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12 Best Food & Beverage Spots in Franklin County, NC

Five years ago we moved from the hustle and bustle of Raleigh’s burgeoning mid-town area. We relocated thirty minutes north to Franklin County, Founded in 1779 and named after Benjamin Franklin, it is home to over 70,000 residents.

Falls Lake
Falls Lake is a mere fifteen minutes from our home

What draws people to this bedroom community is its topography of wooded lots, farms, lakes, and rolling hills. There is a quieter pace to living here.

Driving home from jobs in the city as you pass over Falls Lake you can feel the cool breeze from the dense trees in the surrounding forest. As you get closer to home, you’ll pass by pastures and horse farms. I swear you can feel your blood pressure lower the nearer you get to Franklin County.

Once you are at home you can sit on your back deck and watch the fireflies twinkle and listen to the sound of the tree frog’s chirp on summer evenings.

As you get closer to home, you’ll pass by pastures and horse farms. I swear you can feel your blood pressure lower the nearer you get to Franklin County.

As you can imagine, back then, moving to a more rural setting came along with some sacrifices. Especially when it came to amenities such as dining out. During our time in Raleigh, we had become quite accustomed to having amazing world cuisine ready at our disposal.

Five years ago eating out for Franklin County residents meant going to a fast-food chain. Therefore we found ourselves sourcing, cooking, and grilling out at home more often.

You may love to cook, but every now and then you crave food that is made by someone else. You long to be served a tall martini that you can hear someone else shake for you as you nibble on an appetizer and peruse a list of wonderful main courses.

Thankfully over the past several years, the food and beverage scene started growing all around us. We also ventured out to try some of the local’s favorite spots. We think the timing is perfect to share what we have discovered in Franklin County.

You may love to cook, but every now and then you crave food that is made by someone else. You long to be served a tall martini that you can hear someone else shaking for you as you nibble on an appetizer and peruse a list of wonderful main courses. 

Read on to learn about our favorite food and beverage establishments located in Franklin County starting with the town where it all began.

Louisburg, NC

In 1779, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted a law that divided Bute County into Franklin and Warren counties and Louisburg become the county seat of Franklin County. As of 2019 Louisburg is home to approximately 3500 residents. It is also home to the oldest two-year college in the Nation. But what is the food and beverage scene like in Louisburg?

If a great cocktail is important to you look no further than Tonic Bar and Social Club.

Tonic Bar & Social Club
210 East Nash Street Ste B

Bill Opal opened his original Tonic Bar and Social Club in the summer of 2018, in Wake County, NC. His second top-shelf neighborhood bar launched in 2020 in the heart of downtown Louisburg.

The Louisburg Tonic location serves appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches alongside their top-shelf signature cocktails like the Sexy Dog-Walker, or the Charleston Garden.

The atmosphere inside and out is charming. Their rooftop lounge sits directly across from the amphitheater. Under that rooftop is a little shaded hideaway called the Swans Nest at Tonic where you can relax in rocking chairs or sway back and forth on a two-seated swing.

If you are looking for something a little less high-brow and just want some good sweet tea and a hearty county meal this next place is for you.

Johnny’s Barbecue
8446 NC Route 56

Johnny and Lydia Gardner opened Johnny’s Barbecue in 1999. This is a southern, country restaurant that will take you back to grandma’s cooking. Order a plate of shredded whole-hog barbecue, fried chicken, or one of the daily specials. such as the chicken pastry, or country-style steak. They cater and sell family packs for nights that you need to pick up a meal to bring home.

If you want your steak grilled instead of country-fried you can check out the other Johnny’s in town.

Johnny Bulls Steak House
32 Golden Leaf Drive

Not owned by the same Johnny who owns the barbecue place, this steakhouse is owned by Johnny King. They mix traditional steakhouse options with a rural flair for an experience that is as unique as Louisburg.

People rave about the quality of the steaks and prime rib. The salad bar is also popular.

If all that country cooking is making you thirsty, wet your whistle at Tar Banks Brewing.

Tar Banks Brewing
108 North Main Street

This brewery is in the heart of downtown Louisburg, NC. It has a great vibe and its renovated decor fits into the style of a town that has been around since the late seventeenth century. The beer is cold, fresh brewed and the staff is friendly. They have dart leagues, game nights and on the weekends you can find food trucks on site.

Discover another Franklin County town that has gotten a lot of attention these past couple of years.


Youngsville, NC

You may have heard about Youngsville just north of Wake Forest, NC. It is called the gateway to Franklin County. The town of Youngsville has had quite a building boom over the past several years. According to city-data.com it has grown 111 .2 % since the year 2000.

youngsville nc mural

The little downtown area is home to two wedding venues, Cross and Main as well as The Victorian. It also supports two local drinking establishments. Burnt Barrel is a wine bar with craft beer and Yacht Club Beverage house which is a craft beer emporium that has a small selection of wine. Locals love them both!

Yacht Club Beverage House
118 East Main Street

Yacht Club Beverage House describes itself as a taproom. beverage house. beer garden. and beach bar 2 hours from the beach. They have twenty beers on tap as well as other fizzy options from the cooler. It is run by Brandon and Stephanie Schenck who along with their families have deep ties in the local food and beverage industry.

On special occasions and during events, Yacht Club brings out popular food trucks like Hale Yeah Kitchen, Smoking Souls BBQ, Pick and Pull BBQ Barone Meatball Company, and even some breakfast food trucks.

What goes hand and hand with eating and drinking? Music of course. Yacht Club Beverage House has an outside beer garden venue for hearing your favorite live music. Little Red Birds are regulars at Yacht Club where you can watch Amanda Wilson paint live while listening to the tunes of Dave Devlin Music.

Just a stone’s throw down the road is another local hangout called Burnt Barrell.

Burnt Barrel
135 West Main Street

Burnt Barrel is a bottle shop/wine bar with indoor and outdoor seating. They are big proponents of using and showcasing local food, beer, and wine. Burnt Barrel is renowned for its refreshing wine slushies that are a big hit on a hot summer day. For those picky wine and craft beer connoisseurs who may be reading this, do not let that pink, frosty drink fool you. This staff knows its stuff. It is owned and operated by Amy Karlgut who is Cicerone Certified, In 2018 Amy had her entire staff go through the certification process.

In the past, Burnt Barrel has offered classes on everything from wine tasting to cigar rolling. She told the world in April of 2020 that she was a newly single mom with her first solo mortgage. She needed some help and she got it! We are glad too. She brings great style and sophistication to this downtown. You can find food trucks in her parking lot most weekends and some weekdays too.

You don’t have to rely just on food trucks for great eats in Youngsville. There is another solid option, the deli.

Charron’s Deli & Cafe
120 East Main Street

The best food option in downtown Youngsville is the family-owned local café called Charron’s Deli. The food there is very good, My favorite is the Rachael sandwich. For those that are not familiar with the Rachael sandwich,

it is grilled on rye like a Ruben, doused with Thousand Island dressing. However, it is filled with pastrami and coleslaw instead of corned beef and sauerkraut. It is delicious!

Sometimes you want a burger and a cold brew along with a friendly game of pool. If that is the case, Youngsville has you covered.

Buds Tavern
823 Youngsville Boulevard South

Bud’s Tavern is just over the Wake County line in Youngsville and that makes it officially Franklin County. This tavern, which is built into a doublewide trailer, has always been a magnet for local motorcycle clubs. It has gained popularity with the new locals and is now considered mainstream, Kind of red neck meets biker, and banker and everyone is welcome!

You can have a Budwiser, a glass of wine, or even craft beer like Wicked Weed Pernicious. Bud’s Tavern does serve a good burger, fries, and I especially like their onion rings.. There are daily specials too including Wing Night Monday and Taco Tuesdays.

It is set on a beautiful piece of land and had a big deck built onto the front of it with benches and high tops tables. At the bottom of the deck are tables set up with umbrellas. On the other side of the parking lot, there is even more seating available. A husband and wife team owns this place and both are well-loved by their patrons. If you read the reviews on their Facebook page, it is apparent that they have a loyal following.

People say the same thing over and over that Buck and his wife are amazing and the service is fantastic. We have to agree. Our bartenders have been attentive and accommodating, They host tons of events to keep their patrons returning. Events such as live bands, BBQ competitions, and even Sunday church service.

If you want to take a detour from the laid-back country lifestyle, Fiesta Mexicana located in the Food Lion parking lot can transport you to a more exotic experience without traveling south of the border.

