Friday Fun Food Facts - February 17, 2012

Triangle Restaurant News

Triangle restaurant news...that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler.

• I'm trying not to drool on my keyboard as I type this, but thanks to the good folks over at Downtown Durham, Inc. we got word this week that Lilly's Pizza (in Raleigh's Five Points area) is planning to open a second location in the old Pop's space, adjacent to Morgan Imports, in downtown Durham. If you have never ventured over to try a pie at Lilly's, you are in for a real treat. Put it on your list!

• And if that is not enough great news for the Brightleaf shopping district, just this week the much anticipated Respite Café & Coffee Bar opened at 115 N. Duke Street. The café's faire will be sourced as much as possible from local vendors and features Carrboro Coffee Roasters coffee and a wide variety of loose-leaf teas. Stop in and pay them a visit or visit them online here.

• The N&O reported this week that the Streets at Southpoint Mall in Durham is about to flex its dining muscle with a number of additions to its line-up. First, Chipotle Mexican Grill will move into the Mitchell's Hair Styling location in the lower level. Also, Frozia, a frozen yogurt shop, will move into space being constructed in the lower-level Sears wing. And finally, Charley's Grilled Subs (which used to have a shop on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh) will join the food court serving up made-to-order subs.

• Also over in Durham, there is a new Mexican eatery called El Coyote just two miles from Hwy. 70 on Hwy 98 at 3801 Wake Forest Road. The initial reviews are that it is well worth the visit. Check them out on Facebook here. 

• And before we "leave" Durham, an update to a post in last week's blog - Tom Meyer, the owner of The Q Shack at North Hills in Raleigh, is on the verge of introducing a new concept in the café at the Museum of Life & Science (he hasn't even announced the concept's name yet!). He is currently in a temporary location in the main building offering a light lunch fare, but will take over the café on the museum campus. Expect a diverse menu that will go well beyond barbecue. It will feature local favorites like Locopops, Neomonde and others as well as a menu that is extremely diverse. Many of the offerings will be locally sourced as well as items actually grown on site. Stay tuned, as we know anything Tom does is nothing but good!

• Over in Raleigh, the Ballymor Irish Pub, which closed right around the first of the year over at 909 Spring Forest Road in Raleigh, has reopened as Saints and Scholars Irish Pub. It appears as if the only major change is ownership, as chef Sean Mullen, who hails from Roscommon, Ireland, remains at the helm serving up authentic Irish food. Check them out on Facebook here (they've got a coupon for a free appetizer!).  or on their regular website here. 

• Good news for wing lovers in West Raleigh and Cary. Wild Wing Café will open on March 9th in the former Jack Astor's location on Walnut Street (in the BJ's shopping center). This will be the restaurant's second area location, as the first is at Brier Creek. Check them out here.  

• Also in Cary, thanks to a tip from my friend Theresa Elek, we got word this week that Gigi's Cupcakes, located in Waverly Place, opened their doors last Friday. This marks the third Triangle-area location for Gigi's. Visit them online here. 

• Got a tweet from Carole this week that Sola Coffee, an independent, locally owned coffee shop in the tradition of the European coffee bar culture, is getting set to open in North Raleigh on Lead Mine Road next to the Sawmill Tap Room. Not much on their website yet, but here it is. 

• And just when you thought Guglhupf couldn't get any better, we get news this week that executive chef Dave Alworth and restaurant manager Cam Davis, will be leaving for a 'culinary fact-finding trip' to Austria in late February. They'll be in Austria for about 10 days, visiting some great wineries and exploring all things culinary. Can't wait to see what they bring back!

• According to the N&O's Andrea Weigl, Steven Devereaux Greene has been named executive chef of An restaurant in Cary. Greene has spent the last several years working at Herons, the restaurant at The Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary. Still no word on where Michael Chuong, the original executive chef at An, will end up. We'll keep an eye on that.

• And in surprising news, after only a four-month run, the Sir Pizza in Morrisville has closed. The store was located at the intersection of Davis Drive and McCrimmon Parkway.

• We've got a couple of new food trucks on the scene in the Triangle - Hibachi Xpress and Martin's Curry Rice. On Twitter, find Hibachi Xpress here and Martin's Curry Rice here  or on Facebook here and here.  

• The World Beer Festival returns to downtown Raleigh's Moore Square on April 14th. Tickets for the festival go on sale Feb. 27 for All About Beer subscribers and to the general public on March 5. Get your tickets here. The festival has two four-hour sessions (noon- 4 pm and 6-10 pm) Admission to a single session is $40 in advance and $50 on the day of the event, if available. VIP tickets are $75 per session and include a World Beer Festival commemorative glass, an upscale food buffet (hot catered meal), a private hospitality area, a separate entrance, private restrooms, a gift bag, and extra special beers not available at the brewers' tables. 

• Here's a big-time "foodie" event that just keeps getting bigger - the Urban Ministries of Durham Empty Bowls fundraiser. This year's event will be held March 8, from 5:30 to 8 pm at the Armory. The eleven restaurants participating this year will include: Guglhupf, Revolution, L'Uva, Papa Mojo's, Thrills from the Grill, Watts Grocery, Blu Seafood, Whole Foods, Toast, Saladelia Café, and Mad Hatter Café and Bakeshop. This year's event will be complemented by a 'food truck afterparty' at Fullsteam and will feature the following trucks: Pie Pushers, Will & Pops, The Parlour, Chirba Chirba, Klausie's Pizza, Only Burger, and Farmhand Foods Sausage Wagon. Trucks will be ready to serve starting at 7:30 pm and each truck is creating a special dish for the evening that will fit in a bowl.  All of the trucks are donating 10% of their proceeds that night to the event. Tickets for the Armory event are $30 for soup with a pottery bowl to take home or $15 for just soup. The afterparty at Fullsteam is free. Get all the details here.  

