4 out of 5 stars

Peppers looks like it is a slick franchise operation which has opened in the completely new shopping centers at the intersection by Davis and Morrisville Carpenter Rd. However it seems to be locally owned, offering bread from La Farm and homemade soups and roasted meats. And the quality was evident when I visited for a quick lunch.

I tried the roast beef and brie sandwich with caramelized onions on a french hard roll. I chose fresh fruit for my side (potato salad, pasta salad or coleslaw are the other options). The meal was decidedly fresh and satisfying. Roast beef was perfectly done, rare and tender. The roll was perfect – crispy and chewy outside with a tender interior. I also enjoyed a Boylan Black Cherry soda with my meal. In fact the only complaint that I can muster is that the prices aren’t necessarily recession-friendly. However the quality is worth the extra buck or two! Lunch for two came out to $17, and we enjoyed our meal sitting on the sunny patio.

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5 out of 5 stars

Looking for an affordable meal amist the yuppie eateries on Franklin Street? The authentic Mediterranean Deli is the place for you! With an immaculate selection of both vegetarian and meat dishes plus a free topping and olive bar, this deli shines.

I tried the beef shawerma plate – tender marinated beef sitting on a bed a tabouli over plenty of fresh zingy hummus that was a perfect blend of flavors. It came with a freshly baked pita bread recently out of the oven. Hubs tried a falafel salad. It was equally fresh with a variety of veggies and a light dressing. The falafel had an interesting crisp of sesame on the outside, though they were slightly dry inside. I enjoyed my meal with a sweet rosewater tea, which tastes just like it sounds.

One time I’d love to come back again when the bakery is going and order one of the crisp breads stuffed with feta and a combination of veggies and meats called a fatayer. The one I saw come out looked like a giant delicious mediterranean calzone. But also any combination of items from the deli case… how did I not try some baklava or one of the other luscious desserts?

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Update, 7C’s has now closed

4 out of 5 stars

In the place of Bear Rock Cafe there is a new cafe tucked behind the Arby’s called 7C’s. Despite the really undescriptive name, 7C’s has a great selection of sandwiches and salads in the comfy atmosphere you’d expect from a place that used to be a Bear Rock. I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with my choice of a potato salad side and Glen had a cobb salad. His salad was very fresh with tender chicken, egg and bacon and he enjoyed it. My sandwich was tasty and the potato salad was like a loaded potato salad, with some hard boiled egg, cheese and bacon in it. We liked our food and also the free watermelon they surprised us with at the end of the meal.

Stop by here if you’re in the area car hunting or shopping, I think you’ll like the food and the personal touch. They have burgers and hot and cold sandwiches, plus salads and soups. They make their own bread daily.
7C’s Cafe

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3 out of 5 stars

Country Deli is one of many home style diners in PA – local residents are lucky to have so many breakfast choices. You’ll be lucky if you can find it, tucked back off 352 away from the road a little. Tiny inside, and slightly cramped, the dining room has wooden tables and chairs, a view of a nice mural along the back wall, and a collection of vintage cookie jars on shelves all around. The breakfast menu is balanced, and while some items are weekend-only options like cream chipped beef, pancake specials and eggs benedict, the menu is affordable so if you want to create your own “combo” you can.
I had some french toast with a side of sausage, but also snacked on my Mom’s scrapple because I was too nervous to order it for myself. It was tasty, like a mushy version of corned beef. My french toast was tasty and the service here was quick and efficient. You also won’t go wrong if you try one of the baked goods sitting in the case by the register. We tried a coffee cake laced with some lemon filling. Give this place a try for a filling and tasty meal at a great price.

Next door is the seed and feed store inside an old barn, where you can find deals on bird seed and pet food of all kinds.

