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One Stop Lunch and Shop for Raleigh Women

Where do the women go for lunch? It’s a secret hideaway off Six Forks and Strickland. But it’s far, far away from where men go ‘cause in order to get back to the small restaurant you have to go through a retail novelty shop that’s filled every square inch with gifts, candles, notecards, platters, stuffed animals, baby gifts, silver, food gifts, partyware, …you know, the kinda place that women get lost in.

Have you ever been to Raleigh’s Junior League’s ‘Shopping Spree’? If not, you’re not a shopaholic. No, I’m just kidding. It’s on a weekend every October if you’re not aware. I like to just walk around and look…yeah right. But anyway this store in Zest Café and Home Art has the same type of stuff that is sold at the ‘Shopping Spree’ event. But year round. You know, a lot of the cute monogrammed pink and green stuff.The Zest Café’s food is tasty and very Bridal or Baby Shower-esque. Lotsa homemade wraps, salads, and pastas. I’ve had the salmon salad and chicken wrap with feta cheese. Both, excellent. And a good value. It’s a good size portion.

The tables in the cafe are simple with chairs that take up very little space. So leave your big handbag and coats in the car. You’ll see a lot of women Realtors there.

There’s usually a wait but no beepers needed.

Remember the ‘Shopping Spree’ shop? Women don’t wander far. And the host, which ironically is a man… most days… well, he’ll come find you.

Raleigh's Zest Cafe Shop

If you haven’t been to Raleigh’s Zest Café, you should definitely go for lunch on the weekday. Okay, men are allowed. Just be sure you’re with a woman friend or you’ll feel outta place if I haven’t already drilled that one home.

When you pay your tab at the check out in the store…good way to get lost again…well, you’ll have the opportunity to take home or back to work a slice of cake or pie, or a wrap sandwich. They have a glass case displaying these food items you could buy.