• And this is pretty cool. The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) announced this week that Chris Moutos, a server at Taverna Agora Greek Restaurant & Bar, was named the 2012 Restaurant Employee of Year. It was Moutos' service outside of the restaurant that made NCRLA board members take notice. He serves as chair of the City of Raleigh Human Relations Commission, editor & account manager of The Raleigh Downtowner Magazine and is a member of the steering committee for the Youth Leadership Academy of Wake County. I'd say that guy stays pretty busy! Congrats to Chris.

Friday Fun Food Facts - February 10, 2012

Triangle Restaurant News

Triangle restaurant news...that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler.

• So here's some big news...Tom Meyer, the owner of The Q Shack at North Hills in Raleigh, is on the verge of introducing a new concept in the café at the Museum of Life & Science. He is currently in a temporary location in the main building offering a light lunch fare, but will take over the café on the museum campus. Expect a diverse menu that will go well beyond barbecue. It will feature local favorites like Locopops, Neomonde and others as well as a menu that is extremely diverse. Many of the offerings will be  locally sourced as well as items actually grown on site. Stay tuned.

• Also over in Durham, the much anticipated Buffalo Wild Wings is now open across from the Streets at Southpoint on Fayetteville Road. This is the third Triangle location for Buffalo Wild Wings - with locations in Garner and Knightdale. Also of note, their webiste lists Morrisville as "Opening Soon" - we'll keep an eye on it. 

• The News & Observer's Andrea Weigl reported this week that Taste, a new American-style tapas restaurant, opened in the former GAKS teahouse location just off Dixie Trail on Medlin Drive in Raleigh. Check them out here. 

• Weigl also reported this week that Empire Eats, the local restaurant group that owns The Raleigh Times Bar, Gravy, Sitti and The Pit, is buying the former Hideaway BBQ location on Capital Boulevard. Greg Hatem plans to use the space to operate his catering kitchen, which opens up anticipation of what will become of the former Duck & Dumpling restaurant on Moore Square in downtown Raleigh (which has been operating as his catering kitchen). We will keep an eye on it.

• Brian and Beth Sloss will host a grand opening celebration of Menchie's, a self-serve frozen yogurt shop, at Waverly Place in Cary on Saturday. This store follows on the heels of the Raleigh location which opened back in December. And this won't be the last. There is one in the works over in Durham at Woodcroft Shopping Center. This Saturday there will be free yogurt from 11 am to 2 pm, as well as free T-shirts for the first 50 children and gift bags for the first 50 customers in line. Visit their Facebook page or their regular site here. 

•  The TGI Fridays at the Beaver Creek Commons Shopping Center in Apex has closed. The restaurant was located at 1140 Beaver Creek Commons Dr. It will be interesting to see who goes into that space. But don't fret if you are a TGIF fan, there are still 4 other Triangle area locations.

• Looking for a unique place to take your Valentine next Tuesday? Why not the Carrboro's Farmers Market? From 5:30 to 9:30 pm the market is hosting a "lovely" food truck rodeo with a portion of the proceeds going to Table and they'll be accepting nonperishable food donations for the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services. The trucks that will be on hand include: Baguettaboutit, Cocoa Cinnamon, Chirba Chirba, Parlez-Vous Crepe and Monuts Donuts.

• Looking to make your Valentine's dining plans in Durham (and why not?), then look no further than a great guide put together by the folks over at Carpe Durham. 

• And speaking of Valentines, if you don't have plans yet for Valentine's Day, Taste Carolina has you covered. They will be holding two food tours that will include dinner, drinks, dessert and chocolate boxes! The tours will take place on February 14th from 5:15 until 8 p.m. in both Raleigh and Durham. Here are some of the restaurants that you'll be visiting on this tour - Raleigh: 18 Seaboard, Market, Escazu, Piebird, Tyler's Taproom, Calavera, Sitti, Chuck's, Beasley's, Jibarra, C Grace, Foundation, Draft, Natty Greene's, Raleigh Wine Shop. Durham: Revolution, L'Uva, Tyler's Taproom, Toast, Bull City Burger & Brewery, Piedmont, Dos Perros, Beyu. 

• Raleigh's Mandolin Restaurant is hosting their first wine dinner on February 22nd. The dinner will feature world renowned wine importer Peter Weygandt and the cost is $140 per person + tax & gratuity. Space is limited, so call 919.322.0368 or email them here or visit them on Facebook here. 

• Does the thought of regionally inspired foods paired with NC wines appeal to you? Then you'll want to mark your calendar for February 22nd at the Washington Duke Inn (the Fairview Dining Room) where Chef Jason Cunningham will do just that with Murphy Moore of Shelton Vineyards. The dinner will begin at 7 p.m. and costs $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity ($10 less for members). Seating is limited and reservations can be made by calling 919.493.6699.

• Congratulations are in order for the Carolina Inn and its Carolina Crossroads Restaurant for having been awarded AAA's prestigious 2012 Four Diamond ratings. It marks the 15th consecutive hotel honor and 10th straight restaurant recognition. Kudos to both the restaurant and the hotel.

• Now this is interesting. Thanks to John, aka Triangle Explorer, who saw this on Craig's List. If you've ever thought of owning your own wine bar, here is a pretty good opportunity. Apparently the Niche Wine Lounge in Holly Springs is for sale. Get more details here from the Craig's List ad and visit their website here.

• And we close again with another goody to add to your calendar. As part of National Pancake Day IHOP will host its seventh annual National Pancake Day free pancake giveaway on Tuesday, February 28th from 7 - 10 a.m. at restaurants nationwide. Each guest can enjoy a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes and make an optional contribution to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities. Get the details here.

