Foodie news: Full Bloom Coffee opens in Garner

RALEIGH, N.C. — Bartaco, located next to the entrance to Silverspot in Chapel Hill's University Place, announced yesterday that they are now open. Bartaco combines fresh, upscale street food - tacos and "not tacos" create an unforgettable experience with a coastal vibe in a relaxed environment. The outdoor space and feel is definitely inviting.

The good folks over at ITB Insider reported this week that the Lake Boone shopping center location of Chubby Tacos (supposed to be known as Guacamaya Fresh Mex) is expanding in what is described as an "interior expansion and alteration."

Last week we told you about the opening of Caribbean Spice, a Caribbean restaurant that combines traditional island dishes with newer dishes, in Raleigh at 2822 New Birch Drive. WRAL reported this week that they will hold their grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 8.

The new Chronic Tacos location in Wake Forest will hold their grand opening on Saturday, July 15, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. It is located at 1000 Forestville Road.

Reader Brittany Torrence told us that Full Bloom Coffee Roasters has opened in downtown Garner. They'll serve caffeinated beverages, breakfast, lunch, and craft brews. This is their first full week open.

Also in Garner, got word that today, July 7, the newest Famous Toastery restaurant opens in the White Oak shopping center. The address is 52 Eagle Wing Way. Learn everything about Famous Toastery on their website here.

Zoe's Kitchen in Chapel Hill opens today, July 7, according to their Facebook page. It is the latest dining option in the Eastgate Crossing shopping center.

Down in Chatham County, Bean & Barrel coffee shop in the Governors Village shopping center has changed their name to Flair Restaurant and Wine Bar. The restaurant is under new management/ownership with a focus on French-influenced American food from executive chef Robert Warren.

Also in Chatham County, just down 15-501 from Chapel Hill, Marco's Pizza will have their grand opening on July 23 in the space in front of Harris Teeter where Fig & Honey used to be. From 1 to 4 p.m. they will have free pizza samples, DJ, face painting and other children's activities.

Got word from reader Amy Howard that Mr. Wonderful's Chicken & Waffles on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh has closed.

The Triangle Business Journal reported that the Carolina's Best Steak & Subs shop, open in Cary's Crossroads Plaza since 2008, is closing on July 15.

And it is now confirmed, Casa San Carlos in north Raleigh is closed. That is the bad news. The good news, you just have to travel to Wrightsville Beach to enjoy it again!

The News & Observer reported this week that The Farmery is moving its Airstream trailer and indoor farm from Research Triangle Park to Durham’s 326 Geer St. in the parking lot of a vacant building. It’s down the street from Motorco Music Hall and around the corner from Fullsteam Brewery. Pending inspection approvals, it is scheduled to open today (July 7).

Food truck rodeos in Durham and Raleigh are back in full gear (Durham has one this Sunday!). Get a list of participating trucks for Durham here and for Raleigh here.

The Wake Forest Food Truck Rodeo returns to town on July 23 from noon to 4 p.m. at The Renaissance Center in historic downtown Wake Forest. Nearly 20 trucks are already signed up. A beer tent will be provided by Brooks Street Bowl, and the kids can have fun in the Kid's Zone that will include free face painting sponsored by The Learning Experience, a bouncy house, road chalk, hula hoops, ball toss and bubble fun.

This summer, chef John May will partner with local purveyors to create exciting themed evenings at Piedmont. Each dinner will consist of four courses with optional beverage pairings, and chef May will welcome guest distillers, cheesemakers and farmers to the restaurant to educate diners about their products. Upcoming dates and themes include: July 13: Sweet & Savory Cheese Dinner featuring Boxcarr Handmade Cheese; July 27: Grilled Veggies featuring Fullsteam Brewery; August 10: Lost Dishes of the Midatlantic and Punches. All menus will be $40 for four courses and an additional $15 for beverage pairings.

The 16th Annual Acme Tomato Festival is almost here - July 14-16. It's Acme's yearly deep-fried, wide-eyed, rarified, and, oh yes, justified belly-flop into the outright deliciousness that is summer. Over the festival weekend, they'll go through some 700 pounds of tomatoes. And please don't think for a moment that these are any old tomatoes. No way, José. These are the Carrboro Farmers Market's finest.

The Rickhouse will host Durham's 3rd Annual PickleFest on Sunday, July 23 - a pickle-packed tasting event and market place showcasing North Carolina made products from pickle vendors near and far including locally crafted kombucha and kimchi. Triangle area restaurants sample their unique pickle dishes as well as pickle flavored beers and a Bloody Mary bar to quench your thirst and pucker your lips. Only 100 VIP tickets available for early bird entry at Noon! $15 VIP includes: (1) drink ticket, early entry and the thrilling announcement of the home pickler contest winner!! $5 General Admission Session 1 from 1 - 3pm; Session 2 from 2 - 4pm. Kids under 10 years old are free.

The Second Annual Big Biscuit Showdown will take place on July 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Rickhouse in downtown Durham. This unique food competition features 12 teams of Rise chefs partnered with a local brewery or beverage company. Each team will prepare a special biscuit and donut that will be paired with a local craft-made beverage.

The Raleigh Gluten and Allergen Free Wellness Event will be held this year at NC State Fairgrounds in the Kerr Scott building on August 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association will hold the second annual NC Chef Showdown on August 21 in Raleigh's historic downtown City Market. Participating chefs will present a dish to a distinguished panel of six judges and will prepare sample-sized offerings for approximately 200 attendees. Attendees will determine the recipients of the "People's' Choice" awards, while the judges will select the Chef of the Year and the Pastry Chef of the Year.

Pittsboro's annual PepperFest will be held on September 24 at the Great Meadow in Briar Chapel. PepperFest is a celebration of local food made by local chefs and food artisans featuring 40 different kinds of locally grown peppers prepared in hundreds of creative ways. Right now they are seeking chefs and food artisans to participate. June 20 is the application deadline.

Folks, listen up. I try to make it a habit not to tell people what to do (mainly because I don't want them to tell me what to do, but I digress). Here is an exception. Go to this event! Trust me. And get your tickets early! Speaking of which, tickets to the eighth annual TerraVita Food & Drink Festival, scheduled for Oct. 18-21 in and around Chapel Hill, are now on sale. It will sell out.

Nearly 300,000 children in the Food Bank's 34 counties rely on the free and reduced-cost meals at school to get them through the day. For them, summertime doesn't mean a fun-filled vacation. For them, no school means no meals. Stop Summer Hunger is the Food Bank's annual initiative to provide additional food to feed these children and their families during this season of increased need. For example, a donation of $35 will feed a child for two months, a donation of $75 will feed a family of four for one month and a donation of $150 will feed a family of four for two months. Help reach the goal of 3.4 million meals before July 31 and ensure that children will receive the daily, nutritious meals they need to grow healthy and strong!