Port City Foodies Newsletter: What moms want and more in this week's food-and-drink news
Welcome to the weekly Port City Foodies newsletter brought to you by me, StarNews reporter Allison Ballard. It’s been a busy food week in the Wilmington area. Changes are afoot at Smoke on the Water, and on this downtown Wilmington block. Do you know a new bar and pizza restaurant is on the way to Grace Street? And I had a chance to talk with Tacobaby’s new chef who (yes!) said she’d like to eventually bring her mole recipe to some dishes at the restaurant. When she does, I’ll let you know. Until then, here’s a look at what's happening.
Change in the air, and on the water
As I mentioned, changes are happening on Grace Street. You might not have noticed, though, because this downtown block hasn’t been the easiest to access with the nearby construction. Trust me, though, it’s worth a look. I'm already waiting to try the fresh bread and affogato at Dough House Pizza Co.
Also this week, some long-time employees were understandably upset about changes happening at Smoke on the Water. While that’s never fun, it does mark a new chapter for the restaurant, with a new partner. You can read more here.
More: Look for new chef, restaurant and bar on Grace Street in downtown Wilmington
On the business
While local chefs and mixologists are doing their thing for statewide honors in a culinary contest hosted by the N.C. Restaurant & Lodging Association, food-and-drink businesses are making news, too.
For one, an Asheville kombucha maker (that has also expanded to a whole line of fermented beverages) will be opening its third production facility in Wilmington, in the former TRU Colors brewery near downtown. That’s expected to open later this year. But there’s also this list of restaurants (and similar businesses) that have opened in Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover counties in recent weeks.
More: Meet the Wilmington-area chefs and mixologists in a statewide culinary competition
Moms and more
You know who loves food? Moms! Do you have plans for the best mother in your life yet? Well, it might be last minute, but there are still some options. Of course there’s brunch. Lots of local restaurants are offering special menus – and one of them, Seabird, was recently named one of the 100 best brunch restaurants in the country.
If you want to do something a little different, check out this list of May events, which includes Mother’s Day markets, ideas for combining ice cream and fresh flowers, as well as a Shop & Sip: Boutique & Bar Crawl event where you and mom can sip wine and cocktails and take advantage of discounts at almost a dozen local, women-owned businesses in downtown Wilmington. Read more here.
More: From bourbon to brunch to beach, Wilmington food and drink events to check out in May
Let’s get social
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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Port City Foodies newsletter