Friday Fun Food Facts - February 3, 2012

Triangle Restaurant News

Triangle restaurant news...that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler.

•  Every year the N&O's Greg Cox puts together his "Best Restaurants of the Year" list. It is kind of like the Oscars for foodies throughout the Triangle. He also announces his "Restaurant of the Year" as part of this list. It truly is a remarkable list of restaurants and fun to scroll through. I won't steal any of Greg's thunder with his list, so you'll have to check it out here. Well done.

• There is no rest for the folks over at Rocky Top Hospitality. Fast on the heels of the huge opening of Rockwell's over in Cary, they announced this week that they are now operating the cafe located on the 4th floor of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh. And if that is not enough, as part of the adjoining Nature Research Center, which will open April 20th, Rocky Top will also operate their cafe which will have sidewalk tables. And it is possible that this concept will open prior to the Center's opening. Anyone want to "try" and guess what concept Rocky Top will introduce there?   

• And speaking of downtown Raleigh, according to the N&O's Andrea Weigl, Oro Restaurant and Lounge, a new tapas restaurant, should open this spring at the corner of Martin and Wilmington streets on the ground floor of the RBC Plaza. Read Andrea's article here. Visit Oro's website here.     

• For those that loved the Flying Burrito over in Chapel Hill, we have good news for you. We have confirmed that they will re-open over in Raleigh in the former location of Lynwood Grill at 4821 Grove Barton Rd - adjacent to the Raleigh Grande movie theatre. No word yet on an open date, but we'll keep you posted.    

• Over in Carrboro, the former Johnny's in Carrboro has reopened as Johnny's Gone Fishing, and they are returning to their roots as a gathering spot in this "edition" of Johnny's. While they officially opened back in December, it wasn't until January that they started to hit full stride. Johnny's Gone Fishing is again becoming a social hub and gathering spot. Check in with them on their Facebook page here. 

• Also, next door in Chapel Hill, the Daily Tar Heel has updated us on a couple of restaurant tidbits. Front Porch Bar & Grill closed its Franklin Street doors on Wednesday, but it won't be gone for long. According to initial information, they will be simply moving the establishment from 143 E. Franklin Street to a retail strip or mall location almost immediately. Town permitting is the only hold up at this point. We'll keep an eye on it.   

• And the Daily Tar Heel has confirmed that after a seven-year hiatus, the Mellow Mushroom is in fact making a return to Chapel Hill - this time in the former Ham's location (something we reported a couple of weeks ago). The Chapel Hill location is co-owned by Karen Halsey, who is also a co-owner of the Raleigh location. They hope to be open by the time the students return in the fall.    

• Full Street Wings Cafe, a wings catering concept, will hold its its official launch on February 8th from 12-2 p.m. at The Cotton Room at 807 E. Main Street in Durham's Golden Belt. Get more details on the event here.  

• Over in Raleigh, according to the News & Observer, Baskin-Robbins is re-opening its store in Cameron Village. To celebrate, they are hosting a grand re-opening from noon to 4 p.m.  this Saturday (February 4). Be sure to stop by.   

• And speaking of grand openings, Weinberg's The Delicatessen will be holding their grand opening celebration February 10, 11 & 12 over in Raleigh. Weinberg's is located in the Northridge Shopping Center at 6016 Falls of the Neuse Road. Get all the grand opening details here.   

• Got word this week that Captain Poncho's Tacos of Carrboro is selling their food truck business. That's the bad news. The good news is that they will continue to operate their Tienda Don Poncho over on Mt. Carmel Church Road in Chapel Hill. Visit their Facebook page here.    

• Following our posting last week about the pending opening of Camos Brothers Pizza in Chapel Hill, one of our readers informed us that Camos Brothers Pizza also opened another location on Capital Blvd, next to Best Buy & Triangle Town Center. The address is 6087 Capital Blvd. Check them out on Facebook here.

• In the "rumor of the week" file, we'll go ahead and throw this one out there because we think it has legs, but we'll keep an eye on it for you. This week's rumor is that there will be a Bonefish Grill opening close to The Streets at Southpoint in Durham. It will be located in the same shopping center as the new Aldi grocery store. We'll continue to watch this. Bonefish already has locations in Cary and Raleigh. Check them out here.    

• A congratulations goes out to the folks at Carolina Brewery as they celebrate their 17th year in business. Sadly, I'm old enough to remember their opening on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. And they operate a second location in Pittsboro. The will be celebrating all next week beginning on Sunday with a slew of events including the release of a limited edition Anniversary Ale on Tuesday. The best detail of all the celebrations is in the Chapel Hill Magazine blog here.     

• Food trucks are about to start rolling into Chapel Hill...providing they follow a few rules (its Chapel Hill, right?). Anyway, the N&O has the latest on the newest Triangle community to open its streets to the food truck craze. Read the article here.

• As  a follow-up to keep the rumors flowing around the pending return of Chip Smith (formerly with Bonne Soiree), we have an update. Approached at his cooking class last Sunday about his return to the area, one of my Twitter friends, Matthew, inquired and found out that there is a "partnership" possibly forming with Celebrity Dairy where Chip has been returning to do special dinners. We will continue to watch during this 'dating phase.' Stay tuned.    

• If you are looking for a place to grab lunch today while supporting a good cause, you might want to trek over to our friends in downtown Durham's Ninth Street Bakery. They will be hosting their first 10% day of the year to benefit Earth Share of North Carolina. To find out more information on Earth Share, visit their Facebook page here. To find out more on Ninth Street Bakery, visit them here.  

• Looking to make your Valentine's dining plans in Durham (and why not?), then look no futher than a great guide put together by the folks over at Carpe Durham. 

