Friday Fun Food Facts - February 22, 2013

Triangle Restaurant News

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

Featured Restaurant News

•  As you know, Durham and Asheville (and a bunch of other cities) are in the running for Southern Living Magazine’s Tastiest Town in the South competition. Please vote for Durham now! You have until February 28th. Vote NOW!

• And speaking of voting, each year the Independent Weekly publishes a “Best of the Triangle” listing of everything you can imagine. It truly is a great resource. That said, if you like what you read here, I would be humbled if you would take a moment to vote for us for Best Local Blog in the Triangle (enter Triangle Food Guy). Also, while you are there, you could also vote us Best Person To Follow on Twitter, and if you use us for your catering, Best Caterer. Thanks in advance for your time.
    
   
   

Durham, Orange & Chatham County Restaurant News 

• The stars continue to line up for Durham’s food scene...almost literally. We got word this week from Durham Magazine that Wilmington’s extremely successful fondue restaurant, The Little Dipper, is getting close to a late-March opening in Durham’s Brightleaf Square. It will occupy the space formerly held by Taverna Nikos. Take a peek at their chocolaty goodness here.

• An update on the coffee scene in Chapel Hill. So, last week we told you that the Chapel Hill version of Bean Traders was moving down the street into the Lickity Split location. So the update is that they have taken over that space and will now be Market Street Coffee & Ice Cream (they are no longer affiliated with the original Bean Traders in Durham). They have also taken over the 3 Cups on Elliot Road (which closed), and it will open today as Market Street Coffeehouse, with a focus on coffee and tea. Market Street Coffee now has 5 locations in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Durham.  

• Also in Chapel Hill, the former Carmine’s Ristorante & Pizzeria in Eastgate Shopping Center will open on Monday as Vinny’s Italian Grill and Pizzeria. Vinny’s is based out of Virginia, but has a location in Hillsborough as well. Visit their website here.

• Down in Chatham County’s Siler City there is an effort underway to open a local-sourced restaurant called Succotashed. Right now they are raising funds through an Indiegogo campaign and they are well on their way to their $9500 goal. Get all the details on their vision and their campaign here.

• And speaking of Chatham County, Pittsboro’s Al’s Diner is expanding with plans to open Al’s Lunchbox directly across from the diner on West Street according to The Herald Sun. Owners Shannon and Nikki Plummer plan to open the drive-through and walk-up sandwich shop in part of a building that previously housed the coffee and ice cream shop, Circle City Java. Look for a mid-March opening. 

Wake County Restaurant News 

• This past Wednesday, Raleigh became home to another craft brewery - Trophy Brewing. They opened with six different beer offerings and have plans to expand with an outdoor patio area (under construction) and a full food menu later in 2013. Trophy is located at 827 W. Morgan Street in the former Hamburger Hut location. It is owned by Chris Powers and David Lockwood (think Busy Bee Bar & Restaurant). Get all the details here.

• And speaking of breweries, the Independent Weekly picked up on all the breweries that are opening up, or have opened up, in the Triangle and has a nice summary of the fact that the Triangle has become “awash” in craft breweries...and no one is complaining! Read the article here. 

• LM Restaurants’ marketing guru Mindy Stroupe released the words this week that everyone has been waiting to hear...Carolina Ale House will open on Glenwood South in early 2014. The plans have been “on the books” for quite some time, but it was confirmed as part of a release that announced the opening of 6 other Carolina Ale House locations (all the others were outside the Triangle) over the next 18 months. Get more details here. 

• According to the N&O, beginning next year folks flying into RDU’s newly renovated Terminal 1 will have little doubt they are in ACC country thanks to the announcement of an officially ACC licensed restaurant called ACC American Café. (I’d love to hear your thoughts on what some of the menu items should be called.) It will be joined by: Char-Grill, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe and Starbucks. 

• It has been a while since we have reported a yogurt shop opening, but this morning the N&O reported that Menchie’s opened at 5613 Creedmoor Road in Raleigh. They’ll celebrate their grand opening from March 2 to 8, with giveaways including T-shirts and Menchie’s merchandise and free servings of frozen yogurt. It is owned by Catherine and Bob Meynardie.

• Thanks to a tip from David McCreary, aka author of the food blog Lunch Boy Says, we learned that the former Chatham Street Café & Catering location in downtown Cary is now Café 121. It looks like Chef Hamm has another location in Sanford. Get more details here.

