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January 26, 2020 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Best New Restaurants, Food and Drink in the Triangle, 2019 Edition

Looking back at 2019, I can say that it’s been a VERY busy year. With a lot of restaurant openings in November and December, it took a bit of time to squeeze in the visits necessary to pick this year’s list. I tracked over 60 restaurants and bars over the course of 2019 to come up with this final list of 12 newcomers that I think will have long-term success and popularity in the Triangle. So without further adieu, my Best New Restaurants and Bars for 2019, thanks for your patience!

Click on the restaurant name for a full review with details (if one is available)

Best of 2019 – Barcelona Wine Bar – Opened April 2019

When the Dillon building first opened up in Raleigh, I was expecting some over-priced, froofy options here but thankfully, that hasn’t been the case. Barcelona Wine Bar is a top-notch tapas restaurant that manages to keep prices reasonable even given its prime, corner real estate. While the menu changes pretty regularly, you can’t go wrong with the jamon croquetas, patatas brava or steak options. The addition of brunch makes Barcelona Wine Bar even better and it has quickly become a Go To restaurant in Raleigh when I want an excellent meal.

Best of 2019 – Boxcar Durham – Opened January 2019

While I’ve always been a huge fan of Boxcar in Raleigh, I have to say that Boxcar Durham has really upped the arcade-bar game. With a much larger space, gravel patio near the old Durham Bulls baseball park and pizza, it’s an upgrade across the board for entertainment, location and food. The ability to wander around with a bit more space makes a huge difference in terms of comfort for customers. And a great mix of old-school arcade games, modern games and classic pinball tables means there’s something for everyone. So kudos, Boxcar Durham! They seem to be getting better with age with location #3.

Best of 2019 – Hawthorne & Wood – Opened April 2019

This quiet little restaurant opened up just outside of downtown Chapel Hill and it’s doing a lot of things right. While the dining room is more traditional, offering up space between the tables and a quieter ambiance, the menu is quite inventive and takes some chances with favorites like the General Tso’s cauliflower and their popular 2 x 2 burger. A comfortable dining space with great service makes Hawthorne & Wood a hip neighborhood restaurant that uplifts American seasonal cuisine while still keeping things approachable.

Best of 2019 – High Horse – Opened November 2019

You know the food scene in the Triangle is getting some recognition when we start getting chefs moving into the area to cook. And Chef Katsuji Tanabe of Top Chef fame has done just that in 2019, opening up the lively High Horse in City Market, late in the year. Its hip and sexy space is accentuated by crackling wood fires in the back, serving up some delicious grilled eats. And there’s a lot of creativity here in the desserts, such as the Chosen One served up with unicorn farts (cotton candy). The High Horse is definitely doing things differently and worth a visit wherever you live in the Triangle.

Best of 2019 – Jolie – Opened August 2019

Chef Scott Crawford has been on a bit of roll lately, opening up Jolie in homage to his daughter, next to his well-acclaimed Crawford and Son restaurant. Serving up elegant French bistro fare, a seat at Jolie can be tough so certainly take advantage of the seating at the bar and up on the patio. While a surprise thunderstorm interrupted my visit, the care and attention put into the gougeres pastries and seared beef cheeks make me confident of putting Jolie on my list of Best 2019 restaurants after just one visit. I’m already looking forward to see what he can do in his upcoming steakhouse planned for the Fenton development in Cary.

Best of 2019 – Kingfisher Bar – Opened July 2019

While Durham is a lot smaller than Raleigh, it typically punches above its weight class on the foodie scene. The Kingfisher Bar is Durham’s first underground speak-easy and offers up some great fruit-forward cocktails but ups the game with exquisite porcelainware and private rooms. This cool spot underneath the Durham hotel is a fun getaway from the hustle and bustle of downtown Durham to imbibe in some top-notch cocktails along with some small snacks.

