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Events in North Carolina

#Raleigh Summer Staycation Ideas | Where to STAY,EAT,PLAY #NorthHills @achotelsraleigh @level7roofbar

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Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary stay at the AC Hotels Marriott Raleigh and hosted by Level 7 to provide my perspective and share my thoughts. All opinions expressed in my review are honest and my own.

A recent study came out from wallet.hub that listed 2017’s Best & Worst Cities for Staycation and I was surprised that Raleigh did not make the Top 10 list! I’d like to change that by providing a Where to stay -eat-play Staycation guide for some of my fave areas in the Triangle. First area I’d like to share is Raleigh’s Midtown area-North Hills and it’s newest hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott.

STAY 

We checked into the brand new AC Hotel by Marriott, located in the trendy North Hills area of Raleigh. This select brand of hotel
in the Marriott family is unlike any of their others. Stylish and functional is how I would describe this place. The design is open showcasing simplicity at its best. Their website describes it as ” It’s an experience that has been designed to give you the essentials”.

Some hotel highlights:

  • Nice minimalist rooms with a sofa bed (suitable for our 5yr old) and great rain showerheads. We requested an accessible room as those have a bathtub. 
  • Beautifully functional gym area with an actual professional grade spinning/cycling bike
  • Artsy public spaces. European sleek feel abounds everywhere.

Great place for business travelers and couples alike. Although we were there with our little one, this brand is not specifically marketed to families like some of their other properties. However, our daughter and her cabbage patch kid enjoyed their stay! 

AC Hotels Raleigh North Hills 

101 Park at North Hills St             Raleigh, NC 27609

EAT….and Drink!


Inside the AC Hotels Raleigh North Hills, lies Level7, the new hotspot rooftop bar accessible to hotel guests, visitors and locals. Guests take an elevator ride to the 7th Floor which leads to both an indoor space (AC Lounge) and outdoor rooftop bar (Level 7).  

The beautiful AC Lounge indoor space resembles a gorgeous living room/bar , while Level 7 allows you to step out onto the open air patio, with oversized bone white lamps, comfy loungers and sofas.  

We got to sample the Level 7 experience
at dusk this past Saturday and despite the rains earlier that day, there was quite the scene. Some guests were sitting at the inside bar or enjoying the game on the big flat screen tvs outside. We decided to sit outside on the high top stools overlooking views of North Hills. 

They also have some community tables if you decide to come with a small group of friends to enjoy inventive craft cocktails and tapas. The outside also has their own exclusive bar so guests never need to go back inside to keep “hydrated”.

Their carefully curated cocktail menu caught our attention as it has so many interesting choices. Choosing one was a challenge so we decided to have a pair a piece. The management gave us a sneak peek at their brand new updated cocktail list. If you love margaritas, be sure to order the following:Midtown Margarita – Casaamigos Anejo, St Germain, Lemon juice and Blood Orange. It was an amazing twist on a all time classic!

I also tried the Raspberry Lemonade– Vodka, LemonJuice, Fresh raspberries and Peychaud’s and my husband enjoyed his cocktail called…

Lassiter– Basil Hayden, Black Walnut Bitters, Simple Syrup and Lemon Peel
All drinks were awesome and went even better with some of their tapas plates. We had a variety of samples from their eclectic choices. Here are some you must try:

  • Charcuterie platter

  • Roasted wings made with their in house made spice rub
  • Pork belly served with yellow rice                                                                 We took advantage of having a few hours to ourselves while our little one was at a Parent’s Night Out event. This is a perfect date night spot to enjoy cocktails and conversation while relaxing and enjoying small bites with a view.

Level 7 Roof Bar/AC Lounge

102 Park at North Hills St 

Raleigh,NC 27609

More Dining Options Nearby

Zoe’s Kitchen : Casual, Family-Friendly Mediteranean Fare. Open for lunch and dinner. Serves Beer and Wine. Has outside seating. (We dined here for an early dinner with our daughter after check-in. Because of their healthy kid’s menu options, this place is a family favorite. Read my review here)

Bonefish Grill : This restaurant is known for its amazing seafood lunch and dinner  options but do you know they serve Sunday Brunch? That’s where we dined after checking out of the hotel at noon. (See here for past review of Sunday Brunch) Reservations are recommended.

