Friday, August 30, 2013

Friday Fun Food Facts - August 30, 2013

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

Featured Restaurant News
  •  The Triangle Business Journal broke the news this week that Jason Smith, chef-proprietor of 18 Seaboard in downtown Raleigh, will open his third restaurant in the Triangle in the former Doc Green’s location over in Durham’s Renaissance Village. The new restaurant will be called Harvest 18 and will serve a similar cuisine to 18 Seaboard. Smith also owns Cantina 18 in Raleigh’s Cameron Village. Look for Harvest 18 to open in late December or early January.  
Wake County Restaurant News 
  • Thanks to a tip from Chris McLaughlin we got word that downtown Raleigh's Stanbury’s received their first food delivery this week and will have a soft opening this Saturday! Get more information here.
  • Ashley Christensen’s much anticipated remake of Wilmoore Café opened this week as Joule Coffee. They will serve coffee and pastries through 2 p.m. today, and will add brunch (10-3) through this holiday weekend (Sat. thru Mon.). Closed next Tuesday, they will reopen on Wednesday with full hours, dine-in breakfast, all-day menu and cocktail service. Check it out here. 
  • Got word last week from WRAL that Jimmy V’s Osteria and Bar at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Raleigh has opened. Check them out here. 
  • Just a reminder that Yellow Dog Bakery, at 219 E. Franklin Street will hold their grand opening on Sept. 6th from 6-9 p.m. Get all the details on Facebook here. 
  • The News & Observer reported this week that this past Monday Swad Indian Cuisine opened in the Harvest Oaks shopping center next to Neomonde. The new restaurant is operated by Nawinder Singh (think Dawat in Morrisville) and Jasbir Singh Bola. Check them out here.  
  • I made a bit of a blunder last week with the location of the next Firewurst. They are opening soon (looking like late fall), but it is not in Morrisville’s Park West Village, but rather at Harrison Square Shopping Center in Cary. Thanks to David Prestrud for setting me straight on that. In the meantime, check out their other two locations here. 
  • Got word from my buddy Derrick Minor that Rudino's at Tryon Woods in Cary (in the Tryon Village Shopping Center next to Brigs) is now called Craft Public House. I don’t have any other details to share at this point nor any information as to what prompted the change.  
Durham, Orange & Chatham County Restaurant News 
  • Got word from the News & Observer that Matthew Beason and John Eisensmith, owners of Six Plates Wine Bar, opened Mattie B’s Public House in Hope Valley Commons last night. The menu features local burgers and pizzas along with wings and an assortment of sandwiches. Wash it all down with a selection of over 100 beers and ciders, including 12 on tap. Mattie B’s is located in the former Alfredo’s location. Check them out here.  
Closings      
  • Local Yogurt announced that tomorrow (August 31) will be their last day at their original Rockwood location (2501 University Drive). That is the bad news. The good news is that you can still visit them in Durham at their Erwin Road location. Get more details here.
Food Trucks 
  • Durham Central Park’s annual Labor Day Food Truck Rodeo is this Sunday (September 1)! More than 60 trucks will be on hand, as well as Durham’s own Fullsteam and Triangle Brewing Company! Everything kicks off at 12:30 p.m. and runs until 4:30 p.m. Get all the details here.
  • There is nothing more American than good food and baseball. Be sure to check out this combination next week (Sept. 4) with the DBAP Food Truck Fest - Playoff Edition. Look for Only Burger, Chirba Chirba, Parlez-Vous Crepe, Sweet Stacey Cakes, BaguettAboutIt, Porchetta, The Humble Pig, and American Melt Down to be at the game. Get all the details here.
  • If you run so you can eat, here is the event for you. The Bull City Race Fest & Food Truck Rodeo. Set for October 20th, over 700 runners have already signed up. They'll have a half-marathon, a five-mile run and a 1-miler. But the best part, they are all followed by a Food Truck Rodeo, Beer Garden, Kids Zone Experience and tons of fun. Register today.
