Catch spring fever via new Raleigh-based flower arranging + sipping class.
Sip. Snip. Bloom. Consider recently bowed Bubbles & Blooms’ tagline your late spring/summer MO. The local flower-arranging biz meant to be enjoyed while sipping on your favorite bev—boozy or not—hosts designer-led step-by-step classes either at your home or at an event venue. All supplies are provided—just grab your petal-loving pals and drink(s) of choice and *rose* (rosé?!) to the occasion.
“Arrangements can be curated to fit any event or location,” says owner and interior designer Leah Filomena. “Whether it’s a centerpiece for a dinner party or a welcoming bouquet in the foyer, flowers have a personality that can set the tone for the room. I love learning how people are going to display their arrangement and helping them customize the flowers accordingly.” Bloom, baby, bloom! bubblesandbloomsnc.com
Pour one out for COVID—and pour it up for NC’s bars.
The NCBar and Tavern Association cheers the recent Appeals Court ruling as NC’s private bars and taverns finally have cause to celebrate. A long time coming, the court ruled the “science and data” put forth by the governor did not support forcing private bars to remain shuttered for an entire year because, as the state argued, they were “more likely to spread COVID,” while 6,000+ restaurant bars, wineries, breweries and hotel bars were allowed to reopen.
At the time, private bars had no protection—or association—like that of their restaurant/hospitality peers. Enter longtime bar owner Zack Medford—aka “Mayor Medford” for his vast efforts—who began a bar association and was a driving force to galvanize the movement locally, lobbying for bars and taverns, and organizing electrifying rallies.
“North Carolina’s Constitution provides for equal treatment under the law, and we didn’t receive it. … Bar owners paid that terrible price, and we are still a long way from ever recovering.”
—Zack Medford, NCBATA President
Fast-forward to June 4, 2020, NCBATA filed a lawsuit on behalf of the 185 businesses to reopen under the same rules as restaurant bars. Of those 185, 168 remained in the case during the appeal.
“It’s a bittersweet victory,” says NCBATA President Zack Medford. “We are celebrating the win, but I just wish it never would’ve been necessary to involve the courts in the first place.” If Gov. Cooper had reopened private bars and taverns alongside restaurant bars, breweries and hotel bars, “then many bars like Coglin’s Raleigh and Isaac Hunter’s Tavern might still be around,” he mourns. “Instead, hundreds of small business owners across the state lost their life savings, their bars and their way of life because the governor deemed it safe to drink a beer sitting at a restaurant’s bar, but unsafe to drink that same beer sitting at a tavern.”
As for what’s next, the case will return to trial court, where Medford hopes damages are afforded to the state’s private bar owners. “While the court can’t go back in time and give bars the same opportunity the governor gave restaurants, the court can asseses monetary damages for these small businesses owners,” he maintains. “For many of us, it will be too little too late—but these operators at least deserve some kind of financial relief from the state.” Let’s hope the cause for cheers continues.
One of Wilmington’s most popular coffee shops is coasting into Raleigh.
Raleigh is getting a little taste of the coast—literally—as Ocean Isle Beach-founded Drift is, ahem, drifting into Ridgewood Shopping Center this summer. Finally, you won’t have to drive ~two hours for those ’Grammable lattes or bangin’ breakfast burritos (#bless).
The brainchild of UNCW alums and brothers Ben and Michael Powell, the buzzy coffee shop and kitchen brewed up out of burnout. After years of competing and traveling across the globe as part of the World Surf League qualifying series, Michael began to feel jaded with the sport. “I realized I wanted something else,” he recalls, asking himself at the time: “How do I find satisfaction without winning?”
Naturally, he found inspo in a cup of coffee—where lots of great ideas percolate. But beyond shored wave ambitions, the eager former surfer credits Einstein, Mozart and other historical caffeinated and impactful intellectuals as additional inspo.
“I got really interested in the product,” says Michael of his burgeoning love for java, which began during his travels—especially in Australia. “I just felt super taken care of and got inspired. There was just this awakening of life and it was attached to coffee.”
Ultimately, Down Under is the vibe Drift echoes via its signature lean into modern wellness—physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual. “Our mission is to inspire modern wellness through coffee, food and connection,” he maintains.
At the forefront, find that health-focused food and bev menu, which Michael says the brand is continuing to dive deeper into at an affordable price point. To wit, the upcoming Raleigh cafe will mirror the full-service menu found at Drift’s Wrightsville Beach location, with scratchmade breakfast, brunch, lunch and coffee (s/o local Black & White Coffee Roasters!) selects—plus an expanded, more decadent food menu and cocktails as well. In addition to the cult-favorite breakfast burritos, popular food ops include the fried chicken sandwich, Nutella French toast, eggs Benedict, and sweet and savory bowls.
“Doing [the modern wellness concept] around the ritualistic nature of coffee and breakfast is providing that one-stop shop to feel comfortable, feel taken care of, and to be served products that align with that individual’s values,” emphasizes Michael.
