NC native & WSJ reporter debuts book covering Murdaugh case.
The case that gripped the nation is back. You know the one: Former Lowcountry lawyer Alex Murdaugh was found guilty of murdering his wife and younger grown son—revealing plenty of unexpected twists and dark family secrets along the way.
Having reported on the trial from the courthouse every day for three years—and from South Carolina—Raleigh-based award-winning The Wall Street JournalSouthern correspondent Valerie Bauerlein has a story to tell. Just released, The Devil at His Elbow takes the reader through Murdaugh’s life, the murder case and the investigation.
“I really wanted to take a step back and tell the story from beginning to middle to end,” says Bauerlein, also a former N&O reporter, of her first book. “Some of the early readers have said they liked seeing the story a year after the verdict, and it being told like, ‘Once upon a time, there was a man named Murdaugh, and here’s how it all went down.’” … Here, we chat with Bauerlein on the Murdaugh saga.
What drew you to the case? I’ve covered the South my whole career and spent a lot of time in SC. One thing I found is there’s sort of this phenomenon of rural barons—one family in a small town really having this outsize influence, and I was very interested in that. Fast-forward after the homicides June 7, 2021, in Hampton County—I became interested in how the power dynamic worked [there].
How’d you prep? I first went to [SC] summer 2021 right after the homicides to do a story for The Wall Street Journal. I had a lot of interest in writing a book about it… and started it before Alex Murdaugh was even charged with any of the financial crimes. I spent the first year researching the history, talking to people who knew the family and spending time down there. I had a lot of time before he was charged with a homicide to try to really understand the story.
The book’s approach? I really tried to put Alex in the context that created him. He’s the fourth generation of a family that’s been very powerful in a very specific place for a very long time. I tried to go back to the beginning when they established this law practice in this very poor place—and how they became the prosecutors—and explain what that meant in the early 20th century.
Biggest challenge? I’d say it was a challenge to work on a book not knowing the ending, even during the trial… to keep your eyes on getting the research done, talking to people, but also keeping your mind open to the possible outcomes you might end up with.
*Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is becoming an increasingly familiar scent in the City of Oaks as a wave of new coffee shops are percolating around town. From out-of-town franchises setting up shop to homegrown cafes making their debut, the local scene is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance. Not shocking given coffee is the moment—and Raleigh ranks among some of the top cities for java junkies.
Already serving a host of creative coffee shops, the nine (!) recently announced or opened cafes add brewing diversity. And it’s not just Raleigh. The country as a whole is seeing exponential growth in the coffee industry, with the market currently estimated at $28.06 billion and expected to reach $33.64 billion by 2029. Driving those dollars, smaller specialty coffee shops are especially having their moment—and giving big-name brands a run for their money.
And, really, with so many locally owned options, why choose a chain? “I was a daily Dunkin’ or Starbucks drinker until this past winter because I lived and worked in a veritable local coffee desert,” said one avid coffee drinker we spoke to. “Now I would sooner skip coffee than drink the chains—and am obsessed with the sudden abundance of selects.”
Locally, owner Jason Cox of DTR newcomer and already uberpopular Press says the caffeinated surge of entrepreneurial operators bringing their own unique ideas to the area is reflective of Raleigh’s continued growth—“not just in its population, but its stature as a rising city and the desires that come with that,” he says. … “A growing market appreciates the variety itself—in products, in atmosphere, in ethos and so on.”
To wit, Raleigh’s coffee shops aren’t just about coffee; they offer a variety of experiences that intentionally cater to different tastes. Press, for instance, blends European-inspired offerings with local flavors, while Wilmington-based Drift’s new West Raleigh location made an instant splash with its MO of modern wellness and menu featuring seaside breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites. Raleigh Iron Works’ upcoming Fare&Fellow, meanwhile, promises hyperlocal products from Homeland Creamery, Union Special and local roasters once it bows early next year.
Ultimately the eyes on Raleigh speak to the city’s principles of quality and community—core values in coffee shop culture. “We believe the demographic in Raleigh appreciates a similar lifestyle and values that lead to a life best lived,” says Drift co-founder Michael Powell. “We wanted to share that with them in the place they call home.”
But it’s not just a one-and-done for these new Raleigh coffee locations. Both Cox and Powell are looking ahead to exciting development on the horizon for Raleigh’s coffee culture. Cox envisions a broader range of offerings, especially at Press, where tea will also be further emphasized for those who don’t enjoy java or just want the option of something less caffeine-heavy.
“I also expect more and more new operators to have food menus that are broader than we have had in the market historically, blending the coffee shop experience into the cafe focus that we have here,” he adds.
For Powell, technology and consistent quality-driven experiences are what he sees as the guiding factors for the future of Raleigh’s cafe scene. “The operators who create distinct experiences will set the standard for coffee consumers in the area,” he maintains. All to say, Raleigh cuppa lovers have a lot to look forward to—and there’s only more brewing on the horizon.
