Foodie News: The BBQ Lab is finally open in North Hills

RALEIGH, N.C. — Great news for fans (there are a lot of you!) of J. Betski’s, formerly at Seaboard Station. They have relocated and opened serving up their casual East and Central European fare and fine beverages at Highpark Village in the Five Points neighborhood (1916 Bernard St, Raleigh), right next to Seaboard Wine and Taste. Reacquaint yourself with them here. Thanks to reader Betty Diegel for bringing this to our attention.

Raleigh Magazine shared the news that Jason Howard’s The Rainbow Luncheonette opened this past Tuesday at 911 N West St. The six-days-a-week breakfast, lunch and dinner counter will be dishing up elevated greasy spoon plates in what he dubs a really cool-looking, colorful (hence rainbow floor) Waffle House on steroids. Couple other noteworthy items: you’ll be able to get a mixed drink with your breakfast…and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the diner will be open from 6 to 10pm with just one thing on the menu: a handcut New York 12-ounce strip steak. Howard also brought us The Cardinal and The Atlantic Lounge, among others. Check them out on Instagram here.

And just over at Smoky Hollow on Peace Street, the Triangle Business Journal shared the news that J. Lights, a second location from local entrepreneur Jared Burton, opened this past weekend. J. Lights is the sister concept to J. Lights Market & Café in Durham’s Golden Belt Campus. The Smoky Hollow location will serve coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and alcoholic drinks from its corner location. Their grand opening is today (Nov. 11). Visit them, and all the tenants (now and on the way), here.

And after much anticipation, The BBQ Lab at North Hills officially opened this past Wednesday. Due to staffing shortages, the barbecue spot will be open Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. until food runs out. And of note, burnt ends will be available Wednesdays and Fridays. Best to follow along on Facebook.

This brings up a lot of childhood memories. WRAL shared the news this week that the newly remodeled Chuck E. Cheese in Raleigh is holding a grand re-opening celebration this week. New features at 3501-131 Capital Blvd. include more than 15 new games, an interactive dance floor, a large video wall and updated seating with charging stations. Check it out here.

And a couple of kudos to throw out. USA Today readers named Raleigh-based Funguys Brewing the Best New Brewery in the country. Breweries that opened within the past four years were eligible for nomination. Visit their Facebook page here. And kudos to Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ for winning the News & Observer’s Raleigh’s Best competition in the Barbecue category, as voted on by their readers. Stop by their Oberlin Road location to taste for yourself.

A couple of weeks ago we shared that the Beer Study on Graham Street was moving into 504 West Franklin Street, the space that previously housed Mint Indian Cuisine. Chapelboro shared this week that with the move (working toward a December 10 open) they will also introduce a food menu, but not likely until February. And the space they are leaving? Chapelboro broke the news this week that Mike Benson, the owner of Franklin Motors Beer Garden and a local artist, will start a new project in the space once Beer Study is fully moved. It is going to be called Lapin Bleu and it’s going to be a bar and an [art] gallery. In the meantime, keep up with Franklin Motors here and Beer Study here.

Got word this week that Tonya Council will open Tonya’s Cookies & Gifts next Friday, November 18 in the Streets of Southpoint mall in Durham. She will offer a variety of gourmet gifts and seasonal baskets, as well as a selection of fresh cookies, baked on premises. Council is one of the South’s beloved bakers, and her famous Pecan Crisp cookies were named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things last holiday season. Take a peek here.

Saladelia Cafe & Catering is moving their flagship location at 4201 University Drive to 3604 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, near Sitar and the ABC store, right next to Konrad Automotive, less than a mile from their current spot. They will reopen on Nov.14. Visit Saladelia here.

And JB Duke Hotel, a AAA Four Diamond contemporary lodging destination located on the campus of Duke University, has officially reopened its Lobby Lounge located adjacent to the hotel’s lobby. Locals and travelers alike are invited to experience the lounge’s delicious menu offerings, upscale spirits and ideal atmosphere. Check it out here.

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.

The eighth-annual WRAL Voters’ Choice Awards presented by M&F Bank is here! Vote for your favorite from the top five finalists in each category. You can vote now through Nov. 20. Winners will be announced in January 2023 at an event in downtown Raleigh. Vote here.

The BBQ Blues & Brews Festival, southwestern Wake county’s biggest beer and BBQ music festival of the year is coming to Downtown Fuquay-Varina, THIS Saturday, Nov. 12 from 12- 4 p.m. at the old Stephens Hardware Building at 405 East Broad Street. Get all the details here.

On Nov. 17 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., 21c Durham and Counting House NC are proud to present a very special event benefiting No Kid Hungry and their mission of ending childhood hunger. Chef Jeff Seizer will be joined alongside some of Durham’s favorite chefs – Matt Kelly of Mateo and Mother & Sons, Jake Wood of Lawrence BBQ, and Chris Lopez of Fine Folk – as well as Ponysaurus, Fullsteam, Empire Distribution, Bordeaux Fine & Rare, and LouElla for a one-of-a-kind drinking and dining experience hosted upstairs in their contemporary art galleries. $85 includes passed bites and innovative small plates from each chef, specialty cocktails a silent auction (including cooking classes, chef dinners, hotel stays, and more!) and live music. Get tickets here.

Tickets are now on sale for Holiday Market at The Durham on Dec. 7, featuring 25 N.C. artisans and makers. A wide variety of gifts from succulents, jewelry, fashion, artisan foods, candles, dinnerware, books and more will be available for purchase from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. Tickets for attendees cost $10 for either the 6-7:30 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m. shopping event. The public will be able to shop for thoughtful gifts while enjoying sweet bites from the Durham’s pastry chef Kelsey LeGaux as well as eggnog and champagne, which will be served at the bar. Buy tickets here.

And looking to do some good this holiday season? The Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Group on Facebook is holding a holiday charity partnership again with Chapel Hill Service League’s annual Christmas House event. They are looking to raise as much money as possible allowing them to buy/distribute grocery gift cards for local families in need. If you'd like to donate, please do so here.

And looking to continue dining outside even as the temperatures start to drop? No problem. The Downtown Raleigh Alliance has compiled a list of restaurants in downtown Raleigh keeping you warm all-year long! Check out that list here.

Looking for an easy way for you and/or your office to make a huge difference in people’s lives this Holiday season? Host a VIRTUAL Food Drive! Forget the hassle of a trip to the grocery store for your next food drive… create a food drive without the heavy lifting using our Virtual Food Drive, and maximize your donation times five! For every $1 donated, the Food Bank can provide FIVE meals! You can make a difference in your community by hosting a Virtual Food Drive for your friends, family members, or coworkers. It is easy! Start here. #noonegoeshungry

Sean Lennard, a Raleigh native, 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.