WEB EXCLUSIVE A virtual food court is coming to Wake County—and it’s bringing a plethora of flavor to the Triangle.
Taking up the old Golden Corral space on Capital Boulevard, David Foye’s Flavor District will be the largest ghost kitchen in the Triangle, housing a number of different restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Customers will have the ability to order from one or multiple restaurants via the website and either pick up their food, or have it delivered—aka one-stop dining at its best.
“Ghost kitchens are beneficial right now because people aren’t necessarily always looking for a great dining experience,” says Foye, who also owns two commissary kitchens in the Triangle. “Sometimes you just want great food where you are, and it gives people the opportunity to have great food delivered to them at their given location.”
While the pandemic served as a catalyst in the surge of ghost kitchens—or kitchens where meals are prepared but have no seating for diners—food delivery has been on the rise for years. In fact, between 2015 and 2020, the food delivery market revenue grew 204%, thanks in large part to the popularity of delivery apps, according to Business of Apps. Ghost kitchens can help restaurants meet this delivery need without paying for the overhead of brick-and-mortar dining areas.
“A lot of restaurants have really been hit hard with COVID, and this offers a lot of flexibility for startup food businesses and restaurants within the given area,” says Foye. “If you look at the average strip mall restaurant that pays for a kitchen that has six tables for dine-in, you hardly ever see anyone in there. The vendors are paying for their real estate, and this really gives them the opportunity to lower their operating expenses and be more profitable in a trying time for a lot of restaurants—and for the restaurant industry.”
Foye hopes to provide opportunities for both restaurants looking to step up, as well as those needing to step down from a full-service restaurant to only delivery and takeout. He also wants to make his ghost kitchen a little less opaque than others.
“Many ghost kitchens are just that, so no one knows where the restaurant is or the location of where their food came from,” says Foye. “It’s a mystery to them, and it scares a lot of customers. The Flavor District is in a very visible place off of two major roads that pretty much join North Raleigh and Wake Forest. It gives people an opportunity to know where their food came from, and they also have the opportunity to go to that location and pick their food up.”
With Euromonitor International predicting that ghost kitchens could reach a $1 trillion market by 2030, it looks like Foye headed in the right direction.
WEB EXCLUSIVE Slurp up these 7 soups around town when you’re feeling the winter blues.
“Gorgeous, gorgeous girls (and guys) love soup…” After Raleigh’s second official snowfall/ice storm of the year (plus freezing temps), we can officially declare that it’s #SoupSzn. And nothing makes miso happy on a cold day than a big ol’ bowl of hot soup. Here, we roundup some of the most delicious soups in town to keep you warm even when the degrees drop below freezing.
Everything you love about a cheeseburger is put into soup form via Wye Hill’s new Cheeseburger Chowder, a cozy soup starring American cheese, pickles and french fries. Served on Wye Hill’s heated and covered patio, it’s a sure way to cure the winter blues.
Nothing takes you back to your childhood like a tomato soup and grilled cheese combo, which gets an adult upgrade at Union Special. And, yes, dipping is encouraged.
Cold-weather comfort—New Orleans style. St. Roch’s hearty gumbo stars andouille, chicken, red potato salad and trout roe—and is guaranteed to warm you up, no matter how cold your heart may be.
Comfort meets kindness with a cup or bowl of Carroll’s Kitchen’s chicken velvet soup—made with a creamy chicken broth, grilled chicken and fresh herbs—makes for a soup-erb lunch, not only because it’s delicious, but also because it helps support the nonprofit’s mission of providing employment for women overcoming traumas like addiction, homelessness, incarceration and domestic violence.
Noodle Boulevard’s ramens are pure comfort in a bowl. Our current fave is the chicken curry ramen, which combines everything you love about curry with a big, hot bowl of noodle soup. Ahh, we’re feeling warmer already!
The best surprise is one that involves soup. My Way Tavern keeps things interesting with a rotating soup of the week—the broccoli cheddar is a hit (just look at how gooey and cheesy!), but loaded potato soup and clam chowder have also been known to grace the menu.
WEB EXCLUSIVE Restaurants in the Triangle that are open on Christmas Day or offering Christmas dinner to-go
If you’re having a turkey disaster on Christmas Day (like, say, a pack of rabid dogs devour your perfectly cooked bird a la A Christmas Story…) or just really don’t feel like cooking, the following Triangle restaurants—which will be open on Christmas Day or offering Christmas dinner to-go—have you covered.
Don’t know about you, but we’re feelin’ ’22. While 2021 definitely gave us plenty to be thankful for… we’re on to even bigger and better things ahead. So to fete the future, we round up some of the best ways to bring in the new year in Raleigh. Three, two, one… See ya, 2021!
With bangin’ bites, cold beer and the best patio views of the DTR skyline (and peeping those NYE fireworks!) in town hands down, Wye Hill is where you’re gonna wanna take in that last meal to send 2021 out on a high note. Think buffet of chef-driven selections like prime rib and black truffle mac and cheese, plus Champagne, and the release of a brand new beer.
Peace out 2021 at what’s sure to be the hottest party of the year at Eagle Eye Entertainment’s ultimate NYE celebration at Union Station with red carpet entry, photo ops, live music performances and an open bar. Cheers!
