Itโs no secret I LOVE to travel. Travel brings new adventures, educational experiences, relaxation, and discovering the unknown. As a Lifestyle Blogger I attend many tourism dinners and travel expoโs. I highly love the intimate media dinners where we get to hear stories and experience the food cultural of the impending travel destination city.
On Thursday, June 4th I joined Visit North Carolina for an intimate VIP dinner bringing together a small group of national media alongside destination partners from across the state including: Durham, Asheville, Wilmington & Beaches, Cabarrus, and Raleigh.
The dinner was hosted at Swift and Sons located at 1000 W Fulton Market in Chicago.
Tavi J. and Chef Oscar Diaz
Our special guest of the evening was Chef Oscar Diaz. The Chicago-born, Durham-based chef is known for blending Mexican, Southern, and global influences into what he calls โpocho cuisine.โ Diaz is the chef and owner behind some of Durhamโs North Carolina most talked-about restaurants, including Little Bull, Aaktun, and TaTaco.
He first gained national attention as executive chef at Cortez Seafood + Cocktail before opening Little Bull in 2023, which quickly earned recognition from theย Michelin Guideย and national food media alike. Most recently, Diaz competed onย Top Chef in 2026, further cementing his role in putting Durhamโs dynamic dining scene on the map. I canโt wait to visit Chef Diaz restaurants and immerse myself in North Carolinaโs cultural. Check out some of the destination spots below.
Hereโs a brief summary I was given on the spots we learned about:
Durham –ย Durham continues to evolve as one of the Southโs most dynamic small cities, blending a thriving culinary scene with innovation hubs like the Durham Innovation District and American Tobacco Campus. In 2026, the momentum is especially strong around food, with a wave of notable restaurant openings and revivals further cementing its reputation as a top-tier dining destination in the Triangle.
Asheville –ย Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville remains a creative and culinary powerhouse known for its arts scene, craft brewing, and outdoor access. In 2026, the destination is leaning into major tourism growth with new festivals, live music programming, and industry events like the Meaningful Travel Summit, reinforcing its leadership in sustainability and experiential travel.
Wilmingtonย & Beachesย – Wilmington offers a quintessential coastal experience, pairing a historic riverfront with easy access to nearby island beaches. The destination continues to gain national recognitionโearning a spot on Southern Livingโs 2026 โSouthโs Best Citiesโ listโthanks to its laid-back lifestyle, growing food scene, and strong appeal for both leisure and film tourism.
Cabarrus County –ย Located just outside Charlotte, Cabarrus County blends motorsports heritage with family-friendly attractions and outdoor experiences. Known as the home of NASCAR roots, the destination continues to attract visitors through major sporting events and experiential tourism, aligning with North Carolinaโs broader push in 2026 to spotlight large-scale events and regional travel.
Raleigh –ย As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh offers a polished mix of culture, innovation, and culinary energy within the fast-growing Research Triangle. In 2026, the city is seeing a surge of high-profile restaurant openings, revitalized hospitality concepts, and major events that continue to position it as one of the Southeastโs most exciting urban destinations.
So the question isโฆ
Where should Chiataglance go?
