This is in my backyard?

The other night we had different kind of baby shower for my friend Heather, the 7 of us girls all went to get our nails done then to dinner at Humble Pie. Not only was it amazing to finally have some time of pampering to get a pedicure, but the dinner was amazing too.

I’ve always heard a lot of great things about Humble Pie, and I was told over and over I needed to go there, but I just never had a chance, until then…I should have gone earlier but it was definitely worth the wait! The dishes are smaller, which makes the prices better and great for ordering a bunch and sharing around the table. I tried everything from their Teriyaki Grilled Salmon to Shrimp and Grits to Chicken Enchiladas and it was all really good. I am extremely picky about my Shrimp Grits and theirs were good, but not the best I’ve ever had. They were a little plain with just the grits, shrimp, and sauce, but what was there was good! The Salmon and Enchiladas were both good. The Salmon was almost Sushi grade which made it very tender and yummy!

The cooles part about the whole restaurant was the atmosphere. We sat outside surrounded by the Raleigh skyline, white lights and other guests enjoying their meal. It is a great place to eat on a beautiful night but the inside is pretty amazing as well. It has a very eclectic, artsy, and had a fun feel to it.

Oh, how could I have forgotten, we also got dessert! I tried their Tiramisu which was really good! The lady fingers weren’t as moist as I usually like them, but the cream sauce and the chocolate chips on the lady fingers were delicious! I hope to go back with my camera one day so you all can see what I mean by this place, definitely a place to go when in downtown Raleigh!

The other day myself and my co-workers Courtney and Doug (you can see Doug in the reflections ) went out for lunch. I’ve been hearing about Tookies, which has a restaurant downtown but they also have locations around Raleigh, one of them being in the gas station down the street from our station! We hopped in the car and drove on down to find the parking lot packed. Luckily we were able to get a spot, but when we got inside we saw why the parking lot was full, there was a line of people getting their lunch! Tookies has sandwiches, burgers, and more. I got a turkey sandwich and Court and I split Banana Pudding. My Turkey sandwich wasn’t really anything to brag about but the Banana Pudding was really good. Apparently, their chicken salad sandwiches is what everyone goes there for, I heard it was written about in Southern Living. I don’t like Mayo so I didn’t try their Chicken Salad, but Court said it was good! There isn’t much seating inside, but you can see Court and I sitting at the bar and Doug taking the picture from the parking lot.

Would you say that Tookies has the best Chicken Salad in town? If not, where?

So you still have a week or so to get ready for Mother’s Day, but I got this press release today and thought I would share it. I haven’t been to this restaurant, but I have been to Greece and the food was so good. If their food is anything like it is over there your mom will be in for a real treat!

APEX, NC – May 11, 2007 – In Ancient Greek culture, the Matriarch of the family was a position of great power and influence. So when it comes to honoring your Mother this Mother’s Day, Kirk and Denise Hatzidakis at CIOS (pronounced Khi-os) Greek Restaurant can show you how it’s done.   

“Celebrating Motherhood” will run from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 11th at CIOS on Highway 55 in Apex.  All Mother’s will receive a free dessert, including the legendary chocolate cobbler, and enjoy drawings for prizes throughout the day like gift certificates to area spas and beauty salons. 

“Family celebrations are the cornerstone of Greek tradition, and Mother’s Day is one of our biggest celebrations,” said Denise Hatzidakis, owner of CIOS.  “It will be a great day for the entire family, so we hope to see multiple generations of grandmothers, mothers, sons and daughters.” 

The Greek island of CIOS, home to the Hatzidakis family for generations is known for its polite and peaceful residents who welcome visitors and guests with kindness and hospitality.  Following the family tradition, CIOS in Apex brings old-world authentic Greek cuisine to your table, often pairing it with Greek wines of superior quality.  Live musical entertainment and belly dancing is available most nights, along with catering services.  CIOS is located at

in Apex.  For more information, call (919) 363-5288, or visit www.xioscafe.com.

I hate to admit it….but today was my first time to the Farmers Market after having lived in Raleigh for 5 years, and the worst part is I lived within 10 minutes of it and have been to the restaurant for breakfast, but I’ve never actually been to the market. I went today and had a great time!

There is such a wide variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, honey, plants, herbs, etc you could spend all day there. I didn’t have a lot of time today so I just got some strawberries and a lemon-lime-ade. Inside the upper building is more permanent shops and the booth where they sell lemonade and ice cream…. is a must! I got a lemon-lime-ade and it has cherries, orange, lemon, and lime slices in it and it was so good! It was soo good I forgot to pay for it, haha, but don’t worry I went back!

The breakfast I’ve had at their restaurant is also really good. I’ve never been to the seafood restaurant, but I heard it was good as well. Next time you feel like cooking in or getting some homemade baked goods I definitely recommend the Farmers Market.

Don’t forget that some local towns have their own farmers markets as well! Does your town have a great farmers market?

Last week my co-worker Lisa Sullivan and I had dinner at Mulberry on Main in downtown Clayton, NC. We had a great time with the family that owns the restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed the food! The restaurant is located at 217 E Main St and is some of the best Italian food I’ve had. Check out the video of our experience, our conversation with the owner and what a few patrons had to say.

Have you been to Mulberry on Main before? What did you think?