And by “hiring” I mean we are still actively seeking volunteers to spend their valuable time contributing to Carpe Durham and help keep this community alive.  We are grateful to our existing community contributors, but would like to add several more to increase the posting volume.  In particular, we hope people that are interested in exploring the cheaper dining options will get involved.  Please contact us if you are interested.  There is no time commitment or high level of expertise needed (really, if we could do it, anyone can!).
In other …

Halloween party at our favorite Durham institution: All People’s Grill.  Get the fried chicken if you go.

We temporarily disabled the George’s Diner post until we can come up with a system to deal with the comment abuse on that post.  Stay tuned.

West End Wine Bar opened up a Durham location a few months ago. Being a fan of the Chapel Hill flagship bar, I was excited to check it out. This one is around the corner from the Amtrak station and, unfortunately, in the middle of the Main Street construction for the present. But you can still make your way into their plentiful parking lot and join the other West End Wine bar goers who have done the same. There were a healthy number of patrons for early …

Saladelia is a staple of Durham’s lunch scene with a bustling catering business in addition to their onsite food. It is a favorite of mine for a late breakfast also, as their breakfast menu is available until 2pm on the weekend. They offer sandwiches, salads, pastries, and desserts with a Mediterranean bent. Order at the counter and your food will be brought to you. Espresso drinks are available.

They recently completed some remodeling of their seating areas and counter. There’s now a lovely row of …

Some of you might remember an unemployment-induced red velvet cake binge session I mentioned in my review of Parker and Otis.  Well, good news gentle readers!  I got a job!  Even better: I got a job in downtown Durham, which is exciting as I do not live in Durham and now have the opportunity to eat in Durham far more often.  And one of the places I was and still am most excited about frequenting is Toast, in Five Points in downtown Durham.
I really cannot fully express my love for …

Amelia Cafe is an appealing spot for lunch or dessert if you are in the Brightleaf area.

The atmosphere is relaxed but sophisticated with smooth jazz playing and very comfy leather chairs at their tables.

They offer candy, sweet and savory crepes, gelato, and desserts all day but their sandwiches, soups, and salads are only available from 11-2. Espresso drinks, smoothies, shakes, beer, wine, and cocktails are all on the plentiful beverage menu.
Their setup is confusing at first: if you are eating in, you should grab a …