Friday Fun Food Facts - June 8, 2012

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• So the big news of the last two weeks is truly this week's biggest news...Lilly's Pizza in Durham opened this week (Wednesday at 4, to be exact)! After much anticipation and even more patience, Durham can now partake of all that Raleigh has been bragging about. Check them out here and get down there soon. They are in the old Pop's location next to Morgan Imports in downtown Durham.

• So did they get it right? This past Wednesday was also the release of the Independent Weekly's annual ranking of all things in the Triangle. Obviously we're a little bit biased toward the food aspects of their annual survey, but take a peek and let us know what you think. 

• Just in time for summer, the N&O reported this morning that there is a new yogurt shop opening later this month in Knightdale. 32 Degrees A Yogurt Bar will hold a grand opening on June 29th from noon to 6 p.m. Get the skinny here. 

• And speaking of frozen goodness, the good folks over at The Parlour (i.e. the coolest mobile ice cream truck in Durham) is looking to scoop out their goodies in a more permanent location. So if you love ice cream (ok, that is everybody) and you love Durham (who doesn't?), consider helping them out with their KickStarter campaign to secure a brick-and-mortar location. Get the details here.  

• We told you about Krave Restaurant and Lounge many moths ago, but they are holding their grand opening at 5 p.m. this Saturday. Krave is located at 510 Glenwood Avenue in the former Red Room location. Get more details here.  

• According to the Durham blog Ninth Street Watch (which we love!), the renovations currently taking place at 721 Broad Street adjacent to Duke's campus will house a number of entities, but most notably a new bakery concept that is the brainchild of Amy Tornquist of Watts Street Grocery. The blog "alleges" that the bakery will be called Hummingbird. We'll keep an eye on it. Read for yourself here.  

• The Herald-Sun is reporting that Durham is going to get another watering hole from the owners of Carrboro's Peccadillo (located on Brewer Lane...of course). The new digs will be located at 117 E. Main Street, next to Main Street Shoe Repair. It will be called Bar Lusconi and will be an intimate wine and beer bar with food and beverage programs showcasing eclectic items from all over the world. We'll keep an eye on it as they make their renovations.

• And speaking of Durham, the Herald-Sun is also reporting that Tom Ferguson (Durham Catering Company; Only Burger) has signed a letter of intent to open his newest concept, Rise Biscuit and Donuts, in the former Entrée Vous location in the Renaissance Village shopping center next to Moonberries and near the Super Target. We'll keep an eye on it and let you know when they plan to open.

• Also in Durham, the Bear Rock Café located off of University Drive (former Rick's Diner location) has a new owner. Lisa Bence has plans to completely change up the menu as well as introduce a new name for the establishment. Look for great things to come out of her creativity. We'll keep you posted as we know things.

• Over in Chapel Hill there is a new place on Franklin Street to get a hot dog and a beer with the opening of Hotdogs & Brew (what else does a college kid need?). They are located a couple of doors down from Ye Olde Waffle Shop on East Franklin Street.

• And just down the road in Carrboro, a new sports saloon and eatery catering to local sports clubs, teams and active sports enthusiasts called 2nd Wind has opened their doors. It is located at 118 E. Main Street near Armadillo Grill. Check them out here.   

• Looking for a little live music and BBQ? Look no further than the Western Wake Farmers' Market this Saturday, June 9th (3-6 p.m.) as they host the 3rd annual Beer & BBQ Bash in conjunction with Whole Foods in Waverly Place. And if beer and BBQ aren't enough to get you out there this weekend, they'll also have Chef Scott Crawford (Heron's at the Umstead Hotel) on hand giving out samples and recipes. Get all the details here.   

• And if distance is not an issue for you meat lovers, you might want to trek over to Winston-Salem this weekend for their Twin City Rib Fest. I won't tout it too much (b/c I'd rather keep you here in my beloved Triangle), but it might be worth the drive this weekend. Check it out here.

• Next Thursday, June 14th, Chapel Hill Creamery will hold a Farm Dinner at Foster's Market in Chapel Hill (750 MLK, Jr. Blvd.). Hand-crafted artisan cheeses and whey-fed pork will be featured as you enjoy hors d'oeuvres followed by a 3-course menu and wine pairings served family style. The cost is $25 per person (plus $12 with wine pairings). Reservations at 919.967.3663. Get more information on the creamery here and Foster's Market here.   

• And speaking of great dinners for a great cause, Vin Rouge and chef Matt Kelly will host a benefit dinner on June 20th for an organization called Vittles. The five-course meal is $100 (includes wine) and begins at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Do so here.  

• And here's another not-to-miss benefit brunch coming up on June 23rd at 1:30 p.m. to benefit the Goathouse Refuge. The dinner, which costs $100 (cheaper if you purchase a table for 4 or 6), will feature Garden Gourmands' Siglinda Scarpa alongside Chip Smith and Tina Vaughn with Celebrity Dairy (former owners of Chapel Hill's Bonne Soiree). Get all the details here. Tickets must be purchased by June 19th. 

• Don't forget Father's Day coming up and especially don't forget Durham's next Food Truck Rodeo which will be held on June 17 from 12:30 to 4:30 at Durham Central Park. Look for 30-35 food trucks, carts and vendors. Visit their site for more information.   

• We've told you the last few weeks about one of the coolest dining events we've seen in some time, and we're here to tell you that they are selling out fast. Called Fire in the Triangle, the contest pits two restaurants/chefs (16 total in the "iron-chef style competition) against each other working around a unique North Carolina ingredient. Register today and you'll help decide who advances to the next round. The two-month long competition (15 total events) runs through June and July and will feature a star-studded cast of chefs from across the Triangle. Get all the details here.

• The Triangle is getting quite a bit of ink in national publications. Most recently an article in the New York Post referred to the Triangle as North Carolina's "coolest region" and touted a handful of local establishments. Read it here. Also, Southern Living Magazine listed the Triangle's best burgers. Check it out here.  And finally, Monuts Donuts got a mention in Country Living as the thing to do in NC this summer.   

• Kudos to Margaux's in North Raleigh which celebrated its 20th anniversary last night! Now that is starting to make me feel old! Pay them a visit and congratulate them.  

• And we close with a huge kudos to Sean Fowler and Elizabeth (Lizzy) Fisher, owners of Mandolin in Raleigh, as they tied the knot this week. What a year it has been for those two! Congratulations!