WEB EXCLUSIVE Restaurants in the Triangle that are open on Christmas Day or offering Christmas dinner to-go
If you’re having a turkey disaster on Christmas Day (like, say, a pack of rabid dogs devour your perfectly cooked bird a la A Christmas Story…) or just really don’t feel like cooking, the following Triangle restaurants—which will be open on Christmas Day or offering Christmas dinner to-go—have you covered.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Before or after holiday shopping, grab a bite to eat at one of Crabtree’s many restaurants that are sure to satisfy every palate.
By Misty Milioto
Reminiscent of a Tuscan Villa, Brio Italian Grille’s Italian-inspired décor sets the stage for authentic Northern Italian cuisine made with only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Choose from an assortment of appetizers like calamari, tomato caprese and lobster ravioli; soups and salads; Land & Sea selects such as premium-quality steaks, lamb chops and seafood; made-to-order pasta; and flatbreads prepared in an authentic Italian wood-burning oven. And don’t forget dessert! Tiramisu, warm chocolate cake and vanilla gelato provide the perfect sweet bite post brunch, lunch or dinner. 4325 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 5005, Raleigh, 919.589.1280, brioitalian.com
At Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, guests will find an array of signature steaks (all cuts of the finest USDA prime beef), seafood, an award-winning wine list and desserts. On Tomahawk Tuesdays, Fleming’s offers a prix fixe menu including two starters, a 35-ounce prime Tomahawk steak to share, sides and more ($135 for two guests). 4325 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 5004, 919.571.6200, flemingssteakhouse.com
For a seasonally inspired menu that highlights ingredients sourced at their peak, Seasons 52 is your go-to fresh grill and wine bar with an ever-changing collection of more than 100 wines, (52 available by the glass), plus artisanal spirits and craft beer to boot. Happy Hour is every weekday from 4 to 6:30pm. 4325 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 2100, 919.787.3052, seasons52.com
For something a bit more adventurous, grab a seat at Kanki Japanese House of Steak and Sushi. The menu of teppanyaki and sushi is prepared with only the best cuts of meat; the freshest seafood; crisp vegetables; and flavorful, light seasonings. And, of course, half the fun is watching the chefs at the hibachi tables. 4325 Glenwood Ave. Ste. 1070, 919.782.9708, kanki.com
And for those craving something more south of the border, Uncle Julio’s Mexican From Scratch is the place to be. With a commitment to fresh ingredients and handcrafted recipes, Uncle Julio’s offers swirled margaritas, sizzling mesquite-grilled fajitas, made-to-order guacamole and other Tex-Mex favorites (think enchiladas, tacos) and more. 4325 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 5008, 984.221.1333, unclejulios.com
For culturally-inspired Asian dishes in an upscale yet warm and inviting atmosphere, look no further than P.F. Chang’s. Signature menu items include Chang’s Lettuce Wraps, chicken pad thai, lo mein, Mongolian beef, and shrimp and pork dumplings. A variety of sushi, salads and soups grace the menu as well. And no lunch or dinner at P.F. Chang’s would be complete without some sake or the signature The Ornament cocktail. 4325 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 2089, 919.787.7754, pfchangs.com
Got a sweet tooth? Stop at The Cheesecake Factory post-holiday shopping to treat yourself to one of the 30-plus cheesecakes on offer. Balance out your meal with small plates, flatbread pizzas, salads, pasta dishes, “glamburgers,” steaks and/or seafood dishes. Come Saturday and Sunday brunch, you’re not going to want to miss out on the bruleéd French toast, eggs Benedict, or jambalaya hash and eggs. 4325 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 2086, 919.781.0050, locations.thecheesecakefactory.com
“Only the good die young.” Such is the instance for three local bartenders who recently passed tragically and unexpectedly, rocking the bar industry and their communities—all who had the pleasure to sit at their bars and have a drink.
