OnlyBurger Constantly Shifting Location, Durham http://www.durhamcatering.com/onlyburger/ Burgers: $4.25-6.75  Bacon: $1 Cheese: $0.50  Fries/Chips: $1.50 OnlyBurger, a hamburger truck that moves from spot to spot in the Durham area, had become something of a legend to me by the time I finally tracked it down.  It is very often ranked as one of the best burgers
Read more

Wine: Turning Leaf Pinot Noir 2007 Region: Germany This pinot noir has a vibrant nose of Saint Anne’s cherry.  Until this glass, it had been a long time since I’d had a bright, light-bodied wine that didn’t make me pucker.  It’s very tasty, with plenty of mildly tart cherries to plop in your mouth.  Have
Read more

Wine: 2007 Trentartre Rosso Region: Salento, Italy This wine, emblazoned with the #33 on the label, is a blend of 33.3% each of cabernet, merlot, and montepulciano. It smells of dark maple syrup and tastes like you’ve bit into a bushel of dates.  There is also a hint of tobacco.  It’s a bit bracing but
Read more

Wine:  Incanto Rose Region:  Italy This sparkling rose has no nose to speak of.  It is moderately fizzy and paltry in personality.  I would liken it to a sparkling water with lemon-lime flavoring and a dash of berry.  It would work as a very light accompaniment for a meal but definitely not for drinking on
Read more

Yadkin Valley Summer Sangria Foundation Downtown Raleigh Website As I’ve had my heat on for three weeks now, I’m sure Foundation no longer has this on their drink list, but figured I’d go ahead and post it anyway to give you a taste of what they mix up. This riff on white sangria was made
Read more

West End Wine Bar 601 Main Street Warehouse District, Durham http://www.westendwinebar.com West End Wine Bar opened up a Durham location a few months ago.  Being a fan of the Chapel Hill flagship bar, I was excited to do so.  This one is around the corner from the Amtrak station and, unfortunately, in the middle of
Read more

Wine: Elkin Creek Vineyard Dessert Wine Region: Yadkin Valley, NC This dessert wine smells of boysenberries and blueberries. It tastes like boysenberry syrup- rich, thick, and in need of pancakes. Overall, too thick to really enjoy as a wine for me, but sweet enough to make it worth my while. Other Bloggers Said: Nothing. I
Read more

The husband and I went to Athens, GA in mid-August with our friends Laura and Jordan.  Athens is the home of the University of Georgia’s main campus and Laura went to grad school there.  She recommended it as a cute, somewhat quirky, and nightlife-abundant town, perfect for a weekend away from home. I completely agree.
Read more

Fins 110 East Davie Street Downtown Raleigh Entrees:  $20-30 Fins is a modern, upscale restaurant featuring American dining with a bit of Asian inspiration.  The decor was gorgeous, from the wall of water behind the bar to the beautiful gold bars across the ceiling. I was surprised by just how empty it was on a
Read more

Wine:  Bella Sera 2007 Pinot Grigio Region:  Dollo Venizie, Italy This pinot grigio smells of sweet and crisp honeydew. It tastes minerally with some undertones of green pear and a dash of vanilla thrown in for good measure.  There’s also an aftertaste like you’ve just eaten a tart lemon cream cookie.  I’d like another, please.