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Plenty has changed in 50 years at Irregardless, but it’s still the same classic Raleigh eatery. | Photos provided by Irregardless
Irregardless was named for the now-contentious term whicho founder Arthur Gordon’s grandmother claimed to have originated to honor her memory. After 50 years, folks are still dining at this homey Raleigh restaurant on West Morgan Street and remembering Gordon’s grandmother all the same. We sat down with owner Lee Robinson to remember the history of Irregardless and what’s next for the Raleigh classic.
Robinson bought the restaurant from Gordon in early 2020 after managing other Raleigh staples like The Pit and Players Retreat. When COVID hit 10 weeks after Robinson bought the place, the community came together to support Irregardless with a line down the street for takeout.
Irregardless has certainly changed since its opening, like whittling down the favorites from a seven-page menu into one page and incorporating meat, but some things have stayed exactly the same.
WakeMed Career Fair | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Raleigh Convention Center | Free | Explore career opportunities for every job path with one of the Triangle’s top employers.
Friday, Feb. 21
James “Murr” Murray: The Errors Tour | Friday, Feb. 21 + Saturday, Feb. 22 | Times vary | Raleigh Improv, Cary | $40+ | You know him from “Impractical Jokers” — see his comedy live.
21Marbles: PLAY ON | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Marbles Kids Museum | $15+ | Release your inner child and play at Marbles like the kids do with games + drinks throughout the museum.
Saturday, Feb. 22
“Boléro” — Carolina Ballet | Saturday, Feb. 22 + Sunday, Feb. 23 | 1-2 p.m. | A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater | $30+ | This fantastical ballet follows a couple’s day on the beach while the elements conspire against them.
Fall Back Vintage Market | Saturday, Feb. 22 + Sunday, Feb. 23 | Times vary | Raleigh Iron Works | $10+ | Shop hot vintage finds from local vendors.
ICYMI, the City of Raleigh approved extending the two-hour free parking pilot program in five downtown parking decks earlier this week. Hear from local business owners applauding the program. (INDY Week)
Sports
Could Raleigh be home to an MLB team? Canes owner Tom Dundon says yes, and he’s pushing stakeholders to agree. According to team president Doug Warf, Raleigh’s got a “great shot” at scoring a new team, and corporate support will be key to attracting another major league to Oak City. (Triangle Business Journal)
Drink
Raise a mug to the City of Raleigh Museum at Raleigh Roasts on Saturday, March 15 starting at 9 a.m. in Moore Square. Taste coffee, tea, and treats from local vendors while enjoying live music — plus, attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade while you’re there. Check out ticket options.
History
Have you heard of Lizard Lick? It’s an unincorporated community near Wendell, and a future elementary school could bear its name and a matching mascot. Other potential names for the school include North Wendell, Marshburn, and Fall Branch. (The News & Observer)
Cause
TLC, a local organization helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, revealed a new $5.2 million facility. TLC provides long-term care, and the new facility offers 10 beds with large rooms and wheelchair-accessible kitchens. (WUNC)
Mailbox
You know the drill. Send us your best snowy shots of Raleigh from yesterday + today. We hope you’re staying warm and safe in this weather, and we can’t wait to see what you captured.
Coming Soon
Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in the city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or event coming soon to Raleigh.
Owe more than $10,000 in debt? You’re not alone — personal debt is on the rise. Freedom Debt Relief could help by offering a personalized debt settlement plan and negotiating with creditors to reduce your amount owed (with one low monthly payment + no upfront fees). Get started.*
Plan Ahead
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Try This
🪷 Plants galore
Wake County is home to one of the most diverse plant collections in the world. | Photo provided by Juniper Level Botanic Garden.
Wake County is home to one of the largest + most diverse plant collections in the world — and it’s only open for eight weekends a year. Juniper Level Botanic Garden is a 10-acre educational, research, and display garden ~30 minutes south of downtown, and it’s open this weekend and next.
Juniper Level is home to 27,000 taxa of plants — compare that to JC Raulston Arboretum’s nearly 6,500 in the same acreage. Expect plenty of plants native to the area as well as exotic + rare plants, and unusual specimen trees. Plus, the garden has introduced 1,440 new plant species, cultivars, or hybrids to the horticulture field.
Juniper Level is open this Friday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, Feb. 23, and next Friday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, March 2. The botanic garden is also open for two weekends in May, July, and September — check the site for more details.
The Buy
The Buy
ACTIVE Wear laundry detergent. Refresh your gym clothes with this scientifically formulated enzyme blend that removes the lingering smell of sweat and body odor. It’s free from phosphates + each bag can wash up to 90 loads.
Not my picture, but you get the idea. | Photo by RALtoday
Although the Great Backyard Bird Count is over, I’m having fun bird watching from my window. My favorite frequent fliers to my feeder are a bright + burly Northern Cardinal and a teeny Carolina Chickadee.
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