Are you ready for it? That $50 ticket that somehow becomes $100 by the time you check out thanks to service fees, facility charges, order processing fees and the like will be no more thanks to a new state law eliminating hidden fees from online ticketing sites like Ticketmaster and SeatGeek going into effect April 1.*
In essence, ticket sellers and resellers will be required to disclose the total price for all tickets—think concert, sporting event and other live performance—up front.
“We have long advocated for a nationwide all-in pricing mandate and were pleased to see this law go into effect in North Carolina,” says a spokesperson for Ticketmaster—which, after merging with Live Nation in 2010, has become the seller of 70% of tickets for major U.S. concerts. “Not only are Live Nation and Ticketmaster following the law in North Carolina, Live Nation venues and festivals showcase all-in pricing across the country.”
The law comes after the infamous Taylor Swift Eras tour ticket debacle of 2022—not to mention ticketing issues for other artists like Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Oasis and Sabrina Carpenter—that sparked backlash against Live Nation and Ticketmaster (cue Zach Bryan’s All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster).
Even before the Swiftie scandal, hidden fees have long been a source of contention with major ticket sellers luring people in with seemingly low prices only to jack up the price at checkout—in turn resulting in sellers who display the full price up front losing out on sales. But, it’s important to note that Ticketmaster and other sellers aren’t the only ones to blame for the added costs—see: venues, credit card companies and artist greed.
“Consumers deserve full information when deciding how to spend their hard-earned money. Protecting North Carolinians, including their wallets, is a top priority. People are struggling with rising costs, and more information is one way to address sticker shock. My office saw a problem, and we worked to fix it. More transparency is always a win for customers.” —Josh Stein
To combat the ticket crisis, politicians across the country have been hard at work for years, with states like Tennessee, Connecticut and New York already mandating “all-in pricing”—and Minnesota’s “Taylor Swift bill” (aka House File 1989) also goes into effect Jan. 1. Locally, NC Attorney General and Governor-elect Josh Stein joined a group of fellow AGs in early 2024 in support of a Federal Trade Commission rule aiming to rid deceptive pricing that has gouged billions of dollars from customers every year.
Thanks to the shift, the war is over. In January, you’ll no longer see one price at the start, only to be confronted with a significantly higher total at checkout, says Stein. He also notes that added transparency will encourage price competition among ticket sellers, so consumers may even see lower overall costs for tickets to events.
“I was pleased to work with legislators of both parties to protect people’s money and help them make informed decisions about their purchases,” emphasizes Stein. “Artists are also excited about these new requirements because they want their fans to have the best experience.” And so, finally, we can say goodbye to too good to be true pricing.
Bill Breakdown
Ticket sellers and resellers must disclose all fees up front before the transaction is complete.
The total price of the ticket initially displayed shall not be increased during the ticketing session.
Delivery charges and taxes are not required to be displayed with the all-in price.
Pro Tip:You can head to the in-person box office at venues like Martin Marietta, Red Hat Amphitheater, Walnut Creek, The Ritz and Lenovo Center to purchase tickets with reduced fees.
The War on Fees
March 2023: Congress introduces the Junk Fee Prevention Act, which states businesses must display the total price, including mandatory fees, upon first showing the price.
June 2023: Ticketmaster, Live Nation and SeatGeek say they will commit to all-in pricing.
Another elevated Indian restaurant is opening in Raleigh this month.
Dishing another layer of “splendor and charm,” the so translated—and aptly named—Jalwa Indian Bistro is set to bow Jan. 27 in the former famed North Raleigh Saint Jacques space. On the heels of highly progressive modern Indian restaurant Tamasha, the elevated Indian eatery promises to continue to level up the local Asian food scene by dishing a similar luxe fine-dining experience blending fab fare, welcoming service and inviting ambiance.
At the hands of globally renowned chef Mukesh Gautam, the menu will spotlight modern creative Indian cuisine with a fresh twist on traditional flavors—in addition to dishes inspired by owner Ajit Pal Singh Khanna’s family recipes, especially those crafted by his grandmother for family gatherings. Think classic faves like chicken tikka, chaat and Changezi Raan Flambé—complemented by an array of vibrant cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine program.
