{"id":87,"date":"2014-02-21T08:13:20","date_gmt":"2014-02-21T13:13:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=87"},"modified":"2014-02-21T08:13:20","modified_gmt":"2014-02-21T13:13:20","slug":"friday-fun-food-facts-february-21-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=87","title":{"rendered":"Friday Fun Food Facts &#8211; February 21, 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Triangle Restaurant News<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Triangle restaurant news&#8230;that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Featured Restaurant News<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a0Folks, if you don&#8217;t believe me when I say we live in one of the hottest dining markets in the country, just take a moment to check out the list of the 2014 semifinalists released this week by the coveted <strong>James Beard Foundation<\/strong> (i.e. the Academy Awards of the dining world). Of the 12 nominees in North Carolina, 9 were here in the Triangle. And as <strong>Dana McCall<\/strong> pointed out, there were none for Charlotte, the Triad or Willmington. <strong>GoGoRaleigh<\/strong> did a pretty good job <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gogoraleigh.com\/2014\/02\/19\/triangle-racks-up-beard-nominations\/\" target=\"_blank\" shape=\"rect\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">of highlighting our local talent here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>. Congrats to all the nominees!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Wake County Restaurant News\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>According to the <strong>News &amp; Observer<\/strong>, after 63 years in operation Raleigh&#8217;s landmark <strong>Players Retreat<\/strong> is spreading it&#8217;s wings and has opened a second location. Called <strong>PR @ The Poole<\/strong>, it is located on the other side of campus in <strong>N.C. State University&#8217;s Lonnie Poole Golf Course clubhouse<\/strong> on <strong>Centennial Campus<\/strong>.<strong>Gus <\/strong><strong>Gusler<\/strong> describes it as &#8220;everything that makes the PR the PR, but with a little cherry on top of the sundae.&#8221; <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.playersretreat.net\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Check them out here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>We told you about this back at the end of January, but today the <strong>News &amp; Observer<\/strong> confirmed that <strong>Said Bouleqcha<\/strong>, owner of <strong>Serendipity Gourmet Deli<\/strong> in downtown Cary, has opened <strong>Atlas Mediterranean Cuisine<\/strong> on Kildaire Farm Road, in the old <strong>Pizza Hut<\/strong> building most recently vacated by <strong>Unaabi Grill<\/strong>.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Noodles &amp; Company<\/strong> opened this week at <strong>Park West Village<\/strong> in Morrisville. This marks the Triangle&#8217;s sixth location. <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.noodles.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Get more details here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>News &amp; Observer<\/strong> updated us today that the next location of <strong>Another Broken Egg Caf\u00e9<\/strong> will open in <strong>North Hills<\/strong> on <strong>March 3rd<\/strong> at 160 Park at North Hills Street (i.e. the Harris Teeter side). <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.anotherbrokenegg.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Check them out here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>We got word this week that our friends over at <strong>Salt &amp; Lime Cabo Grill<\/strong> in North Raleigh (which opened just a few weeks ago) is now open for lunch. The initial word is that this place is fantastic, so get it on your radar now. <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/saltandlimecabo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Get all the details here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Got word on a <strong>Yelp<\/strong> message board, that <strong>Soo Caf\u00e9<\/strong>, a Korean fried chicken and BBQ grill, has opened in a new location at 2815 Brentwood Road in Raleigh. Their menu has expanded and the new space gives them ample parking. Can&#8217;t find a website for them, but you can check them out <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.yelp.com\/biz\/soo-caf%C3%A9-raleigh-3\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">on Yelp here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Congratulations to our friends over at <strong>Donovan&#8217;s Dish<\/strong> who just won the <strong>&#8220;Catering Professional of the Year&#8221;<\/strong> award given out by the local chapter of the <strong>National Association for Catering and Events<\/strong>. Well deserved! Want them to cater your next event? <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.trianglefoodguy.com\/69_donovans-dish-menu.