I can hardly believe that this is my 10th N.C. One Bite at a Time! What a fun year plus it’s been exploring my part of North Carolina and acclimating to living in this beautiful, food-loving state.
Here are some of the new things that I’ve discovered in the past few months.
Swad
My husband and I have found our new fave North Raleigh spot for Indian food, and it’s Swad. Their lunch buffet is affordable ($10 during the week and $12 on the weekends), and their dinner is just as good. My favorites are their Chicken Tikka Masala and the Paneer Masala.
Goat Lady Dairy
In February, we got to have some friends over for a 1 year in NC wine and cheese party, which led to us discovering Goat Lady Dairy. I picked up some of their smoked goat cheese at Wine and Authorities, and we so enjoyed the creamy unique flavor of this cheese. I hear that the farm does dairy tours/dinners, too!
Joule
I feel like I maybe include Joule in every N.C. One Bite at a Time, but I’m always discovering something new about this gem of a restaurant. These past few months it was that their almond croissants are incredible, and so are their cocktails. The waiter will even be able to tell you everything you want to know about your cocktail (like what Cynar is — bitters made from artichokes, in case you were wondering)
Free Expression Tunnel
It’s pretty fun living in the midst of several big universities because you never know what you’ll find. Like the Free Expression Tunnel at NC State, where students can graffiti to their heart’s content.
Sushi Tsune
I always love finding a new good sushi spot, and Sushi Tsune is just that. It’s a small space on Hillsborough Street with some decent sushi meal deals. I got two rolls and miso soup for $10.
Death & Taxes
Ashley Christensen’s new restaurant is going to be opening soon, and I couldn’t be more thrilled (can you tell?). Also, she’s doing pop-up dinners with some amazing chefs in the new spot starting this week. If I had an unending disposable income/wasn’t saving for a house, I would so be there.
Tea at The Umstead Hotel & Spa
I got the opportunity to join my sisters and mom at The Umstead for afternoon tea. This hotel and spa is so gorgeous and peaceful inside, and they had some really creative tea and bites to enjoy.
Totopos
I’m not in Cary too often, but I could be around more now that I know about this Mexican spot. Totopos has delicious and creative classic Mexican fare like chilaquiles (pictured above), and their cocktails are spot on.
Macaron Day
What could be better than a whole day devoted to French macarons, I mean, really?! I still can’t believe this actually happened in Raleigh and gave a chance for local bakeries to feature their fancy macarons while we got to purchase and eat them (for a good cause). Thanks to lucettegrace’s Daniel Benjamin for championing this.
Saxapahaw General Store
We got to take a trip back to our favorite little nearby town, Saxapahaw, and were so thrilled to discover the general store. Not only does this spot have local produce, locally made products and a cool vibe, but they also whip up some amazing eats. I could barely decide from the mouthwatering menu, but landed on the lamb burger which couldn’t have been better. My husband and his sister had the Bison Burger, which was equally good and slathered with bacon jam.
Maple View Farm
While we were out near Chapel Hill (in Saxapahaw), we just had to make a stop at Maple View Farm for a scoop of local ice cream and some relaxation on their porch that overlooks their beautiful farmland. If you haven’t been yet, you must make a trip. You can also buy Maple View milk and other products at local stores and Whole Foods.
Tour de Brew
The Tour de Brew was a highlight of this past weekend, giving me the chance to discover some new breweries and give to a good cause: Water for Good. This event featured several local craft breweries, like Trophy and Natty Greene’s, and offered a beer “tour” of sorts for both walkers and bikers.
Genki
We managed to eat at another new sushi place this month, Genki in Cary. I thought the sushi was fresh and tasty (the Alaska roll rocked), and the atmosphere was very nice.