If you’ve already sleighed your way through our holiday pop-up coverage, you’re just in the nick of time, as a handful of holiday hooch spots add to the spirited roster.
Through Jan. 13, Clockwork is throwing its Santa hat in the ring with their annual Nutcracker pop-up with, you guessed it, a plethora of nutcrackers adorning every available surface. And mixing up festive drinks (hey tiramisu martini!) for all the jingle ladies—and gents—is recently crowned people’s choice winner at The Cocktail Classic, Kellie Corcoran.
If you’d rather hurry down the chimney in Durham, Corpse Reviver is here for it—until Dec. 31. “With nostalgic flavors, over-the-top holiday décor, and, most importantly, our signature warm and welcoming atmosphere, we transform into a whimsical Winter Wonderland in the heart of downtown Durham,” emphasizes co-owner Melissa Katrincic. Top off your white Christmas with spirited concoctions like Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, Poinsettia 75 and Glen Cocoa (you go, Glen Coco!) served in a winking take-home Santa mug.
And lighting the way in Cary through Jan. 12, The Side Door’s “Christmas on Kildaire” pop-up decorations would make even Clark Griswold tear up. Christmas aficionado and owner Anthony Rapillo helped in hanging over 1,200 feet of garland and over 1,000 Christmas ornaments to bring North Pole vibes south. “We believe [our pop-up] rivals any Christmas pop up in Raleigh,” Rapillo says—sounds like an excuse to see if he’s right.
Also through Jan. 12 and under Rapillo’s decorating tutelage is Flask Cocktail Bar who is lighting up the season. Rapillo recommends sipping on the christmas cookie Negroni, saying it’s “somehow exactly what you’d think it tastes like while remaining super balanced and not overly sweet.” Time to drink up, grinches.
Scott Crawford’s new steakhouse seamlessly blends the traditional and edgy.
Renowned chef/restaurateur Scott Crawford’s upcoming Crawford Brothers Steakhouse in Fenton isn’t just a nod to the nostalgia of steakhouses—it’s a redemption story for him and his brother. Growing up, the term “Crawford brothers” didn’t have the most positive connotation, he says. “We were trouble.”
Now, when the restaurant opens as soon as December, the name will showcase just how far the duo has come after facing adversity. “It’s fun to honor my family with the name of these restaurants—like Crawford and Son and Jolie—and Crawford Brothers is a nod to the nostalgia of where we ate as kids,” Crawford adds.
In addition to being an homage to special-occasion steak-dinner memories, the local celeb chef says he wants to do a steakhouse because it’s a tried-and-true model he can put his own spin on. Taking influence from hot spots like NYC’s 4 Charles Prime Rib and Chicago’s RPM Steak, his unique rendition will boast a classic foundation with a super-design-forward aesthetic that’s at once both edgy and mod yet warm.
“The theme was to put everything on display,” says Crawford, who collabed on the design with Liezl Pacult of Maurer Architecture, “from our vintage spirits to our wine to the meat to the kitchen—and do it in a way that is still refined and inviting, but with modern finishes. As we’re designing, we’re thinking of how we’re surprising and delighting people—and exceeding expectations.”
Those wow-factor details include a floor-to-ceiling “glass curtain,” or wall, on one side of the restaurant that’s visible from the street; an on-display wine library featuring wood-carved “lockers;” a prominent oval-shaped cocktail bar; and custom commissioned artwork by Thomas Sayre. Not to mention visibility from the street into the professional kitchen, from the main dining room into the dry-aging room, and from the semiprivate dining room into the kitchen.
“Just like all of our restaurants, [Crawford Brothers Steakhouse] will stand out with the attention to detail. And that’s across the board, from the design to the beef program to the cooking suite that’s visible from basically all sides to the bar program, wine program and level of service.” —Scott Crawford
Leaning more traditional, everything on the menu will be served a la carte—but with a Crawford spin, natch. Think aged and nonaged steaks, wagyu by the ounce from three different countries, a seafood tower, raw oysters, chilled crudos, short ribs, and creative sides. To pair, beverage manager Jordan Joseph is heading the cocktail program, featuring a robust wine list to boot.
Also in Crawford fashion—and a la traditional steakhouses—expect primo service. “Our goal for service is to make it fun, but also a very elevated experience,” he says, adding: “Just like all of our restaurants, [Crawford Brothers Steakhouse] will stand out with the attention to detail—and that’s across the board.” And, so, another Crawford treasure is born. crawfordbrotherssteakhouse.com
Cary’s Jennye Stirlen talks her thrilling journey on CBS’ The Summit.
You know the saying: “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you follow?” Usually a groupthink analogy or classic parental comeback, Cary local Jennye Stirlen experienced it as a call to real-life adventure.
No stranger to risk or adversity, The Summitstar moved solo to NC nine years ago—not to mention overcame cancer and addiction. Now, on CBS’ new hit show, the ever-brave contestant competes weekly against 16 strangers on a 14-day trek through the New Zealand Alps facing Antarctic winds, intense physical challenges and surprise twists at the will of the “Mountain’s Keeper”—all with a cool mill (collective) on the line.
