134968 Sun Aug 15 18:22:51 -0700 1999 3 11 South 0 725450 Will be visiting friends there for the weeekend....any dining suggestions? Thanks. Sun Aug 15 18:22:51 -0700 1999 0 Elyse 1 725451 By far the best known and most celebrated restaurant in the area is Magnolia Grill in Durham. Ben Barker has been nominated by the James Beard Foundation as Best Chef in the Southeast for the last two years, and his wife Karen, was nominated for best pastry chef. I had dinner there last June, and the meal was, for the most part, worthy of praise that has been lavished on this place. It's extremely popular, so reservations are essential. Another highly regarded restaurant in Durham is Nana's, operated by a former sous chef at Magnolia Grill. In Raleigh, Bistro 67 reputedly has some good French-inflected cuisine, and Bloomsbury Bisto is touted as Raleigh's answer to Magnolia Grill and Nana's. Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill was recommended for food with a more southern accent. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance during my brief stay in Durham to try out the local barbecue, as I had wanted. The best known BBQ place is Bullock's, but some of the locals brushed it off as a "tourist" joint. If I'd had the time, I would have tried Allen and Son between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, which received the most consistent praise. Other BBQ recommendations included Hobgood's in Hillsborough, Skylight in Ayden, Melton's in Rocky Mount, and Wilber's and Scott's in Goilsboro. Mon Aug 16 16:29:57 -0700 1999 725450 0 Tom Armitage 2 725452 I just moved to Columbus, OH after 7 years in Raleigh and Durham, and I agree with the above post. Nana's and Magnolia Grill are certainly the best in Durham, and Bloomsbury Bistro in Raleigh is also top notch, but they are, accordingly, among the most expensive, with entrees from the high teens on up to $50. They are also among the few restaurants where dressing up is required. Triangle restaurants are for the most part moderately priced, casual and don't take reservations. Pop's, near Brightleaf Square in Durham, is one of my personal favorites. It's mostly Northern Italian, trendy (for NC) but friendly and unpretentious - and very good. Entrees are b/w $8 and $18. 411 West (as in 411 W. Franklin St.) in Chapel Hill is also a very good, "in" place with similarly good prices. As for Carolina Barbecue (shredded pork with a vinegar based sauce - NO tomatoes), the best, for both flavor and southern atmosphere, is Cooper's in Downtown Raleigh. And for a real Southern breakfast, try Big Ed's in Raleigh's City Market. NC's reviled Senator, Jesse Helms, eats there all the time. But don't bring your kids, Big Ed doesn't like 'em (a sign on the door tells you to come back when you can leave the kids at home). Feel free to email me if you have any more questions. Tue Aug 17 17:32:14 -0700 1999 725451 0 Jeff 3 725453 Jeff, If you find anything worth trying in Columbus, pls post! I have to visit central Ohio twice a year to see family, and would love to know of any good eating there (other than at Mom's table). You enjoy the All American City, now! Tue Aug 17 17:52:13 -0700 1999 725452 0 jen kalb