Raleigh Gets Trendy With Two New Food Halls

RALEIGH — Morgan Street Food Hall is set to open July 23 with a goal to showcase local eateries, restaurants and food retailers. Dining tenants so far include Bella’s Wood-Fired Pizza and Tapas (with seasonal small plates), Boba Brew (for bubble tea delights) and Curry in a Hurry (to satiate authentic Indian cuisine cravings).

CHAPEL HILL — Meanwhile, Blue Dogwood Public Market celebrated its grand opening June 15-17 with an array of permanent food vendors spread throughout the indoor market space. Patrons got a taste of gluten-free items from Pizzelle Bakery, handmade sweets from Chocolatay Confections, Persian dishes from Rumi Persian Café, and more.

DURHAM — Chef Scott Howell, an eight-time James Beard Award semifinalist, announced the closure of his restaurant Nana’s at the end of June. The fine-dining spot first opened in 1992, and Howell came to be known for a “signature uniform” of chef whites and shorts paired with a ball cap. The restaurant itself is known for a wine list worthy of Wine Spectator Magazine’s Award of Excellence and dishes that were destined to be served over a white tablecloth. The restaurant staff posted on Facebook: “It has truly been an amazing journey.”

DURHAM — On a lighter note, Howell and chef Rick Robinson aim to open a new eatery called DeeLuxe Chicken to put fried chicken in the spotlight in July. The restaurant is a spinoff of the idea of Nanataco, a fast-casual eatery Howell is involved in. Nanataco offers $5 margaritas daily and mainstays like burrito bowls, nachos with queso and chili house chorizo “fondito” with chips.