Friday Fun Food Facts - July 29, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• North Raleigh seems to be the "hot" restaurant location this week. First up is the news that Simply Crepes has opened in LaFayette Village complex of shops and eateries. This is the third location for Simply Crepes and marks the first location outside of New York. Visit them on Facebook here. 

• Just across the way over on Creedmoor Road, al Dente, an Italian restaurant, has opened in the Stonehenge Shopping Center at 7456 Creedmoor Road. Visit them online here.   

• Also in North Raleigh, in the Brier Creek shopping complex, there is a new Indian option with the opening of Chakras Fine Indian Cuisine. It is located on the "Wal-Mart" side and you can visit them online here. 

• A quick update on a couple of announcements we have made in recent weeks/months. It now appears that Nanataco has set an official date of August 16th for their opening. Nanatacos will be in Durham on University Drive in the former Fish Shack location and is owned by Nana's Scott Howell.

• And we have a new time frame for another Durham restaurant to be opened by Revolution's Jim Anile. We originally reported that L'Uva, an Italian restaurant and bar, would be open just after the 4th of July. We are now looking at a middle to end of August open date. It will be located on the American Tobacco Campus in the former Café Zen space. Not much going on with their website, but you can keep up with their updates on Facebook here.  

• Over in Raleigh, The Diner on Glenwood South is set to get a new neighbor in the next month or so. Joel Lane's Public House is working toward a mid- to late-August opening. Located in the Creamery building, and sharing a patio with The Diner, they will serve "tavern classics" and will be open seven days a week.

• If you are as big a fan of Cary's Food Factory as I am, you better get over there today or tomorrow (before 3 pm)! Jimmy & Lisa are closing the doors to the downtown institution. That's the bad news. The good news is two-fold. One, they will move over to Durham to open The Food Factory at Devil's Bistro on Duke's campus around the middle to end of August (before the students return). The second bit of good news is that a family member, Ray Dorry, will reopen the Cary location in a matter of weeks as Dorry's Downtown. Expect a very similar menu.

• And in a bit of shocking news, the N&O's Andrea Weigl reported this week that Chapel Hill's Cypress on the Hill has closed their doors.

• Looking for a good deal? You better move fast! Today and today only you can get a $40 gift card at The Twisted Fork Grill, Market & Bar for just $20. The gift card is for dine-in only. The Twisted Fork is located at Triangle Town Center or visit them here.    

• Here's a little bit of interesting news that shook my southern foundation a little last week. Our beloved Bojangles concept (founded in Charlotte) has been sold to an interest in Boston. But apparently, we're told, we won't see much change. They better not mess with the fries and the sweet tea!

• Where can you find 60 beers, 40 bourbons and tons of barbecue? At the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival being held at Koka Booth Amphitheatre on August 5th and 6th, of course. The event features events on both Friday and Saturday (and some of them have already sold out). Visit their website for additional information and tickets.    

• And finally, I'll be on vacation next week so there will be no Friday Fun Food Facts Friday, August 5th (unless I get really tired of laying round in the sun, sipping beer and relaxing!).

Friday Fun Food Facts - July 22, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

The Triangle appears to be going more international this week with several announcements "around the globe."

• Downtown Raleigh is getting more international flare with the recent opening of Babylon which opened on West Lane Street in a former yarn mill. Samad Hatchby opened Babylon two weeks ago and serves food from his homeland, Morocco, and southern Europe. Visit them online here and to get detailed directions. 

• Mantra Indian Cuisine & Bar, which will be a fine-dining Indian option in Raleigh's Glenwood South district, is set to open the second week in August at 116 N. West Street in the space most recently occupied by Vintage Bar & Grill. They will be open for lunch and dinner. Get more information here. 

• According to the Carpe Diem website, Salamandra re-opened earlier this summer on Hillsborough Rd. in Durham (2627 Hillsborough Road to be exact), just next door to their former location. If you're looking for authentic, fresh and inexpensive Mexican cuisine, you'll want to add this to your list. 

• And completing the international "theme," Laziz Biryani Corner has opened at its new location at 3281 Avent Ferry Road, Suite 117. LBC features Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Visit them online here . 