• According to the Triangle Business Journal, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q is planning a north Raleigh restaurant in the Poyner Place shopping center near Triangle Town Center. This will mark Raleigh’s second location, and the Triangle’s 10th, for the chain. No details yet on an opening date.  

Closings (but only temporarily) 

• We learned last week that the Bryan Center location of Joe Van Gogh over on Duke's campus will temporarily close from March 1st through the first week in June to accommodate ongoing renovations. 

Events 

• Do you dream of cooking like a professional and preparing culinary creations? The Chef’s Academy in Morrisivlle recently announced a new 3-part cooking series that will help you realize that dream. You can take all 3 classes (March 19, March 26 and April 2), or just one. They will be held in the evening (5:30 to 8:30 pm) and will include demonstrations as well as hands-on cooking. Get all the details here.

• The Morrisville Chamber of Commerce recently announced a food and arts festival that will be held along Town Hall Drive on May 18th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Called East Meets West, the event will feature Morrisville-area restaurants, music, performances and a variety of visual arts. Get it on your calendar and get all the details here. 

•  Durham Foodie Johanna Kramer turned us onto the news that the Fairview Garden Center in Raleigh will host a series of Food Truck Rodeos called “Flora and Food Trucks Series”.  The first will be held on Saturday, March 30, followed by two more on April 20 and May 11. Each event will feature 4-5 food trucks. Fairview is located at 8224 Holly Springs Road in Raleigh. Get all the details here.

• The seventh annual Empty Bowls event to benefit Urban Ministries of Durham will be held on Thursday, March 7th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets here.

• Thanks to a tip in the Herald-Sun, we learned that Durham will have its first Louisiana seafood festival when the Bayou Festival Tour comes to town on April 20. It will be held from noon to 8 p.m. at the CCB Plaza downtown. The festival is slated to include seafood, beer and beer samples. And it will return again, to Raleigh, on October 5th. Get all the details here. 

• Hold the date for the annual Wake Tech Culinary Arts Showcase which will be held this year on April 30th from 4-7 p.m. at the Raleigh Convention Center. Get all the initial details here.

Final Thoughts

 I close with a hearty congratulations and a tip...

• First, congratulations to all the Triangle area restaurants and chefs that were given the prestigious nod by the James Beard Foundation this past week. The list is far too long to list here (see how lucky we truly are!!!), but the N&O’s Andrea Weigl has done (yet again) a fabulous job of giving us a summary. It is well worth the read, and if you haven’t eaten at these places...what are you waiting on!?!? Read the article here.

• And finally, a tip I’ll share with you that I heard while driving down the road listening to NPR. A new craze in the restaurant world is a thing called “secret menus.” Now, it probably isn’t new, and I’m likely the last one to be "in the know", but now you are "in the know" as well! When you visit your favorite restaurant, take it upon yourself to ask if they have a “secret menu.” A lot of restaurants are doing this and share it with their loyal customers and through social media. Anyway, give it a try. Read (or listen to) the story on NPR here.  

Friday Fun Food Facts - February 15, 2013

Triangle Restaurant News

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

Featured Restaurant News

•  As you know, Durham and Asheville are in the running for Southern Living Magazine’s Tastiest Town in the South competition. To lobby for your vote, Chef Shane Ingram will host a dinner at Four Square on February 24th with chefs from Asheville and Durham. In addition to several chefs from Asheville, Ingram will be joined by Justin Rakes, Scott Martin and Matt Kelly. The six-course meal will begin at 7 pm and tckets are $75, not including tax and tip. Wine pairings will be available. Reservations can be made on the Open Table website or by phone at 919-401-9877. And vote for Durham now! You have until February 28th.

Durham, Orange & Chatham County Restaurant News 

• Speaking of Justin Rakes and Scott Martin, we have all but confirmed they are moving forward to introduce a new concept over in Durham that will be called Salted Pig. No other word at this point on a location or timeline. But we’ll keep an eye on it. Love the name! 

• The Herald-Sun filled in a couple of missing pieces regarding the next Denny’s location in the Hope Valley Commons shopping center at the intersection of Hwy. 54 and 751 in Durham. First, we now know it is set to open in April. Additionally, the same franchisee plans to open a second location on 15-501 near Interstate 40. No timeline yet on that one as they are just beginning the site work.

• Thanks to a tip from reader Glenn Gillen who passed along that Café Renaissance has opened on Highway 55 across from NCCU. It is located where El Shaddai used to be. Not much on their website at this point. Thanks for the tip Glenn!  

