Dine for good via this fundraising dinner supporting hospitality workers seeking sobriety.
It’s easy to be distracted by the amazing food and drinks at local restaurants and bars—but those people serving you each have their own story, which may or may not involve personal struggles like addiction. Enter Ben’s Friends, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting hospitality workers seeking sobriety that’s kicking off its national fundraising tour with a dinner at DTR’s Oak Steakhouse June 2.
Todd Woods | Photo by Andrew CebulkaScott Crawford | Photo by Jessica CrawfordSam Diminich | Photo by Amanda Loren Studios
Rewinding back to 2016, Ben’s Friends was founded by restaurateur Steve Palmer (of Oak Steakhouse, O-Ku and Colletta fame locally) and restaurant vet Mickey Bakst after former chef Ben Murray took his own life following struggles with alcoholism.
“Ben’s Friends started because both myself and Steve were sick and tired of hearing about restaurant employees losing their lives to addiction or destroying their careers because of it,” says Bakst. “Each time we got together, we shared another story of someone in the industry affected by addiction. We figured if we could create a community of sober restaurant people, many would join us.”
And join them they did, as the org now boasts groups in ~20 cities, including Charlotte, Asheville, Chicago, Richmond, Austin, Charleston and more—not to mention general nationwide meetings held on Zoom daily, plus separate Zoom meetings for men and women on Wednesday nights.
When it came to the fundraising dinner tour, the duo chose Raleigh as the first stop because of Palmer’s restaurants here and his friendship with sober chef Crawford.
“I love supporting my recovery community, especially Ben’s Friends,” says Crawford. “They are making a tremendous impact, offering help and hope to so many in our industry who are suffering from alcoholism and addiction.” Supporting sobriety and our state’s best culinary talent? Sounds like a win-win. opentable.com
Bolster your whiskey knowledge and home bar via Olde Raleigh Distillery’s whiskey club.
Whiskey business just got a lot more serious thanks to Olde Raleigh Distillery’s recently expanded membership-based whiskey club. Started late last year, Olde Raleigh Whiskey Society has become so popular that it raised its membership count to 200 people in March—and is currently accepting new members who are itching to further immerse themselves in the wide world of whiskey and get their hands on truly exclusive bottles.
Those bottles? Rare. Not to mention they’ll save you the trouble of skipping the border to get your hands on unique spirits. “I am trying to create a place that gives you an experience you might get in Kentucky, but is right in our backyard in Raleigh,” says owner Brandon McCraney.
Members are guaranteed one rare whiskey bottle per month curated by McCraney—as well as first dibs on small-batch bourbon releases and private events. The master blender and distiller combines the distillery’s whiskey with whiskies sourced from around the world, meticulously studying each barrel to create the blends based on which flavor profiles work with each other.
Part of a growing national trend, Olde Raleigh Whiskey Society is joining the ranks of national distilleries’ membership clubs—see: Park City’s High West Distillery’s Saloon Society—and third-party retailers like Flaviar that curate boxes of whiskies from around the world to ship to you.
“With the membership club, I’m able to create rare and unique whiskies, like a 23-year-old 100-proof rye whiskey, a 23-year-old 142-proof blended whiskey and a 19-year-old barrel-proof bourbon,” says McCraney. “There will be less than 100 bottles of each.”
He credits the popularity of the spirited society to consumers yearning for something they can’t just grab at the liquor store. In-towners pick up their bottles in person at a monthly release event that includes tastings and insight from McCraney into the distinct blending process.
“We nerd out!” McCraney laughs. “We have a closed tasting session and dissect the whiskey, where it came from and the blending process.” Talk about a neat way to score some truly unique booze (!).
The bottle itself is a collectible that can be savored long after the last sips are gone. McCraney, who decided he was tired of the waste, thought, “What if we made a bottle you can reuse as a decanter?” And, so, instead of engraving the front of the bottle with the distillery’s logo, it’s etched on the bottom so the gorgeous glass bottle can be displayed sans a big label. How’s that for smooth sipping? $150 in-state membership, $175 out-of-state membership, olderaleighdistillery.com
“I am trying to create a place that gives you an experience you might get in Kentucky, but is right in our backyard in Raleigh.”
Bolster your whiskey knowledge and home bar via Olde Raleigh Distillery’s whiskey club.
Whiskey business just got a lot more serious thanks to Olde Raleigh Distillery’s recently expanded membership-based whiskey club. Started late last year, Olde Raleigh Whiskey Society has become so popular that it raised its membership count to 200 people in March—and is currently accepting new members who are itching to further immerse themselves in the wide world of whiskey and get their hands on truly exclusive bottles.
Those bottles? Rare. Not to mention they’ll save you the trouble of skipping the border to get your hands on unique spirits. “I am trying to create a place that gives you an experience you might get in Kentucky, but is right in our backyard in Raleigh,” says owner Brandon McCraney.
Members are guaranteed one rare whiskey bottle per month curated by McCraney—as well as first dibs on small-batch bourbon releases and private events. The master blender and distiller combines the distillery’s whiskey with whiskies sourced from around the world, meticulously studying each barrel to create the blends based on which flavor profiles work with each other.
