Stand-up comic, writer and director Ellyn Daniels stars in new series filmed in Raleigh.
“I’ve found Raleigh to be a really rejuvenating place—somewhere I could be creative, where I could write or perform stand-up at Goodnights. I just loved being there.” So says Ellyn Daniels, who is neither a native nor current resident of Raleigh… she’s just a big fan (!).
Calling the City of Oaks home for about 18 months during the pandemic, Daniels penned, directed and now stars in a production titled This Little Show of Mine, which originally dropped episode 1 on YouTube before catapulting to Apple TV and Amazon Prime. Filmed in Raleigh, the series follows a “kinda famous but not really” former sitcom star, Hayley Harris, who returns to her hometown in the wake of her mom’s death to attempt to find the artistic inspiration to create a one-woman show.
You’ll be able to recognize local gems and landmarks throughout the series as Daniels’ character strolls down Hillsborough Street past Jubala Coffee, visits the Carolina Ballet (fun fact: Daniels is close friends with Carolina Ballet’s Zalman Raffael), overlooks Boylan Bridge or roams around her house nestled in Cameron Park. … And while Daniels would’ve loved to see Hayley hitting up the DTR nightlife scene and taking the stage at Goodnights or Duke Energy Center, filming during 2020 meant working with a more limited selection of settings (but maybe we can contend to see those spots in a second season?!).
To boot, a handful of the actors featured in the series aren’t TV actors at all. From stand-up comics to local business owners, the show includes myriad cast members who “were available and wanted to do it,” laughs Daniels—and most of the faces you’ll find on camera are locals.
“I hope people find it funny, entertaining and potentially moving—depending on their life experience,” she says. “It’s a funny, small and interesting show.”
After her stint in Raleigh, Daniels moved to London and now resides there with her husband. The duo’s production company, Burn These Words, will be debuting a film titled Reality starring Sydney Sweeney at the Berlin International Film Festival this year. Daniels is also currently working on another series, The Mentor, and expecting her third baby in May.
While her stay in our city was short, Daniels liked Raleigh life so much that she’d planned to make it her home base before meeting her other half and moving across the pond.
“Raleigh life is very digestible—it’s just the right size,” says Daniels. “Time expands there, and there’s an appetite for cool things.”… And speaking of cool things, you’re gonna wanna peep Daniels’ perspective of the City of Oaks by streaming This Little Show of Mine—or just for a good laugh. thislittleshowofmine.com
In need of a cool update? PBS star + chef Vivian Howard’s Viv’s Fridge—essentially a smart refrigerator offering prepared meals (think everything from apps to entrees to desserts to edible gifts)— landed three new Raleigh outposts (!) outside of Wine Authorities, Taylor’s Wine Shop and in North Hills near Vita Vite.
“We found that the relationship between a wine shop and Viv’s Fridge is symbiotic,” says Howard. “We wanted to expand to new locations. In the Triangle, Wine Authorities is a wine shop I go to when I’m in town. … It seemed like a great fit.”
In addition to first-launched locations in Kinston, Bald Head Island, Emerald Isle in 2022—and another new spot in New Bern—this 24/7 to-go meal hub is now solving meal sitches for hangry people all around NC. And that’s the fridgin’ best. vivsfridge.com
Say goodbye to the Wolfe & Porter you used to know. The West Morgan Street dive just underwent a major glowup, introducing its new-and-improved digs, featuring a renovated interior, front patio and back deck Jan. 29. And lets not forget perhaps the most highly anticipated part of the project: a brand-new basement speakeasy (!) bowing Feb. 1. Dubbed the Cellar Liquor Bar, the cozy cocktail haven will tout the classic ’tails you know and love—plus a curated selection of aged wines, beers and spirits.
Behind the operation, find co-owner/operator Alex Bakis, who has a personal history with the space reaching back ~15 years. Before beginning its transition into the Cellar, the building’s basement consisted of apartment spaces where Bakis used to live. A full-circle moment, after a brief stint in Maine, Bakis moved back to Raleigh and has since found his way to the building once again.
“We are going to have two concepts under one roof, connected,” explains Bakis of the new-and-improved bar. “It’s gonna be a bit more of a neighborhood vibe.” Bakis estimates that Wolfe & Porter’s construction will see it grow from ~650 square feet to just under 3,000.
