Cilantro Add a little ~spice~ in your life by bellying up to this family-owned and -operated biz rolling out street-style Mexican fare. The menu feats all the classics your heart (and stomach!) desire—think burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and corn masa empanadas. Naturally, you’re gonna wanna ask for a fresh sprinkling of cilantro on whatever dish you end up ordering. And be sure to save room for dessert… the caramel-filled churros are a must-order. Taco ’bout a sweet ending! cilantromexicancuisine.com
Mike’s Nice Empanadas “What’s in your pocket?” If it’s not one of these delish empanadas, you’re doing it wrong. The truck serves up four different types of authentic flavor bombs: The Boricua with ground beef and cheese, a cheesy chicken op, a birria empanada served with consommé, and a Monterey Jack cheese-stuffed number. Don’t sleep on the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls either—best enjoyed with the cult-favorite pink sauce. Pro tip: If the buffalo chicken empanada happens to be on the menu when you visit, you’re definitely gonna want to order it. How nice! mikeniceempanadas.com
Captain’s Gastro It’s all Greek to us. … Inspired by cuisine from the Land of the Gods, this truck is run by two chefs, Elif & Mehmetcan Engin, who together tout 15 years of culinary experience whipping up Mediterranean– and Aegean-inspired dishes. Start your meal off with a fry basket (think of it like loaded Greek fries); then choose from a vibrant selection of bowls, plates, sandwiches and wraps. Round out your meal with the tahini baklava—because duh. captainsgastro.com
Blu Tee Spoon Feeling blu? There’s nothing a burger can’t fix—and, bonus, these juicy gourmet patties are 100% plant-based. Founded by traveling registered nurse Teresa Sparks after she struggled to find good vegan ops in various cities, the mobile vegan burger destination serves up Southern comfort fast food with a twist. “Chick’n” fries, mac and cheese, and vegan wings are just some of the standouts on the menu, which changes daily, in addition to rotating burgs, natch. Get those spoons—and forks—up! bluteespoon.square.site
In the mood for some booze? Raise your spirits at this “refined and crafted” women-owned and -operated distillery, so dubbed for the two robed women, Liberty and Plenty, in the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina. Beyond its wide range of unique vodkas, rums, whiskies and (soon!) gins—all of which aim to tell “stories of aspiration, curiosity and purpose”—the combo cocktail bar and distillery is known for its spacious industrial tasting room… which also plays host to live music sets featuring local artists. Sounds, ahem, neat! libertyandplenty.com
Paul & Jack Bakery & Pastry Shop WAKE FOREST
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill pastry spot. Helmed by pastry chef Jacques Akl-Matar; his wife, Alina; and their “most important assistant,” baby George, the delectable bakery boasts a curated rotating menu of made-from-scratch confections—think Black Forest cake, blueberry ricotta Danishes and tiramisu. No matter what your sweet tooth is craving, there’s a slew of delicious desserts and treats to try every day. …Pro tip: Take a cue from Kate Spade and eat cake (and pastries!) for breakfast. @paulandjack_nc
HomeSlice Tavern YOUNGSVILLE
What’s up, homeslice? This vibrant indoor/outdoor hangout spot in the heart of downtown Youngsville caters to lovers of booze and ’za. Name a better pairing—we’ll wait. Supplement your drink sesh (choose from cold brewskis, wine and creative housemade cocktails) with sizable cheesy pies topped with the likes of sausage, pepperoni, bacon, olives and mushrooms. To really get buzzing like a dancing queen, belly up with your besties for nightly drink specials, such as local bourbon for $7 (!) on Saturdays. And be sure to check the calendar for karaoke nights, DJs, themed holiday parties and a plethora of rotating events. Say cheese! homeslicetavern.com
Hempsmith Clothing Co. PITTSBORO
Did you know the Environmental Protection Agency calculated clothing and footwear disposal resulted in 13 million tons of waste in 2018? This Pittsboro-based clothing brand aims to slow fashion consumption and create durable and sustainable fashion made from hemp plants—aka a renewable fiber that uses minimal water and space; absorbs carbon; and can be turned into versatile (and super-fashionable) hats, tops and sweatshirts in a wide range of colors and prints. Make fashion slow again! hempsmithclothing.com
Right Meow Cat Cafe FUQUAY-VARINA
A cat cafe where every purchase goes to saving furry lives? You’ve got to be kitten. This cute kitty oasis provides rescue cats a safe, comfy and cage-free home while showing off their personalities to potential forever families. If you aren’t in the market for an adoption, you can still stop in to get your fix of cat-titude, along with a coffee, espresso bev or boba tea. Either way, you’re supporting a purr-fect purpose and getting a sweet treat. It’s a win-win! rightmeowcatcafe.com
Oak City Yoga is staying flexible (!) with a new Glenwood South location that’ll have you feeling—and looking—fresh for the new year. Plus, refresh your wardrobe with exclusive yoga and streetwear apparel. Namaste! @oakcityyoga
North Hills is ringing in winter by hosting a luxury pop-up like no other. The Miami-based Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up boasts high-end brands like Tiffany & Co., Frette and Fabiana Filippi. How boujee! @balharbourshops
One-of-a-kind is Painted Tree Boutique’s only kind. At the recently bowed boutique, stock up on home decor, fashion, furniture and almost every other gift imaginable—all created and sold by local entrepreneurs. Think Etsy, but as a physical storefront. @paintedtreeboutiques
Feel like you need a massage right now? Luckily, The NOW Massage is adding a third location in Cary. Escape the pressures of daily life with scalp massages, CBD balms and gua sha while savoring the Zen environment. Go on, treat yo’self! @thenowmassage
Get the kiddos dressed to the nines in fresh finds from Dalhouse, the newest one-stop shop for luxury children’s heirloom pieces inspired by generations of love and kindness. @shopdalhouse
What’s better than a card? A card filled with cash, of course! Hallmark’s new Venmo greeting cards include a QR code to virtually send money along with a sweet handwritten note. The days of attempting to ignore the cash while you try and appreciate the sentiment are over! @hallmark
Looking for some holiday sparkle? Channel Madonna and “strike a pose” in an elegant-but-bold fit from Cloth Co. Boutique. Whether it’s a cool, metallic dress or cozy sweater, you’ll be dressed to thrill this season.@clothcoboutique
Dalhouse photo by Paul Scott; Oak City Yoga photo by Adrianna Joy Photography; all photos courtesy of brands
This Triangle coffee shop is brewing up a new location.
