FiSh oUt Of WaTeR

The Sting Ray Cafe (New Bern, NC)

The moment I walked into the Sting Ray Cafe and saw the taxidermied fish, fly rods, and vintage Coca-cola signs mounted on the wall, I knew I had come to the right place. After having spotted the Texas Pete, plastic red and yellow condiment bottles, and vingear-based bbq sauce neatly centered on every table, I knew I had found "home." A local's seafood gem tucked away off S Front in New Bern, NC, The Sting Ray Cafe quickly proved itself to be my new favorite no fuss/no frills kind of place that offers an array of fresh and regional seafood (that comes straight from next door--The Tryon Palace Seafood Market) at very reasonable prices. No, you won't have a waterfront view or a list of fancy cocktails to choose from. What you will have is a wonderfully friendly and attentive server who will refer to you as "sweetheart" and "hun" while she refills your sweet tea and offers you another round of complimentary hush puppies served in a plastic basket lined with wax paper. What you will have (if you are like the seafood freak that I am and want the best of all worlds lol) is the Captain's Nor'easter--2 lbs of local juicy, tender jumbo shrimp, oysters, clam strips, scallops, and two very meaty crabcakes fried to perfection served alongside buttery-soaked Old Bay corn cobs and crisp, tangy coleslaw for $25 (go Oceanfront in some areas and expect to pay double for quality half as good). Of course, there are a plethora of lighter and healthier options (check out the Ahi tuna salad for a whopping $7.99) if you are trying to "de-clog" your arteries a bit. And lo' and behold--talk about a small world--come to find out my server (Anna) is the niece of Greg Paul, the owner of Hot Wax Surf Shop (my all time fave shop) located in my hometown, Wilmington, NC. Stingray Cafe truly captured this beach girl's ❤. Thanks ya'll! I'll most definitely be back!

Bull City Burger and Brewery (Durham, NC)

Hard to beat a craft 🍔 and a cold 🍺 sometimes. Bull City Burger and Brewery, located in the ❤ of downtown Durham is just the place to come if your in the mood for a little "moo and brew." Pictured above is the burger of the day- NC pasture-raised beef topped with a fried green 🍅, crisp house-cured bacon, gruyere cheese, roasted red pepper sauce, local lettuce, and a fresh house-baked bun (insanely good and held the burger together masterfully). The other burger pictured--a "build your own"--featuring fresh jalapeños, an over-easy fried egg, house-made pickles, local lettuce and red onion, and a heaping dollop of bacon jam. Beers pictured--their golden ale--light in body and thirst-quenching; their rye pale ale, exhibiting beautiful amber color--a delicate dance of hops and malts across the tongue. Bartender Kate is great (just like the Bouncing Soul's classic song) and the music playlist--a mix of Motown, dancehall reggae, and indie rock favorites ranging from Modest Mouse to The Black Keys. 

Ponysaurus Brewery (Durham, NC)

"The Beer Beer Would Drink If Beer Could Drink Beer." That's the motto for Ponysaurus Brewery, located in the 💙 of downtown Durham. My flight, pictured above: a gentle tour of light to dark. Their "Golden Rule" to start--a delightful saison hitting all the right 🎶s of 🍍and 🍊. Go right and the Summer IPA--full of citra hops and malty muh-haha! Next stop--the Biere De Garde--a pleasant homage to French farmhouse-style ales (it rouged my cheeks and coiffed my hair I tell ya). Final stop ::key the bagpipes here:: The Scottish Ale--rich, smooth, caramaley and chocolately--I'm now ready to go put on my kilt and shake a tailfeather. 🐦

Foster’s Market (Durham, NC)

There’s a reason why Foster’s Market, located in Durham, NC has earned multiple outstanding awards and recognitions over the years. Founded in 1990 by Sarah Foster (who worked alongside Martha Stewart) and her husband Peter Sellers, Foster’s Cafe is, no doubt, a staple for Durham residents, Duke University students, professors, and employees alike. Today, after my seventh months residing here, I had my first experience.

Arriving at about 1:00 (on a Wednesday), the parking lot full while the guests enter and exit the building like the steady tick of a clock. From the outside, the cafe resembles a classic old farmhouse—tin-metal roof, galvanized steel buckets filled with towering sunflowers, a wrap-around porch lined with rustic, weathered tables and chairs. I had all but expected to hear the sounds of a harmonica and banjo-strumming as I made my way inside.

As I passed through the doors, the smell of roasted meat wafting through the air, my eyes were soon met by a bustling line of patrons making their way through a line of display cabinets featuring brightly colored salads, beautifully decorated homemade desserts, fresh-baked biscuits and cornbread so golden, as if the sun, itself, had kissed them. As a “salad addict”, I couldn’t pass up the Veggie Sampler—your choice of three of their salads—even though their weekly sandwich—Korean pulled pork and Asian slaw atop a toasted brioche bun was awfully tempting.

Out of the dozen or so salads to choose from, I selected the Asian chicken medley, roasted corn and asparagus, and new potato. The first—shredded rotisserie chicken, broccoli, red peppers, carrots, and snow peas triumphantly saturated in a mixture of sesame oil, cilantro, soy, and garlic. The second—sweet, crisp, and juicy white corn kernels juxtaposed with neatly trimmed asparagus spears—softened by a dash of olive oil and fresh parsley. The third—hearty chunks of perfectly boiled new potatoes tossed ever-so-gently in mayonnaise, dill, coarse-ground mustard, and a dash of paprika. As I sat at the classic 50’s style metal table with vinyl top, I couldn’t help but feel like I was back in my grandmother’s kitchen enjoying the vegetables harvested from her very own garden.

Everything about this place says “home” to this Southern girl. From the shelves and shelves of fully stocked pickled vegetables, mason jar sauces, wide assortment of different styles of grits and hominy—to the culturally diverse staff wearing grins from ear to ear—eager to assist or answer any questions as needed—to the eclectic furnishings, artwork, tableware, floral arrangements, and lighting fixtures. The type of place where “comfort” is truly found in not only the food, but the staff, atmosphere, and the overall experience.

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Unscripted Durham (Durham, NC)

Checked out Unscripted Durham this past Friday night. Beautiful mid-century and modern hotel that looks straight out of Palm Springs, CA. The rooftop bar features a wonderful view of downtown and a nice selection of local beers and craft cocktails. 

Boxcar Barcade (Durham, NC)

Been to Boxcar now a few times, and have to admit it's fast becoming one of my favorite hangouts in downtown Durham. Think adult Chuckie Cheese ⛔ the creepy rat (it is also very kid-friendly as well). Killer draft selection including an array of local NC brews--go on Wednesday night for less crowds and $4 local pints. This "barcade" has all of your childhood favorites--including my faves-- Blitz 99, Addams Family pinball, Mr. and Mrs. Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros, and Donkey Kong. You'll also find classic staples like skeeball, air hockey, Atari, and  the Free-throw basketball challenge game. Outside patio features ample seating, two Jenga boards, Connect Four, cornhole, and two beautifully hand-crafted ping pong tables equipped with granite tops and custom-welded steel elements. Staff are all super friendly and highly attentive. Patrons are hospitable as well. My only complaint--the 🍕. I don’t believe even the Ninja turtles would have👌’d that pie. However, as someone who has worked in restaurants for half her life, I completely understand I may have simply caught the kitchen on an off day. 

Thai Cafe (Durham, NC)

Located off University Drive in Durham, NC, Thai Cafe is home to some of the best food and people in the area. The Fresh Rolls (more popularly known as Summer Rolls) pair succulent shrimp, fresh basil, and rice noodles--complimented perfectly by a sweet and sour plum sauce. The beef satay skewers with peanut sauce--so juicy, so tender--a flavor 💣 in your mouth. The Vietnamese staple, Pad Thai, is 🔥, while their signature dish, the Chicken Bowl--a sea of char-grilled chicken swimming in lemon ginger curry goodness--positively 😇. Even better than the food, however, is the kind and friendly staff whose smiles shine ✨ than their flavorful arrangements. Pictured above--Chef himself, a most humble and gracious host and culinary veteran. The owner’s daughter and manager, Jade, so kind and generous to even bestow two complimentary scoops of her own hand-made mango and coconut 🍦. Thai Cafe is the best type of place--the place that treats you like family, even when you are a stranger. 😁👨‍👩‍👧‍👧🍝 

