{"id":4322,"date":"2025-12-12T06:23:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T11:23:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=4322"},"modified":"2025-12-12T06:23:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T11:23:13","slug":"friday-fun-food-facts-december-12-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=4322","title":{"rendered":"Friday Fun Food Facts &#8211; December 12, 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>Smash Social Club <\/strong>opened this week bringing an upscale social playground with table tennis, shuffleboard and electric darts alongside creative craft cocktails, local beers, wine and shareable bar bites to Raleigh&#8217;s Glenwood South. It took over the former <strong>Carolina Ale House<\/strong> space at the corner of Tucker St. and Glenwood Ave. It is the latest from<strong> LM Restaurants<\/strong>, the Raleigh-based, family-owned hospitality company that operates more than two dozen <strong>Carolina Ale Houses<\/strong> across the Southeast as well as <strong>Taverna Agora<\/strong>, <strong>Vidrio<\/strong> and <strong>Birdie\u2019s Barroom and Kitchen<\/strong> in Raleigh. They will donate 10 percent of all sales during the first week to <strong>Cooper Charitable Foundation<\/strong>. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smashraleigh.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><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>Next Tuesday, <strong>December 16th<\/strong>, hospitality entrepreneur <strong>Patrick Shanahan<\/strong>\u00a0will open <strong>The Capulet Cocktail Club<\/strong> with co-owner <strong>Robby Operman<\/strong> and beverage director <strong>Zack Thomas<\/strong>. Midtown\u2019s first dedicated cocktail bar is located at <strong>The Exchange<\/strong> (1000 Social Street, Suite 110), across the courtyard from <strong>Shanahan\u2019s Peregrine <\/strong>restaurant. The Italian-inspired cocktail destination blends Renaissance grandeur with contemporary artistry. Open Tuesday thru Saturdays beginning at 5pm. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DSJYDYEjrZH\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Take a peek now<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wilmington&#8217;s <strong>K38 Baja Grill <\/strong>will open tomorrow, <strong>December 13th<\/strong>, at downtown Raleigh&#8217;s <strong>Seaboard Station<\/strong>. This will mark <strong>K38&#8217;s <\/strong>sixth location and the first outside of Wilmington and Carolina Beach. This will soon be followed by their seventh location next summer in downtown Cary at\u00a0139 E. Chatham Street. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/k38bajagrill.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 out K38 here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We first told you about this back in October, but we learned that <strong>Dutch Bros\u2019<\/strong>\u00a0first North Carolina drive-thru coffee spot has opened in Morrisville (near Trader Joe\u2019s) in\u00a0<strong>Park West Village<\/strong>\u00a0(971 Morrisville Parkway). They offer customizable specialty coffee, teas, lemonades, sodas, and <strong>Dutch Bros\u2019<\/strong> signature energy drinks and nitrogen-infused cold brew.\u00a0With over 1,000 locations across the United States, this will mark their first location in North Carolina.\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dutchbros.com\/locations\/nc\/morrisville\/971-morrisville-pkwy\" 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 this week that <strong>Nan Xiang Express<\/strong>, a restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodle soups, is\u00a0coming to Hillsborough Street\u00a0near <strong>Cup A Joe<\/strong> and <strong>Ebisu<\/strong>. They also have a location in Durham. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nanxiangexpress.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Vsit 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 Rolesville, we learned that <strong>Mezcalito<\/strong> has opened at 130 Bluestone Crossing Road in the Cobblestone Village shopping center. This is their fifth Triangle-area location, and eighth location overall. Look for them to serve up their unique take on Mexican cuisine with a Tex-Mex heart. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/mezcalitogrill.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 Holly Springs, reader <strong>Chris Creighton<\/strong> shared with us that <strong>Alpaca Peruvian Chicken<\/strong> will soon open their newest location near the <strong>Mellow Mushroom<\/strong> in <strong>Collings Crossing<\/strong>. No word on an open date, but the sign is up according to <strong>Creighton<\/strong>. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alpacachicken.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 Alpaca 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 in Knightdale, starting tomorrow, <strong>Saturday, December 13<\/strong>, <strong>Unhinged Coffee Co.<\/strong> will be operating out of <strong>Rewind Retro Bar<\/strong> at 319 N. First Street. The move gives them more consistency, and accessibility, including being open seven days a week. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/unhingedcoffee.co\/\" 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 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\">Durham, Orange &amp; Chatham Restaurant News<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Timber Pizza Co.<\/strong>, the Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning, wood-fired neighborhood pizza brand, is officially opening its doors in Durham on <strong>Tuesday, December 16th<\/strong>. Following a successful Raleigh debut in 2024, they are opening its second North Carolina location tucked inside the Bull City\u2019s <strong>Historic City Garage<\/strong> (501 Washington St., Suite H) at the area\u2019s newest hybrid, mixed-use community, <strong>Wye Junction<\/strong>. Look for a community-centered space that feels like the first day of summer camp in the 90\u2019s featuring a Durham-inspired mural from a local artist, bench tables, and reclaimed wood throughout. During the grand opening they are hosting a donation drive for the <strong>Diaper Bank of North Carolina<\/strong>. As a thank-you, anyone who brings in a donation, from baby diapers to hygiene products, will receive a free cheese pizza. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timberpizza.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>In Durham, we learned that\u00a0<strong>Baker\u2019s Dozen Donuts<\/strong>\u00a0has opened at 3825 S. Roxboro Street in the <strong>Shoppes of Hope Valley<\/strong> near\u00a0<strong>Tacos Number Juan<\/strong>, right behind <strong>Zaxby&#8217;s<\/strong>. Thanks to reader <strong>Dave Salman<\/strong> for bringing this to our attention.  <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bakersdozendurm\" 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 on Instagram<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Down the hill at <strong>University Place<\/strong>, we are days away from the opening of <strong>H&amp;H Bagels&#8217;<\/strong> first North Carolina location. Earlier reports suggested that opening will happen next week, but definitely by the end of 2025. The new shop will offer authentic New York-style bagels that are kettle-boiled and baked to order.&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhbagels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">You&#8217;d be wise to start getting familiar with them now<\/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><strong>Triangle Business Journal<\/strong> shared the news that <strong>Havoc Brewing Co.<\/strong> in downtown Pittsboro will pour their last pint this Sunday.<\/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>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>The tenth-annual <strong>WRAL Voters&#8217; Choice Awards<\/strong> are back! Vote on the top 5 finalists in each category <strong>through Dec. 15<\/strong>. Winners will be announced in January, 2026. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wral.com\/news\/local\/wral-voters-choice-awards-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Get your nominations in here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On <strong>December 14th<\/strong>, <strong>The Mecca Restaurant <\/strong>in downtown Raleigh, is commemorating their 95th Holiday season by joining the community together for a special three-course <strong>Holiday Supper<\/strong>.&nbsp;They will have two seatings at 6 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and include food, a winter beverage, tax and gratuity. In the spirit of giving and giving back to the community, 10% of the proceeds will benefit&nbsp;<strong>Urban Ministries of Wake County&nbsp;Food Pantry<\/strong>. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mecca-restaurant.com\/event\/mecca-holiday-supper\/\" 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>Looking for something fun to do on New Year&#8217;s Eve? Ring in 2026 with a memorable and delicious evening at<strong> Figulina<\/strong> where chef <strong>David Ellis<\/strong> has created a special 4-course menu showcasing seasonal and luxurious ingredients, a complimentary toast, plus some other surprises &#8211; while their wine director, <strong>Jeff Bramwell<\/strong>, has curated optional luxe wine pairings to complement each dish! $145 per person (pre tax and service fee). <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/resy.com\/cities\/raleigh-nc\/venues\/figulina\/events\/new-years-eve-at-figulina-2025-12-31?seats=2&amp;date=2025-12-05\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">Reserve your spot now<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tickets have gone on sale for the 2026 version of the <strong>Triangle Food &amp; Wine Experience<\/strong> which will take place <strong>February 5-7, 2026<\/strong>. From its humble inception over 30 years ago, the <strong>Triangle Wine &amp; Food Experience<\/strong> has grown to become one of the leading charity wine auctions in the nation with all proceeds benefiting the <strong>Frankie Lemmon School &amp; Development Center<\/strong>. And let me tell you, the lineup of culinary talent (from all corners of the United States) is absolutely incredible &#8211; <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/frankielemmonfoundation.org\/twfe\/lineup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">see the list here<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. If you call yourself a foodie, these are the not-to-miss events of the year. A weekend of the most incredible food and wine. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/frankielemmonfoundation.org\/twfe\/\" 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 on the weekend of events 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>The high cost of healthy foods is putting a huge strain on families in central and eastern North Carolina this holiday season. As colder weather sets in, heating bills start to compete with the grocery budget, leaving many people at risk of an empty holiday table. Let\u2019s lift that burden of worry for families, seniors, and veterans in our community. At more than 700 local food assistance sites supported by the <strong>Food Bank of Central &amp; Eastern North Carolina<\/strong>, every meal you help provide will be delivered with kindness, often alongside other critical services that address the root causes of hunger. Thanks to a match from some generous friends, your gift today can\u00a0<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/secure.foodbankcenc.org\/site\/R?i=l2YHCqt3zv3HzYiapWBS6RglmZdmOS5yCAplwDCRQxhHm8wXpLYyYA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\">DOUBLE \u2014 but only until December 31<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>.<\/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-4322","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4322","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=4322"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4322\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4329,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4322\/revisions\/4329"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4322"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4322"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4322"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}