Fiesta Mexicana
1170 US 1 Suite 140

This Mexican restaurant called Fiesta Mexicana in Youngsville is just off Route 1 in a shopping plaza. The service is top-notch, the food is delicious and the prices are low. You can enjoy everything from a simple taco to the molcajete. The margaritas are also exceptional. If you are in the area check them out.

This next town in Franklin County gets a lot less attention. Its quiet downtown area supports its residents with the main necessities. A hardware store, a post office, etc. but what about food?


Bunn, NC

Bunn is a small agricultural town with fewer than 400 residents. The town’s Website boasts that Bunn is where “descendants of Green Walker Bunn still walk down Main Street,” They host a Town of Bunn, Fun Day each year where all its residents can come together to celebrate all things Bunn.

Rustic Roots
20 Cheves Road

Rustic Roots in Bunn opened in the midst of the Pandemic, They had no choice. Their build-out and permits were all underway when the mandatory shutdowns and mask mandates went into place. Russ and Vanessa Vollmer were the former owners of Vollmer Farm who decided to live out a dream they had always shared. They wanted to open up a restaurant that would offer their community seasonal sustainable local food options. In other words, real farm-to-table homemade food. Vanessa who has restaurant experience and Russ a who is a lifelong farmer, are a foodie match made in heaven. You could not meet nicer folks.

But nice aside, the food is as good as it gets. On our first visit, we tried the charcuterie, I always judge a new restaurant by its appetizers, (it’s just my way). The presentation was beautiful and the cheese was on point. We moved on to salads, Russ stopped by to let us know our greens in the salad were picked that day and you could tell by the full garden taste and the snap of the lettuce’s freshness. Our steaks arrived and in the first bite, my husband and I looked at each other said “oh yes, this is fantastic!”

The pub food is good, however, the desserts are to die for! Pictured above is just one of the amazing desserts Vanessa makes. She does a banana pudding that is unlike all the banana puddings. This one comes out warm, it is like a bread pudding meets up with a Crème Brule! You have got to try Rustic Roots! They are only open for dinner and reservations are suggested.

Next up, learn about the town with the best-kept secrets in Franklin County.


Franklinton, NC

Franklinton used to be a thriving textile community according to The Jim Allen Group, the #1 real state team in the nation. This little town was the home of the popular textile manufacturer, Burlington Industries which has been in business for nearly 100 years.

The restored mill on East Green St. is called The Lofts at Sterling Mill. It leases its 2-bedroom units starting at under $1000 per month. That is quite attractive to live in a historical structure with an up-and-coming downtown within walking distance.

For a couple of years, we drove through downtown Franklinton in the hope that someone would wake this little downtown area up, revitalize it from its current dilapidated state. It appears in 2019 some good folks from the North Carolina Department of Commerce Rural Economic Division NC, Main Street & Rural Planning Center started a plan. Here are a few of their own photos showing the state of the town of Franklinton at the time of the study along with some of their plans to make it look better. As you can see the buildings were in rough shape. According to the surveys done at the time, people were concerned about drugs and crime in the little city of fewer than 2000 residents.

Fast forward to the summer of 2021. My heart skipped a beat when I recognized the signs of renovations actually happening on some of those retail facades. I was feeling hopeful about a new life for this quaint little southern town. Here is what we discovered in downtown Franklinton.

My heart skipped a beat when I recognized the signs of renovations actually happening on some of those retail facades.

Mason & Main
2 North Main Street

Mason & Main is named after the intersecting streets where the building is located. It is more than a coffee shop. It is a café with fantastic sandwiches along with a wine and beer selection. Kyle Williams the owner, a father, and self-professed foodie is always testing new ways to perfect his recipes.

They offer BBQ on Friday nights outside along with live music! Mason & Main hosts fun and unique events such as their wine and paint night with Amanda Wilson Art, She is the same artist that paints with Little Red Birds.

When it comes to showcasing the origins of these downtown Franklinton buildings no one has done it better than Owl’s Roost Brewing.

Owl’s Roost Brewing
20 North Main Street

Owl’s Roost Brewing is a dream come true for owners Jim and Tracey Kelley. and for many of the residents in the Franklinton area. This brewery in downtown Franklinton will be serving a full selection of adult beverages and food. We were recently invited in for a tour during the final construction phase. We can attest that this is not just your average brewery. It is so much more – this place is amazing! Owl’s Roost Brewing is scheduled to open on August 14th, 2021.

Owl’s Roost Brewery has 16 taps in total! Our fellow craft beer enthusiasts know that means the opportunity for variety. Jim apparently has been a competition brewer for quite some time and knows his stuff. Tracey plans to have mimosas on tap, as well as a fully stocked bar. From the entrance, you can see some of the brewing equipment in addition there is an entire separate dedicated brewing room.

Owl’s Roost Brewing has a brand new commercial kitchen complete with a double pizza oven. They have hired a chef and they will be testing out the recipes over the next few weeks as they prepare for opening. We heard from a good source that the pizza is delicious and the flavors that were being tested ranged from classic to creative.

They spared no detail or dollars for that matter in creating a unique high-end but comfortable space. Everywhere you look from the building materials that were used right down to the furniture, Tracy’s flair for art and design is apparent. Look behind her in the photo and you will see that cool acid-washed metal wall covering not to mention the tiled tap wall and custom inlay wooden bar.

Tracey and Jim bought the building which was formerly the old movie theater. Ascending the stairs to the second floor you’ll pass a landing where a skeleton sits on one of the original movie theater seats. He will be watching the black and white movies that will continuously loop. What a fun way to honor the building’s former purpose!

Upstairs is a great place to play darts, video games, and watch sports. Those big garage doors let in light and double as windows that open up for a cool breeze with the ability to hear bands playing in the courtyard below. Check out those stools that were made out of pallet wood and other materials by a local artist Brian Monteleon of Artful Pallet, Asheville, NC.

Owl’s Roost has a large outdoor space with a covered veranda and outdoor bar. The brewery is dog-friendly outdoors! They will have water bowls out back complete with running water for your four-legged fur children. Like the rest of the character that has been infused into this space, these drinking vessels for the dogs will be no exception. They are made from some bathroom fixtures that are repurposed from the old jail. The big dogs will drink from a clean toilet bowl and the little dogs a sink. How cool is that? Our friends over at TripswithPets should love this one!

For a glimpse of the outdoor space, take 30 seconds to watch and enjoy the Owl Brewing Mural being painted on the outside of the building by TonyRamsi Art. To find out more about the opening and to see just how this brewery came to be, follow Owl’s Roost Brewery on their Facebook page which has photos of the entire renovation project.

If you are in the mood for something sweet, look no further than across the street from Owl’s Roost Brewing where you can indulge in cakes and cream.

Sugar Grinders Creamery and Bakery
2 South Main Street

Stepping inside Sugar Grinders Creamery and Bakery takes you back to your grandmother’s kitchen. Wafting through the air is the sweet smell of sugar magic being transformed into warm gooey desserts.

Meet Miss Charlena Lee, owner of Sugar Grinders Creamery and Bakery. On the day we popped in she was busy making cheesecakes but was welcoming and friendly. Miss Chalena has been baking her entire life with her own mother and grandmother they have made the recipes that were passed down from her great grandmother. Miss Charlena has continued the family tradition of grinding sugar into sweet indulgent treats with her own daughter who manages their Triangle Town Center location of Sugar Grinders Creamery & Bakery.

Miss Charlena the consummate lifelong learner even went back to school in 2020 at “Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts” to become a Professional Culinary Pastry Chef. If you get the hankering for something sweet or have a special event coming up. Look no further than downtown Franklinton at Sugar Grinders.

I can assure you we will be coming back!

Speaking of coming back. Just down the road from Sugar Grinders is a building that many people entered over the decades and some that went in have never returned.

The After Life
20 South Main Street

What makes this place unique is that it’s a former funeral home. Now you will understand its name, The After Life! The seasoned husband and wife entrepreneurs taking on this endeavor are Patti and Bassam Danfora who also own the Creedmoor Market & Wine Shop on Bruce Garner Road in Creedmoor. Patti told us they have also owned and operated restaurants in Florida.

They envisioned this funeral home to be a great location for dinner and cocktails. After eyeing this building for quite some time they jumped at the chance to purchase it.

In order to access this building, one must grab a hold of a unique door handle made out of a single shotgun. This door handle may have been the instrument of someone’s demise or simply signifies how the old speakeasy owners may have defended their establishments.

Once inside you are drawn further in by an eery sense of something adventurous. The floor-to-ceiling portraits of people in a speakeasy from the 1920s hang on the walls in a grandiose fashion. While a single chandelier dangles over an antique upright piano.

