TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Triangle Restaurant News
Triangle restaurant news…that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler. 

Featured Restaurant News

• Got word this week from Jennifer Buchholz that It’s a Southern Thing in downtown Durham will open a second location beginning next week at Ellis Crossing (1051 Yunus Road Ste. 110) in Durham. If you haven’t been before, they are known for their unique take on traditional Southern fair, laid-back atmosphere, Southern hospitality, delicious craft cocktails, and thoughtfully created, scratch-made dishes. Kudos to Pete Susca and his entire team! Check them out here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• We can’t roll into October without talking about what is arguably the largest foodie event of the year, but definitely the most interesting – the new food lineup at the NC State Fair which is just 6 days away (October 12-22). Some of the highlights this year include dill pickle doughnuts, french fry parfaits and a sandwich wrapped in bacon. But I’ll let you decide what you are most excited about with the full list here.

• Saw on RalToday this week that Mandolin (2519 Fairview Road, Raleigh) is bringing back two restaurant faves: Saturday brunch and Sunday dinner. Make a reservation for a romantic dinner or to start your Saturday morning with elevated breakfast items like confit chicken hash and Johnston Co. country ham Benedict. Visit them here.

• Up near the Wake Forest/Raleigh line off 401/Louisburg Road in the Forrestville Crossing shopping center, Andy’s Frozen Custard is now open in the former Torero’s location (it was a complete tear down and new build). Visit them here.

• In Cary, reader Eric Lamb shared with us that the Pho Thien Phat Vietnamese Noodle House has opened in Cary at the intersection of Cary Parkway and Tryon Road (6404 Tryon Rd.).

• Big news out of McCrimmon Corners shopping center in Morrisville (4075 Davis Drive) thanks to a tip from reader Tony Woodard. Alie Hibachi & Sushi opened this week serving up fast casual sushi and Japanese. Check out Alie here. And right next door to Quickly, in the same shopping center, Woodard also noticed that there is signage up for Hokkaido Ramen House in the old Flavors Kitchen space.

• Reader Chris Creighton shared a few updates with us this week: Boba Cha, hand rolled ice cream and bubble tea, is coming soon to the former My Berry Yogurt spot at 3460 Ten-Ten Rd (Harris Teeter shopping center); Al-Basha Market and Grill is opening soon at 3925 Beryl Road in Raleigh. It will feature Mediterranean food as well as a market; and Sheeba Restaurant, with three locations in Michigan, is now serving up traditional upscale Yemeni cuisine at 3933 Western Boulevard in Raleigh in the old Yeman Arabic restaurant. Visit Sheeba here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• In Chapel Hill, the News & Observer reported this week that Edgar Ordonez, the chef at Med Deli, will open an upscale taco concept called El Fogon (“the flame”) at 111 N Roberson Street (next to Brandwein’s Bagels). Look for them to open the first quarter of 2024. Along with his wife, Beatris Santillano, and in-laws, Ismael Santillano-Carrillo and Norma Lazaro, they plan to offer authentic Mexican dishes and as well as some offerings from his native Guatemala.

• Over in Durham, Lesley Stracks-Mullem, owner of Taste Carolina, brought it to my attention that Nosh Durham is moving to a new location. Their new location hasn’t been announced yet, but sources suggest it will be over on Broad Street, next to Cloche Coffee. But stay tuned and follow along on Intagram for the official announcement.

• Also in Chatham County, we learned from reader Shelley Colbert that Town Hall Burger & Beer on 15-501 at the entrance to Briar Chapel has been closed this week for renovations (kitchen remodel) – but will reopen this Saturday. Visit them here.

• AN UPDATE: The West End Kitchen grand opening originally scheduled for Thursday, October 12 has been POSTPONED. We don’t have a new date just yet, so stay tuned. They are moving into the former Angelina’s Kitchen space on Rectory Street in Pittsboro and are describing their eatery as a chef-driven gastropub where they plan to offer breakfast and lunch. Get to know them here.

Closings

• None to report. Keep eating local, folks!

Food Trucks

• Sister Cities of Durham will hold an International Food Truck Festival on Sunday, October 8th from noon to 4 p.m. at Durham Central Park (501 Foster Street). Foods from Mexico, Greece, Jamaica, El Salvador, Africa, Japan, China Haiti and Korea will be featured. There will also be beer and beverage stations. Get all the details here.

