Unleashing the Flavors of Durham’s Dining Scene
As a true foodie at heart, I’ve always been on a quest to uncover the most captivating dining destinations. And let me tell you, Durham has completely swept me off my feet. This vibrant city is a veritable treasure trove of culinary adventures, where the flavors are as diverse as the personalities that bring them to life.
Recently, I had the opportunity to embark on a delectable journey through Durham’s dining scene, and let me assure you, it was a sensory experience like no other. From the moment I stepped foot in this bustling city, my taste buds were primed and ready to be dazzled. And let me tell you, Durham did not disappoint.
Curry Up Now: Where Indian Cuisine Meets California Cool
One of the first spots that caught my eye was the newly opened Curry Up Now, a franchise that’s hailing all the way from the West Coast. As soon as I stepped through the doors, I was transported to a vibrant, flavor-forward world of Indian-Cali street food.
The concept, which started as a food truck back in 2009, has since evolved into a fast-casual haven for those seeking an out-of-the-box take on Indian cuisine. And let me tell you, they’ve nailed it. From the tikka masala burrito to the Indian-inspired poutine, every dish is a delightful fusion of familiar flavors with a modern twist.
What really caught my eye, though, was their naan pizza. I mean, who would have thought that the humble naan could be elevated to such culinary heights? But Curry Up Now has done just that, offering a unique and utterly irresistible spin on a classic.
As I sat there, savoring each bite and sip of my refreshing mango lassi, I couldn’t help but marvel at the way this restaurant seamlessly blends the bold flavors of India with the laid-back vibes of California. It’s a culinary fusion that truly speaks to the adventurous spirit of Durham’s dining scene.
Co: Sushi, Ramen, and Asian Fusion Delights
But Curry Up Now wasn’t the only newcomer that had me captivated. Just a short drive away, I discovered Co, the Southeast Asian restaurant that’s bringing a whole new level of culinary excitement to Southpoint Mall.
What I loved most about Co was the sheer variety of their menu. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, ramen, or even a hearty rice bowl, this place has got you covered. And the best part? They’ve got some seriously impressive happy hour specials to boot.
As I settled into one of the cozy booths, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the sophisticated yet approachable vibe of the restaurant. The spacious, modern interior and the large covered patio create the perfect ambiance for a refreshing summer evening.
But the real star of the show, in my opinion, was the hand-crafted cocktails and Asian fusion desserts. I indulged in a perfectly balanced yuzu cheesecake that had my taste buds singing with delight. It was the perfect pairing to my spicy-yet-nuanced drunken noodles, and I found myself wishing I had more room to sample the entire menu.
Anjappar: Bringing the Flavors of South India to Durham
Durham’s dining scene isn’t just about the new kids on the block, though. As I continued my culinary exploration, I stumbled upon a local gem that’s been quietly making waves in the community – Anjappar.
This recently opened Indian restaurant is a true standout, specializing in the rich and complex flavors of South Indian cuisine. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I could tell that this place was something special.
The menu is a veritable treasure trove of South Indian classics, from the mouthwatering dosa to the Parotta Tawa breads. But what really caught my attention was their Biryani rice. Cooked to perfection in a fragrant curry, the Biryani was a true revelation, with layers of spice and depth that had me coming back for more.
As I savored each bite, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Durham has always been known for its diverse culinary landscape, but Anjappar takes it to a whole new level, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and underrepresented world of South Indian cuisine.
Healthy Indulgences: Bowls, Salads, and Smoothies Galore
Of course, Durham’s dining scene isn’t just about indulgence – it’s also about nourishing the body and soul. And let me tell you, the city has some seriously impressive healthy options to offer.
Take Will & Well, for instance. This minority-owned eatery is all about giving people the “will to live well,” and they do it with a menu packed to the brim with fresh, vibrant ingredients. From their signature salads to the hearty bowls, every dish is a celebration of local, sustainable sourcing.
But Will & Well isn’t the only healthy haven in town. Nautical Bowls has also made a splash, offering plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free acai and smoothie bowls that are as beautiful as they are delicious. And let’s not forget about Boxyard RTP, where the recently opened Will & Well has joined forces with other healthy powerhouses like Nautical Bowls to create a veritable oasis of nutritious delights.
But the true gem in this healthy food revolution has to be El Tesoro, a Mexican spot that’s just a stone’s throw away in Chapel Hill. While not technically in Durham, this place is definitely worth the short drive. Their breakfast-all-day menu, handmade tortillas, and house-made salsas had me feeling like I had stumbled upon a little piece of Mexico right here in the Triangle.
Elevated Pizza Perfection: Emmy Squared’s Detroit-Style Delight
Of course, no culinary exploration of Durham would be complete without a deep dive into the city’s pizza scene. And let me tell you, the recent arrival of Emmy Squared has taken things to a whole new level.
