miamiblue

I am a single female and after having experienced "professional" panhandlers, I have developed the following tack to deal with them. I donate to organizations, not individuals (unless I know exactly where the money is going). I do not want to be responsible for enabling someone's problems. If someone approaches me, follows me, and asks for spare change, I tell them I don't have any cash, and they usually move on. My boyfriend will usually hold up one hand and just say no before they get the chance to ask, and that usually is enough. We are usually courteous and respectful, yet firm and authoritative. I haven't been cursed at yet in Raleigh. If someone approaches me asking for money for something specific, such as a bus ticket or food, I reiterate the "no cash" stance and offer to buy it for them. "Hey, I'll be glad to take you over to the bus terminal and buy you a ticket." "I'd be happy to buy you a sandwich from McD's." I would be willing to purchase a ticket for someone who really needs it, and I have given leftover food to people who were claiming to be hungry, but this is a good way to find out what their real intentions are. This approach is most often met with a "No thanks" so they are caught in a lie and usually don't pursue it any further. I think if the majority of people took similar approaches instead of giving in to just anyone who approaches people to ask for money, there would be less incentive to approach or be aggressive in the first place. If they are truly in need, there are resources available for them other than being enabled by a naive public.

I don't know if anyone mentioned this already, but the Boylan Bridge Bewpub is scheduled to open August 25th. I was on a walk this weekend and briefly took a peek inside when the owner let me in. They just finished tiling the bathrooms and the brewing system is all set up. Things are looking good! There is still work to be done, but he seems confident of opening on time. Can't wait!

I am not sure who goes to fast food Chinese restaurants to hang out at night with friends, but if that is their forte, then I really don't think they will be complaining about Peace China's outdoor seating, because I have never really seen a place like it that even had outdoor seating. I got takeout there on Friday night with a friend who is a very picky eater. She was happy that they had a dish that she likes that not all Chinese takeout places offer. I had such low expectations after reading all the reviews so far, that I was pleasantly surprised instead of completely turned off when I actually saw the place. I thought the food was good and am glad that I now have this type of Chinese restaurant close to where I live. It's not as easily walkable for me as I would like, but definitely a quick bike ride.

Right before I moved out of South Florida a new sports bar/nightclub opened called Sofa Kings. Their radio ads went something like this: "It's Sofa King cool!" If this doesn't make any sense, just say that line out loud, but I wouldn't necessarily do it at work.

After doing a very quick web search of "sidetrack" it seems that there are plenty of other businesses that are using that besides the place in Chicago. I wonder if they have received cease and desist orders as well. Absolutely ridiculous. I'm still not sure I really understand how the word "sidetrack" could have gotten patented/trademarked to begin with.

We tried to go to Tookie's the first Friday night in April after a group run and they were closed! We were shocked, and had a bunch of thirsty and hungry runners that were looking for some food and a beer. Tyler's would have been perfect in that case.

That is truly depressing. I wonder what kind of shape the building was in when it was razed.

Wow, we just had dinner at Abyssinia in the Mission Valley shopping center. It is an Ethiopian restaurant and it was my first time trying Ethiopian food. I loved it! The food was great! Unfortunately, though, I think it is in a horrible location, tucked away near the movie theater. A place like this would do much better downtown or at least on Hillsborough St. I just don't see the college crowd being able to support a restaurant like that. I'm surprised I hadn't heard anything about it.

Speaking of Firefly, I've been noticing renovations taking place at that house over the past few months. Today on my walk I saw that a sign is up - Brooklyn Heights: Spirits & Everyone. I'm guessing that the name is a combo of Glenwood-Brooklyn and Boylan Heights. Based on the sign, I'm thinking it's going to be another bar/hangout type place.

I don't know if this has already been posted, but I thought it was worth posting. Council Selects Firm To Install Downtown Wayfinding Signs

Has anyone heard of Metro Cafe & Lounge in City Market? http://www.metrocafe.org/ I'm not sure when they opened, I just happened to stumble across an advertisement on zspotlight.

I bought a couple of bars from Escazu for my sweetheart last night. So far he has gotten into the Chipotle Chili & Vanilla and it is scrumptious! The other one is the Roasted Brazil Nut, and I'm sure it will also be delicious. When I walked into the shop it smelled divine. All of the bars seem to be 60% cacao. They also had a few novelty candies in a display case. I hope they do well!

We now have a new chocolate shop on Glenwood: [url=http://www.escazuchocolates.com/]Escaz

I'm not really sure I see where the "Resort" part comes in on this. It definitely seems like a super cheeseball concept aimed at the college and 20-something young professional crowd, based on the limited info we have so far. While I certainly like the idea of a seafood restaurant opening up so close to my apartment, this just doesn't seem like a good idea. I would like nothing more than for an actual business to open and do well at such a nice location. I don't know much about the businesses that preceded this one in that location, but if they all had this kind of a marketing strategy, no wonder none of them lasted. In other news, finally some talk about the Sidetrack Brewpub that will be opening up across the street from Bloomsbury. We have been waiting for this one for a while now!

According to V's website, it seems like this is a parking-related issue: It's a shame for the area to lose such a unique business. The brick building next door housed a architect/design firm, and I think there was an art gallery in the basement. I'm definitely wondering what is going to be happening here.

I have heard from an insider that the downtown Waraji location is not going to be exactly like the existing location. They seem to be focusing less on sushi and more on contemporary Japanese fare.

It sounds like Landmark Tavern had to postpone their opening to tonight instead of last night, in case anyone wants to check it out.

Apparently there is a new bar opening up today on Harget St. This is the first I've heard about it. Forgive me if this has already been posted somewhere else. New Bar Opening in Downtown Raleigh: Landmark Tavern! Thursday, January 17

Just noticed the other day that April and George will be reopening as The George, "a true tapas style bar and lounge in a video art atmosphere".

Yay! If only I had known about this earlier, that is where we would have gone to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday...too late to change the plans now, since it's today! Am I reading correctly that they will only be open for dinner Thur-Sat?? So glad to hear about Waraji opening a downtown location as well!