Launched on August 20th, this collaboration is the brainchild of Chris DePerno, a 22-year veteran professor of fisheries, wildlife, and conservation biology at NC State, and the founder of Dr. D’s Original Barbeque Sauce. What started over 15 years ago as small backyard batches for family and friends has been perfected into a bottle of pure North Carolina tradition.

The Flavor Profile: Bridging the Great BBQ Divide

If you’ve lived in North Carolina for more than five minutes, you know about the state’s great culinary debate: Eastern style (vinegar-based) vs. Western style (tomato-based). Slobberin’ Sauce acts as the ultimate peacemaker. The recipe brilliantly bridges the gap, combining the rich, tomato-based boldness of the West with the zesty, vinegar-based kick of the East. The result? A perfectly balanced sweet, smoky, tangy, and peppery sauce that unites the state’s iconic flavors one bottle at a time.

Sauce with a Purpose

Great flavor aside, the best part about Slobberin’ Sauce is its mission. Every bottle you buy helps invest in the next generation of Raleigh’s brightest minds. Royalties generated through NC State’s trademark licensing program and direct sales will fund student scholarships.

“The goal has always been to give back to the communities that have supported us and to invest in the next generation,” said DePerno. “Thanks to this partnership with NC State, Slobberin’ Sauce will do just that.”

Where to Get Yours

Slobberin’ Sauce made its grand debut just in time for the new academic year and is featured heavily at this year’s Packapalooza on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. You can snag your own bottle through the official Slobberin’ Sauce website.

Whether you’re a die-hard Wolfpack fan or simply an NC barbecue aficionado looking for your new favorite glaze, Slobberin’ Sauce is a must-try.

Have you tried it yet? Let us know in the comments if you’re team Eastern, team Western, or team Slobberin’ Sauce!

Located on the ground floor of the 1000 Social tower at The Exchange Raleigh, Pranzo delivers a stylish, relaxed approach to modern Italian dining designed to transition seamlessly from quick weekday lunches to vibrant evening gatherings.

The Experience

Aperitivo & Boutique Wines

Central to Pranzo’s ethos is the authentic Italian tradition of aperitivo—the ritual of gathering for pre-dinner drinks and small plates to unwind and savor the evening. Complementing the kitchen’s ingredient-driven menu is a hand-picked wine program highlighting small, organic, and women-owned vineyards, bringing rare labels to Raleigh that aren’t available anywhere else in the region.

First Look

Menu Highlights

Under the direction of Chef AJ Papineau, Pranzo focuses on imported specialty goods, fresh textures, and rich Italian comfort. Preview highlights include:

• Barolo Braised Short Rib served over soft Parmigiana Reggiano polenta
• Smoked Burrata with sweet & sour red onions, baked tomatoes, arugula, and first-press olive oil
• Spicy Prawns paired with pesto-marinated zucchini, balsamic, radicchio, and saffron mayonnaise
• Beef Carpaccio topped with roasted red peppers, Parmigiana Reggiano, capers, and black pepper dressing

Plan Your Visit

• Location: Ground Floor of 1000 Social at The Exchange Raleigh
• Hours: Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. | Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Website & Social: Explore menu details at pranzoraleigh.com or follow @pranzo_raleigh on Instagram.

Selected personally by the AB Bourbon Team, this sixth iteration is described as warm, welcoming, and distinguished. With a profile featuring vanilla, candied orange rind, and a silky butterscotch finish, it’s a spirit designed for the true connoisseur.

Event Details

When: Friday, March 27, 2026 | Saturday, March 28, 2026 | Sunday, March 29, 2026

Time: 6 p.m.

Where: The Angus Barn Wine Cellar (9401 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC)

Price: $200 per person (+ tax)

The Menu

Guests will enjoy a gourmet journey featuring five courses, each thoughtfully paired with a custom bourbon cocktail.

