Food and Wine Guide
Ordering wine in area restaurants is a lot more fun — and adventurous — than it used to be a decade ago. There is so much diversity, such a broad range of wines and styles of wine. Pinot Noir, for instance, shows up from around the globe — Burgundy, Oregon, New Zealand, the Russian River Valley or the Santa Rita Hills — each with its own identity and expression of fruit. There are Grüner Veltliners, Bandols, Gavis, Monastrells, wines scarcely known here a few years back. It reflects a new open-mindedness about wine, by restaurateurs, as well as consumers. Restaurants have become the place to try something you haven’t tasted before and make discoveries.
There’s a synergy in pairing wine with food that makes the experience of eating a meal far more than the sum of its parts, even approaching the sublime. A creative and thoughtful wine list can take you there, but sometimes a little extra guidance helps, and it awaits you at Bonne Soirée in Chapel Hill. To best enjoy the delectable food of talented Chef Chip Smith, put yourself in the hands of his partner and wife, Tina Vaughn. She’s in charge of wine and takes that charge very seriously, but with an enthusiastic love of wine that is contagious, making the meal an adventure full of discovery.
“Our wine program here is so unique,” says Vaughn. “We think of it totally in terms of complement, like the shoes and purse with an outfit, the accessories. The food, of course, is the main thing, and I pick the wines that bring out the best in Chip’s food.”
 With seared scallops and walnut pesto, for instance, she might bring you the intriguing Coenobium, a white wine made by Cistercian nuns at a monastery north of Rome. Scallops are easily overpowered — the obvious whites with shellfish — Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, rarely work — but the Coenobium (chin-obium) makes a brilliant match. It’s a blend of the verdicchio grape, austerely crisp and minerally, rounded and softened by grechetto and malvasia, giving the minerality an underlying richness that complements the walnut pesto.
Smith does wonderful things with duck, like the seared breast and slow-roasted thigh with chestnuts, sweet potato, dates and orange (my mouth is watering this minute!). My first thought with duck is California Pinot Noir, but Vaughn thinks this dish, with its “intensity of the earth” flavors, calls for an Old World wine. And where else might you find a Quarantale Riserva 1998, a Salice Salentino from Puglia in southern Italy made from black malvasia and negroamaro?
Vaughn always keeps in mind the styles of wine her customers prefer, so if that choice seems too arcane, she might pour a slightly more lush Spanish red, such as the Giné Giné Priorat blend of grenache and carignan. She confesses that her search for the perfect match is a consuming passion.
“It’s less about how beautiful the wine itself is,” she states. “It’s become more about finding that ethereal moment when the wines and the food fit together in a unique way, like a young couple who have found one another.” Many of Bonne Soirée’s customers, especially regulars, which include many with their own wine cellars, let Vaughn do the wine pairing. They will often jot down the names and track the wines down to add to their collection.
The wine list is one of the most reasonably priced in the Triangle, due to Vaughn’s careful selection, with many choices in the $30 to $45 range. Wine pairing — a glass of wine with each course — costs $30 per person, quite economical in light of the delightful surprises in store. Any bottle she opens then becomes available by the glass for that evening.
Go soon … but call first (919-928-8388). Reservations are a must.
 Wine for Lunch?
So many people tell me they can’t order wine at lunch — it makes them too sleepy, especially if they’re going back to work. These folks usually ordered white wine, I discovered, thinking it was lighter. Well, here’s a secret: red wine might be a better choice.
It’s not scientific, of course, but years ago I read in a 19th century text that white wine is relaxing, and red, being more astringent, has a bracing effect on the muscles. This made sense to me, so I’ve tried it over the years and I think there’s something to it. White wine is relaxing, which is why a glass of white after work, when you want to wind down, is a good idea. Red wine — a glass of it at lunch anyway — doesn’t seem to have quite that effect.
Now, this goes right out the window if you have two or three glasses of red, or more, because the alcohol will kick in and act as a soporific. I’ve also found this, for instance: If I drink a fair amount of red wine at dinner, I have no trouble falling asleep. But sometimes I’ll wake up around 2 or 3 a.m. It seems that after the alcohol has worn off, the “bracing effect” of astringency — tannins and such — in the red wine makes itself felt.
Test it out for yourself. Next time you have lunch at one of the terrific places Moreton Neal has suggested in this issue, try a glass of red. (Not, however, a huge red wine like Zinfandels with 15 percent alcohol or more! Best save that for evening, with a hearty meal.) Let me know what you find.
Meantime, here are a few good values from the wine lists to test the theory:
Coquette: Côtes-du-Rhône 2008 Domaine Les Ondines. C-d-Rs are
among the lighter reds and versatile with food
Glasshalfull: Renato Ratti Barbera d’Alba “Torriglione” 2007 — especially good to offset bread, pasta and other carb dishes that can make you feel sleepy
Herons: Sileni 2007 Pinot Noir — great for salmon
Saxapahaw General Store: Grove 2007 Cabernet Franc — drink local, from the surrounding Haw River Valley region
Sitti: Ksara Reserve de Couvent 2006, an appealing Lebanese red
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Food and Wine Guide
Eclectic Lunch
I still remember the shock of my first lunch north of the Mason-Dixon Line. On a visit to my roommate’s home in Delaware, I was offered an apple in the middle of the day. One apple! How do these people survive the day, I wondered, aware of my growling stomach all afternoon. Not long after, I had the pleasure of traveling to Spain where an abundant, leisurely meal at 2 p.m. was more akin to the culinary style of my hometown in the Deep South. The Spaniards went so far as to close businesses until 5 p.m., allowing plenty of time for lingering over lunch and indulging in a postprandial siesta to boot. Now that’s civilized!