PLAY


If you have ever been to North Hills , then you know there are plenty of spaces to play, shopping….

…restaurants, movies and more! Right next to the hotel is Kings Bowl America, which has bowling, billiards, shuffleboard, darts and more. Food and drinks are available too at this entertainment complex.  Its fun for the whole family! 

One of our fave places to let our little one run around while we sit on a bench nearby is a little grassy area right near Ben and Jerry’s and Starbucks. It’s a popular play spot for families.

This Summer or anytime you need a Staycation, and prefer a place with one stop shopping, dining, lodging and play options, consider planning a stay in North Hills, Raleigh’s Midtown and leave with memories and a smile!

Thank you to the management and staff at AC Hotel Raleigh and Level 7 for your wonderful service. Until next time…

WHERE DO YOU PLAN TO VACATION/STAYCATION THIS SUMMER? Share below and Safe Travels!

Want a Taste of NOLA? Try @BoneFishGrill ‘s New Seasonal Menu now thru June 16 #creolecuisine 

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This past Sunday, I took a trip to NOLA by way of my tastebuds, thanks to Bonefish Grill and their new seasonal specials, available through June 16. I am a seafood lover and I enjoy creole cuisine, so when I heard that the fresh fish experts at Bonefish Grill are spicing up things in the kitchen with their new Creole-Style Redfish, I knew I had to make reservations to dine there!

Redfish itself is a new type of fish on the polished casual favorite’s menu. The mild sweet fish with a medium firm texture was introduced in the 1980s in the New Orleans kitchen of famed chef Paul Prudhomme.

Bonefish Grill’s Creole-Style Redfish is topped with crawfish — a fresh water crustacean similar in taste to lobster and very popular in the South — then accented with a creole-style sauce and served with sweet corn spoonbread.{While I am usually suspicious of any large commercial restaurants claim
that a dish is “Creole/Louisiana style” Bonefish grill hit this one out of the
park! The right blend of hot and spicy made the Creole spirit of this dish
authentic.}

Bonefish Grill is spanning the globe of culinary inspiration for other items on its new seasonal menu, including:

·         Crab Cake Topped Wood-Grilled Atlantic Cobia – for a new twist, Bonefish Grill creates a delicious combination of flavors, pairing a popular starter with an interesting fish offering a rich, sweet flavor that is slightly firm, with a light flake. Served with a jalapeño bacon cream sauce it is finished with jalapeño slices and served with jasmine rice and French green beans. { Being from Baltimore, any fish that is topped by crab meat has to
meet  a high standard in my books. This met that standard. I have had their
crab cakes on prior visits so I know how good they are. The Cobia
underneath complimented the crab meat. I know, I know it should be the other way
around but again being from Baltimore things compliment crab meat and that is
just how it is !! The cream sauce is SO GOOD.}

 

·         Fresh Maryland Soft Shell Crabs –a delicacy only available a few weeks of the year, the Soft Shell Crab is sautéed crispy, stuffed with a Maryland-style crab cake and served with choice of two fresh sides.{This dish is so popular and rare that the Bonefish Grill we visited had ran out of it. The manager was kind enough to call other nearby locations to see if they had more. Now that’s customer service! If this is the dish you want to try, you may want to call ahead to see availability}

·         Cedar Plank Norwegian Salmon –Sourced fresh from Norway, thisAtlantic Salmon family is higher in fat content, Omega 3 fatty acid and has a velvety texture. Roasted on a western red cedar plank from the Pacific Northwest it is topped with a fresh, light citrus, honey-based glaze and served with a vegetable medley of asparagus, spring peas, pearl onions and button mushrooms.

