Raleigh's Chef Make It To TV Food Network

Raleigh is home to three chefs that have appeared on TV Food Network. Executive Chef Walter Royal of the Angus Barn in Raleigh was on Iron Chef.

Professional chefs are rarely completely satisfied because they’re perfectionists, according to Walter. Although his mind may be totally focused on pleasing guests, his imagination is always soaring thinking of new ideas. And soar it did when Walter was asked to be appear as a guest chef on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America. (must log into facebook member to view) Taking a road far less traveled by celebrated chefs previously on the show, Walter led his team of four to victory by stepping completely out of the box. Chef Royal and his team defeated celebrity Iron Chef Cat Cora 51-43 in an upset not even the most experienced oddsmaker would have predicted.

The originality of using the mystery ingredient, ostrich, in traditional southern dishes impressed the judges so greatly that they awarded Chef Royal and his team the highest score ever given in the history of the hit television show. Competing celebrity Iron Chefs who have appeared on the show include Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, Masaharu Morimoto and Cat Cora.

Whereas Cat Cora prepared a showy European gourmet dish using ostrich, Chef Royal and his team appealed to back-to-basic taste buds, creating ostrich burger with homemade chips; ostrich satay with peanut dipping Sauce, now found on the Angus Barn menu; ostrich pot pie with black pepper honey; ostrich filet with smashed rutabagas, turnips and wilted watercress; and finally, the piece de resistance: chocolate soufflé made with an ostrich egg. (Is your mouth watering yet?) The judges made no secret of their passion for the soufflé. As Judge Joel McHale summarized the soufflé, “You managed to take one of the ugliest birds and put it into one of the best desserts!”

Chef Royal gives credit to the team that tackled the challenges of inventing and executing those audacious ostrich dishes. For his award-winning challenge, he chose Angus Barn sous chefs Julia Strickland and Alan McSwain. As an added bonus, Walter asked the producers if Van and Steve’s son, then twelve-year-old Christopher, could appear for a segment. The judges consented, and Christopher became the youngest assistant on record in the show’s long history. Julia, now the owner of her own restaurant, Poppyseed Market & Deli, said, “Being chosen by Chef Royal as part of his ‘Iron Chef’ team was the chance of a lifetime and I was so proud to be part of his victory!”

http://www.angusbarn.com/index.htm

Then there was Pitmaster Ed Mitchell of the Pit Restaurant in downtown Raleigh, NC who won against Bobby Flay in a Throwdown. The food was baby back ribs Carolina BBQ sauce style and baked beans. The Throwdown, a Food Network show featuring Bobby Flay came to Raleigh at Haywood Hall where the challenge was hosted. You want some beautiful ribs, go to The Pit and visit Ed Mitchell.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/throwdown-with-bobby-flay/bbq-ribs/index.html

http://haywoodhall.wordpress.com/2009/03/13/chef-bobby-flay-takes-on-pitmaster-ed-mitchell-at-haywood-hall/

Ashley Christensen of Poole’s Dinner in downtown Raleigh was the third chef to appear on the TV Food Network. Check out my previous blog about Poole’s and Ashley Christensen.

Another Raleigh Chef against the Iron Chefs

Ashley Christensen, owner/chef, of Poole's Diner in Raleigh, NC went up against Iron Chef Bobby Flay on food Networks TV show Iron Chef. Unfortunately, Ashley lost to Bobby Flay, but she should not have any shame in a brilliant showing of her culinary skills. Doris and I have known Ashley for many years, first meeting when she was at Enoteca Vin in Raleigh. This woman can really cook... I mean REALLY COOK! We have been to Poole's Diner a couple of times. She should be very proud of herself going on national TV up against Bobby. She may have lost the battle, but she has won the food war. Just go to Poole's.... if you can get in.... and see what this culinary master can do!

http://eater.com/archives/2011/07/25/ashley-christensen-vs-bobby-flay-in-iron-chef-battle-chum-salmon.php

http://www.indyweek.com/BigBite/archives/2011/07/25/how-did-ashley-christen-fare-on-iron-chef-america

http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2011/06/ashley_christensen_of_pooles_d.html

Cameron Park Inn of Raleigh Temporary Closed

The Cameron Park Inn of Raleigh was struck by lightning on June 20, 2011 which caused some severe fire damage. Jon and Nickki who are wonderful people had a devastating blow dealt them when some severe thunderstorms past through Raleigh at 2am that morning. The Cameron Park Inn will be closed temporarily while repairs take place. It is not certain how long the repairs will take, but there was severe water and smoke damage as well.

