Like a boxer, Left Hook Coffee owner Kristin Kulik stays on her toes—always eager for the next big thing. Now, a year after her first location opened inside of Gussie’s, she’s readying for Left Hook’s next chapter in a standalone coffee shop on East Hargett Street, slated to be fully open by late fall.
Kulik’s journey to this point, though, has come with its fair share of left hooks—both good and bad. After initially getting into coffee 13 years ago, the now-connoisseur “worked for not great people” until getting her big solo break as a vendor at the Orlando Farmers Market. “I’ve always liked the idea of being able to do what I want to do and talk to people at the same time—be that start to somebody’s day,” says Kulik.
Six months later, Kulik moved to Raleigh and roasted and sold coffee in Boylan Heights, until coming across Gussie’s on social media. “I sent them samples and met with them and they were like, ‘Do you want this bar?’” she recalls. And the rest, as they say, is history.
It was those ups and downs, jabs and blows that inspired the Left Hook name. “The world’s predominantly right-handed, right-minded, realistic, pessimistic—and so right hooks are pretty common in boxing,” Kulik explains. “Those left hooks are few and far between. We pivot through life on those left hooks—and it shapes us for better or for worse.”
Fun fact: The photo splashed across Left Hook Coffee’s bags is of a man throwing a left hook at Kulik’s grandpa.
Naturally, the brick-and-mortar is a big win—and Kulik has big plans for the location, where her current roasting operation is. By mid-March she hopes to be hosting roasting, barista, cupping and palate development classes before launching a fundraiser in early spring/summer to build out the coffee bar.
As for the space itself, the vibe will emulate an old-school ’60s/’70s “Philly diner counter” while also paying homage to the building’s longtime roots as a laundromat. Expect vintage furniture (think a bench from Durham’s bus station, old desks and a huge community table), vending machines, stained glass, exposed brick and outdoor picnic benches.
“What sets us apart from a lot of other shops is I just try to make the entire experience as approachable as possible for everyone,” maintains Kulik. “I think this is the best coffee job I’ve ever had.” thelefthookcoffee.com
A European adventure takes a dark turn in local author’s debut novel.
City of Love? More like crime epicenter. At least in Christopher Newman’s debut novel By Way of Paris. Loosely based on the local author’s own experiences abroad—with a lot of criminal embellishments, natch—the page-turner follows Raleigh-bred Luke on a dark journey to London by way of Paris after making a murderous discovery. Here, we chat with Newman about his own journey writing the book.
Why a crime novel as your debut? Crime stories have always fascinated me—especially those told from the criminal’s perspective. Exploring the psychology and environments of people who live on the edges of society has always intrigued me.
How do you and Luke differ/relate? Like Luke, I felt the immense pressure of proving myself as a writer and crafting an original story. The difference between us—and the heart of the story—is what happens when someone a lot more unhinged decides they’ll do anything to chase that story and the adrenaline high that comes with writing it.
Your character inspo? The diverse young gang is based on friends I grew up with in Raleigh who’re still my closest friends. Daniel was inspired by my friend David, who gave me a job as a bartender at The Curfew pub in Bath, England. Luke’s parents are pure fiction and nothing like my own. Whatever Luke’s parents would do, mine would’ve done the opposite. Then there’s Shane—based on a real, reformed gangster (now grandfather) I met in a pub. At first, he was hesitant to talk, but once a mutual acquaintance explained I was writing a London crime novel, he clapped me on the back, bought me a pint, and said, ‘Have I got some stories for you, my son…’
Why Paris and London? As an American storyteller, I was blown away by the history embedded in every street corner. Those cities are more than just backdrops—they’re characters themselves. Like Luke, I felt a humbling urge to leave my mark. But while I channeled that into literature, Luke lashes out at his own feelings of inadequacy. It’s not until he’s taken things way too far that he asks himself: ‘Have I left these places, and their people, better than I found them?’
Luke has some contempt for his NC roots. Do you relate? Luke’s contempt for NC stems from the traumas of his upbringing. No matter where he came from, he would’ve wanted to put it in his rear-view mirror. As for me, I love NC—even in that hipster way of loving it before it was cool.
How did you infuse the essence of NC into Luke’s character? Like the state itself, Luke has a storied past but undeniable charm. His temper can flare as hot as an NC summer, but he can also be as refreshing as a cool mountain breeze, tossing out Southern witticisms. Luke isn’t perfect, but he’s proof you can take the boy out of NC, but you can’t take NC out of the boy.
This Q&A has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Late-night bar food, cheap yet delicious drinks, and all-around good vibes abound at Le Dive.
The best dive bars have something for everyone. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at DTR’s Le Dive, sandwiched between Neptunes and Kings in the former Garland-turned-Umbrella Dry Bar space Downtown.
Think cheap beer, fairly priced refreshing cocktails, dirty yet elevated late-night bar food, TVs, games, a photobooth, and ample loungey seating—just the kind of place you’d find The Big Lebowski and his gang of misfits in, minus the bowling. Not to mention that all-are-welcome neighborhood bar vibe that invites you in for any reason or no reason at all to settle in and make yourself comfortable.
Operating in pop-up mode for the last couple of months with all-the-rage bangin’ bites from MOdega’s Mosby Dru Ray, the already hot spot’s official grand opening is March 1. And, in good news for those who’ve become obsessed with what Ray’s churning out of that kitchen, the “people’s princess” isn’t going anywhere. Find her slicing and dicing as Le Dive’s head chef with the same nostalgic, fun and mouthwatering food patrons are already demanding on the reg.
