eatRaleigh

08/31/2026

Trugalug Chocolate feels like it just appeared one day next to the Alamo Drafthouse. But it's been a long winding road that brought Raleigh's third bean-to-bar chocolate shop to life.

Our visit to the whimsical and hospitable Trugalug Chocolate, now on the blog. Link in bio

08/21/2026

Like many of you, I only knew of Frank Ballard by his hospitality at the door of Hayes Barton Cafe and the decadent food and dessert his restaurant serves.

This piece of him had become a part of Raleigh's identity, like a landmark that has become a part of the city's landscape. It was known and important. Why even without a personal relationship, it's a loss that the city feels.

08/17/2026

When I think of Adventure Landing, I think of the time in college, when I inadvertently took someone else's girlfriend on a date there. Adventure Landing was that kinda place. The place of awkward dates and children's birthday parties.

Despite the go-kart fumes and sensory overload the place had a way of making memories. I think that's why it lasted so long. And why folks are sad to see it go.

08/14/2026

A few years ago I got to tag along with my wife to Atlanta as she was attending a conference. Looking for something to do one night, a bar where you could only access if you knew the code peaked my interest.

Tomorrow (8/14) Downtown Durham is getting it's own . Its a fun concept bolstered by classy vibes (gentlemen are asked to wear a collar shirt or sport jacket), well crafted cocktails, tasty bar food, and a large selection of ci**rs. The staff is engaging and attentive. Grateful they invited us out to check it out.

I don't know the code but it's worth finding out.

08/03/2026

When folks think about Cheeni, whether it be the Durham or RTP, they might think of the accolades like the Eater Carolina restaurant of the year or the James Beard Finalist.

But what I think about the most is the little coffee cafe counter located in the front of the Poyner YMCA. Barely open before COVID took over our lives and how Chef and owner Preeti Waas had to adjust to survive.

So when I got to visit CHEENI — RTP last week, it made me think of that journey. How serving chai and bake goods from a small counter has turned into a marquee space in an up and coming development. Made this already tasty aloo chaat and veg puff that much better.

07/03/2026

From the Michelin Guide to the Stanley Cup, Chef Scott Crawford's Brodeto has become a hot spot among his hospitality empire.

Our visit to the Raleigh Iron Work's restaurant now on eatRaleighBlog.com

06/28/2026

I am sure like a lot of you, I am still trying to find the words to personally commemorate the Canes winning the Stanley Cup two weeks ago. I find myself failing to completely encapsulate what it meant to me. These past 17 years of fandom. Seeing the team through the playoff drought and heartaches. Celebrating the moment with my oldest son in the middle of The Raltio. Sweating our asses off among hundreds of other Canes fans.

I want to reminisce about the times of Marley Drug and Kitenico water commercials. About the Alexander Semin contract, being "sh*tless nervous" and the Redvolution. Remember all the event nights like All-Star Chef nights and a failed yoga day game. Relive the moment when Petr Mrazek screamed “we’re in, yes!” after the canes finally made it into the playoffs for the first time in ten years. The pride I had in this city for showing up when it's team reached the mountain top.

It's been a journey. It's been incredible.

05/31/2026

After I moved to Raleigh in 2007, Carolina Hurricanes fandom became one of the first North Carolina things I felt like I could claim as mine. With no ties to an ACC school and not being born hey, it felt nice to be tied to the community in some way.

I have been a Hurricanes fan longer than I've been a husband, a father, a freelance writer, hell longer than I've been doing this food blog. Over that time I've thought a lot about the pride, joy and community a Stanley Cup could bring this area. May we all find out together what its like in real life soon.

These pictures from the 2016-2017 season, the Canes debuted Homegrown Nights. The games featured North Carolina inspired dishes, posters from NC artist and special merch from NC apparel retailers. Miss those nights tbh.

05/25/2026

05/07/2026

A few years ago, I interviewed Chef Said Rahman for a story I did for when he was the executive chef for Vidrio. Dude had this infectious appreciation for life and I left that conversation with an impression that he'd become one of most acclaimed chefs in Raleigh.

When he had left Vidrio I was following his social media trying to pick up the digital breadcrumbs to his next venture. Then was announced, which was grander than anything I had initially theorized.

Got to visit last weekend and this radiatore pasta was the star of the evening. Thai Basil, wood wear mushroom, and buffalo milk butter. There was richness, depth from the mushrooms, and brightness from the basil.