About

Winston Wandering

Hi friends! Welcome to my Instagram blog, where you can find all things Winston-Salem related. I created this Instagram in 2016 when I moved to the area. Being new to town, I was looking for inspiration for where to eat and things to do but had a hard time finding content on Instagram. This lack of content inspired the creation of Winston Wandering.

My goal is to share my personal experiences (and some of my closest friends' experiences) in Winston-Salem with the community in hopes of motivating individuals to visit new places.

Please note this page is just a hobby of mine. I am in no way, shape, or form a professional writer. This blog is a proper grammar free zone.

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Let's Call it a Date —

Tis the Valentine’s Day Season!

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I took a poll of some of my closest friends in Winston-Salem asking them what their ideal date night would be in our wonderful town. I am sharing their responses below to provide you with inspiration for a wonderful date night with your boo.

Becca (Me)
My ideal weekend date night would consist of a drink at the Spring House bar because it’s so dang cute with an app because their food is to die for, walk to Mozelles for dinner and nom on some deliciousness, and then end the night off with a night cap at either Tates or The Katharine.

Spencer (my hubby, thankfully similar answers!)
A drink at The Katharine, dinner at Mozelles and a night cap at Vintage.

Taylor
Wake up, get a coffee from Krankies Airstream, and take my three dogs on a sunny walk around Reynolda.

Lyndsey
Happy hour at Hoots, dinner at the Porch and then get some gelato from Cafe Gelato if we’re not too full.

Emily
Dinner at Di Lisios and then Vintage.

Leigh
Take a walk around Reynolda then eat at Village Tavern.

Chandler
Eat at The Katharine, Village Tavern, or Alma.

Meredith
Dinner at The Katharine with the seafood tower and then after dinner fancy drink at Tates.

Candace
Dinner at 6th and Vine and then a night cap at Vintage.

Katie
Whiskey Box for a cocktail then Mission Pizza for dinner.

Victoria
Wake up early and get a coffee from Camino. Then take a bike ride around Old Salem and Salem Lake.

Jennie
Dinner at Rotisserie and dessert from Bobby Boy Bake Shop.

Sarah Beth
Fiddlin Fish, a late Mission (when they start jamming the music), topped off with a bag of zeppoles of course.

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Carrabba’s Wine Dinner

Carb Your Appetite

I graciously was invited to the "Cultivate Love with Caymus" event at Carrabba's last night! I enjoyed a delicious five-course meal paired with Caymus wine. Carrabbas hosts these wine dinners twice a month, so there are plenty of opportunities to participate in one if you are interested! The next events are on February 18 & 25 at 6:30 PM for $55 a person. The next two events are called "For the Love of the Vines," and I am telling all of you IT IS WORTH IT! There were about 32 people that joined in the fun last night. You could go solo and make friends, bring your partner, or (like me!) bring a friend! Whatever you do, make sure you go HUNGRY. And maybe wear stretchy pants :P

I want to take a moment to give Daniel, who invited me, a shout out! His hospitality was incredible, and his knowledge of Winston-Salem was admirable. His family has lived in Winston-Salem for nine generations. He said one of his original family members in the area was the original baker in Old Salem. How cool is that! He also packed my husband a to-go bag of soup and pasta because I told him previously he was sick! How thoughtful! Thank you, Daniel!

First Course

The experience started with a surprise "amuse-bouche," which was a Fire Roasted Tomato Basil with parmesan focaccia. Let me tell you, this soup was indeed on FIRE, in the best way. It had a kick to it that I was not expecting but welcomed.

Second Course

Next up was a refreshing Pancetta & Gorgonzola Salad.

”Mixed greens, crispy pancetta, gorgonzola crumbles and candied pecans tossed in a house-made gorgonzola dressing.”

I love a good salad and this one I especially enjoyed. I enjoyed the different textures the salad offered, and it was calming after such a bold soup. I will definitely be ordering this salad again.

Third Course

Now getting to the pasta of it all, the third course was Rigatoni Campagnolo.

”Large rigatoni tossed with Italian sausage, red bell peppers, house-made pomodoro sauce, and topped with warm caprino cheese.”

Let me tell you one thing, the caprino cheese on top was EVERYTHING mixed into this dish. The sausage was delicious as well. A fun fact about the sausage is no one in the restaurant knows the spices that go into it, as it is a secret! I think I stopped talking for a solid five minutes when I was eating this course! Nothing will get in between my pasta and me.

Fourth Course

Who doesn't love a good surf & turf?

”9oz wood-grilled Tuscan Filet basted in MR. C's grill baste and a hand-formed, lightly fried jump-lump crab cake. Served with grilled vegetables.”

The steak was cooked extremely well, at a perfect medium, and the crabcakes hit the spot! The steak was large, so I ended up taking a lot of it home, but somehow all the crabcakes ended up in my mouth instead of the doggie-bag.

Fifth Course

We ended our meal with Wine-Poached Pears & Burrata.

“Fresh, ripe pears poached in an Italian red wine blend, then chilled and served with whole milk burrata atop a red wine reduction and sprinkled with spiced pecans.”

