Zomppa - Food Good, Social Good » Piedmont NC http://www.zomppa.com A food education and advocacy non-profit organization Tue, 28 May 2013 10:00:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen: TidBit of the Day http://www.zomppa.com/2012/10/04/lucky-32-southern-kitchen-tidbit-of-the-day/ http://www.zomppa.com/2012/10/04/lucky-32-southern-kitchen-tidbit-of-the-day/#comments Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:00:28 +0000 Belinda http://www.zomppa.com/?p=25757 Lucky we are to have a place like Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen in NC. Southern charm and southern food make this is a happy place – the food, first of all, is wonderful. There is the “regular” menu of classics like chicken and dumplings, and a rotating seasonal menu of whatever is the freshest and [...]

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]]> Lucky we are to have a place like Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen in NC. Southern charm and southern food make this is a happy place – the food, first of all, is wonderful. There is the “regular” menu of classics like chicken and dumplings, and a rotating seasonal menu of whatever is the freshest and most available in the NC area. Even when you walk in, there is a small produce stand to pick up any additional goodies you might have forgotten, like sweet watermelon and squash, from local farmers.

Everything here was delicious and fresh. To top it off, the service is lovely – personable but not overbearing. We had a hard time choosing which soup, and ordered one. To our delight, our server brought us two more “just to try.” (note: the golden tomato soup tastes like the bestest grown-up gourmet grilled cheese sandwich in a creamy tomato soup).

Lucky us.

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]]> http://www.zomppa.com/2012/10/04/lucky-32-southern-kitchen-tidbit-of-the-day/feed/ 0 Calavera: TidBit of the Day http://www.zomppa.com/2012/09/27/calavera-tidbit-of-the-day/ http://www.zomppa.com/2012/09/27/calavera-tidbit-of-the-day/#comments Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:00:00 +0000 Belinda http://www.zomppa.com/?p=25872 A new empanada & tequila bar opened up in Raleigh, NC, Calavera. For $3, the empanadas are an incredible value, especially consider the quality and flavors. The pastry is perfect, and the choices are simply lovely – from Pollo Borracho (drunken chicken) to Holy Frijoles (black beans with Oaxacan cheese) – and difficult to choose [...]

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A new empanada & tequila bar opened up in Raleigh, NC, Calavera. For $3, the empanadas are an incredible value, especially consider the quality and flavors. The pastry is perfect, and the choices are simply lovely – from Pollo Borracho (drunken chicken) to Holy Frijoles (black beans with Oaxacan cheese) – and difficult to choose from.

Their dessert ones – key lime pie (yes, IN an empanada) and banana/nutella – are about as perfect as can be.

Of course, let’s not forget the drinks – the tequila menu is miles long and gets great reviews. Great eats, great find in Raleigh!

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]]> http://www.zomppa.com/2012/09/27/calavera-tidbit-of-the-day/feed/ 5 Cupcake Bar: TidBit of the Day http://www.zomppa.com/2012/09/20/cupcake-bar-tidbit-of-the-day/ http://www.zomppa.com/2012/09/20/cupcake-bar-tidbit-of-the-day/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:00:39 +0000 Belinda http://www.zomppa.com/?p=25946 Finally opening up on one point of the star at Five Points in Durham, NC is the Cupcake Bar. Their cupcakes – regular-sized and mini – come in what you might find at a soda fountain or a bar. From 7-Up (lime buttercream with lemon cupcake) to margherita (lime buttercream with orange cupcake, the flavors [...]

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Finally opening up on one point of the star at Five Points in Durham, NC is the Cupcake Bar. Their cupcakes – regular-sized and mini – come in what you might find at a soda fountain or a bar.

From 7-Up (lime buttercream with lemon cupcake) to margherita (lime buttercream with orange cupcake, the flavors are charming. You can even get a frosting shot – yup, just a cold shot of frosting (nope, this is not vegan-friendly).

Sitting watching the burgeoning downtown in their chic but comfortable space make downing that thick and creamy milkshake all the more enjoyable.

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]]> http://www.zomppa.com/2012/09/20/cupcake-bar-tidbit-of-the-day/feed/ 4 Mateo Tapas: TidBit of the Day http://www.zomppa.com/2012/09/13/mateo-tapas-tidbit-of-the-day/ http://www.zomppa.com/2012/09/13/mateo-tapas-tidbit-of-the-day/#comments Thu, 13 Sep 2012 11:00:56 +0000 Belinda http://www.zomppa.com/?p=25852 It seems Durham is all about tapas these days. A few months ago, I tried out Taberna Tapas, which has great food. Now Mateo Tapas opened up a few doors down (wonderful, but Downtown Durham, please, a pho place!). The vibe and decor is super cool – whereas Taberna has more relaxed family feel, Mateo seems [...]

