Featured Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

February 4, 2020 by Ron Wen

Chido Taco in Raleigh: Serving Up Tacos and Mexican Deliciousness

Chido Taco in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

When it comes to tacos, I can’t get enough! Like burgers or pizza, tacos are one of those ubiquitous food items that always seems to hit the spot. The challenge is finding really GOOD and authentic taco places, whether you’re talking food trucks, restaurants or what have you. Online reviews for Chido Taco caught my attention a while back online so I decided to track this taqueria down. Located in the recently constructed McNeill Pointe, Chido Taco is doing some really unique and special things to the traditional taqueria concept. And outside of trying to find parking in this busy shopping plaza, it all really works well in my book!

Kitchen at Chido Taco in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

Stepping into Chido Taco you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported south of the border! While Chido Taco may be about mercado (market) style tacos, we’re talking about a very modern market! Large and bright space with an open kitchen, cocktail bar in back and casual cafe seating, the front counter looks like painted corrugated steel giving everything an industrial look. And there’s plenty for modern art and logos painted on the walls giving the space a light and lively feel. Maybe it’s the salsa music playing overhead that gets your toes tapping!

Order counter at Chido Taco in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

Cocktail bar at Chido Taco in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

Head on to the back of the order counter and you can order up some classic Mexican eats in the form of tacos, bowls, tortas and burritos. The tacos and burritos come in six different proteins: pork (al pastor), chicken (pollo adobado), steak (bistec), beef tongue (lengua), beef belly (suadero) and cactus-poblano (nopal-rajas). There’s also a menu of specialty tacos like fish, octopus and more. Tortas are a new addition to the menu and come in steak, chorizo, link sausage and more. One negative at Chido Tacos is that you don’t get chips with your meal and have to order them a la carte. Tacos run from $2.49 to $2.99 while burritos are $7.99 to $8.99 a pop, a very inexpensive meal!

Al pastor on trompa at Chido Taco in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

Condiment bar at Chido Taco in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

After you order at the counter you’ll get a buzzer and you can grab a table. Couple of things to take note, Chido Taco cooks up its al pastor (pork with pineapple) on a traditional trompa which is a vertical spit and the meat is shaved off, very cool! There’s also a condiment bar with salsa, jalapenos, pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and lime to bling our your tacos once you get them. Chido Taco serves up its tacos naked so you’ll need those self-serve extras to dress up your lunch.

Bare tacos at Chido Taco in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

Al pastor taco at Chido Taco in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

My favorites at Chido Taco are the Al Pastor (sliced off the trompa) and the bistecca (steak) tacos! The meat for both is well-seasoned with a bit of char for extra flavor from the flat-top. Their al pastor is served with a bit of sliced pineapple for some sweetness along with the pork, perfection. The tacos are served with a single, fresh tortilla and for the most part it holds up while eating.

Steak burrito at Chido Taco in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

Steak quesadilla at Chido Taco in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

If you’re not in a mood for tacos, you’ve got burritos, quesadillas, tortas and bowls as your other options and I can say that their burritos are quite good. Packed a bit smaller than I’m used to and seared on the outside, there’s plenty of grilled meat inside along with some lettuce for contrast. While the burrito is decent, I’d have to say I prefer the SoCal style burritos at Los Cuates down the street. But still a good option if you’re dining here at Chido Taco. The quesadillas here are perfectly grilled and stuffed with a good ratio of cheese and meat. A more American option for eats here at Chido Taco!

After the meal, feel free to bus your meal and tray up at the front of the store, it’s a casual eatery so good to help out and keep costs low. Because Chido Taco is offering some great Mexican eats and tacos at food truck type prices. Given the cool, colorful space and options around beer and liquor, it’s certainly a more sophisticated way to do street tacos without the street. And I love that concept here for Raleigh. While there are a ton of little taquerias scattered around Durham and Carrboro, having Chido Taco in ITB Raleigh is a great and inexpensive option for dining. If you appreciate it for what it is, I think you’ll love the food and ambiance here, delicioso!

