Mint Sidecar Elaine’s on Franklin 454 West Franklin Chapel Hill, NC The mint leaf was an excellent garnish to a well-blended drink. The cognac wasn’t too noxious, as it sometimes can be. One of these will be plenty to get you through a meal. Tasty but not delicious.

Oranj Cocktail Elaine’s on Franklin 454 West Franklin Chapel Hill, NC The sweet rim worked very well because of the strong alcohol taste; they tempered each other. The orange is sweet and not overpowering at all. It tastes golden.

Basil Mojito Elaine’s on Franklin 454 West Franklin Street Chapel Hill, NC This drink was very strong with an excellent rum chosen as the base. The basil was an exciting flavor change. Surprisingly, the drink had a bit of lemon to it, which made the whole thing taste off. Interesting, but didn’t quite succeed.

Azure Tea Cocktail Azure Grill *CLOSED* 407 Meadowmont Village Circle Chapel Hill, NC Let it be known, this is the one and only time I have ever liked sweet tea. I don’t particular like to drink liquefied sugar, but it’s easy to take when cut with muddled raspberries and bourbon. The bourbon was very well
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The Primo Margarita Chili’s 6917 Fayetteville Road Durham, NC This one is perfect for those of us who like the flavor of margaritas but can’t drink it fast enough to beat the melting ice. It has a strong alcohol presence, which delights my taste buds. The tequila is well-blended with the participating liquors. I always
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French Kiss Martini City Beverage 4810 Hope Valley Road Durham, NC This libation is a mix of vodka, chambord, pineapple, and lemon peel. It’s a slightly different recipe than the classic French Kiss but tastes just like that standard—a favorable level of sweetness, but overall, somewhat dull. Brightly deep red in color but the taste
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Apple Cider Martini Acme 110 East Main Street Carrboro This one did not live up to my expectations. I was anticipating the same level of spice as a mug of apple cider, but Acme seems to have been aiming more for sparkling cider, which is really nothing more than extra fizzy apple juice. At least
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Toast Five Points 345 West Main Street Durham, NC http://www.toast-fivepoints.com Sandwiches ranged from $1.50 for Crostini to $6 for Panini Walking through downtown Durham on the way to Toast is a testament to the fine remodeling job that has been done since we moved to Durham three years ago. It is slowly revitalizing itself as
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Rockwood Filling Station *CLOSED* 2512 University Drive Durham, NC Pizzas ranged from $9–12 if my memory serves me well. There can never be enough places selling gourmet pizza, right? I’m not a purist; you won’t find me expounding on the glories of a New York slice or the goopiness that is Chicago Deep Dish. No,
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six plates Erwin Terrace 2812 Erwin Road Durham, NC http://sixplates.blogspot.com Small Plates $9–11 We ended up at six plates late on a Saturday night after having waited too long for service at another lounge. six plates was advertised in our American Dance Festival brochure along with its service hours, which are until 2 am on
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