Village District is getting a fresh new mural installation.
Sending a bit more love to Village District is local artist Sean Kernick via a new mural installation. Set to replace the “Love Conquers Y’all” mural long adorning the side of Piccola Italia, the postcardesque design features themes for which the district is known, from architecture to flora and fauna. “This mural really taps into the charm and personality of the Village District, pulling in some of the distinct architecture and iconic colorful details that make this place so special,” explains Kernick.
The oversize flowers—“something I love to paint… they seem to leap off the wall and bring a lot of life to the piece,” notes Kernick—can be found throughout the property in living walls, flowerbeds and numerous plots, while the buildings “highlight the uniquely designed merchant storefronts surrounding our distinct Village District logo,” says Regency Centers GM Brooke Conn.
Overall, Kernick’s goal for the new piece is to “capture that sense of a place that’s been rooted in Raleigh’s culture for a long time, even as the city has grown and changed around and within it,” he emphasizes. And, so, a budding new addition to the district is born. shopvillagedistrict.com
A first look at The Shiny Diner owner’s new modern-age diner in Smoky Hollow.
Black-and-white-checkered floors. Glossy booths. Greasy cheeseburgers and bacon and pancakes. Consider these features the blueprint for your classic American diner. Now, bringing the time-honored eatery into the modern age is Tucker Street Diner, now open in Smoky Hollow.
From the same team behind Raleigh’s The Shiny Diner and Peak City Diner in Apex, the classy-meets-casual eatery offers a modern respite for those who have felt the hole made from the closure of former proximal—albeit more traditional—greasy spoons Finch’s Family Restaurant and Rainbow Luncheonette. Only this establishment will cater to a new and diverse clientele who live, work and play in Smoky Hollow—an MO you’ll appreciate from first entry onto the black-and-white floors, complemented by Tiffany blue booths and walls.
And nodding to those Rainbow Luncheonette vibes, alcohol will be on offer all day—but don’t expect to grab a 2am nightcap and fries here as “nothing good happens after midnight,” maintains co-owner James Park, who, along with his wife/co-owner Michelle, will also supply the Hollow’s caffeine fix with houseroasted coffee and espresso bevs crafted in collab with local roasters.
True to its roots, though, the traditional—yet elevated—daylong diner food you know and love will still star, such as burgers and sandwiches feat. roasted-in-house meats; all-day breakfast items like classic bacon, egg, pancake/waffle combos; plus ice cream, milkshakes, cakes and pies. And appealing to younger generations less familiar with the nostalgia of the greasy spoon experience of Finch’s, Tucker Street Diner will also serve up health-forward low-carb selects like avocado toast and omelets.
Those looking for that feel-good Americana vibe can find it bellied up for evening blue plate specials—and heaping dishes like the ultimate Smoky Hollow Burrito made up of a tortilla, sausage patties, American cheese, eggs, bacon, a pancake and maple syrup all rolled together (!). Plus, fueling the hustle are to-go breakfast sandwiches and pastries from local bakeries.
In essence, “It’s Raleigh’s diner,” emphasizes Park. “We’re not complicated, we’re not trying to make you uncomfortable—we want every menu item to be recognizable.” As such, he hopes the diner’s approachability will entice people to dine there multiple times a week—whether over coffee and dessert after dinner at Madre, during weekend brunch (“accessible enough, but not so simple that it’s like a Waffle House and not as fancy as First Watch,” notes Park), or just for a quick latte on your way to work. So, a breeding ground for regulars a la your standard diner.
“We’re excited to be a part of the community—and it’s only growing,” says Park. “The opportunity was there and we wanted to bring an upscale big-city diner to Raleigh. … And there’s plenty of hungry mouths to feed.” tuckerstreetdiner.com
The idea for the annual battle was born in 2015 by Robin Anders of NAI Tri Properties— also of the band LowBröw, which would perform at holiday office parties—and Brian Farmer of Lee & Associates. Together, the duo thought the event would be a great way to “combine our love for live music with our friendships in the commercial real estate industry, and give back to our local community at the same time,” says Anders. “No one else was doing this, and we had no guard rails to go by, but we bet big.”
And, so, the duo hosted the first Battle of the Broker Bands to benefit the Food Bank of NC at now-closed Southland Ballroom—and have been participants in their respective bands and active on the planning committee ever since.
“In the past two years, we’ve raised $66K for four amazing charities with the help of 28 donors, TRAOBA members and the entire brokerage community,” boasts TRAOBA board member Ginny Hager. To boot, the org has raised over $111,000 since the initial event.
