Retakes Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

November 2, 2017 by Ron Wen

Retake: Sono Sushi in Raleigh for a Deluxe Japanese Dining Experience

Refreshed dining room at Sono Sushi in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Refreshed dining room at Sono Sushi in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Over the years, as I’ve grown to appreciate sushi and Japanese food, one Raleigh restaurant has been consistently doing a great job for the cuisine: Sono. From its convenient downtown location, Sono has consistently dished out authentic and tasty Japanese eats since I’ve lived in Raleigh (nine years) and I have a tremendous amount of respect for its original owner-chef Mike Lee. So of course I was a bit concerned when I found out from Chef Mike that he would be moving on from Sono’s operations to focus on his two new concepts in Durham (M Sushi and M Kokko). What would happen to my favorite Japanese restaurant? Would it be in good hands? Well as time would tell, I had nothing to worry about and here’s why!

Bar at Sono Sushi in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Bar at Sono Sushi in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

As Chef Mike was transitioning to his Durham restaurants in 2016, I did notice some interesting changes at Sono. The decor was refreshed and while it still maintained its red and back motif, Sono seemed a bit newer and updated. Little did I known but new Chef Hyunwoo Kim (formerly chef at An) had already taken over the kitchen and was slowly making changes in back. Eventually I did get formal notice from Sono’s PR representative, Jennifer Noble Kelly and made a concerted effort to see what had really changed during this transition and I can tell you that most everything has stayed up to the high standards that Chef Mike had initially delivered along with some new additions!

Salmon crudo at Sono Sushi in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Salmon crudo at Sono Sushi in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Tasty gyoza at Sono Sushi in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Tasty gyoza at Sono Sushi in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Currently, Sono is doing a Sunday and Monday ramen special which I’m a huge fan of. For $20, you can choose any ramen off their menu and it’s paired with a tasty starter such as crudo or gyoza The crudo I tried was a beautiful salmon topped with jalapeno and some sriracha giving the dish a bit of pop. And the pan-fried dumplings-gyoza showed off a wonderfully tender skin along with a tasty minced meat filling, yum!

Ramen selection at Sono Sushi in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Ramen selection at Sono Sushi in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Tonkotsu ramen at Sono Sushi in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Tonkotsu ramen at Sono Sushi in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

But oh, it’s time to get excited about ramen, especially now with the weather cooling down! They’ve got several options on the menu right now (tonkotsu, shoyu, spicy miso) and the meat-focused ramens come with cha-siu pork, bamboo shoots, wood-ear mushrooms and an egg. Really wonderful bowls that will fill you up, I highly recommend the tonkotsu with its milky-creamy pork broth. The tonkotsu has a wonderful savory depth to its flavor profile that just pulls you into this delicious meal. And the cha-siu at Sono is tender and sliced nicely thin. Overall you can’t go wrong with the ramens here at Sono so enjoy!

Dancing eel and Surf n Turf rolls at Sono Sushi in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Dancing eel and Surf n Turf rolls at Sono Sushi in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

But let’s face it, if you’re talking about Sono and Japanese food, you have to try the sushi! During a recent lunch visit, I tried the Dancing Eel and Surf n Turf rolls for lunch (2 for $20) and they were wonderful. Medium-sized they showed off some excellent rice and construction. I usually enjoy specialty rolls and Sono does a great job here with excellent ingredients that are allowed to shine with a minimum of sauces. The Surf and Turf roll was topped with tenderized beef and stuffed with tasty crab which really pops out on the palate. And the seared eel on the second roll was deliciously seared and generously applied.

Ishiyaki barbeque at Sono Sushi in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Ishiyaki barbeque at Sono Sushi in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Wagyu beef over sushi rice at Sono Sushi in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Wagyu beef over sushi rice at Sono Sushi in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

The rest of Sono’s menu is pretty interesting featuring a table-side ishiyaki (grilled beef), Korean fried chicken, hamachi jalapeno and more. During a media visit, I tried out a sublime starter of Wagyu beef atop sushi rice and topped with some jalapeno, a fantastic treatment of high-quality beef. And Sono also offers an omakase (chef’s choice, coursed meal) which I imagine would be a lot of fun.

