You'd think a small town like Garner would really embrace the local indy business movement, but the busiest places on the weekend are almost always chain concepts - that's why i'm really excited to share a few new places that are earning my local dollars.
Zin Yoga Studio & Wine Lounge
This business isn't as new as the following two (maybe around for a year or so, already?), but what Kara is doing here is pretty innovative. Yoga + wine = in one place. Get your yoga on at this Aversboro Square studio and then after class, enjoy samples of wine, indulge in a glasses, or take a few bottles of wine home to enjoy. Occasionally, Kara has even turned the studio into a pop-up dinner venue with featuring the culinary talents of Chef Joe from Backyard Bistro and the wine knowledge of Cory Sloan from Tryon Distributing. I've taken several yoga classes here with both Kara and Mary and have enjoyed all of them. And I love the variety of days and times that they offer classes. Sunday afternoon zen session? Yes, please!
And yes, of course, I've also sampled the wine and thoroughly enjoyed that too. :-) Check out the class and event schedule schedule online at http://zinyogawine.com/. Namaste, y'all.
The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop
Just down the street from Zin is The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner's first (and currently only) craft beer indy retailer! (Kroger grocery store doesn't count, kids.) Gal pal Adrianne and I popped in last Sunday after yoga to check this spot out. It had just opened that week, so they were still getting a lot of things worked out - like the right inspections and permits to be able to serve flights and ciders. All good things to look forward to as this new business grows. In the meantime, grab some friends, family and neighbors and taste your way through their draft menu - which is fun to do 5 ounces at a time... a unique offering I haven't seen before in this area. Read up on what's available at thebeerdedlady.com and then visit them in the 5th Avenue shopping center.
Click here for more pictures! (Note I have GOT to move this blog over to WordPress so I can create a nice gallery for these things!)
Krafty's Burgers & Brews
Also just opening last week is Krafty's Burgers & Brews in Garner's White Oak shopping center, next to the movie theater (where Shuck 'Em Shack used to be). Johnnie Bud and I stopped in last week at the friends and family event to wish owner Robert Stapleton well in the new venture. Keen observers might notice the bar is a carry over from Robert's original Napper Tandy's in downtown Raleigh that was located in Powerhouse Square. (Napper's has since moved to Glenwood Avenue, but Robert kept one of the bars and re-used it here.)
We were on a tight schedule when visiting and didn't get a chance to try any food from the menu, but are looking forward to getting back for a visit soon. There are actually quite a few vegetarian-friendly items for me, including a "build-a-burger" option that has a veggie burger base choice! No website yet, but check out updates from their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Kraftysburgersandbrews.
Click here for more pictures from Krafty's!
Are there any other new, locally-owned businesses in Garner that I need to check out next weekend? Let me know in the comments below!
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Garner Ups Its Game
Sunday, September 13, 2015
New Favorite: Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery in Cary
Having grown up just a few miles from the intersection of Tryon Road and Cary Parkway, I've seen a solid handful of businesses come and go from the corner free standing building in the Wellington Park shopping center. This is the first that I think has a real shot of lasting!
Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and I've read that they hope to expand into evening hours, too. Visit them at 6490 Tryon Road in Cary.
I stopped in a few weeks ago to grab a quick lunch to-go when I was on that side of town and totally loved the Apple & Brie Panini (Sliced Apples and Brie Cheese with Dijon Mustard on a French Baguette) - although it was hard to pass up the Grilled Cheese option (Ashe County Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheeses toasted between thick slices of white bread). I'm a sucker for anything with brie, but i'll probably order the Grilled Cheese next time I find myself over there for lunch - especially with fall approaching and it's a done deal if I can get tomato soup on the side. Both paninis and sandwiches are served with your choice of potato chips, cole slaw, pasta salad or garden side salad. I chose the potato chips and was pleasantly surprised to find that these are large, house-made chips. #NailedIt
Check out the full menu that includes breakfast and salads online at http://www.chanticleercafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Chantileer-Cafe-Menu-Web-Format-08-01-2015.pdf. (Their website, http://www.chanticleercafe.com/, also offers separate menus for their coffee selection and bakery items.)
I asked for four sweet bakery items (manager's choice) to be packed in a to-go box to send home with my client who I was meeting with after lunch. The total bill for my sandwich and side, plus the sweet goodies to go, was less than $20.
