Raleigh: Lafayette Village - lots of new food options in North, North Raleigh

[meatn3]

This looks to be a very new shopping center. Much cuter than your average strip center, it has an old world aesthetic. The center is located at Falls of the Neuse Rd. and Honeycutt Rd., just south of 540.
Just across the street is Piper's Tavern.

I only had time for a quick drive-by. Here are sites for most of the food related spots:

A franchised spice company:
http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/aboutus/raleigh.html

Italian with wood fired pizza:
http://www.paparazziraleigh.com/

Wine shop with S. American focus w/ small plates
http://www.vinosfinosypicadas.com/

Gourmet grocer:
http://www.antoniosgourmetmarket.com/index1.htm

Gelato:
http://www.henrysgelato.com/

Also Upper Crust, a pie/bakery/sandwich spot

Looks like a lot of options for this part of town.

If anyone has reports, please list them!

[burgeoningfoodie]

To add to the discussion. Antonio is looking into another venture.. no word yet on what and where.

[meatn3]

I just read on city-data that Antonio's has closed.

[burgeoningfoodie]

A long time ago and became part of the shop. That place isn't really great for food but the small plates/wine place looks interesting. Other wise you have to really search for anything worth going there for from what I could tell (the whole village that is).

[meatn3]

I'm totally confused by what you are saying.

From what I read Antonio's (market + ready to eat) closed recently. Lafayette Village is still open. (Edit: 5/17)

Not sure where discussion of it being a destination came up...but the shopping center and Antonio's certainly has filled a need in that part of Raleigh.

Edit:
https://www.facebook.com/AntoniosGour...

[burgeoningfoodie]

From what I remember Antonio's closed and it all just got folded into whatever that market was called. Are you saying the whole market itself closed?

[D R C]

burgeoningfoodie, I understand what you're saying but I think the coffee shop there is top-notch, http://www.jubalavillagecoffee.com.

[dinersaurus]

Agreed. Juballa is an excellent coffee shop with great espresso drinks. There's also a Henry's Gelato location, a nice little wine bar, a spice store, and a chocolate shop among a few other restaurants that are ok in a pinch. All in all, it's a nice little addition to North Raleigh and worth taking a look at.

[chazzer]

I agree Juballa is the best coffee shop in all of Raleigh. Have yet to get an espresso drink there always order one of the pour over coffees.

[dinersaurus]

If so, that's too bad. They were a great place to buy meat and fish. Although, I feel a bit guilty as I haven't been there in quite a while as I was usually too lazy to make the extra trip for these items (when I never had another strong reason to stop in and I could get all I needed at Whole Foods).

But, they had been constantly tinkering with the store and the layout. The last time I was in there, they cut the store space in half to make room for a restaurant on the other side. It made it all a bit claustrophobic and just not as pleasant. Still, I really liked the idea of it and wish they could have kept it going.

[meatn3]

I suspect the new WF's probably had an effect for exactly the reasons you site.

I do still miss Conti's and Antonio's helped fill that void. Although the last few times I stopped by to p/u a sandwich I couldn't get waited on and ended up leaving.

[RonboNC]

Just got back from a little field trip to Lafayette Village and happy to report that it's quite good!

* Antonios Gourmet Market- Impressive, big space with lots of refrigerated cases and high quality gourmet foodstuffs. Should have spent more time checking out the prepared meals but they have a TON of options. Had a very nice meatball sandwich on great bread there. Tons of staff so expect a high-level of service and of course, higher prices. But excellent options for locals

* Henry's Gelato- Twenty or so flavors, super creamy and dense gelato. They've got a high-tech customer loyalty program on a tablet pc up front. Some seating inside and small patio outside. Dog-friendly with soon to be, doggie gelato

* Vinos Finos- Cozy wine bar, very European/Argentinian. Good choice of S. American wines with generous pours at a good price. Small food menu but look forward to trying their empanadas. Had a chance to chat with the owner a bit, will be back for a wine-tasting.

Overall I'm impressed with what they're trying to do here. Look forward to trying Upper Crust, Paparazzi and the upcoming crepe place. I don't live very close but I'll be back!

-----
Henry's Gelato
10725 S US Highway 15 501 Ste E, Southern Pines, NC 28387

[meatn3]

Nice job! Appreciate you taking one for the team. ;-D

I seldom am up that way and was intrigued when I was passing through. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this is where Vinos Finos is located. I had recently purchased a groupon (or something) for them, but wasn't really sure exactly where they were located! I'll try and report back once I use it.

[burgeoningfoodie]

Just made a stop at Henry's Gelatos in Cary. They are pretty good, but don't have all their flavors in the case. They have some in the back so if you are inclined to want a certain flavor.. ask if they have it in back waiting to be put out.

-----
Henry's Gelato
1063 Darrington Dr, Cary, NC 27513

[burgeoningfoodie]

I just read about them in the N&O today as they featured Antonio's. However his website should be in Greg's list of offenders.

[meatn3]

Are you saying Antonio's website is poor or that Greg Cox gave a poor review? The online mention by G.C. seems favorable...

[burgeoningfoodie]

Sorry the website is poor. I was referring to what I thought was Greg Cox post last week about food places that have poor or annoying websites and that this one fits the bill.

[meatn3]

Thanks for the clarification. I missed his article on poor sites, must have been a challenge with so many out there!

[sisterbeer]

I've heard that Antonio's is hard to work for...that's about it.

[TerryG]

The look of Lafayette Square is really something different. It oozes ambiance. Fun to stroll around.

Antonio's is an upscale gourmet -- Italian style. Lots of prepared foods. Everything looks appealing and fresh. Only tried a few things. Meatballs were yummy. The cold cuts are pretty good. They make their own roast beef and get their corned beef from NYC. Some people from my synagogue raved. but I was hoping for more. Mostly pricey, but they have a good dinner special for 2: $20 for an entree, 2 sides, a salad, and dessert.

Haven't tried them for dinner, but the restaurant, Paparazzi, has some excellent lunch specials.

Few things we tried at the bakery, -- Upper Crust were OK but nothing special. I like the feel of the place, though.

The Spice store whose name I don't remember is way cool. Better than Penzey's cause they sell in bulk and even Penzey's smallest size containers are way more than we need. Try the dried corn.

All in all, a nice addition for foodies.

[dinersaurus]

I've been in to Antonio's a few times and have been impressed with their fishmonger and meat dude. We picked up an excellent NY strip steak there the other day - one of the more flavorful strips that I've had in a while and we typically pick up our meats from Whole Foods or some of the small producers at the farmers markets. They've got a decent little produce section, most things are in good condition. They have a wide variety of prepared foods, a pizza station, and a pastry section, which looks ok. They also have a small selection of wines, most of which are between $10 and $15. It's a nice addition to North Raleigh.

I also stopped in at the wine bar, Vinos y Finos or whatever. It's a cozy enough spot with lots of comfortable chairs to hang out in. I don't think they've ironed out all the details yet. A number of wines didn't seem to be that good of a value - given the usual price per bottle and that it's all South American wines. They really need to add descriptions to their wine list. On the whole though, it's also a nice addition to N. Raleigh.

[RonboNC]

Thanks for the update on Vinos y Finos! Been interested in checking it out, they've got some wine tastings scheduled this month...

[dinersaurus]

Just an update on Vinos y Finos. I made it there for another trip recently and I think it's been gradually getting better (not that it was bad). I don't see it as a food destination - nor does it have to be - but, you can get some enjoyable small plates and some nice wines. I think their prices are a little better now and I enjoy talking with the staff there. It's a great place to start or end a night.