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Check them out here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Durham, Orange &amp; Chatham County Restaurant News\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Got word from friend (and queen of the Hillsborough dining scene) <strong>Morgan Moylan<\/strong>, that <strong>LaPlace Louisiana Cookery<\/strong> has opened its doors in Hillsborough in the former <strong>Gulf Rim<\/strong> space. According to <strong>Moylan<\/strong>, it is a collaboration of the former <strong>Gulf Rim <\/strong>owner<strong> Joe Tullos<\/strong> and <strong>Wooden Nickel <\/strong>owner<strong> Matt Fox<\/strong> and the food is Louisiana inspired. <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LaplaceHillsborough\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Check them out on Facebook here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>And if that is not enough Hillsborough news for you, <strong>Queen Moylan<\/strong> also informed me of a new great little family Mexican spot that just opened called <strong>El Restaurante Ixtapa<\/strong>. It is located just down from the main entrance of <strong>Weaver Street Market<\/strong>, on the south bank of the Eno River at the end of the &#8220;old bridge&#8221; on Exchange Park Lane. If you are looking for authentic, this is your spot. <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/ixtapa.homestead.com\/homepage.html\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Check them out here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>. Thanks <strong>Morgan<\/strong>!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Over in Durham, <strong>Northgate Mall<\/strong> announced this week that <strong>Jade Buffet<\/strong> has opened in the recently renovated 7,800 square foot space in <strong>The Shops at Northgate<\/strong> directly across from Sears. In addition to a broad selection of Asian cuisines, including Chinese and Japanese-style hibachi and sushi, there is a fully stocked American-style salad bar.\u00a0<strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.jadebuffetnc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Get all the details here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Also in Durham, the 17th Triangle location of <strong>Moe&#8217;s Southwest Grill<\/strong> opened this week in the <strong>Diamond View III<\/strong> building in downtown Durham. This location is unique in that they are serving weekday breakfast, and offering bicycle delivery for lunch (within a mile) to the downtown area. Congrats to <strong>Dave Wilson<\/strong>! <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.moes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Get more details here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>We saw on their Facebook page that <strong>Straw Valley Food &amp; Drink<\/strong>, located off 15-501 at the Durham\/Orange County line, just got their permits, which means juices will return this weekend and lunch menu in the caf\u00e9 next week. <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/strawvalleycafe.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Check them out here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>And across 15-501 in the <strong>Gateway Terrace<\/strong> development, the <strong>Herald Sun<\/strong> provided an update on a couple of openings. The <strong>Chipotle Mexican Grill<\/strong> and <strong>PDQ<\/strong>, a fast casual establishment focusing on chicken tenders, sandwiches, salads and shakes, are both slated to open in mid-March. <strong>Freddy&#8217;s Frozen Custard &amp; Steakburgers<\/strong> and <strong>Jimmy Johns<\/strong> will also open there, but not until this summer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>A shout out to <strong>Acme<\/strong> in downtown Carrboro (a favorite restaurant of my wife, the lovely and talented <strong>Lori Bowers-Lennard<\/strong>). <strong>Acme<\/strong> celebrated their 16th year this week (and speaking of anniversaries, my wife and I celebrate 11 years this weekend!). Congrats (to both of us)! <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/acmecarrboro.com\/home\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Check them out here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Closings\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>Herald-Sun<\/strong> reported this week that the <strong>Dairy Queen and Orange Julius<\/strong> location by the carousel at <strong>Northgate Mall<\/strong> has closed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Food Trucks\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li>The next food truck rodeo at <strong>Durham Central Park<\/strong> will be <strong>March 9th<\/strong> from <strong>noon to 4<\/strong> p.m. The Brooklyn-based 10-piece band PitchBlak Brass Band is expected to play at the rodeo, and Kidznotes is slated to present a musical showcase and instrument zoo. <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/durhamcentralpark.org\/event\/food-truck-rodeo-4\/\" target=\"_blank\" shape=\"rect\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Get all the details here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Events<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>On <strong>March 1st<\/strong>, two great Glenwood South institutions &#8211; <strong>Napper Tandy&#8217;s and Hibernian Pub<\/strong> &#8211; will join forces in the battle to end childhood cancer. The<strong> Glenwood South St. Baldrick&#8217;s Event<\/strong> will take place on <strong>Saturday, March 1st from 1 &#8211; 7 p.m.