Country Deli
(610) 558-3354

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5 out of 5 stars

I had heard about Davinci’s on the chowhound messageboards so when it was also recommended by two colleagues I knew I had to make a trip. I finally got a chance to visit when Anna brought me last week. As soon as you walk in you can smell the vinegary olives and all the smells of a deli. The case on the left is filled with butchered meats and fresh sausages. The aisles have specialty Italian foods. I ordered a simple ham and provolone sandwich on ciabatta bread. The woman sliced my meat to order, whisper thin, and put my mustard on the top slice of bread and mayo on the bottom slice, assembling with care and wrapping it in paper. It was amazing.. the perfect sandwich completed with amazingly tender and crisp bread! And just think how good the real Italian sandwiches are up on the menu board! Next time I’d like to also pick up some bratwurst for hubby.

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4 out of 5 stars

Jason’s has a selection of 8-10 soups each day, plus head-sized baked potatoes, a salad bar and then a large amount of sandwiches to choose from, including a healthy menu that doesn’t sound like rabbit food. I’ve had an amazing portabello mushroom sandwich with a side of fruit and salad, and also a meatball “po’boy” with chips on two different visits.

While it can get crowded and hectic at the tiny tables, it’s worth it for the choices to satisfy everyone.

Jason’s Deli
8421 Brier Creek Pkwy #101
Raleigh, NC 27617
(919) 572-9996

5 out of 5 stars

An oasis in a sea of horrible airport food. Yes, that’s my opening line. After traveling a bit for business lately I actually decided to research in advance where I would eat. Luckily French Meadow was not too far out of my way. So when was the last time you went to a self service counter at an airport eatery and were greeted with a nice pleasantry like “How are you doing today?” Something so small does make a difference after being crammed in uncomfy seats for two hours and getting ready to do so again. Service here was great.

I ordered a lovely roast beef and havarti sandwhich which was warmed up for me in the little oven and I also couldn’t resist getting some amazing tomato bisque and a to-die-for cheesecake brownie. The brownie I saved for later as a pick me up after I got to the final destination (which helped me forget the yucky room service dinner). This wasn’t super cheap, I recall something like $15 for the lot including drink. But it was sooo worth it. If I wasn’t hungry I’d still make a point out of going there to get a baked good from their large case.

French Meadow Bakery and Cafe
The Mall, near entrance to Terminal E
Minneapolis Airport
Minneapolis, MN 55111
(612) 355-4641

3 out of 5 stars

With a name like Penn Station, I hade hopes that this place could whip up a tasty Philly cheesesteak. However, I didn’t particularly like mine. It was decent quality meat and had a tasty roll but the steak was over-peppered. I did enjoy my fries, they were clearly fresh-made and nice and crispy delicious. The service was also good. They have lots of types of sandwiches here to choose from and it all seems prety fresh, plus they offer free wifi.

Penn Station East Coast Subs
6300 Creedmoor
Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 847-0960

3 out of 5 stars

Closest thing to a Jewish deli I’ve seen since I’ve been here in Raleigh. Good sandwiches, also serve breakfasts and delectable selection of desserts. They even have chopped liver, knishes, “properly steamed pastrami” according to chowhounders, as well as rugelach, smoked fish and matzoh ball soup. What’s missing? A cranky attitude, which surprisingly I sometimes miss. In boca you could always witness the retirees and waitstaff yelling at each other over something. Anyhow, I’d like to stop back here with my long island-born hubby.

From NY With Love
10511 Shadowlawn Drive
Raleigh, NC 27614
(919) 847-4484

3 out of 5 stars

This is a good place for when you need a quick bagel fix and the squishy soft bagels at Bruegger’s won’t do. It’s disorganized, the ladies who work there always seem confused, the coffee sucks, but they have the closest thing to a NY bagel you’ll find in the area, and you can get the tasty lox bagel. Alternately you could stop by for some of their new york cookies or pastries. On weekends here there is a line and you may or may not find a seat to sit and eat your bagel.

New York Bagels & Deli
7909 Falls Of Neuse Rd
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 848-1310

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