A Downtown Raleigh Walking Food Tour
Hey Enclave! This blog post is going out to all of our new residents, those of you who are new to the Raleigh/Triangle area, and for those who just enjoy the great food of Raleigh. Since you’ve been living in Raleigh, have you had a chance to sample all of the food that she has to offer? If not, here’s your chance: on Saturday, August 7, (as well as subsequent Thursdays and Saturdays) there will be a Walking Food Tour of Downtown Raleigh.
This guided culinary tour spans all 5 downtown districts to sample a cross-section of some of Raleigh’s unique local restaurant venues.
You can actually take a walking food tour around the Triangle as well! There are now five delicious, food tasting, walking tours- two in Downtown Raleigh (the original), Chapel Hill & Carrboro, Downtown Durham and now in Downtown Cary.
The tours typically last about 3 hours. During this time you can go on either of two journeys: The Comfort Food Edition of the tour, or Raleigh’s Global Gastronomy. (I think I’ll go with the Comfort Food Edition). With the Comfort Food tour, you’ll be sampling some of the home-grown recipes that has been in Raleigh’s culture for a long while. You’ll also get to hear stories about how life was in Raleigh before everything became so hectic. This tour is only on Thursday mornings.
Saturday’s tour, the Global Gastronomy Tour, will have you walking and using the R-Line circulator to make your way through each district. You’ll be stopping numerous times for sample tastings and inside stories from 6-8 local establishments, such as a contemporary restaurant that takes you to new heights of dining & entertainment, or a new German restaruarant where the bratwurst are the absolute best!
Tickets must be purchased in advanced. Hurry because tickets sell out quickly, as there is a 10 person max per tour! Please meet at the Old Depot in front of Jibarra at 327 W. Davie St. Parking is free.
photo credit: stevendepolo, ~ezs
Humble Pie is Raleigh’s Eclectic Heaven
No, this is not the band from the 70’s…Humble Pie is Raleigh’s Eclectic Heaven located right in the heart of the Warehouse District. The establishment is actually a repurposed warehouse and so you would expect it to be open and spacious and you’re not disappointed. One of my favorite things about the restaurant, other than the food, is the eclectic decor. There are strands of colored lights strung across the lofty ceiling which sports exposed beams. The windows are tall and nicely framed. I love this type of decorating because nothing really matches, but still manages to go together.
Humble Pie has one of the largest selections of appetizers I’ve ever seen, referred to as “Small Plates.” But don’t get me wrong, if you want a Filet Mignon, it’s on the menu. On Sundays, the restaurant serves up a great brunch with all your favorites like omelets, eggs, sausage, grits, pancakes, etc.
Try out the $6 margaritas every Thursday at the Tiki Bar. It officially opened in April serving Tiki-type food and cocktails. Great times can be had there and don’t forget Peter Lamb and the Wolves entertain you with their musical talent.
Humble Pie is located at 317 S. Harrington Street in Raleigh. If you would like more information about the restaurant, visit the website at HumblePieRestaurant.com or call 919.829.9222. Want to read a review? Here’s one written by Angela Risko, a Raleigh Reporter for HelloMetro.
Photo courtesy of Cillian Storm
The Irregardless Cafe
The Irregardless Cafe is not a trend in Raleigh, but an institution. Serving customers the best in seafood, masterfully prepared meats and scrumptious vegetarian and vegan cuisine, the Irregardless Cafe is one of the top dining spots in the Triangle area. The restaurant survived a devastating fire in 1994, but came back stronger than before.
The menus change daily in order for the chefs to use the freshest local produce and seasonally available fish, poultry, beef and lamb. There are also special menus available for those valued patrons who desire Celiac, Diabetic, Vegan or Vegetarian dishes. The Irregardless Cafe has an extensive beverage menu with carefully selected imported and domestic wines and beers.
This is the last weekend for participating in the Triangle Restaurant Week and the Irregardless is offering a 3-Course Dinner for $25 plus tax and gratuity. Check out the Menu. If you would like to make reservations for this event, please call 919.833.8898 or visit us online at The Irregardless Cafe.
Photo courtesy of jhritz
Fruit of the Gods
Back in days of the Roman Empire, many gods were offered sacrifices in order for the Romans to remain in power and be successful. I believe the reason Rome fell was because they never offered them Strawberries! Strawberries are the most prolific fruit in the early summer. One relatively small berry patch can yield hundreds of the delightful red fruit.
Strawberries are easy to grow as long as they have good soil, full sun, water and fertilizer. They can grow just about anywhere and will continue to produce year after year. They thrive in containers or “Strawberry Jars” and you can purchase varieties that produce one crop a year, “June-bearing”, or for a steady harvest, summer through fall, choose an “ever-bearing” type.
Strawberry jars and Strawberry plants can be purchased at any nursery and aren’t expensive.
Read more on Strawberries? Make Strawberry Jam or Jelly?
Photo courtesy of Clarity
Dos Taquitos Centro to Host Downtown Raleigh Food Tour
Raleigh is home to many eclectic restaurants and fine dining establishments and whether you are a visitor or a local, the Downtown Raleigh Food Tour will provide you with the opportunity to talk with chefs and owners about their cuisine. There is no better way to get to know a city and its residents!
