Dining

Downtown Hillsborough’s Tupelo’s Restaurant has closed its doors after more than 10 years. But plans are already underway for a new Italian restaurant, Antonia’s, to fill the space. Claudia Salvadore, Antonia Berto Smith and Executive Chef Phillip Smith and Naomi Lundahl are co-owners. A native of Rome, Salvadore says Antonia’s will serve lunch and dinner using fresh, local ingredients and, hopefully, bread from Weaver Street Market.

Bear Rock Cafe has left University Mall and is making its way across the border to Durham. Red Bowl Asian Bistro is moving into the space and, in addition to a make-your-own stir-fry bar, will offer sushi, a variety of Asian specialties and a full-service bar.

We’ll have to find a new place to satisfy our weekly kabob craving because Cafe Parvaneh on Elliott Road has closed. After years of serving authentic Persian cuisine, the owners have decided to retire.

The Chapel Hill Restaurant Group is adding another notch to its belt of successful eateries. Joining the likes of 411 West, Spanky’s and Squid’s, the not-yet-named restaurant will be built near the group’s MEZ Contemporary Mexican restaurant on Page Road in RTP. The LEED-certified building will uphold the group’s commitment to environmental sustainability, says marketing director and partner Greg Overbeck. Initial plans are for a gastropub-style restaurant with a great range of beers, wine, big sandwiches, vegetarian options, steaks, chops and seafood. Construction is slated to begin early in the spring. Is it too early to call for a reservation?

Inspired by his Italian heritage and armed with a UNC Ph.D. in Italian language and literature, former Carrboro poet laureate Neal “Nello” McTighe is now speaking the true language of Italy – and jarring it in his own home kitchen. Nello’s Sauce is made from a blend of premium whole peeled tomatoes, fresh basil, green Italian extra virgin olive oil, Sicilian sea salt, garlic and fine black pepper. The sauce’s consistency is perfect for sticking to pasta, topping pizza or simply dipping crusty bread. Purchase a jar and learn more about Neal by visiting www.nellositaly.com.

Congratulations to Farmer’s Daughter Brand and the Carrboro Coffee Company for their wins at the Good Food Awards, which were held in San Francisco and celebrate tasty and responsibly-produced products. CHM