Allison Ballard

6 days ago | shelbystar.com | Allison Ballard

Allison BallardCalamari with lemon and baby artichokes, and the bucatini carbonara at La Duna Paradiso coastal Italian restaurant at Trailborn Surf & Sound, 275 Waynick Blvd. in Wrightsville Beach, N.C.ALLISON BALLARD/STARNEWSThe new La Duna Paradiso restaurant at Trailborn Surf & Sound hotel in Wrightsville Beach, will serve a menu inspired by Italian and Mediterranean fare beginning April 2025.

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Allison Ballard

It’s all about dads, milestones and blueberries this month when it comes to food and drink events happening at breweries, bars and restaurants in the Wilmington area. Here’s a look at some of what’s on the schedule. June 1: When Lorraine Roderick’s wife became ill, she decided to open a restaurant as a way to take care of her family. In the process, she said, she also created another family. That’s why she makes sure to celebrate the anniversary of Ciana Ristorante Italiano every year.

1 week ago | shelbystar.com | Allison Ballard

Allison BallardThe Harp Irish pub and restaurant has a new look at 1423 S. Third St. in Wilmington, N.C. in May 2025. ALLISON BALLARD/STARNEWSThe Harp Irish pub and restaurant re-opened after a brief renovation at 1423 S. Third St. in Wilmington, N.C. in May 2025. ALLISON BALLARD/STARNEWSA stained-glass panel at The Harp Irish pub and restaurant, 1423 S. Third St. in Wilmington, N.C.ALLISON BALLARD/STARNEWSSoccer jerseys on the wall at the newly renovated The Harp Irish pub and restaurant at 1423 S.

1 week ago | shelbystar.com | Allison Ballard

Welcome to the weekly Port City Foodies newsletter brought to you by me, StarNews reporter Allison Ballard. There's a lot happening on the local craft beer scene. So much so that it can be difficult to keep up. For example, I likely never would have known how much I would enjoy a beer brewed with Fruity Pebbles if I hadn't been working on an article about one particular downtown brewery. But I did! And know I also know there's an Ethiopians style beer known as T'ej. Delicious.

1 week ago | shelbystar.com | Allison Ballard

Ocean muralist Wyland will be in Wilmington, NC, on May 31st to paint a mural and promote new lemon-flavored vodka. The vodka, a collaboration with Blue Shark Vodka, benefits the Wyland Foundation's ocean conservation programs. The mural painting will take place at the ABC store on Wrightsville Avenue from 2-4 p.m., followed by a bottle signing and fan meet-and-greet. The famous ocean muralist who goes by one name, Wyland, is planning a return trip to Wilmington.