In the meantime, the Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast and Woodburn Cottage will be helping to accommodate Cameron Park Inn's guests who had reservations. Check out both of our websites.

The Oakwood Inn is www.oakwoodinnbb.com or call us at 919-832-9712.

For the story, check out WRAL's website link: http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/9751030/

WEDDING? CHECK OUT OUR BACKYARD FOR YOUR VOWS

If you or someone you know is looking for a place in downtown Raleigh to have their wedding, checkout the Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast. Call to ask about pricing and what we can do you make your wedding day a memory that will last forever. We are specializing in having the ceremony performed in our wonderfully new backyard!

www.oakwoodinnbb.com or call 919-832-9712.

VALENTINE'S GIFT BON JOVI IN RALEIGH

Bon Jovi will be at the RBC Center in Raleigh on Monday, February 21, 2011 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are on sale now.

GREAT VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT FOR YOUR LOVER!

Get tickets NOW....... at: http://www.rbccenter.com/

Stay at the Oakwood Inn B & B. Use our Concierge service to pick you up at the Inn, take you out for dinner and then on to the concert and then returned to the Inn for a good night's rest with a fantastic breakfast in the morning!

http://www.americancourierandconcierge.com/

www.Oakwoodinnbb.com

DOGS PLAYING LIKE CHILDREN IN THE SNOW

Here is our dogs, Chimay the standard poodle, the backyard checking things out. She had a blast running, jumping, and eating snow. She chased her little brother, Chouffee the miniature poodle, around the backyard. They both got a lot of exercise which was good. Chouffee got cold after about 30 minutes and he went in, but Chimay stayed out for a little while longer.

CRAZY DOGS! Played just like two kids.

SNOW? IN RALEIGH? CHRISTMAS DAY?

Here is a photo of the front of the Inn on the morning of December 26, 2010. WHO SAYS IT IS THE SUNNY SOUTH??!! It started snowing in Raleigh about 11pm on Christmas evening. by morning, we had about 7 inches of snow! It was a wet one, too. You can tell by the tree branches sort of hanging low.

February - Valentine's Day

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH.......

Although it is called Valentine's Day, we in the Inn business celebrate it as Valentine's month. The reason being, we do not have enough rooms to accommodate all of the guests who wish to celebrate it on that one specific day. So, people come throughout the month to celebrate this romantic time with their loved one. Check out our website. If you have an idea of what you want to do, ask us if it is possible, we can then give you an idea of what the cost will be.

The Day is coming up fast, so if you want to celebrate with that special person in your life, hurry and book a room. Even if you are located just in Raleigh or nearby, in the past, we have had many a guests be local, but just want something different and unique. Stay at Raleigh's first Bed & Breakfast; established in 1984.

Image by Dhillon on Desi Comments.com

Oakwood Inn contact information:

www.oakwoodinnbb.com

919-832-9712

Indy's Best In The Triangle 2010 - Bed & Breakfast

The Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast came in as a second finalist in this category.
This list is compiled by the readers of The Indepedent Entertainment Weekly Newspaper.
The Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast received the distinction of finalist with King's Daughters Inn of Durham as the winner.

Below are the links to the article in the newspaper, and the other link shows the list with The Oakwood Inn listed.

If you are looking for a place to stay in the Triangle, The Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast was voted as one of the best places to stay with regards to the Bed & Breakfast category. Check out our website: www.oakwoodinnbb.com.
http://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/best-of-the-triangle-2010/Content?oid=1468392

http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/readers-choice-poll-winners/Content?oid=1470886&storyPage=5

Oakwood Inn B & B is pictured above. Second place in finalist category.

