Saladelia Cafe 4201 University Drive Eastgate, Durham www.saladelia.com Breakfast: $3.25-7.90 Lunch: $4.99-7.50 Saladelia is a staple of Durham’s lunch scene with a bustling catering business in addition to their onsite food.  It is a favorite of mine for a late breakfast also, as their breakfast menu is available until 2pm on the weekend.  They offer
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The Oxford 319 Fayetteville Street Downtown Raleigh http://www.oxfordraleigh.com/ Lunch/Brunch: $9-14 Dinner: $9-19 The Oxford is a gastropub in downtown Raleigh with a posh, yet relaxed atmosphere.  It’s a large space that’s divided into three rooms, one with a huge television, twinkly-starred ceiling, and the Union Jack on the wall; one that’s more of a traditional
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Amelia Café 905 West Main Street Brightleaf Square, Durham www.ameliacafe.us Food: $3-11 Desserts: $2-6.50 Amelia Cafe is an appealing spot for lunch or dessert if you are in the Brightleaf area. The atmosphere is relaxed but sophisticated with smooth jazz playing and very comfy leather chairs at their tables. They offer candy, sweet and savory
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Second Empire 330 Hillsborough Street Downtown Raleigh Entrees: $25-37. http://www.second-empire.com Second Empire is a four star, fine dining restaurant housed in a lovely historic Victorian house. We ate in the main house but there is also a more relaxed, tavern section located in their cellar.  Note, though, that the prices there are not any more
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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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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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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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This weekend, I hit up the Txakoli Fest held at Six Plates Wine Bar in Durham.  A $5 entry fee gave you access to an afternoon and evening of live music and a traditional glass to take home.  Six Plates is always an enjoyable spot to pass the time as I love their goth-lite vibe,
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