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By Elyse Waters & Lauren Kruchten
Hatch Burritos | DURHAM
Breakfast of champions, found. Talitha Benjamin’s recently hatched (had to) brick-and-mortar brings an authentic New Mexican breakfast experience to Bull City—one chile at a time. After seven years of pop-ups, the cult-favorite brand has earned its following with viral foil-wrapped pockets of perfection—whether you’re gunning for the OG breakfast creation or a lunch variety (order it smothered, then thank us later). Sourcing locally from farms like Vera Luce and Dawnbreaker, the menu also features green chile stew, blue corn pancakes and enchiladas, plus fuel selects from Durham’s Little Waves Coffee Roasters. Rollin’ deep, indeed. hatchburritosnc.com
Gather Goods Co. | CARY
Housewares, jewelry and crafts—oh, my! (And that’s just scratching the surface.) Recently feting its 10th birthday in the heart of downtown Cary—and fresh off an HGTV Magazine feature—is this equal-parts gift shop, classroom and coworking hub, making for a cozy space where creativity and connection collide. Not only can you join in on a rotating slate of classes and workshops (see: embroidery, vision boards, mahjong and candle pouring), but Gather Goods Co. also houses just about anything you could possibly need—from birthday cards and vegan nail polish to mimosa kits and sourdough starters. How’s that for a one-stop shop? shop.gathergoodsco.com
Sora Sushi & Bar | CARRBORO
Let the good times roll—literally. Formerly known as La Montaña, the restaurant entered a new chapter late last year, reemerging as a mod Asian dining spot. Meaning “sky” or “heaven” in Japanese, Sora honors the team’s Carolina roots and family legacy while signaling fresh beginnings and endless possibilities. On the menu, find short-rib pho, duck curry, spicy pork bulgogi and shrimp tempura udon, alongside raw and cooked rolls, classic apps, and specialty cocktails. Sushi classes are also on offer—so you can master (and taste) crowd-fave rolls. Consider your next dinner party handled. soraeats.com
Photo by Oscar Diaz
Ivy Cottage | MORRISVILLE
Home in need of a new year glow-up? This circa-1995 community staple started as a small fam-run gift shop and has since grown into a go-to destination for home furnishings, decor, bespoke goods, accessories, and bath and body finds. Founded by local interior designer Lisa Allen, the shop prides itself on elevating and embracing personal style in all forms. On any given visit, you might score the perfect painting, a just-right sofa or a gift that absolutely screams your best friend. Pro tip: Don’t leave without paying respects (read: plenty of pets) to French bulldog and store mascot/manager Theo. Sit, stay, slay! ivycottagecollections.com
LRB Provisions | DURHAM
Lunch hour—leveled up! Former Magnolia Grill chef Amanda Orser has quickly won over Bull City with the opening of LRB in a former 550-square-foot The Dog House hot dog stand. Fulfilling her dream of owning her own restaurant, Orser now slings seasonally driven sandos, sides, soups and sweets out of the tiny takeout window, with standouts including the pastrami, pastor and smoked trout sandos. Everything coming out of the kitchen is either housemade—from the freshly baked breads to pickles—or sourced from local farms and purveyors. Up next: Take-home dinners, parking lot pop-ups, wine tastings and other special events. Let’s get this bread! lrbprovisions.com
Photo by Stacey Sprenz
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