Save Room for the Sweets!
On a second visit about a week and a half later for brunch/lunch, the Manfriend, my parents, and I all ventured around the menu. Johnnie and my dad both enjoyed breakfast sandwiches served with Ashe County Cheddar, eggs, and bacon on croissants. Mom ordered a salad and it was so large, she took half home for later. I ordered the Caprese panini (Italian Bread brushed with Olive Oil and filled with Basil, Fresh Mozzarella and Sliced Tomatoes) and although it was good and exactly what you'd expect with basil, mozz, and toms, the Apple & Brie still ranks above it for me.
This time around, we ordered a French Chocolate Silk Tart which was served basically as a mini-pie. Although the crust was a bit too tough to break with a fork easily, it didn't our four-some from cutting it up into smaller bites and devouring it. The chocolate silk was true to form - super light, yet rich, and a perfect end to the meal - even though we did sneak a few bites early after we sat down and were waiting for our sandwiches and salads. For all four of us, plus the single dessert, the total bill was about $40.
Each time I've been, there have been equal amounts of diners enjoying the outside seating as well as inside. I've never had to wait long and on each visit, the service has been friendly.
According to the N&O's food writer, Andrea Weigl, the bakery is owned by chef Craig Freeman, a longtime Raleigh caterer and owner of Edible Accolades.
If you're local, stop in soon and let me know what you think of this new local spot in the comments below!
Friday, December 05, 2014
Raleigh Rotaract to Host Charity Beer Dinner
Raleigh people - I hope you'll join me for a great beer dinner on Thursday, Dec. 11!
Monday, August 18, 2014
Brunch at Tazza Kitchen: No Syrup Needed
Johnnie Bud and I have been big fans of Tazza Kitchen since it opened in Cameron Village earlier this year. They've got a great cocktail menu and and a foodie menu made for sharing each other's plates, so of course we were excited to hear they were adding Sunday brunch to their tasty lineup.
We called ahead around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday and were thrilled to hear there was no wait to seat two, so we drove over to Cameron Village, sat at the bar, and quickly ordered a Sunday afternoon staple - mimosas, please! (Very happy to report that they used fresh squeezed orange juice and a very generous pour of prosecco at $6. Next time, we'll go for the $12 1/2 liter carafe option.)
The brunch menu wasn't super vegetarian-friendly, but still super appealing nonetheless.
- Johnnie Bud ordered the French Toast: house-made brioche, cashew praline butter, blueberry vincotto sauce, basil, whipped mascarpone - $9.5
- I chose the Broccoli Rabe & Smoke Mozzarella Sandwich: oven roasted tomatoes, smokey tomato mayo - $9.5
Neither disappointed, but Johnnie's choice was clearly the brunch champ this go around. The blueberries and praline butter made a great sweetener - no syrup required!
My sandwich was a good choice with the mayo on the side, but would have been a better breakfast item with a fried egg or egg over medium/well added in between the ciabatta slices.
We got plate envy watching the Huevos Rancheros (corn tostadas, chorizo, sofritto, baked eggs*, salsa verde, pico de gallo, crema, cranberry beans, hash browns - $10.5) and Breakfast Pizza (béchamel, bacon, mozzarella, grana padano, baked local eggs - $13) being delivered to nearby tables, so you can bet we'll be back in the coming weekends to try those options A.S.A.P.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Hey Raleighs, What Are You Doing Friday Night?
One of my gal pals (and fellow local nightlife/restaurant/retail rockstars), Christina G., was kind enough to invite me to Yelp.com's second annual Open Party, so I thought I'd keep the kindness going and share it with you all, as well!
This year's theme is Athletes vs. Mathletes (ummm LOVE it) and from what I hear, Yelp's local events take good time a whole new level. So as you might imagine, I'm very excited to check out my first event with this group of locals.
Date: Friday, May 6th
Time: Public Party Starts at 8pm
Venue: Crabtree Tavern
Nick and I went to Crabtree Tavern once during football season to check out their offerings. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't get a chance to blog about it, so I don't really remember much about the experience - except that I was still working when we got there and I was really impressed when the hostess was able to quickly seat us at a table with a power outlet so I could keep working with my laptop plugged in. I'm a sucker for great service! I'm sure I had a salad, and I would have remembered if it wasn't good, so I'm looking forward to getting back there on Friday and giving them another try. I'll make sure to post a review on Yelp after (which will sign up in my blog sidebar here now, too), so I won't go so long that I forget how it was!