The Afterlife is a fun place with a dark vibe to hang out for dinner, or just spirits. They are open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

For a lighter vibe “let’s get together and feel alright” at the Jamaican Patty Shack directly across the road from the Afterlife.

The Jamaican Patty Shack
19 South Main Street

Folks line up outside waiting for the authentic Caribbean food that is served here. Meat pies, jerk chicken, plantains, and oxtails are on the menu and we are told it is worth waiting for. We promise to go back and try it for ourselves, when we do we will share all our amazing photos with you on social media at LoveofFoodNC

Going back is easy but going back in time can only be achieved by stepping foot into the City Lunch aka The Hot Dog Stand.

City Lunch aka The Hot Dog Stand
5 South Main Street

We would be remiss to not mention a staple in Downtown Franklinton. The City Lunch also known as The Hot Dog Stand. This place has been operated by the same family since 1949, the Waiden family. Mr. Waiden is a pastor at a local church. They were closed the day we visited but we could not help but peek in the window. What we saw was a step back in time.

We found their menu online and can you believe that you can get a Hot dog for $1.50 a cheeseburger for under $2.70 and a slice of homemade pie for $2.50. We are going back to give it a try! We will post our pictures on Facebook and Instagram for you.

From the oldest to the newest restaurant in town.

Mexican Restaurant Coming Soon

Last but not least there is another restaurant coming to downtown Franklinton and is sure to be caliente’. We don’t know its name yet. It is going to be a Mexican restaurant according to this sign posted next to Owl’s Roost Brewery.

At this rate, it will be hard to keep people away from the once-abandoned downtown of Franklinton, NC.

Make sure you get out to visit these Franklin County food and beverage venues and mention you heard about them from Love of Food Magazine. Post your photos on our Facebook group or tag us @Loveoffoodnc. Share this article on your newsfeed and show the food and beverage scene in Franklin County some love!

Driftwood Cropped

Eating The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is one of the best beach destinations on the coast and according to a recent study done by rent.com, and published by The Outer Banks Voice in early May, that looked at which travel destinations across the United States were the least affected by Covid-19  in terms of search traffic on Google. The Outer Banks ranked #1, meaning people still continued to search for it more than any other destination spots in the US to be followed by Yellowstone National Park, and Fairbanks Alaska.

Photo Credit: The Outer Banks Voice

I have visited the Outer Banks for several years now. Each time I try to do something a little different, which is easy to do since there is so much diversity in the activities. One year I climbed the Hatteras Lighthouse, 210 feet high to the top, and peered out over the marsh with winds that made me a bit scared that I would be whisked over the railing and plummet to my death. 

Another time I ventured to Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head to experience the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic seashore where I climbed the enormous sand dunes and watched hang gliders drift off the peaks and fly over the sea.

photo courtesy of Outerbanks.com

I have visited the Wilbur and Orville Wright Museum, attended a festival by the Marina in Manteo. I have walked the trails along the marsh in Kitty Hawk, and shopped at the adorable little shops at Osprey Landing in downtown Duck, NC. 

I have eaten some of the best food the North Carolina coast has to offer, everything from fresh oysters harvested that morning from Hatteras Sound to the best hush-puppies this side of Louisiana. This visit was short and sweet but was no different. During our stay we visited three restaurants, all very different from each other and want to share our experience with you. 

1. I Got Your Crabs

If you want a very casual atmosphere you need not look too far down the road to 3809 North Croatan Highway Kitty Hawk in The Sea Dunes Shoppes plaza. This little strip mall houses a Jerky store and a few other little shops but the gem of the plaza is called I Got Your Crabs Seafood Market and Steam Bar. The restaurant opened its doors in 2012 and has quickly become a place that the locals enjoy year-round. The owner of the restaurant is a third-generation commercial fisherman. He crabs daily in the Currituck Sound. You likely drove on the bridge that goes over the sound when you were entering the Island. One of their specialties is those local blue crabs that are known for their sweet salinity.

Crab Facts

According to Bluecrab.info the male is the one with all blue claws, the female has red tips on hers. It is rumored that the female crab’s meat is sweeter than the male’s.

While visiting I Got Your Crabs our server made the recommendation of the popular crab dip to start our meal, She made a fabulous suggestion. When the dip arrived we were excited to see that it was served with homemade deep-fried wonton chips. These chips were the perfect vessel for this hot and cheesy, crabby dip.

When you are dining at I got your crabs you will find no shortage of oysters. Oysters are of the Crab Slough variety which are known to be sweet and buttery. I ordered mine fried, served with a Remoulade Sauce. They were so plump and juicy!

My friend wanted clam strips, of which I am not a fan. Give me those juicy bellies all day long. Her clam dish was however worth mentioning because they were served with a side of the yummiest hush-puppies. Those hush-puppies sweet with a little onion flavor cooked to a perfect golden brown could have been sold as an appetizer.

Dessert was available, however, we had eaten too much food already so we opted for takeout boxes for our meals. We will go back on a future visit and next time maybe we will check out that Jerky shop before we fill up on seafood.

2. Steamers Restaurant and Catering

On my last visit to OBX, I had some of the freshest oysters on the half-shell that I had ever tasted at a place called Coastal Provisions Oyster Bar and Wine Bar Cafe. Opened in 2006 by Daniel Lewis and Scott Foster, former head chefs for a specialty gourmet food chain. Let me share a little irony with you. That last visit, I had not intended to eat at Coastal Provision, I was headed to a restaurant in the same plaza called Steamers. Steamers, however, was not open for lunch so I ended up at Coastal Provisions eating those amazing oysters. As I was planning my trip this time all I could think about was having those amazing fresh oysters on the half-shell from Provision Company however, much to my dismay when I pulled into the parking lot I saw a sign saying they were closed, I was so disappointed. Steamers however was open! You have to snicker a bit at that twist of fate.

When doing my research for this article I discovered Daniel Lewis is also the President of the Outer Banks Restaurant Association and owner of Coastal Cantina and Coastal Cravings in Duck, NC. In an interview about Covid-19, he told The Outer Banks Voice he made the decision to close Coastal Provisions and focus on his other restaurants. You can be sure I will be visiting Coastal Cravings on my next OBX visit, so stay tuned!

Steamers Restaurant and Catering is located at 1 Ocean Boulevard Ste 115 in Southern Shores. We sat at the bar but I am told they do have upstairs seating with ocean views. It is co-owned by Linda Coats. I am told she often checks in on her guests and ensure they are feeling welcomed. Our visit was no different. A woman that I am almost sure was Linda stopped by as we were seated at the bar and asked us if we were having a good time and we were! Why wouldn’t we be, we had a heaping pile of Steamed Spicy Shrimp and two cold beers in front of us. The shrimp was fresh and crisp and seasoned with a generous amount of Turmeric. When you licked your fingers your tongue burned a little, but then the shrimp cooled it down. It was a fun albeit messy experience. That is what good seafood is all about! Our servers brought us lots of steamed napkins and lemons for our hands and kept our area of the bar tidy at all times.

For our entrees, we chose the steamed lobster special for $30.00. It was a great value, fresh, and scored to make it easier to crack open. It came with drawn butter, lemon, and a side of corn on the cob. If you want to learn more about these amazing sea creatures and the people who catch them, be sure to read Love of Lobster.

I am sure we were offered dessert but can tell you I was too full to even finish my corn and certainly did not listen if they had. I did notice while researching their site for this article they do offer on their takeout menu a New York-style cheesecake and a chocolate tuxedo cake. We enjoyed it all and would recommend this restaurant to others.

3. Trio OBX

The Outer Banks does not have to be just about seafood and to prove that we went over to Trio Restaurant and Market. Located 3708 Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk. This is a place that I visit each time I am in OBX. This is the ultimate grown-up hangout where you can relax and tantalize your taste buds.

There is wine as far as the eye can see, a store filled with sundries and gourmet treats, and a cheese counter that will make you drool. They serve the best local craft beer and make gourmet small and large plated meals. On this visit like all visits we order a meat and cheese tray to start our evening. We tantalized our palates with flavors from all over the world and rinsed it down with the nectar of the gods.

We shared a New York Strip Steak served on a bed of the most flavorful homemade mashed potatoes with a truffle sauce. For dessert there was a rich and dark chocolate cheesecake,

Our Trio Experience

We Interview One Of Trio’s Owners Ken Hyman

Lets-Feast-4

The Best Irish Pubs in Raleigh – Our Opinion

Irish Food in the Triangle

There are many places to choose from to visit in North Carolina for Irish food and a great time. We all are most familiar with the Hibernian on Glenwood Avenue. Many remember there was a big fire that shut them down for a time, but when it opened back up it was better than ever. Who doesn’t love their rooftop bar? I recently visited on a Sunday afternoon and had a Bloody Mary. Did you know they also have a second location in North Raleigh on Falls of the Neuse?

