The doors to Momentum Distillery have only been open for about six months, but the release of its North Carolina-shaped vodka bottle has been years in the making for owner Hunter Ford.  Ford patented the idea for the bottle years ago, when he was working on creative place-based branding for Momentum Surf and Skate, a downtown business he owned until 2019.  ...

Pumpkin spice lattes and warm apple cider aren’t the only seasonal drinks Wilmington residents can anticipate sipping as the weather cools down. Beginning Oct. 5, pours of an award-winning bourbon from a North Carolina distillery will be available at five downtown locales: Brooklyn Arts Center, Dram & Draught, Front Street Brewery, manna and Rebellion NC.  ...

Lions of a sort will be on the menu at Rx Chicken & Oysters in Wilmington, the restaurant’s owners announced Monday. In their most recent Facebook post, James and Sarah Doss said that the restaurant has obtained commercial fishing and dealer’s licenses, enabling it to prepare and serve fish that its owners and staffers catch and spear.   “We ar ...

Bagels are on the rise in Wilmington thanks to Phil Santomassi, a true “bagel meister.”  The bagel connoisseur is once again bringing his love for the doughy staple to the area. After opening, running and selling a total of eight other locations, including the popular Beach Bagels, Donut Inn and Mr. Bagel Meister, Santomassi is continuing his run with t ...

A chef and a farmer walked into a storefront.   The outcome of that happy encounter, CraftGrown Market, opened its doors earlier this month at 603 Castle St. in Wilmington.   “There was nowhere within walking distance of here to buy food. We have a small footprint of space but you can leave with just today’s or three-to-five days’ worth of g ...

Shaka Taco, the popular taco joint located in Surf City, is preparing to open a new restaurant in Hampstead. Though located next to Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden instead of the ocean, much will be the same. The Hampstead Shaka Taco will have a laid-back, casual atmosphere and will feature fresh, locally sourced food, according to owners Steve Christian and Cody Leutg ...

The Eagle will land in October on North Third Street.   After months of anticipation, The Eagle’s Dare, a cocktail bar and beer garden, will hold its grand opening Oct. 1. Owner Joe Apkarian has dubbed the event Rocktoberfest, and it promises a confluence of food, drink and music in the establishment’s parking lot.   “We are throwing a parki ...

Taste of the Town is back. The annual fundraiser aimed at supporting Thalian Hall is returning to the stage after a two-year pause during the pandemic. “We are so excited to have Taste of the Town return. It serves as one of our premier events throughout the year and it’s purely a benefit for Thalian Hall,” said managing director Jarrett Donmoyer. &nbs ...

Giorgios Nicholas Bakatsias is bringing a slice of Greece to Wilmington. Bakatsias, the head of Giorgios Hospitality Group, is an award-winning restaurateur who owns several renowned restaurants in the Raleigh/Durham area. Kipos Hellenic Cuisine is the latest addition to his empire.   Kipos is an upscale restaurant that emphasizes fresh seafood. It aims to serve the ...

It all started with two childhood friends. John Thompson and Paul Lore grew up two houses down from each other in New York. The two even started school together and were in the same kindergarten class. That friendship has lasted for 45 years and now, the friends and business partners are opening a new Italian eatery in Leland. Both are excited to bring something new to ...