Keith Lee gave A Place at the Table’s chicken and waffles an eight out of 10. | Screenshots via TikTok, collage by RALtoday
In a recent TikTok, viral restaurant critic Keith Lee announced he’s coming to the Carolinas, including Raleigh + Durham. Lee and his family have traveled the country in search of the best food around, especially from Black-owned and family-operated restaurants, and his videos garner millions of views from his 17 million followers. Now, it’s our turn.
After a positive review from Lee, local restaurants report a “Keith Lee effect,” including wrap-around lines and business doubling. His recent stop at Clayton’s Hibachi Papi earned top marks, and the top already has already reported long lines.
Lee frequents hyper-local restaurants that are a bit off the beaten path and deserve more spotlight. We already know he’d love local spots like Flavor Hills + The Dankery. Is there a local spot that’s a must-visit for Lee? Let us know below, and we’ll help spread the word.
Asked
Asked
Attention foodies: Where should Keith Lee go in Raleigh?
Best of North Carolina 2025 | Through Saturday, May 24 | 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Gallery C Fine Art | Free | Explore art from across the Tar Heel State in this annual exhibition.
Tuesday Night Trivia | 7-10 p.m. | Wolfe & Porter | Free | Test your knowledge and compete for prizes at this casual game night.
NCMA After Hours | 5-8 p.m. | NC Museum of Art | Free | Spend the evening hours exploring the museum, including exhibitions like The Time is Always Now.
“Swan Lake” by the Carolina Ballet | Through Sunday, May 18 | Memorial Auditorium | $34+ | This ballet features live music by the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, bringing the Tchaikovsky classic to new light.
Friday, June 6
Toe River Arts Studio Tour | Friday, June 6-Sunday, June 8 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Self-Guided Across the County, Burnsville | Free | Artists and galleries will open their doors for visitors to view + purchase quality handmade artwork on this free self-guided tour.*
The Canes finished up their second game at home against the Caps — see how the team did and if they’ll return to Raleigh for Game 6 on Saturday. (ESPN)
Coming Soon
North Hills just got a little bit more beautiful. Makeup store Sephora is coming to the shopping center and will occupy two storefronts near the Regal movie theater, previously home to Natural Body Spa & Shop + Copper Penny. We’ll keep you posted on an opening date. (Triangle Business Journal)
Eat
Flour & Barrel is hosting “Top Chef” alum Kaleena Bliss alongside fellow Food Network fave + executive chef Katsuji Tanabe for a night of eating like a samurai this Wednesday, May 14. Plus, meet Kenichiro Kojima, president of Kojima Sohonten, a 400+ year old sake brewery. Secure your table.
Try This
The Living Conservatory, aka the Butterfly Room, at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences will reopen Saturday, May 24. The exhibit is modeled after a Central American forest + features a two-toed sloth, five ornate wood turtles, a milk snake, and 200 live butterflies.
Biz
Genentech, a top biotech company, will build a new $700 million, 700,000-sqft manufacturing plant in Holly Springs and add over 400 jobs to Wake County. Wages will average $119,833, and the project is expected to boost NC’s economy by $3 billion. (ABC 11)
Arts
A new art vending machine has been installed at Transfer Co. Food Hall featuring local makers’ toys, zines, and art. The vending machine is from Loot Drop Art Club, and four more are coming to Raleigh soon.
Number
$1,300. That’s how much money per year you could be wasting overpaying on car insurance, according to a 2024 survey. See if you’re overspending.*
Category
Plan Ahead
🎨 Let’s Gogh — Artsplosure returns this weekend
Artsplosure is on Fayetteville St. | Photo courtesy of Artsplosure
Artsplosure is returning to Fayetteville Street this Saturday, May 17 + Sunday, May 18, and with ~175 juried visual artists and new ways to have some fun downtown, we can’t wait for this year’s festival.
In addition to tried-and-true Artsplosure faves, like the student art show and Kidsplosure, the fest is adding two new experiences: an immersive sound bath installation and a mini golf experience called SurRALEIGHist.
Plus, Song Confessional will return to this year’s festival, where your anonymous confessions can be transformed into song. Check out the full collection of revelations-turned-songs.
City Editor Allie here. Every time I go to Artsplosure, I’m on a mission to grab some local art. Last year, I picked up this awesomeRaleigh print from artist Taylor Adams.
Expect a vibrant slate of local musicians, including Chatham Rabbits and Zach Mexico, and stunning art installations to show off Raleigh’s thriving art scene, all for free. See you there.
The Buy
As temperatures rise, we’re upgrading our wardrobe with some new warm weather hangout attire. These are some of our favorite finds:
ICYMI, my friend Mari’s movie, “Growing Pains,” is coming to the Rialto this Sunday, May 18 for its North Carolina premiere. This coming-of-age movie is such a sweet story, and it helps that it was co-written by a local. Grab tickets now — I’ll see you there!
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