Plus, Raleigh to Richmond $1 billion passenger rail.
 
12.12.2023 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

51º | Cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:25 a.m. | Sunset 5:17 p.m.
 

🍽️ A night out on the town

Three dinners to treat someone special to in Raleigh
RAL-Oku-Dec23
The mont blanc cake + ice cream mochi are a must-try at O-Ku. | Photo by RALtoday
City Editor Cat here. I recently spent my birthday week surrounded by family + good eats in the City of Oaks. Just in case you are tasked with planning the perfect birthday — or any — dinner celebration, here are three dinner recs to treat someone special to in Raleigh.

White tablecloth experience

If you’re looking for something elevated and intimate, book a reservation with Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern, a true Raleigh hidden gem. My fiancé took me here for my birthday, and I was blown away by the minutiae. We showed up an hour early to pinky up with a cocktail in The Tavern — the historic Dodd-Hinsdale house has a lounge and bar area in the elegantly restored cellar for casual meals and pre-dinner cocktails.

After a libation, we were then escorted upstairs to our table for a gourmet dining experience. I recommend the charcuterie plate, Empire’s signature roasted angus ribeye, and the Empire chocolate souffle, which was prepared for us tableside.

Empire’s signature roasted angus ribeye.

Not pictured: The chef autographed keepsake menu.

|

Photo by RALtoday

A family affair

My Raleigh fam arranged a dinner at Vivo Ristorante for an early birthday soirée — this is our favorite family friendly place to dine because of the casual atmosphere, attentive staff, and quality bites.

This family-owned Italian eatery always serves fresh ingredients and top-notch service. I recommend the chicken Parmigiana accompanied by a cosmopolitan, my grandmother’s favorite.

Two people sharing sashimi and a bottle of sake.

The sparkling sake elevates all of the fresh sashimi flavors.

|

Photo provided by O-Ku

A unique date night

Surprise your special celebrant with an over-the-top meal at O-Ku. The restaurant is currently offering 12 pieces of chef-selected sashimi and a bottle of sake for $100 — and let me tell you, it’s fresh.

We were lucky enough to have our reservation window during the happy hour promo as well — Monday through Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m. — so we enjoyed crispy dumplings as our appetizer. We ended the night with one of the best desserts I have ever tasted — the mont blanc cake + ice cream mochi are a must-try.

Do you have a memorable birthday celebration in the City of Oaks? Share it with us.
 
Events
Tuesday, Dec. 12
  • Mysti Mayhem Trio w/ Chris Hendricks, Ari Pappalardo | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 7 p.m. | The Pour House Music Hall, 224 S. Blount St., Raleigh | $15-$20 | Listen to this indie folk trio from Durham perform with two Raleigh artists.
  • Wine and Floral Class 2023 | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 7:15-8:45 p.m. | The Wine Feed, 602 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $80 | Sip a selection of festive white wines while creating a floral arrangement with The English Garden team members.
Wednesday, Dec. 13
  • Trans-Siberian Orchestra — The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $60-$120 | Enjoy this rock holiday tradition featuring iconic seasonal songs like “Christmas Canon.”
  • Stargazing at The Willard: The Geminid Meteor Shower | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 7-9 p.m. | The Willard Rooftop Lounge, 9 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Free | Don’t miss the final stargazing event of the year with the Raleigh Astronomy Club for the chance to see the Geminid meteor shower through telescopes.
  • “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Trivia | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 7-9 p.m. | Chubby’s Tacos Raleigh, 2444 Wycliff Rd., Raleigh | Free | Join five unique and challenging rounds of trivia to celebrate the Griswolds.
  • Art of the Brick: An Exhibition of LEGO® Art | Wednesday, Dec. 13-Saturday, Jan. 6 | Times vary | Pleasant Valley Promenade, 6240 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $20-$25 | See the “12 Days of Christmas” sculpture along with more than 90 colorful exhibits before the exhibition leaves Raleigh on Jan. 7.
Thursday, Dec. 14
  • Raleigh Fashion Fest: Holiday Shop & Show | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 5-9 p.m. | Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $0-$20 | Shop from vendors, watch a collaborative fashion show at 7 p.m., and participate in a silent auction benefiting The American Cancer Society.
100+ more things to do
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Family

Dive into sensory play at Marbles Kids Museum’s newest exhibit, “Under the Waves”
RALtoday Marble Kids Museum 12.12.23
As a community nonprofit, Marbles relies on donors and partners to fund these innovative + inclusive spaces. | Photo provided by Marbles Kids Museum
Explore the tranquil world of the deep sea at the Marbles Kids Museum’s latest exhibit, “Under the Waves.” This peaceful ocean-floor environment was developed specifically to engage kids of all abilities and offers multisensory play + immersive exploration.

