Sassool spread

Global Entree

In December 2022/January 2023, Eat by Kelsie BartonLeave a Comment

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Sassool invites the city’s foodies to pick up a Triangle Food Passport and discover the joy of “traveling” to new local restaurants throughout the year.

Grab your passport (and my hand). … Sassool’s latest venture will take you on an international culinary journey—sans the long flight. Enter the North Raleigh Mediterranean market and resto’s recently launched Triangle Food Passport, a collaborative effort with 12 area restaurants, cafes and grocers designed to inspire diners to branch out and boost local small businesses. 

Sassool co-owner Noelle Saleh says a lightbulb went off while gathering with fellow restaurateurs during one of their family dinners last year. “We were trying to think of ways that we could support each other as restaurateurs other than giving advice or lending an ear,” she says. “We wanted to find a way to cross-promote each other and get our customers to try out restaurants that we love but maybe haven’t tried yet.”

Together they launched the Triangle Food Passport, which boasts exclusive offers from local businesses including Sassool, Raleigh Rolls, Big League Waffles, Cheeni Indian Food Emporium, Bitten Bakery, Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken and more. Diners who purchase the $25 passport can visit each participating restaurant to redeem the offer in exchange for a “stamp,” making any midday coffee break or meal with friends suddenly feel like a jet-setting adventure.

“The passport came from the fact that many of our businesses offer food from around the world,” says Saleh. “We wanted to give people an opportunity to travel the world without leaving the Triangle.” Best of all, the new program further bolsters the food and beverage community by donating a portion of all proceeds to the Wake Tech Foundation to assist a full-time second-year student at Wake Tech with a culinary scholarship. What’s not to love? 

Ultimately, the initiative offers a chance to have fun and explore by playing tourist in your own hood for a change. “Our greatest hope is that Raleigh diners discover their new favorite restaurant, bakery or food establishment,” says Saleh. “The Triangle is ripe with talent and hosts a super passionate restaurant community. We want you to experience our passion through our food.” Get ready for takeoff!

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