Southern Favorites: Biscuits

I am a biscuit fan - big time. I was beyond upset when my $15.00 Bojangles combo at Bank of America Stadium this past weekend for the UNC vs. WVU bowl game did not include a biscuit. (Seriously - wtf?!)

Naturally, I think this Biscuit of the Month Club highlighted in an email from Garden & Gun (it's one of my inbox favorites - make sure you get on the list) sounds a-may-zing.

I'm also super excited about the forthcoming The Flying Biscuit Cafe to Cameron Village - which I've been told actually does some of my favorite southern staples like biscuits, gravy, and grits (not to be confused with G.R.I.T.S) right! I'll be sure to post an update as soon as it opens and I give it a try myself.
(Image Source: GoGoRaleigh.com)Anyone tried either of these southern favorites?

Rickshaw Confessions

A great source for all things Raleigh - NewRaleigh.com - has recently posted the first installment of Rickshaw Confessions. Think Taxicab Confessions... but Raleigh Rickshaw style.

Personally, I'd prefer some fun trivia and cash (Cash Cab style), but I think this could be interesting.

Be on the lookout for the rickshaws and take a ride sometime!

Tobacco Road... Officially Open!

I say officially, because by the time I finish this post and it hits your Google Readers, it will be after 11:00am.

Last week I was very fortunate to be invited to the sneak preview of Tobacco Road Sports Cafe - many thanks to the Amra brothers and Amy for that! I took Nick, Adrianne, and Joey along for the fun and we all had a great time and everyone enjoyed their (well thought out) selections from Tobacco Road's awesome menu and the service was faaaaantastic.

If you get a chance to check it out this week (heck, even today!) - be sure to do so. Here's a word from Rommie about the opening:

We have been busy finishing training and putting the finishing touches on the menu and decor of Tobacco Road Sports Cafe. I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that we officially open today at 11 a.m. We will now be open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday - Sunday.

I hope you can stop by to check it out. There are plenty of parking spaces in the garage behind our building. Parking is free, you just need to get a token from us to exit the garage. Also, disregard the "Lot Full" sign--someone is supposed to fix it this week.

Our menu is posted online here.

The new website should be up this week with photos and more information.

We will send updates on great deals at Tobacco Road, exclusively for email list members, later this week. Thanks for your patience and your support!Be sure to get on that email list (right in the top/right of the homepage). Good things come to those in the know! That should be my new tagline.

PS - Note the good advice on parking. There are NO excuses to not make it downtown.

Monday Confession: I Twitter

Not religiously by any means... I haven't downloaded any type of Twitter app, so I only get updates when I want to by checking in via new Crackberry's fully-functional real browser, but I'm am nonetheless on Twitter.

(Let's be honest, what kind of marketing girl would I really be without personally trying out all the mediums so I can give my clients the best possible first-hand knowledge?)

However, this week alone I have had two cool experiences that give me a fun reason to half-recommend Twitter... at least once in my life. So here ya go...

Email that came to new crackberry on Thursday while I was at the bar (and proceeded to get REALLY excited about):

Hi, Lisa Jeffries.

Zac Brown Band (zacbrownband) is now following your updates on Twitter.

Check out Zac Brown Band's profile here:

http://twitter.com/zacbrownband

You may follow Zac Brown Band as well by clicking on the "follow" button.

Best,
TwitterMade. My. Week!

Then again this morning, quick check in on Twitter (thanks to a new follower I wanted to check out):ashtonmae: Tobacco road is open! about 17 hours ago from TwitterBerryWell butter my biscuit! Looks like Raleigh's newest best place to do lunch has been putting in some major overtime!

So if you Twitter (of if you decide to give it a shot now), feel free to follow me... I like to think you'll enjoy the randomness (and I do mean random) that is contained in my Twitter updates.

Tobacco Road... Coming Soon!

I was able to get a glimpse into the new Tobacco Road Sports Cafe yesterday on my way to lunch with Tyler yesterday at one of my favorite hidden gems of Raleigh: Rockford. The TVs are in the windows (a cool feature for Glenwood South) and tables are being set in. After briefly chatting with Brian Amra a week or so ago, it seems that early January is when the doors will open.

I can't wait!