• If you've got a sweet tooth, listen up - we've got a couple of items of interest. First, the owners of The Cupcake Bar, a delivery cupcake business founded in 2008 and based in Cary, will be opening a retail space in the Five Points area in downtown Durham. Sisters Katie & Anna will begin construction on their brick and mortar location at 102 Morris Street in September. In the meantime, you can continue to get your cupcakes at Coffee & Crepes in Cary's Crossroads or at Tin Roof Teas in Raleigh's Cameron Village. 

• And we're also hearing (via Andrea Weigl at the N&O and Bull City Rising) that Daisy Cakes, an extremely popular Durham pastry truck, will be opening a storefront location later this fall in downtown Durham. The business will be located at 401-A Foster Street, right next door to the Bull City Arts Collaborative. And don't worry, they'll continue to operate their truck, both at the store and at special events.  

• If you've been to the Moe's at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Weston Parkway in Cary, you know it is a little limited on seating. Not anymore. That location is currently expanding into the former Sprint location next door and will increase it's seating from about 60 seats to well over 150 and will also have a private room for parties and events. Welcome to (a bigger) Moe's! 

• And speaking of renovations and additional seating, the small parking area that was out in front of Zely & Ritz, Sushi Blues and Taiphoon Bistro on Glenwood South has been torn out and is being replaced with a very large outdoor seating area. Very cool! 

• In a quick update for you Mellow Mushroom fanatics, the newest location in Cary is getting closer and closer to reality. The latest update estimates an end of August, first of September opening.  

• Guess I've been under a rock for this one, but Serena, a Sicilian-inspired restaurant in the heart of RTP (Miami Blvd. next to Randy's), is under new ownership. Stop by and say hello to Giuseppe and Kelly.  

• Anyone want to buy a Mexican restaurant? Los Potrillos Mexican Restaurant in Chapel Hill (aka Los Po's) near the intersection of East Franklin and Estes Drive, has an "Operating Restaurant For Sale" sign outside their restaurant. The sign on the door also says that they are closed for vacation and encourages folks to visit their other location at 220 W. Rosemary Street. We'll keep an eye on it. 

• Looking for somewhere to dine next Wednsday (July 27th) night? Head on over to Durham for two special dinners. First, Guglhupf is offering a farm-to-table dinner featuring products from Four Leaf Farm. The five-course meal with wine pairings will cost $45 plus tax and tip. And Dos Perros is offering a five course-meal paired with Durham's Fullsteam Brewery beers. The dinner costs $40 plus tax and tip.  

• Mark your calendars for the next variation of Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week which will be Aug. 22-28. Almost 30 restaurants have signed up to offer three-course prix fixe meals for $20-$30 per person. Some restaurants will offer three-course beer or wine pairings for an additional $10. For more information, go to their website . 

• Where can you find 60 beers, 40 bourbons and tons of barbecue? At the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival being held at Koka Booth Amphitheatre on August 5th and 6th, of course. The event features events on both Friday and Saturday (and some of them have already sold out). Visit their website for additional information and tickets.

• Piedmont Restaurant is also hosting a Farmer Wine Dinner with Wine Authorities at 7 pm on Thursday, July 28th. The dinner will feature wines made by wineries that are more farm than winery. These producers are focused on the agricultural aspect of the wine world. Make your reservations now by calling 919.683.1213 or visit their site here. 

• Due to a huge response to their dinner on July 27th, Blu Seafood and Bar on Hillsborough Road in Durham will extend their Lobster Night an extra night to  July 28! If you are interested in attending, or need more information, visit their site.

Friday Fun Food Facts - July 15, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• Horowitz's Deli is returning to North Raleigh! Well, not exactly, but as close as we are going to get, and that is a great thing! Brothers Rick and Gary Weinberg are teaming up to resurrect the Horowitz concept (Rick was the original manager at Horowitz's Deli and Neil Horowitz is a consultant on this project) with the opening of Weinberg's - The Delicatessen which is scheduled to open this fall next to the Harris Teeter in the former Bombay Kitchen location on Falls of the Neuse Road. Construction on the space begins this week. Follow their progress on Facebook here. 

• According to the Duke Chronicle, Cary-based eatery The Food Factory will operate a location out of Duke University's The Devil's Bistro on central campus beginning this fall. The new eatery is tentatively being referred to as The Food Factory at Devil's Bistro, though the name could change slightly. The on-campus restaurant will be open for lunch, dinner and late night. Here's the article in the Duke Chronicle. 

