Friday Fun Food Facts - July 8, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• Cantina South, which took over the former Bogart's location on Glenwood South, is now open! Cantina South serves modern Mexican cuisine with entrees between $13 and $20, specialty margaritas and more than 50 tequilas. Check them out and welcome Kevin Summers back to the Raleigh restaurant scene!

• Here's some great news out of Durham. Nana's Scott Howell recently announced that he will take over the former Fish Shack location (2512 University Drive in Durham - aka former Rockwood Filling Station) and will open a Mexican restaurant called Nanataco. Howell is shooting for a late July opening. His newest venture will feature fresh tamales, burritos, and of course, tacos. In addition, he says to expect rotisserie chicken, housemade chorizo and an expanded outdoor seating area.

• We reported this many months ago, but it looks like the old Seafood North location (10630 Durant Road in Raleigh) is very close to getting a new tenant. A sign was spotted this week by my buddy John, aka Triangle Explorer, for Munchies Mexican Grill. Stay tuned for any new information we get.

• Downtown Raleigh has a new option for Turkish cuisine with the opening of Troy Mezze Lounge. Located on Blake Street in City Market in the former Edelweiss Café location, Troy Mezze  is owned by Arif Denk and offers up a large selection of Turkish food.

• If you find yourself up in Wake Forest early in the morning, you might want to check out their latest addition - Main Street Grille Café & Bakery. While they are known for their breakfast (and specifically their homemade Apple Cider Donughts), they also serve up sandwiches, burgers and such. Good Southern cooking! Thanks to John (aka Triangle Explorer) for the tip on this. They are located at 1318 South Main Street, or you can visit their website here. 

• The Triangle is about to get its sixth Applebee's location! The newest location will break ground in Durham's Patterson Place (15-501 and I40) this month and anticipates a November opening.

• Somebody in Chapel Hill is looking good, and we're not talking about John Edwards' latest $400 hair cut. No, this is food related and we're talking about a "face-lift" of sorts that was recently completed at Carolina Brewery on West Franklin Street. I've seen pictures and it looks pretty spiffy. Plan a trip over to Chapel Hill and check them out.

• Over in Durham, Mad Burrito announced plans to open in Northgate Mall's food court in early September.

• And for those counting down the days until the opening of the newest location of Chipotle -  you're going to have to wait a little longer. The Hillsborough Street location has moved back their opening date until right around August 31/September 1. As we get closer we'll let you know the exact opening date.  

• In our last issue, we reported that Johnny's of Carrboro had closed. That is true, but apparently it is a temporary close and will re-open, albeit under a new name. Details are still being worked out, but we will keep you posted.

• In related news, former Johnny's of Carrboro partner Brian Plaster, is now over at Frosty's on Jones Ferry Road between Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Pittsboro. The vision there might involve a name change to Johnny's at Frosty's, and will be similar to the venture over in Carrboro.

• Just a reminder that the Chick-fil-A on Walnut Street in Cary at Cary Crossroads will be closed (starting tomorrow) for a month-long renovation. But don't fear, you can still hit the Chickf-fil-A at Cary Town Center, just a few miles down the street.

• Speaking of Chick-fil-A, today is "Cow Appreciation Day" at all Chick-fil-A locations. Which simply means, dress up like a cow (or give it a good try) and you'll get free food!  

• Here's an interesting combination - A food truck rodeo (featuring Pie Pushers, The Parlour, Hot Diggity Dogs and Farmhand Foods) and women's arm wrestling! The event is this Saturday, July 9th, at the Casbah in Durham. The food trucks will be set-up and rolling at 7 pm, with the arm wrestling beginning at 9 pm. Let me know if you go!

• Somebody at the NY Times has a love affair with Durham - which we think is a great thing! Check out the NY Times' latest article on Durham! 

• If you are a beer connoisseur, good news is on the horizon. Bottle Revolution, a new specialty beer store, will open Aug. 5 on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh next to Buffalo Brothers. Check their website for details on their fast-approaching opening.   

• Wild Ginger Asian Bistro and Sushi, which was located on the first floor of the Progress Energy building in downtown Raleigh, has closed their doors.  

• Two of the South's most iconic brands, Cheerwine and Krispy Kreme, have announced the re-release of their limited edition Cheerwine Filled Krispy Kreme Doughnut. But get them while they last - the limited edition treats will only be available until the end of July. To find the nearest location carrying Cheerwine Filled Krispy Kreme Doughnuts visit their website.  

• Antontio's Gourmet Market will host a Mexican Fiesta today (July 8th) and tomorrow. Festivities will begin tonight at 5pm, and will continue on Saturday at 12 noon. Bring your family, friends, and your appetite and enjoy their specially designed hot and spicy menu. Antonio's Gourmet Market is located at 8460 Honeycutt Road in Raleigh in Lafayette Village or visit them online here.  

• The Saturday Market At Rebus Works this weekend looks especially "foodie"! This weekend you'll find Blue Sky Dining (joining with Locals Seafood), Muddy Dog Roasting Company, Bobby's Ice Water and all the regular vendors featuring garlic, field peas, heirloom tomatoes, peaches, watermelon, corn, lemon tahini, homemade mustard, tomato sauce, butter, cheese and much, much more.  The Saturday Market is located at 301-2 Kinsey Street, (next to the Boylan Street Bridge) in Raleigh. Visit them here for more information.   

• On July 12, Brixx-Raleigh (Brier Creek Shopping Center) is playing host to a five-course beer dinner featuring the amazing beers of Left Hand Brewing! Tickets are $35 each. Click here for a peek at the menu and call 919.246.0640 to reserve tickets!   

• Next Friday, July 15th, Antonio's will host a Beer Fest. The cost is $15 and includes tasting and all you can eat hors d'oeuvres. Purchase your tickets in advance at the Market! More details here.    

• Saturday, July 16th will be the Carrboro Farmers' Market annual Tomato Day celebration. Starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 16, the Tomato Day event includes tomato samples, a display of more than 70 varieties, cooking tips and recipes, as well as live music, face painting for the children and a raffle.
  For more information go here.  

• Speaking of tomatoes, Piedmont Restaurant is hosting the First Annual Piedmont Tomato Dinner on Saturday, July 16th at 7 p.m. The dinner will be 5 courses and will feature Coon Rock Farm's heirloom tomatoes in every dish. Call 919-683-1213 for reservations.  Spots will fill up fast!

• Capital Club 16 in downtown Raleigh will be hosting a Summer Seafood Bake (a communal style seafood wine dinner) on Monday, July 18th. The event will feature a 3-course dinner with an opening reception, lots of seafood and great wine pairings! Call 919.747.9345 to reserve your spot.  

• Moe's extremely popular "Free Queso Day" is back and cheesier than ever! On July 20th, Moe's Southwest Grill will be offering a free six ounce cup of queso to every customer, no strings attached. This offer is valid at all Moe's locations from 11 am until 9 pm.

• Due to a huge response to their dinner on July 27th, Blu Seafood and Bar on Hillsborough Road in Durham will extend their Lobster Night an extra night to  July 28! If you are interested in attending, or need more information, visit their site.

• Don't forget Foster's Market in Chapel Hill every other Thursday at 6:30 pm for a casual, family-style meal made from fresh ingredients from local farms. Reservations are required and are $25 and include a three-course meal, with an option of adding a $12 wine pairing. Get more information here.