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]]> It seems Durham is all about tapas these days. A few months ago, I tried out Taberna Tapas, which has great food. Now Mateo Tapas opened up a few doors down (wonderful, but Downtown Durham, please, a pho place!). The vibe and decor is super cool – whereas Taberna has more relaxed family feel, Mateo seems to be the place to see and be seen. A long bar runs down one side serving concoctions like Cherrywine Sangria (Cherrywine, if you don’t know, is straight up North Carolina).

The food does a nice job sourcing local ingredients (cheese, pork, etc.) and incorporating bit of NC into Spanish tapas. I was told the Chicken Liver Pate was amazing – it is and a must try. The food is great – tapas are the way to eat! – though it was heavy handed with the salt. Probably just the kinks of a new place, though even with a gallon of water, the flavors come through.

A wonderful ambiance to enjoy good drink and food.

 

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]]> http://www.zomppa.com/2012/09/13/mateo-tapas-tidbit-of-the-day/feed/ 1 Hummingbird Bakery: TidBit of the Day http://www.zomppa.com/2012/09/06/hummingbird-bakery-tidbit-of-the-day/ http://www.zomppa.com/2012/09/06/hummingbird-bakery-tidbit-of-the-day/#comments Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:00:19 +0000 Belinda http://www.zomppa.com/?p=25889 Amy Tournquist of my favorite Durham restaurant, Watts Grocery, has opened up a new bakery, Hummingbird Bakery, in the gorgeous new Samuel H. Scripps Studio across from Duke’s East Campus. This opening is to the delight of many, including myself. I have been hoping for a small bakery which served great (affordable), delicious breakfasts that [...]

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Amy Tournquist of my favorite Durham restaurant, Watts Grocery, has opened up a new bakery, Hummingbird Bakery, in the gorgeous new Samuel H. Scripps Studio across from Duke’s East Campus. This opening is to the delight of many, including myself. I have been hoping for a small bakery which served great (affordable), delicious breakfasts that doesn’t necessarily require a commitment of a full plate of silver dollar pancakes and the work.

Homemade biscuit with egg and cheese

And boy does Hummingbird meet this need – and beyond. In addition to fresh homemade biscuits (this is Amy Tournquist’s work), the bakery serves up cappuccinos, baked goodies such as fig tarts, and even homemade ice cream sandwiches.

Lemon Meringue Pie

 

Fruit Crostadas

There is also a simple but impressive lunch menu such as roasted chicken with goat cheese.

roasted chicken with goat cheese

Bread pudding

And let’s not forget cupcakes – almond butter with toasted coconut, anyone? – including vegan ones.

Almond buttercream with roasted coconut

Whether you need to pick up some homemade marshmallows or savor an espresso with some friends, Hummingbird is a welcome addition to Durham!

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]]> http://www.zomppa.com/2012/09/06/hummingbird-bakery-tidbit-of-the-day/feed/ 4 Elijah’s, Wilmington: TidBit of the Day http://www.zomppa.com/2012/08/30/elijahs-wilmington-tidbit-of-the-day/ http://www.zomppa.com/2012/08/30/elijahs-wilmington-tidbit-of-the-day/#comments Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:00:55 +0000 Belinda http://www.zomppa.com/?p=25342 Wilmington, NC is one of my favorite places. Beautiful beaches, warm water, lovely boardwalk. One of my favorite go-to places is Elijah’s on the boardwalk. Overlooking the boardwalk on the Cape Fear River, Elijah’s boasts some of the freshest seafood and flavorful dishes. Don’t forget the appetizers – their calamari and crab dip almost make [...]

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]]> Wilmington, NC is one of my favorite places. Beautiful beaches, warm water, lovely boardwalk. One of my favorite go-to places is Elijah’s on the boardwalk.

Steamed oysters, clams, crab legs, shrimps, potatoes and chorizo.

Overlooking the boardwalk on the Cape Fear River, Elijah’s boasts some of the freshest seafood and flavorful dishes.

Oyster Rockefeller

Don’t forget the appetizers – their calamari and crab dip almost make you too full for the meal…but not really.

Crab Dip

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]]> http://www.zomppa.com/2012/08/30/elijahs-wilmington-tidbit-of-the-day/feed/ 4 EVOS: TidBit of the Day http://www.zomppa.com/2012/08/23/evos-tidbit-of-the-day/ http://www.zomppa.com/2012/08/23/evos-tidbit-of-the-day/#comments Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:00:59 +0000 Belinda http://www.zomppa.com/?p=25457 Sometimes, you just need a quick bite, but to try to find something that is not standard fast food? Not easy. EVOS – with locations in NC and GA – attempts to change fast food. Antibiotic-free, hormone-free, humanely-raised burgers (not to mention, a pretty looking one), organic milk shakes, and organic greens. No toys for [...]

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]]> Sometimes, you just need a quick bite, but to try to find something that is not standard fast food? Not easy. EVOS – with locations in NC and GA – attempts to change fast food.

