Cork Report
This year’s Top 100 wines of 2009 (Wine Spectator, Dec. 31) seemed to include more value-priced wines than usual, with quite a few at $20 and under — a nod to the economics of the times, no doubt. Local wine merchants agree that wine-buying habits reflect this trend.
“The alcohol budget seems to be the last to go in a recession,” said Cory Lyerly at The Wine Merchant in Cary. “People are spending the same amount overall — they haven’t cut back on drinking wine — but they’re buying differently. Fewer of the $50-$60 reds are flying out the door. The biggest sellers now are in the $10 range.”
Profit margins are less on these wines, however, so wine sellers are feeling the pinch too. The best buys — and best values, in my view — are in the $12-$20 range, and they include reds much more pleasurable to enjoy right now than more expensive ones. Some of the most popular wines, noted Lyerly, are from Chile and Argentina. Australia has lost ground of late, but there are still some excellent buys from Down Under.
Here are some wines from different areas that I’ve tasted recently and highly recommend. Do remember that anything available at one particular shop can be ordered at others.
Domaine des Rozets 2007, Coteaux du Tricastin, $10-$11, The Wine Merchant, 3CUPS. Appealing blend of grenache, syrah and cinsault, a snappy red suited to a wide range of casual fare, from pizza to smoked meats to vegetarian chili.
 Vieux Clocher 2007, Côte du Ventoux, $9-11, Chapel Hill Wine Company, A Southern Season. The ripeness of 2007 Rhône Valley reds makes for delightful drinking. Though Ventoux reds are lighter than Côte du Rhônes, they have plenty of juicy punch to enjoy with meat pastas, hamburgers, grilled sausages and the like.
Perrin Reserve 2007, Côtes du Rhône, $9.99, Total Wine, Trader Joe’s. The Perrin brothers, makers of the famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape Beaucastel ($115 a bottle), get lots of appealing flavor into this little red. Great value.
Domaine de Fontenille 2007, Luberon/Rhône, $13.99, Seaboard Wine Warehouse, The Wine Merchant in Cary. Great intensity at a modest price, a tasty blend of old-vine grenache and syrah that is great with roast chicken but can also handle steak or lamb and savory cheeses.
Brancott Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, NZ, $12-$14, Harris-Teeter, Total Wine. Bright and zesty, with the bold citrus and mineral accents typical of New Zealand Sauvignons. Also one of 2009’s Top 100.
 Cooper Mountain Pinot Noir 2006, Oregon, $20, Whole Foods. Pinot in a lighter frame with attractive fruit; made from organically grown grapes; excellent for grilled salmon.
Château Coupe Roses “La Bastide” 2007, Minervois, $13.99, Hillsborough Wine Company. Proprietor Todd Wielar dubs this appealing blend of grenache, carignan and a squirt of juicy syrah as “fireside juice for sure.” Just the thing for a blustery winter night.
King Estate Signature Pinot Gris 2008, Willamette Valley, OR, $17. Dry and crisp, but richer than Pinot Grigio, which allows it to complement sautéed chicken breast, tilapia or flounder filets, sea scallops, and seafood pastas. A consistently lovely white wine.
Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc 2008 “Charlotte’s Home,” Sonoma, $10-$14, widely available. Nervy and crisp, attractive mineral accents, excellent for shellfish.
St. Supéry 2008 Chardonnay Oak Free, Napa Valley, $18-$20. A comely Chardonnay — crisp and well-balanced, clean and bright, with pearish aromas.
Peter Lehmann Shiraz Barossa 2006, Australia, $14-$16, widely available. Big without being overly tannic, boasting generous dark berry and plum flavors, fine with roast or grilled leg of lamb.
Wines with Vegetarian Foods
As Moreton Neal points out in her Gourmet column in this issue, vegetarian dishes are increasingly featured at Triangle restaurants, many highly flavored and hearty. I’m often asked about pairing wines with vegetarian meals, and it does require a different approach.
While there are indeed bold dishes, such as Butternut Squash Cassoulet at The Irregardless Cafe, that call for flavorful, medium-bodied red wines, big and tannic reds will overpower most vegetarian dishes.
The Irregardless wine list offers some of the best values in the Triangle — well-chosen wines at very fair prices. There are several choices to pair with the cassoulet, for instance — such as the Santa Ema Merlot from Chile, a quite delectable red, or the organically grown Santa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina or the Shoofly Shiraz from Australia, each $21-$23 a bottle, $6 by the glass.
The popularity of Asian and Asian-fusion foods has proved a useful segue into wines with vegetarian foods. So many Asian foods — Indian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese — are meatless, but they are certainly not lacking in flavor. Wine lists in such restaurants have introduced light, crisp whites, dry and off-dry, such as Rieslings, Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Viognier, unoaked Chardonnays — as well as lighter reds, such as Pinot Noir from Germany, Brouillys from Beaujolais, and claret blends of cabernet and merlot.
