07.14.2023

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88º | Scattered thunderstorms | 50% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:44 a.m. | Sunset 7:46 p.m.

These local spots know mac and cheese

9 macaroni and cheese dishes in Raleigh

A hand holding a bowl of mac and cheese with chicken on top at an outdoor festival.

Food truck Hot Chix’s custom mac and cheese is one of our favorites. | Photo by RALtoday

It might be cheesy, but we think Raleigh has some great macaroni and cheese. In honor of National Mac and Cheese Day, here are some of our favorite unique macs in the City of Oaks.

Food trucks and fast casual

Hot Chix, location varies | This fried chicken food truck is all over local events. Add bacon, chicken with buffalo, a variety of sauces, or add mac and cheese to your tater tots and add sauce.

Iyla’s Southern Chicken, Morgan St. Food Hall, 411 W. Morgan St. | Try a stacked-high chicken sandwich with a side of gooey mac. Plus, the shop is serving up some specials today, like macaroni topped with chorizo, brisket, or shrimp.

The Mac House, 14460 New Falls of Neuse Rd., Ste. 167 | This specialty mac and cheese restaurant has vegan options, Mediterranean twists, and jerk chicken.

Barbecue spots

Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque, 327 S. Wilmington St. | While you’re checking out this historic barbecue eatery, try their macaroni made with smoked cheddar to add a little kick.

Longleaf Swine, 300 E. Edenton St. | Go whole hog here and try some mac with an southern twist — pimento cheese. Get this as a side to go with a brisket melt or a vegetarian collard green melt.

Sam Jones BBQ, 502 W. Lenoir St. | Get a side of classic, thick mac with a crust of melted cheese on top with your traditional NC-style barbecue.

Sit down restaurants and finer dining

Humble Pie, 317 S. Harrington St. | This restaurant uses only local ingredients and serves dishes made to share. Humble Pie’s mac and cheese with parmesan is a sharp twist on a familiar classic.

ORO, 18 E. Martin St. | ORO has a grown-up take on mac and cheese with the delicate flavor of truffles. Pair this dish with the Smoked Chicken Croquettes made with black truffle oil if you just can’t get enough.

Parkside, 301 W. Martin St. | This macaroni is a classic dish done just right. Our recommendation? Order with a prime rib burger or steak frites.

If you prefer your mac homemade, we’ve got you covered — try making Ashley Christensen’s pimento mac and cheese custard from scratch at the link below.

Get cookin'

Events

Friday, July 14

Summer Yoga Series with Grace Izzo — Yoga and Non-alcoholic drinks | Friday, July 14 | 10-11 a.m. | Umbrella in the Garden, 12825 Norwood Rd., Raleigh | $22 | Join yoga teacher and reiki facilitator Grace Izzo for a healing yoga practice.
Live Video Call from a Dinosaur Dig Site | Friday, July 14 | 12-1 p.m. | Nature Research Center, 121 West Jones St., Raleigh | Free | This special presentation is part of a series of live video calls to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ team of paleontologists while they work at dig sites across New Mexico, Utah, and Montana to dig up new fossil specimens.
Special Event: Becky Robinson | Friday, July 14 | 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. | Goodnights Comedy Club, 511 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh | $30-$40 | You may know Becky from her viral Tik Tok character of the “entitled housewife” — see her live at Goodnights Comedy Club.

Saturday, July 15

Ruby Deluxe Community Market | Saturday, July 15 | 12-5 p.m. | Ruby Deluxe, 415 South Salisbury St., Raleigh | Free | Shop from local artists and pick up a variety of goods at this market.
Neon Nights Scavenger Hunt | Saturday, July 15 | 8-9:30 p.m. | City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | $0-$32 | Put on your brightest outfit and get your glow sticks ready to compete in this neon scavenger hunt.

Sunday, July 16

Abbey Road - Tribute to the Beatles | Sunday, July 16 | 7-9 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $20-$75 | Listen to this nationally touring Beatles tribute band play all the hits, from “Yellow Submarine” to “Hey Jude.”

What else this weekend?

Click here to have your event featured.

Home

Real Estate

Turn up the heat: 3 myths about ACs, explained

Presented by a RALtoday Partner

Did you know Triangle summers average temperatures from the mid-80s to mid-90s? Stay cool with these five tips. | Photo by @breaking_blondes

Home air conditioning systems are standard in places that get as hot as the Triangle does — which means it’s easy to take them for granted (and not totally understand how they work).

Let’s clear things up for you…

Myth #1: Air conditioners create cool air.