• Over in Chapel Hill, Bean Traders has moved out of their location in Meadowmont’s Harris Teeter and has moved in a few doors down shacking up in the Lickity Split location. And as one would suspect, and we have now confirmed, Harris Teeter will add a Starbucks to that location. No timeline yet on when that will open.

• And speaking of Chapel Hill, a huge shoutout to Sutton’s Drug Store that celebrates its 90th birthday this year. It is truly a Chapel Hill institution and one of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat on Franklin Street. A special thanks to John Woodard Jr. for keeping this institution alive and kicking! Wish them a happy birthday on their Facebook page! 

Wake County Restaurant News 

• The anticipation is over! Go ahead and mark your calendar for the newest addition to Glenwood South - Dos Taquitos Xoco. It will officially open next Monday (February 18th) thanks to a tip from Carey Kidd. Check them out on Facebook here.

• We also got word this week thanks to an article in the Triangle Business Journal, that Kim Hunter will open Kimbap in Raleigh’s Seaboard Station on March 1st. Congrats to Kim and her team and we look forward to that opening. Look for more information on her website here.

• Got a tip from explorer extraordinaire John Huismann (aka Triangle Explorer) that a new Italian restaurant opened in North Raleigh yesterday called DeMarcos Bar & Restaurant. It is in the spot formally occupied by Anthony's Touch of Italy, which replaced a Cinelli's that closed a few years back, in the Bedford Subdivision. Check out their website here and their Facebook page here. 

• “Two is better than one.” “Double your pleasure.” You pick the phrase that best applies to Chef Bill La’s latest venture. Within his existing restaurant in Cary, The Chefs of India, he has opened a second concept called Bill-La’s Pollo a la Brasa where he is serving up Peruvian rotisserie-roasted chicken alongside their regular Indian fare. Thanks to the N&O’s Greg Cox for this tip. Check out both restaurants here and here.  

• If you’ve been over to Raleigh’s Centennial Campus recently you’ll be impressed with all the growth and new development that is going on over there. But we’re a little biased toward food and the Triangle Business Journal turned us onto the fact that in August they will open On the Oval Culinary Creations which will feature four “micro” restaurants. The four concepts will be: Cold Fusion (deli); Fahrenheit (pizza); Flashpoint (Asian-style); and Newton’s Grill & Diner (traditional grill). Read the article here.  

Closings 

• We learned this week that the Bryan Center location of Joe Van Gogh over on Duke’s campus will temporarily close from March 1st through the first week in June to accommodate ongoing renovations. 

Events 

• If you screwed up and forgot Valentine’s Day, here’s a chance to redeem yourself. Durham’s Piedmont Restaurant is hosting an Elemental Chocolate Dinner this Sunday, February 17th at 6:30 pm.  It's a deal at just $30 for 4 awesome chocolate filled courses! To get more information or to make a reservation, go here. 

• The inaugural Bull City Food & Beverage Experience will be held on February 24th at the Durham Performing Arts Center. The event will feature unlimited food and beer tastings from 20 Durham restaurants and 50 different beers. The cost is $75 (plus processing fees). Get all the details here.

• The seventh annual Empty Bowls event to benefit Urban Ministries of Durham will be held on Thursday, March 7th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets here.

• Thanks to a tip in the Herald-Sun, we learned that Durham will have its first Louisiana seafood festival when the Bayou Festival Tour comes to town on April 20. It will be held from noon to 8 p.m. at the CCB Plaza downtown. The festival is slated to include seafood, beer and beer samples. And it will return again, to Raleigh, on October 5th. Get all the details here. 

• Hold the date for the annual Wake Tech Culinary Arts Showcase which will be held this year on April 30th from 4-7 p.m. at the Raleigh Convention Center. Get all the initial details here.

Shameless Plug

  

And finally, an appeal from me. Each year the Independent Weekly publishes a "Best of the Triangle" issue of everything you can imagine. It truly is a great resource. That said, if you like what you read here, I would be humbled if you would take a moment to vote for us for Best Local Blog in the Triangle (it is all the way on the last page). It really would mean a lot to me. Also, while you are there, you could also vote us Best Person To Follow on Twitter, and if you use us for your catering, Best Caterer. It really is a fun survey/poll to complete. Thanks in advance for your time.