• Chris Harris (formerly of City Beverage in Durham) and partner Danny Qaddomi have purchased the Tap City saloon at 6675 Falls of Neuse Road in North Raleigh and renamed it Fork and Barrel (new signage to go up soon). Tap City just opened this past fall in the old Stonewood Grill space at Falls Village on Falls of Neuse Road. Expect an overhaul of the menu.

• Alvin Cotto, owner of We Cook for You Catering and Raleigh Chocolate Fountains, has announced that he and his wife will open Bistro 155 at the intersection of US 1 and Highway 55 in Apex in the Apex Banquet Hall. The exact location is 1402 E. Williams Street where Fuji Asian Bistro was located. Bistro 155 will initially serve breakfast and lunch and is planning for an August opening. We'll get you an exact open date once we learn of it.  

• Dulce Café in Durham's Sutton Station on Fayetteville Road is now open. If you're looking for French press, espresso drinks, in-house made pastries, delicious sandwiches and gelato, this spot is worth the visit. 

• Listen up Q Shack fans. We are inside of two weeks before the opening of The Q Shack in the food court at Crabtree Valley Mall. What's cool about this venture (other than the great Q) is that it is owned by the farmers who provide the product for the Q Shack. Talk about Farm to Table! We'll let you know as soon as we get a firm opening date. 

• According to the website/blog BBQ Jew and now confirmed from numerous sources on Chowhound, the history-rich A&M Grill in Mebane, has gone out of business. 

• Only open for a few months, Downtown Raleigh's Fai Thai restaurant has closed. Fai Thai was part of the Empire Eats conglomeration of restaurants and the space will be utilized for private parties and to coordinate catering for all the Empire Eats restaurants. Chef William D'Auvray is still with Empire Eats.

• Antonio's Gourmet Market & Patio Bistro in Raleigh is hosting an N.C. Beer Festival tonight (Friday, July 15th) at 6pm! You don't want to miss this event as several local breweries are coming out with brews for every taste bud. The cost is $15 and Antonio's Gourmet Market & Patio Bistro is located at 8460 Honeycutt Road in Raleigh. Visit them online here.  

• This Saturday the Carrboro Farmers' Market will host its annual Tomato Day celebration. Starting at 8:30 on Saturday, the Tomato Day event includes tomato samples, a display of more than 70 varieties, cooking tips and recipes, as well as live music, face painting for the children and a raffle. For more information about either event, go to their website.  

• Speaking of tomatoes, Acme restaurant in Carrboro will host its 10th Annual Tomato Festival this weekend (July 15-17) - which basically means the restaurant takes a weekend to offer a menu full of tomato-based dishes. All tomatoes used (and we're talking 600-700 pounds of tomatoes!) come from the Carrboro Farmers' Market.  

• And if that is not enough tomato action for you, the Piedmont Restaurant over in Durham is having its Coon Rock Farm Tomato Dinner this Saturday night at 7. Be sure to reserve your spot soon as seats are filling up fast. The dinner is $45 per person. Wine pairings are an additional $20. Call for reservations to 919.683.1213 or visit their site here. 

• The Angus Barn is offering another complimentary wine tasting this Sunday, July 17 from 3:30-5pm. Reservations are not required and complimentary Wine Cellar tours will be available. Get more information at their website. 

• Capital Club 16 in downtown Raleigh will be hosting a Summer Seafood Bake (a communal style seafood wine dinner) on Monday, July 18th. The event will feature a 3-course dinner with an opening reception, lots of seafood and great wine pairings! Call 919.747.9345 to reserve your spot.   

• The Carolina Ale House in Cary just completed the installation of a new 72-tap open-air patio bar and is celebrating the grand re-opening with a Pints & Pipers Lawn Party on Wednesday, July 20th. All pints will be $3 each, with the exception of several high gravity beers, and The Magic Pipers, Raleigh's premier cover band, will play live 7p - 11p.  

• Moe's extremely popular "Free Queso Day" is back and cheesier than ever! On July 20th, Moe's Southwest Grill will be offering a free six ounce cup of queso to every customer, no strings attached. This offer is valid at all Moe's locations from 11 am until 9 pm.

• Piedmont Restaurant is also hosting a Farmer Wine Dinner with Wine Authorities at 7 pm on Thursday, July 28th. The dinner will feature wines made by wineries that are more farm than winery. These producers are focused on the agricultural aspect of the wine world. The full menu will be out in a few days. Make your reservations now by calling 919.683.1213 or visit their site here. 

