Category Archives: Restaurant News

Tasty 8’s Gourmet Hot Dog Co. To Open This Week in Raleigh

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According to the N&O  Tasty 8’s Gourmet Hot Dog Co. is hoping to open for business this Friday. The restaurant featuring gourmet hot dogs has completely overhauled the space on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh where Spize Cafe was once located. I’m not a huge hot dog fan, but must admit I am intrigued by the menu which includes 8 different kinds of hot dogs, 8 types of dipping sauces, and yes 8 beers on tap.

I’m looking forward to checking this place out when they open and plan to report back with more pictures and thoughts about the food. I’m also interested to see how their takeout window service operates. Once they open their hours will be Monday-Wednesday from 11am to 10pm and Thursday-Saturday 11am to 3am (note the late night hours on weekends!). In the meantime follow them on their facebook page for updates.

Tasty 8’s Gourmet Hot Dog Co.
121 Fayetteville Street #108
Raleigh, NC 27601
http://tasty8s.com

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Got To Be NC Competition Dining “Fire in the Triangle” Tickets on Sale Now!

Fire in the Triangle 2014

The Got To Be NC Competition Dining Fire in the Triangle series returns to Raleigh this month with your favorite Triangle chefs facing off in a friendly competition from June 23 through Aug. 4. Each event is a highly interactive dinner in which community members can not only attend, but also get in on the action. I’ve attended the event the past two years and can attest that it is a fun evening of great food. You can read my 2013 Fire in the Triangle recap here.

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How it Works

In every battle, two chefs face off preparing three courses created around a “secret” or featured ingredient revealed at noon that day. Diners taste and grade the six courses without knowing which chef prepared each. Along with scores from professional judges, results are tallied and a winner is crowned, moving that chef on to the next round of competition.

The Goal
The Got To Be NC  Competition Dining is in its third year now and is part of a larger movement. Because we are all chefs, farmers, or diners, its mission is to connect and celebrate this community through a dynamic, entertaining experience.

Fire in the Triangle First Round Brackets:

June 23
Dean Thompson of Flights and Joseph Yarnell of Cantina 18 in Raleigh

June 24
John Childers of Herons at The Umstead in Cary and Scott Yankovictz of The Station in Raleigh

June 25
Spencer Carter of Weathervane at Southern Season in Chapel Hill and Nunzio Scordo of Driftwood Southern Kitchen in Raleigh

June 30
Christopher Hill of The Oxford in Raleigh and Yunes Sabou of City Kitchen in Chapel Hill

July 1: Serge Falcoz-Vigne of 518 West in Raleigh and James Clark of Carolina Crossroads at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill

July 2
Peter Spear of Pup’s Steakhouse in Wilson and Adam Jones of Dean’s Seafood Bar & Grill in Cary

July 7:
Sean Fowler of Mandolin in Raleigh and Steve Zanini of Jimmy V’s Steakhouse & Tavern in Cary

July 8
Regan Strachler of Little Hen in Apex & Beth LittleJohn of Coquette Brasserie in Raleigh

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Location & Ticket Information

All Fire in the Triangle competition events will be held at 1705 Prime in Raleigh and begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available online now and advanced reservations are required. For information or to order tickets, visit www.competitiondining.com.

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Gregoria’s Cuban Steakhouse Grand Opening Celebration April 4th

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Grand Opening Event April 4th

Gregoria’s Cuban Steakhouse, one of Durham’s newest restaurants featuring contemporary Cuban fare, invites the community to a grand opening party Friday, April 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. The restaurant, which had a soft opening in January, is welcoming community members for an after-work event with free food, festive music from Orquesta la Calve, a nine-piece salsa tribute band, and demos from professional salsa dancers. Additionally, guests can enjoy all-day $2 mojito, sangria and draft beer specials.

If would like to attend the April 4th Grand Opening Event please RSVP to Gregorias@boltpr.com to let them know you are coming.

