Chef Scott Crawford’s big year 🍽️

Inside chef Scott Crawford’s Triangle expansion

Scott Crawford inside of Raleigh Iron Works.

Brodeto will open in Raleigh Iron Works’ Bow Truss Building this year. | Photo by Jessica Crawford

Momentum is building for Raleigh chef Scott Crawford, the force behind local favorites Crawford and Son, Jolie, and Crawford Cookshop. Most recently, the NC Restaurant & Lodging Association named him the 2023 Restaurateur of the Year for Crawford Hospitality.

“This is the first recognition I’ve gotten as a restaurateur, not a chef,” Crawford said. “It’s really special — all recognition is appreciated, but this one hit me differently.”

Crawford is also in the midst of opening three new restaurants in the Triangle: Brodeto at Raleigh Iron Works, Crawford Brothers Steakhouse at Fenton, and Crawford’s Genuine at RDU. These additions will double the size of his company.

We sat down with the five-time James Beard Award semifinalist to chat with him about expected openings, a local chef to watch, and a pastry he orders time and time again.

Which restaurant will open first?
We’re planning to open Brodeto by October or November of this year. Crawford’s Genuine could open as soon as late 2023. And Crawford Brothers Steakhouse will open in 2024. I’ve asked for about six months between the openings.

How would you describe each new restaurant in three words?

Brodeto: Adriatic, embers, comfort
Crawford’s Genuine: Inviting, delicious, stylish — bonus word: local
Crawford Brothers Steakhouse: Warm, modern, exciting

What Raleigh chef should we be watching?
Chef Brian Jenzer at Las Ramblas.

Click below to keep reading. It will probably make you hungry.

4 MORE QUESTIONS

Which new restaurant are you most excited to try?

A. Brodeto at Raleigh Iron Works
B. Crawford Brothers Steakhouse at Fenton
C. Crawford’s Genuine at RDU

LET US KNOW

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Thursday, Feb. 23

Timely Connections Series | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | Free | This session’s topic is “The Contested Legacies of Islam and Race in NC.”
Artist Happy Hour | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 6 p.m. | Artspace, 201 E. Davie St., Raleigh | Free | Local artists are invited to network and mingle with new artists in residence; registration is required.

Friday, Feb. 24

Mozart Requiem | Friday, Feb. 24-Saturday, Feb. 25 | Times vary | Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $22-$82 | The North Carolina Symphony will perform Mozart’s 1791 composition, which was left incomplete when he died.
Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes | Friday, Feb. 24 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $34-$350 | Join a bunch of jerks to cheer on the Canes at home.

Saturday, Feb. 25

Flannels & Frost | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 12-4 p.m. | Moore Square, 200 S. Blount St., Raleigh | Free | Celebrate cold-weather games with hot beverages, sweet treats, vendors, and a chainsaw carving demo.

Sunday, Feb. 26

Sunday I’m in Love: A Sound Bath for Self-Love | Sunday, Feb. 26 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Current Wellness, 219 S. East St., Raleigh | $24-$30 | Nurture yourself in a unique way with sound bowl healing mixed with tones of a cello.
Poses & Popsicles | Sunday, Feb. 26 | 2-3 p.m. | Raleigh Popsicles Co., 119 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | $10 | Join Jaime Andrews and Raleigh Popsicle Co. for a kids yoga class and popsicles.

Plan Ahead

Holi Mela | Sunday, March 12 | 2-6 p.m. | Cheeni Indian Food Imporium, 1141 Falls River Ave., Ste. 124, Raleigh | $40 | Celebrate the Indian festival of color and celebration of life with food, music, and dancing.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Add to cal: Art in Bloom, presented by PNC Bank, at the North Carolina Museum of Art 🌸

Presented by a RALtoday Partner

An elaborate and colorful floral arrangement sits in the center of an art gallery.

This annual event is a perennial fave — pun(s) intended. | Photo by the North Carolina Museum of Art

Classic art, stunning florals, and a good cause? We’re in — and it’s all happening at Art in Bloom, presented by PNC Bank, the North Carolina Museum of Art’s annual fundraiser event happening March 15-19.