• Due to a huge response to their dinner on July 27th, Blu Seafood and Bar on Hillsborough Road in Durham will extend their Lobster Night an extra night to  July 28! If you are interested in attending, or need more information, visit their site.

Friday Fun Food Facts - July 8, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• Cantina South, which took over the former Bogart's location on Glenwood South, is now open! Cantina South serves modern Mexican cuisine with entrees between $13 and $20, specialty margaritas and more than 50 tequilas. Check them out and welcome Kevin Summers back to the Raleigh restaurant scene!

• Here's some great news out of Durham. Nana's Scott Howell recently announced that he will take over the former Fish Shack location (2512 University Drive in Durham - aka former Rockwood Filling Station) and will open a Mexican restaurant called Nanataco. Howell is shooting for a late July opening. His newest venture will feature fresh tamales, burritos, and of course, tacos. In addition, he says to expect rotisserie chicken, housemade chorizo and an expanded outdoor seating area.

• We reported this many months ago, but it looks like the old Seafood North location (10630 Durant Road in Raleigh) is very close to getting a new tenant. A sign was spotted this week by my buddy John, aka Triangle Explorer, for Munchies Mexican Grill. Stay tuned for any new information we get.

• Downtown Raleigh has a new option for Turkish cuisine with the opening of Troy Mezze Lounge. Located on Blake Street in City Market in the former Edelweiss Café location, Troy Mezze  is owned by Arif Denk and offers up a large selection of Turkish food.

• If you find yourself up in Wake Forest early in the morning, you might want to check out their latest addition - Main Street Grille Café & Bakery. While they are known for their breakfast (and specifically their homemade Apple Cider Donughts), they also serve up sandwiches, burgers and such. Good Southern cooking! Thanks to John (aka Triangle Explorer) for the tip on this. They are located at 1318 South Main Street, or you can visit their website here. 

• The Triangle is about to get its sixth Applebee's location! The newest location will break ground in Durham's Patterson Place (15-501 and I40) this month and anticipates a November opening.

• Somebody in Chapel Hill is looking good, and we're not talking about John Edwards' latest $400 hair cut. No, this is food related and we're talking about a "face-lift" of sorts that was recently completed at Carolina Brewery on West Franklin Street. I've seen pictures and it looks pretty spiffy. Plan a trip over to Chapel Hill and check them out.

• Over in Durham, Mad Burrito announced plans to open in Northgate Mall's food court in early September.

• And for those counting down the days until the opening of the newest location of Chipotle -  you're going to have to wait a little longer. The Hillsborough Street location has moved back their opening date until right around August 31/September 1. As we get closer we'll let you know the exact opening date.  

• In our last issue, we reported that Johnny's of Carrboro had closed. That is true, but apparently it is a temporary close and will re-open, albeit under a new name. Details are still being worked out, but we will keep you posted.

• In related news, former Johnny's of Carrboro partner Brian Plaster, is now over at Frosty's on Jones Ferry Road between Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Pittsboro. The vision there might involve a name change to Johnny's at Frosty's, and will be similar to the venture over in Carrboro.

• Just a reminder that the Chick-fil-A on Walnut Street in Cary at Cary Crossroads will be closed (starting tomorrow) for a month-long renovation. But don't fear, you can still hit the Chickf-fil-A at Cary Town Center, just a few miles down the street.

• Speaking of Chick-fil-A, today is "Cow Appreciation Day" at all Chick-fil-A locations. Which simply means, dress up like a cow (or give it a good try) and you'll get free food!  

• Here's an interesting combination - A food truck rodeo (featuring Pie Pushers, The Parlour, Hot Diggity Dogs and Farmhand Foods) and women's arm wrestling! The event is this Saturday, July 9th, at the Casbah in Durham. The food trucks will be set-up and rolling at 7 pm, with the arm wrestling beginning at 9 pm. Let me know if you go!

• Somebody at the NY Times has a love affair with Durham - which we think is a great thing! Check out the NY Times' latest article on Durham! 

• If you are a beer connoisseur, good news is on the horizon. Bottle Revolution, a new specialty beer store, will open Aug. 5 on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh next to Buffalo Brothers. Check their website for details on their fast-approaching opening.   

• Wild Ginger Asian Bistro and Sushi, which was located on the first floor of the Progress Energy building in downtown Raleigh, has closed their doors.  

