Where to sip, sup, shop and more outside Raleigh this month
1. SipCha APEX + CARY Giving us boba-flies is this Taiwanese bubble/fruit tea and Thai rolled ice cream shop—rolling out fresh and refreshing sweet treats a la Eastern flavors now at two Triangle locations. Whether you’ve got a hankering for slurping some boba bubbles, are in the mood for something fruity, or want to embrace your milk tea moment—this cute Asian sweet spot has an op for you. … And we love it so matcha. sipchaboba.com
2. Bombolo CHAPEL HILL Sibling dream team Garret Fleming and Eleanor Lacy—of now-shuttered fan-fave Big Belly Que fame—are back at it, opening this rustic European-style bistro featuring bold dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Top Chef alum Fleming, who serves as executive chef, has been “intentionally experimental” with the menu, creating a collection of fare and flavors with influences ranging from France to Southeast Asia. And with Lacy overseeing the dessert/wine program to boot, this ambitious endeavor is sure to satisfy patrons of all palates. It’s giving “Be Our Guest” a la Beauty and the Beast… and we’re ready to pull up a chair.bombolochapelhill.com
3. Bean Traders Coffee Roasters DURHAM Hey, boho babes and bros. If you’ve bean craving a cozy eclectic space to settle in for a study sesh and snag some serotonin—er, caffeine—this warm, hipster-esque spot boasting delish baked goods, high-quality coffee and amaze vibes is for you. And the java joint clearly runs on love, as husband-wife owners Christy and Dave Chapman met when she served him a cold-brew coffee, after which he dedicated himself to learning and loving the coffee craft—finding his passion and getting the girl in the process (!). So clearly, all you need is peace, love and beans… beantraderscoffee.com
4. The Friend’s Table FAYETTEVILLE You’re gonna wanna grab a seat at this table. Started by Portia Grady and Mahalia Robinson, this welcoming sup spot offers an upscale appetizing experience through high-end Southern comfort breakfast + brunch eats such as chicken and waffles, fried deviled eggs, and bacon-wrapped salmon, to name but a few delish dishes (don’t sleep on the brunch shots either!). Created with an eye for “cuisine, culture and curating creative spaces,” the friendly atmosphere and fab fare form the ideal recipe for the “Good Life,” indeed. thefriendstable.com
5. Benny’s Billiards & Sports Bar CARY Calling all ballbusters! Belly up to this sporty and sociable watering hole for sports, brews and your classic bar grub for a night out shooting the breeze—er, billiards. Find 10 pool tables, an in-house cash league and darts for the activity-seekers, plus a fully stacked bar, beer on tap and kitchen offerings for the foodie fanatics… or those who simply appreciate an order of wings or fried fare (pro tip: sharing is caring!) after a drinking sesh. Fun fact: This bar is named after a precious pup (!). Would you hit that, cue-ball? bennysbilliards.com
New rooftop bar brings daytime Mediterranean and nighttime dance-party vibes to Fenton.
Mediterranean oasis ambience? Check. Dance parties? Check. Impeccable rooftop views? Check. No matter what vibe you’re after, you can have it all—and then some—at AVA Rooftop Bar, slated to open in Fenton Friday, April 7.
Developed by the same team that brought us uberpopular Sports & Social and PBR Cary (and located on the building’s rooftop), AVA will round out a trifecta of impressive entertainment venues.
“The Sports & Social and PBR concepts have been so well received. They’ve been an overnight success,” says Live! Hospitality & Entertainment SVP of Strategic Partnerships Judy Moore. “It’s just kind of gone to the races, so we’re so excited to open the last piece of our entertainment concepts [at Fenton].”
And AVA is sure to become another community favorite with those unparalleled sunset views—thanks to the strategic design of the rooftop space, where guests can join in on a daily sunset toast or stretch away the stress with monthly sunset yoga. It’s also the perfect spot to snap those sun-drenched golden-hour photos. “There’s a ton of Instagrammable moments,” adds Moore.
Not to be outshone by the sun, AVA will also feature can’t-miss Mediterranean-inspired food and drink menus. Executive chef John Suley, the same brain behind the food at Sports & Social, has crafted a menu of light bites with shareable ops like a mezze platter, a dip spread with hummus and baba ganoush, cauliflower tabbouleh, and grilled skewers.
The ’tails will focus on classics with a Mediterranean spin—think a gin and tonic with olive- and herb-forward Gin Mare, rosemary, and lemon. But the real highlight, according to Moore, will be the wine list. With several master sommeliers on the development team, you can expect a killer array of “light and fresh” wines “perfect for sipping outside”—plus wine specials on Wednesdays. #WineWednesday anyone…?
