Foodie News: Coffee shop employing those with disabilities opens in Cary

RALEIGH, N.C. — Saw on their Facebook page that yesterday was the opening day for Esteamed Coffee in Cary, a 501(c)(3) non-profit coffee shop and cafe that employs people with disabilities. Their mission is to “esteem” the customers and employees, giving them the opportunity to grow their life skills. They are located at 114 S. Academy Street and are open 7:30 am – 3 pm. Monday through Saturday (closed on Sunday). Stop in for a cup of mocha today! Check them out here.

North Raleigh’s Lafayette Village will soon be home to a true New York-style Italian market and deli called Bongiorno & Son. Michael Bongiorno, who many know from Zanyu Asian Noodles (which he recently sold to a great new owner), will open his newest concept/venture in the Fresh Levant Bistro space, which announced their permanent closure on Dec. 6. You’ll soon be able to enjoy an old school Italian market delicatessen specialty shop filled with fresh cheeses, Italian cold cuts, bread, sandwiches, Italian salads, prepared meals along with real Prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano sliced and grated to perfection. Their goal is to create a neighborhood eatery and specialty store that reminds you of our Sunday home-cooked Italian meals around the dinner table. Stay tuned for an announcement regarding their opening date, but in the meantime, visit them here.

Sarah O’Grady posted on the Raleigh Liberal Foodies Facebook page this week that Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, with more than 100 locations in 18 states (founded in “Little Italy” in Wilmington, Delaware), has officially opened their first North Carolina location in Wavery Place in Cary. Apparently they are known for the “Bobbie®” which is purportedly the most amazing turkey, stuffing, cranberry hoagie you’ll ever have. Get by and see! Get to know them here.

Also in Cary, Cary Magazine shared the news that Skipper’s Seafood in Apex (1001 E. Williams Street) is now Skipper’s Seafood & Smokehouse. What does that mean? Apparently now you can get your usual favorites and new delicious options like brisket and St. Louis-style pork ribs. Get a peek at their new offerings here.

Down in Fuqua Varina, Michael DePersia with DePersia & Associates shared with me the news that Johnny’s Pizza opened its newest location in Fuquay Varina on Dec 14th. They are located at 730 N Judd Pkwy NE. This marks their 4th Triangle location (other locations in Apex, Cary and Wake Forest). Visit them here.

Looking for all the outdoor dining options in downtown Raleigh? The Downtown Raleigh Alliance has put together a great list of those options, and they even divided it up by district. Check out that list here.

WRAL shard the news this week that after 13 years in the same location, Parker & Otis has a new home at American Tobacco Campus. The restaurant, wine shop and retail store opened this past Wednesday at 324 Blackwell St. in the former Tyler’s Taproom space in Bay 4. Check out their new digs here.

Sister Liu’s Kitchen continues to crush is amidst the pandemic. We told you recently about their second location in Morrisville — which “officially” opens on December 19th (they have been in soft-open mode) — but now they have unveiled a food truck that is up and running around the Triangle! Congrats to them and all their success! Keep up with all they have going on on their Facebook page here.

On a recent drive down Franklin Street, Eagle-eye Marshall Lennard (aka son of TFG) noticed signage up for a spot called Jed’s Kitchen, which looks to be a Moroccan and Mediterranean grill, going into the former Peno spot next to Sup Dogs (105 E. Franklin Street). It appears as if they might already be open – but check first. Visit their website here.

We learned this week that Esmeralda’s Cafe, located at 1515 North Pointe Dr. (across from Costco), is now open. They serve up delicious homemade pastries and doughnuts and offer a warm and welcoming place for breakfast and lunch. Honduran specialties too! Check in with them on Facebook here.

And here are a couple of wonderful resources for those looking to dine in downtown Durham or downtown Chapel Hill – Downtown Durham Inc. has an up-to-date listing of the status of each restaurant in downtown Durham. Check out the list here. And the Downtown Chapel Hill Partnership has put together a similar list for Chapel Hill here.

Just found out from WRAL that Family Greens in the Streets at Southpoint Mall has closed.

Michael DePersia of DePersia & Associates shared the news that Fresca Cafe & Gelato in Cary has closed due to Covid.