Hiberian Restaurant Pub Glenwood South

O’Malley’s, also off of Glenwood, is a favorite with lots of locals. They feature lots of specials and there is outdoor seating for those great Carolina weather days.

O'Malley's pub and restaurant raleigh

Saints and Scholars off of Spring Forest Rd in Raleigh will always get an Irish mention and people enjoy the food here as well. It is not owned by a person of Irish Descent at all. It is owned by Victor Khoury who is originally from Jordan. Victor used to own Solomon’s restaurant on Six Forks Road in Raleigh. When he closed Solomon’s during a downturn, he bought Saints and Scholars as-is and took his employees with him. You would never detect he is not from Ireland in the dishes he sells. He combined his Mediterranean flair with traditional Irish food. His focus is on providing the best service possible and purchasing quality ingredients for the foods he serves right down to the sea salt. Look at all the outside seating available at Saints and Scholars in the short video clip below.

Our number one favorite Irish restaurant in the Triangle goes to Tra’Li Irish Pub and Restaurant in Brier Creek. They have two locations, another in Morrisville, but I just adore the decor and everything about the Brier Creek location. Below is a photo of one of their rooms aptly named the library. Couldn’t you see yourself holding a private event in that room?

Tra'Li Irish Pub and Restaurant in Brier Creek

The rest of the pub has a great feel as well. It is the kind of place you just want to drop out in on a lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Read a book on your tablet while sipping on a hot toddy or drink bloody marys while catching up with your friends. They have two separate bars in the place, one is a bit cozier in the back room. I am not sure the reasoning for this but perhaps one day we will interview them and ask.

irish pub indoors

Why it has been selected as my favorite has less to do with the decor and more about the food. The Chef and owner Eamonn Kelly is from Ireland and he trained in Boston and New York. He blends the styles well and then sources using North Carolina foods. On my most recent visit, I had a Guinness Burger. If you want to know what that is, just look at the picture below and you will see atop my burger patty sits a thick slice of cheese made with Guinness. But this is not a burger that sits on a bun, no, this burger sat upon a bed of fresh homemade mashed potatoes with onion gravy, it is pure comfort food! The blend of the cheese, the beef, with the onion and brown gravy, and the potato just all worked so well together. I am craving this as I am writing this article.

Tra'Li guinness burger

My dining companion had corned beef and cabbage and said it too was very good.

Tra'Li corned beef and cabbage

There are many other Irish Pubs outside of Raleigh, throughout the Triangle, alas but only a wee bit of time to visit. We will mention Doherty’s in Cary, Pat Murnane’s in Wake Forest and in Durham. There is Bull McCabe’s and James Joyce Irish Pub. Maybe before Saint Patrick’s Day 2021, we will get to visit them and tell you more.

g58 art wall

G.58 Experience Fine China and Art

Part 4 of 5 in a series Food Among Art- A Love Story

I was inspired to write this piece by a random lunchtime restaurant visit to a place that a friend recommended. I happened to be in the Morrisville area for a client meeting on a weekday and was quite hungry. I thought “what a great time to visit this local establishment, maybe take a few pictures and review the food”. I had no idea of the journey I was about to take learning about Chinese customs and art. I entered G58 Modern Chinese Cuisine and asked the hostess if I could be seated at the bar as I snapped a photo of a cool looking wall, with absolutely no idea what it was about, I casually mentioned to her that I have a food blog and asked if I could be permitted to take a few pictures.  

g58 umbrella lighting

Amanda, G58’s Hostess, is a young Chinese woman from Shanghai. Her warm accommodating nature and bright smile were what we first encountered. She has a wealth of knowledge about the Chinese culture and how the art displayed around the restaurant tied into many important facets of G58. I would later learn that this wall represents the human struggle to achieve goals.

As I sat at the bar trying to decide which amazing dish I would have for lunch she explained that the chefs that work here are Master Chefs in China and came to the US to work in this restaurant. I realized that I was in for an experience that is hard to find outside of Las Vegas, New York, or Chicago.

Amanda announced she would like for me to try some tea. Serving tea in China plays a big part in their social etiquette. She said the tea she serves is imported from China, that it not only tastes good, but it is also served with health in mind. I selected the Jasmine Tea from Fu Jian, Province which is on the southeastern coast of China, situated opposite the island of Taiwan. The fragrant tea sits in a strainer at the top of the pot as the steam steeps its flavor into the water. The cast-iron pot sits on a warmer.

While pouring over the lunch menu, I wanted to taste everything. I lamented over what I wanted for lunch so long that I decided I would simply start with an appetizer and just see where my hunger landed after that. I made the right decision by ordering the pork and beef pan-fried dumplings. When the dish arrived I knew I was in for a treat, this was no ordinary Asian dumpling. They were joined together in the pan with the batter poured all around them. It looked like a big flower made out of fried goodness. As I cut into the first dumpling it was warm, moist and most of all flavorful. I dipped the dumpling in a ginger soy sauce, as is customary.

g58 plated food

For my main course, I ordered the pan-fried noodles with shrimp and beef, knowing that I would be taking some home for lunch the next day. The beef was tender and seasoned perfectly and the shrimp popped with freshness, I think the shrimp was the best I have ever had. Both were cooked to perfection along with the delicate noodles which I ordered minimally spiced. This dish came through with enough kick and flavor without the need for any additional spice.

pan fried noodles dish

When my lunch was coming to an end, Amanda informed me she would provide a tour around the restaurant to see the formal and private dining areas and talk with me about some of the art that is displayed.

g58 offers traditional, formal and private dining options

The best was yet to come as Amanda explained the art, its culture, it’s interpretations and even some of how it is made. You will definitely want to watch the videos below to hear her tell us what she knows about each piece. She will take us through the Dynasty Dolls which are made to represent each dynasty. The Climbing Wall, the Mural made of Colored Pins, The Silk Lotus Chandelier, The Mural of the Chinese New Year, The Needlepoint, The Five Lions, and the last and most impressive Dragon and Warrior Sculpture made from food-grade materials.

Check out this wonderful restaurant for your self at 10958 Chapel Hill Road in Morrisville, NC.

iris restaurant raleigh

Food Among Art – A Local Love Story

Part 1 of 5 in a Series About Food and Art

Art is the expression of one’s own imagination culminated and displayed within the confines of one’s creative abilities. Art is subjective, interpretive, and alluring. As a society, much of our history has been displayed in art. We learn from its expression as well as impart wisdom to others through our own works of art. Regardless of whether your medium is music, dance, the written word, paint, clay, metal, or food we as a human society express so much through our creations.

I began by seeking inspiration from the great works of art that are displayed at our North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. If you are new to the area, our state-run art museum offers an abundant display of famous works most which you can view for free. This includes a large Rodin collection donated by Iris and Bernard Gerald Cantor of Cantor Fitzgerald of New York. Subsequently, the white restaurant inside the museum is aptly named Iris. The wall sculpture made of tree branches is the work of Patrick Dougherty. It is placed so that when you are dining you have a sense of art and nature surrounding you.

While at the museum, I indulged myself on a little scavenger hunt to find all the works of art that displayed food. Of course, the Dutch section provided quite a bit of material as my muse. Starting with a painting from the 15th century “A Meat Stall with the Holy Family Giving Alms” a painting by Pieter Aertsen. It is a market scene, with an abundance of meats.

painting food

Then my inspiration turned to Spain. I love Spanish food and what better depiction of food in the 18th century than Melendez’s still life work of “Still Life Grapes, Figs, and Copper Kettle” along with his “Still Life with Game”

Melendez nc museum

Also in the Dutch area was Jacob Jordean’s “Mercury and Jupiter in the House of Bacchus” where we see Bacchus the God of Wine filling the goblets.

jupiter mercury painting meal

If a more modern approach is your style there was plenty of art that depicted food as well, such as Amy Sherald’s “Miss Everything” Enjoying a very large cup of coffee.

miss everything painting

This marble work called “Stack” certainly depicts modern-day take out food from the eye of a food service worker. Peter Oakley, who is known for turning items that are impermanent to permanent, depicts this perfectly with Styrofoam containers carved as a marble statue.

Stack By Robert Oakley sculpture

Much of the artwork in the North Carolina Museum of Art is donated by generous benefactors as we mentioned in the beginning of this article, the Rodin collection was donated by Iris and Bernard Gerald Cantor.

