Friday Fun Food Facts - May 7, 2010

• In a show of solidarity, chef's from across the Triangle and community leaders will

  Let's Support Bullocks!

  dine today at Bullock's Barbecue in Durham. Several weeks ago, a number of people got sick after eating a take-out order from Bullock's. Since then, business at the nearly 60-year-old institution has dropped off considerably. The local health department has deemed the practices at the restaurant as safe and the restaurant has consistently scored A's on its inspections. If you can't make it today, please make plans for next week and let's support a local, family-owned and operated institution... and bring your friends!...
  
  
• The much-anticipated Market Restaurant opened this week on North Blount Street in downtown Raleigh. The restaurant, with the theme "Local Ingredients. West Coast Inspired." will be open for lunch and dinner...
  
  
• The Golden Corral on Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh is being demolished, but before you get too upset, the company is building a new restaurant in its place, which will open in late August...
  
  
• And if that is not enough Golden Corral news, plans were unveiled this week for another Raleigh store on Capital Boulevard next to Jeffrey's Appliance Center and across from Babies 'R' Us. An open date is not known at this point...
  
  
• As construction on Hillsborough Street winds down, those wanting to check out the infamous "round-a-bouts" will have a new place to dine. Reports swirled this week that the Duck & Dumpling's former Chef, David Mao, is coming out of his 3-month retirement to open David's Dumpling and Noodle Bar in the old Red, Hot Blue/Darryl's location...
  
  
• If you are a Cary-ite, the long-awaited Bojangles' at 820 E. Chatham St. opened this past Thursday. Chicken biscuit anyone?...
  
  
• In Raleigh's Market Place at Lake Boone (just down the hill from Rex Hospital on Lake Boone Trail), Buffalo Brothers Pizza & Wing Company will open their second Raleigh location there in late summer and will feature an outdoor patio...
  
  
• After a four year run, downtown Raleigh's Ess Lounge closed this week. Bummer...
  
  
• Big things are happening at 54 East in Chapel Hill this month. 54 East is the huge new mixed-use development on Highway 54 heading into Chapel Hill. The next few weeks will see the opening of two truly international restaurants in Saffron Indian restaurant (www.saffronnc.com) and the legendary Italian restaurant Piola (www.piola.it). The trifecta of international flair will be completed in July with the opening of Archira Thai and Sushi Restaurant...
  
  
• Listen up moms...this Sunday, Mother's Day, all Cold Stone Creamery locations will be offering all moms a free Like It size creation. Go ahead, you deserve it!...
  
  
• In Durham, Pop's is moving into new digs at the new West Village (605 W. Main Street) and is expected to reopen any day now (May 5 was the original projection). While Pop's Backdoor South (pizza & calzones) has opened its doors in the southern part of the city in the revitalized Shannon Road shopping center...
  
  
• And in Carrboro, the Southern Rail Bar is now OFFICIALLY open for lunch 7 days a week. Check out their website here...
  
  
• Love to cook? Want to learn? You're invited to join Executive Chef Meechai Kowae downtown at Spize Cafe for a special Asian herb and "spize" cooking class on Thursday, May 20 at 6 p.m. Those interested to attend can RSVP by sending their name and phone number to management@spizecafe.com by Monday, May 17. Cost to attend is $20 and includes the class, canapés and one beverage of choice. A cash bar also will be available...
  
  
• Foster's Market (in Chapel Hill and Durham) has been celebrating is 20th year this week. Festivities end today with free cookies to anyone wearing a Foster's t-shirt or hat and apparently "the older, the better" - we think they are referring to the hats and shirts...
  
  
• In the "That's handy!" category, here is a pdf produced by the N&O for you to use to keep up with what fruits and vegetables are in season in North Carolina...
  
  
• And finally, if you don't have Mother's Day plans yet, Raleigh's Humble Pie is hosting a beer dinner featuring ales from Carolina Brewing Co. this Sunday. It costs $50 per person for a four-course meal paired with the Holly Springs brewery's beers. The feasting starts at 6 p.m. The menu includes arugula salad, wild mushroom vol-au-vent, seared sea scallops and braised short ribs, and for dessert: a beer float with housemade chocolate coffee ice cream. Go to their website for more information. Or call 829-9222 for a reservation.