Day off in Raleigh

Sadie and I went to the M.C. Escher exhibit in Raleigh at the North Carolina Museum of Art a couple days ago.  Very comprehensive collection on display with I believe 130+ pieces. MC Escher Other World 1947 It covered his whole career with early sketches, linoleum cuts, wood carvings, and even the simurgh his father brought him that was used in a few of his pieces.  I have always been fascinated by his use of perspective and the amazing detail he works into each piece.  Several pieces I had never seen before and several pieces I knew were completely new to me in their original formats. The exhibit is only open for a few more weeks until January 17, so get out if you have interest before it it gone.

No trip to Raleigh is complete without a meal and we tried Guasaca for the first time.  It is a Venezuelan arepa restaurant and is has been consistently rated the best cheap eats in Raleigh on Yelp for a while now.  I had the signature pork and Sadie created her own version of what she described as a Wrong Doug (reference Moe’s).  Excellent meal for a very good price and the line went from two people to out the door while we ate.  gusaca arepas

Sam Jones BBQ

Sadie and I made it down to Sam Jones BBQ in Winterville last week.  Sam is the son of Pete Jones who founded Skylight Inn BBQ in Ayden, NC.  The new place honors the past while bringing in the present.  Spacious interior and a broader menu than most old school BBQ joints in NC. They even have draft and canned beer which was a treat.  The young man chopping the hogs took time to visit with us for a bit as we were sitting at the bar.  They are doing quite well and should have a good future.

Wait staff were all very young and extremely helpful/attentive.  Great location and food.  Really enjoyed the ribs and pork.

Country style spare ribs, chopped whole hog, and BBQ chicken. Sides were mac'n cheese and slaw with the Jones style slab of cornbread.
Country style spare ribs, chopped whole hog, and BBQ chicken. Sides were mac’n cheese and slaw with the Jones style slab of cornbread.
Menu
Menu December 2015