Here in the bustling Triangle, many people are on the apple end of the spectrum, treating lunch as an interruption, rather than the highlight of the day. That’s a real shame.
Yet there are plenty of us who still consider lunch the most important meal of the day, not just to raise the blood sugar, but the most pleasant possible way to transact business with colleagues, enjoy a romantic tryst or catch up with friends.
And, of course, there’s the food. At midday we have an opportunity to savor the creations of our most gifted chefs at a fraction of the cost of dinner.
Here are some noteworthy lunch spots from all points of the Triangle. Each offers a culinary adventure guaranteed to lower stress and increase the pleasure of the day.
Án
Renaissance Park, Cary
Sumptuously designed, the dining room at Án transports you to another world. Evoking both Southeast Asia and California, this grand restaurant feels miles and miles away from its location in a Cary shopping center. Lunch here feels like a vacation.
Chef Michael Chuong’s cuisine is uniquely his own, a hybrid of his experiences in his native Vietnam, and later in New Orleans where he learned French and Creole cooking in professional kitchens. Consequently, the menu zigzags between Asian, French and American dishes. I love the beautiful Bento Box, with its daily-changing sampling of Pan-Asian treats including sashimi. But it’s hard to resist the lump crab and avocado salad topped with Champagne vinaigrette or the steamy, fragrant pho; or the grilled pompano with meunière sauce. The fresh sorbet assortment (rainbow sorbet) is the perfect light choice to finish a delightfully exotic lunch at Án.
 Busy Bee Cafe
Downtown Raleigh
In its present incarnation, the Busy Bee Cafe takes traditional diner fare to another level. This should come as no surprise since the kitchen is run by Jeremy Clayman, a culinary wizard originally recruited to Raleigh by the owners of The Mint. At Busy Bee, Clayton has edged away from his former molecular gastronomy-based repertoire. The fare is geared to a more down-to-earth market, but Clayman’s magic is still apparent in each dish. Though the menu sounds ordinary enough (Caesar salad, fish and chips, American burger), the difference becomes obvious after the first bite.
Try the mac and cheese, loaded with artisan cheeses and fresh herbs, or any of the burgers made with house-ground beef cooked to your liking, or the grilled chicken sandwich embellished with sliced pears and honey. Don’t pass up the hand-cut fries served with an inspired malt aioli. For calorie counters, there is lighter fare — salads are exceptionally fresh and beautifully presented.
The Bee is known for its unusual beer list. If you don’t have to rush back to work, your lunch will be even better accompanied by a tall glass from their fine selection.
Coquette
North Hills Mall, Raleigh
Looks like Paris, sounds like Paris, smells like Paris and it tastes like Paris. The patrons, however, are prototypical Triangle lunchers: business folk, out-of-towners on a spree, youngish retirees meeting friends for a leisurely meal. At Coquette you can finish in time to get back to the office, but all the better if you can linger, preferably with a glass or two of Champagne.
Indulge in several courses, French-style: onion soup gratinée, then a Niçoise salad with fresh tuna, followed by the refreshing green apple sorbet; or roasted beet and greens salad, moules frites with chorizo and red peppers, topped off with currant clafouti and vanilla ice cream. If you like classic, French brasserie fare — and who doesn’t — you can’t miss at Coquette.
 Café Bistro at Nordstrom
The Streets at South Square, Durham
A well-kept secret, except to ladies browsing for clothes on Nordstrom’s second floor, Café Bistro is one of the nicest lunch venues in the Triangle. I stumbled upon it after trying on all the Eileen Fisher outfits on the rack. Famished, I spotted the café sign and peaked inside. The dining room looked tempting enough with its upscale modern décor, though the counter service up front seemed out of place in an otherwise deluxe setting. It’s an incongruous juxtaposition, like the café’s name.
When the food comes, reservations vanish. Crab bisque redolent of lobster broth, Niçoise salad topped unexpectedly with a plank of perfectly grilled salmon, roast chicken with crisp pommes frites, shrimp and asparagus risotto — each dish is made from fresh ingredients and skillfully cooked. Café Bistro is much more than a convenient place to refuel when shopping; for many, it’s a destination restaurant.
As it turns out, Nordstrom is famous in other cities for the quality of its in-house eateries. It even publishes excellent cookbooks full of recipes used by its chefs. I usually thumb through the books while lunching. Last time, I copied the crab bisque recipe to try at home, but I doubt it will turn out to be quite as delicious as Café Bistro’s.