If you wish to “fore”-go the typical NYE fetes, then…. no ifs, ands or putts about it, slamming golf balls at Drive Shack is a tee-rific way to ring in the new year. The driving range is offering exclusive packages for NYE, which include your own reserved bay to soak up time with friends and family, unlimited BayPlay, and holiday party favorites.
Gather your your friends, homies, loved ones, dance partners, ride-or-dies and other various partners in crime to ring in the new year in style at The Architect. There will be party favors, DJ Triple B and a Champagne toast at midnight. Three cheers for 2022!
If you wanna scream “Happy New Year!” from the rooftops literally (who doesn’t?), The Willard is the spot for you. Post up for its fab NYE celebration, complete with spectacular views, Mediterranean-inspired bites and complimentary Champagne. Plus, you can shake what your mama gave ya and leave those 2021 woes on the dance floor.
2022 vibes, found, at The Merchant. A live DJ will be spinning tracks as you enjoy a four-course dinner with cocktail pairings—plus, countdown to the new year with (what else?!) some bubbly. Sip, sip, hooray!
If you’re sexy and you grow it, then it’s party thyme. The Sage Room and Botanical Lounge have paired up for one last 2021 hoorah. Experience a three-floor party flowing with beer, wine, cocktails and Champs, with a live DJ music to boot. Or just settle into the Lounge’s plush sofas and ring in 2022 with a luxe red-carpet Hollywood-style vibe.
Taco bout a good New Year’s Eve party! Virgil’s Cocktails and Cocina will be featuring a pre-fixe dinner and cocktail menu, as well as a premium Champagne toast for its early ball drop.
Subterranean is sexy. Toast the new year speakeasy-style at Watts & Ward. Spring for the VIP tickets for a Champagne toast, appetizers and mad tunes from DJ VladIsLove.
Celebrate the new year 1920s style by ducking into The Green Light speakeasy for an exclusive pre-fixe cocktail menu, premium Champagne toast, charcuterie and mini-dessert pairings.
If you’re on a mission to protect tradition, The City of Oaks’ annual NYE celebration is for you, featuring a day full of festivities spread over 30 different locations around town featuring interactive art installations, drama, magic, music, comedy and dance. And at midnight, you’ll have front-row seats to Raleigh’s signature Acorn Drop.
If you falafel about 2021, fete its exit by partying it up in Vidrio’s second-floor Fiera Bar and Lounge with DJ and dancing, hors d’oeuvres, party favors, and a complimentary Champagne toast as the clock strikes twelve. Clink, clink!
The young at heart are gonna wanna make their way to Young Hearts, natch, for a free-flowing event with passed hors d’oeuvres; stationed items; and a variety of beer, wine, sparkling and spirits.
LOL your way into 2022 at Goodnights Comedy Club as acclaimed Last Comic Standing season 2 champ John Heffron brings his Midwestern roots, energy and accessibility to the stage via an array of relatable experiences spanning childhood to parenthood and everything in between. Pro tip: Book tix for the 10:30pm showtime to literally send 2021 out with a laugh—and to score party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight!
Don’t worry, be hoppy. LBC is throwing one last hurrah for NYE, complete with live music by The Jason Adamo Band, a dinner buffet and a Champagne toast.
We elves try to stick to the (five!) main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, syrup… and cocktails! Get ready to sleigh your holiday as many local bars and restaurants are decking the halls—and decking their spots—with Christmas spirit(s) galore. Here’s where to get elfed up on holiday hooch and mistle-toast the season.
Unscripted Durham
#IglooSeason has arrived at this posh Durham hotel, which last year debuted its highly raved about winter wonderland, complete with cozy igloos (with plush seating, pillows and heaters to boot), festive cocktails and gatherworthy bites. This year’s igloos promise to sleigh even more—thanks to new food and drink menus—within the same ’Gram-worthy setting. Through March 31, Durham, unscriptedhotels.com
Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar
Mulino’s tree-mendously large tent—covering the entire spacious, festively decorated patio with a Christmas tree anchoring the pool in the middle—promises to keep you warm as you dine on pasta, pizza and other Italian cuisine… with wine providing that extra layer of warmth. Through March or April (weather pending), Capital District, mulinoraleigh.com
Miracle at The Haymaker
“Christmas isn’t just a day—it’s a frame of mind.” Up the magic factor at perennial fave Miracle at The Haymaker! Get in the spirit through—what else—spirits served in a variety of fun holiday-themed glasses and mugs (we’ve seen everything from Santa’s signature red pants to a dinosaur in a Christmas hat). And keep an eye on The Haymaker’s social media for special events during the merry pop-up. Through Dec. 31, Fayetteville Street District, thehaymakerraleigh.com
Colonel’s Daughter’s Holiday Bar
In the famed words of Kevin McAllister: “Thirsty for more?” Jack Tar and The Colonel’s Daughter is sprucing up its popular holiday pop-up bar this year with an outdoor room constructed on the spacious patio that will be decked out with lights and holiday decor. And, of course, festive drinks will be flowin’. The special holiday cocktail menu features one- and two-year-aged eggnogs, a savory hot cocoa, a Sugar Plum Fairy cocktail made with five spice plum puree, and more. Cheers! Through 2021, Durham, jacktar-durham.com
