Three Wake Forest New Eats

Torchy's Tacos, a culinary sensation born from humble beginnings, has taken the culinary world by storm since its inception as a modest food truck. Established in Austin, Texas, Torchy's Tacos found its roots on South First Street in 2006, when its founder, Michael Rypka, transformed a single food truck into an icon of inventive and flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine.

What sets Torchy's Tacos apart is not only their delectable fare but also their audacious approach to traditional taco recipes. With a dedication to using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, Torchy's reimagines classic Tex-Mex flavors in unconventional ways. From the "Trailer Park" taco with fried chicken, green chilies, and queso fresco, to the "Brushfire" taco featuring Jamaican jerk chicken and fiery mango, Torchy's tantalizes taste buds with unexpected combinations.

The success of Torchy's Tacos can be attributed to their commitment to culinary creativity and a strong connection to the community. As the brand expanded beyond its original food truck, it managed to retain the authenticity and vibrant energy of its early days. With a growing number of brick-and-mortar locations, Torchy's continues to captivate both locals and tourists alike with its distinctive flavors and inviting atmosphere.

From the streets of Austin to a rapidly expanding empire of flavors, Torchy's Tacos remains a shining example of how a simple food truck can evolve into a culinary institution. Its dedication to crafting innovative tacos while paying homage to its roots has solidified Torchy's Tacos as a beloved and iconic establishment, making it a must-visit for those seeking a unique Tex-Mex experience.

Torchy’s has one location in Raleigh, with its Wake Forest location at Grove Ninety-Eight coming soon.

Two Roosters Ice Cream, recently named one of the top 10- 2023 Reader’s Choice Ice Cream Shops by USA Today, has already opened its 5th Triangle location in Wake Forest at the Factory. The company began as a food truck celebrating the nostalgia of hand churned ice cream in an old rock salt ice cream maker at grandma’s house. Their name is a nod to the founder Jared Plummer’s grammy’s home who had two wooden roosters adorning her front porch.

What sets Two Roosters apart is its dedication to crafting an ever-evolving array of seasonal flavors. With a commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, the shop embraces the freshest fruits, spices, and inspirations each season brings. As the weather shifts, so too do the offerings, keeping customers eagerly returning to see what's new. In addition to a lineup of forever flavors which include Sola Cinnamon Donut and Blackberry Hibiscus, they offer a new themed series of 6 seasonal ‘guest’ flavors every month like Earl Grey lemon cookie dough, key lime ginger snap, gooey butter cake, dunkaroos, coffee cookie monster just to name a handful.  Every year customers can vote on the “greatest hits series” where the most popular flavors are brought back during the summer for an encore.

Terrible at making decisions in these situations?  Grab one of their ice cream flights with scoops of 6 different flavors. Perfect for trying the entire series of new monthly guest flavors. Come see why Two Roosters ice cream makes a bad day better and a good day great!

The passionate artisans behind the counter are always experimenting, pushing the boundaries of traditional ice cream with their inventive combinations. Following their social feeds will give you an entertaining glimpse of their popular ‘Will it Ice Cream’ experiments where various ingredients are blended into a vat of ice cream to test out the taste.  Some past experiments attempted: salmon bagel, Easy Cheese Spray, clam chowder, Doritos, Red Bull and Cookout tray (the last was a unanimously hard ‘no’)

In a world of frozen dessert options, Two Roosters Ice Cream Shop shines as a beacon of ingenuity and local pride. Its commitment to celebrating the seasons through expertly crafted, seasonally inspired flavors makes it a beloved destination for those seeking a scoop of something truly special.

Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken introduces diners to the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Their motto is “Don’t Worry…Eat Happy”.

The centerpiece of their menu is their succulent and flavorful charcoal-grilled chicken, a result of a cooking technique that locks in juices and infuses a smoky essence. This method ensures each bite is a mouthwatering delight, with crispy skin and tender meat that embodies the essence of perfection.

But the experience doesn't stop at the chicken. Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken takes pride in its array of delectable side dishes that complement and elevate the main dish. From traditional Peruvian rice infused with fragrant herbs to velvety smooth yucca fries that offer a delightful contrast in texture, each side dish is crafted to provide a harmonious balance of flavors.