Friday Fun Food Facts - October 28, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

•  OK, this one is pretty easy. Largest food truck rodeo...ever. This weekend - Sunday, October 30 from 4-8 p.m. at Durham's Central Park. 27 food trucks. Yes, 27 food trucks! I would list all the participating trucks, but it would simply take way too much time. Instead, visit here to see the latest and greatest including additional vendors, activities and directions.  

• This one flew under our radar screen, but we have confirmed that Tracy's New York Deli & Coffee Shop has opened in Chapel Hill. Tracy's is located over on Elliott Road across from Monterrey Mexican.

•  Durham got a new restaurant this week. Bella's Cuisine opened in the dome-shaped restaurant space at 3128 Guess Road in Durham which formerly housed the 2nd location of Backyard BBQ Pit. Visit their website here.  

• Speaking of Durham, the worst kept secret in the Triangle is starting to come to light. The long anticipated opening of the Triangle's second location of The Pit is starting to pick up momentum. It now appears as if The Pit will open in the ground floor of the building at 309 E. Chapel Hill Street in downtown Durham in the old Bargain Furniture space. We'll keep an eye on this and give you updates as we receive them.

• Apparently Ashley Christensen's half-pound burgers at Chuck's were a little too much and a little too pricey for some. No problem. Chuck's now offers a "Little Chuck" that is a 5 oz. burger for $6.75. Check it out here.  

• According to Duke's student newspaper, The Chronicle, The Food Factory at Devil's Bistro is struggling a little bit with some of the restrictions of its new space. But if anybody can make that space work - it is Jimmy and Lisa Schmid. They have cut out their weekday lunch service, but have added on a new delivery service and remain open for dinner, as well as lunch on weekends. If you are a big fan of The Food Factory, and you are over in Durham, make plans to stop by and show your support! Here is a link to their site.  

• Also, apparently Streets Deli in Chapel Hill is struggling to stay afloat. Their facebook page and webite have posted pleas this week entitled, "Save the Deli Week" (October 24-November 6th) and asked for their fans to step up and show some love to the New York-style deli by helping to spread the word. If you haven't been yet, it is well worth the visit. Get more information here. 

• Bruegger's began selling their 2012 Bottomless Mug this week. Guests who purchase the mug receive free fill ups of coffee (hot or iced, in season), tea or soft drinks for the remainder of the year after purchase and throughout 2012 - a total of 14 months for first time purchasers! The cost is $170, but that could be huge savings if you are a big coffee drinker. A percentage of sales also goes to the Children's Miracle Network. Stop by a local Bruegger's for details or visit them here.  

• This is kind of cool - Downtown Chapel Hill now has an app! That's right, you can download the Downtown Chapel Hill App and easily locate your favorite dining and shopping establishments as well as easily find public parking. That's pretty cool. Check it out here.

• Don't forget that today is National Breadstix Day today at Hot Box Pizza. From 2-5 p.m. stop by for your free breadstix (and maybe grab a pie and some cold beer while you are there). Hot Box Pizza is located at 2304 Hillsborough Street. Get more details here.  

• The Raleigh CROP Hunger Walk raises money to help fight hunger both locally and globally and supports several local hunger fighting agencies. The 3.1 mile walk is THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30th at 3pm! (Registration and activities start at 2pm).  The walk loops around downtown Raleigh, starting and ending at Marbles Kids Museum.  The walk is very kid friendly and a ton of fun, and this year we are featuring a Halloween costume contest where the most creative costumes will win gift certificates to Marbles!  People can sign up a team, donate or get more information here.

• The Carolina Ale House in Cary is hosting its 4th annual Carolina Brewfest featuring local and regional beers from 4-8 p.m. this Saturday, October 29th. Up to a dozen North Carolina breweries will be on hand providing samples, including Aviator Brewing Company, Red Oak Brewery and Foothills Brewing. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door and include beer samples, free food and live music. You can purchase tickets online here. Ten percent of all door sales will be donated to the North Carolina Brewers Guild. The Carolina Ale House in Cary is located at 2440 Walnut Street.