Taking a moment of pause, we can all agree that besides the lights and the music and the atmosphere, one of the biggest draws to a seat at your fave bar is the person pouring your drink. And Rolando Pettigrew (Dram & Draught Greensboro), Chris Bromley (Little City Brewing) and Trey Pettis (V Pizza) were those big personalities that brought each of their bars to life. If you ever had the pleasure of interacting with these three, then you know the world has lost a few incredibly good men. Our thoughts go out to all their family and friends.
Here, we offer a tribute to each and ways for you to donate to the families left behind far too soon—and enduring the holiday season without them.
Rolo, as he was called, was an incredibly passionate bartender at Dram & Draught Greensboro. He leaves behind his young son, Mason, whom he loved dearly. Here is what the Dram & Draught team had to say about him after his tragic passing:
“There are so many things that we loved about Rolo, but what we loved most was the special connection he made with pretty much any and everyone… His giving nature built up everyone up around him to allow them to shine. He gave up his space and power to care for his people and create opportunity for them to grow, even if that meant putting them before himself… Of those he loved, Rolo loved his son so very much beyond all others and made tremendous sacrifices to make sure he was well taken care of and had the opportunity to be exposed to what Rolo loved most—from music to culture to restaurants.”
“He was family to us—and just a good kid,” says Jon Seelbinder, owner of Local Icon Hospitality (Little City Brewing + Provisions Co.) of manager Chris Bromley. From his wit and dry sense of humor to his kind heart, Chris left an indelible mark on his LCB team and all who knew and loved him.
Seelbinder goes on to describe Chris as having “become a quiet-spoken pillar of the Raleigh hospitality community. Often flying under the radar, Chris didn’t always realize how many friends and fans he really had… In Chris’s passing, we have lost a friend who was much too young to go. We have lost a unique soul that we will never forget. He would make us all laugh with his witty and dry sense of humor. We grew to respect his kind heart. We all grew to understand and love Chris even on his “grumpy” days. In fact, that made us love him even more. That is why we will also celebrate his life during this time.”
Donate to the Chris Bromley – Family Support and Memorial Fund here.
He’s been with V Pizza Cary since Day 1—after showing up to his interview late in his PJs (!) “with more confidence than he should have had, and a smile that was contagious,” says V Pizza owner Anthony Rapillo. “He claimed the rest of his clothes weren’t unpacked yet, and somehow still got hired on the spot. And that—that, was the epitome of who Trey was.”
Rapillo elaborates, “since the beginning, Trey has been the heart of our store. He is loud, and loyal, and funny. He cared about every single guest that walked through the door. But more important than that—he loved everyone he worked with. He quickly became our bar manager, and was so passionate about his job. … Trey was and will always remain a part of our family. Our culture wouldn’t be where it is without his impact. We wouldn’t be opening a second store without him.”
William Peace University kicked off the holiday season by inviting Raleigh to attend its holiday service and tree lighting ceremony.
Nov. 16
Peace on Earth—literally (!)—this holiday season at William Peace University. Open to all Raleigh residents, the lit evening included a holiday service led by WPU Chaplain Lee Carter, tree lighting (a 40-footer!) by University President Brian Ralph and general merrymaking by all who attended. Talking about setting the holiday “moodolph.”
Santa! I know him! The jolly ole elf was no doubt the star of the night as sweater weather and making merry together collided in festive fashion at Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s DTR Tree Lighting 2021 to kick off the holiday season. Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin set the tree aglow while spirited onlookers enjoyed live tunes and browsed the Triangle Pop-Up holiday market with vendors, nips and sips aplenty. And as a silver sponsor, Raleigh Magazine‘s Santa-neighboring tent was hopping with holiday buzz as we dished mags, swag—and toys for the littles waiting for their turn on Santa’s lap. See you next year, Raleigh. downtownraleigh.org
Want more festive photos? Visit here for photos from William Peace University’s 2021 tree lighting and holiday ceremony.
