News in Raleigh

Beth over at Gamil has put together a great post showing some of the work by Raleigh’s youngest citizens from the Planning Raleigh 2030 events.

Planning Raleigh Kids at Gamil.com

On the same day as the Downtown Raleigh Home Tour, there will be a special tour, sponsored by George Smart of Triangle Modernist Homes of “three really cool houses, including classics by Brian Shawcroft and Robert “Judge” Carr and the brand new “Three Pavilions” by Bill Waddell.”

In the spirit of similar celebrations in major cities Raleigh holds its own restaurant week starting today.  The promotion allows you to visit any of the participating restaurants for 3 course meals at bargain prices.  Lunch is $15 and dinner is $25 and both include an appetizer, entree and dessert.  Visit any of the participating restaurants today through Sunday to participate.  Reservations are not required but highly recommended. 

See below the fold for the full restaurant list.

Cameron Village has few good dining options that involve a tasty glass of wine, pint of beer, or stiff bourbon drink.  The Grape opened last year and quickly shriveled up.  It seems that Nelson’s has shut its doors but will be returning as Foster’s (the original name of the space).  Cafe Cyclo has been gone for years and the Village Draft House is, as a bartender recently told me, “just like a T.G.I.Friday’s but with the name Draft House stuck on it.”  Not my words, but I can’t disagree with that statement.  Luckily, Cameron Bar and Grill, which opened this past week, has a more sleek, minimal presence and looks to be a nice addition to the neighborhood. 

On Friday night, graphic artist Ray Noland packed the corner of Hargett and Wilmington with his Go Tell Mama! art show.  People of all ages, were eager to meet Noland and buy his artistic depictions of Barack Obama.  From 6pm until at least 9pm, the space was full and the energy was high.  Click through for slideshow.