Curated Taste

Curated Taste Engaging digital storyteller in NC and beyond. Food | Lifestyle | Experiences | Travel Content
(18)

01/14/2026

If you’re looking for a spot that prioritizes organic, nutrient-dense ingredients without cutting corners, is it.

Their Power Bowls and smoothies aren’t just fuel; they are “clean” eating the right way. I love that everything here is made with intention—no refined sugars, no fillers, just pure, high-quality ingredients that actually make you feel like you’re doing something right for your body.

Grabbing a post-workout boost, a midday reset, and add it as a staple on your Bull City rotation.

📍Durham, NC - 110 Corcoran St

Fun Fact: One of the “secret” powerhouse ingredients often found in high-end wellness blends like those at Juice Keys is Camu Camu. It’s a sour berry from the Amazon rainforest that contains one of the highest concentrated natural sources of Vitamin C on the planet—nearly 50 times more than an orange by weight!

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01/13/2026

If a Dubai desert shoot is on your bucket list, let’s get you prepared for what actually happens before the camera clicks. It’s a mix of early-morning hustle and strategic planning to get those results.

The Pre-Game: You have to embrace the 4:00 AM wake-up call. To make the transition easier, I went straight into my shapewear (skip the bra—the dress does the work) and layered up on sunscreen. Do your own glam, but keep it bold enough to stand up to the desert sun.

The Logistics: We headed about 90 minutes out to the Al Qudra Desert. Pro tip: Wear a pair of comfy and rugged sandals for the walk from the SUV to the dunes. The sand is gorgeous, but the terrain can be rocky and—let’s be real—there’s a high chance of dodging camel p**p before you reach your mark.

The Secret Weapon: The photographer’s assistant is the true s/hero of the day. From setting up a pop-up changing room in the middle of nowhere to literally “throwing” the dress when the wind won’t cooperate, they make the magic happen.

My Top Insight: Don’t wing it and don’t be afraid to ask the photographer if you can try certain poses within your allotted time. Bookmark your favorite poses and videos on IG or Pinterest beforehand. When you’re standing in the heat, having a visual reference ensures you get exactly the look you’re paying for without the stress.

Check the results in my feed and let me know if you’d brave a desert sunrise for these views!

📸

Planning a trip to the UAE? Contact me at linked in the bio to plan the trip if a lifetime.

Fun Fact: The “Flying Dress” phenomenon actually originated in Santorini, Greece, to contrast the bright blue domes of Oia. It migrated to Dubai because the vast, neutral tones of the Arabian Desert provide the perfect high-contrast canvas for those vibrant, oversized silk trains to catch the light.

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01/12/2026

Are you a purist when it comes to chicken salad, or do you like nuts, fruit or cheese in yours?

has put a twist on a classic. If you like a little kick try the “Buffalo Barclay” or “Jalapeño Holly”.
The “Fancy Nancy” has that perfect crunch of Fuji apples and pecans and gives garden party chic.

Planning a cute brunch consider their catering option. Want a different lunch idea, add a soup, or that delicious grape salad.

📍Raleigh, NC - 2414 Wycliff Road, Suite 105

Fun Fact: Did you know that the founder, Stacy Brown, actually started the business out of her home kitchen? She was so determined to find the “perfect” recipe that she stayed an anonymous “secret shopper” in her own town, testing flavors until she perfected the menu. However, because selling homemade food from a private kitchen was against the law, the health department actually shut her down—which gave her the final push to open her first official boutique location!

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01/08/2026

What is one topic about getting older that you wish people talked about more openly?

It seems the first half of life is about accumulating—experiences, collecting titles, following scripts, and meeting everyone’s expectations but our own.

I’m thrilled to announce a new collaborative series with my girl, called “Almost 50 and Unafraid.”

Our transition into content creation wasn’t just a career shift; it was born from the fires of real-life transitions. We’ve both walked through the heavy fog of grief and the uncertainty of layoffs. Those experiences didn’t break us—they refined us.

They gave us the clarity to stop playing small and start living with a sense of purpose.

