Chef Sean Fowler takes local to the next level at Mandolin, his eatery located on the corner of Fairview and Oberlin roads. He sources as much produce as he can from his backyard — seriously, his actual backyard. Just 20 minutes away from his restaurant is Mandolin Farm, a quarter-of-an-acre of planted produce, greenhouses, 28 chickens, and two four-year-old goats (Cocoa + Lovey).
A look around the farm is basically a sneak-peak of what’s on Mandolin’s new, seasonal menu. So naturally, we had to check it out. |
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Chive blossoms at Mandolin Farm | Photo by RALtoday |
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Chef Sean creates his dishes based on whatever produce is flourishing at the time, like the new spring pea agnolotti + pickled ginger caesar. Both are primarily constructed with farm-fresh ingredients at their center.
Growing up, Sean always had a garden at his house. “I would help my dad plant things like eggplant and tomatoes — and I did not love it at the time,” Sean said. “But I did realize how much better those tomato sandwiches were than the ones I made with tomatoes from the grocery store. There’s something different about food that you grow yourself.” |
Sean's root vegetable dish, fresh from the farm | Photo by RALtoday |
When we opened the farm's gate, we were greeted by rows of leafy greens, root vegetables, pea plants, budding blackberry bushes + enough rosemary to last a year (at least, that’s what it looked like to us).
Sean grabbed buckets and filled them with the ingredients we’d need to make roasted root veggies tossed in a charred onion vinaigrette. He pulled turnips, spring onions + zig-zagging carrots straight from the ground. “Ugly vegetables are all the rage,” he said, laughing. He also clipped fragrant mint, purple chive blossoms, and pea flowers for the garnish. Before we knew it, we were in Mandolin’s kitchen + Sean was sautéing veggies, blending together ingredients for the vinaigrette, and plating a delicious, truly farm-to-table meal. |
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Today - Longleaf Film Festival | Fri., May 13-Sat., May 14 | Times vary | NC Museum of History | Free | View independent films with connections to the Tar Heel state. 🎥
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John Crist | Fri., May 13 | 7 p.m. | Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts | $37.60+ | Laugh along with this comedian + viral video creator on his “Fresh Cuts Comedy Tour.”
Saturday -
Life Before Dinosaurs | Sat., May 14 | Times vary | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | $6+ | Step back in time to learn about life before dinosaurs as you explore artwork and fossils on the opening day of this exhibit. 🦕
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North Carolina FC vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC | Sat., May 14 | 5 p.m. | WakeMed Soccer Park, 201 Soccer Park Dr., Cary | $15+*
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Midtown Farmers Market | Sat., May 14 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Commons at North Hills | Free | Browse seasonal produce, flowers + other local goods from NC farmers. 🍓*
Sunday - Dance Gumbo | Sun., May 15 | 5-6 p.m. | NCMA | Free | Join this outdoor group exercise class incorporating a variety of dance and cultural movements.
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Skywatching | Sun., May 15 | 9:30 p.m.-12 a.m. | Dix Park, Big Field | Free | Join Morehead Planetarium staff to view the Lunar Eclipse. 💫
Monday -
Global Doughnuts | Mon., May 16 | 10 a.m. | Sur La Table, 4421 Six Forks Rd. | $79 | Travel around the world with this cooking class where you’ll learn to make three types of doughnuts — French beignets, Mexican churros, and Italian bomboloni. 🍩
- Rex Orange County | Mon., May 16 | 8:30 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater | $50+ | Jam out with this indie singer-songwriter on “The Who Cares? Tour.” 🎸
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Rise & Stride | Mon., May 16-Sun., May 22 | Times vary | Virtual | $40 | Anytime, anywhere, run a 5K or 10K to help end hunger around the world.
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OLIPOP’s Best Sellers pack includes Strawberry Vanilla, Classic Root Beer + other fan-favorites. | Photo provided by OLIPOP | |
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Answer: Yes — meet OLIPOP. OLIPOP is on a mission to craft healthier beverages that taste like traditional sodas and are actually good for you (they’re even Gwyneth Paltrow approved). The secret? Using plant fiber, prebiotics + botanicals to create a fizzy, flavorful beverage that actively supports your digestive health.
And if you’re trying to cut back on sugar, OLIPOP helps with that, too. Each can contains just 2-5 grams of sugar. Bonus: Use code 6AM20 for 20% off sitewide, plus free shipping.*
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Weather - 75º | Thunderstorms | 73% chance of rain ⛈️
Open -
The Raleigh Wine Shop is celebrating the grand opening of its new space in the Olde East District + 11th anniversary from Fri., May 13-Sun., May 15. There will be free tastings, deals, and a sneak peak of an upcoming food program featuring hand-cut charcuterie and artisanal cheeses. 🍷
Sports - Last night, the Canes lost against the Bruins, 2-5. The best-of-seven series is now tied, 3-3. A winner-take-all game (which will determine who moves on in the Stanley Cup Playoffs) is on Sat., May 14 in Raleigh. 🏒
Job -
Pullen Park Amusements is hosting a hiring event on Thurs., May 19 from 6-8 p.m. Bring your resume for on-the-spot interviews for seasonal and part-time positions at the park + stick around for free popcorn, pizza, and carnival games. Before you go, check out this list of available jobs. 🌳
Older Adults -
The City of Raleigh is looking for adults 55 or older to share their time, compassion, and experience with children for its Foster Grandparent Program. Participants will serve as a role model in local elementary schools by helping kids learn to read + encourage those who need extra attention. Get a feel for the program here.
Asked -
Gas prices hit a record high in Raleigh yesterday, reaching $4.21 — up 24 cents from a week ago. How are you getting around with less gas? Tell us here. (WRAL)
Award -
Caroline Olson, a Broughton High School special education teacher, was named Wake County’s Teacher of the Year. Six years ago, she was named as one of the county’s best new educators. Congratulations, Caroline. 🎉 (The News & Observer)
Outdoors -
With spring in full swing, Grandfather Mountain's hiking trails are calling. Pro tip: Dress appropriately, including hiking boots or hiking shoes + layered clothing. Extra points for moisture-wicking materials. 🥾*
Cause -
Want to stay in fashion + support a good cause? Get the best of both worlds at Modeling Success — happening this Thurs., May 19. Sponsored by Merz Aesthetics, the fashion show features national retailers + local boutiques and benefits Dress for Success, a nonprofit that empowers unemployed + underemployed women. Buy tickets.*
Correction -
We got fooled. Yesterday, we reported that Western Carolina University was changing their mascot from the Catamounts to the Mountain Boomers — this is incorrect. We fell for an April Fool's joke from WCU and their mascot remains the Catamounts.
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When local restaurateur + Top Chef alum Katsuji Tanabe told us to look out for new specials at A’Verde, he meant business. Brunch, featuring dishes like adobo fried rice, chorizo Benedict, and churro french toast, will now be served every Saturday and Sunday. Check out the full menu here.
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