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Fashion, Food & Fun 

Upscale Chicken Coop - Chick-fil-A Moo'vs into Cameron Village

The double decker Chick-fil-A in Cameron Village is the first of its kind.  For those of us who have curiously watched the construction, the wait is over.  The new concept Chic-fil-A opened in March to big bands and consumer fanfare.  So why all the hoopla?  Let us explain.

Double Your Pleasure:  The new Chick-fil-A features two drive-thru's, two floors for eating (with elevator service), outdoor caf� patio and indoor bistro seating areas, and a children's playground.  There are even "Chick Friendly" service attendants who will bring your food to you.  The main ordering is downstairs, but should you be eating upstairs and want to supplement your meal (or dessert) ... you can do so.  It arrives by magic through an elevator delivery system.  All of this doubles (or triples) your chances to enjoy a clean, upscale fast-dining experience.

Getting the Drive-Thru's Out of the Kitchen:   Most fast-food  drive-thru's put you right in the middle of the action (greasy kitchen with all the glorious smells and worker trauma).  The new Chick-fil-A drive through is vastly different.  Yes, it's still a cattle shoot of cars, but when you arrive at the window you don't see the kitchen, just a friendly wait staff with your meal that was miraculously delivered through the upscale conveyor system .

Play Stations:  The children's play area is pretty simple, protected, and safe.  You won't lose your child in a jungle gym of slides and blue balls.  The bistro indoor and outdoor seating is more leisurely and geared to the Starbucks crowd (free WiFi).   It would not surprise us to see it used as such.

Eat Mor Chikin:  Will this new storefront and service sway you back to fast food? ... or at least "Eat Mor Chikin"?   Maybe yes, maybe no.    The sign inside says, "Food Is Essential To Life; Therefore, Make It Good".  From the new looks of things franchise owner, Ashlee Lawson, believes it and we agree.  Enjoy this new dining experience.  Location: Cameron Village, 2000 Cameron St, Raleigh; (919) 821-1155;  Free WiFi

Calling All NCAA Bracketologists - Moe's Million Dollar Challenge

Pick 63:  Think you have the magic touch when it comes to filling out your NCAA men's basketball bracket?  How tough could it be?  ... There are only 68 teams playing 63 games.   Well, Moe's Southwest Grill is going to make it interesting.  It is partnering with 99.9 The Fan and WRAL to offer Triangle-area college basketball fans the opportunity to create a perfect bracket for a chance to win $1 million. In addition, Moe's 15 Triangle-area stores are offering fans a $3 ground beef, tofu or chicken Joey Burrito on Thursday, March 15 if they bring in their brackets. 

Free Brackets:  Click Here for your $1 Million Bracket Challenge form powered by UPickum.com.  Register, fill it out (must be 18 year of age or older) between 8PM Sunday, March 11 and noon ET, Thursday, March 15.  Only one entry is allowed (multiples void your eligibility).  Besides the $1 million dollar prize, there are also local and national prizes available for those of us who might screw up a pick or two but manage to beat the field.  See Detailed Eligibility Rules and Good Luck!  

To Bee or Not to Bee     

Ya Dig? - Starting Your Own Garden

Although it's been a mild winter, odds are you haven't been near a garden since you accidentally picked up the landscaping issue of Architectural Digest during your last pedicure. Besides, who had time to continue gardening a full year?  But with the recent smell of fresh grass, crocuses peeking up from the soil, birds chirping and spring just around the corner... you're getting more inspired to plan your own secret garden.

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?  Sadly, not at all, even your cactus has kicked it. Fret not, would-be locavore.  Here are a few tips for city folk apartment dwellers or a novice at the concept of farm to table.  Yes, you too can have a garden in your apartment.  No kidding... in your window!  Windowfarms are popping up everywhere.  They are the coolest and best way to grow your own organic produce in limited space and in all seasons.  You can grow almost anything in a Windowfarm, except root vegetables, like potatoes or radishes. Click Here to buy and learn to make your own.  

Growing Tips: The Garden Hut in Fuquay-Varina is hosting a Gardeners Forum with Carol Stein. On Saturday, April 7 at 11am the topic will be Vegetable Gardening - Slash your food budget by learning to grow your own seasonal vegetables.  Carol writes a monthly gardening column, Grapevine, for the News & Observer.  She also writes the Tasteful Garden with former Food Editor Debbie Moose.  So sign up to get your hands dirty, preparing step-by-step plans for a little oasis right in your own backyard.  By the course's end, you'll know just what to do to design something functional, stylish, and (most importantly) within the realm of reality.  Register before March 31st.

The Garden Hut: 1004 Old Honeycutt Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526, (919) 552-0590. Open Mon-Sat 8:30-5pm and Sundays 1-4pm. Website.