All I can say is that Sono is in good hands with Chef Kim and I’d trust him in same way I trusted Chef Mike Lee, previously. They’re staying true to their ingredients while offering up some twists in the menu to keep things interesting. They’ve also increased the emphasis on their sakes offering over 35+ options in their program along with a Tuesday night, Wine & Sake social for $10 along with some complimentary sushi. How can you go wrong there?! So thank you Chef Kim and GM James Yang for taking care of one of my favorite downtown Raleigh restaurants. I know you’ll keep up the same great standards that Sono has always had and I’m looking forward to my next meal with y’all!

Sono Sushi

319 Fayetteville Street #101

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.521.5328

Location on Google maps

February 20, 2018 by Ron Wen

Retake: The Flying Saucer in Raleigh, a Classic Destination for Great Beer!

Flying Saucer in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Flying Saucer in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

When it comes to beer in the Triangle, we’ve been in a renaissance for the past 5 years! Breweries, bottle shops and brew pubs have been opening up, left and right, in Raleigh, Durham and points beyond. I mean, who doesn’t love a tasty, locally brewed beer on a warm summer’s day?! But way back when, before this whole beer revolution started, there were only a handful of spots you could go to get a great craft beer, enter the Flying Saucer on Morgan Street! This beer and brews stalwart has been pouring out great beer for years and even though it wasn’t my personal favorite spot, I decide to go back for some visits to see how things have held up at the Saucer. And I’m glad to say that it’s still doing an excellent job serving great beer for Oak City residents…

Covered patio at Flying Saucer in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Covered patio at Flying Saucer in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Located on the corner of Morgan and Harrington Street, you can’t miss the Flying Saucer! You’ll usually find the covered patio, filled with Raleighites enjoying a good beer and snacks when the weather is nice. Stepping through the doorway you’ll immediately be hit by the enormity of the Flying Saucer space and its beer hall interior. Checked floor in black and green, long bar with taps to the right and four-tops to the left. And yes, beer plates! Gold rimmed plates line every bare spot on the walls and ceilings, with a customer message on each. Part of the UFO club that the Flying Saucer runs, taste and/or drink 200 different beers and you’ll get your own special plate to adorn the Flying Saucer space! The beer hall is a bit worn and aged which adds to the charm here. There have been a LOT of brews and beers quaffed down at the Flying Saucer over the years.

Rich and weathered interior at Flying Saucer in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Rich and weathered interior at Flying Saucer in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Sitting down at the bar and choosing one of the Flying Saucer’s 200+ beers can be a bit intimidating but thankfully the staff here is super knowledgeable when it comes to suds. And honestly, after the Raleigh Beer Garden offered up 360+ beers, the Saucer seems less difficult. At least most of the Saucer customers know their beers pretty well, making the selection process, quicker. The Flying Saucer is also known for for its waitstaff with many of the female servers sporting plaid skirts and knee-high socks, but you know what? Don’t let their looks fool you. They know their beer here really well, too.

The Bratzel at Flying Saucer in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — The Bratzel at Flying Saucer in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Great beer, cool decor but what about the food at the Saucer? Well they’ve offer a small selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads (hahaha), plates and pizzas. You do need something to eat along with all that great beer! The food falls comfortably into the category of simple bar food and is not super memorable. But I do think they are upping their game when it comes to the eats. From snacks to sandwiches and pizzas, it’s all hearty rib-sticking fare are the Flying Saucer

Tex-Mex hash brown skillet at Flying Saucer in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Tex-Mex hash brown skillet at Flying Saucer in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Bacon, egg and cheese pizza at Flying Saucer in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Bacon, egg and cheese pizza at Flying Saucer in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

A recent visit for brunch turned up a Tex-Mex hash brown skillet and breakfast pizza! Tasty hash-browns topped with cheddar-jack cheese, fried egg and jalapenos, yum! And the breakfast pizza topped with scrambled egg, bacon and cheddar was pretty solid too! The Flying Saucer does brunch from 11am to 3pm. I think it’ll be a fun option out on that patio once it gets warmer. The Flying Saucer also runs beer specials on Sundays ($3 pints, NC Beer) and Mondays ($3 pints, all taps).

UFO Plates on the ceiling at Flying Saucer in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — UFO Plates on the ceiling at Flying Saucer in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

So a slow round of applause for the venerable Flying Saucer on Morgan Street! While the Raleigh food scene has improved by leaps and bounds over the years, the Saucer has also upped its game to keep up. The Flying Saucer may not be top of mind for a drink or food, I think it’s a totally decent spot to get a feel for what Raleigh is about and sample some great beer. And while I may not ever have a UFO plate up on the wall with my name on it, I will definitely be back to sample more off of their food menu!

Flying Saucer Raleigh

328 W Morgan Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.821-7401

Location on Google maps

April 16, 2013 by Ron Wen 5 Comments

Retake: Lilly’s in Raleigh for Fragrant Pizza, Oven-baked Wings

Counter at Lilly's, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Counter at Lilly’s, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

As a pizza afficionado, I never knew what to make of Lilly’s down in Five Points. I’m a fan of thin, crust Neapolitan and Lilly’s doesn’t do za, that way. I’ve eaten at Lilly’s many times but never knew what the big deal was, and wasn’t always interested in the lines and limited parking. Which is a shame since I live about a mile away from this Raleigh classic. But tonight, I think I got Lilly’s. She’s a sweet girl and you just need to appreciate her for what she’s good at.

Dining room at Lilly's, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Dining room at Lilly’s, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Decor at Lilly's, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Decor at Lilly’s, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Inside Lilly’s you’ll usually find super-eclectic decor (airplane on ceiling, funky pictures, bumper stickers ), rock music blaring out of the overhead speakers, all making for a hip neighborhood scene. It’s really a spot for locals given the location. Salads, strombolis, pizza and wings, the menu is small with an emphasis on high-quality ingredients. I go with the Thai wings and a slice of sausage pizza to keep things simple. A nice cold pint of Newcastle keeps me company at the table.

Slice of sausage pizza at Lilly's, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Slice of sausage pizza at Lilly’s, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Ten minutes after I put my order in, I get my slice and it’s a puffy triangle covered in melted muzz and thick slices of sausage. Lilly’s pizza is probably best eaten with knife and fork until it cools down. The crust here is definitely different. Tastes like whole-grain so there’s some texture and bite on the bottom but inside it still remains really fluffy. The dough has some sweetness along with the sauce so it’s definitely different than what I usually get elsewhere. But overall still a very good, if UN-traditional slice of pizza. What really blows me away for me are the wings. A dozen wings arrive in a ceramic plate. Very little coating, no sauce, just a pretty bare wing with some coconut milk and spices baked in. And here’s where the magic happens. By baking the wings you get super-tender, juicy chicken which is just really enhanced by the crisp skin and light spicing. As much as I like my fried wings, I’d say oven-baked is a better barometer of good chicken and here it’s where Lilly’s really rocks it out. I’m wolfing these down and realizing I am eating WAY too much food but it’s that good, yum!

Thai oven-baked wings at Lilly's, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Thai oven-baked wings at Lilly’s, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Service during my visit was fine but during busy, peak periods, things can get hectic and that’s where I usually hear complaints. But can you really fault Lilly’s for being the uber-popular girl on the block? So it’s been a while since I’ve eaten here but really glad I made an effort to come back for a delicious visit! So glad we could hook up tonight, Lilly’s. You’re a little bit different but in a really, great way…

Lilly’s Pizza

1813 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27608

919.833.0226

Lilly’s Pizza menu

Location on Google maps

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December 29, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Retake: Armadillo Grill, A Tex-Mex Classic That’s Still Chugging Along

Front of Armadillo Grill in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

When you think of Mexican food, you’ve got a lot of choices in Raleigh: Chuy’s, Cantina 18, Centro along with Jose & Sons to name a few. But before ALL those other places existed, Armadillo Grill has been around serving up its Tex-Mex for years. With locations in Carrboro and Raleigh, I’ve known about and eaten at the Dillo since I first arrived in the Triangle back in 2005. But like all stand-bys, they sometimes get forgotten. So I decided to go back for a re-visit since I had a hankering for some queso!

Ordering area at Armadillo Grill in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Located on the busy S. Glenwood corridor, Armadillo Grill sports a small fenced in patio up front. Inside you’ll find an order area with posted menus, pads of order sheets along with some special combos. Choose a taco (steak, chicken, chili, beans-cheese, guacamole) with any combo of toppings you’d like (peppers, onions, lettuce, tomato, beans, cheese, guacamole). Note that each topping is an additional charge-up from .05 (lettuce, tomato) to .30 (sour cream). I order up two soft tacos (chicken, chili) and add in a basket of chips and queso.