This particular painting was a gift to the NC Museum by Jim and Ann Goodknight. It is Robert Spear Dunning’s “Still Life Fruit, Honeycomb, and Knives” which symbolized gracious plenty in the homes in which it was displayed. It certainly depicted the lives of its benefactors. Jim Goodnight started and still leads SAS Systems, the world’s largest privately held software company.

robert spear dunning painting

Jim and Ann Goodknight also conceived and operate a successful five-star hotel in Cary, North Carolina where the decor is art meets nature. The hotel brings the outdoors in and the indoors out. From the moment you enter you are greeted by a large Chihuly sculpture. As you journey through the hotel, wonderful works of art keep your senses entertained, and true to their North Carolina roots many local artists are featured throughout.

Umstead Chulilly

The Umstead Hotel is home to a five-star rated restaurant that serves up award-winning cuisine called Herons. The food here is an art unto itself. It is headed up by Executive Chef Steven Deveaux Green.

heron food art

Starting at the museum and on to the Umstead Hotel, I continued my love story of food and art with a journalistic tour around the cities where I live. My goal is to uncover the art that transforms our experience with food. Some of which is manifested in the beauty of food that has been captured on canvass and some in the beauty of the food itself. In many of the places we visited, the art that is displayed lends itself to a vibe of creativity and support for local artists. Other times we were fascinated by stories of a culture that are told by the art that is displayed. We hope that you will continue to read the other articles in “Food Among Art- A Local Love Story Series” which defines the area’s culture by blending scrumptious food with incredible art.

backdrop luck tree

Art and Coffee As We Fall In Love with Lucky Tree Coffee House

Part 5 of 5 in a series Food Among Art- A Love Story

As I continued on my journalistic journey to find the perfect pairing of food and art in the Triangle area of NC. I was steered toward “Lucky Tree Coffeehouse and Art Gallery“. It is located across the street from Meredith College, a private institution in Raleigh since 1891. Many of the people in our local foodie group told me that this was a special place for art. As I approached the storefront I could see this was going to be a fun place to visit. An old bathtub upcycled into a water fountain dripped and rippled friendly, calming sounds.

Lucky tree storefront in raleigh

While this place is technically an art gallery, it did not have the pretentiousness and sterile atmosphere that some galleries strive to achieve. Instead, it offered a perfect bohemian blend of cool vibes and art made for and by the local people.

As I introduced myself to the staff one of the owners, Ashley, made her way over. I asked if I could record a few moments of a video so she could tell us about her business. Ashley and her twin sister Amanda are business partners. They have almost a decade of experience in the art world and curated art long before opening a coffee house. Lucky Tree is modeled after their childhood treehouse which, like most tree houses for children, was made out of scraps of leftover materials. Listen to the recording below to meet Ashley and hear her tell their story.

Lucky Tree features art from more than fifty artists, most of them are local. The art displayed is eclectic and showcases every medium from wall and decor art to soap and gift items.

soaps and handmade bowls on display
artist paintings on wall

The decor used to showcase the art in itself is its own art. It is fun, whimsical and everything screams upcycled. I particularly loved the old sewing machine legs added to this display table, the old trunks, and the cable spool complete with the cable still attached made into a table.

sewing table legs display local crafts

There is as much to see up above as there is below. Look at this cool chandelier made out of living plants.

artistic chandeliers

There apparently is music that happens here too! Every second and fourth Monday there is an open mic night. On Jan 31st there is a show planned called Hopeless Romantic by Lenci, a collection of love songs that explore pride and infatuations.

artistic design guitar

Yes, there is wine served in addition to coffee. Cloer wine is out of Apex North Carolina and Honey Girl Mead, as well as Starlight, are also local to NC. Not sure what that Fiji Water is all about.

nort carolina wines displayed

On to the question you have been waiting for, how was the coffee? True to form it is purchased from a local Durham, NC coffee roaster and served with local cream from NC State’s Howling Cow Creamery. What is not to like?

coffee lucky tree

We will be back to sip, shop, and nibble soon. If you are thinking of visiting, they are located at 3801 Hillsborough St, in Raleigh

Juice Bar Replaced

The Juice Bar Wake Forest

Juicing is new to me. Sure I make smoothies at home all the time however, I was not sure what to expect from one of these healthy lifestyle shops. I wanted to make sure I was not selecting one of those sugary smoothie chains that are frequented by teenagers. After poking around a bit online I selected The Juice Bar in Wake Forest. It appeared to have a selection of juices and smoothies as well as some healthy salads and breakfast bowl options. It is located in the same shopping plaza as the Publix supermarket chain off Rogers and Forestville Road. I entered to find it was set up much like a little coffee shop, there were a few average people meeting and talking over a juice. They may have had on yoga pants instead of work clothes but this is Wake Forest where casual is more common. I have even been known to wear my yoga pants to the supermarket.

The shop was well lit, clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. I was waited on by a woman with a really cool accent who directed me to the smoothie that would be the tastiest and colorful for my photographs. It was called the Hulk. While waiting for my smoothie, I took a few moments to take in all that this little shop had to offer. For Food options, you could order a variety of bowls made with Açaí or Granola. They also have Pad Thai Noodle bowls made with sweet potato noodles, various flavors of Overnight Oatmeal, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, and Nut Butter Sandwiches with options to add-in honey, cocoa nibs or fruit. Many of these were available in a Grab and Go cooler as well. 

What was intriguing to me was the juices – they offer something called the juice reset. According to the website Juiceitup  “A juice cleanse is a period of time where you replace your meals with fresh-pressed or squeezed juices. It allows you to give your body a break from digesting normal non-liquid food sources. A juice cleanse detoxifies your body from substances that create exhaustion, indigestion, fatigue, inflammation, weight issues, skin problems, and allergies. Due to the diets many of us live by, our bodies are full of processed foods, salt, sugar, and artificial ingredients. On a juice cleanse, your body is given the opportunity to rest and reset. While your body is resting, it is being provided with nutrients and vitamins it needs for healthy living. A good juice cleanse is like pushing the reset button on your body, but it is a process to get the full benefits of the cleanse”. I will state for the record I am in no way a health professional or nutritionist, I am merely reporting the information that I find and documenting my personal experience.  

At The Juice Bar, you can customize or select from one of their plans. Their Juice to Dinner plan offered four juices, alkaline water with a salad made of quinoa and kale. They had other plans that offered just juice or juice and a smoothie. 

The Hulk was made with kale, spinach, pineapple, coconut milk, banana, lemon, and apple juice. I was thrilled when she passed me the bright green concoction and even more pleased as I took the first sip. This was amazingly refreshing, delighted my senses, and was satisfied my hunger. I have been craving this smoothie since I visited. 

What also was interesting to me is how I felt after just one smoothie. It seemed to help jump start my metabolism. Again, I am only reporting how I was affected, I am not making a health claim on behalf of anyone else. I found that I was eliminating more frequently and felt a bit trimmer in my tummy. Could it have been a coincidence? Yes, it could, however, I am going back for another Hulk over the next few days just to find out. 
Want to see the entire menu? Watch our video below

I obviously would recommend The Juice Bar, it is the real deal. As I mentioned previously this is not one of those sugary national chain smoothie shops. Expect to pay for quality ingredients. Their smoothies ranged from $6.25 to $11.75. The Juice Bar is located at 1040 Forestville Rd Ste #148 Wake Forest, NC. It is open most days from 8:00 AM till 5:30 PM. On the weekend they open a bit later.  

Crawford and Son Feature Image

Crawford and Son

There is a trend right now in the North Carolina restaurant scene and the best way to describe it is simple, southern-comfort food served in a gourmet style. Crawford and Son certainly fell into this category for me. The food was was rustic in nature, amazingly flavorful, rich, and balanced. Ingredients were paired and served in a creative manner that was pleasing to all the senses.

We made an online reservation on this rainy Tuesday night and requested to be seated at the bar. The bar always supplies a good vantage point of the operations of a restaurant. Depending on how busy the bar is you can likely ask more questions of the staff and hear the other patron’s opinions as well. We entered to see a hostess stand directly in front of the door, perhaps this is a way to address space better or to let people know that bar seating may require a reservation. The restaurant was much smaller than I anticipated but in no way was personal space compromised. The interior is upscale but rustic with exposed brick walls and lots of black and grey. I understand that Architect/interior designer, Louis Cherry designed the space so that the star, which is the colorful food being served, would be in the spotlight. He is the same person who designed Poolside Pies, Ashley Christensen’s latest venture. 

Insider Tip: The bar always supplies a good vantage point of the operations of a restaurant. Depending on how busy the bar is you can likely ask more questions of the staff and hear the other patron’s opinions as well.