The dinner menu at Lantern in Chapel Hill offers intriguing meatless dishes, and the carefully chosen wine list complements them. Wondering what to order with fresh black mushroom and cabbage dumplings? Try one of the several Grüner Veltliners they offer, the slightly fuller Domaine Ostertag Pinot Blanc or the Bouzeron Aligoté.
And with the red curry and tofu pumpkin stew? Hmm … a lightish red might be best — the Jean-Marc Morey Santenay, perhaps, or Colterenzio Pinot Noir from Italy’s cool mountainous Alto-Adige region. A dry rosé could also work, but so could an Alsace Riesling.
Regions in the south of France — Ventoux, Luberon, Coteaux du Tricastin and Languedoc-Roussillon — offer many light reds suitable to the heartier vegetarian dishes, some light and fruity enough to take a light chilling. Cheese dishes, including pizza, can take more robust reds, such as Zinfandel, Dolcetto, Shiraz and Monastrell. Asian vegetarian dishes are often quite spicy, so keep that in mind and look to crisp, refreshing whites such as Riesling, Pinot Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cool the heat.
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Gourmet
Now that we’ve seen the pork belly craze reach its climax (some would say nadir) with chocolate-covered bacon, we can move on to the other big food story of the year, if not the entire past decade: vegetables.
When my meat and potato-loving husband brought home a copy of Vegetarian Times recently, I realized a meatless diet has grown far beyond a mere trend, it’s a lifestyle for a growing percentage of Americans. If a cover photo of collard greens and mushroom polenta proved irresistible to a devout carnivore like Drake, something significant must be happening in the food zeitgeist. Another sign is the sheer volume of vegetarians I’ve run into this year — as if the Church of Seventh-day Adventist has suddenly mushroomed into a major American religion.
Vegetarians, as we know, are averse to eating animals, but vegans take this practice even further. To practice a “cruelty-free lifestyle,” some vegans refuse to wear leather or wool and eschew dairy, eggs and any animal product, even honey. Yes. Honey.
Being a vegan in our culture ain’t easy. I recently dined at a popular local Southern restaurant with a group that included a vegan. The only thing the kitchen could produce without an animal component was a banana. Understandably, she felt “disrespected,” (her words) by the choice of this particular eatery. Consciousness raised, the rest of us continued to devour our juicy hamburgers and barbecue sandwiches, but with just a tad of guilt.
This sort of prickly frisson between omnivores and strict vegans appears to be fairly commonplace. In a holiday article called “Veg Etiquette,” the Vegetarian Times addressed the issue, advising vegans, “DON’T make comments about your nausea at seeing a bird corpse being hacked away at,” advised the author. “It may make you squeamish, but it’s something that some people drool over.”
Actually, there are many vegetarians who aren’t all that squeamish about flesh-eating but owe their conversion to health concerns. Losing weight, lowering cholesterol, and avoiding hormones and antibiotics used in commercially raised animals are reasons enough to steer one’s regime toward more fruits and veggies.
Home cooks familiar with classic cookbooks such as Patricia Wells’ Vegetable Harvest, Barbara Kafka’s Vegetable Love, Madhur Jaffrey’s World Vegetarian, Anna Thomas’ The Vegetarian Epicure and Deborah Madison’s Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone already know how varied and satisfying cooking without meat can be. With the obesity epidemic in this country, it would behoove all of us to eat less animal fat and more nutritious plant life.
Fortrunately, the Triangle has a range of choices for meatless feasting. The excellent Sage Vegetarian Café in Chapel Hill (Persian cuisine), Udupi in Cary and Tower in Morrisville (both Southern Indian) serve no meat at all. Delicious vegetarian main courses can be found at Raleigh’s Sitti, Neomonde, and St. Jacques; Durham’s Blue Corn; Carrboro’s Glasshalfull; Chapel Hill’s Margaret’s Cantina; and Cary’s Bosphorus, to name just a few. This month, I celebrated my heightened veggie-consciousness by visiting the oldest and the newest vegetarian restaurants in our area.
The Irregardless Café
901 W. Morgan St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
Arthur Gordon, with not a lick of restaurant experience but a passion for healthy, tasty food, opened Raleigh’s first vegetarian restaurant in 1975. Thirty-five years later, his hospitable establishment still satisfies vegetable lovers at its original address on Morgan Street. Though the first café burned in 1994, Gordon rebuilt the eatery. His simply decorated space exudes permanence, as if it has been nurturing the neighborhood forever, and always will. One reason for longevity is the flexibility of the owner who met popular demand and added seafood and meat to the menu years ago. But his menu still offers many meatless items, including a few vegan specialties.
