Another three months have flown by here in NC.
For me, that included a Thanksgiving in Charleston, Christmas in Arkansas, and lots of local eating, drinking and discovering in between.
Here are some of the highlights:
Cedar Falls Snack Company
Cedar Falls Snack Company is an honorary NC product because it’s made by one of the first North Carolina natives that we met…while living in Arkansas. These delicious and well-branded snacks are made by one of Jason’s former coworkers, and they are perfect with a good local beer. Thanks for the snacks, Stewart!
Groovy Duck Bakery
If you’re looking for a place to get rugelah in Raleigh, check out the Groovy Duck Bakery. They also have plenty of other baked goods and decorated cakes to choose from.
State of Beer
I know that I’ve mentioned how much we love State of Beer, but you might not have known that they occasionally have events like this Sour Beer Tasting. The beer and the food pairings were incredible. Another expert tip: They serve soup now!
Don Beto’s Taco Truck
We finally found a great place to eat near us…and it might be at a taco truck at a gas station. If you live near Garner or south Raleigh, then I suggest scoping out Don Beto’s Taco Truck, which is often at the corner of Old Stage Road and Ten Ten Road (some lunches on the weekdays and lunch on Saturday). When the truck isn’t there, you can find all of the amazing carnitas burritos and carne asada tacos that you could want at their brick and mortar spots (one of which is near the International Foods store on US 401).
Lucky Tree
I feel so lucky (cough, cough) that this comfy, peaceful coffee shop is right near my work. Lucky Tree has the classic coffee drinks, tea (with lots of herbal options) and healthy snacks and sweets. Stop by, grab a drink and then read a book in one of their comfy, eclectic chairs or couches. They also sell crafts and artwork from locals!
Standard Foods
These smoked pecans were the start to a lovely lunch at the new Standard Foods in Raleigh. Jason had the incredible burger, and I had butternut squash soup. The bar was a great spot, and I hope to try dinner sometime. I almost forgot to mention that the place is half restaurant, half specialty grocery store. So much to buy and try!
Peri Brothers Pizza
There’s a fabulous New York pizza place in the Triangle called Peri Brothers Pizza, formerly Camo Brothers Pizza. They have cheap lunch slices, and they’re one of the reasons that I now am obsessed with ricotta on pizza.
C. Grace
There are so many wonderful classy, old-school style bars in Raleigh, and C. Grace is definitely one of them. They take cocktails very seriously, and my Pink Lady drink was out of this world.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
I got the privilege to try out this historic Raleigh steakhouse during my husband’s Christmas work party. Although I’m not a big steak eater, I had the ceasar salad, salmon and chocolate cake. It was all fabulous…especially that cake.
Boiler Room Oyster Bar
There’s a new hot spot in Kinston, and their oysters (and everything else) are fabulous. The new brainchild of The Chef and the Farmer’s chef/owner Vivian Howard, The Boiler Room is a casual restaurant featuring local eats and drinks with a creative flare. We had raw oysters, fried oyster poutine, Brussels sprouts and the best dang banana cream pudding that I’ve ever eaten. (Spoiler alert: I might have to do a whole blog post on this place because that’s how good it is.)
Whole Foods Take Home Thursday
I knew you’ve heard about my relationship with Whole Foods (they cook, I eat it), but there’s a new facet with the Take Home Thursday deal at the WF on Wade Avenue in Raleigh. You can get a delicious, large pizza with up to 3 toppings for only $12 on Thursday nights. This one with artichoke hearts, sausage and ricotta (told you) hit the spot.
Happy eating and exploring to you!