Friday Fun Food Facts - May 20, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

•  Do you love the Q? Who doesn't? The Q Shack (located in Raleigh's North Hills) will be opening a new location in June in the food court at Crabtree Valley Mall. What is unique about this location is that this new Q Shack (which sources its meat from local Carolina farms) will be owned by one of the Q's hog and cattle farmers - talk about vertically integrating the 'farm to table' concept! Kudos to Tom Meyer and his team.

• Coffee or beer? It won't matter at downtown Raleigh's newest spot - Spy Raleigh Cafe which officially opens tomorrow (Saturday, May 21). This new venue, located at 330 West Davie Street beside The Pit BBQ, will offer two distinct businesses: a club in the evenings and a coffee shop in the daytime. Check them out here.  

• Chef Cliff Vogelsberg has moved from Solas in Glenwood South to Winston's Grille in North Raleigh. Before opening Solas, Vogelsberg previously worked at Sullivan's Steakhouse.  

• According to the N&O's Sue Stock, the former Pao Lim restaurant at 2505 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. in Durham is under new ownership and will become a sushi bar and restaurant called Happy China. This is the same family that owns The Asia Cafe on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. They are targeting mid-June for their opening.

• Shane Ingram's latest venture, G2B, has a set opening date of May 26th (that's next Thursday). To get more information on his latest venture, check out their website (pretty cool website by the way). Ingram also owns the Four Square restaurant in Durham, and ONE in Chapel Hill.

• Over in Chapel Hill, University Mall has a new dining option with last week's opening of Red Bowl Asian Bistro. It is located in the former Bear Rock Café location directly across from Spice Street.

• Five Guys Burgers and Fries is days away from opening its newest location - this time in Durham at Patterson Place near the intersection of 15-501 and Interstate 40 - where the new Moe's is. No information on an exact date, but they have been inspected and their site lists them as "coming soon." Stay tuned.

• The Raleigh Wine Shop will be having a grand opening celebration from 11 am -7 pm this Saturday, May 21. The wine shop is opening at 126 Glenwood Ave., across from 518 West. The owners are familiar faces for those who shopped at Raleigh's Seaboard Wine - Seth Hoffman was a manager at Seaboard for seven years and Jeff Bramwell was a manager there for two years. They have teamed up with Ryan Fulkerson, who used to work on the wholesale side of the wine business. Visit them here.  

• Speaking of drinking/drinks in downtown Raleigh, Tasty Beverage Co. is coming to downtown Raleigh's warehouse district this summer. The store will open in the Raleigh Depot between Jibarra and Tuscan Blu. The store will be modeled after Bruisin' Ales in Asheville but with a larger tasting bar with 4 to 6 draft beers and will offer local meats and cheeses from such producers as Chapel Hill Creamery and Giacomo's Italian Market. We'll keep an eye on it for you.

• Cinelli's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, formerly located on Kildaire Farm Road in Cary, has reopened at a new, larger location in MacGregor Village Shopping Center at 107-119 Edinburgh Drive also in Cary. That's the space formerly occupied by Rio Churrascaria. Visit them here.  

• This isn't exactly a closing, but the closing of a "chapter." Sue Stock, the N&O's couponing and retail guru, is leaving the N&O today. A lot of Sue's work will continue (so they say), but I'll be the first to say it simply won't be the same. Sue, you are the best and will be missed! Best to you. (By the way, it looks like I owe you a lunch so next time you are in town...) 

• The food truck scene in the Triangle will get a lot "cooler" this weekend as the much anticipated The Parlour will debut. It is looking like the mobile ice cream parlour will make its first appearance in the parking lot at Accent Hardwood, adjacent to the Durham Farmer's Market on Saturday. Keep up with the latest on their Facebook page or by following them on Twitter.

• If you are in downtown Durham today, here is something cool to take in. Ninth Street Bakery will have a farm stand from noon until 4 pm including veggies, artisan bread and a Ninth Street Bakery special for lunch. Check them out here.  

• Bring an empty stomach to Hillsborough Hog Day - pig cooking teams come from all over the state will compete in a barbecue cooking contest, andt there will be plenty of extra barbecue for festival-goers. Games, vendors, music and the area's largest auto show will also take place, and admission is free. Friday (6-10pm) and Sautday (9am - 6pm). Visit their site for more information.  

• On Saturday from noon until 2pm, Chef Sara Foster of Foster's Market will be signing copies of her new cookbook, Sara Foster's Southern Kitchen, at A Southern Season in Chapel Hill.

• The Angus Barn will host a complimentary Argentinian Wine Tasting this Sunday, May 22nd from 3:30 until 5 pm. Reservations are not required and complimentary wine cellar tours will be given as part of the event. Please call 919.787.3505 or visit their events page.  

• The Pit Restaurant in Raleigh will be hosting a series of heritage barbecue dinners starting in July which will feature guest barbecue pit masters for a special dinner. The first one will feature barbecue historian Bob Garner and the Pit's chef, Darrell Brown, on July 12. The next two dinners will be the second Tuesdays in July and August featuring Wayne Monk of Lexington Barbecue and Bum Dennis of Bum's Restaurant in Ayden, N.C. Reservations will be available starting June 1. Call 890-4500.

• Apex's Peak City Grill is getting in on the "Farm to Table" movement with a Market Dinner every Thursday. Chef Brendan will put together a three to four course meal prepared completely from locally sourced meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. For more information, visit their site.   

