NC Triangle Dining

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First Take: Cafe Meridian and Catering in Durham for Tasty Lunches

Cafe Meridian in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
Cafe Meridian in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

[one_half]Pros

  • Quick and easy service
  • Large selection of sandwiches, salads
  • Bright and light dining room

    • [/one_half]

[one_half_last]Cons

  • Hot entrees from steam trays
  • Discrete location in office park
  • Cafeteria ordering system, paper plates, plastic utensils[/one_half_last]

I don’t know about you but in my world, I love my work lunches! It’s a quick break and treat during the work day to get out, get some fresh air and grab a quick meal before heading back into the office for the afternoon. So I’m always on the prowl for good lunch spots in RTP near where I work. Checking online reviews, Cafe Meridian and Catering caught my eye! Consistently sporting 4+ stars on Yelp and Google, I was wondering why I hadn’t heard more through word of mouth about this apparent dining gem. Located north off the 55/54 intersection in S. Durham, it had escaped me over the years even though I’m in the area pretty frequently.

Interior of Cafe Meridian in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
Interior of Cafe Meridian in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Pulling into the Cafe Meridian parking lot, I immediately understand why I never noticed it before. Unlike you’re typical, bright and eye-catching exterior, Cafe Meridian sits in a tidy office park with discrete signage that faces the inside of the park. I hop out of the car and step in and the place is already quite busy at 11:45am with a line of people near the counter area. I’m still scratching my head a bit and spot some menus up front near the cash registers. So, it looks like you order up front, get your food and sandwiches, then grab a drink and pay before eating, a cafeteria style set-up. Ok, I’m game!

Specials menu at Cafe Meridian in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
Specials menu at Cafe Meridian in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Cafe Meridian offers an array of salads and sandwiches in the $6 to $8 area which are made to order, very affordable. They also have a handful of hot items which are their specials of the day. You’ll have to check their twitter feed to see what they have on the menu for hot items (soup, entrees, sandwiches). I’m not very fond of cold lunches so I go with their garlic parmesan chicken daily special. It comes with 2 sides for $8.79, I go with the mac n cheese along with sauteed veggies, yum! Grab a drink at the counter, pay up and then it’s time to find a seat. Cafe Meridian’s dining room is simple but tastefully decorated with modern art, it feels a bit nicer than what you would expect for a casual grab and go dining scenario.

Garlic parmesan chicken at Cafe Meridian in Durham - NC Triangle Dining
Garlic parmesan chicken at Cafe Meridian in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

The crowd at Cafe Meridian looks like primarily RTP office workers which makes sense given the location. Cafe Meridian is only open for lunch, Monday to Friday from 11 to 2pm so no surprise it gets the working lunch crowd. At the table I’m poking through my lunch and it looks delicious. A chicken breast filet slathered in a light garlic sauce and crowned with shards of parmesan. Very tender and tasty although I would have enjoyed MORE garlic here! The side of squash peppers and broccoli were fine and the mac n cheese is quite good, holding its firmness in the steamer tray and showing off good cheddar flavor.

Overall I was pretty happy with my lunch and it was a good deal. But I have to confess, I’m not a fan of the cafeteria style set-up here at Cafe Meridian. From the steam tray eats to the pay at the cashier to the paper compartment plates and plastic utensils, something inside me dies a little when I eat like that. For me, the work lunch is a chance to take a quick break and reward yourself with some fresh air and decent food. And while Cafe Meridian certainly does a decent job with its food, it misses the mark for me in overall experience but your mileage may vary! If you love salads, sandwiches and basic entrees for a good price, you will enjoy yourself here! But for me, I’d rather pay an extra $1 or $2 and get my food to order at a place like William’s Gourmet Kitchen around the corner. To each his/her own, I guess. But thank you Cafe Meridian, keep up the good cooking!