• Passed Hors d’Oeuvres: Paired with a Dirty Sarsaparilla
• 1st Course: Cured & Pressed Pork Belly with Anise & Cherry Cola Gastrique | Paired with Thixotropic Sour
• 2nd Course: Sweet Potato Pavé with Charred Silver Corn & Cilantro Gremolata | Paired with Red Bird
• 3rd Course: Paired with The Incredible Edible Julep
• 4th Course: Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Ginger Beer Lacquer & Bourbon Oyster Mushroom Glacie | Paired with Planes of Paradise
• 5th Course: Coffee Creme Caramel with Hazelnut & Toasted Coconut | Paired with Cosmic Café

Secure Your Seat

Seating is strictly limited, and these exclusive cellar dinners tend to sell out fast. Use the links below to book your preferred date:

Tickets for Friday, March 27: https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=271933&restref=271933&experienceId=576971

Tickets for Saturday, March 28: https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=271933&restref=271933&experienceId=576975

Tickets for Sunday, March 29: https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=271933&restref=271933&experienceId=576978

Note: Payment is required upon reservation, and all sales are final. For more information, call 919-987-1270.

A Social Playground With Style

Smash Social Club takes over the former Carolina Ale House space, but you wouldn’t know it the moment you step inside. The 9,600-square-foot venue has been completely transformed into an energetic, design-forward atmosphere that blends sport, nightlife, and modern hospitality. Think: neon-lit paddle installations overhead, ball-inspired lighting over the table tennis area, and bold murals by Durham artist Gabriel Eng-Goetz anchoring the stairwell and main barroom.

Disco balls, retractable four-season terraces, and vibrant mid-mod touches bring a polished but playful spirit to the space—exactly the vibe LM Restaurants was aiming for with its first entry into the growing “eatertainment” category.

“Our company is evolving right alongside how people socialize to create dynamic experiences and spaces,” said Amber Moshakos, president of LM Restaurants. “People want more than a meal these days. Smash Social Club is all about bringing people together to play, connect, and have fun.”

First Sips, First Bites—And Yes, First Games

During the preview, my group got to try early tastes of Smash’s beverage program alongside several of the signature bar-bite menu items. The cocktail menu leans creative without being fussy—expect drinks like a Blueberry Basil Smash, Ube Vodka Colada, and a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini alongside local beers (Wicked Weed, Burial, Red Oak), curated wines, mocktails, non-alcoholic options, and even THC-infused drinks.

The food menu is built for sharing, and that’s exactly how I plan to come back: with more mouths in tow. Favorites from the sneak peek included globally inspired plates like Korean sweet-heat wings and barbacoa nachos, plus elevated comfort classics—bacon + cheddar cornbread bites, mini corn dogs, roasted Brussels sprouts, and more. For groups, Smash offers shareable platters for 2–4 people, sliders, artisan pizzas, salads, and a full dessert lineup including Caramel Churros and warm Beignets with dulce de leche.

Where Games Meet Hospitality

Gameplay takes center stage with nine table tennis tables spread throughout the venue, two tech-enhanced shuffleboard tables with digital scoring and social media replay, a two-board Dart Garden, and two reservable beer pong tables (beer not included, but the bragging rights certainly are).

A few standout spaces:

• The Royal Table — a statement-making banquette that seats up to eight and can be reserved for groups.
• The Paddle Room — three tables, projection screen, TVs, and ample seating perfect for private events.
• Terraces — retractable windows make these four-season patios a major asset for both daytime and late-night play.

