To Bee or Not to Bee

Tailgate Like a Pro

Die-hard tailgaters across NC have stepped up their games, offering menus that go way beyond burgers and hot dogs. Portable smokers, fryers and grills get no rest as cooks dish up breakfast, lunch and dinner in stadium parking lots. Prep your own game-day feast with some recipes for success.  Just don't forget these three important tips: 1. Prepare ahead, 2. Get to the game early, and 3. Never, ever let a tailgater leave hungry!

Make it Tasty: Made-ahead recipes ready to eat straight out of the cooler can't be any easier. Simply stop by Nofo at the Pig in Five Points, Raleigh and pick up some great eats made in NC and perfect for any NC tailgate. Nofo can be your one stop shop.  

Country Ham & Biscuits: From Wayne County, NC The Wee Bake Shop has packaged the best southern tradition in a bucket. 50 homemade biscuits paired with country ham ready for you to thaw in just one hour. Then cut biscuits and place sliced ham inside for easy serving. We tried them and they're superb! Perfect for tailgates, or any southern party.  

NC BBQ Sauce dilemma: No matter if you're an eastern NC sauce lover or a western, we have you covered. From Sweet Grace (more western) to eastern Guy Parker & Two Brothers, or Outta the Park (a mix of both), there's a perfect sauce for you at Nofo....All made in NC! Check out all the great assortments of NC barbeque sauces and recipes they offer.

Tar Heel Pulled Pork Sandwich with Slaw and Vinegar Sauce recipe from a Chapel Hill graduate you've got to try. Click here for recipe.  

Beat the crowd: Every professional tailgater knows that the party starts at least 3 to 4 hours before kickoff. Claim your turf. Get comfortable, because you'll be there for a while. Location, location, location!

Wolf Den extravaganza: One of the most impressive tailgate mobiles we've seen so far! The rescued and re-purposed school bus was painted in NC State colors. The inside was customized in bright red and white seating re-purposed from an old fast food restaurant, hardwood flooring, an amazing hand-painted game table and even a kitchen! The "Wolf Den" was decked out inside and out showing true Wolfpack spirit and devotion. If you build it... they will come. All of the folks in the tailgate were also as hospitable as could be. 

Pre-Game Play: If you're past the college days of tailgating (translated: beer-guzzling gatherings), and want to go to game day like a grown-up. Graduate from those frivolous times to some serious fun. Ready, aim, play! Get your cornhole game on! Mature... right? 

Crumplers cornhole design specializes in custom cornhole boards made right here in Chapel Hill. From plain, unfinished boards to the most intricate custom designs, they'll create boards to your exact specifications. Each set is carefully handcrafted and painted. Design your own, or have them personalize a set for you! Website

Nice Sticky Rice - Bida Manda Wows Raleigh Restaurant Scene

Laos Soles:  Lost in the Tapas Triangle?  Perhaps it is time for you to find your Laos sole and experience something truly unique.  Lao cuisine combines Asian and French influences while using simple, fresh ingredients. The spices and textures combine to create amazing flavors ... some spicy, all delicious.  Enter Bida Manda (Laotian for father and mother) and a tribute to the parents of owners Vansana and Vanvisa Nolintha.  Located in downtown Raleigh on Blount Street next to the TirNaNog Irish Pub, Bida Monda welcomes you with an interior featuring intricate, sapling walls, a cozy bar, and simple wood tables.  The relaxed ambiance is home to a unique dining experience that is both exotic and comforting.  The menu has so many interesting choices that it begs for sharing.  The innovative cocktails and desserts are a perfect compliment.  Needless to say, Bida Manda is a most welcome addition to the Triangle dining roster - and a nice break from the tapas routine!

Luk Khao Niaow - "Children/descendants of Sticky rice":  The staple food of the Lao is steamed sticky rice but the cuisine is so much more.  Chef Lon Bounsanga was born in Laos and has added   contemporary flair to the authentic Laotian recipes. The results are a culinary treat.  Starters include traditional Summer Rolls (fresh herbs and vegetables, cut into segments resembling a sushi roll), Soft Shell Crab (lightly battered), Crispy Spring Rolls and Lettuce Wraps.  The dinner entrees are varied and unique.  A can't miss is the Green, Papaya Salad which combines a fusion of flavors, spice, and your choice of meat or vegetables.  The Caramelized Ginger Pork Ribs literally melt off the bone, and the Steamed Fish (NC Catfish or daily special) are prepared whole and are supplemented with herbs, aromatic rice, and sauteed vegetables.  Also, Amphone's Chicken Curry  is a fragrant, spicy melange of root vegetables and chicken and just hot enough to tickle your tongue.  Menus 

Final Call:  The Bida Manda desserts are seasonally inspired and include double and triple offerings.  They are not overly sweet and cap off the meal without overpowering.  The trio plate includes an apricot-tamarind cobbler, coconut custard crisp, and mango sorbet.  You will also find sumptuous macaroons, tempura bananas, and brown sugar custard.  The cocktail menu is very intriguing and incorporates a myriad of  bitters, infusions and sugar cubes.  Final call - prices are very reasonable.  A meal for two with appetizers, dessert, and wine can run under $75.

Bida Manda Laotian Restaurant & Bar: 222 S. Blount Street, Raleigh; Open:  Monday - Saturday; Hours: 11:30 - 2pm for lunch, dinner starts at 5 and rolls until 10.  Open late on weekends, Thursday through Saturday for cocktails; Menus:  The Dining Room & Bar; Contact:  Website

Certain Things is having a Beija-Flor Jeans Trunk Show - Stop by this Thursday, Friday and Saturday  (Sept. 26-28) from 10am - 6pm. Come and find out why everyone says... "I Love these Jeans!" Beija-Flor Jeans are a premium jean line designed for the modern woman that doesn't sacrifice style for fit. The established denim brand has become known for its innovative fit, its high-quality denim, and its figure flattering features.

Beija-Flor designer and owner, Kathy Moca, will be at Certain Things all day Thursday. Come by to meet her while you pick out your favorite Beija Flor jeans.

Certain Things: 404 Daniels St. Raleigh, 27605, Cameron Village. Phone: 919-828-5055

Email, cthings@bellsouth.net, Website. Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 1-5.  

Dinner in the Village - On Saturday, October 5, from 6 - 10pm, join Cameron Village for Raleigh's most unique outdoor dinner party - all to benefit WakeMed Children's Hospital. Gather your friends and enjoy dinner and live music under the stars in Cameron Village at a themed table decorated by you, as simply or as elaborately as you choose. This year's theme is called "Kid at Heart". So get creative and decorate your table as a favorite nursery rhyme, children's book, movie, toy, or whatever you can dream up.

House for Sale: $625,000   

Core Results - Personal Training is teaching people from all over the Raleigh, Cary and Triangle area how to meet their fitness goals. From kettlebells to TRX, everything is top of the line and brand new at the private Core Results studio. Call and make your first appointment for a Complimentary Session!

Core Results: 1330 St. Mary's Street, Suite A00, Raleigh, 27605, Phone: (919) 946-1737, Email:info@coreresults.net, Website.  

Kenna Custom Painting 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.

Join My Blog Simply-Refined: We are an Interior Design team that can inspire and help you with your designs and decorating needs.  We have been designing and decorating homes for over 20 years.  Please call for a consultation. We can serve with a whole design package, or just consulting only...no job is too small.    

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, we can help you tap into your inner self and find what makes you want to come home again.  Website, Email, Phone: 305-793-8510. 

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