Testing, testing! Stretching the limits of creativity and one-of-a-kind cooking is Michael Lee’s highly anticipated sixth cuisine concept, M Test Kitchen—neighboring M Sushi and joining the lineup at Fenton mid-April—now taking reservations. Cary’s newest culinary creative studio will sate foodies via cleverly concocted dishes—from Thai basil pesto rice noodles to lobster shumai with Chinese chile and anything else the culinary artists dream up.
Executive chef Connor Johnson—who cut his teeth at myriad Michelin restos before making his mark over at Oakwood Pizza Box, among others, and last landing at M Sushi—has clearly found his finest footing yet at M Test Kitchen. The impressive and mouthwatering menu is truly a tour of the senses. And in addition to the excellent Asian ops, the tapas-style menu touts tastes representative of Italy and Greece that’ll keep you on your toes.
We got a sneak peek in front of the opening—pro tip: Be sure to try the watercress salad (yes, the salad… trust us!), sample a plate of carrot cake, and take a sip of one of the ops on the extensive wine and cocktail list. We’re lovin’ the East Meets West tequila take.
“This restaurant will have a constantly evolving menu inspired by many different Asian cuisines,” says Johnson. “I hope this adds a more intimate dining experience where the kitchen and dining room become one space. Every plate will be as focused and intentional as possible. The beef and broccoli for example, is just that, beef and broccoli. However there are multiple preparations of each of those two simple ingredients.” … Clearly, each plate coming out of the kitchen is sure to keep diners intrigued—echoing the essence of the eatery’s vision.
“M Test Kitchen is something we came up with so we can constantly test and try out different recipes without having a boundary of being a specific type of cuisine or restaurant,” says Lee. “We wanted the freedom to do pretty much anything in the name of research, knowledge, learning and possibly for our other restaurants.” And in the name of research, we volunteer as guinea pigs (!). See you in the laboratory? m-restaurants.com
It’s game time. Sports & Social’s highly anticipated Fenton location (as well as PBR Cary, located inside the hip sports bar and entertainment venue) is officially opening to the public on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 4pm—and it’s primed to be one of the coolest yet thanks to a slew of features unique to to this location.
Case in point: the 42-foot LED screen (around the same size as your standard movie theater screen!). Sports & Social’s largest media wall will only add to its exciting and intoxicating game day vibe. “Sports & Social is known for having a game experience that’s the next best thing to the stadium,” says Live! Hospitality & Entertainment SVP of Strategic Partnerships Judy Moore. “When you’re watching a game at Sports & Social and the home team scores a touchdown you’re getting cryo jets; smoke fills the air; you get the blow horns; local team chants; fan cams…” NTM activations like wing-eating contests during commercial breaks (!).
Come Super Bowl Sunday, the entertainment venue will surely be the place to be. And don’t miss a one-of-a-kind performance from Morgan Evans on Friday to kick off opening weekend—just one of many special events Sports & Social has planned for its Fenton location (see also: a UFC 284 watch party Feb. 11, an immersive Bourbon Street experience Feb. 18 in celebration of Mardi Gras, and brunch kicking off Feb. 19).
While Sports & Social is, naturally, known for its game day energy, there’s more to it than just that. The food program will especially stand out thanks to the company’s new James Beard-nominated executive chef John Suley, previously of Constellation Culinary Group, Royal Caribbean Cruises and now-closed Gotham Steak at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, to name just a few highlights of his résumé.
Suley is kicking up the social lounge’s popular sports bar fare with 24 new menu items debuting at the Fenton location. The menu covers all your snackable faves (nachos, wings, burgers), along with elevated dishes like cacio e pepe arancini, beef barbacoa tacos, fresh salads, a Nashville hot chicken sandwich, and a truffle and mushroom flatbread.
“Our approach was to think of Sports & Social as a really good restaurant,” says Suley. “Obviously you have the sports, the entertainment, all that energy—but we also have food that’s fun, imaginative, thoughtful and more creative. The space brings a lot of energy, and I think the food and beverage reflects that personality.”
When it comes to drinks, you’re gonna wanna sip on Sports & Social’s signature cocktail, the Crush. A Baltimore fave (where S&S is headquartered), the orange flavor features freshly squeezed OJ, vodka and crushed ice. The Cary location will have its own signature flavor, the Cary Crush, made with Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, fresh lemon juice, agave, Sprite and crushed ice. “They go down very easily, so I will pre-warn you on that,” laughs Moore. And it’s just as delish enjoyed while watching a game or during happy hour after work.
“Fenton’s got a lot of new residential development, new people moving in and a lot of great businesses,” adds Moore, “so we really want people to come out after work and enjoy what we have.”
