Powell’s Pasta
When I took the job as an assistant sports editor, I never thought I’d be reviewing a meal made by men’s basketball first-year forward Drake Powell. But in the age of NIL, here we are.
I love chicken alfredo. It might be one of the only meals that I feel confident in making. But Powell’s cajun pasta showed that clearly he knows better than me.
While at times it felt like I was eating a spoonful of cajun seasoning, there was the perfect amount of cheese to balance it out. I opted to go with the blackened chicken on it instead of the shrimp, and it didn’t disappoint.
The one thing that did disappoint? The peas. Sure, peas are a fine side on Thanksgiving or with the right meal, but peas in chicken alfredo really throw me off. Luckily, Powell included broccoli which helped mitigate my disappointment.
But hey, after basketball, Powell might just have another calling as a chef.
Rating: 7 out of 10
– Matthew Maynard, assistant sports editor
Assistant Sports Editor Matthew Maynard holds Drake Powell’s Cajun Pasta at The Town Hall Grill on Monday, March 17, 2025.
The Seth Burger
If there’s two things I love in this world it’s basketball and burgers. So, when I found out men’s basketball junior guard Seth Trimble created his own burger at Town Hall Grill, I couldn’t resist trying it.
Much like Trimble was confident that the NCAA tournament election committee would deliver a spot to the Tar Heels, The Seth Burger delivered, too.
To get the day’s news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.
The burger was defined by the applewood smoked bacon and house-made mild 1000 island dressing. It was full of flavor and added a smoky and sweet kick.
I enjoy a juicy tomato to pair with the lettuce on a burger, but alas, it was missing. The crunch and tang from the red onions, though, certainly satisfied my craving.
As far as I can tell, Trimble knows what he’s doing both on the court and in the kitchen.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
– Olivia Paul, co-photo editor
The Seth Burger sits on a table at The Town Hall Grill on Monday, March 17, 2025.
RJ Davis’s Spicy Chili Honey Wings
As soon as I took the first bite, my 5-foot-5 frame transformed. I was 6-foot.
The chili sauce, honey and garlic hit my mouth and suddenly it was a cold day in late February. The year? 2024. The Miami Hurricanes entered the Dean E. Smith Center.
I couldn’t stop draining threes. My layups kept kissing the glass as I made my way through the half-dozen wings. Floater here, floater there. It all led to a 42-point record-breaking performance in the Smith Center.
Throughout my tenure, I traveled to the Sweet 16. I upset Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski in the Final Four in 2022. I earned ACC Player of the Year and became an All-American.
I ate the wings and became RJ Davis. It was a feeling like no other.
Nah, I am just playing. They were mid.
Rating: 6 out of 10
– Emma Moon, assistant sports editor
Assistant Sports Editor Emma Moon holds RJ Davis’s spicy chili honey wings at The Town Hall Grill on Monday, March 17, 2025.
@dthsports | sports@dailytarheel.com
Olivia Paul is the 2024-25 sports photo editor. She has previously served as a senior staff photographer.
Emma Moon is the 2024-25 assistant sports editor. She previously served as the Summer Sports Editor and as a senior writer. Emma is a senior majoring in Media and Journalism, and English. She has red hair and drives a Prius.
Caroline Wills is the 2024-25 sports editor. Previously, she served as a senior writer on the sports desk, primarily covering women’s tennis, field hockey, and women’s basketball.
