Lisa Jeffries Nobling – Raleigh, NC

Tag: Cary

  • Neighborhood Drinks at Sidebar in Cary Downtown

    Downtown Cary, formally known as “Cary Downtown”, is starting to grow up beyond banks and longtime storefronts and is now attracting a variety of tenants including the newest: Sidebar Drinks + Company.

    Proprietor Matthew Bettinger, who you might recognize as the general manager from Downtown Raleigh’s C. Grace and Empress Room, has paired his cocktail savvy with his wife’s talented eye for aesthetics and put together a beautiful 21+ gathering space with an experienced cocktail menu and bountiful behind-the-bar selections.

    Located at 215 East Chatham Street, Sidebar is open Wednesday-Friday at 4 p.m. (closing at midnight Wednesday-Thursday, 2 a.m. Friday) and opens at noon on Saturday and Sunday (closing at 2 a.m. and midnight, respectively).

    We visited on a brisk Sunday afternoon and since we had Delta Dog along for the visit (our consistent Sunday companion), enjoyed a few rounds on the patio.

    Sidebar is a pretty little corner bar that neighbors Pro’s Epicurean Market & Cafe as well as Bond Brothers Beer Company. Since we visited on a Sunday afternoon, the other neighboring businesses (brewery excluded) were closed, so there was ample parking in the surrounding business center lots.

    Be sure to plan a visit on an evening when Pro’s is open and grab an incredible charcuterie plate to enjoy with your cocktails, but a word of note, the brewery was hoppin’ while we were there, which means lots of unattended minis making the business center sidewalks their personal playspaces and they were not using their “inside voices”. Buyer beware. 😉

    While there, I selected two of the “House Cocktails” to enjoy and both were downright delightful:

    Seven Amazing Benefits – $10
    Vodka, Lemon Syrup, Tamarind, Cucumber

    Bruleed Greyhound – $10
    Gin, Grapefruit, Burned Sugar, Lime, Salt

    I’m definitely a garnish girl as it is, but that “Burned Sugar” on the Bruleed Greyhound was stupid good. I’d come back again for that itself. Cocktail on the side, please.

    snoop dogg that's delicious

    Final Take: Do check out Sidebar in Cary when you get the chance. It makes for a nice afternoon stop. Tell Matt that Lisa sent you!

    PS: Yes, I found a way to work TWO Snoop Dogg gifs into one blog post. Perfection!

  • New Favorite: Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery in Cary

    Having grown up just a few miles from the intersection of Tryon Road and Cary Parkway, I’ve seen a solid handful of businesses come and go from the corner free standing building in the Wellington Park shopping center. This is the first that I think has a real shot of lasting!

    Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and I’ve read that they hope to expand into evening hours, too. Visit them at 6490 Tryon Road in Cary.

    I stopped in a few weeks ago to grab a quick lunch to-go when I was on that side of town and totally loved the Apple & Brie Panini (Sliced Apples and Brie Cheese with Dijon Mustard on a French Baguette) – although it was hard to pass up the Grilled Cheese option (Ashe County Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheeses toasted between thick slices of white bread). I’m a sucker for anything with brie, but i’ll probably order the Grilled Cheese next time I find myself over there for lunch – especially with fall approaching and it’s a done deal if I can get tomato soup on the side. Both paninis and sandwiches are served with your choice of potato chips, cole slaw, pasta salad or garden side salad. I chose the potato chips and was pleasantly surprised to find that these are large, house-made chips. #NailedIt

    Check out the full menu that includes breakfast and salads online at http://www.chanticleercafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Chantileer-Cafe-Menu-Web-Format-08-01-2015.pdf. (Their website, http://www.chanticleercafe.com/, also offers separate menus for their coffee selection and bakery items.)

    I asked for four sweet bakery items (manager’s choice) to be packed in a to-go box to send home with my client who I was meeting with after lunch. The total bill for my sandwich and side, plus the sweet goodies to go, was less than $20.

    Save Room for the Sweets!
    On a second visit about a week and a half later for brunch/lunch, the Manfriend, my parents, and I all ventured around the menu. Johnnie and my dad both enjoyed breakfast sandwiches served with Ashe County Cheddar, eggs, and bacon on croissants. Mom ordered a salad and it was so large, she took half home for later. I ordered the Caprese panini (Italian Bread brushed with Olive Oil and filled with Basil, Fresh Mozzarella and Sliced Tomatoes) and although it was good and exactly what you’d expect with basil, mozz, and toms, the Apple & Brie still ranks above it for me.


    This time around, we ordered a French Chocolate Silk Tart which was served basically as a mini-pie. Although the crust was a bit too tough to break with a fork easily, it didn’t our four-some from cutting it up into smaller bites and devouring it. The chocolate silk was true to form – super light, yet rich, and a perfect end to the meal – even though we did sneak a few bites early after we sat down and were waiting for our sandwiches and salads. For all four of us, plus the single dessert, the total bill was about $40.