Part of a growing national trend, Olde Raleigh Whiskey Society is joining the ranks of national distilleries’ membership clubs—see: Park City’s High West Distillery’s Saloon Society—and third-party retailers like Flaviar that curate boxes of whiskies from around the world to ship to you.
“With the membership club, I’m able to create rare and unique whiskies, like a 23-year-old 100-proof rye whiskey, a 23-year-old 142-proof blended whiskey and a 19-year-old barrel-proof bourbon,” says McCraney. “There will be less than 100 bottles of each.”
He credits the popularity of the spirited society to consumers yearning for something they can’t just grab at the liquor store. In-towners pick up their bottles in person at a monthly release event that includes tastings and insight from McCraney into the distinct blending process.
“We nerd out!” McCraney laughs. “We have a closed tasting session and dissect the whiskey, where it came from and the blending process.” Talk about a neat way to score some truly unique booze (!).
The bottle itself is a collectible that can be savored long after the last sips are gone. McCraney, who decided he was tired of the waste, thought, “What if we made a bottle you can reuse as a decanter?” And, so, instead of engraving the front of the bottle with the distillery’s logo, it’s etched on the bottom so the gorgeous glass bottle can be displayed sans a big label. How’s that for smooth sipping? $150 in-state membership, $175 out-of-state membership, olderaleighdistillery.com
Toast New Year’s in style via Raleigh’s loaded lineup of poppin’ parties, elevated dinners and more.
Goodbye, 2023—and hello, 2024! The City of Oaks is overflowing with New Year’s Eve activities appealing to all preferences, from elegant dinners to late-night extravaganzas to comedy specials and beyond. Translation: No matter how you want to enter the new year, there’s a soiree fit for you. We’ve rounded up our city’s best ops to ring in the new year, Raleigh style—whether that’s partying on a roof or in your pajamas at home (no shame!). Alexa, play “New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift…
Photo courtesy of Visit Raleigh
First Night Raleigh Make your way Downtown for festivities beginning in the early afternoon (think: outdoor musical performances and a children’s celebration). Then, cap off the night with music on the outdoor main stage and fireworks—and, of course, watch the famous Raleigh acorn drop.
Rocky Top Catering NYE Gala Celebrate New Year’s with the utmost swank at this annual New Year’s Eve party at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences feat. museum admission, food stations—NTM circulating appetizers, dessert displays, late-night snacks and an open bar, along with DJs, dance floors and photo booths to boot. Sounds like a heck of a party!
Crawford and Son If you’re looking for a sophisticated night out, try this four-course menu full of opulent dishes such as blue crab salad, lobster cavatelli and short rib. Opt for the wine pairings to really make it an evening to remember.
Jolie New Year’s in Paris? Er, close enough! Transport yourself to France via Jolie’s four-course dinner feat. mushroom tarte, halibut with caviar beurre blanc, and vanilla bean mille-feuille. Bon appetit!
Vidrio Vibey dinner atmosphere: found. Celebrate your last supper of 2023 with a ticket to this New Year’s Eve bash that includes hors d’oeuvres, party favors and a bubbly toast at midnight. And get down with your bad self to the DJ spinning all night long in the Fiera Bar & Lounge.
10th & Terrace For a night that’s 10/10, grab a front-row seat to Downtown’s spectacular fireworks display at 10th and Terrace. In addition to the stellar fireworks views, tix to the celebration also include live jazz music from Raleigh’s own Gravity Trio, a complimentary gourmet buffet and shareables menu, a midnight Champagne toast, and NYE swag.
The Willard Third time’s the (extra special) charm! This year, The Willard will host its third annual New Year’s Eve bash with an American-inspired buffet, two cash bars, live music and a dance floor with Peter Lamb & the Wolves, party favors, and a Champagne toast at midnight. Cheers!
Photo courtesy of Whiskey Kitchen
Whiskey Kitchen A little party never killed nobody! Whiskey Kitchen’s NYE celebration features a live DJ, dancing, party favors and a midnight toast, natch. And night owls, rejoice, as the party goes on till 2am!
The Merchant Champagne problems? Not here. Come out to The Merchant’s sexy soiree complete with a five-course cocktail pairing and prix fixe dinner menu, late-night party and private Champagne tables. The best part? All options include a Champagne toast!
Umbrella Dry Bar Start the new year booze-free via DTR’s first nonalcoholic bar‘s galactic-themed grand opening party on NYE! Tickets include two cocktails, a midnight bubbly toast with an “intention setting for the new year” and music by DJ Pdogg. This is just the beginning…
The Architect Celebrate NYE Gatsby style by showing up to this roaring party in your best flares, oversize collar shirts, platform shoes, disco dresses, afros and bling. Tix include party favors, tunes by DJ Triple B and a midnight Champagne toast. Ah, the Roaring ’20s are back again!
The Green Light Ditch the mayhem for an elevated evening with a prix fixe cocktail menu, Champagne toast, charcuterie selects and a miniature dessert pairing. And to pile on the good news, tickets also earn admission to The Architect for the dance party of your dreams.
