Friday Fun Food Facts – February 21, 2025

Featured Restaurant News

  • If you are a fan of diners (who isn’t!?!), we’ve got big news for you this week! Tucker Street Diner has opened in the Smoky Hollow development in downtown Raleigh. It is brought to us by Michelle and James Park who also own The Shiny Diner (formerly Gypsy’s Shiny Diner) in Raleigh off of Buck Jones Road and Peak City Diner in Apex, off of Perry Road and Highway 55. Tucker Street Diner showcases classic American fare with a modern twist. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients for both quality and sustainability. They also have a coffee shop, featuring artisanal coffees and an all-day breakfast menu. Best to check them out on Instagram here.

Wake County Restaurant News

  • Triangle Business Journal reported this week that Cortez, known for its oysters and cocktails, will close after service on March 2 in the Glenwood South District of Raleigh, ending a nearly eight-year run. Brothers Charlie and Hector Ibarra, who also own Jose and Sons, will quickly undertake “extensive remodeling” of the space to make way for a new restaurant that will open in April. Details to follow soon. But in the meantime, you still have a few weeks for one more visit to Cortez. Visit them here.

  • Also in downtown Raleigh, Raleating shared that Paul & Jack Bakery & Pastry Shop (with a location already in Wake Forest) has opened in the former Layered Croissanterie space (911 N West Street). This European bakery has quite a following in Wake Forest and now has a second location for you to enjoy their baked goods like fresh croissants, cheesecakes, bombolonis and more. Might be best to check them out on Instagram here.

  • Inside the Morgan Street Food Hall, the Crispy Cod has officially landed. They’re serving up golden, hand-battered fish, perfectly crispy fries, and all the classic flavors you love. Add a side of tangy tartar sauce or a splash of malt vinegar, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort meal. Visit them on Instagram here.

  • Over off Whittaker Mill Road, Raleigh Magazine shared the news that Mandy Tamplin will open a concept called Stellar in the now-closed Taste, Small Plates & Wine Bar in High Park Village. Tamplin previously owned a wine bar called Stellar Wine Co. in Portsmouth, Virginia. The wine bar/restaurant will be a joint venture with Seaboard Wine and is expected to open sometime around the middle of next month. Also expect wine classes, wine dinners and more. Stay tuned for additional details!⁠

  • The Triangle Business Journal reported that Haraz Coffee House, a company based in Dearborn, Michigan, and specializes in Yemeni coffee, is making its way to 3915 Western Blvd. They will be located in the building that sits out in front of Amedeo’s. Since first opening in 2021, they have expanded to 17 locations, with over 100 in the works through franchising. This will be their second location in North Carolina (Charlotte has a location). No word on the open date. Start getting familiar with them on Instagram here.

  • A couple of updates from reader David Amann. First up, Baker’s Dozen Donuts is moving into the spot where Bonafide Bakeshop & Cafe used to be in Beaver Commons at 1232 W. Williams Street in Apex. Their post online suggests they hope to be open by this summer. Next up, Lazza Pizza will be opening in Cary where Romeo’s Pizza used to be at 645 Mills Park Drive. Look for them to open soon as they are simply waiting on the Town of Cary to sign off on everything.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

  • Over in Chapel Hill, we first told you about this in October, 2024, but we learned that Chapel Chill opened their doors yesterday (February 20). As you might guess, they are an ice cream shop serving up handcrafted premium ice cream right in the store using the best ingredients available. They will always have 24 flavors available, including non-dairy options. And if you can’t decide, they offer a cute little “flight” of four flavors for your enjoyment (and indecisiveness). They are conveniently located on Weaver Dairy Road in Cedar Falls Courtyard, the same shopping center as The Pig and PiggyBack as well as Beau Catering. Congrats to the Louis family — Lauren and Andy and their daughters, Brooke and JuliaMight be best to follow along on Instagram for updates. Thanks to reader Warren Greshes for the heads up.

