Carolina Epicurean Enjoys Parker & Otis, Scratch and Mateo

On Parker and Otis: "Parker and Otis is a one-stop happy place..."

On Scratch: "When there’s a public cry for “more!”, places like Scratch Bakery happen. Owner/Pastry Chef Phoebe Lawless went from home production, to borrowed commercial kitchen, to her own shop in 2010, due to demand – plain and simple. And like folks in Durham, you’ll find her pastries are simple, but in no way what you’d call plain."

On Mateo: "It was wonderful - probably the best dinner we’ve had in Durham "

—"Durham's Parker & Otis, Scratch Bakery and Mateo," Carolina Epicurean

Wall Street Journal Enjoys Counter Culture Coffee

"I’ll admit that a pour-over coffee tastes remarkably light, bright, pure and delicious. Still, $4? Surely I can do the same thing at home. Can’t I just boil and pour? The answer, I learned in a two-hour class at Counter Culture Coffee’s Manhattan training lab, is yes and no."

—"The Way to Brew Great Coffee," Rachel Wharton, The Wall Street Journal

Stadium Journey Rates ACC Tournament at DBAP 4.4 out of 5

"Simply put, Durham Bulls Athletic Park is one of the more visually stunning ballparks around. It is often said that downtown ballparks help to spur development, and the ballpark district in Durham is no exception."

—"2013 ACC Baseball Tournament" Brian Wilmer, Stadium Jourey

Durham Economy Attracts Attention of Canadian Press

"The change is apparent from the outdoor patio at Tyler's Restaurant and Taproom in Durham, which overlooks a vibrant mixed-use space under a hug brick Lucky Strike smokestack that reminds one of the deserted cigarette factory that stood here less than a decade ago."

—"Want Your Government to Foster a Vibrant Economy? See What North Carolina Did," Erin Millar, The Globe and Mail.

Food and Wine Magazine Recommends Cave Taureau

"If I didn’t have to consider finances, I’d probably just carry 200 Muscadets and call it a day,” says Noel Sherr, a partner and wine buyer for Cave Taureau. Despite his passion for Muscadet and other wines from France’s Loire Valley, he seeks out excellent choices from around the world, including some small California producers."

— "A Guide to the Best New Wine Shops," Food & Wine, Megan Krigbaum

Fast Company Admires Fullsteam's Branding

"A local example here in North Carolina is Fullsteam Brewery. Their vision is to "create a distinctly Southern beer style that celebrates the culinary and agricultural heritage of the South." They do this by using unique, Southern ingredients and working with local chefs and even musicians to create interesting beers. Like Fullsteam, many other craft brewers around the U.S. have taken advantage of their provenance to build their brand."

"Where Do You Come From? Tips For Creating A Powerful Provenance For Your Brand," Mark McNeilly, Fast Company

Daily South Hails Durham's Delta Rae

"Delta Rae- Hailing from Durham, North Carolina, this 6-piece band blends country, soul, pop, and folk in a way that is cohesive and energetic."

"5 Southern Bands that Rocked Hangout," Mary Beard and Kate Phillips, The Daily South, Southern Living