{"id":851,"date":"2018-12-28T05:51:43","date_gmt":"2018-12-28T10:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=851"},"modified":"2018-12-28T06:28:45","modified_gmt":"2018-12-28T11:28:45","slug":"friday-fun-food-facts-year-end-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=851","title":{"rendered":"Friday Fun Food Facts – 2018 Year End Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Top Restaurant News of 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Place at the Table<\/strong> opened in January 2018<\/strong> as Raleigh\u2019s very first \u201cpay-what-you-can\u201d style restaurant and is located in the former Caf\u00e9 de los Muertos<\/strong> space in downtown Raleigh at 300 W. Hargett Street. It concluded the year being featured on NBC. Can\u2019t think of a better representation of the Triangle spirit in general, and the spirit of the locally owned and operated restaurants we are blessed with here. \u201cPay\u201d them a visit in 2019<\/strong><\/a>!  
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Top Wake County News of 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After multiple delays, Morgan Street Food Hall<\/strong> in downtown Raleigh\u2019s warehouse district opened following on the heels (pun intended) of Blue Dogwood Public Market<\/strong> food hall in Chapel Hill, and will be followed by another in downtown Raleigh – Transfer Co. Food Hall<\/strong> – as well as one in Durham – Durham Food Hall<\/strong> – opening in 2019.  Check out Morgan Street here<\/strong><\/a>.
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The legendary, 88-year-old Mecca Restaurant<\/strong> was sold to Greg Hatem<\/strong> and became part of the Empire Eats<\/strong> family (Gravy<\/strong>, Sitti<\/strong>, The Pit Raleigh<\/strong>, The Pit Durham<\/strong>, The Raleigh Times<\/strong>, and The Morning Times<\/strong>). Hatem<\/strong> is a long-time friend of the Doumbalis<\/strong> family and has vowed, after some needed updates, to keep things pretty much the same. Congrats on a successful transition of a downtown institution! Keep up with Mecca here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Lynnwood Brewing Concern<\/strong>, which operates a grill and taproom in North Raleigh and a brewery and bar at Dock 1053<\/strong> on East Whitaker Mill Road, opened their newest restaurant called Wilson\u2019s Eatery<\/strong> featuring locally sourced, scratch made sandwiches, flatbreads and salads and \u201cseveral house-made sodas & mixers\u201d in their craft cocktails. Visit their website here<\/strong><\/a>.
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We enjoyed the much-anticipated opening of Big Dom\u2019s Bagel Shop<\/strong> in downtown Cary in the former Little Caesars<\/strong> space. It is a grab and go bagel shop offering bagels, biscuits and b\u2019donuts and is brought to us by the folks that also own Pizzeria Faulisi<\/strong>. It is located at 203 E. Chatham Street. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Durham County News of 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shortly after the Old Havana Sandwich Shop<\/strong> in Durham ended a seven-year run, the husband and wife team of Roberto Copa Matos<\/strong> and Elizabeth Turnbull<\/strong> opened a farm-to-table Cuban restaurant Copa<\/strong> at 107 West Main Street in the larger, renovated former Revolution<\/strong> spot. The lunch menu is the Old Havana<\/strong> you may be familiar with, but the dinner menu is where Copa<\/strong> separates itself from Old Havana<\/strong>, with a menu comprised largely of tapas and small plates. Get to know them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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If you had also been dreaming about a rotating mini-food truck venue\u2026every day\u2026with a full service beer garden (30 beers on tap) and a place to enjoy it all (indoor and outdoor), then you were just as excited as I was with the opening of County Fare<\/strong> at 1920 Chapel Hill Road. Keep up with their schedule and get all the details here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Hutchins Garage<\/strong> opened in the Central Park District<\/strong> at 402 W. Geer Street in Durham. Pizza and beer top the list of great options there as well as a very cool atmosphere. Check them out on Facebook here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Eastcut Sandwich Bar<\/strong> slid into the former Finch\u2019s<\/strong> spot (3211 Old Chapel Hill Road) They serve up East Coast sandwich fare, salads, small plates, soups, sweets, and beer, wine and limited cocktails. The establishment is very family friendly and they even allow dogs on their deck. A great new Durham spot. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Deeluxe Chicken<\/strong> opened in the former Oval Park Grille<\/strong> spot at 1116 Broad St. by chefs Scott Howell<\/strong> and Rick Robinson<\/strong>, who first met nearly 30 years ago working together at Durham\u2019s Magnolia Grill<\/strong>. The menu is built around fried chicken, of course, with dark and light quarters served with a side. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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The Saleh<\/strong> family brought its newest Neomonde Mediterranean Deli<\/strong> to downtown Durham in the Unscripted Hotel<\/strong> building at 202 Corcoran St. As most know, Neomonde<\/strong> has locations in Raleigh and Morrisville. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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The latest addition to the M Restaurant Group<\/strong> in Durham came to life with the opening of M Tempura<\/strong> located in the former downtown Scratch Bakery<\/strong> location at 111 Orange Street. Chef Michael Lee\u2019s<\/strong> other restaurants include nearby M Sushi<\/strong> and M Kokko<\/strong>. Get to know M Tempura here<\/strong><\/a>.
