm<\/strong> of <strong>Watersview Restaurant<\/strong> in the finale.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Durham, Orange &amp; Chatham Restaurant News<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Triangle Business Journal<\/strong> reported this week that restaurant chain <strong>Sweetgreen<\/strong>, which has a location in Raleigh, will open at 122 E. Franklin St., in the former <strong>Benny&#8217;s Pizza<\/strong> spot. The fast-casual chain based in Los Angeles will soon serve up their protein plates, salads and bowls. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetgreen.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Start getting familiar with them here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Burgeoning Baker<\/strong> shared with me that <strong>Kolapasi Indian Canteen<\/strong> is slated to be the next occupant at 200 W. Franklin Street, Suite 130 &#8211; the former spot of <strong>Bul Box<\/strong> and before that, <strong>Lime &amp; Basil<\/strong>. This will be their second North Carolina location as they already have a location in Charlotte. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/kolapasi.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get familiar with them here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Just a week after telling you that <strong>Jeni\u2019s Splendid Ice Creams<\/strong> opened at the newly renovated <strong>University Place<\/strong>, <strong>Carrie Brogren<\/strong>, founder of <strong>Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies<\/strong> group on Facebook, shared that <strong>The Salty Donut<\/strong> is coming to <strong>University Place<\/strong> in Chapel Hill. When it opens, this will be the chain&#8217;s third location in North Carolina and the first in the Triangle (two locations in Charlotte). No word on an open date. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.saltydonut.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get to know them here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>And over in Durham, we first told you about this in February, but reader <strong>Rachel Goer<\/strong> gave us a quick update that <strong>Del Taco<\/strong> is scheduled to open next month at 4716 Apex Highway (Hwy. 55) in Durham next to <strong>Popeyes<\/strong>. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/deltaco.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Visit them here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Closings<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>After a thirteen year run, we learned this week that <strong>The Architect Bar And Social House<\/strong> (108 1\/2 E Hargett St) is closing. That&#8217;s the bad news. The good news is that <strong>Raleigh Downtown<\/strong> learned that <strong>The Merchant NC<\/strong> will move into that space. Stay tuned. <strong>The Green Light Bar<\/strong> remains open and unchanged. The current <strong>Merchant NC<\/strong> (126 Salisbury Street) will convert into an events and catering space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over in Chapel Hill, <strong>Chapelboro<\/strong> broke the news that <strong>Blue\u2019s on Franklin<\/strong>, owned and operated by <strong>Andrew Young<\/strong>, will have its final day of dine-in operations on <strong>Saturday, Mar. 15<\/strong> before closing its space at 110 West Franklin Street. They will continue with their very popular catering services. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hugh Autry<\/strong> shared the news that <strong>On The Border Mexican Grill &amp; Cantin<\/strong>a on Walnut Street in Cary has closed. Looks like the next nearest locations are in Fayetteville and Charlotte. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Also in Cary, reader <strong>Rachel Goer<\/strong> shared that over in <strong>Amberly Place<\/strong>, the spaces that used to host <strong>MOD Pizza<\/strong> and <strong>Tropical Smoothie<\/strong> are both vacant. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Food Trucks<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The remaining schedule for the <strong>Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeos<\/strong> is as follows: <strong>April 13<\/strong>; <strong>June 1<\/strong>; and <strong>November 2<\/strong>.. All rodeos are from 12 noon until 4 p.m. and will feature over&nbsp;<strong>50+ food trucks<\/strong> with cuisine from all over the world, and family fun &#8211; making it the ultimate Sunday Funday in <strong>Durham Central Park<\/strong> (501 Foster Street)! <a href=\"https:\/\/eventvesta.com\/events\/97144-food-truck-rodeo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\"><strong>Get all the details here<\/strong><\/mark><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Great news as the <strong>Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo<\/strong> returns to downtown Raleigh on <strong>Saturday, June 28th<\/strong> from noon until 6 p.m. all along <strong>Fayetteville Street<\/strong>. From savory flavors to sweet treats, there\u2019s something to satisfy every craving and cuisine curiosity. Whether you\u2019re a fan of gourmet burgers, delicious tacos, or decadent desserts, our food truck rodeo promises to have something for everyone! <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/647329824292130\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Visit their Facebook event page here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<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&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/streetfoodfinder.com\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Street Food Finder here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Events<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over in Raleigh&#8217;s <strong>Iron Works<\/strong>, <strong>Little Rey&#8217;s<\/strong> will feature a monthly taco from a rotating local chef with 100% of proceeds from all purchases going to a charity of the guest chef\u2019s choice. The March collab will feature chef <strong>Scott Crawford<\/strong> from neighboring <strong>Brodeto<\/strong> and will benefit <strong>Ben\u2019s Friends<\/strong>, a nonprofit that helps food and beverage workers struggling with addiction. <strong>Crawford<\/strong> has created an octopus taco with salsa macha that marries the Northern Mexican flavors of <strong>Little Rey<\/strong> with <strong>Brodeto\u2019s<\/strong> Southern Italian\/Croatian concept. The taco will be available on <strong>Little Rey\u2019s<\/strong> menu from March 1-31 only. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.littlerey.com\/raleigh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Visit Little Rey here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get ready to nosh! The <strong>Jewish Food Festival <\/strong>returns on <strong>Sunday, March 9<\/strong>, from 2\u20135 PM at <strong>Jewish for Good at the Levin JCC<\/strong> (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<strong> Brandwein\u2019s Bagels<\/strong>, <strong>LocoPops<\/strong>, <strong>The Parlour<\/strong>, <strong>Isaac\u2019s Bagels<\/strong>, <strong>Rockwood Pantry<\/strong>, <strong>Hummus Y\u2019all<\/strong>, and more. Whether you&#8217;re a longtime fan of Jewish cuisine or looking to try something new, the festival offers something delicious for everyone. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jewishforgood.org\/food-festival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get all the details here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Beer Study<\/strong> in Carrboro, will have their <strong>Grand Re Re Opening Chili Cookoff<\/strong> on <strong>Saturday, March 15th<\/strong> from noon until 10 p.m. at their new location in the <strong>South Green<\/strong> development in Carrboro at 101 Two Hills Drive. Get all the details, including prizes for the top 3 vote getters, on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/932387289062556\/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">their Facebook events page here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Join <strong>Catering Works<\/strong> and the <strong>Museum of Art <\/strong>for the <strong>Art of Tea in Bloom<\/strong> at the <strong>East Caf\u00e9<\/strong> from <strong>March 19th through 23rd<\/strong>. This <strong>Afternoon Tea<\/strong> 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.&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.opentable.com\/booking\/experiences-availability?rid=1274104&amp;restref=1274104&amp;experienceId=243672&amp;utm_source=external&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=shared\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get ticket and all the details here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From noon until 4 p.m. on <strong>Sunday, March 23<\/strong>, <strong>The Bend Bar<\/strong> and <strong>State of Beer at The Bend<\/strong> will celebrate its grand opening with live music from Kai Wilson, barbecue from <strong>Lawrence BBQ<\/strong> and more. <strong>The Bend Bar <\/strong>is located at 853 W. Morgan Street in downtown Raleigh. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/stateofbeernc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Follow along on Instagram here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To commemorate its 50th anniversary, <strong>Irregardless<\/strong> in downtown Raleigh is hosting a series of special prix fixe dinners, each celebrating a different decade in the restaurant\u2019s history. The first event will honor the 1970s with a nostalgic three-course meal at 6:30 p.m. <strong>Wednesday, March 26<\/strong>, priced at $80 per person.&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.opentable.com\/booking\/experiences-availability?rid=54226&amp;restref=54226&amp;experienceId=410957&amp;utm_source=external&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=shared&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaVTgMFRyVRvXz9Q8hwPdF-YCvXRnJJaaSJGjq3eJD9TRVlVe8Z_npYgSc_aem_NqGSC_KG_hf5N0B60Y8FHA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get tickets and all the details here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. Additional dinners are as follows: 1985 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. May 21 (<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.opentable.com\/booking\/experiences-availability?rid=54226&amp;restref=54226&amp;experienceId=428513&amp;utm_source=external&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=shared&amp;dateTime=2025-05-21T18%3A30%3A00&amp;partySize=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">tickets and details here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>); 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Downtown Raleigh&#8217;s <strong>Figulina<\/strong> continues its wine dinner series with a special Roman menu on <strong>March 31st<\/strong>. The one-night event will celebrate Rome&#8217;s iconic dishes. Unlike the other wine dinners in the ongoing series, the Roman event will not be a prix fixe meal. <strong>Ellis<\/strong> will offer a special menu highlighting classic Roman dishes, including the four iconic Roman pasta dishes. <strong>David Ellis&#8217;<\/strong> downtown Raleigh restaurant was recently named a semifinalist for <strong>Best New Restaurant<\/strong> from the <strong>James Beard Foundation<\/strong>. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exploretock.com\/figulina-raleigh\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Book your spot here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fest in the West<\/strong> returns to Cary after a one-year hiatus on <strong>Saturday, April 5th <\/strong>from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at <strong>Mills Park<\/strong> (441 Mills Park Drive). The event is geared towards children and families with tons of entertainment and activities &#8211; and of course a plethora of food trucks for everyone&#8217;s enjoyment! <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/festinthewest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get all the details here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The second annual <strong>A Taste of Chatham <\/strong>will be held <strong>April 6th<\/strong> from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Chatham County Agricultural Center. This event will offer tastes from numerous local restaurants and beverage vendors, music, and activities. Vendors include <strong>Starlight Meadery<\/strong>, <strong>BMC Brewery<\/strong>, <strong>Thirsty Skull<\/strong>, <strong>Lilly Den Farms<\/strong>, <strong>JDubs<\/strong>, <strong>Postal Fish<\/strong>, <strong>The Sycamore<\/strong>, <strong>Root Cellar Cafe<\/strong>, and <strong>39 West Catering<\/strong>. This is a fundraiser to support the county Welcome Center, located across from the courthouse in downtown Pittsboro. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zeffy.com\/en-US\/ticketing\/2025-taste-of-chatham\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get all the details and tickets here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Here is another fun event from <strong>Catering Works<\/strong> and the <strong>Museum of Art<\/strong> on <strong>April 11th<\/strong>. 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 <strong>Perry Hurt<\/strong>, creator of the installation. Then in the <strong>NCMA Caf\u00e9<\/strong>, embark on a deep dive into red wine, presented by wine educator and owner of Vitis House <strong>Doreen Colondres<\/strong>. A fascinating, unique, and cross-cultural combination of art and wine, with creative food pairings by Chef <strong>Rick Sloan<\/strong> of <strong>Catering Works<\/strong> and the <strong>NCMA Caf\u00e9<\/strong>. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.opentable.com\/booking\/experiences-availability?rid=1269772&amp;restref=1269772&amp;experienceId=424566&amp;utm_source=external&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=shared\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get details and tickets here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tickets are now on sale for <strong>7th annual Roots for Reece Chef&#8217;s Picnic<\/strong> which will be held on <strong>Sunday, April 27th<\/strong> in Clayton. This highly anticipated annual event will feature an exciting day of food and drink samples from more than a dozen local chefs, breweries and bars, alongside live music, crafts, a silent auction, raffles and much more. Proceeds from the event will benefit the <strong>North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition<\/strong>, a nonprofit dedicated to combating the opioid epidemic in North Carolina and providing support to individuals affected by substance use.&nbsp;General admission tickets are available for $100, and VIP tickets, which offer exclusive benefits, are available for $200. Early Bird Tickets cost $100 and include an event t-shirt but must be purchased by March 30th. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.undertheoakcatering.com\/our-events\/rootsforreecechefspicnic2024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Tickets and more information can be found at Roots for Reece Chef&#8217;s Picnic<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>NC Sugar Rush <\/strong>will be held in downtown Raleigh&#8217;s <strong>City Plaza<\/strong> on <strong>Sunday, May 25th <\/strong>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&#8217;s sweet tooth. Sign me up! <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/611796898139730\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get all the details on their Facebook event page here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>10th Annual Raleigh International Food Festival <\/strong>will take place this year on <strong>Saturday, June 7th<\/strong> from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on downtown Raleigh&#8217;s Fayetteville Street. The event will feature over 120 food trucks\/dessert trucks from around the globe with over 60 cultures represented. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/10th-annual-raleighs-largest-international-food-festival-free-admission-tickets-1133433282459\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Free tickets and all the details here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. (Tickets not required as this is a free event)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Food Bank Corner<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Food Bank of Central &amp; Eastern North Carolina<\/strong> celebrates the strength, resilience, and incredible contributions of women and girls everywhere. We also recognize the disproportionate challenges they face, particularly when it comes to food insecurity. Women face social, systemic, and economic barriers that make it harder for them to support themselves. They are paid less, have more health-related costs, and are even charged more for products marketed directly to them.<br><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/secure.foodbankcenc.org\/site\/R?i=ah6fFbHmVC6E5JSREwwU86-n_r-BNOZYRgxu-AN2zwWQgdOJAZfVzQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Every woman in our community deserves a fair opportunity<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;to put food on the table for their family while also taking care of their own health and nutrition. This <strong>International Women\u2019s Month<\/strong>, we\u2019re coming together to break down barriers and narrow the gender hunger gap in central and eastern North Carolina. <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/secure.foodbankcenc.org\/site\/R?i=DbQQ07RRRfJJ7Camfs-QtmgzR0JmmNFP-2bPuxVjuQzAPrIcD_g1aQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Every gift made until March 31 can be matched to make twice the impact<\/mark><\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong>for women facing food insecurity in our community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Featured Restaurant News Wake County Restaurant News Durham, Orange &amp; Chatham Restaurant News Closings Food Trucks Events Food Bank Corner<\/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-3692","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3692","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=3692"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3692\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3707,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3692\/revisions\/3707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3692"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3692"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3692"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}