In this series, we’re highlighting topics we once felt we had to whisper about or navigate behind closed doors. No fluff, just the honest reality of:

* Navigating the shifts of perimenopause and the realities of aging.
* Staying active and finding new ways to challenge our bodies.
* The nuances and complex world of dating and relationships.
* Finding humor in the everyday, embracing adventure and saying “yes” to the things that scare us and “no” to those that require us to wear a cape.

We are here to prove that “almost 50” isn’t a winding down; it’s a leveling up. We hope you’ll join the conversation and journey.

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01/07/2026

What are you doing this year to show up for yourself?

Entering 2026, I’m trading the vision board for something more substantial: pure determination, grounded intention, and a non-negotiable promise to show up for myself.

This year isn’t about just seeing the destination; it’s about the caliber of the person I become on the way there. I’m showing up like a boss - because I am, trusting that God’s timing is far more precise than my own. If the path feels longer, I won’t be sidetracked—I’ll use that time to refine my craft because what’s for me is mine.

My movement this year is fueled by purpose. I’m navigating with a focus that avoids the land mines of distraction and “busy work.” I’m choosing to be fully present—less time behind a screen and more time savoring the people who matter most.

I’m saying a graceful “no” to anything that doesn’t align with my ultimate purpose, and I’m taking my rest off-grid without a single worry about lost engagement or FOMO.

Most importantly, I’m done hurting my own feelings to keep others comfortable. It’s not about lack of consideration; it’s about finally realizing things I do that require me to betray my own peace. 2026 is the year I show up for me.

Can you relate?

Fun Fact: While we often feel pressured to “visualize” our way to success, psychologists have found a concept called “Implementation Intentions” is actually significantly more effective than vision boards. Research shows that people who move past just visualizing a goal and instead create specific “if-then” plans (deciding exactly when, where, and how they will act) are 2 to 3 times more likely to follow through and succeed.

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01/06/2026

In this episode of Behind the Brand, meet Crystal Butler, the visionary behind ! She is building a brand that stays true to authentic New Orleans cuisine while carving out a space in the local culinary scene that could use a bit more flavor.

Crystal’s journey is a reminder that when you lead with faith, passion and being open to new opportunities that if you stay ready you don’t have to get ready.

From the perfect seasoning to that authentic NOLA soul, she’s bringing heart to every plate and they just hit different.

Get ready to be inspired by her story and, more importantly, get ready to eat well!

PRO TIP: Get the shrimp and grits and the beignets. They are amazing!

📍Raleigh, NC - 1425 Promise Beacon Circle, Suite 106

Fun Fact: The name “Orleans” in New Orleans honors Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, who was the Regent of France when the city was founded in 1718. The city’s unique culinary fusion—Creole and Cajun—actually stems from over 300 years of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences blending together in the Mississippi Delta.

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01/05/2026

Who else thinks the hardest part of golf is actually hitting the ball? 🙋🏽‍♀️

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again right—that is the energy we are bringing to the bays this year!

Honestly, half the fun of is the journey from a total miss to that one satisfying “clink” when you finally make contact.

It’s the perfect spot to grab the crew, order some appetizers, and laugh at each other’s swing until you finally get it right.

Persistence is key, and let’s be real, the atmosphere makes practicing feel like a party anyway. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just there for the aesthetic, keep swinging until you finally hit the ball!

📍Durham, NC - 4901 Topgolf Way

Fun Fact: While Topgolf feels like a modern phenomenon, the concept was actually birthed in the UK in 2000 by two brothers, Graham and Steve Jolliffe, who were simply bored at a traditional driving range and wanted a way to make practicing more competitive and measurable.

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01/01/2026

Are you participating in Dry January?

If you find yourself in Kannapolis, North Carolina, you have to stop by for a tasting. This boutique is a dream for anyone who appreciates a sophisticated drink but doesn’t necessarily want to spend the money and time prepping syrups and garnishes. They specialize in high-quality components that allow you to create a complex, multi-layered cocktail OR mocktail with just one or two steps and ingredients.