 

Friday Fun Food Facts - February 8, 2013

Triangle Restaurant News

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

Featured Restaurant News

•  This week the Herald Sun provided the details of what is going on over at Shiki Sushi Asian Bistro in Durham. Let me break it down for you. The current Shiki Sushi is moving into the space next door and will become Tasu, which has locations in Raleigh and Cary (all the same owner). This concept will be identical to Shiki (i.e. two-for-one sushi) but will be a bit larger and will have an expanded menu (i.e. steak and seafood). Once the move is complete, renovations will take place at the original Shiki location to launch a new Asian hot pot concept. Tasu will be open in March, with the new concept opening in May or June. Keep up with Shiki/Tasu here. 

Durham, Orange & Chatham County Restaurant News 

• According to the Herald Sun, Carmine’s Ristorante & Pizzeria in Chapel Hill’s Eastgate Shopping Center closed on January 24th. Sorry to see them go. That’s the bad news. The good news is that in about a month, Vinny’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria will open in that location. Interestingly enough, one of the partners with Vinny’s is Josephine Finazzo, the daughter of the former owner of the Sal’s that used to be in that location. Vinny’s has locations in North Carolina and Virginia and was started by her cousin. This will be North Carolina’s second location. Get more details here. 

• We got a tweet this week from former blogger Bull City Rising letting us know that Parker & Otis, located at 112 S. Duke Street in downtown Durham, was back open. They suffered a fire towards the end of December, but all is well now. Check them out here and welcome them back by paying them a visit. 

• A happy-birthday shout out to Chapel Hill’s Carolina Brewery as they celebrate their 18th anniversary of its location at 460 W. Franklin Street. Look for a number of events through the weekend to celebrate. The Pittsboro location will celebrate its 6th anniversary in August. More details on their website and their Facebook page.  

• According to the Herald Sun, Bella Donna Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria in Pittsboro has closed temporarily (until the middle of this month) in order to facilitate a move into a new location at 440 East St. They are moving into the building that previously housed a Pizza Hut. Get more details here. 

Wake County Restaurant News 

• According to the News & Observer, Rock Harbor Grill, located at 121 N. Salem Street in downtown Apex, is now open. The restaurant, owned by David and Chandra Vance, takes over the former Hideaway Restaurant and Bar, which had previously occupied the space. They tout themselves as your favorite vegetarian-friendly seafood restaurant. (Chandra is a vegetarian). Get all the details here.

• The News & Observer reported this week that Bella Mia has reopened under new ownership. The new owner, Dan Morrison underwent intensive training with Rick Guerra and his family, the original owners. There are plans to expand the menu a bit to include a few panini and pasta dishes and he hopes to add lunch service, possibly as early as next week. The restaurant is still located at The Arboretum, near the intersection of Harrison and Weston Parkway in Cary. Get more details here.

• Thanks to one of our blog readers, Lorri (she didn’t leave a last name), we were told about a new pizzeria in historic Wake Forest called Cannizzaro's Pizzeria & Restaurant. It is located on top of the Cotton Company at 238 South White Street (formerly Frankie C's Pizza...and before that, the original location of Over The Falls Deli). Worth a visit. Not much info on their Facebook page.

• We got a tweet this week from Gary Lane that a Hwy. 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries (formerly Andy’s) is heading to North Raleigh and will be located in Falls Village in the former Baskin Robbins location at 6613 Falls of the Neuse Road. No word on an exact open date. Get all the details here.

• Last week we told you about Vivo Restorante moving into the former Vesuvius / Bear Rock Café / Atlanta Bread Company location on Six Forks Road (across from Celebration at Six Forks). Thanks to a tip from Carole Walker we learned that it is now open.  

Closings 

• I happened to be at the Staples on East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill the other night and noticed that the Camos Brothers Pizza location adjacent to that had closed. It had just opened in September of 2012.

Events 

• The latest concept out of Niall Hanley is hosting a grand opening today (Feb. 8th). Located on the ground floor of Solas, Bia Restaurant will donate 10% of the proceeds from the event to the Wake County Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund. The restaurant, which we first told you about in early December, features chef Dan Yeager.

• How many of you are reading this after camping out last night for tickets to see Food Network star Alton Brown who will be coming to Durham as part of the N.C. Science Festival? "An Evening with Alton Brown: The Science of Cooking," will be April 18 at the Durham Performing Arts Center and tickets go on sale this morning (Feb. 8th) at 10 am. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling the DPAC ticket office at 919-680-2787. Special VIP access/tickets are also available. 

