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Around the Triangle in Seven Days - Triangle Restaurant Week,  

Jan. 23-29

Many things have been accomplished in just one week. Like creating the universe or receiving a package or catching up at work from the week you missed (faking an illness).  If all this can be accomplished in seven days, you surely can take a twirl around Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill eating out at different restaurants. That's what Triangle Restaurant Week is all about; trying new places you've never been or going to ones you've always loved for just $15 for lunch and $20 or $30 for dinner.

The Beltline Buzz is giving you our seven day 'eat-athon'.  We've picked restaurants from all over the Triangle that have different flares and flavors. Some are brand new some are just new to us but have been here a while. But all are interesting and worth the try for such a low price. Wow, a whole new Revelation!

Mexican Monday - Dos Perros is unlike anything else in the Triangle.  Offering fresh and truly authentic Mexican cuisine, an extensive craft beer list, carefully chosen wines, and award-winning cocktails.  Their house-made aguas frescas (watermelon, hibiscus, and more) are delicious by themselves or in several of their innovative cocktails.  Served all in a warm but upscale environment. Lunch $15, Dinner $20. Click Here for prix-fixe Menu. 

Dos Perros: 200N Mangum St, Suite 101 Durham, NC 27701 Phone 919-956-2750. Website.

Twisted Fork Tuesday - The Twisted Fork is a family-friendly restaurant in north Raleigh that celebrates playing with food.  But that doesn't mean they don't take their cuisine seriously.  It's your plate, and you should have it any way you like it.  So they want you to play with the possibilities and get the exact gourmet meal you're craving.  They perfect each plate straight from their self-proclaimed "scratch kitchen," where everything on the menu is made fresh and in house. Lunch $15. Dinner $20. Click Here for prix-fixe Menu.

The Twisted Fork: 3751 Sumner Blvd, Ste 170, Raleigh, NC 27616, Phone 919-792-2535

Website.   

Weathervane Wednesday -   Weathervane's seasonal menus highlight local ingredients in contemporary American fare with a Southern flare.  Their devoted staff and special setting within the convivial atmosphere of A Southern Season have helped propel the restaurant to its acclaimed status.  It is an integral partner in what has become a one-of-a-kind marketplace that remains unique to Chapel Hill.  Dinner $30. Click Here for prix-fixe Menu.

Weathervane: 201 S Estes Dr, University Mall, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, Phone 919-929-9466, Fax 919-913-1229, Website.   

Cuban Thursday - Cuban cuisine is as varied and vibrant as its culture.  At Gregoria's Kitchen in Durham, they bring you the diverse flavors of Cuban food using traditional recipes made with the freshest ingredients.  Whether you're enjoying a Rum Pi�a and appetizers after work or celebrating with friends and family, their colorful and lively atmosphere will make you feel at home.

Chef Dania Gonzalez grew up in Hialeah, FL. Even though her parents were far from their beloved island of Cuba, they maintained a connection to their culture through food.  At Gregoria's, she recreates the flavors and aromas of her mother Gregoria's kitchen and shares them with you.  Hasta pronto! Dinner $20. Click Here for prix-fixe Menu.

Gregoria's Kitchen: 2818 Chapel Hill Road. Durham, NC 27707, Phone 919-416-0600. Website.    

You have to try this one just because of their slogan!

Five Star Friday - Five Star is the answer to sophisticated Asian dining and entertainment.  The

vibrant colors and urban chic d�cor create a cozy yet refined ambience whether one is enjoying a delectable meal or merely having cocktails with friends.  Five Star is located downtown in the heart of Raleigh's warehouse district and is reminiscent of a speak-easy establishment, as its unmarked entrance blends in with the surrounding brick buildings.  Dinner $20.  Click Here for prix-fixe Menu.

Five Star: 511 West Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27603, Phone 919-833-3311

Website.   

Saffron Saturday - Saffron brings gourmet Indian dining experience to the triangle presented in an elegantly modern ambience. Saffron's executive chef got his start at Bhukara (voted number one Indian restaurant in the world) and most recently worked at a top Indian restaurant in NYC. Saffron offers authentic delicacies from many different regions of India paired with painstakingly selected 95 different wines. Dinner $30.  Click Here for prix-fixe Menu.

Saffron: 3140 Environ Way , Chapel Hill, NC 27517 , Phone 919-240-7490

Website.   

Holy Sunday at Mia Francesca - North Hills has a new restaurant to boast about. Mia Francesca, part of the Francesca's Restaurants family (based out of Chicago, Illinois) is an Italian Trattoria and wine bar proud of its simple, rustic cooking, friendly service and moderate pricing. Located beside The Renaissance, Mia Francesca boasts multiple private rooms, outdoor patio, lively bar and an extensive main dining room with a family/friendly atmosphere. Open daily for lunch & dinner along with a late-night menu. Lunch $15, Dinner $30.  Click Here for prix-fixe Menu.

Mia Francesca: 4100 Main at North Hills Street Raleigh, NC 27609 , Phone 919-278-1525

Website.