For the aspiring sommeliers and wine newbies alike, AVA will also host monthly pop-ups like chocolate and cheese pairings, tastings, and more, where you can learn about and sample your favorite wines—or, better yet, find a new fave. And you’re going to want to go ahead and mark your cals for Bubbles and Pearls on Friday nights, which will include freshly shucked $2 oysters and $5 glasses of bubbly.
So whether you’re looking for a chill spot to enjoy a glass of vino, chat with friends, or even catch some golf or tennis on TV, AVA is set to be your new oasis—during the day, that is. When the sun sets, the bar will have live DJs select nights to get you hyped for an energetic dance party. So the sun goes down… and “after 9 o’clock, the energy comes up,” says Moore. Time to unwind—or hit the dance floor. Or both?avarooftopbar.com
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and a new locally available blood test makes it easier than ever to go get screened—no but(t)s about it.
Now that you’ve set your clocks forward for daylight saving time, donned your St. Patty’s Day green and had your March Madness bracket busted, there’s only one more item to check off this month’s to-do list: Get screened for colon cancer. That’s right—March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, aka your annual reminder to schedule that colonoscopy starting at age 45 for those with average risk for the disease.
If reading that last sentence immediately filled you with dread (sorry!), we have some good news. Although a colonoscopy is still considered the most effective way to screen for colon cancer, there are several other options designed for people who may be inclined to skip this critical check due to fear, affordability or another reason—because the most important thing is to get screened, no matter which method you choose. When caught early, colon cancer remains one of the most treatable forms of cancer.
One of those options is the first-of-its-kind Colorectal Cancer Screening Blood Test, which is available exclusively at Any Lab Test Now, a leader in providing direct access to lab testing services with convenient locations in Raleigh, Cary and Durham. Fast, easy and, frankly, way less gross than a fecal-based exam, the groundbreaking test helps fill a void in the prevention and early detection of this deadly disease.
“Our Colorectal Cancer Screening Blood Test is a game changer,” says Glory Gallucci, the owner of Any Lab Test Now’s three Triangle-area locations. “It’s very effective with no nasty prep, no going under anesthesia; just a simple blood draw from the arm is all that’s needed.” And, at only $379, it’s practically a steal compared to many of the other commercially available noninvasive screening tests.
The test works by scanning for three protein markers in the blood that are highly associated with the presence of colorectal cancer. The entire process only takes about 15 minutes, and you can call and make an appointment online or simply walk in. “You get results back in 10 days, and we encourage you to share those results with a medical provider,” Gallucci explains.
As the rate of colorectal cancer in people younger than 50 continues to rise—take the late Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at age 39 and tragically passed away at 43—the experts at Any Lab Test Now urge folks to take control of their health by getting screened.
“This test holds special meaning to our team since we lost a colleague a few years ago to colon cancer,” Gallucci shares. “She was only 46 years old when she was diagnosed. While a colonoscopy is still the gold standard, this test can provide answers that may confirm the need for further testing.” Go ahead, check that box before the month is over—it could save your life.
EXCLUSIVE: Chef Lon Bounsanga of Bida Manda and Brewery Bhavana is opening his own restaurant in Downtown Cary.
Lon Bounsanga, who’s helmed both Bida Manda and Brewery Bhavana’s kitchens for the last decade, is ready to break out on his own. The longtime executive chef is leaving the Downtown Raleigh restaurants at the end of May to open his own Laotian restaurant this fall. Beyond a vibrant food & bev program, SAAP (which translates to delicious) adds location to its allure—poised to be positioned on the first floor of The Walker, a luxury apartment building on the edge of the new Downtown Cary Park.
“It’s the right time for me,” said Bounsanga in an exclusive interview with Raleigh Magazine. “All the ingredients and resources are available to make this dream a reality.”
Downtown Cary Park
The Vientiane, Laos, native cut his teeth in restaurant kitchens as a teenager before being hired in 2012 to open Bida Manda—one of only a handful of Laotian restaurants in the country at the time. In 2017, he became the executive chef at Bhavana, which was featured in the likes of Forbes and Bon Appetit.
Along with those highs, Bounsanga also faced some irreproachable lows during his tenure at the two beleaguered restaurants. In 2020, the restaurants’ co-owner and general manager Vansana “Van” Nolintha and beverage director Jordan Hester were accused of sexual harassment and inappropriate workplace conduct, sending shockwaves through the hospitality community—and almost leading to the restaurants’ demise. Following the accusations, Nolintha stepped away from any involvement in the restaurants and Hester, who was fired, pled guilty to associated charges in court (note: Bounsanga was not one of the accused employees).
Despite the collateral damage, Bounsanga kept his head down and respectfully stayed the course, continuing to churn out great product that has since reinvigorated the duo of sup spots (Bhavana was named among Raleigh Mag’s 2022 25 Best Restaurants) and learn how to metaphorically make lemonade out of lemons.
