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December 5, 2019 by Ron Wen

Overview: Starrlight Mead and Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro

Entry to the Plant in Pittsboro - nctriangledining.com
Entry to the Plant in Pittsboro – nctriangledining.com

While the Triangle continues to grow in popularity and population, interesting food and beverage type businesses are putting down stakes in a variety of interesting locations. Giving zoning restrictions, you’ll usually find breweries and distilleries in odd pockets around our major cities and off the beaten path. One spot that’s worth visiting is The Plant out in Pittsboro! Self-described as an eco-industrial park and in the Chatham Beverage District, The Plant offers up some interesting places to visit for a fun weekend: Fair Game Beverage and Starrlight Mead amongst several business options.

Front of Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro - nctriangledining.com
Front of Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro – nctriangledining.com
Tasting area at Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro - nctriangledining.com
Tasting area at Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro – nctriangledining.com

First up is the classic, Fair Game Beverage! This distillery offers up a short factory tour showing off its distilling operations, it’s a pretty quick visit. There’s a couple of distilling machines, aging room and shipping-packing room since Fair Game Beverage is a smaller, local spirits producer. They also do gift boxes which might be perfect for your favorite person this holiday season!

Gift boxes at Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro - nctriangledining.com
Gift boxes at Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro – nctriangledining.com
Tour of distillery at Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro - nctriangledining.com
Tour of distillery at Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro – nctriangledining.com
Barrel aging at Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro - nctriangledining.com
Barrel aging at Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro – nctriangledining.com

But what’s more fun is the tasting bar up front! Cozy and small, you’ll get to sample a variety of their liquors which is a BIT different then sampling beer or wine. Fair Game produces bottles like Flying Pepper vodka, apple brandy, No’lasses rum and more so you’ll have to drink and sip it slowly. Grab a couple of bottles on the way out to mix up some cocktails at home, Fair Game makes some good booze!

Bottles at Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro - nctriangledining.com
Bottles at Fair Game Beverage in Pittsboro – nctriangledining.com
Front of Starrlight Mead in Pittsboro - nctriangledining.com
Front of Starrlight Mead in Pittsboro – nctriangledining.com

After you’re done at Fair Game, head on over to Starrlight Mead which sits in a house at the front of the Plant’s entrance. If feels like a little cottage in the woods but it’s actually anything but that.

Starrlight Mead in Pittsboro - nctriangledining.com
Starrlight Mead in Pittsboro – nctriangledining.com

Inside Starrlight Mead you’ll find a large, open space with high ceilings showing of a mix of rustic and modern. Apparently they use this space for events in addition to a tasting room. Several retail areas are scattered throughout the large space where you can peruse and pick up a delicious bottle of mead. The tasting bar sits to the far right where you can sample 8 meads with souvenir glass for $10 which is a lot of fun. As a honey wine, mead is a lot easier on the throat compared to the liquors at Fair Game Beverage which makes for easier dranking!

Starrlight Mead in Pittsboro - nctriangledining.com
Starrlight Mead in Pittsboro – nctriangledining.com

Starrlight Mead makes their mead in bulk and then creates separate varieties by flavoring the mead with herbs, fruit and whatever else fancies the meadmaker! And they are all quite delicious and easy to drink but I’m sure you’ll have a favorite flavor and bottle to bring home. It’s all a very leisurely experience and worth the trip out here.

Tasting glass at Starrlight Mead in Pittsboro - nctriangledining.com
Tasting glass at Starrlight Mead in Pittsboro – nctriangledining.com

After a visit to Fair Game Beverage and Starrlight Mead, you might want to consider Postal Fish Company or Capps Pizzeria which offer up great seafood and pizza. Over the past two years, I’ve been spending more time out this way which is super interesting. Pittsboro and S. Chapel Hill are both starting to develop and new, cool businesses are popping up including Fair Game Beverage and Starrlight Mead.  Which give you just another fun spot to explore in the Triangle, enjoy!

 

Fair Game Beverage and Starrlight Mead

192 and 130 Lorax Lane

Pittsboro, NC

 

Location on Google maps

Filed Under: Overviews, Pittsboro Tagged With: distillery, wine

May 21, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

First Take: Vita Vite Bringing Art and Wine Together in One Space

Brick front of Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Brick front of Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

While breweries and beer bottle shops have been opening left and right in the Triangle, it always seemed to me that wine seemed to be lagging. Thankfully we recently got a new entry in the Triangle wine scene with Vita Vite in downtown Raleigh! Part art gallery, part wine bar and part retail, Vita Vite is pretty ambitious for what it brings to the neighborhood.