Best of 2019 – Ko*an – Opened November 2019

It’s great to see the old An space updated and re-opened as the new pan-Asian Ko*an restaurant. While the spelling may be bit confusing, the upscale and prodigious space inside has been simply transformed into a zen-like space offering up tweaked Asian-fusion cuisine that maintains traditional flavors. While the menu is quite pricey, I see Ko*an as a good option for business meetings and special celebrations. Look forward to trying the omakase (chef’s choice) menu sometime soon.

Best of 2019 – Layered Croissanterie – Opened June 2019

Sometimes as good as a place is, I wish it were further away from me to keep my waistline down and Layered Croissanterie falls into that category. Its stellar croissants and croissant-based pastries are some of the best I’ve ever had and their creative flavors are constantly pulling me back in. While the space is simply decorated and casual, you can do breakfast or lunch here with sweet or savory pastries. The fact that it’s so close to home just kills me and I’m guessing the patrons of the pilates studio next door would agree!

Best of 2019 – M Pocha – Opened June 2019

I’ve always been a huge fan of Chef Mike Lee’s restaurants and M Pocha is no different. What I really like is the broader pan-Asian options he’s bringing to the menu offering up many delicious options to diners. While seating here is limited and mostly communal, it’s a delicious concept that’s affordably priced for the Bull City. Must do’s are the nasi goreng, meat plate and bacon dumplings, common dishes that have been elevated at M Pocha.

Best of 2019 – Poole’side Pies – Opened September 2019

Poole’side Pies was one of the more highly acclaimed new restaurants for 2019 given Chef Ashley Christensen’s culinary pedigree. And while I was blown away by the decor and design inside, as a pizza aficionado I was concerned about the pizza crust during my first visit. But I think adjustments have been made and the pizza while untraditional for Neapolitan-style pies, is quite good. You’ll get the usual excellent eats and service here at Poole’side but pay a bit more for the ambiance and location in downtown Raleigh. Curious to see what additions are made on the menu for 2020.

Best of 2019 – Rosewater Kitchen + Bar – Opened October 2019

While North Hills is usually not an area I hang out in as a food lover, the new Rosewater Kitchen + Bar has slowly convinced me to make the trek over. Offering up interesting Continental small plates and great service, the two dining areas each have a very different feel but great ambiance overall. Cozy French cafe on one side with a garden setting in the other, you’ll get some phenomenal food regardless of which area you’re sitting in. From roasted meats to mac n cheese and baked French toast, there are plenty of menu options to keep you happy. An impressive first offering in Raleigh from the Durham-based Giorgios restaurant group!

Best of 2019 – Transfer Co. Food Hall – Opened May 2019

While a lot of attention is paid to Morgan Street Food Hall, I usually prefer dining at Transfer Co. Food Hall given its more local (less touristy) feel. While Transfer Co. may have opened up in 2018, the space was finally fully filled out with vendors in 2019 including great options like Burial Beer, Dank Burritos and Alimentari on the Left Bank. There’s definitely a lot of great dining choices at Transfer Co. including anchor tenant, Locals Seafood which mans the popular beer bar in the center. Looking forward to what Longleaf Swine brings to the foodie game here at Transfer Co. in 2020.

Wrapping up the year, honorable mentions go out to Apero, Coronato Pizza, and Union Special for their openings this year! Love what you’re doing and where you’re going, I had some tough decisions to make. I’m looking forward to 2020, and while we know there’s certainly going to be a lot of NC barbeque coming to the area, I imagine there will be quite a few new restaurants in work-live developments under construction in Raleigh. I’m also hoping that there will be some more restaurant activity in the Bull City but am concerned that Raleigh may see some turbulence given its rapid growth in 2018 and 2019. But we shall see! I don’t have a real crystal ball and will try to keep up with all the deliciousness coming to the Triangle in 2020 so let’s wait and see, peace out gentle readers!

