Features
How Chef Michael Lee turned early food memories into a thriving restaurant group across the Triangle
By Dathan Kazsuk | Long before M Sushi became one of the Triangle’s most talked-about restaurants, and before Durham became the center of his growing M Restaurants world, Lee was a 10-year-old kid who came to the United States from Korea with his family in the mid-1980s. His parents brought him and his older brother here for “better education” and “more opportunity,” but that opportunity came with long factory hours and parents who were out the door before the boys woke up and not home again until evening.
Roots for Reece brings chefs and community together to turn remembrance into action
By Dathan Kazsuk | Roots for Reece began with grief. Chef Blake Gotliffe founded the event in memory of his friend Reece Byrd, remembered by those who knew him as generous, full of life, and happiest when people were gathered together. After Byrd died, Gotliffe and his wife wanted to honor him in a way that felt real—not polished, corporate, or distant.
A conversation with jewelry designer Kenda Kistenmacher
By Sofia Lujan | Kenda Kistenmacher is the founder and designer behind the Raleigh-based jewelry brand Kenda Kist—a collection of hand-forged, everyday fine jewelry rooted in metal design and craftsmanship. Her creative journey began in Iowa and was shaped by formal training in the metal design program at East Carolina University, where she developed a love for sculptural, wearable pieces with a “classic with a twist” aesthetic.
The local bakeshops that are skipping the hype and sticking to what works
By Deanna Martinez | In a world filled with towering milkshakes, glitter-drenched cupcakes, and desserts designed more for Instagram feeds than plates, some bakers are sticking to the classics, proving that simple desserts still have plenty of magic.
Rod Brind’Amour: Reaching Milestones, Making Memories
Story by Kurt Dusterberg Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour spends most of his days living in the moment. For the past 37 years, his life has revolved around the National Hockey League’s schedule, where it takes 82 games across 6 months just to reach the playoffs. So it may come as a surprise that he
Botiwalla Opens at Raleigh Iron Works
The James Beard Award-winning Chai Pani Restaurant Group brings its kabab-and-chaat concept Botiwalla to Raleigh Iron Works on June 2.
Departments
DRIFT Coffee & Kitchen Opens at Raleigh’s Dix Park
DRIFT Coffee & Kitchen opens its newest Raleigh location at The Weld near Dix Park with a grand opening weekend featuring cycling and giveaways.
Meet Megan Martin and the Story Behind 1923 Travel
By Dathan Kazsuk | The founder of 1923 Travel talks Disney, cruising, family vacations—and why the best trips sometimes require a little help.
NC Chefs Unite for Kindled for Good in Clayton
By Dathan Kazsuk | Blake Gotliffe is bringing some of NC’s top culinary talent to Clayton for a five-event live-fire dining series benefiting the Autism Society of North Carolina.
Raleigh’s Picture in My Head Turns Kids’ Art Into Fashion
Raleigh entrepreneur Bert Nowell’s Picture in My Head transforms children’s original artwork into one-of-a-kind clothing that celebrates creativity.
Longevity Is the New Luxury at Regenesis MD
Medicine usually waits for disease to show up, then treats it. At Regenesis MD, we ask something else first.
Design Within Reach to Open at North Hills
Design Within Reach, the modern furniture, lighting, and décor retailer, will open Friday, Aug. 21, at 4351 The Circle at North Hills Ave., Suite 103.