• The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo of the year is October 29th from 12-4 p.m. All the rodeos are from 12-4 p.m. Giddyup! Here is the link.

• 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

• Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week runs through the weekend and wraps up on Sunday, October 8th. Through Sunday, participating restaurants downtown will offer 3-course prix-fixe meals or limited-time lunch, dinner, and drink specials. Support your favorite spots or try somewhere new. Restaurant Week is your excuse to skip the grocery lines and go out to eat instead. Get all the details here.

• RalToday reminded us that the Raleigh Wine Shop is holding its 13th annual Korktoberfest this Friday through Sunday (Oct. 6- 8). Snack on bites like raw and roasted oysters from Locals Seafood on Friday (5-8 pm), enjoy free wine tastings and charcuterie specials on Saturday, and grab lunch from The Wandering Wolf food truck on Sunday (12-4pm). Oh, did I mention that wine is up to 25% off! Get all the details here.

• The 11th Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser will take place on Sunday, October 8 at Carrboro Town Commons. At the event, attendees will receive a handcrafted bowl donated by a local artist, and fill it with soups from several restaurants, all to support TABLE’s ongoing efforts to feed local kids. Get all the details and buy tickets here.

• Neighborhood bar and Southern kitchen, Whiskey Kitchen, will hold their second annual Ardbeg Wee Beastie Sauce Boss Competition on October 18th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Whiskey Kitchen will partner with Ardbeg for this free, fun, and collaborative event on their patio in Downtown Raleigh. Each participant’s sauce must include Ardbeg Wee Beastie Single Malt Whisky as an ingredient. These BBQ sauces will be paired with Whiskey Kitchen’s smoked pulled pork served from Ardbeg’s smoker. Whiskey Kitchen is located at 201 West Martin Street in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Visit Whiskey for more details.

• Kitty Kinnin reminded me that the NC Wine Festival will take place this year on Saturday, October 28th at beautiful Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. For over 20 years the North Carolina Wine Festival has been bringing you local North Carolina wineries, artisans, music, food and fun! Buy tickets and get all the details here.

• The folks over at Acme are bringing back Salt & Smoke on Saturday, October 28th. This year’s event will be held at The Barn at Sonark Media (located just off of Old 86 in Hillsborough). If you are not familiar with the event, it is a full afternoon and evening of live music, whole hog barbecue, raw oysters, roasted clams and plenty of the right beverages to wash it all down – local beer, wine and cocktails. And if you get your tickets now, through the end of this month there is a $25 discount for all tickets purchased (just use the code FINALLY when checking out). Get all the details and tickets here.

• This is really cool. Raleigh’s Brookside Bodega is hosting a family-friendly campout on Nov. 4 at Haven Farm, a wedding and special event venue in Knightdale. Tickets are now on sale for the campout, which includes activities for the whole family. The family-friendly campout is BYO-tent but includes catered dinner and breakfast, s’mores, live music and more. Get tickets and all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• Think you can’t make a difference in someone’s life? Think you don’t have enough money to make a difference? Would you believe me if I told you that as little as $1 equates to 5 meals through the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina!?! It is true. Nearly 510,000 people face hunger across our 34-county service area. And thanks to your generosity, the Food Bank provided over 81 million meals to families and individuals last year! Make a donation today!

Triangle Restaurant News
Triangle restaurant news…that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler. 

Featured Restaurant News

• Just days after the announcement that Raleigh’s Humble Pie, an institution for 33 years, was closing, Raleigh Magazine shared the exciting news that former Poole’s Diner chef de cuisine David Ellis will be opening Figulina: Pasta and Provisions, a pastacentric restaurant, in that space. According to the article, Ellis honed his culinary skills across the world before coming to the U.S. in 2019 and landing a job with Ashley Christensen shortly thereafter. The restaurant will also feature a small retail section with provisions like cookbooks, dry pasta and tinned fish. Look for him to open in December or early January. Read the article here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• So big news this week in the Five Points area of Raleigh. First the bad news, after putting a pause on operations, Lonerider Brewing (at 1626 Glenwood Ave.) has permanently closed that location (don’t fret, they still have three other locations). The good news, Michael DePersia with DePersia & Associates has confirmed that they have sold the business to Mac’s Speed Shop out of Charlotte. This will mark their 10th location and the first in the Triangle. Mac’s was founded 18 years ago by Wynn Davis and Hall Johnston as a place that would blend their love for BBQ, beer and bikes. Everything is made from scratch including the barbecue sauces and dressings. But don’t worry, you don’t have to have a Harley, your minivan (and dog) are more than welcome there. No word on an open date. Get familiar with them here.