This tour take place every Saturday from 2 to 5 pm. It is $39.50 per person ($41.49 with registration service fee). Please register in advance ~ REGISTER ME
Tour participants will meet at Dos Taquitos Centro, 106 S. Wilmington Street, at 1:45 pm. Wear comfortable shoes as this tour is between 2 and 3 miles of walking. Takes place rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather. Parking is available in the lots near Fayetteville or Wilmington Streets in the 100 or 200 S. blocks. The Alexander Square Deck and the Moore Square Deck are also close by.
For more information about this or other tours available in Downtown Raleigh, visit the website for Taste Carolina.
Photo courtesy of Norwich Nuts
Make Mother’s Day Memorable at The Irregardless Cafe
Taking Mom out for
Mother’s Day Brunch?
Take her to
The Irregardless Cafe.
The Irregardless Cafe’s Brunch Menu will feature Mom’s favorites and two of those will be a Mushroom Artichoke Frittata and Asparagus and Brie Omelette. The Mother’s Day Brunch is scheduled for 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, if you would prefer to bring Mom for dinner, reservations will be accepted.
Photo courtesy of The Gifted Photographer
42nd Street Oyster Bar…A Local Tradition Since 1931
I could literally eat seafood “until it came out my ears” (one of my mother’s quirky sayings). I suppose if that means all the time, then “out my ears” is a good description of my love for seafood…shrimp and oysters, mostly. Fortunately, Raleigh has a great local oyster bar, which has been offering its patrons fine seafood since 1931. The name of the establishment is the 42nd St. Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill.
42nd St. began as a grocery store serving fresh oysters daily and eventually, when prohibition ended in 1933, the grocery was the first establishment to serve draft beer in a frosted mug. Now, the 42nd St. Oyster Bar is one of the most renowned eateries in North Carolina. The decor is rustic and reminiscent of a typical oyster bar with dark wood tables, neon signs glowing in support of their favorite beer and a casual, laid back atmosphere. No fancy white tableclothes here, folks. Just lots of napkins and lots of food. Did I mention the extensive Beer and Wine Lists?
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, you can catch some great live bands playing in The Lounge. The show begins at 10:00 pm. So, gather up your friends and family and come on down for some great seafood, live music and a whole lot of fun!
For more information on the restaurant, to see the menu or to see the schedule for live band appearances, visit the website for 42nd Street Oyster Bar.
Photo courtesy of Allerina & Glen MacLarty
3 Good Reasons to Eat Your Veggies
Established in 1992, the Downtown Cary Farmer’s Market became an outlet for encouraging small, family-owned farms to continue supplying fresh fruits and vegetables to the community. You could say this was an outreach project to bring the consumer and the farmer together in order to build relationships and a sense of community. The people of Cary and its surrounding area have the opportunity to mingle and learn about the locally grown, and in some cases, near-organically grown, seasonal food.
The farms, on which the products are grown, must be located within 100 miles of Cary, NC. Some of the farms raise cattle and chicken, so fresh beef and chicken are also available. Beginning April 17th, the Norris Farm will be offering cut flowers, herbs, jams, jellies, lettuce, strawberries (first of the season) and spinach. Parker Farms will have asparagus and fresh chicken. We believe around the 24th of April will mark the harvest of more strawberries and the first English peas. Also, we hope to see Sugar Snap Peas come in as well.
So, visit us at the market and stay a spell. Learn where your food comes from and how it’s grown. The market is open Saturday mornings from 8 am-12:30 pm and Tuesday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. More information can be found on the website for the Downtown Cary Farmers Market.
Photo courtesy of Ian Malcm
Survey Says!
What is your favorite type
of wine and what cheese
do you serve with it?
Just click on “Leave a Comment” above left.
Photo courtesy of I Love Butter
The “New” Duck and Dumpling…Downtown Asian Eatery
The Duck & Dumpling has always been a favorite for busy executive/professionals during lunch, special occasions for couples and those who just want to dine downtown. Since the establishment’s original owner, Chef David Mao retired, there’s a new chef on the block…Chef James Yott Boyle. Chef James still prepares The Duck’s traditional favorites, but has also added his mother’s Thai recipies.
Open for lunch and dinner, there is something for everyone at The Duck & Dumpling. This is no ordinary Asian cuisine experience. Prepare for a warm, inviting atmosphere…polished and clean, but not stuffy. The staff is friendly and helpful and both the lunch and dinner menus offer a delightful array of beautifully prepared Asian cuisine
The lunch menu offers most of the same items as the dinner menu with the addition of Baguettes, which as Americans, we would call the Asian version of the sandwich. If you love noodles, try the Drunken Noodles (stir-fried beef cutlets and mixed vegetables with fresh basil and rice noodles) and Udon Tempura (Udon noodles, bok choy and veggie tempura). There are four Asian-inspired salads and, of course, Chef David’s Dumplings and the Duck’s Specialties.
The dinner menu is a compilation of traditional favorites such as Sesame Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp and Ginger Duck, along with the The Duck’s Specialties, which include Green Curry Catch of the Day and Filet Mignon. Of course, if you try the Southern-Style Fried Duck, you will forget about chicken. This is street-style Thai dish which is lightly battered and served with Vietnamese coleslaw and steamed Jasmine rice. It is delicious!
This restaurant is very reasonably priced and promises to provide you an evening you will remember. Be sure to visit The Duck & Dumpling, located right across from Moore Square at 222 S. Bount Street, Downtown Raleigh. (919) 838.0085. For more information, visit the website for The Duck and Dumpling.
Photo courtesy of WarrenSki