Be sure to check out their blog - which was just updated yesterday by Brian - and get a look at the menu... it'll make you hungry for Tobacco Road basketball and Tobacco Road food at the same time!


Full Disclosure: Lisa S. and I discussed the need for a restaurant/bar called "Tobacco Road" long ago (in the old Damon's location in the heart of Wolfpack country nonetheless), but these guys beat us to it.

If it was anyone else, I might be a little jealous, but I obviously love Amra's and know that Tobacco Road Sports Cafe will be nothing short of FANTASTIC and run by a family who really knows how to run a good business.

12/22 Update: Ashton says it's officially open on Wednesday!

I've Never Mentioned Brian Davis Before?

Really? My apologies!

For folks in the Triangle, there's a good chance you already know the name Brian Davis - or Brian Davis Live. For those of you in the other parts of the country, take any opportunity you get to see Brian near your own town... you WON'T be disappointed.

For all of you current fans looking for any last minute holiday gifts, be sure to check out Brian's merchandise... I just got an email from Cole (Brian's marketing manager) today who says:

"We are trying to clear out as much merch as possible to get ready for a brand new 2009 line up. For a limited time order any Brian Davis t-shirt or CD and receive a free koozie AND a free exclusive full-length MP3 off his yet to be titled fourth studio album!! Visit the store now and do a little shopping!!"You heard the man!

PS - Be on the lookout for Brian's 4th studio album coming in January 2009!This new record will feature 12-15 brand new tracks including "When Hank Comes Back", "Summer Back", "Thank God She's a Country Girl". There will be an album release party at City Limits Saloon in Raleigh.PS #2 - I will NOT be missing the farm party in '09. Not a second of it.

A Holiday Favorite

Elf Yourself is one of my favorite holiday promotions. They really kicked it up a notch this year with the addition of download for $4.99 and merchandise!

Didn't know Delta could do cartwheels, huh? Ever think you'd see Tank two-step (or - ahem - four-step)?

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Enjoy and go Elf Yourself, too!

PS - Click through if it doesn't automatically show up in Google Reader... some videos and flash animations don't!

CB Goes {Green}

I saw this featured on News14 - a woman from Carolina Beach has come up with a great fabric wrapping system for gifts (all shapes and sizes) that reduces your paper waste and can be used year after year - and even all year long!

In all honesty, I can't totally afford to do all of our gifts this way this year (we all know being green ain't always cheap!), but I'd like to move to using a system like this all the time in the future.

Double love that 1% of each sale goes to an eco-organization!

PS - I still consider Carolina Beach, NC to be "local". It's a few hours away, but the products are made in the US and even better... made in NC!

Keep Your Eyes Open!

I know there are a lot of moms (and dads!) who read this blog (including my own - Hi Mom! Hi Dad!), so I was really excited to see that our friends in law enforcement have harnessed the power of technology when it comes to Amber Alerts.

Many thanks to Lisa S. for sharing!

Amber Alert Text Site

"Statistics show that the first 3 hours after an abduction are the most critical in recovery efforts. By signing up for free wireless Amber Alerts you could play an integral role in the recovery of an abducted child." -From WebsiteBe sure to read her post as she gives you a good run-down of the features of the program!

Some Good {Green} Tips from My City

I love Raleigh - email Chris Riley to subscribe to the weekly enewsletter.

City of Raleigh Urges Residents to Reduce Waste During the Holidays
On average, Raleigh residents produce about 3,000 tons of garbage each week. That number jumps dramatically to 3,750 tons per week during the holiday period, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day.

To reduce the amount of waste taken to the landfill, the City of Raleigh Solid Waste Services (SWS) Department and the City’s curbside recycling program, Raleigh Recycling, are encouraging residents to follow holiday waste reduction tips. SWS and Raleigh Recycling have joined other agencies in issuing these tips so everyone can enjoy a “Green” Christmas. Actually many of the tips can be used throughout the year, not just the holidays.

The holiday waste reduction tips are thorough and cover a variety of topics. These include holiday decorations, parties, holiday food, holiday cards, gift wrapping, enviro-shopping, gift giving, green gift ideas, gifts of time, gifts of charity, gifts for grandparents, homemade gifts, homemade gifts/non-homemade gifts made from reused materials and decorations, zero budget gifts, mailing packages, changing gift giving traditions, and energy savings.

