by Anna Beth Adcock | May 4, 2023 | Eat, May 2023
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
by Anna Beth Adcock | May 3, 2023 | Buzz, May 2023
Shopping small makes a big difference for our city.
“Small businesses do big things,” … and shopping small is significant. Through May 6, celebrate Triangle Small Business Week by using those hard-earned dollars to support a host of locally owned spots around town—from retail to restaurants to coffee shops to gyms and beyond.
Fun fact: Small businesses account for two-thirds of the new jobs in our nation annually (!). And Raleigh ranks high as a coveted locale to follow your entrepreneurial dreams—see the city’s sweet spot as No. 3 as Best Place in America for Small Business, top 10 City for Small Business Friendliness, and the 2,500 startups (and counting) established in the Triangle region, to name a few solid stats.
“Small businesses are critical to the growth and vitality of our region and the country, as they are important economic drivers,” says Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Marketing and Communications Marc Dinitz. “The Triangle’s small businesses contribute to our wonderful quality of life, and make this area not only an enticing place to visit, but also a destination for transplants who have made the Triangle their new home.”
In celebration of this week, find a slew of special events/resources created to support small business—and #ShopSmall throughout the Triangle, natch. Here’s 10 we’ve covered this year to get you started.
Bright Black
Lighten up and foray into the Bull City for a whiff of this family-owned candle company, complete with a creator’s studio and scent showroom (!). So lit.
Esteamed Coffee
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!
Fifi + Talbot
Compassion is always in style here. With an emphasis on eco-authenticity, this women’s boutique boasts jewelry, bags and fits fit for the ethical fashion queens. #Slay!
Golden Flora
This flower spot is budding its business via grab-and-go bouquets for weddings, events or whatever you’re feelin’ like nabbing flowers for. There you grow!
Heir Raleigh
From the mind of NC State grad Sophie Wiseman-Floyd comes durable, high-quality and cute jewelry that elicits a classy vintage vibe. BRB, adding everything to cart.
House of Swank
Got snark? Rep some rad custom Raleigh apparel via this humorous local brand’s conversation-starting NC-themed tees. … And we love some sassy style!
Montgomery Violins
*Cue tiny violin.* Find renowned violin dealer, maker and restoration shop —founded by veteran instrument maker and restorer John Montgomery—making sweet music on Morson Street in Oakwood.
Sk1ll Fitness Studio
Got skillz? Book a class at this recently opened group fitness gym for a slew of ops for your sweat sesh: indoor cycling, cardio, Pilates, dance aerobics. Step this way!
Rocks + Acid Wine Shop
Here to rock your (wine) world is award-winning wine sommelier Paula de Pano (aka grape-gifted wine educator and one of the South’s leading wine professionals), whose solo vino venture is keeping things fizzical in Chapel Hill. rocksandacidwineshop.com
Zen Yoga Center
Stretch into your best mental and physical self via this studio’s meditation and mindfulness classes—gentle, Zen flow, yin, restorative, ashtanga, core flow and more—or nab a spot in a workshop/teacher training to lean a little further into your practice. Namaste!
For our full list of local women-owned businesses, click here; for our full list of local Black-owned businesses, click here.
by 0-UserSubmitted | Apr 25, 2023 | April 2023, Stuff
SPONSORED CONTENT: Inflation impacts everyone, but it can be challenging if your income is not increasing at the same rate as your expenses. Inflation increases the cost of goods and services, making your money work even harder than in previous years. The good news is there are steps you can take to ease the inflation burden.
KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING
Understanding exactly where your money is going is one of the most important things you can do to help fight inflation. If you don’t know how much your bills are or what you’re spending money on, it’s difficult to see inflation’s impact on you. If you don’t have a spending plan, now is the time to make one. If you already have one, it’s time to update it. Once you have a spending plan, do your best to stick to it to keep your costs under control.
IF YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR SPENDING HABITS…
You are not alone! When reviewing your spending, look for the categories of expenses that have increased the most. Then determine your spending priorities and where you need to make adjustments. Sometimes there is an easy solution, such as lowering your spending in increased categories. For example, some simple strategies for reducing food costs include:
- Make a list for grocery shopping.
- Prepack lunches and coffee for work and school.
- Become a savvy shopper and look for deals and coupons before shopping for items you use or need.
Depending on your situation, you may need to make bigger changes to your spending plan. You may need to reduce or delay large purchases like furniture, home goods, expensive vacations, etc., or you may need to downsize wherever possible.
The best way to deal with inflation is to be proactive and have a solid financial foundation and plan. This approach will allow you to weather bumps like inflation along the way.
SECU is here to help our members achieve their financial goals! Please call our 24/7 Member Services at 888.732.8562, or visit your local branch Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm if you have any questions.
by Anna Beth Adcock | Apr 25, 2023 | Buzz, May 2023
Stretching through the heart of NC State and Meredith all the way into Downtown Raleigh, Hillsborough Street carries a key part of Raleigh’s culture—from college student staples (see: Insomnia Cookies) to vital businesses and pieces of our city’s culture (all hail the original Char-Grill!).
Cycle Logic
Calling all blokes with spokes! Spin into Raleigh’s oldest bike shop to prepare for your next road, greenway, trail and city adventure on wheels. Let’s put the foot to the pedal. @cycle_logic
Jubala Coffee
There’s no beans about it. With friendly baristas and beans roasted by Black and White Coffee Roasters of Wake Forest, your espresso experience is sure to fuel your daily grind. Bottoms up! @jubalacoffee
Man-Mur Shoe Repair Store
No trouble is found a-foot when you stop in this friendly shoe repair/retail shop that’s been helping poor unfortunate soles for over 35 years. Totally laced it! @manmurshoe
Oak City Tattoo
“Aww, you guys made me ink!” Get tatted at a shop sure to leave a (permanent) mark. Happy inking! @oakcitytattoo
Progressive Graphics
“Providing quality prints and embroidery since 1989,” this spot can create a custom design for your event, race, fam reunion, and anything in between. ICYMI, custom is cute! @progressivegraphics
Theatre in the Park
It’s time for the curtain call. Perch in the park for live theatrical productions—from Shakespeare and drama to comedy and musicals. Major props, indeed. @theatreinthepark
The Gregg Museum
Ready to curate your creativity? Find NC State-affiliated “collecting and exhibiting” museum encouraging discovery and thinking outside the box. @ncstategreggmuseum
Aloft
For lofty and lavish views and artsy accommodations, book a stay-and-play at this mod hotel mere steps from Village District and right across from NC State. How’s that for sleeping in style? @aloftraleigh
Mitch’s Tavern
Venture up these storied stairs for history, draft brews and filling food (sandwiches! soups! gumbo! chili!). There’s nothing like a trip to the tavern. @mitchstavern.raleigh
by Anna Beth Adcock | Apr 25, 2023 | Eat, May 2023
Sink your teeth into locally grown fruits and veggies.
It’s time to trash the idea of scrunching your nose at the serving of veggies on your plate. … Agriculture is North Carolina’s No. 1 industry (!), and we’ve got a slew of locally grown goods—making “vegetables delectable” without having to douse them in ranch or take a trip to the Hidden Valley.
And when you buy produce in season, it’ll taste even more radishing. We tapped our friends at Got to Be NC for the lineup of local produce you can find at the State Farmers Market this month (see caption), or at the other three state-supported markets—Asheville, Colfax, Charlotte—in addition to local pop-up markets scattered around town and the state. And keeping clean eating un-beet-able, buying produce in-season comes with an array of benefits—from cost to nutritional value and taste. Keepin’ it fresh, indeed! gottobenc.com