J. Betski’s
Seaboard Station, Raleigh
Highly touted by local and national media when it opened three years ago, this small, intimate café turns out remarkable Polish, German and Austrian fare, available midday at bargain prices. If, like most Southerners, you are unfamiliar with Central European cuisine, lunch is a great time to sample Chef Todd Whitney’s inspired renditions of pierogies and hearty salads (roasted beets with horseradish quark and toasted pumpkinseed oil is a favorite), schnitzels and fresh kielbasa or bratwurst sandwiches. If you can indulge at noon, choose a glass of wine or beer from the unusual Austrian and German selection. Betski’s is a window into a gastronomic culture uncommon in the Triangle. A meal there is an exceptional treat.
 Parizade
Erwin Square, Durham
George Bakatsias’ oldest still-functioning restaurant, Parizade has been serving lunch in Durham for over 20 years. Typical of Bakatsias establishments, Parizade is exuberantly decorated — even the muraled ceiling demands your attention. In spite of the mood set by all the eye candy, service is dignified and old-school, and the Mediterranean-oriented menu hasn’t changed much in two decades. It doesn’t need to.
The signature avgolemono soup with spinach and orzo, and warm pita with hummus and eggplant dips are pleasing appetizers. Dependable main courses are the deliciously rich Shrimp Giorgio with angel hair pasta and loads of feta; the grilled chicken kabob with tzatziki and Greek salad; and the lemon linguini with assorted vegetables and pesto (just as colorful as the eatery’s ambience). Vegetarians have no problem finding satisfying salads and pasta choices on the menu.
Parizade’s large space extends onto a courtyard for al fresco lunches in warm weather. The space also includes private dining rooms for business lunches, corporate and social events.
Sitti
Downtown Raleigh
A collaboration between Greg Hatem’s Empire Eats and the Saleh family, longtime owners of Neomonde Deli, Sitti celebrates the Lebanese home cooking of both families’ grandmothers (hence the name “sitti”).
The hallmark of Sitti’s food is freshness. Parsley, mint, fresh lemon and garlic permeate many items on the menu, giving dishes a clean, zesty bouquet. At lunch, try a combination of hot and cold mezze choices: a crispy cheese roll and tabouleh or kibbee mikli (lamb and beef dumplings) and baba ghanoush (an eggplant puree). Main courses include kabobs and a light, healthy-tasting okra and lamb stew. Fragrant Sitti rice, with almonds and hints of sumac, accompanies each main course.
If you have room for dessert, don’t miss Ashta, a riff on southern banana pudding — delicate phyllo dough taking flight over a filling of pistachios and bananas and a barely sweet milk pudding. It’s a visual feast that showcases the artistry of Chef Ghassan Jarrouj.
Glasshalfull
Carrboro
When Carrboro’s Glasshalfull opened three years ago, it served both lunch and dinner, but lunch was slow to catch on and daytime service closed shortly afterward. Absence must have made many hearts grow fonder — now the stylish eatery is open for lunch again, and it’s the hottest ticket in town.
If you require the ubiquitous Caesar salad or hamburger, look elsewhere. Chef Lynn Salazar-Wadford produces much more imaginative fare. Trained by Chef Ricky Moore, she turns out delectable dishes such as leek bread pudding with wild mushroom ragout, pureed cauliflower soup with curry croutons, goat cheese and caramelized onion frittata. For hearty appetites, there’s the porchetta sandwich on ciabatta bread, fried chicken sandwich dressed with housemade slaw, and a braised beef sandwich dressed with horseradish aioli. Vegetarians will find a range of healthy choices, including pasta with spinach, autumn squash and rosemary.
You don’t need a glass of wine to enjoy Glasshalfull’s menu, but why not? The well-trained staff will guide you to a perfect pairing from the extensive by-the-glass list. Three-ounce portions are available, allowing patrons to try a taste of a special boutique varietal not available elsewhere. This is the place to experiment with new flavors and indulge your senses at lunch without damage to your wallet or waistline.
MEZ
Research Triangle
Unlike the large majority of RTP restaurants that fill the multitude of strip malls along the Highway 54-55 corridor, MEZ occupies a handsome free-standing building alongside the sleek high rises on Page Road. The handsomely designed, colorful dining room exudes a spirit of fun, and so does its menu of contemporary Mexican dishes made from fresh local produce. Try the MEZ corn soup, crab tampocos, carne asada tacos or chicken Mexicano, all delicious. In each dish, various chili peppers and fresh herbs bounce around the mouth like jumping beans. After the excitement, cool down with the excellent tres leches cake or flan. MEZ is truly a party for the tongue!
18 Seaboard
Raleigh
If your appetite is stimulated by the term, “power lunch,” the Fairview Dining Room in Durham, Carolina Crossroads in Chapel Hill, or Herons in Cary are the obvious destinations for a table among university and corporate wheeler dealers. In Raleigh, 18 Seaboard fills the bill.
Surrounded by the buzz of political strategizing and business recruiting, you can find here some of the best food in our Capital City. Chef/Owner Jason Smith's varied restaurant experience includes a pivotal stint with Chef Robert Carter at Charleston's Peninsula Grill, a bastion of Southern regional fine dining. Smith’s contemporary twist on our region’s traditional cuisine is apparent in every bite of cracklin' pork shank with spinach, cornmeal-crusted catfish with grit cakes, She-crab soup, and pan-seared mountain trout with hominy.
Even if you're not a power luncher, an appreciation of fresh ingredients artfully prepared is reason enough to visit 18 Seaboard and discover why it is fast becoming a Raleigh institution.
