Welcome to the weekly Port City Foodies newsletter, brought to you by me, StarNews reporter Allison Ballard. This week we go back to 1974. It was a time of fondue parties and pasta primavera. California Rolls had just hit the sushi scene and Lactaid hit supermarket shelves for the first time. And if the story is true, a restaurateur in New Hampshire was rescuing chunks of tender white-meat chicken, frying them and first coining the term chicken tenders. How far we have come! It is now perhaps one of the most ubiquitous items on restaurant menus. My editor, Sherry Jones, even wrote about her love of chicken tenders. And in honor of the 50e anniversary there is a list of places that are known there. Read more below.
Favorite tendencies
So of course, this list of restaurants that serve good deals is just a start. What are your favorites? I’ve gotten a few messages from readers since the article was posted with shoutouts to JohnnyLukes KitchenBar and Publix (for good, cheap grocery store options). Do you have any other hot spot favorites in Brunswick, Pender or New Hanover counties? Let me know.
More: Chicken Tendies! 6 places to try them in restaurants in the Wilmington area
Match made in hockey heaven
It only makes sense that the Carolina Hurricanes and End of Days’ canned Hurricane cocktail would meet at some point. For the 2024 season, the Wilmington-based distillery has a special edition of the fresh and fruity drink. See where you can find it.
More: Wilmington Distillery teams up with NC hockey team for a cool cocktail
The Saucy Southerner is located in Southport, NC
A difficult undertaking
Unfortunately, the restaurant industry can be tough. Matt Thorne said he recently made the decision to close his breakfast and brunch restaurant in Southport. But fans still have time to enjoy the food, at least one more time. And we’re also recontacting Indochine restaurants, which are still open as they continue to reorganize from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
More: Southport breakfast and brunch restaurant announces closure
More is happening
This fast-paced month of foodie fun continues. There are two fundraisers this weekend to help recent victims of the storm. One is at Brunswick Beer & Cider to raise money for local victims of the unnamed storm, another is at an oyster feast at Alcove Beer Garden. Check them out and other events here. Plus, there’s more help for Thanksgiving.
More: Food fests, chili cookoffs and more at November food and restaurant events in Wilmington
Let’s get social
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This article originally appeared in the Wilmington StarNews: Port City Foodies newsletter
