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While Southern Italy and Lebanon are over a thousand miles apart, the two really aren't that far apart geographically, especially when you take into the account that they both share the Mediterranean Sea. At least that's the philosophy behind Mediterraneo (309-A Pisgah Church Road, Greensboro; 288-2848; www.mediterraneopizza.com) a new family-owned restaurant serving Italian and Lebanese specialties in the Shops at North Elm.

The restaurant is the brainchild of Ramona Hage, whose family is from Lebanon, and her fiance, Antonio D'Abbusco, who is from Naples, Italy.

"My family always wanted to open a restaurant," Hage says. "It's a cultural family restaurant. Everybody will be helping out."

Mediterraneo offers a selection of chef's specials that include Tortellini ala Panna ($13.25) in Afredo sauce, Chicken Cacciatore ($13.50), Shrimp Fra Diavolo ($14.75) sauteed with cherry tomatoes and a spicy sauce over pasta, and Seafood Mediterraneo ($16.25) a melting pot of sauteed seafood and marinara sauce over linguini. All dishes can be substituted with wheat pasta.

Stromboli in two sizes range from Eggplant ($8.25, $13.50) to Mediterraneo ($9.50, $14.50) with chicken and vegetables. Calzone also come in two sizes and include Spinach or Ham ($7.50, $13.50) and Steak ($8.50, $14.50). Mediterraneo also offers a selection of sandwiches including Eggplant Parmigiana ($6.25, $7.25), Italian Sub ($5.25, $6.25), Kafta Kabob ($6.25) of grilled meat with feta cheese, Falafel Sandwich ($6.10) and Chicken ($6.25) and Beef ($6.50) Shawarmas.

Pizzas in, three sizes, range from Phoenicia ($8.50-$10.25) with thyme, sumac, sesame and olive oil to Chicken Caprese ($13.50-$18.25) with Buffalo Mozzarella and broccoli.

Appetizers include Bruschetta al Pomodoro ($5.50) with fresh tomato and basil, Fried Calamari ($6.95), Baba Ghanouj ($6.75) and Grape Leaves ($5.75) stuffed with rice, tomatoes and onions. Salads include Faloush ($4.25) with parsley, baked pita chips and cucumbers and Grilled Shrimp Salad ($8.25).

In addition to a soup of the day, Mediterraneo offers lunch specials, such as two slices of pizza ($4.50) and beverage, a sub ($6.60) with beverage and chips and Lasagna or Chicken Fettuccine ($7.25) with salad, bread and beverage.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Burgers for a benefit

Radio station 98.7 FM Simon will serve up 98 cent burgers and hotdogs today for Picnic in the Plaza.

The event, catered by Pepper Moon Catering, is a benefit for Make A Wish and is 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Phill G. McDonald Plaza at Greene Street and February One Place in downtown Greensboro.

For information, visit www.987thezone.com.

Students sell produce

Students of the Greensboro Montessori School will sell crafts and produce Saturday at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, 501 Yanceyville Street in Greensboro.

The students, ages 6 to 12, created the crafts themselves and grew the produce in the school's permaculture garden.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit foster children.

Breakfast offered

The Blue Spot (12 Wendy Court, Suite J, Greensboro; 299-8050) is serving breakfast 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.

The Blue Spot, located behind If It's Paper in an office park just off Guilford College Road near West Market Street, continues to serve home-style lunch with a twist 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call about daily specials.

Morning hours cut

Filet of Soul (3205 Yanceyville St., Greensboro; 954-5426) now only serves breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Filet of Soul continues to serve lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call 954-5427 for the daily lunch and dinner specials.

Farmers' market open

Burlington is opening a new farmers' market.

The Burlington Farmers' Market is open from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday next to the Hanes Mill Outlet Building at Burlington Outlet Village at Exit 145 on I-85/40.

The market will open each Sunday through Oct. 26. For information, visit www.burlingtonfarmersmarket.com.

Old favorite to return

Lisa Hawley, owner of the late Southern Roots in High Point, says that she plans to reopen the restaurant in a new location this fall. Many will surely be keeping their fingers crossed.

Deli opens

A.J. Hogan's Deli and Pizzeria (6004 Landmark Center Blvd., Greensboro; 294-2227) off Stanley Road near Wendover Avenue is serving New York-style sandwiches and pizza.

Specialty sandwiches include the Yankee Stadium ($6.59) with pastrami, a Club Sandwich ($6.59), Bird on a Wire ($6.59) with turkey and swiss cheese on a kaiser roll, Fried Bologna ($3.99) and Philly Steak or Chicken and Cheese ($5.99 and $6.99)

Buffalo wings with homemade sauce and a selection of pizzas are also offered.

Daily specials include a 8-inch sub ($5.99) or 12-inch sub ($7.99) fries and drink.

A.J. Hogan's also offers breakfast.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Coffee shops spared

Seems that folks in the Triad do indeed love their morning cup of joe, no matter the cost.

With the recent announcement from Starbucks that it will close 600 company-owned stores, Greensboro was spared any closures. In fact, a Winston-Salem closure is the only Triad location to get the ax, according to the Starbucks Web site.

For a full list of closures, visit www.starbucks.com and look for the quick link.

Have restaurant news for Short Orders? Contact Carl Wilson at 373-7145 or carl.wilson@news-record.com.