Guests can reserve gameplay in advance or book same-day at the hostess stand. Pricing varies based on time of day (weekday perks are real):

• Table Tennis: $25–$40 per 90 mins
• Beer Pong: $10–$15 per table
• Darts + Shuffleboard: $8–$10 per person
• Weekly Specials & Events: A Full Social Calendar

Smash isn’t just a one-and-done experience—they’re leaning into themed nights to keep the energy going all week long:

• Mondays: Industry Night + discounted table tennis & beer pong
• Tuesdays: Taco specials, $6 margaritas, and $8 shuffleboard
• Win-It Wednesdays: Seltzer buckets, $6 sangrias, $8 darts
• Thursdays: Cocktail Smashdown + free beer pong from 9–11 p.m.
• Flashback Fridays: Rotating nostalgia themes (90s, Swiftie singalongs, more)
• Saturdays: High-energy DJs from 9:30 p.m.–2 a.m.
• Sundays: Football Funday with beer buckets, mimosa specials, and free table tennis from 9–11 p.m.

A Grand Opening With Heart

For their debut week, LM Restaurants will donate 10% of all sales to the Cooper Charitable Foundation, supporting individuals facing financial hardship due to major life circumstances. Founder John Cooper will match up to $5,000 raised.

If Last Night Was Any Indication…

Smash Social Club is primed to become one of Glenwood South’s next big social magnets. Between the creative cocktails, sharable menus, and semi-competitive fun, it hits that sweet spot Raleigh crowds love—somewhere between a night out and a playful escape.

I’m already looking forward to going back to test more of the menu (especially those shareable platters), play a few rounds with friends, and catch bowl game season from their terrace-level vantage point. Well done, LM team.

Smash Social Club Details

500 Glenwood Ave., 3rd Floor, Raleigh, N.C.
Hours:
Mon–Thu: 4–11 p.m.
Fri: 3 p.m.–2 a.m.
Sat: noon–2 a.m.
Sun: noon–11 p.m.
(21+ after 10 p.m.)

smashraleigh.com
Follow: @SmashRaleigh on Instagram and Facebook

The lineup included four graduates whose careers have branched in wildly different—and deeply impactful—directions: chef and TV personality Vivian Howard (B.A., English), A Place at the Table founder Maggie Kane (B.A., International Studies), hospitality leader and partner at ajja Paul Siler (B.A., Political Science), and pastry chef and Little Blue Bakehouse owner Allison Vick (B.A., Spanish; B.S., Textile & Apparel Management). Together, they embodied what it means to blend creativity, service, and community into a career with purpose.

Vivian Howard: From Rock-Ola to Regional Icon

Vivian Howard set the tone early by sharing a throwback Raleigh moment: she got her start waiting tables at the legendary Rock-Ola Café near campus—yes, the one with the unforgettable cheese fries. That early connection to service and storytelling eventually grew into a career that includes celebrated restaurants, bestselling cookbooks, and TV shows rooted in Southern food traditions. Her presence on the panel added both star power and a grounded, lived-in perspective on how humble beginnings can shape a culinary journey.

Maggie Kane: Serving Dignity, Not Just Meals

While many know her for founding Raleigh’s pay-what-you-can café A Place at the Table, Maggie made the audience laugh by admitting, “I don’t cook.” Her true passion is connection. She built a space where every person—regardless of income—can enjoy a dignified dining experience. The café’s approach to community support extends behind the counter too: one of Allison’s former bakers now works there, and Maggie ensures employees receive paid time for additional culinary training outside their own kitchen. It’s a model that proves compassion can be both operational and impactful.

Paul Siler: Hospitality with Heart (and a Rock ’n’ Roll Backstory)

A familiar face in Raleigh’s hospitality world, Paul Siler brought equal parts humor and history to the evening. He joked that most people actually want to talk to his wife—chef and partner Cheetie Kumar—because she’s the one “actually cooking” in the kitchen. Before running acclaimed restaurants like Garland and now ajja in Five Points, Paul was a musician working in NC State’s graduate school admissions office and dreaming of a venue that fit his band’s vibe.

That spark led to the opening of Kings in 1999, a cornerstone of downtown Raleigh’s creative scene. When the original Kings was slated for demolition, the search for a new location eventually produced Garland, a restaurant that became synonymous with Raleigh’s rise as a food city. Paul also shared exciting news: PBS has picked up a documentary about The Great Cover-Up, the beloved cover-band event born at Kings after a hurricane benefit show.