At this year’s benevolent battle, APATT’s The Travelin’ Table food truck will be dishing out eats to fuel your rhythm as you cast your vote on the four bands (at least one member of which must be an active broker)—though “the real winner is the charities,” maintains Hager, adding: “It’s just a really good way for industry people that all work for different companies to come together for the greater good.” Rock on! traoba.org; lincolntheatre.com
“Battle of the Broker Bands is my absolute favorite networking event of the year. From performing with a band in 2019 to serving on the board from 2023 to 2024, this event has been instrumental in building valuable professional and personal relationships, all while having a ton of fun!” —Ginny Hager, TRAOBA board member
From the same team behind Rocky Top Catering, the Big Apple-inspired spot boasts sandwiches made with freshly baked bread, housesmoked meats and fresh cheeses—pro tip: The chicken Parmesan cutlet and prosciutto di Parma are faves. Not to mention breakfast bagels (hey, pork roll, egg and cheese!), salads and more for those passing through or just proximal and in need of a quick breakfast or lunch.
“Our goal is to provide our customers with high-quality, delicious food that transports them straight to the heart of New York City,” says GM Sean Degnan, also known for now-closed bu•ku, so•ca and kō•än.
More than just a deli, the casual shop also offers sandwich trays, boxed lunches and breakfast platters ideal for catering your next work event or friendly soiree. And no matter what, don’t forget to grab some of the New York-famous black-and-white cookies for the road. Ready to “hop on the sammich train?!” unionstationdeliandcatering.com
Game on and eat up at these hot spots a short jaunt outside city lines.
Tap It Social House WENDELL
Tap into fun at this “pour, roll, play” entertainment destination offering a plethora of ways to get social. Gather your crew for a round or two of duckpin bowling, or take a trip down memory lane via 40+ arcade games with ticket winnings for lucky ducks to trade in for sweet prizes. Naturally, bevvys are only a tap away thanks to the self-pour wall (NTM housemade cocktails at the bar), and when hunger strikes, hit up the self-serve candy station or cotton candy robot (!)—or snack on the likes of burgers, paninis, flatbreads, shareable snacks and locally sourced ice cream. Ready to duck and roll out tapitsocialhouse.com
Photo courtesy of Tap It Social House
Sweet Talk Cafe APEX
Oh how sweet it is, indeed! This locally owned coffee + dessert shop turns on the charm via traditional espresso bevs, teas and specialty drinks like the Sugar Crunch Latte sprinkled with Korean-style golden toffee, or the iced Vietnamese-style Cafe Sua Da topped with sea salt cream (it’s giving pandemic flashbacks). Upping the sweet factor even more are Belgian-inspired croffles in flavors like strawberry, churro and matcha; and Bingsoo, aka milk-based shaved ice—the Choco Dream made with brownies, Oreos, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream is, well, a dream for those with a major sweet tooth. sweettalkcafenc.com
El Tesoro CHAPEL HILL
Mexican food for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Say less. The newly bowed Mexican grill prides itself on diverse comfort recipes made by the owners’ mothers, from authentic takes on pozole, enchiladas, quesabirria tacos and tacos al pastor to classics like ACP, quesadillas and burritos. Breakfast is available all day, so you don’t have to worry about setting an alarm (#Bless). Choose from hearty ops like huevos con chorizo, jalapeno relleno tacos, chilaquiles, and a loaded breakfast burrito that doesn’t stand a chance against a serious hunger strike—or a grueling hangover. Um, two, please. eltesoromex.com
Photo by Sebastian Herrera, courtesy of El Tesoro
State of Golf DURHAM
Tee up a good time sans weather stress via this modern indoor golf and sports simulator bar and lounge boasting top-notch tech—read: Full Swing multisport simulators feat. realistic countrywide golf courses, not to mention baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer and more. Less sports ball, more spirited fans can post up in the lounge seating and dunk into the fully stocked bar for craft cocktails, beer and the like—making for an ideal outing of sippin’ and swingin’ (or batting, balling, shooting and scoring…). Go sports-tainment! stateofgolfnc.com
The Can Opener DURHAM
Bull City’s first food truck park is already on a roll. The aptly named hot spot located next to the Can Opener Bridge is a mecca for casual food and bevs, with on-site Chick-N-Que, Bulkogi, Gussy’s, Queen Eggxpress and Andia’s Ice Cream churning out chicken sandos, wings and tenders; Korean BBQ; Greek street food; Seattle-style breakfast selects; and cold sweet treats, respectively. Not to mention ample indoor and outdoor seating just waiting for you to while the day away, plus a bar serving coffee, wine and 30 brews on tap. Think of it like an all-day choose-your-own-adventure definitely worth truckin’ out to Durham for. @thecanopenerdurham