Events 
  • If you are looking for an announcement to make you start salivating, take a look at the list of participants for this year’s TerraVITA Food & Wine Event that was just announced this week. Tickets are on sale now for TerraVITA Food & Wine Event scheduled for October 10-12, 2013 over in Chapel Hill. This is one of the Triangle's "can't miss" food events. Get your tickets today here. And get more information on the event here.
  • Well this is strange. Watts Grocery's Amy Tornquist, Walking Fish Cooperative and Community-Supported Fishery are hosting a dinner devoted to eating an array of sustainably harvested strange seafood from the North Carolina coast. The five-course meal will begin at 7 pm on September 9th at Watts Grocery. The cost is $70 per person ($100 with wine pairings) with proceeds benefiting Saltwater Connections, a project of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center on Harkers Island. To make a reservation, call 919-416-5040.
  • Here is an event you probably want to get on your calendar - the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival September 27 & 28 at Raleigh's Red Hat Amphitheater. In addition to the amazing music line-up (with Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers featuring Edie Brickel) there is a massive two-day street festival which will be highlighted by the North Carolina Whole Hog Barbecue State Championship. Get all the details here.
  • Thanks to a tip from the News & Observer, we learned that the World Beer Festival returns to Durham on Oct. 5 in a new location: the old Durham Athletic Park. The event will feature two sessions: an afternoon tasting from noon to 4 p.m. and an evening tasting 6-10 p.m. General admission is $45 and VIP tickets -- with a food buffet, special beers and a private hospitality area -- are $75. Get all the details here.
  • Here is another great foodie event to get on your calendar - the March of Dimes Triangle Signature Chefs Auction on November 17 at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. Attendees will be able to sample signature dishes from top chefs from around the Triangle while bidding on great auction items/packages during our silent and live auctions. Get all the details here. 
Food Bank Corner   
  • It is back for its second year, and it is definitely bigger and better - the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC 24-Hour Telethon. Join the Food Bank and host Gregory Ng for 24 hours of "Awesome-Sauce!"  The 24 Hour Telethon will be streaming here starting at noon on Friday, Sept 13 and going to noon on Saturday, Sept 14 from the Raleigh warehouse located at 3808 Tarheel Drive. The goal is to raise $50k. The event will kick-off with a food truck rodeo, but get the complete schedule here. 
     
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Friday, August 23, 2013

Friday Fun Food Facts - August 23, 2013

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

Featured Restaurant News
  •  After a 10 year run, Porter’s City Tavern on Raleigh’s Hillsborough Street has been sold and will reopen as an Irish pub called McDaid’s. This will be the newest venture by Robert Beebe who is a partner in the two locations of Trali (Raleigh & Morrisville) as well as Doolin’s in Durham. Beebe plans to keep much of the Porter’s menu (and key staff) but will add a few Irish dishes. Look for a mid-September opening.
Wake County Restaurant News 
  • Look for Ashley Christensen’s newest venture and the much-anticipated Joule Coffee (which is in the former Wilmoore Café spot at 223 S. Wilmington Street) to swing open their doors next Wednesday, August 28th. Check out all of Ashley’s restaurants here.
  • We got word this week that Yellow Dog Bakery which will be located at 219 E. Franklin Street (think handmade artisan breads and southern influenced pastries) will “officially” open on August 26th and will hold their grand opening on Sept. 6th from 6-9 p.m. Get all the details on Facebook here.
  • Keeping with the good news coming out of downtown Raleigh, we were excited to learn from the N&O that the lease of the Wilmington Street location of Pop Up Ice Cream Parlour has been extended (originally to end at the end of this month) until the end of October. Bring on the pumpkin spice ice cream!
  • The N&O is also reporting that the Berkeley Café will close on October 1 for a three-month renovation that will expand the kitchen and add an outdoor patio, among other things. We will let you know when the plan on reopening (right now, looking at early January). Check them out here.
  • Just after posting last week’s posting, we got an anonymous tip that Cucina di Milano (former Mare / Vino location) in Morrisville’s Grace Park has opened. It is being run by successful Raleigh restaurateur Vincent Barresi, owner of Vincent’s in North Raleigh. 
  • Richard Camos (think Camos Brothers Pizza) opened Latin Quarters this past Tuesday near the intersection of Sawmill and Six Forks in Raleigh. Look for dishes from every corner of Latin America. Check them out on Facebook here and their website here.
  • Got a note this week from Charlie Ibarra confirming that Jibarra will close this Sunday and will reopen Sept. 2 as Jose and Sons, a Mexican restaurant with a Southern twist. They are located at 327 W. Davie Street. 
  • The Triangle Business Journal broke the news this week that Cary will get the 8th location (and first in North Carolina) of Cinebistro, an upscale movie theatre offering a little more than popcorn and candy bars. Look for them to open in the spring of 2014. Good food and good movies sounds good to me! Get a sneak peek at them here.
  • Also in Cary, I noticed on the Twitter feed for GoGoRaleigh that Baker’s Dozen Donuts has opened over in South Hills Mall. I can’t find a Facebook page or a website, so you’ll just have to swing by and check them out. 
  • Just down the road in Morrisville’s Park West Village, I got word this week that Firewurst, flame-grilled sausages and dogs, with locations in Cary and Raleigh, will open their third location this October. Check them out here.
  • Got word this week from Craig Heffley that he will be bringing his popular Durham store concept of Wine Authorities to Raleigh and opening a second location. The new store will be located in downtown Raleigh’s Person Street Plaza, a new development at 211 E. Franklin St. Look for a fall opening. We will keep you posted. Get a peek at his Durham store here. 
Durham, Orange & Chatham County Restaurant News 
  • The Herald-Sun reported this week that Pittsboro will be getting a new Waffle House as well as a Bojangles. That can’t be good news for the waistlines of Chathamites.  
Closings      
  • We got word (first) from Triangle Explorer that Weinberg’s The Delicatessen on Falls of the Neuse Road in Raleigh closed their doors this past Wednesday. Sorry to see them go.   
  • Well this is interesting, but not terribly surprising. According to the N&O, downtown Raleigh’s two “clubs” are coming together as one club, with one location. The Capital City Club (top of the Progress Energy building) will close and the Cardinal Club (top of the Wells Fargo building) will expand. The $2 million renovation will be complete next June. Until then, both clubs will continue to operate. No name for the new club has been announced. We are lobbying for the Oak City Club.    
Food Trucks 
  • There is a food truck event tonight (August 23rd) from 6-9 p.m. at the Carrboro Town Commons to benefit Table, an organization providing emergency food aid to hungry children in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Get all the details here.
  • Also, each month there is a food truck rodeo at the RTP Headquarters. The next one is scheduled for August 29th. Get more details here.
  • If you’ve been looking for an event that combines Shakespeare with food trucks, we’ve got just the event(s) for you. You’ll want to head on over to the next performance of “As You Like It” with Bare Theatre at Raleigh Little Theatre on August 23rd, 24th, 29th or 30th. Just prior to the shows (at 6:30 pm) they will have two food trucks each night. Get all the details here.
  • Got a reminder from my friends over at Pie Pushers that the next Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo will be held on Sunday, September 1st from 12:30 until 4:30 p.m. Mark your calendars now and get all the details here.
  • If you run so you can eat, here is the event for you. The Bull City Race Fest & Food Truck Rodeo. Set for October 20th, over 700 runners have already signed up. They'll have a half-marathon, a five-mile run and a 1-miler. But the best part, they are all followed by a Food Truck Rodeo, Beer Garden, Kids Zone Experience and tons of fun. Register today.
Events 
  • Tickets are on sale now for TerraVITA Food & Wine Event scheduled for October 10-12, 2013 over in Chapel Hill. This is one of the Triangle’s “can’t miss” food events. Get your tickets today here. And get more information on the event here.
  • If you like beer (I know, kind of a dumb opening) then Raleigh is where you’ll want to be next week for Raleigh Beer Week Sunday, Aug. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 1. WRAL has a great summary of events here, but here is the official website. Cheers!
  • Well this is strange. Watts Grocery’s Amy Tornquist, Walking Fish Cooperative and Community-Supported Fishery are hosting a dinner devoted to eating an array of sustainably harvested strange seafood from the North Carolina coast. The five-course meal will begin at 7 pm on September 9th at Watts Grocery. The cost is $70 per person ($100 with wine pairings) with proceeds benefiting Saltwater Connections, a project of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center on Harkers Island. To make a reservation, call 919-416-5040.
  • Here is an event you probably want to get on your calendar - the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival September 27 & 28 at Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater. In addition to the amazing music line-up (with Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers featuring Edie Brickel) there is a massive two-day street festival which will be highlighted by the North Carolina Whole Hog Barbecue State Championship. Get all the details here.
  • Thanks to a tip from the News & Observer, we learned that the World Beer Festival returns to Durham on Oct. 5 in a new location: the old Durham Athletic Park. The event will feature two sessions: an afternoon tasting from noon to 4 p.m. and an evening tasting 6-10 p.m. General admission is $45 and VIP tickets -- with a food buffet, special beers and a private hospitality area -- are $75. Get all the details here.
Food Bank Corner   
  • It is back for its second year, and it is definitely bigger and better - the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC 24-Hour Telethon. Join the Food Bank and host Gregory Ng for 24 hours of “Awesome-Sauce!”  The 24 Hour Telethon will be streaming here starting at noon on Friday, Sept 13 and going to noon on Saturday, Sept 14 from the Raleigh warehouse located at 3808 Tarheel Drive. The goal is to raise $50k. The event will kick-off with a food truck rodeo, but get the complete schedule here. 
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Friday, August 16, 2013

Friday Fun Food Facts - August 16, 2013

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

Featured Restaurant News
  •  Downtown Raleigh’s The Rockford, is new...and expanded...and the same (thank goodness!). After closing in early July for much needed renovations, the popular downtown destination opened again last week with a larger kitchen and other improvements, but also holding onto what folks love so much about “The Rock.” Check them out here. 
Wake County Restaurant News 
  • It was announced last week that Ashley Christensen’s newest venture and the much-anticipated Joule Coffee (which is in the former Wilmoore Café spot at 223 S. Wilmington Street) will swing open their doors on August 28th. Check out all of Ashley's restaurants here.
  • Both New Raleigh and Triangle Explorer turned me onto the fact that a new bakery is just days away from opening in downtown Raleigh. It looks like Yellow Dog Bakery (to be located at 219 E. Franklin Street) will be churning out handmade artisan breads and southern influenced pastries. There was a hint on Facebook that they may be opening around August 19th. We’ll keep an eye on it, but check them out here.    
  • The town of Cary got a jolt of good news last week with the announcement that the town-owned Jones House will become a joint effort of Sweet T “a cupcakery” and Muddy Dog Roasting Company. The joint effort will be called The Jones House and will be a combination bakery, restaurant and coffee bar. Look for it to possibly open by year’s end.  
  • And if that is not enough coffee for Caryites, thanks to a tip from John Huisman (aka Triangle Explorer), we got word that Cary is getting a new coffee shop at the end of this month called Grounds which will be located in the creative coworking and studio space called Gather located at 111 W. Chatham Street. It looks like the grand opening will be August 30th, but we’ll continue to keep an eye on it. In the meantime, keep up with them on Facebook here.   
  • Also in Cary, we got word this week from Ray Dorry that Dorry’s Downtown will begin serving up pizza, calzones, strombolis, beer and other pizzeria favorites starting this afternoon (Friday)! Stop by Dorry’s and check out the new offerings! 
  • North Carolina is getting its first location of Elevation Burger this Saturday when it opens across from Caribou Coffee in Raleigh’s Brier Creek shopping center. The burger joint serves fries, shakes and organic, grass-fed, free-range beef (as well as a vegetarian and vegan option). Check it out here.  
