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

I had a chip on my shoulder about Crabtree Tavern because I have been so often disappointed by “upscale” taverns, including the Oxford. But it turned out to be a perfect lunch outing for the family, seated on the patio with our new baby. It has a suprisingly green view, considering that this restaurant is situated between two hotels and the parking garage of Crabtree Mall. It has the benefit of being slightly up the hill and nestled amongst trees.

I ordered the Guinness Chili , which was fantastic.. you could taste the Guinness for sure in the ground beef as well as other spices and the black beans. Also a house side salad on the side for an extra $2, with fresh cherry tomatoes, baby greens, red onion and fresh parmesan.

Hubs had the Californian turkey burger, which was moist and flavorful. I didn’t even realize it was a turkey burger until he told me later. The burger came on grilled fresh-baked wheat bread with avocado, feta, salsa and cilantro aoli.

Ellen had one of the grilled chicken breast sandwiches, which she raved about due to the seasoning on the chicken breast and the smoky flavor imparted by the wood grill. She got some sweet potato fries on the side, which are always fun.

The service was a little slow, but we couldn’t complain for two reasons – 1) we were the only ones on the patio and 2) the menu asks that you be patient as all items are made to order. At least we were warned in advance. Baby Devin enjoyed his time out on the patio with us and we can’t wait to go back and sample more of the food at the Crabtree Tavern.

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4 out of 5 stars

Lettuce Head is a new arrival to the Kroger shopping center at Creedmoor and Strickland. A simple family-run place, they specialize in salad (of course!) but also offer anything you’d like to have in a wrap. All salads and wraps are $6.45, unless you opt for extra premium ingredients. We love to order the California salad, with grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, romaine, tomato, mozzarella and ranch dressing. The ingredients are all super fresh and you’ll feel great that you are eating healthy. (Although if you feel naughty you can also supplement the meal with a brownie or some kettle chips.)

Service is super-friendly and also kid friendly, with a little play area for kids with toys and such. One day though I came in craving something Mexican so they improvised a delicious quesadilla with my choice of ingredients using the panini press.

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