“Gautam is an artist in modern Indian culinary arts,” says Khanna. “His deep understanding of food, its chemical makeup and advanced techniques sets his creations apart, making them truly exceptional. He is undoubtedly someone to watch, with a talent that continues to redefine the culinary scene.”
Joining a welcome wave in approachable Raleigh hospitality (think Birdie’s, La Terrazza, Timber), the elevated experience doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. With affordability top of mind, Khanna aims to balance accessibility with quality and verity to accommodate various tastes and budgets. And leaning into community, Jalwa will also boast a private dining room, accommodating up to 30 guests for more intimate birthday celebrations, client meetings and everything in-between.
“I wanted to deliver a dining experience that is both memorable and authentic to the residents of Raleigh,” emphasizes Khanna. “Through every dish we serve and every guest we welcome, we’re dedicated to upholding the rich traditions of Indian cuisine while fostering a culture of inclusivity, generosity and genuine human connection.”
That connection can be seen and felt from first entry—and entree—where every guest’ll be treated like family, promises Khanna. Consider another splendid night out found.@jalwaindianbistronc
Live life a mile up (fun fact: Denver is dubbed “Mile High City” because the 13th step on the west side of the Capitol is exactly a mile above sea level) where the wild things roam in the Colorado Rockies.
“Road trippin’ through cinema’s backdrop” (aka Dumb and Dumber does Denver), outdoorsy folks can bask in 300 days of sunshine for hiking, kayaking, skiing and more, while music lovers will thrive via a ~rockin’~ year-round music scene and unique venues (s/o The Mission Ballroom in RiNo!). Ample food and bev fuel the hustle, from distinctive food halls (think Avanti F&B and Denver Union Station, a landmark in its own right) to Michelin-starred restaurants, and renowned breweries and bars. Basically, an adult playground at every turn. Here’s where to get that “Rocky Mountain High.”
DO
Meow Wolf by Kate Russell
Winter Park Resort When in Colorado in the winter, you ski. About an hour drive from Denver (or take the Winter Park Express train), elevated adventure awaits via the oldest continually operating statewide ski resort‘s 160+ skiing and snowboarding trails—plus daytime and night glow tubing, snowshoe/snowcat tours, and scenic gondola rides with 360-degree views of the Rockies. winterparkresort.com
Red Rocks For views and vibes on high, the famed amp’s concert season runs April through November, but the ~6,280-feet-above-sea-level park is open year-round for hiking and biking. With red rocks as far as the eye can see, it’s not just ’Gram-worthy—it’s peak perfection. redrocksonline.com
Meow Wolf A truly out-of-this-world experience, Denver’s premier interactive art venue’s third and largest permanent exhibition Convergence Station is “the first multiversal transit station serving Earth,” offering limitless exploration of new worlds—from a projection-mapped forest to a cosmic cave-like labyrinth and much more. Aliens may or may not make an appearance. meowwolf.com
Cherry Creek North
Home to the city’s highest concentration of locally owned stores, the popular shopping district is a shopaholic’s dream come true. Make your way through 300 retail shops, then treat yourself to drinks and eats at one of the beloved bars/restaurants. And getting you in the holiday spirit is the neighborhood’s 1 million bright festive lights. cherrycreeknorth.com
Nurture
Denver’s ~nurturing~ wellness hub offers everything from movement classes (yoga, strength, conditioning, HIIT, etc.) to an infrared sauna and Himalayan salt room to a clean and health-conscious cafe. The “wellcare marketplace” is also always buzzing with events, including markets, workshops and speed dating. visitnurture.com
EAT
Alma Fonda Fina by Shawn Campbell
Happy Camper No bad vibes here—“don’t worry, eat happy” is the MO at this colorful lively bar/restaurant thanks to a giant patio, firepits, 360-degree bar, and disco ball-filled and neon-lit dining room. Pizza, “happytizers,” desserts, brunch, and fun cocktails and shots keep the party going all day long. happycamper.pizza
