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Editor’s Pick
🐯 Big Cat sets opening
Big Cat is on Brookside Drive, the former home of Brookside Bodega and Otomi. | Photo by RALtoday
A new restaurant from some of the biggest names in Raleigh’s culinary scene opens tomorrow, March 25. Big Cat was named one of Bon Appetit’s most-anticipated restaurant openings of 2026, and we’ve been anxiously awaiting this new feline-inspired neighborhood spot.
Big Cat comes from Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler of Ajja, Angela Salamanca and Marshall Davis of Mala Pata, and Justin Pasfield of Locals Seafood. On the menu, expect roasted oysters, smoked chicken wings, and more shareable small plates that go day to night.
Plus, the cozy, ‘70s-inspired interior is filled with Raleighite-donated kitchy cat decor and features a heated patio for year-round outoor dining. See you there?
The Canes are going to Helsinki, Finland for two games against the Seattle Kraken in November. For Sebastian Aho, it’s a homecoming to his old stomping grounds — and where he saw the Carolina Hurricanes play the Minnesota Wild 16 years ago, the last time the team traveled to Europe.
Closed
Last week, we shared that eatertainment venue Jaguar Bolera shut its doors after two years, and Triangle Business Journal has uncovered more about the abrupt closure. The business owes $811,159 in rent and other fees and one vendor is seeking more than $3 million from Jaguar Bolera.
Trophy Brewing will host its first oyster fest on Sunday, April 12 with Locals Seafood at The Bend. Expect oysters from eight NC oyster farms, and your ticket includes oysters from all eight farms. Plus, your purchase supports the NC Coastal Federation and NC Oyster Trail. (Raleigh Magazine)
Plan Ahead
Easter orders are now available at Yellow Dog Bread Co., including carrot cake, Easter cookies, hot cross buns, and more for your table. Plus, help provide bread for up to six meals with a $6 give-a-loaf purchase.
The Word
Forest bathing. It’s the meditative practice of taking in nature, and plenty of Raleighites are joining in. Want to try it for yourself? There’s a few sessions coming up at Dix Park.
March Madness
March Madness
🏀 Your college basketball brief
It’s fun to be a Triangle college basketball fan every March. | Photos by Andrew Hancock (left), CLTtoday (middle), and Grant Halverson (right)
The brackets are set, and the Triangle is going dancing. Here’s when to watch our local teams in the men’s and women’s NCAA championship tournaments during March Madness.
Duke
No. 1 Duke are among the favorites for the championship title this year, and their next test will be against No. 5 St. John’s this Friday, March 27. Let’s go Blue Devils.
The No. 3 Duke women may have won the ACC championship, but their road to the NCAA Championship looks tough. The Blue Devils will play No. 2 LSU on Friday, March 27 — both teams blew out their competition in the round of 32, so it should be a fun one.
UNC
Check the score of No. 1 UConn vs. No. 9 Syracuse to see who the No. 4 women Tar Heels will play later this week — best of luck to the Tar Heels.
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