Port City Foodies Newsletter: It's all about fries and pies

Allison Ballard, Wilmington StarNews
Updated ·2 min read
French fries at Island Delights in Surf City, N.C.
French fries at Island Delights in Surf City, N.C.

Welcome to the weekly Port City Foodies newsletter brought to you by me, StarNews reporter Allison Ballard. I’ve learned that everyone has those foods that they’re especially passionate about. While I appreciate french fries in all forms, I’ve recently had conversations with people who have very intense thoughts about what they like when it comes to the quintessential side. Those talks helped inform the second StarNews reader poll of our favorite foods. The voting ends soon. Want to know more? Check it out below.

Crispy, potato-y

Several local eateries are on our list of what could possibly be the best french fry in the area. Voting started on Monday and continues through this weekend. So far, more than 2,000 votes have been cast (and there’s a clear front runner!). Have you cast your vote? You have until Sunday, June 23 to do so. Plus, even though the list of candidates is substantial, more readers have since written me about their favorites so there will likely be a follow up. Stay tuned!

More: Who has the best french fries in the Wilmington area? Vote for your favorite.

It’s gonna slay

One of the newest additions to the downtown Wilmington dining scene officially opens this weekend. We got to take a look at what Lauren Wright and Keala Yu will be offering at their Pie Slayer bakery beside manna and Bourgie Nights. It will be open post dinner hours and serve up slices of their signature desserts, along with beer, wine and coffee. They’ll also have Sunday brunch service. Plus, we have some delicious pics.

More: First look: Late-night dessert bar prepares to open in downtown Wilmington

Pie Slayer makes their own version of the classic marshmallow treat they call Pie Crispy, which have different toppings and toasted pieces of pie crust throughout.
Pie Slayer makes their own version of the classic marshmallow treat they call Pie Crispy, which have different toppings and toasted pieces of pie crust throughout.

Soul food reinvention

And Hardie Ballard, better known as Webo, said he and his cousin are also close to opening their new restaurant in the former Nippy’s Soul Food location. It will have a similar menu to what Ballard serves on his popular food truck and offer a full bar. You can read more here.

More: Chef to keep the soul food tradition alive with reimagined Wilmington restaurant

Sustainable brews

Wilmington’s Mad Mole Brewing has a long history of innovative efforts to create great beer while also being sustainable and reducing the brewery’s impact on the environment.  And, if you missed it, we've also recently written about one of Wilmington's oldest seafood restaurants, and the family behind it, and one of the best local places to get Asian culinary supplies.

More: A look at what may be the most sustainable brewery in the Wilmington area

Let’s get social

Follow Port City Foodies on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/portcityfoodies and on Instagram at @port_city_foodies.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Port City Foodies newsletter