An air conditioner removes heat from the indoors, cooling the air down, and then exhausting the heat to the outdoors. Read: Cold isn’t added — heat is removed.

Myth #2: The lower you set the thermostat, the faster an AC cools your home.

If you set the thermostat at a low setting, it will keep the air conditioner running until it reaches that temperature setting. Read: it doesn’t cool faster — the AC works harder and stays on longer.

Myth #3: It’s normal for ice to appear on an AC.

Ice indicates a malfunction with heat absorption, and possibly a serious issue. If you need AC repair or replacement services in the Raleigh area, call Air Experts.

Make sure your AC is set for summer

News Notes

Development

NC State submitted plans for a new 350,000 sqft lab on its Centennial Campus as part of its Innovation District — a 30-acre mixed-use development with a “live-learn-work-play” vision. A timeline has not been confirmed, and the plan still needs city approval. (Axios Raleigh)

Biz

British automaker INEOS Automotive is ramping up its operations in Raleigh and is looking for a long-term space. The company’s North American commercial operations are stationed in East End Market, and INEOS is looking to grow the company before the release of the 4x4 Grenadier. (Triangle Business Journal)

Arts

Submit your nominations for the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards, recognizing individuals and projects that have enhanced Raleigh through design, by Sunday, July 23. Nominations can be entered for developers, designers, building owners, community groups, civic clubs, churches, and citizens.

Community

The Triangle’s first Disability Pride Parade will be held on Saturday, July 29 in downtown Durham. Participants will show their pride with a walk and roll through a block of the city, ending with a festival with sensory-friendly spaces and food. (The News & Observer)

Traffic

Want to see progress near you of the city’s annual street resurfacing program? See what streets are in progress and finished — the 2023 program is responsible for resurfacing 11 centerline miles of 56 street sections.

Try This

This Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16 is the Treasures of the Earth gem, mineral, and jewelry show at the NC State Fairgrounds. Get jewelry designed, remounted, and repaired or just enjoy browsing geological wonders.

Theater

NC Opera’s 2023-24 season tickets are on sale. Shows include “The Barber of Seville,” “The Girl of the Golden West,” and “La Traviata.” See these classic romantic operas in person with English subtitles.

Finance

This leading balance transfer card offers 0% intro APR for guess how many months… with no annual fee. (Hint: It’s one of the longest 0% intro APR periods we’ve seen.) Details revealed here.*

Shop

It’s back. Shop ‘til you drop at North Hills’ annual Summer Sidewalk Sale, kicking off today and continuing through Sunday, July 16. Clear your schedules because stores will be offering up to 75% off designer brands and more all weekend. Get the deets + our recs.*

Drink

Summertime, and the living is easy — especially with a relaxing drink in hand. Celebrate rooftop season with curated craft cocktails + light Mediterranean bites at the sun-soaked AVA Rooftop Bar at Fenton in Cary. Bonus: We recently checked out the vibey space ourselves (and loved it).*

Travel

Searching for the perfect luggage set that’s both lightweight + durable? We love this set for its polycarbonate shell and quiet double spinner wheels.*

Answered

Last week, we asked

what other Raleigh restaurants should have made the top 100 in the Carolinas

and here’s what you said:

Stu G. enjoys Bruno Seafood and Steaks for its “white tablecloth experience, house-made pasta, and great steaks.” Bruno offers filet mignon, veal, and a ribeye to pair with their wide pasta selection.

Larry P. applauds Caffé Luna for its “wonderful Italian-style food at very reasonable prices.” We’re fans of the Tortelli Crostacci and Tartufo for dessert.

Crab and green mango served on Indian pav with a side of red onion, cucumber and tomato. — This special from Cheeni is inspired by Maine lobster rolls with a crab and green mango served on pav, an Indian bread.
|
Photo by Cheeni

Juli B. recommended Cheeni Indian Food Emporium for its “amazing flavors and customer service.” Cheeni was Eater Carolina’s 2022 NC Restaurant of the year, and with its wide array of unique Indian foods, we see why.

Richard B. is a fan of Margaux’s Restaurant for its interesting options and a prix fixe menu. With a menu rotating daily, Margaux’s is a different experience every time.

Dawn K. said Stanbury for its “amazing food (locally sourced and seasonal), ambiance, and staff.” Share some small plates and try a craft cocktail at this hip neighborhood spot.

Thanks for the suggestions, folks.

Keep 'em coming

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Allie

From the editor

There are talks of the weather phenomenon El Niño strengthening this year, possibly resulting in snow in Raleigh this winter. It might be too early to get excited about that kind of weather, but hey, I’ll do anything to take my mind off of this NC heat.

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