The menu was well laid out and limited in the number of items being offered. In each category, it had something that would appeal to everyone. For example, as an appetizer, I enjoyed a hen of the woods mushroom salad that was salty and tangy. My dining partner had pan-seared scallops served over cauliflower with a creamy sauce. When a fine dining establishment offers limited menu choices it speaks to me in such a reassuring way saying “regardless which of the options you select you will not be disappointed.” I will caution that the font of the menu is a bit small and since the lighting was dim it made it difficult to read the descriptions of the fabulous dishes being offered. Bring your eyeglasses if you wear them. 

When a fine dining establishment offers limited menu choices it speaks to me in such a reassuring way saying “regardless which of the options you select you will not be disappointed.”

The bartenders were well versed in the menu and were able to elaborate on all the dish’s flavors and unique characteristics. They lead me in the right direction with pairing a glass of sparkling wine with my rich entree selection of the Pork Cheeks • Blistered Peanut & Cheddar Grits • Barbecue Creamer Peas. 

What else did we order and how did it measure up compared to all the accolades Crawford and Son has received since it opened in 2016?

Top Ten Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit in 2017, Restaurant of the Year Wake County by Indy Week and N&O in 2019 and now named one of the Three Best Restaurants in America by Open Table are just some of the restaurant’s kudos. Not to mention the nominations for awards Chef Crawford has received from the James Beard Foundation.

The cocktail menu was much like the food menu, it had five signature cocktails to choose from and a few Spirit-Free as well. They did offer a larger selection of beer and wine. I opted for a “Peat and Pete” which was whiskey-based and very spicy because it is made with ginger beer and Texas Pete hot sauce, it was very different. My dining partner had a sweeter drink called “Pretty Visitor” made with Aperol which is an aperitif made of rhubarb and cinchona a flowering plant.

We were starving so we ordered up the Warm Malted Wheat Rolls served with Hickory Butter and Sea-salt. They were warm and fluffy on their own, but the butter made them crave-able. In full disclosure – we ate them all.

The Hen of the woods mushroom salad, or better known as the Maitake Mushroom Salad was served with strips of thinly sliced turnip, hazelnuts, green olive and shavings of Manchego cheese. 

My dining companion’s Seared Scallop appetizer had three generous sized sea scallops browned to perfection and when cut with a fork they were as tender as butter. The scallops were served over cauliflower with a brown-butter parmesan almond sauce. 

For dinner, my friend ordered the vegetarian option which was a Kabocha Squash with Ricotta Spinach Gnudi with collard greens and topped with roasted whole pecans. It was full of flavor and the Gnudi which was dumpling-like pulled the whole dish together.

I went for the Pork Cheek entree that I previously mentioned above, which was a big bowl of southern comfort food. Rich and savory,  the three generously-portioned pork cheeks broke apart with a spoon allowing me to scoop up some in each bite of the blistered peanut grits and creamer peas (a variety that belongs to the black-eye pea family). I had to take half of this dish home and I am happily enjoying it again as I write this article. 

Sadly there was no room left for dessert which looked amazing. What would have I chosen? The Orange Blossom Creamsicle Whipped  Ricotta •Apricot• Honeycomb there is no doubt!

Sadly there was no room left for dessert which looked amazing. What would have I chosen? The Orange Blossom Creamsicle Whipped  Ricotta •Apricot• Honeycomb there is no doubt!

I give these executive chefs big kudos for taking simple southern fare items like pork cheeks, beans, squashes, local mushrooms, catfish and pairing them appropriately while creating entrees that people will gladly spend upwards of $20.00. This means a profitable and trendy restaurant with great margins. They are contributing to the sustainability of agriculture and people in the culinary industry while supplying the local public with the right flavors that appeal and delight the senses. This was certainly part of my experience at Crawford and Son. Recently named one of the top three restaurants in the United States by Open Table is certainly an honor they can be proud of. While we were there we witnessed them ringing up gift cards after gift cards for people walking in. These are guaranteed future reservations. May I suggest you book in advance if you want to try them out, even for bar seating?

Crawford and Son are located at 618 North Person St. Raleigh and are open for Dinner Tuesday through Sat 5 PM -10 PM

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Keto Foodies of Raleigh-Durham

Top 9 Best Keto Restaurants in the Triangle

There’s no doubt that foodies love the Triangle area. With dozens of incredible local chefs and restaurants, eclectic cuisine from all across the globe can be found just down the road. From authentic Japanese ramen to real Vietnamese pho, to genuine Chinese bao–global flavors are at our fingertips. Plus, restaurants and chefs are more considerate of diverse dietary needs than ever before. Chances are, you can find a vegan restaurant, gluten-free bakery, and keto-specific menu on any downtown street. 

In the past, gluten-free, vegan, or keto diets may have made people feel restricted like they couldn’t dine at restaurants and be social with friends. With the soaring popularity of the Keto Diet, in particular, Raleigh and Durham restaurant chefs have gone above and beyond to provide healthy keto options. As a Raleigh-based Chef, I decided to create this brief guide to eating keto — so you can go explore the diverse and eclectic downtown cuisine, worry-free!

While this is a guide specifically for keto dining, many of these restaurants offer healthy vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options as well. Eat up! 

1. Clean Eatz (Raleigh)

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A hybrid restaurant and meal plan delivery service, Clean Eatz has sparked a revolution in healthy eating in the Triangle. They have a restaurant area, which serves up fresh meals with ample servings of veggies and lean meats. If you’re looking for an easy meal plan subscription, they serve a variety of dietary needs with daily, delivered prepared meals. 

They offer burgers, salads, and bowls. Their bowls offer a keto-friendly base of spinach or cauliflower rice, a choice of protein, and a plethora of veggies. Add a tasty sauce for zesty flavor, and you’ve got a quick and delicious keto option. 

According to their website, “Clean Eatz Meal Plans offers you the opportunity to have a personal chef prepare every meal for you at a cost you can afford.”

2. B.GOOD (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Morrisville)

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B.GOOD cleverly describes themselves as “food with roots.” Their farm-to-table ethos means all food is sustainably-sourced, grown seasonally, and supports community farmers. With a mouth-watering menu of locally-sourced burgers and grilled chicken, they offer plenty of keto-friendly protein. One protein-packed burger offers beef, egg, avocado, bacon, and cheddar — a savory, satisfying mouthful. However, they also offer vegetarian keto options like eggplant meatballs and marinara. If you’re craving a lighter snack, their seasonal produce allows them to rotate a variety of crunchy and flavorful keto-friendly salads. 

3. Raleigh Raw (Raleigh)

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While Raleigh Raw does offer a unique variety of raw juices–typically a ketosis nightmare–they actually do offer some very healthy keto options! Look at their bowls of raw, flavorful cubes of fresh salmon and tuna. Swap out the rice base for a foundation of greens, and it’s a keto-dream with raw, lean protein, crisp veggies, and avocado.

They also offer a keto-inducing Crack Coffee with coconut oil and grass-fed butter — a great way to kick start your morning!

4. Refectory Cafe (Durham) 

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Here’s a riddle: Four friends walk into a restaurant. Sarah can’t eat gluten; John can’t eat meat or dairy; Amber only eats meat; Greg is allergic to peanuts. How does this group of friends go out for a social dining experience, while still eating at the same restaurant? 


Answer: They went to the Refectory Cafe in Durham.

Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free; Refectory Cafe strives to serve healthy food for every need. In fact, according to their website, “the original goal of the Refectory Cafe was to be a “one-of-a-kind” local farm to table restaurant where omnivores, vegetarians, vegans, plant-based diets and gluten-free diets could all happily share a table together in the same facility.”

With sustainably-sourced healthy keto options like sweet ribs with goat cheese and spinach, or eggs with salmon and avocado, it’s an eclectic dining experience, enjoyable for all dietary requirements. 

5. Neomonde Mediterranean (Raleigh, Durham, & Morrisville)

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With mouth-watering chicken, salmon, beef, and lamb kabobs, Neomonde is the perfect place for a quick and easy protein pick-me-up. Savory sides like eggplant and steamed greens with spices are cooked in Mediterranean oils and herbs. 

Neomonde’s healthy menu has long been heralded by vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, and keto dieters alike. Better yet, Neomonde is one of the most affordable restaurants on our list! With many flavorful options, the award-winning menu makes it one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in the Triangle. 

6. Salt & Lime Cabo Grill

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If you’re craving the West Coast zest of the Baja California Coastal Style, but you live here in the South, you may find yourself short on options. Fortunately, the Salt & Lime Cabo Grill has brought the flavors here to the Triangle. With a menu “ranging from street food and tacos to European style dishes, Baja mixes old Mexico with modern, fresh flavors from around the world.”