• Two of the South's most iconic brands, Cheerwine and Krispy Kreme, have announced the re-release of their limited edition Cheerwine Filled Krispy Kreme Doughnut. But get them while they last - the limited edition treats will only be available until the end of July. To find the nearest location carrying Cheerwine Filled Krispy Kreme Doughnuts visit their website.  

• Antontio's Gourmet Market will host a Mexican Fiesta today (July 8th) and tomorrow. Festivities will begin tonight at 5pm, and will continue on Saturday at 12 noon. Bring your family, friends, and your appetite and enjoy their specially designed hot and spicy menu. Antonio's Gourmet Market is located at 8460 Honeycutt Road in Raleigh in Lafayette Village or visit them online here.  

• The Saturday Market At Rebus Works this weekend looks especially "foodie"! This weekend you'll find Blue Sky Dining (joining with Locals Seafood), Muddy Dog Roasting Company, Bobby's Ice Water and all the regular vendors featuring garlic, field peas, heirloom tomatoes, peaches, watermelon, corn, lemon tahini, homemade mustard, tomato sauce, butter, cheese and much, much more.  The Saturday Market is located at 301-2 Kinsey Street, (next to the Boylan Street Bridge) in Raleigh. Visit them here for more information.   

• On July 12, Brixx-Raleigh (Brier Creek Shopping Center) is playing host to a five-course beer dinner featuring the amazing beers of Left Hand Brewing! Tickets are $35 each. Click here for a peek at the menu and call 919.246.0640 to reserve tickets!   

• Next Friday, July 15th, Antonio's will host a Beer Fest. The cost is $15 and includes tasting and all you can eat hors d'oeuvres. Purchase your tickets in advance at the Market! More details here.    

• Saturday, July 16th will be the Carrboro Farmers' Market annual Tomato Day celebration. Starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 16, the Tomato Day event includes tomato samples, a display of more than 70 varieties, cooking tips and recipes, as well as live music, face painting for the children and a raffle.
  For more information go here.  

• Speaking of tomatoes, Piedmont Restaurant is hosting the First Annual Piedmont Tomato Dinner on Saturday, July 16th at 7 p.m. The dinner will be 5 courses and will feature Coon Rock Farm's heirloom tomatoes in every dish. Call 919-683-1213 for reservations.  Spots will fill up fast!

• Capital Club 16 in downtown Raleigh will be hosting a Summer Seafood Bake (a communal style seafood wine dinner) on Monday, July 18th. The event will feature a 3-course dinner with an opening reception, lots of seafood and great wine pairings! Call 919.747.9345 to reserve your spot.  

• Moe's extremely popular "Free Queso Day" is back and cheesier than ever! On July 20th, Moe's Southwest Grill will be offering a free six ounce cup of queso to every customer, no strings attached. This offer is valid at all Moe's locations from 11 am until 9 pm.

• Due to a huge response to their dinner on July 27th, Blu Seafood and Bar on Hillsborough Road in Durham will extend their Lobster Night an extra night to  July 28! If you are interested in attending, or need more information, visit their site.

• Don't forget Foster's Market in Chapel Hill every other Thursday at 6:30 pm for a casual, family-style meal made from fresh ingredients from local farms. Reservations are required and are $25 and include a three-course meal, with an option of adding a $12 wine pairing. Get more information here. 

Friday Fun Food Facts - June 24, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• Good news Durhamites. The infamous Bread & Kabob that used to be at 1013 W. Main Street just beyond the Brightleaf District across from the Shell station, has re-opened. Check them out!

• We're getting some sneak peaks and hints about Ashley Christensen's (of Poole's Diner) new Wilmington Street establishments in downtown Raleigh. This week the signage for the first of three went up - Beasley's Chicken & Honey is now painted on the side of the building and is expected to open this summer. The name obviously gives us some indication that it will feature Christensen's extremely popular honey-crusted chicken.

• After Beasley's, it is anticipated that Chuck's will open, and that will be followed by the downstairs bar. Chuck's, as the name suggests, will be a burger joint.

• Amante Gourmet Pizza has a new location in Cary! It opened this past week at Cary Park Town Center at 10110 Green Level Church Road. This newest location has a full bar and the same great food you've come to love at Amante's. This marks Amante's sixth Triangle location.

