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.