We tapped local MVPs to whip up Super Bowl party recipes based on F&B trends.
Mocktails, vegan, retro… Down, set, hike to the snack table to Super Bowl party like a pro—because we all know the only thing that really matters during those Super Bowl parties are the food and drinks—and the halftime show, obv (hey, Kendrick!). This year, instead of bringing a 12-pack of cheap beer and a sad store-bought snack tray to the function, we rec whipping up one (or all) of these recipes handcrafted by local chefs and mixologists around trending bites and bevs. … We promise they’re gonna be a touchdown (had to).
It’s not a Super Bowl party without dips. Period. Spark nostalgia with chef/GM Tom Armstrong’s riff on Lipton onion soup dip (hey, retro soup packets!)—an OG staple he grew up on, with his mom oft making it for parties. “It was always my favorite thing,” he says. “If I were only making one thing to eat while watching the game, this would be it.”
Charred Onion & Chive Dip
► 1 large red onion ► 2 cups sour cream ► 1 tsp. Dijon mustard ► 1/2 tsp. lemon juice ► Hot sauce to taste ► Coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste ► 1/4 cup fresh chives or green onion, sliced ► Canola oil
Peel and cut onion into 3 to 4 thick slices. Rub with a little canola oil and set aside. In a hot cast-iron skillet, char the onions on both sides until black on the outside and cooked on the inside (~10 mins). Remove from pan; season lightly with salt. Once cooled, dice onions and, in a bowl, combine with sour cream, mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce and chives. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve with potato chips.
Taking your cocktail game to new heights—and making Miller High Life boujee (we never thought we’d see the day!)—is bartender Jacob Baker of The Merchant fame and his casual-cool Instagrammable bevy that’s perf for traditionalists and die-hard beer fans alike. Cheers to that!
Fideo
► 2 oz. mezcal ► .75 oz. grapefruit juice ► .75 oz. lime juice ► .75 oz. Aperol ► .5 oz. agave syrup ► Mini Miller High Life
Combine all ingredients but the High Life into a shaker and shake vigorously. Dump into glass and top with more ice. Open Miller High Life and place in drink.
Who said vegans don’t enjoy game-time grub?! Your plant-loving friend can get just as much in on the action with Glasshouse Kitchen Chef de Cuisine Chris Freed’s riff on loaded baked potato bites made with nary a touch of dairy. Decreasing your animal byproduct intake yet still eatin’ good? How super.
Vegan Baked Potato Bites + White Bean Veggie “Sour Cream”
► 10 fingerling potatoes ► 2 cups canned navy beans, drained ► 3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar ► 1⁄4 cup lemon juice ► 2 tsp. garlic powder ► 1 tsp. onion powder ► 2 red bell peppers, deseeded and diced ► 3 jalapenos, deseeded and diced ► 1 thinly sliced shallot ► 1 tsp. chili powder ► 1 tsp. smoked paprika ► Salt and pepper to taste
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Wrap the fingerling potatoes in foil and bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees. Slice in half, scoop some flesh out and fill with White Bean Veggie “Sour Cream” filling. Bake for 15 more minutes. Garnish with Frank’s “crema” (make the “sour cream” without peppers, shallot, chili powder and paprika and mix with Frank’s RedHot), crispy potato skins (peel the skin from one potato, cook in oil until crispy, toss with salt and pepper, and crumble like bacon bits) and thinly sliced scallions.
Going dry is having a moment. Whip up this delicious concoction courtesy of former Best Bartender nom of Fox fame Zoë Palmer for your sober friends—or those who just decided to extend their Dry January. Your booze-loving pals may even find themselves reaching for a glass or two… and we promise they won’t even miss the alcohol.
Do Your Job
► 3/4 oz. Seedlip NA spirit ► 3/4 oz. cinnamon simple syrup ► 3/4 oz. hibiscus tea ► 3/4 oz. tart cherry juice ► 1/4 oz. grapefruit juice
Shake all ingredients; then strain in a coupe glass or over ice; top with a cherry garnish (optional).
DTR’s legendary nightclub complex has found a new home in the Warehouse District.
The party ain’t over yet. Almost five years after selling its current location to make way for a new development, longtime pink- and purple-hued LGBTQ+ bar Legends has found a new home at 316 W. Cabarrus St. (in between The Depot and Eye Heart Tattoo).