 

Cafe Meridian and Catering

2500 Meridian Pkwy #13o

Durham, NC 27713

919.361.9333

 

Location on Google maps

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Retake: Randys Pizza in RTP Serves Up a Perfect NY Slice

Front of Randy's Pizza in RTP - NC Triangle Dining
Front of Randy’s Pizza in RTP – NC Triangle Dining

When it comes to NY thin-crust pizza, I’m a huge fan! And while I would occasionally try out Randy’s pizza from time to time, it’s locations never worked for me as a lunch option. But thankfully a career change brought me to RTP and right down the road from Randy’s Pizza off S. Miami Boulevard. And as you can guess, I’ve been there a couple of times in the past year (ok I confess, probably about 20 times!) which means I’ve gotten a pretty good feel for this humble and delicious pizza joint. Dine-in, take-out, lunch combos, pizzas, sandwiches, I’ve put down some serious calories at this place. And I can also tell you that it’s probably one of the best all-round pizza joints in the area, here’s why…

Counter at Randy's Pizza in RTP - NC Triangle Dining
Counter at Randy’s Pizza in RTP – NC Triangle Dining

If you pop into Randy’s Pizza around lunch time, you’ll usually find the place slammed! They’ll have the day’s special on a board near the entrance and a U-shaped line snaking around. But don’t be intimidated or turned off, they are pros here and the line moves quickly. Eventually you’ll reach the two-station order area where you put in the order and then pay at the next station. Once that’s done, self-serve your drink and go find your table. They’ll call out your order on the overhead speakers when it’s ready but usually people are doing some sort of pizza slice/salad combo for their meal.

Two slice lunch combo at Randy's Pizza in RTP - NC Triangle Dining
Two slice lunch combo at Randy’s Pizza in RTP – NC Triangle Dining

Randy’s RTP specializes in thin-crust NY style pizza and it is really good! The type of slice that’s about as large as your head and has that floppy, foldable crust that’s so delicious. Sauce and cheese coverage is excellent and perfectly balanced. Toppings at Randy’s are generous and of good quality. They use a thin-crumble sausage and spicy pepperoni for starters. If you do the two-slice combo (1-topping and drink for  $6.98) I’m pretty sure you’re going to have a snoozy afternoon! I’ve also done their full pies (14″, 16″, 18″ which are equally good and tasty. The sauce used on their pies is quite good with a bit of garlic kick.

Meatball pizza at Randy's Pizza in RTP - NC Triangle Dining
Meatball pizza at Randy’s Pizza in RTP – NC Triangle Dining
Chicken parm sub at Randy's Pizza in RTP - NC Triangle Dining
Chicken parm sub at Randy’s Pizza in RTP – NC Triangle Dining

And if you’re not up for pizza, how about one of their amazing subs? Choose from deli favorites like at Italian, ham and turkey but I’m partial to their parmesan subs that come in meatball, chicken or veal! They use a perfectly toasted sub roll, sweet marinara and melty cheese on top, it’s really a perfect version of a classic sub! Pretty much any lunches at Randy’s RTP will be under $10 so you also won’t be spending a fortune to make your stomach happy.

Dining room at Randy's Pizza in RTP - NC Triangle Dining
Dining room at Randy’s Pizza in RTP – NC Triangle Dining

And while the food is excellent and the dining area humble, what really stands out at Randy’s RTP for me is their service. Whether I’m on the phone or at the cash register, they’re unfailingly well-trained and polite. But when you do as much volume as they do, you really have to be. I know that the other Randy’s Pizzas in the area are also pretty good but not quite as good as this one. I’m pretty sure this location is run separately given the different websites and advertising used. Given how much I’m at Randy’s RTP, I’m hoping to get to the bottom of THAT story. But all you need to know, hungry diner, is that Randy’s RTP does some of the best and biggest NY pizza in the area. So enjoy it and make the drive even if you don’t work in the RTP like I do!

 

Randy’s Pizza RTP

5311 S Miami Blvd,

Durham, NC 27703

919.941.7755

 

Location on Google maps

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First Take: Himalayan Range Nepali Restaurant in Cary, A Hidden Gem!

Front of Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Front of Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining

Hey I have to confess. I’ve never been to Nepal but you know what? I like Nepali food. Or at least I really like the eats at Himalayan Range Nepali Restaurant! As a fan of the older Himalayan Nepali in Cary, I was happy to see its original owners re-open their own restaurant after selling the original. And the new spot has all of the pluses of the old restaurant with some new and improved twists. Read on my friend if you enjoy the flavors and spices of this mountainous region!