The dishes we tried, executed by Chef Daniel Cohn, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, were rich and generously portioned, ostensibly geared more to athletes than ladies who lunch. A huge grilled Portabella mushroom cap on polenta, topped with a large dollop of pesto, was served with spinach and carrots. The traditional baked macaroni and cheese was big enough for three football players, as was the voluptuous apple crisp. The goat cheese salad was more about the cheese than the lettuce, though I heard no complaints from my dinner companions. Billed as an appetizer, the Middle Eastern platter — butterbean pâté, hummus and tabouli — is a meal in itself.
Gordon has always been a nurturer — of his loyal staff, his patrons and his community (he was awarded Green Business Leader of 2009 by the Triangle Business Journal). Characteristically, his restaurant’s dishes are all about comfort. Those looking for a low-fat, spa experience should stick with the salads.
Butternut Squash Restaurant
133E W. Franklin St., University Square
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
The newest vegetarian restaurant in the Triangle, Butternut Squash, could be beamed in from an upscale health spa. Light and airy, pastel walls covered with abstract paintings, Butternut’s feminine ambience reflects the sunny personality of its owners, mother-daughter team Maisie Coborne, who runs the floor, and Kelly Bruney in the kitchen.
The spring-like décor suits Butternut’s health-conscious menu, and servers are trained to cater to the concerns of fussy purists. Before the menu arrived we were asked, “Do you prefer ice in your water?”
From the international selection of dishes, we tried the highly spiced spicy seitan chili, butternut and pear salad, Thai green curry and the pleasantly seasoned “A taste of India” with coconut rice. All dishes feature farm-fresh vegetables and fragrant spices, but at first bite, everything tasted surprisingly bland. This was easily remedied by a salt shaker. The chef uses little salt in cooking, but after we added it, flavors came alive and the meal was enjoyable.
Brunch was less successful with faux “sausage” and “bacon.” And Southern biscuit fanatics will be disappointed with Butternut’s rendition, as flat and tough as zwieback. Apparently faux shortening has not yet been perfected. Better to stick with the dishes that feature fruits and vegetables with no pretentions of being anything other than what they are.
NIBBLES
To learn more about vegetarian dining spots and food events, The Triangle Vegetarian Society’s Web site, www.trianglevegsociety.org, offers a calendar and a listing of veggie-friendly restaurants.
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Niall Hanley, owner of Hibernian and Solas, has opened his third eatery in the Glenwood South restaurant ghetto. The Diner promises to be another visual treat by the ambitiously creative restaurateur. Menu items include burgers, fries, milkshakes, steaks, salads and other traditional diner foods. It will be open 24/7 and serves breakfast at all hours.
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Chef Ricky Moore, formerly of Glasshalfull, will head the kitchen of George Bakatsias’ new Cary enterprise, Giorgio, on Cary Parkway at High House Road. Moore’s menu includes “new Mediterranean” dishes, such as chicken tagine and red snapper plaki.
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La Residence starts the year with new Chef Stephen Amos, formerly head of The Old Granary’s kitchen at Fearrington Village.
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Fins has closed in downtown Raleigh but plans to morph into an international street food restaurant to open later this winter.
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Iron Chef winner Walter Royal will host three fine-dining cooking classes this spring at The Angus Barn where he has been executive chef for over a decade. Guests will prepare a multi-course meal from start to finish. Reserve a space now by calling Kelly Joslin at 919-787-3505 ext. 268 or e-mail kelly.joslin@angusbarn.com.
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Barbara Ensrud's wine classes at Duke begin Jan. 29, five Friday night sessions exploring the likes of Pinot Noir, the Cabernets, Syrah and other top grapes from the world's top wine regions. Information: 919-684-6259 or www.learnmore.duke.edu/weekend/courses.
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The Triangle food scene lost one of its most memorable personalities last month when Fred Benton passed away. Benton began his food-writing career at The Spectator, then owned and edited by our own Bernie Reeves. Benton wrote “Off the Menu” for Metro, and most recently was the dining editor of Raleigh Downtowner Magazine. For 15 years Benton hosted “Food Forum” and “The Better Living Show” on Durham’s radio station WDNC-AM. He was a knowledgeable epicurean, but his real talent was comedy and his playful, wicked wit. As co-host on the show, I tried to maintain a sense of seriousness and dignity on air, and, fortunately for listeners, I never succeeded. Benton was all about laughter and enjoying life to the fullest, which he did for a much-too-short 58 years.
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We have also lost a wonderful chef, Marta Brewer. Brewer and her husband brought Spanish cuisine to Raleigh with their restaurant, Tasca Brava. Later she cooked at Dos Taquitos Centro. Raleigh foodies will miss her inventive Spanish and Mexican cooking.