• The Lantern restaurant in Chapel Hill will host a special dinner and conversation with author Michael Ruhlman at 6:30 pm Wednesday, November 2nd, featuring charcuterie and other food that's cured, brined, pickled, fermented and salted. The 10-course family-style meal will include 18-month old whey-fed ham, North Carolina sashimi, crispy rillettes with salted "ume" cherries and moulard duck cured with sake kasu. Cost is $120 per person; that includes wine but not tax and tip. To reserve your place at the table: 919-969-8846. Get more information here.  

• McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants will host its 13th annual Veterans Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 13. The M&S location at Crabtree Valley Mall will be participating. On this day, U.S. military veterans will be treated to a complimentary entrée from a special McCormick & Schmick's menu. Get more details here. 

• The annual Triangle Signature Chefs Auction featuring food from more than a dozen restaurants and caterers will be held on the evening of November 13th at the Carolina Club in Chapel Hill. Among the Triangle restaurants serving up tasting-sized portions of their signature dishes will be Winston's Grille, Gravy, The Mint, Solas, Coquette, Il Palio and Revolution. Tickets cost $150.  Proceeds benefit the North Carolina March of Dimes. To buy tickets or for more information about the event and the auction items, go here. 

• Raleigh's Gateway Restaurant is offering a German dinner on Nov. 5. The four-course meal with German beer and wine pairings will cost $50 a person. Appetizers are served at 6:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 7 p.m. The menu includes a cucumber salad, a beef broth and dumpling soup, rouladen, a thin beef roll-up, served with spaetzle and red cabbage and an apple puff pastry with ice cream for dessert. Seating is limited, so make a reservation by calling Tom or Martina at 832-3020. For more information about the restaurant, go to their web site .

• Mark your calendars for the extremely popular Kiwanis All You Can Eat Pancake and Sausage Jamboree which will take place this year on Monday, November 7th (4-8 p.m.) and Tuesday, November 8th (6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.) in The Durham Armory at 220 Foster Street in downtown Durham. Tickets are $6 in advance, $7 at the door. Kids eat free with adult.

• This year, Tuesday, Nov. 8 is not only Election Day, but also the 23rd annual RSVVP (Restaurants Sharing V/5 & V/5 Percent). Eat out or take out all day - breakfast, lunch and/or dinner - at any participating restaurant, and 10% of your tab will be donated to the Inter-Faith Council's hunger-relief programs, the Community Kitchen and the Emergency Food Pantry. To see a full list of participating restaurants, visit their website here.

Friday Fun Food Facts - October 21, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• Mia Francesca's Trattoria, the new restaurant at the entrance to the Renaissance Raleigh Hotel in North Hills, opens for dinner tonight with a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. It occupies a space created by a $1-million renovation of the hotel. Francesca's is a Chicago-based concept and this marks their first East coast venture. But keep your eyes open for possibly two additional Triangle area locations. Check them out here.  

• After months of speculating, we have now confirmed that Charlotte's Cowfish is coming to Cameron Village, and more specifically the former Foster's location. And the name is as interesting as it is accurate - the concept serves up sushi and burgers. Don't believe me? Check them out here.  

• We got word this week that Wake Forest is getting its very own brewery! That's right, White Street Brewing Co. is scheduled to open in the spring of 2012 in historic downtown Wake Forest at 218 S. White Street. The brewery will offer four different small batch ales and lagers as well as specialty seasonal options. Check them out.   

• Well this didn't take long. We told you last week that Raleigh's version of Time Out Chicken would soon return to a 24/7 operation and that apparently is the case. Rick DeAngelis is not wasting any time! Time Out is located at 3001 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh.

• Eschelon Hospitality is getting closer to opening its newest concept, Zinda. It will be a two-story Asian restaurant located on the ground level of the RBC Plaza building in downtown Raleigh and will open just after the first of the year. Eschelon also operates Mura, Sono, The Oxford, Dapper Style House and Cameron Bar & Grill. Learn about all of their concepts here.  

• Durham's L'Uva Enoteca (located on the American Tobacco campus) has been wildly successful since its opening and just this week unveiled their new menu. Take a peek here. 

• Raleigh's Solas restaurant, located in the Glenwood South district, is now offering a permanent meat-free menu every Monday night for vegans and vegetarians. The new menu includes vegetable lasagna, sweet coconut curry vegetables, barbeque kabobs, zucchini noodles, Cuban black beans and stuffed poblano peppers. By request, the menu is available any day of the week. For more information, go to their site or call 755-0755 for a reservation.