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There is a new place to get your morning brew in South Durham with the opening of People\u2019s Coffee<\/strong> located at the intersection of 751 and Renaissance Parkway, behind Bonefish Grill<\/strong> and beside Town Hall Burger and Beer<\/strong>. Brought to us by Jordan Wells<\/strong> and David Sadeghi<\/strong>, the concept features coffee from Black & White Coffee Roasters<\/strong>, pastries and such from Strong Arm Baking Co.<\/strong>, and a grab-and-go menu and cold-pressed juice offerings from Cold Off The Press<\/strong>. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Top Orange County News of 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Franklin Street\u2019s legendary Spanky\u2019s <\/strong>\u201cretired\u201d and was repurposed under the Chapel Hill Restaurant Group\u2019s umbrella as<\/strong> Lula\u2019s<\/strong> – a Southern restaurant featuring really good fried chicken, porkchops, short ribs, farm-to-table vegetables, freshly squeezed lemonade, homemade biscuits and mint juleps. Check out the Chapel Hill Restaurant Group here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong>
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Fusion Fish<\/strong>, the global Asian fusion restaurant featuring sushi, spirits and cocktails, opened in the former One<\/strong> spot in Chapel Hill\u2019s Meadowmont<\/strong>. You can find them on Facebook here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Award-winning Oakleaf<\/strong> restaurant has successfully completed their move (after a temporary “stay-over” with their sister restaurant, Alberello<\/strong>) from quaint Pittsboro to hip downtown Carrboro. They opened in the spot adjacent to the Cats Cradle and in the same building as Fleet Feet and Rise Donuts<\/strong>. Check out their new space here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Crunkleton\u2019s Gary Crunkleton<\/strong> is expanding his empire following the news that he would be part of the new ownership of Crook\u2019s Corner<\/strong> – he has now partnered with Sam Suchow<\/strong>, the owner of the barbecue restaurant The Pig<\/strong>, and opened The Neighborhood Bar<\/strong> right next to The Pig<\/strong> on Weaver Dairy Road in north Chapel Hill. Don\u2019t worry, there is a \u201cpass through\u201d between the two establishments allowing you to order barbecue! Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Chapel Hill welcomed the second location of Heavenly Buffaloes<\/strong> in the former home of Sandwich<\/strong> on Franklin Street. The Chapel Hill location is much larger than the original Durham \u201cshack\u201d and will be more of a traditional restaurant, including a dining room with seating for nearly 80 people. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Top Chatham County News of 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pickle Jar Caf\u00e9<\/strong>, once in Siler City, relocated to the former Oakleaf<\/strong> spot in Pittsboro\u2019s historic Chatham Mills<\/strong>. They specialize in fresh, local ingredients and scratch made recipes that support local farmers and community. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapel Hill\u2019s The Root Cellar<\/strong> opened their second location in Chatham Park<\/strong> between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro. The space is absolutely gorgeous and inviting with three large garage doors that open to an expansive outside dining area. And next door House of Hops<\/strong> has opened, with the potential for a lot of joint endeavors. Check out The Root Cellar Pittsboro here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Closings in 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wake County – Raleigh Closings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarbouch<\/strong> on Creedmoor Road in Raleigh; Menchie\u2019s<\/strong> at Sutton Square; Calavera Empanadas and Tequilla<\/strong> in downtown Raleigh; Positalia Italian Eatery<\/strong> in Brier Creek; Applebee\u2019s<\/strong> at the corner of Gorman and Hillsborough Street in Raleigh; Standard Foods<\/strong> in downtown Raleigh; Mr. Sticky Buns<\/strong> food truck up on Capital Blvd.; Baskins-Robbins<\/strong> ice cream shop in Cameron Village; Freshii<\/strong> on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh; Kimbap<\/strong> in Raleigh\u2019s Seaboard Station; <\/strong>the final Z Pizza<\/strong> location in downtown Raleigh; O\u2019Charley\u2019s<\/strong> location in Raleigh\u2019s Brier Creek; Toppers Pizza<\/strong> location on Ronald Drive in Raleigh; Sugarland Bakery\u2019s Cameron Village<\/strong> location; Phat Chicken<\/strong> on Martin Street; TLC Wings<\/strong> that had moved into the former Applebee\u2019s<\/strong> location on Hillsborough Street; Raleigh Raw<\/strong> at Morgan Street Food Hall<\/strong>; Noodles & Company<\/strong> in Cameron Village; Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria<\/strong> on Hillsborough Street; Oak & Dagger Public House<\/strong> at Seaboard Station; Chick-fil-A<\/strong> in downtown Raleigh on Fayetteville Street; Bedford Bistro<\/strong> in North Raleigh; 888 Chinese Take Out<\/strong> on Creedmoor Road in the Stonehenge Shopping Center.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wake County – Apex \/ Fuquay \/ Holly Springs \/ Clayton \/ Garner Closings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

McCall\u2019s Bar-b-Que and Seafood<\/strong> in Clayton (still have the original location in Goldsboro); SiP Bistro<\/strong> in Holly Springs; Bruegger\u2019s Bagels<\/strong> in Garner; Just Cookin\u2019<\/strong> in Garner; Grill 57<\/strong> in Garner; Rock Harbor Grill<\/strong> in Fuquay-Varina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wake County – Cary \/ Morrisville \/ Apex Closings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tossed<\/strong> location in Morrisville; Bob Evans<\/strong> on Walnut Street in Cary; Uncle Maddio\u2019s<\/strong> in Parkside Town Commons; Tijuana Flats<\/strong> in Cary\u2019s Bradford Shops; <\/strong>Cary location of Little Caesar\u2019s<\/strong>; German Grille<\/strong> in Cary; TGI Fridays<\/strong> in Cary on Kildaire & Tryon; Newk\u2019s Eatery<\/strong> in Cary; Cantina 225<\/strong> in Apex; Rookies Sports Bar<\/strong> in Apex; Lee\u2019s Garden Chinese Restaurant in Apex; Macaroni Grill<\/strong> in Cary; Giardino Gourmet Salads<\/strong> in Cary; Smok\u2019t BBQ & Tap<\/strong> in Cary\u2019s Cornerstone Village; West Park Tavern<\/strong> in Cary; Gigi\u2019s Cupcakes<\/strong> in Cary\u2019s Waverly Place; Cary Towne Kitchen & Bar <\/strong>at 2002 Kildaire Farm Road in Cary; Patrick Jane\u2019s Bar & Bistro<\/strong> at The Shoppes of Kildaire<\/strong> in Cary; The Original NY Pizza<\/strong> location at High House Crossing<\/strong> in Cary.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durham County Closings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amante Pizza<\/strong> in the Hope Valley Shopping Center; Scratch, \u201cBaby\u201d Scratch & The Lakewood; Finch\u2019s<\/strong> after moving to Durham; Spice and Curry<\/strong>, near the intersection of Highways 54 and 55 in Durham; Satisfaction Restaurant & Bar<\/strong> near Brightleaf Square; Ninth Street\u2019s The Pie Hole<\/strong>; After 26 years, Scott Howell\u2019s<\/strong> Nana\u2019s; Maybelle\u2019s<\/strong> in Durham\u2019s American Tobacco Campus; Basan<\/strong>, part of the Eschelon Experiences<\/strong> restaurant group; The Cupcake Bar<\/strong> in downtown Durham; Vegan Flava Cafe<\/strong> in Durham by Northgate Mall<\/strong>; Cure Deli<\/strong> in Durham. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orange County – Chapel Hill \/ Carrboro \/ Hillsborough Closings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spanky\u2019s<\/strong>, after a 40 year run (replaced by Lula’s<\/strong>); R&R Grill<\/strong> also on Franklin Street; Noodles & Company<\/strong> on Franklin Street; Smoothie King<\/strong> on Franklin Street; Toppers Pizza<\/strong> on Franklin Street; Sugarland Bakery <\/strong>on Franklin Street; Living Kitchen<\/strong> on Chapel Hill\u2019s Elliott Road; Mystery Brewing Company<\/strong> in Hillsborough; The Shoppe Bar and Meatball Kitchen<\/strong> in Carrboro; Raaga<\/strong> in Chapel HIll at East 54; Allen & Son BBQ<\/strong> between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough (Chatham County location still open!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chatham County Closings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alberello<\/strong> in North Chatham (but replaced by Sadie\u2019s Southern).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The “Rest” of the News In 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Wake County – Raleigh Noteworthy News in 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pizza Times<\/strong> joined downtown favorites The Raleigh Times Bar<\/strong> and The Morning Times<\/strong> and is serving up pizzas by the pie and by the slice. They are open around the corner from The Raleigh Times<\/strong> at 210 Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Two years after a fire completely destroyed their restaurant, Sushi Nine<\/strong> on Western Blvd. reopened at 3812 Western Boulevard. While the building is certainly new, the menu is just like their customers remember \u2013 nothing changed there! Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Smashed Waffles<\/strong> (all waffles, all the time) opened at 2304 Hillsborough Street, directly across from NC State. Check out the Greenville-based concept here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Tonbo Ramen<\/strong>, brought to us by the owners of Kanki<\/strong>, opened in the Moore Square District<\/strong> at 211 S. Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh serving up quintessential Japanese ramen dishes, such as Tonkotsu, Shio and Shoyu. Also they have an upstairs Izakaya bar, their version of a Japanese speakeasy, where you can enjoy craft cocktails and small plates, offering the unique flavors of Japan. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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CO<\/strong>, offering a modern take on traditional Southeast Asian cuisine, moved into the AC Hotel at North Hills<\/strong> adding to their locations in Charleston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Savannah and Myrtle Beach. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Chronic Tacos<\/strong> opened their Raleigh location at 9424 Falls of the Neuse Road (same shopping center as Sprouts Farmers Market) in early 2018. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema<\/strong> opened its first Triangle location at 2116 New Bern Avenue, but its not just a movie theatre and beer (although those are two great things), they also serve up great food and free movie rentals – 75,000 titles! Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Wahlburger\u2019s<\/strong> finally opened in the former Oxford<\/strong> space…and just closed, seven months later.