·         Kate’s Wild North Atlantic Haddock – This nostalgic favorite of loyal Bonefish Grill guests features thismildly sweet, wild white fish — cut in-house — garlic crumb dusted, wood-grilled, topped with feta and a lemon basil butter sauce.

SobeSavvy Tip: Make your dinner reservations between 4pm-6pm and enjoy daily Happy Hour specials. I recommend any of their happy hour priced $5 hand-crafted cocktails and especially the “Tropical Tiki Martini”. It’s like a drinkable vacation!

Be sure to go to www.bonefishgrill.com for more information on specials and sign up to become a BFG insider to get updates sent right to your email inbox!

Bonefish Grill

4421 Six Forks Rd ~ Raleigh, NC

*also locations in Cary and Durham*

#FoodieFriday Spotlight on @TijuanaFlats New #FlatOutrageous Menu #TexMex #Yum 

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Last night, SobeSavvy.com, along with other Food Bloggers in the Triangle, was invited to Tijuana Flats’ New ‘Flat Outrageous‘ Menu Tasting Event .
During the exclusive tasting event, guests had the opportunity to try dishes from the new ‘Flat Outrageous‘ menu section, which became available in all Tijuana Flats locations on Monday, May 22. 

Just in time for summer, you can now order any of the following five flavor-packed dishes from the new ‘Flat Outrageous‘ menu:

Street Tacos …for just $7.79

Crispy Baja Fish (crispy fish, chipotle crema, shaved cilantro cabbage & pineapple salsa)

Lime Steak (grilled garlic-lime steak, avocado crema, shaved cilantro cabbage, pico de gallo & cotija cheese)


Jerk Chicken (crispy jerk chicken, MoreFire! hot sauce, shaved cilantro cabbage, pineapple salsa & cotija cheese)

Philly Cheesesteak Flautas (shaved sirloin steak, mozzarella cheese, grilled onions & peppers, served with queso) YES, Dipping them in the queso was my favorite pastime activity last night:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU0PDPlhS0b/

Bangin’ Chicken® Tostadas (crispy corn tortillas with Smack My Ass Bangin’ Chicken®, refried beans, cheddar-jack cheese, grilled onions & peppers, tomatoes & ranch dressing)

SobeSavvy Tip: Be sure to make a trip to the hot bar. 

There are a variety of choices and amazing flavors! I had to try them all. Georgia Peach was my fave!

…and don’t forget to end your meal on a sweet note and order the cookie dough flautas for dessert! They are soooo good!

With a total of 120 locations nationwide, make sure to try the new menu at a Tijuana Flats near you! For more info go to Tijuanaflats.com 
Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @TijuanaFlats  #FlatOutrageous

TIJUANA FLATS

                                                                 12102 Bradford Green Square

 Cary, NC 27513

#HomeDecor|Tips on How to Give Your Small Patio a Big Makeover on a Budget

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Hello June! Now that Memorial Day has passed, the official start of summer is upon us. Time to get your home ready for entertaining, visiting family members, and hosting cookouts/backyard barbeques. This year, instead of traveling for Memorial Day, we used the long weekend to revamp, refresh our small patio just in time for the summer. This is what we were working with “Before”

Now this is what we did to give ourselves a little outdoor oasis. “After”

Here are some tips on giving your small patio a makeover on a budget! 

  • Shop at your local thrift store       

These outdoor throw pillows were a thrift store find. I  love thrifting and really enjoy the hunt for treasure. I got two of the green tiger stripe and the neutral one which fit perfect on my patio set for $3! 

  • Check out the Dollar Tree for accessories

Because I plan to sit on my patio both day and night, candles and lighting will help with ambience. I got little citronella candles to help keep those pesky bugs away, drinkware for those summer cocktails I plan to enjoy, some artificial plants and these mini LED lanterns are Dollar Tree finds that reminded me of something you might see in stores like Pier One or World Market. 