Staying true to its nee-1991 Warehouse District roots, Legends 2.0—expected to open early this summer—will continue to be a go-to entertainment destination for drag, dance and other live shows, what with the inclusive dedicated spaces Raleigh has grown to love. Think a greatly improved theater, huge outdoor bar, energy-heavy game room and music-thumping dance floor—plus some “Easter eggs” for patrons to spot (keep your eyes peeled for the OG sign currently hanging outside of the building).
“This move allows us to ensure our legacy continues,” says Legends co-owner MC. “We’re still going to be doing exactly what we’ve done for the past 30+ years, we’ll just be doing it a few blocks away.”
It was that Warehouse District location criteria—an absolute must, according to MC—that made the process of securing a new location take as long as it did. “It was more than just ‘I need to move my business and be successful,’” MC explains. “I’m not in it just for that—obviously I have to make money and survive, but there’s a lot more riding on that than me opening a beer and giving it to you to get drunk.”
In essence, while Legends throws one hell of a party, the popular nightclub is about so much more. Since opening during a less-than-accepting time in history, it’s been a welcoming refuge for those in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
“Legends was always known as a safe place where you could come and be you,” emphasizes MC. “That was what it was day one. And it didn’t matter what you wanted to do or how you wanted to do it. If society didn’t accept who you were, it’s OK, we do.”
In celebration of its next chapter, Legends is planning a blowout “party month or quarter” for the new digs, in addition to a final farewell of the existing location, which promises to live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who has stepped through its doors or spent any significant time in Raleigh.
“Legends has been here forever, so I want to see a stone in the ground that Legends was here,” MC adds. “It’s hard not to know somebody that didn’t say at some point, ‘I remember going to legends.’” And, now, thanks to another warehouse, the legend will live on.
For more on Legends history and what to expect of the new location, be sure to pick up a February issue—or subscribe online.
This winter, there’s a different ~beech~ calling. Sitting pretty at 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is a primo destination for an unforgettable cold-weather adventure. Reopen for the season following Hurricane Helene, eastern America’s highest town is known for its sweeping panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, setting the backdrop for a fun-filled weekend of snow sports—or more relaxing après-ski selects if that’s more your vibe. Not to mention it’s only a four-hour drive from Raleigh. Here, how to spend a snowy sojourn.
Hit the Slopes
Beech Mountain Resort Adrenaline seekers, this one’s for you. A quintessential NC ski spot, the East Coast’s highest mountain resort is home to ample ski/snowboard trails for all skill levels—plus a freestyle terrain park feat. rails and jumps. There’s even tubing, sledding, winter hiking and night skiing! And newbies, have no fear, as the resort also offers lessons for all ages. Then it’s all downhill from there!
Liquid Courage
Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Brews and views? It doesn’t get much better than that. Cozy up by the large fireplace, or venture out to the deck to enjoy impeccable vistas and the classic mountain resort menu with a succulent twist—perfect for skiers and snowboarders seeking a quick bite and/or a drink after shredding the gnar. Popular ops include the smashburger, loaded beer cheese nachos and buffalo tots—plus, any of the brews, natch. Be sure to stick around for fun events and live music from local bands and DJs to keep the fun going all night long.
5506’ Skybar Will trek for booze. Take the chairlift up—you guessed it—5,506 feet to enjoy a bev in the warmth of the round glasshouse, or bundle up in one of the Adirondack chairs outside to really soak in the views. And you might actually want to drink responsibly as the only way down is by ski or snowboard (!).
First Chair Coffee Shop Before embarking on your daily high-altitude adventure, make a pit stop at this cozy community-driven oasis touting the perfect cup of coffee to awaken your senses. In addition to classic caffeine and espresso picks, there’s also hot chocolate, seasonal drinks and rotating baked goods.
Fuel the Fun
Fred’s General Mercantile’s Backside Deli A staple of the high-country community, this beloved haunt is so much more than just an eatery—it’s also a grocery, ski and snowboard outfitter, hardware store, gift shop, wild bird supplier and more. But don’t sleep on the comforting breakfast and lunch fare, ranging from breakfast burritos and biscuits and gravy to BLTs and hot dogs.
Holy Smokes BBQ Holy smokes! Located at one-stop rental shop White Wolf Lodge, the locally popular ’cue haven is a must-visit for mouthwatering North Carolina pulled pork BBQ, Southern sides, and a range of sweet and zesty sauces made in-house daily. For a sweet finish, the restaurant’s homemade fudge counter—and the views off the back deck!—are not to be missed.
Mi Jalisco Mexican Grill What doesn’t ~tequila~ makes you stronger—and a marg or two can only help your slope game, right? The classic Mexican restaurant boasts a large menu of authentic dishes, including vegetarian options. Faves include the sizzling fajita or mariscada, a combo of seafood and mixed veggies in a savory tomato-based broth, served with warm tortillas for a tasty touch. Shots for dessert, anyone?
Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria This, well, famous outpost is known for more than just great pies (though there are 15 different delish specialties to choose from)—it also features family-friendly activities like mini golf, live music, outdoor movie screenings, a full arcade and other events. One of the *coolest* places on the mountain, indeed.
The MLB team is currently in limbo, but the City of Oaks could be a saving grace.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused a devastating amount of damage on the East Coast this fall—upending homes, businesses, roads and lives in its wake. Another victim was Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team, which saw ~$55 million in damage to its translucent Fiberglas roof and interior, rendering it unplayable for the 2025 season—and leaving the Rays without a home stadium for 2026 and beyond.
Upon the destruction of the facility, the rumor mill began churning out possible sites for a relocation, with Raleigh floated as a viable option. “This [conundrum] potentially opens the doors for other markets hoping to recruit an MLB team,” says Lou Pascucci, one of the leaders of MLB Raleigh, a campaign to get an expansion team in the City of Oaks.
Backtracking pre-hurricane season, the Rays had a deal in place for a new $1.3 billion ballpark in St. Petersburg’s upcoming Gas Plant District development, but it has been met with several delays. Most recently, the county commission voted to table consideration of the financing bonds until its Dec. 17 meeting.
While the project is in limbo, the Rays will play its 2025 regular season home games at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees’ spring training facility in Tampa. And, last month, the St. Petersburg City Council reversed its vote to repair Tropicana Field, which was already planned to be demolished in 2027.
As far as the (uncertain) future of the team goes, Pascucci emphasizes that any market hoping to lure the American League East Rays will likely need to be on the East Coast and have strong viability numbers (population, media market, income), government support, land for a stadium (ideally in a downtown or planned entertainment district), and potentially a billionaire owner/partner (e.g. Canes owner Tom Dundon) willing to work with MLB/Rays ownership. Clearly, many of which Raleigh arguably has.
“No market can check all of those boxes at the moment,” says Pascucci, but if the deals fall through in Tampa, there are only a handful of markets that could land the Rays. “It will be worth keeping an eye on Nashville, Orlando and Raleigh.” So, could the City of Oak’s MLB future be a home stretch away?
Triangle Rock Club is opening a new facility with Grubb Ventures across the street from Raleigh Iron Works Saturday, Dec. 7, 8am.
We told you the Iron District was going to become a thing. Adding to the area’s many popular restaurants, bars and breweries is a new project from Triangle Rock Club and Grubb Ventures. Dubbed Salvage Yard, the 40,000-square-foot world-class climbing and fitness complex will be a part of a soon-to-be renovated collection of warehouses along Wicker Drive and Atlantic Avenue, located just across the street from Jamestown and Grubb’s forthcoming Raleigh Iron Works.
“We have been scouting for a signature Raleigh location for some time,” says co-founder Andrew Kratz of TRC-Salvage Yard, set to redefine the climbing experience with state-of-the-art amenities designed for climbers of all levels. “To find a building that met our vertical objectives and also offers a neighborhood coming alive with fun food and beverage options really exceeded our expectations.”
What to Expect:
100+ climbing lanes, a giant bouldering area with top-out boulders, two dedicated yoga studios, and ample fitness space.
Multiple outdoor vignettes and green spaces all connected via a boardwalk and pedestrian pathways.
Bouldering & Tall Rope Climbing Walls: Challenge yourself on diverse climbing routes suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike.
Yoga Studio: Enhance flexibility and recovery with our variety of yoga classes.
Climber Training Area: Specialized equipment and programs designed to improve climbing performance.
Functional Fitness & Strength Training Area: Elevate your fitness routine with cutting-edge equipment and weight training classes.
Cardio Space: Stay active with a wide range of cardio machines.
Gear Shop: Find everything you need for your climbing adventures, from shoes to chalk and apparel.
Relaxation Amenities: Recharge with our sauna and cold plunge after your workout.
Salvage Yard will comprise three existing warehouses between Atlantic Avenue and Laurelbrook Drive.
“We are thrilled to have TRC anchor this latest phase within the Raleigh Iron Works district and look forward to announcing other fun additions to Salvage Yard in the coming days,” says Grubb Ventures Director of Leasing McKenzie Wilson. “When completed, we like to envision this will be a Raleigh playground for all ages where folks can explore the area and linger for the day—or even longer.” Here for it!
Stay tuned for more info on the project in our highly anticipated October development issue.