The Wolf’s Tailor No rules is the rule at one of Denver’s top-notch Michelin-starred restaurants. Taking inspo from near and far (including the team’s travels and local artisans, farmers and craftsmen), the standout spot is known for its seasonal multicourse menu experience, feat. anything from wagyu and Berkshire pork dumplings to sourdough piada straight from the wood-fired oven—all making for a killer meal. thewolfstailor.com
Alma Fonda Fina For a fiesta in every bite, look no further than this newly Michelin-minted Mexican locale at once paying homage to chef Johnny Curiel’s rich heritage in his home country while also nodding to the local culinary scene. Start with the guac or rajas con crema, then make your way through the tacos, flautas, ribeye, Colorado striped bass and more—interspersed with rounds of margs, tequila and/or mezcal, natch. almalohidenver.com
Fox and the Hen At this cute and colorful all-things-breakfast hot spot, brunch is more than a meal—it’s a lifestyle. Classic items get a lighthearted twist—“animal-style” hash browns, tacos con huevos, gyro omelet… you get the gist—and are best served with a creative cocktail, bloody or mimosa (a bottle is always a smart choice). After all, the best things in life happen in the morning. foxandthehen.com
Hey Kiddo Calling all kids at heart. The menu at JBA Outstanding Restaurateur Kelly Whitaker’s lively resto is, in a word, fun. Naturally, playing with your food is A-OK here, so mix and match with the vibrant selection of shareables, “centerpieces” and accompaniments (and no one will judge if you order dessert first). After your meal, tuck into the hidden cocktail bar in the back dubbed Ok Yeah, and the masterful mixologists will whip up a stellar drink to match whatever you’re in the mood for. hk-oy.com
Hop Alley If you crave a mood to match your menu, the RiNo arts district eatery’s got you covered with one of the best playlists in town. The main event, of course, is the unique Asian-inspired cuisine—think chilled tofu with cucumber and bang bang sauce, Sichuan boiled beef, and bone marrow fried rice; while the Vietnamese coffee waffle makes for the perfect ending. hopalleydenver.com
Xiquita Nixtamal is the name of the game at chef/owner Erasmo Casiano’s sophomore restaurant (pronounced “Chiquita”), where maize is used to create delicious tortillas, tamales and more—and pay homage to ancient traditions. Give your taste buds a cultural education via the likes of slow-roasted pork belly “porchetta,” duck confit tacos with house mole and carne asada—best paired with a tequila- or mezcal-forward cocktail, natch. xiquita.co
DRINK
The Tatarian by Connor Stehr
Hello Darling Spend a good morning and a good night at this ubercute coffee shop/cocktail lounge. Swing by in the am for espresso bevs, teas and tea lattes, and classic coffee drinks—and, come evening, choose your fighter from the list of gin-, vodka-, whiskey-, tequila/mezcal-, and rum-based cocktails, or spring for a glass of vino to pair with charcuterie and other snacks. hellodarling.cafe
Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company With its vibrant colorful exterior, you can’t miss Five Points’ popular brewery/taproom—and you definitely won’t want to pass up the opp to enjoy a round or two. “Indie-owned and -crafted,” OMF specializes in a constant rotation of stellar brews made with local ingredients, from IPAs and lagers to saisons and funky sours. buyomfbeer.com
The Tatarian Casual-cool contemporary neighborhood bar vibes and in-the-know bartenders collide with sophisticated sips at this lauded cocktail haven in the quintessential Berkeley neighborhood. Drinks taking inspo from trees range from the Flor de Cana Rum-based Rainbow to the melon liqueur and Heirloom Genepy-based Wisteria—all certain to turn anyone into a “tree-hugger.”thetatarian.com
Dandy Lion Coffee It’s all fine and dandy at this whimsical cafe meets plant shop in the Park Hill Neighborhood, providing a major serotonin boost in the form of specialty lattes and teas, espresso spritzes and the like, plus pastries from local business partners. The best seats in the house are by far the fun swing chairs—and don’t leave without a plant baby to take home. @dandy_lion_coffee
