I took the kids to the press screening of the new Disney movie, "Pirate Fairy" over the weekend.  The movie officially comes out on Blue-Ray and DVD today. I thought it was cute. The little Diva loved it, and I interviewed her after she saw the film for fun. I think she's getting comfortable with the camera. She loved it so much that I may get it for her because it will be great for her to watch in the car on our summer travels.





After the movie, we had lunch at Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar at North Hills for the first time. I've got to say I'm impressed. I had the North Hills roll, and it was so good that it has me thinking about it.

North Hills Roll at Cowfish Raleigh

It's a busy restaurant, and our wait time was 30 minutes. However, I was told that wait was nothing for a weekend. The average wait time on a weekend night is 2 to 3 hours.

Yeah. It's pretty popular here in Raleigh.

Great choices for kids. Even picky eaters will be pleased

It has a great kid's entree selection. My son got sushi and loved it. It includes a lot for the price tag of just $6. There is not a separate lunch menu, at least not on the weekends, so lunch would cost the same as dinner. For that reason, I say it is a little pricey for lunch for adults, but a great price for dinner.  My entree was $15. But, with wait times so long in the evenings then lunch may be the best time to experience this restaurant.

My son loved the sushi. I love to see him branch out and try new things.

The pirate fairy thought the cookies and cream milkshake was the best thing there. I, however, have a thing for the over sized fake food in the decor and in the fish tanks.  I love it.

The fish swim around burgers and sushi at Cowfish

There are only two locations in North Carolina: Charlotte and Raleigh. A third Cowfish will be open in Orlando later in the year.

Want to Go:
Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
4208 Six Forks Road, Suite 100
Raleigh, NC

I have a surprise for my local followers today. I am giving away a $100 Gift Certificate to Mia Francesca Trattoria in North Hills.



I tried the Northern Italian restaurant for the first time a few weekends ago, and it was good. Of course, it is good, or else I wouldn't be giving away this great gift certificate.  I don't recommend a restaurant to anyone unless I would go back myself.  And truthfully, I can't wait to go back. I may go during brunch on the weekend for the Bloody Mary bar. 

Mia Francesca's started in the Chicago area.  The Raleigh location at North Hills is the first on the East Coast. Yes, folks, it is a chain, but it doesn't feel like a chain restaurant because the chef shops in his local farmer's market for the freshest ingredients.  It truly is a farm-to-table restaurant, and most of its ingredients come from North Carolina local farms, and our coastal regions.

I'm going to rave about the Insalata.  Loved it!  I will order it again.  I cleaned my plate. 

Insalata Caprese

North Hills in Raleigh is a great evening destination, and with a trendy, urban vibe, Mia Francesca is great for a date night, or a night out with the entire family.  I think the reasonable price point, and the kid's menu with complimentary gelato makes it family-friendly in my book.  We dined with another couple, and my two kids. We had salads, entrees, alcoholic drinks, desserts, and I even had a cappuccino. The total bill was $146.  That's pretty darn good for that many people. 

Great night at Mia Francesca's in Raleigh's North Hills.

The $100 gift certificate I'm giving away should cover a great night out for you. 

Enjoy!  Next time I go, I'm getting this Napoletana pizza. 




Enter your name and e-mail in the rafflecopter box below, and one winner will be drawn at random by the system. Instructions on how to use Rafflecopter are below. This giveaway will end on March 27, 2013.  It does give you the option to sign in with Facebook, if you wish. 

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If you are new to the Hines-Sight Blog, you can follow my posts via e-mail by entering your e-mail address on my right sidebar.  Every Friday on my Facebook page, I ask you to share some of your favorites that you have discovered on your travels or in your hometown.  Follow me around town in Raleigh and on my travels for Skimbaco Lifestyle on Instagram. You can always catch me on Twitter. Links to all my social media accounts are also on my sidebar. 

Want to Go:
Mia Francesca Italian Restaurant
4100 Main at North Hills
Raleigh, NC


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Extra Instructions for Rafflecopter if you have never used it before.
1. Click on "Use Your E-mail"
2. A box will pop up. Enter your name. Enter your e-mail address.
3. Click on "Log In".
4. A box will pop up with the title "Invent Your Own" entry. Put your mouse on the +1 button. Click it.
5. Hit "Enter" and your e-mail address should be in the system, and you will have one entry.

Disclosure: I also was given a gift certificate to dine at Mia Francesca.  Opinions about my experience are my own.