Wilmoore Serves It Up Local
If you haven’t been to Wilmoore Café (Wilmington Street at Moore Square = Wilmoore – just a short walk from RBC Plaza Condos), don’t wait too long, because you are really missing out! Operated by David Fowle, former owner of award-winning Café Udine, this charming, cozy spot is quickly becoming a favorite of downtown patrons. Wilmoore Café’s concept is to offer good food that is made from as many local ingredients as possible in a casual, comfy atmosphere. They are getting ready to serve breakfast, and starting on First Friday in August they will have live music. David also tells me once they fine-tune the lunch system, Wilmoore café will transition to nights and weekends. So excited!!!
As you enter into the café, you will find diners sitting in the converted retail storefront windows clicking away on their laptops (they offer free Wi-Fi) and savoring one of the many delicious signature sandwiches, with a side of homemade chips and pickles (also made in house). Not in the mood for a big lunch, then walk up to the counter and order a “southern snack”, my favorite is the pimento cheese. Made with Ashe County, NC, hoop cheese, the chef adds a little mustard, peppers and a wee bit of sharp cheddar – yum!!!
David describes himself as a “coffee guy who loves food.” Naturally the Wilmoore Café is also becoming known for its coffee. “The location screams coffee shop,” says David. Because of his love for downtown Raleigh, David along with his wife Liz, his cousin Carter Worthy, and her husband Tom Hester, decided a few years ago to look at available restaurant space and came across this 100-year-old building. David said to his potential business partners, “If we can restore it, this is it!” The renovation took almost a year, but the result was well worth the wait! The beautiful original pine floors, exposed brick walls and tin ceiling offer the perfect backdrop for their food and coffee specialties.
“We love downtown and it continues to grow,” says David. “We are thrilled to be a part of the community and present good food and good coffee to our neighbors.”
While waiting for your order, walk around the restaurant and enjoy some beautiful pieces of art. Wilmoore Café displays work from a different local artist each month. The prices are clearly displayed in case you are interested in the piece, but you’ll have to contact the artist directly to make the purchase.
Wilmington Street is going through a huge transformation right now, and the Wilmoore Café is another great addition to what is surely becoming THE good food destination in downtown Raleigh. Check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wilmoorecafe.
