Spirits of Summer is Back!!

My favorite wine/food festival of the year, the only one that really matters as far as I’m concerned is here!

Tomorrow, Spirits of Summer, the festival that took Salute! and The Texas Pete Culinary Festival and paired them nicely, will be on Fourth Street in downtown Winston-Salem between Marshall and Spring streets from Noon until 6p. If you haven’t gotten your tix yet, well shame on you! You can get them for $25 but you have to go right now! (before 5pm Friday). If you wait until you get there, that’s okay, too, but the tix are then $30. Still, six hours of all the wine you can taste and food to purchase and the cool shops and bars along Fourth will be open. All that is hard to beat for $30.

It features the best music, food, wine and beer from the region. NC-based wineries and breweries will have tastings that you can then purchase if you like what you taste and local restaurants will be cooking up their goodies for you to purchase. Many local shops and bars along the street will be open and welcome you in for a respite from the heat as well as have things to see, do and purchase.

The big music stage will be set up outside of Foothills Brewing which will also host the after-party that happens, well, after the event around 9p.

The Lowes Foods Demo Tent will be highlighting chefs from WSNC all day. I am hosting two events one at 130p (Chef Richard Miller of Butcher and Bull) and the other at 230p (Chef Tony Dilisio of Dilisio’s one of our sponsors!).

To purchase your tix visit the Spirits of Summer website.

Come have a great time tomorrow. Eat. Drink. Be merry. But, as always, be responsible.

 

It’s Burger Season!!

I have teased a Top 5 Burger list for a while and have at least three solids for the first three, but one of those is under renovation from a fire. So, perhaps I’ve been waiting to do the “definitive” list because of that. But, truly, the reason is I don’t know if I’ve had the best burger in WSNC. There are a lot of burgers here.

Today, Tuesday, May 28, is National Burger Day. And, while I can call every single day Burger Day, for the majority of people, I think between Memorial Day and Labor Day, both the unofficial start and end of Summer respectively, that between those dates it is “Burger Season,”

I’m going to start a three-month journey into WSNC “burgerdom.” I’m going to get recommendations from our listeners and readers and from today through Monday, September 2 which isn’t only Labor Day this year, but Stephanie’s and my 5th Wedding Anniversary, I will then compile my Top 5, maybe Top 10 Burger List.

So, again, I’m going to need your help, both my podcast listeners and blog readers. Tell me your favorite burger in town.

There are some caveats, though. Instead of generalizing it and say “fast food burgers” I’m going to give a specific list. I say that because there are a few non-traditional fast food joints that I do frequent, the biggest being Zesto Burgers & Ice Cream. Incidentally, that’s what I have said is my top burger. But, because I haven’t tried all the others, I don’t know.

So, here’s where I will not eat and won’t accept a recommendation about: McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Hardees, Five Guys, Cook Out, Steak-N-Shake, Sonic or Red Robin. I also won’t accept “You should try mine!” This is for everyone, it’s public and should not be private parties. There may be a time when I put something like that together, maybe a TMWATT Burger Cookoff or something. But, not for this.

Also, you can recommend specialty burgers like the “Smoke Batch” at Burger/Small Batch or “Bootlegger’s Bourbon Burger” from Cin Cin Burger Bar or whatever. I may make a special category for those, but, the main focus will be a Cheeseburger (single or double) with mayo, mustard, pickles, onion and tomato. That’s my standard and what I go for when I go for burgers. But, if there’s something that I just absolutely NEED to try, tell me and I’ll work it in.

If you’re not sure how a burger falls in my caveat, ask, it may or may not qualify. I will take recommendations for food trucks if burgers are their specialty. Also, if it’s in Kernersville, Clemmons, North WSNC, heck, even as far as Yadkinville, I’ll take the recommendations. They’re most likely eligible. Does your favorite BBQ or hot stand do burgers and you just have to have them? Then let’s talk!

Now, I have to be smart about this. I can’t just go crazy having burgers every day. Stephanie made me promise that if I do this that we have to watch everything else that I eat, so I have to have a lot of plants and green things. I may see if Sha’Retha at Happie Food can help me with that. I will not go vegan, or really even vegetarian but I can make better choices.

Eating all these burgers will rack up some expenses, so if you are a restaurateur that wants to donate your burger for the project, I would greatly appreciate that. Also, if anyone is interested in introducing me to a burger and picking up the tab, I’m probably not going to turn that down.

I’m also in the market for sponsors for this, as well. I don’t need to make tons of money, but I would like to cover my expenses and gas. Even if you’re not in the food biz, I can work out some advertising on one or more of the podcasts or me doing blog posts or public appearances for or at your businesses. I’d greatly appreciate anything that you can help with, and I will be promoting a lot of people here. I actually think a non-burger restaurant or business would be a great sponsor, that way it’s not looked at like bribing me.

So there you have it. Send me recommendations to tim@themanwhoatethetown, on our Instagram or Facebook platforms. I really want the public’s input on this. I think we need a definitive list. Not just for me but for the town I eat.

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 112

In Episode #112 proudly recorded at The Lab at Industry Hill:

Tim and Happie talk about:

  • Zesto Burgers and Ice Cream’s 1st anniversary.
  • Slanted Shed named “regular” food truck at Fiddlin’ Fish.
  • 16-year old runs car into La Casa Lopez.
  • Tim starts “Burger Season” with the “Summer of Burgers”
  • Food holidays and history.

No poll this week!

Don’t forget our sponsors:

DiLisio’s Italian Family Restaurant Italian food like you’re sitting, eating in Naples. Wonderful Italian dishes from traditional spaghetti and lasagna to contemporary delights. Rich, flavorful sauces, a variety of pasta options, seafood, meat and more. Just south of Downtown and Business 40 (SOB40).

Washington Perk & Provision Company. Better than a convenience store but not quite a grocery store, in the heart of Washington Park and Downtown WSNC.

The Humble Bee Shoppe is challenging your perception of scratch made and leaving you with an experience you couldn’t possibly forget! With inventive flavor combos and a sense of artistry, The Humble Bee Shoppe isn’t your average bakery.

The Man Who Ate the Town is part of The Less Desirables Network. Give it a listen on iTunes, Stitcher, Podcast Addict and TuneIn, basically anywhere you can listen to podcasts. Or you can listen here (at the bottom of the post).

Bon Appetit!

Zesto Burgers & Ice Cream Celebrates One Year!

I talk endlessly on the podcast, through my Instagram feed and even here on this blog about how much I love Zesto Burgers & Ice Cream. We did that tasting and it was fantastic. Good response on the posts for it, too. Algenon tells me when people say they heard about Zesto from me. It makes me feel good; like I’m doing good in the world.

This Saturday, Zesto Burgers & Ice Cream are celebrating their ONE YEAR anniversary! One year already! That’s great!

Here’s the best part, though. They’re having a celebration all day long and you are invited! They are having some great specials, too.

Their Junior Meals are only $1.99 (one per child, of course)
They will have $.50 wings with a limit of 20 per guest. That’s 20 wings for $10. Wow!
50% off all burgers and sandwiches. Can you imagine me getting a Chubby Decker half off? And a chicken philly or Carolina cheesesteak or… man that’s only limited by the menu (which is vast).
Free ice cream for kids 12 and under.

Stephanie and I are going to forego our usual Saturday morning routine and wait to have our first meal at Zesto. They open at 11am. You should meet me there. We’ll have fun. We’ll talk. We will enjoy great food!

Zesto Burgers & Ice Cream is located at 2600 New Walkertown Road, the corner of New Walkertown Road and 14th Street. Don’t miss it!!

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 111

In Episode #111 proudly recorded at The Lab at Industry Hill:

Tim and Happie talk about:

  • Buie’s Market opening (again), Colony Urban Farm Store and Let It Grow Produce to close.
  • Tim visits Dave & Buster’s VIP Sneak Peek.
  • Mary’s Gourmet Diner to host “Family Dinners” beginning this Friday.
  • Wingstop opens on the north side of town.
  • Abbott’s Frozen Custard coming to Clemmons.
  • PTAA Food Drive for Second Harvest Food Bank
  • Street Team!!
  • Food holidays and history.

No poll this week!

Don’t forget our sponsors:

DiLisio’s Italian Family Restaurant Italian food like you’re sitting, eating in Naples. Wonderful Italian dishes from traditional spaghetti and lasagna to contemporary delights. Rich, flavorful sauces, a variety of pasta options, seafood, meat and more. Just south of Downtown and Business 40 (SOB40).

Washington Perk & Provision Company. Better than a convenience store but not quite a grocery store, in the heart of Washington Park and Downtown WSNC.

The Humble Bee Shoppe is challenging your perception of scratch made and leaving you with an experience you couldn’t possibly forget! With inventive flavor combos and a sense of artistry, The Humble Bee Shoppe isn’t your average bakery.