• The Valentine’s Day dinner specials are too numerous to list here (seriously, call your favorite restaurant, I guarantee you they are doing something...). But we will give two shout-outs. One, to the News & Observer and my buddy Andrea Weigl who has a list of options here. And our second shout-out goes to a truly unique Valentine’s option through Carolina Food Tours. On February 14th, they are offering four different versions of their very popular walking tours. And like I said last week, these will fill up fast, so act now. Check them out here.

• The seventh annual Empty Bowls event to benefit Urban Ministries of Durham will be held on Thursday, March 7th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets here.

• Thanks to a tip in the Herald-Sun, we learned that Durham will have its first Louisiana seafood festival when the Bayou Festival Tour comes to town on April 20. It will be held from noon to 8 p.m. at the CCB Plaza downtown. The festival is slated to include seafood, beer and beer samples. And it will return again, to Raleigh, on October 5th. Get all the details here. 

• Hold the date for the annual Wake Tech Culinary Arts Showcase which will be held this year on April 30th from 4-7 p.m. at the Raleigh Convention Center. Get all the initial details here.

• We have just a few more weeks to make our very own Bull City, aka Durham, Southern Living Magazine’s “Tastiest Town in the South” for 2013. We need to put Durham (and the entire Triangle) on the map ahead of Atlanta, Charleston, New Orleans, Miami, etc. Vote early and vote often! You have until February 28th.
   

Editors Note & Shameless Plug

 And we close with a program note and a shameless plug.  

First, we will stop listing the “Opening Soon” section of our blog in every issue. It was simply getting too long (yea for the Triangle!) and it wasn’t changing much each week. Any changes (i.e. openings) are listed in other parts of the blog. But that said, we’ll continue to watch those and we will list them once a month (at the first of the month).

And finally, an appeal from me. Each year the Independent Weekly publishes a “Best of the Triangle” issue of everything you can imagine. It truly is a great resource. That said, if you like what you read here, I would be humbled if you would take a moment to vote for us for Best Local Blog in the Triangle (it is all the way on the last page). It really would mean a lot to me. Also, while you are there, you could also vote us Best Person To Follow on Twitter, and if you use us for your catering, Best Caterer. It really is a fun survey/poll to complete. Thanks in advance for your time.

 

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Friday Fun Food Facts - February 1, 2013

Triangle Restaurant News

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

 

Featured Restaurant News

•  It seems as if Ashley Christensen isn’t quite done spreading her foodie goodness all over downtown Raleigh. Most recently she purchased the Wilmoore Café (which will re-open in March under a new name), but we got word this week that she recently announced that she would be opening a French bistro and event space on Salisbury Street. We’ll firm up the details. Stay tuned.

Durham / Chapel Hill / Chatham County Restaurant News 

• Things move slowly in Chapel Hill, but it looks like the Mellow Mushroom is finally going to make its return to “The Hill” with a targeted open date of March 4th. It is taking over the space formerly occupied by Ham’s on West Franklin Street. This will mark the Triangle’s fourth location. Check out Mellow Mushroom here. 

• The Herald-Sun reported this week that the kid and adult-friendly Stay & Play Snack Café opened in downtown Durham. Located at 405-A E. Chapel Hill St, it is in the former Reliable Cheese space near Rue Cler. Pay them a visit here.  

• Next time you find yourself over in Pittsboro, be sure to check out Modern Life Deli & Drinks which just opened off the circle on Sanford Road. Get all the details here.  
   

Raleigh / Cary / Morrisville Restaurant News 

• Caught wind this week from the Yelp message board that a Dave & Buster’s is heading this way to Cary Towne Center. We’ll keep an eye on it. Thanks to Diane for that tip. In the meantime, get ready for them here.

• Staying in Cary, Waverly Place’s Taziki’s Medeiterranean Café opened this past Tuesday. Check them out here.   

• Speaking of Cary, the former IPub (6454 Tryon Rd) in the Wellington Park Plaza closed on Jan 1. The Cary Pub, in the same location, opened on January 18th and is owned by David & Lisa Crooke and Kathy & Tom Graham. Check them out on Facebook here.   

• And in downtown Cary, Dorry’s Downtown reopened today after undergoing major renovations. They’ve got a total new look and the addition of pizza, wine & beer, evening hours as well as the return of most of your favorite items on their menu. Congrats to Ray and his team! Check them out here.  

• Thanks to follower Joseph Wells, we learned this week that Chopstix (a gourmet sushi bar) has opened in Raleigh a few doors down from Dos Taquitos at the intersection of Creedmoor and Millbrook. It appears to be the same as a concept out of Maryland, but we couldn’t get confirmation on that this week.