<\/strong> Consider joining the effort. <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.stbaldricks.org\/events\/mypage\/115\/2014\/\" target=\"_blank\" shape=\"rect\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Get all the details here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>Bull City Food &amp; Beer Experience<\/strong> is back for its second year. This year&#8217;s event will be held at the <strong>Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)<\/strong> on <strong>March 9th<\/strong> at 4 p.m. The event pairs food from 30 Durham restaurants and unbelievable beer from 30 premier craft \/ import breweries. Tickets are $85.50. A limited number of exclusive VIP tickets are also available. <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bullcityexperience.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" shape=\"rect\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Get all the details here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>If you are in the market for a new cookbook with a local twist, you&#8217;ll definitely want to check out <strong>Andrea Weigl&#8217;s<\/strong> new cookbook &#8211; <strong>Pickles &amp; Preserves, a Savor The South cookbook<\/strong>. She has some book signings coming up, with the first on <strong>March 12th<\/strong> at <strong>Quail Ridge Books<\/strong> in Raleigh. <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/uncpress.unc.edu\/browse\/author_page?title_id=3519\" target=\"_blank\" shape=\"rect\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Get all the details on her cookbook and signings here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Got a note on my blog about an event coming up on <strong>March 15th<\/strong> called the <strong>Raleigh Tamale Festival<\/strong>, a Latino heritage festival, with tamale competition, soccer, music, dancing &amp; more. It will be held in Raleigh at <strong>Peach Road Park from 1-4 p.m.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Here is an event you are definitely going to want to get on your calendar for this year. Two words: Beer. Bacon. That&#8217;s right, a <strong>Beer and Bacon Festival<\/strong> is coming to Cary&#8217;s <strong>Booth Amphitheater<\/strong> featuring at least 75 craft beers and 10 varieties of bacon (did you know there were 10 varieties?). The event will be held on <strong>March 29 from noon until 6 p.m. <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.beerandbacon.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" shape=\"rect\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Get all the details and ticket information here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>It was announced this week that the 2nd Annual <strong>East Meets West<\/strong> food and performance festival celebrating Morrisville&#8217;s diverse community will be on <strong>Saturday, May 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.<\/strong>m. Admission to the festival is free, tickets will be available for purchase to buy food, beer and wine. <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/eastmeetswestmorrisville.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" shape=\"rect\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Get all the details here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Food Bank Corner\u00a0<\/span> \u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div>\n<div>During the week of <strong>April 23-27<\/strong>, <strong>Durham Magazine<\/strong> and <strong>Chapel Hill Magazine<\/strong> will put on a festival of food and beverage events called <strong>TASTE<\/strong>, which will celebrate the vibrant Durham-Chapel Hill culinary scene. A portion of ticket sale proceeds from the signature event, the <strong>Grand TASTE Experience at DPAC<\/strong> on <strong>Thursday, April 24<\/strong>, will be donated to the <strong>Durham Branch of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina<\/strong>. For more information, <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/tastetheevent.com\/home\/\" target=\"_blank\" shape=\"rect\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">visit them here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Triangle Restaurant News Triangle restaurant news&#8230;that not everyone knows. Impress your co-workers at the water cooler. Featured Restaurant News \u00a0Folks, if you don&#8217;t believe me when I say we live in one of the hottest dining markets in the country, &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/?p=87\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-87","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=87"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87\/revisions\/88"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=87"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=87"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trianglefoodblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=87"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}