Shameless plug. ICYMI we have a podcast—and it ranks in the top 10 of all podcasts (!)… so you’re gonna wanna hang with us. You’d be surprised what doesn’t— or can’t—make it into the mag. New episodes drop every Tuesday wherever you stream your faves. raleighmag.com/office-talk
RememberThis Is Love? Well before there was “love” there was crime (we know—it’s usually the other way around). From the makers of the warm & fuzzy podcast is its older sibling—the highly acclaimed and addictive award-winning true-crime podcast Criminal about people who’ve “done wrong, been wronged or gotten caught somewhere in the middle.” Getcha popcorn ready. thisiscriminal.com
If you’ve ever looked for answers in a bottle (no judgment!) this one’s for you. After a hiatus, spirited cocktail bar owners Mike Stojic and Joey Barbour (of Revival 1869 and Blind Barbour fame, respectively) make their eagerly anticipated return to deep dive into the curiosities that comprise bar life as they sip their way through “spirit, history and culture.” Like didja know our first prez had a distillery and loved rye whiskey and stout beers? We’ll cheers to that! barcurious.podbean.com
Don’t bop it till you’ve tried it. This much-missed Cards Against Humanity-styled pod—but with music categories (think: songs to sing to your ex via voicemail)—is back in all its hilarity, hosted by local stand-up legends Benjamin Malone and Jake Weddle. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” FTW! @battlebopspod
Beyond sipping gin for a good cause all month at our participating bar partners, please join us every Tuesday in April at 5pm for gin pop-up parties! Last year, Raleigh Magazine, in conjunction with our friends and partners, raised a whopping $16,000 toward the cause! Let’s up the ante!
Host and partner bars will donate 15% of every gin drink sold during April and at our pop-up events to our team! And if you don’t like gin, that’s OK… come hangout with us! In addition to feel-good fun, there will be ALS raffles and top-notch prizes! And if you can’t make it out but still want to contribute to our team, please donate here any time in April—100% of donations go directly to ALS NC Chapter.
Most people don’t know what ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) is or what it looks like until it touches their own family or friends.This month marks the one year anniversary of our staff being rocked by three simultaneous ALS passings in less than two weeks.
Please join us in our efforts to fight for future families for a cure against this cruel disease, as fundraising “drives bold and urgent innovation as we march together toward a treatment and ultimately a cure for ALS,” reads the association’s website.
In an effort to raise funds for research, treatments and family support services for those living with ALS, the North Carolina chapter of The ALS Association is also hosting a Triangle Walk on Saturday, April 23 for those wishing to participate.
DRINK WITH US TO FIGHT ALS!
WHEN: Tuesdays in April (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th), 5pm
MORE BAR PARTNERS: —Corpse Reviver in Durham will donate $2 of every gin and tonic purchased during April.
—Aunty Betty’s Gin & Absinthe Bar is also donating 15% of every gin drink ordered in April.
HOW TO DONATE:
—If donating to our team is more your speed, do so here—100% of donations go directly to ALS NC Chapter. We are raising funds the entire month of April.
ALS By the Numbers
ALS is 100% fatal. It can happen to any of us without warning. Incurable and progressive, the neurodegenerative disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness that leads to paralysis across all parts of the body. And the unfortunate fact is, chances are, someone you know or love will die from ALS.
100% fatal.
80% of cases begin between the ages of 40 and 70.
5,000+ people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year.
30,000: The estimated number of Americans who may have the disease at any given time
2 to 5 years: The life expectancy an ALS patient averages from the time of diagnosis
$200,000 per year: The average cost of care for ALS
Either you love Chicago, or you’re wrong. As a Raleighite who once transplanted there for two years, my heart is def stuck in a Chicago “loop”—and I guarantee the city won’t let you down.
Whether it’s your first time, or you’ve bean there, done that… the Windy City promises to make you a pretty big fan (had to). Speaking of fans… Cubs, Bulls and Bears—oh, my! On April 7, you “better get ready for a brand-new day,” as “baseball season’s underway.” Or hit up some Bulls action at United Center. (And come fall, have a Field Day cheering on da Bears at Soldier Field.)
Beyond sports, the Second City is teeming with culture, art, luxe retail, beautiful architecture (!), and plenty to do and drink and eat (too many to name to be frank).
