by Heidi Reid | Nov 30, 2023 | December 2023/January 2024, Do
Five spots outside Raleigh to hit up this winter
Liberty & Plenty Distillery
DURHAM
In the mood for some booze? Raise your spirits at this “refined and crafted” women-owned and -operated distillery, so dubbed for the two robed women, Liberty and Plenty, in the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina. Beyond its wide range of unique vodkas, rums, whiskies and (soon!) gins—all of which aim to tell “stories of aspiration, curiosity and purpose”—the combo cocktail bar and distillery is known for its spacious industrial tasting room… which also plays host to live music sets featuring local artists. Sounds, ahem, neat! libertyandplenty.com
Paul & Jack Bakery & Pastry Shop
WAKE FOREST
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill pastry spot. Helmed by pastry chef Jacques Akl-Matar; his wife, Alina; and their “most important assistant,” baby George, the delectable bakery boasts a curated rotating menu of made-from-scratch confections—think Black Forest cake, blueberry ricotta Danishes and tiramisu. No matter what your sweet tooth is craving, there’s a slew of delicious desserts and treats to try every day. …Pro tip: Take a cue from Kate Spade and eat cake (and pastries!) for breakfast. @paulandjack_nc
HomeSlice Tavern
YOUNGSVILLE
What’s up, homeslice? This vibrant indoor/outdoor hangout spot in the heart of downtown Youngsville caters to lovers of booze and ’za. Name a better pairing—we’ll wait. Supplement your drink sesh (choose from cold brewskis, wine and creative housemade cocktails) with sizable cheesy pies topped with the likes of sausage, pepperoni, bacon, olives and mushrooms. To really get buzzing like a dancing queen, belly up with your besties for nightly drink specials, such as local bourbon for $7 (!) on Saturdays. And be sure to check the calendar for karaoke nights, DJs, themed holiday parties and a plethora of rotating events. Say cheese! homeslicetavern.com
Hempsmith Clothing Co.
PITTSBORO
Did you know the Environmental Protection Agency calculated clothing and footwear disposal resulted in 13 million tons of waste in 2018? This Pittsboro-based clothing brand aims to slow fashion consumption and create durable and sustainable fashion made from hemp plants—aka a renewable fiber that uses minimal water and space; absorbs carbon; and can be turned into versatile (and super-fashionable) hats, tops and sweatshirts in a wide range of colors and prints. Make fashion slow again! hempsmithclothing.com
Right Meow Cat Cafe
FUQUAY-VARINA
A cat cafe where every purchase goes to saving furry lives? You’ve got to be kitten. This cute kitty oasis provides rescue cats a safe, comfy and cage-free home while showing off their personalities to potential forever families. If you aren’t in the market for an adoption, you can still stop in to get your fix of cat-titude, along with a coffee, espresso bev or boba tea. Either way, you’re supporting a purr-fect purpose and getting a sweet treat. It’s a win-win! rightmeowcatcafe.com
by Anna Beth Adcock | Jan 18, 2023 | December 2022/January 2023, Eat
Expand your palate with these local picks during Triangle Restaurant Week.
Hey, foodies… we hope you’re hungry! While Raleigh no doubt has a slew of restaurants worth raving about, the Triangle is teeming with tasty spots worth checking out—and what better time to give them a try than during Triangle Restaurant Week? From Jan. 23–29, popular local sup spots are featuring special 2- and 3-course menu ops for lunch and dinner—no rez required. Here, a few of our picks to nosh on some fab fare outside Raleigh. Time to dig in!
DURHAM
Calling all ramen-tics! For some “Far East funk” and mouthwatering fare, snag a seat at this vibrant, colorful spot serving up Asian dishes with flair. At the helm, find executive chef Jason Lawless whipping up noodle dishes, bao buns and other amazing entrees—NTM going wild on the wok.
Our TRW must-have: Tom kha gai
Come, see, conquer, eat at this traditional authentic Italian resto feat. pastas and breads made in-house daily—best enjoyed with a glass (or bottle—we aren’t judging!) of vino. Mamma mia!
Our TRW must-have: Chicken parmigiana
“I don’t know about you, but we’re feeling (local) 22!” … This Downtown Durham delight will have you feelin’ peckish with its all-American classic comfort food—think burgers, pizza, mac ’n’ cheese, fries and the like. And we do like.
Our TRW must-have: Fried mozzarella
CARY
Highlighting divine dumplings, comforting curries and an extensive fresh raw bar, this gorgeous upscale resto touts a range of Southeast Asian dishes, plus stunning desserts that look almost too perfect to eat. Keyword: almost.
Our TRW must-have: Tiki Waikiki roll
A nod to the birds and park within view, this modern American resto inside The Mayton offers Southern comfort foods in a chic atmosphere. Whether patrons want to “peck” on plates with friends or celebrate with a big dinner, this nosh spot has the chops. Waddle this way…
Our TRW must-have: Georgia peach pork schnitzel
CHAPEL HILL
Serving up dishes using the best seasonal ingredients from local farmers, fishers and purveyors, Market and Moss features fare as colorful as its atmosphere (see: the teal blue walls/chairs and overall cute + cozy vibe). Taste the rainbow!
Our TRW must-have: Chocolate semifreddo
Light the way… to this loveable Asian restaurant that marries flavors from the East with local ingredients (and who doesn’t love a good collab?!). Behind the scenes, find renowned chef/owner Andrea Reusing cooking up delish dishes—and advocating for food policy change to boot. Essentially: A dining experience that’s all that and dim sum!
Our TRW must-have: Chicken + yuzu ramen
RTP
This Research Triangle sup spot stays serving up seasonal, well-executed eats all year long—and the same rings true for its TRW menu. Pro tip: The food is just as ’Grammable as the restaurant’s beautiful interior. Get your cameras ready!
Our TRW must-have: Burrata toast