• And speaking of Valentines, if you don't have plans yet for Valentine's Day, Taste Carolina has you covered. They will be holding two food tours that will include dinner, drinks, dessert and chocolate boxes! The tours will take place on February 14th from 5:15 until 8 p.m. in both Raleigh and Durham. Here are some of the restaurants that you'll be visiting on this tour - Raleigh: 18 Seaboard, Market, Escazu, Piebird, Tyler's Taproom, Calavera, Sitti, Chuck's, Beasley's, Jibarra, C Grace, Foundation, Draft, Natty Greene's, Raleigh Wine Shop. Durham: Revolution, L'Uva, Tyler's Taproom, Toast, Bull City Burger & Brewery, Piedmont, Dos Perros, Beyu. Sign-up and get more information here.

• Raleigh's Mandolin Restaurant is hosting their first wine dinner on February 22nd. The dinner will feature world renowned wine importer Peter Weygandt and the cost is $140 per person + tax & gratuity. Space is limited, so call 919.322.0368 or email them. Get more information here.  

• Cafe Helios, located in the Glenwood South District in Raleigh, will host a brunch titled Blend on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 10 am. Chef Justin Johnson will prepare a five-course brunch, including crab and sweet corn chowder, and roasted heirloom beets with Raleigh's Videri brand chocolate served with homemade ricotta and micro greens. Five Counter Culture coffees will be brewed using five methods (they'll go into detail on each method and be available to answer any questions). Tickets to Helios' Blend brunch are $30 and available at the restaurant.

• If you or someone you love requires a gluten-free diet, you might want to sign up for this. Lucky 32 in Cary will be hosting a Gluten Free Cooking Class (over lunch) on Saturday, February 4 from 11 to 1. You'll learn 5 great recipes that you'd never know are gluten free. He'll also talk about good ways to convert existing recipes to gluten-free alternatives. And in addition to lunch and a cocktail, you'll receive souvenir recipe cards and chances at give away door prizes. The cost is $39 per person (includes tax and gratuity). For reservations, please call Lara Yerges at Lucky 32 in Cary at 919.233.1632 or email her.  Get more information here.  

• Mark your calendar for an event that will feature seven local star chefs from renowned restaurants that will compete for the title and bragging rights of Shrimp and Grits Champion in the inaugural Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chefs' Throwdown on Saturday, February 25 from 1-4 pm at The Carolina Inn. The competing chefs (as of now) feature Jeremy Blankenship, chef at Tyler's Tap Room; Trey Cleveland, executive chef of Top of the Hill; Adam Cobb, executive chef of Glasshalfull; Bret Jennings, executive chef and owner of Elaine's on Franklin; Vimala Rajendran, executive chef and owner of Vimala's Curry Blossom Cafe; Jimmy Reale, executive chef of Carolina Crossroads Restaurant and Bar; and Adam Rose, executive chef of Il Palio.Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online here.

• And we close with another goody to add to your calendar. As part of National Pancake Day IHOP will host its seventh annual National Pancake Day free pancake giveaway on Tuesday, February 28th from 7 - 10 a.m. at restaurants nationwide. Each guest can enjoy a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes and make an optional contribution to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities. Learn more here.   

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Two Big Announcements

I want to pause for a second and thank all of my clients and all of my readers. My business - Triangle Food Guy - celebrates its one year anniversary tomorrow - February 4. It was one year ago that I launched this crazy business and it has been amazing. I have some of the most loyal clients that make it a blast to work with every day. I love all of you! Thanks!

And, this blog has become a beast of its own and is off the charts as far as readership. And to be honest, there is not any reason everyone in the entire Triangle shouldn't be reading this blog. To that end, we are "officially" giving it its own identity and name - Friday Fun Food Facts. Thanks to Seamus, Jeff and the team over at Liaison Design Group (who do all my work) we've created the following logo that you'll see starting next week. Thanks to all my readers and followers both on this blog, on Twitter and on Facebook. Thanks for all your support!

Friday Fun Food Facts - January 27, 2012

Triangle Restaurant News

Triangle restaurant news...that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler.

• Cary just welcomed its newest addition to the area's food scene. Last night Rockwell's American Grill swung open their doors and joins the growing family of restaurants at Rocky Top Hospitality. Rockwell's is located at 1080 Darrington Drive in Cary and features a modern American grill with family style portions. Rockwell's serves breakfast all day and has an outdoor patio with seating for 100. Get this restaurant into your rotation quickly (serving dinner only for now; they'll add lunch in short order). Check them out here.   

• And right next door in Morrisville, the Park West Village Shopping Center (think Target and Buy Buy Baby) is starting to pop with dining options. YoLo Frozen Yogurt is already open. Looking very close to opening is Hibachi Blue and it looks like that will be followed by Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits. No open dates on those two yet, but they are getting close. And you might remember, back in October, 2010 we reported these other establishments would be coming to that development: Travinia Italian Kitchen, New Japan Express, Qdoba Mexican Grill, and Zoe's Kitchen.

• Over in Chapel Hill, there is a new pizza joint in town - The Standard, located at 403 W. Rosemary Street. The Standard serves up not just pizza, but a pretty extensive "bistro" menu as well as beer and spirits. Here is a link to their Facebook page.

• And if that is not enough pizza for Chapel Hill, there are two more pizza joints "Coming Soon." Over near Eastgate Shopping Center, in the space next to Blockbuster Video (and behind Staples), there is a sign up for Camos Brothers Pizza. It will be located in the former Quizno's location. Thanks to Jason for the heads up on this one. We'll keep an eye on it.  

• Also in Chapel Hill, up in Timberlyne Shopping Center, there is a "Coming Soon" sign for Pizza Vito, real New York pizza.  No word on an open date, but it looks to be sooner, rather than later.  

