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. ;-))

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/

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

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.

Sunday Funday: Pi Phi Love

(Click to enlarge.)

Man, I miss college. And I seriously miss every single one of these gorgeous ladies. This picture, ladies and gentlemen, is my senior class of the NC Delta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi.

The only thing that's missing? A few rockstar juniors (paging Hannah, Rach, Sesh, Sarah, Regina, Ave, Liv, and any other baller-ettes I have accidentally left off the list!).

So, with that said, I dedicate today's Sunday Funday to my college sisters. I love you all and I hope life is being fabulous to each and every one of you - even those of you who I do not have the pleasure of seeing regularly :-(

Heading to Natty Green's in a bit with Adrianne (who I just realized is not pictured... A - where were you?) to wish Ashton (top left corner) bon voyage as she sets her sails for Italy for an extended period of her life! (Let's wish her the best and extra luck in finding a place to live that will accommodate guests... because I'm going to visit!)



Above: One of my favorite Ashton and Lil Lisa pictures. So us.

Lots of Options Tonight!

Yay, it's First Friday again!

Music on the Porch at Seaboard Station
http://musicontheporch.com/

Laura Ridgeway and The Livewires will be playing for us this Friday June 4th.

(And yes, this is a first Friday so we have bounce rooms again.)

Laura Ridgeway and The Livewires want you to come out to relax, have fun, and dance, dance, dance (if you want to) - this seasoned troupe of musicians will cross the gamut of swing, upbeat jazz standards, blues, Latin, and oldies pop (Stevie Wonder, etc. and lots of stuff that grooves).........everything is danceable, tail-waggin', foot-tappin', family-oriented fun. Laura is one of our local musicians out of Cameron Park.

Save the Neuse Campaign Kick-Off with SweetWater Brewery (and Old Habits) at the Pour House
http://savetheneuse.com/

Come out to The Pour House of Raleigh this Friday, June 4th, to help SweetWater Brewing Company kick start its campaign to SAVE THE NEUSE. Swift Creek Revival will open up for Raleigh favorites Old Habits. Ticket sales go to the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation.

We’ll also be raffling off some gifts that were graciously donated by our Participating Accounts. Please check them out and support them. They are doing a great service by participating.

Grassroots Opening of the new Downtown Raleigh Amphitheater
http://www.raleighconvention.com/amphitheater/

You're invited to the Raleigh Amphitheater's Grassroots Grand Opening: Celebrating the Past, Present and Future of Raleigh Music from 5 pm-11 pm on Friday, June 4. Admission is FREE!

Event Schedule
5:20 to 5:50 - Th' Bullfrog Willard Mcgee
6:00 to 6:25 - The Small Ponds
6:45 to 7:10 - Sleep Control
7:30 to 7:55 - Old Avenue
8:15 to 8:40 - Mosadi Music
9:00 to 9:35 - I Was Totally Destroying It
9:55 to 10:55 - The Connells

Conservation Meet-Up at Isaac Hunter's Oak City Tavern
http://www.huntersoakcity.com/ | http://www.triangleland.org/

After (or before) stopping at the Mahler Gallery reception, head one block north on Fayetteville Street to join Triangle Land Conservancy staff for a conservation meet-up at Isaac Hunter's Oak City Tavern (112 Fayetteville Street) from 6 to 8:30. Thanks to Isaac Hunter's for offering the space, and to Conservation Trust for NC for inviting us to be part of it.

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}

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:

Tobacco Road Sports Cafe opens today in Diamond View II, 11am-2am, 7 days a week. Great food, a champion view of the ballpark and the coolest wall of TVs anywhere: http://www.tobaccoroadsportscafe.com/about/index.html
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}

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!

Wake County NC State Alumni Network
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!

Be Good to Yourself

...and that totally includes chocolate and champagne. ;-)

While posting an event for RaleighNYE.com (which was a smashing success, by the way... big thanks to everyone who visited or passed it along!), I came across a young professionals group that puts on some really cool social events around town to benefit the NC Museum of Art. They go by the name "The Contemporaries". Clever!

