We’re still rooting for some of Raleigh’s best and brightest talent in the kitchen. | Photos provided by Figulina, Tamasha, Prime Barbecue, Crawford Hospitality, Saltbox Seafood Joint, and Cheeni
While no Raleigh chefs nor restaurants landed a James Beard Award nomination this year, the Triangle’s six semifinalists continue to highlight the area’s strong culinary scene.
The two 2025 nominations repping NC are Silver Iocovozzi for Neng Jr.’s in Asheville (Best Chef: Southeast) and April Franqueza from The Dining Room at High Hampton in Cashiers (Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker).
Earlier this year, the James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards, recognizing the top food talent in the US, and six Triangle chefs + restaurants have were named among the cream of the crop.
Christopher Prieto, Prime Barbecue: Best Chef: Southeast
If you’re keeping up, Crawford and Son was among the nominees in 2024, and Durham’s Ricky Moore nabbed Best Chef: Southeast in 2022.
The Bar Beej, Cheeni Durham’s adjoining Bollywood-themed speakeasy, isn’t Chef Preeti Waas’s first brush with the James Beard Awards — Waas is a two-time semifinalist for Cheeni’s original Raleigh emporium.
First timers include: Bhavin Chhatwani who orchestrates the grand performance of Tamasha in North Hills; Figulina and its tasty Italian-meets-English inspired menu; and Christopher Prieto of Prime Barbecue fame out in Knightdale. Plus, Sunny Gerhart of St. Roch was listed for his Wilmington restaurant Olivero.
Asked
Asked
Which restaurateur earned a Best Chef Southeast semifinalist nomination in both 2023 and 2024?
A. Ashley Christensen B. Cheetie Kumar C. Preeti Waas D. Scott Crawford
North Carolina Symphony: Scheherazade | Friday, Jan. 24 + Saturday, Jan. 25 | 8 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $77+ | Celebrate the cello with classic works played by our very own symphony.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Mix&Sip Martini Night Mixology Class | 7-9 p.m. | On My Way Bartending Mixology Studio | $75 | Shake and stir your way to a classic martini with the help of a certified mixologist.
You’ll soon have a new specialty dental care option in Raleigh. | Photos provided by Vista Oral Surgery & Implants
Say “hello” to your new smile.Vista Oral Surgery & Implants has officially opened in North Raleigh, offering state-of-the-art technology and personalized care.
From the moment you step into the sleek, modern facility, you’ll notice the difference:
No long wait times
Advanced equipment
A welcoming team dedicated to your comfort
Led by the highly skilled Dr. Taylor, who brings years of expertise to the practice, Vista Oral Surgery & Implants provides a full range of services, including:
Tooth extractions
Dental implants
Wisdom teeth removal
IV sedation
Pre-prosthetics
Bone grafting
And more
With flexible hours, a convenient location, and payment options including insurance, HSA, FSA and finance plans, high-quality care has never been easier to access.
An abundance of snow days could lead to makeup days for central NC school districts. Wake County already has one snow day with a few delays or early dismissals. If more snow days happen, students will use teacher workdays or days at the end of the year to reach its required 185 days of instruction. (WRAL)
Sports
The NC Courage dropped its 2025 schedule with the first home match set against Seattle Reign FC on Saturday, March 22. If you’re looking for a really competitive matchup, the Courage play the reigning champs, the Orlando Pride, at home on Saturday, May 10. Season tickets start at just $15 per game.
Coming Soon
A development coming to New Bern Avenue announced two more tenants. Que Pashoo Tacos & Bar will dish out Mexican food, and Squeeze will serve fresh-squeezed juices. New bar Blotto was previously announced for the development positioned across the street from Jack’s Seafood. (Triangle Business Journal)
Trending
Are you part of Michael’s English Muffins’ cult following? These homemade English muffins can be found on Spring Forest Road with flavors like everything, sweet potato cinnamon, and seasonal fruit in addition to the original. Read more about the hidden gem’s origins. (INDY Week)
Read
Logan’s Garden Shop is relocating from its historic Seaboard Station spot amid redevelopment to the NC Farmers Market this spring — read more about the beloved plant store before its new shop opens in March. (INDY Week)
Weight Loss by Hers is a holistic program crafted by experts in weight loss, nutrition, and psychology. Receive personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals by a medical professional, along with access to GLP-1 medications starting at $165 per month with a 12-month plan.*
Eat
Yes, healthy grocery shopping can be easy and affordable. Meet Thrive Market, where healthy living is simple. Get groceries for the whole family delivered to your door, free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients. Join to save 30% on your first order and claim a free gift worth $60.*
Wellness
Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid. With crystal-clear sound and a sleek, discreet German design, those experiencing hearing impairment can enjoy clear speech with minimum background distractions, even in the noisiest environments. Try the 45-day, no-risk trial.*
The Buy
The Buy
Single use face towels. Real talk: those washcloths you’ve used for years are likely harboring bacteria and roughing up your delicate moisture barrier. Go for a hygienic, gentler alternative with Sky Organics hypoallergenic face towels, made from 100% renewable plant fiber.
I am thrilled to see some of my favorite Raleigh restaurants and chefs featured among this year’s James Beard Award Semifinalists. I’m especially hoping Figulina can pull off the win.
}})
}})