Their fire-grilled wings are an easy start for a keto-conscious snack. They also have seared yellowfin tuna, with lime cream, cilantro, and citrus flavors. Their meat selection is dazzling — from pork belly to steak to mahi-mahi. If you want a brighter, fresher, zestier keto dinner, Salt & Lime is for you.

7. Carolina Keto Bakery 

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Warm, sweet cakes, cookies, and pastries are often off-limits for the keto diet. You certainly couldn’t have baked treats like:

But “Keto” is right there in the name of the Carolina Keto Bakery. They whip up sweet treats and even savory snacks like pork rinds, then ship them right to your door. If you want to make yourself hungry, just scroll through their Instagram page and imagine the possibilities. 

8. Tupelo Honey

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Sometimes you just need some Southern homestyle comfort food — the kind you eat at the end of a lazy Sunday, after spending a long afternoon sipping iced tea on the front porch. The kind that reminds you of childhood.

With keto-friendly menu options like Sweet Tea Roasted Chicken, Griddled Appalachian Pork, Blackened Catfish, and Creole Trout, the meals at Tupelo Honey are as nostalgic as fireflies in a mason jar. Plus, the farm-fresh sides are savory and delicious.

Tupelo Honey also offers many vegetarian and gluten-free options.

9. Ordering a Personal Chef

If you’re hosting a group of friends and family with diverse dietary needs, don’t stress! For the cost of dining out, you could have an intimate gathering in the comfort of your own home–while your professional-chef irons out all the dietary details! 

The Triangle area has many professional and personal chefs who happily host unique dinner parties or private group cooking classes with any style of the desired cuisine. Whether you’re craving savory Southern foods, zesty Baja style, authentic global street food, or a whimsical Harry Potter-themed meal — this is a shockingly easy and affordable way to entertain a group with diverse dietary requirements. 

Whether you’re experienced with keto or just starting out, there’s no reason for your diet to restrict you! With the many fabulous local chefs at the Triangle’s best restaurants–and private chefs for your home event–you can still socialize with friends and enjoy good food, good company, and making good memories. 

Wine

Summer Wine and Seafood Pairing

Summer wine, what is it exactly?
When asking other people they may say Pinot Grigio or White Summer Sangria. While those certainly are wines that come to mind, I recently went to a wine pairing this summer that proved that Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, and even Chardonnay are perfect summer pairings with summer seafood. 

Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, and even Chardonnay are perfect summer pairings with summer seafood. 

This dinner was held at the Mayton Inn, Cary, North Carolina. It was built after I moved from the area and I was surprised to see such an opulent venue in the middle of what used to be a quiet lazy, downtown area. Much has changed about the City of Cary in the last 10 years. The downtown is abuzz with nightlife. There are so many places for adults to convene. There are two breweries, Bond Brothers and Cotton House,  and Pharmacy Bottle Shop serves craft beers on tap. There are many cafes, a movie theater and The Mayton Inn with a full bar, restaurant, function room, and nearly fifty guest rooms. 

I was surprised to see such an opulent venue in the middle of what used to be a quiet lazy, downtown area.

The Mayton Inn was charming as you can see in some of the photos. We plan to go back to order a drink from the Highball lounge (especially for half price bourbon night on a Monday). The lounge name came from Cary’s history as a “train city”. You can still board the Amtrak to many destinations right from downtown.  Highballing is apparently a term used to describe a steam engine moving at its highest speed.  

Tonight we dined in the function room and the food was prepared by Executive Chef, Steven Zanini, III, and his staff. Steve’s food is known around the area as he has cooked at Dean’s, Jimmy V’s, and Midtown Grille.

Executive Chef, Steven Zanini, III, and his staff.

We will explain the food that was served in each course and describe these summer wines that were paired. We were lead through this wine tasting journey by oenophile, Emily from Empire Distributors who was kind enough to share her experience and knowledge with us.

Amuse Busche

First up, the Amuse Busche. It was a Summer Crab Salad served on a wonton soup spoon. It was made with the appropriate balance of panko and crabmeat that enabled us to taste the salty, light, crab flavor and give us the crunchy mouthfeel the chef was going for. It was quite delicious. The wine this dish was paired with was the Emmol Sauvignon Blanc made by Jenny Wagner. She comes from the same family of vintners who make the more well known Caymus. What I loved about this wine was it was the opposite of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It was minerally with fresh notes of citrus, peach and wood char. This made perfect sense since the Wagner family are the owners both the Rutherford and Oak Knoll vineyards. 

This made perfect sense since the Wagner family are the owners of both the Rutherford and Oak Knoll vineyards. 

The next course was a Grilled Peach Ceviche that sat in an edible bowl of crispy fried wonton dough. When eating this fresh seafood dish the calamari’s texture gave way to a slight pop but was not chewy between my teeth. The peach and citrus flavor sprinkled with cilantro leaves and a hint of heat kept me wanting another forkful. It was paired with a pretty Sokol Blosser Rose because of its aromas of peach and jasmine along with a lingering rhubarb taste on the finish. This bright, delicate, rose is 100% Pinot Noir and 100% estate grown in Dundee Hills which is part of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. The Sokol vineyard is owned by a brother and sister, Alex and Allison Sokol who are second-generation wine growers whose family was into organic farming before sustainability was a thing. 

The next course was a Grilled Peach Ceviche that sat in an edible bowl of crispy fried wonton dough.

Next was the main course which was a pan-seared tile-fish. The fish had a sweet buttery flavor that is similar to crab or lobster. It was served over a finely shredded cabbage and carrot slaw accompanied by a citrusy, sweet sauce to drizzle on top. On the side was a rice cup that had been crusted on the top giving it a more nutty flavor, and color on the plate with a crunchy texture. The main course was paired with the Diatom Chardonnay.  This central coast, Santa Barbara, CA wine was unoaked with lemon and citrus on the nose. The winemaker for this one is Greg Brewer who is known for making Chardonnay wines in stainless steel to maintain the grapes in their purest state. He named the wine from the diatomaceous earth found in this region that is composed of much-fossilized plankton. 

The fish had a sweet buttery flavor that is similar to crab or lobster.

Our last course of the evening was a Raspberry Clafouti. This is a French dessert that is baked in a well-buttered dish that is coated with a thick flan-like batter. The clafouti was served warm and dusted with powdered sugar. With it was paired another Rose, this one was a sparkling, from the Languedoc Region of southern France. It tickled our noses with its very tiny bubbles and its strawberry and raspberry goodness flirted with our taste buds. This wine is made from mostly Cabernet grapes that are hand-harvested. This all-organic, no sulfate wine is fermented using the ancestral method. According to Wine Spectator, “the ancestral method is an inexpensive but risky and difficult-to-control method of producing sparkling wine, and almost certainly the oldest, in which the primary fermentation is stopped before completing, and a secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, ending when the yeast cells deplete the supply of residual sugar. There is no dosage, or sugar added, to kick-start the secondary fermentation, and the wine is not disgorged to remove any sediment or lees remaining afterward.”

It tickled our noses with its very tiny bubbles and its strawberry and raspberry goodness flirted with our taste buds.

We met some great people and a good time was had by all!

If you are thinking of hosting a summer dinner party with friends, I highly recommend trying some of these wines yourself to see how they will fit with your menu. If you need help our culinary team of expert chefs and assistants are hand-selected to shop, cook and clean up for your hosted dinner party. 

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The Whiskey and Beef Dinner

We are big fans of beer and we have lived in the Wake Forest area of NC for several years but much to the surprise of our beer-drinking friends we had never visited Real McCoys. This place is known for its large beer selection, full bar, and food service until late into the night. The name is cool but we wondered where it was derived from. A source told us that the original founder of the establishment’s first name was Coy. Good play on the name- well done!

This place is known for its large beer selection, full bar, and food service until late into the night.


Looking at the Untappd app we could see that they had many beers that both my husband and I would enjoy. We pulled into their parking lot on Memorial Day Saturday to finally check it out.  It was not too busy as most people in this area scramble for the coast to enjoy the first great beach weekend of the season.

None the less we were greeted by an energetic and enthusiastic staff, who was eager to have us explore the beer selection and try their infused vodka and Bloody Mary mix. Which by the way was so wonderful, I went back the next day for one.

While we were enjoying our refreshments they told us about an upcoming whiskey/bourbon pairing dinner to which they were selling tickets. We jumped right on that train and purchased two seats for the upcoming event.