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Seoul 116 Korean Kitchen & Bar<\/strong>, City Market Sushi\u2019s<\/strong> sister restaurant, opened in the former More. Kitchen & Wine Bar<\/strong> space at 116 N West St. Get familiar with them on Facebook here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Happy + Hale<\/strong> opened in the Park Central<\/strong> building in North Hills<\/strong> serving up salads, juices and smoothies. The newest location offers a larger indoor seating area, outdoor patio seating, and brunch on the weekends. They\u2019ve also partnered with Counter Culture Coffee<\/strong> and Brewery Bhavana<\/strong> to offer coffee and beer. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Viva<\/strong> moved into the former McAlister\u2019s Deli<\/strong> location in North Hills<\/strong>. With multiple locations in and around Charlotte, this is the first Triangle-area location for the rotisserie joint that specializes in pollo a la brasa. Get to know them here<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In downtown Raleigh, the much anticipated Kaiju Bowl and Bao<\/strong> opened on Davie Street in the former Dickey\u2019s Barbecue<\/strong> spot. Visit their website here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Fig<\/strong>, a coffee shop and cocktail bar, serving your favorite drinks all day and a small menu to accompany those, opened at 1000 Brookside Drive. Get to know them on their website here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Tapworks<\/strong>, a 50-tap, self-pour joint at 222 Glenwood Avenue in downtown Raleigh, opened and also includes a pretty fun food menu. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Also at 222 Glenwood South, Anise Pho<\/strong> opened serving up authentic Vietnamese cuisine. This is actually a re-opening, as they moved from Cary to this location. Get familiar with them here on Facebook<\/strong><\/a>.
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GiGi\u2019s Pizza<\/strong> took over the former ZPizza<\/strong> spot in the Bank of America building in downtown Raleigh. The menu includes specialty pizzas, strombolis, calzones, sandwiches and salads. They kept the self-service 20-beer draft system they inherited from ZPizza<\/strong>. Get familiar with them on their Facebook page here<\/strong><\/a>.
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The national \u201csuper-food\u201d cafe chain Kale Me Crazy<\/strong> opened in the former home of Baskin-Robbins<\/strong> in Cameron Village<\/strong>. The restaurant offers juices, smoothies, salads, and wraps in a sleek, upscale environment. With a location in Cary, this will be their second Triangle area location. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Lola\u2019s Beach Bar<\/strong> opened a few doors down from NOFO<\/strong> and Third Place Coffee Shop<\/strong> on Glenwood Avenue at Five Points<\/strong>. They are self-described as a gritty surf\/tiki beach bar in serving street tacos, burritos, nachos with margaritas, beer and tequila. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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O-Ku Sushi<\/strong> opened in The Dillon<\/strong> at 411 W Hargett Street in downtown Raleigh\u2019s warehouse district. O-Ku<\/strong> is described as authentic Asian cuisine with a southern approach. They have additional locations in Charlotte, Charleston, Atlanta, Nashville and Washington, D.C. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Papa Shogun<\/strong>, moved into the former Kimbap<\/strong> spot in Seaboard Station<\/strong>, combining the techniques and flavors of Italian and Japanese cuisines for a new perspective on familiar foods in a refined yet fun environment. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The newest Triangle location of Shuckin\u2019 Shack Oyster Bar<\/strong> opened in Raleigh at McNeil Point<\/strong>, just off Wake Forest Road (across from Mami Nora\u2019s<\/strong>). They currently have two locations in Cary and a location in Durham. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Tenedor, <\/strong>a neighborhood taqueria that focuses on fast, fresh Latin fare consisting of family recipes mated with secret sauces and seasonings, opened at the end of November just outside of 440 on New Bern Avenue\/Hwy. 64. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Other Wake – Cary \/ Morrisville Noteworthy News in 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Postmaster<\/strong> at 160 E Cedar Street in Cary opened featuring seasonal southern dishes using local ingredients, paired with a classic, but creative, bar program. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Early May saw the grand opening of the second location of ZenFish<\/strong> (original location is in Durham) at 9924 Chapel Hill Road in Morrisville near the intersection with Weston Parkway. Get the details on their Facebook events page here<\/strong><\/a>.
