From the udders to the flanks, the new Steak 'n Shake, which opened late last month, promises to give North Raleigh a total cow experience. The Indiana-based chain's new outlet is the eighth in North Carolina and part of a nationwide brand expansion, to the delight of Midwest transplants. The new restaurant is at the intersection of Capital Boulevard and Millbrook Road. The joint is open 24 hours a day, with breakfast from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m.

For more information, visit: www.steaknshake.com.

* * *

The temporary ice skating rink at the Triangle Town Center is one reason it's good to be short.

Arctica Ice Skating is open for kids 12 and younger until Jan. 1. The cost is $6 for a child skating alone and $7 for an adult with child. Skate rentals are $2. Skating sessions last 45 minutes.

The Arctica rink is a project run by the RecZone ice rink.

Times vary from day to day, but Arctica tends to be open most of Saturday and in the afternoons on weekdays.

* * *

NV, a posh menswear store, opened late last month in a temporary location in The Lassiter at North Hills before its eventual move to The Alexan. The store is open next to Bonefish Grill. Brands for sale include Triple Five Soul, Coexist and Original Penguin.

North Hills is located on the corner of Six Forks and Lassiter Mill roads.

For more information visit NV's Web site at: www.nv4all.com

Also in North Hills, Restaurant Savannah will open tomorrow.

The Southern-style restaurant will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week.