Do you yelp? If so, here I am. Help me get past the "0" yelp friends icon, please?! :-)
PS - Fullsteam Brewery and LoneRider are part of the Friday night shenanigans. If you're a local beer drinker, that's likely what I should have started with - because that's all you needed to hear, right?
PS #2 - You know I love a good cause! Make a donation to Southern Siberian Rescue while you're there for a chance to win great door prizes and to collect great Yelp swag. (I can attest to the fine quality of their swag, btw.)
Cheers!
(And last, no blog post is complete without a disclaimer these days. I was not contacted by Yelp to blog about this. But, I do know Christina and she did personally invite me out. Personal invitations don't count as spiffs... at least I don't think. ;-))
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Hushpuppies are a Big Deal
I almost laughed out loud when I read this line from George Cox's review of Garner's (somewhat new) Shuck 'Em Shack:
Hushpuppies are not bad for a commercial product, though the Southerner in me cringes at paying $1.99 for a dozen.I can remember going to Dockside at some point in college, one of the best locations in Wilmington for a great coastal view - paired with a bite to eat and a tasty drink. only to find out at that point they had decided to not offer hushpuppies at all. (Something about space for the fryer or it being the off-season... clearly I was in no mind for any excuses.) Everyone at our table heavily considered just leaving before ordering anything. What's a Po' Boy sandwich with a no hushpuppies? (The answer: not much.)
Same situation with the ill-fated Sunny Side Too, which also called Garner home. (I can name more than a handful of reasons this local restaurant didn't last, sadly. But I won't.)
My point is this: in Carolina, and much of the South, hushpuppies are expected. And we more often than not expect them to be yummy and a complimentary part of the Southern seafood meal.
You can read Greg's entire report on the Shuck 'Em Shack online at http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/01/14/917251/where-you-can-shuck-to-your-hearts.html.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Breakfast with Santa for FIVE Great Causes!
Dr. Tinney Railey sent me an email this week asking me to help spread the word about this Saturday's fundraiser and how could I not with so many great organizations benefiting?
The Third Annual Charity Breakfast Buffet with Santa
Saturday - December 11, 2010, 8-11am
at Spice Street Restaurant in Chapel Hill
This event is organized by the resident physicians at UNC and this year we are supporting 5 charities: Ronald McDonald House, SECU Family House, NC Children's Hospital, NC Food Bank, and Toys for Tots. Last year we had a great event with over $1,000, 400 canned goods, and almost 500 toys donated. This year same great venue and price but we added an additional organization. We are also bringing awareness to Kayla’s Closet, an organization that provides formal dresses to ladies who could not otherwise afford them.Happy holidays, y'all!
Kids can take pictures with Santa (skip the mall lines and prices), make ornaments, and enjoy face painting all while benefiting the community. Spice Street will make a monetary donation to be divided between the Ronald McDonald House, SECU Family House, and NC Children's Promise for every buffet purchased. We are asking people to bring canned goods or new toys. Adults $10 and kids $5 including tax and gratuity (cash, check and credit cards accepted)!
Thursday, October 07, 2010
What are You Doing for Lunch or Dinner Today??
The Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® Community Service Committee needs your help to raise money for our annual Project Angel Tree, where we purchase and donate Christmas presents for hundreds, sometimes thousands of children in Wake County's foster program. We are proud to partner with BOCCI ITALIAN TRATTORIA & PIZZERIA, MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL and TEXAS ROADHOUSE in order to raise funds to support this amazing cause!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Simply visit this link, print the flyer and present it when you dine out at one of the participating restaurants on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7th -- that's TONIGHT! The restaurant will donate 10% of their food sales from October 7th to Project Angel Tree. For more information, click here or contact Priscilla Erwin at priscillae@rrar.com.
PS - Nick and I are going to Bocci because it's in Cary next to Swagger Gifts and I love Italian. Let me know if you want to join us!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Restaurant Review: The Cherry Bomb Grill
(Click to enlarge - It's not the best picture in the world, but it's a fun "panoramic" courtesy of Nick's Droid cell phone.)
