Transport your taste buds to Mexico sans passport via the latest authentic sup spot to land on the scene: La Buena Vida, a new resto by Salvador Alvarez (who also owns Chido Taco with Joel Ibarra and other partners, and is married to Sanford’s Fonda Lupita owner Biridiana Frausto—read more on the family legacy on p. 36). Translating to “the good life,” La Buena Vida features vibrant and veritable Mexican flavors that “bring us back to home in Jalisco with a nice family atmosphere and live Mexican music every Saturday and Sunday night.” So, in essence, a party for both your ears and your taste buds. And contrary to your typical Mexican-American or Tex-Mex eateries, La Buena Vida’s menu is composed of nips and sips you may have never even heard of—but once you try ’em, you won’t be able to get enough. Think costras—meaning crust—de ribeye (essentially a crispy cheese-encrusted ribeye on a corn tortilla); seafood molcajete, starring a myriad of seafood in a stone mortar bowl; and the Rosa De Guadalupe, a ’Gram-worthy cocktail made with coconut rum, lavender, grapefruit, lime and cotton candy—aka a drink and dessert in one (!). In addition, all of La Buena Vida’s margs and cocktails are made with fresh juices and unique presentations (obviously). We’ll take one of everything! Living the good life, indeed. @labuenavida_oficial
Where to sip, sup, shop and more just outside Raleigh this month
Osteria Georgi CHAPEL HILL
Say “ciao” to Osteria Georgi, the latest Italian restaurant from Giorgios Bakatsias and chef/partner Daniel Jackson. Jackson is a Chapel Hill native and UNC grad who’s since worked at such top-tier NYC restaurants as Eleven Madison Park and Italian trattoria Cafe 2 at the MoMA. At Osteria Georgi, Jackson wields his Italian cooking experiences into a modern menu that utilizes local and Italian cheeses, North Carolina seafood, and a variety of housemade pastas. The meatballs, burrata, mushroom risotto and rigatoni all’Amatriciana are just a few of the resto’s mouthwatering dishes—enjoy them out on the stunning patio with a glass of vino for Italy vibes without the plane ticket.osteriageorgi.com
Simons Says Dip This DURHAM
Simon says to dip your ice cream, so you better do it. Pick a cone, cup or sandwich base; then choose from 24 dip flavors and tons of delicious toppings—from crushed Oreos, Reese’s Pieces and sprinkles to cereal, nuts and popcorn. The combinations are endless, so… Simon says to go there every day to try them all. The sweet spot also offers a selection of housemade stuffed cookies, freeze-dried candies, chocolatey treats and five flavors of Simons Says Spread This artisanal nut butters, which you can—and should—take home with you to make the most amazing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.simonssaysdipthis.com
Dinosaur World FAYETTEVILLE
Get ready for a rawr-some experience at Sweet Valley Ranch. Dinosaur World takes guests into the prehistoric age through a woodsy, paved trail (take the shuttle or walk) featuring 25 animatronic dinos in their natural habitat, an abandoned research lab, observation booths and plenty of ’Grammable opps. The sounds, woods and additional attention to detail make you feel like you’re in a real Jurassic Park—mind the scary T. rex who’s trying to eat you. Guests will also be able to enjoy a fossil museum, reptile house, fossil dig and dinosaur playland, as well as walk the grounds to view the hundreds of animals on the farm for a day that’s without a doubt dino-mite. sweetvalleyranchnc.com
The Gilded Bean Coffee Bar GIBSONVILLE
Deja brew. The Gilded Bean owner Charles Beard recently rebranded and revamped the old Twin City Hives on Main Street with triple the seating, new decor celebrating the history of Gibsonville and a specialty dessert menu—think oatmeal cream cookies, cake, cheesecake and more—that pairs perfectly with house-roasted coffee. The cozy interior is great for, well, cozying up with a brew and a good book or meeting with family, friends, neighbors or co-workers (now that we’re allowed to do that again!). Plus, you can take a bag of beans home so that even after you leave, you won’t be depresso. facebook.com/thegildedbean
Wild Dogs Brewing SANFORD
BYO dog to this new Fido-friendly brewery and tasting room in Old Town Sanford occupying two buildings at 136 and 138 North Steele St. The owners completely renovated the building into the cool and casual space it is today (reusing a ton of the original building’s materials), which includes a bar from Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, Virginia, and an original Coca-Cola advertisement along one of the interior brick walls (super vintage!). Wild Dogs features seven or eight barrels of primarily German-oriented pilsners and traditional beers—with plans to feature a light food menu of hot dogs and bratwursts, and open a rooftop bar and garden area.@wilddogsbrewing
