Friday Fun Food Facts - March 18, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

•  There are two (count them, two) food truck events this weekend and both are on Saturday afternoon!  

• The first is part of an event called "Marry Durham," a community event concocted to show one's love for the Bull City. It will take place at 4 pm on Saturday at Motorco Music Hall on Rigsbee Avenue and the cost is $5 to "get married" or be a guest. Following the brief ceremony, you'll be able to enjoy music and the fares being offered up by the following trucks -  Bulkogi Korean BBQ, Daisy Cakes, Farmhand Foods, Klausie's Pizza, KoKyu BBQ, Lloyd's Outside Grill, Locopops, Pie Pushers and Slippin' Sliders. For an official map and schedule, visit their site.    

• If you're not in the mood for a wedding, and just want food truck grub and a little music, head over to Al's Garage (that's right, Al's Garage) in Carrboro for the Carrboro Food Truck Showcase from 4 and 7 pm and enjoy fare from the following trucks - Captain Ponchos Tacos, Parlez-Vous Crepe, Will & Pop's, Only Burger and Blue Sky Dining. Al's Garage is located at then very end of Franklin Street just as you head into Carrboro.   

• If you are a a fan of WhichWich (and who isn't?), get ready for location number two in Raleigh. Sue Stock is reporting this morning that the newest location will be in North Hills next to The Q Shack. We don't have an "open" date just yet, but we'll keep an eye on it.   

• It is spring and things are starting to "blossom" at the corner of West Geer and Foster Street in Durham. The "old gas station" is being renovated into a new restaurant and beer garden - Geer Street Garden - and is scheduled to open later this spring. That will be a great addition to the area. You can follow its progress on this site or visit their "official site" here.    

• Speaking of the old adage, "Good things come to those who wait," apparently that is the case with the much anticipated Bull City Burger and Brewery over in Durham. Originally slated to open on the 21st,  that date has been pushed back a little to Friday, March 25th. Visit their site here. 

• Cary doesn't have anything on Raleigh, at least when it comes to a good burger. The second location of Tribeca Tavern opened this week in the old Michael Dean's location up on Falls of the Neuse Road. Still no official word on the third location in Chapel Hill, but we'll continue to monitor that.   

• Listen up Chick-fil-A fans, the two-story Cameron Village location is getting a little closer to reality according to the N&O's Sue Stock. They will break ground in May, which means it will likely be open before year's end. I know the high schoolers at my alma mater are excited about that! 

• We reported a couple of weeks ago about the "soft opening" of Pie Bird on Person Street in downtown Raleigh (across from the original Krispy Kreme). The official opening appears to be just days away. According to Krishna Bahl, it will be open one day next week. The exact date hasn't been set, but we'll let you know. In the meantime, you can visit their site.  

• I guess if you are opening a coffee shop, the name doesn't really matter. At least that appears to be the case with two coffee shops that are slated for downtown Raleigh. It was announced this week that Tribeca Café & Lounge (I know, it is confusing, but this is in no way affiliated with Tribeca Tavern) will open this May in The Hue in the warehouse district. Following this news is news that another coffee shop, Spy Raleigh (huh?), will open soon adjacent to The Pit on Davie Street. 

• It seems like we can't put out an issue here recently without some pizza news, and so it is this week. We've learned that they are putting in an Uncle Vito's New York Pizza in Chapel Hill's Timberlyne Shopping Center next to the Food Lion. Oddly enough, this is a concept out of Georgia. Visit their site here.  

• We reported the sad news months ago that the DQ in Cary on Walnut Street had closed. That was quickly followed by the news that it was not just closed, but being renovated into one of their "Grill and Chill" locations. Well, we're happy to report that that location is now open for business again!

• Speaking of ice cream, The Maple View Farm store across from Weaver Street Market in Carrboro is back open for the "season." While a trip out to the original store is a real treat (imagine beautiful rolling hills and rocking chairs on the front porch) the Carrboro store makes it a little easier to get your ice cream fix. They also have another satellite location in Hillsborough. Visit their site here.  

• A Durham institution closes their doors today after an impressive 58-year run. Dillard's BBQ on Fayetteville street will serve up its last barbecue plate today.

• According to fellow blogger, Triangle Explorer (aka John), the North Seafood Bistro up on Durant Road has closed their doors. Thanks John for that tip!

• Chocolate and coffee lovers will be sad to know that Peche de Chocolat, which was located on Glenwood Avenue near Hillsborough Steet, has closed.

• For those that like to dabble in their own kitchen (interesting concept) you might want to head on over to Chapel Hill's Southern Season this Saturday from between noon and 3 where Molly O'Neill, former New York Times magazine food columnist and cookbook author, will be signing copies of her new book, One Big Table: A Portait of American Cooking.

• If you need another reason to eat out, here's a good one. On Tuesday of next week (March 22) about 23 restaurants (mostly in Durham) will be donating a portion of sales to Communities in Schools in Durham, an organization working to keep kids in school. Visit this site for a list of participating restaurants (scroll down).

• The Angus Barn will hold a complimentary wine tasting this Sunday, March 20th, with certified Sommelier Henk Schuitemaker and his staff. The tasting will be from 3:30 to 5 pm. Reservations are not required. Complimentary Wine Cellar tours will be available. Please email Kecia Bobbitt or Paige Person for all inquiries or call 919.787.3505.

• Mark your calendars for 6 pm on Thursday April 21st as Herons Restaurant at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary will be offereing a winemake 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.

• Mark your calendars for the 16th annual Piedmont Farm Tour which will be held the weekend of April 16th and 17th. If you don't get an invitation to my birthday party, this will be a great way to spend part of your weekend. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 that weekend, per car. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here.

• Out "Tip of the Hat" this week goes to Gene Hamer, Bill Smith and the entire staff at Crooks Corner as it was announced that they will be honored this May with an award from the James Beard Foundation. The James Beard awards are the "Emmys" of the food industry.

• If you are a Groupon, LivingSocial, or Twongo fan and live in the Chapel Hill area, WCHL and the Chapel Hill-Carrobor Chamber have launched a new site specific to the Chapel Hill Area. Check it out here.  

• Get your scissors out Quizno's fans - we've got coupons for you. Either $1 or $2 off their Lobster & Seafood Salad Sub (depending if you get the regular or large). Clip away!  

• Listen up beer lovers. It was just announced that the 2011 World Beer Festrival will make its annual trek to the area on Saturday, April 9th in Moore Square. There will be two afternoon sessions; one at noon and the second at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 ($75 for VIP). Tickets and more information can be found here.

• And finally, mark you calendars for Rita's 19th Annual First Day of Spring Promotion on March 20th when you can enjoy a free regular size cup of Rita's Italian Ice from noon until 9 pm. There are eight locations here in the Triangle. Find the location closest to you here.