  • Saw this week on a Yelp message board that the Firebirds over in the Park West Village Shopping Center in Morrisville has opened. With locations already in Raleigh and Durham, this marks the Triangle’s third location. Get all the details here. 
  • The fourth Triangle location of Village Deli and Grill, located in the Lake Boone shopping center in the former Barking Cow location, is now open according to an August 14th posting on their website. Get more details here. 
  • New Raleigh reported last week that the former Ruben’s Downtown location (100 N. Person Street) will become a taqueria. While still a rumor, it seems to be pretty solid. We’ll keep up with this as it unfolds. 
  • Got confirmation that the former Mare / Vino location in Morrisville’s Grace Park will become Cucina di Milano and will be run by successful Raleigh restaurateur Vincent Barresi, owner of Vincent’s in North Raleigh. Barresi hopes to open by mid-August. We’ll keep an eye on it.
  • Olive Garden, the chain restaurant known for its salads, breadsticks, soups and pastas, has opened in Holly Springs at 107 Grand Hill Place in Holly Springs Towne Center. 
Durham, Orange & Chatham County Restaurant News 
  • Giorgios Bakatsias has done it again. Tucked away in the Chapel Hill courtyard behind Kipos Greek Taverna (also owned by Bakatsias), Giorgios introduces the Triangle to his fascination with Greek street food with the opening of Kalamaki. Check out the take-out only (although there are plenty of outdoor tables in the courtyard) establishment here.
  • According to the N&O, Tijuana Flats is opening its fourth Triangle location on Monday on Durham’s Ninth Street (specifically 703 Ninth St.). The Tex-Mex restaurant offers a made-to-order menu and a hot sauce bar. Check them out here.
Closings     
  • The first is a closing, and a reopening. After a nine-year run, Zely & Ritz on Glenwood South in downtown Raleigh is closing. That is the bad news. The good news is that they sold the restaurant to Steve Day, a former banquet chef at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary. He plans to open Plates by early October.
  • The second is a closing and a reopening as well. We learned this week that jibarra, a Mexican restaurant on Davie Street in downtown Raleigh, will have one last week (next week) of operation, before they close with plans to reopen in September with a new concept dedicated to their father, Jose. We’ll keep an eye on it, but get out to Jibarra next week! Check them out here.
  • We learned this morning in the News & Observer that Durham’s Honey’s Restaurant and Catering, known for its 24-hour breakfast and country-cooking, will shut down Sunday after serving the Bull City for more than 50 years.
  • And over in Raleigh we learned (and confirmed by Triangle Explorer) that Falls Tap Room has closed their doors.
Food Trucks 
  • The N.C.Therapeutic Riding Center in Mebane is hosting a Rockin’ Horse Round-Up on Aug. 22. The event features live music, Carolina Brewery beer and several food trucks, including Only Burger, Chirba Chirba Dumpling, Local Yogurt on the Go and Mac-Ur-Roni starts at 5 p.m. and goes until dark. The event costs $10, and guests are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. Children ages 12 and younger are free. To buy tickets, go here.
  • If you’ve been looking for an event that combines Shakespeare with food trucks (I know you have!), we’ve got just the event(s) for you. You’ll want to head on over to the next performance of “As You Like It” with Bare Theatre at Raleigh Little Theatre on August 23rd, 24th, 29th or 30th. Just prior to the shows (beginning at 6:30 pm) they will have two food trucks each night. Get all the details here. 
  • Got a reminder from my friends over at Pie Pushers that the next Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo will be held on Sunday, September 1st from 12:30 until 4:30 p.m. Mark your calendars now and get all the details here.
  • If you run so you can eat, here is the event for you. The Bull City Race Fest & Food Truck Rodeo. Set for October 20th, over 700 runners have already signed up. They'll have a half-marathon, a five-mile run and a 1-miler. But the best part, they are all followed by a Food Truck Rodeo, Beer Garden, Kids Zone Experience and tons of fun. Register today.