  • Sign up for deals at World Market, save 15 percent off your purchase

Affordable outdoor and patio furniture is just one of the things I shop for at World Market . If you saw my last post about tips for hosting a wine tasting at home, then you know I also go there for food, drink and entertaining items. I had watched their Belize 4 piece Outdoor Occasional Furniture set go on sale and combined it with a coupon to get a great deal! My husband and I enjoyed lighting up some tiki torches and relaxing on our new ,comfortable patio set. It’s made out of acacia wood with a gray oil finish and includes 2 chairs, a bench, antique white cushions and a coffee table.

I now have a place to sit outside during the day while working from home! You may have caught me on IG @SobeSavvy instastories sippin like…

  • Remix and Reuse some things you already have. Remember, it’s all in the details!

Mixing old with new items is always a great way to save. I took an old 3 tier adjustable wire shelving-turquoise- from Target’s Room Essentials line and turned it into my outdoor beverage cart. I bought new pillowcases (from dollar store) to cover old pillows. Our new plant from BJ’s  was placed in an old wicker basket picked up from the thrift store. Another bargain store to check out for small accessories and details is 5 below. I got some side tables to place my faux plants from the dollar tree on…

..and these faux succulants from 5 below!

The one last thing I add is LOVE. As with any home project, it’s very important to love it because you have to live in the space.  From a shoppers perspective, I also love that here in Raleigh, NC I have access to great bargain shopping , thrift and discount stores.

We are super excited to have our small patio ready for bbqs, inflatable kiddie pool party fun with my little one and backyard entertaining. Our outdoor oasis was spruced up with an outdoor rug, outdoor funiture, pillows, plants, candles and love. We are now ready to live the patio life this summer! 

 

Do you plan to update your home decor for the summer season? Which home spaces do you plan to redesign..share below! 

 

4 Places to Brunch on Mother’s Day in #Raleigh |@seasons52 @simplycrepes @bonefishgrill @ncartmuseum 

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Raise your hand if you think Mimosas and Moms go together like Sundays and Brunch! Eating brunch is one of my favorite activities no matter what the occasion, so I have compiled a list of some of my favorite brunch spots here in Raleigh, NC. No matter your tastes, there is sure to be something on here that Moms will like. 

SEASONS 52 ~CrabTree Valley Mall                4325 Glenwood Ave- Raleigh, NC 27612

Head to Seasons 52 and experience the wonderful flavors of the season from their a la carte Mother’s Day Brunch Menu. Check out my review here to see more of what they have to offer. Don’t forget to toast to Mom with any of their amazing Brunch Sips! Then take her shopping at Crabtree Valley Mall since the restaurant is conveniently located there.

SIMPLY CREPES~Lafayette Village          8470 Honeycutt Road, Suite 110                    Raleigh, NC 27615

Breakfast is being served all day at Simply Crepes and seating is first come, first served at Raleigh. If the sun is shining, grab a seat on the patio and watch the kids play on the courtyard lawn at Lafayette Village. This place is a family favorite, which I shared in my past restaurant feature. I highly recommend the chicken and waffles on a crepe entree. So good!

IRIS RESTAURANT~ NC Museum of Art 2110 Blue Ridge Road                     Raleigh,NC 27607

Sunday Brunch here is popular on any given weekend partly because people enjoy the food as well as the beautiful atmosphere. The cuisine is innovative and the setting is an expression of art and nature. Read here how I spent the whole day with my family at the North Carolina Museum of Art and what we ate at #NCMAIris. Reservations to dine at Iris Restaurant are a must. Call 919-664-6838

BONEFISH GRILL~North Hills                4421 Six Forks Rd.                                 Raleigh, NC 27609  

If your Mom is like me and loves seafood, along with Brunch cocktails and libations, then I suggest your Mother’s Day Celebration be held at Bonefish Grill. Take a look at my Sunday Brunch review here and hopefully you are inspired to go this Sunday. Afterwards, walk off that brunch and go shopping or catch a movie at North Hills! 

