Far East fare is taking our city—and country—by storm.
Asian food is having a moment. With new creative and elevated Far East concepts consistently popping up around the area in droves (see: Tamasha, SAAP, M Test Kitchen, and Heirloom’s new Asian-inspired dinner menu), along with thriving spots boasting years of seasoning—we see you, Brewery Bhavana (and its upcoming Fenton outpost), Bida Manda, Red Dragon, Sono and Five Star—the cuisine is writing a new name for itself.
Before this relatively recent boon of elevated Asian concepts, diners seeking a fancy meal might have elected for dinner at a steakhouse rather than the oft more casual Asian option, which typically conjures images of takeout boxes and casual surrounds. In essence, elevated restaurants have long lacked diversity in terms of menu and clientele. Until now. (This isn’t an attack on low-key Asian. In fact, I love all types of Asian fare, frequent unassuming hole-in-the-wall eateries and even resided in Bangkok for nearly a year where the tantalizing street fare and captivating casual-yet-quality eats abounded—hey, Jay Fai!)
But we can’t deny the shortage of local choices. Our city has long lacked elevated Asian options—aside from Raleigh’s inaugural Japanese sushi outpost, Kanki, serving patrons a full sit-down meal experience with a show since 1972, and the circa-1987 Imperial Garden Restaurant, touting a claim to fame as the Triangle’s OG authentic Chinese eatery.
Now, Far East cuisine seems to be shifting itself into a new era on the foodie scene across the country, with more and more sophisticated concepts popping up and piquing interest all over. This is something the talent behind Tamasha, Raleigh’s first elevated Indian restaurant, noticed and capitalized on through their just-opened concept.
“We feel like Raleigh is ready for a big city-type of restaurant with the glitz and bling you might see in Vegas,” shares Tina Vora on why she and her team decided to debut the luxe—and Michelin-chef helmed—North Hills spot. Adds partner Mike Kathrani: “[Indian food] is one of the most complex foods, and we have seen that the whole gamut of Indian food hasn’t yet been presented to America.”
To wit, the public is craving more and more authentic and diverse food options. “Demand is growing,” shares Sunny Lin, co-owner of MOFU Shoppe, which also nabbed the season six win of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race. “Maybe it’s because people have discovered Chinese food isn’t just orange chicken; Vietnamese food isn’t just pho; and Thai food isn’t just pad thai. Globalization is being reflected in people’s palates now.”
Echoing that sentiment is local culinary luminary Lon Bounsanga, who recently bowed Laotian restaurant SAAP. “Successful restaurants create room for more such restaurants,” says the longtime Bida Manda/Brewery Bhavana chef. “As the Asian restaurant scene evolves, smaller Asian countries are seeing their cuisine and culture showcased. Diners are learning that, although ingredients are shared, each cuisine has its own story.”
Translation, the broad cuisine category is (finally) getting the hype and hoopla it’s always deserved. Move over, steakhouses and boujee Italian restaurants—it’s Far East fare’s time to shine.
Heirloom photo by Anna Phommavong
Flavor Profiles by Region
Asian food cannot be grouped into a single category—each region offers vastly rich and diverse flavors, dishes and styles. Here, a quick (noncomprehensive!) breakdown of a few Asian cuisine categories.
▪ Chinese: Salty, spicy, sour, sweet and bitter. Think: soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and scallion flavors ▪ Japanese: Artistic, exact textures and temperatures, and savory. Think: seafood, tempura, ramen, miso soup ▪ Korean: Flavorful, fiery and fermented. Think: kimchi, Korean BBQ, chile powder and sesame ▪ Southeast Asian: Salty, sweet, spicy, sour and fresh—all in perfect balance. Think: tropical fruits, veggies, lemongrass, Thai basil and lime ▪ South Asian: Spicy, creamy and full of flavor. Think: turmeric, lentils, peas, beans and curry leaves
But clearly what doesn’t tequila makes you stronger. The tenacious brand—aka Daytoon Distributors, the same team behind Blue Shark Vodka—persisted to get its Chactun blanco tequila out as originally scheduled in January. The Chactun reposado tequila, though delayed, is still uncorking to consumers by mid-February.
The blanco, meant for sipping, showcases a clean and crisp taste similar to Blue Shark’s vodka, with a long and sweet finish, while the reposado has a well-rounded vanilla flavor with a dash of fruitiness.
“While the heist caused setbacks, our team at Chactun Tequila worked with our team at our distillery in Mexico to push out more rounds of reposado just in time for celebrations in mid-February,” says CEO Mark R. Milliken. “We are most pleased with the efforts of our federal authorities, who have worked tirelessly to find our Chactun Tequila.”
Adds Blue Shark CEO and Milliken’s business partner Mark Bloomquist: “The show must go on.”… Sounds like the bev will be beyond worth the wait—and all the heist-related hassle. Cheers! chactuntequila.com
Turns out, these are all traits that track for 20-somethings—aka (mostly) Gen Z, topping out at age 26. When it comes to relationships, per UCLA’s recent report, a whopping 51.5% of those studied (24-year-olds through teens) prefer seeing content that represents platonic relationships in lieu of romance.