NIBBLES
Congratulations to Sara Foster, chosen “Restaurateur of the Year” by the North Carolina Restaurant Association. Foster opened the first Foster’s Market, now an institution in Durham, 20 years ago.
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The Capital Club Building in downtown Raleigh will be the home of the new Capital Club 16 restaurant this spring. Owned by Culinary Institute of America graduate Jake Wolf and his wife Shannon, the new eatery will feature American food with European influences.
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In February, Kevin and Stacey Jennings will close the first restaurant in the Urban Food Group, Frazier’s. In its place, the Jennings plan to open a casual wine bar that will also serve small plates.
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Pop’s in Durham, owned by John Vandergrift and Chris Stinnett, will move from its original space to West Village a few blocks away. The new space will add 50 seats to the restaurant. The old Pop’s location at 810 Peabody St. will be available to rent for private events. Call 919-956-7677 for information.
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C’est Si Bon Cooking School is the only small cooking school in the country to offer teen-aged budding chefs personalized cooking experiences in both North Carolina and France. Now is the time for motivated teens to apply for “Carolina on My Plate,” a one-week program in Chapel Hill, and “Paris and Provence,” two weeks exploring the food of the city of light and of Arles. Check the Web site www.cestsibion.net/teenchefs for instructions to apply. Kids from 8-15 can enroll in kids’ camp at C’est Si Bon, and seasonal classes for adults take place throughout the year. For details, call Dorette Snover at 919-942-6550.
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Revolution Chef Jim Anile will teach a cooking class, “The Italian Farm Table,” on Sunday, March 21, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the restaurant in downtown Durham. For class reservations: 919-956-9999 or e-mail teresa.anile@revolutionrestaurant.com.
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Get tickets now for another Great Grapes! Wine, Art & Food Festival to be held Saturday, April 17, at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. Among dozens of wines, varietals from over 20 North Carolina vineyards will be available to taste. Buy tickets by calling 800-830-3976.
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Nation’s Restaurant News, the news leader of the food service industry, has included The Angus Barn in its list of 50 All-American Icon restaurants. The restaurant “has become synonymous with hospitality and service excellence” according to the publication. A popular Triangle dining establishment for fifty years, the legendary Barn continues to expand and has recently added a lakeside pavilion for large special events.
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In Durham, Guglhupf Café will hold an Austrian wine dinner Wednesday, March 10. A reception will be followed by a special four-course dinner menu paired with wines from Austria. Call 919-401-2600 or www.guglhupf.com for reservations.
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In addition to its higher priced prixe fixe dinners, Fearrington House Restaurant is offering a three-course meal, a “winter interlude” for $45. The offer ends March 21 and is not available Saturdays. Call for reservations: 919-542-2121.
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Once again, the Triangle area is well represented among semi-finalists for the James Beard Awards to be presented May 3 in New York. Magnolia Grill is on the list for both best restaurant and best service, and Crook's Corner for best restaurant. Named among candidates for best chef in the Southeast are Bill Smith of Crook's Corner, Andrea Reusing of Lantern, Ashley Christensen of Poole's Diner and Scott Howell of Nana's.
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Vinnie's Steak House & Tavern will host Delectus Winery on Thursday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m. The event will consist of a six-course seated dinner paired with Delectus wines and will be hosted by a representative from the Delectus Winery. The cost is $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. Information and reservations are available by calling 919-847-7319.
Live Music And Happy Feet
Now in its 35th year, The Irregardless Café & Catering restaurant on Morgan Street in Raleigh is an institution, remembered by longtime customers as a veggie-only throwback to the ’60s. Actually, meat and fish have been on the menu for 20 years (see Metro’s February 2010 issue) — and more recently live music, with local artists performing jazz, blues, bluegrass and folk every evening save Monday and an acoustic brunch on Sunday.
On jazz Tuesdays, share a small plate of buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese and a bottle of red from a NC vineyard as the docile riffs of smooth jazz saxophonist Bill Mann ebb and flow lightly along. Or post up at the bar and sip on a locally brewed pale ale and take in the jazz guitar stylings of Christopher Wear. Whether you sit five feet from the stage, or on the opposite side of the restaurant, the sound quality never deviates.
Traditional Wednesday offers a range of performances from bluegrass pickin’ with the Duke Street Dogs to the hypnotic sounds of Magnolia Klezmer Band. And even on the “Irregardless Best Friday,” with Lou Padro and Friends rocking out, the dining experience remains pleasant and the music an enjoyable addition to the ambiance.
If you just wanna dance, and sometimes we all do, check out “Dancing after Dark Saturdays” and get down to some soul, rhythm and blues from Moon & the Stars, or cut a rug with Raleigh singer and performer Joyce Hawley and the Rhythm Section.
And there is nary a cover charge, one more reason to check out the wide variety of live music offered nightly. Go to www.irregardless.com for the music schedule and find out more.
— Dan Reeves
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Restaurant Guide
RALEIGH/CARY
18 SEABOARD — 18 Seaboard Avenue, Suite 100 Raleigh. 861-4318. www.18seaboard.com. Chef-Proprietor Jason Smith welcomes you with sensibly, inventive American Cuisine using North Carolina ingredients. From the downtown views of our open-air mezzanine to the staff's warm hospitality, 18 Seaboard is the place for casual dining or special occasions.