Fresh brews in Northwest Raleigh: found (finally!). New World Cafe—a cozy cafe by day and worldly restaurant by night—has uprooted to a more spacious locale in Duraleigh Corners, complete with a full kitchen and drive-thru window. Going above and beyond a good cup of joe and breakfast nosh, the cafe (previously located in The Village at Townridge) is currently serving up beverages and a limited menu, but—come its spring grand opening—will convert to a casual restaurant at night, serving wine, beer and international small plates in a clean and minimalistic atmosphere.
“Our company mission is to provide the best coffee in the Triangle with the two best local roasters, Counter Culture and Black & White Coffee, along with good food options that customers enjoy,” says owner and operator Mike Zhu. “We strive to make the environment friendly and open to everyone. We just want everyone to be comfortable.” And how could you not be comfortable with day-to-night ops in a homey atmosphere?! Name a better perfectly blended cafe and eatery combo—we’ll wait. newworldcafes.com
Where to get your coffee, art and liquor fix this month
Incorrigible Cafe, photo courtesy of business
Incorrigible Cafe ROXBORO
Feeling incorrigible? Settle in for a soothing sup + sip sesh feat. soups, salads, sandwiches, breakfast items like burritos and hash, and more—not to mention an assortment of baked goods (the almond chocolate chip cookies are irresistible). During the workweek, pair your fare with a cuppa or your fave latte order, and come the weekend, indulge in a mimosa, Bellini or wine and beer by the glass. We also wouldn’t judge a midday Monday mimosa if you’re craving something a little stronger. … Founded by mother-daughter duo Shawn Prieto and Elizabeth Brood, the one-stop-shop forgets no detail—or flavor—when fulfilling all your morning/afternoon cravings. How peachy!incorrigiblecafe.com
Ella West Gallery DURHAM
From the mind of passionate longtime supporter of the arts Linda Shropshire, this contemporary gallery blends the rules and pushes the boundaries of art, redefining history by ditching the standard European male experience to spotlight the art of historically marginalized communities. To wit, its location on Durham’s Parrish Street has long been a hub for Black entrepreneurs and businesses, and this moving space artfully holds that history’s ground. ellawestgallery.com
Vicious Fishes Brewery CARY
There’s plenty of fish in the sea! And plenty of fun to be had at Vicious Fishes’ fourth locale, which recently bowed in Downtown Cary—flaunting expansive outdoor space (think: trees, green space and an impressive beer garden), NTM a warehouse space lauding an ocean of good imbibes and stellar vibes. Now that it’s cozy season, warm up with your buds by the fire pit with a brewski in-hand. So nauty! viciousfishes.com
The Exchange, photo courtesy of business
The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge APEX
In need of a trim? Rest assured this upscale combo barbershop and lounge has you covered—and then some. Situated in Apex’s circa-1917 Tobacco & Mule building, the elevated salon offers spa treatments, neck massages, appetizers, and an extensive whiskey and bourbon menu in addition to your traditional cut and shave. Truly a cut above the rest, The Exchange also boasts flat-screen TVs and heated barber chairs (!) for the ultimate grooming experience. Ready to feel (and look) at the top of your game, gents? theexchangebarbershop.com
The Common Market DURHAM
There’s nothing “common” about this Charlotte-born convenience store, deli and bar that’s bringin’ fab, funky and one-of-a-kind vibes to its first Triangle locale for bites and bevs that are anything but boring. Described as a neighborhood “living room” from dawn to dusk, the aesthetically pleasing concept is sure to impress all—even your super-picky out-of-town relative. Pro tip: You’re gonna wanna order the Food Network-famous grilled pimento cheese sammie—and a pint, natch—to enjoy in the 1950s gas station-esque interior. And round out your experience with local coffee, ice cream and more. The more options the merrier! commonmarketisgood.com
