Several Ninth Street Restaraunts Featured in the New York Post

A few days ago, the New York Post has published a fairly extensive article  detailing culinary delights of the Triangle, with Durham restaurants getting banner treatment. Two-- or three, if you count the recently closed Magnolia Grill -- of the neighborhood restaurants were featured: Vin Rouge and Watts Grocery. The write commented on both the inventiveness of the food, the high quality of the ingredients, and the atmosphere.


The entire article is reprinted after the break.

New Tenant for the space of Magnolia Grill?

This Thursday, May 31, Magnolia Grill will close its doors forever. People have been literally lining up outside the door to get their last taste of the amazing food served there for over 25 years by Ben and Karen Barker. But time does not stop for anyone and, following Barker's decision to retire, the News and Record reports that Tom Ferguson of Durham Catering Co. and Only Burger Fame may be eying the space to launch his new venture - Rise, a doughnut and biscuit restaurant.

According to the article, Tom's concept is similar to restaurants in Portland and New York that serve gourmet sweet and savory treats using organic, high quality ingredients.  In addition to Magnolia Grill space, Tom is reportedly looking at space on Foster Street, smack in the middle of Durham's hottest DYI district.

Here is hoping that he chooses Ninth Street! First, the location is hard to beat, convenient as it is to most of Ninth Street restaurants and bars. And, of course, the legendary reputation of Magnolia Grill is sure to give this new restaurant a patina of class and authenticity he would be hard-pressed to find in a converted garage. Plus, would Tom be stepping on Monuts Donuts turf?

The full N&O article is reprinted after the break.

Magnolia Grill to close by the end of May

In some very said news today, the WRAL reports that the owners of the Magnolia Grill, arguably the best and most well-known high-end Durham restaurant, have announced  that they will close their doors at the end of May. Magnolia Grill has been a true beacon of culinary excellence not just in this neighborhood or  the city of Durham, but nationally as well. It is not clear from the article what will happen to their current space, but I hope someone else will take the reins and reinvent this iconic location so that it continues to add vibrancy to our area.

This is a big loss for our neighborhood and  the City but, after 25 years, all things must end at some point, I suppose. The WRAL article, which provides additional context is reprinted after the break.

Magnolia Grill Recognized as Triangle's Restaurant of the Year

This comes as surprise to exactly no one  as the neighborhood landmark and perennial New York Times favorite Magnolia Grill is once again showered with accolades. The News & Observer food critic Greg Cox named Magnolia Grill the Triangle's Restaurant of the Year. The full story is here.