It was a profound experience of personal growth, the fierce competitor tells RM. Ahead of the series finale Dec. 4, Stirlen reveals what it was like to take on The Summit.
How did you get involved in the show?
A casting director reached out with minimal details (really just that it would be challenging) and asked if I might be interested in participating. Having faced significant challenges in my life—surviving cancer, overcoming addiction in my family and losing 120 pounds—I saw this as another chance for growth. So, I said yes!
What was your adventure tolerance like before?
I enjoy being outdoors, but I lean more toward ‘glamping’ than traditional camping. This experience definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone.
How did you prepare?
I train in boxing, Muay Thai and judo daily. Knowing we’d be filming in New Zealand, I used an elevation mask while rucking to prepare for the altitude. I also did obstacle-course training, as I had no idea what to expect.
What was the day-to-day experience like?
The New Zealand mountains are stunning but unforgiving. The terrain was brutal, especially for inexperienced hikers. We hiked for miles each day, facing daunting obstacles while trying to stay in the game. It was physically, emotionally and mentally grueling.
What are some of your key takeaways?
This experience was challenging and exhausting, but it taught me a lot about myself and my capabilities. Extreme situations reveal parts of your personality you didn’t know existed. I discovered my ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and how deeply I can connect with people I’ve just met.
What have you been up to since?
As an MMA referee, I was eager to reconnect with my fight community here in Raleigh. I continue my education and training as an MMA referee, both locally and internationally. I’m also actively involved in the LGBTQ community, volunteering at local events to support and uplift others.
Watch Wednesdays at 9:30pm on CBS 17;Answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
If you thought Diced was a chain—think again. Thanks to the almost-immediate and widespread success of the salads, wraps and bowls mainstay—with a brand-new locale on Fayetteville Street—many don’t see the eatery for what it is: a locally owned joint born and bred in Cary.
“For the past nine years, I haven’t really put myself out there as a local business owner,” says founder and owner Michelle Woodward of her concept oft mistaken for a national franchise. “When building the brand, I tried to think of every little detail, so I think the consistency of the branding might have a franchise feel.”
Rewinding back to Diced’s origin story, as a former national and world champion college athlete, Woodward wanted to channel her ambition and dedication into something new—and aimed to fill a gap in the fast-food industry she observed during her athletic endeavors. “Diced is something I had always needed and wanted—a healthy, quick place that didn’t cut corners on freshness and quality,” she emphasizes.
So, fresh (!) out of college, the former gymnast crafted a menu and moved to Raleigh with just her vision for a health-conscious eatery, which quickly became a community fave. Now, the four locations (DTR, in addition to one on Oberlin Road and two in Cary) continue to answer the call for “fast food” that is both fulfilling and nutritious—read: a meal you can grab on-the-go to get your fill without counting calories or worrying about an upset stomach.
And curbing the true franchise vibe, the local joint has no plans to expand beyond the state. “We are going to stick to the Triangle for now and could potentially open locations in other NC cities,” maintains Woodward, adding, “Good ideas will never come to life without action. After that, it just takes a lot of commitment, patience and sacrifice to see it through—but it is worth it.” And we’re sure glad she stayed committed to the grind.dicedsalads.com
Raleigh clearly has a funny bone. Long before comedy clubs and stand-up was popular outside NYC and LA, our hometown had a history of bringing in improv and laughs. Think you know the Cap City’s sillier side? Raleigh comedy is calling—brush up on your facts!
1. The legendary Goodnights Comedy Club opened in 1983 on West Morgan Street. Which iconic comedian did not take the stage at the original intimate venue?
a. Robin Williams b. Jerry Seinfeld c. David Cross d. Ellen DeGeneres
2. Raleigh just has such a nice ring to it. Despite being called *Raleigh* Improv, where does the comedy club actually reside?
a. Garner b. Apex c. Cary d. Fuquay-Varina
3. Which NC comedian made an appearance in Office Christmas Party alongside Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston as an overly yappy taxi driver?
a. Fortune Feimster b. Jeanne Robertson c. Mamrie Hart d. Jacqueline Novak
4. “Indiana Jones wears one!” NC comedian Zach Galifianakis of The Hangover and Between Two Ferns was just one credit shy of graduating from which local university?
a. Shaw University b. William Peace University c. UNC Chapel Hill d. NC State University
a. Hardee’s b. K&W Cafeteria c. Smithfield’s Chicken ’N Bar-B-Q d. Biscuitville
6. The town of Mayberry featured in NC comedian and actor Andy Griffith’s The Andy Griffith Show is based on which NC small town?
a. Hendersonville b. Manteo c. Mount Airy d. Hillsborough
7. Apparently, laughter really is the best medicine. University researchers studied the effects of laughter using blood samples from students watching which NC funnyman’s stand-up routine?
a. Zach Galifianakis b. Jon Reep c. Gallagher d. Duncan Trussell
8. We all gotta start somewhere. Which iconic Raleigh venue was originally established as the largest A&P grocery store in 1936?
