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.

Epicurean:The downtown Raleigh renaissance, which has been picking up steam of late, is about to go whole hog.

Epicurean:Halloween -- what better time to take a stroll through the gastronomic graveyard and pay our respects to restaurants whose stoves have gone permanently cold.

Epicurean:So you've canceled your trip to the mountains because you heard the fall colors will be disappointing this year? Console yourself with a much shorter drive to downtown Raleigh, where a vibrant display of new gastronomic options awaits.

Epicurean:Suffering from a jaded palate? You'll find relief in this week's news.

Epicurean:When it comes to variety in Italian restaurants, the Triangle's bases are pretty well covered.