  • If you’ve been around the Triangle food scene for a minute, you’ll recognize the name Tyler Huntington. Tyler reached out to me this week to let me know that the Beer Study has opened in their new location in the South Green development in Carrboro (yes, they moved there from their location on Franklin Street; they also have a location in Durham) at 101 Two Hills Drive. They are next to The Flying Pierogi Delicatessen, who will be providing food options in Beer Study. Of note, the two businesses are working together on future events. Might be best to check them out on their Facebook page here.

  • Over in Durham, buddy Glenn Gillen shared with me that Hope Cafe, serving up authentic Thai cuisine, has opened in the Woodcroft Shopping Center in the space formerly occupied by GG Fish and Chicken at 4711 Hope Valley Road. Get to know them here.

Closings

  • None to report. Keep eating local, folks!

Food Trucks

  • The Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeos for 2025 kick off THIS Sunday, February 23rd from 12 noon until 4 p.m. The event features over 50+ food trucks with cuisine from all over the world, and family fun – making it the ultimate Sunday Funday in Durham Central Park (501 Foster Street)! Mark your calendars for the remaining dates in 2025 – they are: April 13; June 1; and November 2. Get all the details here.

  • Great news as the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo returns to downtown Raleigh on Saturday, June 28th from noon until 6 p.m. all along Fayetteville Street. From savory flavors to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving and cuisine curiosity. Whether you’re a fan of gourmet burgers, delicious tacos, or decadent desserts, our food truck rodeo promises to have something for everyone! Visit their Facebook event page here.

  • Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don’t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Events

  • We are heading into the second round of the 7th Annual Cooking for the Kids benefiting Overflowing Hands and King’s Ridge. The competition matches eight premier Triangle chefs in a tournament-style culinary showdown to win cash prizes. The competition takes place at Millbrook Manor (formerly 1705 East) at 1705 East Millbrook Road in Raleigh. Round Two takes place February 26th and 27th and the Finale is scheduled for March 5. See the participating chefs as well as purchase tickets here. Thanks to Dean Ogan for reaching out to me about this great event!

  • Get ready to nosh! The Jewish Food Festival returns on Sunday, March 9, from 2–5 PM at Jewish for Good at the Levin JCC (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 Brandwein’s Bagels, LocoPops, The Parlour, Isaac’s Bagels, Rockwood Pantry, Hummus Y’all, and more. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jewish cuisine or looking to try something new, the festival offers something delicious for everyone. Get all the details here.

  • The Beer Study in Carrboro, will have their Grand Re Re Opening Chili Cookoff on Saturday, March 15th from noon until 10 p.m. at their new location in the South Green development in Carrboro at 101 Two Hills Drive. Get all the details, including prizes for the top 3 vote getters, on their Facebook events page here.

  • Join Catering Works and the Museum of Art for the Art of Tea in Bloom at the East Café from March 19th through 23rd. This Afternoon Tea 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. Get ticket and all the details here.

  • Or, here is another fun event from Catering Works and the Museum of Art on April 11th. 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 Perry Hurt, creator of the installation. Then in the NCMA Café, embark on a deep dive into red wine, presented by wine educator and owner of Vitis House Doreen Colondres. A fascinating, unique, and cross-cultural combination of art and wine, with creative food pairings by Chef Rick Sloan of Catering Works and the NCMA Café. Get details and tickets here.

  • To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Irregardless in downtown Raleigh is hosting a series of special prix fixe dinners, each celebrating a different decade in the restaurant’s history. The first event will honor the 1970s with a nostalgic three-course meal at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, priced at $80 per person. Get tickets and all the details here. Additional dinners are as follows: 1985 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. May 21 (tickets and details here); 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.

  • Fest in the West returns to Cary after a one-year hiatus on Saturday, April 5th from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Mills Park (441 Mills Park Drive). The event is geared towards children and families with tons of entertainment and activities – and of course a plethora of food trucks for everyone’s enjoyment! Get all the details here.

  • NC Sugar Rush will be held in downtown Raleigh’s City Plaza on Sunday, May 25th 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’s sweet tooth. Sign me up! Get all the details on their Facebook event page here.

