Somewhat surprisingly, it has been pretty hard to find a decent doughnut in Durham other than occasionally at the Berenbaum’s bake stand at the farmer’s market. But that changed last month when Monuts Donuts, the doughnut bike, hit the streets. The donut bike is the brainchild of Lindsay Moriarty, who is bringing her passion for doughnuts to Durham.

Monuts offers a variety of classic glazed, cake and frosted yeast doughnuts in a variety of flavors, which seem to change almost as often as the bike makes an …

Café Prost, a German pretzel truck based out of Wake Forest, made its first (I think) Durham appearance this past weekend.

The menu was really simple – salted, un-salted or cheese pretzels. Salted and un-salted are $2.50 or 2 for $4, cheddar $3.00 or 2 for $5. We ordered two salted.

Truth be told, I’m a sucker for German-style pretzels – I can’t resist stopping at Guglhupf, I will go out of my way to go to Milltown in Carrboro for their pretzels (also from Guglhupf) …

We got to try out one of the new trucks around town during the Art Walk this weekend – Boxcarr Farms Local in Motion – the truck affiliated with the farm of the same name in Cedar Grove. The truck, like the farm, has an emphasis on sustainable, responsible, local, organic meats and produce.

The day we checked them out on the menu consisted of chili, a basket of fried shrimp and vegetables, three sandwiches and bread pudding. The sandwiches were egg …

Not much needs to be said about the new Daisy Cakes storefront other than, not surprisingly – it is awesome. We’ve already sung the praises of the Daisy Cakes airstream back in August of 2008 and are excited to have a more regular spot to get our sugar fix. The new space with its white-washed walls and high ceiling is bright, warm and welcoming.

What is surprising about Durham’s …

Vita is one of those places in Durham that doesn’t get a lot of buzz, but it  fills a certain niche in town. It’s one of the few non-pub places where one can enjoy a respectable dinner in a lovely atmosphere with a glass of wine for less than $15.

Located next door to Durham staple Parizade, Vita is Italian as well and also part of the George Bakatsias empire. Similar to Verde, which used to be in this spot, Vita has a nice …

Carpe Durham’s love for Moe’s Tavern is well documented. In addition to this review, on previous visits we have been rewarded for the drive out to Rougemont with steak fresh off the grill, taco dip, bowls of chips and various other nibbles. A bar with free food is a bar after my heart. Lucky for us – the cold beer and friendly vibe of Moe’s has found a new home right in the heart of Ninth Street.

Mitch, who owns and …

My Sister’s Kitchen is located just past the intersection of highways 54 and 55. It’s in a bright red building now adorned with a mural of a tasty breakfast plate. Breakfast is a big draw for this spot, because it’s served all day, and it’s pretty affordable. There’s also free wireless. Inside, I was pleasantly surprised by the bright, cheery yellow of the dining room setup.

Service is either take out and order at the register or sit down and be waited on. Don’t bother …

Spartacus has been operating in Durham since 1993, which is a very impressive run for a restaurant. Greek food is their specialty, but they offer pasta, burgers, grilled steaks, and seafood as well. It’s definitely the sort of restaurant you can bring your whole family to, knowing they will all find something to make them happy. Atmosphere is relaxed but more upscale than a chain restaurant. Lots of creams and blonde wood.

There’s a huge patio in the front of the restaurant, which would be a …

There’s a new cupcake joint in town – Honey of a Handcake – and it’s driving around town in a bright pink van. Specializing in cupcakes, Honey of a Handcake also sells bundt cakes, whoopie pies and cookies. The really friendly owner/baker said she has mostly done catering/corporate events in the past but recently decided to make the leap onto four wheels.

We spotted Honey of a Handcake out at Golden Belt during Third Friday festivities and, per the owner’s advice, tried …

L’uva Enoteca is a new Italian place in American Tobacco from the folks behind Revolution.

It’s an open bistro-type space with high ceilings and a nice enclosed patio. We were lucky enough to make it to their preview a few weeks ago when they were passing out large porchetta sandwiches for free. Inspired by the sandwiches owner Jim Anile ate in the market places of Italy, the porchetta (now on the lunch menu) was slow roasted pork on a large ciabatta-type roll, slathered with pesto and red pepper …