GIVEAWAY! SweeTea recently opened at 3652 SW Cary Parkway and offers high-quality teas, shaved ice, and other Taiwanese desserts. SweeTea uses the finest ingredients and brews its tea fresh every day. Fill out the form on our Midtown and Cary Living website for a chance to win a $25 gift card from SweeTea. We’ll select one winner from our Midtown and Cary Living audiences Wednesday, January 11.
NEWCOMERS. North Carolina’s population grew by 1.3% from July 2021–July 2022, according to a report published by the Triangle Business Journal. The growth figure is the ninth-highest percentage nationally. Florida was the fastest-growing state at 1.9%, followed by Idaho and South Carolina. The Tar Heel state added 133,000 residents over the 12-month period.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOOK HARVEST
FREE ’CUE. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is offering a kids-eat-free deal throughout January. With locations in Raleigh and Cary, the offer is for in-store orders on Monday–Saturday and requires a $12 adult meal purchase. On Sundays, kids eat free in-store, online or through the Dickey’s app using the code KEFOLO.
FLIGHTS FOR A CAUSE. Raleigh-based nonprofit Children’s Flight of Hope (CFOH) is preparing to expand its mission delivery by 35% in 2023. The organization provided more than 1,250 flights in 2022. CFOH offers free air transportation to children and a parent or guardian who need access to specialists, children’s hospitals, and cancer centers most qualified to treat rare conditions.
BOYS OF SUMMER. The Oak City Gliders, a summer collegiate baseball team, will continue play in The Old North State League this summer under new owner Phillip Lin. The team was established in 2020 and plays at Optimist Park behind Sanderson High School. The team anticipates 15–20 home games between May and early August.
DREAM BIG. Book Harvest will host its 12th annual Dream Big Book Drive and Community Celebration at the Golden Belt Campus in Durham on Monday, January 16, 1–4 p.m. Community members can donate new and gently used children’s books. A drive-through drop-off is available. Guests can enjoy entertainment, food and free books to take home.
FOODIE NEWS. In partnership with The North Carolina Museum of Art, Catering Works will host the grand opening of the NCMA Café in West Building on Saturday, January 14. NCMA Café hours will align with the museum’s open hours, Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The winter menu will include Southern-inspired entrées incorporating beef, seafood and poultry, as well as vegan and gluten-free selections. The coffee lounge will feature Raleigh Coffee Company and barista-crafted beverages.
Limani Grille, a Mediterranean seafood restaurant focusing on traditional Greek specialties, is coming to the Main District of North Hills. Limani Grille is Kane Realty Corporation’s second restaurant announcement for the Main District expansion currently under construction. This upscale Mediterranean restaurant showcases seafood and authentic Greek specialities made possible through relationships with purveyors, farmers and fishermen domestically and from the Mediterranean. An opening date has not yet been announced.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIANGLE BLVD.
Giorgio Pizza Bar opens in Raleigh on Tuesday, January 10. The new restaurant, located at 141 Park at North Hills, #112, will offer hand-tossed, crispy sourdough pizzas as well as other regional pizza styles. Enjoy shared plates of vegetables, meat, seafood and pastas along with Italian wines and craft cocktails.
Las Ramblas tapas restaurant will open in January in the same complex. The restaurant will feature local as well as Spanish-sourced tapas dishes such as pan con tomate and croquettes, along with Spanish wine and sherry, craft beer and creative craft cocktails. Las Ramblas will be open Tuesday–Saturday, 5–10 p.m.
Triangle Restaurant Week is set for January 23–29. The weeklong celebration of culinary excellence incorporates restaurants in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and the surrounding area. Participating restaurants offer special three-course menu options and fixed pricing. Three-course lunches are $15, while two- or three-course dinners are $25–50. Prices do not include beverages, taxes or gratuities.
STARGAZING. Speaking of The Willard’s rooftop, it’s the perfect place for the Raleigh Astronomy Club to set up shop. The club will be on hand there Wednesday, January 11, 7–9 p.m., for a viewing of Jupiter, Mars and the constellation of Orion with telescopes and hobby astronomers available to guide the stargazing and answer questions about what’s on view.