  • The 10th Annual Raleigh International Food Festival will take place this year on Saturday, June 7th from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street. The event will feature over 120 food trucks/dessert trucks from around the globe with over 60 cultures represented. Free tickets and all the details here. (Tickets not required as this is a free event)

Food Bank Corner

  • Who is hungry? The reality is, hunger no longer has a single face. It’s woven into the lives of far too many in our community. This isn’t an isolated issue; it’s a reflection of systemic challenges. Hunger impacts us all, and we have a responsibility to address it. So, what is the solution? It is us. It’s all of us working together to create a community where everyone has the nourishment they need to thrive. Help create a solution to hunger in our community with your gift to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. Every $10 you give provides 50 meals! Donate now!

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Friday Fun Food Facts – February 14, 2025

Featured Restaurant News

  • The Downtown Raleigh Alliance shared the news this week that Omakase by Kai, a new Omakase-style Japanese restaurant, has opened on the ground floor of the Hyatt House Hotel at Seaboard Station (15 Seaboard Avenue) in downtown Raleigh. The space features a wrap around sake bar, a fully immersive dining experience, and is the latest creation from chef/owner James Chung, who also operates Kai Sushi & Sake Bar in North Raleigh. Might be best to follow along on Instagram here.

Wake County Restaurant News

  • Triangle Business Journal reported this week that Sixty Vines, a vineyard-inspired restaurant with locations throughout the South, plans to open in late 2025 at 4000 Center at North Hills in a 2-story space. It will be located in One North Hills in the Main District, in the space Limani Grille originally planned to occupy, near RH Gallery and its rooftop restaurant. They will serve brunch, lunch and dinner and feature an extensive selection of wine on tap. Its food menu includes charcuterie boards, appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta, main entrees, sandwiches and more. The space will feature outdoor patios on both the first and second floors, as well as a bar on each floor with operable windows to create indoor or outdoor bar areas. In addition to a location in Charlotte, the concept has 13 locations in Texas, Florida, Washington, D.C., Tennessee and Virginia. Start getting familiar with them here.

  • In downtown Raleigh, Triangle Business Journal reported that Durham’s ice cream shop Simons Says Dip This will open this month at 621 Hillsborough St. in the Bloc83 in Glenwood South. Audrey and Nathan Simons 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 or fruit. Get familiar with them here.

  • Over in Cary, buddy David McCreary shared that Paris Baguette, a French-style bakery cafe, has opened at 685 Cary Towne Boulevard in Cary in the former Your Pie spot. The eatery serves pastries, cakes, donuts, sandwiches and much more. This is their second Triangle-area location with the first being over in Raleigh at 10341 Moncreiffe Road. Discover more here.

  • And down in Clayton, Oscar Diaz will bring his incredibly successful Aaktun Coffee + Bar (he opened the first one in Durham last fall), in the coming weeks. He is opening in the space formerly occupied by Crawford Cookshop at 401 E Main Street. Visit them here. (See more about Diaz’s other plans below in the Durham section.)

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

  • We first told you about this last October, but the Triangle Business Journal updated us this week that Tataco, a taqueria from James Beard Award-nominated chef Oscar Diaz, will open next month at 620 Foster St. in the Geerhouse apartments. Diaz has had tremendous success in Durham with both Little Bull restaurant and Aaktun Coffee + Bar. Tataco will have a tortilla-making station, as well as a fish station with fresh seafood displayed on ice including oysters, clams, scallops and more. Diaz is also bringing in corn from Mexico to make masa dough for tamales, sopes and tortillas. Best to follow along on Instagram here.

  • But that’s not all Oscar Diaz has coming up in Durham according to the Triangle Business Journal. He, along with his partners at the Mezcalito Group, signed a lease for a century-old building at 301 E. Chapel Hill St., will operate a yet-to-be-named restaurant and rooftop bar on the main and second floors, while the basement level will feature a lounge. Diaz plans to open by the end of the year with a concept that will feature live-fire cooking with a large wooden grill inside. Stay tuned on this one.