• It appears as if there is some activity going on over on Six Forks Road at the former Vesuvius / Bear Rock Café / Atlanta Bread Company location. And according to follower Patina Robinson (aka @PattyTheFoodie) it is a concept called Vivo Restorante that is moving in. I haven’t been able to get by, but we’ll get more information.

• And over in Morrisville, we got word this week that Taste Vietnamese Cuisine finally opened after much anticipation in the space formerly occupied by Mawa.

Closings (but only temporarily) 

• We were saddened to learn on Wednesday that Gregoria’s Kitchen over in Durham experienced a fire in part of their restaurant. As a result, they are temporarily closed. Keep up with them here as they work to reopen quickly

Events 

• The 20th Annual Triangle Wine Experience is taking place Feb. 7-9th and is co-chaired this year by Ashley Christensen. This premier wine event also features tastings, dinners and a Grand Gala. It truly is a Who’s Who of restaurants and wineries. You don’t want to miss this and it will sell out! Get more information and register for the various events here.  

• The latest concept out of Niall Hanley is hosting a grand opening on February 8th. Located on the ground floor of Solas, Bia Restaurant will donate 10% of the proceeds from the event to the Wake County Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund. The restaurant, which we first told you about in early December, features chef Dan Yeager.

• Looking for a unique way to spend Valentine’s Day? Carolina Food Tours has you covered on February 14th with their extremely popular walking tours. They have options all over the Triangle. But don’t wait long, these will fill up fast. Check them out here.  

• The seventh annual Empty Bowls event to benefit Urban Ministries of Durham will be held on Thursday, March 7th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets here.

• Hold the date for the annual Wake Tech Culinary Arts Showcase which will be held this year on April 30th from 4-7 p.m. at the Raleigh Convention Center. Get all the initial details here.  

• Thanks to a tip in the Herald-Sun, we learned that Durham will have its first Louisiana seafood festival when the Bayou Festival Tour comes to town on April 20. It will be held from noon to 8 p.m. at the CCB Plaza downtown. The festival is slated to include seafood, beer and beer samples. And it will return again, to Raleigh, on October 5th. Get all the details here.  

• Here is a fun competition where everyone needs to cast a vote. Our very own Bull City, aka Durham, is up against some tough competition in Southern Living Magazine’s latest contest to find the “Tastiest Town in the South” for 2013. We need to put Durham (and the entire Triangle) on the map ahead of Atlanta, Charleston, New Orleans, Miami, etc. Vote early and vote often! You have until February 28th.

• And speaking of fun, how can I not miss at least mentioning an event I find utterly fascinating. 2400 calories, 12 donuts, 5 miles and 1 hour to complete. Yep, it is the 9th Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge and it takes place on February 9th at 8:30 a.m. General registration is full, but you can still get in with their Children’s Promise Charity Spots ($100). Or you can go out and witness the spectacle that is. Here are the details.
  
  
  
  Opening Soon 
  We Continue To Keep Our Eyes On... 
  
  The Cowfish (yes, burgers and sushi) will join the ever-growing lineup of fantastic restaurants in North Hills. Look for a spring opening; Both Dos Taquitos Xoco on Glenwood South and the North Raleigh location of Hibernian Pub will open in early February; The OC Bar & Grill in Raleigh’s Oberlin Court near Cameron Village is tapped to open in March; Brixx Pizza will open this spring in Cameron Village’s newest development; Cafe de los Muertos will open this summer in the Hue in downtown Raleigh; Lawrence Coffee Bar coming to the Jones-Foy house in downtown Cary on Academy Street. Check out Larry's Beans here; Kipos, a Greek Taverna that will come to Chapel Hill’s West Franklin Street. It is another concept by Giorgios Bakatsias; Waffle House on East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill (look for a mid-February opening); Barberito’s, a southwestern grill and cantina, will open in mid-February in Cary’s Waverly Place (with a Raleigh location not too far behind); Taqueria del Sol is on the clock to open their 2nd location in the Triangle, with this one coming to Durham; Blend and Grind, a coffee, smoothie and juice bar which will be located in downtown Raleigh’s Seaboard Station is looking at a February opening; Denny’s in Durham in the Hope Valley Commons Shopping Center; Char-Grill in Clayton (August opening); PDQ (chicken tenders, salads & sandwiches) is slated to open their Wake Forest location in late March, followed by a Cary location in May; Carolina Wing Company is taking over the Buffalo’s Café location in Stonehenge Shopping Center in Raleigh; Keeping an eye out for Austin’s Chuy's which is coming to North Hills in Raleigh. Chuy’s is a fun and funky fresh Mexican themed restaurant. Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar will take over the Rockfish space at the Streets at Southpoint; Java Burger and Bar concept that is on tap for the Westpoint at 751 development off N.C. 751 near The Streets at Southpoint; A new fast, casual Indian dining option coming to RTP called Curry Point Express. It is going into the strip mall at the corner of S. Miami & Hwy 54 (across Miami from Serena); Trali Irish Pub & Restaurant will be opening a second location in Morrisville, in the location that used to house Yucatan Cantina on Grace Park Drive; A new restaurant is coming to downtown Raleigh’s Seaboard Station called Kimbap. Owned by Kim Hunter, it is expected to open the 2nd week in February ; Downtown Raleigh’s Wilmoore Café will re-open in early March under a new name, with a new menu and expanded hours; A Yelp message board posting this week reminded us of the Triangle Business Journal notations of what is coming in the next phase of Morrisville’s Park West Village. Look for Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Noodles & Co. and Lime Fresh Mexican Grill; Look for Greg Hatem’s The Pit to open in downtown Durham this summer (in the same building as Fullsteam and Motorco). 

