DBAP Food Truck Fest Headlines five Game Homestand

What's that delicious smell wafting through the air?  It's the smell of victory in Durham, along with quite a few beloved food trucks.

The first place Durham Bulls return home on Wednesday, July 10 to begin a five game homestand featuring visits from the Charlotte Knights and Gwinnett Braves.  The DBAP Food Truck Fest, two fireworks shows, and an appearance from Brobee of Yo Gabba Gabba! highlight the promotional event schedule.

The homestand gets underway on Wednesday, July 10 when the Bulls host the Charlotte Knights in the first contest of a short two-game series, presented by Rex Goliath.  Gates open at 6:00pm for the 7:05pm game that features the inaugural DBAP Food Truck Fest, as eight renowned local Food Trucks will have their famous culinary treats available for purchase on the Diamond View concourse within Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Participants at the DBAP Food Truck Fest include Only Burger, Chirba Chirba, Parlez-Vous Crepe, Sweet Stacey Cakes, BaguettAboutIt, Porchetta, The Humble Pig, and American Melt Down. 

Thursday’s 7:05pm game against the Chicago White Sox’ top affiliate, presented by Chick-fil-A, features $1 concession items including $1 Bright Leaf hot dogs, popcorn and fries. Thursday is also College Night, where students can get a Terrace Reserved ticket and $5 in Bulls Bucks for just $10 or an Outfield Reserved ticket for only $4.99 by entering the promo code COLLEGE (and using a valid .edu email address) when purchasing tickets online at durhambulls.com.

On Friday, July 12, the Bulls welcome the Gwinnett Braves to downtown Durham for a three-game set. Prior to the 7:05pm game, fans are encouraged to bring canned and packaged food along with personal hygiene items to donate in the “Stuff the Truck” event presented by Two Men and a Truck and Five Guys restaurants. Items can be dropped off at the Two Men and a Truck moving truck outside the main gates from 5:30pm through the end of the first inning.  All donated goods will go to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.  Following Friday’s game, fans will be treated to a spectacular Friday Night Fireworks show. Great Outdoor Provision Co. also presents the second Camp Out Night of the season, where scout groups will spend the night in the DBAP outfield.

The series against the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A affiliate continues on Saturday, July 13 at 7:05pm. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC presents the game and a special Saturday night postgame fireworks show. 

On Saturday and Sunday, the Goddard School presents an appearance by Brobee of the immensely popular Nick Jr. show Yo Gabba Gabba! Brobee will take photos with young fans in the front entry plaza during both games.

Sunday’s 5:05pm homestand finale will also feature Bike to the Ballpark, presented by GoTriangle. Fans that ride their bicycle to the DBAP and park it in the secure bike valet will receive a voucher for a $10 ticket which includes $5 in food credit. The first 500 people to park their bikes will also receive a goodie bag from partners including GoTriangle, the City of Durham, REI and Dick's Sporting Goods. As always, Kids Run the Bases after Sunday’s game, thanks to Pepsi.

The first place Durham Bulls return home to the DBAP on Wednesday, July 10 to begin a five game homestand featuring visits from the Charlotte Knights and Gwinnett Braves. Tickets for all home games are available at durhambulls.com, by phone at 919.956.BULL, or at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park box office.

Find more great events in Durham at www.durhameventcalendar.com.

The Cookery and American Meltdown to Host “Artisan Cheese Fest”

No matter what happens next month, it's sure to be cheesy - and for area foodies, that's a very, very good thing.

Triangle residents will be able to sample a variety of cheeses, charcuterie, bread, wine, and even cheesecakes at The Cookery Saturday, June 29th from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm.  The event, which is promoted as “for the fromagaholic in all of us,” will take place in the Front Room, The Cookery’s event space on West Chapel Hill Street.

“We at American Meltdown are, of course, pretty passionate about cheese,” said Paul Inserra, who owns the American Meltdown food truck with his wife, Alycia Inserra.  “I’m confident everyone will leave this fest with new flavor knowledge and a discovery about selecting cheese.”

Participating businesses for this free event include event co-organizer American Meltdown, which will be serving gourmet melts out of it’s food truck on the patio, Chapel Hill Creamery, Cultured Cow Creamery, Elodie Farms, Hillsborough Cheese Company, Holly Grove Farms, La Farm Bakery, Southern Season, Whole Foods, and Cookery members Milk and Honey Bakery, and This Little Piggie Charcuterie.  In addition, a “Dueling Ricottas” demonstration will be hosted by Billy Cotter of Toast and Matthew Daniels of Triangle Raw Foods, and wine tastings by Wine Authorities will take place upstairs on the mezzanine.  The Front Room bar will also be open, offering local draught beers, wine, and hand crafted cocktails.

“When we opened the Front Room, we set out to serve as a space to celebrate local culinary talent with the community,” said Rochelle Johnson, who co-owns The Cookery with her husband, Nick Hawthorne-Johnson.  “We get especially excited when we can open our doors to the public and revel in fabulous food, like the cheeses available right here in our area.”

For more information on great events in Durham, visit the Durham Event Calendar, and remember that since Durham is The Tastiest Town in the South, to use the hashtag #DurhamIsTastiest! when sharing news of Durham's food scene on social media.

The New York Times Spent 36 Hours in Durham

The New York Times regularly runs a piece in their travel section where they write about what a traveler can do with, well, 36 hours in a place.  On Sunday, January 20th, the world will see what they think can happen in Durham in 36 hours.  Heads up, it's a lot!

Like Durham, the article focuses a great deal on great food, music, the arts, and the open and welcoming culture of intellect.  In other words, the article captures Durham right down to the last nuance and lets it shine as the funky, authentic place that it is.

The story is on the paper's website, and will hit the stands on Sunday. There is an accompanying slideshow, as well.

Coverage like this is always appreciated.  Durham is also up for a major accolade from Southern Living Magazine.  Read more about that online and be sure to vote daily for Durham!