    Each time I’ve been, there have been equal amounts of diners enjoying the outside seating as well as inside. I’ve never had to wait long and on each visit, the service has been friendly.

    According to the N&O’s food writer, Andrea Weigl, the bakery is owned by chef Craig Freeman, a longtime Raleigh caterer and owner of Edible Accolades.

    If you’re local, stop in soon and let me know what you think of this new local spot in the comments below!

  • Any Local Twilight Fans Here?

    I typically – as a rule – only watch one genre of movies: funny movies. (This hasn’t always been the case, but several years ago movies seemed to have just gotten a lot more graphic and I just can’t deal with that.)

    I’ve rarely hopped on the bandwagon for “must see movies”, but I have a confession to make. I just added all of the past Twilight films to my Netflix queue. Happy Jess and Grube? I’m sure I will now jump at the chance to see a movie at midnight when it comes out.

    This can totally be attributed to the fun the girls at Swagger are having right now in anticipation for the release of Eclipse (the third in the Twilight film series) this summer. There is just no way I could join in the fun without knowing which team to join, right?

    Here’s the skinny from Swagger:

    With the release of Eclipse, the third movie in the series, we decided to have a little fun with it and raise money for a great cause at the same time!

    Who is the event benefiting?
    The RED CROSS (get it – vampires,blood – yeah we know we are cheesy but this is going to be fun!:-) )

    What is the goal?
    To raise $1000 for the Red Cross by the premiere of the Eclipse Movie on June 30th, 2010. We have installed a “countdown” so we know how much longer we have!

    When is the event?
    The event is ongoing and is happening EVERY DAY at Swagger between NOW and JUNE 30th.

    Where is the event?
    At Swagger Gifts in Cary, NC

    How can YOU get involved?
    Do you love Edward or Jacob? Would you like a picture with “them”? Come by Swagger and take one! We are just asking for a donation – anything you want to give! Make your friends jealous and post it as your FB profile or frame it and keep it by your bed – we won’t tell!

    So, are you Team Edward, Team Jacob, or Team Undecided? Check out all of the pictures on Swagger’s blog and stop in and join the fun for a great cause if you’re local!

  • Taking Local Love to a New Level

    So this whole “concept” is something that Mandy and I have been talking up for a looooong time. And I am really pumped to finally be getting it out there. It’s not anywhere close to being as content-rich as it will be soon, but it’s at least a start.

    Right now, the biggest features are the email newsletter (bringing local style and retail directly to your inbox – but no, not like Express/Banana Republic/etc. style… I refuse to harass you all daily), Top Picks, and the feature appearances from local readers, too!

    If you have a few minutes, please stop by and check it out. Today our Black Friday content is still up, so you can check out what we liked for November… but tomorrow and over the next few days, December will be making its way in.

    And if you’re a local shopper, or just appreciate good style, please consider joining the email list, too 🙂

    And YES, I really DO want YOU to send me your tips, pictures, etc. I think this is going to be a lot of fun. A lot of work, of course – but most importantly… a lot of fun.

    www.iheartretail.com

  • Calling All Local Readers with a Cause or Two

    Here’s a quick PSA, because I like to pay it forward and I know that lots of my local readers have some great causes to share! 🙂

    Last year, the Swagger Gifts Holiday Open House Preview Party raised over $1,500 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma society, and now your very own favorite cause could be featured this year!

    If you are involved in a worthy organization, cause, or non-profit, please tell my friends at Swagger about it!

    Email Mandy (at) SwaggerGifts (dot) com with the story behind your cause and why you think it would benefit from being featured as this year’s Holiday Open House Preview Party charity!

    Nominations will be accepted until August 1, 2009.
    Swagger will choose and let everyone know in August who has been selected.

    The 2009 Holiday Open House Preview Party (possibly benefiting YOUR favorite charity) will be held on November 5th, 2009.
    The 2009 Holiday Open House will be held on Sunday, November 8th, 2009.

    PS – If you do email a suggestion to Mandy, please drop me a comment or an email to let me know! I’d love to hear that one of my reader’s suggestions was selected and have the chance to support you and your favorite cause at the annual party.

    {Image: SwaggerGifts.com}

  • Koka Booth Summer Movies Are Back!

    $3 is quite a deal and could be a great idea for a fun night out with friends or a date night!

    Cary To Show Movies By Moonlight At Koka Booth (from The Raleigh Telegram… hah)

    The town says that patrons can bring a blanket or chair as Booth Amphitheater’s spacious lawn is turned in to an outdoor movie theater.

    Tickets
    Adults – $3, Kids under 12 – free. (Good cause, too – $0.75 from each ticket sold is donated to the Just For Kids Kampaign at WakeMed.)

    Venue Gates/Box Office Open at 7pm and the movies start at dusk. Cash only.

