Shh—this comedy is classified. “Raleigh’s best kept secret,” Don’t Tell Comedy is a cryptic comedy show that’s been popping up in cities around the country—and is now shaping up in select (and secretive!) locales around the Triangle. Sniff out a slew of under-the-radar shows stacked with a secret lineup of comics who bring hilarity without all the hype. For fans seeking to nab a seat for the funnies, keep those eyes peeled for day-of location reveals. … Sounds like a stand-up time! @donttelltriangle
Mondays, amiright? While we all dread the end of the weekend (hey, Sunday scaries)—there’s a new trend emerging for all the corporate babes attempting to avoid burnout. Enter “Bare Minimum Mondays”—essentially putting personal well-being over work (what a concept!). Think going for a run, reading a book or getting your nails done rather than hopping right to your email inbox bright and early on a Monday morn.
From the mind of self-employed digital creator Marisa Jo Meyes, the concept of #BareMinimumMondays leans into fielding some of the stress away from the start of the workweek and setting boundaries with the powers that be a la office culture—see also quiet quitting and “The Great Resignation.”
So is it slacking or self-care? You be the judge. … While stress is no joke—studies from the American Institute of Stress have revealed 94% of people report feeling stress at work, with two-thirds suffering related sleep-loss and ~1 million Americans missing work each day due to stress—only time’ll tell if the bare minimum beats the grind. Will procrastinating the source of your anxiety amp it up or mellow out what’s got your mind in a muddle from 9–5… and at 3am? #MentalHealthMonday or bust!
Hey, yolks! Raise a toast with us to our morning meal picks.
Some say breakfast is the most important meal of the day—and there’s a celeb out there chomping on cornflakes with orange juice for her breakfast/brain food. Here, what we are (or aren’t) munchin’ on in the morn.
“When I have time, I love having an egg and avocado on top of Trader Joe’s GF Norwegian Crispbread. But when I have to dash out of the house I grab a Kind protein bar. And always coffee!”
“I almost always have the following three things: coffee, banana, peanut butter. Either in a smoothie form or PB/banana on toast with a side of coffee. 😊”
Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler bringing bold Middle Eastern eats to Five Points.
Photos by Baxter Miller
Bring on the next delicious chapter! Slated to open this spring—and bringing a culinary respite to the Five Points district—is Ajja (the Hindi/Urdu word for “come over”), the newest concept from star chef Cheetie Kumar and partner Paul Siler. Located adjacent to Anisette Sweet Shop and feat. a sprawling covered patio and outdoor bar with DTR views for days, Ajja will serve up equal parts inviting atmosphere and mouthwatering Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare.
Raleigh Magazine chatted with Kumar about the resto, the inspo and what might be next for that Garland space.
What inspired you to make the move to Five Points?
Our operation at Martin Street was three spaces with three businesses Paul and I operated—two of which have finally reopened for the first time since the pandemic in the last few months. Neptunes is being operated by Martin and Erin Wheeler, and we are excited to pass the baton to them. It’s also been so amazing to see Kings evolving into a community space with several stewards guiding its next steps. With Garland, we needed a new start.
Any plans for the OG Garland space?
Once things are more settled, we will figure out what’s next for that space. We still hold the lease on the building. (Stay tuned!)
Why the leap to Middle Eastern/Mediterranean cuisine?
Garland explored many regions of Asia, including the Middle East. With Ajja, we are excited to focus on just the region of West Asia and beyond. That part of the world has a rich story to tell about spices and the migration of foodways. With Ajja’s menu, we will continue to work with NC growers, farmers and purveyors in a vibrant indoor/outdoor neighborhood restaurant.
Why Five Points?
Five Points provided a great real estate opportunity that revealed itself early during the pandemic and we had to take it.
The inspo for Ajja?
Like many of my chef peers, I draw inspiration from all restaurants and great dining experiences.
How is your new spot upping the ante on the Raleigh restaurant scene?
Ajja’s intimate building footprint, paired with an expansive outdoor seating area, will be a surprise and delight. The outdoor space will have a great impact on the restaurant itself and help inform the vibe of the overall experience. And people might not realize that the outdoor space offers an amazing view of Downtown—we are less than 2 miles away with a clear shot of the skyline.
The WorkBetterLab is created with individual and collaborative work in mind, offering comfort, control and privacy. Raleigh is the latest city to gain this creative coworking space, joining the ranks of Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, Philly, Nashville, Northwest Arkansas and Austin, with more locales in the works.
“Leading organizations across vertical markets realize they can’t bring people back to the same workplace they left—the space has to be compelling and worthy of their employees’ commute,” says Susan Lewis, architecture and design manager for Steelcase. “The WorkBetterLab is an inspiring example of how the hybrid office goes beyond a destination for collaboration. It’s a place where people can do their best work together and alone.”
“Highwoods is in the work-placemaking business,” adds Skip Hill, senior vice president and Raleigh market leader at Highwoods Properties. “Our goal is to create exceptional, people-focused environments where our customers can thrive in a compelling and commuteworthy workplace. Partnering with Steelcase and Storr on this project is another step in the direction of innovation and a better customer experience, and we are excited to be a part of bringing the WorkBetterLab to Fayetteville Street.” Interested in leveling up your office experience? Nab a slot in this appointment only highly anticipated space by filling out its online form. … Ready to get to work?