December 1, 2019 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Best Restaurants, Food and Dining at North Hills in Raleigh

North Hills logo from business website- NC Triangle Dining

When you talk about shopping centers in Raleigh, several immediately come to mind: Crabtree Valley Mall, Brier Creek, Cameron Village and more. But probably one of THE most popular shopping areas is North Hills. With an interesting assortment of high-end shopping, restaurants and more, this growing area has evolved quite a bit when it comes to dining. And all in a good way! Located conveniently in Midtown Raleigh right off of I-440, this bustling district keeps on growing with more and more apartments and office space. Updates on the original side of North Hills along with the newer section on Park at North Hills by the Harris Teeter has brought some great dining options to the area!

To start with, there are two main areas at North Hills: the older section west of Six Forks Road and the newer development east of Six Forks. Not surprisingly, you’ll have a different feel in each area. While the older more established part of North Hills has a traditional, ITB (Inside the Beltline) Raleigh feel, the newer side feels a bit younger and has a more non-traditional crowd. The new area also is more of a mixed use space pairing the shopping plaza with apartments and office space.

Front of Coquette in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

First up is Coquette, a French cafe and restaurant from the Urban Food Group. This classic brasserie sports some nice Continental touches such as a long polished wood bar with brass step rail along with the white and black tiled floors. Staff is decked out in traditional white shirts and black pants to complete the Euro-centric ambiance.

Bar area at Coquette in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Steak frites at Coquette in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Coquette’s smallish lunch menu of classics include croque madame, crepes, salads and sandwiches. I recently stopped in and did a very nice steak frites with brandy peppercorn sauce that totally hit the spot. Service at Coquette is excellent and about right for its slightly higher price point. But beware, the place is popular so if you need a seat in the dining room at prime hours, call ahead. Or dine casually at the bar if you’ve got some flexibility.

Front of Midtown Grille in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Dining room at Midtown Grille in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Moving across Lassiter Mill Road you’ll find the recently refreshed Midtown Grille. I always knew it as a tony and mature restaurant that focused on classic American eats but new chef John Childers has switched things up a bit. A recent beer dinner that I attended at Midtown Grille shows the same focus on classic American and Southern but with a more gourmet twist.

Chicken confit at Midtown Grille in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

During my dinner I was able to sample a variety of plates including a fantastic chicken confit with apricot glaze and seared broccoli. Midtown Grille also served up a wonderfully soft sweet potato with pork belly which was presented beautifully on some rock salt. Service at Midtown Grill is fantastic and they’ve got a great wine list to boot so if you’re looking for something a bit more upscale at North Hills, Midtown Grille will do it for you.

Interior at Cowfish Sushi in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Moving across Six Forks Road you’ll find the newer side of North Hills. Complete with a Harris Teeter and Kings Bowl, it definitely has a more modern feel to the place. You’ll also find North Hills favorite Cowfish Sushi and Burger Bar restaurant which specializes in both sushi and gourmet burgers. A favorite with families, as soon as you step in you’ll notice the kitschy decor and amazing cylindrical aquarium. If your kids aren’t mesmerized by that bad-boy, I’m at a loss!

Sushi bar at Cowfish Sushi in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Brento box at Cowfish Sushi in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Cowfish can keep nearly anyone pleased given its gargantuan menu. From eclectic and interesting sushi rolls to gigantic 1/2 lb. burgers, you’ve got a ridiculous amount of eating options. I typically go for the Brento box which includes a mini-burger, sushi roll of your choice along with edamame, spicy cucumber slices, and fries. Service at Cowfish is professional and prompt, you should be able to get out quickly here but need to work through potential waits on the front end.

Dining room at Chuy's in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Dining room at Chuy’s in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Another dining option in the newest section of North Hills is the Tex-Mex eatery, Chuy’s! Based out of Austin, Texas you’ll find all your Mexican favorites but with a bent towards the spicy green hatch chile. Chuy’s has a very vibrant and kitschy decor full of colors and sass. They have a great patio in back that I have yet to try but it looks great! And if you’re here during happy hour (Mon to Fri), don’t miss out on their complimentary nacho car full of chips, cheese, spicy beef and more.

