OK, so spring began two weeks ago, but it doesn't really feel like spring to me until I've enjoyed my first al fresco meal of the season. Here are some prime spots for doing just that. Next week, I'll share some more.

Blu Seafood & Bar

2002 Hillsborough Road, Durham 286-9777,

www.bluseafoodandbar.com

Daniel's

1430 N.C. 55, Apex, 303-1006,

www.danielson55.net

Dos Taquitos

Creedmoor Crossing Shopping Center, 5629 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, 787-3373,

www.dostaquitosnc.com

Enoteca Vin

Pine State Creamery Building, 410 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh

834-3070, www.enotecavin.com

Foster's Market

2694 Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham; Midtown Market, 750 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Chapel Hill, 489-3944 (Durham); 967-3663 (Chapel Hill). www.fostersmarket.com

Globe

510-103 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh

836-1811, www.globeraleigh.com

La Résidence

202 W. Rosemary St., Chapel Hill

967-2506, www.laresidencedining.com

Maximillians

8314 Chapel Hill Road, Cary

465-2455,

www.maximilliansgrill.com

The Red Room

510 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh

835-1322,

www.redroomraleigh.com

Vin Rouge

2010 Hillsborough Road, Durham, 416-0406,

www.vinrougerestaurant.com