I kind of feel
like I’ve been on a string of dates with Raleigh. When I first met her, I was a
little nervous, not quite sure what I thought and just hoping for the best.
But so far,
she’s shown me a great time. Downtown Raleigh is full of life! Boutique shops
have opened up left and right, eateries to keep you full for days on end, the
craft beer movement is incredibly present here (there’s even a craft beer
tasting bar/store), and there’s a great sense of pride among all the Raleighites
for their city that’s almost contagious. Parts of Raleigh seem to be a little
behind the rest of the scene, but read some of the blogs online and they all
say to give the up-and-coming city a few more years. It does seem like Raleigh
has a bright future ahead of it.
Seeing that I’m
always wearing khakis at Shubie’s, you probably don’t know that I love jeans. A
great pair of jeans is worth it to me (like a great bottle of wine for some of
you). So I happen to come across The Raleigh Denim Co (no, seriously, I walked
right by it without knowing it existed!). They actually make raw denim right on
site. Raw denim is denim that has never been washed or treated with anything,
so basically it’s up to you how it ages. It’s recommended to go swimming in the
ocean, run in the rain, find some mud, etc…and not wash them for 3-6 months!
Raw denim is a little tougher at first, but it’s up to you to break it in.
A few blocks up
I stumbled upon Feelgoodz, a flip-flop company. Feelgoodz makes flip flops out
of totally recyclable and biodegradable materials, using natural dyes and are
ethically sourced. Cool company, cool idea, cool product (you should check it
out).
The restaurant
scene is booming in Raleigh. Each restaurant takes great strides to use fresh,
local produce, eggs and meat. You can taste the difference. The beef all seems
so much more tender and flavorful, the fruits and veggies all bursting with
flavors. I’ve been fortunate enough to eat at four of Raleigh’s best restaurants,
and each one shined in their own way; truly demonstrating fresh, quality
ingredients is all you need. (I even had fish tacos, but they couldn’t rival
Chef Lynne’s). I've dined at the following (feel free to email me or stop in and ask me about my meals if you want more details!):
- Gravy (where I met my rockstars of cheese)
- Battistella's (my favorite!)
- Capital Club 16 (great sandwiches)
- Dos Taquitos Centro (awesome atmosphere and margaritas)
After a few days
with Raleigh, I’m getting used to her and she’s been taking me to all the right
spots. I feel more comfortable and don’t even need Google Maps any more to
guide me (my dad won’t believe that one!). But it’s true! I’ve also totally
enjoyed all the service at each restaurant. Each server and bartender (two
bartenders know my name already—not sure if that’s good or bad) is so attentive
and genuinely seems to care to make sure I’ve had an exceptional experience,
which is something I always appreciate.
When I was at
Raleigh’s very own chocolate factory, Videri (I’ll get to that tomorrow in my
blog), the tour guide said, “I’ve lived in Raleigh my whole life and it just
keeps getting better and better.”
Would I be ready
to move in with Raleigh, so to speak? I don’t know if I could live here
permanently (it’s a little too hot), but after my inaugural visit, I’d gladly
come back and visit her (and eat and drink my way through…who’s with me…first
round is on me)!
Your Foodie Friend,
Dougy
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