• If you are missing Durham's Dillard's Bar-B-Q (which closed back in March), there is a glimmer of hope for you. Host an event. Apparently they will "re-open" the Durham institution for special occasions. If interested, give them a ring at 919.544.1587.

• Over in Chapel Hill, The Weathervane in Southern Season will host a Highland Beer Dinner on June 15th at 7 pm. The dinner will feature 5 courses and 5 beers. Call 919.929.9466 to make your reservation.

Friday Fun Food Facts - May 13, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

•  We got word this week from a reader that an Indian restaurant, Mantra, will be opening in downtown Raleigh in the old Blue Martini/Old Vintage location at 116 N. West Street. They are shooting for a mid-June opening.

• Speaking of opening soon, the much-anticipated Mellow Mushroom over in Cary (corner of High House & Cary Parkway) is looking to open in July. As we get closer, we'll get you a more definitive date.

• West Raleigh and NC State's campus are getting an alternative to pizza. A calzone shop, DP Dough, has opened in Mission Valley Shopping Center. This marks the franchise's first North Carolina location. Visit their site here. 

• We mentioned last week that Jet's Pizza had just opened on Creedmoor Road in Raleigh. We just learned that they are planning to open two more - one on Falls of the Neuse Road in Raleigh and the other on Maynard Road in Cary - both by the end of the year.

• Downtown Raleigh finally gets to enjoy the "now open" Ruben's Downtown at the corner of Person and Edenton Street. This breakfast and lunch joint will be serving country-style breakfast and lunch featuring burgers, fries, turkey burgers, sweet potato fries, BBQ and turkey nuggets. Check them out.  

• It was with much sadness that I tweeted last Monday that Restaurant Savoy had closed their doors following their Mother's Day brunch last Sunday. I know many of the people involved in that venture and know that they consistently put forth a gallant effort. My best to all of them in what is sure to be a great next venture!

• Huge, huge kudos this week go out to Chef Andrea Reusing of Chapel Hill's Lantern Restaurant who was named the Best Chef of the Southeast by the James Beard Foundation (think Oscars of the restaurant world). She is only the third chef in North Carolina to win that award. (A $10 Starbucks gift card to anyone that can name the other two chefs and their restaurant on our Facebook Page. Post your answer on our wall. 

• And kudos also to Crook's Corner (just a block from Lantern) which was honored with an American icon award from the James Beard Foundation. The award is given to restaurants with timeless appeal, beloved for quality food that reflects the character of their community,

• On a more local level, kudos to LM Restaurants (think Carolina Ale House) who won two Pinnacle Business Awards presented by the Raleigh Chamber. They were the only company to walk away with an award in each hand. 

• Listen up food truck junkies...There is a "Mobile Food Crawl" tomorrow (Saturday), but you are going to have to drive a little ways to get to it - it will show your dedication. It will be from 4 until...at Kraken, which is a little road-side bar out on Highway 54 West, between Carrboro and Burlington, on your way to Saxapahaw. Trucks that will be there include: Will and Pop's, Captain Poncho's Tacos, Bulkogi and Old North State BBQ.

• Over in Carrboro, Panzanella will be hosting a beer dinner with Duck Rabbit Craft Brewery on Monday, May 16th. Tickets are $40 a person, plus tax and gratuity. More details here. 

• Carolina Brewery and Triangle Brewing Company are hosting a beer dinner at Carolina Brewery in Chapel Hill at 6:30 pm Tuesday, May 17. The four-course dinner will pair beers from both breweries. The cost is $35 per person. To make a reservation, call 942-1800.

• Next week's All Local Dinner at Martin's Curry Rice in Morrisville will feature guest chef Mark Winston. Come enjoy the best and healthiest dinner in town every Tuesday night at Martin's, featuring local produce from the vendors of the Western Wake Farmers Market. Reservations are encouraged. Get more information here or email them at events@martinscurryrice.com.

• On Saturday, Morrisville is hosting the Taste of Morrisville event from 12-7 pm where you can try small plates from local restaurants. The event will be on Town Hall Drive near the Indian Creek Greenway Trailhead. Participating restaurants include: Teriyakin, Inchin's Bamboo Garden, Mawa's Taste of Africa, Randy's Pizza, Pepper's Market, Georgina's Pizzeria & Restaurant, Muddy Dog Roasting Company, Martin's Curry Rice, Saffron, Tossed and Rita's Italian Ice. More details here.

Friday Fun Food Facts - May 6, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

Openings / New

• The newest beer and food joint in the Triangle is now open over in Durham. Just yesterday, the much-anticipated Geer Street Garden officially opened. Geer Street is on the corner of Foster and Geer Streets and is open daily beginning at 11:30. Visit them on Facebook here.

• Marcos Pizza, which has a location in Raleigh on Hillsborough Street, has immediate plans to open two more Triangle locations. One will be in North Raleigh in the Falls River shopping center (1141 Falls River Ave) and the other will be in Apex at 1015 Davis Drive. Visit their site for more information.   

• Draft, which was the former Hi-5 on Glenwood South, has opened. It is the latest in the Rocky Top Hospitality line-up. Its full name is Draft Carolina Burgers & Beers, and they tout serving up the three B's - burgers, beer (all from North Carolina) and billiards. Check them out at 510 Glenwood Avenue.

• Speaking of Rocky Top Hospitality, they have recently appointed Marshall Smith, one of the area's most talented chefs, as their new executive Chef at The Red Room Tapas Lounge on Glenwood South. I can speak from personal experience that Chef Marshall is super talented!

• The former 101 Lounge in downtown Raleigh has changed ownership and will re-open soon as Calavera, and will specialize in Empanadas and other Latin American tapas, as well as high-end cocktails. Calavera is located on the back end of the new Progress Energy building at the corner of Blount and Davie streets.

• According to Triangle Business Journal, Shane Ingram (Four Square in Durham & One in Chapel Hill) is opening up a new restaurant called G2B (short for Gastropub to Beer). The restaurant will be in the SouthCourt building at the corner of Shannon Road and University Drive. This same location has housed Restaurant Eden, Restaurant Starlu and Seasoned Ticked Sports Museum.

• Downtown Raleigh's newly opened Wilmoore Café will extend its hours until 8 p.m. this evening for First Friday. The will also have beer & wine. Perhaps if the turnout is large enough, it will become a regular thing...??? Right now they close at 5.

Food Truck News

• This coming Saturday (May 7) there's a Craft-in-a-Can party at Sam's Quik Shop in Carrboro from 12-4 pm. The event will "celebrate" craft beers that are sold in cans. And it just so happens there will be a food truck round-up in conjunction with this. Food trucks will include Bulkogi Korean BBQ, Slip and Sliders, Farmhand Foods, and more. All you need is an appetite and a koozie!

 Tip of the Hat

• Our tip of the hat this week goes to six Triangle restaurants that are finalists in this year's Best Dish in North Carolina contest sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture. In the casual dining category, those include Mez in Durham, Market in Raleigh and Tribeca Tavern in Raleigh. In the fine dining category, those include Il Palio at the Siena Hotel in Chapel Hill, McCormicks & Schmicks in Raleigh and Zely & Ritz in Raleigh. The contest is designed to encourage restaurant owners and chefs to use N.C. foods. Judges will visit the finalists over the summer and taste the dishes. The top three winners in each category and in each region will be announced in November.  

Events

•  Still looking for something to do for mom this Sunday that won't break the piggy bank? How about ice cream for $2. Cold Stone Creamery in Brier Creek, Durham, Apex, Cary, Garner and Smithfield will offer moms $2 Love It Signature Creations.   

• Hillsborough Wine Company will hold their First Friday wine tasting tonight from 5 -7 pm. Tonight's offerings will be samples of Oregon wines. Check out more information here.   

• Looking for a local farm where you can go to pick strawberries? The N&O has you covered here. Also, you can contact the state Department of Agriculture at 733-7887, or visit here, or you can contact your local cooperative extension office. The N.C. Strawberry Association also has links to some strawberry farms, plus tips and recipes.

• Here is another great list put together by the N&O's Andrea Weigl that lists all the upcoming wine tastings. 

• Market Restaurant in downtown Raleigh will host brunch on May 8, Mother's Day, from 10 am-3 pm that will feature all local ingredients with proceeds being donated to support Farm It Forward shares for community members in need. Ben's Produce also will sell flowers and bedding plants at Market on May 8 to raise funds for the program.

• The Saturday Market at Rebus Works continues this weekend with some added extras. The food vendors will include, Locals Seafood, Double T Farms, New Grass Gardens, Veggie Barn, Sweets, Porch Rockin' and Bee Blessed Pure Honey. They will also feature local crafters including Peggy Jones (wire wrapped jewelry), lollipop salior (hand-poured soy wax candles in vintage containers & felted coffee sleeves made from vintage sweaters) Liz Phiz (handmade coloring books). Aviator Brewing Company will also be on hand serving up delicious brew from 11-2, along with live music and kids' crafts.

• Chatham Street Café & Catering, located at 140 E. Chatham St., will host a Mother's Day brunch from 10 until 2 on Sunday. The special menu features scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, goat cheese, chives and tomato; a spring omelet with asparagus and curry goat cheese; Monte Cristo breakfast casserole; and strawberry spinach salad with hearts of palm, walnuts and poppyseed dressing. To make a reservation, visit here.  

• Here is something you might want to add to your Tuesday night rotation - All Local Dinner at Martin's Curry Rice in Morrisville. Come enjoy the best and healthiest dinner in town every Tuesday night at Martin's, featuring local produce from the vendors of the Western Wake Farmers Market. Reservations are encouraged. Get more information here or email them at events@martinscurryrice.com.

Freebies (or very inexpensive) 

• Listen up Starbucks Frappuccino fans, you can get your "Fraps" at half-price now through May 16th during their happy hour every day from 3 to 5 pm. They've even got their own website, so be sure to use the store locator to make sure your corner/neighborhood Starbucks is participating.    

• The Chick-fil-a at North Hills has a number of "freebies" coming up for Moms and Nurses, as well as a very cute Moms & Daughters Tea Party coming up this Saturday morning (complete with flowers delivered by the cow!). Check out the details here.

Friday Fun Food Facts - April 29, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

Openings

• In Wake Forest, Sweet CeCe's Frozen Yogurt & Treats opened Thursday at 3624 Rogers Road. It is a frozen yogurt shop where customers serve themselves frozen yogurt, choose their own toppings and pay by weight. The chain now has 23 locations, but this is the first North Carolina location.

• According to the N&O's Sue Stock, Cary - jokingly referred to as "City Accepting Relocating Yankees" - is getting ready to get a little more "yankee" this summer with the opening of the NY Bagel Café Deli. It will be located in the Shoppes of Kildaire at the corner of Kildaire and Cary Parkway.

• Downtown Raleigh has a new café. Wilmoore Café, located at 223 S. Wilmington Street, opened their doors this week serving coffee, tea, sandwiches and more. Currently just operating during the day, they plan to eventually open in the evening.

• Greek Fiesta has opened its sixth Triangle location in Towne North Plaza at Creedmoor and Strickland roads in North Raleigh. Check out their website here.  

• Sue Stock also announced this morning that Cappolla's Pizzeria & Grill will open next month in the Food Lion-anchored Market at Riverwood in Clayton.

• We told you about this back in February, but Sue Stock announced this morning that Red Monkey will finally open next week in Crabtree Valley in the Pharaoh's and Aggie's space next to the Cheesecake Factory.

• We got word this week that the former North Seafood Bistro on Durant Road is being converted into a quick serve Mexican joint. More details to come as we gather them. 

• The Triangle's newest Moe's Southwest Grill is open in Durham. It is located near the intersection of 15-501 and I-40 just behind the AT&T store.

• The newest location of Carolina Ale House is moving forward with plans announced this week. The location will be on Glenwood South in the old Creamery location, directly across from Armadillo Grill. Demolition is expected to start this summer, with construction to commence later this year. This will mark the 16th location, the 7th here in the Triangle.

• Just in time for the warm weather, Sparians Bowling Boutique and Bistro has opened their new outdoor patio which features outdoor seating for dining as well as a lounge area.

• In Chapel Hill, The Lodge Bar & Grill is now open at the corner of Henderson & Rosemary Streets in the former Lucy's location. 

Closings 

• The Cold Stone Creamery across from the Streets at Southpoint will sccop its last scoop of ice cream on Mother's Day, May 8th.

• Shaba Shabu in Durham has closed. It will reopen as Sushi Mori. Don't have an exact date, but you  can see their menu here.   

Food Truck News

• Raleigh has a new food truck. LocalMotive is rolling around the area and serving up brunch. LocalMotive is the brainchild of Chef Ian Altschul and Lucas Kinnin. Check them out on Facebook here. 

• And expect yet another new food truck in June as Café Prost, a food truck specializing in German pretzels, coffee, and bratwursts. Find their website here or follow them on Twitter @cafeprost.  

Events

• Beginning this Friday, Friday's on the Front Porch returns to the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. The event, from 5-9pm every Friday, allows you to enjoy a picnic, drink special and live bluegrass music. More information here.  

• Antonio's Gourmet Market (in Lafayette Village in North Raleigh) is hosting a Crawfish Boil on Saturday, Aril 30th beginning at 12 noon and going until the last tail has been peeled! RSVP so that they know how many to expect. You can do that on their Faceok page or by calling them at 919-887-6310. 

• This Saturday at Johnny's of Carrboro, they are having a good old fashioned pig pickin with live music and beer and wine specials. Get more information on their  Facebook page here. 

• Don't worry, you can sleep in on Saturdays and still get farm fresh veggies. Starting next Tuesday, the Western Wake Farmers' Market in Cary will be adding Tuesday market hours 3:30 - 6:30 pm.  Visit their website here.   

• Celebrate Cinco de Moe's all day on May 5, 2011 with $3 chicken, ground beef and tofu Joey burritos at all 15 Moe's Southwest Grill Raleigh-area locations. As always, Moe's will offer free chips and salsa with every order.

• The Taco Maker is sponsoring a special Cinco de Mayo event on Thursday May 5, from 11 am-7 pm at 3800 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh. There is a 15% off of all orders, with music, beer and a special band performance. The event will also feature free crustos for the kids.

• Larry's Beans has announced their next public tour will be on Saturday, May 7th. This is your chance to get a "behind the scenes look" at how it all happens. Hurry, because it is limited to the first 150 people! Of course there is lots of coffee to consume, and goodies from Neomonde. Visit their Facebook page now - or visit their website here. Did I mention it is free?

Friday Fun Food Facts - April 15, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

Openings

• Hillsborough Street has a hot new pizza joint aptly named HotBox Pizza. Hailing from the Midwest, HotBox is sure to be a huge hit. Welcome to Jamie and his team! Visit their site here or "Like Them" on Facebook here. 

• Speaking of pizza, Pizza Inn has made its return to Durham in a building at 3906 N. Duke Street that was a pizzeria in the '60's, then a Pizza Inn and then vacant. It has been gutted and completely rebuilt by Troy Harrington and Mike Cotton (former operator of Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q).

• Relish Café and Bar, a new neighborhood café and bar specializing in comfort foods with a "new southern" twist, opened a week ago last Tuesday at 5625 Creedmoor Road in Raleigh. Visit them on Facebook.

• The long anticipated Ruben's on Person Street in downtown Raleigh is expected to open this week. Ruben's will specialize in turkey nuggets, turkey burgers, wings & eventually beer in the evening.

• Moe's Southwest Grill just opened its newest location in Durham yesterday and will open another location next Thursday. Yesterday, Moe's opened its newest location inside the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. And the other location will be in Patterson Place in Durham, across from New Hope Commons near the intersection of 15-501 and Interstate 40.

• If you are a fan of King's Sandwhich Shop over in Durham, we've got great news that is worth getting up early for. T.J. McDermott, owner of King's (701 Foster St.) expanded the shop's hours and menu this past Thursday to add breakfast. King's will be open from 7 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday. The breakfast menu will include biscuits, country ham, sausage, bacon, grits and fatback. Check it out.  

• We reported several weeks ago about Tribeca Café going into The Hue in downtown Raleigh. We also noted the name they shared with Tribeca Tavern (although completely unaffiliated). It has since changed their name to The Astoria Cafe & Lounge and is shooting for a late May, early June opening.

• We reported several weeks back about the opening of Bull City Burger & Beer (which we hear is well worth the visit). Well, things just got better yesterday as Durham Mayor Bell poured the first pint of their own beer! So, get on over to Bull City and try their newly flowing livations!

• A reminder that Geer Street Garden restaurant has slightly modified their anticipated open date. Their site now shows "around the weekend of April 22nd" as when they will open. It is located at 644 Foster Street in the old gas station on the corner of Foster and Geer streets in Durham.  Visit their page on Facebook here, to get the official word on when they swing their doors open.  

Closings 

• We got word this week from a reader that Bellini Italian Restaurant, located at the corner of Fairview Road and Oberlin Road in Raleigh, has closed. 

• A peek in the window (and locked doors) makes it appear as if Chocalaterie Stam over in Chapel Hill's East 54 has closed their doors. They have also been removed from the chain's website.  

Food Truck News

• There will be a food truck gathering in conjunction with Durham's Full Frame Documentary Film Festival at Durham Central Park tomorrow (4/16). The food trucks will begin serving food at 6:30 pm under the park pavilion. Food trucks in attendance include: Farmhand Foods Sausage Wagon, Daisy Cakes, Joey D' NY Dogs, Only Burger, Parlez-Vous Crepe, Klausie's Pizza, Slippin' Sliders, and The Grilled Cheese Bus.

• Rebus Works will also begin hosting The Saturday Market which will bring together farmers, crafters, food trucks, brewers and more every Saturday from 9am-2pm beginning April 23rd through November 19th. The website is coming soon, so in the meantime, you can visit their Facebook page.   

Events

• The extremely popular Farm to Fork Family Style Dinners have returned to Foster's Market in Chapel Hill & Durham. The dinners, which feature a different local farmer each week,  returned to Foster's Market of Chapel Hill this past Thursday and will return to the Durham location next Thursday (Apr 21st). Reservations are recommended. More information here.  

• You won't want to miss the 'Cuegrass Festival this Saturday at The Pit in the warehouse district in downtown Raleigh. The event runs from 11 am until 4 pm and will feature a day full of great 'cue, local brews and toe-tappin' bluegrass music. And the $5 charge goes to the North Carolina Farmers. More information here.

• Midtown Farmers' Market, located in the heart of North Hills in the Commons, opens its 4th season this Saturday (4/16). They are open from 8 am until noon and will have lots going on including an Omelet Extravaganza and live music. Get more information here.   

• Get a fresh start to the season at the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market's Spring Fling KIckoff on Wednesday, April 27 from 10am-2pm in City Plaza on Fayetteville Street. This opening day celebration offers a complete sensory experience to cure spring fever! Taste the freshest strawberries, smell the basil starts, see your friends, and listen to live bluegrass. More information here.  

• If you are planning on eating out on Easter Sunday, you won't be the only one. Thirty-three million Americans are expected to celebrate the Easter holiday by dining out, according to new research from the National Restaurant Association. So, word to the wise - make reservations now!

• As part of Herbfest in Cary on May 5th, award-winning Chef Lucindy Willis of the Yancey House Restaurant will conduct a special cooking demonstration and discuss culinary uses of herbs. The $25 ticket gets you into a reception where you'll be able to sample Chef Lucindy's creations, accompanied by specially selected wines. Tickets may be purchased here.

• Larry's Beans has announced their next public tour will be on Saturday, May 7th. This is your chance to get a "behind the scenes look" at how it all happens. Hurry, because it is limited to the first 150 people! Of course there is lots of coffee to consume, and goodies from Neomonde. Visit their Facebook page now - or visit their website here. Did I mention it is free?

• Here' s a great dinner you won't want to miss. On Thursday April 21st at 6 pm, Herons Restaurant (Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary) will be offering a winemaker dinner featuring Tommy and Amie Baudoin of Morgan Ridge Vineyards in Gold Hill, N.C. The four-course meal will cost $85. Call 447-4200 for reservations.

• And finally, the Eno River Farmers' Market will have their Harvest Dinner on Saturday, April 30! If you've never been, this is a real treat as the meal is sourced from the local farms, prepared by the vendors, and presented elegantly in the market house along with live music. Tickets go on sale at the market house on April 2nd and are $60. More information on their website. 

Freebies

• Subway will have their annual customer appreciation day on Saturday, April 16th where they will have a "buy one get one" free special on their subs. More information here.

• Maggie Moo's stores will offer free mini-sundaes as part of the chain's Sundae Stimulus from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, April 18th. Both the Brier Creek and Cary stores are participating.

• Participating Cinnabon shops will give away two free Cinnabon bites from 6 until 8 pm on Monday, April 18th.

• On April 22, Evos restaurants will be handing out free organic milkshakes. The only Triangle area location is at 1800 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill (Eastgate Shopping Center).

• Starbucks will offer a free cup of coffee or tea to anyone who brings a reusable mug to a store April 22 as part of Earth Day.

Tip of the Hat! 

• Our "Tip of the Hat" this week goes to Green Planet Catering for winning the Raleigh Chamber's Pinnacle Business Award for Small Business Sustainability Award. Congrats to Daniel and his team.

• Our second "Tip of the Hat" this week goes to Lou & Joy Moshakos, owners of locally owned and operated LM Restaurants, Inc., who donated $23,000 to Carolina Hurricanes' Kids 'N Community Foundation. LM Restaurants is the parent company of Carolina Ale House as well as many other restaurants in Eastern North Carolina and the Southeast including Taverna Agora in Raleigh. 

Friday Fun Food Facts - April 8, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

Openings

• Hillsborough appears to be the hot spot this week with two big announcements. The first is that the Hillsborough BBQ Company opened this week in downtown. It is located at 236 Nash Street. Visit their website here.   

• Also in Hillsborough, the space that used to be Tupelo's restaurant is now open as Antonia's Restaurant, serving up authentic Italian cuisine. Antonia's will use fresh, local ingredients in its menu and is located at 101 N. Churton St. in downtown. Open for dinner, visit their site here.

• Downtown Raleigh is getting ready to get another coffee option. David Fowle (who owned and operated Café Udine until 2002) is about to open The Wilmoore Café at 223 S. Wilmington St., next to Busy Bee. In addition to the coffee, the café will boast a full kitchen featuring Chef Jackson Harris (18 Seaboard & Herons). They will have a soft opening on April 12th, with an opening party set one week later on April 19th and wide-open the following day.

• Over in Durham, we just got word that the much-anticipated Geer Street Garden restaurant will open on Thursday, April 21st. It is located at 644 Foster Street in the old gas station on the corner of Foster and Geer streets in Durham. The restaurant and bar will serve simple American food made with as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. Visit their page on Facebook here.

• Also in Durham, on Fayetteville Road we saw an "Opening Soon" sign on Dulce Café in the popular Sutton Square. In addition to the café, it appears as if it will feature pastries and gelato. No word yet on an open date, but we'll keep an eye on it.

• If you are a big fan of Aladdin's Eatery on Falls of the Neuse Road in Raleigh, you'll be glad to know they opened a second location in Brier Creek, nestled between Bruegger's and Caribou Coffee. Thanks to Sue Stock at the N&O for this news.

• Golden Corral will open its new "pavilion" style restaurant at 3424 Capital Blvd. next Thursday. The store is larger and features a buffet divided by types of food. As a result of this opening, the New Bern Avenue store has already closed and the Millbrook Road location will close next Tuesday.

• Thanks to John, aka Triangle Explorer (check him out here on Facebook), there was an "Opening Soon" sign spotted for NY Pizza in the shopping center directly across from Northridge Country Club on Fall of the Neuse Road in Raleigh. We'll keep an eye on it (or ask John to) for an open date. 

Closings

•  According to the N&O's Sue Stock, Crepes Veronique, located in the Courtyard on West Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, closed last week. However, don't be surprised to see them "pop up" somewhere else.

• Stock also reported this morning that Courtney's Bistro on Falls of Neuse Road closed. But don't fret, the one at 407 E. Six Forks Road is still open.

• We are sad to report that Treehouse Café, which was located in the middle of RTP near the intersection of Highways 54 and 55, has closed its doors. 

Food Truck News

• I guess one could argue that "ice cream trucks" were the first "food trucks" before food trucks were cool. But look for a new "ice cream truck" (it is really a converted mini-school bus turned into a mobile ice cream parlour) coming to the Triangle this May called The Parlour. Follow them on Twitter @parlourdurham or visit their Facebook page.  

• We mentioned them last week, but the newest food truck in the Triangle, Pie Pushers, a gourmet pizza truck, will have their debut dinner on Monday, April 18th at 6 pm at Watts Grocery in Durham. More information on their dinner here.  

• There will be a Food Truck Rodeo this Saturday (April 9) from 4 - 7 pm in the lot at Al's Garage in Carrboro. Food Trucks will include Captain Poncho's Tacos , Blue Sky Dining , Klausie's Pizza, and Indian Food on Wheels. The event will also feature Capoeira Performers demonstrating their Brazilian martial arts & Carga Mundial De Awesome performing.

• There will be a food truck gathering in conjunction with Durham's Full Frame Documentary Film Festival at Durham Central Park on Saturday, April 16th. The food trucks will begin serving food at 6:30 p.m. under the park pavilion. Food trucks in attendance include: Farmhand Foods Sausage Wagon, Daisy Cakes, Joey D' NY Dogs, Only Burger, Parlez-Vous Crepe, Klausie's Pizza, Slippin' Sliders, and The Grilled Cheese Bus.

• Rebus Works, a small art gallery in Raleigh's Boylan Heights neighborhood is hosting a Food Truck Rodeo from 5:30 to 9 pm on Thursday, April 14. The trucks include OnlyBurger, Bulkogi Korean BBQ, Klausie's Pizza, The Grilled Cheese Bus, Blue Sky Dining and Kona Ice. In addition, beer from Aviator Brewing Company will be available. It's free (the event, not the food) and open to the public. For more information, go here.  

• Rebus Works will also begin hosting The Saturday Market which will bring together farmers, crafters, food trucks, brewers and more every Saturday from 9am-2pm beginning April 23rd through November 19th. The website is coming soon, so in the meantime, you can visit their Facebook page.  

• If you are a food truck junkie (like me), my buddy John (aka Triangle Explorer) has put together a great list of upcoming food truck "events." Check it out here.  

• If you're on Twitter and like to follow all the food trucks in the Triangle, the N&O's Andrea Weigl has created a super handy Food Truck List on Twitter. Find it here.  

• And for a list of al the food trucks, head over to Ben Smith's blog, The Food Life, where he has compiled a comprehensive list of all the area's food trucks. Find it here. 

Events

• If there is one food event you attend a year, make it this one. And get your tickets EARLY! Trust me, do not wait to get tickets, it will sell out. The annual Farm to Fork Picnic is from 4-7 pm on Sunday, June 26th. The event pairs local chefs with local farmers as they prepare food for the picnic under food tents that circle the picnic area. Bring blankets and chairs and prepare to feast! Tickets cost $60. More info here. 

• Wake Tech's annual Culinary Arts Showcase is next Tuesday, April 12th from 4 -7 pm at the Raleigh Convention Center. At this much-anticipated Triangle event you'll be able to watch chefs compete, view culinary artistry, and taste local specialties. Featured restaurants include Angus Barn, 42nd Street Oyster Bar, The Pit and Second Empire, just to name a few. Tickets are $10. Get tickets and more info here. 

• While most farmers' markets in the area opened this past Saturday, the Chatham Mills Farmers Market will host their first day of the season this Saturday at Pittsboro's historic mill (480 Hillsboro Street in Pittsboro). The market will run from 8am to noon.

• Larry's Beans has announced their next public tour for May. It will be on Saturday, May 7th. This is your chance to get a "behind the scenes look" at how it all happens. Hurry, because it is limited to the first 150 people! Of course there is lots of coffee to consume, and goodies from Neomonde. Visit their Facebook page now - or visit their website here. Did I mention it is free?

• The third annual SEEDS Pie Social is Sunday April 10, from 2-6 pm. For $10 (or more) you get to try four slices of pie from some of the best restaurants/chefs in Durham. Lots of pie, hanging out in an awesome garden and helping a cool organization in Durham - it's a win all the way around. Participating restaurants include Toast, Watts Grocery, Scratch Bakery, Foster's, Durham Catering, The Farmer's Daughter, Daisy Cakes and more. More information here.  

• There are lots of reasons to go to the Southern Women's Show in Raleigh this weekend, but here is one more reason in case you need it - bring in a jar or two of your favorite peanut butter to the show and pick up a special Gift from The Virginia Carolinas Peanut Promotions located in Expo Hall. The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina will be collecting donations inside both entrances all three days of the show.

• Fullsteam Brewery has concocted another fun event - TMWNCSP. Get it? It stands for - Things Made With North Carolina Sweet Potatoes. Kind of rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? (I get the idea these guys just sit around trying to come up with creative reasons to drink beer!) The "event" will be this Sunday, April 10th from 2-4. Get more details on their Facebook page.  

• You won't want to miss the 'Cuegrass Festival on Saturday, April 16h at The Pit in the warehouse district in downtown Raleigh. The event runs from 11 am until 4 pm and will feature a day full of great 'cue, local brews and toe-tappin' bluegrass music. And the $5 charge goes to the North Carolina Farmers. More information here.

• Here' s a great dinner you won't want to miss. On Thursday April 21st at 6 pm, Herons Restaurant (Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary) will be offering a winemaker dinner featuring Tommy and Amie Baudoin of Morgan Ridge Vineyards in Gold Hill, N.C. The four-course meal will cost $85. Call 447-4200 for reservations.

• And finally, the Eno River Farmers' Market will have their Harvest Dinner on Saturday, April 30! If you've never been, this is a real treat as the meal is sourced from the local farms, prepared by the vendors, and presented elegantly in the market house along with live music. Tickets go on sale at the market house on April 2nd and are $60. More information on their website. 

Freebies

• Ben & Jerry's will have their annual Free Cone Day on Tuesday, April 12th! They will open the doors of their Scoop Shops from noon-8pm. Get in line as many times as you like! Use their store locator to find the location closest to you!

• Subway will have their annual customer appreciation day on Saturday, April 16th where they will have a "buy one get one" free special on their subs. More information here.  

Tip of the Hat! 

• Our "Tip of the Hat" this week goes to Chef Jason Smith of 18 Seaboard was awarded the Iron Carrot at Lunch In, an Iron Chef-style competition held at Underwood Elementary School. He received the award for his winning healthy lunch creation barely beating out Chef Todd Whitney of J. Betski's.

Friday Fun Food Facts - April 1, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• Seems like there is weekly news coming out of Rocky Top Hospitality, and this week is no different with the news that Glenwood South's Hi5 will close on Monday and will re-open in exactly one month as Draft Carolina Burgers & Beers. The new burger joint will focus on local products and over 40 beers on tap from all over North Carolina. I wonder how similar it will be to their wildly successful Tribeca.

• Speaking of Glenwood South, I spoke with "Jonny" himself over at Jumpin' Jonny's and they will be opening up a second location in the Glenwood South district in the not-too-distant future. The location is still "top-secret" according to Jonathan Munsell (Mr. Jumpin' Jonny himself), but he will let us know soon.

• Nancy, my "Quay Correspondent," shared with me that next Tuesday Krispy Kreme will open at its newest location at 728 N. Judd Parkway in Fuquay-Varina. The "typical" opening day promotions will be in play again with the first customer receiving one free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts every week for a year, and the next 49 customers receiving one free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts every month for a year. Get there early!

• Speaking of your sweet tooth, the N&O's Sue Stock is reporting this morning that SnoZone Ice Cream and Sweet Shoppe is open in the former Local Yogurt space at the corner of Spring Forest and Falls of the Neuse roads in Raleigh. They sell Hershey's Ice Cream, Otis Spunkmeyer cookies and brownies, Jelly Belly products and candies.

• The N&O's Greg Cox told us this week about two new Taiwanese restaurants that are worth checking out. The first is Taipei Café on Chapel Hill Road in Morrisville which opened back on March 11th. And the second is Taipei 101 which opened back in February on Chatham Street in Cary. See Greg's article on these restaurants. 

• Looks like things are picking up at the old Angelo's space at the corner of Martin and Blount Streets in City Market in downtown Raleigh. Next month Battistella's, a New Orleans style restaurant, will open. Follow the updates here. 

• We have another food truck in the Triangle! Tonight Pie Pushers, the much anticipated new gourmet pizza truck, will make its debut at Motorco at 8 pm for a CD release party. Keep up with them on their Facebook page here. 

• Speaking of food trucks, there will be a Food Truck Rodeo on Saturday, April 9th from 4 - 7pm at Al's Garage in Carrboro. Confirmed trucks at this point are: Captain Poncho's Tacos, Blue Sky Dining, Klausies Pizza and Indian Food on Wheels. The event will also feature Latin music and dancing!

• A few weeks back we told you about Empire Eats new venture - Fai Thai - In the former Duck & Dumping location in downtown Raleigh. Well, the good news is that as of this past Wednesday, they started serving lunch on weekdays from 11 - 4 pm. Visit them online here, or stop in for lunch. 

• Spring seems to be the time to introduce new menus, and so it is with Moe's Southwest Grill. All 14 Triangle-area locations of Moe's will be adding three new items to their menu for a limited time only - a spicy burrito, quesadilla and rice bowl which feature Moe's new Spicy Queso and Jalapeno Sour Cream. For more information, visit them here.  

• If you like a few drinks as much as you like food, you're going to like this. Next week (April 4-10) thirteen local restaurants are participating in Yelp's first ever Drinks Week. Each restaurant will feature three adult beverages at half price. No coupons are needed, just ask for the Yelp menu before you order. More details here.   

• We are sad to report that after a 5 year run, Bistro 64 over in Cary's MacGregor Village closed a week ago last Tuesday.

• In other bad news, it was reported in the Wall Street Journal that Sbarro Inc. is making plans to file for bankruptcy. No word yet on what that means for the two Triangle locations at Cary Towne Center and Crabtree Valley Mall, but I'd get over there pretty quickly if you are a fan.
  
  We've got a list of events coming up you might be interested in, so go ahead and get your calendars out.

• Starting tomorrow, the farmers market over in Chapel Hill at University Mall is getting a new name and a new location. Now known as the Chapel Hill Farmers' Market, it will move across the parking lot at University Mall, between Southern Season and K&W Cafeteria. Check out their new website.   

• Speaking of farmers' markets, here are some links to the area markets, with most of them opening this weekend! The Carrboro Farmers' Market  kicks off earliest at 7 am on Saturday. And at 8 am, several other markets open, including Durham Farmers' Market; the Chapel Hill Farmers' Market; Hillsborough Farmers' Market; the Eno River Farmers' Market; the Western Wake Farmers' Market in Cary; and Downtown Cary Farmers' Market.

• Not to be outdone by their Saturday counterparts, the Wednesday edition of the Carrboro Farmers' Market will host its "Unique Tastes of the Piedmont" as part of their "grand opening" next Wednesday, April 13th from 4 - 6 pm featuring local bread artisans. More details here.

• This Saturday from 1 - 5 pm Weaver Street Market in Carrboro will present their 7th Annual Spring Wine Show. Tickets are $5 per person for unlimited tastings and a free glass. Over 30 wines available for tasting and purchase; click here to see the list in advance.  If you can't make it this weekend, they'll be doing it again on April 9th at their location in Southern Village in Chapel Hill. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the earthquake and tsunami recovery efforts in Japan.

• Better get your tickets now for the 2011 Piedmont Farm Tour which will be held the weekend of April 16 & 17 from 1-5 pm each day. This is the tour's 16th year and will feature over 40 farms making it the largest sustainable farm tour of its kind in the country. Complete information about the tour and the farms, with interactive maps and contact information, plus tour tickets are available here.  The tour cost is $25 per vehicle in advance and $30 or $10 per farm that weekend.

• On April 9th, Moore Square in downtown Raleigh will be converted into the World Beer Festival. The day is divided into two sessions (12 - 4 pm and 6 - 10 pm). The cost is $40 per session for unlimited samplings of over 250 beers! More information here. 

• You won't want to miss the 'Cuegrass Festival on Saturday, April 16h at The Pit in the warehouse district in downtown Raleigh. The event runs from 11 am until 4 pm and will feature a day full of great 'cue, local brews and toe-tappin' bluegrass music. And the $5 charge goes to the North Carolina Farmers. More information here.

• Here' s a great dinner you won't want to miss. On Thursday April 21st at 6 pm, Herons Restaurant (Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary) will be offering a winemaker dinner featuring Tommy and Amie Baudoin of Morgan Ridge Vineyards in Gold Hill, N.C. The four-course meal will cost $85. Call 447-4200 for reservations.

• And finally, the Eno River Farmers' Market will have their Harvest Dinner on Saturday, April 30! If you've never been, this is a real treat as the meal is sourced from the local farms, prepared by the vendors, and presented elegantly in the market house along with live music. Tickets go on sale at the market house on April 2nd and are $60. More information on their website.    

• Our "Tip of the Hat" this week goes to Goodberry's ice cream. Today only, if you donate $10 or more to Meals on Wheels of Wake County, you'll get a $5 Goodberry's gift card. Meals on Wheels is trying to raise money to purchase "hot bags" to keep the meals warm as they are being delivered. Donate here. All major credit cards are accepted and your gift card will be mailed to you.