Here are a couple of sites to find and stalk your favorite food trucks here and here.

The folks over at RalToday shared the news that Chris McLaurin will be returning (former sous chef) as executive chef at Picnic, as well as for its sister establishment Wyatt’s Barbecue (opening in Spring 2021). To celebrate, Durham pitmaster Wyatt Dickson is hosting a socially-distanced pig pickin’ this Saturday, Dec. 19, 1–4 p.m. Orders must be placed online for pick-up at the door and can be enjoyed at home or one of several outdoor picnic tables. RalToday also noted that chef Chris will be serving up a sneak peek at his new donuts, which will be added to Picnic’s forthcoming brunch menu in January 2021. Visit their site here.

Looking for last minute gift ideas for the holidays? Got a “foodie” on your list that you can’t find the “‘right thing” for? Well, head over to the Angus Barn Shopping Spree at the Lakeside Pavilion this Friday and Saturday, December 18-19, from 12 noon – 6 p.m. and shop in their 10,000 sq. ft. lakeside pavilion located on the Angus Barn property. Stock up on your Angus Barn Country Store favorites including gift certificates, their famous cheddar and blue cheese spreads, homemade crackers and pies, wines, steaks, burgers, and many more gift options! Get all the details here.

Speaking of the holidays and take-home meals, we have a few to share with you. First up, Fig’s Market (brought to us from the fine folks over at Catering Works) has everything you need to bring delicious holiday meals and moments to the table without all the hassle. Get made-from-scratch, ready to heat-and-eat dishes from their award-winning chefs. From glazed ham to brined, fried, or whole roasted turkey, straight through to pumpkin macaroons, holiday pies and wine. Customize your holiday the way you like it! Taking orders until sold out or Dec. 18 at noon. Get all the details here.

From the folks over at Rocky Top Catering, following a very successful offering of Thanksgiving meals, they announced they are offering an expanded menu of chef-prepared take-and-bake meals for Christmas. For every meal purchased, Rocky Top will also donate a meal to a local family in need. Check out the menus here.

Over in Carrboro, ACME is serving up their Holiday Prime Rib Extravaganza that serves two for $85. It features: Creekstone Farm standing rib roast with three different sauces; classic clementine, endive, & toasted almond salad; mashed potatoes; creamed winter greens; warm & buttery dinner rolls; Acme’s butterscotch pudding (chocolate ganache and cinnamon shortbread). Choose any date between Dec. 17-20 as your ordering date. Order here.

The Angus Barn Holiday Feast for Six! Your dinner includes: Bone-in certified Angus Prime Rib (pre-seasoned – approx 9lb. uncooked); Au jus and AB horseradish sauce; Classic Angus Barn stuffed potatoes; Glazed carrots with honey butter & rosemary; Fresh baked rolls; AB Cheddar cheese spread refill; AB Blue cheese spread refill; Homemade Angus Barn crackers; Whole Chocolate Chess pie. Dinner for 6 for $259.00. Pick-up at the Angus Barn Pavilion: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday – Dec. 21, 22 & 23. Get all the details here. Call 919-781-2444 to place your order (tell them Triangle Food Guy sent you!)

Chapel Hill Magazine encouraged it’s readers to head over to the Maple View Farm porch area with your letters to Santa, and his friends from the North Pole will place them in his mailbox. A percentage of ice cream sales will be donated to Sam’s Wish Fund Holiday Cheer to provide gifts to children facing life-threatening illnesses. Takes place on these remaining Mondays in December – 14th and 21st from 2:00 – 5:30 p.m. Visit their Facebook page here for details.

More people than ever before are turning the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina for assistance, and they need your reliable support to meet the growing need. Your monthly pledge in November and December can be doubled, so just $10 a month would help provide 100 meals.

Don’t wait, donate now here! #noonegoeshungry

Sean Lennard owns Triangle Food Guy, the only locally owned and operated corporate catering website, TriangleFoodGuy.com. As a native of Raleigh, Sean has been around the Triangle food scene for...well, a long time, but professionally since 2002 with the the Triangle Food Blog, formerly known as Friday Fun Food Facts, in 2008. You can find his blog here. And you don't have to wait until Friday for updates as you can follow Sean throughout the week on Facebook and Twitter.