Creamed Get those lungs—and stomachs!—prepped to scream for swirled ice cream with a twist. Dreamed up by Denee and Fitz Guerna, the Triangle’s first cereal-infused ice cream bar promises to send you back via scoops of all the nostalgic flavors of your childhood—think Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Reese’s Puffs and Fruit Loops. Pick your fave for a cone, cup or milkshake—then load up on toppings and drizzles. Talk about a sweet trip down memory lane! @creamednc
Oak City Deli & Grill No crumbs left? Bet. No silverware needed for these handhelds—which may or may not leave you a lil messy, but will def be oh so worth it. Brought to the streets by NC’s fan-fave Breeze Thru markets, the deli on wheels rolls out Carolina classics like the pork barbecue sandwich smothered in Cheerwine sauce; or Bright Leaf hot dog topped with chili, onion, slaw and mustard, natch. Just don’t forget to relish the moment—and grab extra napkins! @oakcitydeliandgrill
DonutNV Prepare to be a-glazed! Sugar, spice and everything nice found via a batch of sweet offerings, from made-to-order hot mini doughnuts to freshly squeezed lemonade to seasonal hot and iced coffees. And you can bet the fun-size snacks are a hole in one thanks to flavors like maple bacon, Oreo, rainbow sprinkles and Fruity Pebbles. Plus, since the truck is fitted with a viewing window for customers to watch the sweet treats being made in real time, you’ll get dessert and a show. @donutnvraleighnc
Fishin’ Shrimp There may be lots of fish in the sea, but rest assured there’s only one Fishin’ Shrimp. Catch it right here in the Triangle thanks to Bracy and Bridget Dutton, Maryland natives who are rolling out shrimply delicious seafood specialties. Baskets full of fried shrimp, fish, crab balls and the like promise to hook you (and reel you in for more). @fishinshrimp
Get your fill of empanadas at these Raleigh spots.
“I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine…” Empanadas—aka those half-moon-shaped pastries stuffed with a variety of sweet and savory flavors—are having a moment. From spiced beef to sweet corn to bacon and eggs, Raleigh has no shortage of tasty pies just as good on the go as at a sit-down meal with a marg. Say less. Here, handpicked local spots to up your snack game.
The Arepa Bar “It’s always better when we’re together.” … For a match made in heaven, choose your own duo of fillings via the authentic Better Together Corn Empanadas. It’s corn! @thearepabar
Che Empanadas For a little slice of Argentina, bite into pocket-size joy—er, any of Che’s flavor-filled empanadas (think al pastor, shepherd’s pie, potato knish…). Chimichurri dipping sauce on the side, natch. @che_empanadas_nc
Mike’s Nice Empanadas What’s in your pocket? If it’s not this authentic food truck’s Boricua, Pollo Loco, birria or cheese empanada (or, heck, all of the above), you’re doing it wrong. @mikeniceempanadas
Makus Empanadas When Harry Styles said “you’re so golden,” he was def talking about these bad boys, filled with everything from beef to chicken to pork chimichurri to sweet corn. @makusempanadas
Taco Bamba By night, fulfill the “American Dream” via a carne asada flavor bomb, and, by morning, dive into the B.E.C. with fancy sauce. Iggy Azalea would surely approve. @tacobamba
Pana’s Flavor Proudly the “biggest empanada in the Triangle,” your choice of chicken, beef or cheese is packed to the brim into a soft pastry shell—making for a massive flavor bomb (!). @panasflavor
Where to get your craft beer, Chinese food and sweet treat fix this month
Notes Coffee House APEX
“Mirror in the sky, what is love?” If, to you, it’s music and coffee, enter your new fave cafe. Deliver a buzz to the tune of signature lattes named after famous musicians and songs, like the Fleetwood Macchiato and Lavender Haze latte—not to mention additional coffees, teas and the like. Owner Ramona Cox, an Apex local and former musician, traded her successful career in music for the best of both worlds: running a coffee shop located in Rock ’n Roll High School, a premier music and performing arts instruction center. And rest assured, the brews taste so good you’ll have to jump an octave. notescoffeehouse.com
Proximity Brewing Company DURHAM
Don’t worry, be hoppy! Durham’s first Black-owned brewery boasts a menu of IPAs and ales brewed in tandem with other NC and Southern beermakers—with rotating guest taps to boot. The taproom is brew-tiful, naturally, complete with indoor bar, lounge, and shared outdoor patio with Mike D’s BBQ and Congress Social Bar—so, perfect proximity, if you will. Raising the bar even further are stand-up comedy nights and a lineup of rotating food trucks. Hold me closer… proximitybrewing.com
Tonya’s Cookies and Bake Shop CHAPEL HILL
We’ll have what Oprah’s having. Recognized by the icon herself for its bestselling pecan crisp cookie (!), the famous shop is a one-stop dessert destination for cookies, pies, cakes, doughnuts and local artisan products to boot. The granddaughter of local legend Mama Dip, owner Tonya Council is continuing the legacy with sweets sure to make their own mark. And we guarantee they’ll make your list of favorite things too. tonyascookies.com
W.E.L.D. CARY
Uncork a taste of family fun by heading to this neighborhood bar and bottle shop pouring up 13 rotating beers on tap, a plethora of wines by the glass, and bottles and cans to go—NTM juice boxes for the littles! Headed by Lochmere locals and industry experts Laura and Darin Bernaert, the dynamite duo named W.E.L.D. after the first initial of their family’s first names, including kiddos Waylon and Esme—and they’re committed to offering a warm W.E.L.D. welcome to all. After all, it’s the family way! weldwineandbeer.com
Chengdu 7 CARY
Always in the mood for noods. Get twisted on authentic handpulled varieties served up in myriad Sichuan styles—at least seven, and then some. Also not to be slept on are the traditional Chinese dishes served up for lunch and dinner—think chile oil dumplings, pan-fried scallion pancakes, pork fried rice and sesame chicken, to name just a few. In essence, oodles of fab fare for a delish dine-in or a tasty takeout moment. Pro tip: Snag a table with a view of the noodle-making process. chengdu7cary.com
Fall in love with these seasonal food and drink specials during the month of love.