Additional highlights of Sports & Social Cary include a second-floor stage providing an intimate concert experience (live music will be another huge draw); Crush It Tuesdays, when all Crush drinks are half-off; a year-round outdoor patio with its own Crush bar; and an area within the sports bar called the Tavern (not found at any other S&S location!), featuring lounge seating and its own bar with specialty bevs, making it perfect for birthday parties and the like.
“This is our 11th location, and this one is very special,” says Moore. “There’s a lot of elements to it that aren’t necessarily all sports. That’s what we do very well, but it’s definitely a place for everybody to come and hang out—and we hope that everyone gives it a try.”
Chef’s Take
Top menu items you should come nibble on
Cacio e pepe arancini – Like cacio e pepe wrapped up into a fun rice-based bite
Quesabirria egg rolls – If quesabirria tacos and egg rolls had a baby
Spicy tuna bites – Think what you’d get at a sushi restaurant
French onion grilled cheese – French onion soup in grilled cheese form, aka the best of both worlds
Rack Daddy – Sports & Social’s (more delicious) take on the McRib
S&S signature sundae – Presented like it was bottle service, sparklers and all (!)
¡A huevo! Whatever you thought you knew about Tex Mex fare is about to change—in the best way. Say hola to Fenton’s newest highly anticipated restaurant, Superica by celeb chef Ford Fry! The venerated (real) Tex-Mex restaurant—which got its start in Atlanta and now boasts 10 locations—is an homage to Fry’s Texas roots and his food memories there, with a menu focused on what he dubs “Tex-Mex playbook classics.” Think crispy beef tacos; cheese enchiladas with San Antonio-style chili gravy; queso fundido; and elevated dishes like wood-grilled fajitas, posole and ceviche—NTM brunch selects like huevos rancheros, tamales and eggs, and hot cakes.
In front of the opening, Fry flew in this weekend to give us a sneak peek, chat what’s behind his resto names (and how to say them)—and what might be next for him in Raleigh. Tune into our podcast, episode 29, dropping Sept. 27, to eavesdrop on this candid convo.
On Superica, he says: “We are excited to join the Fenton development and are looking forward to bringing flavors inspired by Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in the South to the Cary community.”
And, of course, you can’t do Tex-Mex without drinks. Find beer, wine, margaritas aplenty (we’re eyeing The Tempest: a mix of tequila, mezcal, triple sec, agave nectar, fresh lime juice and Cowboy Gringo hot sauce!), and other refreshing cocktails made with Texas-made spirits and agave spirits.
Superica’s atmosphere will complement the overall Tex-Mex theme as well. Designed in conjunction with Smith Hanes (who also designed other Superica locations around the South), the new location boasts a colorful, energetic vibe reminiscent of Texas dance halls with a mix of unique artwork and vintage elements—and a spacious outdoor patio to boot (!).
“The atmosphere of the Old West has been preserved for the enjoyment of all guests,” says Fry, “and we want Superica to be a place where people can come with their friends and have a good time while enjoying the flavors and vibe of an old Texas dance hall or cafe.” Bienvenidos!
Mamma mia! The first standalone restaurant is coming to Fenton next week—and we’re feeling a little saucy about it. Colletta—and Indigo Road Hospitality Group concept (think O-Ku and Oak Steakhouse)—is officially opening to the public on Friday, Sept. 2.
Translating to “collection” in Italian, Colletta will be just that—“a compilation of lively dining experiences,” aka a mecca of both authentic Italian fare and modern takes on Italian-American dishes. Think pasta made in-house daily (Black pepper tagliatelle! Linguine & clams! Shrimp scampi!), cheeses, antipastis, pizzas and more—plus a lengthy wine list, cocktails, beer and liquor to pair. To boot, a “For the Table” family-style dining experience will be offered nightly.
Cooking up those delectable dishes is Colletta executive chef Oscar Gnapi, who joined the team in June. Born in Paris, Gnapi honed his craft over decades at restaurants and hotels—from Paris, Italy and London to California to Chapel Hill and Cary. One particular notable stint includes working at Le Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower (!).
“I have such a love and appreciation for the culinary arts and have been lucky enough to learn from some of the most talented chefs of our time,” says Gnapi. “I’m excited to draw on my knowledge of traditional European and Italian cuisine, and deliver a memorable experience at Colletta—a meal any Nonna would enjoy!”
And, obviously, everyone and their Nonna is a fan of the Italian resto. Originally opened in Alpharetta’s Avalon community in 2015, Colletta has racked up plenty of recognition from the likes of Jezebel, Modern Luxury Magazine and Thrillist, which named Colletta one of the best Italian restaurants in Atlanta this year. So come hungry. Bon appetit!