On Thursday night Nick and I ventured to the new Cherry Bomb Grill - now in the space of the former Joe's Place, which for the record, I cannot remember going to once in my 26 years in Raleigh. (Maybe because I never saw it open during dinner or weekends?)
Based on the early marketing for the restaurant and bar, I didn't think I was going to be much of a fan. It was a little too pin-up cheesy for me. Luckily, I am all for giving a local venue a first chance, because once we got there, it was a lot more toned down inside on the original concept - which I think was a great move.
Seating - +
The restaurant has a really accommodating open layout and bar. We walked in and were immediately greeted by the hostesses and waitresses and taken to a high-top table for two. (They were overstaffed for the evening, however - so the girls were just hanging around up front with not a lot else to do. Not necessarily a drawback, just an observation.)
Service - +
Our server was a little shy, but by the end of the night she finally became a little more personable with us (although I think it was mostly due to asking her what she had tried and liked on the menu so far).
Atmosphere - +
As I noted before, it was much better than I had originally imagined it to be based off the concepts they marketed before opening. The bar setup was accessible and had a nice TV display - great for game day. The restaurant is on the corner of a busy street in Downtown Raleigh, so I was bit surprised when all of the street-facing windows were covered with heavy, dark red curtains. (From a marketing standpoint, I'd rather see them left open so those driving by can see everyone inside having a great time.)
Food and Beverage - (neutral)
http://cherrybombgrill.com/dinner.php
The bar also features three walls of draught brews - mostly micro-brews. Nice! (They lost points and a few dollars revenue for being out of Shotgun Betty, however, because that's Nick's go-to choice. With Lone Rider Brewing Co. being here in Raleigh, it should be the most readily in-stock brew. Maybe an early-opening oversight?)
The menu features a wide selection of appetizers, salads (with meat), entrees, and desserts. Nick had a burger and fries (fries were good!), but unfortunately I was left with few options as a vegetarian. I opted for the macaroni appetizer (sans the bacon) and that was it. (And obviously not fulfilling.) Our server noted that the lack of vegetarian options was brought up by their staff and would likely be remedied in the full menu being offered in the coming weeks as the restaurant gets situated and "fully open". I am kicking myself for not having dessert, though! There were four dessert offerings, including a peach something or another dessert that I sure would have sealed the positive deal for me. ;-)
Nick liked his burger just fine, and that's about all you'll get out of him in regards to a "review". It's not necessarily somewhere he'll be asking to go back to specifically for a burger like Tribeca Tavern in Cary (that review to come later). My macaroni was fine, but it tasted more like an Italian mac and cheese than a cheddar or some other based-dish. My preference goes to cheddars, pepper jacks, etc. So again, it was fine, but not something I'd go back just to have that one dish (very similar to Capital Club 16 - again, another review to come!).
Pricing - (neutral)
Our bill for two was less than $20, but had I opted for an entree it would have tipped just over that. I would say it's "about norm" for casual dining in Downtown Raleigh.
Overall - +
Their facebook marketing is a bit overkill (I'll "like" your page, but please get away from the "be our friend" kick... it's just too much), but I'll venture back for a drink when near the Downtown Raleigh Amphitheater again. I'd also give them another chance when they expand the menu to see if they offer more non-meat options. The new owner(s) have invested a great deal in upfitting the restaurant and you can tell that they've put some time into it. The music played when we were there was not as rockin' and rollin' as I expected (but I liked the music nonetheless).
The only other "hitch" in the evening was that an owner or manager never approached us to see how our experience was (even though I noticed him sitting at a table on his laptop during our visit). I have come to expect it in independently-owned restaurants, but it's not something that would keep us from coming back... it's just a nice touch that I think really ensures a positive experience when the owner thanks you for coming in and asks for feedback.
Other Cherry Bomb Grill Links:
http://www.newraleigh.com/articles/archive/cherry-bomb-and-pin-up-costumed-servers-to-replace-joes-place/
http://www.newraleigh.com/articles/archive/cherry-bomb-to-open-later-this-week-on-martin-street/
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/business/cherry-bomb-grill-opens-in-downtown-raleigh
http://trioutnc.com/Cherry-Bomb-Grill-Raleigh-7181
http://www.facebook.com/cherrybombgrill
http://cherrybombgrill.com/
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Come Check Out the DTR Water Tower on Wednesday!