To view all of the holiday waste reduction tips offered by SWS and Raleigh Recycling, visit the City of Raleigh’s website at www.raleighnc.gov.

Here are a few of the tips:
* Decorate your home, tree and centerpiece with
holly, cedar, berries, cranberries, popcorn, fruits and nuts, all of which can be composted or used for bird food after use;

* To add a special touch to your decorating consider using memorabilia such as a child's first shoe or teething ring, old jewelry, mementos from vacations, small stuffed animals and toys, holiday card ornaments, miniature toy cars, cookie cutters, dressed up dolls, or edible cookie ornaments;

* Email holiday party invitations making it clear that the invitation is in lieu of a traditional card;

* Eliminate disposal plates, cups and napkins from your holiday party. Instead, use “real” dishes and cloth napkins that can be washed and reused. Everyone loves hanging around the kitchen so make cleaning up part of the party;

* Give home-baked goodies in reusable holiday tins;

* Recycle all beverage and food cans and bottles from your holiday gathering;

* Buy the highest content post-consumer recycled holiday greeting cards that you can find. These cards are becoming easier to find in stores. Look for the recycling symbol inside a circle or a statement that says the cards are made from recycled paper;

* Reuse wrapping and ribbon when possible or purchase gift bags that can be reused as an alternative;

* Call the toll-free phone numbers on unwanted holiday catalogs and have your name taken off their mailing lists;

* Give non-materialistic “green” gifts that do not require wrapping, such as gift certificates for massages, restaurants, cooking classes, sailing lessons, etc. Experiences are remembered long after other presents wear out;

* Help someone recycle by buying a can-crusher, recycling or compost bin, or a tote cart to help get the bin to the curb;

* Prepare homemade soups or dinners that can be frozen for future use;

* Give away --- not throw away --- the last great book you bought. Give it to someone who enjoys your taste and later the two of you can talk about it;

* Save gift boxes, bows and ribbon for use next holiday season; and,

* Start off 2009 by making waste reduction your No. 1 New Year’s resolution. Commit to purchasing longer lasting products, such as compact florescent light bulbs and rechargeable batteries. You will save money and have less trash to discard.And the next headline from this week's eNews:City to Recycle Discarded Christmas Trees
What’s an easy and environmentally friendly way to get rid of your Christmas tree following the holidays? Raleigh residents should place their discarded trees at the curb with regular yard waste on their scheduled collection day.
...
All natural Christmas trees collected by the City’s Solid Waste Services Department, including those taken to the Yard Waste Center, are recycled into wood chips and mulch. These products are sold to the general public at the Yard Waste Center, which can be reached at 250-2728.Can you believe how much our waste increases during this short time period?

Super Addicting

From the folks who brought us TheKnot.com (don't act like you don't know what it is - that's impossible if you've been exposed to any wedding in any way, shape or form, circa 2000 or later), they've now found another way to keep us connected at the hip: TheNest.com.

Dear Productivity Gods - please don't let me subscribe to any associated email newsletters or blogs... like I need ANOTHER distraction.

Ooops, too late.

Free Tomorrow?

Free tomorrow? (Yes.) Fantastic!

You may remember this event from one of my very first posts as a blogger. The 2008 event is tomorrow:

Racing Heroes Charity Auction
benefiting the Duke Children's Hospital: Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Family Support Program
http://www.TheRacingHeroes.com

Tuesday - December 9th - 7pm
Gov. Holshouser Building
NC State Fair Grounds
(Google Map)

Doors open and silent auction begin at 5pm
Live auction begins at 7pm

*Free Admission*

Over 200 items to be auctioned including autographed NASCAR sheet metal, die cast, and other sports memorabilia.Please pass this along to any of your NC friends and family who might enjoy attending!

PS - The over 200 items to be auctioned off aren’t just sports-themed either - 2 years ago our family was the high bidder on a year's supply of "Some Kinda Good" bbq sauce that we used to put together grilling-kits for holiday gift baskets.

Tank and Delta Say "Thanks!"

The pups just wanted to pass along a quick "Thanks!". Remember when they asked you all to vote for their friends at Independent Animal Rescue?

