Former Savoy chef owner Peter Gibson is now the head chef at Raleigh's NOFO at the Pig.

A press release came out last week while I was on vacation. Here it is:

"We are pleased to announce that Peter Gibson has accepted the position of Executive Chef at NOFO @ the Pig, Five Points, Raleigh.

Peter was the chef-owner of the popular Savoy which sadly closed in May 2011. His devoted fans will be pleased to know that he's cooking again; and that he's teamed up with his former sous, Dan Gray, whose last stint was Executive Chef at Five Star.

Peter's first NOFO menu debuts Wednesday, September 7. And yes folks, there will be collards."

So many dining options, how can you choose?

I had an earlier post about the special menus at Marguax's, Savoy, Piedmont, Jujube and Zely & Ritz. Here are a few more:

• Chapel Hill's Cypress on the Hill  is offering a five-course meal for $65 with wine pairings for an additional $20. To see the menu, go HERE. Call 537-8817 for a reservation. Earlier time slots are filling up but if you want a later reservation, this may be a good option for your party.
• Chapel Hill's Lantern is serving a three-course menu for $75. To see the menu, go HERE. Call 969-8846 for a reservation.
• Raleigh's Solas is offering two seatings. One from 5-7 p.m. and another from 7-9 p.m. Click HERE for details. (I can't tell if it costs $40, $60 or $55. The facebook page isn't clear to me.) If you don't want to do dinner, it looks like you can pay a $20 cover for access to the bars, deejays and more. Call 755-0755 for a reservation.
• Cary's The Umstead Hotel is hosting a New Year's Eve gala for $125. It  includes beverages, hors d'oeuvres and live music. Call 447-4000 for tickets.
• ADDED: Blu Seafood and Bar in Durham is offering four courses for $60. Go HERE to see the menu.
   

My e-mail is filling up with details on local restaurant's New Year's Eve offerings:

Margaux's in North Raleigh is offering a four-course prix fixe menu for $69 for the 5:30-6:30 p.m. seatings and $89 per person for the 8-9 p.m. seatings. The later seating includes a champagne toast and party favors. It's a masquerade ball theme and the best costume will win the diner a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant. Call 846-9846 for a reservation.

Piedmont in Durham is offering a four-course prix fixe menu for $50 per person or $75 with wine pairings. They'll be seating from 6-11 p.m. Call 683-1213 for a reservation.

Raleigh's Savoy restaurant is offering a six-course meal for $100 per person or $125 with wine pairings. (No coupons or Groupons accepted though.) Seatings start at 5:30 p.m.and end at 8:45 p.m. Call 848-3535 for a reservation. (The menu is below.)

If you missed my earlier posts, I've already posted information about Jujube's menus and Zely & Ritz's menus.

UPDATE: Michael Maller, the manager at Vin Rouge in Durham, sent this note about them offering their usual menu on New Year's Eve and Day. He wrote: "I don't know if not doing anything special is "news worthy" but I'm sure lots of people are looking for something to do other than prix-fixe or tasting menus."

Click READ MORE to see the complete menu for Savoy's New Year's Eve offering.

Here's your chance to sample the contemporary French fare at one of North Raleigh's premier fine dining destinations at a bargain price. The only catch is that it has to be on a Thursday night, when Savoy is offering a three course prix fixe dinner for $29.

Bon appétit, y'all!

Looking for a fine dining experience on a budget? Savoy has a number of options, depending on what that budget is. The restaurant is now offering three prix fixe meals, priced at $25, $37 and $49.

Savoy is also offering a coupon on its Web site, good for a $30 business lunch for two. It's valid Tuesday-Friday from 11:30am-2pm, through October 30.

If you've never been to this hidden gem in North Raleigh, here's your chance to sample the wares.

This Wednesday, Raleigh's Savoy is hosting a special event to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Carolinas Chapter.