42ND STREET OYSTER BAR — 508 W. Jones St., Raleigh. 831-2811. Serving quality seafood, steaks and pasta in a casual atmosphere. Steamed oysters and clams available. Lunch M-F, Dinner seven nights a week.
518 WEST ITALIAN CAFÉ — 518 West Jones Street. Raleigh. 829-2518. www.518west.com. Named “Best Italian Restaurant in the Triangle” five years in a row, 518 West serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with a modern, healthy twist.
AN — 2800 Renaissance Park Place, Cary. 677-9229. www.ancuisines.com. Chef Michael Chuong showcases his signature ‘New World’ cuisine, an elegant blend of Southeast Asian flavors and European influences. Voted Best New Restaurant in 2007 by Metro Magazine & Cary Magazine, Best Appetizers in 2008 by Metro Magazine. Lunch Mon-Fri and Dinner Mon-Sat.
THE ANGUS BARN — 9401 Glenwood Avenue. Raleigh. 781-2444. www.angusbarn.com The Angus Barn, a Raleigh landmark offers Angus steaks, seafood, an extensive wine list, experienced and knowledgeable staff and much more in its eclectic barn setting. Since opening in the 1960s, the basic principals – hospitality, attractive atmosphere, and value have remained the same.
BELLA MONICA — 3121-103 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh. 881-9778. www.bellamonica.com. Authentic Neapolitan entrées from family recipes. Neighborhood wine bar with all-Italian list. Patio dining. Lunch & Dinner. Closed Sunday. Voted “Best Italian” by CitySearch & AOL Cityguide. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
BENTLEY’S AT CROSSROADS — 2007 Walnut St., Cary. 854-0644. www.BentleysAtCrossroads.com. Offering aged steaks and fresh seafood in a casually elegant atmosphere. Lunch M-F from $6. Dinner daily from $8. Stunning lounge area. A/V equipped boardroom available for private events. Look for Bentley’s clock tower at Crossroads Plaza.
BLOOMSBURY BISTRO — 509 W. Whitaker Mill Rd. Ste 101, Raleigh. 834-9011. Sophisticated food and wine in a comfortable neighborhood setting. Featured in Southern Living, Gourmet Magazine and USA Today. Voted Best Restaurant two years running, Best Chef and Best Waitstaff 2006 MetroBravo! Awards.
BLUE RIDGE, THE MUSEUM RESTAURANT — 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 839-6262. Visit Web site online at www.nc artmuseum.org. Offering renowned visual art and culinary masterpieces at the NC Museum of Art. Eclectic fare ranges from salads, sandwiches and entrées at lunch to sumptuous weekend brunches.
BONEFISH GRILL — 4421-112 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh. 782-5127. Specializing in market fresh fish and seafood cooked over a wood-burning grill. Eight or more fresh fish selections daily, paired with original toppings. ½ price appetizers from 9 p.m.-10 p.m. every night. Live music Thursday nights from 9 p.m.-11 p.m. Bar and outdoor patio dining available. Located at North Hills. M-Th: 4 p.m.-10 p.m., F-Sat: 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Sun: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
CAFÉ TIRAMISU — 6196-120 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh. 981-0305. Northern Italian Cuisine: A family owned and operated restaurant originating from an old Raleigh favorite Piccolo Mondo restaurant. Slick and contemporary décor, will give fine dining at its best.
CAROLINA ALE HOUSE — 513 Creekside Dr., 835-2222; 4512 Falls of Neuse Rd., 431-0001; 7981 Skyland Ridge Pkwy., 957-4200; 2240 Walnut St., Cary, 854-9444. Hwy 98 bypass and US1, 11685 Northpark Drive, Wake Forest, 556-8666. Visit Web site online at www.CarolinaAleHouse.com. A family-friendly sports-themed restaurant consistently awarded top honors for its atmosphere, hand-breaded wings, menu selection, and wide variety of ales. Full menu served 11–2 a.m. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Kid’s menu 99¢ every Tuesday.
COQUETTE BRASSERIE — 4351-119 The Circle at North Hills, Raleigh. 789-0606. www.coquetteraleigh.com. Raleigh’s first authentic French Brasserie featuring traditional fare, an exclusive French wine list and the best beers and classic French cocktails. Open air restaurant made possible by giant doors that open when the weather is just right. Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
EL RODEO GRILL — 7420 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh. 919-844-6330. www.elrodeogrill.com. Inspired by the bold flavors of Tex-Mex fare and the vibrate culture of Mexico, enjoy our favorite fajitas and stuffed Chile Rellenos. Or for a higher degree of authenticity, try our Michoacan-style Carnitas and a Mexico-City style Steak Tacos special. Signature margaritas and refreshing beers make for a perfect compliment to this twist on traditional Mexican dining.