The Man Who Ate the Town is part of The Less Desirables Network. Give it a listen on iTunes, Stitcher, Podcast Addict and TuneIn, basically anywhere you can listen to podcasts. Or you can listen here (at the bottom of the post).

Bon Appetit!

Two In One? — Colony Urban Farm and Let It Grow Produce to Close

Yesterday, Colony Urban Farm Store announced, on its Instagram, that it is closing its doors, soon. Details are still to come on that, from what I can understand.

Today, Let It Grow Produce announced on its Facebook page that it is closing its doors May 25.

Both locations mentioned this “season” or “time” has come to an end and that it is time to look in “different directions.”

Both locations are in the same general market: organic, locally-grown or sourced goods, with farmers, foragers and growers in mind. One was like a small farmers market, the other specialized in beekeeping, gardening, honey, small-scale livestock farming (like chickens and such). Both of those could operate in kind and together.

So, am I the only one that wonders if there is something unspoken publicly, for now, that points to these two businesses teaming up to make one business? Surely, I’m not the only one.

I haven’t personally talked to either party so I’m certainly speculating, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were joining forces. What say you? What do you think?

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 110

Groot likes Bionic Tonic

In Episode #110, proudly recorded at The Lab at Industry Hill:

Tim, Ray and Happie talk about:

  • Dennis Wiggins and Papa Doc’s Bionic Tonic
  • “Street Team” member Steven takes Tim and Ray to Pan Goo to get a tasting!
  • Buie’s Market to open in Buena Vista
  • Burke Street Spring Fling
  • Potential good news for ABC laws in the state.
  • Street Team!!
  • Food holidays and history.

No poll this week!

Don’t forget our sponsors:

DiLisio’s Italian Family Restaurant Italian food like you’re sitting, eating in Naples. Wonderful Italian dishes from traditional spaghetti and lasagna to contemporary delights. Rich, flavorful sauces, a variety of pasta options, seafood, meat and more. Just south of Downtown and Business 40 (SOB40).

Washington Perk & Provision Company. Better than a convenience store but not quite a grocery store, in the heart of Washington Park and Downtown WSNC.

The Humble Bee Shoppe is challenging your perception of scratch made and leaving you with an experience you couldn’t possibly forget! With inventive flavor combos and a sense of artistry, The Humble Bee Shoppe isn’t your average bakery.

The Man Who Ate the Town is part of The Less Desirables Network. Give it a listen on iTunes, Stitcher, Podcast Addict and TuneIn, basically anywhere you can listen to podcasts. Or you can listen here (at the bottom of the post).

Bon Appetit!

Buie’s Market to Open in Buena Vista Early Summer

Buie’s Market Location in Buena Vista ©Buie’s Market

Construction is underway on Buie’s Market, which is expected to open in early summer adjacent to Diamondback Grill at the corner of Avalon Road and Spring Garden Road (749 Avalon Road).  Buie’s Market will serve Buena Vista and surrounding areas.  Named in honor of the legendary Buie’s Pharmacy, which occupied the space decades ago, Buie’s Market will offer a variety of fresh, packaged and prepared foods.

Majority owners of Buie’s Market are Stacy Doss and Kristin Holcomb.  Buie’s Market will occupy approximately 3,000 square feet and will have eight full- and part-time employees.  Cassandra Bryant, a former member of the management team at Trader Joe’s, will serve as the manager of Buie’s Market.

Buie’s owners Stacy Doss (l) and Kristen Holcomb (r) (©Buie’s)

Buie’s Market will offer a selection of brewed coffee; craft beers and wines; non-alcoholic beverages; cheeses and dairy items; and an assortment of dry goods as well as canned and packaged local and regional staples. The market also will offer pastries, desserts and breads and a variety of fresh and frozen products including beef, pork, chicken, bison, fish and produce.  Prepared foods to go will include selections from familiar local vendors.

“Our focus will be on local products and fresh produce and meats,” co-owner Kristin Holcomb said.  “We believe that Buie’s Market will rapidly become a community destination as a place to come for coffee, beer and wine with friends or to take home ‘grab and go’ delicious prepared foods.”

“We considered a number of names for the business but kept coming back to Buie’s Market because the name is so well known among neighborhood residents,” co-owner Stacy Doss added.  “Wayne Buie, who operated a pharmacy on the same site for many years, enthusiastically gave us permission to use his family’s name, and we greatly thank him for his support.”

 

For updates on the opening and what the market will be offering visit: facebook.com/buiesmarket or watch this blog or listen to our podcast!