Being a foodie means that I love to explore the culinary gifts of a community.  Eating at local restaurants is the best way to get a feel for the local food scene. The Triangle has an abundance of noteworthy restaurants, which means I have a lengthy list of places to try.  The culinary talent in this area is truly what makes it a great place to live, but then comes the issue of where to go first.  How does one chose? Are there enough days in the year to visit them all? (Cue the anxiety provoking, cliff-hanging music….)

This sent me on a search for the best way to accomplish my mission.  With my sights set on getting to know the booming food scene in Durham, I stumbled upon Taste Carolina.  As I scrolled through the website, I was giddy.  A walking tour of Durham that stops in at five different restaurants?  Samples of food and getting an opportunity to chat with the owners?  Sign me up!!

Our tour guide, Dean, was charming and knowledgeable.  He knows the history of Durham as well as the ins and outs of the culinary delights there.  We stopped at Daisy Cakes first.  Don’t be fooled by the sweet sounding name.  They do savory just as well as they do sweet!  Our next stop was Bull City Burger and Brewery.  Chef and owner, Seth Gross, had me shouting “Amen!” to his sermon on pasture-raised beef.  He also opened my eyes and my palate to beer tasting.

Then it was on to Loaf.  I thought my husband would never leave as owner, Ron Graff, explained the science and physics involved in bread making.  That hearth oven is a bakers dream! I have never tasted a better gougere or pan au chocolat.  Parlour was next on our list.  I love ice cream and the fact that it was December did not deter me from digging in to my sample of apple pie ice cream with caramel sauce.  It was, in a word, divine.

Our last two stops on the tour led us to the American Tobacco Historic District.  At L’Uva Enoteca, we enjoyed a lovely sampling of innovative Italian fare with a glass of sangria.  Then, it was on to Tyler’s Tap Room where Jordan entertained and informed us on the finer points of craft beer making and tasting.

It was a lovely day and a perfect way to get comfortable with all Durham has to offer.  If Durham is not on your list to explore, don’t worry.  Taste Carolina offers tours in other cities as well.  Check out all they have to offer.  You won’t be disappointed.

Vegetable omelet at Daisy Cakes–savory goodness!

The oven at Loaf. Magic happens in there.

This sign just screams, “Ice cream here!”

Apple pie NEVER tasted this good. Mmmmmm.

You know you are in Durham when you see this guy.

I really do love this city.

In the heart of the American Tobacco Historic District.

Italian deliciousness at L’Uva Enoteca. That is a sweet potato jam, which was amazing.

Winter nights in the American Tobacco Historic District are quite lovely.