FIREBIRDS ROCKY MOUNTAIN GRILL — 4350-118 Lassiter at North Hills Ave., Raleigh. 788-8778. A unique style of american cuisine that originated in Aspen Colorado. Open-flame grilled steaks, herb roasted prime rib, fresh seafood, hearty pasta, awesome burgers and giant salads served in a cozy, comfortable setting. Bar and outdoor patio seating available. M – Th: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., F-Sat: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sun: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
THE FLYING BISCUIT CAFE — 2016 Clark Ave., Raleigh. 833-6924. Online at www.flyingbiscuit.com and www.raleighbiscuit.com. Serving breakfast all day and hearty entrées, sandwiches and salads for lunch and dinner, this Cameron Village restaurant also boasts a full bar. Open 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.
GLENWOOD GRILL — Oberlin@Glenwood, Raleigh. 919.782.3102. The longtime favorite in the Triangle, five-time Metro Bravo winner for Power Lunch. Head Chef John Wright continues to discover new takes on Contemporary Southern. Now offering even More for Less: $50 Dinner for Two, Six nights a week. Appetizer or salad to share, two entrees, dessert to share and a bottle of wine. For lunch, Monday-Friday: Two for $12: Choose appetizer or salad with Main Course. Available for private parties on Sundays. Visit us at glenwoodgrill.com.
GLOBE — 510 Glenwood Avenue Suite 103, Raleigh. 836-1811. Chefs Heath Holloman (co-owner) and Gray Modlin present a menu influenced by cuisines from all over the GLOBE, with their own twists. Choose a wine from the comprehensive list or have Henry Burgess (co-owner/ sommelier) assist in a selection that will pair well with your food. "GLOBE...come taste a world of difference!
HERONS — 100 Woodland Pond, Cary. 447-4200. www.herons restaurant.com. Now open at The Umstead Hotel and Spa offering modern American cuisine with regional influnces and an extensive wine selection. Live music and classic cocktails in the bar.
HOT POINT CAFE — 4209-136 Lassiter Mill Rd., Raleigh. 788-8240. A contemporary american café known as Midtown Raleigh’s “neighborhood café” serving traditional breakfast and Mediterranean-influenced lunch and dinner. Famous for their California-style pizzas, sandwiches and house-baked focaccia. Wine and beer served. Outdoor patio dining available. Located at North Hills. M-Th: 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri: 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat: 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
IRREGARDLESS CAFÉ — 901 West Morgan Street, Raleigh 833-8898, www.irregardless.com. Authentic Raleigh experience since 1975. Award winning, hand-crafted meals which respect the environment. Live music nightly! Casual fine dining with unique wines & beers. Open Lunch, Dinner, Sun. Brunch. Catering available.
JIBARRA RESTAURANT — 327-102 West Davie Street, Raleigh. www.jibarra.net. 755-0556. Housed in historic Depot building in the warehouse district, this upscale Mexican restaurant couples indigenous ingredients with modern techniques and sensibilities elevating timeless recipes. Blending contemporary and Mexican style, the energetic atmosphere is dominated by a sleek tequila tower showcasing an array of premium, 100 percent blue agave spirits. Creative margaritas and an emphasized Spanish and Latin American wine list available.
MEZ – 5410 Page Rd. Durham. 941-1630. Visit online at www.mezdurham.com. North Carolina’s first LEED designed restaurant, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine in the heart of the Triangle at Exit 282 off I-40 in the Research Triangle Park
MIDTOWN & BAR 115 — 4421-115 Six Forks Road, Raleigh. 782-WINE. www.midtownandbar115.com. Recognized as one of the “Best Places for a Power Lunch,” by Metro Magazine, Midtown offers the experience of a New York bistro and bar in the heart of Raleigh’s new midtown. Enjoy metropolitan cuisine and distinctive wines served by a professional wait staff. Lunch and Dinner Mon-Sat. Bar 115 open until midnight Thurs-Sat.
THE MINT RESTAURANT — 219 Fayetteville St., Raleigh. 821-0011. www.themintrestaurant.com. Mon.-Thurs. 5-9p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 5-10p.m. The Mint in downtown Raleigh offers contemporary fine southern dining with global influences. Culinary Director Christopher Hylton presents new and exciting culinary combinations paired with The Mint’s unflappable service standards.
NOFO MARKET AND CAFE — 2014 Fairview Road, Raleigh. 821-1240. Cafe, bar and deck seating. Award-winning salads, soups, sandwiches and entrees. “Best Brunch,” “Best Eggs Benedict,” “Best Bloody Mary,” Metro Magazine. Private dining available in the Balcony at the Pig. Lunch M-F, Brunch Sat & Sun, Dinner Tues-Sat.
OLIVER TWIST — www.theolivertwistlounge.com. 8111 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh. Offering an array of Eclectic Tapas & Signature Martini’s served with a twist of sophistication. Featuring Live Music Monday through Thursday with Belly Dancers & DJ on weekends.