Who has $685,000 to lend me? I think this would make a GREAT location for my first restaurant... no?
My friends at Glenwood Agency have listed this very cool water tower (and current home to the NC chapter of the American Institute of Architects) and are having a little open house/tour on Wednesday of this week (ie: tomorrow). Consider this your official invite, via Ann-Cabell's post on my facebook wall:
Okay, so, it's official - invite whomever you'd like! 115 W Morgan Street - Wed from 4:30 - 6:30 pm at the Old Raleigh Water Tower! We're going to serve some champagne, too! I sent out a post card to some folks, but, am eager to get as many people there as possible since it's such a cool building!
Click here to read up on the history and join me on Wednesday afternoon to check out this cool property!
Click here to watch the video about this piece of property going up for sale on News14.com!
{Image: Downtown Living Advocates blog post}
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Last Call for Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week!
It's the last day to get out and enjoy Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week... so if you haven't, get to a DTR restaurant today and make it count :-)
Indulge your palate during the Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week — a week-long dining extravaganza showcasing the culinary talent in the heart of the capital city!
Select restaurants will offer tantalizing, three-course prix fixe dinners for either $20 or $30, depending on the venue. Savor the delectable dishes prepared by downtown Raleigh's finest dining establishments from Monday, August 23 through Sunday, August 29.
Prices are $20 or $30 per person, depending on the venue (tip, taxes and beverages not included).
{via http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/restaurantweek/index.html}
The girls (Denise, Adrianne, and Jess) and I made it out to Irregardless Cafe on Thursday night and enjoyed wine, appetizers, and dessert for less than $30 a person. I, recently vegetarian, enjoyed the vegetable curry (and had leftovers for dinner last night) and the vegan fruit crisp for dessert. SO good! (I also ordered the Mediterranean platter as my appetizer and shared it with the table - it included hummus, lima bean pate, olives, and other goodies.)
Irregardless takes pride in being the oldest (consistent) restaurant in town, but I'm ashamed to say my first visit was only a few weeks ago for breakfast with the Shop Local Raleigh gang. I won't be waiting too long to return again - breakfast and dinner have both been excellent, in my opinion! I also heard no complaints from lovely ladies that I enjoyed a night out with on Thursday! :-)
Check Irregardless out online and stop in soon for a meal:
http://www.irregardless.com/
http://www.facebook.com/IrregardlessCafe
http://twitter.com/IrregardlessNC
Monday, August 23, 2010
Holy Crap
This girl has the best idea EVER.
I freakin' LOVE sandwiches!
(And love even more that she will downright bring it to you!)
http://www.porchrockin.com/
Essentially, she posts a menu on Sunday night. You email, call, or text to place an order. Lunch arrives at your location on sandwich day.
How cool is that??
The breads she offers and the creativity are downright appetizing.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Southern Adventures: King's Sandwich Shop in Downtown Durham
Yes, ya'll - this is the perpetual Raleigh kid bloggin' about Downtown Durham. But, it's my blog... and that makes me the boss :-)
Just a quick post so that Adrianne can make her lunch time plans today!
Yesterday I ventured just a few hundred feet (give or take) from the Shoeboxed.com offices to check out King's Sandwich Shop with a few fellow Shoeboxed-ers. Sonny brought food back last week and the fries smelled so good, I had to check this out myself.
I have gone vegetarian, so I was pleasantly surprised to find a black bean "burger" on the menu, alongside regular burgers, hot dogs, bbq, and more. I resisted all urges to add on a milkshake and cookie, but definitely got the fries!
It was a delish $7 lunch and my only complaint is that I asked for "no onions, add jalapenos" and only got jalapenos on my black bean burger. It definitely needed the King's sauce, lettuce, and tomato I was anticipating to avoid being too dry.
King's Sandwich Shop
500 W. Geer Street
Downtown Durham, NC
PS - I don't think that's the exact address, but if you can get there, you'll be able to see King's. It's what was printed on the street sign I was standing by when taking the picture above.
PS #2 - Bring cash. They don't take cards. (Bad form!) So, big thanks to Laura for paying for me :-) I've got your next lunch, Laura!
Friday, July 09, 2010
Tweet for the Troops!
Let me just start out this post with a full disclosure-esque statement: I am so privileged to be associated with the team at Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q. (I provide marketing and PR services for the NC-based restaurant brand.) Even if they weren't a client, this post would so be happening!
Today is the last day that you can Tweet for the Troops and support Smithfield Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q's week-long fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project... appropriately deemed "Freedom Week"!
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® (website | facebook | twitter) sends bar-b-q all over the map through its online store, and this year’s Freedom Week campaign encompasses the internet in a whole new way for the company.
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® kicked off its annual seven day “Freedom Week” campaign for its restaurants on July 2nd, focusing efforts on one initiative—supporting the troops.
Via its huge social media following, the company is undertaking a pretty audacious goal in its Twitter campaign: Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® will donate 10¢ to the Wounded Warriors Project for every mention or retweet of #FreedomWeek (that’s a Twitter “hashtag”, used to monitor topics on the microblogging service) during Freedom Week (July 2nd-July 9th).
The Wounded Warriors Project raises awareness and assistance for the needs of severely injured service men and women with the objective to provide tangible support to get them on the road to healing, both physically and mentally.
If you're not a twitter user, you can also support this campaign by purchasing a commemorative t-shirt available in their online store! (The shirt design is pictured above in this post.)
Click here to tweet about this to contribute! http://twitter.com/home?status=Check+out+@SCNBNC's+FreedomWeek+to+support+our+troops!
Friday, July 02, 2010
LOTS of First Friday Options - Even on a Holiday Weekend!
My twitter question today:
Ok Raleigh kids... what's on the agenda for #FirstFriday in #DowntownRaleigh? I'm making my list now!
Appropriate responses included:
@artspacenc - Artspace has it going on! We've got our Summer Artist in Residence here setting in Gallery 1- come on down!
@_huddy_ - Come on down to @Fragmentlabs and check out the jewelry on display from Jaclyn Anthony.
This girl right here! RT @FireflyVodka: Who is in the mood to celebrate family, friends, and summer?! #fireflyfriday #fourthoffirefly
Also on the list:
Music on the Porch at Seaboard Station
(This is where my gang is starting!)
Event opens at 6:00pm, band starts at 7:30pm – tonight featuring Peter Lamb and the Wolves.
Music on the Porch is a grassroots community event featuring free music every Friday night this spring, summer and fall.
First Friday Market… presented by IndieNC.com
The place to visit for LOTS of unique local finds tonight! Located at 131 S. Wilmington Street (in Downtown Raleigh), this once-a-month market features emerging designers, iced coffee, and live music from Mike Roy and Rob Watson this evening from 6:00pm until 10:00pm.
WKNC First Friday Dance Party at Jibarra
(You might be able to find me here for the tequila!)
10:30pm - 2:00am
WKNC is launching a series of Raleigh Afterhours dance parties at Jibarra starting on July 2.
These events are meant to showcase the Afterhours DJs and are free and open to the public for anyone 21+ and only $3 for those 18-20. All of the money collected at the door goes straight to WKNC.
You can find the Facebook event here.
Need to get around to all of these great events?
Park your car once and then hop on the R-Line -Raleigh’s free downtown circulator bus! Check out the mobile site and pick up the bus when it gets to a stop near you: www.yourhere.com/mobile.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
A New Raleigh Restaurant and New Crafty Website Addiction
Renee and I were chatting on the way to Cafe Caturra last night about how we both have sewing machines, but wish we actually knew what we were doing in that department.
Now granted, I had to take a class or two in garment construction for my TATM degree... but my awesome momma may or may not have helped me with my final project after I broke TWO sewing machines in the process. (Read into that as much as you'd like.) I can rock out a design and the pattern construction. But, the actual garment construction? Notsomuch.
Nonetheless, it hasn't kept me from stumbling upon BurdaStyle.com:
The site, "for people who sew", has patterns, projects, skills, tutorials and more. I signed up for their eNews, so let's see if Renee and I actually improve our lack of crafty skills in this department sometime this summer :-)
Oh yeah, back to the wine!
Renee and I may or may not have sampled mmm... say 5 or 6 of the wine bar and restaurant's 10 reds, 10 whites, and 5 dessert wines... many of which are seasonal which means enjoy them now, because come fall there will be some new wines to love. You can buy any of their wines in several sizes, so we opted for the 3 oz. pours, which is perfect if you don't want a large pour of wine or want to indulge in several smaller. (I'm sure you can see where this is going.)
I profiled the pre-opening of this place on i heart retail and was glad to read in TBJ yesterday that it finally opened. Renee and I just enjoyed the wine last night, but they do a full fresh food menu, so I'll be back to try the food soon. Cafe Caturra is in Cameron Village near Talbot's.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Happy First Friday, Everyone!
I love First Friday in Downtown Raleigh - it's a shame I'm usually busiest on Fridays and don't get to participate in the fun more often.
I am tonight however!
On my list:
Half-price menu at Sauced Pizza from 4:30pm until 6:30pm and $5.00 Three Olives cocktails (this happens every Friday, by the way).
Rhapsody art show at CityGate from 6:00pm until 8:00pm (don't you just love the dog paintings?).
Cupcake Shoppe for sure after.
And adding vino into that mixture somewhere :-) I haven't been to Mosaic or Amra's in ages... maybe those will be the wine destinations!
{Images: Rhapsody image via Pizer Fine Art, Cupcake Shoppe image via LusterStudios}
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
My Durham Friends Just Got Real Lucky!
If you've been around for a while, then you've certainly read a post or two from me about one of my Raleigh favorites... Tobacco Road.
Well guess what Durham kids... you just got reaaaaaal lucky!
From an American Tobacco Campus facebook update:
And if you're a Durham Bulls fan who has no taste for stadium food (like myself), then you will certainly enjoy being able to catch the games right from the Tobacco Road patio overlooking the Durham Bulls field!
Maybe Nick and I will "catch" dinner there tomorrow afternoon or Thursday - we already have plans for trivia and $0.25 wings at Sauced Pizza tonight in Raleigh with the gang!
{Image: http://www.tobaccoroadsportscafe.com/atmosphere/index.html}
Friday, February 12, 2010
Let's Go Pack!
If you're not in Wolfpack Country, the statement "Let's Go Pack!" might mean that you're about to go somewhere. For those of us who are in Wolfpack Country... it means we hope to go somewhere with our TEAM! ;-)
Tomorrow is the NCSU vs. UNC basketball game and I am co-hosting one of the Alumni Association's three Raleigh-area watch parties. If you're a fan (alumni or not), please come hang out and feel free to bring some friends!
Choose the game-viewing party closest to you!
Join local alumni and fans as we cheer on the Pack against the UNC Tarheels this Saturday. We'll be at three locations for the 4 p.m. tip-off.
Bucks Sports and Spirits at 5625 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh 27612. Click here to register.
Backyard Bistro at 1235 Hurricane Alley Way, Raleigh 27607. Click here to register.
Kickback Jacks at 1405 Garner Station Boulevard, Raleigh 27603. Click here to register.
Are you Red & White for Life?
Your Alumni Association membership supports the Wake County NC State Alumni Network. Your membership is important! Join at www.alumni.ncsu.edu.
PS - I will be at the Kickback Jack's location! I have facebooked/tweeted about this place before. It replaced the Rock Ola Cafe in the Raleigh/Garner area. It's a great sports bar with a huge menu selection. And it is ALWAYS packed. Come see what the hype is about - they've reserved half of the heated patio for us!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Last New Project of 2009... Promise!
You know, unless I just HAVE to do something on December 30th.
It seems like just yesterday I was announcing the launch of IHeartRetail.com. (Big "Thank You!"s to everyone who has visited, by the way!)
Well, if you know me, you know that I also heart restaurants, bars, and going out... especially in my favorite city - RALEIGHWOOD!
I am constantly getting asked "how did you know about (fill in the blank)", etc. So, my pal Evan and I decided to compile our cumulative knowledge of websites and New Year's Eve happenings in Raleigh and this was born: RaleighNYE.com.
I'll personally be at Tobacco Road (and then late-night at Sauced Pizza) and would LOVE to see any of you who will be out and about! Just stop in either location (no cover) and say "Hi"!
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