downtown raleigh

Kid-Friendly Ideas For Festive Family Fun In Raleigh NC

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Hello December! We’ve officially kicked off our holiday season in our home and ready to spread some cheer. The Christmas tree is up, we’ve already started drinking eggnog and Motown Christmas songs are on repeat on Spotify. My #HeighPartyof3 (which consists of my spouse, our daughter and me) are in the Heigh-liday spirit {get itπŸ˜‰} and have began some of the holiday traditions that we enjoy.Β So today I am sharing my list of Kid-Friendly Ideas for Festive Family Fun In Raleigh,NC ~


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HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES


πŸŽ„ RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL


𝙍π™ͺ𝙙𝙀𝙑π™₯𝙝 π™©π™π™š π™π™šπ™™-π™‰π™€π™¨π™šπ™™ π™π™šπ™žπ™£π™™π™šπ™šπ™§: π™π™π™š π™ˆπ™ͺπ™¨π™žπ™˜π™–π™‘, is now playing at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts until DEC 24th in downtown Raleigh. My family has enjoyed this live performance for the last few years now and it just keeps getting better! They’ve even added something new this holiday season to the beloved TV classic.
See all of your fave characters: Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon CorneliusΒ and, of course, Rudolph, as they sing and dance their way to your heartsΒ while teaching kids of all ages to celebrate what makes you different because its your special superpower!πŸ’ͺ🏽❀ πŸŽ‰

SobeSavvy Tip: The fun continues in the lobby with great photo ops next to larger than life inflatables and cool photo props. Get your kids face painted before the show or shop for some holiday gifts during intermission!


πŸŽ„ CINDERELLA


Continuing my list of Kid-Friendly Ideas for Festive Famiy Fun in Raleigh, it wouldn’t be the holiday season without Raleigh Little Theatre’s Cinderella! Celebrating its 36th year, Cinderella runs December 6 – 22.
This amazing production has
* a sparkle of magic ✨
*Β  a delightful blend of comedy and romance πŸ’‘
* elegant scenery and costumes πŸ‘—
* outstanding singing & dancing πŸ•ΊπŸΌπŸ’ƒ
….and great actors to bring this timeless story to life! We loved all the modern updates and twists that were added to this classic tale, plus there is some audience interaction that everyone enjoyed!Β  Make plans to see #RLTCinderella for the holidays and
Get your tickets today!

SobeSavvy Tip: Stay after the show and get a chance to meet The Fairy Godmothet or snap a pic with King Darling! There’s also merchandise available to buy for your little prince or princess in the lobby. Plus, RLT is collaborating with WRAL and accepting donations for Coats For The Children.


***SAVE THE DATE & GET TIX NOW for these upcoming shows at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts:

β€’ DEC 13th and 14th Holidays with the North Carolina Symphony |HOLIDAY POPS features the holiday songs everyone knows and loves at Meymandi Concert Hall. With falling snow, hot chocolate, carolers, and an audience sing-along, this festive concert is the perfect holiday tradition. Audiences are invited to come early to meet Santa!

Β 

β€’ DEC 18th – 29th ‘The Nutcracker’ Carolina Ballet | From the moment the curtain rises, the magic of this Holiday classic is mesmerizing. Take a journey to a land of whimsical characters featuring magical illusions, magnificent sets, and beautiful costumes. Listen as a live symphony orchestra plays Tchaikovsky’s famed score.Β The NutcrackerΒ is the perfect story ballet for the young and young at heart.


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HOLIDAY EATS & SWEETS

πŸŽ„ SANTA BRUNCH at STIR

If you saw my Instagram story/post this past weekend, then perhaps you caught me and my Heigh Party of 3 hanging with ole Saint Nick aka Santa at STIR, located in North Hills. BRUNCH WITH SANTA at STIR is a recurring event happening every Sunday in December and is on my list of Kid-Friendly Ideas For Festive Family Fun In Raleigh because of the good food and intimate moments with Santa. Saint Nick works the room like a pro and is so kind to take photos with everyone. Enjoy $1 Mimosas πŸ₯‚ + a buffet bar filled with goodness is included with your entree! My daughter loves their avocado toast customized to her liking and I am all about the fresh seafood selections like Oysters and Shrimp & Grits! Santa was quite jolly and dapper in his suit, so get ready for your close-up with ole Saint Nick! Just take a look at these photos to see some tasty highlights at STIR! πŸŽ…πŸ½

SobeSavvy Tip: While at the brunch, take advantage of the Gift Card Sale! Give $50 or more and get 20% at STIR for yourself! 🎁


πŸŽ„ DUNKIN Holiday Treats


Do you like to ride around and see neighborhood Christmas lights while listening to holiday tunes? We do and we like to enjoy it while sipping on a warm beverage and eating snacks. So we stopped in our local Dunkin for some holiday treats. My daughter and I both had hot chocolate and their newΒ Holiday Brownie Crumble Donut, which features a vanilla frosted yeast ring donut dipped in brownie crumbles and drizzled with dark green icing. My husband enjoyed the eggnog latte with a yummy glazed donut. I think we may break tradition of leaving Santa cookies this year and give him a plate full of donuts with coffee on the side from Dunkin!

SobeSavvy Tip: Download the Dunkin app, earn DD perks and skip the line if order on the app before you go! Not sure what to get someone this holiday season, check out some of the cool merch offered by Dunkin inside the store and online or a DD gift card is always a great idea!


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Holiday Movies


πŸŽ„ ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE RALEIGH


Going to the movies is always a good idea for a family date. Make plans to see a feature film or catch one of the holiday themed films now showing at ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE RALEIGH. This is our go to theater for movies because of the Alamo Family program. The perks for parents with kids are great and you have the ability to watch a movie and eat/drink at the most comfy seats.

SobeSavvy Tip: Gift cards make perfect stocking stuffers. Give the the gift of Alamo, which is good for tickets, food, drinks and merchandise!


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There are so many fun things to do with kids in Raleigh and throughout the Triangle this holiday season. This is just a bit of what we like to do but take a look at Visit Raleigh, Facebook, Eventbrite, and Carolina Parent for more Kid-Friendly Ideas for Festive Family Fun In Raleigh, NC!

What festive family fun do you plan to have this holiday? πŸŽ„πŸŽ…πŸ½πŸŽ
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Spring Break Staycation Family Fun Ideas For Raleigh,NC |#Travel #Raleigh #NC #FamilyFun

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It’s Spring Break for my 2nd Grader and we are kicking it off by playing tourist in our own backyard! Our staycation in Raleigh,NC ..where ALL ARE WELCOME..will be filled with simple pleasures, plus mother and daughter bonding time. We’ll be having fun while hanging in Downtown Raleigh in the Glenwood South neighborhood, and some other favorite ‘Random Raleigh‘ spots. I am excited to share these Spring Break Staycation Family Fun Ideas For Raleigh,NC with you! Enjoy!

Downtown Raleigh/Glenwood South

Raleigh,NC consistently ranks in the top 5 in quality of life index of American Cities and since living here for the last 4 years, it is easy to see why! There is access to so much and the cost of living is pretty good. Downtown Raleigh puts locals and visitors in the center of it all. One of Raleigh’s Downtown neighborhoods, Glenwood South, is known locally as the premier entertainment district where restaurants of every budget and cuisine coexist with nightclubs. However if you arrive on a Sunday like we did, you’ll find a quieter side of Glenwood South with locals walking their dogs and offerings for the entire family. Check out my photo gallery from our stay in Downtown Raleigh/Glenwood South full photo gallery >>here.

EAT | La Santa Modern Mexican Food

My idea of a great staycation involves having time to siesta, fiesta and enjoy good food! We found that we could do all that just blocks away from our hotel at La Santa Modern Mexican Food, located at 222 Glenwood Avenue #107. From their house made guacomole, tasty dishes created using recipes from the owner’s mother, margaritas featuring fresh juices and craft cocktails, everything here is done so deliciously! The dΓ©cor is eclectic with a laid back upscale cantina vibe. Their carnitas tacos are incredible and they have a great ninos {kids} menu also. Great service, fresh food and amazing drinks is why families would enjoy dining at La Santa.

STAY | Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh Downtown

In a previous post about Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh Downtown, located at 600 Glenwood Ave, I shared a list of my favorite features about this hotel property, which included convenient location, clean and spacious rooms, free breakfast, fitness center/pool. During that stay with my husband, we did not get a chance to use the pool due to maintanence. However, I learned that the indoor pool was heated and getting new patio furniture for the Spring. So here we are back with our daughter, who came ready to to get her mermaid on! The pool area was clean, intimate, and relaxing enough for me to sit poolside and read while they had fun in the pool! This hotel is ideal for families looking to enjoy some poolside fun no matter what season it is!

PLAY | North Carolina Museum of History

Did you know that Raleigh is often called the “Smithsonian of The South”? We have world class museums downtown, one of them being the North Carolina Museum Of History, located at 5 E. Edenton St.! Admission is FREE and it offers so much for the entire family to enjoy! Our favorites were the special art exhibition by Durham, NC native Ernie Barnes and a gallery dedicated to children that allows them to have interactive fun learning and listening from the oral history of North Carolinians.There were also lots of hands on areas so my daughter could actually touch some things in a normally hands off kind of place! We even made a souvenir penny in the shape of North Carolina.

EAT | Demo’s Pizzeria and Deli

Strolling the shops of Glenwood Ave can work up an appetite and we knew just the place to stop for a casual bite! DeMos Pizzeria and Deli, located at 222 Glenwood #121, offers NY style thin crust pizza and also a full service deli offering Boars Head Products. My husband/daughter shared a cheese pizza [read my full review of DeMo’s >>here] and I had a specialty sandwich called the San Fran, made with turkey, avocado, bacon, tomato and pepper jack cheese. It was so good! Great family-friendly environment and attentive staff makes DeMo’s Pizzeria and Deli one of our local favorites.

Random Raleigh

The City of Raleigh has earned the reputation of being one of the best places to live in the USA. There is a celebrated food scene, we have the largest research park [RTP] in the nation, and the diversity of culture and art that I can expose my child to is why we are happy to be here in the state capital. During Spring Break, we had the opportunity to visit a dairy farm…

and enjoyed admiring art around town, like the Raleigh ArtBeats Sidewalk Murals

..plus, had fun discovering many of the IG worthy murals we have in Raleigh!

Our main goal for this Spring Break Staycation was to simply have family fun with each other outdoors and teach our girl how to ride her bike without training wheels. Mission complete! We have many biking trails and beautiful parks here. We utilized Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department as a guide for fun and free things to do like the Pop-Up Studio Free Art for Kids Program and where to go for outdoor recreation like bike riding or simply blowing bubbles in the park!

I hope you enjoyed reading my Spring Break Staycation Family Fun Ideas For Raleigh,NC and will consider visiting if you are a tourist or revisiting some places like a tourist if you are a local. Whether your kid is on Spring Break, Track Out or you are curious what to do on a weekend, take the time this Spring to get outside and explore Raleigh, NC ….where all are welcome!

My Top 8 Day Date Ideas in Raleigh, NC | SobeSavvy.com

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Time like money doesn’t grow on trees. Finding time to date can be challenging as parents, however creating “couple” time is something I have become good at. While having a date night out can be rare for us, going on day dates have become something we enjoy. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share My Top 8 Day Date Ideas in Raleigh,NC :

Admire Art while on a Museum Date at NCMA

Art and nature are two things I love and NCMA has a wonderful way of celebrating the beauty of both. We have not only enjoyed the exhibits inside but have spent time walking along their grassy pathways adorned with public sculptures. A memorable day date for me was during Art in Bloom, which pairs works of art with floral bouquets. This 4 day fundraiser returns March 21–24. Tickets available at ncartmuseum.org/bloom or (919) 715-5923

Relax with a Couples Mani/Pedi Spa Date at POLISHED NAIL BAR

If you read my previous post about treating your Valentine to some pampering time, then you know why I love treating myself and my loved ones to a mani/pedi at Polished Nail Bar. It’s a great place to meet your girls, take your man, treat your Mom or even have some alone time. The mimosas along with their great service and comfy throne chairs will leave you and your date relaxed!

Treat yourselves to something sweet and go on an Ice Cream Date at RALEIGH ROLLS

We scream for ice cream and now have a special place that makes me wanna shout! That place would be Raleigh Rolls, located at the new Morgan Street Food Hall. This is more than a mere ice cream place. It is a unique way to enjoy an age old favorite. Instead of β€œscooping” they β€œroll” up ice cream into your own customized concoction. They start with a base and you build on from there with your choice of toppings. This Valentine’s Day ❀ they are offering a special Red Velvet ice cream & a bottle of champagne for $15! Share with your date and let the good times β€œroll”!

Go on a Movie Date and get a drink/bite to eat right at your seat at ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE

Anytime we want to catch a movie in a special setting we head down to Alamo Drafthouse. This is a retro moviehouse experience. Full bar and delicious menu items are at your disposal. You can even eat at your seat. Alamo has it all. They have a real movie rental store in the lobby. How retro and fun is that !? Did I also mention they have β€œbottomless” popcorn? Read more about my Alamo experience >>>here.

Have a Breakfast with Bae Coffee Date at MORNING TIMES

Every city needs that classic coffee shop where you can have a great breakfast in a nice atmosphere with amazing coffee. Morning Times would be THAT spot in downtown Raleigh. Read my post to see why locals love their vibe. Look carefully at that latte, it just may have a foam heart in it .

Spice up your life and have a Lunch Date at CURRY IN A HURRY

Spicy and mild is how some folks describe my husband and myself! The perfect lunch for us is Curry In A Hurry. Most people know them from their amazing food truck here. Last year, they decided to open their first brick and mortar store at the Morgan Street Food Hall. Indian/Asian curries are their specialties. Their most popular dish is their butter chicken. If that is too mild, go for something like their Green Chicken Curry which definitely has more of a kick. Read my full review>>here and make plans to spend your lunch hour at Curry In A Hurry.

Grab a cocktail or two from the NEW Social Hour menu at ORO

Do you enjoy good conversation and cocktails? Head to the bar at ORO Restaurant & Lounge in Downtown Raleigh for their new Social Hour. On Mon -Thurs, 5pm-7pm items like Truffle fries, lobster crab bites and sliders along with wine and ” The Social Butterfly” cocktail are just $5 on their bar menu. The amazing flavors in such a gorgeous space will leave you and your date impressed!