Chido Taco

2300 Bale Street, Suite 100

Raleigh, NC

919.594.1930

Chido Taco menu

Location on Google maps

February 19, 2020 by Ron Wen

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, Raleigh – A Taste of New England Seafood in North Carolina

Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

As a former, native New Englander, I can take my lobster rolls pretty seriously. And I certainly took them for granted when I lived up north. After living in San Francisco and then North Carolina over the past 20+ years, I came to realize that they were pretty much a regional delicacy given I rarely saw them served elsewhere. But time changes everything, thankfully! With Cousins Maine Lobster first opening up a food truck and then a stall at the Morgan Street Food Hall, some of my cravings were satiated. And now add one more lobster specialist to the mix, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls!

Order counter at Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Order counter at Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Dining room at Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Dining room at Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Located in the older area of North Hills near the Renaissance Hotel, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls (MFLR) sits in a narrow little space on a corner of a building. Lots of plate glass windows and sidewalk seating, it’s all counter order and pretty basic here! And the menu is pretty basic too, offering up a handful of classic New England seafood items: NE and CT lobster rolls (lobster dressed in either mayo or butter), bisque, chowder along with a handful of other sandwiches. Lobster rolls are offered in two sizes, the regular ($16) and Bar Harbor (meat of full lobster, $20). The lobster is flown in twice a week from Maine to make sure it’s as fresh as can be!

CT-style lobster roll at Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — CT-style lobster roll at Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Dipping a lobster cheese sandwich into bisque at Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Dipping a lobster cheese sandwich into bisque at Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Over the course of two visits I’ve had a chance to try the loaded Bar Harbor lobster roll, Connecticut-style, lobster bisque and lobster cheese sandwich. The CT style lobster is luscious, rich lobster covered in clarified butter on a toasted side-split hot dog bun. It’s a classic take on a lobster roll and worth the calories! The warm buttery, bun plays off nicely against the lobster. Highly recommend their ooey, gooey cheese sandwich stuffed with lobster pieces and dipping it into some lovely lobster bisque. You can even order lobster on top of your bisque for some extra flava!

Service at Mason’s has been decent but given the counter service, it’s not that complicated. All in all I do like Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls and their seafood here. The lobster here is certainly pretty fresh and what they’re doing is right on par with what you might find up in New England. But let’s face it, the small menu means you really have to be craving lobster to come here. And with a concept similar to Cousins Maine Lobster, you’ve now got another good option to get your lobby on!

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

4121 Main at North Hills Street, Suite 100

Raleigh, NC 27609

984.200.1845

Location on Google maps

September 6, 2020 by Ron Wen 2 Comments

Photos: The New Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille in Raleigh!

Front of Perry's Steakhouse & Grille in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Front of Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

When it comes to steakhouses, I’m a fan if you’re up for spending a bit more for a deluxe experience and special evening. The newest steakhouse entry in the Triangle is Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille! Based out of Texas, Raleigh is their first location in North Carolina. It’s a modern steakhouse experience with plenty of panache and style. The design is modern and open, similar to the Oak in Raleigh. The menu spans steakhouse favorites but one special item that Perry’s is known for is its famous pork chop! A smokey, succulent bone on tenderloin that offers a lot of deliciousness in one plate. I’ve only been able to stop by once and will add to this post when there is more information to share!

Hostess desk at Perry's Steakhouse & Grille in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Hostess desk at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Main dining room at Perry's Steakhouse & Grille in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Main dining room at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Wine room at Perry's Steakhouse & Grille in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Wine room at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Bar at Perry's Steakhouse & Grille in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Bar at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

4509 Creedmoor Road

Raleigh, NC 27612

919.827.4158

Location on Google maps

July 3, 2021 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh for Some of the Freshest Seafood Around

Retail area at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Retail area at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

When it comes to seafood, things are looking up in Raleigh! With the recent addition of Cape Fear Seafood Company at Cameron Village, we now have several great places like Cortez Seafood and St. Roch to get your seafood on. One other option you may have overlooked is Locals Oyster Bar, part of Locals Seafood Company. While Locals Seafood focuses on the retail sales side, the Locals Oyster Bar part of their business gives you a dine-in option at both the popular Transfer Co Food Hall and Durham Food Hall! Most of my dining experience has been at their Raleigh location, here’s what to expect when you visit!

Dining area at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Dining area at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Inside the busy and popular Transfer Co. Food Hall, you’ll find Locals Oyster Bar in the southern end of the space, across from Benchwarmers and near the patio. While the majority of Transfer Co’s seating is communal and shared, Locals Oyster Bar offers a more private dining option with individual tables and seating, just for the restaurant. In traditional oyster bar fashion there is stool seating along the counter and a handful of 4-tops deeper inside. The feel is industrial: concrete floors and brick but with some interesting, white lighting above. While the noise from the food hall keeps things from being really romantic at Locals Oyster Bar, the space does take on a different feel in the evening.