• Moe's Southwest Grill at Triangle Town Center is brewing up a spooktacular treat this Saturday, October 22, from 3-5 p.m. with a children's pumpkin carving contest judged by the one and only Wool E. Bull. Moe's Triangle Town Center is located at 3721 Sumner Blvd. in Raleigh. For more information call 919-792-2960 or visit their site.

• If you're looking for a delicious and unique Sunday brunch option, look no further than the "South Indian Brunch" at Martin's Curry Rice. Martin serves it up every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Get more information on Martin's website. 

• Rockfish Seafood Grill in Durham is hosting a "Casks for a Cure" fundraiser from 6:30-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24 that may intrigue local beer lovers. The event will feature three brewers who have yet to open, a real treat for beer geeks! Participating will be Hillsborough's Mystery Brewing Company, Saxapahaw's Haw River Farmhouse Ales and Carrboro's Steel String Brewery. For a $10 donation, you will get a t-shirt, food samples and tastes of the three casks. Proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The restaurant is located at 8030 Renaissance Parkway in Durham (Streets at Southpoint). For more information about the event, go to the Facebook page or call 544-9220. 

• Raleigh's Gateway Restaurant is offering a German dinner on Nov. 5. The four-course meal with German beer and wine pairings will cost $50 a person. Appetizers are served at 6:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 7 p.m. The menu includes a cucumber salad, a beef broth and dumpling soup, rouladen, a thin beef roll-up, served with spaetzle and red cabbage and an apple puff pastry with ice cream for dessert. Seating is limited, so make a reservation by calling Tom or Martina at 832-3020. For more information about the restaurant, go to their web site .

• Mark your calendars for the extremely popular Kiwanis All You Can Eat Pancake and Sausage Jamboree which will take place this year on Monday, November 7th (4-8 p.m.) and Tuesday, November 8th (6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.) in The Durham Armory at 220 Foster Street in downtown Durham. Tickets are $6 in advance, $7 at the door. Kids eat free with adult.

• This year, Tuesday, Nov. 8 is not only Election Day, but also the 23rd annual RSVVP (Restaurants Sharing V/5 & V/5 Percent). Eat out or take out all day - breakfast, lunch and/or dinner - at any participating restaurant, and 10% of your tab will be donated to the Inter-Faith Council's hunger-relief programs, the Community Kitchen and the Emergency Food Pantry. To see a full list of participating restaurants, visit their website here.

• The March of Dimes is holding its annual Triangle Signature Chef's Auction on Sunday, November 13th.  Local chefs and caterers will present their signature dishes in tasting-size portions during a cocktail reception and silent auction. It will be held in Chapel Hill at the Carolina Club. For more information, visit their site here.

• Maybe there is hope yet for the meals served in our schools. Advocates for Health in Action (AHA) did its part by hosting a competition among local chefs. And the winner? Chef Ruby Arthur of PieBird Restaurant was awarded the Iron Carrot at Lunch In, an Iron Chef-style competition held at Hunter Elementary School, for her winning healthy lunch creation featuring carrots. 

• Looking for a fun, affordable and unique venue for a corporate gathering? Z Pizza is aggressively booking reservations/orders for holiday parties in both their downtown Raleigh and Cary locations. Contact them prior to November 1st and receive additional savings. Call Maria at 919-302-3883 if you are interested.

• And I would be remiss without sending out a huge congratulations to Andrea Weigl (the N&O's phenomenal foodie!) on the birth of her daughter! Enjoy your "leave" (not sure why they call it that, because it is anything but...). Congratulations Andrea!

Friday Fun Food Facts - October 14, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• Raleigh is getting ready to get a whole lot sweeter. The extremely popular Sugarland Bakery in Chapel Hill has just announced that they will be opening a Raleigh location in Cameron Village. The space will be twice the size of their current location allowing them to explore a "brunch option" as well as hosting private classes, cookie parties and other events. Like Chapel Hill, the store will feature a full bar. Look for them to open this second location toward the end of the first quarter of next year. Start getting familiar with them by checking them out here. 

• We got word this week that the Triangle's fourth location of La Rancherita has opened in Morrisville (4075 Davis Drive). It takes over the space formerly occupied by Nikos Taverna. Get more information here.  