Have you made Mother’s Day Plans? Where do you enjoy Sunday Brunch?

Hope you enjoyed my list and now have some ideas where to take Mom to eat on Mother’s Day for Brunch in Raleigh, NC ! 




Hey #Raleigh ~Order these delicious #CincodeMayo Cupcakes TODAY from @HCakesbyTanya 

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All images taken by Darius Davis

On Tuesday, I shared ways to celebrate Cinco De Mayo at home, which included some drink recipes to serve your guests. However, I forgot one important thing that makes every party, event, gathering memorable ~ DESSERT. Not just any dessert, but cupcakes. This Cinco de Mayo, consider treating yourself and your guests to 2 delicious tequila infused treats made by a baker here in Raleigh, NC!

Heavenly Cakes By Tanya – has released these two Cinco de Mayo inspired cupcakes:

  • Cinco de Mayo-Rita (vanilla flavored infused with lime & tequila, brushed with tequila, topped with lime & tequila buttercream frosting)

    • Tequila Sunrise (orange juice, grenadine & tequila flavored cupcake topped with an orange, cherry and tequila buttercream frosting)

    My husband and I both enjoyed these moist and delicious cupcakes. They were indeed heavenly! I could not believe how the cupcakr tasted so close to a margarita and a tequila sunrise, 2 of my favorite cocktails! I enjoyed the fresh ingredients she used to make the cupcakes as well as the clever ways she chose to decorate them. I can bot wait to have my guests try these at my Cinco de Mato party. These cupcakes are available $2.50 for a single and $28 for a dozen. Custom Cakes and Deserts are also her speciality and will cater for your event. Don’t delay, get your orders in today and let them know SobeSavvy.com sent you!

    Heavenly Cakes by Tanya 3101 Bellenden Pl                        Raleigh, N.C. 27604

    Tanya P Davis|Owner 919-607-4406 HCakesbyTanya@gmail.com

    Be sure to follow Heavenly Cakes by Tanya at : http://www.HCakesByTanya.com

    Social Media

    Instagram: @HCakesByTanya

    Twitter: @HCakesByTanya

    Facebook: @HCakesByTanya

    Pinterest: @HCakesByTanya

    Please share with family and friends in the Triangle and Happy Cinco de Mayo! 

    SobeSavvy Tip: If you’re going to the Raleigh Food + Wine Festival on Sunday May 21st, Heavenly Cakes By Tanya will be sampling treats!

    Join @GildenOnline #EspirtdeShe 5k/10K Race #CaryNC on 5/13 + #EDSCary Registration Discount Code

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    ​

    Today’s #WellnessWednesday share is for ladies only. Ever wanted to participate in a 5K or 10K that celebrates all women? Well now’s your chance to register for the 5th annual Gildan Esprit de She Cary 5K/10K run happening May 13, 2017! 

    This race draws inspirational female runners–including a two-time heart attack survivor, a woman running with her twin sister to come back after pneumonia, an amputee, and many others. In fact, since it’s the day before Mother’s Day, many moms and daughters have participated, including one mom running with her 5-year-old, and three best friends running with their three 15–year–olds. Here are the details:

    Gildan Esprit De She – The Spirit of Her Race
    Series – returns to Cary, NC     for 5th annual 5K/10K run 

    Registration open
    for nation’s premiere fitness event series for women,     hosted at Koka
    Booth Amphitheatre on Saturday, May 13

     Inside of every woman – no matter what
    age – lies the spirit of courage, determination, strength, fearlessness and
    power – you just have to let her out. As the nation’s premier designer event
    series for women, there is a race for every pace and passion. And, you’re
    invited to     Gildan
    Esprit de She 5K/10K     Cary presented by Burt’s Bees, happening May 13, 2017 from 7am-noon
    at the     Koka Booth Amphitheatre
    just 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh.

    From fashionable freebies to the signature
    Bubbly Bar, treat yourself to a designer experience celebrating     the spirit of her in the company of
    truly inspirational women.

