UrbanVenus

Capital City scheduled to reopen in June! http://raleighchronicle.com/2007052208.html I like the sound of appealing to home cooks with spices and bulk goods- hopefully they've consulted with people who actually cook! I hope they carry my specialty brand pet food- nothing but the best for my baby!-- but it sure would be nice for the best to be more convenient.

Raleigh was mentioned in the show American Dad last night. Something the American Dad's daughter's boyfriend's father growing pot in a barn in Raleigh. I wasn't really paying attention, but my ears perked up at the mention of my city! Of course, the pothead father was a huge redneck. Go figure.

I agree a DT bookstore would have to be diverse. Definitely a nice art section, become a McSweeny's outpost; best sellers and a great newsrack to attract the masses; cards (fancy/nice- not CVS) and maybe some gifts (stationary, whatever); info for tourists/postcards/etc would be great. I think there would be enough people to support the store now: office workers, downtown residents, NCSU downtown design studio, museum/F St. tourists, then think of the convention center, new hotels and condos. It would be a great addition to First Friday- say...15% off all art books! If the store has something to really set itself apart (without losing mainstream appeal, of course), non-downtowners would come to it as well. As it is now, I go out of my way to get to Quail Ridge, and even Regulator, just to support cooler, independent stores. I like to think I'm not a freak. I hope an indy gets in now before the big boxes really start eyeing downtown. (Though I'd kill for an H&M!).

I would love a downtown bookstore, especially something that's a hang-out, too- think Regulator on 9th St Durham. When I lived in a bigger city, I would check in to a bookstore during a walk...now, whenever I make the drive- I feel obligated to buy something just to make it worth my time. Imagine being able to pick up a gift or a new release on your lunch break. Even better- after work: killing time with a beer at the Times, then walking over for a book reading, then going just another block to Neomonde or Fins for dinner! Everyone should petition Quail Ridge and someone with the right space for it. Maybe the Dollar Zone building? Something on Wilmington?

Neomonde rumor is true! Better yet, it's going to be more modern/stylish than their other places. I think they're looking at a Fall opening. I don't know about the club, but Neomonde's will have outdoor seating. Anyone have the ETA for Dos Taquitos? I'm looking forward to having that downtown!