WEB EXCLUSIVEAssociate Editor Lauren Kruchten chats up stand-up comedian and actress Erica Rhodes in front of her three-night stop at Goodnights this week—about her career, stand-up inspo, why 20-year-olds don’t matter, and more.
According to stand-up comedian and actress Erica Rhodes, 20-year-olds don’t matter. That hilarious, teasing bit from one of her comedy specials made me slightly nervous to interview her over the phone this week (would I, a 25-year-old, matter?!). I did my best not to show my age, but I couldn’t hide the fact that I didn’t know of famed funnyman Johnny Carson (who served as an inspiration for her stand-up routines), and so when she asked how old I am, I hesitantly told her I am only 25. “Oh, my God. OK, now I’m feeling so old,” the 38-year-old said with a laugh.
After getting that out of the way, I admitted I watched her 20-Year-Olds Don’t Matter special and, though I felt slightly attacked, thought it was really funny. “I just remember feeling like [in your 20s], you feel so much more like things matter, the things you do or what you think of,” said Rhodes. “But then, from 25 to 35, you learn so much about things you didn’t know or didn’t understand… and so then you realize, ‘Oh, I really didn’t know much at all.’”
To wit, Rhodes herself did a lot of growing up and figuring out who she was and what she wanted to do with her life in her 20s. After starting her entertainment career by voicing Garrison Keillor on NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion at the age of 10, she went on to attend acting school at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York. A series of indie films followed, including cult horror film Plague Town.
But stand-up was never something she considered until she met her manager. “[Stand-up] terrified me,” Rhodes recalls. A self-proclaimed young Maria Bamford, Rhodes originally had the dream of being on SNL, but her manager insisted she “wasn’t that kind of actress” and could see her doing stand-up. It took about two more years from there for Rhodes to finally give the stage a try, when, after a bad audition in 2014, she spontaneously went and did a stand-up set, essentially venting all her frustrations— and so began her stand-up career.
“I was really bad for about two years, and, at one point, I said to [my manager], maybe this isn’t my thing,” Rhodes recalled. But she kept going and eventually figured out her style—and that her bit on commenting on jokes she tells that aren’t working (a la Carson) got a big laugh.
Since honing her craft both on the stage and in front of the camera, Rhodes has appeared on the Howie Mandel Comedy Extravaganza, Bring the Funny, Last Call With Carson Daly and Coming to the Stage, as well as top TV shows, including Modern Family, Veep, New Girl, Comedy Bang Bang and Fameless, though she admits that her roles weren’t very big. In New Girl (ya know—the hilarious shenanigans of 30-something roomies Jess, Nick and Schmidt, played by Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson and Max Greenfield, respectively), Rhodes didn’t actually have any lines at all, but she did get to kiss Schmidt (I argued that was way cooler than speaking).
Even though Rhodes has been doing stand-up for eight years now, she still feels relatively new to the scene—but her extensive résumé would prove otherwise. To boot, she just released her first album, Sad Lemon, and, on April 13—a few days after her weekend of shows at Goodnights (April 8–10)—she’ll be premiering her hourlong special La Vie en Rhodes on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Spectrum, Dish and more.
Although Rhodes enjoys acting, she says that she definitely likes stand-up better because she’s in charge of her own “lines” and gets to be more creative (so stand-up went from a fear to her fave—so clearly you do learn a lot between 25 and 35. Touche).
“I just feel like stand-up is much more individualistic,” she told me. “And I like the immediacy of it, I like that you get a reaction right away. I’m really fascinated by the process of stand-up.” Since her first stand-up set, Rhodes’ routine has evolved to more personal storytelling with a sprinkling of jokes. She says you can expect anything from dark experiences related to her dad’s passing this year to lighter jokes about dating and being her in 30s—and, of course, harping on millennials. Easy target?