    It’s a morning that includes a designer race
    experience, high value participant gear, Lifestyle Market including the post-race
    Bubbly Bar and more!     Whether
    getting in shape, setting a good example for your kids, or challenging yourself
    to reach a new personal best–r    unners,
    joggers and walkers, you won’t want to miss Gildan Esprit de She presented by Burt’s Bees Cary, NC.

    This event begins with a timed 5K or 10K run and ends
    with a post-race lifestyle market of festive proportions. Participants salute
    their success with a drink at our signature Bubbly Bar and enjoy healthy eats
    and energetic live music while enjoying the popular Beauty Bar powered by
    LifeSpa and the many experiences brought to life by our event partners.

    Produced by LifeTime Fitness, Gildan Esprit
    de She presented by Burt’s Bees is teaming up with top national brands to give
    participants an unforgettable race experience. The generous support of title
    sponsor Gildan, presenting sponsor Burt’s Bees, and sponsors J. R. Watkins,
    Lorissa’s Kitchen, Experience Life!, Athlinks, LifeSpa and Gatorade Endurance
    make this event possible. In addition, charity partner, Girls on the Run of the
    Triangle, will be participating in the event and collecting donations.

    To
    register: 

    http://espritdeshe.com/cary-nc/register/

    Cost per registrant ranges from $25-$45
    per person depending on race

     About Gildan Esprit de She – The Spirit
    of Her Event Series:     Gildan Esprit
    de She – The Spirit of Her Event Series is the nation’s premier designer event
    series for women offering a race and fitness event for every pace and passion.
    Hosting events in 10 cities across the United States, Gildan Esprit de She
    hosts 5K/10K fitness-inspired “happy hour” runs, weekend runs, Triathlons
    Duathlons and in-club fitness lifestyle celebrations, all with the signature
    Gildan Esprit de She Lifestyle Market. Owned and operated by Life Time    SM
    – Healthy Way of Life, the series was founded in 2013 and is currently in its
    fifth event season.

    Social Media:

    https://www.facebook.com/EspritdeShe/

    https://twitter.com/EspritdeShe

    https://www.instagram.com/espritdeshe/

    Snapchat UN:
    espritdeshe

    Hashtags:
    #EspritdeShe and #EDSCary

     

    SOBESAVVY TIP: For those of you who want to join in, I am providing my readers with a discount code to use. Register NOW and get $5 off  when you enter this code: SavvyCaryGEDS17 

    If I didn’t have a Mother’s Day weekend getaway planned, I would have enjoyed this. Please have fun and run for me ladies! I am there in spirit. 

    Thanks for reading and feel free to share the discount registration code!


    #Raleigh, Plan your Mothers Day Brunch NOW @Seasons52 @shopcrabtree #Seasons52 #SundayBrunch 

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    This past Sunday, although rainy outside, my family and I found sunshine and the flavors of Spring inside Seasons 52. Located at Raleigh’s Crabtree Valley Mall, SobeSavvy.com was invited to review their Sunday Brunch menu. Disclaimer: My husband and daughter joined me for this complimentary dine, however the opinions are our own.

    Since we arrived after 12pm, we thought we’d start off trying their “Brunch Sips” Seasons 52 is well known to be a top notch spot for creative craft cocktails, so we were not surprised by how refresing their Sangria is..(yes it is as good as it looks)

    …and how unique their Bellinis are. He ordered the white peach and I tried the rasberry Bellini for the first time. It was really good. Cheers!

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    Our daughter had her own kid’s brunch menu to review. Take a look at all these tasty choices for children under 12!

    I am glad she chose the Brick Oven Brioche French Toast because that meant we could taste as well. She opted to have the pecans on the side and even ordered extra as those brown sugar pecans were so good, so addictive!

    Before our brunch entrees came out, the Chef sent out an amuse bouche of their housemade orange marmalade, greek yogurt mousse with granola. It’s available also a mini starter and a great way to get your tastebuds ready for more amazing flavors.

