Foodie News: Longleaf Swine has opened in Raleigh

RalToday is reporting this morning that Longleaf Swine’s first brick-and-mortar location opens today (Nov. 4) in the now-transformed Oakwood Cafe space at 300 E. Edenton St. Folks in Raleigh can now expect whole hog pulled pork, 18-hour smoked brisket and Brunswick stew. Plus, the new spot has a large, covered outdoor patio. Check it out here.

Wake County Restaurant News

According to the Triangle Business Journal, the Electric Company Mall on Raleigh's Hillsborough Street (2526 Hillsborough St.) directly across from NCSU is getting a much needed facelift and a couple of new tenants. The Triangle's sixth location of Crumbl Cookies will move into the space adjacent to the Starbucks facing Hillsborough Street. And just around the corner on the other side of Starbucks, The Dankery will move into the former Wing It On! space on the Pogue Street side. The Dankery, started by Ian Burris, serves late night bites including chicken tenders, shrimp, fries and vegan nuggets. Burris created the brand five years ago as a food truck operating out of his parents’ garage. His first brick-and-mortar location opened in Durham at 704 Rigsbee Ave. last year. The building itself will enjoy significant renovations. No word on a timeline. Visit Crumble here and The Dankery here on Facebook.

RalToday reminded us that the Milklab is hosting its grand opening in Smoky Hollow this Saturday, Nov. 5. Stop by between 3-9 p.m. for premium boba tea and rolled ice cream. The first 130 customers will receive goodies like hoodies, T-shirts, tumblers, and reusable straws. This is their 4th Triangle-area location, with a 5th on the way for the Durham Food Hall. Get to know them here.

RalToday also shared that Sugar Euphoria, a bakery specializing in custom cakes and celebratory sweets, is opening a shop downtown at 606 N. Person St. The storefront will also host tastings and sell party supplies like flowers and decorations. Stay tuned for an opening date. Get to know them here.

From the folks over at Catering Works, the NCMA Café is now open! It is located in the East Building on Level C of the North Carolina Museum of Art. Open from Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am until 3 pm, the cafe features artful bites, curated salads, artisan sandwiches, sculpted entrees, crafted beverages and more! Check out the full menu here.

Durham County Restaurant News

Got word from Glenn Gillen that Bul Box (fast, friendly, local Asian-inspired dining) is now open in University Hills in Durham. This marks their 5th Triangle-area location after opening in Transfer Co. Food Hall in Raleigh in 2019. They also have locations on Hillsborough Street and North Hills in Raleigh as well as a location in Morrisville. Check them out here.

Also in Durham we learned that Saladelia Cafe & Catering is moving their flagship location at 4201 University Drive to a new location, less than a mile from their current spot. The last day in the current location will be Nov. 10 and will reopen on Nov. 14 at 3604 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, near Sitar and the ABC store, right next to Konrad Automotive. Visit Saladelia here.

The folks over at Durham Downtown shared the news that the owners of Birrieria El Patron 323 have now officially taken over the former Dos Perros space at 200 N Mangum St. Get ready for LA-style, Mexican food in Durham Downtown. El Patron already has locations in Raleigh, Clayton, Hillsborough and Smithfield. Look for them to open in a couple of months. Get to know them here.

Closing/Cancelations

Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies founder Carrie Brogren shared the news that Elaine's on Franklin has been sold. No word yet on future plans. Elaine's opened in 1999.

Food Trucks

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.

Events

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.

RalToday reminded us to not miss Triangle Vegan Restaurant Week happening now through Monday, Nov. 7. There are 15+ restaurants, bakeries, bars, breweries, and food trucks around the Triangle offering innovative plant-based dishes this week. Get all the details here.

This Saturday is the 94th Wendell Harvest Festival in downtown Wendell. The festivities begin at 9 a.m. and run all day until 9 p.m. There is a parade at 10 a.m., a kids village, arts, crafts and food trucks running all day. And music and entertainment on the stage. Get all the details here.

Carolina Brewery is hosting their Fifth Annual Pittsboro Oyster Roast on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event includes free admission with oysters available steamed or raw, served a la carte by the half-dozen or dozen. They will offer their full menu during the event as well. Enjoy live music by Snake River Canyon and Lee Gildersleeve & the Bad Dogs. Carolina Brewery’s Pittsboro Brewery Restaurant is located at 120 Lowes Drive in Pittsboro. Get all the details here.

Here is a fun foodie event to put on your calendar. On Nov. 9, Ashley Christensen will join forces with Mason Hereford for a one-night-only celebration of Mason’s new cookbook, Turkey and the Wolf: Flavor Trippin’ in New Orleans. The party, taking place at Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, will include signed copies of the book along with a heavy sampling of Mason’s iconic, creative food. Mason is the New Orleans-based troublemaker and chef behind Turkey and the Wolf, the iconic sandwich shop that has drawn raves and accolades nationwide, and Molly’s Rise and Shine, its equally rowdy breakfast spot. The two will share a feast of snacks and sandwiches from the book—think the famous collard green melt, fried bologna sandwich, “McCaviar,” and more. The evening begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $90. Get them 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.

Food Bank Corner

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.