DOWN TOWN
INFLUENCER INSIGHTS Follow the advice of three content creators as they share the best ways to explore our downtown
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BY ISABE L L A R EILLY AN D AMAN DA MACLAREN P HOTO GR AP HY B Y J OHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
ake a gastronomic excursion through the broad variety of cuisines offered at downtown restaurants and bars by embarking on a Small Plates Crawl on Thursday evenings. This dining initiative, created in partnership among nearly a dozen participating establishments, allows visitors to enjoy special small plates, drink pairings and/or discounts. COPA co-owner Elizabeth Turnbull, who helped start the event, says she has noticed an uptick in Thursday night business since the program launched in February. “Overall, there has been enthusiasm and interest from the community, and excitement to do something a little bit different,” Elizabeth says. Current participants include Mateo Bar de Tapas, Alley Twenty Six, Taberna Tapas, Viceroy, COPA, Luna Rotisserie & Empanadas, The Patio at Unscripted Hotel, Dashi, Queeny’s and M Pocha. Alley Twenty Six owner Shannon Healy says the Small Plates Crawl allowed him and chef Carrie Schleiffer to lean into 28
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Small plates from COPA: North Carolina shrimp tacos served on nixtamal corn tortillas with housemade aioli and North Carolina crabcakes paired with Muddy River Distillery’s Coconut Carolina Rum.
october/november 2022
their shared passion of food and drink pairings, and they offer a new combo each week. “We’ve had a really strong response,” Shannon says. “A lot of our guests come in and get offered something they normally wouldn’t.” The dining initiative inspired the cocktail bar and restaurant to adopt more regular small plate and drink pairing options in the future, Shannon says, adding that Alley plans to continue to participate in the crawl. Don’t sleep on Alley’s Jazz Brunch Sundays with Grammy-nominated jazz trumpeter, composer and recording artist Al Strong, either. Al brings a rotating lineup of musicians to perform during Sunday brunch, which is served from 10:30 a.m-2 p.m. with music from noon-2 p.m.