What To Have

I’ve decided to expand the scope of my discussion a little bit. This blog was started because I got a lot of questions about where to eat/go when friends came downtown. I’m still focusing on that and I’m going to include a couple other aspects. Mainly, I’m going to include parking in downtown when you go to these places. I constantly hear about parking being a hassle in downtown but I believe it’s more of a lack of knowledge about options that are available. So, from now on I’m going to include where to park in my recommendations.

The second addition will be theme based recommendations. For example, look for an upcoming article about where to get good tequila. I’m a tequila fan so I’ve got some recommendations. Other topics can be best burger, or good late night.

As always, thanks for reading and let me know if you have any suggestions.

-Matt

I’m taking a little departure for the next set of articles, I’m partaking in a week of sushi with some friends from work (ulanguzi). We started on tues at Wild Ginger, wed was Sushi Tsuni (not really downtown but close) thursday was Mura and Friday will probably be Kanki (yes at the mall but trust me). I’m gonna write a bit on each once i get a chance, but you’ll defintely hear about the best experiences I have.

–Matt

I get a lot of people that ask where to park downtown. So I thought I’d clear up a few misconceptions.:

First: My general rule is it’s best to park on the street. Raleigh does not enforce parking meters (that I’ve seen) on the weekends. So there is tons of free parking. I’ve never seen someone park at a meter on the weekend and get a ticket.

Second: Make use of the parking garages. There is a map from this page downtownraleigh maps with all the parking garages available. Some are free, some charge a few dollars for the evening. Raleigh’s trying to grow up, so I don’t think paying $6 to park for dinner etc… is too much to ask.

Third: Use the valet. Many restaurants are offering valet now, generally it’s very cheap for a useful service. Bogart’s, Amra’s, Nana’s, Sullivan’s and 518 are a few of the places that offer valet service.

The main rule to follow is do not park in a private lot that does not offer a pay for parking booth. There are many private lots that have kiosks with numbered parking spaces. You insert your money into the slot for your parking space and you’re golden.

I would not park in a lot without a parking booth/stand/kiosk place. The city of Raleigh does not generally tow, the people you see being towed away are usually people that parked illegally in a private lot.

Parking illegally on the street is fined two ways by the city. If you happen to park in a spot where the meters are still active and the time runs out, there is a $6 ticket. If you park illegally, like in a no parking zone, or park where only half your car is in a parking zone, there is a heftier ~$35 ticket. The only reason the city tows is if your vehicle is in the way, blocking a driveway, parked across train tracks or in the middle of the street.

Follow these easy steps it should be easy to find somewhere to park without having to worry about your car or getting towed.

–Matt

This is a little guide that Matt and myself have put together as a guide for eating out from our experiences.

1) Sit at the bar

If you are at a restaurant that you plan to visit fairly often, this allows you the chance to build a relationship with the bar staff. Most restaurants have 2 or 3 bartenders that cover all the time that the place is open and anywhere from 3-20 wait staff. Each time you go to the restaurant, the chances of getting the same wait(er)(ress) is slim. The chances of dealing with the same person behind the bar are high. This allows you to get to know them, and more importantly get to know you. They will learn what you like, what you don’t like, and how to make you happy.

2) Tip well, you cheapskate

I tip a minimum of 20%. (Generally because I’m terrible at math and that’s easy to figure out). Remember, the federal minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 an hour. No, that isn’t a typo, in a 40 hour week, most wait staff make about $85 from their employer. They make the money they live off of from tips. Most of these people have a family to feed, so if you think the service is good let them know…show them the money. Waitstaff remember people who tip well. If you want good service at a restaurant you frequent, this is the best way to get it.

3) Ask about the specials

You ever have a job where you did the same 5 things over and over again all day? You remember how boring it was? Chef’s probably feel the same way about cooking the same entrees from their menu that changes infrequently at most places. The specials are usually ways for them to stretch their legs and try new things. Generally, I find that these dishes can be awesome surprises.

4) Have “Your Place”

Find a place you really like. Visit there at least once a week for a month or so. Introduce yourself to the owner/bartender/manager. Follow steps 1-3. By the end of the month, you have more than likely made this restaurant “Your Place”.

“Your Place” will cook you special meals. “Your Place” may comp you food or drink. “Your Place” likes you being there and takes care of you.

Next time you are out and about, keep these tips in mind, and you may find that they improve the service you get and make your visit more enjoyable.

–Sean