🌱Take A Look At LEGO Art + Chefs, Pastry Chefs And Bartenders Compete

Hello all. Karena Garrity here with your fresh copy of the Raleigh Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in our community, including updates on...

• LEGO art.
• Chef competition.
• Do you work from home? You're in the right place!

But first, today's weather: Rather cloudy with a shower. High: 72 Low: 61.

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Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

1. Would you like to see over 1 million LEGO bricks? You can, at Sawaya's Art of the Brick exhibit at the Pleasant Valley Promenade in Raleigh. There are over 90 pieces of LEGO art to view. The exhibition is for all ages, there's even a section at the end where if kids are feeling inspired, they are encouraged to create their own LEGO sculptures in the LEGO pit. Art of the Brick merchandise and some exclusive LEGO sets will also be available for purchase. The exhibit will last until the end of August. Get your tickets now! (WRAL News)
2. The seventh annual North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Chef Showdown competition is the largest to date with a reported 100 chefs, pastry chefs and bartenders participating from all across North Carolina. The competition is meant to promote local talent and local ingredients. According to StaNewsOnline.com, "There are 76 chefs and pastry chefs cooking in the preliminary rounds, from May 8 to June 26. (This includes a coastal round at Carteret Community College Culinary School on May 22.) Regional rounds of the competition take place in July. Also, 18 bartenders have teamed with a North Carolina distillery and will create two cocktails and a mocktail for a panel of judges. Six mixologists and 20 chefs will earn spots in the Grand Finale on Aug. 14 at The Pavilion at Angus Barn in Raleigh, when Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Bartender of the Year and Distillery of the Year will be named."(StarNewsOnline.com)
3. Do you work from home in Raleigh? According to the website formerly known as Rent.com, Raleigh is in the top 10 on its list of best cities for remote work. Thanks to COVID-19 the work-from-home trend has caught on and although some same the boom is over, according to CBS17.com, "Mike Walden, an economist and professor emeritus at North Carolina State University said, 'I think remote working is here to stay — not for a majority of workers, but for a significant, much more significant percentage of workers than pre-pandemic.'" With mid-rate rent costs, great access to high-speed internet and a mild climate, Raleigh is reportedly a great place to live and work from home. (CBS17.com)

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Today in Raleigh:

• 6th and 7th Grade Awards Day — Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy (12:30 PM)
• "The Lost Weekend: A Love Story" (NR) — Town of Cary Cultural Arts (2:00 PM)
• May 2023 EverythingELSE Consignment Sale Event by Kids EveryWEAR Free Public Ticket to Full Price (4:00 PM)
• LRHS Dance Concert — Leesville Road High (7:00 PM)
• Comedy Night with Bo Johnson and Jen O'Neill Smith (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• CAM Raleigh: "CAM Raleigh presents 'Jubilant!: A Juneteenth Concert.' Join us on June 3 at 5 p.m. as we celebrate this amazing occasion through artistic and musical expression. Tickets are on sale in our bio! See you there! " (CAM Raleigh via Instagram)
• Shop Local Raleigh: "Get ready to pig out at the Got to be NC Festival! Experience three days of the best food, beverages, and fun that North Carolina has to offer. Held at the State Fairgrounds." (Shop Local Raleigh via Instagram)
• City of Raleigh - Government: "The Neighborhood Initiative Fund supports projects designed by neighborhoods for community areas near the New Bern Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route and Dix Park. Your neighborhood group may be eligible for up to $15,000! Apply by June 1." (City of Raleigh - Government via Facebook)
• Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum: "Get ready to groove, sing, and learn! Join storyteller Patti Cake as she weaves imagery and songs to tell the story of Black emancipation and determination. This kid friendly event is free and will be done outside the Pope House Museum." (Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Play Day for a Cause at Kiddie Academy of West Cary (May 20)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (May 23)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com