Her show at Goodnights is sure to bring the funny and incite a whole lot of laughter—but maybe just don’t sit in the front row if you’re in your 20s—or if you do, prepare yourself to be told that you don’t matter. goodnightscomedy.com/events/43000
The lake might be salty, but Salt Lake City makes for a pretty sweet getaway. Also referred to as the “Crossroads of the West”—thanks to early immigration, a rich mining history and the first transcontinental railroad—Utah’s capital and most populous city is a thriving destination for foodies, adventure-seekers, art lovers, sports enthusiasts and everyone in between. And, much like Raleigh, almost everything is walkable, scootable (thanks to SLC’s easily navigable grid plan!) or just a short drive away—as the thriving city is really in the middle of it all.
A treasure trove of activities awaits in SLC’s encircling mountains (Wasatch Range to the east and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west), from hikes through national forests serving up breathtaking views to winter sports in Park City (shout out to the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games locale) to countless other outdoor recreation ops fitting for all seasons and appetites. And, of course, there’s the Great Salt Lake, a national treasure unto itself.
Within the city, you’ll find exceptional bars and restaurants, breweries, a booming nightlife, museums and art galleries—an all-around vibrant energy that can’t be beat. So, trust us, there’s nothing to be salty about when you’re in SLC.
DO
Antelope Island State Park You can’t go to SLC and not see the Great Salt Lake. And Antelope Island offers opps for driving, hiking or biking through the park to see spectacular views of the lake—plus a beach for dipping your toes in (beware of the brine flies!)—as well as free-ranging bison, antelope and other indigenous animals. stateparks.utah.gov
Soundwell Guess what? Live concerts are allowed in Utah right now—as if you needed any more motivation to book that flight ASAP. Soundwell’s large venue allows guests to jam out to a variety of tunes (socially distanced, of course). In April, catch Lonely Heights, Mike Pinto and more. soundwellslc.com
Urban Arts Gallery Works from over 100 Utah artists are showcased at this contemporary and diverse gallery in SLC’s open-air retail complex The Gateway. Local handmade gifts including jewelry, T-shirts, prints and beyond can (and should) be picked up on your way out. urbanartsgallery.org
EAT
Raleigh-based consulting chef Bobby McFarland applied his culinary wit to The Ivy menu. Until you can get out to SLC, check out his genius grilled cheese recipe
Caputo’s Market & Deli No matter your plans, three locations make it easy to stop at Caputo’s for a mouthwatering sandwich (our favorite is the muffaletta!). Pastas, salads, soups and breakfast (at select locations) are also on offer. After lunch, shop the market for gourmet cheeses, chocolates, oils and more. caputos.com
Red Iguana No matter how long the wait is at either of Red Iguana’s two locations—and it will be long, given this Mexican resto’s popularity—the food is so worth it. A visit starts with samples of a variety of moles (all are irresistible) and ends with a choose-your-own-adventure of flavorful enchiladas, chimichangas, burritos and more. rediguana.com
The Ivy Raleigh’s own chef Bobby McFarland consulted on the elevated American menu at this hip new restaurant and bar. Choose from eclectic snacks including Everything Brussels and Thai coconut curry mussels—or skip straight to delectable entrees like sweet potato gnocchi. It’s all beyond delish. After dinner, be sure to grab a nightcap next door at The Ivy’s sister cocktail bar, Varley. theivyslc.com
DRINK
Under Current
La Barba This modern coffee shop is just as much about good coffee as it is about community—part of its mission is supporting the farmers, laborers, exporters/importers, delivery drivers and employees who make it all possible. Treat yourself to one of the shop’s famed breakfast tacos and a beautiful latte. labarbacoffee.com
T.F. Brewing When it comes to beer, T.F. Brewing ow
ner and brewmaster Kevin Templin doesn’t mess around. His method of incorporating the traditional German method of long, slow brewing with fresh high-quality ingredients results in some of the most popular brews in the city. Prost! tfbrewing.com
Under Current You’ll find some of the best cocktails—and coolest bar staff—in SLC at Under Current. Belly up to the sleek marble bar or cozy up in a booth for wine, beer or seasonal cocktails with a tropical twist. And, shucks, when hunger strikes, you’re gonna wanna go for the oysters. undercurrentbar.com