***Not my best photography, but bear with me--lighting was super dim and photos shot from a cellphone***

Blue Note Grill (Durham, NC)

As soon as I stepped into the Blue Note Grill, l felt like I was, in the words of Marc Cohn, “Walking in Memphis, walking with feet ten feet off of Beale.” Located in downtown Durham historic Central Park District, Blue Note Grill is one of the Triangle area’s best live-music venues, complete with a full-service BBQ and Ribs restaurant and bar. In short, it’s the closest anyone, in this area, can come to experiencing an authentic “Memphis experience” without the long drive. 🎶 

 The wings—hot and juicy drums and flats, smoked to perfection, then polished on the grill. Try them “tumbled” (their words) in one or two of their five tumbln’ sauces. Pictured in my below link, is Blue Note’s BBQ and Sweet Red Chili Sauce. Had I a bigger appetite, I would have most succumbed to the “wet ribs” so beloved by the regulars and applauded by the employees. 🍗 

The drinks—wonderful selection of craft beers on draft (and some bottles). Washed down my succulent wings with a rye pale ale from—can’t remember the brewery now, but it was a local NC one. As I digestif, I sipped and savored the grand old classic “Old Grand-Dad” neat, at two fingers. For those of you that don’t know about Old Grand-Dad and like Bourbon, well I highly suggest you google it and learn the history and acclaim behind this legendary libation. 🥃 The atmosphere—a swirl of red and blue and purple lights amidst a haze of happy patrons feasting and dancing whilst carrying on liberating conversations. 🎆 

The staff—sweet as Southern Iced Tea. I even had the pleasure of meeting their most delightful assistant manager, Xongo (spelling?). I watched from afar as he stood outside the entrance, happily opening doors for patrons and welcoming them inside. “You’re going to love tonight’s guest performance as much as you loved those wings,” he assured me. And…he was 💯 correct. 

 The music—Holy heaven for Blues fans. I’m not the most seasoned or well-versed with the genre, nor its past or current aficionados, but, man, I’m hear to tell you—this place has a reputation for being voted one of the best Blue’s venues for a reason. The performer this particular night, Annie McCue—an Australian native, now based in Nashville Tennessee, whose current album pays homage to David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold The World” (can you now see half of why I love her so much ;) ) has toured with giants like Lucinda Williams—has been featured on popular albums alongside other giants like Leonard Cohen, Ryan Adams, and John Coltrane. Please do yourself a favor and watch the video of her performance in my Instagram post along with my youtube link.

And, as a sidenote—as much as a badass on stage—in person, Anne McCue is the sweetest, most humble, and gentle musical giant you’ll ever meet. 

>>>Click here or above photo to view additional photos and videos<<<

>>>Click here to see Anne McCue’s youtube channel<<<

>>>Click here to learn more about Blue Note Grill<<<

Surf Club (Durham, NC)

Sushi Love (Durham, NC)

Now, I am not going to attempt to pretend like I’m some sort of Sushi expert here, because I am not. Have I grown up around fresh seafood my whole life? Yes. Do I know, and to which degree, that jasmine rice reaches its epitome of starch hierarchy, of course. Are my 31-year-wise tastebuds able to detect if a roll is worth the rock of a tongue—no doubt! 

 Meet Sushi Love. Located in the heart of Duke University’s campus, Sushi Love, is, how it sounds. If you love Sushi, you will love this joint. I call it a “joint” because…do not come here expecting fine dining, exquisite ambience, nor a bartender that can fix you an anointing cocktail (although there is a full bar). Come here expecting to get filled up for $10 (they offer buy one get one free, half price rolls, every other day—hence the Ai of its largely based college student demographic) whilst enjoying a nice pint of some cold and crisp Kirin Ichiban on draft. 🔥🍻🔥

“Pop America” Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University (Durham, NC)

