It was a trip long overdue - visiting a friend who moved back to Raleigh from DC last year, who also shares my passion for good food. So it was Amtrak I went, and seven hours later I arrived  (note: don't take Amtrak south, it's late. All. The. Time) at my friends apartment with a cocktail at the ready. Much needed. It was the start of a food filled weekend.

OK, I know what you're thinking, the photo above doesn't really make a good impression, give me a chance. Yes, I did have wine in the parking lot of a strip mall, but it was damn good wine from a store, Wine Authorities, that also serves as a small wine bar, with extremely knowledgeable staff and a huge selection of wines from all across the globe - think of it as a mini warehouse. My friend was throwing a small get-together so it was a great spot to pick up a case of wine, and we tried before we bought. Win win.