“I think movies and media in general are overdoing it on romance and forcing passion into everything when it’s not needed,” laments one 23-year-old we spoke to on the topic. “Sometimes friends are simply just friends, and I wish they would show the side that emulates reality more.”
Perhaps this sentiment, shared among many Z’ers, could contribute to this summer’s blockbuster hit Barbie’s success with the younger crowd, what with its depiction of meaningful female relationships from a woman’s perspective—and less of the superficial love drama.
“We know young people are suffering an epidemic of loneliness, and they’re seeking modeling in the art they consume,” notes UCLA study co-author Yalda T. Uhls in a recent Variety article. “While some storytellers use sex and romance as a shortcut to character connection, it’s important for Hollywood to recognize adolescents want stories that reflect the full spectrum of relationships.”
Beyond wishing for more wholesomeness on the screen, the gen also continues to live with their parents well into their 20s. In fact, per a recent RentCafe study, ~87% of Gen Z’ers in Raleigh still bunk at their childhood homes, likely due at least in part to financial concerns and the housing market. Fun fact: A deep dive on LinkedIn affirms many families’ holiday dinner conversations centered around whether those in their 20s will ever be able to afford a house in their lifetime—though Raleighites may have a leg up given recent research finding Raleigh remains one of the most affordable major metros.
As far as the social life for the average “Zoomer”—the gen nickname an intentional play on the activist-meets-PC Boomers they mirror—a scad of studies reveals the iGeneration finds it harder to connect with people in-person, experiences higher rates of loneliness and is disenchanted with the current nightlife experience, never mind the pandemic effect. And now that Gen Alpha is creating its own reputation and starting to bump its elders aside in terms of “cool factor,” it leaves us to wonder—what will the 30s have in store for Gen Z? Only time will tell…
Zensational Takeaways
“Sober curious” or drinking less
More likely to feel lonely
Bunking with their parents into young adulthood
Prefers more platonic relationship portrayed on screen
Disillusioned with “going out” and opting for quieter hobbies
Fab ’fit ideas for the fashionable fundie undie runner
Have a case of the runs? For the 14th year running, kindhearted people around the country are dropping their drawers for Cupid’s Undie Run and jogging toward finding a cure for neurofibromatosis (a group of genetic conditions that lead to tumors growing on the body’s nerves) via supporting the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Starting at Durham’s Motorco Music Hall Feb. 17, participants can pregame with drinks and dancing before a mile-ish jog, then finish off the festivities with a dance party post-run.
Ready to (mostly) strip down in solidarity and support the cause? Here, your fun run outfit inspo—no side stitches allowed. See ya streakin’ across the start line? my.cupids.org
Heart Boxers Need a de-brief? Don some boxers covered in hearts—or another fun design!—to spread the joy. … We really love to see it!
Footie PJs Don’t sleep on this one. … Put your best foot forward—if you’re brave enough to get active in a onesie—and get joggin’ in a pair of jammies!
Knee Socks Fun socks 🤝 elite ’fit. Pick a pair of high-rise knee socks with a fun design to #slay your fun run. A sock star, indeed!
Tutus Stay *tutu* cool via a colorful skirt that will no doubt effortlessly elevate your stylish—and sweaty?—aesthetic.
Heart-Shaped Sunglasses Rose-colored lenses? We raise you a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses. Finish line’s so bright, you gotta wear shades.
But for every Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas, there’s a Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. A Steph and Ayesha Curry. … And beyond those in the limelight, couples all over (not to mention friends, family members and co-workers) have elected to mark their lasting dedication to one another via permanent ink—on their bodies. But the decision to take your love beyond skin deep sticks, which leaves us to wonder: Are matching tats the mark of forever love and companionship or the kiss of death?
First things first: Tattoos are permanent—or extremely costly and time-consuming to remove. As for relationships… not so much. And research shows people make the decision to mark up for myriad reasons: increased confidence, amplifying their uniqueness, or showcasing a significant concept or person.
Per Viren Swami, a social psychologist featured in The Cut, tattoos can serve to highlight the value of a relationship—so much so that “it involves permanence and pain.” Past the initial ouch of a tat, Swami speculates that inking up poses the potential of bettering relationships.
“One of the things we find in our research is that getting a tattoo has an impact on the individual. People who get their first tattoo have more positive body image afterward,” he says in The Cut’s article on the subject. “I suspect something similar might happen in relationships with couples who get matching tattoos. The fact you share this experience, you’ve gone through the process of getting tattooed together, you might feel more intimate and might feel closer to your partner as a result.” No pain, no lasting relationship, right? … Right?
But while a tattoo can stimulate closeness in couples while they’re together, lasting love is never guaranteed. And this is something several local tattooers have observed throughout their time in the industry. “I’ve covered up about as many couples’ tattoos as I’ve put on,” says Jessica Boyle of Raleigh’s Conspiracy Ink Tattoos. “[The tattoos] were mostly names, something indicative of an inside joke or object-oriented.”
The tattoo artist, whose craft dates back to the early 2000s, has noticed a significant downturn in demand for matching couple tattoos—as opposed to other lasting symbols of love.