Friday Fun Food Facts - January 25, 2013

Triangle Restaurant News

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

•  In the biggest shock in some time, it was announced at the beginning of this week that Chapel Hill's 3 Cups will close their doors for good on February 2nd. The owners cited financial difficulties for the decision. Folks, get out and support your local options. Get by before they close.  

• Yo! Listen up. If you've been longing for cheese steaks and dogs from the "City of Brotherly Love", wait no longer. North Raleigh is now home to South Philly Steak & Dogs. I'll have to take my buddy Tim CoyneSmith over to check this place out, but from what I'm hearing, it is the real deal. Thanks to Triangle Explorer John Huisman for bringing me this news. Check them out here.   

• Looking for a "new spot" to hang out in downtown Cary? Well, we've got the spot for you. Not exactly new, but Dorry's Downtown (which took over the long-standing Food Factory spot) has been closed for the last few weeks undergoing major renovations. Look for them to re-open any day now with a total new look and the addition of pizza, wine & beer, evening hours and most of your favorite offerings from their menu. Congrats to Ray and his team on the new features! Check them out here.

• The OC is coming to Raleigh. Well, not exactly the TV show, but an upscale sports bar called The OC Bar & Grill (we assume it is short for Oberlin Court). Look for a March opening that will feature over 16 drafts on tap and a made-from-scratch menu. Thanks to Triangle Localista Kim Alexander for this tip. Check them out here. 

• The News & Observer provided an update this week on some of the retail developments at Raleigh's Cameron Village. The first retail tenant noted in the 300-unit apartment complex opening this spring is Brixx Pizza. This will mark the chain's 3rd Triangle location. Check them out here. 

• The N&O is also reporting that downtown Raleigh is getting another coffee option. Café de los Muertos, a roaster and café that will take up space in the Hue apartment building on West Hargett Street. Look for an opening this summer. Get a peak at them here. 

• And speaking of coffee, the blog Carpe Durham reminded us this week that we are very close to the opening of Cocoa Cinnamon, the much anticipated coffee/chocolate shop at the corner of Geer and Foster. With a soft opening this week, they will begin "regular hours" next week. Go there now!  

•  Carpe Durham also reminded us this week that there is a new barbecue joint on the outskirts of Durham, heading towards Wake Forest on Highway 98. Johnson Family Barbecue is a six-table establishment run by a husband and wife team and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out the article on them here. 

• We caught wind on a Yelp message board of a new Chinese/Asian Fusion restaurant that just opened over in Cary's Grande Heights Shopping Center called Asian Garden. It opened on January 7th. Check them out on Facebook here.  

• The latest concept out of Niall Hanley is hosting a grand opening on February 8th. Located on the ground floor of Solas, Bia Restaurant will donate 10% of the proceeds from the event to the Wake County Firefighters' Burned Children Fund. The restaurant, which we first told you about in early December, features chef Dan Yeager.

• Speaking of Hanley, we got a new update this week that we should see Dos Taquitos Xoco on Glenwood South, and the North Raleigh location of his Hibernian Pub, both open in early February. We'll stay on top of this for you. 

