Raleigh, NC and surrounding parts

We were off to North Carolina for one week in the Triangle area to really focus on the local food scene and lovely surroundings of the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary. Our first night was an 8 hour drive so we opted for roomservice from the restaurant in the hotel called HERONS. At the time of check in our room was not yet ready so we were offered a complementary drink at the bar which were two local beers, one from BIG BOSS Brewery called Bad Penny and a Milk Stout from DUCKRABBIT. Both beers impressed us so much we took a mixed case home with us from the gourmet mecca Southern Season. The bar in the hotel was quite relaxing, I know the hotel might seem posh or stuffy but the service was exceptionally unpretentious & friendly. The pickled okra in our trio of bar snacks was addictive!
Room service was Heron's 8 oz Beef burger with Herb shallot Spread and a side of Sweet Potato fries
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/2960670475_d3502eeeca.jpg?v=0[/img]
I know this dish looks a little bland but the flavors were really on key.

Grilled Bone in Ribeye with pickled Beets and Walnut Mashed Sweet Potaotes
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2931762172_15dacf070a.jpg?v=0[/img]
We have a new respect for pickled Vegetables!

Dessert was your classic Red Velvet Cake that was not so "classic" looking but splendid just the same.
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2930905205_acba550c9b.jpg?v=0[/img]

The next morning we drove about 25 minutes to Carborro Farmers' Market, which yielded about 75 vendors. One vendor was even roasting their own chillies over an open fire-Ohh the smell!!. When we finished we headed over to the famous MAMA DIPS which was really close to the outdoor market! The food preparation was by no means rushed, only three tables occupied but the long wait was worth it!
Fried Chicken with Brown Gravy and Grits
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2961512956_f7e285a802.jpg?v=0[/img]
Country Ham with Eggs,Biscuits and Hashbrowns
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2960670621_ced1be028c.jpg?v=0[/img]
Mama Dips hot sauce was so divine I had to take a couple bottles home with us.

The next night we ventured into Downtown Raleigh to DUCK N DUMPLING on South Blount St. The service and atmosphere was wonderful. Our server was very knowledgeable, we were able to talk with the very gracious Chef Dave and inquire about the savory Cherry Zin sauce on my duck and how it was prepared.
Roast Duck Breast with Sour Cherry Zinfandel Sauce
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2961513146_42e1260b2f.jpg?v=0[/img]
Duck Julienned with Black Bean Sauce over Crispy Rice Noodles
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2960670829_07a633a6f2.jpg?v=0[/img]

A mid afternoon snack was a take out piece of Coconut cake from FOSTERS MARKET in Durham
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2961513474_dddab236ff.jpg?v=0[/img]

While in and around Durham we had to check out a place called Taqueria LA VAQUITA named by Gourmet magazine a great place for authentic Mexican.
Chicken sopes, tacos
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2961513896_0ca8dc09b0.jpg?v=0[/img]
Fresh and tasty...not sure if it was "ALL THAT"

A Chapel Hill tradition since 1972 is YE OLDE WAFFLE SHOPPE on East Franklin Street, we sat in the front near the window to watch the cooks in action
Omelette, hash, muffin
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/2961513832_c75b640b8b.jpg?v=0[/img]
Waffle Eggs and Bacon
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2960671481_8646b03081.jpg?v=0[/img]
Can't complain when Breakfast only cost you around $6.00 per person

We had dinner at "Lantern" in Chapel Hill (no pics- too dark in the dining room) but the Chef is the president of their local chapter of SLOWFOOD and I had the most amazing Crispy Duck Noodle Bowl there. There is a feature article on this Chef/restaurant in last months Gourmet magazine with the cover shot being a Salt and Pepper Roasted Rib Roast.