Dining room at Armadillo Grill in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

I self-serve my drink, find some napkins and grab a seat on Armadillo Grill’s small patio. The food takes maybe 5 minutes to come out, quick like a bunny and served on a plastic tray. The soft tacos are on flour tortillas and served in aluminum foil which unfortunately, keeps all that heat and liquid trapped. There’s a good helping of cheese and veggies, but not so much chicken on the first taco. And while it tastes ok, the trapped moisture in all the ingredients makes the taco fall apart quickly, boo! The chili taco isn’t bad with more of its filling but nothing too interesting. Thankfully, the basket of chips is substantial and the queso decent which for me becomes the highlight of the meal.

All-in-all the food at Armadillo Grill is serviceable but best suited for its target audience: college kids and people out late after clubbing. The food isn’t that interesting, isn’t that cheap and the counter-order and pick-up is all about quick calories. It just feels that time has passed this place by and they haven’t done anything to keep up. Another long-time favorite up the street, Mojoes Burger Joint, seems to have done a much better job staying relevant for Raleigh diners, sigh. Oh well so let’s just say that Armadillo Grill is an oldie but not so goodie in 2016. I’d prefer just doing Tijuana Flats if I had my choice but for right now on S. Glenwood, Dillo Grill might just suit your needs.

Armadillo Grill

439 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.546.0555

Location on Google maps

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March 23, 2013 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Retake: The Rockford, A Raleigh Classic Refreshed!

Discrete door at the Rockford in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Sometimes with all the new restaurants popping up in the area, you sometimes forget about great places you first discover. Old standby’s like the Rockford which has always been one of my Raleigh favorites since coming to the area in 2008. Since it changed ownership a couple of years back, I’ve eaten at the Rockford a bunch of times but nearly always as an after-thought which isn’t really fair. It’s still the same, funky little restaurant with a great urban feel and bargain prices.

Interior at the Rockford in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

The Rockford 2.0 hasn’t changed that much. Shockingly they’ve got signage outside now along with a back balcony I have yet to try. But inside it’s still pretty much the same. Discrete, narrow staircase up to the dining room. The hip circular bar is still here along with the hodge-podge of knick-knacks and french doors leading to the second room. But the place definitely feels cleaner, they are now dusting the place! We grabbed a table by the stairs and plunked ourselves down. Most of the menu looks familiar to what you may have eaten five years ago. Favorites like the ABC (apple, bacon, cheddar sandwich), Cuban sandwich, Asian tilapia roll along with their great black bean quesadilla points still inhabit the menu. But you’ll notice the addition of full plates along with brunch that the Rockford is now doing on Sunday. The prices are still great, under $10 for all the sandwiches with a fresh seasonal side. Nothing is fried at the Rockford which is a nice change of pace. I order up the Asian dumplings along with the daily special, salmon over asparagus and new potatoes.

Asian dumplings at the Rockford in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Asian tilapia wrap at the Rockford in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

The other change you’ll note at the new Rockford is the service. Still hipster but a lot more attentive and professional which is a plus. Bottles of wine are half-priced on Wednesday, score! The dumpling appetizer is very good: thin skins, plump pork filling and nicely fried, great start! And my salmon entree is a nice helping of seared firm fish over braised asparagus spears and on top of pan fried new potatoes, simple but well done. Looking around the dining room it looks like the Rockford hasn’t missed a beat in terms of business.

Seared salmon at the Rockford in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

So yeah, what’s old becomes new again especially with new management and the Rockford 2.0 still delivers the goods. Excellent, seasonal eats with fresh ingredients along with good service and a cool ambiance is always appreciated. I’ve always tossed out the Rockford as a great spot for a quick lunch, large dinner party or quiet date and thankfully that chameleon-like quality still remains here. So stop on by 320 1/2 Glenwood for some in the know, old-school Raleigh eats. The Rockford is still going strong after 20 plus years which is a rare thing these days…

Rockford Restaurant

320 1/2 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.821.9020

Location on Google maps

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Retake: Sono Sushi in Raleigh for a Deluxe Japanese Dining Experience

Retake: The Flying Saucer in Raleigh, a Classic Destination for Great Beer!

Retake: Lilly’s in Raleigh for Fragrant Pizza, Oven-baked Wings