I took a brief look at their event calendar and they have some cool happenings for 2010. Among these, one coming up in a few weeks that I wanted to share. If I can round up a few girls and a few hours of "me time", I'll be there!

Chocolate + Champagne

February 4, 2010 | 7–9:30pm
Cashmere, 414 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
Contemporaries: $8 online, $10 at the door
All others: $12 online, $15 at the door

Experience chocolate in its finest form—overabundance. The NCMA Contemporaries host this mouth-watering event at Cashmere featuring sweet treats from top Triangle Chocolatiers.

Ticket price includes complimentary chocolate station items and champagne, plus food and drink specials including $5 martinis.

For more information or reservations call (919) 664-6754 or buy your ticket now to save!

Proceeds benefit the NCMA Contemporaries Art Purchase Fund.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors:
Cashmere
The Cupcake Shoppe
Escazu Artisan Chocolates
Grape Expectations
Hereghty Heavenly Delicious
Hershey’s
Miel Bon Bons
Nahualli Trading Co.
Peche de Chocolat
Raleigh Chocolate Fountains

Yummy!

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"!

Brush Up On Your History Over a Double

Coming Holiday 2009!



Brush up on your Raleigh history, enjoy a double, and oh don't forget... there's no food, so you're gonna need a membership. See you there!

As always, "Thanks!" to my SUPER most favorite - Tyler - at TriangleBlvd.tv for the video!

{PS} You can follow the guys from Hunter's Oak City Tavern (who I also love in a big way) on twitter, @HuntersOakCity.

Lincoln Theatre is Adding Liquor to its Lineup!

Downtown Raleigh's Lincoln Theathre - Awesome.
Only serving beer - NOT Awesome.

Just received an email today that they will be adding liquor to their lineup, but now they must become a "members only" club (NC law), so be sure to sign up for their membership/email list online.

This is one of my favorite live music venues in the area because the main level is a bit slanted, so there's pretty much a good view for everyone (which, as you know, is important for those of girls who are 5' 2''). I've seen several shows there including Shooter Jennings (son of Waylon Jennings, better known as the "Fourth of July song" guy), Jason Michael Carroll's album launch party, the Zac Brown Band street concert, etc.


{Images: LincolnTheatre.com and CityVoter.com}

Vegas - Round Two

Remember Round 1? That was bachelorette party style.

Round 2 this past weekend was "couples style", if you will.

	Hotel: Mandalay Bay. They pump a smell into Mandalay Bay. Whatever it is, I'd like to buy it... by the gallon! {Image: About.com travel}
	Hotel Pool: Beach at Mandalay. 99 degrees F, no humidity!
	Dinner #1: 9 Fine Irishmen (at New York, New York). Good, but way too much food went to waste. (Portions are out of control in Vegas dining.)
	Show: Ka. If you do anything in Vegas, go see Ka at MGM Grand! {Image: Ka official site.}
	Daily Distraction: Auto Collection at the Imperial.
	Dinner #3: VooDoo Steak & Lounge. Kick ass view of the Vegas Strip from the rooftop bar at Rio (That's for you, Ashton!). Rivals the view from Mix at THE hotel at Mandalay Bay.

A few pics on facebook, mostly of cars from The Auto Collections at the Imperial.

By the way, a lady won $700,000+ on a slot machine at Monte Carlo while we were there. It wasn't this girl. I lost $2.00 on slots - playing a whopping two times. Bummer.

PS: I'm sick now (thank you crappy recycled air on the 5-hour flight home), another bummer.

Ok, someone take me back to Vegas!

Be There!

I mean, what sounds better for a Monday night?

SO pumped that I'll be back from Vegas (leaving Thursday AM out of Charlotte!) in time for this! I haven't been back to the Brewpub since the first time Nick, Adrianne, Joey, and I tried it just after opening, so this is a great reason for me to return. (And give them a chance to recapture me as a customer. The lackluster service, boring food, and scant beverage selection for the non-beer drinker didn't do it for me last time.)