STAY
Ellerbeck Mansion Bed& Breakfast
The Grand America Hotel If you’re looking for a grand stay in the city, this hotel is as lavish as it gets. The Euro-style hotel features elegant guest rooms, a fitness center, an indoor pool and The Grand Spa for pampering yourself after a long day of exploring SLC. grandamerica.com
Ellerbeck Mansion Bed& Breakfast If you’re itching to sleep somewhere more homey, look no further than this Victorian-style mansion circa 1892. Located just outside of downtown, Ellerbeck’s six suites balance historic decor with modern amenities—and (bonus!) a freshly made breakfast is included in your stay. ellerbeckbedandbreakfast.com
The Peery Hotel An upscale boutique option with reasonable prices, The Peery is a historic landmark boasting exquisite architecture (influenced by the prairie and classical revival styles of the early 1900s), unique art pieces and vintage furnishings that will leave you wanting to linger in Utah even longer. peeryhotel.com
Midtown Raleigh just got a beautiful face-lift thanks to two local artists. Kelly Schrader and Rich Gurnsey are the winners of Midtown Raleigh Alliance’s second annual Midtown Banner Art Contest, which aims to support and engage local artists while enhancing the area’s visual community appeal. Their vibrant designs—Schrader’s a colorful, psychedelic-esque fountain (a North Hills icon), and Gurnsey’s a majestic blue heron—will be displayed at 26 locations along St. Albans Road, Wake Forest Road and Six Forks Road for a full year.
In response to the contest theme, Wish You Were Here, Gurnsey took inspo from the natural beauty found in Midtown—especially Crabtree Creek, Lassiter Mill Park and the various Greenways. “And it’s not just people that flock to these various locations,” says Gurnsey; “many wild birds like blue herons can be seen taking a dip in front of the waterfall or flying gracefully overhead.”
In her take on the theme, Schrader’s funky design actually depicts a fountain painted by artist Britt Flood. “So, in selecting the two designs we did, we’re actually highlighting the work of three artists,” says Tara Robbins, MRA executive director. Schrader says she wanted her piece to focus on the public art in the area, so she also included motifs from two lesser-known murals—and two of her favorites—located at Midtown’s Dartmouth Apartments and the Main District parking garage.
This year’s banner contest was especially important for MRA as a way to shine light on local artists who experienced struggle during the pandemic. “2020 was a year like no other and has left many in financial hardship,” says the MRA organization. “Like many other nonprofits, [we’re] working to alleviate the economic stress many are experiencing in our community.” Along with getting their works displayed at North Hills, Schrader and Gurnsey also scored a cash prize for beating out three other finalists—plus, super-awesome bragging rights (do you know how many people drive through Midtown each day and peep those banners?!). So, really, the public wins too.
What’s more popular than a can of cola? How about… one infused with alcohol? Drew Schenck and Kevin Barrett—of Dram & Draught and Coladka fame (cola-flavored vodka)—are releasing a canned ready-to-drink hard cola this spring that’s sure to be the coolest beverage of the season.
“The No. 1 flavor profile in the world is cola,” Schenck says. “We think that an all-natural cola with a kick—hard cola—has a good chance of being the next big thing.” We second that.
Schenck and Barrett’s hard cola, the first locally, is a malt beverage made with natural flavorings and brown sugar, much like the ingredients in the OG Coca-Cola from about 80 years ago, Schenck says—sans the alcohol of course. Come May, when the cans hit grocery stores and local bottle shops, they will join the ranks of other popular ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages on the market—though hard cola is sure to stand out from the fruity-flavored seltzers and hard sodas that are already crowding shelves.
And while the duo already has more flavors in the works, canned beverages aren’t the only thing that has Schenck and Barrett preoccupied these days. The duo is also in the process of expanding their Dram & Draught empire across North Carolina, with forthcoming locations in Cary’s new Fenton development, Winston-Salem, Durham, Charlotte’s South End and downtown Wilmington—aka some of the top hot spots in the state.
Given the hip sip spot’s rising-star status, we’re feeling pretty lucky to have the original Dram & Draught right here in Raleigh—but we can’t wait to watch it shine on.
