RALEIGH, N.C. — Some brewery news to start off this week.
Bida Manda owner Van Nolintha and home brewer Patrick Woodson are planning to open a brewery in downtown Raleigh. Nolintha told me this week that there isn't a name or location yet; But they have been brewing and pouring their Belgian-style ales at charity events for about a year.
Woodson, son of N.C. State chancellor Randy Woodson, has been an avid home brewer. After he and his wife finished a Peace Corps trip to Uganda, they traveled the world collecting rare spices for brewing, Nolintha said.
Although cautious about expanding too soon, Nolintha said he firmly believes the people and relationships in your life at any given time can shape your direction. Reconnecting with Woodson helped spark Nolintha's desire to start a brewery.
In Laos, beer and food go hand in hand. That's the approach, Nolintha wants his brewery to have - A brewery with a food concept to pair with it.
Nolintha wants the brewery to have the community-feel of an old coffee shop. A place for people to meet and collaborate.
We will keep you posted on the next tastings and when the brewery has a location!
Restaurant news
The
Carolina Ale House location on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh is planning to open on Jan. 12. The restaurant will be located on the third floor at 510 Glenwood Ave. The first 99 people to walk through the door will receive a punch card for a free lunch. Monday's opening also kicks off a week of fundraising at the venue. The Ale House will donate 10 percent of the food sales over the first seven days of operation to the YMCA of the Triangle's Y Learning Program.
The food truck
Chick-N-Que is opening its restaurant in Rolesville today (Friday) at 11 a.m.
Big Mike's BBQ will open its brick and mortar location today (Friday), Triangle Food Guy reports. The location is at 1222 NW Maynard Road in Cary.
Eschelon Experiences
announced this week that its sushi and modern Japanese restaurant
Basan will open on Jan. 20.
Also in North Hills,
Edible Art Bakery has opened in its new location next to Coquette Brasserie.
And speaking of bakeries,
Smallcakes, a cupcake shop, has opened in Durham at 4711 Hope Valley Road. A Grand Opening party is scheduled Jan. 24. It will feature face painting and other family-friendly activities.
Barbecue restaurant Red Hot & Blue is planning to open early next month in the Waverly Place Shopping Center in Cary, owners told me this week.
Mami Nora's Peruvian chicken restaurant is opening its fourth Triangle location on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh. The restaurant is located at 4614 Capital Blvd. - the former home of Polla a la Brasa.
Grilled cheese and tomato soup restaurant
Tom + Chee is planning to open in Carrboro in March, TBJ reports. The restaurant serves more than 20 different types of grilled cheese and three version of tomato soup.
La Volta Italiano is changing concepts. The restaurant located at 411 Fayetteville St., is changing to the Caribbean-themed venture The Twisted Mango, according to the restaurant's Facebook page. The restaurant is currently being remodeled and no opening date is set. The Twisted Mango will have live music and DJs on the weekends.
Another change happening: The Italian restaurant Cucina De Milano in Morrisville has changed to Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant, Triangle Food Guy reports. It is open now in Grace Park at the corner of Davis Drive and Morrisville Carpenter Road.
Top This! Cafe in Raleigh will reopen as The Atrium Grille on Jan. 19, TFG reports.
Brewery and bar news
Blackjack Brewing Co. is hoping to open its brewery and taproom next month at 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road in Raleigh.
Cave 1912, a wine and beer retail shop and tasting room, is also headed to the Five Points area. The N&O reports that the shop, which will also have a small kitchen, is expected to open in July around the corner from
High Park Bar and Grill. A new bar is opening in downtown Raleigh.
The Anchor Bar is planning to open later this month at 207 Fayetteville St., according to the bar's Facebook page.