Antibiotic-free, hormone-free, humanely-raised burgers (not to mention, a pretty looking one), organic milk shakes, and organic greens.

No toys for kids to tempt them, but an array of ketchups for their airbaked fries. Not a bad alternative.

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]]> http://www.zomppa.com/2012/08/23/evos-tidbit-of-the-day/feed/ 4 The George, Wilmington: TidBit of the Day http://www.zomppa.com/2012/08/16/the-george-wilmington-tidbit-of-the-day/ http://www.zomppa.com/2012/08/16/the-george-wilmington-tidbit-of-the-day/#comments Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:00:08 +0000 Belinda http://www.zomppa.com/?p=25348 When it’s 100 degrees outside and you’re in Wilmington trying to cool off, stop by the George which is located right on the boardwalk in the historic part of the city. One of my favorite dishes – be careful, everyone will want some – is their crab and shrimp tortilla chips. This is NOT one [...]

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]]> When it’s 100 degrees outside and you’re in Wilmington trying to cool off, stop by the George which is located right on the boardwalk in the historic part of the city. One of my favorite dishes – be careful, everyone will want some – is their crab and shrimp tortilla chips. This is NOT one of those where the crabmeat is hidden -there is a healthy heaping of crabmeat and shrimp with just the right kick.

Shrimp and crab tortilla chips

Perfect spot for lunch or dinner…still dreaming about it.

Crab cakes with Hollandaise

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]]> http://www.zomppa.com/2012/08/16/the-george-wilmington-tidbit-of-the-day/feed/ 3 Taberna Tapas: TidBit of the Day http://www.zomppa.com/2012/08/02/taberna-tapas-tidbit-of-the-day/ http://www.zomppa.com/2012/08/02/taberna-tapas-tidbit-of-the-day/#comments Thu, 02 Aug 2012 11:00:47 +0000 Belinda http://www.zomppa.com/?p=25529 I love Spanish tapas. I love Spanish food. So clearly I was excited that Durham was going to finally have its own tapas bar – not an Americanized, watered-down on. Taberna Tapas opened up this summer in downtown Durham (interestingly, a second is slated to open soon – Durham, Durham, we need a pho noodle [...]

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]]> I love Spanish tapas. I love Spanish food. So clearly I was excited that Durham was going to finally have its own tapas bar – not an Americanized, watered-down on. Taberna Tapas opened up this summer in downtown Durham (interestingly, a second is slated to open soon – Durham, Durham, we need a pho noodle shop downtown, hint, hint).

Shrimp in garlic…a must-have!

I could not wait, especially since the menu looked fantastic and paella was on the list. We ordered…so much that the waitress kindly let us know we could “borrow” the table next to us to put all the food there.

Pork, pork, and pork….

First, even though when I went, the liquor license hadn’t come through yet, the ambiance is simple, classy, comfortable. Service is great – and for a new restaurant, that’s a good sign.

Beef short ribs

Second, the smells from the kitchen wafting through was enough to get my stomach rumbling. And the food that came out did not disappoint. They know how to do their seafood well. Their shrimp is a must-have – fresh, flavorful.

Chicken wings

Third, their chicken wings – with three choices of dipping sauce (such as saffron) – are ridiculously delicious.

Green beans

Their pork and beef are a bit on the dry side, and their paella is fine, though not really the traditional style. I know that the next time, I’m going to fill my plate with their shrimp, seafood, and chicken wings!

There is also more on the menu that I didn’t get to try, even though what was leftover (nothing) seemed to suggest I ate everything on the menu!

Nearing the end of the meal….

Definitely will be back to this new Durham establishment that has a bright future.

Perfect potatoes

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]]> http://www.zomppa.com/2012/08/02/taberna-tapas-tidbit-of-the-day/feed/ 1 Lilly’s Pizza: TidBit of the Day http://www.zomppa.com/2012/07/26/lillys-pizza-tidbit-of-the-day/ http://www.zomppa.com/2012/07/26/lillys-pizza-tidbit-of-the-day/#comments Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:00:37 +0000 Belinda http://www.zomppa.com/?p=25292 Durham, NC finally got another pizza joint – an off-shoot of their Raleigh store. Lilly’s Pizza offers some awesome combinations – and the cheese is just as pizza should be – cheesy and  gooey. Great appetizers, such as a surprise spinach artichoke dip that accompanied baked pita chips. They’re still working out some kinks for [...]

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]]> Durham, NC finally got another pizza joint – an off-shoot of their Raleigh store. Lilly’s Pizza offers some awesome combinations – and the cheese is just as pizza should be – cheesy and  gooey.

Great appetizers, such as a surprise spinach artichoke dip that accompanied baked pita chips. They’re still working out some kinks for table service, but the quality of the food suggests this will be a great mainstay.

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