Keeping all kinds of sippers sated, the bar’s upstairs area will be beer-focused with a sophisticated environment, while an elevated cocktail program will reign supreme downstairs. “If you don’t like the vibe upstairs, you can go downstairs—and if you don’t like the vibe downstairs, you might just not like drinking,” jokes Bakis.
Upon its opening, Wolfe & Porter plans to have live music and an array of food trucks several days a week (Wandering Wolf is already signed up as a vendor!). But rest assured the cool, come-as-you-are, everyone’s-welcome MO will remain.
“We are pretty much smack dab between Downtown and NC State, so I think we are going to have a good diversity in our customer base, as we always have,” maintains Bakis. “We want to be inclusive to everyone and give people a good time—get some drinks and food in ’em and have some live music.” Sounds like a vibe. wolfeandporter.com
Expand your palate with these local picks during Triangle Restaurant Week.
Hey, foodies… we hope you’re hungry! While Raleigh no doubt has a slew of restaurants worth raving about, the Triangle is teeming with tasty spots worth checking out—and what better time to give them a try than during Triangle Restaurant Week? From Jan. 23–29, popular local sup spots are featuring special 2- and 3-course menu ops for lunch and dinner—no rez required. Here, a few of our picks to nosh on some fab fare outside Raleigh. Time to dig in!
Calling all ramen-tics! For some “Far East funk” and mouthwatering fare, snag a seat at this vibrant, colorful spot serving up Asian dishes with flair. At the helm, find executive chef Jason Lawless whipping up noodle dishes, bao buns and other amazing entrees—NTM going wild on the wok.
Come, see, conquer, eat at this traditional authentic Italian resto feat. pastas and breads made in-house daily—best enjoyed with a glass (or bottle—we aren’t judging!) of vino. Mamma mia!
“I don’t know about you, but we’re feeling (local) 22!” … This Downtown Durham delight will have you feelin’ peckish with its all-American classic comfort food—think burgers, pizza, mac ’n’ cheese, fries and the like. And we do like.
Highlighting divine dumplings, comforting curries and an extensive fresh raw bar, this gorgeous upscale resto touts a range of Southeast Asian dishes, plus stunning desserts that look almost too perfect to eat. Keyword: almost.
A nod to the birds and park within view, this modern American resto inside The Mayton offers Southern comfort foods in a chic atmosphere. Whether patrons want to “peck” on plates with friends or celebrate with a big dinner, this nosh spot has the chops. Waddle this way…
Serving up dishes using the best seasonal ingredients from local farmers, fishers and purveyors, Market and Moss features fare as colorful as its atmosphere (see: the teal blue walls/chairs and overall cute + cozy vibe). Taste the rainbow!
Light the way… to this loveable Asian restaurant that marries flavors from the East with local ingredients (and who doesn’t love a good collab?!). Behind the scenes, find renowned chef/owner Andrea Reusing cooking up delish dishes—and advocating for food policy change to boot. Essentially: A dining experience that’s all that and dim sum!
This Research Triangle sup spot stays serving up seasonal, well-executed eats all year long—and the same rings true for its TRW menu. Pro tip: The food is just as ’Grammable as the restaurant’s beautiful interior. Get your cameras ready!
Since the final curtain closed at its Morgan Street digs, the legendary laugh house has been supplying the sillies via its temporary space in the defunct K&W Cafeteria. Now, Goodnights’ new permanent home—situated underneath what will soon be a wraparound Shake Shack (stay tuned for opening updates!)—will be amping up Village District as the new hip place to hang.
“We’re thrilled to welcome guests into Goodnights’ permanent new home!” says Goodnights owner Brad Grossman. “After months of hosting guests in our temporary location, we’re ready to unveil our new space, which is packed with amenities to further enhance the comedy club experience. Goodnights is a Raleigh institution and we’re proud to continue to honor our roots and legacy while also enhancing the overall atmosphere.”
With 11,000 square feet, two stages (doubling its comedic capacity!), the space to hold a 300- to 325- person audience, and low ceilings, the setting is thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of community and an ideal comedy setting.
To boot, the new venue is a vision—literally—thanks to a massive mural of DTR by local artist Jennifer Ross spread across the backdrop of the stand-up stage. It’s (finally) time to say hello to the new Goodnights!
