Lafayette Village spot closes, new cupcake truck opens

RALEIGH, N.C. — First off, sad news: Antonio's Gourmet Market at Lafayette Village has closed. A message on their Facebook page said that "due to unexpected circumstances" they decided to close. They said to stay tuned to Antonio's website for info about his new venture. A sign on the Antonio's Gourmet window at Lafayette Village says to stay tuned for "an exciting new shopping experience." No clue what that means. 

Last week, I told you about a new cupcake truck, Not Just Icing. I have some more details about them now. The truck, which is named Joy, is being operated by friends and neighbors Cristal Harrison and Donna Downs. They have been in business for just over a month and operate out of Raleigh. They offer tasty cupcakes and even containers of cookie dough (made with butter and not raw egg so it is safe to eat!) They bake on the truck, so when on site you can get hot cupcakes and even hot molten cake. They can also make cupcakes to order, so if you want a specific kind of icing they can make it happen! Their cupcakes are fresh and made without soy. They are even working on a gluten and vegan cake. I tried the cookie dough in a cup (heavenly!) and dark chocolate peanut butter cupcake (just the right amount of icing and sweetness!) I definitely want to check them out at the upcoming Downtown Raleigh food truck rodeo on June 9.

More food truck news - Triangle Raw Foods is looking to expand from a food delivery service to a small cafe. First, they need some money to build and equip a commercial kitchen. They have started an indiegogo campaign for the funds. They are trying to raise $25,000 by July 11. Indiegogo is like Kickstarter, so if you donate and the funds aren't raised, you get your money back. 

While TRF is trying to expand, another truck is trying to get off the ground. Pork in the Road is a venture from Durham's Christian Thompson. He has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $35,000 by June 22 for his dream – a pork-inspired truck. The money will go to outfitting the truck. 

Another cool food truck item for ya. Alivia's Durham Bistro is the latest restaurant to launch a food truck in Durham. Liv's food truck was on hand for the Doughman event last weekend in Durham. They specialize in fresh, fast and healthy meals. One of their regular spots is outside of Carolina Theatre of Durham for lunch every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

The PDQ in Wake Forest, across from the Carolina Ale House on Northpark Drive, is officially opening Sunday. They serve chicken tenders, salads, sandwiches, fresh cut fries and hand spun milkshakes.

Sip Wine and Coffee Bistro is opening in Holly Springs on Saturday. In addition to coffee and wine, they will be serving breakfast sandwiches, waffles and small plates for lunch. 

Another grand opening on Saturday to report. Dynamik Duo Desserts in Durham will officially hold its opening starting at 10 a.m. They serve cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more! The menu looks pretty tasty, I think I gained a few pounds just reading it. 

Academy Street Bistro has opened in downtown Cary. The casual restaurant serves American food with a French flare, according to their Facebook page. It is located in the former home of Klara's. They are currently only open for dinner.

More Durham news to report. According to the Triangle Business Journal, Moe's Southwest Grill is coming to downtown Durham. They have signed a lease to locate in the Diamond View III office building at the American Tobacco Campus. That's the same building where pit master Ed Mitchell is opening his new restaurant, Que, later this year.

Hot Box Pizza on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh is closing, according to a post on their Facebook page Thursday.