Room for Milly Curiosity may have killed the cat, but here it’ll only allow you to find your new favorite drink. Inspired by world travels and foreign explorations, the whimsical fancy-meets-cheeky cocktail house offers an intimate space to enjoy modern bevs and snacks, like the Beijing mule starring Jasmine-infused vodka, or Melo’s Sangria made with red wine, brandy, peach liqueur, citrus and prosecco. roomformilly.com
Ay Papi Cocktails and vibes are on high at this energetic Latin-inspired cocktail bar that feels like a sultry Miami lounge experience. The rum-based drinks are a must, whether you spring for the spicy guava daiquiri, mai tai or rum old-fashioned—and the small bites have you covered when hunger strikes. Take a seat in the light-filled and gorgeously designed interior, and you’re bound to spot some of the who’s who of the city. aypapidenver.com
STAY
Urban Cowboy by Ben Fitchett
Hotel Clio Located in the chic Cherry Creek North shopping district, the Luxury Collection Hotel is peak elegance, what with luxe rooms and suites boasting Rocky Mountain views, a refined lobby, and in-house all-day resto Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge. Not to mention boutique shops, fitness studios, restaurants and other attractions are mere steps away. hotelcliocherrycreek.com
Urban Cowboy You’re not in the Wild West anymore… Housed in an ornate Gilded Age mansion touting preserved original details and architecture, you’re gonna wanna extend your stay. A feast for the eyes and the senses, opulence and whimsy unfold in stunning fashion across the newly revamped 16-room boutique property via art tile fireplaces, handmade wallpaper, copper clawfoot tubs and beyond. urbancowboy.com
Populus Already heralded for its unique biophilic design is this striking au naturel new kid on the block inspired by Colorado’s widespread Aspen tree. Boasting natural materials and calming tones, seasonal cuisine, and original art curated by environmentalist Katherine Homes, it promises to be an escape in style. populusdenver.com
Life House LoHi Nodding to Denver’s Western pioneers, this homestead evokes Old West and Victorian elements within its lavish yet rustic suites (there are even guest rooms with modern bunks designed for groups!), coffee/tea lounge, and cocktail bar and restaurant inspired by the wildflower terrain. Every detail is guided by the area’s history and cultural heritage—though how your own story plays out at the House is up to you. lifehousehotels.com
Limelight Après-ski takes on a whole new meaning at Condé Nast Traveler’s No. 2 2024 readers’ choice awarded hotel in Colorado. With its urban-alpine-inspired rooms (see: knotty pine paneling, warm tones, thoughtfully curated art by local artists and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing top-tier views of the Rockies), you’ll feel as though you’re on a mountain getaway—but in reality you’re only steps away from some of the best attractions in the city. limelighthotels.com/denver
Scott Crawford’s new steakhouse seamlessly blends the traditional and edgy.
Renowned chef/restaurateur Scott Crawford’s upcoming Crawford Brothers Steakhouse in Fenton isn’t just a nod to the nostalgia of steakhouses—it’s a redemption story for him and his brother. Growing up, the term “Crawford brothers” didn’t have the most positive connotation, he says. “We were trouble.”
Now, when the restaurant opens as soon as December, the name will showcase just how far the duo has come after facing adversity. “It’s fun to honor my family with the name of these restaurants—like Crawford and Son and Jolie—and Crawford Brothers is a nod to the nostalgia of where we ate as kids,” Crawford adds.
In addition to being an homage to special-occasion steak-dinner memories, the local celeb chef says he wants to do a steakhouse because it’s a tried-and-true model he can put his own spin on. Taking influence from hot spots like NYC’s 4 Charles Prime Rib and Chicago’s RPM Steak, his unique rendition will boast a classic foundation with a super-design-forward aesthetic that’s at once both edgy and mod yet warm.
