Features
How Chef Michael Lee turned early food memories into a thriving restaurant group across the Triangle
By Dathan Kazsuk | Long before M Sushi became one of the Triangle’s most talked-about restaurants, and before Durham became the center of his growing M Restaurants world, Lee was a 10-year-old kid who came to the United States from Korea with his family in the mid-1980s. His parents brought him and his older brother here for “better education” and “more opportunity,” but that opportunity came with long factory hours and parents who were out the door before the boys woke up and not home again until evening.
Roots for Reece brings chefs and community together to turn remembrance into action
By Dathan Kazsuk | Roots for Reece began with grief. Chef Blake Gotliffe founded the event in memory of his friend Reece Byrd, remembered by those who knew him as generous, full of life, and happiest when people were gathered together. After Byrd died, Gotliffe and his wife wanted to honor him in a way that felt real—not polished, corporate, or distant.
A conversation with jewelry designer Kenda Kistenmacher
By Sofia Lujan | Kenda Kistenmacher is the founder and designer behind the Raleigh-based jewelry brand Kenda Kist—a collection of hand-forged, everyday fine jewelry rooted in metal design and craftsmanship. Her creative journey began in Iowa and was shaped by formal training in the metal design program at East Carolina University, where she developed a love for sculptural, wearable pieces with a “classic with a twist” aesthetic.
The local bakeshops that are skipping the hype and sticking to what works
By Deanna Martinez | In a world filled with towering milkshakes, glitter-drenched cupcakes, and desserts designed more for Instagram feeds than plates, some bakers are sticking to the classics, proving that simple desserts still have plenty of magic.
Rod Brind’Amour: Reaching Milestones, Making Memories
Story by Kurt Dusterberg Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour spends most of his days living in the moment. For the past 37 years, his life has revolved around the National Hockey League’s schedule, where it takes 82 games across 6 months just to reach the playoffs. So it may come as a surprise that he
Botiwalla Opens at Raleigh Iron Works
The James Beard Award-winning Chai Pani Restaurant Group brings its kabab-and-chaat concept Botiwalla to Raleigh Iron Works on June 2.
Departments
Stellar: Where Raleigh Comes Together in Five Points
Some of life’s most meaningful moments happen around the table. From celebrations and reunions to first dates and family dinners.
Escape to Grandover Resort, Just an Hour from Raleigh
Escape to Grandover Resort & Spa for a relaxing NC getaway with golf, spa treatments, dining, cocktails, and Southern charm near Raleigh.
The Perfect Storm: The 2026 Stanley Cup Champions
By Kurt Dusterberg | When the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 to win the Stanley Cup on June 14, players and fans finally could exhale.
How a café in downtown Raleigh feeds our hunger for human connection
By Amanda Lamb | In this column, I’ll focus on stories about people that are shrinking the space between us—people who have consciously decided to meaningfully connect in a digital age. It takes effort, but it’s worth it. I promise.
A Different Side of Savannah: Staying at The Ann
By Jennifer Primrose |. A stay at The Ann Savannah offers a more relaxed, residential way to explore Savannah’s Historic District, from museums and ghost tours to cocktails.
Inside the Family Spirit Behind Tamasha Modern Indian
Mike Kathrani of Tamasha Modern Indian shares how family, fatherhood, food, and life in Raleigh shape the way he leads, cooks, and creates hospitality.