I noticed and ad for a restaurant bar called MILLTOWN in Carrboro which boasted 18 Specialty draught beers, over 150 bottled beers and great Pomme Frites....had to give it a try!
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/2961513726_974fa165a7.jpg?v=0[/img]
Since we are on the subject of Beer, BIG BOSS makes a pumpkin Ale thats out of this world.
We actually went to their tasting room and met the whole crew of 30 somethings making it all happen, what a great bunch of guys!
Back to MILLTOWN -What do you know, the bartender was from our home town of Columbus Ohio. The aioli on these fries were perfect, who could ask for more. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to try the warm soft pretzels with mustard

Being in North Carolina we had to finally try the famous ALLEN AND SONS BBQ- Quick no nonsense friendly service
Pulled Pork Sandwich with Onion RIngs
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2961512814_cf195442cc.jpg?v=0[/img]
Bravo!! I just had to get used to seeing no bark......
Pork Ribs
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2931761980_851fb6e948.jpg?v=0[/img]
I'm not a big fan of hush puppies but there were great!

Downtown Raleigh we made dinner reservations at THE PIT, where owner and Pit Master Ed Mitchell was at the helm even on a slower Monday night. My fried chicken was sublime! The sides were just as savory and wonderful. One of my favorite meals in the whole trip!
My husband chose the sample platter, we were in Q heaven
Fried Chicken Dinner, Cole Slaw, Black eyed Peas and Mash Potatoes
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2960671647_9453aebfaf.jpg?v=0[/img]
Sample Platter
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2961514020_e54b34bccd.jpg?v=0[/img]

ENOTECA VIN (New American cuisine)We choose to sit out on the small patio on a slow Sunday night. I adore deviled eggs and it just so happens it was one of the Small plates on the menu for 5.00.
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2961513368_ab657219ef.jpg?v=0[/img]
Another app was the Duck terrine with Whole grain Mustard and Toasted French Bread
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2961513422_4f9c1354dd.jpg?v=0[/img]
Duck Risotto
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/2961513280_fd3bb868a8.jpg?v=0[/img]

Holy cow was this RICH!
Veggie plate of Tempura pearl onions, pickled beets, Sauteed Mushrooms, Rocket salad and Peas
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2960670995_ba6cb61baa.jpg?v=0[/img]
Wonderful!! And no meat protein in sight!!

Since we live in central Ohio we have yet to have a Five Guys Burger chain our way, so we thought we'd stop in to split a burger meal with fries:
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2960670883_8131401b9b.jpg?v=0[/img]

Not too overly impressed, I think I'll stick to Culver's Butterburgers instead.

Downtown Durham there is a cute foodie gourmet market called PARKER AND OTIS, they have a small section of charming games and books for kids plus a ton of high end odds and ends. This dish of Scrambled Eggs with Asparagus, ham and Cheddar was quite delicious however the $10 price tag was a little rude.
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2960670511_ddccbe69c7.jpg?v=0[/img]

Back to Raleigh we headed to one of the Best Bars to drink in America named by IMBIBE magazine, the bar is set in an old newspaper office downtown. IF Belgian beer is your thing they have 2 pages of them on their beer list, tasty but not cheap! Fried Pickles seem to be the number on bar snack here:
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2930905157_4dd5553ddd.jpg?v=0[/img]
I choose the Shrimp and Grits skewered n grilled shrimp and veggies over Anson Mills
grits and topped with Chipotle ham gravy
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2961513516_a3286d961c.jpg?v=0[/img]
FIsh and Chips beer battered Tilapia served with fries and cilantro tartar
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2961513560_5c67f839ea.jpg?v=0[/img]
I was not too thrilled with the food here, way too much salt. My husband disagreed.

Our second to last dinner was in Durham at WATTS GROCERY (there is no grocery it's only a restaurant) We wouldn't come to Durham without eating here at least once, we love the food here.
Ham Salad App
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2960671275_f07a19619f.jpg?v=0[/img]
Pasta Special : Squash,Mushrooms and Parm cheese in Garlic Butter
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2961513690_53aa49b60c.jpg?v=0[/img]
NY Strip with a Sauteed squash
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2961513654_abc488602c.jpg?v=0[/img]


Our last dinner was in Chapel Hill at Elaine's on Franklin, this restaurant is another establishment that focuses its importance on local, sustainable food. The dining room was dark hence no pictures. The service was great and the food was tasty. I do believe the menu prices were a little too high for what was presented for our entrees. I had the Eggplant Parmesan.... the eggplant was literally a single thin lengthwise slice, breaded and fried, on top of a bed of pasta with tomato sauce and Mozz. cheese for $28.00.
A large table of business men had just sat down to order and one of the men asked for an "Arnold Palmer" the server didn't hesitate and said "Ummmm, NO we don't have lemonade here" I have never heard of a server be so brash and disrespectful.....he might as well have called the man a "Country bumpkin". Now that 's a quick way to lose your tip.

