Friday Fun Food Facts - January 20, 2012

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• So we'll kick off this week with some exciting news out of Chapel Hill. Well, one is a pretty strong rumor and the other is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity (and not really food related, but I couldn't resist).

• First, word on the street is that the Mellow Mushroom is making a return to Chapel Hill. For those that have been around a while, you'll remember MM's first attempt in the old Shoney's building across from The Siena Hotel (and Il Palio). Well, word has it that they will be moving into the old Ham's location on West Franklin Street. And the highlight of this location (much like their counterparts in Raleigh, Cary, Durham & Wake Forest) will be the outdoor patio. No date yet, but we'll keep you posted.

• And just up Franklin Street The Independent noted that a local icon is up for sale - for a cool $165k. Chapel Hill's infamous He's Not Here is being sold. The original post on Craig's List has been pulled down, but it is now listed on Biz Quest (see it here). It notes annual revenue of $400k (that's about 7,000 blue cups!). Anyway, its been around since the mid 70's and the owner is retiring (again). The only catch, it is being sold "as is."

• Cary is getting a new wing joint. Renovations are in full swing for North Carolina's first Hurricane Grill & Wings which will be in the Shoppes of Kildaire (same shopping center as Staples and Trader Joe's). Originally scheduled to open at the end of January, they are now looking at the end of February. We'll keep you posted. Get a sneak peek at their operation here. 

• Tyler's Taproom opened last month in Raleigh's Seaboard Station, and now Tyler's Bottle Shop, a small craft beer store, has opened right next door according to the N&O's Andrea Weigl.  They will carry 400 different types of craft beer, but don't go there for the stuff you normally get at the grocery store. They'll be carrying select beers that aren't readily available. They'll also sell wine, brewery merchandise, barbecue sauces and NC peanuts. Future plans call for them to carry packages of Farmhand Foods sausage and possibly dedicate part of the space to serving coffee and espresso. The shop is open 10 to 10 everyday except Sunday when it is open noon - 8 pm. Check them out here.    

• And speaking of new, there is a new food truck on the way - The Humble Pig. The husband & wife team will serve up locally sourced organic bbq featuring smoked pork, chicken and beef along with other goodies like sweet potato fries (in brown sugar crumble and Rosemary Maple butter dip) and desserts like good ol' banana pudding and peanut butter pie. There is no date yet on when they'll start rolling around the Triangle, but we'll keep you posted or you can keep up with them on Facebook.    

• Raleigh recently landed the latest Papa Murphy's location, bringing the Triangle's total to 5. The newest location is in The Shops at Oberlin Court near Gigi's Cupcakes and Zoe's Kitchen. The other locations are in Cary (2), Wake Forest and Apex. Get more information here.   

• A couple of tidbits from Cameron Village. The first is the open date has been set for the country's first two-story Chick-fil-A. It will open on March 1 - which is a Thursday. We'll keep an eye on it and let you know more about their grand opening celebrations and such.   

• And we've got an open date for Sugarland's move into Raleigh, and more specifically, Cameron Village. Sugarland is re-creating the look and feel of its Franklin Street shop/bakery/bar in the old Lavender & Lace spot and the plan is to open April 1 (no kidding). Get ready for cupcakes and martinis Raleigh!   

• And speaking of new, the folks over at The Twisted Fork at Triangle Town Center have rolled out a new Sunday brunch menu, including $3 Bloody Marys and Mimosas! Check out their new menu here.    

• Four local food trucks are joining forces for Durham's first "Food Truck Mash-Up," at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at Motorco in Durham. The trucks include Chirba Chirba, Pie Pushers, Farmhand Foods and KoKyu BBQ trucks. The "mash-up" angle means each truck will make dishes using ingredients from the other trucks. Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door. (Get your tickets sooner rather than later because they will go fast.) To buy tickets, go here.   

• Triangle Restaurant Week returns to the Triangle next week and boasts nearly 90 participating restaurants. TRW gives restaurants the opportunity to feature a special fixed price, 3-course meal each and every day they are open during the event. We recommend making reservations all next week to ensure you can get in - this week has grown greatly in popularity. Get all the details here.   

• And after you've filled up on Restaurant Week, don't let the fun stop. Go ahead and make plans on February 2nd to attend a  beer dinner at G2B Gastropub in Durham. They will be featuring a four-course meal paired with four Lonerider brews all for $32. There are only 40 seats so call 919.251.9451 now for your reservation! See the menu and get more details here.   

• Listen up coupon clippers - here's one you'll enjoy. Quizno's is offering $2 off purchases over $10. But hurry, the coupon expires on January 25, 2012. Get it here.   

• And we'll close with an amazing deal that is truly too good to pass up. Check out downtown Raleigh's Market Restaurant and their "Five Dollar Fridays!" Yes, you read that right - $5 for a great lunch every Friday. And better yet, there are always two choices, including a vegan option. So, what are you doing for lunch today? Market Restaurant is located in the historic Mordecai neighborhood at 938 N. Blount St. Check out their Facebook page here or their website here for more details.