Calling all lovebirds, galentines and palentines! If you’re anything like us, you may be itching to ditch those candy conversation hearts (unless we’re talking about the hilarious and all-too-real situationship limited-edition Sweethearts) and celebrate love month with something a touch more elevated.
Lucky for us, Raleigh touts the total package when it comes to delish V-Day bites and bevs—and you’ll no doubt fall head over heels for these perfectly pink and seasonal potions and specials around town. It’s giving love at first sight!
The Parlor at Heights House Love rules at the Love Shack, and The Parlor knows that game all too well. Slide through with a gaggle of pals or your better half to sample your way through the lineup of Cupid-approved pink cocktails on the menu. Choose from the fruit-forward tequila-based Love Potion, the vodka- or gin-based Stupid Cupid feat. bright flavors, the Rosemary Me (no explanation needed!), or the Heightened Prosecco polished off with a touch of rosé and roses. Hey, sip happens!
Whiskey Kitchen x Videri Chocolate “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” … Get curious this month at Whiskey Kitchen by testing out pairings of decadent chocolate, such as the Tanzania Single Origin bar, alongside a selection of spirited sips including Woodinville Straight Rye. Could anything be sweeter?
Sassool Cafe Hummus lovers’ hearts (and bellies) are sure to feel full via the crowd-fave chocolate-covered figs and back-by-popular demand Heart Beet hummus, a tantalizing take on the Mediterranean cafe’s OG recipe—infused with the red root veggie and lots of love, natch. It truly cannot be beet.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar Treat the bestie, the boo or yourself to the sweetest deal of all: $5 cherry chocolate shakes—only on Feb. 14. Alexa, play “Today Was a Fairytale.”
Flying Biscuit Cafe Paint the town—er, breakfast, red. Jet over to the Village District’s buzzy breakfast outpost for delectable homemade red velvet pancakes topped with fresh strawberries and drizzled with cream cheese frosting. Um, yum! … And on V-Day itself, the resto is offering free (!) bread pudding with any purchase. Sweetest dreams: found.
Asali Desserts & Cafe It’s that time of year again when red velvet carpets are filling our feeds front to back—and this Cary dessert cafe is keeping up. Sip love in a cup via red velvet lattes and sample chocolate pomegranate cheesecake—NTM a host of Valentine’s treats to boot. TLDR: Three sips for lovely eats and drinks!
Brighten your winter with vibrant clothing, great reads and more.
Bookend your weekend—literally—with a great read and a brewski at Beow’s Books and Brews, a bar/independent bookstore combo inspired by great conversation and The Inklings, aka CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, Dorothy Sayers and more. Happy reading! @beowsbooks
Photo by Chris Blakenship
If your abode’s in need of some rejuvenation, look no further than Fenton’s recently bowed Rejuvenation, offering heirloom-quality lighting, sleek furniture and spunky rugs bright enough to beat the winter blues—plus a focus on superior craftsmanship that’ll class up any home aesthetic. @rejuvenation
Pardon our French (bulldog merch). If you’re a fan of Frenchies, stop byJ & J Frenchies to stock up on bulldog-themed candles and wax melts to bring some puppy love (and a sweet aroma!) into your home. No bull! @jandjfrenchies
You can never have too many bags. Crabtree Valley Mall’s forthcoming Brahmin takes luxury leather goods to the next level via an array of totes that’ll elevate any outfit—from trendy metallic mini bags to timeless black totes. Time to purse shop till you drop!@brahmin
Built for bookworms on a budget, North Raleigh’s new bookstore, Wanderlust Books, marks all its used reads for a mere $5, so guests can dive into untapped tales and knowledge without breaking the bank—NTM stock up on local art and goods. How lit. @wanderlustbooksnc
Picture this: Caitlin Cary’s curated and constantly changing selection of art Pocket Gallery is sliding over to City Market to continue to display local Raleigh artists and artisans. Talk about a perfect image! @pocketgallery_raleigh
Photo by Caitlin Cary
The ’70s are so back. Dress to the nines—and feel like a dancing queen!—in Fenton’s recently opened Johnny Was’ bold and chic boho floral-inspired ’fits perfect for the “sophisticated and free-spirited.” Free and fashionable, indeed! @johnnywas