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LaStella Wood Fired<\/strong> on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh closed but has reopened in Cary in the former Hurricane Grill & Wings<\/strong> spot in the Shoppes at Kildaire<\/strong> (corner of Kildaire Farm Road and Cary Parkway) Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Anna Ko<\/strong> opened Terra Bonum Salad Cafe<\/strong> in the spot formerly occupied by Giardino Gourmet Salads<\/strong> on Harrison Avenue in the Bass Pro Shop shopping center<\/strong> offering up fresh salads, wraps and grain bowls. Get to know them on Facebook here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Over in Morrisville G.58 Cuisine<\/strong> finally opened in the building at corner of Chapel Hill Road and Carrington Mill Boulevard. This is a concept we first reported on in late 2016. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Anjappar Indian Restaurant<\/strong> opened in Cary\u2019s Stone Creek Village shopping center<\/strong> in the former Chubby\u2019s Tacos \/ Guacamaya<\/strong> spot. They also have locations in New York and New Jersey. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Piasans Italian Restaurant<\/strong> closed making way for Kathmandu Kitchen<\/strong> at 1275 Northwest Maynard Road in the Maynard Crossing Shopping Center.<\/strong> It is an authentic Himalayan restaurant featuring Indian, Nepali and Tibetian dishes. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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CoreLife Eatery<\/strong> opened in late November in Cary\u2019s Crossroads Shopping Center. The active lifestyle restaurant serves a variety of greens, grains and broth-based dishes. The eatery has other locations in North Carolina, which include Fayetteville and Greensboro, and 49 locations across the U.S. Get to know them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Other Wake County – Wake Forest \/ Rolesville Noteworthy News in 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bu.ku<\/strong>, the restaurant that introduced global street food to downtown Raleigh, opened a second location in Wake Forest at 1228 Heritage Links Drive in the Heritage<\/strong> development, next to Wine 101 wine shop. Check out Bu.ku here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Just over in Rolesville, The Cobalt Caf\u00e9<\/strong>, a coffee shop and breakfast and lunch spot, opened at 6150 Rogers Road. In addition to great coffee, they bake their muffins fresh daily from scratch. Get to know them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Showmars, <\/strong>a fast, casual concept featuring a blend of Greek and Southern, serving up sandwiches and salads, opened at the corner of Capital and Stadium Drive in Wake Forest. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Other Wake County – Fuquay-Varina \/ Holly Springs \/ Apex Noteworthy News in 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Osteria G<\/strong> opened at 5160 Sunset Lake Road in Apex in the former Little Hen<\/strong> spot, where every day different special dishes are cooked according to the fresh products that the local market offers. Diners enjoy varied dishes accompanied by a good glass of wine. Check out their website here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Bawarchi Grill & Spirits<\/strong> opened in the former Rookies in Apex<\/strong> (and before that, Rudino\u2019s<\/strong>) space at 800 W. Williams Street. Indian cuisine and booze\u2026sounds like my kinda place! Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Cultivate Cafe + Coffee Roasters<\/strong>, a new coffee shop and roaster, opened in the downtown Fuquay-Varina area in the former EMS building serving up  freshly-roasted organic coffee and other complementary house-made products, like ice cream made from grass-fed organic milk and hand-crafted sweet and savory baked goods from Bestow Bakery<\/strong>. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Scratch Kitchen & Taproom<\/strong> at 225 N. Salem Street in the former Tobacco & Mule Exchange building<\/strong> in downtown Apex opened. Scratch<\/strong> represents a partnership between two restaurant families with over a dozen successful concepts between them. Jeff<\/strong> and Meredith Kromenhoek<\/strong> and the ownership team of The Mason Jar Tavern<\/strong> and The Mason Jar Lager Company<\/strong> have come together to bring a truly exciting new concept. Think Southern food with a touch of Asian flair. Here\u2019s the link their Facebook page<\/strong><\/a>.