Stuffed seating at Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Stuffed seating at Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Located on the edge of the Warehouse District on Hargett Street, Vita Vite offers up an interesting combination of art gallery, wine and lounge in one very upscale space. At the front is Vita Vite’s covered patio with stuffed couches for wine drinking. Inside Vita Vite, you’ll find a visually interesting mix of art pieces, large front bar and even a fireplace. And in back you’ll find a small retail area of Southern goods along with more art and seating areas. You can tell immediately that a lot of work and money was put into the interior and decor.

Bar area at Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Bar area at Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

At the bar, Vita Vite has a smallish list of wines by the glass, some beer and cider along with some fancy mimosas. We grab a couple of glasses and hang out in the front seating area on stuffed chairs. Looking around the space it’s an interesting mix of people. Mostly 30 – 50 year old folks which is about right for a wine bar. It’s definitely a more stylish and mature space that won’t appeal to everyone but in a good way. Apparently there’s also an event space in the back where I think they’ll need to do a good business since off the street traffic can be unreliable. The lovely enclosed patio up front means great lounging for when the weather is nice.

Entry area at Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Entry area at Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

But they are off to a good start at Vita Vite! It’s a great looking space with a lot of color and texture for wine drinking. The addition of some charcuterie and cheese plates to the menu means you also have something to nosh on now at Vita Vite.  Definitely certainly check it out next time you’re in the Warehouse District. Vita Vite means life and vine in Italiano and I imagine you could do just that here: slow down your life a bit with a good glass of vino, cheers!

 

Vita Vite

313 W Hargett Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.803.3156

Location on Google maps

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Filed Under: Raleigh, Restaurant & Bar Reviews Tagged With: bar, wine

March 27, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

News: 2016 Hook & Vine Festival with the Wine Feed in Raleigh

HookVineLogo

Just a reminder about the upcoming Hook & Vine Festival brought to you by the Wine Feed and Locals Seafood! This tasty food and wine event is in its third year and offers up five seafood tasting plates with vine from the Wine Feed. The food menus are offered up by local restaurants: Centro, Provenance, Plates Neighborhood Kitchen, Capital Club 16 and Boiler Room Oyster bar. And it all goes down on April 24 from 12 – 4pm on S. Glenwood in Raleigh!

2015 Hook and Vine Festival, pic courtesy of the Wine Feed- NC Triangle Dining
2015 Hook and Vine Festival, pic courtesy of the Wine Feed- NC Triangle Dining
Plates from 2015 Hook and Vine Festival, pic courtesy of the Wine Feed- NC Triangle Dining
Plates from 2015 Hook and Vine Festival, pic courtesy of the Wine Feed- NC Triangle Dining

As a special bonus, celebrity chef Vivian Howard (Chef and the Farmer) will be participating in the event repping Boiler Room Oyster. If the weather is good, I can’t imagine a better way to while away a beautiful Sunday afternoon!

2016HookVineFestival-Tickets

While I haven’t hit up the Hook & Vine Festival personally, I’ve heard great things over the years. I mean, how can you go wrong with wine, good eats and some sunshine? And the Phils over at the Wine Feed consistently choose good bottles. Tickets are $40 each for one of two entry times and $50 for VIP which includes an extra hour and complimentary glass of champagne. So if you enjoy wine, if you enjoy seafood, check out the 3rd Hook & Vine seafood and wine festival on April 24!

 

3rd Annual Hook and Vine Festival

@Wine Feed

602 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.374.0036

 

Location on Google maps

Filed Under: Local Information, News-Upcoming, Raleigh Tagged With: Seafood, wine

September 4, 2014 by Ron Wen 4 Comments

Best Restaurants and Dining in Glenwood South, Raleigh!

 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Known for its dance clubs and bars, S. Glenwood still has its fair share of good eats and restaurants!  Running from Peace Street down to Hillsborough, this busy strip in Raleigh has some hidden dining gems if you take the time to look.  From pizza to Spanish, steak and Thai, you can find it all on this street along with its side-streets and then dance it off at one of the clubs nearby.

Patio at Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Patio at Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Pizza at Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Pizza at Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Starting at the northern end of S. Glenwood you’ll find Mellow Mushroom!  A pizza chain from the Southeast, Mellow Mushroom serves up consistently good pizza and sandwiches along with a nice selection of craft beers and margaritas.  Perfect for families or a quick lunch given casual service, don’t miss the Mellow Mushroom patio during good weather.  It’s a great spot to while away the afternoon or early evening and watch people go by!

