The week of lunch

This week, I have had a lunch date 3 out of 4 days. For some folks, this may be minimal. For me, it is extreme. I rarely go out to lunch, or even take a lunch, so this is a big deal and fairly monumental. I figured I would take this fantastic chance to review some of the restaurants I visited in D-town.

1) Tuesday lunch with Lauren at El Rodeo (in Brightleaf Square):
El Rodeo is my comfort food. The waiters know us (and they love Laurenita), and the food is always fantastic. I always order the same thing (2 cheese enchiladas, rice and beans with an appetizer of cheese dip). Anytime Lauren and I go out to eat, we both normally suggest El Rodeo. In Durham, it is my favorite Mexican food. Probably not as excellent as Los Tres Maguyes in Cary, but I also haven't been out that way in about 2 years. Maybe Mike and I can head out to Trader Joe's sometime soon and visit Maguyes on the way. hmmmmmmm

2) Wednesday lunch with Meredith and Jill at Blue Corn Cafe:
I love the lunch menu at Blue Corn - dinner, not so much. This is more Latin American fare than just Mexican food, so dishes are a bit more experimental than my taste allows. Everything is fresh, the portions are rather large, and if you go at dinner (or on lunch where you don't have to go back to the office), their sangria is killer. I highly recommend this place. It's on Ninth Street in Durham (click the link above to see their menu, etc).

3) Thursday lunch with Jeremy at Twisted Noodles:
This Thai restaurant is new on the Durham scene. Located near Saladelia in the old South Square area, the place is close to my new home, and I am guessing take out is going to be the way to go. Jeremy and I showed up about 12:15, were seated fairly quickly, but the waitress managed to avoid us for about 15 minutes. I finally flagged her down and we ordered. My entree came before Jeremy's, and it took a decent amount of time until we both had our meals. But with that being said, the food was great - and very reasonably priced. I am a fan of Thai Cafe in Durham (near the Q-Shack), but the prices there are quite high. When we did take out there, it was because we really wanted to splurge. But Twisted Noodles' menu was less expensive, and the food seemed a bit fresher than the Thai Cafe. I had the Sweet and Sour tofu - the sauce was more tomato based, and the tofu was done very well. Jeremy had the Red Curry with Beef and said it was pretty good. With the cost savings and convenience, I think I will head to Twisted Noodles for take out next time we get a craving for Thai.

So, those are my D-town resturant reviews for the "week of lunches."

NOW - some photos from BEERFEST :-) ENJOY!


Mike and I at Raleigh's famous acorn


Ed and Amy under the acorn


Jeremy and Lauren


Mike and I at beer break