Uberpopular Queen City-based wine bar to bow in North Hills this fall
To much fanfare, Foxcroft Wine Co. is sliding into the long-defunct Midtown Grille space this fall. Bubbling up quite a cult following since it bowed in Charlotte in 2004, the North Hills locale marks the sixth outpost of the wine bar-slash-scratch kitchen-slash-bottle shop.
Striking out any semblance to the OG space, the Foxcroft team is planning a massive reno that includes broadening the patio space by bumping into the parking lot and revamping the interior to match the aesthetics of its sister storefronts: Think a wine cellar barn-esque atmosphere feat. wood elements and cozy, relaxed, grounding environs.
“This is an experience,” says Operations Director Susan Giambo, “and we want to see people develop a comfort with it. We like wine and want to share it with people.” In essence, Foxcroft is a family—and it’s now welcoming Raleighites into its fold. “We’re on a mission to convert everyone into a wine drinker,” adds founder and CEO Conrad Hunter of his concept intentionally directed toward novice wine lovers and studied sommeliers alike. “We’re serious about wine so you don’t have to be.”
Renovations will involve bumping into the parking lot for an expanded patio experience.
Thousands of globe-spanning high-quality bottles cover the open shelves throughout, with an extensive by-the-glass list for the curious. To boot, a bounty of fare serves as perfect pairings. Truffle fries, a houseground burger and housemade pastas complement lighter selects meant for sharing like charcuterie boards and housemade ricotta, while seasonally inspired specials like steak, scallops and fish extend the elevated experience. And oenophiles eager to learn— and taste their way through—pairings can sip into monthly ticketed + themed wine dinner soirees and pop-up tasting parties.
“The addition of this vibrant and unique concept to our property will enrich the local community and provide an exceptional experience for our patrons,” says Kane Realty Director of Operations Stacey Buescher. “We look forward to a fruitful partnership and the success of Foxcroft Wine Co.’s newest location.” With its laid-back yet highly curated vibe, the space is malleable enough to host business meetups, a girls night or a casual hang on the patio with pup in tow.
“We’re excited to bring our homegrown wine bar and restaurant concept to Raleigh,” adds Hunter. “North Hills is a perfect fit for us to start building a community. Our business model is unique and we hope Raleigh residents will embrace us.” Time to wine down, indeed. foxcroftwine.com
The concepts we said hello and goodbye to last year—and the eats + drinks coming down the pipeline in 2024.
It’s no secret that Raleigh’s restaurant scene is constantly growing and evolving. Now that we’ve flipped the cal to 2024, we take a second to reflect on the bounty of new concepts our city welcomed—and bid adieu to—in 2023, and the ones we can’t wait to dig into as they open their doors in the year ahead. Here’s to a year chock-full of delish eats and drinks in the City of Oaks!
Step aside, Spotify Wrapped. It’s Google’s time to shine. The massive search engine has released its year-in-review for the most popular searches across the globe, the country and Raleigh-Durham.
Fun fact: The area was the singular spot in the country with “Chelsea vs. Wrexham tickets” making the list as a top search. Beyond the high scoring soccer-related searches—no doubt driven in part by Ted Lasso—Raleighites explored the web this year for everything from Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour and Pilates gyms around town to The Golden Bachelor and plumbers nearby. Here, we unwrap what you—and your neighbors!—have been looking up most this year.
Top TV Show Searches The Last of Us The Night Agent The Golden Bachelor Daisy Jones & the Six Shrinking
Top “Tour” Searches Taylor Swift, The Eras Tour Renaissance World Tour It’s All a Blur Tour Peace Out: The Farewell Tour Five Albums. One Night. The World Tour
Top “Near Me” Searches Air quality near me Plumber near me Pilates near me Pest control near me Optometrist near me
Top Trending “Versus” Sefrches Chelsea vs. Wrexham Tickets Canelo Álvarez vs. John Ryder Inter Miami vs. Cruz Azul Mexico vs. Uzbekistan Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz
If you imagine strip mall buffets, butter chicken and various curry dishes when you think of Indian food—it’s time to broaden your horizons. From the minds of serial entrepreneurs and trailblazing restaurateurs Mike Kathrani and Tina Vora—and brought to tasteful life via the culinary genius of executive chef Bhavin Chhatwani—comes the extravagant and authentic Indian concept, Tamasha Modern Indian.