Patio at Mojoe's Burger Joint, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Patio at Mojoe’s Burger Joint, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Sliders and rings at Mojoe's Burger Joint, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Sliders and rings at Mojoe’s Burger Joint, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Across the street from Mellow Mushroom is the ever-popular Mojoe’s Burger Joint!  A NC state classic, Mojoe’s offers up delicious hamburgers, fries and onion rings.  They do regular specials and don’t miss the specialty of the house, their Vortex burger.  A 6 oz. burger between two cheese sandwiches along with pickles, bacon and ketchup.  Mojoe’s also has decent patio and outdoor dining area when the weather is nice.

Neon sign at Sullivan's Steakhouse in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Neon sign at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Chocolate cake at Sullivan's Steakhouse in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Chocolate cake at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Further south you’ll run into Sullivan’s, a small chain of premium steakhouses. Known for their prime-aged beef and excellent service, I have yet to do a full sit-down dinner but have done several events here.  It’s a formal and classic feel restaurant with a bustling bar scene on Thursdays for its $5 martinis and bar menu.  But if you go full-price, I’d expect to spend about $60 to $75 per person.

PhoPhoPho-InteriorMenu

PhoPhoPho-GrilledPorkBunRolls

The new Pho Pho Pho is a hip and stylish eatery offering nouveau Vietnamese fare. From bun to banh mi and summer rolls, Pho Pho Pho does a more modern and slightly twisted version of popular Vietnamese classics. The interior is modern and stylish with high ceilings and lots of open spaces. The front windows open up to the action on S. Glenwood on warm evenings so enjoy this new option for eats!

Interior of Clockwork in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Interior of Clockwork in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Interior of Clockwork in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Interior of Clockwork in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Next on my S. Glenwood list is Clockwork on North Street! Part bar, part lounge and part snackatorium, you can do apps, pizzas and sandwiches here.  And while they have a limited menu, the mod interior and roll-up garage door makes for a great night when the evening weather is good.  Great for a quick snack and drink but you could put together a full meal if you’re really hungry.

Patio at Thaiphoon in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Patio at Thaiphoon in Raleigh, NC

Triangle Dining

Pad kee mao at Thaiphoon in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Pad kee mao at Thaiphoon in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

On the other side of Glenwood on North Street is the Thaiphoon Bistro which has been dishing up good and spicy eats for years!  A menu spanning all the Thai favorites plus additions like roti canai make this spot a forgotten gem.  Sit inside in the clean-designed dining room or outside on the small porch by their koi pond.  Everything here is reasonably priced and a good deal for the portion size.

Front of Plates in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Front of Plates in Raleigh, NC Triangle
Corn-crab beignets at Plates in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining
Corn-crab beignets at Plates in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Around the corner from Thaiphoon Bistro you’ll find Plates Neighborhood Kitchen, which shares a patio with them.  Known for it’s local, farm to table fare in international flavors, Plates has come on strong over the past six months.  It dishes out well-prepared food spanning a broad variety of cuisines but don’t miss out on their corn-crab fritters, yum!  Basic Southern eats at very good prices with excellent service.

Game room at the new Tobacco Road Sports Raleigh
Bar at the new Tobacco Road Sports Raleigh

A little further down the street is Tobacco Road Sports which does elevated bar food.  But you come here as much for the TV’s and big game as you do for the food.  Busy on any night with a big sporting event, Tobacco Road Sports also puts out very large portions for the price, make sure to order their huge nachos plate with chicken or steak.

Glenwood Avenue looking south, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Glenwood Avenue looking south, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

All I can say is, wow!  While S. Glenwood is known for its nightlife, there are plenty of good eating options here!  I didn’t even bother to mention Armadillo Grill, Sushi Blues, DeMo’s Pizza,  the Hibernian, Rockford or Napper Tandys, some other popular eating options.  And on busy weekend nights, you’ll also find food carts working the busy streets around the clubs.  So don’t sweat it if you’re looking for something to eat when you’re out on S. Glenwood because there are plenty of choices to keep you going after a night out on the town…

 

Great Restaurants and Dining on S. Glenwood, Raleigh

Mellow Mushroom (Pizza, Italian)  $

Mojoe’s Burger Joint (American, Burgers)  $

Sullivans (Steak)  $$$$

Pho Pho Pho (Vietnamese) $$

Clockwork (Pizza, Sandwiches)  $$

Thaiphoon  (Thai)  $$

Tobacco Road Sports Cafe (American) $$

Plates (Southern, American)  $$

Anise Pho (Vietnamese) $$

Sushi O (Japanese, Thai)  $$

$ = Under $10 $$ = $10 to $20 $$$ = $20 to $35 $$$$ = Over $35

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Save

Filed Under: Local Information, Overviews Tagged With: bars, wine

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