• In downtown Raleigh, RalToday shared that Jacksonville, NC-based Flavor Hills Restaurant and Bar is making its way to downtown Raleigh. Slated to open near Sono Sushi at 319 Fayetteville St., this veteran-owned foodie spot features creative dishes like pumpkin spice chicken and waffles, fried deviled eggs, and Cajun shrimp and grits. No word yet on an open date. Keep up with them on Instagram here.

• Also in downtown Raleigh, we got word this week that Square Burger, part of Empire Eats restaurant group, will not renew their lease in their current location in Moore Square (225 E. Martin Street) in January, 2024. That we know. What we also know is that Empire loves the concept and the brand and is not opposed to opening it somewhere else. So bottom line, enjoy them at their current location for the next four months. Beyond that, stay tuned. Visit Square Burger here.

• In Holly Springs, David McCreary shared with me that a bakery called Asia’s Cakes will soon be opening a storefront at 113 N. Main Street near downtown. Asia’s currently operates taking orders and delivering, so this will mark a new chapter as they open their first retail operation. Looks like a pretty extensive offering of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and desserts. No word yet on an opening date. Visit them here.

• Also in Holly Springs, one of our readers saw a post on their neighborhood website that a new Italian restaurant called Spazio Vino and Cucino is moving into the recently closed Harvest Moon on Bass Lake Road (128 Bass Lake Road to be exact). It is right next store to Bass Lake Draft House and in same shopping center as The Blind Pelican and the new Randy’s Pizza. Visit their site here.

• Down in Knightdale, thanks to a tip from Michael DePersia of DePersia & Associates, Craften Food Hall (706 Money Ct.) has been sold to Tikila Tacos & Mezcal out of Wake Forest (1000 Forestville Rd.). No word yet on an opening date. Get to know them here.

• Also in Knightdale, the Triangle Business Journal reported this week that The Depot on First, a restaurant located inside a historic house in Knightdale, plans to open the first week of October. They will serve American-style fare, including steaks, seafood and pasta. The restaurant’s atmosphere is meant to be modern and upscale, while incorporating the space’s history. They are located at 608 N. First Ave. in a Sears catalog house dating back to 1935. Follow their progress on Facebook here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Over in Chapel Hill, WRAL reported that Med Deli reopened this week in a temporary location for first time since its original Franklin Street location caught on fire over the summer. The pick-up location is at 454 W. Franklin Street (former Elaine’s location). It will operate from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday (they are closed on Sunday) offering a limited menu. This is strictly take-out, no indoor dining. Visit their site for all the details.

• Saw on their Facebook feed that Seraphine, a Louisiana-inspired restaurant and bar being brought to us by Brad and Graham Weddington (think NanaSteak) is open and taking limited reservations. They are in the remaining portion of the former Tyler’s Taproom space (shared with Parker and Otis, but completely separate). They will have limited seating through Sunday the 1st, and then fully open on Tuesday, October 3rd. Visit them here.

• Also in Durham, caught wind this week that there is a woman-owned, local coffee shop coming to the Bull City. Mid Bloom Coffee is shooting to open next month inside the Common Market at 1821 Green Street. Check them out here.

• And a reminder that the West End Kitchen has scheduled their grand opening for Thursday, October 12. They are moving into the former Angelina’s Kitchen space on Rectory Street in Pittsboro and are describing their eatery as a chef-driven gastropub where they plan to offer breakfast and lunch. Get to know them here.

Closings

• Got the sad news this week that a 33-year-old institution in downtown Raleigh is closing their doors – Humble Pie. It was hinted that another local, independent concept would come into that space, and that news is shared above under Featured Restaurant News.

• Over in Chapel Hill, The Dogwood restaurant (formerly Old East Tavern, NoDa Brewing Tapas) and The Poplar Cafe at East 54 (same owners) are permanently closing on Saturday, September 30th. Point of clarification, this is in NO WAY affiliated with Blue Dogwood on Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street. Blue Dogwood is still doing their thing – popup restaurants, community and private events as well as catering and kitchen rentals. Keep rocking Sarah Boak! Visit Blue Dogwood here.

