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e
Elyse Aug 15, 1999 06:22 PM

Raleigh-Durham area

Will be visiting friends there for the weeekend....any
dining suggestions? Thanks.

  1. t
    Tom Armitage Aug 16, 1999 04:29 PM

    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.

    2 Replies
    1. re: Tom Armitage
      j
      Jeff Aug 17, 1999 05:32 PM

      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.

      1. re: Jeff
        j
        jen kalb Aug 17, 1999 05:52 PM

        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!

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