by Anna Beth Adcock | May 23, 2022 | Eat, May 2022, Web Exclusive
Bite into North Carolina’s contemporary food movement with UNC food historian Marcie Ferris’ latest book, Edible North Carolina.
46 vibrant photos. 20 food phenoms. 20 recipes. ~300 pages—’tis the feast food historian Marcie Ferris dishes in her new book, Edible North Carolina, the first volume of its kind to ever extensively examine the power and reach of our state’s vital food movement.
“North Carolina is a place with really important voices in the American and Southern landscape,” says Ferris (of Matzoh Ball Gumbo and The Edible South fame). “I want readers to understand issues at the heart of our national food systems through the lens of one state.”
Accordingly, the beautifully produced tome takes us on a statewide culinary journey from seaside to hillside via full-color photos by Baxter Miller and insights from leading NC top toques and personas (think Garland’s Cheetie Kumar, Chef & the Farmer’s Vivian Howard, nationally recognized food personality Sandra Gutierrez, and food writer Victoria Bouloubasis), farmers, entrepreneurs and food equity activists documenting the edible excursion to dish up a 360-degree view of our longstanding and constantly evolving food movement.
Turn the pages for a firsthand look at the likes of our coastal seafood movement, indigenous and local Chinese food culture and more—and how our vital food system serves our state (and nation)—from attracting residents and building tourism to boosting the economy, supporting sustainable growth and upping our region’s reputation.
Beyond a feast for the eyes—and the senses (!)—the book, Ferris hopes, serves as a vehicle for us to understand our power as consumers—and eaters. “I think you need to read this book to be an informed, happy, healthy and joyful eater in North Carolina,” says Ferris, and to know “about issues that contribute to our quality of life and the economy of our state.” To wit, she says, if you have access to local food, you have a treasure (#truth). We’ll take a bite outta that!
by Anna Beth Adcock | Apr 22, 2022 | April 2022, Do, Web Exclusive
Mother’s Day—Sunday, May 8—is right around the corner, and we’ve got a motherload of gift ideas for showing mom some local love (and, ahem, proving you’re the favorite). Cheers to some sweet mom-ents and memories!
Picnic at Dorothea Dix Park
Mother’s Day will be a walk in the park if you celebrate with a visit to Dorothea Dix Park (or the NCMA Museum Park!). Play some pop-up disc golf, then plop down for a picnic (snag a charcuterie board from a local biz or make one yourself!). As they say, experiences are the best gift!
Gift from DECO Raleigh
Get the day off to a great art with a handmade gift from one of the many local artists and retailers at DECO Raleigh. Sign a sweet card, grab some kitchen decor, or get a puzzle or activity for the next family game night.
Brunch Rez
On Mother’s Day, we brunch! And nothing says “I love you” like a shared mimosa bucket (aw!). Nosh on a plate of shrimp and grits or split some apps over at Midtown Grill; snack on Tupelo Honey’s made-from-scratch Southern menu; sip on mimosas with mom in the morning (or anytime, really) at Plates Neighborhood Kitchen; or get your grub via Irregardless Cafe’s globally inspired, locally sourced (and vegetarian-friendly!) menu. What better way to show mom you love her a whole brunch?!
Flowers from Urban Pothos
What in carnation?! Tell mom she’s your best bud with a cute potted plant from Urban Pothos. Make the trip together or pick out some flowers and/or plants that you’re head clover heels to give your mama.
Chocolate from Videri and Spring & Mulberry
Your sweet mom deserves some sweet treats! To make her heart melt, we rec the decadent buttercream caramel crunch candy bar from Videri; or make Mother’s Day a date mom won’t forget with a more healthful date-sweetened chocolate bar from Spring & Mulberry. Yum!
In The Heights Play at Raleigh Little Theatre
Snag some seats to see (and maybe sing along to?) Raleigh Little Theatre’s rendition of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lively and powerful Tony Award-winning Best Musical In the Heights. It’ll be hard to upstage a Mother’s Day spent at the theater!
Wine at BottleMixx
Want mom to know she’s grape? Grab her a bottle of wine from BottleMixx or take her out for a tasting. Trust us, she’ll be on cloud wine!
by Anna Beth Adcock | Mar 31, 2022 | April 2022, Buzz
Bottoms up! If you’re in pursuit of hoppiness and ready for a challenge, take our quiz to test your knowledge on Raleigh’s beloved breweries, fave beers and crafty local beer trivia. We’re feeling pretty hoptimistic you can ace this one.
1. Formerly known as Boylan Bridge Brewpub, Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing current owners Sara Abernethy and Chris Borreson took over the space in what year and transformed it into the hip restaurant and brewery (with the best Downtown views) that we know and love today?
a. 2016
b. 2017
c. 2018
d. 2019
2. “You can brew it!” Raleigh Brewing Company is owned by Kristie Nystedt, the _____________ woman to own a brewery in North Carolina.
a. First
b. Second
c. Third
d. Fourth
3. Trophy Brewing Company co-owners Chris Powers and Woody Lockwood met and became friends in 2000 while working at a string of bars and restaurants in which Raleigh district?
a. Fayetteville Street
b. Glenwood South
c. Midtown
d. North Raleigh
4. Beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder, and with the world’s largest selection of draft beers, we’d say Raleigh Beer Garden is looking pretty good. In what year did the local lager legend win its first Guinness World Record?
a. 2013
b. 2014
c. 2015
d. 2016
5. A pitcher-perfect backstory, when Neuse River Brewing’s owners added the brasserie—featuring delish European-inspired dishes—in 2019, they brought in Steven Jankowski to develop the menu, who previously served as executive chef of what prestigious establishment?
