Epicurean:Can't get away to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras this year? No problem. With two new restaurants specializing in Cajun and Creole cuisines, you've got more ways than ever before to let the good times roll, right here in the Triangle.

Epicurean:This week brings news of the return of two old friends, restaurants whose many years of successful operation had made them local institutions before closing in recent months.

Epicurean:After months of delay, The Mint finally opened last week in downtown Raleigh. And it looks as though it was worth the wait.

Epicurean:The last few weeks of 2007 brought a smorgasbord of new dining options to Clayton, and more are on the way.

Epicurean:In the mood for Mexican, but not your usual combination platter? Check out Festejos Mexican Bar & Grill in Clayton.

Epicurean:When I tell you that the former pastry chef at La Résidence is opening her own place in Chapel Hill this week, and that it's called Sugarland, I'm betting "pastry shop" comes to mind. But I learned that Katrina Ryan had bigger ideas.

Epicurean:Underground, the tapas restaurant beneath Goodnight's Comedy Club in downtown Raleigh, has closed.

Epicurean:It's been the week of the phoenix in the local restaurant scene. In the past seven days, two area restaurants have risen from the ashes of their previous incarnations and opened their doors again.

Epicurean:In more than one sense, "less is more" is the guiding philosophy at Six Plates Wine Bar.

Epicurean:This week brings news of two new options for fans of burgers and all-American fare.

Epicurean:Got a hankering for hummus? Pining for pita? Craving kebabs? You'll find satisfaction at four -- count 'em, four -- Middle Eastern restaurants that have recently opened or are about to open in the Triangle.

Epicurean:Suffering from a case of November chills? This week's news has the cure, in the form of a culinary cruise through the warm waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.