• And speaking of Amante, they relocated their North Raleigh store and it has now re-opened at 6325 Falls of Neuse Road in the Sutton Square Shopping Center (think Fresh Market, Performance Bicycles and PetSmart).

• And according to the News & Observer, just down the street from Amante Gourmet Pizza, MachuPicchu, a Peruvian restaurant, has opened at 4500 Falls of Neuse Road. That is the shopping center directly behind Carolina Ale House and Pei Wei near the intersection with Falls of Neuse & Old Wake Forest Road.

• And out a little ways in Sanford, you can now "Eat More Chicken" thanks to the opening of the latest Chick-Fil-A located at 3224 N.C. 87 South. The store held its grand opening yesterday.

• Got an email from an observant reader (thanks Jackie!) who noticed yesterday that the Penang on West Franklin Street in Chapel Hill's Courtyard complex was closed and that the sign was gone.  

• And not too far away over in Carrboro, according to a sign in the window, it appears as if Johnny's of Carrboro has closed after a four year run. Johnny's, as you'll recall, was a frequent host of the very popular Food Truck Rodeo's, in addition to being a community gathering spot.

• And according to Johanna Kramer (aka @DurhamFoodie) you better hurry on over if you want to enjoy Simply Thai & Sushi Bar one more time. Simply Thai, which is located in the shopping center at the intersection of Hwy. 54 & 55 in Durham, is closing next week.

• Blu Seafood and Bar in Durham has an interesting theme for its next monthly wine dinner: Up in Smoke. That means they will be serving smoked seafoods, smoked salts and more. On July 13, you will get four courses for $45 plus wine pairings chosen by the folks at Hope Valley Bottle Shop. That will be followed by their annual Lobster night on July 27. The more people who make reservations, the more lobsters they order, the lower the price. For a reservation, call 286-9777 or visit their website.   

• The Vinnie's Steakhouse in Raleigh is hosting a six-course wine dinner where diners will build their own Bordeaux blend during the meal. Plus they will have a chance to have their blend judged for prizes. The July 29 event costs $100. For a reservation, call 847-7319 or visit their website. 

• This Sunday, June 26th at 6 pm, Bull City Burger and Brewery will host a special Dinners a l' Art event - Burgers, Brews & Bluegrass - to support the Durham Arts Council! $40 per person includes a burger, fries, 2 freshly brewed beers, great music and a great cause of supporting the arts! Event starts at 6 pm. Grab those tickets before they're gone!

• And finally, a big congratulations and "Tip of the Hat" to Capital Club 16 and their celebration of their one-year anniversary! And to celebrate, they will be having an all-day party (starting at 4 p.m.) this Saturday (June 25) with a cask of Foothills beer, spiked fresh watermelon punch, dark beer roasted suckling pig and Berlin street sausages served outside throughout the day. As well, there will be a strongman krug holding competition and a watermelon seed-spitting contest. Get more details here.  

Friday Fun Food Facts - June 17, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• Which Wich? That's right, you now have a choice here in the Triangle when it comes to which Which Wich you want to visit. Got it? The second Triangle location of Which Wich Superior Sandwiches opened this week in Brier Creek Shopping Center. That said, I'm still partial to the original location on Lake Boone Trail!

• OK, forget what I said about Fuhgeddaboudit Pizza last week. It didn't close. Well, it did, but it immediately re-opened with the same operators and became Camos Brothers Pizza. Give them a look-see. And if you want the "full story" on what happened, check it out here. 

• Hibachi Sushi, a fast Japanese & Thai entrée joint, opened last week in Chapel Hill's Meadowmont. Check 'em out. 

• Bojangles' opened this week at 1513 N. Arendell Ave. in Zebulon. For franchisee Tri-Arc Food Systems, this will be their 46th location across the Triangle and in southern Virginia.

• Over in Durham, chef and part-owner of the Vin Rouge French bistro on Hillsborough Road, Matt Kelly, has plans for a new restaurant in downtown Durham at 107 W. Chapel Hill St. that previously housed The Book Exchange. He said he has plans to open a Spanish tapas restaurant called "Mateo" there, serving small plates of food made with local ingredients. No open date as of yet - but we'll keep you posted. 

• Also in Durham, Jim Anile, chef and owner of Durham's Revolution, has a new venture planned for the former space of Cafe Zen (410 Blackwell St., Durham) at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham. L'Uva, an Italian restaurant and wine bar, is set to open towards the middle of July. Here is their website (but there isn't much to look at just yet).   