    Schedule
    6/4- Quantum of Solace – PG13
    6/11 – Kung Fu Panda – PG
    6/18 – Moonstruck – PG
    6/25 – Made of Honor – PG 13

    7/2 – Wait Until Dark – Not Rated
    7/9 – He’s Just Not That Into You – PG 13
    7/16 – Twilight – PG 13
    7/30 – Blades of Glory – PG-13

    8/6 – Mama Mia – PG 13
    8/13 – Tale of Despereaux – G

    For more information visit: http://www.townofcary.org and Koka Booth’s website.

    Image Source: Koka Booth

  • Reminder: Kristi Winters (Walker) Fundraiser Today!

    Stop by McDonald’s in Cary/Apex if you can today!

    Missed the details? Here they are in my previous post – “Calling All Raleigh/Cary/Apex Readers“.

  • Calling All Raleigh/Cary/Apex Readers

    Normally, I’m not a big McDonald’s girl (unless it’s 2am and chicken nuggets are about as good as it’s gonna get), but this is so worth doing fast food for lunch and dinner.

    If you’re in the area, or know anyone who might be, please pass this along!

    Kristi Winters (Walker) Family Fundraiser

    On Feb 5th at the Lake Pine McDonald’s in Apex we will be having a fundraiser for the family of Kristi Walker who is a young woman fighting cancer. On that day from 11am to 11pm we will give 50% of all sales for both drive thru and inside purchases. We will also have someone collecting separate donations during this period.

    It is wonderful that people have made so many request for separate donations if you cannot attend, here is the info: 100% of all separate donations go to the family.

    Please make checks payable to: KTL McDonald’s, in the memo line please put “Kristi Winters Walker Fund”

    Mail to: Attn: Kristi Winter Walker Fund
    320 North Salem Street Suite 104 Apex NC 27502

    We hope to see you then!! It is a great cause for a family who needs our support!!

    Info on Kristi
    Chuck and Kristi Walker are the proud parents of 3 young boys, Cade (4 1/2), Mason (2), and Zane (newborn).

    During Kristi’s third trimester of pregnancy with Zane she started experiencing extreme back and hip pain, requiring her to be put on bedrest. On Friday, October 17th, Kristi was admitted for an emergency C-section due to what was believed to be ‘Hellp Syndrome’.

    Kristi was transported to UNC Hospital following the birth, and after several days of extensive testing, the doctors diagnosed Kristi with Stage IV breast cancer with metastasis in the liver, spine and pelvis.

    Please if anyone have question please feel free to email me or call (919)606-6069)!!
    Thanks, Shannon Haynie

    Here’s the event on facebook to enable easy sharing!

    50% of sales is VERY GENEROUS so I hope anyone who can will be willing to stop by.

  • Chef Todd Reaches 100th Episode – Contributes to Great Cause

    From a fellow Chix:

    100th Episode of “Cooking Coarse” Party to benefit Food Bank of NC

    Good Afternoon Ladies and Happy New Year!

    I wanted to let everyone know about a special event we are having this Thursday, January 8th at Savor Hospitality at 6:00 PM.

    This week, we will release the 100th episode of “Cooking Coarse”, the daily online video blog created by my husband, Chef Todd to provide free cooking instruction online.

    This is a milestone for the project and we are inviting friends, clients and fans to celebrate with us at a cocktail reception and live taping of the 100th episode (which will be released the next
    day).

    A$10 donation is requested, which includes beer/wine and light hors d’oeuvres. All collected money will be donated to The Food Bank of NC. Our goal is to raise $1000 at this event so we need your help!

    This is sure to be a fun, social event and I hope to see you all on Thursday!
    Register online today www.SavorHospitality.com/cart

    To view all 96 (and counting) episodes of “Cooking Coarse”:
    www.SavorHospitality.com/cookingcoarse

    Please feel free to pass along to anyone who might have an interest.

    Warmly,
    Heather Mohr
    Savor Hospitality
    Heather@SavorHospitality.com
    919.760.7599

    If you haven’t checked out Chef Todd’s videos… you are SO missing out!

    I have 849481 things to do on Thursday, but this is on my “I have got to stop by for a bit” list to congratulate them on such a job well done!

  • Triangle Uncorked

    Looks like a very promising event for wine lovers in the Triangle – thanks for the heads up Denise and Adrianne!

    We’ll have to see what time the Wolfpack plays at home against South Florida before I make my ticket purchase.

    Triangle Uncorked

    Date    : Saturday – Sep. 27th
    Time: 2pm until 4pm
    Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park, Cary
    Cost: $25 in advance, $35 day of event. $75 for VIP.    Benefitting the Frankie Lemmon Foundation (a Sigma Chi – NC State chapter – Derby Days favorite!) and The Rotary Club of North Raleigh!

    Update: “Ask and you shall receive…”. NCSU vs. South Florida game time is set for 7:30pm. How’s a wine fest for an alternative tailgate?