THE Q-SHACK — 4120-135 Main at North Hills St., Raleigh. (919) 786-4381. Locally owned and operated, specializing in Western Carolina and Texas-style BBQ, salads and sides made from local, farm-fresh ingredients, 100% locally raised, hormone-free pork, chicken, turkey and beef. Catering and delivery. Outdoor sidewalk seating available. M-Th: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., F-Sat: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun: 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE — 4381-100 Lassiter at North Hills Ave, Raleigh. (919) 791-1103. New Orleans-inspired appetizers, aged USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts served with genuine hospitality. Among the most distinctive dining destinations in the area. M-Th: 4 p.m.-10 p.m., F-Sat: 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Sun: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
SAVOY — 7713-39 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh 848-3535 www.restaurantsavoy.com. Smoke-free lunch Tu-F, dinner Tu-Sat and Sun Brunch. Chef brothers Peter Gibson and Marshall Smith make everything in-house, including breads and desserts. The contemporary menu features farmer's market produce and seasonal entrées. Convenient North Raleigh location for business or pleasure! Classic. Simple. Delicious.
SECOND EMPIRE RESTAURANT & TAVERN — 330 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. 829-3663. Visit online at www.secondempire.com. Award winning cuisine in two dining atmospheres. Upstairs enjoy the ultimate dining experience in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere of charm and grace. Downstairs in the Tavern and Atrium enjoy a lighter fare menu and cozy atmosphere. AAA Four Diamond, DiRoNA Award, Wine Spectator Award.
SHERATON RALEIGH HOTEL — The Grove Café - 421 South Salisbury Street , Raleigh. 834-9900. Located on second floor of the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in an open atrium atmosphere. The cuisine is American Continental, serving a daily Breakfast & Lunch Buffet, and a complete menu for all day dining. Also enjoy live entertainment on Wednesday nights in The Bar.
SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE — 414 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 833-2888. The atmosphere at Sullivan’s resembles a 1940s steakhouse, featuring fine steaks and seafood. Enjoy the unparalleled martinis and live jazz played seven nights a week.
TAVERNA AGORA — 6101 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 881-8333. www.TavernaAgora.com. Taverna Agora is the premier restaurant in the Triangle for authentic Greek cuisine. Enjoy the rustic ambiance of our dining room or our beautiful garden patio. Venue may be reserved for special events.
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ — 1028 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh. 755-2222. www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com. Tropical Smoothie Café is more than just great tasting smoothies. Keeping in line with the great taste and high quality that Tropical Smoothie is known for, we also offer healthy alternatives to regular fast food. Our gourmet wraps, specialty sandwiches and salads are made with the highest quality Dietz and Watson meats and chesses. Come early to enjoy our breakfast wraps and bagels. Catering is available.
UNO CHICAGO GRILL — 8401 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh.
544-6700. Enjoy original Chicago-style deep dish pizza along with a wide selection of appetizers, steaks, pastas, burgers and desserts. Kids Menu. Curbside pick-up. Open daily from 11 a.m.
VINNIE’S STEAKHOUSE AND TAVERN — 7440 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh. 847-7319. Treat yourself to all the luxuries this classic New York style chophouse has to offer. Certified Angus Beef, the freshest seafood available and an extensive selection of wines from around the world.
VIVACE — 4209-115 Lassiter Mill Rd., Raleigh. 787-7747. www.vivaceraleigh.com. Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant featuring Chef Jeremy Sabo’s signature style in an upbeat, hip environment. Consecutively voted “Top 20 Best Restaurants” in the Triangle. Italian wines and house-made limoncello. Bar and outdoor patio dining available. Located at North Hills. M-Th:11 a.m.-10 p.m., F-Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
ZEST CAFÉ & HOME ART — 8831 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh. 848-4792. www.zestcafehomeart.com. Offering the freshest, finest food served with a zesty outlook since 1995. Dine in our café or outdoor patio. Enjoy the Home Art selection of fun and whimsical home accessories and gifts. Lunch T-Sat., Dinner W-Sat. and Sun. Brunch.
DURHAM/APEX/MORRISVILLE
CAFÉ PARIZADE — 2200 W. Main St., Durham. 286-9712. Renaissance-inspired murals, colorful surrealist works of art and casually chic crowds feasting on Mediterranean dishes. Lunch M-F 11:30-2:30 p.m., Dinner M-Th 5:30-10 p.m., F and Sat. 5:30-11 p.m., Sun. 5:30-9 p.m.
CAROLINA ALE HOUSE — 3911 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham. 490-2001.
SAFFRON INDIAN RESTAURANT — 4121 Davis Drive. Morrisville. 469-5774. www.saffronnc.com. Offering fine dining in an elegantly modern ambience. Ranked best Indian restaurant and top 20 in RTP irrespective of cuisine by N&O for three years.
VIN ROUGE — 2010 Hillsborough Rd., Durham. 416-0406. Vin Rouge, a French café and wine bar, treats guests to provincial cooking at its finest in a chic, intimate setting. Dinner Tues.-Sun. 5:30-11 p.m., Brunch Sun. 10:30-2 p.m.
WATTS GROCERY — 1116 Broad Street, Durham/ 919.416.5040. With a distinctive take on North Carolina cuisine, Watts Grocery features favorite seasonal and local foods by the forkful. Our menu changes seasonally so please check our website for new items at www.wattsgrocery.com.
CHAPEL HILL/HILLSBOROUGH
BIN 54 — 1201-M Raleigh Rd., Chapel Hill. 969-1155. Chapel Hill’s high-end steakhouse has it all: delectable dishes, stellar service and an atmosphere rich in stylish romance.
