Restaurants in Durham

It's time for another top ten list, Ben Cooke's favorite restaurants in Durham. This list has been a while in the making, but as I am just getting into blogging, its time for me to put something out there. I am going to constrain this list to Durham, because later I will add on other spots.

1. Miranda's This little taqueria at the end of Pickett Road is probably my most visited Durham spot. there is no seating, so I usually call ahead and fail at ordering in Spanish. The Chorizo tacos are a good first item to get, and you slowly graduate up to the daily specials. They also have great seasonal fruit and veggies at the fruteria next door.

2. Thai Cafe The decor at the Thai Cafe is nice, and the food is even better. A little pricey ($10-20) for my graduate student budget, but its the only Thai place around and Thai is my favorite.

3. Pulcinella's The thing I love about this place is that you get a salad with your meal. Not to mention the delicious food. The service is excellent and the portions are big. Not to mention cheap. Man I might have to go there tomorrow.

4. The Cosmic Cantina Although Miranda's has filled the mexican slot in my belly, if I need a burrito, I still turn to Cosmic. The burritos are delicious and the old school is still $2.

5. Kashmir I think Kashmir has taken over the reign of The Sitar Indian Palace as the best Indian in Durham. And they are slightly cheaper. (Noticing a trend here?) Also, if you present a Duke ID during lunch you get a special price.

6. China Wok This little chinese spot in the Kroger shopping center on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd is a recent find. The food is delicious and cheap, and the counter service is friendly. The hot and sour soup is a must buy!

7. Brig's A great spot for breakfast on the weekend. Usually crowded, so get there early or late. The service is great and the prices are also great. I loved the pecan waffles.

8. Babett's This cafe by Southpoint has delicious healthy food and serves a variety of items. They are kind of an eclectic and a good spot for a quick meal before or after hitting the mall.

9. I Love New York Pizza in the Walmart shopping center on 15-501 (New Hope Commons?). This is only on the list for one item, the vegetarian pizza stromboli. If you have never tried pizza stromboli, it is an eye opening experience.

10. Saladelia Cafe This little mediteranian spot has some good Quiche, but their grape leaves disappoint. Overall a nice atmosphere, but no longer in my restaurant rotation.

Others receiving votes:
The Federal, Honey's, Five Brother's Burgers, Chamas, Q-Shack, Elmo's, and Guglhupf Bakery.

RIP:
Trinbago, a fine meal, I will miss you.

Notes:
Other favorites not in Durham (Allen & Son, The Barbeque Joint, The Flying Burrito, Mama Dips, Udupi Cafe, Irregardless Cafe, Lime & Basil,...). A Chapel Hill top ten will be blogged in the future.