Walking by the old Pars Oriental Rug shop -- now about to be rechristened as Watts Grocery, the newest eatery from Sage & Swift's Amy Torquist -- one can see the work wrapping up on the construction and renovation work at the new restaurant, including paint, lighting, and interior decorations. It's really a staggering transformation from the retail shop that was formerly in this building, and should be a great addition to join Broad Street Cafe and High Strung as the Broad St. shopping district comes back to life.

Tornquist has posted a menu and hours at her web site. Watts Grocery will be open for lunch, dinner and late-night dining (until 2am) Tuesdays through Sundays, with brunch on Sunday. More on a final opening date once it's annnounced.

Meanwhile, the Broad St. Cafe is drawing closer to the end of their renovation process, which has been marked by something very Durham -- the opportunity for volunteers to come in and help with the renovation of the old Ooh La Latte space. One reason Broad St. Cafe has been a success is that its owner understands the diversity of the Durham ethos, from leaving room for community postings to evening activities varying from musical jams to poker nights to poetry slams.