Essentially, in the famed words of Anthony Bourdain: “They do things big… BIG I tells ya: Mike Ditka big. Michael Jordan big. Bill Murray big. Oprah! It’s one cultural Mount Everest after another.” Fact on facts. Here, from Wrigleyville to Downtown, we get you “in the loop” on the top must-do’s the next time you blow into the city.
The boys of summer are back! L-evate your experience and take your game day next level (literally) above the Friendly Confines while singin’ “Go, Cubs, Go” from your seats on the surrounding Wrigley rooftops. Then live like a local post-game and head to a nearby Wrigleyville pub for a(nother) Old Style. “Hey, Chicago, what do ya say. The Cubs are gonna win today!” wrigleyrooftopsllc.com
If it’s Frank Lloyd Wright, how can it be wrong? Seriously, if you haven’t been on this bucket-list tour through the Chicago river on Chicago’s First Lady ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the world’s best architecture (hey, “Corn Cobs”!), well, it’s a boat time. It’s billed as the No. 1 thing to do in the U.S. by TripAdvisor for a reason. architecture.org/tours
Selfies here or you weren’t in Chicago. Officially called Cloud Gate (cool beans, right?), this iconic work of art anchoring Millennium Park in the Loop is a must-see for its famed skyline reflections and surrounding greenspace. millenniumparkfoundation.org
If you were born to shop, the Mag Mile is your Shangri-la (luxe fashion & hotels! delectable dining!). But for nonshopaholics, it’s still worth the stroll for beautiful architecture, historic landmarks (Chicago Water Tower, Wrigley Building…)—and people-watching, natch. themagnificentmile.com
Whatcha talkin ’bout Willis Tower (aka formerly known as the Sears Tower)? Live life on the (l)edge at the Skydeck and Glass Ledge for views spanning up to four states (!)—and ’Gram posts you won’t regret. theskydeck.com
The Riverwalk is a vibe. Make time to meander this 1.25-mile stretch across the south bank of the Chicago River dotted with sublime alfresco dining and drinking affairs interspersed with public art, museums and plenty of places to play (kayaking!). chicagoriverwalk.us
Shedd Aquarium “Look nature in the eye” from this perch on the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown Chi-Town—housing 32,000-plus marine creatures, including sharks, sea lions and belugas. You’re whalecome. sheddaquarium.org
Answering Tom Hanks’ profound question of what the tide could bring (“Wilson!’) is this must-hang beach bar situated on North Avenue Beach behind the uberpopular volleyball courts serving (ahem) live tunes, DJs and drinks, natch. A seasonal treat, max the fun by renting a cabana—then walk over to Lincoln Park or Gold Coast and bar-hop. Hey, when in Chi-Town… castawayschicago.com
Trademarked as the People’s Pier, this 3,300-foot-long national treasure on the shoreline of Lake Michigan in Streeterville is its own eat, drink, play destination with plenty of events (think witnessing high-adrenaline flying sailboat racing come June), shopping, culinary adventures aplenty, cultural experiences… NTM more people-watching. And adrenaline junkies, be sure to hit up the immersive flight ride FlyOver when it debuts this fall. navypier.org
Porto | Jordan Balderas
Nibbles & SIPS
Slice, Slice, Baby
Giordano’s, Gino’s East, Lou Malnati’s. No matter how you slice it, Chicago is a deep-dish haven with plenty o’ upper-crust OG faves. And newcomer Peanut Park in Little Italy—from a pizza maestro whose family has decadeslong ties to the Italian dining scene—shines in a city full of standouts. Fun fact: Get Lou Malnati’s delivered to Raleigh for a cross-country taste of “home sweet home, Chicago.” peanutpark.com; loumalnatis.com
Primo cocktails perched 96 floors above the city on the Mag Mile in the historic 875 North Michigan Ave (formerly the John Hancock Center)? Yes, please. Find a better sunset—we’ll wait. signatureroom.com
Of all the virtues, this one reigns supreme… Chef Erick Williams has earned a loyal following for his Southern American cuisine in Hyde Park—and for good reason. virtuerestaurant.com
Topping everyone’s best lists right now is this 2022 James Beard semifinalist Filipino-inspired resto/bakery in West Town serving up some of the city’s best pastries and breakfast sandwiches in the morning, and a new Filipino tasting menu at night.kasamachicago.com
You don’t score your own fan site or cameo in The Breakup for nothing. Open for “curbside abuse” and high-quality street food, relish in this iconic hot dog stand with a side of insults. Vince Vaughn sightings possible. You’ll frank us for the memories. (Inside tip: Do not order ketchup.) wienerscirclechicago.com
