Wine: Black Swan Shiraz Cabernet 2008 Region: Southeastern Australia This wine’s nose is like a warmed mulberry potpourri. It tastes of bright blackberries that have been spiced with cardamom and cinnamon.  Other than the slight kick at the end, I thought it was intriguing, enjoyable, and paired very well with monterey jack. Reviewed 8.17.09.

Magnolia Grill 1002 Ninth Street Ninth Street, Durham http://www.magnoliagrill.net Entrees:  $25-$28 Magnolia Grill is known as one of the finest dining establishments in Durham.  Being as I’ve lived here four years now, I figured I should get around to trying it.  Its menu is what I dub New American cuisine, otherwise known as fresh, local
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Big Fat Man Nantucket Café Sutton Station Durham www.nantucketcafeandgrill.com This is a manhattan made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon and served with 4 cherries.  The Woodford Reserve came through loud and clear with just a touch of vermouth.  As I like the hard stuff but find drinking it straight to be a challenge, the cherries made
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Char-Grill 1125 West NC Highway 54 Woodcroft Durham http://www.chargrillfranchise.com Burgers and Sandwiches:  $2-$4.80. Char-Grill is a Triangle chain that specializes in hamburgers, steak sandwiches, fries, and shakes at very affordable prices.  The location in Durham has lots of indoor and outdoor seating, black- and red-tiled walls, and oldies playing on the sound system. You place
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Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse 5410-Y Highway 55 Greenwood Commons Durham www.papamojosroadhouse.com Brunch:  $7-$13. Papa Mojo’s is a lively restaurant full of good Cajun cooking, live music during Sunday brunch and most evenings, and a bar with a nice drink list.  They do not shy away from a New Orleans vibe but rather embrace it fully with
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If you have both a sweet and spicy tooth, as I do, this cocktail is fantastic. It is made with passion fruit vodka, muddled jalapenos, honey, cilantro and something else I didn’t write down. The spiciness makes your throat tingle but the sweetness makes you forget all about it.

Cline Zinfandel 2007 Region:  California The nose is bright and fruity.  Raspberry comes to mind. Upon drinking, I get a full mouth of fruit.  It’s leafy, zippy, and tastes closer to currants than raspberries. This is quite flavorful but perhaps a bit too much so. Reviewed 7.22.09.

Coffee and Crepes 315 Crossroads Blvd Cary www.coffeeandcrepes.com Crepes:  $3-7 Crepes are one of my favorite vehicles for enjoying both sweet and savory treats.  Coffee and Crepes offers both at quite affordable prices.  They are located in the food court section of the Crossroads Plaza and have indoor and outdoor seating.  It’s an order-at-the-counter spot
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William’s Gourmet Kitchen 2114 East Highway 54 Research Triangle Park, Durham http://www.williamsgk.com/ Sandwiches:  $4.29-$6.49 Sides:  $0.99-$2.49 William’s Gourmet Kitchen is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch right where Highways 54 and 55 intersect. Its atmosphere is definitely that of a fast food restaurant but one that is very clean, welcoming, and decorated with fun
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The Bee Line The Hive Website Downtown Raleigh The Bee Line is a fruity drink made with Cruzan Light, muddled strawberries, rhubarb bitters, brown sugar syrup, and honey.    Served up in a hurricane glass, it was quite tasty at first but gets watery by the halfway mark.  The level of sweetness was kept under control. 
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