Dining room at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Dining room at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

If you’re wondering who the culinary talent is behind the Locals Oyster Bar, it’s Chef Eric Montagne who has cooked at the Boiler Room in Kinston along with the old Standard Foods in Raleigh. Usually Oysters Local Bar has a small menu hung up behind the counter along with a paper menu up front at the order area. Note, that there may be a slightly different menu at night and during busier time periods when they will have more entrees and specials. One challenge I’ve had at Locals is their service style and menu changing from time to time and being unaware of how exactly to order, so ask questions up front. Currently, beer served at the main Transfer Co Food Hall bar can not be brought into the Locals Oyster Bar area and vice-versa. A more recent beverage change that confused me during my last visit. The menu consists of mostly smaller plates, appetizers and sandwiches along with beer and wine.

Oysters on the half-shell at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Oysters on the half-shell at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Peel and eat shrimp at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Peel and eat shrimp at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Once you figured out the details of how to order, you can focus on the food and it is VERY good. Prices are decent given the more casual counter order set up and of course, I’d recommend oysters on the half-shell! Usually they’ve got a local NC oyster option and the bivalves are served up with mignonette, cocktail sauce, horseradish and lemon. These oysters are SUPER fresh as you’d imagine and you can also do oyster kits (oysters, ice, accoutrements) if you’re willing to shuck them yourselves at home. I’d also recommend the spicy peel n eat shrimp, served up cold and with some butter. Two great seafood starters to share before your main meal!

Chicken-fried fish collars at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Chicken-fried fish collars at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Fried oyster poutine at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Fried oyster poutine at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Some favorite dishes that I’ve tried at Locals Oyster Bar is their fried fish collars with hot honey along with fried oyster poutine! The fried fish collars have a lumpy and bumpy coating covering tender, white fish with some bone. A quick drizzle of spicy honey and tangy pickles on the side make for an interesting appetizer! And the fried oyster poutine is a wicked concoction of skin-on fries, gravy and plump, freshly fried oysters! It’s not currently on the menu but hopefully it will be back in the fall time. A more recent meal showed off a fantastic crab roll stuffed with tons of fresh crab meat and topped with fragrant dill. I added some hushpuppies with honey butter on the side, making for a perfect summer meal.

Crab roll and hushpuppies at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Crab roll and hushpuppies at Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Overall I like what Locals Oyster Bar is consistently delivering: fresh, well-prepared seafood at a decent price. I trust Chef Eric’s skills in the kitchen, I have yet to be disappointed over 5 to 6 visits. And while it’s certainly not cheap, it’s reasonably affordable compared to other seafood options in the area. I like that they can keep things simple with fried seafood or push harder with fancier preparation of their fish. And certainly, you can’t get much fresher than dealing with a restaurant who offers seafood in a retail setting. So rock on, Locals Oyster Bar! While the service may be quirky at times, love your food and casual environs. Seafood doesn’t have to be served up fancy when it’s as fresh and good as what Locals offers.

Locals Oyster Bar at Transfer Co Food Hall

500 E. Davie Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.594.1459

Location on Google maps

Oyster kit from Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Oyster kit from Locals Oyster Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

July 8, 2021 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Torchy’s Tacos – Tingling Tastebuds with Tex-Mex Flavors in Raleigh

Front of future Torchy's Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Front of Torchy’s Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

When it comes to restaurant hype, I try to be immune to it since often enough or not, it’s just a case of hyperbole and PR. But every now and then, a restaurant meets that foodie hype which is a really pleasant surprise. If you’re a fan of Tex-Mex cuisine, I’m happy to say that Torchy’s Tacos in Midtown East (Raleigh) is bringing it when it comes to that style of eats. I’ve had the chance to dine at Torchy’s at least three times (one comped media visit, two personal visits) and it’s always been a flavor-filled and enjoyable dining experience. Here’s why Torchy’s is worth the effort, wherever you live in the Triangle!