Well Ashton sent me some fab news last week:

Hi Ashton,

The votes are in, and America's Favorite Animal Shelter is: Independent Animal Rescue, Inc. of Durham, NC!

Independent Animal Rescue, Inc. (IAR) is a non-profit, no-kill rescue group that rescues strays or animals from from the local shelters that are in danger of euthanasia. IAR places the animals with volunteer foster homes and pays for vet care and animal supplies. IAR also provides spay and neutering for pets of disadvantaged families, as well as dog behavior training.

Help Make 2009 "A New Year of Hope for Animals"

Ask President-Elect Obama to Save a Dog's Life!

The fantastic contest runners up are:

• Second Place: NorCal Boxer Rescue of Richardson, TX
• Third Place: Southern California Bulldog Rescue of Santa Ana, CA
• Fourth Place: Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART) of Fairfax Station, VA
• Fifth Place: Small Paws Rescue of Tulsa, OK

Thanks everyone!!

P.D.C. - Amra's

Just after writing this post about how Red Hat was making a very festive (and pretty. darn. classy.) move with their holiday party, check out this email I just got from the Amra's family:

A gift for you, Happy Holidays from Amra's

Lisa,

This is Samson. Amra's is sponsoring Samson on behalf of our Amra's guests. Samson is a Rottweiler-Shepherd mix that is in foster care through Best Friend Pet Adoption. Our sponsorship will help cover the cost of his food and medical expenses for the next six months. Although we hope that he'll have a permanent home and family before then.

The holidays are here and for most this means a time of giving—finding those perfect gifts for friends and family as well as giving to charities, financially or donating your time.During these economic times many charities have experienced sharp drops in donations. One way to still be able to donate to your favorite charity and give a meaningful gift is by sponsoring. Click here or visit BFPA online at http://cts.vresp.com/c/?Amras/48f55554e7/64adddf889/6912f621d2 to see the 48 cats and 37 dogs available for sponsorship through BFPA. Just click the "View Cats/Dogs to Sponsor" button, click on their name to learn more about them and click the "Sponsor" button located in their profile.You can dedicate your sponsorship to someone, with your dedication text appearing on their profile. BFPA will also send an acknowledgement on your behalf via email or snail mail.
Happy Holidays,
Brian, Alex and Rommie Amra
amrasraleigh.com
919-828-8488They sure know how to win MY heart! Just look at that sweeeeeet face!

Adrianne and Joey - go get him for Sweetie! Then she'll have a Tank of her own :-)

The Faces of Lung Cancer

This aired on NBC a while back... a touching story that sheds some light on the (untold) story of lung cancer. You might even recognize Brittany Coppedge as one of the "Faces of Lung Cancer", if you're quick!

There's no code available to directly embed it, but please click through and give it a watch and spread the word if you can! Ask and you shall receive!



PS - The video doesn't show up in Google Reader apparently, so be sure to click through and give it a watch!

Best Holiday Party EVER

This seems like it'll be a hoot. Well worth a Saturday night in Downtown just to see this for yourself.

The Official Santa Rampage
Who can argue with a hundred Santas?

Time and Place: Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 8:00pm - Raleigh, NC
Street: Glenwood South

Dress in a Santa Suit. Go bar hopping. Spread cheer. BE 21 OR OVER.

Wear a Santa suit!!! Bring prezzies or little gifts if you want to. Bring cash for bar tabs. Santa does not pay cover. The more the merrier. Ho ho ho!

Santa apparel is mandatory. A Santa hat is not enough. Get a Santa suit. Make a Santa suit. Steal a Santa suit. Buy a Santa suit. If you don't have any money, be creative. If you don't have any creativity, slap yourself three times and ask your mom to help you. Glue cotton balls to red long johns. Already have a Santa suit? Make a spare so Santa can assimilate strangers.

Pay your own damn bar tab.

The answer to important questions that may arise:
Q: Who's in charge?
A: "Santa"

Q: What organization are you with?
A: "Santa"

Q: What are you protesting?
A: "Shitty holiday parties"

Q: How did you get here?
A: "A sleigh and eight tiny reindeer"

Q: Where are you going?
A: "I'm only allowed to tell you if you dress like Santa"Here's the facebook invite and a great New Raleigh article (with video). Put it on your calendar!