• Durham's Golden Belt finally has a permanent spot to grab a cup of coffee, breakfast and lunch munchies as well as yogurt! Blend opened at the end of last week and will be serving Counter Culture coffee and Yogen Fruz yogurt. In addition, Courtney and Camryn Smith of Sudie's Fresh Baked Goods are managing the day-to-day cooking where you can expect soups, sandwiches and other grab 'n' go options. Blend is located at 807 East Main Street and is open 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am to 3 pm Saturday. 

• Sweet Frog in Chapel Hill, the area's newest yogurt shop, will be holding a multi-day grand opening today and tomorrow (January 28). They'll be giving away prizes every hour from 8 pm to 12 midnight today; and all day on Saturday. Sweet Frog is located at 105 East Franklin. I'd send you to the website, but it doesn't even list Chapel Hill yet. Go figure.  

• The Q Shack at North Hills in Raleigh is now serving breakfast seven days a week. They are smoking their own thick-cut bacon, making their own sausage and are using farm fresh local eggs for breakfast. The menu also includes sweet potato tots and slow-cooked stone ground grits with Ashe County hoop cheese. Prices range from $2.99 to $5.99 for breakfast sandwiches to entrees. Breakfast is served from 7-10 am Mondays to Saturdays and 11 am to 2 pm on Sundays. Stop in and say hello to Tom!

• And speaking of breakfast/brunch, The Twisted Fork Restaurant & Bakery has added a Sunday brunch buffet as well as special deals for its soups, salads and grilled cheese sandwiches, and combinations of any or all three items, at lunch and dinner. For a full list of items and their individual costs, visit them here .

• If you like to dine in downtown Raleigh and are looking for new options for dinner, Spize Cafe just extended their hours to accommodate you. Beginning February 1st, Spize will be open until 8:30 pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Check them out.  

• And it is with great sadness that we inform you that last Wednesday, downtown Pittsboro's legendary General Store Cafe closed their doors. I had the pleasure of working with Vance and his staff for the past two or three years and can't say enough great things about him. This will leave a huge gap in the culture of Pittsboro, but I can't help but think that the space will be filled up quickly. We'll keep an eye on it. Thanks to Vance for everything he did for the community (and will continue to do I'm sure). 

• Well that didn't take long. The Daily Tar Heel reported this week that He's Not Here has come to terms with a new owner. All we know at this point is that the "winning bid" came from a UNC alum who played football at the University during the 1980s and his long-time friend (who's wife attended UNC-CH). Apparently, and not surprising, the level of interest was off the charts. Long live He's Not Here. I'll raise a Blue Cup for that!

• In an effort to keep up with the rumors swirling around Chip Smith's (formerly with Bonne Soiree) return to the area, we do know for sure that he will be holding a cooking class this Sunday from 2-4 pm at A Southern Season in Chapel Hill. The class is all about sweets and you'll learn some excellent dessert recipes to add to your repertoire. The cost to enroll is $35; reserve your seat online here. And if you go, ask him when he's coming back and let me know!

• Next Tuesday's (Jan. 31) opening night of Green Day's "American Idiot" at Raleigh's Memorial Auditorium will feature a food truck rodeo from 5-7:30 p.m. The rodeo will feature six trucks that will gather in front of Memorial Auditorium -- Klausie's Pizza, Only Burger, KoKyu BBQ, Baguettaboutit, Lo Yo On The Go and Chick-N-Que. Oh yeah. And if you are interested in going to the show, there is a special ticket offer for the opening performance: $32 for seats in the orchestra section, $22 for seats in the mezzanine section. That's a $10 discount. Use the code ROCK when ordering.

• The Triangle's newest Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom, now open in downtown Raleigh's Seaboard Station, will host a tasting of rare and vintage beers from 2 to 6 pm on Saturday, Feb. 4. Forty craft breweries will be represented at the tasting. Tickets are $65 and include unlimited tastings, a commemorative stemmed glass, a tasting notebook, light appetizers and bottled water. Designated driver tickets are available for $15. To purchase tickets, click here.

• Speaking of beer, North Carolina has developed quite a list of breweries and now there is a very cool interactive map that gives you all the information you want on each of them. Check out this great NC Brewery Map  showing all of the local breweries throughout the state!

• Cafe Helios, located in the Glenwood South District in Raleigh, will host a brunch titled Blend on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 10 am. Chef Justin Johnson will prepare a five-course brunch, including crab and sweet corn chowder, and roasted heirloom beets with Raleigh's Videri brand chocolate served with homemade ricotta and micro greens. Five Counter Culture coffees will be brewed using five methods (they'll go into detail on each method and be available to answer any questions). Tickets to Helios' Blend brunch are $30 and available at the restaurant.

• If you or someone you love requires a gluten-free diet, you might want to sign up for this. Lucky 32 in Cary will be hosting a Gluten Free Cooking Class (over lunch) on Saturday, February 4 from 11 to 1. You'll learn 5 great recipes that you'd never know are gluten free. He'll also talk about good ways to convert existing recipes to gluten-free alternatives. And in addition to lunch and a cocktail, you'll receive souvenir recipe cards and chances at give away door prizes. The cost is $39 per person (includes tax and gratuity). For reservations, please call Lara Yerges at Lucky 32 in Cary at 919.233.1632 or email her.  Get more information here.  

• This looks like fun. According to Tim Moore and Carolina Business Connection, seven local star chefs from renowned restaurants will compete for the title and bragging rights of Shrimp and Grits Champion in the inaugural Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chefs' Throwdown on Saturday, February 25 from 1-4 pm at The Carolina Inn. The competing chefs (as of now) feature Jeremy Blankenship, chef at Tyler's Tap Room; Trey Cleveland, executive chef of Top of the Hill; Adam Cobb, executive chef of Glasshalfull; Bret Jennings, executive chef and owner of Elaine's on Franklin; Vimala Rajendran, executive chef and owner of Vimala's Curry Blossom Cafe; Jimmy Reale, executive chef of Carolina Crossroads Restaurant and Bar; and Adam Rose, executive chef of Il Palio.Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online here.