Enjoy an early Dinner Date for 2 at DRIFTWOOD

Whenever hubby and I want a taste of southern hospitality, we make our way to Driftwood Southern Kitchen in Lafayette Village in North Raleigh. Pork Rinds awaits at the table for you and your date to enjoy! They have daily drink specials and delicious food that is locally sourced when possible. My suggestions would be to start with the Brussels Sprouts and end with the Vanilla Cheesecake. Their brisket is some of the best and the Blackened NC Catfish is fantastic! You and your date will no longer be hungry but happy after dining at Driftwood.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtpXGY3HYkx/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=ge71zx7oa53u

SobeSavvy Tip: Just a few steps away from Driftwood in Lafayette Village is Watkins Flowers of Distinction. Why not surprise your date with flowers or a beautiful candle. They have so many unique gifts that would add a bit of wow to any date!

There are so many more places to explore in Raleigh. No matter what you or your date like to do, I hope this post can be a resource for you. I plan to update it as I discover other faves but these are just 8 that we feel are great!

Where is your favorite place to go on a Day Date in Raleigh, or your city? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading! ❀

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Check out @VidrioRaleigh #FirstFridayRaleigh Cocktail Series and Stay for Dinner! #VidrioRaleigh #SavorLife

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Having a little one means sometimes foregoing a Friday night on the town. However, this past Friday Nana was in town and that meant one thing..DATE NIGHT! Lucky for us, a spot here in Raleigh that we had been wanting to try was hosting a special event. The place that has been on our radar is called VIDRIO.

This mediterranean inspired restaurant and bar is located in the heart of the bustling Glenwood Avenue South district. VIDRIO, which means glass in Spanish,Β  has been a social media star due to their savory food, exciting sips and their stunning decor. They also offer experiences such as wine dinners, private events, and wine tastings. On February 1, 2019, VIDRIO kicked off their “First Friday Cocktail Roundtable | A Spirit Filled Room”! Check out this promo video I made to share about the event:

EVENT DETAILSβ€’When: Every first Friday of the month, 6pm-10pm
β€’Where: VIDRIO‘s Bar Area
β€’What: A monthly contest that puts 2 bartenders up against each other in a craft cocktail contest

β€’Why: It’s a fun night out and a chance to experience the sights, smells, and flavors of the world’s best spirits and craft cocktails. You vote for your favorite to move to their finale, and get featured as Cocktail of the Year!
β€’How Much: $8.00 Craft Cocktails
EVENT RECAP

This week the visiting bartender was Matthew Bettinger. He is a mixologist of the highest caliber. His raw knowledge of the spirits and the fresh ingredients he chose and paired was amazing. Alex Bridges, a member of VIDRIO‘s beverage team is equally passionate and skilled in the art of cocktail-mixing! The crowd was enthusiastic and curious about each cocktail. Each month a VIDRIO bartender comes up with a cocktail to compete with the visiting bartender’s cocktail. It starts with a “base” spirit and they build on that. This month the spirit was Lunazul Blanco tequila.

First up was the creation of VIDRIO Bartender Alex Bridges called, “It’sΒ  Been Fun“. The ingredients that caught my eye was aloe vera and peach jam! Having an actual slice of blood orange in the glass made this a very attractive drink.
The visiting Bartender, Matthew Bettinger, created a drink called “A Friendly Visit“. He infused Rosehip & Hibiscus into a cordial and added it to his cocktail creation. It was refreshing and pleasing to my palate.
Both were very different from each other and both very well done. I voted for “A Friendly Visit“, while my husband went for the “It’s Been Fun“! Turns out the cocktail that won was…drum roll, I mean martini shake please….”It’s Been Fun“!

It was a great time! Grab your favoriteΒ  drinking friends, or plan a date night and mark your calenders to return for the next one in March. Click here for details of the next event!

DINNER FOR 2

After such a fun experience at the cocktail roundtable, we decided to stay and have a dining experience here. We moved to a table for 2 in their spacious dining room. It has a endless ceiling with blown colorful glass on an entire wall. It was a surreal setting to say the least.

Both of us wanted some wine and lucky for us VIDRIO has 48 wines..ON TAP! They have something no matter what your wine taste dictates. We were as little undecided and ultimately chose to do one of their curated wine flight offerings. We went with 3 reds. Each 3 oz pour was very different from each other. One was dry, one medium and one had a touch of sweetness. Each sat on a cute descriptive mat with the names and varietal tasting notes. It was actually quite a beautiful display.