Virgil’s Cocktails & Cocina What doesn’t tequila makes you stronger for the new year. Enjoy a five-course cocktail pairing and prix fixe dinner menu, as well as a DJ party with a Champagne toast. Tequila shots not required, but encouraged!
Heights House Can’t make it to midnight? Join Heights House for its second annual pre-midnight NYE Bubbles & Caviar gathering complete with specialty NYE cocktails, beats from DJ Mike Forno and more.
Little City Masks: on. This masquerade-themed all-inclusive event includes all you can eat and drink bites and bevs (think craft cocktails, beer, wine, liquor and Champagne)—plus party favors and a DJ.
Tap Yard Ready to welcome the new year with some bangers?! Tap in to see Vertigo take the stage and deliver a powerhouse performance of classic and contemporary rock hits before the clock strikes midnight while dancing the night (and year!) away and enjoying a Champagne toast. Talk about rockin’ into 2024!
Goodnights Comedy Club Laugh your way into 2024 with Chris Porter of Last Comic Standing fame. And for those looking for a more exclusive experience, the comedy club has a couples package including two tickets to the show, prime booth seating, a bottle of wine or Champagne, dessert selections, and a swag bag. Book it for your boo and hope for a midnight kiss (!).
Photo courtesy of Wye Hill
Wye Hill Surf into 2024 with brews, views and tropical vibes—NTM the grand finale of the Sippin’ Santa season—at Wye Hill’s holiday tropical oasis. Hey, Santa needs some sun too!
Madre Meet us at Madre… from 8pm to midnight for endless fare (think oysters, charcuterie, crudo and more), a bubbles toast at the ball drop, tunes from a live DJ, and red carpets (ooh la, la!). Bring along some old friends and make some new ones for the new year. Good vibes all around!
Centro & Gallo Pelón Hey, Mr. DJ! These two hot spots are joining together to bring the dance party vibes into 2024 with a high-energy Latin Fusion ensemble and DJ—plus a welcome drink, food buffet and Champagne toast at midnight. For good luck in 2024, take part in the fun Colombian New Year’s traditions: 12 grapes for 12 wishes and lentils for prosperity.
Il Falò Ciao, bella! Nosh on four courses of Italian fare and welcome 2024 from this resto’s beautiful dining room digs—and wake up in style by booking a night at the Westin if you so choose.
a’Verde Head to Cary for a’Verde’s fiesta with no cover or ticket required (!). The Mexican eatery will be offering its full dinner menu, along with specials from chef Katsuji Tanabe, plus festive cocktails, a DJ and dancing, tequila and sangria cocktail towers, a complimentary midnight toast, ring the bell shots, and free face painting. … Ain’t no party like an a’Verde party!
Glasshouse Kitchen Like a looking glass into your year ahead, a five-course dinner of next-level cuisine by executive chef Joshua Dobey (plus optional wine pairings) in Glasshouse’s dazzling atmosphere is a sip-sational way to head into 2024.
Kings’ new ownership will continue the legacy Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler built Downtown over two decades.
Downtown Raleigh’s cherished music venue Kings is entering an exciting new chapter, as owners Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler have sold the space to industry friends Josh Novicki, Herbie Abernethy and Alan Novicki. Before you stress, the trio maintains they will keep the soul of Kings alive—in addition to ramping up programming to include comedy, art openings and community-oriented fundraisers. See? A win-win!
“I played many shows at Kings and saw many legendary acts grace the stage, so we’re psyched to jump in,” says Novicki. “Paul, Cheetie and the entire crew built a legacy in Downtown Raleigh with a history of respectability and expertise that attracted high-caliber artists to the city.”
Kumar and Siler met the new owners two decades ago when they were touring with their band, The Cherry Valence. Abernethy is the lead singer of Valient Thorr and co-owns a trio of bars and restaurants with Josh Novicki—including Hot For Pizza and Cobra Cabana in Richmond, and The Sandspur in Carolina Beach—where they often host shows. Meanwhile, Alan Novicki, Josh’s brother, managed Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre. Collectively, their goal with Kings is to ensure bands planning tours don’t overlook Raleigh.
“We’re excited about the possibility of becoming part of a bigger network on the East Coast that ushers in touring bands, events, plays, benefits, parties, art openings, etc., that will travel to Raleigh… because they know Kings is back and better than ever!” says Abernethy. “Building that network in tandem with our other locations will be a key to the future success of the venue.”
Kings is the second space of the three-level building on West Martin Street that Kumar and Siler have slowly been selling off to new owners to focus on the operations of their recently bowed Ajja restaurant in Five Points. Neptunes Parlour sold last year, and Garland is currently transitioning into NA bar Umbrella Dry Bar. Siler looks forward to seeing Kings and the whole building back at its full potential.
“As much as we loved our location Downtown, we felt it was time to pass the baton and put our energies elsewhere,” Siler adds. “The original concept of Kings was that there would be a properly run venue by active musicians who could be proud of our city’s place to play. It’s exciting to us that this vision will continue.” Get ready to—continue—rocking on!
