Looks like we have another Carolina cook to root for on television. 

Born in Valle Crucis and raised in Wilmington and Mebane, aspiring chef Aaron Seelbinder's southern roots and love of good food paid off this spring when he was invited by Food Network to come to New York and participate in their show, "24 Hour Restaurant Battle."

It all started when Aaron's friend Baylor Ferrier landed a spot on the show and producers asked him if there was someone he'd like to open a restaurant with. He immediately thought of Aaron. Food Network contacted Aaron, flew him to New York City, and the rest? Well, the rest we'll have to watch when the show airs tomorrow night.

DURHAM -- Popular Ninth Street eatery George's Garage closed this weekend after 15 years in business.

The restaurant, which also served as a bakery and fresh foods market and became a sushi bar at night, was simply known by many as "The Garage."

The lease on the 15,000-square-foot building at 737 Ninth Street had expired.

"It's time to make a change and move on to new ventures," said owner Giorgios "George" Bakatsias in a statement today. "It's sad to see the Garage close, because it has become a favorite of so many for many reasons."

Bakatsias said he's got a new venture in the works but has not finalized the details. In the meantime, it seems the Ninth Street property is bound for an overhaul.

According to the press release, the building will be remodeled as part of the overall Ninth Street District improvements. The building is owned by Terry Sanford, Jr., and Durham businessman Clay Hamner.

George's Garage is gone. The Ninth Street institution served its final dish last Friday.

Its lease was up, and the building's owners — Clay Hamner and Terry Sanford Jr. — plan to use the property in a redevelopment project, according to Giorgios Hospitality Group, which had operated George's for 15 years.

George's Garage was a combination cafeteria/bakery/takeout/bar/serving restaurant. With its closing, restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias said he has "a very exciting new concept ... on the drawing board."

Bakatsias's company owns or operates several other eating places in Durham and Chapel Hill, among them Vin Rouge, Parizade and the Nasher Art Museum cafe.