Oysters On The Half Shell were on deck for an appetizer. Half a dozen bivalves with all the trimmings. Freshly shucked and delicious. The full menu is available at the bar and prior to our dinner, we enjoyed their tasty and tender Moroccan Beef Skewers. I am a sauce person and loved every bit of the harissa Greek yogurt to dip the skewers in. Since we were not that hungry, we decided to just split a dish. Their Short Rib Bolognese Pasta came highly recommended by our friendly and attentive waitress. She explained how the the pasta and even their ricotta with lemon zest was made in house. It was very flavorful and expertly done. The pasta was thin and light and the short rib was incredible. This was one of the best pasta dishes I have had since one night in Rome 8 years ago! Their dessert menu had some great choices but we were beyond satisfied and called it a night.

Make reservations now for your own great night at VIDRIO.
SobeSavvy Tip: Reserve your table today for Valentine’s Day at VIDRIO on Thursday, February, 14th for only $50 per person. ❀

VIDRIO
500 GLENWOOD AVE.
RALEIGH, NC. 27603
919-803-6033

First Look @ORORaleigh ‘s NEW Social Hour Menu Bar Bites + Drink Specials, All Items $5! #DowntownRaleigh

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ORO Restaurant & Lounge | Social Hour Menu Review by SobeSavvy.com

Hey Raleigh! Looking for a new, hot spot to grab a glass of wine, cocktail or two and meet friends for a bite to eat after work? Well I have just the place for you. ORO Restaurant & Lounge, located in Downtown Raleigh, offers a fun, brand new Social Hour menu and SobeSavvy.com was invited to check it out. Here is what you need to know before you go and trust me, you will want to go ASAP!

ORO Restaurant & Lounge is chic, and sleek with white/wood modern decor and a mezzanine & a fireplace

SOCIAL HOUR

The new Social Hour menu was rolled out on Monday, January 28, 2019. It is offered in the Bar area only Monday- Thursday from 5pm-7pm. All items are just $5.00! Oh how I love a deal!

β€’ EAT

There are five delicious food items on the menu to choose from. The variety offered allows everyone to find something to eat no matter the dietary restrictions or choices. The portions are enough for one person to enjoy but also shareable. Everything was so good that it is hard to pick a favorite. So my suggestion is order one of each and enjoy them all!

Beef Sliders | blue cheese | carmelized onions

Truffle Fries | parmesan | truffle oil

Lobster & Crab Bites | greens | citrus aioli

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers | green onion

Vegetable Spring Rolls | sweet chili sauce

β€’ DRINK

Also on the Social Hour menu are two wine choices from Century Cellars. Order a glass of Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy or if your are in the mood for a cocktail, get The Social Butterfly. It’s made with NC’s own Social House Vodka and your choice of mixer ( I asked for ginger beer and my friend got cranberry juice). It is served with a cute butterfly on the straw! It’s a refreshing and fun way to drink local!

ORO Social Hour Menu | DRINK | The Social Butterfly

SobeSavvy Tip: Elevate your drinking experience by ordering from the Specialty Cocktail menu. You’ll be impressed by the taste and presentation of these innovative cocktails! Watch this video and make plans to sip and see for yourself!

Specialty Cocktails | Weird Science | Smoke & Mirrors

ORO is a great place to have lunch [Read about my lunch experience at ORO >>here.], a romantic dinner, meet with co-workers after work, host a celebration event or hang with your girlfriends! Whatever the occasion, ORO will make it special. Cheers!

Lovely Leslie of @SobeSavvy and Meka Harrell of @hwthblog meet up for a fun Mom’s Night Out at ORO Restaurant & Lounge

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ORO Restaurant & Lounge

18 E. Martin Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

http://www.ororaleigh.com

Hey #Raleigh, Jan 12 is #CurriedChickenDay – Get some NOW @curryinahurrync @MorganStFoodhll #FoodieFriday

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FACT | Food Holidays don’t just stop at Thanksgiving for Foodies. We celebrate anything that our tastebuds desire whether it is on the calendar or not!

However, when I saw that National Day Calendar listed January 12 as Curried Chicken Day I had one place in mind to go and enjoy curry chicken. That place is Curry in a Hurry!

Located in Morgan Street Food Hall, which recently nominated for Best New Food Hall by USA Today, Curry in a Hurry transports customers to India right here in downtown Raleigh. Owned by Chef Alaksha Surt, this restaurant features award winning, authentic Indian Food dishes using recipes influenced by her mom and grandmother. You can taste her passion for cooking in every spicy, flavorful bite!

Her food truck, which is the only Indian Food Truck in our area, has been a regional fixture in and beyond the Triangle for some time. Last year she decided to open a brick and mortar location and become the only Indian restaurant in the popular Morgan Street Food Hall. Foodies from near and far flock here to get a taste of her unique flavors. Some dishes are mild and some dishes have that kick that only authentic curry can deliver.

