Foodie News: Intentionally experimental, Italian-influenced Bombolo opens in Chapel Hill

RALEIGH, N.C. — The wait is over in Chapel Hill. Bombolo opened last night in the former Kitchen space at 764 MLK Jr. Blvd. It is owned by siblings Garret Fleming and Eleanor Lacy, whom you will recognize as the same folks that brought us Big Belly Que. They will begin with dinner service Thursday through Sunday, with Mondays and brunches coming soon.

What kind of cuisine can you expect? Great question. While rooted in Italy (which Fleming credits for his formative food experience at the young age of eight), Bombolo is intentionally experimental, with a menu that has no boundaries. It traverses the globe with classic dishes and bold international flavors from France and Italy to Turkey and Southeast Asia – a culmination of chef Flemings’ travels and culinary experience. Check them out here.

The newest location of First Watch is slated to open next Monday, Feb. 27, on Hillsborough Street’s Bloc[83] at 605 Hillsborough Street (corner of Boylan Avenue and Hillsborough Street). The Triangle currently has nine First Watch locations, including four in Raleigh. Thanks to Hunter Freeman for bringing this to my attention.

Up in North Raleigh, reader Burke Williams shared that Sushi Time will open next Tuesday, Feb. 28, in Bent Tree Plaza (7901 Falls of the Neuse Road). Here is a peek at their menu.

Also in North Raleigh, Burke Williams tipped us off to the fact that Street Tacos Cantina has opened in Sutton Square in the former Chubby’s Tacos spot. Check them out on Instagram here. Appreciate all the updates Burke!

Over in Apex reader Kristin S shared that Sweet Talk Cafe & Desserts, a locally-owned coffee shop featuring Asian-inspired desserts and specialty beverages, is opening soon at Beaver Creek Crossings. Follow their progress on Instagram here.

And over in Holly Springs, reader Brett Bearman shared the news that Nightingale Rooftop Restaurant and Bar is set to make its debut at The Block on Main later this year. The new concept is led by executive chef Christy Griffith and general manager Matt Griffith of Pimiento Tea Room, and Chris Harol, co-founder of The Block on Main. Expect globally-inspired small plates paired with a cocktail-forward beverage program. Follow their progress on Facebook here.

Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Group founder Carrie Brogren shared the news that Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop will be open on March 9 in the old Pepper’s/Waffle House location (127 E. Franklin Street), so just a few weeks away! Have I mentioned how much I still miss Pepper’s?!? Get to know them here.

Just outside of Chapel Hill in Chatham County, George Markham shared on the Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Facebook group that Sal’s NY Pizza is opening soon in the former Papa John’s spot in Governors Village Shopping Center (50010 Governors Dr.). It is from the same folks that operate the Sal’s Pizza & Ristorante in Chapel Hill (corner of MLK Jr. and Homestead). Follow their progress on their Facebook page here.

As of February 11, the Subway location in Chapel Hill’s Glen Lennox has officially closed according to a note on their door. Thanks to Joe Mustian for keeping me posted.

Get out your calendar and make note of the dates for the 2023 Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeos. Here is a cheat sheet for you: March 19 | June 11 | September 3 | October 29 – and all the rodeos are from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Just over a month until the first one of the year! Giddyup! Here is the link.

Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don’t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Lilly Den Farm and Postal Fish Co are pairing up to bring you their first annual Pigs & Pearls. What is that? Basically a huge oyster roast and pig pickin’! Sign me up! It will take place at The Plant on Sunday, Feb. 26 and the menu will feature whole hog, smoked chicken, steamed Virgina oysters, cornbread, collards, baked beans and filled to order Banana Rellenitos by Carlolina Cravings. Also look for local beverages, music and fun. Get all the details and tickets here.

Rocky Top Catering will hold the fifth annual Cooking for the Kids (formally Cooking for a Classic) beginning Feb. 27 with the first round and concluding with the finale on March 15. This cooking competition brings together eight of the Triangle’s premier chefs. All proceeds benefit Overflowing Hands, a volunteer-led organization serving the most vulnerable children in our neighborhoods, fighting food insecurity and providing clothing, shelter and healthcare. This year’s participating chefs are: Preeti Waas from Cheeni; Josiah Halboh from Young Hearts Distilling; Saif Rahman from Vidrio; David Mitchell from Plates Kitchen; Jaime Adams from Catalan Tapas; Kyle Teears from Craften; Kyle Fletcher from Norse Brewing; and James R. Patterson III from McConnell Golf. Cooking for the Kids takes place at 1705 East located at 1705 E. Millbrook Road in Raleigh. See chef pairings as well as tickets and all the details here.

We got word from the folks over at RalToday that Raleigh Brewing is throwing a party to celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, March 4, from 1 to 9 p.m., there will be beer Olympics games, live music, food trucks and special beer releases, including an exclusive edition of Hell Yes Ma’am. Admission is free (but if you can kindly RSVP, I’m sure they’d appreciate it). RSVP here as well as gather all the details.

Hospitality mavens Sarah Shepherd of Height House Hotel and chef Liz Grandchamp of Grandchamp Hospitality recently introduced Raleigh’s newest pop-up dining experience – Supper Club – hosted monthly at Heights House Hotel. They have three more on the schedule and tickets for those “open up” three weeks prior to each event. Mark your calendars for Supper Club March 13 (Piedmont), April 17 (Seafood) and May 22 (Italian American). After those, Supper Club at Heights House will then resume in the Fall. So get ready! Follow along here and get ready for the next one.

Everyone knows what April 15 is. Nope, that is April 18 this year. April 15th is the date for the 13th Annual Cuegrass Festival which is returning to Fayetteville Street and will feature a large covered area with draft beer options, plenty of seating and extra beer stations throughout the event. Get all the details here.

Brewgaloo is back on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22. For two full days, craft beer from 100+ breweries will be flowing on Fayetteville Street. The annual event attracts more than 50,000 people each year. Thanks to RalToday for the reminder to get this gem on our calendar! Get all the details here.

Got word from Neha Shah, director of the Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau, that Farm to Fork is making its return in 2023 on June 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fearrington Village. Held in the Triangle for more than 15 years, the Farm to Fork Picnic is a showcase of North Carolina chefs, artisans, and farmers paired together to create sips and nibbles of the region’s best flavors and seasonal ingredients! You can get tickets and all the details here.

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