    On the Sunday Brunch Menu, there’s an array of creative entrees suited for anyone. Whether you choose sweet or savory, breakfast fare or lunch, Seasons 52 has one of the best gourmet menus that is very health conscious. I like how they actually list the calorie content of their dishes. Its good to know that the dishes we had not only taste good, but were good for us too! Here’s what we ate at Seasons 52 during their Sunday Brunch.

    STARTERS

    Hi my name is Leslie and I love Shrimp & Grits. So when I saw this listed on the menu, I knew I had to order it. I was not disappointed. The combination of cheesy grits, chorizo sausage and large shrimp were amazing! Warning it is not a shareable if you really love shrimp and grits. You are gonna want it all to yourself!

    If you are looking for a shareable try the Meditteranean Hummus ……Duck Lollipops (my least fave of the 3 only because it is a bit too gamey for me)

    …or one of their flatbreads.  Lox on bagel lovers should definitely order the Smoked Salmon Flatbread. Our server Amy advised that it was one of her favorites and I really enjoyed Seasons 52 remix of this classic dish.

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    ENTREES

    Even though Sunday Brunch starts at 10 am and ends at 1pm, dishes from the regular menu are available to order. My foodie family loves variety and Seasons 52 definitely serves up an array of “whats good now” emphasizing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. We tried two of their recommended egg based dishes. First up was their S52 Eggs Benedict. They put a new twist on this classic dish by replacing the traditional ham/canadian bacon with..wait for it..poached lobster ! Yup, it tasted BETTER than it sounds!!

    Next we tried a beautiful dish served in a  ceramic dish called ShakShuka . This is a arabic middle eastern breakfast recipe of  of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, spiced with cumin. They added chorizo and feta cheese. It was so flavorful and just such a pretty dish to look at {prior to eating it !}

    Seafood lovers must try the seabass. Mine was cooked to perfection. It’s served on “Forbidden Rice”  which I had for the first time. I don’t forbid you in trying this sticky black rice at all. It went well with snap peas and other asian flavors used to prepare this entree. Absolutely loved it!

    Another fave dish that all of us enjoyed is the Lamb Chops. You get a nice sized rack of lamb that my daughter called the rack of love because she loved the lamb chops. We all agreed that it was tender, well seasoned and simply delicious. Just check out the pic below that I shared along w/others via InstaStories on my IG @SobeSavvy

    DESSERT

    We were full but still had room for dessert. They serve dessert in shot glass sized portions. Little glasses of heaven. Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Red Velvet Cake..got your attention yet. Pick your favorite. All made in house daily. Incredible ending to an incredible brunch experience.

    SobeSavvy Tip: At some of their locations, they have a secret cocktail that is not advertised, nor is it on any menu but can be made upon request. But here in Raleigh, it is listed and goes by the name “Botanical Buzz”. We tried it and I will say its for the bold and not the faint of heart. After enjoying it, join the fun by sharing your reaction on Twitter and Instagram using #BotanicalBuzz

    Still looking for a unique place to take mom on Mothers Day then look no more. Seasons 52 is the kind of place any mom would love to spend time at on her special day. Make reservations now to reserve your spot.

    Seasons 52
    4325 Glenwood Avenue
    Crabtree Valley Mall
    Raleigh, NC 27612

    Photo Recap @GreatGrapesFest 4/22 in #CaryNC @drinkeatrelax @BoothAmp by SobeSavvy.com #soNCsavvy

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    On Saturday, April 22, 2017 Wine Lovers & Foodies came ready to “Uncork the Fun” at the 14th Annual Celebration of Great Grapes Wine and Food Festival in Cary, NC. Thanks to our friends at Drink Eat Relax, SobeSavvy.com attended the festival in order to give you an inside look of the sips, sights, the people, the pours and more! Here is my photo recap of some of what you missed…Cheers!