Recently my husband and I enjoyed a spicy lunch date at Curry in A Hurry. We learned that Chef Alaksha Surt hails from Bangalore, India and combines authentic Indian spices with fresh, quality ingredients to cook her curry dishes. We ordered the Butter Chicken, their signature dish, and Green Chicken Curry.

Curry in a Hurry’s Butter Chicken

The Butter Chicken was described to us as the starter dish for those unfamiliar with curry. The flavorful chicken is so tender and melts in your mouth like butter. It’s mild spice makes it a great introduction to Indian cuisine. We enjoyed every tasty bite of this dish.

Curry in a Hurry’s Green Curry Chicken

Love a little spice in your life? Then the Green Curry Chicken is your dish. For those of us who enjoy Thai food, you will enjoy how Curry in a Hurry prepares theirs. From the rice, to the green curry sauce the quality of the fresh ingredients does not get lost.

Head to Curry in a Hurry to enjoy a taste of India (and Thailand too) with the amazing flavors and spice used in their curry chicken dishes. They also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Come try for yourself and you too will be back again and again to celebrate #curriedchickenday anyday!

SobeSavvy Tip: Right across from Curry in a Hurry is a great place to enjoy a sweet ice cream treat. Raleigh Rolls uses fresh ingredients to make ice cream before your eyes! This unique and delicious Thai ice cream is the perfect dessert after having the Green Curry Chicken, another Thai fave.

Customize your own ice cream treat at Raleigh Rolls

Do you enjoy Curried Chicken? Have you tried Curry in a Hurry? GET SOME NOW!

CURRY IN A HURRY

MORGAN STREET FOOD HALL

411 WEST MORGAN ST

RALEIGH, NC

http://www.curryinahurrytruck.com

Food|Celebrate #NationalCheesePizzaDay @DemosPizzaDeli in #Raleigh #NC #SobeSavvyEats #Pizza

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Give me a P- I- Z- Z -A, foodies let’s celebrate #NationalCheesePizzaDay! If you live in Raleigh, hands down, DeMo’s Pizzeria & Deli is a great place to enjoy some amazing cheese pizza and more! Here’s why:

βœ” Fresh, not Frozen crust

βœ” Dough made in-house

βœ” Homemade Sauce

βœ” Quality Mozzarella Cheese

But that’s not all they do great.…

Pizza, Hot & Cold Sandwiches, Award Winning Chicken Wings and Delicious Desserts are all on the menu for the whole family to enjoy!

THE MENU

DeMo’s Pizzeria & Deli on Glenwood Avenue in Downtown Raleigh has some of the best wings and pizza to be found anywhere.

Founded by two Raleigh natives, DeMo’s serves up everything fresh not frozen. House made dough, sauces and even the vanilla cannoli cream fillings!

But before I jump to dessert, I went there with my family in search of the best cheese pizza to have on National Cheese Pizza Day. We noticed they had comfy booth seating and our favorite foodie show ‘Chopped’ was playing on one of their flat screen tvs, so we felt right at home. We started with hot and fresh garlic rolls that was served with their house made marinara. They were soooo goood! Order these and get ready to dip, baby, dip!

A fresh Ceasar Salad is a great way to ensure you eat your veggies with your pizza and their salad was crisp, tasty and big enough for my #HeighPartyof3 family to share.

I highly suggest ordering some wings to start. Not just any wings but DeMo’s offer Jumbo Wings that are seasoned, baked to perfection and fried to order perfection. They are then tossed in one their many amazing sauces or you can get the sauce on the side.

It comes served with double batch ranch sauce and blue cheese for dipping. In addition to their award winning Buffalo IPA beer sauce, DeMo’s has some other sauce choices also like Mild, Honey Chile, BBq and Teriyaki. These wings are definitely a crowd pleaser!

Our medium Cheese Pizza came piping hot out of their oven! It had the right amount of gooey, ooeey cheese that our daughter loves, the perfect amount of sauce for me and my husband, who I call a pizza crust snob (since his first job was making pizzas) gave it his pizza lover stamp of approval.

In my opinion there is nothing worse than an unbalanced cheese to sauce ratio! But DeMo’s does not disappoint and there was goodness in every bite. Their pizza is thin NY style pizza. In other words you can hold or fold. The choice is yours! My little one aka #outandandaboutAva commented it was the best pizza she has ever had!

As the pizza was disappearing we made sure to save room for dessert after learning from co-owner Anthony DeMarco that the cheesecake (my daughter’s favorite) is not only homemade but has a bit of a unique twist in its recipe that my young foodie tasted right away! Also on the dessert menu are cannolis made with their house made vanilla cream filing. Both desserts were so good and the perfect sweet ending to our meal.

