The Thread: James River Oysters at Machete

🧵 In Today’s Edition

1. At Greensboro’s Machete, a Dish to Remember
2. The Weekender
3. What We’re Reading

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At Greensboro’s Machete, a Dish to Remember

Listen: Here’s what you do.

You leave the kids at home. Not that kind of night.

You take somebody special—a friend, a lover, a sister or brother you need to catch up with. You tell them it’s important. You make the time.

You get over to Machete, in Fisher Park on Battleground and look over the new summer menu—small plates, just lists of ingredients, really. Piques the imagination, leaves room for surprises. No, it’s not cheap. But you don’t do this often. You don’t do it often enough.

Here’s what you don’t do.

You don’t miss the roasted James River oysters with peanut, coconut, and Thai green curry butter.

I come from generations of Eastern North Carolina commercial fishermen. Growing up on the coast, we had no idea our food was special. It’s hard to say what would amuse my mother more—me eating river oysters, that they were smothered in curry butter, or that I paid $6 a piece for them. But if she were sitting with me at that bar, she’d have to admit they were damned good.

Read the entire story here.

— Joe Killian

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Thanks for reading The Thread, a 3x week newsletter written by Greensboro editor Joe Killian and reporters Sayaka Matsuoka and Gale Melcher. Reach us with tips or ideas at greensboro@theassemblync.com.

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The Weekender

As July turns to August, the heat is still on. Here are some fun, creative ways to beat it this week, from laser tag and a Shakespeare sonnetfest to Jeezy and Sunday brunch. Let’s get it!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1

Teen Night – Laser Tag @ Lindley Recreation Center
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

It’s high summer, it’s ungodly hot out, and teens have a ton of energy to burn off. Luckily, the Lindley Recreation Center has got you covered this week with Laser Tag. Glow in the dark dodgeball, basketball, and more are also available. Participants must be 13-18 and need to register for a teen pass. More info here.

The Inaugural Sonnet Fest @ Greensboro Cultural Center
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Creative Greensboro, Scrapmettle, Shared Radiance, and Little Independent Theatre bring you Greensboro’s first-ever Sonnet Fest! Performers will bring to life Shakespeare’s first fifty sonnets using all four floors of the Greensboro Cultural Center as their stage. Shall we compare it to a summer’s day? Given the air conditioning, it should be more lovely and more temperate. The event’s free, but donations will be accepted. More info here.

Noches Latinas at LeBauer Park – First Friday Edition! 
6:30-9:45 p.m.

Spend First Friday with Noches Latinas, an electric evening of Latin rhythm, culture, and community hosted by Maria Gonzalez and Casa Azul of Greensboro. Get ready for a dance party under the stars with a live DJ and free Latin dance lessons, including Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and more. Bring some friends and head to Market Square @ LeBauer Park, 208 N Davie Street.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2
Yoga in the Park @ The Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
8 a.m.

Start the weekend with something good for your mind, body, and spirit. Bring your mat and enjoy a 45-minute, all-levels yoga class held outdoors at the beautiful Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. Tickets are just $5. More info here.

Read this newsletter online or contact The Thread team with tips and feedback at greensboro@theassemblync.com.

I Am A Queen’s 17th Annual Back to School Giveaway @ The Greensboro Sportsplex
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Make sure everyone in the community has what they need as kids go back to school. This event, in its 17th year, is open to everyone, but children must be present to receive school supplies. Want to pitch in? You can still drop off supplies until Friday, August 1, at Gents By Prestige located by 4000-D Spring Garden Street. More info at www.iamaqueen.org.


Jeezy @ The Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
8 p.m.

When rapper Jeezy released his debut album, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101, 20 years ago, it was difficult to imagine him performing in a place like the Tanger Center. But Jay Wayne Jenkins, a native North Carolinian by way of Georgia, was then known as Young Jeezy. We’re all older and (gasp!) more respectable now. Ready to see a 20th anniversary celebration of Thug Motivation with a full symphony orchestra? You’d better be. Tickets are going fast, but still available here.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3

Sunday Brunch Cafe @ The Historic Magnolia House
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Historic Magnolia House, a popular Green Book hotel during segregation, is celebrating 75 years. Enjoy one of the best brunches in town or even plan a weekend getaway at this local treasure that once hosted Black icons like Jackie Robinson, Miles Davis, James Baldwin, and Ruth Brown. More info here.

Greensboro True Crime Walking Tour
5 p.m.

Ready to walk on the dark side of the Gate City, exploring the story of Greensboro’s first serial killer, its most infamous criminals, and its grisliest murders? Then lace up your shoes—this tour is for you. Begins at The Bodega, 313 South Greene Street. Tickets are $17.85 and are available here.

— Joe Killian

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What We’re Reading

Put on Ice: A federal judge ordered the release of a Greensboro man who was detained by ICE earlier this week. Now, the agency is putting a stay on Mohamed Naser’s bond. WFDD reports.

Cleared for Landing: The General Assembly has followed through on its promise to award JetZero up to $450 million in state incentives over the next six fiscal years. The News & Record has the details.

Champions of Justice: Six individuals were honored for their work promoting civil and human rights, including several Guilford County leaders at a Greensboro ceremony. Carolina Peacemaker has the story.

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