Highland Community Victory Garden - A dedicated committee of volunteers established the Highland UMC Community Victory Garden in the spring of 2010 at the corner of Ridge Road and Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.  The garden was established to allow ESL immigrants, church members, community and regional volunteers to practice and learn about sound, sustainable urban gardening.  The garden is open to everyone interested in learning about and working the soil in an intensive gardening setting.  Work and harvest days are each Saturday starting at 8:00am.  Highland's garden is a producing, demonstrational and educational plot of raised beds totaling 1000 square feet of space.  Lessons pertaining to the day's work are taught on site each Saturday morning.

Highland's garden is 100% supported by donations.  To become vested in the garden, and thus share in the harvest, is very easy.  Any person or family simply needs to work in the garden for 10 hours and donate $10.00 for materials.  Large harvests are distributed to volunteers each Saturday morning, with produce being taken to immigrant families.  Each vested family or member may harvest what they can use during the week.  Once a week, extra produce is taken to Logan Trading Company to support "Plant a Row for the Hungry".  For questions please contact Cullen E. Whitley, Garden Coordinator, Highland UMC Community Victory Garden 919-612-3904 or email: cullen.whitley@gmail.com. Website.  

In Good Taste Cooking School: Register for Thursday March 15, Fundamentals of Cooking ~ Adults Class # 5 in a 6 week series on the Fundamentals of Cooking.  Sauces and Vinaigrettes.  In this class you will create Sauces and Vinaigrettes that will turn an ordinary dish into one full of flavor and interest! 2 spots for drop in participants at $50.00, 9:30-12:30.  Register Here.  Reminder: Sign up for March 23 Ravenscroft Cooking Class Spring Break Camps Spring Break and Ravenscroft Classes.  Click Here for Newsletter. 

Save the dates for Bookmarked! 2012 - Staff, board members, volunteers, and friends of the Lucy Daniels Center are developing an exciting calendar of events for Bookmarked! 2012, a ten-day festival for young children and their families that celebrates the special joys of reading with children. The festivities are scheduled for April 27 - May 6, 2012. Website.   

Classes by Marlowe K Earl: Draw Like a Kid Again...Fearless and Fun! Each session last 6 weeks, $270 per session.  Materials included in all classes. Each 90 minute class is individualized to meet your needs. Family Special: Come and draw with your kid and get a 20% Family Discount. Two Student Minimum for all classes. Custom Class Times available for all classes. NC Public School Certified K-12 Art Teacher. Call Marlowe K Earl at 919-397-8023, or Email Mordecai Neighborhood.  Twenty plus years public and private school experience, successful students are her specialty! 

Meet the BeeHive Girls! The Behive Girls stationery and gift line is a fun 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. 

Kenna Custom Painting, Inc.  is available to tackle your residential painting needs.  With their great crews that perform very professional jobs on residential homes, you won't believe how quiet and unobtrusive they are.  So if you have that "itch" to freshen up your home, interior or exterior before springtime, contact them now.  Call 919-855-0082 or Email: kennapaint@bellsouth.net.  Website. 

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   

Join My Blog Simply-Refined:  I am an Interior Designer that can inspire and help you with your designs and decorating needs.  Call  Zaytoun Interiors if you're finally ready to decorate or re-decorate your home or office.  What's your style?  If you're not sure, I can help you tap into your inner self and find what makes you want to come home.  Website, Email, Phone: 305-793-8510. 

Price Reduced $599,000: 2748 St. Mary's St. Raleigh, 27609. Ideal Location! Walk to great schools, greenway and North Hills! Renovated in 1995. New paint/ refinished floors. DR w/FP, LR/Sunroom & large FR. Large White Kitchen w/granite & subway tile backsplash. 5 bedrooms. Private quaint backyard -wooden play equip, greenhouse, climbing trees, Covered Carport, & 1car garage, 2 decks, fully landscaped.  Contact: Jill Rekuc, Olde Raleigh Real Estate at 919-389-0555.  Website. 

Did You Know?  For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain. Please support our local business!  This is what The Beltline Buzz is all about.   

March 14, 12 noon to 1 p.m., Express Library, 336 Fayetteville St. - Annie Nice, a true Irish lass, will present a bit about the history of the Emerald Isle, St. Patrick's Day and the upcoming book, The Operative, by her son, the best-selling author Andrew Britton. Annie will discuss growing up in Ireland, what her country is like today, and her favorite places and pubs to visit there. Here in Raleigh, Annie is Events & Wedding program manager at Tir na nOg and will share a crust of Irish soda bread with us for good luck. Free admission.

Raleigh Hall of Fame: It's time to nominate your favorite inspiration, hero or mentor to the Raleigh Hall of Fame Class of 2012. Their mission is to induct individuals and non-profit organizations, past and present that have made significant contributions to the City of Raleigh.  Nominations are due on March 15. The Induction Ceremony is on October 1 at the Raleigh Convention Center. Website   

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