Photo from wattsgrocery.com
by Laura
Through May 23rd, several local restaurants are participating in Triangle Restaurant Week and featuring 3-course meal bargains. A new event last year, they continued the tradition to generate business during the inevitable slump that occurs post-graduation, when students leave campus and the university scene diminishes.
We decided to try out dinner at Watts Grocery, since their brunch was such a hit. It was absolutely one of the best meals I’ve had since moving down here, mostly because of the super-fresh ingredients. I wasn’t surprised to notice that the chef vocally supports buying local – and even the New York Times has taken notice of the way this trend continues to positively impact Durham dining.
Later in the week, we grabbed lunch at Il Palio, a Chapel Hill Italian spot that is consistently mentioned in lists of fancier restaurants – but never seemed quite worth the splurge. I don’t think I’d been willing to spend much on what was just a slightly-above average meal, but for $15, I enjoyed salad, pasta & some authentically delicious tiramisu.
Side note: Harold and I are considering making heavy use of the Carrboro Farmer’s Market in the fall, especially when it comes to buying locally produced meat. Many don’t have the luxury of having access to farmers and small town purveyors, but since Chapel Hill-Carrboro is surrounded by countryside, we’re planning on giving it a shot. The Market operates next to Town Hall every Saturday between 7 am-noon year-round, and between 3:30-6:30 on Wednesdays during the warmer months. Extended summer hours also include an outpost within the Southern Village apartment complex. This map demonstrates just how many local farms are within the area – pretty nifty!
Laura
Harold