My sister, and I were particularly fond of their selection of (Pineapple) drinking vinegars, which add a perfect acidic bite to any glass, including tea, lemonade and more; and I’m not a big vinegar fan. They also carry infusion kits—where you simply add your favorite spirit to the jar and let the dried fruits and botanicals do the work (the perfect gift idea) —and mixers for a refined drink without the weird artificial aftertaste.

If you’re fully committing to the spirit-free lifestyle, or looking for ways to elevate your home bar with more intentionality, this is the place for you.

📍Kannapolis, NC - 118 S Main Street

Fun Fact: North Carolina’s official state beverage is actually milk! However, if you look back to the 1700s, the “unofficial” state drink was the Cherry Bounce—a brandy and cherry infusion so popular that politicians reportedly chose the location for the state capital, Raleigh, based on its proximity to a tavern that served it.

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12/31/2025

🎉Thanks for the memories 🎉

Reflecting on 2025, this year has been a remarkable journey of growth, flavor, and elevation. From the desert horizons of Dubai to the milestone moments that defined my professional path, every chapter felt like a deliberate step toward a more refined version of Curated Taste.

One of the proudest highlights was graduating from the Launch program—a true testament to the dedication behind the scenes. That energy carried over into my personal life as I stood by to watch my niece graduate from college, a moment of pure joy and family pride.

In the kitchen, I had the incredible opportunity to cook alongside , learning that heart is the most essential ingredient in any culinary masterpiece.

I also took my perspective to new heights—quite literally—while flying in a Cessna with my friend as she checked off a bucket list goal, seeing the world from a vantage point that changes everything. And to top it all off, hitting a million views on my content was a humbling reminder of the incredible community we’ve built together.

Thank you for being part of this 2025 highlight reel. Here’s to 2026 being filled with even more intentionality and excellence.

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12/30/2025

🔔CREOLE CUISINE🔔

is serving up the kind of soul-satisfying Creole food that usually requires a flight to MSY. It’s the kind of spot where the gumbo has a roux that’s been simmered to perfection and the po’boys are packed to the brim.

You have to check out their weekly staples like Wing Wednesdays and Seafood Saturdays. I recently indulged in a spread that was a masterclass in Southern comfort:

Featured:

Cajun Shrimp & Grits🔥
Chicken & Beignet Waffles🔥
Croissant Beignets🔥
Shrimp Po’boy:🔥
The Boxes: The Jambalaya Box (rice, beef smoked sausage, chicken, and shrimp) and the Shrimp Box (red potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp) 🔥
The Sides: Baked macaroni and cheese, fresh green beans, and savory Cajun dirty rice with ground beef.🔥
Strawberry Crunch Cake🔥
Richard’s Gator Juice and Bayou Punch

📍Raleigh, NC - 1425 Promise Beacon Circle, Suite 106

Fun Fact: The “Po’boy” sandwich has a history rooted in solidarity. It was popularized during a 1929 streetcar strike in New Orleans. Brothers Benny and Clovis Martin, who were former streetcar conductors, promised to feed the striking workers for free. Whenever a hungry striker walked into their shop, the workers would shout, “Here comes another poor boy,” and the name eventually stuck to the iconic French bread sandwiches.

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12/29/2025

🔔NEW BAKERY🔔

has mastered the delicate balance of French-inspired technique and Asian-crafted precision.

This fusion is exactly why their pastries have a lighter, less sugary profile that has revolutionized the modern bakery scene.

From their signature Cloud Cakes to the perfectly golden pain au chocolat, walking into this bakery feels like an escape from the everyday hustle. It is the perfect spot for a slow morning with a lavender latte or picking up a beautifully boxed set of macarons for a sophisticated holiday gift.

📍Raleigh, NC - 7 Seaboard Ave

Fun Fact: “Tous Les Jours” literally translates to “Every Day,” While the name and aesthetic are undeniably French, did you know that Tous Les Jours is actually a South Korean franchise, established in 1997.

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