New Mexican spot Otomi Comida y Cocteles now open in Raleigh
If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant—or watched The Bear—you know the family meal is one of the most important traditions in a dining establishment. Not only does it ensure staff is fed before service, but it gives the kitchen crew a chance to experiment with different ingredients at hand.
It was those traditional staff sit-downs that shaped the vision for former Irregardless head chef Juan Carlos Lugo’s new Mexican restaurant Otomi Comida y Cocteles. “The best food we ever had at Irregardless was when Juan would cook family meal every night,” says Irregardless and Otomi co-owner Lee Robinson. … “It was all inspired by family meal.”
In addition to Irregardless, Lugo spent 21 years perfecting his culinary craft in various kitchens—not to mention alongside his mother—in preparation for his new culinary hot spot, which opened in the former Brookside Bodega space earlier this summer and serves a hearty helping of cultural heritage and personal history.
“I usually cooked food I grew up eating, and the employees loved it. So that’s where the idea [for Otomi] was born—the idea to share that with the people.”
Juan Carlos Lugo
Named after one of Mexico’s indigenous languages, Otomi honors Lugo’s mother, a native Otomi speaker. “She was always my mentor and my role model,” he adds. “I hope I can make her proud trying to represent her by cooking the way she taught me.”
To wit, the menu pays homage to the flavors and techniques passed down from his mother in Mexico City, blending tradition with creativity to craft dishes that captivate the taste buds. Think Mexican soul food like guisados, tacos, quesadillas and burritos, all complemented by a full bar featuring house cocktails, frozen drinks and more.
According to co-owner Lee Robinson, the transition from Brookside Bodega into Otomi was sparked by a need for change. “Brookside Bodega just wasn’t taking off the way we wanted to, and it was time for a pivot,” he explains.
With a more colorful interior filled with Otomi-inspired artwork and lush greenery, the space now radiates a more community-oriented atmosphere, says Robinson.
“We want the whole community to come out,” he urges. “All are welcome. We want to be a neighborhood hub, but also be good enough for people from outside the neighborhood to come check us out—because we’re doing something pretty cool and unique.” Talk about a family affair. otomicomida.com
Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival returns for 45th year.
Imagine this: The sun is shining, the streets are buzzing and Downtown Raleigh is bursting with creativity as Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival hits the streets May 18–19 to celebrate 45 years of artistic innovation, cultural diversity and immersive activities. Sounds like the perfect picture, no?!
Raleigh’s longest-running arts festival, Artsplosure has become a staple event in the city’s cultural calendar, continuously developing and evolving alongside the ever-changing nature of art itself.
“It’s really meant to encompass all arts,” says Artsplosure Marketing Manager Bree Petrillo. “Artsplosure does a really great job of highlighting creatives who are really relevant and legendary in all art mediums—not just the main stage and not just our visual artists, but it’s kind of a celebration of all mediums.”
Since the very first fest in April 1980, Artsplosure has been the ultimate art party host, bringing together hundreds of talented artists—both seasoned pros and fresh faces—ranging from the visual arts to music performers to interactive installations.
Kids participate in activities at a Kidsplosure booth during a previous Artsplosure – Raleigh Arts Festival.
At the heart of it all, the art market features over 175 juried artists from across the country. Visitors to the festival can explore a diverse range of mediums, including ceramics, glass, fiber art, jewelry, painting and more. The showcase allows not only the opportunity to connect with the artists themselves, but acquire original works of art.
But Artsplosure is more than just an art market. The festival also celebrates performing artists, with this year’s main stage lineup featuring the avant-garde jazz sounds of Sun Ra Arkestra and the eclectic fusion of Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber, a nod to the fest’s original jazz roots.
“The music piece of Artsplosure used to be jazz-oriented, which I always think is interesting,” says Petrillo. “We have really diversified our music lineups to reflect the changing times, and even though we have some pretty jazz-heavy headliners this year, it’s not your traditional jazz. It’s very cutting-edge, very new-age—and I think Sun Ra is such a different sound than when you typically think of standard jazz.”
In addition to the headliners, expect performances by Charly Lowry, Cha Wa and Squonk Opera—just to name a few—the latter of which is also bringing their larger-than-life Hand to Hand installation feat. two giant puppet hands for a unique sensory experience. Plus, don’t miss out on the Song Confessional traveling podcast in which anonymous confessions inspire original songs (!).
For the kids, Kidsplosure offers a vibrant space dedicated to young artists and art enthusiasts. From musical performances to magic shows to a variety of crafts, Kidsplosure ensures the spirit of creativity is alive and thriving in the next generation.
Collectively with all its diverse offerings and inclusive programming, Artsplosure continues to draw upon and write Raleigh’s identity while keeping art accessible to all. “There’s really no other festival like it in North Carolina,” emphasizes Petrillo. So, mark your calendar and get ready to immerse yourself in a weekend of art, music and endless inspiration. Let’s get this party arted!
