4 out of 5 stars

Raleigh’s assortment of Mexican restaurants (at least the ones I have tried) are pretty depressing. In fact it seems like the majority of them are run by the same people, because they all offer the same menu items at a somewhat dismal quality level. But not so at Chubby’s.

Situated conveniently near Rex Hospital, Chubby’s could potentially fill up a pregnant mama who is eating for two on the way home from a childbirth class, or start a recent surgery patient on the road to ruin. Either way, there are lots of tasty options on the menu. I ordered the chimichanga with a side of black beans and yellow rice. The chimichanga was a mini version of what I’m used to getting at other places but it was just enough to fill me up, and was filled with some tender stewed beef.

It also came with some chips and access to a salsa bar which I unfortunately didn’t notice until I was done eating.

Hubs ordered the ground beef taco salad which looked abundant.

Friends we ran into also highly recommended the gordita, made up of a pillowy corn bread wrapped around the filling.

What I really liked was the wealth of taco filling options. With options from beef to portobello mushrooms or Ahi Tuna, even our vegetarian friends will be pleased. Chubby’s is a small space but packs in the patrons. Prices were reasonable and food was fresh and tasty. A recommended stop.

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4 out of 5 stars

Happy to finally have a chance for a date night since having baby Wolfie, I arranged for some friends to meet Glen and I out at Fosters American Grille. It’s located right in Cameron Village and seemed a great place to meet up with some buddies and eat well, but not too pretentiously. I have a problem with pretension as I generally have pretty uncomplicated (but demanding) tastes.

Reviews online have varied wildly but of late Fosters has gotten some acclaim from the peanut gallery. Rumor on the grapevine is that management has changed and some original staff has been hired back which has revitalized the food and service. I have to agree!

Fosters has a broad menu so I knew everyone would be able to find something they’d enjoy and I was right. It spans salads, grilled pizza, pasta, and a selection of traditional entrees. (Menu here.) We started with a few appetizers, taking advantage of the $5 for any appetizer special that happens from 4-7pm daily. The crab dip was splendid, served with toasted flat bread. The lettuce wraps were just ok, consisting of a hoisin sauce over chicken, water chestnuts and little fried noodles. Friends also appeared to enjoy the crab cakes served over a corn succotash.

The entrees really wowed us, all served with fluffy mashed potatoes that were clearly homemade with care and lightly sauteed vegetables that were tender and not oily. I really enjoyed my short rib entree which was fall-apart tender and rich, “simmered overnight in red wine, tomatoes and garlic,” according to the menu. Hubs had the 6 ounce filet, which was perfect, and D had the rack of ribs which he enjoyed. Our lady friend was in love with her Chicken Rockefeller, a spinach and bacon stuffed chicken breast.

Apologies for the low-light iPhone pics.

Chicken Rockefeller

Short Rib

Ribs (I think half rack?)

Filet

We fully enjoyed most everything we ordered and I look forward to returning. I also wish I had left room to try dessert. The atmosphere here is lovely whether you sit downstairs in the dining room or bar area, or upstairs where you’ll be outside and have a view of activity on Cameron Village streets below. I hear it turns into quite the late-night spot and they seem to have music and dancing many nights. But don’t underestimate what a delicious meal you can get at reasonable prices. Sandwiches from $8 and entrees from $14.

A wonderful surprise for me was the check-in special on Four Square!  We got 20% off the food!

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4 out of 5 stars

A weath of new frozen treat shops are opening in the Raleigh area. They may prove harsh competition to our long-time favorite, Goodberry’s. Freshberry features about six flavors of yogurt each day that come with your choice of two or three toppings included in the price. They also have neat-looking popsicles that are all under 100 calories, and a selection of smoothies. The topping selection includes a wide variety of freshly diced fruits as well as some traditional candy toppings.

While a healthy dessert sounds like a good idea, I didn’t end up going that route. I gave a taste to the coconut frozen yogurt, which was tasty with a bit of a tang to it. But I ended up ordering Decadent Dark Chocolate yogurt with oreo as a topping. However it’s awesome to have the option to look at the nutritional content and to order something healthier (they have a no-sugar added vanilla in addition to the healthier pops) when you have health issues to watch out for. I haven’t been to Pinkberry so I can’t compare, but I did feel this was some decandent yogurt! Still, Goodberry’s still has a place in my heart (and stomach) with their rich custard.

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