THE CAROLINA CROSSROADS RESTAURANT — 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill. 918-2777. www.carolinainn.com. The Four Star and Four Diamond Carolina Crossroads Restaurant combines the graceful traditions of the south with Executive Chef Jimmy Reale’s progressive new American cuisine. Fine dining menus change seasonally to highlight the best products from local and regional farms.
CROOK’S CORNER — 610 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill. 929-7643. www.crookscorner.com. “Sacred ground of Southern foodies,” New York Times. Patio dining, weather permitting. Acclaimed Sunday brunch. Dinner Tues.-Sun. at 5:30 p.m., Sun. Brunch 10:30-2 p.m.
MEZ CONTEMPORARY MEXICAN — 5410 Page Road, Research Triangle Park, Exit 282 off I-40. 941-1630. Visit online at www.mezdurham.com. MEZ is the latest offering from the Chapel Hill Restaurant Group, operators of 411 West, 518 West, Squid’s, and Spanky’s. Featuring traditional Mexican dishes with a lighter, healthier twist, all made with the freshest ingredients. A beautiful private room upstairs overlooks the RTP and can accommodate up to 100. North Carolina’s first LEED designed restaurant.
PENANG - MALAYSIAN, THAI & SUSHI — 431 W. Franklin St, Chapel Hill. 919-933-2288. Online at www.penangnc.com. Surprising balance of Southeast Asian spices and fruits. Authentic menu based on family recipes, with curries, noodles, soups, and sushi. Attractive, open, atmosphere, vegetarian options and weekly specials. Special sushi offer Tuesday and Thursday nights. 4 ½ stars from CitySearch. Open daily.”
SPICE STREET — 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill. 928-8200. A revolutionary experience in dining entertainment, Spice Street is a culinary experience created to nourish the soul and share flavors from around the world. Spice Street celebrates food and life.
BEYOND THE TRIANGLE
AQUA — 214 Middle Lane, Beaufort, NC 28516. 252-728-7777. www.aquaexperience.com. “Aqua’s urban-chic décor whets the appetite for sophisticated, internationally inspired food… On all counts, Aqua was an exceptional dining experience.” Moreton Neal in Metro Magazine June 2005. Open for dinner: Tues.-Thurs. 6 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 5:30 p.m.
BEAUFORT GROCERY CO — 117 Queen St., Beaufort. 252-728-3899. www.beaufortgrocery.com. Beaufort’s oldest and continuously operating fine dining restaurant since 1991. Specializing in regional cuisine fused with global techniques and influences. Lunch M, W-Sat 11:30-3 p.m.; Dinner M, W-Sat 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Sun brunch at 11:30 a.m. Closed Tues.
BLUE MOON BISTRO — 119 Queen Street, Beaufort. 252-728-5800. Coastal cuisine in a casual historic setting. Offering innovative dishes that bring a welcomed departure from other coastal venues. Chef Swain’s eclectic menu includes references from Asia, France and America. For a balanced plate, enjoy a well-matched wine to accompany your entrée. Dinner Tues-Sat.
CAFÉ ZITO — 105 South 11th St., Morehead City. 252-726-6676. www.cafezito.com. Be delighted by the creative cuisine at this neighborhood restaurant. Chef Baptist Knaven offers a tantalizing menu of local favorites influenced by the Mediterranean. Located in a historic downtown home, enjoy dining inside or on the porch.
CHEF AND THE FARMER — 120 W. Gordon St., Kinston. 252-208-2433. www.chefandthefarmer.com. A converted mule stable never looked so good. Blending old architecture and contemporary design with local ingredients and urban techniques makes this progressive eatery an epicurean oasis.
DELUXE — 114 Market Street, Wilmington. 910-251-0333. Offering upscale dining with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Largest selection of fine wines in the region and one of Wilmingon’s superior brunches. Open for dinner and Sunday brunch. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, www.deluxenc.com.
FISHTALES WATERFRONT RESTAURANT — 232 W. Beaufort Rd. Beaufort 252-504-7263. www.fishtalesdining.com. Have your Holiday Party on the Waterfront this year! FishTales offers the best food selection, service and a great atmosphere for your special event. We can provide the perfect setting no matter what the occasion. Our facility accommodates parties from 10 to 1000. Call today or come by for a personal tour.
FRONT STREET GRILL AT STILLWATER — 300 Front St., Beaufort. 252-728-4956. Visit Web site online at www.frontstreetgrillatstillwater.com Historic Waterfront Bistro showcasing New World Cuisine. Perennial winner of the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, serving lunch and dinner daily with inside and outside dining. New floating docks and outside waterfront bar.
PORT LAND GRILLE — 1908 Eastwood Road, Wilmington. 910-256-6056. www.portlandgrille.com. Chef/Owner Shawn Wellersdick’s menu, featuring seafood, prime meats, and lots of flavor in a casually elegant atmosphere changing “slightly nightly” to reflect the season. Patio seating and private rooms available.
SHEPARD’S POINT — 913 Arendell St., Morehead City. 252-727-0815. www.beaufortgrocery.com. Contemporary fine dining in downtown Morehead City focusing on quality, value and service. Featuring seafood, steaks and spirits. Come casual and leave impressed. Dinner M, Th-Sat 5:30-10 p.m.; Sun brunch begins at 11 a.m. Closed Tues.
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