I was IMPRESSED by this dessert. Wow, what a show stopper. I will admit, when the dish first came out, I thought the burrata cheese was ice cream and was disappointed. Then, I tasted the cheese with the pear and DANG it was good. I never knew you could use cheese for dessert, but I know now! I will take any excuse to eat more cheese!

Wine Descriptions

First, Second, and Fifth Course Wine

Conundrum Red Blend
This blend is a wine of structure, richness, and complexity, with notes of chocolate, cherry pie, and vanilla. Boasts flavors of cherry, clove, and nutmeg

Third Course Wine

Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif, Suisun Valley, 2017
Durif is synonymous with Petite Sirah, which is why this luscious wine boasts a regal Garnet red color, scents of plum, and soft flavors of dark fruit. Close to Napa but little-known, Suisun Valley was exceptional soils that give this wine both intense tannins and softness.

Fourth Course Wine

Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2018
This vintage is rich and fresh, with luscious fruit and integrated wood components that define the wine. Scents of cassis and blackberries intermingle with a broad and sleep palate that broods with luxurious tannins. Highly fruit-driven with an overlay of French Oak for a fine textural impression.

Za Truth About Winston’s Pizza

Top Picks Chosen By The People

1. Mission
2. Cugino Forno
3. Mozzarella Fellas & Burke Street
4. Pie Guys’ & Whitaker Square
5. The Loop & Mellow Mushroom & Marios
6. BJ’s Brew House, Mediterraneo, Times Square, Tanglewood

Groupon Deals

Save that money, honey

Hi Budget Foodies,

In my past, I used Groupon all the time for food deals. I love eating out and trying new places, but let's be honest, it can be tough on the wallet at times. I haven’t used Groupon in a while, so I thought I would revisit the idea. It’s only fair to share with the class.

Here is what is available on Groupon in the Winston-Salem area. Please note a handful of these are expiring tomorrow. Better act fast!

- Bleu Restaurant & Bar: $17.11 for $30 value towards lunch and brunch
- Mellow Mushroom in Winston-Salem: $16 for $25 value towards pizza, hoagies, and salads
- Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse: $72 Rodizio Dinner for Two or Four with Bottle of House Wine at Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse
- Brixx Wood Fired Pizza in Winston-Salem: $20 for $30 value
- BLL Rotisserie Factory: $11.09 for $20 value
- Fiddlin’ Fish Brewery: $13.84 for Two Pints and Two Souvenir Glasses with Optional Crowlers for Two at Fiddlin' Fish Brewery
- Broad Branch Distillery: $10.80 Whiskey Tasting and Tour for Two People
- Old Homeplace Vineyard: $19.22 Wine Tasting for Two, Four, or Six at Old Homeplace Vineyard
- Kimono Japanese Restaurant off Country Club: $24 for $30 value

Viva Chicken

Winston-Wandering Approved

“Viva Chicken is a Peruvian Rotisserie Joint specializing in Pollo a la Brasa. Our menu is fresh, flavorful, and packed with inspired recipes that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Peru. Viva Chicken is not only hip and healthy, it’s quick and convenient and a great spot for dine-in or takeout.”

My experience >>>>>>

🐔🇵🇪 🐔🇵🇪 🐔🇵🇪🐔🇵🇪🐔🇵🇪🐔

My taste buds went to Peru and they want to go back again. And again. And again!

Viva Chicken did not disappoint. I had heard many great comments from my friends and the community so I wanted to check it out for myself to see if I agreed. AND BOY DO I AGREE!

It was packed but people were coming in and out pretty quickly so it want difficult to find a table. It’s one of those places like McAllister’s where you order at the counter, are given a number and then the food is brought to you. We waited maybe 5 minutes max for our food.

I ordered the “naked Peruvian wrap” which consists of organic quinoa, kale romaine mix, cucumber, tomato, queso fresco, rocoto mayo, and avocado and I added on pulled rotisserie chicken. As my side, I ordered “Yuca” which I have never heard of before but it was similar to a French fry.... but with a bit of a different taste. The Yuca came with a cheese sauce to dip them in! It was honestly SO good. I loved every bite of it. I could have lived without the Yuca. I liked it but I will probably try a different side next time I go.

Full transparency, my husband thought I had tricked him to eat at a “healthy” restaurant (I didn’t realize it was a healthy place... but that was an added bonus for me!) and was a tad disappointed he was having to eat healthy... INITIALLY. He ended up ordering the “Limena Chopped” which was kale Romaine Mix, Solterito (Peruvian Corn, Edamame, Queso Fresco), Jalapeño Bacon, Crispy Chickpeas, Aji Amarillo Ranch Dressing and he added Pulled Rotisserie Chicken. He took one bite and said it was ***delicious***. Needless to say, he will be back again.

I am personally a sauce person and they had a sauce station with THREE different sauces you could try. There was a green one, a yellow one and a red one. My favorite was the yellow. I think it had yellow peppers in it!

The food portions were large and in charge. I took half of my wrap home and still left stuffed. To the point I needed to take a nap afterwards…

Saying all this to say, if you haven’t been yet. I suggest you walk yourself out to your car and GO NOW. If you’re traveling, they also have locations in SC, UT and DE.

OH HEY, FOR BEST VIEWING, YOU'LL NEED TO TURN YOUR PHONE