Friday Fun Food Facts - May 4, 2012

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• So, unless you've been under a rock all week, the biggest news of the week was the sudden announcement that Magnolia Grill over on Durham's Ninth Street is closing on May 31. As I said in one of my tweets - sad for us, great for them. Thanks to Karen and Ben Barker and ALL they have done for the Triangle culinary scene. Here is a must read article by the N&O's Andrea Weigl highlighting the impact and reach the Barker's have had on our local dining scene. 

• According to the N&Os Andrea Weigl, Fresca Cafe and Gelato has opened in Waverly Place in Cary. It is owned by Jim O'Neill and Alen Subasic and serves 18 flavors of gelato, sweet and savory crepes, Belgian waffles, sandwiches, coffee and assorted pastries. Get more details here.

• The Tilted Kilt in Raleigh opened their doors this past Thursday in North Raleigh. Please note that I have confirmed this, but not with an official visit (I hope my wife is reading this). I have also confirmed that they are a bit skimpy on the outfits for their servers; but I haven't confirmed if there is a kids' menu (somehow I don't think there is...hint, hint). Anyway, it is open. Visit the website here.

• I may be a little late on this one, but earlier this month, the former Fratellos at 8531 Brier Creek Parkway reopened as San Gennaro, an Italian bistro. It opened on April 9 across from Greek Fiesta. 

• Over in Chapel Hill on East Franklin Street, Mei Asian restaurant is heading our way, right next to what was formerly the Chill Bubble Tea location. They are a little way away from opening and no other information (not even a Facebook page or website) is available at this time. We'll continue to keep an eye on it.

• And this is pretty cool. The Cookery, a culinary incubator and commercial kitchen for rent by the hour located on West Chapel Hill Street in Durham, announced this week that they will be opening up an events space in the front of their building called the Front Room. The space, adjacent to their kitchen facilities, can accommodate up to 200 people and includes a mezzanine and outdoor patio, a full bar with local NC beers on tap and audio/visual equipment. Look for a summer opening of this space. More details here. 

• A big congratulations to LoMo Market as they held their first stop last night over at Trinity Park on Watts Street in Durham. Their calendar is now up on their website and you still have an opportunity to lobby the "rolling farmers' market" to come to your neighborhood. Get all the details here. 

• Also in Chapel Hill things got interesting this week as The Chapel Hill Magazine reported that The Carolina Inn's executive chef since 1999, Jimmy Reale, is leaving and heading "down the street" to the Chapel Hill Country Club to serve as their executive chef. The move takes place at the end of this month.

• We got word this week that the Taste of Morrisville event that was scheduled for May 12th has been cancelled this year due to a lack of vendor participation. That is the bad news. The good news is that Jess Fowler, Peppers Market and Sandwich Shop in Morrisville, is taking an active role in seeing what can be done to revive the event for next year. Triangle Food Guy, The Triangle Explorer and others will get involved in the effort and we'll keep you posted. Thanks Jess!

• Raleigh lost a catering company recently as Premier Catering and Events in Raleigh closed their doors. And according to WRAL's Five On Your Side, it left quite a few people in a pinch. That is not good. Read the full article here.  

• Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Look no further than the little town of Saxapahaw just 15 miles west of Carrboro in Alamance County for their popular Haw River Festival this Saturday. The event features music, arts, crafts, a silent auction, activities on the river, a farmers' market and the ever-popular food trucks. For more information on the festival, including directions to Saxapahaw, click here. 

• I can't get by this issue without listing at least one Cinco de Mayo event. The 15 Triangle area Moe's locations will be hosting their seventh annual event offering free kids' meals with the purchase of an entrée $5 or more. They'll also have games, coloring sheets and piñatas for the kids. Stop by any of the 15 area locations to take part. 

• Think you know your barbecue sauce. Voting is now open in the Great N.C. Barbecue Sauce contest being held by the News & Observer. You can review the recipes of the 10 finalists and cast one voter per day until May 9. Vote early and vote often.

• And finally, if you like Quizno's, are on Facebook and like free food, you'll want to "click on over" to obtain your coupon for a free sub (when you purchase another sub and drink). Click here.