• And we'll close with something that will make everyone feel appreciated. Dairy Queen is celebrating Customer Appreciation Day on January 28th by offering everything at 1/2 off at participating stores! Click here to find out of there is a store close to you participating. (It appears as if most Triangle locations are participating)

Friday Fun Food Facts - January 20, 2012

Triangle Restaurant News

Triangle restaurant news...that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler.

• So we'll kick off this week with some exciting news out of Chapel Hill. Well, one is a pretty strong rumor and the other is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity (and not really food related, but I couldn't resist).

• First, word on the street is that the Mellow Mushroom is making a return to Chapel Hill. For those that have been around a while, you'll remember MM's first attempt in the old Shoney's building across from The Siena Hotel (and Il Palio). Well, word has it that they will be moving into the old Ham's location on West Franklin Street. And the highlight of this location (much like their counterparts in Raleigh, Cary, Durham & Wake Forest) will be the outdoor patio. No date yet, but we'll keep you posted.

• And just up Franklin Street The Independent noted that a local icon is up for sale - for a cool $165k. Chapel Hill's infamous He's Not Here is being sold. The original post on Craig's List has been pulled down, but it is now listed on Biz Quest (see it here). It notes annual revenue of $400k (that's about 7,000 blue cups!). Anyway, its been around since the mid 70's and the owner is retiring (again). The only catch, it is being sold "as is."

• Cary is getting a new wing joint. Renovations are in full swing for North Carolina's first Hurricane Grill & Wings which will be in the Shoppes of Kildaire (same shopping center as Staples and Trader Joe's). Originally scheduled to open at the end of January, they are now looking at the end of February. We'll keep you posted. Get a sneak peek at their operation here. 

• Tyler's Taproom opened last month in Raleigh's Seaboard Station, and now Tyler's Bottle Shop, a small craft beer store, has opened right next door according to the N&O's Andrea Weigl.  They will carry 400 different types of craft beer, but don't go there for the stuff you normally get at the grocery store. They'll be carrying select beers that aren't readily available. They'll also sell wine, brewery merchandise, barbecue sauces and NC peanuts. Future plans call for them to carry packages of Farmhand Foods sausage and possibly dedicate part of the space to serving coffee and espresso. The shop is open 10 to 10 everyday except Sunday when it is open noon - 8 pm. Check them out here.    

• And speaking of new, there is a new food truck on the way - The Humble Pig. The husband & wife team will serve up locally sourced organic bbq featuring smoked pork, chicken and beef along with other goodies like sweet potato fries (in brown sugar crumble and Rosemary Maple butter dip) and desserts like good ol' banana pudding and peanut butter pie. There is no date yet on when they'll start rolling around the Triangle, but we'll keep you posted or you can keep up with them on Facebook.    

• Raleigh recently landed the latest Papa Murphy's location, bringing the Triangle's total to 5. The newest location is in The Shops at Oberlin Court near Gigi's Cupcakes and Zoe's Kitchen. The other locations are in Cary (2), Wake Forest and Apex. Get more information here.   

• A couple of tidbits from Cameron Village. The first is the open date has been set for the country's first two-story Chick-fil-A. It will open on March 1 - which is a Thursday. We'll keep an eye on it and let you know more about their grand opening celebrations and such.   

• And we've got an open date for Sugarland's move into Raleigh, and more specifically, Cameron Village. Sugarland is re-creating the look and feel of its Franklin Street shop/bakery/bar in the old Lavender & Lace spot and the plan is to open April 1 (no kidding). Get ready for cupcakes and martinis Raleigh!   

• And speaking of new, the folks over at The Twisted Fork at Triangle Town Center have rolled out a new Sunday brunch menu, including $3 Bloody Marys and Mimosas! Check out their new menu here.    

• Four local food trucks are joining forces for Durham's first "Food Truck Mash-Up," at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at Motorco in Durham. The trucks include Chirba Chirba, Pie Pushers, Farmhand Foods and KoKyu BBQ trucks. The "mash-up" angle means each truck will make dishes using ingredients from the other trucks. Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door. (Get your tickets sooner rather than later because they will go fast.) To buy tickets, go here.   

• Triangle Restaurant Week returns to the Triangle next week and boasts nearly 90 participating restaurants. TRW gives restaurants the opportunity to feature a special fixed price, 3-course meal each and every day they are open during the event. We recommend making reservations all next week to ensure you can get in - this week has grown greatly in popularity. Get all the details here.   

• And after you've filled up on Restaurant Week, don't let the fun stop. Go ahead and make plans on February 2nd to attend a  beer dinner at G2B Gastropub in Durham. They will be featuring a four-course meal paired with four Lonerider brews all for $32. There are only 40 seats so call 919.251.9451 now for your reservation! See the menu and get more details here.   

• Listen up coupon clippers - here's one you'll enjoy. Quizno's is offering $2 off purchases over $10. But hurry, the coupon expires on January 25, 2012. Get it here.   

• And we'll close with an amazing deal that is truly too good to pass up. Check out downtown Raleigh's Market Restaurant and their "Five Dollar Fridays!" Yes, you read that right - $5 for a great lunch every Friday. And better yet, there are always two choices, including a vegan option. So, what are you doing for lunch today? Market Restaurant is located in the historic Mordecai neighborhood at 938 N. Blount St. Check out their Facebook page here or their website here for more details. 