“The theme was to put everything on display,” says Crawford, who collabed on the design with Liezl Pacult of Maurer Architecture, “from our vintage spirits to our wine to the meat to the kitchen—and do it in a way that is still refined and inviting, but with modern finishes. As we’re designing, we’re thinking of how we’re surprising and delighting people—and exceeding expectations.”
Those wow-factor details include a floor-to-ceiling “glass curtain,” or wall, on one side of the restaurant that’s visible from the street; an on-display wine library featuring wood-carved “lockers;” a prominent oval-shaped cocktail bar; and custom commissioned artwork by Thomas Sayre. Not to mention visibility from the street into the professional kitchen, from the main dining room into the dry-aging room, and from the semiprivate dining room into the kitchen.
“Just like all of our restaurants, [Crawford Brothers Steakhouse] will stand out with the attention to detail. And that’s across the board, from the design to the beef program to the cooking suite that’s visible from basically all sides to the bar program, wine program and level of service.” —Scott Crawford
Leaning more traditional, everything on the menu will be served a la carte—but with a Crawford spin, natch. Think aged and nonaged steaks, wagyu by the ounce from three different countries, a seafood tower, raw oysters, chilled crudos, short ribs, and creative sides. To pair, beverage manager Jordan Joseph is heading the cocktail program, featuring a robust wine list to boot.
Also in Crawford fashion—and a la traditional steakhouses—expect primo service. “Our goal for service is to make it fun, but also a very elevated experience,” he says, adding: “Just like all of our restaurants, [Crawford Brothers Steakhouse] will stand out with the attention to detail—and that’s across the board.” And, so, another Crawford treasure is born. crawfordbrotherssteakhouse.com
If the viral sassy pygmy hippo Moo Deng was any indication, the world is obsessed with those barrel-shaped semiaquatic icons. Now, Raleigh’s getting a new hippo obsession in the form of the December-slated and revamped Hippo Wine Bar, recently acquired by North South Hospitality.
The hospitality group made up of Vance Daniels and Katie and Clayton O’Kane—also behind fast local fave Gussie’s—is keeping the same name (with Sorena Dadgar also staying on as the operating manager), but giving it a refreshed vibe in collaboration with Julia Petiprin of Cincinnati-based design consulting company House of Departure, who also helped with the interior design of Gussie’s.
Katie says Petiprin drew inspiration from the name, but instead of going really on the nose with something like animal print/safari vibes, she’s “using colors, textures and lighting to give us warmer, cozier vibes.” Think natural elements such as handmade tile, West Africa-inspired patterns, and natural wood tones and fibers throughout.
“We’re definitely focusing in on things you can’t get other places. There’s a couple of really phenomenal wine bars already here, and, more than anything, we’re just really excited to be part of that community.” —Katie O’Kane, North South Hospitality
And while the OG Hippo leaned more wine shop than wine bar, the trio hopes to shift the new space more bar. “We want it to be a place you could hang out for a while—that could be the spot you are going to that night,” says Katie. “It doesn’t have to just be a place you’re stopping for a bottle of wine on your way home or waiting with a glass of wine before dinner.”
They’re also hoping the addition of food—think charcuterie, tinned fish and the like—will further encourage people to linger a while. And, leaning into North South Hospitality’s “everyone’s considered” MO, Hippo will also offer beer, beer cocktails, shandies and spritzes in response to the national low-ABV trend.
“I find that Raleigh—and I really love this—is looking for lower-ABV stuff as opposed to asking for the strongest thing,” says Daniels. “I think it’s because people are happy here. No one’s drinking to forget; they’re just drinking to have fun—they’re not miserable. … And the spritz menu will really scratch that itch.”
Ultimately, it’s just “damn good wine”—for everyone. “There can be such a misconception of pretension around wine when it’s made by farmers. It doesn’t have to be such a scary, pretentious thing,” maintains Katie, who’s also a sommelier, noting she is a fan of Triangle pros who’re working to change that narrative to have vino be more approachable. … So whether you’re a wine lover or not, rest assured Hippo’s going to make a splash. @the__hippo