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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 St., Raleigh. 829-2518. www.518west.com. Located in a beautifully renovated, light-filled historic building, 518 West has been named “Best Italian Restaurant in the Triangle” four straight years by the readers of the Independent. Featuring a wood-burning pizza oven, fresh seasonal pastas made in-house, seafood and steaks, and much more. All bottles of wine are 50% off on Mondays.
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.
THE DUCK & DUMPLING – 222 S. Blount St., Raleigh. 919-838-0085. www.theduckanddumpling.com. Overlooking Moore Square, this contemporary Asian-fusion bistro is home to Chef David Mao’s unique blend of authentic Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Bar and sidewalk seating available. Lunch: 11:30 am-2:30 p.m., M-F; Dinner: 5 p.m.-10 p.m., T-Th; 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Fri-Sat.
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. www.flyingbiscuit.com. 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.
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.
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.
THE MORNING TIMES — 10 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-836-1204. www.morningtimes-raleigh.com. Coffee shop serves up locally roasted coffee with bagels, muffins, scones, sandwiches; open late, serving wine and beer. Local artists’ works featured in upstairs gallery. Sidewalk seating available. Open 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m., M-F; 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat-Sun.
MURA — 4121 Main at North Hills Street, Raleigh.781-7887. www.mura-northhills.com. Traditional dishes and innovative new rolls make Mura stand out as one of the premier sushi restaurants on the East Coast. Elegant but cozy, Mura fits any occasion. Lunch: Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Dinner: Sun-Thurs 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
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 PIT — 328 W. Davie St., Raleigh. 919-890-4500. www.thepit-raleigh.com. Country meets city with authentic North Carolina pit cooked barbecue prepared by legendary pitmaster Ed Mitchell, complemented by creative, seasonal appetizers and sides. Bar and outdoor seating available. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-Sat; Dinner: 5 p.m.-10 p.m., M-Th; 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Fri-Sat. Sunday Brunch Buffet: 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Sat lunch, Sun brunch start March 28).
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.
THE RALEIGH TIMES — 14 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-833-0999. www.raleightimesbar.com. Beautifully restored 100-year-old building is home to a timeless local watering hole, featuring creative takes on classic bar fare, inventive drink menu, extensive Belgian beer selection. Bar and sidewalk seating available. Open 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., M-Sat; Noon-2 a.m., Sun.
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. www.second-empire.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.
SITTI — 137 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh. 919-239-4070. www.sitti-raleigh.com. Authentic Lebanese cuisine by Chef Ghassan Jarrouj honors owners’ home country and grandmothers, or sittis, with delicious food and endless hospitality. Made-fresh mezze, entrees and house-baked flatbreads. Bar and outdoor seating available. Lunch: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., M-Sat; Dinner: 5 p.m.-10 p.m., M-Th; 5 p.m.-Midnight, Fri-Sat.
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.
WINSTON’S GRILLE — 6401 Falls of the Neuse Rd, Raleigh. 790-0700. www.winstonsgrille.com. A Raleigh landmark for over 22 years; there's a perfect spot for everyone and every occasion. A combination of great food, fantastic service, and friendly atmosphere makes us a value place. Bread, desserts and cut meats are prepared and made fresh daily. Try our fine American cuisine, relax in the bar with our award winning Crab Dip or Bloody Mary’s and enjoy beautiful, outdoor patio dining in the warmer months. M-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat. 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-10 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 Tues.-Sat., Dinner Wed.-Sat. and Sunday 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
411 WEST ITALIAN CAFÉ — 411 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill. 968-4732. www.411west.com. An Italian Café featuring fresh pasta, seafood, steaks, pizzas from a wood-fired oven, and homemade signature desserts in a Tuscan Villa setting. All bottle wines are 50% off on Monday nights. Private Room available for up to 50.
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.”
SPANKY’S — 101 East Franklin St., Downtown Chapel Hill, 967-2678, www.spankysrestaurant.com, Featuring famous char-grilled hamburgers, Brown Sugar Babyback Ribs, fresh signature salads, and homemade desserts since 1977. Private Rooms upstairs accommodate up to 100, and overlook Franklin Street and Downtown Chapel Hill.
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.
SQUID’S — 1201 Fordham Blvd., Chapel Hill. 942-8757. www.squidsrestaurant.com. This local institution features the freshest seafood, steaks, and Chapel Hill’s only raw bar. Named “2008 Best Seafood Restaurant in the Triangle” by the readers of the Independent, Squid’s offers imaginative specials and fresh Maine lobster. Oyster Happy Hour daily from
4-6p.m. Lobsters are Market price on Monday nights.
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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