    SIPS

    Upon entering the event, we each got to take a souvenir tasting glass and stroll from tent to tent and table to table, tasting and sampling the rich heritage of North Carolina vines. Guests got to taste HUNDREDS of wines available from over 22 wineries…and even more were available for VIP ticketed guests.

    If you wanted more after a sip or two and really loved the wine tasting, wine bottles were available for purchase to enjoy at the festival or later at home. 

    SIGHTS

    With plenty to see and lots to do, how much fun to be had at this festival totally depends on you! There was a free kids area, great live music,

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     fun festival eats,

    *shoutout to my hometown of Baltimore where we all are raised on Old Bay

    Arts and crafts….

    and gourmet items to buy. 

    Sights in the The VIP Area included the following:

     
    The VIP Ticket option offers you early entrance into the event, a souvenir glass & bag and access to all the show tastings.  Plus you have access to the VIP area which features specialty higher-end wine selections not available elsewhere, free water and soft drinks, and featured food tastings (served Noon – 3pm). 

     

    PEOPLE

    Who goes to the Great Grapes Wine and Food Festival? Everyone. Babies, Kids, Moms & Dads, Friends, Family, Guys Day Out, Ladies Meetup, anyone celebrating life. Even non drinkers are welcome to enjoy the festival and can purchase a ‘designated driver’ ticket. I even saw a bride to be enjoying her bachelorette outing with her bridesmaids. How fun!

    Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the lawn. Bring the family, bring your friends and take a day to UNCORK THE FUN!

    ITEMS ALLOWED
    Lawn chairs & blankets
    Sealed Bottles of water (1 per person) cameras
    all bags are subject to seach

    POURS

    Line up to your choice of winery and explore a new wine and learn more with each pour. I really enjoyed talking to the vendors and hearing the passion behind their product. 

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    In case you missed it..check out my photos of last year’s festival HERE !

    It’s a fun event that is family friendly, so be sure not to miss in 2018! For more information please visit www.uncorkthefun.com. 

    Photo Recap #BeerandBacon Fest in #CaryNC @drinkeatrelax @BoothAmp @TownofCary by SobeSavvy.com

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    On Saturday April 4, 2017, SobeSavvy.com joined beer lovers at a festival that celebrates the perfect pair: BEER and BACON! The Beer and Bacon Festival is known for being the Best Bacon Bash in The Triangle. If you love bacon and enjoy beer, this fest is for you! Drink Eat Relax, organized this fun event held at Town of Cary’s Booth Ampitheatre. Mother Nature was on our side because it was a gorgeous, sunny day…perfect for an outdoor beer festival!

    The Beer & Bacon Tasting Session was from Noon-6pm with a Beer Tasting Session from 2pm – 6pm. Attendees got a chance to enjoy:

    • 75 Craft Beers
    • 15 Restaurants
    • 10 Bacons From Across the US… and lots of Piggy Love

    This fun event has sold out for 3 years in a row! The ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE extravaganza comes complete with the best craft beers for your tasting pleasure… and of course the food of the Gods: BACON . I tasted a gourmet bourbon bacon fresh off the grill that I really enjoyed! Each guest got a souvenir glass and boundless portions of over 75 craft beers and all live entertainment, which was a 90’s cover band. The band was great..I mean who doesn’t love the 90’s ?!

    This year the festival’s event planners changed their tickets up a bit based on guest feedback and suggestions. For instance, the early BEER & BACON TASTING SESSIONreduced the amount of tickets sold by over 20%. This allowed for less lines. Also there were NO THIRD PARTY TICKET SELLERS: Living Social, Groupon or whatever your favorite coupon site did not feature any of these tickets for sale.

    It was the perfect day for listening to live music, enjoying the fun foodie exhibits, playing games or just relaxing on the grass with your lawn chair or blanket while having some beer and bacon! For more info go to  www.beerandbacon.com Check out my photo recap video at the Beer and Bacon Fest >>>here<<< along with these fun pics as seen on the scene by SobeSavvy.com!