{"id":3859,"date":"2025-05-23T07:11:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T11:11:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=3859"},"modified":"2025-05-23T07:11:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T11:11:20","slug":"friday-fun-food-facts-may-23-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=3859","title":{"rendered":"Friday Fun Food Facts &#8211; May 23, 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>Next <strong>Wednesday, May 28th<\/strong> marks the opening of the second Triangle-area location of <strong>Simply Crepes<\/strong>. They have moved into the former\u00a0<strong>Zo\u00ebs Kitchen<\/strong>, then\u00a0<strong>Crave<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>Hot Dogs &amp; BBQ<\/strong>, space in the\u00a0<strong>Shoppes at Oberlin Court<\/strong>\u00a0at 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 &#8216;French feel&#8217; complete with fireplace settings and a private event space! This is the concept\u2019s fifth location, and second outside of New York. Their other local spot is in North Raleigh\u2019s\u00a0<strong>Lafayette Village<\/strong>.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplycrepes.com\/oberlin-raleigh-nc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Visit their Oberlin Road location here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/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><strong>Cape Fear Seafood Company<\/strong> officially opened its Cary location last Monday at 1885 Lake Pine Drive in the <strong>MacGregor Square Center<\/strong> (former <strong>Brewster&#8217;s Pub<\/strong> 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. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/capefearseafoodcompany.com\/locations\/macgregor-square\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Check out their newest location 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 another opening. <strong>Napa Bistro &amp; Wine Bar <\/strong>opened this past Wednesday bringing cool, crisp vibes from California\u2019s Napa Valley to\u00a0<strong>Glenwood Place<\/strong>\u00a0(think\u00a0<strong>Ladyfingers<\/strong>, just inside the belt line off Glenwood). Hailing from Charlotte, this concept from\u00a0<strong>Conway Restaurant Group<\/strong>\u00a0is\u00a0<strong>Napa\u2019s<\/strong>\u00a0fourth 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 \u2013 perfect for brunches, happy hours, and date nights all spring and summer long. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.naparestaurantgroup.com\/napabistro-raleigh\" 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><strong>RALtoday<\/strong> shared the news that <strong>Escazu Chocolates<\/strong> is hosting a <strong>Farewell Party<\/strong> this <strong>Sunday, May 25th<\/strong> at its current Blount Street location before moving to their new location in <strong>Gateway Plaza<\/strong>. Important to note, this is <strong>NOT<\/strong> 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 <strong>Feature Flora<\/strong>, and, of course, sweets from the artisan chocolatier. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/escazuchocolates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Best to follow along on Instagram<\/mark><\/a><\/strong> for details on the party as well as their pending announcement about the move. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Got word from <strong>Chris Creighton<\/strong> that <strong>The Peak on Salem<\/strong> in Apex has temporarily closed. The <strong>Tramonto Food Group<\/strong>, which also operates <strong>MacGregor Ale House<\/strong> and <strong>Chef&#8217;s Palette<\/strong>, will open <strong>Serafina<\/strong>, an upscale Italian concept, in that space in June. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tramontofoodgroup.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 The Tramonto Food Group for the latest<\/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 in <strong>Lafayette Village<\/strong>, got word this week that the former <strong>Zanyu Asian Noodles<\/strong> is under new ownership and will now operate as <strong>Lotus Noodle House<\/strong>. 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. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Triangle Business Journal<\/strong> 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&#8217;s <strong>La Farm Bakery<\/strong> will open an outpost in the former <strong>Port City Java<\/strong> at 101 Current Drive in Park Shops. Joining them on campus this fall will be Chapel Hill&#8217;s <strong>Mediterranean Deli, Bakery and Catering<\/strong> coming to the Atrium Food Court on campus replacing the eateries <strong>Delirious<\/strong> and <strong>Union 51<\/strong>. \u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Down in Fuquay-Varina, got word this week that the new\u00a0<strong>Famous Toastery<\/strong>\u00a0is opening next <strong>Tuesday, May 27th<\/strong>. This is the second Triangle-area location (the other is in Cary) and the first location to showcase their brand\u2019s 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. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/famoustoastery.com\/ft-stores\/fuquay-varina\" 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>Up in Rolesville, <strong>Dominick Rodriguez <\/strong>shared on the <strong>Rolesville NC Real Community Information<\/strong> Facebook page that <strong>Salty Shores II<\/strong> is now open in the former <strong>Off the Hook Seafood<\/strong> space at 308 Southtown Circle. This is the second location for <strong>Salty Shores<\/strong>, with the original location in Wilson. And more good news, <strong>Off the Hook Seafood<\/strong> will continue to operate their food truck. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/offthehookrolesville\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Visit Off the Hook on Instagram here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/people\/Salty-Shores-II\/61576293023886\/\" 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 Salty Shores here on their Facebook page<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>And finally, a congratulations to <strong>Bates<\/strong> and <strong>Anthony Battaglia<\/strong> on the 4th anniversary of their bar, <strong>Teets<\/strong> located in the heart of the Glenwood South district. They will have a <strong>4th Anniversary Party<\/strong> on <strong>May 31st<\/strong> 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. <\/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>Fresh off the announcement that <strong>Lutra Cafe and Bakery<\/strong> will open their own brick-and-mortar, they announced this week that they will start Sunday brunch residency at Durham&#8217;s <strong>Cheeni <\/strong>(202 Corcoran St. Suite 100, Durham) starting <strong>June 1<\/strong>. The brunch residency at <strong>Cheeni<\/strong> will give diners a chance to taste <strong>Lutra&#8217;s<\/strong> expanded cafe menu months before chef-owner <strong>Chris McLaurin <\/strong>opens <strong>Lutra&#8217;s <\/strong>counter-service restaurant at <strong>American Tobacco Campus<\/strong> 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.\u00a0For updates, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lutrabakery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">follow them on Instagram 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>None to report. Keep eating local, folks! <\/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>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><strong>NC Sugar Rush <\/strong>will be held in downtown Raleigh&#8217;s <strong>City Plaza<\/strong> THIS <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><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Also on <strong>Saturday, June 7th<\/strong> is the<strong> 5th Annual Bubbles &amp; Brisket <\/strong>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 &amp; brisket tastings concierge full-service of all chef offerings. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncfbpodcast.com\/event-details\/bubbles-and-brisket-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Purchase tickets and 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>Grab your family, friends, and your appetite, and get ready for the local food event of the summer! The <strong>2025 Farm to Fork Picnic<\/strong> is on <strong>June 8th<\/strong> from 4 to 7 p.m.! Many of the area\u2019s best farmers and chefs will team up to create delectable bite-size dishes, throughout the grounds of the beautiful <strong>Donovan Manor<\/strong> 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. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/cefs.ncsu.edu\/farmtofork\/\" 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>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>NC Hops Festival<\/strong> is <strong>Saturday, June 14th<\/strong> at <strong>Midtown Park in North Hills<\/strong>. Enjoy North Carolina breweries, food trucks, local vendors, live music and more.  <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.etix.com\/ticket\/v\/19425\/nc-hops-fest\" 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>. <\/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>In a few weeks,\u00a0<strong>thousands of children in central and eastern North Carolina will lose access to free and reduced-price school meals<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 a vital source of daily nutrition. <strong>The Food Bank of Central &amp; Eastern North Carolina<\/strong> has a plan to ensure kids continue to get the food they need while school is out. You can help support this effort by\u00a0<strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\"><a href=\"http:\/\/secure.foodbankcenc.org\/site\/R?i=TD3_ycIycFK1nrVqU1xkp3rHHlJ5X2CW13A5loahsPFn28UP4Wu69Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">providing critical meals to children facing food insecurity today.<\/a><\/mark><\/strong> Thanks in advance for helping to keep kids nourished and fueled during the summer months. <\/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-3859","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3859","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=3859"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3859\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3869,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3859\/revisions\/3869"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}