In North Carolina, barbecue is king. Pig pickins’ are an unparalleled experience for Southerners—synonymous with hot summer days, tailgates, family gatherings and all-around pure joy. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as shoveling down a loaded (or, as the industry calls it, “slutty”—yes, for real) pulled pork sandwich—topped with coleslaw and sauce, of course—in between bites of mac and cheese, collard greens, hush puppies and other comforting signature Southern sides. (Hungry yet?) Barbecue brings people from all walks of life together—regardless of race, creed, social standing, gender or political belief, we can all agree on the Q (well, until we start hashing out sauce…). Barbecue isn’t just a method of cooking meat—it’s a celebration of time and place. It’s a tradition.
2020 was supposed to be the year of barbecue in the Triangle—but pandemic. Now, we’re finally starting to see some of those slated Q spots bow, joining the ranks of such time-honored joints as Clyde Cooper’s and Ole Time Barbecue. Enter Sam Jones BBQ, a long-awaited resto from one of the most prominent pitmasters in the state; Prime Barbecue from Christopher Prieto, a champion on the competition barbecue circuit who’s pumping out a style of ’cue that’s all his own—not to mention the forthcoming The Preserve from barbecue legend Ed Mitchell, with his son and the Moshakos family (of LM Restaurants fame—ya know, Taverna Agora, Vidrio, Carolina Ale House, to name a few).
Translation: It’s going to get a lot harder to choose your go-to Q spot now (and no one is complaining). Read on to get schooled on the new joints in town—and decide if you wanna try something new or kick it old school—or ’cue-hop to try them all (our rec!). Either way, there promises to be something (potentially sloppy, definitely delish) for everyone.
Once a lawyer, Wyatt Dickson now lays down the law of traditional barbecue at PICNIC in Durham, with executive chef Chris McLaurin by his side. Dickson’s main mission is to preserve time-honored North Carolina-style barbecue, which, to him, means oak-smoked, locally raised, whole heritage-breed hog (sourced exclusively from Green Button Farm in Durham) that’s handpicked—never chopped—and served with Pig Whistle sauce (or “the Great Carolina Compromise,” as Dickson calls it), the ideal combination of Eastern and Western style sauces. Southern sides round out a truly mouthwatering plate that we dare you to leave a crumb on.
“Every culture has its food, and in the South, it’s barbecue,” says Greg Hatem, owner of famed The Pit, where you’ll find the Eastern NC traditional style of cooking barbecue that dates back hundreds of years (whole hog over a hot charcoal pit), only in a more elevated and upscale environment—think valet parking and a bourbon menu. Additionally, Hatem takes great pride in working with local farmers to source AWA-certified hogs (no added chemicals or hormones) and vegetables for The Pit’s delectable scratch-made sides—Brunswick stew, fried okra and heirloom cabbage collard greens are fan faves.
Preserving the art, history and love of North Carolina barbecue is the main pillar of The Preserve, a premiere barbecue smokehouse from the Moshakos and Mitchell families—Ed Mitchell is a legendary pitmaster, and Lou Moshakos is the dining and hospitality titan behind LM Restaurants. Now, Ed’s son, Ryan, and Lou’s daughter, Amber, are taking the reins and opening The Preserve in the original Carolina Ale House location off Wake Forest Road. While there’s not an official opening date yet, Ryan promises that once the doors open, The Preserve will stay true to tradition, serving up whole-hog, Carolina-style chopped barbecue prepared with no added sugar and clean-ingredient sauces.
The BBQ Lab
North Hills Main District (4120 Main Street at North Hills, Ste. 135) The Redneck BBQ Lab: 12101 NC-210 B, Benson | theredneckbbqlab.com
Johnston County’s The Redneck BBQ Lab will debut its first franchise model, The BBQ Lab, in North Hills (opening date TBD). The new location will serve the same competition-style barbecue (including the rubs, “sawses” and techniques) that has won The Lab many BBQ competitions and awards over the years, plus offer up alcohol and a menu that will allow it to stay open for dinner. Founder Jerry Stephenson will keep the “redneck” in JoCo, but promises the North Hills location will continue to honor The Lab’s customer service-oriented mindset and core belief that “we are spreading love to each and every person we are honored to share our food with.” Amen!