This passion project from chef Marcos Campos and owner Daniel Alejandro Alonso is a Michelin-starred love letter to the Atlantic Coast of Spain and Portugal—and has amassed a cult following for its seasonal expressions, delectable seafood, wine, culinary cocktails… and “dreamy dining room.” Don’t miss the tasting menu. portochicago.com
Chicago Fire fans lookin’ for Molly’s Bar are gonna wanna belly up at the real-life Bucktown version, nee 1934, where all those bar scenes are filmed. lottiespub.com
For a night on the rocks, hit up this “not a whiskey bar” punk-rock venue in Lincoln Park “that serves a whole lotta whiskey”—like more than 800 lotta (plus cult classic movie screenings, local art displays, fests and more). For house party vibes, hit up the second floor, complete with pool table and Addams Family pinball machine. Rock on. delilahschicago.com
Salud!Star chef Rick Bayless whisks you from the beaches and Big Bus tours into the heart of Mexico for a welcome respite—“where chiles transform from a single-note spice to a symphonic full-body experience” and authentic cocktails aplenty promise to be the agave to your mezcal. And talent doesn’t fall far from the tree… as this sup spot sits beneath Michelin-starred Topolobampo from his daughter. We say, make room for both! rickbayless.com
Taking your trip to new heights is this hotel rooftop resto and open-air terrace with Great Lakes beach house year-round vibes overlooking The Bean with pano views of Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, the Art Institute of Chicago and beyond—dishing seasonally rotating fam-style comfort food, biodynamic wines and can’t-miss cocktails with large-format apothecaries. cindysrooftop.com
If you’re in the mood for Mexcellence—everyone is constantly taco about this top-notch taco spot from the owner of a beloved French restaurant. taqueriachingon.com
Post up on the Mag Mile’s Peninsula Hotel rooftop to live the luxe life at this new swanky lounge, which never fails to attract an equally swanky crowd with its iconic vistas and inspo from the world’s culinary and cultural riches. zbarchicago.com
If you’re looking to get funked up, perf pairing found. No pour decisions in this brand-new natural wine bar in the Loop, serving up some of the city’s most inviting and hard-to-find natural wines from around the globe. goodfunkchicago.com
For some Asian persuasion, this gorge lounge/Japanese dining bar in the West Loop dishes nips and sips with equal reverence in a serene setting. barkumiko.com
Situated beneath the hip Hoxton Hotel, this intimate sip spot dedicated to classic cocktails and the occasional live music (Thu.–Sat. evenings) is the basement bar we didn’t know we needed. No egrets. lazybirdchicago.com
Peace and Glenwood will soon be the site of a dynamic social hub—and Raleigh Magazine has the exclusive first look.
We’ve said it before, and it bears repeating, Glenwood South is Raleigh’s cash cow, and more than ever, the district is on fire—and expanding its footprint. But all of that development arguably has been within and east of Glenwood South’s center. Until now.
Extending the northern bookend of the buzzy district across Peace Street—what used to be your go-to annual auto inspection station is about to be your new go-to hangout destination. In a powerhouse partnership between developers CityPlat and Modalia Capital, in tandem with Local Icon Hospitality Group and Redline Design Group, that primo positioned slice of dirt in DTR is now, well, pay dirt—transforming the .32-acre dead space adjacent to Mellow Mushroom atop Glenwood South into a dynamic social hub.
The abandoned repair shop across from uber-popular Mellow Mushroom at one of Raleigh’s busiest intersections will now pave the way for the district’s (and city’s) newest hip hangout spot—completely transforming an otherwise dead zone atop Glenwood South.
Enter The Yard, upfitting the original building into a hip bar and small kitchen, surrounded by upward of 20 shipping containers—some multistories—filled with bars and unique food concepts spread among abundant outdoor space with fire pits, games and the like, and playing host to a rotating lot of food trucks. In essence, come early to mid-June, your new spot to meet up, chill out and hang out.
“It’s a great community gathering place,” says CityPlat’s G Patel, who’s been deeply involved in the Raleigh hospitality industry for over two decades. His intention, he says, has always been to bring unique concepts to our market that are pushing the boundaries a bit and really “maximizing the space we have while not overbuilding and overcrowding with a bunch of towers.”