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, artists from Buenos Aire, Argentina, to San Francisco, California, pictured the faces, places, and things of a new era. Pop art offered a captivating return to realism after decades dominated by abstraction, and embraced everyday objects, images, and language. Familiar images of modern life, including mass-media, fashion, and advertising, permeated Pop globally. Pop America draws attention to Latin American and US paintings, designs, sculptures, assemblages, and performances made forceful interventions into art and society, and invited viewers to respond actively. More than a style or a movement, this exhibition presents an exercise of “Popping” the icons of the postwar “American way of life.” The artworks, then and now, spark powerful debates over what “America” is and what art can do. 💥💥💥 

>>>Click here or above photo to view additional photos and watch a virtual tour on my story highlight on Instagram<<<

St. Marys Episcopal Parish Of the Holy Communion (Glendale Springs, NC)

There is an instant, overwhelming air of peace that dissolves all care and worry as soon as you enter through the doors of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, located in Glendale Springs, NC. Regardless of your religious preference or denomination, this century-plus old chapel offers its visitors a trip through time, history, art, and recollection. As someone lacking the experience of having ever witnessed Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpiece, this is, I believe, the closest that I have ever come to seeing such glory and divinity. 🌈 

>>>click above photo or here to view additional photos<<<

>>>click here to learn the history behind the church<<<

>>>click here to learn more about Ben Long and his paintings<<<

Ashe County Cheese Co. (West Jefferson, NC)

My earliest and most vivid memory of Ashe County Cheese comes from working alongside a friend and former employer of mine, Chef Craig Love of Surfhouse and The Southerly Biscuit located in Carolina Beach, NC—nearly seven years ago. To this day, I don’t believe I have ever had a better burger than his “Aloha” featuring North Carolina grass-fed beef topped with a hearty ring of grilled pineapple, fresh jalapeño, and his brilliant take on the Southern classic— Comeback sauce. Yet, the beauty of that burger lay not within the perfectly mid-rare patty, that sweet and juicy pineapple, nor the enthralling bite of fresh jalapeño softened by that anointing aioli. No, not at all. The beauty is held within the hands of the Aloha’s conductor—Ashe County’s Sharp Cheddar—Without it, this burger is Led Zeppelin ⛔ John Paul Jones, The Beatles ⛔ Ringo 🌟. The Who ⛔ Keith 🌘. 

W E S T   J E F F E R S O N,   N C

I wish I was as 🆒 as West Jefferson. Top 5 things I love most about WJ:

The People

The Art

The Food

The Beer

The Time-warp

West Jefferson Dr. Pepper Bottling Company (West Jefferson, NC)

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that West Jefferson is the home of soda manufacturers West Jefferson Dr Pepper (WJDP). The company is known for producing all their non-diet products with cane sugar. This includes Dr Pepper Snapple Group (formerly Dr Pepper/Seven Up) products and Mountain Dew. WJDP is one of only two non-Pepsi franchises in the United States allowed to produce Mountain Dew. The company does not ship outside its contracted territory, but several websites sell the product at a premium price. The premium price has been justified by the fact that WJDP is one of the last bottlers in the U.S. to use cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. 💯 

Carolina Country Wines & Craft Beer (West Jefferson, NC)

Located in the heart of downtown West Jefferson, Carolina Country Wines and Craft Beer provides a cozy atmosphere for those in need of an uplifting libation. Enjoy a cold pint, (like the Kentucky Bourbon barrel ale pictured second) or a relaxing glass of wine while a mix of Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, and The Beatles drifts softly through the air. Browse the extensive selection of craft beers featuring both local and domestic breweries mixed with internationally renowned favorites. Their wine selection—equally as impressive—likewise, highlights some of the finest regional and foreign varieties. The friendly-faced owners, Bernie and Terri—with personalities as delightful as the spirits they serve, are extremely knowledgable and eager to assist. Be sure to check out their events ranging from Tasty Tuesdays featuring fresh seafood plates provided by Highcountry Seafood from 5-7, weekly nite live music, and Saturdays' “Oysterpalooza,” —a feast consisting of raw and steamed oysters in the half shell, shrimp cocktail, and cajun crab dip. 🍻🍷🍤🎶