Friday Fun Food Facts - January 13, 2012

Triangle Restaurant News

Triangle restaurant news...that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler.

• Lots of grand openings today (Friday the 13th)! We start with Videri Chocolate Factory in downtown Raleigh. Their festivities run from 11 -7 pm today and tomorrow. They will be offering tours of the chocolate factory, free tastings and a "buy four bars, get one free" special for all those who visit. The factory and retail store are located at 327 W. Davie St. For more information about their chocolate made with fair trade cacao beans, check them out here.   

• Also in Raleigh, World of Beer Raleigh is celebrating its grand opening starting at noon today (let the boss know you'll be taking a long lunch!). The celebration includes live music, free food, giveaways and raffle items. The store is located at 4208-150 Six Forks Road in the Cap Trust Building, across from North Hills Plaza. For more information, go here. 

• Yogurt fans delight - a new yogurt shop opens today in North Raleigh. Moonlight Swirl is located in the Falls Village Shopping Center next to NY Pizza. Lots of giveaways, buy-one-get-one deals and an iPad giveaway! Check them out here.   

• Also, we told you about this last month, but Joe Van Loco, the joint venture between Joe Van Gogh Coffee and Locopops, has opened its store in North Raleigh. It features a menu of freshly roasted coffee and classic espresso drinks, along with the signature flavor combinations of Locopops handcrafted ice pops and pints. Swing by the Towne North Shopping Center at 8369 Creedmoor Rd, for those wanting a morning cappuccino or afternoon frozen treat!

• So last week we talked briefly about Village Burger opening up soon in University Mall in Chapel Hill. After snooping around, we found out a little bit more. Also in that location will be Scout & Molly's (their grand opening is February 4th). Turns out Village Burger is the latest concept from GHG Restaurant Group (think Spice Street, Parizade, Vin Rouge, Bin 54, Nasher Cafe, etc.). So, what happens to Spice Street? Will it remain? Will it become a new concept? We will find out in February. Stay tuned.    

• Ben & Jerry's in Chapel Hill just "re-opened" after renovations since this fall to accommodate the installation of an Auntie Anne's Pretzels within the space. Free ice cream and pretzels were certainly attractions, as was an appearance by Ben and Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield. He and Ben Cohen launched the business in Burlington, Vt., in 1978.   

• Durham is about to get a little bit perkier. A specialty coffee and tea shop, Respite Café, is moving closer to reality and will soon open on Duke Street. Courtney Brown, owner of the future new business, hopes to open very soon after completing renovations at 115 N. Duke St. Brown is a graduate of the Duke University School of Law. She plans to offer loose-leaf teas, coffee from the Carrboro Coffee Co. as well as pastries, soups and possibly small sandwiches. Keep up with her progress on their Facebook page here.      

• Weinberg Deli in North Raleigh just announced new extended hours and that they will begin this Monday serving breakfast all day long! That is great news. Get more information on Facebook here or on their home page.      

• Four local food trucks are joining forces for Durham's first "Food Truck Mash-Up" at 6 pm Saturday, Jan. 21 at Motorco in Durham. The trucks include Chirba Chirba, Pie Pushers, Farmhand Foods and KoKyu BBQ. The "mash-up" angle means each truck will make dishes using ingredients from the other trucks. Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door. (Tickets will go fast.) To buy tickets, go here.  

• Friday's will be a little different at Ashley Christensen's  Beasley's Chicken + Honey. On Friday's, Beasley's will expand their menu of fried chicken and an assortment of vegetable sides to include fish. Christensen says the particular fish featured will change each week. But for $9.50, each Friday plate will include a six-ounce portion of fish dredged in buttermilk and flour and accompanied by fries and roasted tomato malt vinegar slaw. Expect specials each day of the week before long to make it more of a Southern blue plate feature. The Friday fish fry is just the beginning. Get more information here.

• Over in Cary, executive chef at An restaurant, Michael Choung, sent an email out earlier this week that he was no longer associated with An. Choung started An with the backing of Ann Goodnight (whose husband is the CEO of SAS in Cary). No word yet on who will take over the grill there, but Michael did allude to "his next venture" in his email, but nothing confirmed as of yet. We'll keep you posted.   

• It appears as if Ballymore Irish Pub in North Raleigh has closed. We got word from a friend that they went by and it was locked up and appeared closed. We attempted to reach Ballymore on numerous occasions during "normal" dining hours - but never got an answer. 

• On Saturday, the LiveWell Network will showcase Durham's Chirba Chirba dumpling food truck on "My Family Recipe Rocks." The episode designates Durham as one of the "top food truck destinations in America." Duh!

• Triangle Restaurant Week returns to the Triangle January 23-29. TRW gives restaurants the opportunity to feature a special fixed price, 3-course meal each and every day they are open during the event. Get all the details here.

• In Chapel Hill, Spanky's Restaurant & Bar is making room for new offerings. Beginning at 5 pm on Jan. 20, the restaurant will host a cellar-clearing event in collaboration with NC Brewing featuring 12 North Carolina draft beers. The cellar clearing is open to the public and is "for beer geeks and regular folks alike." The cost is simply the cost of featured beers purchased. Get more information here.    

• And if you can't make that beer dinner, check out the one over in Durham at G2B Gastropub on February 2 where they will be featuring a four-course meal paired with four Lonerider brews all for $32. There are only 40 seats so call (919) 251-9451 now for your reservation! See the menu and get more details here.

• The folks over at Triangle Food Tour just released some new dates for Durham (as well as Cary, Raleigh and Chapel Hill/Carrboro). But if you are interested, you better go ahead and sign-up. These popular tours allow you to walk, talk, taste and sip from some of the area's best dining options. The tours are typically limited to 10 people and cost $35 plus a service fee. If you are looking for a very cool way to spend a Saturday afternoon, check them out here.   

• And kudos this week goes to Chick-fil-A for making strides toward making "kid's meals" healthier by adding Grilled Chicken Nuggets. The move marks the first time a national fast food chain has offered a grilled entrée as part of a children's menu. Additionally, the chain is enhancing its side choices, adding Buddy Fruits® Pure Blended Fruit To Go applesauce, and its drink choices, by featuring one percent milk, 100 percent apple juice, its signature freshly squeezed lemonade, and water as drink choices. Hats off to Chick-fil-A. Now maybe the other boneheads will follow suit.

Friday Fun Food Facts - January 6, 2012

Triangle Restaurant News

Triangle restaurant news...that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler.

•  We're getting closer and closer to Rocky Top Hospitality's newest venture here in the Triangle. Later this month, January 24th to be exact, Cary will become home to Rockwell's American Grill. It is located in the former Stonewood Grill location off of Cary Parkway. Rockwell's is being described as "polished casual" and family friendly. The menu promises comfort foods inspired by diners and delis, with breakfast served all day. We'll keep you posted on opening day festivities. Check them out here.

• And speaking of Rocky Top Hospitality, there is a lot of buzz circling around their next move after the opening of Rockwell's. The Triangle Business Journal noted this week that they are looking for the next location of their wildly successful Tribeca Tavern (with Cary and Raleigh locations now). The TBJ reported that they are looking as far away as Greensboro and the Triad. While that is true, I can tell you there is a strong desire to locate one in the Chapel Hill / Durham area. We'll keep an eye on that and let you know something as soon as we do.

• And before I leave this subject, I can tell you to keep your ear to the ground for a huge announcement from Rocky Top regarding a new venture in downtown Raleigh. I have been sworn to secrecy, but I can tell you this next project is going to be both unique and special - both for Rocky Top and downtown Raleigh. And to squash any early rumors, it is not anything to do with the Glenwood South district. Stay tuned.  

• And Tyler's Restaurant and Taproom is now open in downtown Raleigh. They are located in Seaboard Station next to Williams Peace University. Enjoy comfort food along with over 80 craft and specialty beers on tap! This newest location boasts a pretty amazing outdoor dining patio. Also, look for a bottle shop to open soon right next door! Tyler's also has locations in Carrboro, Apex and Durham. Check them out here.  

• My avid readers will remember this past summer, the 6-yr. old building that housed the former Carino's Italian Restaurant on Fayetteville Road near The Streets at Southpoint in Durham was demolished to make way for two more retail operations. Now we know that one of those will be a Buffalo Wild Wings, which plans to open on February 6. This will be the third Triangle location for Buffalo Wild Wings - with locations in Garner and Knightdale. Also of note, their webiste lists Morrisville as "Opening Soon" - we'll keep an eye on it. In the meantime, visit their website here. 

• And over in Chapel Hill, on Franklin Street, Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt has opened. It is located adjacent to Starbucks in the space formerly occupied by Kidzu Children's Museum (which has moved into University Square). Sweet Frog has other Triangle locations in Raleigh, Cary and Durham.  Get more information here.  

• Also in Chapel Hill, Joe Van Gogh (out of Hillsborough) has opened up a kiosk in University Mall on the end near Dillard's and the new Chapel Hill Public Library. Check them out here.  

• Also in University Mall there is a somewhat subtle sign on the "construction wall" recently erected outside the mall entrance to Spice Street. The sign notes that "Village Burger" is coming soon. Unfortunately, that is all that we know at this point. I don't know much about Village Burger and don't even have a projected open date. But we'll keep an eye on it for you. And don't worry, Spice Street isn't going anywhere. 

• And in case you missed it. After a seven year run, the Red Room tapas lounge closed last week in the Glenwood South district of Raleigh. Red Room, located at 510 Glenwood Avenue, was owned by Rocky Top Hospitality.

• Make plans now and don't miss the grand opening of World of Beer North Hills next Friday, January 13. They will have live music, giveaways and a raffle benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina. Get more details here. 

• According to the Independent Weekly, there is a new food truck on the horizon - Sympathy for the Deli. The concept features locally cured, smoked meats that will operate as a catering business as well as your "standard" food truck. Jonathan Richelson, formerly of Memphis, Tenn., is the brain child behind the Triangle's latest food truck. He will operate out of The Cookery in Durham. Keep up with his progress here.    

• Watts Grocery over in Durham is holding a cocktail class on February 22 at 6:30 pm. The cost is $35 and includes drinks, take home ingredients and great snacks! Call to reserve your spot at 919.416.5040. Or you can visit them online here.  

• How tasty is Raleigh? Southern Living magazine wants to see how Raleigh stacks up. Raleigh has been selected as one of the Top 10 "Tastiest Towns in the South" by Southern Living magazine as announced in the January 2012 issue. They are letting readers ultimately choose the winning town and hope that residents will rally around their hometowns and vote for their favorite through January 31. If you want to vote (we are currently in 9th place), go here.  

• Congrats to downtown Durham's Old Havana Sandwich Shop as they celebrate their one year anniversary at the end of this month. The festivities will begin on January 20th with a Dominoes tournament! Show up at 6:30 if you'd like lessons, and tournament play begins at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit El Centro Hispano. And on January 21st, they will have live music with Saludos Compay. Check out their Facebook page for the latest information.    

• And finally, I end with a selfish plug (it's good to be the king!). This month, all orders through  Triangle Food Guy over $100, earns the person placing the order a $5 gift card to Starbucks! So, place 10 orders in January - receive $50 in free coffee (or mochas, or lattes...you can get a lot with that!). Also, over the holidays, we added 5 new restaurants to our lineup and added new menus to a half dozen of our restaurants. Check it out now!