• The question of, "Which wich?", will get even more complicated on October 29th. That's the day that the Triangle's third location of the popular Which Wich sandwich shop will open in North Hills in Raleigh.

• The Moe's at the corner of Westin Parkway and Harrison Avenue is holding their grand reopening celebration TODAY (Oct. 14) following their recent expansion. The "new and improved" Moe's features the Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine (think 100+ brands of Coke!), seating now for 150, a larger salsa bar, and a private meeting room. Games and prizes will be available TODAY from 11-1 and TONIGHT from 5-7 pm. Wool E. Bull will also make an appearance today around noon. Check them out!

• I might be a little slow on this, but happened to notice that the Original NY Pizza has opened on Falls of the Neuse Road across from North Ridge Country Club in the location that used to house Stone Wolf Coffee. Check them out here.  
  
  
• La Carreta Restaurante Mexicano is set to open in the former Amedeo's North location on Falls of the Neuse Road (behind Tribeca Tavern). No word yet on an open date, just a "Coming Soon" banner out front. We'll keep an eye on it for you.
  
  
• Speaking of Rick DeAngelis (originally of Amedeo's, then Amedeo's North, and then Amedeo's again), the N&O's Andrea Weigl is reporting that Rick has left Amedeo's and is partnering up to expand the offerings of Time Out Chicken on Hillsborough Street, Raleigh's version of Chapel Hill's famous hang-out. Look for new offerings (adding turkey, more vegetable sides, daily specials and desserts from cinnamon buns to banana pudding) and expanded hours (i.e. 24/7) with Rick coming on board.
  
  
• And speaking of Chapel Hill, Bread and Butter, a new bakery and coffee shop, has opened over on Rosemary Street (503 W. Rosemary Street to be exact) in the former Oriental Garden location. The initial reviews are strong as they get settled into their new surroundings.

• The N&O's Andrea Weigl reported this week that Durham's popular bakery, Rue Cler, will expand their retail operations with even more bread and pastry offerings - more breads and pastries is always good news! Look for the expanded offerings by next week. Check them out here.  

• I've had several of your ask about an opening date for Sir Pizza in Morrisville at the corner of McCrimmon Pkwy. and Davis Dr. I stopped by yesterday and the interior appears to be ready for business, but they are waiting on the green light from the city of Morrisville, as well as the completion of the sidewalks and a few other odds-and-ends. But it appears as if it won't be long now.
  
  
• Gonza Tacos Y Tequila on Leadmine Road (think former location of Savoy, and before that, Fins) is very close to opening. A couple of more tweaks to satisfy the health inspector and they'll be ready to open their doors. Keep up with their pending announcement on their Facebook page here.  
  
  
• With the cool air moving in, it means leaves changing colors, hockey season kicking off, and a new menu from Chef Dave Alworth over at Guglhupf Café in Durham. Check out the new additions to their menu here.  

• If you are a food truck junkie, you'll want to mark your calendars for two upcoming food truck rodeos. The N&O has the scoop here.  

• This is a little cheesy, but worth the inclusion. The Durham Farmers' Market is celebrating the First Annual National Cheese Month throughout October.  This Saturday (Oct. 15), Chef Dave Alworth of Guglhupf Café will join Portia McKnight of Chapel Hill Creamery to talk about cheese making and to cook with cheese.  You might want to work this into your Saturday morning. 

• And finally, we close with something fun for those that love to dine in Durham. The Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau is conducting its annual survey to see which food spots get the most love. If you have an opinion (and we know you do), weigh in here. 

Friday Fun Food Facts - October 7, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• Listen up Moe's fans. Your wait is over! The newly expanded and larger Moe's at the corner of Westin Parkway and Harrison Avenue opened (soft) yesterday! The grand opening is planned for next Friday, October 14th. Congrats to David, Kermit and their team!

• There is a new food truck, I mean bike, in Durham! And to make it even better, it is a donut bike! Monuts (I'm guessing it is a meshing of "mobile" and "donuts") has just joined the growing mobile food scene in Durham. Check out their story and find out where they are. 

• The doors to the former location of The Food Factory in downtown Cary have reopened as Dory's Downtown Deli! They opened this week (soft) and are planning a grand opening celebration for next Monday. Look for some familiarity, as Ray Dory is a cousin of Lisa Schmid, one of the owners of The Food Factory. Welcome to Cary Ray! 