The restaurant, set to slide into a primo North Hills locale on the ground floor of the Advance Auto Parts Tower and open Feb. 9, will introduce innovative, progressive and genuine Indian cuisine to the Raleigh community—thus filling a much-needed gap in the diversity of our city’s food scene.
Tamasha, which translates to “grand performance,” is poised to bring a certain flair and wow-factor to elevate the cuisine. “Indian food is underrated,” says Kathrani. “It 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”—and certainly not Raleigh.
The refreshing restaurant will serve up everything from starters for sharing to dessert, along with large artfully presented plates meant to be enjoyed individually. Keeping diners on their toes via constant rotation of new dishes, the acclaimed chef plans to implement local ingredients to showcase the rich and diverse flavors authentic to India.
“My cooking style is experimental and creative,” Chhatwani maintains. To wit, expect to find a twist on traditional spicy South Indian dish Chicken 65, with oysters in lieu of chicken; meat curry-filled bao buns; and creative takes on classic Indian desserts.
Rounding out that grand performance, the restaurant’s interior design communicates a sleek, modern and elegant ambiance. In essence, an immaculate presentation can be anticipated on all fronts.
“We feel like Raleigh is ready for a big city-type of restaurant with the glitz and bling you might see in Vegas,” shares Vora, the visionary behind Tamasha’s luxury design aesthetic. Emulating Zen and a definitively striking space, the sophisticated atmosphere will feature modern touches; a dark moody vibe with olive green, lush velvet and tasteful gold accents (think arches over the tables and fancy lighting arrangements); and greenery lining the walls.
With Raleigh’s exploding food scene, it’s only fitting that the Tamasha team is now launching this intentionally and unapologetically authentic Indian concept in our fair city. And we are ready to dig in. Reservations live beginning Jan. 31, tamashanc.com, @tamashanc
“Restoring the past and forging the future,” Raleigh’s burgeoning Iron District has established itself as a one-of-a-kind pocket of town feat. an array of innovative eateries, creative retail selects and forthcoming businesses.
Wilson’s Eatery Belly up for Southern-inspired faves and craft beer compliments of Lynnwood Brewing amid a casual warehouse space. Pro tip: Get the burger. @wilsonseatery
Thompson Lynch Company Feel simply de-lighted once you step inside the longtime lighting and repair shop offering oodles of quality lighting pieces—from floor and table lamps to chandeliers. Say watt! thompsonlynchco.com
Urban Pothos Plant parents, rejoice! Two green thumbs up for this DTR houseplant boutique sprouting a second locale touting a sprawling jungle of gorg flowers and greenery. @urbanpothos
Trig Modern Channel your sophisticated self when you sip a glass of vino on a nice couch at this midcentury mod/timeless chic furniture and drink oasis. How fab! @trigmoderndtr
East End Bistrot That’s amour! Elevated French fare found at this stunningly chic bistro flaunting a luxe dining experience. Before or after din, sip a drink out on the Champagne Terrace. @eastendbistrotraleigh
Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard Wanna pizza this? Enjoy live tunes, ’za and a brewski (or two!) in an inviting neighborhood bar fit for a night out with the buds or your boo. @bowstringpizzabrewyard
Glow Fitness Ready, set, glow. Get your fitness on at this immersive group fitness studio feat. indoor cycling, body pump, Barre, yoga and more. @glow_raleigh
Andia’s Ice Cream Hey, sweet thang! Lap up local small-batch ice cream—scooped with love!—at Andia’s new Iron Works locale flaunting super-delish frozen treats. It’s totally worth melting for…@andiasicecream
Gabi’s: Powered by Special Abilities Inclusion and empowerment are the MO of this java-focused nonprofit providing jobs for the special abilities community—and volunteer ops for all.@gabisraleigh