• This Sunday (January 27th) marks the season's first Food Truck Rodeo from 12:30 to 4:30 in Durham's Central Park. Expect about 40 food trucks and vendors (the event is rain, or snow, or sleet or shine). Get all the details here, including a full list of trucks.

• The seventh annual Empty Bowls event to benefit Urban Ministries of Durham will be held on Thursday, March 7th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets here. 

• Hold the date for the annual Wake Tech Culinary Arts Showcase which will be held this year on April 30th from 4-7 p.m. at the Raleigh Convention Center. Get all the initial details here.

• Cary's Matthews House is giving you the option of a romantic dinner at home for Valentine's this year. They will be offering a gourmet oven-ready take-home meal for $100 with the option to include a bottle of The Matthews House champagne for $25 more. The meal consists of rolls and a salad, main entrees plus sides and a delectable dessert. All you need to do is pick it up and pop it in the oven to warm. Reservations must be made prior to Friday, Feb. 8 by calling 919-467-1944. For more information, visit them here.

• Looks like Chez Moi is going mobile...with a little help from their friends (i.e. you!). Chez Moi has launched a Kickstarter Campaign to raise money for a mobile version of their bakery. If all goes well, the truck will be unveiled at Full Steam Brewery in Durham on March 23rd at 5:30 p.m. To donate, go here.

• Kudos to two legendary Triangle families who announced a joint partnership this week. The Goodmon family (think WRAL, Durham Bulls and American Tobacco campus) and the Eure Family (think Angus Barn) announced this week that the Angus Barn will be the exclusive caterer for events at American Tobacco's Bay 7 event space. A win-win for all involved. More details here.

• So what do you think? Greg Cox has put out his annual list of Best Restaurants of the Year and topping this year's list are Oakleaf in Pittsboro and Yamazushi in Durham. Take a peek and let me know what you think. 

• And we close with a fun competition where everyone needs to cast a vote. Our very own Bull City, aka Durham, is up against some tough competition in Southern Living Magazine's latest contest to find the "Tastiest Town in the South" for 2013. We need to put Durham (and the entire Triangle) on the map ahead of Atlanta, Charleston, New Orleans, Miami, etc. Vote early and vote often! You have until February 28th.   
  
  
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  Opening Soon File 

  We Continue To Keep Our Eyes On The Following: 
  
  Modern Life Deli & Drinks is coming to Pittsboro on Sanford Road. It is expected to open very soon; Lawrence Coffee Bar coming to the Jones-Foy house in downtown Cary on Academy Street; Kipos, a Greek Taverna that will come to Chapel Hill's West Franklin Street. It is another concept by Giorgios Bakatsias; Waffle House on East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill (look for a mid-February opening); Barberito's, a southwestern grill and cantina, will open in mid-February in Cary's Waverly Place (with a Raleigh location not too far behind); and speaking of Waverly Place, Taziki's Medeiterranean Cafe should open by the end of January; Taqueria del Sol is on the clock to open their 2nd location in the Triangle, with this one coming to Durham; Blend and Grind, a coffee, smoothie and juice bar which will be located in downtown Raleigh's Seaboard Station is looking at a February opening; Denny's in Durham (Hope Valley Commons Shopping Center); Char-Grill in Clayton (August opening); Hibernian Pub in North Raleigh on Falls of the Neuse Road (former Duffy's location) could open any day now; PDQ (chicken tenders, salads & sandwiches) is slated to open their Wake Forest location in late March, followed by a Cary location in May; Carolina Wing Company is taking over the Buffalo's Café location in Stonehenge Shopping Center in Raleigh; Over in Morrisville, we are getting closer to the opening of Taste Vietnamese, in the space formerly occupied by Mawa; Chuy's, a fun and funky fresh Mexican themed restaurant, is coming to North Hills in Raleigh; Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar will take over the Rockfish space at the Streets at Southpoint; Java Burger and Bar is a concept that is on tap for the Westpoint at 751 development near The Streets at Southpoint; Look for a new fast, casual Indian dining option coming to RTP called Curry Point Express at the intersection of S. Miaimi and Hwy. 54;  Trali Irish Pub & Restaurant will be opening a second location in Morrisville, in the location that used to house Yucatan Cantina on Grace Park Drive; Kimba is coming to downtown Raleigh’s Seaboard Station the second week in February; Downtown Raleigh’s Wilmoore Cafe will re-open in early March under a new name, with a new menu and expanded hours. Wilmoore was purchased by Ashley Christensen.