Port City Foodies Newsletter: Waterfront dining and new restaurants

Welcome to the weekly Port City Foodies newsletter brought to you by me, StarNews reporter Allison Ballard. While food is fun, it's also serious business. I recently wrote something about how food coverage can be both a lens to view the local economy and a way to connect with others, which isn’t always easy to do. This week's news is a great example of both. You can click below, for example, for an idea of how the food-and-drink scene has changed in recent weeks and a look at ways to enjoy what’s here with these events scheduled for July .

What’s new?

Among the new restuarants that have opened recently , several of them are adding to the Mexican, Latin and even Carribean options to the dining scene. I’m looking forward to trying quite a few of them. How about you?

And although it’s not here yet – and isn’t technically a restaurant – lots of people are excited about the area’s first Sheetz , which is coming soon to Hampstead. And, let’s face it, who hasn’t grabbed a bite to eat at a gas station? We at the StarNews have the details on what’s new – and this historical perspective .

More: Latin flavors and island vibes: 19 restaurant openings and closings in the Wilmington area

Making the most of summer

A benefit to living in this area is that we don’t have to go on vacation to enjoy a meal out in a beautiful setting. I recently had a chance to write about two such places. One is among the area’s oldest restaurants . It’s part of a family run business on the Intracoastal Waterway in Pender County. Further south, here’s a look at some of the updates at this waterfront restaurant in Southport – and how the owners have taken over a longtime seafood market .

And, you know, there's more to July than Independence Day. You can also enjoy the summer fun at one or two of these food-and-drink events that take place this month, from garden parties to crab fests.

More: Look for festive fun with these July food-and-drink events at Wilmington-area restaurants

Congrats, chef

And, finally, here’s to UNCW’s exec chef, Ryan Andress, who recently won the gold medal in a national competition. For the second time! I would love to try that salad and the escabeche. Good work, chef.

More: UNCW chef wins gold in national competition

Let’s get social

Follow Port City Foodies on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/portcityfoodies and on Instagram at @port_city_foodies .

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Port City Foodies Newsletter: Waterfront dining and new restaurants