by Leo Suarez

The Best Baklava In Downtown

If that picture gets you excited then you have to try one of these three places in downtown. This comes up after a conversation with some friends and after trying them all, I can’t pick a winner cause they are all so good. Which is your favorite, on or off the list?

Sitti
The Empire Eats and Neomonde collaboration, Sitti has the same great Baklava as the deli on Hillsborough Street.

The Roast Grill
The best way to complete your day is with a homemade piece of Baklava after a couple burnt ones.

Turkish Delights
The traditional Baklava tastes great but with all those other flavors, it’ll have you coming back. (pictured above)

by Leo Suarez

Summer Series on Growth in the Triangle: Transportation

The Research Triangle area is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. With that growth comes great challenges and opportunities.

Join the Emerging Tar Heel Leaders for a discussion
about the effects and future of transportation in the Triangle.

Date: September 2
Time: Drinks & Appetizers at 6:00 with the Panel Discussion at 6:30
Place: Busy Bee in Downtown Raleigh

Panelists will include:

David King, President, Triangle Transit Authority
Deborah Ross, N.C. House of Representatives, Raleigh District 38
Nina Szlosburg, Member N.C. Board of Transportation
John White, Policy Director, Durham Chamber of Commerce

Find More Information on Our Speakers Here.

This is the third of a multi-part series on growth in the Triangle.

Co-Sponsors: Wake-Up Wake County

by Leo Suarez

Ice Rink on Charter Square or What Else?

Photo on Flickr (via LWY)

I’m sure as most of you know, the era of little credit is upon us and recently it has affected the start of construction at Charter Square. The Raleigh City Council has given the developers an extension and ideas are being thrown around for temporary uses for the area on top of the concrete foundation. From the linked article in the N&O, some ideas are for an ice rink or for artificial turf to be laid across the concrete. Temporary use of the area while we wait for the economy to strengthen is a great idea because we have the flexibility to try new things. If they work, it can be moved to something more permanent. If not, it will result in only a small loss and good proof that the idea does not work in downtown. Here are some other inexpensive ideas that could be worth looking into while we have a fluid space before the towers are built.

1. Stage

A public stage could be set up for use by anyone. Think of a common area in a mall, there is always something on display or special event going on, in and around the elevated area. Groups could use it to gather around for outdoor presentations or to entertain Fayetteville Street pedestrians.

2. Art Exhibits

Like the outdoor art that is coming to City Plaza, the space could be used for outdoor art or could be an extension to what is on display nearby.

3. Wifi/power hotspot

Set up some benches, a couple power stations, dedicated wifi, and we’ll have a hive of internet surfers relaxing outside. This is similar to what Toyota recently did as part of their Prius marketing campaign. Solar collectors were installed with benches and wifi to provide you power for your laptop and cell phone as you access the net outside.

4. Sports field

If the artificial turf is laid out, we could go one step further. Paint some lines, set up two goals, and a mini field is born for pickup games of soccer or football.

5. Outdoor convention center space

The space could also be rented to the convention center. The crew running it could manage the land and use it for outdoor setups if clients prefer an outdoor, sidewalk atmosphere to being indoors.

Photo on Flickr (via Toyota USA)