“Folks finally got wise and started doing a lot more sibling pieces, memorial tattoos and pet stuff,” she says—adding that paired-up partner ink pursuits tend to lean younger, and often in relatively new relationships.
“I was taught having a significant other tattooed on you was the kiss of death—and that it’s tempting fate,” she shares, noting that most couple tats requested these days are either objects or wedding bands. “I don’t miss giving significant others’ names. It doesn’t feel great, and most times you can’t talk someone out of it. It’s better to see people do things that are more flexible, [considering] the unexpected twists and turns of life.”
Fellow local tattoo artist Ember Seaman of Mad Ethel’s Tattoo and Body Piercing concurs with the notion. “It’s an old adage that getting [a couple’s tattoo] is the death of the relationship,” she says. “But most people date more than one person in their lifetime—so it might not have anything to do with the tattoo. That’s just the way life is.”
Regardless of relationship status, tattoos are serious business—and the effects go far beyond skin deep. In both Seaman’s and Boyle’s seasoned careers, tattoos aren’t all sunshine and butterflies (literally). Some requests are cause for pause (see “Ethical Ink”). Others are semi-full-circle moments.
To wit, Seaman has seen customers return to cover up their tattoos—whether it’s negatively affecting a new relationship or they just want it gone. “It takes a long time to decide to spend the money on a cover-up or removal,” notes the seasoned tattooer. Many times, she will cover a person’s name or initials with flowers or another item that will fit the original design best.
When deciding how to spotlight dedication to their romantic partner, in the end it’s up to the person picking whether or not they want to permanently brand their boo’s name on their bod. “When getting a couple’s tattoo, it’s a good consideration to not put someone’s name, birthday or initials,” advises Seaman. “Instead, do something symbolic that is meaningful to you and pretty to the rest of the world.” …
So, ultimately, the question isn’t whether or not a couple’s tat is the kiss of death, but maybe what has staying power for permanent ink—and making sure it’s something you can live with long after they’re gone.
According to a recent study by Pew Research, ~24% of Americans can’t claim #noragrets (not even a single letter) when it comes to a tattoo. But opting to take off that tat can be more costly than the constant aesthetic reminder.
COST OF (NON) LONG-LASTING LOVE? Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Bruce Katz notes removing a tattoo can amass a price tag ranging from $500–$2,000 per session. And the cost and number of sessions needed to remove the ink depend on a number of factors, including the size and colors of the tattoo in question.
Ethical Ink
Itching to go further on the subject? In some instances, tattoo requests can involve more serious underlying issues such as abuse or unhealthy power dynamics that cause a tattoo artist to pause and thoughtfully express concern before proceeding to ink. Here, a story from local tattooer Jessica Boyle on a couple seeking a tattoo cover-up that caused her pause.
“A young couple came into my busy street shop in the early 2000s to cover an existing name tattoo on the lady. The man with her did most of the talking (this is almost always a red flag), was paying for the tattoo and wanted his female companion to cover her old partner’s name with his own. The existing tattoo was about 2.5-by-.75 inches. My client’s companion wanted me to cover it with his name in giant, solid black letters that would span her back from shoulder blade to shoulder blade—with each letter ~3 inches tall.
Somehow, I managed to get the girl into my office with the door shut, and I told her exactly what I thought—it was a terrible plan, it would be almost impossible to cover up in the future, and I didn’t think it was something she really wanted to sign up for. And she agreed. I suggested we use a feather instead of the lettering (small, effective and name-free) and she was on board.
After our discussion, I shared my recommendation with the boyfriend, using time and money as the motivator. Thankfully, he didn’t offer much pushback, and we did her cover-up with the feather instead. It was difficult to navigate in the moment. But, ethically, I couldn’t agree to and execute the original request. All these years later, I am still relieved I was able to find a better way for her.” —Jessica Boyle, Conspiracy Ink Tattoo
Local Testimonials
Cue the social experiment. We tapped Raleighites with matching couple tats for intel on the status of their post-ink relationship.
“My husband and I got *almost* matching tattoos before our wedding! We still love them and each other. 😍”
“I have a matching tattoo with an ex. No regret for getting it. It has good memories attached!”
“My husband and I got one for our 10-year wedding anniversary. We recently celebrated 15 years.”
“My now-husband and I got matching Harry Potter tattoos before we were officially dating. It worked out. 🤪😂”
“My ex-husband and I got matching tattoos three years after we got divorced. 🤣 We didn’t go into it with that idea, but I liked how the artist drew it, so I asked if I could get it too.”
“My husband and I got matching tattoos on our five-year wedding anniversary last year. 💘”
“My wife and I have a few. We both have the logo of a band, one of flash art and Casper the Friendly Ghost for our son.”
“I have multiple with my husband. The first one was when we were engaged ~17 years ago. We have at least three more now.”
“I took a trip to LA, and my new boyfriend at the time joined me by surprise. We got tattoos, but they didn’t match. We aren’t together [anymore], but there’s no ill will. He’s a great guy. I still look at my tattoo fondly.”
