So Foxy

So Foxy

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 

Restaurant Renaissance

Restaurant Renaissance

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! 

2023 OPENINGS

2023 CLOSINGS

  • 41Hundred
  • Capital Creations
  • Community Deli
  • Fine Folk
  • Humble Pie
  • J. Lights
  • Plaza Cafe
  • The Rockford
  • Saint Jacques
  • Sawmill Tap Room
  • Soul Taco
  • Square Burger 

COMING IN 2024 

Raising the (Search) Bar 

Raising the (Search) Bar 

Raleigh’s Google search history: wrapped

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

Indian En Vogue

Indian En Vogue

Elevated Indian fare is taking root in Raleigh.

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. 

Tamasha smoky drink

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. 

That is, until now. With Chhatwani as top toque in the kitchen—boasting an impressive résumé complete with multiple Michelin-starred and high-end restaurants the world over and already earning national attention since his arrival in Raleigh—Tamasha is no doubt set up to take on the challenge in delicious fashion.  

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. 

Fun fact: The talented team was brought together thanks to Preeti Waas of Cheeni Indian Food Emporium.

“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

Defining Districts: Iron District

Defining Districts: Iron District

“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