SobeSavvy Tip: If you just want to order a slice of pizza from DeMo’s , check out this daily combo’s special ‡️

We left Demo’s feeling like everyday should be National Cheese Pizza Day! Our daughter waved goodbye to ‘Fat Tony’ outside of Demo’s and I grabbed a menu because you can dine in or order take out. DeMo’s Pizzeria & Deli also offers delivery which I will be using since this place is now our new favorite pizza spot in Raleigh!

DEMO’S Pizzeria & Deli
222 Glenwood Ave #121 Raleigh, NC 27603

Hey #Raleigh, Start Your Morning Off Right @TheMorningTimes ! β˜• #Coffee + #Food + #Vibe in #DTR

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Ever try finding a spot with good food and good coffee prior to going to work? As simple as this sounds it’s not always that easy! Well have I got some good news for you. There is a restaurant/cafΓ©/coffee shop located in the heart of downtown Raleigh called The Morning Times.

The Morning Times Menus..yes, they are kid-friendly!

This coffee shop has been a Raleigh mainstay since 2006 and are a favorite amongst the downtown crowds. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch, this eclectic coffee eatery offers freshly made baked goods of all sorts and they also have some awesome vegan options. You order downstairs when you come in and you can have it upstairs in their loft like space with tables and comfy chairs or you can have take out if time does not allow. Since I sometimes co-work this is also a good spot for coffee and your laptop.

The Morning Times is a bi-level coffee shop. There are a few tables downstairs, but upstairs has more seating and a loft vibe.

I was there along with my family recently for NCMA’s pop-up for upcoming Art in Bloom festival. Customers received a free flower outside of The Morning Times, which gets great foot traffic in the morning.

FOOD

We decided to try their breakfast features of the day (a tomato and arugula omelette and $5.00 honey chicken biscuit) along with an order of their delicious French Toast from their regular menu. I really liked their unique way of making this breakfast classic with challah bread, mixed berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, topped with almonds. My daughter said it was hashtag #YUM!

COFFEE

A busy barista making a fresh cup of coffee at The Morning Times

The staff was friendly and quickly kept the line moving at The Morning Times. They have quite a selection of coffee from Counter Culture, which is a favorite in our household. We settled on a Vanilla Latte and also an authentic Macchiato {hint, it is not what most THINK it is} as a start to our day. If coffee is not your morning beverage of choice, “power up” with their freshly squeezed orange juice.

SobeSavvy Tip: Sign up for their “Eats Club”πŸ‘‰ HERE … and per their website: “Be among the first to know about special promotions such as beer dinners and cask nights at The Raleigh Times, Lebanese festivals at Sitti, blues & barbeque events at The Pit, Italian Feasts at Gravy and other good stuff in the works for our community of customers.”

Also, The Morning Times knows that it’s morning customers are limited on time so they have made it easy for you to order ahead‡ Check it out!

Next time you find yourself in the Downtown Raleigh area, and looking for a place to grab your coffee & pastry to go or pull up a window seat to dine, head to The Morning Times!

THE MORNING TIMES

10 E Hargett St.

Raleigh, North Carolina 27601

Event Recap|@Whiskey_Kitchen #SupperClubNo2 #JapaneseWhisky + #WhiskeyKitchen Eats!

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On October 18, 2017, Whiskey Kitchen hosted a private (SOLD OUT) event -‘Supper Club No.2- featuring curated selections of Japanese whisky paired with inspired dishes created by Whiskey Kitchen’s culinary team. SobeSavvy.com was there to capture the celebration and give you an inside look of Japan’s finest offerings at this wonderful event!  

THE INVITE

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No.2 Invite

THE SETTING

Located in Downtown Raleigh, Whiskey Kitchen is the perfect restaurant for hosting group & private events. Guests who attended Supper Club No.2 sat in reserved seating at long communal tables, which allowed for talking and sharing dishes family-style. The table was nicely decorated and each chair had a Japanese paper fan as a keepsake!

Whiskey Kitchen | Guests seated for Supper Club No. 2

THE WHISKY

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No. 2 Reception Cocktail made with Suntory Whisky Toki      

When we arrived, we were advised to head to the bar to receive our reception cocktail which was hand-crafted and curated especially for the evening. In this video, bartendar legend Johnny Berry explains how this refreshing cocktail was made!

We all received a menu which listed the selection of whisky we would be tasting along with notes for proof, color, nose and finish. In addition to the reception cocktail, there were four types of whisky to try. My favorite was the Suntory Whisky Toki , which is a blended whisky that has hints of vanilla. I just happened to be sitting next to two reps from Beam Suntory who shared that Suntory Whisky Toki is a blend of 3 different Japanese Whiskies aged in different casks.