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In Fuquay-Varina, Abbey Road Tavern & Grill<\/strong> opened at 711 N. Main Street. They also have locations in Cary and Apex and have earned the title of \u2018Best Burger\u2019 in the Triangle 14 times. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Also in downtown Fuquay-Varina, Vicious Fishes Brewery, Taproom & Kitchen<\/strong> opened at 132 S. Fuquay Avenue in the former Rock Harbor Grill<\/strong> space. The new spot will combine a craft brewery already known for its location in Angier with a gastropub featuring wood-fired cuisine. Visit them on Facebook here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Other Durham County Noteworthy News in 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new fast-casual restaurant called Sushi\u014dki<\/strong> (\u201cOki\u201d means big in Japanese) opened in February at 4900 Highway 55 (near the intersection with Highway 54, next to Brigs restaurant). The concept features large, burrito-sized sushi rolls. Find them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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There is a new North Indian restaurant called Naan Stop<\/strong> over on Erwin Road next to Black Twig<\/strong>, and their website (get this) is Naan Stop Duke<\/strong>. Love the clever name. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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East Durham Bake Shop<\/strong> opened at 406 South Driver Street specializing in handmade seasonally inspired pastries that can be paired with house-made soups and salads alongside locally roasted espresso beverages and organic teas. And of course their flaky, buttery, handmade sweet and savory pies. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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A new Korean BBQ joint called Itaewon Grill<\/strong> opened on Erwin Road in the former Hungry Leaf<\/strong> spot. Visit them online here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Chapel Hill\u2019s Roots Bakery, Bistro and Bar<\/strong> opened a second location in the former Hope Valley Bar and Grill<\/strong> space (before that, Hope Valley Brewing Company<\/strong> and before that, City Beverage<\/strong>) at 4810 Hope Valley Road in Hope Valley Pointe<\/strong>. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get familiar with Roots here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Thai @ Main Street<\/strong> opened in the former Dame\u2019s Chicken and Waffles<\/strong> space in downwtown Durham.  Chef\/owner Jay Aparoj<\/strong> also owns Bangkok 54<\/strong> in Chapel Hill. Thai @ Main Street<\/strong> will serve the dishes of central Thailand, focusing on the flavors of Bangkok, where Aparoj<\/strong> grew up. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Tamale Factory and Tequila Bar<\/strong> has opened in the Erwin Terrace<\/strong> building at 2816 Erwin Road (think Nosh<\/strong>, Black Twig Cider House<\/strong>, Pho & Poke House<\/strong>). Check them out on Facebook here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Foster Street Coffee<\/strong>, owned by Tracy Cooper,<\/strong> opened on the ground level of the Liberty Warehouse<\/strong> apartments and just steps away from Durham Central Park<\/strong>. Get to know them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Hi-Wire Brewing<\/strong> opened a taproom in downtown Durham at 800 Taylor Street at the Golden Belt<\/strong> campus. It has a large interior space, as well as an outdoor covered patio and beer garden. Dubbed the \u201cDurham Fun Zone,\u201d the space is game and activity heavy, featuring full-sized shuffleboard courts, soccer pool tables, table tennis and more. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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A new Zimbabwean restaurant called Zweli\u2019s Kitchen<\/strong> opened at 4600 Chapel Hill-Durham Blvd. Check them out on Facebook here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Cucciolo Osteria<\/strong>, a new Italian restaurant tucked away off of 601 W. Main Street (down from The West End Wine Bar<\/strong>) opened mid-summer. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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The former Joe Van Gogh<\/strong> spot on Duke\u2019s campus become Beyu Blue Coffee<\/strong> \u2013 from the folks at Beyu Caff\u00e9<\/strong>. Beyu\u2019s<\/strong> owner, Dorian Bolden<\/strong>, is a Duke alumnus. Check out Beyu here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Pokeworks<\/strong> is now open in downtown Durham on the ground floor of One City Cente<\/strong>r at 122 W. Main Street. Pok\u00e9works serves build-your-own pok\u00e9 bowls, pok\u00e9 burritos and pok\u00e9 salads with a variety of proteins, sauces and toppings to choose from. This is their first North Carolina location with another on the way in Raleigh. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Saint & Co.<\/strong> opened in the space formerly occupied by The Pie Hole<\/strong> at the intersection of Ninth and Green streets in Durham. The bakery\/cafe menu features fresh baked artisan pastries and breads, salads, sandwiches, and amazing brick hearth Neapolitan style pizza. Check them out on Facebook here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Uncle Julio\u2019s Mexican <\/strong>restaurant moved into the former Champps<\/strong> location at the Streets at Southpoint<\/strong> but you won\u2019t recognize the inside \u2013 a complete remodel. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Bralie\u2019s Sport Bar & Grill<\/strong> has opened a second location (affectionately called Bralie\u2019s 2<\/strong>) at 4707 Hillsborough Road. The original location is on Carpenter Fletcher Road near the intersection of Hwy. 55 and Interstate 40. Get to know them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Other Orange County – Chapel Hill \/ Carrboro Noteworthy News in 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over on Chapel Hill\u2019s Franklin Street Bonchon Chicken<\/strong> opened in the former McAlister\u2019s<\/strong> location and specializes in Korean-style fried chicken and a variety of savory Asian fusion dishes. They have 236 restaurants in nine countries with more than 63 in the United States. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Korean restaurant MinGa<\/strong> moved into the former Captain Poncho (<\/strong>and Mixed<\/strong> before that)<\/strong> space on Franklin Street, near the intersection with Estes Drive. Check them out here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Chapel Hill was also the beneficiary of the opening of the popular Greensboro burger maker Hops Burger Bar<\/strong> and their gourmet burgers at 140 West Franklin Street in the former Lime Fresh Mexican Grill<\/strong> space. Of note, Trip Advisor<\/strong> named them the best burger spot in the nation in 2015! Visit their website here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Carrboro\u2019s YesterYear Brewery<\/strong> truly lived up to its name and is now a distant memory as it transformed with new partners, a new experience, an added kitchen and reopened under a new name \u2013 Vecino Brewing Co.<\/strong> They are located at 300 East Main Street next to Cat\u2019s Cradle<\/strong>. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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In Chapel Hill\u2019s Rams Plaza<\/strong>, Mr. Tokyo Japanese Restaurant<\/strong> moved into the space next door to the newly relocated Monterrey Mexican<\/strong>. Apparently they have a couple of locations in the Charlotte area, but most notably on their website is that they offer an unlimited sushi and hibachi menu for lunch and dinner. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Gael Chatelain<\/strong> of Napoli Food Truck<\/strong> fame opened Napoli Caf\u00e9<\/strong> at 105 E. Main Street in downtown Carrboro. The caf\u00e9 serves up handmade from scratch gelato using local milk, espresso based drinks with Counter Culture<\/strong> beans, teas from Sangha Tea and local craft beer on draft. You can order from the truck in the cafe and enjoy it all on the new patio between the truck and caf\u00e9. Check them out on Facebook here<\/strong><\/a>.
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CAVA<\/strong> opened in the Village Plaza<\/strong> shopping center on Elliott Road just down from Whole Foods<\/strong>. The Greek\/Mediterranean concept allows you to customize your ideal grain bowl, salad, or pita. Get familiar with them here<\/strong><\/a>.
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B.GOOD<\/strong> opened on Chapel Hill\u2019s Franklin Street completing their coverage of the entire Triangle with locations in Raleigh (North Hill and downtown) and Morrisville. Each location serves \u201cfood with roots\u201d \u2013 meaning food that is sustainable, natural, clean and freshly prepared and served every day. Get familiar with B.GOOD here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Other Chatham County Noteworthy News in 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie Farris<\/strong> and Clint Winslow<\/strong> opened another Jersey Mike\u2019s<\/strong> in Chatham County, just down 15-501 from Chapel Hill in the Lowe\u2019s Foods<\/strong> shopping center. Farris<\/strong> and Winslow<\/strong> also own locations in Chapel Hill (2 locations), Durham and Hillsborough. Check out Jersey Mike\u2019s here<\/strong><\/a>.
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Alberello<\/strong> closed at the end of October, making room for Sadie\u2019s Southern<\/strong> from Leslie <\/strong>and Brendan Cox<\/strong>, owners of Oakleaf<\/strong> in downtown Carrboro. <\/strong>Check out Sadie\u2019s here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n



<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Top Restaurant News of 2018 A Place at the Table opened in January 2018 as Raleigh\u2019s very first \u201cpay-what-you-can\u201d style restaurant and is located in the former Caf\u00e9 de los Muertos space in downtown Raleigh at 300 W. Hargett Street. … Continue reading →<\/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-851","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/851","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=851"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/851\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":858,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/851\/revisions\/858"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=851"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=851"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=851"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}