by Elliott Harrell | Jan 28, 2025 | Do, February 2025
Meat, cheese, wine and friends
If a plate of snacks for dinner is wrong, we don’t want to be right. Viral in popularity ever since “girl dinner” was coined on a 2023 TikTok giving name to the “snacky supper” (aka a bountiful smattering of charcuterie, accoutrements, and/or random pairings of leftovers—think a half-bag of chips + three bites of pasta), the all-the-rage graze sesh makes for the perf Galentine’s Day, best paired with a bevy—and a bestie, obviously. Here, where to gather ’round Raleigh with your gaggle of gal pals for max cheesiness, in the best way.
Postino
Let’s go girls… to build your own bruschetta board. Mix and match from a variety of toast ops ranging smoked salmon and pesto to French onion—or spring for the likes of a Greek hummus board or table cheese. Bottle of vino required for all the gossip (girl) vibes. postinowinecafe.com
Whiskey Kitchen
No situationships here. Just fine-aging whiskey (and friendships!) over small plates like cracklin’ biscuits, crispy broccoli, farm cheese and roasted cauliflower. And fries before guys—always. whiskey.kitchen
Vita Vite
Finally, an excuse to pop bottles and ~wine~ all you want about your love life—or lack thereof. Snag a spot by the fireplace at the Downtown sip spot (but please, don’t try to burn the letters your ex gave you) while you nosh on the ever-changing lineup of cheese and charcuterie options. Pair with mustard to add a little spice to your life. vitaviteraleigh.com
STIR
If you’re not looking to commit (to a full bottle), this happening North Hills outpost offers both a Slay Then Rosé cocktail—or spring for “just the tip” of a bottle by taking advantage of one of their fancy Coravin pours. Complete the meal with oysters with mignonette and the Chef’s Board, brimming with bread, nuts, cheeses, meats, and more. stirraleigh.com
The Raleigh Wine Shop
Meat and cheese—it’s what’s for dinner. And when it’s RWS’ cut-to-order charcuterie and artisanal cheeses from around the world, it’s perfectly acceptable, especially when paired with a glass or two. Vinofile vixens will enjoy the wide selection of vinos on offer, with its wine-by-the-glass program allowing you to taste your way through several ops. theraleighwineshop.com
by Lauren Kruchten | Jun 1, 2023 | Eat, June 2023
Cafe Carolina commuting to new Village District digs
Save the crocodile—er, cappuccino tears. … Cafe Carolina and Bakery is remaining open for business—and staying in the Village District! The popular fast-casual spot is upgrading its digs with a move to the former so•ca location at the corner of Oberlin Road and Clark Avenue. And wait for it–uncorking more sips beyond its OG fuel, the sup spot will now be pouring beer and wine.
The restaurant is slated to close the doors to its OG locale Aug. 7 at 2pm with an opening date to its new outpost coming soon—and it will at first remain much the same as the existing Cafe Carolina, explains co-owner Ron Hines—but will eventually offer extended hours complete with beer, wine, dinner and additional Sunday brunch features (think eggs Benedict, omelets and cooked-to-order items like pancakes).
“We’re looking forward to the new location,” says Hines. “It’s gonna be nice, gonna be a little more upscale for us. We can grow into a different type of cafe—something that we’ve always wanted to do.”
Hines expects that within six months of reopening, the cafe will debut its new “prototype.” Expect an expanded base menu of items like Reuben sammies, Philly cheesesteaks and caprese sandwiches—plus suppertime specials throughout the week.
As for the space itself, Hines says they will be upfitting it as is, removing all the stuff they won’t need and installing a “base package” of Cafe Carolina’s artwork, menu boards, computers and kitchen setup.
“It will feel, look, taste and act like Cafe Carolina with an upscale presence—because that is an upscale building,” he adds. “It’s gonna add a little bit of pizzazz to the cafe and make it a little bit fancier, and that’s why we’re gonna upscale the menu, look at plateware and all that stuff.”
Wondering what’s to become of the original Cafe Carolina space? (Which is expected to close in August, within just a few days of its reopening!). The hot tea we’ve heard is Postino WineCafe, an Arizona-born industrial wine bar and restaurant, will be sliding into its place. Thus, Cafe Carolina will continue to sate local breakfast lovers and we’re gaining a grape new eat/drink oasis in the process. See? Change is nothing to wine about. cafecarolina.com