Dining room at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Dining room at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining

Located in a quiet plaza off of NE Maynard Road you’ll find the new Himalayan Nepali Range restaurant in its luxurious new space. Bigger and better, it still sports the classic dark woods and deep crimsons from the old place. But now there are some chandeliers overhead which gives it all a comfortable but more upscale feel. But not to worry, it’s still a casual spot for lunch!

Lunch menu at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Lunch menu at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining

At the table I peer through Himalayan Range’s lunch menu which fills a 2-sided laminated sheets. The menu is a mix of Indian eats along with Nepali specialties and breads, I’m not sure where to start! But given it’s our first visit we over-order. I go with some chai, chicken 65, cheese pakora, chicken tikka masala and some garlic naan. Pretty certain I’m going to be in a carb coma after this meal but what the heck…

Chili paneer at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Chili paneer at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Chicken 65 at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Chicken 65 at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining

We start off our meal with the apps and it’s all impressive. The chili paneer comes in a sizable portion of toothsome fried cheese in a spicy, savory but sweet sauce. It looks and tastes great, nice job! I like the chicken 65 but not as much as the chili paneer. It’s coated in a thick red paste similar to tandoori and is deeply flavored. Again, there’s plenty on the plate portion-wise. I move on to the cheese pakora which is layers of paneer in a nicely fried coating, yum! Overall I’m really happy with all the flavors and size of our dishes that are in the $2 to $4 range, pretty durn cheap.

Garlic naan at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Garlic naan at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Butter paratha at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Butter paratha at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining

Next out is our breads and mains. My garlic naan looks wonderful spiked with yellow slivers of garlic and flecks of green (parsley or cilantro?). It’s warm, tender with the crustiness associated with a good tandoor oven. The paratha is a large, yellowed flat bread that comes in many layers. I don’t grab a bite but again, it looks great. My main of chicken tikka masala (medium spicy) is actually pretty mild. The sauce is more creamy than what I’m used to but decent with plenty of tender tandoori chicken inside. It’s good but I’d definitely get more spicy next time! The mains are served with rice but I hold back given all my naan.

Chicken tikka masala at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Chicken tikka masala at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining
HimalayanRangeNepali-PaneerPeas
Paneer and peas at Himalayan Range in Cary- NC Triangle Dining

The other dish on the table looks great, a paneer and peas in sauce but I’m not a vegetarian! Service at this humble, family-run is excellent and attentive. Himalayan Range Nepali has only been open for a week so the place is quiet but I still appreciate the effort they’re making. In the end the same great food at great prices has moved over to this newer restaurant in a bigger space and better ambiance. I really hope they do well here, Caryites and don’t miss out on this hidden gem off of NE Maynard Road….

 

Himalayan Range Nepali Restaurant

910 NE Maynard Road

Cary, NC 27513

919.378.9586

 

Location on Google maps

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First Take: A Tasty Lunch Buffet at India Gate in Durham

Front of India Gate in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Front of India Gate in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

Every now and then a craving for Indian food hits me and I’m powerless in its grip. Working in RTP means limited dining options but a quick search online turns up India Gate off of Highway 54. The reviews look pretty good so it’s time to see what spiciness India Gate can offer up for lunch!

IndiaGate-EntrywayView

You’ll find India Gate tucked away in a slightly sunken plaza full of ethnic businesses and right next door the MEGA Club, cool. Head on to the back corner and you’ll find a small doorway that opens up to a large dining room and space, a bit of a surprise from the outside. India Gate is already a bit busy before noon time and it seems to be a popular spot for Indian food lovers in the know. I get seated at a four-top, order up a beverage and then head on over to the lunch buffet in the corner.

Cold buffet at India Gate in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Cold buffet at India Gate in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

It’s a well-stocked buffet with salad, 16 or so hot entrees including two rices, samosas, a garlic naan, saag, stewed chick peas, tikka masala, vindaloo, butter chicken and tandoori chicken. Also a very nice selection of desserts, two which I’m unfamiliar with (meethi chakri and boondi).  There’s definitely plenty of Indian options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike! I stack up a plate with some veggie biryani, saag and chicken for my first round.

