Giorgios Epicurean Market—and East End Bistrot’s private dining room—slated to bow in April.
Another brilliant “gem” from mastermind Giorgios Bakatsias’ treasure trove, Giorgios Epicurean Market is slated to shine in mid- to late-April. The crown jewel coming to East End Market will entice the senses with its Euro-style market and morning-to-night cafe offerings with an emphasis on Greek, European and Asian flavors—think classic and nouveau European breakfast items, Mediterranean salads, lingue di pizza and Asian stir-fries.
Helmed by managing partner and chef William D’Auvray, the F&B program will offer everything from a full bakery to prepared foods—with bonus access to East End Bistrot’s brand-new private dining room, opening April 1 to meet the burgeoning demand for special events. Think breakfast meetings, work luncheons or lunch/dinner for you + 24 of your besties (or 35 total for ’tails).
Anchored by the three B’s: butcher, baker, beverage program, “GEM will be a curated market for a joyful life,” says Bakatsias of the haven for handpicked goods and hospitality dishing a welcome alternative to big-box ops. “We are delighted to serve this community all day—from squeezing fresh juice in the morning to having a personal sommelier in the evening… the best olive oil to helping guests select the finest gourmet gifts”—adding: “Let food be medicine and medicine be your health.” So, a gem and the elixir Raleigh needs now.
The current “it” cup—and its long line of predecessors
Stanley cups are currently wreaking havoc. Perhaps you even witnessed a physical altercation at your local Target over a limited-edition shimmery pink stein. (Fun fact: NC clocks the fifth highest demand for them in the country). … Point is, they’re everywhere—but the current “it” water bottle isn’t exactly the first to have a moment. And these acclaimed H2O vessels show shorter trend cycles than most other everyday objects, with a select set peaking in recent years (we see you, Hydro Flask!). But none of these storied predecessors have fostered the frenzy of the Stanley cup—and no one really knows why.
Amid the hydration hysteria, it leaves one to wonder: Why do these trends ebb and flow so frequently? Reusable bottles initially became popular among the “crunchy” (read: granola) eco crowd to slow the use and production of single-use bottles in the ’70s (see: Nalgene). Yet, by the late 2000s, they became rooted in our culture.
The rise of social media soon followed. Ever heard of the emotional support water bottle wave? … Not just a vessel for health and fitness, but a trendy and aesthetic lifestyle token, these bottles became a beacon of social standing—something you carry with you at all times, much like a purse. And who wants to be seen carrying an outdated bag?
So, whether you fought tooth and nail for a sparkly Stanley cup this winter or you’re all in on your OG bottle of choice, here’s what your go-to vessel says about you. Drink up!
Lights down, music up. Sign up for a [solidcore] workout at RIW this summer for high-intensity and low-impact training that’ll leave ya beat. After all, only hotties do Pilates. @solidcore
Calling all coastal grandmas and cowboys! Make your way to Madewell’s andJ. Crew’s upcoming North Hills outposts for all your preppy-meets-cool selects. Shopping mode: activated. @madewell; @jcrew
Fit check! Channel your best self via Life Time Fitness’ upcoming Alston Town Center outpost in Northwest Cary feat. luxe pools, pickleball courts, a lineup of workout classes and an array of elevated amenities. … Massage, anyone?@lifetime.life
Glow up your space with a small-batch soy candle from September Candle Studio, another recently bowed RIW retailer (yup, RIW is clearly lit!). Find your fragrance fix in a smattering of shapes and hues—because boring candles are so out—or channel your inner Jan (iykyk) and book a DIY class. @septcandlestudio
Welcome to the jungle! Urban Pothos’ second storefront is taking root at Raleigh Iron Works with all the more mean green plant decor of your dreams. And be sure to pop into a propagation class to multiply your ~buds~ and save some moola. @urbanpothos
DTR’s about to get a whole lot greener! Copperline Plant Co.is cropping up in a new locale this year to host more plants, pots, people and workshops. Two green thumbs up! @copperlineplants
Vibes stay high at The Hightide Salon + Suite’s new DTR suites now flourishing above Flourish Market, where the self-care ops abound. From Russian manicures and new updos to massage therapy and permanent lip blush—it’s giving big slay energy.@thehightidesalon
If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic on Six Forks Road at 5pm on a weekday, celebration is in order. After years of planning and speculation, Raleigh City Council voted unanimously Feb. 20 to widen the stretch between Rowan Street and Millbrook Road.
The future design of the improvement plan is a boon for more than just motorists, as pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and emergency vehicles will all reap the benefits. Rather than having separate sidewalks and bike paths as initially planned, the updated plan opts for a multiuse path to accommodate both. To wit, the path will be situated 8 feet from the road to ensure the safety of pedestrians and bikers while also leaving space for utility poles and trees.
Adapted due to rising costs, the project has already spent $3.8 million toward planning and design, with a total price tag clocking in at $56.1 million. Now that the next phase is in motion, Raleighites with businesses, churches and homes lining Six Forks have answers as to what might happen to their properties after years of uncertainty.
That said, Midtown traffic may get worse before it gets better. The project is scheduled to begin construction in late 2025 after obtaining approval from the NC Department of Transportation and will take two years to complete. Until then, it may be time to opt for an alternative route.
It’s election season once again! Here, who’s thrown their hat in the ring for NC Governor—and a snapshot of the issues they’re campaigning around.
While we may not cast our votes for the general election until Nov. 5, the gubernatorial race is heating up and the primary election is upon us (aka March 5). The filing period is officially closed and the candidates are set. (Note: Incumbent Gov. Cooper has reached his two-term limit and cannot run again).
Before you push off the primary election, remember state elects have far more impact on your day-to-day spending and rights than anything going down on a national level. Here, we’ve done the hard work for you—so study up on the candidates before you cast your ballot.
Josh Stein (D) Former State Attorney General Safer schools and communities; healthier families & personal freedom
Mike Morgan (D) Former State Supreme Court Justice Accessible/affordable health care; criminal justice reform
Gary Foxx (D) Student & teacher safety; law enforcement training & community involvement
Chrelle Booker (D) Town of Tryon Mayor Pro Tem Filed; no public platform
Dale Folwell (R) Republican State Treasurer Culture of common sense, courtesy, humility & humanity
Mark Robinson (R) Republican Lt. Gov. No current platform available; has shown support for tax cuts, law enforcement & a six-week abortion ban, plus antipathy for LGBTQ+ activism
Bill Graham (R) Former aide to Sen. Jesse Helms and private attorney Immediate tax relief to NC families; fight crime; empower parents & students in education
Mike Ross (L) Cramerton financial planner Eliminate NC’s influence on public education curriculum; support police; protect public via law enforcement transparency
