Raleigh is especially kind to foodies . Various food trucks , high-end eateries , and down-home local diners dot the town like bright stars in a big southern sky . With the farm-to-table cooking style becoming so popular , it is no wonder why Raleigh is the perfect place to test out your skills if you ’ re a chef .
Take chef Ashley Christensen , for example . Christensen is the owner of Poole ’ s Diner , and has made quite a name for herself , both in the Raleigh area , and in the overall industry . From appearing on hit shows , like the Food Network ’ s popular Iron Chef America and MSNBC ’ s Your
Business , to opening five establishments in addition to Poole ’ s , Christensen has everyone buzzing about her talents .
Poole ’ s Diner is the one diner in Raleigh that natives and tourists won ’ t stop talking about , where the handwritten menu is located on the wall via chalkboard . Poole ’ s used to be an old pie shop from the 1940s , that also became a luncheonette . The chef stayed true to the former owner ’ s space , and Poole ’ s rebirth came in 2007 . Everything here is made from scratch with seasonal ingredients , and most consider it to be gourmet southern cuisine . Suggestion : order the Macaroni au gratin !
For those with a big city appetite , you will want to head straight for Raleigh . Raleigh is gorgeous , and full of vibrant history . The city is home to the North Carolina Museum of Art , which displays tens of galleries and special , seasonal exhibits . The city of Raleigh is a well-balanced combination of classic southern charm and life amid hustle and bustle .
Whether you ’ re in the state for a sporting event , the beautiful mountains , or the yummy foodie scene , North Carolina is without a doubt one of the most interesting states in the region , and the country . Once they get a whiff of the fresh air – and maybe Poole ’ s Macaroni – even the wariest of travelers will stop what they ’ re doing , take a moment to tip their hats back , and partake in a “ hey , ya ’ ll !” with the Tar Heel State .
Travel South | Spring 2018 | 81