135939 Sun Nov 17 16:10:37 -0800 2002 4 11 South 0 729663 Was in the Chapel Hill / Durham area for a few days last week and had an opportunity to eat at a few well-known places. All have been the subject of prior posts but I tought the updates might be welcome. Magnolia Grill (Durham)- First-time visit, found it wonderful. Even though my colleague and I arrived just before closing on a Thursday night, we were well-treated and not rushed. We split an appetizer of fried oysters with country ham and diced vegetables all drizzled with some suace akin to a white remmoulade. From there I had a pork chop with a ramkin-sized cheese grits souffle while my friend ordered an outstanding duck breast dish. The waiter talked us into splitting a banana pie cake with fudge sauce and chopped pecans (much lighter than it sounds). Everything was excellent, very flavorful and very tasty; not cheap but still a good value in my opinion. Ben Barker was there which was nice to see since so many well-known chefs seem to spend little time in their own kitchens these days. Crook's Corner (Chapel Hill)- First-time visit there as well. Only had time for a quick dinner due to a late conference. Ordered the famous shrimp and grits dish which was wonderful despite being very full of garlic (I'm sure I could have enjoyed it just as well with half the garlic). Unfortunately, I was alone so I didn't get to sample anything else. Once again, not cheap but a good value in my opinion. Mama Dip's Country Kitchen (Chapel Hill)- Visited at lunch. Had the fried chicken, collard greens, mac 'n cheese with cornbread and a biscuit; all were quite tasty and the crust on the chicken was nice and crisp. Finished off with a piece of pecan pie that was as good as any I've ever had. The cashier, one of the family, mentioned that Mama Dip will be on The Food Network with Sara Moulton several times before the end of this month (dates and times to be posted on www.mamadips.com). Allen & Sons (Chapel Hill) - Return trip; happy to report everything seems as good as ever despite last year's fire. Chopped pork, slaw, hush puppies, Brunswick stew, and fresh, homemade blueberry pie for me, excellent as always. Pan Pan Diner (Durham) - About all that was open before heading to the airport for an early AM flight. Good but not exceptional by any means; still worth trying a local place as opposed to Waffle House (though I do love Waffle House). Sun Nov 17 16:10:37 -0800 2002 0 Gator 1 729680 Under the Magnolia Grill review that should read banana pudding cake. Mon Nov 18 19:10:40 -0800 2002 729663 0 Gator 1 729685 Those are all good choices, except Pan Pan. :-) If you haven't tried it yet, I always rave about 411 West in Chapel Hill. 85-90% of Magnolia Grill, better ambience, at 40% lower prices. I was there for lunch last week-- I live in Durham. I had grilled mahi with a mango salsa and mango couli, chipotle mashed sweet potatoes (yes, it was delicious), and wilted greens (looked like chard) for $10.25, plus tax and tip. Awesome! Tue Nov 19 16:55:24 -0800 2002 729663 0 Sant 2 729687 Is 411 on West Franklin St. in Chapel Hill? If so, I believe I noticed it and thought it had possibilities, but since I had been unsuccessful in getting to Crook's Corner several times in the past (due to its schedule or mine) I wasn't going to miss it this time. I'll keep 411 in mind for future visits. Tue Nov 19 18:16:49 -0800 2002 729685 0 Gator 3 729694 Yes, in between McDonald's and the Chrysler dealership on W. Franklin St. Wed Nov 20 10:16:50 -0800 2002 729687 0 Sant