Dining interior at Torchy's Tacos in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Dining interior at Torchy’s Tacos in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

A popular Tex-Mex chain from Austin, Texas, Torchy’s at Midtown East is their first East coast location out of nearly 100 in the country, primarily Texas! Started by Chef Mike Rypka in a food trailer, Torchy’s is known for their “Damn Good” tacos and queso as proclaimed in some of the store signage! The Raleigh location is conveniently located in front of Wegman’s and next to Crumbl Cookies which means you’ll probably be gaining some weight as SOON as you pull into the plaza. 🙂 There is some street parking in this new plaza but alternatively, grab a shaded space in Wegman’s underground lot and walk the block over as some cardio before your meal.

Busy dining room at Torchy's Tacos in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Busy dining room at Torchy’s Tacos in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Order counter at Torchys Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Order counter at Torchys Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Torchy’s sports a retro-sign overhead, lit by bulbs and a nice side patio with shades. Inside you’ll find a queuing area in front of the two counter cashiers with the menu above. Note that you may be able to bypass the line and just dine at the bar in back to get seated quickly. Torchy’s menu is super basic focused on twenty or so tacos, a salad and burrito option along with some sides. Don’t miss their creative “secret menu” available online. There’s also a gluten-conscious menu which focuses on tacos with corn tortillas and more. Once you order, you’ll be given a buzzer, you can self-serve your soft drinks at a machine and grab a table. The decor here is primarily bright fire-engine reds, blacks, and browns! It all feels very modern with a hint of retro in the dining room. And don’t forget the 12 or so seats at the back bar (stools and 2-tops), Torchy’s will get really busy during prime-time hours.

Bar area at Torchys Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Bar area at Torchys Tacos at Midtown East in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Now how about the food, amirite?! Let’s just start with the fact that the portion sizes at Torchy’s are generous. While at some places I could eat 3 or more tacos, you’ll be lucky to survive past 2 at Torchys given the size and amount of filling they load on top of their larger tortillas. To start off with, don’t miss out on their “damn good” queso! It’s a show-stopper and topped with avocado, cotija cheese, diablo sauce and cilantro. Served up with a large basket of thin and crispy chips, this decadent dip will serve 2 to 4 people. And you’ll be fighting for the chip scraps at the end! You can also get it loaded with chorizo to level up your queso game. Another nice touch is that Torchy’s serves up breakfast tacos, mostly filled with egg, cheese and more. I tried out the Wrangler which is filled with brisket and potato chunks, quite a mouthful. Note that breakfast tacos are served up all day long and they usually will have migas on the menu, an Austin breakfast favorite!

Damn good queso and chips at Torchy's Tacos in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Damn good queso and chips at Torchy’s Tacos in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Wrangler breakfast taco at Torchy's Tacos in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Wrangler breakfast taco at Torchy’s Tacos in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

If you’re looking for something more substantial, I love their green chile pork tacos which are a tried and true Tex-Mex favorite. You can get your tacos “trashy” which means to pull off the lettuce and add queso, a winning combination in my book! Friends at my table loved the Baja shrimp taco, plump fried shrimp with slaw, pickled onions and jalapenos, probably one of Torchy’s lighter taco choices.

Baja shrimp taco at Torchy's Midtown East in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Baja shrimp taco at Torchy’s Midtown East in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Green chile pork and brushfire tacos at Torchy's Midtown East in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Green chile pork and brushfire tacos at Torchy’s Midtown East in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

And the secret menu tacos are ridiculous, I tried the Trailer Park, Hillbilly style which is a large crunchy chicken tender topped with chorizo, chiles, queso, cheddar cheese and pico de gallo. You’ll probably be eating this taco with a fork! All the secret tacos tend to be ginormous and packed with filling making them easily worth 2 to 3 tacos, wow!

Torchy's secret taco menu, Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Torchy’s secret taco menu, Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Trailer Park taco Hillbilly style at Torchy's Midtown East in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Torchy’s secret taco menu, Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Service has been excellent during my visits. They are super-busy but aim to make you happy. All in all I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much I like Torchy’s Tacos! Its proximity to Wegmans where I shop often doesn’t hurt either. Torchy’s ups the Triangle taco game by amping up the Tex-Mex and Southwestern flavors making for a decadent and flavor-packed meal. Yeah, it’s probably not such a good idea if you’re on a diet but who cares when you’ve got eats that are this “damn good”! A fun spot for a great meal, no foodie hype necessary at all…

Chido Taco in Raleigh: Serving Up Tacos and Mexican Deliciousness