• There is a new dining option in Chapel Hill. Guru India will have its grand opening tomorrow (October 8) with half-off meals. Chef/owner Narinder Singh had two restaurants in Greensboro before taking over this location, which was the former India Palace. Guru is located at 508 W. Franklin Street. Get more information here.   

• Not too far over in Pittsboro, a new Greek restaurant has opened at 964 East Street called Greek Kouzina. They also own the Greek Fiesta restaurants in Raleigh and Cary.

• We told you last week that Shane Ingram had parted ways with ONE Restaurant in Chapel Hill and G2B in Durham. This week we learned that Sean McCarthy (Magnolia Grill & Giorgio in Cary) has taken over at ONE. And that Carrie Schleiffer (Table in NY) has taken over at G2B. Be sure to check out these young talents!

• Looks like things are starting to move forward with The Garland at 14 W. Martin Street in downtown Raleigh. While it is too early to talk about an opening date for Raleigh's next Indian cuisine, we can tell you that the initial phase will feature a walk-up window, with the final phase adding a dining room and outdoor seating. The Garland will be in the former location of Martin Street Pizza.

• My buddy Len informed me this week that over in Cary The Stonewood Grill & Tavern (1080 Darrington Drive) has closed their doors after a 10-year run. Cary was Stonewood's only location outside of Florida.  

• While news came out this week that the contract to reconstruct Pittsboro's infamous courthouse had been awarded, there was also news this week that Red Star Coffee, located just off the circle in downtown Pittsboro, had closed.

• And over in Chapel Hill, The Daily Tar Heel confirmed that Chill Bubble Tea has indeed closed their Franklin Street location there in the heart of downtown.  

• Speaking of Chapel Hill, who else misses Bonne Soiree and chef Chip Smith? Well, he is returning to the Triangle once a month to cook a Sunday supper at The Inn at Celebrity Dairy in Siler City. The first one is October 16th at 1:30 pm. The meal includes passed hors d'oeurves, an appetizer, entree and dessert. The meal costs $75 with wine pairings and $50 without wine. The next two are scheduled for Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. To make a reservation, call 919-742-5176. For more information, go to their site. 

• Looking for some free food? Look no further than Hot Box Pizza on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh on October 28th. On that day from 2-5 pm, stop by and celebrate the 6th Annual National Breadstix Day for a free sample of stix. Hot Box is located at 2304 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh. 

• Speaking of free food, how about a little free cider - especially with the nip in the air that has ushered in the fall season. Take a friend with you this Saturday to the Saturday Market At Rebus Works and you'll both enjoy a complimentary cup of cider. The Market also features tons of other food and drink options. For more details, check it out here.  

• If you are looking for cooking classes, food tours and more food events, the N&O's Andrea Weigl has put together an amazing list. Check it out here.

• The 18th Annual Taste of Chatham will be held on Oct. 16 from 4 to 6 pm at the Carolina Meadows Auditorium in Chatham County, just outside of Chapel Hill. Enjoy food from some of Chapel Hill's finest eateries. Tickets for the event are $50 per person and are limited to 150 seats, so purchase your ticket early by contacting Megan Coggins at 542-4512 or at megan.coggins@chathamcouncilonaging.org.

• The first ever RTP Food Truck Rodeo was a huge hit and will now become a monthly event. In fact, the next one is already scheduled for Thursday, October 20th from 11:30-1:30. This week's event featured three food trucks and attracted over 250 people! They are hoping to increase the number of trucks for October's event.

• And speaking of food trucks, it didn't take Raleigh long to plan a huge food truck rodeo - Food Truck King - also scheduled for October 20th (but in the evening from 5-9:30 pm). It will be held in City Plaza along with music, circus performers (not sure if that includes some of our Raleigh city councilors that fought the food trucks) and beer. The event is sponsored by The Raleigh Downtowner magazine. The event benefits Meals on Wheels and will conclude with the tapping of "Food Truck King" as voted upon by attendees. Food Truck King is free to attend, but tickets are available for sale to 250 attendees to sample tasty treats from all food trucks plus two free beers and a chance to win $200 worth of gift certificates to local restaurants. Get more information here.