WRAL Out & About

Amber Watson started the Bites of Bull City blog, which covers the Durham restaurant scene, six years ago. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Watson has been able to continue her blog, highlighting some of her favorite restaurants to get take-out. We asked her to tell us some of her favorite take-out places. Check out the 2019 WRAL Voters' Choice Award winner for best blog Bites of Bull City - http...

Former WRAL anchor and current WRAL.com Voters' Choice Award Best Twitter winner Bill Leslie updates us on what he's been doing during the pandemic and tells us what Twitter accounts he loves following. Follow Bill Leslie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/wralbleslie And check out the WRAL.com Voters' Choice Award winners for 2019 - WRAL.com/vcas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

This week, we talk with Stir's new executive chef Heather Miro about what it was like starting a new job during the pandemic. Plus, we talk about her previous gig at a Disney resort and what new items on Stir's menu. Find out more about Stir Raleigh - https://stirraleigh.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Mukoyama of Raleigh's Tonbo Ramen talks about the secrets to great ramen, plus how his business has been affected during the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more about Tonbo Ramen - https://www.tonboramen.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prime BBQ in Knightdale opened its doors during a pandemic. Owner Christopher Prieto explains how they are navigating the coronavirus and why he is a self-confessed BBQ nerd. Learn more about Prime BBQ - https://prime-bbq.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does a buffet change its methods during a pandemic? That's the question we asked Baba Ghannouj owner Kaid Ghamayem on this week's podcast. Kaid had some great insight on what they are doing to still serve up a great buffet but safely. Learn more about Baba Ghannouj in RTP - https://www.babaghannoujbuffet.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carroll's Kitchen, a cafe in downtown Raleigh, gives jobs to women trying to escape domestic abuse, facing homelessness or dealing with other crises. This week, we talk with co-founder Vicky Ismail about how the business got started and what the future holds. Learn more about Carroll's Kitchen - https://www.carrollskitchen.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jackie Morin is a big fan of sugar, so it is natural that she has a business that is all about candy. She and her husband opened Wonderpuff, which makes gourmet cotton candy. After a successful pop-up shop in Durham in 2019, Morin is opening a permanent location at Boxyard RTP in Morrisville. Find out more about Wonderpuff - https://www.instagram.com/wonderpuff/ Learn more about your ad choices. V...

Australia's largest Mexican franchise Zambrero is expanding to Durham. Today we talk with Susie Deatherage, chief operating officer of Phoenix Restaurants, LLC, which owns Zambrero's Raleigh and Durham locations. Learn more about Zambrero - https://www.zambrero.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Locals Oyster Bar will open its second location on Friday, May 29, at the Durham Food Hall. On this episode we catch up with chef Eric Montagne and co-owner Lin Peterson to find out how business has been going at the Raleigh location and Locals Seafood. Check out Locals Seafood - http://localsseafood.com/ Check out Locals Oyster Bar - http://www.localsoysterbar.com/ Learn more about your ad choice...

Saltbox Seafood owner Ricky Moore went from wanting to become a graphic artist to cooking in the military and then going to culinary school. In this episode, Ricky tells us about his culinary journey, plus tells us how his business has dealt with COVID-19 concerns. Learn more about Saltbox Seafood - https://www.saltboxseafoodjoint.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Norse Brewing opened its doors in December 2019 and only a few months later they had to close again due to COVID-19. Brewmaster Brad Wynn used the two months they were closed to create 10 new beers for the menu. Find out more about their plans to reopen safely and what types of new beer you can expect. Norse Brewing - https://norsebrewingco.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

Pastry chef Daniel Benjamin opened Lucettegrace in downtown Raleigh more than five years ago. Now, he is preparing to reopen after being closed due to the coronavirus. Find out more about lucettegrace - https://lucettegrace.com/ and follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lucettegrace/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Executive pastry chef Andrew Ullom left famed chef Ashley Christensen's restaurant group last year to open Union Special bakeshop and cafe. Not even open a year, the business has responded to the coronvairus pandemic by trying to feed as many people in need as they can.  Learn more about Union Special - https://www.unionspecialbread.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic...

Kim Hammer opened Bittersweet, a dessert bar in downtown Raleigh, six years ago. A few years ago, local grocery store Raleigh Provisions followed. Now, Hammer is balancing keeping her businesses open during the coronavirus pandemic. We talk with Hammer about what her businesses are doing differently and why the state government considering to-go cocktail sales was a glimmer of hope for restaurants...

It has been five years in the making. Durham Food Hall is finally opening its doors and we talk to founder Adair Mueller about the challenges they are facing opening during a pandemic. Find out more about Durham Food Hall including a list of vendors - https://durhamfoodhall.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Linda Eats World blogger Linda Nguyen is offering free photo shoots to local businesses. On this episode she talks about getting takeout, her fiance playing video games and tries not to stress out about her fall wedding. Connect with Linda Eats World - https://www.instagram.com/lindaeatsworld/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh DeCarolis, the co-owner of Mothers and Sons, talks about a new venture, Alimentari, an Italian butcher and grocery store in Raleigh and now Durham. Order from Alimentari in Raleigh - https://www.instagram.com/alimentari_at_left_bank/ Order from Alimentari in Durham - https://www.instagram.com/alimentariatmothersandsons/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tabletop Media's Kristen Baughman helped launch Wake County's first food hub, Kommunity. She tells us how the project got started and what makes it unique! Learn more about Tabletop Media https://www.tabletopmediagroup.com/ and the Kommunity Hub https://www.koancary.com/kommunity-hub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wedding planner Aneesa Glines is used to helping couples celebrate their big day, but now she is figuring out how to help them reschedule everything due to the coronavirus. We talk to Aneesa about the changes her business is going through and a fun hobby she has turned into a side hustle! Harmony Weddings - https://www.harmonyweddingsevents.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

WRAL reporter Mikaya Thurmond followed in her mother's footsteps by going into television. At a very early age, Mikaya starred on her own talk show. On today's podcast, Mikaya reflects on her childhood, talks about what it's like working from home and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WRAL anchor Renee Chou loves being a mom. Her daughter, Elsa, is turning 6 years old this weekend - making it a special Mother's Day weekend. On this episode Renee talks about what it is like working from home - she anchors the news from her guest room - plus what it is like being a mom! Plus, little Elsa drops by for a special appearance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...

WRAL anchor Kathryn Brown is a triathlete and mother of three. She's currently broadcasting the news straight from her guest room during the coronavirus pandemic. Brown talks about a little about how she is handling her full house - which also includes a new puppy - plus why her mom is her best friend! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Owner Craig Wilkins shares details about what you can expect at The Butcher's Market, including their array of prepared meals. This family owned business is also planning to expand! Visit The Butcher's Market online - https://www.thebutchersmarkets.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Durham Bulls would normally be on the field, but the coronavirus pandemic has closed the ballpark. What are they doing to stay busy? We talk with the Bulls' Director of Marketing Ben Devore about what they have been up to, including ways they are helping feed local healthcare workers. Learn more about the Durham Bulls' Pizza and Popsicles project - https://www.milb.com/durham/community/pizza-a...