The evening of the event we were greeted by Ben Thomas who is one of the new owners. He had entered into the business approximately eight months ago. My understanding is that Ben has lots of experience in the bar business. Been explained to us that this was the first in a series of dinners he hopes to provide that will educate the patrons on spirits and food. He introduced the co-hosts for the evening, one representing the spirits we would imbibe and the other was the beef purveyor. He also introduced us to our server for the evening who was wonderfully attentive.

The first surprise of the evening was the first drink, it was not a bourbon or whiskey, but rather a vodka. Served in a tall glass with ice was a Wheatley Vodka Gimlet. I was skeptical at first and so were my fellow diners. Ben assured us it would all be made clear in just a few moments, and it was. Apparently this vodka was special and tied to whiskey because it is aged in whiskey barrels. Ah… that made sense. Its smokiness and bite paired beautifully with the first course which was a sirloin steak egg roll cooked perfectly by Chef Eddie. My hopes were up for the rest of the evening!

Apparently this vodka was special and tied to whiskey because it is aged in whiskey barrels.

Chef Eddie took a moment out from his duties in the kitchen to introduce himself to us. He was perfectly quaffed, pressed chef uniform and a wonderful smile. He was modest in front of the group and let us know his culinary credentials. Along with that, he explained he is from Kentucky which we all know is where you can tour the Bourbon Trail.

Speaking of the Bourbon Trail for those who do not yet know all of the details of this adventure, I am doing the research so my husband and I can make the trip. Stay tuned for a blog post all about it upon our return.  From what I can tell, the tours are similar to some that we have been on in wine country. They are well prepared with tour transports to move you from one place to another and how many you visit all comes down to how much time you have. I would imagine some of the lengths of the tour you select will depend on how much tolerance for alcohol you have.

 From what I can tell, the tours are similar to some that we have been on in wine country

The official start of the Bourbon Trail is in the State’s capital, Louisville at the Frazier Museum. In Louisville, you can experience Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Old Forester Distilling Co., Angel’s Envy Distillery, Rabbit Hole and Bullet. Or if you are pressed for time skip straight to Bardstown so you can experience Heaven Hill, Four Roses, Makers Mark, Lux, Jim Beam, and others. For those more adventurous bourbon drinkers, there are many craft distilleries in the Northern parts of the state too.

Back to the Steak and Whiskey Dinner at Real McCoys. Our next pairing was a Jefferson’s Reserve Pritchard Hill Sherry with Asian BBQ Grilled Sirloin, Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts, and Jasmine Rice.  While we ate we listened to the beef purveyor tell us all about the cuts of beef and where it is sourced from. We learned that this particular beef farm only uses white cows. The reason is cows do not like to be hot and the black cows attract the sun and make them uncomfortable. Apparently the white cows are happier cows and happier cows make better meat.

We learned that this particular beef farm only uses white cows.

Our next pairing was the main course of a perfectly cooked Prime Rib of Beef served with a side of mashed sweet potato and locally-sourced, lemon broccoli and to sip with this lovely plate was a Pikesville Rye. We filled our bellies on the nicely-salted medium-rare red meat and sipped on the rye. I started to fall into a warm food coma. The representative from the distilleries was taking us through some of the finer points of distilling and the differences in grains used in the process. He fielded our questions and told us that he had a very special whiskey up next that has a wonderful story. He would be showing us a short film about the whiskey and its deep American history. We could not wait!

We filled our bellies on the nicely-salted medium-rare red meat and sipped on the rye.

Ben checked in to see how things were going and asked if we were enjoying the evening he and his staff had prepared for us. To which we all replied a unanimous “yes”!  He said not only will we be tasting this next special whiskey but it would be served with a chocolate whiskey cake. What makes this story even better is that the cake was not prepared by his chef, but rather his catering manager, Missy. He said he discovered by accident a few months back, that Missy was a fantastic baker. You see, she found out that no one made Ben a cake for his Birthday and she kindly surprised him. That day he was blown away at how good it really was and deemed her the official pastry chef for the restaurant. Missy still manages catering too so make sure you reach out to her if you are looking for a spread for your next event. Be sure you order something sweet from her too or you will be missing out on what I thought was the best cake I have had in a long time. Yes, and I bake.

He said not only will we be tasting this next special whiskey but it would be served with a chocolate whiskey cake.

I have made you wait in anticipation long enough. Now I want to share the story of the wonderful Tennessee whiskey that we enjoyed with Missy’s chocolate-whiskey cake topped with a whiskey ganache. It was called Uncle Nearest and the film told a story that goes like this: Uncle Nearest, born as Nathan Green, was the first African-American Master Distiller on record in the United States. He was born a slave and was later a free man. Nathan worked on a farm for a preacher making whiskey. A young orphaned boy came to live in the house with the preacher and was curious about what Nathan did. He taught the young man everything he knew and that young boy grew up to be known as Jack Daniels. Now Uncle Nearest’s whiskey is being independently sold. According to the website Caskers, this handcrafted whiskey is distilled using an 11-step, 25-day process and a bespoke charcoal filtration method. It was named “1 of the Top Five Whiskeys in the World” by the Cigar & Spirits Magazine in 2018

Uncle Nearest, born as Nathan Green, was the first African-American Master Distiller on record in the United States.

This whiskey was 100 proof and the color of a beautiful rich-wood and on the tongue a slight taste of spice that ends with maple and caramel. I took my first sip but had to add an ice cube as my brown liquor palate is not yet as sophisticated as this whiskey. Once I had a cube in the glass I was 100% involved in the sips that accompanied Missy’s chocolate cake.

What a wonderful evening; we were entertained, educated while satiating our palates with rich beef and wonderful spirits. Thank you to Ben, his co-hosts, and his amazing staff for creating a wonderful evening out. We can not wait for the next one. I will keep you posted on social media as soon as I get wind of it! Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for the update.

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Chido Taco

McNeal Point 2330 Bale Street Raleigh, NC

The restaurant is described as a “Mercado Style Taqueria” and as you can see in the photos they certainly got the vibe right! When we saw the menu we were intrigued by authenticly named dishes like Mal Del Puerco with an apt description such as Slow-roasted Pork/Salsa Verde Cruda/Avocado/Radishes/Grilled Onions. We opted to try two items one from the small plates menu, the Esquites and the other from the Taco menu, the Taco Callejeros.

You order at the counter and are handed a buzzer.

Many people prefer a more formal dining experience, but I always think that as long as the food is good I am happy to find my own seat and select my own flatware. The seating options and decor were fun, it almost transformed my experience into being on vacation somewhere in Mexico. We made our way to the bar area in the back of the restaurant to sit and wait for our food.

This was not your average bar experience.

We were greeted by two friendly bartenders who made us each an authentic drink. I tried a Michelada made with Clamato Juice served in a salt-rimmed paper cup with a paper straw. My husband had a Margarita made from fresh-squeezed juice and Anejo Tequila served in a glass rimmed with black salt and garnished with a slice of dehydrated lime.

The hot food was made promptly, I was happy to see the tortillas were made fresh.

The person who recommended Chido Taco instructed us to try the Esquites. This was my first time ever trying it, the only way to describe this dish is like a vegetarian corn salad with mayonnaise dressing. I was not a fan. This had nothing to do with the restaurant, just more of a preference of taste thing. I did not care for their tortilla chips either as they were thick and not salty. I am a fan of those paper-thin tortilla chips served at another popular restaurant chain. Our buzzer went off so that we could pick up the rest of our order. We also ordered the 2 Taco Callejeros Bistec (Steak) for $5.00. The hot food was made promptly. I was happy to see the tortillas for the tacos were made fresh. Our meal was handed to me on a metal baking sheet tray and I made my way to the condiment cart to dress my tacos.

I was excited to see some freshly cooked whole green peppers.

The condiment cart had many salsa selections, Verde, Pico de gallo, and of course traditional. I was excited to see some freshly chopped cilantro and cooked whole green peppers. When I was seated back at the bar, I inquired about the heat index of the pepper before trying it. The bartender warned me it was very hot and offered me salt and lime to put on the pepper. My first bite was very pleasant, but as I reached the seeds, I fully understood the heat factor. I was told that next time I should cut the pepper open and remove the seeds if I wanted a more pleasant experience. I will definitely try them again.

The tacos had a hearty portion of steak in them

The tacos were soft, warm and delicious. They had a hearty portion of steak in them, although it was a bit tough. Next time I will try the carnitas or the chicken instead. There will be a next time for me. If I was to give a rating for this place on a scale from 1-10.

Atmosphere 9.5
Authenticity 10
Service 10
Food 7.5
Price 10