Food Trucks

• This Sunday, October 1st from 4 to 6 p.m. Durham Central Park will host one of their fundraisers called Trucks for the Park at Durham Central Park Pavilion, a private food truck rodeo for a lucky 150 people. Attendees will be able to enjoy food from 15+ local trucks and a couple of drinks from Durham craft breweries (cash bar is also available). Just think, a food truck rodeo with no lines! Tickets are just $50 (1 ticket can typically feed 1–2 people, depending on appetite). The event is hosted by Becky and Mike Hacker of Pie Pushers and Brian Bottger of Only Burger. Get tickets and all the details here.

• New food truck alert! Got word this week that there is a new food truck called Havana Spin serving up authentic and delicious Cuban cuisine. It is located at a fixed location in a parking lot on Ten Ten Road near Kildaire Farm Road in Cary (3300 Ten Ten Road). It is directly across the street from Mill Pond Village( Publix). Check them out here.

• The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo of the year is October 29th from 12-4 p.m. All the rodeos are from 12-4 p.m. Giddyup! Here is the link.

• 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

• On Sunday, October 1, The Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill hosts its signature tasting event at The Barn of Chapel Hill at Wild Flora Farm, complete with a silent auction, live entertainment, a raffle and local food and beverage samples throughout the afternoon. Get all the details here.

• Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week is scheduled this year from October 2nd through the 8th. Throughout the week, participating restaurants downtown will offer 3-course prix-fixe meals or limited-time lunch, dinner, and drink specials. Support your favorite spots or try somewhere new. Restaurant Week is your excuse to skip the grocery lines and go out to eat instead. Get all the details here.

• On Tuesday, October 3rd, Ruckus Pizza & Pasta will host an Upscale Chef’s Exclusive – Five Course Paired Wine Dinner & Experience. Your evening kicks off with a comfortable cocktail reception until the program gets underway. For each of five courses, theirr team of experts bring to life the story, the approach, and the why, behind each pairing. Get tickets and all the details here.

• On October 4th, in celebration of O-Ku’s 5-Year Anniversary in downtown Raleigh, chef Cuong Le is offering a sake-paired “Osusume” menu – a “greatest hits” or “guided tour” of O-Ku’s menu. This 5-course menu for $100 enables guests able to choose from a selection of time-honored O-Ku dishes in each category. On this night only, the beverage pairings will be complimentary with the “Osusume” experience. Visit them here.

• Families Moving Forward and Chefs for Change will host their Fall Harvest Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 5th, at 6 pm at their new event space – The Lincoln on Geer, 406 W Geer Street in Durham. This gathering will feature a delicious three-course meal prepared by Southern Harvest, and tickets are $100. All proceeds benefit Families Moving Forward, the primary emergency shelter in Durham for families experiencing homelessness. Get tickets and all the details here.

• The 11th Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser will take place on Sunday, October 8 at Carrboro Town Commons. At the event, attendees will receive a handcrafted bowl donated by a local artist, and fill it with soups from several restaurants, all to support TABLE’s ongoing efforts to feed local kids. Get all the details and buy tickets here.

• Neighborhood bar and Southern kitchen, Whiskey Kitchen, will hold their second annual Ardbeg Wee Beastie Sauce Boss Competition on October 18th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Whiskey Kitchen will partner with Ardbeg for this free, fun, and collaborative event on their patio in Downtown Raleigh. Each participant’s sauce must include Ardbeg Wee Beastie Single Malt Whisky as an ingredient. These BBQ sauces will be paired with Whiskey Kitchen’s smoked pulled pork served from Ardbeg’s smoker. Whiskey Kitchen is located at 201 West Martin Street in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Visit Whiskey for more details.

• The folks over at Acme are bringing back Salt & Smoke on Saturday, October 28th. This year’s event will be held at The Barn at Sonark Media (located just off of Old 86 in Hillsborough). If you are not familiar with the event, it is a full afternoon and evening of live music, whole hog barbecue, raw oysters, roasted clams and plenty of the right beverages to wash it all down – local beer, wine and cocktails. And if you get your tickets now, through the end of this month there is a $25 discount for all tickets purchased (just use the code FINALLY when checking out). Get all the details and tickets here.

Food Bank Corner

• Think you can’t make a difference in someone’s life? Think you don’t have enough money to make a difference? Would you believe me if I told you that as little as $1 equates to 5 meals through the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina!?! It is true. Nearly 510,000 people face hunger across our 34-county service area. And thanks to your generosity, the Food Bank provided over 81 million meals to families and individuals last year! Make a donation today!