I'm all about a second chance though! (The first few weeks can be awkward for a new establishment with a new staff.)

Here's the map, for anyone who may not be familiar with the area that I drive past multiple times a day. I know, I'm a lucky girl.

A Throwdown of Epic Proportions

How crazy is it that it's been almost a year since sweet tea vodka was making its first introductions into the lives of Southerners everywhere? (Albeit, it took quite a bit longer to make it to every county in the closed states.)

Well it just wouldn't be summertime without tailgates, cookouts, and days on the water with sweet tea vodka now and it looks as if it's going to get quite interesting this year. I can't wait to try some of this myself and see if it lives up to the hype!

Anyone else had the opportunity to try Firefly's newest competitor in the sweet tea vodka arena?



Many thanks to my good friend Tyler for the scoop!

PS - Maybe I should've titled this post "The Sweet Tea Smackdown"?

Growing Up is Getting Old

Want to know what's kept me so busy lately? Among other things, helping one of my favorite non-profits put together a FANTASTIC event happening here in Raleigh on May 2nd.

Here's the scoop:
Bring the family out to City Limits Saloon on May 2nd as Brittany's Battle presents "Boots, Bands & Bulls", a benefit concert with Kevin Lee, Brian Davis and Arista recording artist Jason Michael Carroll, whose new cd, Growing up is Getting Old, comes out on April 28th!

Gates will open at 1pm, and the show kicks off at 2pm with activities for the whole family and the best country music you'll find anywhere, so be sure and visit BootsBandsandBulls.com and get your tickets today!



PS - Holy crap. I almost forgot to thank Tyler for shooting, editing, and producing that video for us! You need video? You need my good friend Tyler who has started his own local company - Red Wire Video!

Yeahhhh Buddy!

That's what I'm talkin' about!! (It only took us an entire season of Ls to pull off our first W!)

As you can imagine, a major celebration went down at The Bassment that night.

Read the recap here.

It's Thirsty Thursday!

And beer league skee-ball is back!!!

I know there was some good interest from my post last season, so I thought I'd throw this out for skeeson 2. Come join, it's a lot of fun - and good people, too!

Check out this Skee4All blog post for the details on Raleigh's Skeeson 2 kick-off.

Come play or just hang out, whatever works for ya.

Bridal Parties & the Like: Downtown Raleigh

I have been been bouncing around the idea of starting a website or blog dedicated to being the most awesome bridesmaid you can be... ever. You know, something to the tune of "winggirls.com".

Why? Because I get asked questions like this on a weekly, if not daily, basis.

"Hey Lisa - Where should I plan a bridal party in Raleigh for about 20-30 guests?"
Here are a few of my recommendations:
Amra's {http://amrasraleigh.com/}
Super trendy upscale decor, great wine selection, and catering available from Tobacco Road.
On Glenwood

Tobacco Road {http://tobaccoroadsportscafe.com/about/index.html}
Dining room or private room reservation. Great food, full bar, and a very attentive and friendly staff.
On Glenwood

Metro Café {http://www.wix.com/metrocafeandlounge/metrocoffee}
The girls from the E. Riley-soon-to-be-Dorn team and I hosted one here recently. They let us bring in our own food (great budget saver) and were SO nice.
City Market

Peche de Chocolat {http://www.pechechocolat.com/}
A chocolate and wine bar that has just relocated from City Market to Glenwood, too. Laura is the owner, she's awesome.
On Glenwood

The Oxford - {http://oxfordraleigh.com/}
For a large party, you can likely reserve the area "under the stars" that stayed after the conversion from Yancey's to The Oxford. Great food, full bar.
Fayetteville Street
All of these suggestions are in Downtown Raleigh. Each website should have an email address or a contact page for you or whoever is planning your party to contact each venue about hosting the event there.

If anyone reading wants some options in Cary or any other parts of town, just shoot me an email or leave a comment!

Any other Downtown suggestions from my fellow Raleigh kids?