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No. 2 ‘Suntory Whisky Toki’

THE FOOD

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No.2 Menu

The culinary team at Whiskey Kitchen did an excellent job at creating Japanese inspired cuisine with a southern touch. We enjoyed 8 dishes created specifically for this event, but some of them may make its way onto the permanant menu because it was that good! Everything was AMAZING….just feast your eyes on the following food pics from the event (which I also shared on my Instastories on Instagram) :

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No.2 ‘Onigiri’ Rice Ball w/Andouille Sausage and Pickled Plum

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No.2 ‘Takoyaki’ – Savory Cake w/ smoked octopus,scallion, vesta aioli, bonito flakes

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No.2 ‘Roasted Cauliflower’ w/Shishito, Wakame Butter, Crispy Garlic and Edible Flowers

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No.2 ‘Green Tea Soba Salad’ w/edamame, mushroom,radish,seaweed, ginger/whisky dressing

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No.2 ‘Tuna Tataki’

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No.2 ‘Smoked Lamb Shank’

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No.2 ‘Mochiko Pork’ w/Tonkatsu Sauce, Oriental Sweet Potato, Kohlrabi, Turnip

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No.2 ‘Koshian Cake’ Hakushu Poached Golden Pear, Red Bean Cake, White Chocolate, Yuzu Ganache, Miso Caramel


THE NEXT EVENT

Whiskey Kitchen | Supper Club No. 2 =Whisky+Food+Fun

This was Whiskey Kitchen‘s second large scale celebration of whiskey and food and I highly recommend going to their next event. You don’t have to be a big fan of whisky to appreciate the experience with other foodies. This renowned Raleigh restaurant has already made plans to host Supper Club No. 3! More information about more event happenings can be found out by visiting this link.

I had an amazing time meeting new people, trying new things and learning about a variety of whisky from Japan. The food was really good as always with Whiskey Kitchen. You should definitely make plans to visit Downtown Raleigh and dine at this restaurant or hang at their beautiful bar, which serves not only whiskey but wine, beer and uniquely crafted cocktails! Hope to see you at the next event. Cheers! 

WHISKEY KITCHEN

201 Martin Street

Raleigh, NC 27601


Theatre Review|#GraceForPresident Wins My Vote for #FamilyFun ! @RLT1936 @NCmuseumofhistoryΒ 

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Raleigh, The votes are in…Grace For President is a win-win! A must see for families who enjoy seeing theatre that is fun for everyone. This play is based on a children’s book, Grace For President (if you haven’t read it, head to your local library to check out this wonderful book) …

…by Kelly S. DiPucchio, with illustrations by LeUyen Pham. It’s now playing at the North Carolina Museum of History as part of the Raleigh Little Theatre Family Series. The book, music and lyrics for this production are by Joan Cushing and will run from October 13 thru October 22, 2017. 

This inspiring tale empowers little girls to believe they can achieve anything, to work hard to be the best person for the job and never rest on being the popular choice. The whole family can enjoy this musical experience and follow Grace’s ambitions as the story unfolds. If you saw my recent #SobeSavvyGiveaway post, I shared the plot of this play in detail as well gave away tickets to see this show. I had a chance to see the Saturday night show with my #HeighPartyof3 and we loved it! Take a look at some of the amazing talent from the local actors ranging from 13 to 21 years old that brought this story to life: 

  • Left to Right: Anthony/Mr. Waller (Matt Ellington), Robbie (Blake Rose), Mrs. Barrington (Emma Johnson), Grace (TaMya Bland), Thomas/Henry (Logan Harrison), Sam (Keith Petersen), Rose/Mrs. Phillips (Jessica Soffian), Carla (Stacey Mejia-Montano)

  • Grace Campbell (TaMya Bland)

  • Mrs. Barrington (Emma Johnson)

  • Thomas/Henry (Logan Harrison)

  • Anthony/Mr. Waller (Matt Ellington)

  • Rose/Mrs. Phillips (Jessica Soffian)

  • Carla (Stacey Mejia-Montano), Sam (Keith Petersen)

Photo Credit: Brandi Swarms 

Admission Prices: Adult ($15), Children ($11) Tickets are available for purchase online or from box office at 919.821.3111 *Seating is General Admission. The show is about an hour long with no intermission.*

SobeSavvy Tip: Go one hour before the show for a “Grace” inspired gallery hunt in the Museum, to create your own campaign button to take home and pose for a selfie as a future North Carolina Hall of Fame-er! Take a look at our #GraceforPresRLT selfies here‡ 

 https://www.instagram.com/p/BaPh8wXBBtD/

Although based on a fictional book, this play was full of fun facts about our Presidents, American History and how Election Day works! I would recommend this educational musical for everyone, especially any aspiring young leader you may have in your family. Buy tickets TODAY and make plans to see Grace and her classmates discover what it takes to be the best candidate and find the fun and hilarity in the wonderful world of politics! 

This event is presented by the Raleigh Little Theatre http://raleighlittletheatre.org/                

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*Single tickets on sale for the 2017/18 Season of Groundbreakers.

North Carolina Museum of History
Daniels Auditorium
5 E. Edenton Street
Downtown Raleigh