Sam Jones has known barbecue his entire life. He grew up working at his grandfather’s iconic barbecue restaurant, Skylight Inn, before opening his own barbecue restaurant, Sam Jones BBQ, in Winterville in 2015. The integrity of true Eastern North Carolina barbecue that Jones and his family hold so near to their hearts is further preserved at Jones’ new Raleigh location, which officially opened in March. Jones’ signature style of chopped barbecue integrates crispy skins, which adds a nice, textured bite to a sandwich or tray of ’cue—and don’t forget the Skylight Inn-style cornbread. “That’s the way [barbecue’s] always been done in my family—and the way I’ll always do it,” says Jones.
Prime Barbecue
403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale | prime-bbq.com
When it comes to barbecue, owner and pitmaster Christopher Prieto is all about breaking the rules—and making his own. A former professional competition barbecue cook, Prieto traveled the country studying different techniques and barbecue-cooking methods until eventually creating his own fusion style consisting of sweet notes of Kansas City competition-style ’cue, what he calls “Texas pepper simplicity,” North Carolina vinegar and a light touch of his Puerto Rican heritage. His meats, sides and desserts are completely his own—a one-of-a-kind barbecue experience that’ll keep you driving back to Knightdale for more. “Our food is steeped in tradition but given new life,” Prieto adds. “No matter what you grew up with, good barbecue speaks for itself.”
According to co-owner Ben Hart, Ole Time Barbecue has been doing barbecue “since before it got cool.” It was always his dad and great-grandfather’s dream to open a BBQ joint—and though Hart’s great-grandfather passed away in the ’70s before he could see that dream realized, Hart’s father was able to take over Ole Time from its previous owner in 1993. The bright yellow restaurant is nothing fancy, but the barbecue is dependable and the tight-knit community vibe makes everyone who enters feel right at home. “We’re a little roadside barbecue joint, and that’s all we claim to be—and that’s all we’ll ever be,” says Hart. “We believe in giving the best product for a fair price and treating everybody with kindness.”
Although Marc Russell and Adam Cunningham aren’t looking to reinvent the wheel when it comes to barbecue, their forthcoming restaurant is sure to keep things fresh and interesting. “We like to say if the traditional NC BBQ plate is Hank Williams, we try to be a little more Johnny Cash,” says Cunningham. Russell, Longleaf Swine’s pitmaster, delivers a Texas-meets-Carolina-style ’cue that’s influenced by his Puerto Rican background. Longleaf 2.0 (the original location was slated for Transfer Co. Food Hall) is a place not just for food, but experiences. Grab a pulled pork sando and stick around afterward for drinks with friends.
Jake Wood’s almost-famous barbecue is rooted in his family’s tradition and recipes—served with the laid-back escapist vibe that has become his signature. At Lawrence Barbecue, he offers simple ’cue that anyone and everyone can enjoy, no matter the occasion. A sweet selection of sandos runs the gamut from pulled pork doused in equal parts Lawrence Leisure Sauce (tomato-based) and OG vinegar sauce to Texas-style brisket to fried chicken. Served with a side of Wood’s to-die-for mac and cheese, deviled egg potato salad or ’cue beans and an alcoholic icee from Lagoon Bar (which is housed upstairs from Lawrence Barbecue in Boxyard RTP), the entire experience is like something out of (pitmaster) paradise.
Cooper’s is one of the longest-standing barbecue joints in Raleigh. Clyde Cooper opened the spot in 1938, and his original recipes have been passed down to his two successors—with some occasional updates. Current owner Debbie Holt moved Cooper’s to a new location around the corner from the premiere spot in 2014 but managed to take everything she could to retain the restaurant’s iconic vintage-looking feel, from the wooden booths to the green awning that now sits over the service counter. Today, the famed Q house’s chopped pork, traditional sides, decadent banana pudding and addicting sweet tea have stood the test of time for more than 80 years. As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