I believe that about wraps it up.....There were so many more places we would have loved to try, make no mistake we will be back!

Wow Mrs. Crunch you know how to live it up! Fantastic photos really enjoyed it.

what a great eating trip! do you need someone to carry your bags ,open doors next time around? will work for food!

Mrs.Crunch, I always enjoy your trip reports. Excellent photos and food selections.

This was plain and simple AWESOME!! Great photos and some wonderful looking food, looks like you had a wonderful "food trip".. Thanks for sharing those..

man, those duck preparations look great. The rest of the roadfood, too, especially the country ham and egg breakfast and the fried chicken dinner.

Mrs Crunch - thanks for taking us along pics are sharp, the
food looks awesome.

Oh Mrs. C, perfect timing. Raleigh this weekend; we'll have to see what we can scare up. Beautiful as usual. I don't seem to get as pretty a burger at Five Guys as you do. I would love to see you apply your serious camera technique to, say, Taco Bell sometime. ;)

Glad you enjoyed our area. It's a great place to live.

Your pictures are always gorgeous! The food looks wonderful - every bit of it!

quote:

Originally posted by Nancypalooza

Oh Mrs. C, perfect timing. Raleigh this weekend; we'll have to see what we can scare up. Beautiful as usual. I don't seem to get as pretty a burger at Five Guys as you do. I would love to see you apply your serious camera technique to, say, Taco Bell sometime. ;)

HI Nancypalooza,
Ohhh, you will have a great time!! Be safe and eat like a Queen!!

Mrs.Crunch you stayed about 10 minutes from my house. Wish we had known you were coming as we could have shown you some really good local places that we go to.


Dennis in Cary

Some nice looking food here....thanks!

Your pictures are great. What camera do you use?

Great photography as usual, Mrs. Crunch. I sent a link to my buddy who is a new resident of Raleigh.

WOW! What great pictures of great looking (and described)food!

Great presentation.

One of these days!

Mrs.Crunch - WOW! This may be the first time I would have loved every itme in a long list...those selections were great! Thanks for sharing the pix which just confirms - you guys know how to order!

quote:

Originally posted by mikeam

Your pictures are great. What camera do you use?

Hi Mikeam,
Thank you!! The camera is a Fuji Fine pix F31FD but regrettably the company does not make these cameras anymore. Natural light is the main key-always sit my a window!

Stupendous, Mrs. Crunch, just stupendous!! You really do take some of the best pictures! Such a diversity of food, too. Should you ever be in need of an official "taste tester", just let me know. Thanks so much!

quote:

Originally posted by billyboy

Stupendous, Mrs. Crunch, just stupendous!! You really do take some of the best pictures! Such a diversity of food, too. Should you ever be in need of an official "taste tester", just let me know. Thanks so much!

Thanks so much Billyboy! Because of you, we tried for the first time Five guys burger...I remember a post you did and the burger looked great. Safe and happy travels to you always!!

Hey Mrs. C, do you mind a small piggyback? I don't even have the pictures off my camera yet but we hit a couple of Durham places good enough to post.

quote:

Originally posted by Nancypalooza

Hey Mrs. C, do you mind a small piggyback? I don't even have the pictures off my camera yet but we hit a couple of Durham places good enough to post.

Hi Nancypalooza,
Of course I don't mind, I'm anxious to see where you went, I hope you had a great time!

Mrs. Crunch,

Great report. Just wondered, I am deathly inflicted with "guy vision", but what was the name of the place in Raleigh named in Imbibe magazine? If I missed it, my apologies. Sounds (looks) like a fabulous trip!!

quote:

Originally posted by Wintem01

Mrs. Crunch,

Great report. Just wondered, I am deathly inflicted with "guy vision", but what was the name of the place in Raleigh named in Imbibe magazine? If I missed it, my apologies. Sounds (looks) like a fabulous trip!!

