jkw's Profile
Breakfast in Morehead City NC
Last time I went through Morehead City I noticed this place, which must be relatively new: http://www.alexandbretts.com/index.html
I like fresh baked goods in the morning, so it's on my list to try next time. It was in the waterfront area, but not right on the water.
Recession Specials in Raleigh, NC
I'd look at the $7 lunch specials at Jibarra http://www.jibarra.net/raleigh_downtown/
Bloomsbury Bistro was running a good prix fixe, but I don't see it on their web site now so I'm not sure. You could call and ask. http://www.bloomsburybistro.com/bistro.restaurant.raleigh/
Marguax's has been running a nice prix fixe since times got tougher. http://www.margauxsrestaurant.com/dinner.php#prixfixe
Triangle Source for Sichuan Ingredients
This N&O article is a couple years old, but still should give you some more options to try.
http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/418185.html
Pho in the Triangle (near Cary, preferably)
Their menu can be found here and they do have pho (under soups)
http://lotusleafcafe.com/
However, it has been a while since I've been there and until I looked at their site I didn't realize that they have a new chef and their menu is now more Thai/Malaysian than Vietnamese.
Gift certificate for Wilmington restaurant - any ideas?
My husband and I spent our anniversary in Wilmington about six months ago, and ate at Deluxe, Circa 1922, and the Oceanic at Wrightsville Beach. Deluxe would definitely be our first choice, by far. Circa was very nice but much more casual. The Oceanic had great views, but the food didn't match.
I had searched this board before we went, but some of the threads on the subject are so long that you can get overwhelmed!
Authentic Italian in the Triangle?
It's not a full menu, but Ciao Cafe and Wine Bar in Cary has great antipasti and an authentic Italian owner :). http://www.ciaocafeandwinebar.com/menu.htm
We also like Vespa (in Chapel Hill or Cary). There's an appetizer there that my husband said he hadn't had since he'd been in Italy. http://chapel.hill.vespasta.com/
And of course Vivace is very well regarded. http://www.vivaceraleigh.com/
Date Night in Wilmington, NC
My husband and I recently spent an anniversary in Wilmington. Most of the best food recommendations we got were not on the river. We ate at Deluxe, which was absolutely fantastic, and Circa 1922, which was also wonderful. Afterwards we walked along the river to burn some of the calories!
Must-Try Restaurants in Raleigh, NC
Normally I would definitely say Jibarra, but its last day in the North Raleigh location was August 3, and the open date downtown is "Fall 2008" so if the original poster is only here three months then the poster is going to miss it.
http://www.jibarra.net/triangle.area.convention.center.restaurants/intro.htm
Definitely agree on Fin's and Locopops.
Recommendations for Chapel Hill
I learned here on Chowhound that Bon's is closed.
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/537871
What's New in Chapel Hill?
You must go to Locopops! It is fast becoming a local phenomenon, as they opened the Durham store about 2 years ago and already have added Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Hillsborough locations! We love Locopops! http://www.ilovelocopops.com/
For a light lunch before the popsicle-trying binge, we like Sandwhich. It's pretty new, they have unique sandwiches, and they use a lot of local ingredients. Based on their website, it looks like they may also need some more customers. http://www.sandwhich.biz/
Kid-friendly dinner near Wingate Hotel Durham?
There is not a lot close to there. The closest I can think of that has worked for our children is Neomonde's Morrisville location http://www.neomonde.com/about/locations.aspx . My kids like their kebabs. I've also heard that the BabyMoon Cafe is kid-friendly, but I've never actually tested that with kids in tow. It was tasty when I went without kids. http://www.babymooncafe.com/
An Cuisines Cary, NC
We had a pretty negative service experience at An when we tried it, but that was more than a year ago. Our server essentially forgot about us as she was so busy serving a group in back. The setting was beautiful but I was not as overwhelmed by the food as I'd hoped. Given the poor service and the limited number of date nights we have available we've chosen not to go again. We'd rather go to Fins for fusion and seafood.
Personally if I were staying in the Umstead I'd probably try Heron's right there in the hotel; I've heard really good things about it.
Nightly Dining Specials in Raleigh NC
Riviera does a Date Night special on Tuesdays -- 3 courses and wine for $50/couple. They also have 1/2 price bottles of wine on Mondays. I've enjoyed their food on other nights, but haven't tried the Tuesday night special yet. http://www.rivieraresto.com/calendar.php
Baking supplies in the Triangle
NC Paper Company is at 114 W. Main St. Clayton. Here is an old article on it: http://www.claytonnews-star.com/news/2006031502036.html
anything decent in Burlington NC?
When I had relatives living in Graham we ate at Pulcinella in Graham several times, and it was very tasty, especially the pasta specials.
Baking supplies in the Triangle
I've read on other boards that a place called The NC Paper Company or maybe the Clayton Paper Company in Clayton has a lot of cake decorating supplies, but I haven't been there to check yet.
A Southern Season does have an extensive selection of sprinkles.
Besides Michael's & AC Moore, JoAnns also carries the Wilton line.
Decent food in Raleigh/Cary with Kids?
Hmm, I can't speak to taking kids to Neo-China or Royal India, but I'd agree that Neomonde is absolutely kid friendly. We had our kids (2&4) there this weekend. We could get plain cheese on bread, and that's all we need for our older kid. The other loved the opportunity to "dip" in labneh and hummus. They also liked the murals on the walls.
On the other hand, Hayes Barton fails on one of my major kid-friendly requirements: the ability to get in and out fast. I have had major waits there. The line was huge at 1:30 this past Saturday. We went to Nofo at the Pig, which is very kid-friendly and fun.
Cary, NC- Thai and Chinese restaurants
We've found Viva Thai at Maynard & Chatham very inconsistent. Sometimes it is great, sometimes barely tolerable. The King & I at Maynard & Reedy Creek has good noodle dishes, but I'm not a fan of their other dishes. But that may suit your needs!
Neo-China in Cary does have General Tso's but I'm not sure how it is. In general, their food is very Americanized Chinese but they do enough volume that it is very fresh.
Sage and Swift catering (Durham, NC), esp. vegetarian
Sage & Swift catered our wedding, and they were wonderful. Admittedly, it was 4 1/2 years ago. Our guests ranged from vegetarians to Atkins dieters, so the food covered the spectrum, but one of our main entrees was salmon. It was excellent. They were thoughtful and helpful and their servers were great. One actually got down on the floor and cleaned off my shoe for me!
Raleigh-Thai-near NC State/downtown/Cary
We were big fans of Viva Thai when we discovered it, especially that spicy beef salad. But the last couple of times we've been something has gone awry. I'm not sure what changed, but it is not what it was, especially not the salad. We're pretty disappointed as our next closest Thai takeout is the King and I and we only like the noodle dishes there.