Three Carolina Hurricanes Players in NHL All Star Game

RALEIGH, N.C. — Several Carolina Hurricanes will be playing in the All-Star Weekend in Raleigh.
Center Eric Staal and goalie Cam Ward were selected to play in the All-Star Game while rookie Jeff Skinner was one of 12 first-year players chosen for the SuperSkills Competition. The three of these players have had great seasons and will do well in participating in this event. The great thing about it, is that these three players will be playing in front of their loyal fan base. Hockey is doing well down here in the South. Carolina has a great team. With three of its top players in the NHL All Star game on January 30, 2011, it should be a big win!
Staal, Ward and Skinner take it as an honor for them to play in the NHL All Star game especially since it is in their home town of Raleigh, but it is a joy for us fans!
Come join the fun and game on weekend of January 28-30, 2011. We still have rooms available at the Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast. Check out our website at www.oakwoodinnbb.com or call us at 919-832-9712 or 800-267-9712. We are a 25 minute walk from the Convention Center where there is going to be lots of activities and fun. We are a only a 20 minute drive from the RBC where the game will be played.

NHL All Star Game in Raleigh 2011

Raleigh is hosting the NHL All Star game this year in 2011. January 28-30, 2011 is the weekend and many.... just about all of the hotels are booked. The Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast still has rooms available. If you need tickets we can maybe also help you get tickets to the games and activities using our concierge service. Check out our website www.oakwoodinnbb.com and please call us for details 919-832-9712.

As it was nicely said: "The fact the All-Star Game is awarded to the Hurricanes is a testament to the strength of this franchise and, above all, the enthusiasm and fantastic support that you 'Caniacs have shown your team," Bettman added. "When the 'Canes are home, you make RBC Center one of the loudest places in sports."

Carolina President and General Manager Jim Rutherford and team owner Peter Karmonos, Jr. said hosting an All-Star Game will offer a tremendous boon for the capital city of North Carolina. Not to mention the fact fans will absolutely go bonkers for All-Star Weekend

NHL WEEKEND IN RALEIGH 2011

NHL All Star weekend this January 28-30, 2011!! Hockey fans we have rooms available for that weekend! Check out our website at www.oakwoodinnbb.com. The Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast is located about a 25 minute walk from the convention center. We are about a 20 minute drive to the RBC center. We have a concierge service that can provide transportation, pick meals for you, get tickets for events and make reservations at the restaurants. Check out our website for update on rooms available. Call us about the concierge service to assist you, it is called American Courier & Concierge located right downtown: http://www.americancourierandconcierge.com.

Below is an article that was posted on the upcoming NHL All Star Weekend.

The Sheraton Raleigh Hotel may not be that busy now, but soon, it will score a hat trick with full rooms, restaurant, and bar.

“We've been sold out for 2-1/2 weeks now,” said Tom Dillon, the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel's Assistant Director of Sales. “We have upwards of 1,700 rooms sold for the event for the week. It will be the largest event this hotel has ever seen.”

The Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau expects the international all-star game and the associated events will draw thousands of people to the capitol city and pour millions of dollars into the economy.

“Without a doubt this event is going to be the largest international sporting event ever held in Raleigh and Wake County,” said Scott Dupree, V.P. of Sports Marketing, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We're talking about, based on what previous host cities have reported, an economic impact of $10 million plus.

And it's not just hotels already seeing an all star impact.

“Restaurants are already getting bookings, reservations, special parties and events,” said Dupree. “Special event sites, such as the Convention Center and Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, those facilities are already booking major events and parties as well.”

NHL All-Star Weekend is Jan. 28 – 30.

In addition to the All-Star hockey game, there will be NHL Fan Fair inside the Convention Center and All-Star Wide Open Street Party, similar to the Raleigh Wide Open Celebrations.

GET YOUR ROOMS BOOKED NOW!!!