No worries, the place is called "Raleigh Times Bar" 14 East Hargett St NC 27601

That Heron burger looks real good, followed up with a bone-in ribeye steak!
You are talking MY language!!
The rib-eye looked a little thin for my own personal tastes, though..

It's amazing how CLEAR your pics are !

Ohh, yum, you made me homesick for Chapel Hill! Mama Dip's chicken and Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe's hashbrowns look as good as ever. Glad you got to the Farmer's Market, too1

quote:

Originally posted by Nancypalooza

Hey Mrs. C, do you mind a small piggyback? I don't even have the pictures off my camera yet but we hit a couple of Durham places good enough to post.

So thank you Mrs. C for allowing the piggyback; I finally have my act together enough to post these spots. And guess what kids? I had my camera. (/the crowd goes wild)

So the weekend before Halloween we went to visit a good friend in Raleigh and made the rounds of visiting a few of her friends. Friday night we went to see Paula Poundstone perform in Durham and needed to grab a quick dinner, so we hit Neomonde in Raleigh.



Now Neomonde is a pretty big Middle Eastern restaurant/deli/bakery and their menu and case are exhaustive. The item above is a pita or pizza delight (?), which is basically a prebaked pita pizza, comes in a couple of flavors, heated up and topped with a salad, hummus, and tsatziki sauce. I couldn't really eat it fast enough for it not to sog out on me, but it was delicious, like eating a couple of courses right on top of each other. The pastries were also to die for--one with pistachios, one with a honey filling.

Saturday morning we started in Durham at the Farmer's Market downtown that is apparently run on weekends and I believe one evening a week during the summer.



Our guides told us that the availability of produce was definitely starting to wane, but you could still get tomatoes here. They didn't look quite like August tomatoes but they were available. I was especially delighted by all the stands selling locally raised meat, pretty much anything you wanted from lamb shank to goat to slabs of bacon. I was intrigued by this:



and of course had to ask for the rest of the story. Turns out the weekend before she was selling these lovely turnips and quite a few of them were bad when cut into, so thus the Better Business Bureau-worthy making your purchase good. She was such a sweetie, and I was being a snarky jerk for asking in the first place. Anyway, this place was delightful--had a particularly delicious cream cheese danish, and the folks from the Celebrity Dairy were there--more on them later.

We walked over for a bite at Toast, a panini/crostini type place up the way in downtown Durham. Here's the front:



and the menu:



and what we had. First a four-cheese panini with a delicious butternut squash soup:



and a roasted beet, ricotta and orange-topped crostini with a salad:



which honestly got a little wet by the time you were done with it but was delicious.

We spent some time walking around downtown, took a picture with the bull, walked through the beautiful main post office, and left to go spend some time in Siler City.

http://www.celebritydairy.com/

Let me give you some advice. You should always, whenever possible, make friends with foodies. Because just going over to somebody's house and hanging and playing Wii ends up being accompanied by a plate full of absolutely stellar artisanal goat cheese, and we brought along some crusty bread and this absolutely addictive salami from Whole Foods, and a really good time was had by all, which is not even to get into the quality of the company of the staff of Celebrity Dairy (/me waves at Mary and the folks). Go get some of their stuff. You will not be sorry.

Dearfolk,
Gad, this thread was fun, but it makes me wondersome... is the Carolina Coffee Shop on Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill still there? I think it began in 1922, and was quite a decent gently upscale place when I was last there....
There are also two brewpubs brewing on-premises in Chapel Hill. To have one good such place is a joy; to have two within easy walking distance is ecstacy.
Almost Thirstily/Hungrily, Ort. Carlton in Nearly-As-Cool Athens, Georgia.

Was that Five Bucks for three Deviled Eggs?

Mr. Carlton, Indeed the Carolina Coffee Shop is still there and there is also the Carolina Brewery on the same street.
Jellybear, Yes, it was $5 for three deviled eggs...but seriously they were Really good!!
NancyP, Glad you had a great time! My husband would have loved "Toast", he loves paninis!! Wonderful crisp pictures as well !