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photo courtesy Gregoria’s Steakhouse

Menu Offerings
As Fares Hanna, Gregoria’s Cuban Steakhouse owner explains, “Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African and Caribbean influences, and our menu combines these for perfectly seasoned flavors. It’s a fine dining experience at affordable prices.” Gregoria’s authentic Cuban fare with modern flavor includes specialties like the cubano sandwich, lechón asado, ropa vieja and grilled options ranging from skirt steak with chimichurri to pan-seared salmon. For the grand opening event, a variety of appetizer and dinner menu items will be made into complimentary hors d’oeuvre portions so guests can taste a wide selection of the Cuban fare.

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photo courtesy Gregoria’s Steakhouse

Bar Menu & Happy Hour Special
In addition to the grand opening celebration, Gregoria’s launched a new ongoing bar menu starting on Tuesday, March 25. It includes pulled pork and chimichuri, fried olives stuffed with queso fresco, and more. These new tapas portions will be available Tuesdays through Sundays in the bar, and available at a special happy hour rate of $3 or less per item from 5 to 6 p.m. each day.

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photo courtesy Gregoria’s Steakhouse

History
Hanna previously owned and operated Gregoria’s Kitchen for more than two years, but it closed last year after it was damaged in a fire. He decided to rebuild in a larger location and expand the restaurant’s menu with even more Latin recipes as well as a variety of Cuban-inspired steaks. Hanna refurbished a special event space adding a contemporary Havana ambiance, gorgeous reclaimed-wood bar and a large lush patio that can seat up to 70 guests.

Gregoria’s Cuban Steakhouse
2701 Hillsborough Rd. in Durham
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. Brunch Saturdays and Sundays between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Website: www.gregoriascubansteakhouse.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/GregoriasCubanDurham
Twitter @gregoriasdurham

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Smashburger Comes to Durham!

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Smashburger Grand Opening – Wednesday March 12th!
If you’ve followed me on the blog for a while you have probably realized I have a fondness for great burgers. So I’m excited to share the news that 
Smashburger, the nation’s fastest growing “better burger” restaurant, is gearing up to open its very first Triangle location Wednesday, March 12 in Durham’s Lakeview Pavilion East shopping center (2608 Erwin Road), located across from Duke University Hospital and down the road from Duke University. 

The Durham Smashburger location is being opened by local residents and area franchise owners Ketan and Jayshri Patel. The community is invited to come out for opening day, where they can be one of the first to taste the 100-percent Certified Angus Beef burger burgers, celebrate with fun onsite activities and help raise money for Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center. (The Patel’s are donating 10 percent of total proceeds from opening day through Sunday, March 16 to the organization.)

Smashburger Sides

The Food
Smashburger brings juicy burgers that are smashed fresh, served delicious, along with chicken sandwiches, black bean burgers, salads, Haagen-Dazs shakes, tempting sides and regional menu items specifically crafted to please local’s palates throughout the Triangle. The Durham Smashburger, will feature the Carolina Chili Smashburger, a 100-percent Certified Angus Beef burger topped with layers of melted American cheese, beefy chili, chopped yellow onion, Duke’s mayo and coleslaw on a pretzel bun.

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More than just Burgers
Customers can also enjoy a selection of tender grilled chicken sandwiches and fresh-tossed signature salads, along with a variety of irresistible sides including rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries, Haystack Onions and Veggie Frites (flash-fried and seasoned carrot sticks and green beans). The restaurant will also serve a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including handspun Häagen-Dazs shakes, root beer floats in frosted mugs and beer, including local craft brews.

Smashburger Chicken Club

The Smashburger Approach
At Smashburger, the secret is in the smash. It starts with 100-percent fresh, never frozen Certified Angus Beef that is smashed on a 400-degree flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor. To further the “better burger” experience, the delicious burgers are served on toasted artisan buns and topped with a selection of the freshest produce, real cheeses and highest quality condiments.

Smashburger Shakes

More Information
This is the first of several Smashburger restaurants the Patels will open in the Triangle area. I’ll be checking out this first location next week so check back for my review and more pictures of their menu items. Additional information on the timing and location future Triangle stores will be announced in the coming months. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com and follow them at www.facebook.com/smashburger or on Twitter and Instagram.

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