Well, hello out there.
Are we ready to jump into this new week? Well, whether we are or not, let’s take a few minutes to explore some of the fun things that have been going on in the past two months.
Boulted Bread
Boulted Bread, the beloved artisan loaves that are served at many restaurants in Raleigh, finally has a shop that’s open and serving some amazing pastries and breads. I’ll let you in on a little secret: These croissants are the best!
Gonza Tacos & Tequila
I got to sample some delicious short rib tacos and green rice from Gonza Tacos & Tequila. These local restaurants serve up some delicious and creative Mexican fare and drinks.
Centro
Speaking of Mexican, Centro downtown has some killer margaritas and eats. I really enjoyed my drink alongside some well-crafted chips, salsa and queso.
Los Cuates
And while we’re still on the subject, my husband and I have found our new favorite Mexican (carne asada) street taco/burrito joint and it’s Los Cuates. Their green salsa (along with the others on their salsa bar) is also super spicy and worth a stop in.
Captain J’s Restaurant
I got to go to a fun Social Media Supper Club dinner at this Chinese restaurant a month or so ago. It was a great time to meet a few other bloggers/food lovers in the area and explore some authentic Chinese food. I really liked the soup dumplings, the scallion pancakes and the red bean paste buns.
Baker’s Dozen Donuts
I have found the best donuts (in my opinion) in the area, and they are at Baker’s Dozen in Cary. Real old fashioned donuts (aka sour cream donuts) and so much more that are infinitely better than any donuts I’ve tasted in awhile!
Raleigh Brewing Company
We finally made it out to RBC at the start of Raleigh Beer Week, and it’s a great place to hang out, enjoy some fresh air and even buy some brewing supplies in their little store.
Busy Bee Cafe
During Raleigh Beer Week, we also had the chance to sample a few tasty sour beers at Busy Bee. Anywhere that’s featuring Wicked Weed sours, I will go!
Char-Grill
I finally introduced my husband to the wonderful charred burgers of Char-Grill, and let’s say, it was a success! We have one just a few minutes away from our place, so we know where to go when we’ve got a hankering for better-than-chain-fast-food burgers.
State Farmers Market Restaurant
In the past few months, I also found a great place to get some country cooking…a local Cracker Barrel, if you will. And it’s at the same place that I often get my produce: The Raleigh State Farmers Market. I recommend the veggie plate, and, bonus, you get biscuits and hush puppies for the table!
Kai Sushi & Saki Bar
I feel like these past few months were a time of finding a lot of favorites around Raleigh. Kai came into play as our new favorite sushi spot in Raleigh. We enjoyed a nice sampling of fresh rolls for dinner and took advantage of one of their sushi specials.
Oak City Meatball Shoppe
I recently got to explore this spot with some coworkers, and I was quite impressed. There is a great variety of meatballs and Italian-inspired dishes here with a simple menu, nice atmosphere and affordable, good Italian comfort food. The veggie balls (made from broccoli and almonds) were wonderful on a brioche bun with a side of their bacon-laden collard greens.
Chirba Chirba
For our monthly catered lunch at work recently, we got to sample some dumplings and soba noodle salad from the Chirba Chirba food truck. Although I’m more of a potsticker person, these were quite flavorful.
Poole’s Diner
Finally, let’s end on another favorite. My new favorite macaroni au gratin aka macaroni and cheese in Raleigh (and possibly the world) can be found at the wonderful Poole’s Diner. I mean, just look at it.
Happy Monday (and remember, I didn’t eat all of this in one day but over several months…so don’t get any ideas).