This Detroit-style pizza joint has quickly become a local favorite, offering a unique twist on the classic pie. With its fluffy center and crispy, cheesy edges, the Emmy Squared crust is a true work of art. And the toppings? Well, let’s just say they’re anything but ordinary.
As I sat on the family and pet-friendly patio, sipping on a refreshing cocktail and savoring every bite of my garlic knots and waffle fries, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer creativity and attention to detail that goes into every dish. It’s the kind of pizza that makes you want to linger, to savor every moment, and to maybe even order a second slice (or three).
Burgers, Tenders, and a Dash of Americana: Patty Boy’s Smashburger Delight
But let’s not forget about the other culinary gems that have recently graced Durham’s bustling food scene. Take Patty Boy, for instance – the new smashburger spot that’s bringing a healthy dose of Americana to the Durham Food Hall.
As I stepped up to the counter, I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the sizzle of the 100% beef patties being smashed to perfection on the grill. And let me tell you, the end result was nothing short of mouthwatering. The crispy edges, the juicy interior, and the perfectly melted cheese – it was a burger lover’s dream come true.
But Patty Boy isn’t just about the burgers. Oh no, they’ve got chicken tenders, tater tots, and even those classic big gulp fountain drinks that take me straight back to my childhood. It’s the kind of place that’s just begging to be shared with friends and family, where you can kick back, relax, and indulge in a little slice of Americana.
Icy Delights and Frozen Delicacies: Durham’s Sweet Tooth Sensation
Of course, no culinary adventure would be complete without a little something sweet. And Durham has certainly stepped up to the plate when it comes to satisfying those sugary cravings.
From the Caribbean-inspired flavors of Localicious to the classic comfort of Bull City Confectionaries’ mini bundt cakes, there’s no shortage of icy and sweet delights to be discovered in this vibrant city. And let’s not forget about the arrival of Andias Ice Cream, the family-owned local favorite that’s now setting up shop at The Can Opener food truck park.
But perhaps the most intriguing sweet spot I stumbled upon was Pistachio, a Persian-inspired ice cream parlor that’s truly pushing the boundaries of what ice cream can be. With flavors like ginger, rosewater, and saffron, this place is a true revelation, offering a unique and aromatic twist on the classic scoop.
As I savored each creamy bite, I couldn’t help but feel transported to a different time and place. It was a reminder that Durham’s dining scene is so much more than just the traditional – it’s a melting pot of flavors and cultures, all coming together to create something truly extraordinary.
Cocktails, Caffeine, and Community: Durham’s Beverage Revolution
But let’s not forget about the liquid delights that are elevating Durham’s dining experience to new heights. From the high-tech entertainment of State of Golf’s indoor golf and sports simulator lounge to the cozy charm of Joe Van Gogh’s new SouthCourt location, this city has truly become a hub for innovative and captivating beverage experiences.
And let’s not forget about the arrival of 1947, the collaborative cafe that’s bringing together the flavors of Ethiopia and Korea in a modern, community-driven setting. As I sipped on my perfectly balanced ginger-sesame cocktail, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder at the way this place seamlessly blends diverse culinary influences.
But the real standout in Durham’s beverage revolution has to be the soon-to-open Proximity Brewing, the city’s first Black-owned brewery. With a focus on North Carolina-sourced ingredients and collaborations with local powerhouses like Fullsteam, this place is sure to become a hub for craft beer enthusiasts and community-minded individuals alike.
Rediscovering Durham’s Comfort Food Classics
Of course, Durham’s dining scene isn’t just about the new and the innovative. The city has also been busy rediscovering and revitalizing its classic comfort food staples.
And let’s not forget about the highly anticipated reopening of Nana’s, the iconic Durham restaurant that’s been reimagined and reinvented under new ownership. With a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu that pays homage to the restaurant’s French and Italian roots, Nana’s is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly memorable dining experience.
Embracing Durham’s Diverse and Vibrant Food Scene
As I reflect on my culinary adventure through Durham, I’m struck by the sheer diversity and vibrancy of the city’s dining landscape. From the bold, flavor-forward creations of Curry Up Now to the refined, regional focus of Anjappar, there’s something to satisfy every palate and every craving.
And what truly sets Durham apart is the way it seamlessly blends the old and the new, the traditional and the innovative. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic comfort food feast or a cutting-edge cocktail experience, this city has got you covered.
So, if you’re looking to embark on your own culinary odyssey, I can’t think of a better place to start than right here in Durham. With its boundless energy, its unwavering dedication to quality, and its sheer passion for the art of dining, this city is a true haven for any food lover.
The Up & Under Pub is the perfect starting point for your Durham dining adventure. With its cozy atmosphere, extensive beer selection, and mouthwatering menu, it’s the perfect place to refuel and recharge before you set out to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your appetite and get ready to discover the most intriguing food and cocktail pairings that Durham has to offer. This is one culinary journey you won’t soon forget.
