Food

Chi’s NC Faves: Cafes

July 3, 2017

Happy 4th of July’s Eve Guys!

Any exciting plans for tomorrow? I may go to a BBQ and see some fireworks in Chapel Hill. I may also choose not to step foot outside of my apartment after coming back from the gym. Your guess is as good as mine. Who am I kidding, it’ll likely be option #2.

Anyway, in last weeks post I mentioned how I’ve eaten at some great spots in the triangle. Today, I’m kicking off a series, called “Chi’s NC Faves” to share some of my favorite NC restaurants to eat at since I moved here in 2014.

First up are a couple great sandwich spots and cafes.

Spicy Green Gourmet

This one is a little off the beaten path in a random strip mall but they have really imaginative (and delicious) sandwiches. There were so many sandwiches on the menu with items that I never would have thought to combine. I’m glad they did though because the end results were delicious. ProTip: Make sure whatever sandwich you get you go for their house made focaccia bread. It makes all the difference.
I’d highly recommend their fried brie sandwich. Ridiculously good. Besides the fried brie it’s also got pesto, bacon, and fig jam. I’m personally not a pasta salad person but even I enjoyed theirs.

Bonus: they have what they call “Free Cookie Friday,” where you can choose a free cookie to get with your sandwich. Does it get any better? The correct answer is no.The one drawback is they’re only open from Monday-Friday between 11-2 so you’ve got to go during the week (preferably on a Friday so you can get a free cookie).

Dulce Cafe

This spot may be better known for their sweets, but don’t sleep on the cafe menu. Do yourself a favor and before picking up a dessert, have a good lunch there first. I’d recommend their turkey, brie, and green apple panini with their house made pepper jelly on ciabatta bread. I’ve really come to appreciate the savory and sweet combo in sandwiches and this one delivers big time.

Lucette Grace

The curry chicken salad sandwich is the move here especially if you want a chicken salad that’s not traditional. This one has sour cherries and pistachios in it and they serve it on a nice flaky croissant. In the colder months they have a sweet potato soup which is incredible. Similar to Dulce, Lucette Grace is also known for their desserts so you’ll definitely want to try some before leaving. You can’t go wrong with the macaroons.

La Farm Bakery

Oh La Farm! This is one of the first places I ate at when I first moved to NC and it set the bar pretty high. La Farm has received some major national acclaim (semifinalist for James Beard award and mentioned in O magazine). I can personally say the acclaim is well deserved because the food is just plain good. The bread is the base of it all, and they offer a plethora of free samples all day, everyday, along with some of their spreads.

I’d highly recommend their cinnamon and white chocolate chip scone, their peach and white chocolate chip scone, their insanely popular and ridiculously good white chocolate baguette, and their chipotle pimiento cheese spread. They also make a mean Croque Monsieur.

SassoolThis place is a must visit if you like Mediterranean food. Seriously, so good. And when they ask you if you need pita with your meal (which is free, freshly baked, and delicious) say yes. If you go you’ve got to get their veggie lasagna, the mediterranean chicken salad, their lentils, and the cilantro jalapeno hummus. And for the love of God get some baklava.