a. SC Governor’s Mansion
b. NC Governor’s Mansion
c. The Biltmore Estate
d. The White House
6. A popular spot for “outlaws,” Lonerider Brewing Company is well-known for its IPAs, hefeweizens, brown ales and stouts. In how many states is Lonerider Beer distributed?
a. Seven
b. Eight
c. Nine
d. Ten
7. The Raleigh Beer Trail encourages visitors and locals alike to check out the area’s breweries, with a special passport to receive stamps for each new brewery visited and the chance to win some pretty cool prizes. How many Triangle-area breweries are on the trail?
a. 28
b. 30
c. 36
d. 39
8. Brewgaloo, North Carolina’s biggest craft beer fest, normally takes place at the end of the month. The two-day festival features breweries, food trucks, and tons of beer samples and brews from all over the state. On which DTR street does this event occur?
a. Hargett Street
b. Fayetteville Street
c. Wilmington Street
d. Glenwood Avenue
9. Beer is good for what ales you. Clouds Brewing serves over 40 brews to guests, along with a plethora of other drinks—plus lunch, dinner and brunch options. Most of Clouds’ dishes are inspired by which country?
a. Germany
b. France
c. Spain
d. Greece
Answers: 1. D; 2. A; 3. B; 4. C; 5. A; 6. C; 7. C; 8. B; 9. A
by Anna Beth Adcock | Mar 31, 2022 | April 2022, Eat
Raleigh-area food trucks we’re loving right now
Crave Food Truck
Hey there, all you slaw dogs! Serving up BBQ dishes, hot dogs and savory sides, (can we get three cheers for those sweet potato tots?!), this Raleigh food truck will have your mouth watering pig time. Loaded dogs like The New Yorker (topped with saucy onions and brown deli mustard) and The Chicago Dog (topped with yellow mustard, diced onions and tomatoes, relish, and sport peppers) pack a serious punch, while barbecue sandwiches and bowls will leave you craving seconds. iwantcrave.com
Mr. Cheesesteak
Say, cheese… steak! Chow down on a chicken, beef or veggie cheesesteak made with all-natural products and topped with fresh onions, peppers and mushrooms from this Philly-bred food truck. And if you’re craving classic comfort foods, try one of the grilled cheese sandwiches, wings or burgers—and you can’t go wrong with a side of the Old Bay fries. Yum! mrcheesesteak.com
Stairway to Veggin’
Can we get a “kale, yeah” for this feel-good, do-good food truck that serves up delicious plant-based foods made from scratch with “peace and love”—and donates a portion of sales each month to a different organization?! Live on the veg with its delish selection of 100% vegan goodies such as fresh buns and biscuits loaded with chick’n, plus tons of tasty, smothered tot options (pizza tots, anyone?) and refreshing fruity drink choices. So v-edgy! So v-edgy. @stairwaytoveggin
Waves Shave Ice
Scoop, there it is! Waves has some of the coolest (and most colorful!) desserts in town. The tropical-inspired truck serves its artisan shaved ice with real fruit puree, dye-free syrups, premium ice cream and coconut cream—and with seasonal flavors like caramel apple pie and raspberry peppermint, there’s snow way you won’t be back for more. Nice ice, baby. @wavesshaveice
by Anna Beth Adcock | Feb 28, 2022 | Buzz, March 2022
Time to paddy it up! Summon the luck of the Irish and check your knowledge on some absolutely golden Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day traditions, drinks, food and festivities. If you’ve got the expertise (and maybe a four-leaf clover), you should be able to finish this quiz in a pinch!
1. Give this one a shot. Which hip Downtown Raleigh bar is famous for hosting its St. Paddy’s Day block party, complete with Irish food and dancers, live music and plenty of pints (even a
Jameson ice luge)?
a. Hibernian Pub
b. Carolina Ale House
c. Cornerstone Tavern
d. Tin Roof
2. Well, tickle us green. What year did Raleigh’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade begin?
a. 1975
b. 1983
c. 1989
d. 1999
3. Which local joint offers a lively, warm atmosphere and all the good eats from the only Irish-trained chef in the Triangle?
a. O’Malley’s Pub and Restaurant
b. Saints & Scholars Pub
c. Tra-li Irish Pub
d. Hibernian Pub
4. It’s always good to go green. Raleigh Beer Garden is one of the many local spots where you can guzzle a green beer to celebrate all your good luck this March 17. How many beers on tap did this local lager legend break the Guinness World Record with in 2015?
a. 197
b. 257
c. 369
d. 407
5. Bittersweet serves an intoxicatingly delicious Irish coffee made with beans from which local coffee roaster?
a. Cup A Joe
b. Raleigh Coffee Company
c. Oak City Coffee Roasters
d. Counter Culture Coffee
6. St. Baldrick’s Foundation has hosted head-shaving events in the Triangle area since what year to help fund the fight against childhood cancer?
a. 2000
b. 2004
c. 2010
d. 2012
7. It’s especially good to eat your greens this time of year (lettuce on nachos counts, right?). Which Raleigh resto offers Irish nachos topped with a shepherd’s pie beef and vegetable blend and homemade beer cheese?
a. Carolina Ale House
b. MoJoe’s Burger Joint
c. O’Malley’s Pub & Restaurant
d. Town Hall Burger & Beer
8. The Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade is always a shamrockin’ good time. Which Downtown street offers the best view of the annual parade?
a. Wilmington Street
b. Fayetteville Street
c. Glenwood Avenue
d. Hillsborough Street
9. Now-defunct beloved DTR Irish bar Tír na nÓg’s nOg Run Club is now run by which popular Raleigh pub?
a. Raleigh Beer Garden
b. Hibernian Pub
c. The London Bridge Pub
d. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Answers: 1. A; 2. B; 3. C; 4. C; 5. D; 6. B; 7. C; 8. B; 9. A