The new hands-on exhibit includes:
  • A larger-than-life octopus
  • Light-up bubble tubes
  • Shadow play
  • Compression canoes
  • Other sensory-stimulating and calming activities
Advance museum admission is required, so be sure to plan your visit and book tickets ahead of time.
Dive into the details
News Notes
Announced
  • Nicki Minaj will join Dreamville’s lineup on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour. J. Cole and the queen of rap recently released a song together called “Let Me Calm Down.” Two-day general admission festival tickets are going for $300 — we can’t wait to find out who the other performers are.
Open
  • A historic Durham restaurant is reopening its doors today. MK Hospitality and chefs Matt Kelly and Nate Garyantes are leading Nana’s resurgence with a fully renovated space. Pulling inspiration from vintage Ralph Lauren and the NC woods, the space is moody + diners can look forward to dishes like dry-aged Rohan duck and oxtail mezzaluna.
Coming Soon
  • Ponysaurus Brewing Co. is making progress at Raleigh Iron Works with an expected spring 2024 opening. Raleighites can look forward to this barrel room + restaurant featuring a sour beer facility, production space, pizza, bar food, and a variety of beers on tap.
Development
  • When is Apple moving into RTP? It appears not for a few years. Triangle Business Journal reported that a line item in a traffic study by engineering firm Kimley-Horn says build out is planned for 2026. In the meantime, Apple is leasing office space + hiring locally while its RTP campus is being built.
Weather
  • Last weekend, a Garner neighborhood was struck by a EF-1 tornado, causing damage to more than 35 homes. Carrying winds of up to 110 mph, the tornado tore 1.5 miles along Timber Drive — no one was reported as injured. Read up on how to stay safe during a tornado. (WRAL)
Environment
  • In 2021, a rare colony of ant species called Aphaenogaster mariae was rediscovered after nearly 100 years in Wake County. NC State Ph.D. student Michelle Kirchner found the ants in a high-up tree canopy while studying entomology and biology. Thanks to Kirchner’s rediscovery, researchers can now document every stage of this ant’s life cycle. (WUNC)
Retail
  • Sleigh bells ring, it’s free shipping. Murphy’s Naturals is offering free shipping on all website orders with code SLEIGH now until Dec 14th. Find clean-burning + sustainably sourced candles like Snowfall or Fraser Fir (a personal fav) from this certified member of B-Corporation and 1% For The Planet.*
Real Estate
  • ICYMI, two members of Trinity Partners-Raleigh were recognized for their work last week at the BOMA Raleigh-Durham Pacesetter Awards, which honors individuals who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in the field of commercial real estate. See the winners and nominees.*
Retail
  • Runway alert, the Holiday Shop + Show is coming to Crabtree Thursday, Dec. 14 from 5-9 p.m. Featuring Raleigh Fashion Fest, this stylish event includes a collaborative fashion show, a live DJ, sips, shopping exclusives, locally owned pop-ups, and a silent auction – all in benefit of the American Cancer Society.*
Holidays
  • Soak up the magic of the season in truly festive fashion with a weekend getaway to New Bern, NC. Enjoy dozens of daily events all weekend long, including live music, ice skating, late-night holiday shopping, and a whole lot more. Explore all upcoming events.*
Travel
  • New name, new venues, new events. The Charleston Festival (formerly known as the Festival of Houses & Gardens) is happening March 14-April 14 in Charleston. The 2024 season features iconic tours and events, but better than ever — plus, new events to enhance the experience. Learn more + snag tickets.*
Job
  • We’re hiring a City Editor for our newsletter in Charlotte, NC. The person we’re looking for is passionate about storytelling + news and has some serious Charlotte pride. Responsibilities include planning, writing, editing, and publishing the most relevant and engaging daily content about the city. See details and apply.
 
Transit

🚆 All aboard!

Raleigh to Richmond passenger rail to receive $1 billion
An Amtrak train in front of the Raleigh skyline.
A faster Raleigh-Richmond passenger rail is in the works. | Photo by RALtoday
Last week, the US Department of Transportation announced a $1.09 billion grant for an Amtrak Raleigh to Richmond passenger rail (hi RICtoday).

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg joined Gov. Roy Cooper at Raleigh Union Station to celebrate the record-breaking investment, which will help connect urban + rural communities.

“We are investing in our growing passenger rail options, and this federal grant is a game-changer that will make it easier than ever to travel to Richmond, Washington, D.C., and the Northeast,” said Cooper.

The funds will be used to build a better route with high-performance services along the CSX Transportation S-Line, which connects Richmond to Tampa, Fl.

To date, this is the largest grant the NCDOT has received. The final design of the project is set to be delivered between 2024 and 2027, and you can follow along for development updates.
The Buy

The Buy 12.12.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The go-to gift for people who have everything: a scented candle.
Share RALtoday
 
ReferralGIF1-RAL.gif

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_21}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_21}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
 
The Wrap
 
Cat George in a black turtleneck sweater

Today’s edition by:
Cat
From the editor
Last night, our Raleigh work crew met up at Joy Worthy Co. to decorate holiday cookies. It’s always a joy meeting up with the whole team, but especially while surrounded by sweet treats. Darlin’ Designs Baking Co led the creative class — stay tuned to see our designs on Instagram.

Psst... a Joy Worthy Co. experience would make for a unique gift.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Become a Member     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY