Friday Fun Food Facts - February 11, 2011

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

• I begin with a HUGE thank you for all the support and following I've received with the launch of the Triangle's only locally-owned online catering service - Triangle Food Guy. The first week far exceeded my expectations and the feedback has been phenomenal. If you haven't visited or used us, get on over now and take advantage of the Bailey's promotion for $500, $300 and $200 gift certificates. Order away!

• Unfortunately, I opened my paper this morning to find some closings being reported by the N&O's Sue Stock. The first is up in North Raleigh on Creedmoor Road, where the Crowley's in Stonehenge Market has closed.

• Also in North Raleigh, across Glenwood Ave./70 from the airport, The Westgate Deli on Westgate Road has closed. It was really a cute little deli, just a little off the beaten bath.

• And finally, the Wendy's on U.S. 70 East in Clayton has closed.

• Now onto some better news. Looks like the country's first two-story Chick-fil-A is a little bit closer to reality for Raleigh's Cameron Village. Plans for the new concept were submitted to the city of Raleigh this week, and if all goes well, it will be open this fall. The new location will feature a 2nd level patio, a two-lane drivethru and a conveyor system to expedite food to the drivethru and 2nd story.

• In Chapel Hill, the Carolina Brewery turned 16 this week and is celebrating all week. Get by either the Chapel Hill location (which has free valet parking on weekends) or the Pittsboro location to help them celebrate. Visit their site for more information.

• The N&O's Greg Cox featured two little deli/cafes that are also off the beaten path but well worth the visit. The first is one that opened a few months ago called Big City Bagels & Café which is on Six Forks Road in the Celebration at Six Forks (7461 Six Forks Road). It has a side street-facing location, so might take a little effort to find.

• The other "hidden jewel," over on the outskirts of Durham at 5108 Wake Forest Highway, is a little shop called the Ham 'n' Egger Café. They are open for breakfast and lunch and serve up a unique variety of sandwiches.


• Tyler's Taproom, with locations in Carrboro, Durham and Apex, is now serving up a new menu that is worth the visit. Of particular note are their new burgers. Give them a visit if you haven't been in a while.

• Speaking of new menus, Which Wich Superior Sandwiches has added two larger sandwich sizes - 10.5 inches and a 14-inch Superwich - to complement the classic 7-inch item. In addition, Which Wich has added a 32-ounce plastic stadium cup. The Triangle is currently home to one location (Lake Boone Trail), but rumor has it that a second location is in the works.

• Here's a fun family-oriented event to put on your calendar. The 2011 ChillyFest, which is an old-fashioned Chili Cook Off benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Wake County. The event will take place from noon until 5 pm on Saturday, February 26th on the 100 block of Fayetteville Street. More information on their Facebook page.

• A quick shout-out of congratulations to Dean Ogan, onwer of Rocky Top Hospitality, who was named restaurateur of the year by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. Rocky Top owns Micheal Dean's (which closes next Monday to make room for the 2nd location of Tribeca Tavern), Red Room, Bogart's, High-5, Twisted Fork, Fayetteville's Mash House, Tribeca Tavern and Rocky Top Catering.

• If you are a big fan of the "daily deal" sites like Groupon, Twongo and LivingSocial, you may want to bookmark Sue Stock's blog at the N&O. Sue is now doing a daily summary of the deals. Find it here.

• Okay, Valentine procrastinators, here are some very important links for you. The first is a listing of cooking classes, Valentine's Day dinners, tours and more put together by the N&O's Andrea Weigl. The second is Greg Cox's hot list of romantic places. And if you are over in Durham, blogger Carpe Durham has put together a list of Valentine dinner options in the Bull City.

• Looking to buy a restaurant? Or maybe 426? Well, according to the Triangle Business Journal, this week the majority stakeholder in Bojangles' is selling its investment. The Charlotte-based fried chicken chain (with 36 of its locations here in the Triangle) could be yours for the right price. Anyone?

• And in another bit of funny/ironic news this week, Moe's Southwest Grill announced that it is starting its support of Meatless Mondays to support the growing number of vegetarians, part-time vegetarians and others just looking to eat healthier. But across the way, this past Monday Hooters began offering "Burger Mondays" - launching five new specialty burger options. Funny world we live in.

• And for you do-it-yourselfers out there, there is a workshop scheduled for March 5 at Marbles Kid Museum called Dig In, designed for anyone who wants to build and maintain a community garden or gain expertise for success in a home garden. Register here.

• This is worth keeping around for a couple of issues - N&O's Greg Cox put out his annual list of The Best Restaurants in the Triangle. It is quite an impressive list and can be viewed here in a "prnter-friendly" format, or a more entertaining interactive format here.