That comfort is of course best served over beachy vibes, complete with Drift’s token laid-back, inviting atmosphere—not to mention a patio ideal for soaking up the sun on a warm day.
“We already serve a lot of people from this community,” adds Michael—“and we’re eager to be in a new market and serve people healthy, fun and delicious options.” Get ready to catch the drift. driftcoffee.kitchen
Summer is right around the corner and temps are already rising—so, naturally, you’re also gonna wanna turn up the heat when it comes to your wardrobe. Whether you’re sticking around the City of Oaks this season, headed to the beach or gallivanting around the globe, these are the staples you should stock in your closet, according to local fashionistas. Alexa, play “Burnin’ Up” by the Jonas Brothers.
Maxi Dress • You can’t go wrong with a flowy maxi dress—period. “Throw it on and dress it up for a special event, or down with a pair of sandals,” suggests Charlotte’s owner Stephanie Sneeden. To boot, maxis are having a moment and abound in almost any color, pattern or style. NTM the accessory ops are endless—from jewelry (the more layers the better) to hats (go straw for major beach vibes) to shoes (sneakers, heels or flip-flops—oh, my!).
Cuffed Denim • It’s still cuffing season (*wink, wink*). Uniquities Marketing Director Carly Romano says the trend is going to be, well, hot this season thanks to its flattering silhouette—think high waist and wide-leg cut. Plus, it’s a staple that can be worn for both casual and fancy occasions. Short girlies rejoice!
Summer Heel • A sweet summer heel easily takes you from day to night, maintains Monkee’s of Raleigh Business Administration & Accounts Manager Johnna Dodd. Opt for one you’d actually want to wear all day—neutral toned and with just a slight heel that won’t destroy your foot by hour four. Bonus points for texture!
Culinary marvel La Terrazza is opening May 1. Here, a first taste.
The Dillon rooftop dining is almost here—and by extension, with La Terrazza, Raleigh’s food and bev scene is reaching new heights… literally. Easily the most regal restaurant real estate to ever be realized in the City of Oaks, Samad Hachby’s long-awaited highly anticipated dining destination in the sky is officially opening at the upscale building’s rooftop May 1.
Serving up a spectacular experience from atop the ninth floor amid Raleigh’s skyline, “the terrace,” as the resto’s Italian name translates, promises a truly unparalleled yet approachable dining experience—an intent that was absolutely critical to Mulino mastermind Hachby.
First entry into the culinary marvel will no doubt spark a jaw-dropping “wow” thanks to the dining room’s gray and white-patterned Italian stone walls and floors, complemented by vibrant orange bar stools and chairs procured straight from Italy (think Marini tiles, Ciam bar, Perla furnishings). Once tucked in, the authentic and transportive fare will have you checking your location—while the impeccable service and alluring grand-scale atmosphere (and price point) make the space perfect for a special occasion or no occasion at all. Read: Even a random Wednesday—that approachable.
A project years in the making, Hachby’s grandiose yet welcoming rooftop renaissance is inspired by his and executive chef Jean Paul Fontaine’s travels and cultures. “The experiences we have been through—whether traveling, dining or working—have allowed us to have the vision necessary to produce menus and hospitality that are essential,” muses Fontaine, a four-decade hospitality industry veteran, most notably of Mulino. (And revolutionary—fun fact: The dynamic duo even installed a bonus pair of AI ovens straight out of your futuristic foodie fever dream.)
For his part, Hachby has long made travel his muse—known to draw the essence of those alluring and authentic spaces and flavor we savor from R&D out in the world. Hence, Mediterranean and Southern Italian offerings will reign supreme on La Terrazza’s menu, including a star-studded lineup of housemade fresh pasta dishes, pizzas, salads and proteins—plus appetizers like charcuterie, fritto misto, crudo, octopus and roasted cauliflower.
La Terrazza’s impassioned spirits program further accentuates its commitment as an approachable all-occasion destination. With two dedicated bars floating in the sky—an alfresco rooftop terrace and an interior bar amid floor-to-ceiling glass window surrounds—the space is intentionally designed to encourage patrons to stop in for a casual drink and/or snack, whether as the main event or before or after DTR dinner reservations.
And bringing the sparkle, the thoughtful Champagne program adds effervescence to the experience. Those bubbles—alongside a full wine and cocktail program—are a draw on their own, thanks to separate coolers for white, red and sparkling wines.
With that trifecta (food/bev, atmosphere, service), La Terrazza is poised to bring Raleigh’s F&B scene to new heights. “I am humbled,” maintains Fontaine. … “This opportunity is very similar to a blank canvas, which allows me to highlight my experience, as well as continue my culinary journey and the process of service, artistry and gratitude.” Consider Raleigh’s food and beverage bar raised. laterrazzaraleigh.com
