When browsing through the retail shops and food outlets of The Shops of RDU, be prepared to expect the unexpected. For example, a few weeks ago, I walked into Camden food co. in Terminal 2 and found fresh sushi.
Yes, fresh sushi at the airport! Turns out, it’s made fresh every day at Sujin Sushi at the Weaver Street Market in Carrboro and brought to the airport, where it can be found not only at Camden, but at its sister shop, Flavours, also in Terminal 2.
- These sushi trays were made fresh at Sujin Sushi in Carrboro. This is one of the items you may not expect to find when shopping or dining at RDU.
The experience made me wonder what other unexpected things could be found at The Shops of RDU. So, here are four other things you may not expect to find when you shop and dine at RDU.
1. Fresh Ingredients. When I say fresh, believe it. Long before dawn, chefs are preparing the day’s foods. They make soups, sandwiches, breads, fruit cups and even many of the sauces and salad dressings each day. And, they’re made as needed throughout the day.
2. Meals Packaged To Go. We’re all familiar with pre-wrapped sandwiches and salads for purchase at the cash register. But, did you know that any menu item can be ordered to go? Whether you order a burger and fries or crab cakes, the chef will prepare your meal and then place it in a to go container that you can take to your gate or on the plane.
3. Local, Local and More Local. There’s no shortage of local items in The Shops of RDU. Find team apparel for the Durham Bulls, Carolina Hurricanes and our region’s three major universities. Find books from local authors as well as Moravian cookies and N.C. peanuts. And, explore endless titles at the locally-owned 2nd Edition Booksellers, which has been at RDU since 1985.
In addition to fresh sushi, enjoy pastries and Mediterranean-fare from Raleigh’s Neomonde, N.C. barbecue from Siler City’s Brookwood Farms, N.C. seafood from 42nd Street Oyster Bar and the Carolina Ale House, one of the region’s favorite sports-themed restaurants.
4. Spa Services. You’ve probably seen XpresSpa on the concourse in Terminal 2. But, did you know they offer services beyond nails and chair massages? Plan to arrive a few minutes early and enjoy a full-body massage. You can also get a hand mask or facial before your flight.
What are your favorite things about The Shops of RDU? Do you have any tips or favorite items to share?