After the seventh day you'll feel complete. Next week.... Hit the gym!

Triangle Restaurant Week - January 23 - 29th. Reservations are strongly recommended via OpenTable.com or by calling the restaurants directly.  Website.

To Bee or Not to Bee     

Every Dog Deserves His Day - Woof Gang Bakery Opens  

in North Hills 

If your dog could talk, what would he say?  "I love eating off the floor ... and your annoying baby voice."  Probably not.  Here's what we think your pooch is trying to tell you.  There's a truly unique pet store, Woof Gang Bakery, that has just opened in Raleigh (North Hills near Panera Bread) that's Top Dog.  Unlike the big "Pet Crate" stores, Woof Gang Bakery is a local resource for all things pet-related, including proper nutrition, healthy lifestyle, grooming, valuable information and community involvement.  Colorful, pet friendly and welcoming, this is a local version of dog (& cat) heaven.  Once inside, your pet will surely exclaim, "This is Bitchin'!"

Human Grade Treats:  Woof Gang Bakery is a family-owned franchise and sisters Lindsay Trumpler and Courtney Reid are long-time Raleigh residents.  This local feel is evident the minute you walk into the store and encounter the eye popping table of fresh baked dog treats ... safe for human consumption but clearly seasoned for doggie tastes.  Not only are there Heinz 57 (exaggeration) varieties of dog biscuits and kibbles, but there are also yogurt frosted cookies and pastries.  There's no shame in drooling as the shelves are lined with natural pet foods and treats, grooming supplies, leashes, apparel and toys.  There's also a cat section.  Also striking is how clean it is ... more like an upscale spa (without the spa prices).   Artworks from local pet artists Amy Yeager and Terri Clements adorn the walls.

No Crates:  The Raleigh store is the third NC franchise (others in Ashville and Cashiers).  It offers full and self grooming with state-of-the-art equipment in a no stress environment. They also offer doggie daycare.  Prices are competitive and you can either make an appointment for them to groom your pet or walk in (first come, first served) to self-serve groom.  Your pets are never subjected to crates (either before or after grooming).  Rather, they are treated as one of the family.  Remember, smelling bad isn't their fault, it's yours.  Fortunately, you now have a local solution.

Woof Gang Bakery: 4221 Six Forks Rd. Ste. 120 Raleigh, 27609; Phone: 919.420.0065; Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 12noon-6pm; Website.    

Wannit?  Come 'n get it!

Meet the BeeHive Girls! The Behive Girls stationery and gift line is a fune colorful way to celebrate the power of girlfriends! These girls each have a special personality, with a humorous and positive message to share with all the amazing women in your life. 

 

 

Fork & Barrel: Daily Specials & Events -  WINE MONDAY:  End your Monday with 30% Off All Wine Inventory Bottle & Glass, $ 2 Bud Light Draft, $ 3 Sam Winter Lager.   HAPPY HOUR Monday- Friday:  Half Price Appetizers from 4 to 6:30.  Join Fork & Barrel Mobile VIP club and text FNB to 919-439-6501 to receive special offers & coupons.

 Fork and Barrel:  6675-105 Falls of the Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615, Tel: (919) 322-0190,  Email   

Let's Get Organized.  Make your first resolution for 2012 to get organized in your home.  Call  Zaytoun Interiors if you need help re-arranging all those fabulous books and accessories you received over the holidays or if you're finally going to take the plunge and re-decorate the family room, now that all the kids have flown the coop!   Website, Email, Phone: 305-793-8510. 

PRICE REDUCED SIGNIFICANTLY. Very nice comfortable transitional home in ideal cul-de-sac setting. Bright Open 2-sty Foyer, Casual Formals, LR could serve as Office/5th BDR, Cozy FR w/gas FP,OVERSIZED Kitchen fully equipped-Granite, tile bksplsh, SS App, Gas Cktop, Abundant Counters, Mud Room/Utility down, GREAT LOFT-custom bkshelves, nice sized BDRs, Unfin Attic. Plus Screened Porch and Stone Patio! 7101 Pebble Gate Drive, Raleigh 27612. $475,000.  Contact: Jill Rekuc, Olde Raleigh Real Estate at 919-389-0555.  Website. 

Congratulations to: Audrey Penn, author of The Kissing Hand and more than a dozen other picture and chapter books, will receive the  Lucy Daniels Award for her contributions to children's literature when she joins Bookmarked! 2012 as Lucy Daniels' featured author.

Artspace Hosts Second Soup Bowl Supper with Local High School Art Departments -Artspace partners with the art departments of three local high schools - Southeast Raleigh, Sanderson, and Green Hope to serve a soup dinner featuring ceramic soup bowls handmade by students. Thursday, February 23, 2012. Tickets are $15 per person ($100 for a table of 8) and include dinner (soup, bread, drink, and dessert), performances by school choral groups, and a take-home ceramic soup bowl handmade by a local high school art student. There are two dinner seatings available at 5:30pm and 7:00pm. Contact info: 919-821-2787, Email

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