Art in Bloom offers a new way to experience the NCMA’s collection, with 30+ floral arrangements inspired by the museum’s collection and annual theme (this year’s is “Cinematic”), which are then placed directly in the galleries. Even better, proceeds from Art in Bloom help fund future programming + exhibitions.

But wait, there’s more. This year’s Art in Bloom event also features a full roster of related events (think: include floral-inspired workshops and lectures), extended hours, and special food options. (Don’t skip the NCMA Cafe for inventive small bites and Southern-inspired entrees, created by guest Chef Rick Sloan.)

Ready to bloom? Entry tickets + related event tickets are available now on their website.*

MORE EVENT DETAILS THIS WAY

Weather

83º | Partly cloudy | 12% chance of rain ⛅

Open

Premier Cakes Diner is now open at the NC Museum of History. The new grill-style restaurant — named after Premier Cakes Bakery & Cafe in North Raleigh — serves items like breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and fried chicken. Bonus: Everything (except for the barbecue) is cooked to order. 🥞 (The News & Observer)

Transit

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations are planned along New Bern Avenue. Learn more about the proposed rezoning and included properties during the neighborhood meeting today, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. at Martin Street Baptist Church. Learn more. 🚌

Community

Learn about the latest downtown news at the DRA’s Downtown Rundown on Tuesday, Feb. 28. The virtual event from 4-5 p.m. will feature recent stats, developments, programs, and ways to get involved. There will be time to share ideas and ask questions. Register.

Development

City Council approved taller and denser housing in Glenwood South during this week’s meeting. Six lots along North Boylan Avenue and West Jones Street have been rezoned to permit up to seven stories. The change allows for the development of more housing in the area. 🏠 (Triangle Business Journal)
WakeMed Health — one of the top employers in Wake County — was approved to build two new facilities. The healthy system plans to develop a $214 million acute care hospital in Garner and a ~$137 million behavioral health facility in Knightdale. 🏥 (Triangle Business Journal)

Biz

Moore Square Market returns to downtown for the 2023 season on Sunday, May 14. Vendor applications are now open for local farmers, artists, crafters, and other makers based within 90 miles of downtown. Apply by Friday, March 31.

Watch

Raleigh Little Theatre announced its 2023-2024 season on Tuesday during an event at Raleigh Brewing Company. The upcoming season’s theme is Coming Home, featuring shows like “Cinderella,” “Nate the Great,” and “Kinky Boots.” View the full lineup. 🎭

Plan Ahead

Save the date. Out! Raleigh Pride is planned for Saturday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fayetteville Street. The deadline to submit a vendor application is Saturday, April 15. 🏳️‍🌈

Listen

Calling all bibliophiles. Level up your reading routine with an Audible Membership. Why we love it: we can listen to our favorite books and discover new titles while doing everyday tasks like commuting, walking the dog, cooking, and cleaning. Sign up for your first 30 days free. 📚*

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Real Estate

Craft a Kingfisher cocktail at home

Michelle designed Kingfisher’s interior. | Photo by Stacey Sprenz

At Durham cocktail bar Kingfisher, co-owners Sean Umstead and Michelle Vanderwalker find ways to reinvent their menu using local, seasonal ingredients. Often times, their drinks are a reflection of what’s arrived in their Community Supported Agriculture boxes. Think: A sweet potato-driven rum Manhattan.

The duo’s creativity has been recognized — Kingfisher is a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Bar.

Sean and Michelle took us behind the scenes to teach us how to make the “Mr. Sweet Potato” cocktail, created by Kingfisher bar manager Kacey Liebes. Here’s how you can craft this cocktail at home. Note: It takes two days to make — but it’s worth it.

Ingredients

2 ounces Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon
1/2 ounce sweet potato syrup*
1/4 ounce dry Bermutto (sake-based vermouth)

*For the sweet potato syrup

2 pounds sweet potatoes
1,200 grams simple syrup

Tap below for the directions.

Make "Mr. Sweet Potato"

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Anne.

Editor’s pick: If you haven’t been to Dix Park recently, now’s the time to go. The bright yellow daffodils are blooming in Flowers Field, making it the perfect location for a picnic, family photo shoot, or walk through the park. 🌼

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out these cluckin’ good fried chicken spots.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Charis Painter | Advertise with us.

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