“I’ve always cared genuinely about my team,” he said. “When things got rough, I wanted to support my staff at both restaurants. My only goal was to stay strong and reassure my people until we could reopen the restaurants.”
Bounsanga maintains the culture at SAAP will be just as much a priority as the dishes and drinks, with plans to support all aspects of a secure and respectful environment, and offer competitive wages and benefits that’ll be able to attract a top-notch team.
“What I have learned [from my time at Bida Manda/Brewery Bhavana] is you need to create a great work environment to run a successful restaurant,” he said. “Above all, we will provide strong human resources support to make sure people thrive and grow with us. It’s not
just a promise—it’s what I aspire to provide as a chef-owner.”
Meanwhile, SAAP’s menu will feature the fresh, clean Laotian cuisine for which Bounsanga is known—and folks have come to love.
“Just as you would expect to see French onion soup and croque monsieur on the menu of every French restaurant, green papaya salad and crispy pork belly soup are iconic Laotian dishes you will definitely see on the menu at SAAP,” he said. Crispy rice, satays, curries and more will also grace the offerings.
The variety of delicious dishes, Bounsanga adds, will be designed in a way that guests can sample and share, while the bar will serve wine, beer, and handcrafted mocktails and cocktails that pair perfectly with his fare. Menu items for easy enjoyment in the park are an added bonus.
“I think Laotian food—which is influenced by Indian, Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines—is a perfect fit for a community as diverse as Cary,” said Bounsanga. “So when Bill Zahn, who is very involved in Downtown Cary projects, approached me about opening a restaurant next to what is going to be a world-class park, it immediately made sense. Who could pass up that opportunity?”
For his part, Zahn says: “We have been holding onto two restaurant spaces at The Walker for the right chefs and great concepts. I was thoroughly impressed with chef Lon Bounsanga. Not only is his food phenomenal, but his kitchen is one of the happiest workplaces I’ve ever seen. I’m excited to be able to partner with chef Lon and bring his amazing food to one of our spaces in Downtown Cary.”
Where to sip, sup and shop outside Raleigh this month
Louie and Honey’s Kitchen (Nate Allen)
Louie and Honey’s Kitchen
WINSTON-SALEM
Mother knows best! At this nostalgic bakery, find mother-daughter duo Naomi and Natalie Gingerich dishing out decadent desserts reminiscent of their grandmother’s table—think seasonal heirloom treats and old-fashioned cakes and pies with an array of European delights sprinkled in. The pastry case is filled daily with an assortment of sweets running the gamut from scones to cookies to doughnuts—and do not sleep on the Amish cinnamon rolls, a heritage recipe topped off with a brown sugar frosting. It’s the tastiest nod to family tradition you’ll find outside of your own grandmother’s kitchen. louieandhoneyskitchen.com
Bull City Solera + Taproom
DURHAM
If pizza and nachos had a baby, it would be the mouthwatering Mexican pizzas found at this Bull City gem—made with corn tortilla chips and alll the toppings. Additional fusion fare includes Italian tacos (a tortilla shell cross between corn and pizza dough with American-Italian fillings) and loaded burritos. … And be sure to satiate your sweet tooth with the housemade triangle-shaped churros (!). Brought to you by the same people that started Bull City Burger and Pompieri Pizza, this sup spot also touts a slew of recurring events—think pinball, board game nights, yoga, hammered trivia and a knitters happy hour. You’re gonna wanna get a slice of the action!bullcitysoleraandtaproom.com
Esteamed Coffee
CARY
Brewing up more than just delish drinks, this nonprofit Cary coffee spot creates employment opps for adults with differing abilities—and showcases art from 17 local artists with special abilities to boot. Situated inside a bright and airy quaint cottage, this Downtown Cary hot spot serves up your fave java, smoothie and snack selects while supporting a pretty sweet cause. How’s that for brewing esteem?! esteamedcoffee.com
The WalkUp
CARY
Step—er, walk!—right up to Cary’s recently bowed cocktail club, a swanky and suave bricked-out building with a regal and refined ambiance. Find cocktails, wine and beer on call for your next post-work drink sesh with your coworkers, date night or GNO. Pro tip: The hidden light-strewn patio offers some of the best seats in the house! … It’s giving happy hour vibes—at any hour, really. thewalkupcary.com
Bright Black
DURHAM
Lighten up and foray into the Bull City for a whiff of this family-owned candle company, complete with a new creator’s studio and scent showroom (!). With a mission to honor the “brilliance of blackness,” founders Tiffany and Dariel Griffin—and their little one Elena!—create each candle with care and positive intentions. Sniff a slew of aromas with names ranging from Durham and Paris to Gospel and Hip-Hop. And we’d be remiss not to mention the signature scent, a heavenly combo of earthy and citrus that nods to the fam dynamic in scent form. So lit.brightblackcandles.com
