Starbucks - Fayetteville St.

NOTE: This is an experimental video used to test out a potential new reporter, Rachael Floyd. The below story, however, is not experimental. Enjoy! :)

Downtown Raleigh finally got a bit of a commercial chain face-lift. On July 31st, 2008 the brand-new Raleigh Marriott City Center opened its doors, as did the Starbucks Coffee Shop that sits at the bottom corner space of the hotel closest to the BB&T building.

The coffee-shop has everything that most Starbucks have to offer, except for fresh salads and deli-style sandwiches that some Starbucks offer. Lindley Thornburg of Heather Freeman Media & Public Relations had stated at one point that they anticipate to acquire those kinds of lunch options. I’d imagine that with further expansion of downtown Raleigh, they’ll soon have a wider food variety.

Urbanites who live within the vicinity of the Starbucks will be glad to know that they’re hours are from 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday thru Friday, and 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Although not as late of hours as the Starbucks off of Peace and Glenwood, it still allows for downtown citizens to get their mid-evening coffee rush. As with a possible expanding menu, I also expect their hours to change in the near-future especially since the Raleigh Convention Center opened up.

Along with the Starbucks, the Raleigh Marriott City Center opened up a new downtown eatery: Posta Tuscan Grille! This 13,000 sq. ft., 192-seat fine dining restaurant brings another taste from around the world to Fayetteville St.

Executive Chef Giani Betti, born, raised, and studied culinary in Italy opened up Posta Tuscan Grille with brother Marco Betti. Having an authentic Italian definitely brings a bright shimmer of hope to my palette. In their own words below, an excerpt of what to expect when dining at Posta Tuscan Grille:

“The finest in Italian cooking, from classic favorites to authentic Tuscan fare. Posta Tuscan Grille will feature seasonal, fresh ingredient-driven fare and outstanding meats with menu highlights including La Coppa dei Betti: Betti family fennel-flavored air- dried cured Tuscan salami; Ravioli al ragù Toscano: Ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese served with Tuscan meat sauce; Filetto di branzino al forno con verdure di stagione: Oven baked filet of sea bass, served with fresh seasonal vegetables and Lombatina di Vitella all griglia con verdure di stagione: Grilled veal chop seasoned with salt, pepper, extra virgin olive oil and served with sautéed seasonal vegetables.”

They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you have many different food options for whatever time of day you’re craving some fine Italian cuisine!

Breakfast

M-F: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00

Lunch

Everyday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Dinner

Everyday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM