Durham's Magnolia Grill is Tops

People around the country and the world are aware that Durham is a dining hot spot.  Bon Appetit called Durham the Foodiest Small Town in America in 2008 and last year Durham was named on the New York Time's list of the "Top 41 Places in the World to Visit" citing it's food as a primary reason.  That NYT article was one of several on the matter that appeared in the publication.

Among Durham's best known restaurants is the Magnolia Grill. Just passing the 25 year mark in November, the restaurant holds two James Beard Awards (think Oscars, but for food) and more accolades than is reasonable to mention, though being number11 on Gourmet Magazine's list of Best Restaurants in the country bears repeating.

Today it was named by the News and Observer's restaurant critic, Greg Cox, as Restaurant of the Year. Magnolia Grill is a venerable mainstay that continues to push the envelope of discovery in the creation of new flavor and preparation within the contemporary Southern sphere. Alumni from the restaurant have opened restaurants both locally and far afield, as well as gone on to positions in some of the world's most notable operations.

Durham's food scene is in large part due to the continued, tireless efforts of the Magnolia Grill's proprietors, Karen and Ben Barker. Collectively, they provide culinary direction that wows guests nightly and provides a bar which many chefs in Durham aspire to reach and best. As the old saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats.  In Durham, the Barker's have raised the knife and set a standard upon which those who live and visit can count for the quality of food and service.

Congratulations to the Magnolia Grill family for this achievement.  Congratulations also go to:

• Nana's for their Gold Medal 
• Fairview, Four Square, Revolution and Watts Grocery for their Silver Medals
• Blu Seafood and Bar, Dos Perros, Los Comales, and Vin Rouge for their Best in Class rankings
• G2B and Happy China for being among the Best New Restaurants

For a searchable list of all dining in Durham, see Durham's official visitor website dining section.

Durham Celebrates...Everything

Durham celebrates everything; just take Marry Durham as an example. A marriage celebrating the love Durham citizens have for their community on March 19th. Given this love of celebration, it’s only natural that some local restaurants have dinner specials in honor of Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras, translated Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, is the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which starts on Ash Wednesday. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy all Durham has to offer.

Friday, March 4:

The Broad Street Café is hosting a Pre-Mardi Gras celebration with Skeedaddle. This energetic six piece band will play Hawaiian, hokum and viper tunes, but they’ll also have some guests to join in for Cajun tunes as well. New Orleans inspired dinner specials are on the menu and guests are encouraged to wear beads, fun hats, and a smile.

Tuesday, March 8:

Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse is throwing a huge party for Mardi Gras. There will be two party rooms, four bands, a mask contest, face painting, caricatures and an art gallery. Food will be served in the restaurant only, and all the big festivities in the adjacent ballroom. Guests are encouraged wear masks and Papa Mojo’s will provide the beads. For ticket information and for a performance schedule, visit their website.

Blu Seafood is also offering Creole and Cajun classics on their Mardi Gras themed menu served from 5:00-10:00. Menu items will include shellfish gumbo, jambalaya, and New Orleans inspired cocktails.

Bandido’s decided not to pass up the occasion for celebration either and is featuring shrimp and crayfish enchiladas with chipotle cream sauce as a lunch and dinner special. They will also have drinks specials and offer customers beards.  Check out there offer on http://www.durhamncdeals.com/.

The Pinhook is offering Cajun dance lessons taught by Jack and Sandra Wolf at 8:00 (perhaps a good way to exercise off some of the dinner special calories) and at 9:00 the Shamu Garcon band will take the stage to play high octane Cajun dance music.

Don't miss out on all the celebrations Durham has to offer, visit wwwdurhameventcalendar.com to see a comprehensive list.