• Listen up Holly Springs, it appears as if there is a new restaurant headed your way called Little Hen, which will be located at 5160 Sunset Lake Road. They are looking at a mid-July opening, but you can get a sneak preview of their cuisine at the Pints for Pets Beerfest this weekend. You can also view their menu here.   

• You can now get your cup cake fix from The Cup Cake Bar at Old Havana - but only on Fridays and Saturdays. The Old Havana Sandwich Shop, which is located at 310 East Main Street in Durham, will begin carrying The Cup Cake Bar's special creations. Get more information on these delectables at their website here.   

• Don a pair of flip flops today and you can enjoy a free 24-ounce strawberry-banana smoothie at either Raleigh location of Tropical Smoothie Cafe. This give-away is in honor of National Flip Flop Day. Tropical Smoothie has locations at  1028 Oberlin Road and 8111 Creedmoor Road - both in Raleigh. 

• The new Fearrington Granary is now open for lunch! Located on 15-501 between Pittsboro and Chapel Hill, the Old Granary also has a new menu, a new look, new hours and has added a new bar. Make your reservations today!   

• The Niche Wine Lounge in downtown Holly Springs will host the first annual Pints for Pets Beerfest this Saturday from noon until 6 p.m. $25 includes all tastings, t-shirt and a mug - and supporting a good cause. Get more information here.  

• Check out the first annual Triangle Tastes and Tunes this Saturday, June 18 from 5 - 11 pm in the 100 block of Fayetteville Street in front of Isaac Hunters Tavern. This event will feature a raffle with prizes, delicious food trucks, and live music. The following food trucks will be appearing at this event: Klausie's, Valentino's Food Truck, Slippin Sliders, Blue Sky Dining and Mama Jean's Bar-B-Q Shack.

• This Saturday, June 18, the Piedmont Pepper Pods and friends will once again take over Central Park for the Ninth Annual Bull City Chili Challenge. There will be winners in four categories: Texas Style, Freestyle, Restaurant and Junior. And there will be a salsa competition. The cook-off is open to the public from 11 am until 2 pm (or till the chili runs out). Chili turn-in is at noon, so go early to get the best tastes. Tasting kits consist of a spoon, napkin and 2 oz. cups for sampling chili. Admission is free and it's $4 for a tasting kit. All proceeds benefit the Durham Central Park. More information here.  

• And if you are there at Central Park, you might as well stick around as there will be a food truck rodeo this Sunday, June 19th, from 5-7pm in Durham Central Park!

• Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 26th at 6 p.m. as Bull City Burger and Brewery will host a special Dinners a l' Art event - Burgers, Brews & Bluegrass - to support the Durham Arts Council! $40 per person includes a burger, fries, 2 freshly brewed beers, great music and a great cause of supporting the arts! Event starts at 6 pm. Grab those tickets before they're gone!  

• North Raleigh's Antonio's Gourmet Market & Patio Bistro has a couple of events coming up that you'll want to get on your calendar. This Saturday, June 18th, they'll host an Italian Feast from noon until...The patio will be a buzz with sights and sounds of Italy, including amazing Italian fare and wines. And then on Thursday, June 23rd, prepare yourself to enjoy Spanish Night from 6-8 p.m. This night will feature live music, Spanish cuisine and Spanish wine. For more information call 919-887-6310, or check out their website.  

• Kudos this week to Chef Mario's Catering for snagging a slew of awards recently, including: 2nd Place People's Choice, and Honorable Mention from the judges at the Epicurious Vino Challenge; "Talk of the Town" top 4 star rating in customer satisfaction; and ranked in the Top 100 Small Business in NC and the Top 300 in the Southeast by Business Leader media. Kudos to Chef Mario, Darcy and their entire team!

Friday Fun Food Facts - June 10, 2011

Triangle Restaurant News

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

• My wife and I discovered a new restaurant in Morrisville at the intersection of Davis Drive and Morrisville Carpenter Road called Yucatan Mexican Restaurant. This is their first location and was quite good and well worth a visit.

• We mentioned it last week, but Panera Bread will open its newest store next Monday in the Market at Colonnade shopping center in North Raleigh and the first 300 customers will receive a free travel mug and free refills for 30 days. That might be worth getting up for.

• According to the Triangle Busness Journal, the former Uno Chicago Grill building at Brier Creek will soon be home to Hayashi Japanese Cuisine which will open by this time next week.

