Ah, Durham – the vibrant heart of North Carolina’s thriving food scene. As the weather begins to warm and the first signs of spring emerge, locals and visitors alike eagerly await the abundance of fresh, locally-sourced produce that will soon grace the menus of our beloved pubs and restaurants.
But what if I told you that these seasonal delights aren’t just for savoring on their own? No, my friends, the true magic happens when you pair them with the perfect refreshing libation. Imagine sipping on a crisp, citrusy cocktail as you sink your teeth into a juicy, vine-ripened tomato. Or indulging in a frothy, floral-infused beer alongside a plate of freshly-picked berries. The possibilities for flavor exploration are endless!
So, let’s dive in and discover how to elevate your drinking experience by exploring the vibrant flavors of Durham’s produce and the talented bartenders who are masterfully crafting cocktails, brews, and beyond to complement them.
Quench Your Thirst with Durham’s Craft Beverage Scene
When it comes to finding the perfect pairing for Durham’s seasonal produce, you’ll want to look no further than the city’s thriving craft beverage scene. From the hoppy, complex brews of Hi-Wire Brewing to the inventive, seasonally-inspired cocktails at newcomers like The Velvet Hippo, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
“There’s no greater combo than hot pizza and cold beer,” says the team at Hi-Wire Brewing, showcasing their commitment to pairing their balanced, approachable brews with the mouthwatering Neapolitan pies and Italian specialties offered by their neighbors at Cugino Forno. And for those craving something a little more spirited, The Velvet Hippo’s imaginative cocktail menu and moody, vintage-inspired ambiance provide the perfect backdrop for an evening of indulgence.
Underline: Craft beverage enthusiasts in Durham are in for a treat, as the city’s burgeoning scene offers endless opportunities to explore the art of pairing seasonal produce with refreshing libations.
Embracing Alfresco Dining and Drinking
As the weather warms and the days grow longer, Durham’s vibrant outdoor dining and drinking scene comes alive. From the hidden gem that is Weldon Mills Distillery’s patio to the retro rooftop oasis of The Roof at The Durham, there are plenty of picturesque spots to savor seasonally-inspired sips and bites.
“In North Carolina, we’re incredibly lucky to have a significant portion of the year be perfect for outdoor dining,” says Shannon Healy, owner of Alley Twenty Six, whose charming alleyway pop-up, Islands in the Alley, is a must-visit for those craving tropical-inspired cocktails and dishes.
And let’s not forget about Boxyard RTP, a vibrant collection of repurposed shipping containers that offers an array of food and beverage options, from craft beer and cocktails to Korean fusion fare and barbecue. With its expansive pavilions and lively ambiance, Boxyard RTP is the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine while indulging in the season’s freshest flavors.
Underline: Durham’s alfresco dining and drinking scene is the ultimate backdrop for exploring the marriage of local produce and refreshing libations.
Highlighting Seasonal Ingredients
As the seasons shift, Durham’s talented chefs and bartenders eagerly await the arrival of the next wave of fresh, locally-sourced produce. And when those first ripe, juicy tomatoes or fragrant, vibrant herbs make their appearance, you can bet they’ll be the stars of the show.
“We want to have a program that is equally fun and creative but balanced and elegant,” says Mustafa Ramadanovic, the general manager and beverage director at Krill, a newcomer to the Durham dining scene that celebrates the flavors of Southeast Asia. Ramadanovic’s carefully curated sake selection and Asian-inspired cocktails are the perfect complement to Executive Chef Jason Lawless’ seasonally-driven menu.
And over at The Up & Under Pub, the team is always on the lookout for ways to showcase the bounty of Durham’s local farms. “We love working with our neighbors to source the freshest, most flavorful ingredients,” shares the restaurant’s manager. “Whether it’s pairing a crisp, summery cocktail with vine-ripened tomatoes or highlighting the natural sweetness of just-picked berries in one of our desserts, our goal is to let the produce shine.”
Underline: Durham’s culinary talent is unparalleled when it comes to showcasing the vibrant flavors of the season’s best produce.
Elevating the Drinking Experience
But it’s not just the chefs who are getting in on the action – Durham’s talented bartenders are also stepping up their game, crafting innovative libations that celebrate the local bounty.
Take, for example, the team at The Roof at The Durham, who recommend pairing their “For the Skipper” cocktail – a refreshing blend of gin, Dolin Blanc, Old Bay-spiced vinegar, celery bitters, and pickled onion – with a round of North Carolina oysters. Or consider the “Livin La Vida Cocoa Tropic” from Alley Twenty Six‘s Islands in the Alley pop-up, a delightful tropical-inspired cocktail that showcases the alcohol produced in island nations like Scotland and Japan.
And let’s not forget about the team at Hi-Wire Brewing, who are constantly innovating to create the perfect pairings for their balanced, approachable brews. Whether it’s a crisp, refreshing lager to complement a summery salad or a rich, malty stout to balance out the bold flavors of a hearty stew, the brewers at Hi-Wire are masters at bringing out the best in both their beer and the accompanying cuisine.
Underline: Durham’s bartenders and brewers are elevating the drinking experience by crafting libations that seamlessly complement the season’s freshest produce.
Embracing the Art of the Pairing
The true magic, however, happens when you bring it all together – the fresh, locally-sourced produce, the innovative craft beverages, and the talented culinary and beverage professionals who are passionate about showcasing the best of what Durham has to offer.
“Sake is simultaneously the simplest and most complex thing ever,” says Mustafa Ramadanovic, the general manager and beverage director at Krill. “It’s not only a drink, it’s a part of tradition. I truly appreciate how sake not only brings flavors together in cuisine, but also how it brings people together.”
And that’s the essence of what makes Durham’s seasonal sipping experiences so special. It’s not just about the individual components, but the way they come together to create a truly memorable and indulgent dining and drinking experience.
So the next time you find yourself in Durham, be sure to keep an open mind and let your taste buds guide you on a delicious journey of seasonal discovery. Who knows, you might just stumble upon the perfect pairing that will forever change the way you experience the bounty of this vibrant city.
Underline: Embracing the art of pairing seasonal produce with refreshing libations is the key to unlocking a truly elevated drinking experience in Durham.
