The latest I've heard on the local restaurant scene:

Amici Trattoria, a little Italian restaurant down on Hendersonville Road, has closed, my loyal readers tell me. Haven't heard why. I haven't been down to check it out, so I'll take it on faith that it's true.

Is the local economy beginning to take its toll on local restaurants? Soaring gas prices, the real estate market, a slow-down in tourism? Anybody?

Meantime, Nine Mile, located at 233 Montford Avenue, is now hiring and accepting applications. This used to be the spot for Pyper's Place, a friendly little joint that didn't make it, either.

The ad for Nine Mile, which I spotted in Mountain Xpress, says "pasta with a Caribbean flair. Coming soon in the heart of Historic Montford."

So there you have it. Maybe things aren't so rough out there after all.