• Also in Brier Creek, renovations are nearing completion of the former Salsarita's location which will become the Triangle's 7th location of Qdoba restaurant.  

• The worst kept secret in the Triangle was confirmed this week. Tyler's Taproom will definitely be coming to Raleigh at the Seaboard Station near downtown. They are looking for a fall opening, but we'll keep you posted.

• Dickey's Barbecue is opening another Triangle location in Knightdale next month. The newest location will be in the Widewaters Commons shopping center in Knightdale.

• Over in Durham, the Reliable Cheese Company is opening next Tuesday at 405 East Chapel Hill Street. They tout themselves as the premier cheese shop in the triangle with friendly and knowledgeable staff, quality products and a selection unavailable anywhere else locally. Be the judge yourself. 

• Seems like all the restaurant news lately has been about pizza joints opening up. But we just learned from the N&O that the Fuhgeddaboudit Pizza at Six Forks Shopping Center in Raleigh closed last week. The Millpond Village location in Cary remains open, and the owners haven't ruled out opening new locations in the near future.

• If you're at the Streets at Southpoint looking to get your chocolate fix, we've got disappointing news on two fronts. The Marble Slab Creamery (next to The Cheesecake Factory) has closed. And if that is not bad enough, the Nestle Toll House cookie joint directly across the way, has also closed.

• If you are a breakfast lover over in Durham, this weekend may be your last chance to get a breakfast at Kings Sandwich Shop, at least for a little while. According to a tweet this week, after this weekend, Kings is putting the breakfast menu on hiatus.

• The N&O's Andrea Weigl has put up a very good list of upcoming wine and beer events here in the Triangle. Check it out here.

• Once concentrated in Raleigh, Beltline Brew Tours (maybe they'll change their name) will now provide brewery tours of Fullsteam Brewery, Triangle Brewing Company, and Bull City Burger and Brewery one Saturday a month in Durham. The next scheduled tour is Saturday, June 11th. On the tour, you will learn about each brewery and enjoy beer samples. For more information, including information on purchasing tickets, check out their website.   

• Here's a fun sounding event that we happened to stumble upon - the Yum Yum Supper Club. Self-described as "a curated celebration of nearby food, people, and the changing seasons," the supper club hosts community dinners, with the next one being held on June 18th beginning at 4 pm. It will feature a four-course dinner grown and prepared by Boxcarr Farms, with beer pairings by Fullsteam. Tickets are $36.25 and seating is limited. Visit their site for more details.

• Looks like Bull City Burger is getting into the "beer dinner" business. They'll host their "premier" beer dinner on Monday, June 20th from 6:30 - 9:30. The cost is $45 per person and includes a five course meal. Check out the full menu and get more information here. 

• Margaux's Restaurant is holding their annual Lobster Fest on Thursday, June 16th from 5:30 to 9 pm! Three-, five-, and ten-pound lobsters will be steamed and served whole on their lovely patio. Live music will be playing. Reservations are required, so call (919) 846-9846 or visit their site if you'd like to reserve a spot.   

• Want to own a catering company? Well, you're in luck because Sisters Catering Company over on Millbrook Road in Raleigh is for sale. Sandra Burnett will either be selling the business by year's end, or closing it up. We hear the asking price is just north of $2 million. 

• If you love Moe's Queso, you are going to have to dance to prove it. Moe's is offering $10,000 to the individual (or individuals) who are willing to dance to show their love. To enter, create a dance video no longer than 30 seconds and upload it to www.ilovequeso.com any time before July 24. All of this excitement surrounding Queso will lead up to Moe's second annual Free Queso Day on Wednesday, July 20.

• Here's an event you'll want to get tickets for - and tickets go on sale today! This is a "must attend" event according to the N&O's Andrea Weigl. TerraVITA Food & Wine Event brings together the finest biodynamic and organically-grown wines and microbrews in the world together with some of the very best North Carolina chefs, known and celebrated for their outstanding reputations and chosen for their devotion and allegiance to locally-grown organic ingredients! Get your tickets here!  The event takes place September 24th in Chapel Hill's Southern Village.

• Over in Chapel Hill, The Weathervane in Southern Season will host a Highland Beer Dinner on June 15th at 7 pm. The dinner will feature 5 courses and 5 beers. Call 919.929.9466 to make your reservation.