Tuesday Edition — {{current_date_mdy}}
Spring has fully committed, and we're not mad about it. Patio season is HERE, Durham.
What's Up Durham
Duke just dropped a $203 million commitment to expand economic opportunity in Durham and the Triangle over the next three years. The "HomeGrown" initiative targets local hiring, affordable housing, and small business partnerships. This is massive.
Gossip Tea Lounge opened April 7 on McFarland Drive and we're already obsessed. Vietnamese coffee, boba, banh mi — it's giving cozy cafe energy with serious flavor.
Lutra Bakery is gearing up to open at the American Tobacco Campus this spring. If you've been stalking their croissants at the farmers market, you know what's coming.
Resturant Spotlight: The Lenny
OK so The Lenny just opened on April 9 and we need to talk about it. This rooftop restaurant and bar sits on the 11th floor of the 555 Mangum building in downtown Durham, and the views alone are worth the trip. We're talking 180-degree panoramas overlooking the Bulls Athletic Park, DPAC, and the American Tobacco Campus. Golden hour up there? Unreal.
The menu is brasserie-style small plates with a global twist — think freshly shucked oysters, filet mignon, a Korean fried chicken sandwich that has no business being that good, and seasonal shareable flatbreads. It's the kind of place where you order five things for the table and everyone wins.
Drinks-wise, they're going heavy on the agave-centric cocktail list (mezcal lovers, this is your spot) plus a globally curated wine selection. Their Sunset Hour runs 3-5pm daily with specials, which is basically a cheat code for a fancy-feeling Tuesday afternoon. They also do a weekend brunch that we're hearing great things about.
Pro tip: make a reservation on Tock — this place is already buzzing and tables fill up fast. Street parking downtown can be hit or miss, so the parking deck at 555 Mangum is your friend. Come hungry and plan to share.
📍 555 S Mangum St, Floor 11, Durham, NC 27701 | 🕐 Daily 11AM–11PM | 💰 $$ – $$$ | 🔗 https://www.thelenny555.com
The Short List
🎩 The Naked Magicians at DPAC — Tonight (Tue, April 14)! A wild, adults-only magic show that's exactly what it sounds like. Clothes disappear. Minds get blown. Grab tickets at dpacnc.com. Link Here 🔗
🔮 Theresa Caputo Live at DPAC — Wednesday, April 15. The Long Island Medium is bringing her live experience to Durham. Whether you're a believer or just curious, it's a show. Link Here 🔗
🎸 Powfu at Motorco Music Hall — Saturday, April 18 at 8pm. If you know "Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head)" you know Powfu. Introspective lo-fi vibes, live and in person in the Lakewood neighborhood. Link Here 🔗
💃 Beauty Operators Spring Prom at The Blue Note Grill — Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 pm. A Chicago blues party band throwing a full-on prom night? Yes please. Dust off your dancing shoes for this one.
😂 Bert Kreischer at DPAC — Friday & Saturday, April 17-18. The shirtless comedy king brings his "Permission To Party" tour. Second show added due to demand, so you know it's gonna be rowdy. Link Here🔗, I'll be there with my wife, looking forward to some good laughs!
Durham Love Note
Shoutout to everyone who showed up to the Food Truck Rodeo at Durham Central Park this past Sunday. Over 50 trucks, Lao New Year celebrations, face painting, inflatables — Durham really said "we do community" and meant it. If you missed it, there are three more rodeos this year. Mark your calendars.