Feeding a community through cocktails, BBQ, empanadas and more in this week's food news

Welcome to the weekly Port City Foodies newsletter brought to you by me, StarNews reporter Allison Ballard. It was a tumultuous start to the week, for everyone and not just the local food scene. One memorable interview from Monday was with Max Sussman, of The Veggie Wagon, praising two of his employees Savannah Amsley and Plum Holden. They were at the Carolina Beach market to check on things early on Monday. And, unfortunately, the rain and floodwater accumulated so quickly that their cars floated away and the heroes, as Sussman called them, first took shelter on the checkout counter and then made their way via a takeout window onto the roof. They were two of the many rescues that first responders performed that day. Read below for more info, and for more of this week's food news.

Feeding a community

The staff of the StarNews covered many aspects of the unnamed storm, including the flooding that continues to impact a number of local restaurants. Now, it’s about recovery. Sussman said they’ve reinvented the Veggie Wagon before and will do so again. They will have help from their neighbors. Volunteers came out to help them clean up on Friday and the nearby Brunches restaurant is hosting a fundraiser for them tonight.

We also recently wrote about The Southerly -- and their great biscuits and pies on Pleasure Island. As they were able to open in the aftermath of the storm, they offered free breakfast sandwiches to first responders. And World Central Kitchen worked with local partners such as T'Geaux Boys and Poor Piggy’s Poor Piggy's BBQ & Catering to offer meals to the community. Another effort is helping through cocktails Shag Bar at 7 Harper Ave. Proceeds from sales this weekend will help their downstairs neighbor, Crush and Grind coffee shop, which lost some equipment during the storm.

More: This Carolina Beach bakery and restaurant is one of the best in the Wilmington area

Good eats in downtown Wilmington

Meanwhile, in the historic business community in Wilmington, there are businesses both old(er) and new. The Gnome Nom Nom deli recently opened and aims to bring an authentic New York deli experience -- and some great empanadas with a thin, flaky crust -- to The Cotton Exchange. We also took a look at what chef Will Copeland has been doing at the longtime favorite, Circa 1922.

More: New deli wants to bring a magical touch to downtown Wilmington restaurant scene

What else is happening?

Also in this week's food news, we have a look at buffets. Stats show this style of restaurant is officially back. And a handful of local buffets have been renovated, revamped and reopened in recent weeks. Here's a look. Also, an authentic Italian restaurant in Wilmington has seen some changes. We have the details here.

More: This Wilmington Italian restaurant has changed hands. Here's a look at what's next.

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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Port City Foodies newsletter