Guest Blogger & Colleague Brian Williams shares his passion for basketball in his native N Carolina and the dining venue he frequents that was created in honor of the legendary coach Jimmy Valvanos:

As a native North Carolinian and being raised in North Carolina all of my life there are certain things that are stitches in my DNA, and one of these things is ACC basketball. If you are familiar with college basketball in the least bit, you would know the name Jimmy Valvano, the legendary coach of North Carolina State University who led his team to a Cinderella Championship in 1983.

Jimmy Valvano is also renowned for his inspirational speech that was given at the 1993 ESPY Awards “Don’t Give Up” in the mist of his battle with cancer, and passed away shortly after giving his speech. Before his death, along with ESPN, they were able to establish The V Foundation which raises money for cancer research.

As a fan of NC State athletics and a fan of Coach Valvano I was excited to see that a restaurant had established in honor of him “Jimmy V’s Osteria & Bar”. This restaurant embodies the spirit of Jimmy V and NC State. The Italian/American menu is filled with delicious foods with ingredients supplied by area farms, along with foods that are symbolically of the 1983 championship. If you ever find yourself in Raleigh, NC and want break from the delicious Bar B.Q. and southern cuisine, Jimmy V’s is a great choice weather you are going to eat or try a signature drink, in an atmosphere filled with NC State memorabilia and a percentage of restaurant proceeds are donated to the “V Foundation”.