Peregrine opened in April 2025. | Photo by Mark Terry
The James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards, recognizing the top food talent in the US, and three Triangle chefs + restaurants were named among the cream of the crop.
Peregrine, Best New Restaurant
If you haven’t heard Patrick Shanahan’s name around town, you must not be listening. Shanahan is a filmmaker, artist, and hospitality entrepreneur behind Watts & Ward, Capulet Cocktail Club, and Eater Carolina’s Best New North Carolina Restaurant, Peregrine.
Steven Devereaux Greene, Herons, Best Chef: Southeast
Herons has long been a staple in the Triangle’s fine dining scene, and executive chef Steven Devereaux Greene has earned a semifinalist nod in 2016, 2017, 2019, and now, 2026.
Cheetie Kumar, Ajja, Best Chef: Southeast
Chef Cheetie Kumar is no stranger to the James Beard awards. Now, Kumar is back with another nomination for Ajja, the vibrant Mediterranean spot in Five Points.
Raleigh City Council voted to approve towers up to 37 stories in North Hills, the tallest Raleigh will have ever seen, topping PNC Plaza’s 33 stories. Many neighbors opposed the rezoning due to local disruptions and sightlines. (WRAL)
Open
Campo Taco Co. is now open at Rockway near Dix Park, joining Benchwarmers + BK Pilates. Expect a laidback vibe with street tacos, bowls, birria ramen, and more Mexican flavors.
Cause
The incoming winter storm isn’t stopping the Buddhist monks from making their way through the US — and Raleigh — on their walk for peace. In a Facebook post, the group said they are prepared for inclement weather and are ready with backup plans for indoor shelter + alternate schedules.
Pets
Wake County has approved a new 54,600-square-foot animal center design in eastern Wake and will increase capacity by 50%. Construction is expected to begin in 2027. ICYMI, the animal center is currently closed for repairs and to remedy previous violations. (WUNC)
Coming Soon
Prolific restaurateur Giorgio Bakatsias is back at it again with Géos Tavern and Oyster Bar, a new neighborhood gastropub coming to Chapel Hill. Chef and partner Daniel Jackson has joined the project and is bringing his Michelin-starred experience to the welcoming restaurant. We’ll let you know when it opens.
Fun Fact
We might be a long way from Bloomington, but Indiana QB + Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza has an odd local connection thanks to Cary’s Epic Games. Mendoza signed an NIL deal with Epic before leading the Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship and could be featured in Fortnite or other Epic properties. (Triangle Business Journal)
Edu
As a parent, it’s hard to know what moves the needle in college admissions. Empowerly starts with a free 30-minute consultation to honestly assess your student’s college profile — from there, you’ll get matched with a counselor, receive data-backed insights, and construct a plan. Get your free consult.*
Category
History
🕰️ Turn your clocks back
Players Retreat has remained a mainstay of Raleigh sports culture. | Photo by RALtoday
Raleigh’s got plenty of great new restaurants, but what about the old ones? We’ve got a list of the longest-standing Raleigh restaurants, and this time, we’re shining a spotlight on the 1950s. Players Retreat | 1951
You’ll find yourselves rubbing elbows with NC State fans and players new and old at this Raleigh gem. PR has weathered the rise of giant sports bars while staying true to its humble beginnings.
State Farmers Market Restaurant | 1955
With the website realbiscuits.com, you know this place is Southern. Cooking with NC produce, the State Farmers Market is adorned with vibrant murals and a customer base from all across NC.
Big Ed’s | 1958
Raleigh Magazine recently proclaimed that “Real Raleighites Eat at Big Ed’s,” and we have to agree. The checked tablecloths, fresh coffee, and Southern staples like salty country ham with redeye gravy and chuckwagon steaks feel like home for longtime Oak City residents.
Char-Grill | 1959
This Hillsborough Street icon has been chargrilling its burgers and hot dogs downtown for 67 years, and it still has plenty of vintage charm, like the paper slip ordering and low prices.
A great dermaplaning razor for unwanted facial hair. This reusable, plastic-free one comes with 11 refill blades and can remove dead skin cells, peach fuzz, and hair on the upper lip, cheeks, and eyebrows.
If you’ve got “Heated Rivalry” fever, Deco Raleigh has you covered. Check out prints, coasters, and magnets by local artist Amy May, available in person or online.
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