Teaming up with Local Icon founder/owner Jon Seelbinder (think The Merchant, Virgil’s, Little City, to name a few), Patel says, was a no-brainer. “I know the individuals who can make a concept happen… and execute the best vision and use of the space,” he explains. “Jon’s been doing this as long as I have—he wholeheartedly deserves entire credit for really curating this concept and thinking outside the box.” (As well as literally inside the box in this case.)
“All involved parties are in a shared dialogue,” notes Patel—which, he says, “is where the magic happens.” With a longstanding MO of maintaining the essence of Raleigh while simultaneously pushing the envelope, Local Icon is primed to perfectly play out that shared vision. While the details are still being flushed out, Seelbinder and his team are flirting with three or four casual food concepts—tossing around opps from resurrecting their former famed Linus & Peppers sandwiches to a “really slick burger program.”
“Let’s make it vibe with Raleigh, but also make it unique in our way,” says Seelbinder. “Let’s make it elevated, but approachable. Let’s not go so over-the-top that it doesn’t resonate with our drinking community—but let’s do something really cool.”
The Yard no doubt taps into that cool factor. For its part, Redline Design Group is excited to be a part of such a unique opportunity to visually activate one of the most heavily trafficked intersections in DTR—and to “push the envelope through the reuse of old conex containers and convert them into usable structures,” says principal Jason Byrd.
But no matter what, “more than anything, it’ll be a cool outdoor drinking and hangout space,” says Seelbinder. “And I’m just really excited to bring it to Glenwood Avenue.” … And this is not just another Glenwood South bar. “We couldn’t think of a better way to bring folks together,” agrees Byrd. “We hope to see you there.” And they will.
Brand-new Raleigh-based sweet treat is set to sweep the nation.
Bringing new meaning to things that are “naturally”(bitter)sweet is the origin story behind brand-new direct-to-consumer Raleigh-based national sweets brand Spring & Mulberry.
Just launched March 22 from the brains of some of today’s top biz masterminds Kathryn Shah and Sarah Bell—former Pantone VP of global marketing and head of soft product development for Harry’s Grooming, respectively—the revolutionary wellness-minded modern food brand takes the category of treats next level via a simple ingredient list and wholly unique superfood sweet source serving up a decadent taste experience.
But the life recipe that inspired the brand recipe isn’t filled with all sweet moments. After a cancer diagnosis in her early 30s, co-founder Shah quit sugar and took a deep-dive into the healing power of food. While kicking cancer’s ass, the Harvard MBA-grad began experimenting with a trio of healthful ingredients to satisfy her sweet tooth—thus forming the foundation of these globally inspired sweet treats.
Transcending the idea of indulgence, these avant-garde goodies invite an exploration of flavor and depth. “Really the idea is to explore the beauty and the pleasure of whole pristine ingredients,” says Shah, “while showing off the spectrum of sweetness and depth of flavor that lies beyond sugar.”
And before you go thinking this is just another healthful snack biting into a saturated market—think again. Healthful—check. But this isn’t your monk fruit or latest fad sugar substitute. Instead, the local female power duo delivers the first-to-market date-sweetened chocolate bar in all its rich, velvety goodness—with zero grams of added sugar.
“I’m personally really a fan of dates,” says Shah. “They are just so good for you. They’re packed with nutrition—and they have this jammy, caramelly flavor, which is just so lovely.”
With a base of just three organic ingredients—cacao beans and cacao butter making up the other two—the chocolate shines through in this handcrafted bar. Dropping in five fab flavors that would make Wonka proud (“The strawberries taste like strawberries!”), the bars harbor a host of high-quality ingredients—think lavender, bee pollen, tropical fruits and spices—to round out the pentad of evocative offerings. And—no shortcuts here—they don’t sleep on spice either, sourced directly from Spicewalla in Asheville.
“I’m so excited to put it out in the world,” says Shah. As are we all. To start, the fix is in online, as the brand launches via its website, and at select trendy specialty food stores and lifestyle boutiques locally and in select national markets to follow (stay tuned to the website for deets). The brand is also big on Raleigh—and on community—and is primed to continue to partner for pop-ups and the like (think a potential Mother’s Day chocolate and wine tasting at Hartwell Market).
And while you stay tuned for what’s beyond the bar, one thing is certain: “any product that we launch will kind of follow a similar mantra.” $15 each, gift packs: $45 for three & $75 for five flavors, springandmulberry.com