Vivian summed him up perfectly: if Paul had a signature ingredient, it would be humble hospitality—and giving 100% of himself in everything he does.

Allison Vick: Building Space for Bakers to Thrive

For many attendees, Allison Vick was a new name with a standout story. She charmed the audience with tales of watching Ace of Cakes during undergrad and making elaborate cakes on the side, hoping to become the next TV star baker. While the TV moment didn’t happen, something better did: a clear calling to create space for pastry artists to flourish.

After returning to Raleigh to raise their first child near family, Allison and her husband lamented that their neighborhood lacked a place to grab a good cup of coffee. That spark became Little Blue Bakehouse, now the only commercial kitchen in the area with an attached retail space where each member business can sell their creations. In a city where affordable, professional kitchen space is notoriously hard to secure, Allison’s model helps talented food entrepreneurs take their next steps forward.

Shared Themes: Creativity, Community, and the Wolfpack Thread

While their journeys looked different, three themes ran strong throughout the conversation:

Food as community infrastructure — whether through shared kitchens, pay-what-you-can cafés, or neighborhood-driven spaces, each panelist is building belonging in their own way.

Creativity as career fuel — music making, baking experiments, storytelling, hospitality, and service each played a part in shaping their paths.

The Raleigh connection — from Rock-Ola to Kings to Little Blue Bakehouse, the city’s culture shapes their work—and their work continues to shape the city.

Last Call: Whiskey Wednesday + Wolfpack Basketball

After the panel wrapped up, I stopped into Lakeside Kitchen, the restaurant attached to the Alumni Center, for their weekly Whiskey Wednesday (4–8:30 p.m.). A specially priced pour of Knob Creek Nine Year and a few bites made for the perfect pre-tip-off meal before heading over to the NC State men’s basketball game at Lenovo Center.

What’s Next: Food as Communication—Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

The series continues with Food as Communication on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, from 1:30–2:45 p.m. inside Caldwell Hall Lounge. This interactive “edible humanities fair,” led by Professor Cindy Rosenfeld and her Environmental Communication students, features guided tastings of student-prepared dishes. More details and future RSVP options will be available soon on the series event lineup page.

Irregardless

Raleigh’s Irregardless is serving up a Thanksgiving prix fixe menu designed for all to enjoy from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. The price of $60 per person includes a choice of appetizer, entree, and seasonal dessert trio, plus butter and rolls for the table. Sides to feed 4 to 6 people cost an additional $9 each. Make a reservation at https://www.irregardless.com/thanksgiving. Irregardless is at 901 W. Morgan St., Raleigh.

The Willard

This rooftop hotel dining concept is marking the holiday with its own buffet experience from 2–7 p.m. Carving stations will feature both turkey and ham, complemented by dishes like honey-cinnamon sweet potatoes, cornbread stuffing, creamy mac and cheese, and other crowd-pleasing classics. Pricing is $60 for adults, $25 for children ages 4–12, and complimentary for little ones under four. Explore their offerings…

10th & Terrace

The Willard’s sister property just across Downtown Raleigh features a Thanksgiving menu that leans into comfort favorites—think roast turkey sliders layered with sage stuffing, crisp potato croquettes finished with brown gravy, and a rich sweet potato casserole rounding out the offerings. More details online.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

Thinking steakhouse vibes? Perry’s is dedicating the day to a special three-course smoked turkey breast meal, available from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. The lineup includes mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, sausage-and-sage dressing, cranberry relish, and their signature house-baked bread. The holiday plate is priced at $49. Thanksgiving, right this way…

A New Generation of Rioja

Vintae (pronounced vin-tay) is a family-owned, next-generation wine group rooted in Rioja and crafting wines across 14 Spanish Denominaciones de Origen (DOs). Over the past two decades, the Arambarri family has built a collection of boutique wineries united by a single purpose: each bottle should tell the story of the land where it was born.