Events 
  • The second annual Raleigh/Durham Gluten & Allergen Free Wellness Event will be held at the Durham Convention Center this Saturday August 17 from 10am-4pm. The event is open to the community, and caters to those who avoid multiple allergens, such as gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, grains, etc.  Admission is $10 per adult; kids 13 and under are free. Get all the details here.
  • In the midst of tomato season, Pittsboro Roadhouse & General Store is hosting an Heirloom Tomato Dinner with Deep Chatham Gardens next week on August 20th at 6:30 p.m. The five-course meal is $25 per person plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call 919.541.2432. Get more details here.
  • Well this is strange. Watts Grocery’s Amy Tornquist, Walking Fish Cooperative and Community-Supported Fishery are hosting a dinner devoted to eating an array of sustainably harvested strange seafood from the North Carolina coast. The five-course meal will begin at 7 pm on September 9th at Watts Grocery. The cost is $70 per person ($100 with wine pairings) with proceeds benefiting Saltwater Connections, a project of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center on Harkers Island. To make a reservation, call 919-416-5040.
  • The fifth annual Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week will happen next week - August 19-25th. Plan your outings for next week now! And get reservations! You know the drill by now, but in case you forgot or are new to this event, restaurants feature 3 course prix-fixe dinners for $20 or $30 all week. It is a great chance to check out some new restaurants, or visit your old favorite! Check out their new site here for all the details.
  • Here is an event you probably want to get on your calendar - the Wide Open Bluegrass festival September 27 & 28 at Raleigh's Red Hat Amphitheater. In addition to the amazing music line-up (with Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers featuring Edie Brickel) there is a massive two-day street festival which will be highlighted by the North Carolina Whole Hog Barbecue State Championship. Get all the details here.
  • Thanks to a tip from the News & Observer, we learned that the World Beer Festival returns to Durham on Oct. 5 in a new location: the old Durham Athletic Park. Tickets went on sale this past Thursday for All About Beer magazine subscribers who get the coveted first chance to get VIP passes that typically sell out in the pre-sale days. Tickets go on sale to the general public July 24 at 10 a.m. The event will feature two sessions: an afternoon tasting from noon to 4 p.m. and an evening tasting 6-10 p.m. General admission is $45 and VIP tickets -- with a food buffet, special beers and a private hospitality area -- are $75. Get all the details here.
Final Thoughts
  • Lots going on and lots of great foodie events. I hope you will make an extra effort to frequent and support our locally-owned restaurants, coffee shops and eateries. It makes a difference!
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Friday, August 2, 2013

Friday Fun Food Facts - August 2, 2013

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

Featured Restaurant News
  • While I'm excited to be heading to the mountains of North Carolina next week, I am bummed I will miss this event. Imagine hanging out with and enjoying a meal prepared by Ashley Christensen (Poole's, Beasley's, Chuck's, etc, etc., etc.) and Matt Kelly (Vin Rouge, Mateo Tapas) in George Bakatsias' (Bin 54, Parazade, Vita, Kipos, etc., etc., etc.) gorgeous lake-side gardens in Durham. What an evening! The event (to support the documentary film Farmer Veteran) will happen on Saturday, August 10th and at last check, just over 40 tickets remained for the $150 experience. Get all the details here.
Wake County Restaurant News 
  •  According to New Raleigh, the Rockford on Glenwood South in downtown Raleigh, which closed on July 1 for renovations, will reopen on Monday, August 5th. Check their website out here. 
  • Got word this week from Chad McIntyre that The Market (a combination grocery store, market, restaurant and catering company) continues to move toward the opening its new location over on Franklin Street in downtown Raleigh, but will be doing so without the partnership with Green Planet Catering. We'll continue to watch this and let you know as Chad gets closer to opening. Check them out here. 
  • Speaking of the old Market location on Blount Street, New Raleigh is reporting that Stanbury will open any day now. Stanbury will specialize in modern American cuisine with a menu that will change daily and be dictated by local and seasonal ingredients. Keep up with their opening announcement on Facebook here.
