The Gourmez

Tres Generaciones Plata 100% Agave Mexico There are many, many inviting flavors in this tequila. You really ought to sip it on its own at least once. It could do well in a traditional margarita (only lime and triple sec), but I wouldn’t use it in any cocktail more complex than that. You don’t want [...]

Winter Fruit Dreams 2.5 shots of Trader Joe’s Pear Cider 1.5 shots of Bacardi Select Puerto Rican Rum 0.5 shot of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur 0.25 shot of Joaquin’s Banana Liqueur Shake all the ingredients up with crushed ice then strain into a martini glass. On first sip, there’s too much banana, until I figure [...]

Trader Joe’s Coastal Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Central Coast, CA This is another in Trader Joe’s line of affordable, and somewhat mysterious in origin, wines bottled out of San Miguel, CA. I like an air of mystery to my wine—it just makes drinking it more fun! The color is neon gold, if that makes sense. I [...]

Mawa’s Taste of Africa 152 Morrisville Square Way Morrisville Entrees: $12–$18 Website The third outing of the Social Media Supper Club took place at Mawa’s Taste of Africa, in Morrisville, at demandycom’s suggestion. We had a small group this time around, but it was lovely, as always, to see demandycom (Mandy), bengfarrell (my fine husband, [...]

Peppers Market and Sandwich Shop 2107 Grace Park Drive Grace Park, Morrisville Website Breakfast: $2.99–$7.50 Lunch: $7.25–$8.25 Hours: 7 am—4 pm M—F 8 am—4 pm Sat 9 am—3 pm Sun Peppers is a breakfast and lunch spot with a few shelves of local art and goods. They offer soups, salads, sandwiches, and muffins. Their meats [...]

Foster’s Market 2694 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard Lakewood/Rockwood Durham Website Breakfast: $4.95–$9.95 Sandwiches/Wraps: $7.50–$7.95 Hours: 7:30 am—8:00 pm There’s no question that Foster’s Market is a beautiful location for breakfast or lunch. It does, however, get rather hectic inside, at least in my and NOK’s over at Carpe Durham’s opinions. That’s the result of both its [...]

Mirwinator Blu Seafood 9th Street, Durham $9 The mirwinator is made of Evan Williams brandy, thyme, orange juice, and lemon juice. Except for the thyme, that’s a pretty standard list of ingredients, and there’s a reason for it. The combination of those flavors always makes for a first-rate cocktail, and the mirwinator is no exception [...]

Press releases are running rampant lately! Triangle Restaurant Week is nearly here, and we’ve both a huge wine event coming up in February and the opening of a new butcher’s shop in April. First up, dining! The 4th Triangle Restaurant Week will run from 1/24 to 1/30, which has moved up to January from March [...]

Country Junction 4823 NC Highway 55 Crossroads of Hwys. 55 & 54 Durham Breakfast: $2.55–$4.55 Lunch: $3.39–$6.99 I have passed Country Junction on the road a great many times. Getting my car repaired at AAA allowed for me to walk over and try it out for breakfast. I believe the building may have housed fast [...]

I have yet to make it to Raleigh’s Bickett Market, but they’ve received a lot of praise for their store since they opened last July. It features produce, wines, and meat from local farmers and producers. Turns out, however, that produce is scarcer this time of the year, so Jason Stegall, the owner, is looking [...]