Farewell Taverna Nikos

Tonight, executive chef and co-owner, Giorgios Kastansias, managed Taverna Nikos, in Durham's Brightleaf Square, for the last time. After difficulties with leasing negotiations and the extended economic malaise, George decided to sell the restaurant in order to start a restaurant in Lincolnton, NC. George appreciates all the support he has received from the Durham community and expressed mixed feelings about leaving Nikos. Nikos Taverna, in Morrisville, continues to be owned by Bill Bakis.

It is my understanding that the restaurant will continue to remain open under the new ownership, with the current staff, who have been encouraged to stay. After some amount of time, it is expected that the restaurant will close for renovations and will reopen with a new theme and possibly an entirely new cuisine.

Having enjoyed Greek food at Taverna Nikos since 1992, I will certainly miss the restaurant. I have so many fond memories, of food, the staff, and conversations with family and friends. So many birthdays, farewell dinners and routine family dinners took place there and I will also miss our long conversations with George. My MFRs and I wish George and his family all the best!

Blogtogether Brunch at Sandwhich

Yesterday I went to a BlogTogether brunch, organized by mistersugar. This picture was voluntarily taken by our waitress and more people arrived afterwards, but this accurately depicts the cheerful vibe of the morning. We primarily listened to the enviable plans of our visitors from San Francisco, Justin and Stephanie. Justin, who lived in the area a number of years ago, and his wife, Stephanie, are planning on taking a trip to New Zealand with an indefinite end. I am looking forwarding to reading all about it on their blogs, Justinsomnia and La Vie Soleil.

This photo even shows Bora, front and right, who was mentioned today in Newsweek!

The brunch was held at Sandwhich, on Franklin Street, in Chapel Hill. I had a delicious serving of French toast with perfectly cooked eggs. They weren't cooked solid, but they weren't completely liquidy either. Lovely!