A feast for the eyes and the senses, Peregrine released a first look at its forthcoming 1000 Social space, slated to soar this spring. The brainchild of dynamic duo artist/filmmaker Patrick Shanahan and NCRLA-celebrated chef Saif Rahman, the highly anticipated behemoth 4,000-square-foot resto evokes an “ancient-meets-modern” aesthetic.
Rendering by Mauer Architecture, courtesy of Peregrine
Rendering by Mauer Architecture, courtesy of Peregrine
Rendering by Mauer Architecture, courtesy of Peregrine
Designed by first-time restaurateur Shanahan in collaboration with Maurer Architecture, the vibe perfectly complements Rahman’s globally inspired fare. Think standout features like a full-height glass facade, a 10-seat private dining room with floor-to-ceiling courtyard views, handcrafted lighting, handplastered Roman clay walls and Moroccan tadelakt finishes—to name but a few.
“I taught myself these techniques while renovating my own home and found there is a beauty to the imperfect nature of plaster,” says Shanahan of the application. “I fell in love with the look, as well as the process.” The result? A bold, textured space that speaks the same language as the menu: raw, refined, unapologetic—and anything but ordinary. @peregrineraleigh
Get ready to *ciao* down on new Italian faves in the City of Oaks. Chef Michael Bongiorno is slated to open an updated take on his Lafayette Village deli and Italian specialties market Bongiorno & Son at The Exchange Raleigh later this year, joining an ever-growing palatable menu of F&B outposts like now-open WRK by The Optimist and soon-bowing Peregrine.
The yet-to-be-named “deeply personal” concept for Bongiorno & Son, according to Bongiorno, will feat. a spacious market with grab-and-go salads, meals and pantry staples. Not to mention freshly prepared deli selections, pastries and elevated sammies at a classic counter—all complemented by dark wood accents and eye-catching graphics.
Taking things next level, the restaurant will also embrace the Italian-style afterwork aperitivo tradition of small plates and bevs—and stay tuned for seasonal osteria-style community dinners. “That legacy of bringing people together through food is something I’m proud to continue here in Raleigh,” says Bongiorno. We’ll salute to that!
Taking inspiration from his experiences and the many cultures, ingredients and traditions that define present-day U.S., the menu will not only encompass his own journey, but an American story. Think signature dishes like a fragrant fish curry, a traditional Bengali dish Rahman will modernize with French techniques; and crispy lentil fritters, or Piyagi—a nostalgic recreation of the street-food snack Rahman’s grandfather made for him during Ramadan.
“America is such a melting pot,” notes the NCRLA 2021 Chef of the Year, who previously served as executive chef of Vidrio. “The food we’re going to serve is going to be pulled from around the world—I don’t want to be tied to one type of cuisine.” Essentially, ingredients locally and ideas globally, he adds.
That inspired exploration of the chef’s culinary journey will also be mirrored in the concept’s beverage menu and ambiance. “Peregrine has such an emphasis on Saif and his story and his cooking,” emphasizes business partner Shanahan—“and we really want people to see that and be a part of that.”
For his own part, artist/filmmaker and Watts & Ward co-owner Shanahan partnered with Mauer Architecture to design the 4,000-square-foot space. “They’re the first people I’ve ever met professionally who actually trust me and my vision,” he muses. As part of that conceptualization, the interior will incorporate a juxtaposition of ancient and modern materials—like clay, Moroccan plaster, stonework and black steel—and likewise mirroring Rahman’s menu.
And in line with The Exchange’s already bold features, three massive arches serve as focal points, with the above-bar middle arch creating a sort of chef’s table that will allow bar patrons to watch Rahman at work in the kitchen.
“[Dewitt] keeps saying they want this to set the tone for the future of hospitality and thoughtful and mindful cuisine and design,” says Shanahan of the development’s flagship restaurant. “Finally developers are considering that what they’re making isn’t just a structure for commerce, it’s actually a structure that is a piece of art. And I feel like that’s why we’ve really felt this is the right place.”
It’s a project that’s felt “right place, right time” from the jump. “We were both seeking something and just happened to find each other at the right time,” recalls Shanahan of his serendipitous partnership with Rahman. “We have a very special friendship. I wish I would’ve met him 10 years ago, but I’m glad we met now for this project—and I’m sure it’ll be the first of many to come.” peregrineraleigh.com
Award-winning duo opening premiere restaurant at The Exchange
Raleigh’s hottest development just upped its cool factor. The Exchange is cashing in on its candid commitment to food and bev with the announcement of its first restaurant from two local industry VIPs—2021 NCRLA Chef of the Year Saif Rahman, and Watts & Ward and The Ark Royal co-owner and screenwriter Patrick Shanahan.
“The marriage of these two creative minds is going to bring a new fine-dining staple to the Raleigh community,” says Dewitt Carolinas Executive VP Steven Beattie, “which I hope is the first of many at The Exchange.” From its inception, Dewitt has been focused first and foremost on its MO as a heightened food-and-beverage destination—rather than retail—with this culinary concept the first feather in its cap.
Initially meeting to vet mutual pursuits—Shanahan, for a cocktail space; Dewitt, for its premiere hospitality partner—the now-collaborators hit it off. But Dewitt maintained its devotion to a restaurant—and so Shanahan embarked on his quest for the right chef.
Naturally, Shanahan turned to Elm Partners, who intro’d him to former Vidrio standout Rahman—and a perfect pairing was born. The duo—now co-founders of S&P Hospitality—instantly connected over shared values, which also aligned with Dewitt’s. “What I love about the [Dewitt] team is it’s really grassroots,” says Shanahan. “They really were eager to get local talent. … It hasn’t really felt like business, [but] like we’ve been welcomed into a family.”
Call it a mutual admiration society. “Saif has always delivered an amazing culinary experience, while Patrick has a unique talent for creating spaces and experiences that make you forget you’re in Raleigh,” says Beattie. “You can see they share a joy in creating phenomenal experiences that celebrate and elevate food and hospitality—two local masters of their craft joining forces.”
Borrowing from Rahman’s rich ancestry as muse, the pair’s yet-to-be-named “American” venture is anticipated to bow this fall—and not at all what likely comes to mind when you think of American fare. So, less burgers and fries and more drawing inspo from cultures the world over that comprise American—and Southern—cuisine as we know it.
“We’re really going to dive into a lot of the different cultures Saif has been exploring, testing and workshopping over his entire career to bring a whole melting pot of flavor into this experience—a transportive experience where you feel like you walked out of Raleigh and ended up all over the world,” says Shanahan. “You can really explore the world through our menu in a night.”
Naturally, good ’ole Southern hospitality—at a heightened level—will be a prominent fixture to boot. “Really our goal is to bring true hospitality back to the South,” maintains Shanahan, by treating the guests in such a way they can “really relax and feel like they left Raleigh and all their worries behind.” And, so, a world of new experiences awaits.
Consider Saif Rahman & Patrick Shanahan’s upcoming restaurant a game changer for The Exchange—and for Raleigh. (Photo courtesy of Shanahan)