Founded by José Miguel Arambarri Terrero and now led by his sons Richi and José Miguel Arambarri Pérez, Vintae has become a model for thoughtful, terroir-driven winemaking. Their approach is both respectful of heritage and boldly exploratory—merging ancestral viticulture with modern, low-intervention techniques to create wines that are expressive, sustainable, and refreshingly approachable.

The Tasting Lineup

Among the selections on the table at Rosewater:

• López de Haro (Rioja) – the heartbeat of the house and home to Vintae’s flagship “new classics,” crafted in the heart of San Vicente de la Sonsierra.
• Bardos (Ribera del Duero) – cool-climate finesse from the high-altitude vineyards of the Páramo de Corcos, bringing precision and elegance to this powerhouse region.
• Viñedos El Pacto (Rioja) – a return to ancestral farming traditions and old-vine authenticity, a love letter to Rioja’s origins.
• Pandemónium (Rioja) – Vintae’s modern marvel: an authentic sparkling wine from the Alto Najerilla area, combining regional typicity with a singular, high-altitude freshness.

Each wine offered a glimpse into Vintae’s philosophy, that “great wine is made in the vineyard”, as their technical director Raúl Acha often says.

Two Decades of Dreaming—and Doing

Since its inception, Vintae has expanded its footprint across northern Spain’s most compelling landscapes. Highlights include Matsu in Toro—home to the striking trio El Pícaro, El Recio, and El Viejo—and Le Naturel in Navarra, one of Spain’s pioneering natural wine projects with no added sulfites. Across its portfolio, Vintae blends respect for the past with forward-thinking innovation, from climate research and sustainable viticulture to high-altitude vineyard experiments for future sparkling releases.

That mix of curiosity and conviction has paid off. Vintae’s Classica Grandes Reservas from Rioja have twice earned “Best in Show” honors at the Decanter World Wine Awards, placing them among the 50 best wines in the world.

A Taste of Place… and People

In conversation, Richi radiated the easy warmth and energy of someone who sees wine not as a product, but as a story—one told through landscape, culture, and people. “When you’re born and raised in Rioja,” he shared, “wine is part of your life.” His vision for Vintae is simple yet profound: keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep honoring the land that makes it all possible. This attendee especially enjoyed getting to ask the stories of the people presented on the Classica bottle labels, ranging from the “doctor of farming” who guided the local producers through the phylloxera era and the female sales pioneer who brought Rioja to international territories in a time where both notions were nouveau.

Final Pour

From timeless Rioja reds to the crisp sparkle of Pandemónium, this tasting reflected the new face of Spanish wine—expressive, diverse, and deeply rooted in its terroirs. For Raleigh’s food and wine lovers, it was a memorable reminder that behind every great glass is a great story—and in Vintae’s case, an entire family of them.

A special note of “Thanks!” to my gal pal, Mallerie Blackwell, for the kind invitation to join this fantastic tasting!

From crisp, elegant whites to rich, velvety reds, each pour tells a story—and each course is designed to complement it beautifully. This indulgent, one-night-only event promises a delicious journey from vineyard to steakhouse that wine lovers won’t want to miss.

Location: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Raleigh, NC
Date & Time: Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET
Cost: $115 per person (plus tax & gratuity)
Reserve your seat at https://www.sullivanssteakhouse.com/promotions/duckhorn-wine-pairing-dinner-raleigh/

The Five-Course Menu

To Start: Truffle Popcorn—light, aromatic, and playful.

First Course: Roasted duet of beets with sherry vinaigrette, Gorgonzola, watercress, and candied pecans—paired with Duckhorn Chardonnay.

Second Course: Roasted duck breast with creamy wild-mushroom risotto and cherry-port glaze—paired with Goldeneye Pinot Noir.