Hot buffet at India Gate in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Hot buffet at India Gate in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

As I explore around my plate of Indian eats, I notice a couple of different items on my plate. First some star shaped crunchy bites, sort of like a rice cake. And then the garlic and herb stuffed naan, cool! The biryani is a bit different. I assumed it was a veggie biryani but I taste some sweet stewed fruit in there. The saag is basic and tasty and the tikka masala is also a bit different. Spicy but not as heavy with cream and laced with bits of green pepper. The tandoori chicken is good and a nice option for chicken on the bone. My second round includes the butter chicken which has more of a cream-based sauce which I’m familiar with. Overall everything is well-spiced and flavorful with a touch of heat.

Buffet plate at India Gate in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Buffet plate at India Gate in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

I finish off with some of their interesting desserts, mostly a play on fried flour treats sweetened with sugar syrup, tasty! I pay up front at the counter ($10 for lunch buffet) and chat with the owner a bit. She’s from the Punjab region in the north and it’s always interesting to see how Indian eats always have a bit of a twist based upon the origins of the owner. I’d describe India Gate as more down-home Indian cooking with a great variety of savory and sweet options for lunch which is lovely. Service was very attentive and courteous throughout the meal, another plus! So thanks so much India Gate, I just may have found my Indian eats home when I’m working in the RTP.

 

India Gate

2223 NC Highway 54

Durham, NC 27713

919.248.9333

 

Location on Google maps
India Gate Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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First Take: True Flavors Diner in Durham Delivers a Full Plate

Front of True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Front of True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

Out by Route 55 in Durham you’ll find a small cafe and catering business named True Flavors! I had heard a bit of buzz about it through my network but there wasn’t a ton of visibility given its part catering business and has limited hours (closes at 2:30pm in general). But I really wanted to check it out and took a special trip out there for a work lunch which was well worth the effort.

Dining area at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Dining area at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

If you’re looking for True Flavors just be aware that it’s in a back corner of a quiet plaza, we stumbled on it nearly accidentally while getting lost! Big red signage in front, inside True Flavors has a nice open feel with a lot of sunshine and green for brightness. The place is busy already at noon time, I suspect they do more of a breakfast/early lunch type crowd here. There’s plenty of space to stretch out in and we get seated in a back corner with a friendly and enthusiastic waitress.

Meatloaf at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Meatloaf at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

Since we’re short on time, we put in our orders quickly for the Hot Bird chicken sandwich and a bacon-bourbon meatloaf that I had been stalking for a while! Yeah, I was checking out their menu for the last month or so and nothing would sway me from my plan. The food comes out REALLY quickly, in less that 10 minutes and closer to 5 which is great if you’re pressed for time. And it looks really impressive overall.

Hot chicken sandwich at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Hot chicken sandwich at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

My meatloaf is hard to see under the gravy, bacon and greens but it’s sitting on some mashies along with some green beans! It’s a large portion for lunch but not close to the Hayes Barton Cafe which will coma you. I take a bite and it’s good, excellent meatloaf texture but not as much flavor in the meat. Taken as a whole with the mashies and beans it’s a good meal but felll a bit short on the flavor side for me. But at home I usually do a Cajun meatloaf which is loaded with peppers and spices so maybe my taste buds are tuned differently.

Onion rings at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining
Onion rings at True Flavors Diner in Durham- NC Triangle Dining

My table-mate’s TFD hot bird sandwich looks fantastic! A fried chicken breast with spicy sauce on brioche along with a wonderful stack of beer-battered onion rings, I’m a bit jealous of his choice but what the heck, maybe next time. Service through-out lunch is great and tempting, she asks about dessert but I’d actually like to be conscious back at the office this afternoon. So we head out of True Flavors, stuffed and happy, back to work! In the end, I think I may have picked the wrong lunch item but overall I think True Flavors is doing a good job and presenting a nice twist on diner food in a more gourmet setting. And yes, I’ll need to get back for visit two to understand how good this place is and you can bet I’m getting those onion rings!

 

True Flavors Diner + Catering

5410 NC-55,

Durham, NC 27713

919.316.7978

 

Location on Google maps
True Flavors Diner Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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