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.