That was an unforgettable summer. The civic unrest and calls for justice in response to the brutal slayings of Black women and men. The nervous and volatile energy of an election year. A pandemic that’s changed our lives and impacted livelihoods, in both small and devastating ways.
Yet, every day, so many courageous citizens step forward to take care of others in need and fight these important battles. Even with all the weight on our shoulders and on our minds, we all grasp at some concept of normalcy as each day slips by so quickly.
There are still some constants, and one is our adventurous, bold and indomitable chefs. Our bars, restaurants, distilleries, breweries and bakeries are reinventing their businesses in ways that they never imagined, and I wish them all success and prosperity. They need our support now more than ever.
Which I am eager – hungry? – to provide, if that means ordering takeout and dining in socially distant configurations. Thank goodness we live in Durham, where our dining scene was first-rate pre-coronavirus and where those same restaurants have harnessed that Bull City grit to reimagine serving customers, keep as many employees paid as possible and, somehow, also give back to those who need it most. I have such a reverence for these culinary champions … and not only because I just polished off an ice-cream sandwich from Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings and Sweets.
We cover a handful of restaurant stories and updates beginning on page 42 with a few suggestions for ways you can shop, eat and drink local, turning their offerings into at-home date ideas, followed by a checkup with how other eateries are faring, who is stepping up to help the community, and then rounding out the course with a couple of dessert highlights, just for good measure.
While I would like to see Durham in a better place come this time next year, I don’t want to lose any of the businesses and character that got us here in the first place. As happens with our Food Issue every year, I know we’re just skimming the surface of our amazing foodie city. If you know of a story that deserves our attention, please, drop me a line. – Amanda MacLaren
THE 11TH ANNUAL FOOD & DRINK ISSUE
42 It’s a Date
Make staying in special with these fun at-home ideas
50 Food is Love
These restaurants bring new meaning to ‘comfort food’
52 Restaurant Possible
Ten eateries share how they’ve adapted in the age of the pandemic
60 Count Your Blessings
Heavenly Groceries provides food for the soul
61 Dessert Course
Children’s cookbook author publishes the ultimate kids’ guide to cupcakes
62 Sugar Rush
Local baker serves up vegan goodies
64 Slice of Life
Catching up with brothers Angelo Marrone and Vincenzo Marrone of Italian Pizzeria III as their West Franklin Street restaurant celebrates 40 years
FEATURES
66 What We’re Eating
News from our restaurant community, plus local dishes we love
70 Across County Lines
Three families – who all live near the borders of Durham, Orange and Chatham counties – know how to make the most of outdoor living spaces
98 Take a Hike
As summer shifts to fall, spend some time outdoors at our major parks and hiking trails in Orange, Durham and Chatham counties
104 Keep It Casual
Stylish and versatile fall fashions for the home office or when you’re on the go
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS
6 In Memoriam
Arturo Ciompi: 1949 – 2020
10 Go. See. Do.
Our best bets for early fall
16 Noted
What we’ve heard around town …
124 Engagements & Weddings
Tying the knot in style
INC.
118 Local Tourism Takes a COVID-19 Hit
Massive drop in visitation numbers and occupancy rates anticipated this year
PEOPLE & PLACES
12 StrongHER TogetHER’s Durham Girls’ Book Club
SPONSORED CONTENT
22 Healthy Durham
Taking care of mind and body
24 Adopt A Pet
Three cats are waiting on their forever homes as they are being fostered through the Animal Protection Society of Durham