“I connected with them on their whole vision for the space and their whole vibe,” says Ray. “It really just lined up very perfectly with what I want to do, which is food that’s fun and makes people happy and feel good.”
Described as “delicious, not pretentious” by Martin—and catering to foodies while at the same time approachable and accessible—Ray’s fare is the perfect balance of nostalgic and mind-blowing. And it’s exactly what you want after a night of drinking. On the permanent menu, expect such dishes as pickle fritto misto and tender tots (a chicken app of tater tots and popcorn chicken with pickled celery and homemade Buffalo sauce), sandwiches, salads, and desserts like snack packs and Dunkaroos.
“I’m taking things that are usually fancy and stuffy or maybe only seen at a certain type of restaurant and turning them on their head,” maintains Ray. The Northeast-born, former Lawrence Barbecue chef’s cult-classic Philly cheesesteak, for example—which incidentally got her started in kitchens—will be a menu fixture. “The reason the MOdega even started was because of the same reason [Le Dive] did: There’s no late-night food options [locally], nobody who’s doing real good bodega bites—and it was something I missed most about being back home.”
Further feeding that late-night crowd till an unprecedented 2am will be hot dogs, walking tacos, cold-cut sandwiches and the like out of Le Dive’s walk-up window. And you won’t want to sleep on Sunday brunch either, though you can sleep in given it doesn’t start until 11am.
When it comes to drinks, it’s a bar after all. And in line with its MO, there’s something for everyone—from sub-$15 cocktails by GM Paul Schatzle like a spicy marg and herbaceous French 75 to $5 cans of Miller Lite and draft PBR. Even glasses of vino and espresso martinis on draft. “It’s important for people to know I’ve been grinding my ass off for 15 years to get to the point to have this,” says Martin. “We just want to give people food and booze in a fun atmosphere.” @le.dive.bar
A new rooftop bar/restaurant adds another elevated concept to DTR.
Downtown Raleigh has officially reached new heights. Enter Urban Oak, officially open with the title of the tallest bar/lounge in all the Triangle—and right on, ahem, time, as it joins RM’s Best New RestaurantLa Terrazza in the sky.
Perched atop the brand-new Homewood Suites and Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown, the hot spot not only boasts views for days, but a resortlike vibe you won’t find anywhere else in Raleigh. A staycation-meets-vacation, if you will.
“I can’t stress enough the independent rooftop bar and lounge-restaurant experience,” says Kiel Lombardo, VP of food and beverage for McKibbon Hospitality, who has worked all over the U.S. for Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning chefs. “It’s elevated, yes; sophisticated, absolutely; but is it stuffy? No.”
Truly a feast for all the senses, Urban Oak’s intimate yet warm space features a luxe design with local art and elevated decor (see: the giant faux oak tree anchoring the center of the interior, a nod to the lounge’s name and City of Oaks moniker), an ample bar, and two patios—one covered with heaters for year-round vibes, and the other open-air with more loungey soft seating. All of which make for a great perch to enjoy gourmet playful craft cocktails, wine and beer—paired perfectly with scratchmade food executed by executive chef Alex Smith.
With a lean toward attracting young professionals and other adults in search of a sophisticated night out—whether après-work cocktails with colleagues, a quick bite/bev pre- or post-concert, a solo hang, date night or GNO—Urban Oak will also play host to live music and DJs, but rest assured the music won’t be so loud you won’t be able to hear yourself talk. “It was our goal to create the perfect backdrop for our guests to enjoy our gourmet tapas and unique craft cocktail offerings with great ambiance and energy,” maintains CN Hotels partner Karan Patel.
To wit, Lombardo emphasizes the tapas menu leans into that interactive environment, with seasonal small plates perfect for sharing. Think a melon and burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes and a spicy tuna tostada—and if you’re really hungry, a large plates section of more composed dishes like campanelle pasta, grilled hanger steak and fresh striped bass will also be on offer.
“I was a chef for a very long time, so I’m very passionate about the food and beverage side and really providing a unique experience that’s based around fresh ingredients, some being local,” says Lombardo. “We’ll have something for everybody.” urbanoakraleigh.com
Raleigh’s on top. The City of Oaks ranked No. 1 for economic growth in the Milken Institute’s 2025 Best-Performing Cities report.
Catching flights not feelings, RDU saw a record-breaking 15.5 million passengers in 2024, up 6.5% from 2023.
Raleigh City Council approved $6.3 million for the DTR City Hall project, which will cover the costs of building out another floor at the new 17-story-slated East Civic Tower. A portion of the funds will also go toward public art.
Talk about a population boom. NC’s population grew by an estimated 164,835 people in the year ending July 1, 2024—with the total state pop topping 11 million residents for the first time, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
NC’ers are going to college to get more knowledge. Public universities across the state saw an increase in enrollment this year, with 16 public universities enrolling 247,927 students (a 2.2% jump from last year).
All aboard! Amtrak set an all-time ridership record in its 2024 fiscal year, racking up a historic 32.8 million customers.
The South is where it’s at. According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors, more people moved to the South than any other region last year.
The Carolina Mudcats are on the prowl—making the move to Wilson and changing its name to the Warbirds in 2026.
In magical news, Disney’s planned high-end residential community Asteria at Chatham Park could break ground as soon as Q1 of 2025, with the first of its homes available for sale by 2027.
Raise your hand if you’ve experienced brain rot in the past year. … Oxford English Dictionary recently named it the 2024 Word of the Year.