Closings

  • WRAL reported this week that The Green Monkey in downtown Raleigh, a LGBTQ gift shop, bottle shop and neighborhood bar, is closing after a 12 year run. Their last day at the current location is March 15th – after which it will move online.

Food Trucks

  • Great news as the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo returns to downtown Raleigh on Saturday, June 28th from noon until 6 p.m. all along Fayetteville Street. From savory flavors to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving and cuisine curiosity. Whether you’re a fan of gourmet burgers, delicious tacos, or decadent desserts, our food truck rodeo promises to have something for everyone! Visit their Facebook event page here.

  • Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don’t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Events

  • Chapel Hill’s Med Deli and owner Jamil Kadoura are hosting a fundraiser THIS Saturday, February 15th to help victims of the wildfires in California. In partnership with Chapel Hill’s Acts of Kindness, the Share The Love event will send 100% of its ticket costs, beer and wine purchases, and donations to the Global Empowerment Mission. The Story Venue, owned by Jamil Kadoura, at 450 West Franklin Street is hosting the fundraiser with dinner, a live auction and dancing planned for ticket-buyers. Get all the details here.

  • MilkShake wner Alex Chandler shared with me that they have opened the Cary location (he also owns the location in Durham) at 161 E Chatham Street. They are currently in soft opening mode and will have their Grand Opening event THIS Saturday, February 15th from noon until 4 p.m. featuring live music, giveaways, lots of chocolate samples, and a FREE vanilla shake. Visit their Facebook event page for all the details.

  • Rocky Top Catering is proud to sponsor and host the 7th Annual Cooking for the Kids benefiting Overflowing Hands and King’s Ridge which kicks off with Round One the week of February 17th. This fun competition matches eight premier Triangle chefs in a tournament-style culinary showdown to win cash prizes. The competition takes place at Millbrook Manor (formerly 1705 East) at 1705 East Millbrook Road in Raleigh. Round Two takes place February 26th and 27th and the Finale is scheduled for March 5. See the participating chefs as well as purchase tickets here. Thanks to Dean Ogan for reaching out to me about this great event!

  • Tickets went on sale earlier this month for An Evening To Ignite, the annual fundraiser by the teams at The Merrimon-Wynne House, Band Together and La Fête Planning & Design. The nonprofit beneficiary of this year’s event will be Ripe for Revival, which operates a fleet of pay-what-you-can mobile markets in central and eastern North Carolina. They will use the proceeds to expand the mobile markets’ presence in Raleigh. This year’s An Evening To Ignite will be March 14, 2025 in downtown Raleigh. Get tickets here and get information on Ripe for Revival here.

  • To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Irregardless is hosting a series of special prix fixe dinners, each celebrating a different decade in the restaurant’s history. The first event will honor the 1970s with a nostalgic three-course meal at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, priced at $80 per person. Get tickets and all the details here. Additional dinners are as follows: 1985 Dinner: 6:30 p.m. May 21 (tickets and details here); 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.

  • Fest in the West returns to Cary after a one-year hiatus on Saturday, April 5th from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Mills Park (441 Mills Park Drive). The event is geared towards children and families with tons of entertainment and activities – and of course a plethora of food trucks for everyone’s enjoyment! Get all the details here.

  • NC Sugar Rush will be held in downtown Raleigh’s City Plaza on Sunday, May 25th 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’s sweet tooth. Sign me up! Get all the details on their Facebook event page here.

  • The 10th Annual Raleigh International Food Festival will take place this year on Saturday, June 7th from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street. The event will feature over 120 food trucks/dessert trucks from around the globe with over 60 cultures represented. Free tickets and all the details here. (Tickets not required as this is a free event)

Food Bank Corner

  • With over 560,000 community members facing food insecurity and hunger at its highest in over 15 years, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is working overtime to ensure no one goes hungry. Your generous support is making a positive impact for people who are fighting to stay afloat. Monthly giving is a great way to increase your impact for our neighbors. Just $10 a month could provide 50 meals to families experiencing hunger. A monthly pledge is a steadfast commitment to providing nourishment across our community. Join a caring group of donors by becoming a Sustainer today!

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