Third Course: Poached Chilean sea bass with bok choy, citrus beurre blanc, and grapefruit—paired with Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc.

Fourth Course: Truffle-crusted 10 oz. prime ribeye with black truffle purée, crispy potato-bacon stacks, asparagus, and roasted-grape Duckhorn Merlot sauce—paired with Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon.

Final Course: White chocolate mousse with raspberries and a sugar cookie—paired with Duckhorn Merlot.

Why You’ll Love It

This is more than dinner—it’s an experience. Each course and pour is a masterclass in balance, crafted to showcase the artistry behind Duckhorn’s award-winning wines and Sullivan’s signature flavors. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a memorable night out, this event promises to deliver elegance and indulgence in equal measure.

Seats are limited, and this one’s sure to sell out—reserve your table today at https://www.sullivanssteakhouse.com/promotions/duckhorn-wine-pairing-dinner-raleigh/.
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Celebrating their 75th anniversary, the club is hosting three seatings of traditional high tea at the historic Tucker House (418 N. Person Street). Expect vintage china, fresh flowers, and a three-tiered menu featuring delicacies from local restaurants, each expertly paired with premium teas from Tin Roof Teas.

The Details:

When: Saturday, Oct 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m; Sunday, Oct 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes per seating
Tickets: $75 ($81.88 with fees) at historicoakwood.org/event-calendar
Pro tip: Tickets went on sale August 9 and past teas have sold out, so don’t sleep on this one.

Bonus: A free-to-attend Makers Market runs Saturday , Oct. 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the Tucker House grounds, featuring local artisans with garden-themed and decorative goods—perfect for early holiday shopping.

Since 1950, the Oakwood Garden Club has been beautifying the Historic Oakwood neighborhood, and proceeds from events like this support local nonprofit gardening initiatives. Follow their journey on Instagram @oakwoodgc.

A Butcher with a Wine Bar Twist

All beef cuts here are Certified Angus Beef, sourced from top Angus farms across the country. Each selection is Top Choice or Prime—translation: consistent marbling, tenderness, and flavor. Each week, look for a rotating specialty item, from Wagyu beef to custom grinds, ensuring something new to try each visit.

The wine bar elevates the experience, making this more than just a stop for steaks. Guests can sip and linger, enjoy curated pours, or simply relax after shopping the butcher case. During the preview event, attentive service and a thoughtful wine list made it clear this is a spot where Cary locals will quickly feel at home.

Wines + Libations

Pairing food with the right wine is half the fun, and the selection here is curated with care. Expect crisp Sauvignon Blanc, rich Viognier, and classics like Pinot Grigio and Riesling. Red lovers will find Bordeaux, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and light-bodied Pinot Noir. For celebrations, Champagne and dessert wines are always on hand.

For something different, explore the collection of gourmet mixers, local craft selections, and small-batch tonic—perfect for creating bar-worthy cocktails at home.

Pantry + Prepared Foods

Beyond meats and wine, the shop doubles as a gourmet pantry. Shelves are stocked with specialty pastas, cheeses, vegetables, condiments, and international grocery items, all designed to elevate your next dinner party or charcuterie board.

Not in the mood to cook? Their prepared foods program has you covered. Think seasoned and stuffed meats, salads, sides, and a rotating menu of seasonal specialties—crafted in house and available for easy pickup. It’s a convenient way to bring restaurant-quality meals home without the fuss.

Visit

New York Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar
1005 Portrait Dr, Cary, NC 27513
Hours: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday
local.nybutcher.com/cary

This new spot is the first commercial outpost to open on a busy corner, offering a nice buffer to the residential neighborhood behind it. (How lucky are those residents?!) It’s a bit outside our usual radius—but with this kind of hospitality, wine selection, and prime cuts, I’m definitely adding this to my list when I find myself in the area, and of course, recommending it to my Western Wake friends.

Images by Karly WIlson