Art Heist Dinner at the NCMA Café: A Mystery You Can Eat
Fine dining, fine art, and a not-so-fine crime to solve.
Shannon
January 16, 2026
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Back by popular demand, the Art Heist Dinner at the NCMA Café turns dinner into a delicious whodunit on January 22. As you enjoy a specially curated multi-course menu, you’ll roam the museum, uncover clues, and try to crack the case of a missing artwork—preferably before dessert hits the table. Expect plenty of intrigue, playful sleuthing, and just enough suspense to keep you guessing between courses.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d tell you). We’re just suckers for dinner with a plot twist (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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🍎 Support Wake County School Meals Through the Angel Fund
The Districtwide Angel Fund helps students who don’t have enough money to purchase school meals. Donations provide assistance to ensure every child has access to healthy food at school.
💳 How to Give
Individuals or organizations can contribute by sending their donation with the donation form. You can make a single gift or set up recurring support to help sustain this important program.
📢 Spread the Word
Community members can also help by sharing the Angel Fund flyer and encouraging others to participate in this effort.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Tasty Daily Specials at Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken 🔥
Get weekday flavor without the weekday price—grab $12.59 daily specials, Monday through Friday. No coupon code or secret handshake needed—just show up hungry and order.
📍Where: Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken
📅 When: Monday–Friday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,237 SQ FT | .02 ACRES | $289,999
Move-in-ready townhome in Raleigh’s Brook Forest community featuring updated LVP flooring, a gas log fireplace, an open layout, and a kitchen with all appliances conveying.* Take a look here →
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🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 2,638 SQ FT | .84 ACRES | $625,000
A beautifully crafted custom ranch home offering effortless main-level living with three bedrooms and a thoughtfully designed layout for everyday comfort.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 3,560 SQ FT | .39 ACRES | $1,200,000
Located on a cul-de-sac in the desirable Hamptons at Umstead, this former Mangrum Builders model home showcases quality craftsmanship with hardwood floors, custom details, and thoughtful updates throughout.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: LaGana’s Sweet Picosa is a burger with a whipped ricotta and goat cheese blend with Calabrian peppers, smashed wagyu with jalapeños and onions, melted pepper jack, and a crispy smashed yellow plantain finished with house spicy honey.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: GEORGIA | CAT | 14 WEEKS | MALE
Georgie is a sweet Domestic Shorthair who loves attention and cuddles, making the perfect companion for couch snuggles or following along on daily adventures. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to West Raleigh on January 17 at 7AM for a great selection of furniture including beds, dressers, desks, seating, and tables, plus kitchen appliances and supplies, DVDs, video games, and assorted household items. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Candle-Making Workshop with a Botanical Twist at Bond Brothers Beer Company on January 18 at 2PM.
A relaxing, hands-on candle-making workshop with a botanical twist where participants craft two custom soy candles using natural scents and dried botanicals while enjoying good company and great beer. Sign up here →
🧠 UNSCRAMBLE, WIN A PRIZE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase, be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a tote bag, stickers, and a magnet in the mail: KOOOWAD ITRICOHS STTRIIDC
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: MLK Jr Commemoration Weekend @ Apex Senior Center | Until January 19
MLK Jr. Commemoration Weekend brings the community together to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of racial equality and service. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Burger King | 10% Senior Discount
Burger King offers 10% off for seniors, plus extra drink discounts for guests 60 and older.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Industry Night | Punk
Industry Night takes over Slim’s with drink specials, pool, pinball, patio fire tables, and a laid-back reset soundtracked by Mind Erasers—because service folks deserve a proper wind-down.* | Slim's Dive Bar | January 19, 4:30PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Evanescence | Rock
Evanescence is an American rock band known for its dramatic blend of gothic, symphonic, and alternative metal, led by Amy Lee’s powerful, haunting vocals. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | June 17, 7PM | Get tickets here →
Save Hours of Searching—These Vetted Pros Are Ready to Improve Your Life (Updated Daily)
When you need to get things done (the right way, and fast), you don’t have time to read endless reviews. We’ve done that for you. These leading local service professionals have earned their stellar reputations and are ready to help you simplify your life.
Call them and tell them we sent you!*
✔️ Auto Mechanic: King’s Auto Service has 630+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted for over 75 years for reliable, expert car care in Raleigh.
✔️ Botox: BeautyCo has 260+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—Raleigh’s go-to spot for expert Botox treatments and natural-looking results.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Body): Amelia Aesthetics has 580+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted experts for body contouring and enhancement.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Face): Raleigh Eye and Face has 140+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—expert facial aesthetics and surgical care you can trust.
✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.
✔️ Handyman: Ace Handyman Services Greater Triangle and Johnston County has 900+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—because getting things fixed right matters.
✔️ Home Remodeler: Simply Right Remodeling has 100+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—expert craftsmanship to transform your home with style and precision.
✔️ HVAC Services: Air Experts—Raleigh’s go-to HVAC specialists with 7,300+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Don’t wait for the next heatwave!
✔️ Laser Hair Removal: BodyLase Med Spa has nearly 900 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert laser hair removal. Book your glow-up today!
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✔️ Mortgage Broker: Erika Fonseca - Oak City Lending (NMLS #2679761) has 15 Google reviews, all 5.0 stars. Get the best home loan options with a pro who truly cares!
✔️ Orthodontist: Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has 1,400+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—creating confident smiles for kids and adults across Raleigh.
✔️ Therapist: Elizabeth Tatum, LCMHC has 5.0 stars and 30+ Google reviews for compassionate, effective therapy. Take care of your mental wellness with one of Raleigh’s best.
✔️ Wealth Advisor: Capitol Financial has 25+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert financial planning. Your future self will thank you.
Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Don McMillan at Raleigh Improv | January 22, 7PM | Don McMillan is an American stand-up comedian and former engineer best known for his smart, clean, and visually driven comedy that uses PowerPoint to hilariously dissect everyday problems. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: John Crist at DPAC | May 16, 7PM | John Crist is an American stand-up comedian known for his clean, observational humor and viral takes on modern Christian culture and everyday life. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Bring One, Take One - Winter Swap @ Ment Beverage Co. | January 20 | 5PM
A cozy winter book and puzzle swap inviting participants to bring a recent read or completed puzzle and leave with something new, free and open to all. Get details here →
🤝 Mahjong Open Play @ Good Graces | January 20 | 6PM
Mahjong Open Play at Good Graces brings together Wake Forest and Oakwood Mahjong Clubs for an evening of play for seasoned players, with all equipment provided. Get details here →
Boxcar's one of those Raleigh gems you stumble into for a quick beer and end up staying all night. Between the retro arcade games, the rotating craft drafts, and the dog-friendly patio, it’s got that perfect mix of nostalgia and chill vibes. Just don’t tell too many people…I like being able to snag the good pinball machine without a wait.
—Hannah, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Equivity VA is seeking a Virtual Injury Paralegal.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Raleigh Marriott City Center is seeking a Starbucks Barista.
💸SIDE HUSTLES:
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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
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