  • Back at the beginning of July we told you about Crafty Beer Shop
    moving into the old Hayes Barton Furniture Company location in Five Points over in Raleigh (Fairview Road). Thanks to good friend Gordon Brown, we have learned that they are now open. The shop specializes in North Carolina craft beers as well as beers from around the world. Cheers to Gordon! 
  • This past Thursday marked the opening of the second location of Trali Irish Pub and Restaurant. The newest location is in Grace Park in Morrisville. Get all the details here.
  • August 11th will mark the opening of the Triangle's third location of PDQ, a fast casual restaurant specializing in chicken tenders, salads, sandwiches, fresh cut fries and hand spun milkshakes. The newest location is right at the intersection of High House Road and Davis Drive in Cary. Get more details here and on their Facebook page here.
  • Thanks to a tweet from Blake Paro, we were reminded that we are getting very close to the opening of the fourth Triangle location of Village Deli and Grill. The newest location will be in Lake Boone shopping center in the former Barking Cow location. The latest post on their Facebook page suggests an August 6 opening, but we encourage you to check their Faceook page here before heading over or check out their website here.  
  • The Triangle Business Journal reported this week that Clyde Cooper's Barbecue has found a new home - just around the corner at 313 S. Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh. The move will take place sometime in November and will only result in the restaurant being closed for 3 days. The new digs will very closely resemble the current restaurant. We'll keep you posted on it as we get closer.
  • Saw in the News & Observer this morning that the Garner Towne Square Chick-fil-A is closed for renovations. The fast-food chicken restaurant located at 2720 Timber Drive is expected to reopen Aug. 9.
Durham, Orange & Chatham County Restaurant News 
  • We told you about this a couple of weeks ago, but the Herald-Sun is now reporting that a new Mediterranean food restaurant called Hummus Café has opened at 169 E. Franklin St. in Chapel Hill in the space that previously housed Hot Dogs & Brew.
  • On a recent walk down Chapel Hill's Franklin Street, reader Jacqueline Atlas confirmed a rumor I had heard - Trilussa La Tratorria on Chapel Hill's West Franklin Street has closed. The new news (and confirmed by the Herald-Sun) is that a new placed called Mozzarella has opened in that spot. It describes itself as Italian Fusion. Get more details here.
  • On that same walk, Jacqueline noticed that East Franklin's Korchipi (which replaced Tomato Jake's, which took over Franklin Street Pizza & Pasta) had changed its name to Chopsticks & More - apparently a reflection of a new menu that was released in early July.
  • A huge shout-out and congratulations to Vimala's Curryblossom Café as they celebrate their 3rd birthday with a huge 3rd Anniversary Celebration beginning at 6 p.m . this Saturday (August 3) and lasting until mid-night. Get more details here.
  • According to a post on a Yelp message board, apparently Pomegranate Kitchen, which is currently over by Straw Valley Cafe on 15-501, is planning a move to an area behind the Durham Farmer's Market. Check out their facebook page here and their regular site here. We'll keep an eye on it.
  • Looks like the Brightleaf Square area in downtown Durham is getting a new breakfast and lunch spot called Serrano Delicafe. They are currently in the middle of their soft opening schedule, but the official "grand opening" is Monday, August 5th. Located on Main Street, look for real, all-natural deli meat (with cured meats from Spain and Italy) and Joe Van Gogh coffee to headline their menu. Get more details here. 
Closings (None!!!)      

Food Trucks 
  • One of the largest food truck events in the area is hosting its third (in a series of four) event on August 11th. The Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo will change things up a little bit for this one. Unlike the previous two (which were held from 12-5), this one will be held from 4 until 9 p.m. Love it! Check out all the details here.
  • Got a reminder from my friends over at Pie Pushers that the next Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo will be held on Sunday, September 1st from 12:30 until 4:30 p.m. Mark your calendars now and get all the details here.
  • If you run so you can eat, here is the event for you. The Bull City Race Fest & Food Truck Rodeo. Set for October 20th, over 700 runners have already signed up. They'll have a half-marathon, a five-mile run and a 1-miler. But the best part, they are all followed by a Food Truck Rodeo, Beer Garden, Kids Zone Experience and tons of fun. Register today.
Events 
  • Curt Johnson and his team over at the Carolina Railhawks are bringing back the popular Taste of the Triangle event this Saturday, August 3rd. The event begins at 5 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. match against FC Edmonton. Food and "futbol" - does life get any better? The cost for unlimited samples from local restaurants and breweries is just $15. Get more information on the event here and purchase tickets here. 
  • If you like live rock, country, blues and bluegrass music as well as mouth-watering barbecue, then head on over to Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre this Friday and Saturday for the Beer Bourbon and BBQ Festival. In addition to the barbecue and music, there will be cigars, beer and premier bourbon tastings and seminars. Tickets start at $55. Get all the details here.
  • Over in Durham this Saturday (August 3rd) from 3 'til 9 p.m., Durham Central Park will become a reflection of all things great here in the Triangle. Experience local artists, crafts, musicians and of course, local cuisine via food trucks at Summer in the City. Get all the details here.
  • It is time to 'veg-out' at Chapel Hill's Tracy's New York Deli. Scott and Tracy have just introduced a whole slew of new vegetarian and vegan options to their menu and they are holding an "open house" to introduce you to the new offerings. Stop by anytime August 8-10th and receive 25% off. The deli is open for breakfast and lunch. Check them out here.
  • Here is a delicious event to put on your calendar - and you better sign up soon if you want to attend! It is a pop up dinner put on by the folks over at Triangle Raw Foods. The 5-course dinner will take place on Thursday, August 8th at Anvil Gallery (715 N Person St, Raleigh) at 7 pm. The cost is $35. Sign-up and get all the details here.
  • Tickets are on sale now for TerraVITA Food & Wine Event scheduled for October 10-12, 2013 over in Chapel Hill. This is one of the Triangle's "can't miss" food events. Get your tickets today here. And get more information on the event here.
  • The second annual Raleigh/Durham Gluten & Allergen Free Wellness Event will be held at the Durham Convention Center Saturday August 17 from 10am-4pm. The event is open to the community, and caters to those who avoid multiple allergens, such as gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, grains, etc.  Admission is $10 per adult; kids 13 and under are free. Get all the details here.
  • The fifth annual Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week will happen this year from August 19-25th. Mark your calendars now. You know the drill by now, but in case you forgot or are new to this event, restaurants feature 3 course prix-fixe dinners for $20 or $30 all week. It is a great chance to check out some new restaurants, or visit your old favorite! Check out their new site here for all the details.
  • Here is an event you probably want to get on your calendar - the Wide Open Bluegrass festival September 27 & 28 at Raleigh's Red Hat Amphitheater. In addition to the amazing music line-up (with Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers featuring Edie Brickel) there is a massive two-day street festival which will be highlighted by the North Carolina Whole Hog Barbecue State Championship. Get all the details here.
  • Thanks to a tip from the News & Observer, we learned that the World Beer Festival returns to Durham on Oct. 5 in a new location: the old Durham Athletic Park. Tickets went on sale this past Thursday for All About Beer magazine subscribers who get the coveted first chance to get VIP passes that typically sell out in the pre-sale days. Tickets go on sale to the general public July 24 at 10 a.m. The event will feature two sessions: an afternoon tasting from noon to 4 p.m. and an evening tasting 6-10 p.m. General admission is $45 and VIP tickets -- with a food buffet, special beers and a private hospitality area -- are $75. Get all the details here.
Food Bank Corner   
  • Triangle CANstruction will be "camping" all over the Triangle on August 2nd in downtown Raleigh as part of the First Friday Gallery Walk.  Eight teams will create an 'Amazing Race' of unique structures camped throughout our community, making a united stand to 'Stop Summer Hunger.' Watch them being built or vote for your favorite on their Facebook page here. 
Final Thoughts
  • As was mentioned earlier (I hope you were paying attention), I will be out of town next week getting a little "mountain time." With that being the case, there will be
    NO Friday Fun Food Facts next week. See you when I come back down out of the mountains! Thanks for reading!
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