Nacho car at Chuy's in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Nacho car at Chuy’s in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Smothered enchiladas at Chuy's in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Smothered enchiladas at Chuy’s in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

The Chuy’s menu sticks to the basics: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, For mains, I’ve tried out their enchiladas and burritos, it’s all been solid if not amazing. Tortillas are made fresh, onsite and everything else on the Chuy’s menu is from scratch! While it may not be the best Tex-Mex in the area, it’s decent and reasonably priced for the hood.

Patio at Yard House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Happy hour snacks at Yard House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

And finally, Yard House! A modern brewpub hailing out of California, the Yard House offers up a slew of fresh beers on tap along with a very eclectic menu. Choose from Asian, Mexican, American plates, sandwiches and entrees amongst the very large menu. Like Cowfish Sushi which is right next door, it’s hard to imagine someone coming here and NOT being able to find something to eat.

Kung pao calamari at Yard House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Inside Yard House you’ve got a monochromatic, dark and grey feel to the space. Modern and a bit austere, with a hit of hipness. Staff here is well-trained but it does have a national chain-like feel to it all. My most recent visit was for their happy hour special (Mon to Fri, 3 – 6pm) and we ordered up a slew of plates out on their patio. The highlights for me were the spinach-artichoke dip which comes with crispy and large fried tortilla chips along with some excellent onion rings and kung pao calamari. While the food at the Yard House won’t blow you away, it’s a bit different and a good dining experience overall.

Front of Piola in North Hills, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

If you’re hungry for Italian, you may want to check out the casual but delicious Piola! An international chain based out of Italy, Piola has one North Carolina location in North Hills and serves up some great pizzas and pastas on the cheap. Decor at Piola is bright, cheery and casual, perfect for the family. Pretty much the entire menu is from $6 to $14 for appetizers, entrees and desserts.

Penne rosate at Piola in North Hills, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

I’ve tried out their margherita pizza (Neapolitan style) along with a penne rosate (tomato-cream sauce with smoked salmon) and both were tasty and satisfying in good portions. Toss in their solid service and you’ve got yourself a winner here for Italian eats in North Hills!

Rosewater Kitchen and Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Rosewater Kitchen and Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Shrimp in phyllo at Rosewater Kitchen and Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Shrimp in phyllo at Rosewater Kitchen and Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

The newest restaurant at North Hills is the lovely Rosewater Kitchen and Bar brought to you by Giorgio’s group. This lovely restaurant has a uniquely continental-brasserie feel to the space with tiled floor and a greenhouse like dining room. Roast meats, tartines and more for lunch, brunch and dinner covers everything you need. Given the interior can get a bit loud, dining outside of prime time hours is a smart choice.

So there you go North Hills lover! Whether you’re in the area for bowling, a movie or some shopping, I’m sure you’ll need some delicious eats to fuel your way through the day. And here are seven solid choices to keep you happy and humming along with quite a few others outside of these suggestions. Whether you’re hungry for Japanese, French, Sushi, Tex-Mex or American, North Hills has got you covered in delicious style…

Best Restaurants and Dining at North Hills, Raleigh

bartaco (Tacos)

CO (Asian Fusion)

Coquette (French)

Five Guys Burgers and Fries (American)

Midtown Grille (Southern, American)

Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (Sushi, American)

Chuys (Tex-Mex)

Piola (Italian)

Rosewater Kitchen + Bar (Continental)

Vita Vite (Wine)

Yard House (American, Eclectic)

North Hills- Restaurants and Dining

4321 Lassiter at North Hills Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27609

919.833.5263

Location on Google maps

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January 10, 2018 by Ron Wen

Best New Restaurants, Food and Drink in the Triangle, 2017 Edition

All good things must come to an end so we say goodbye to 2017 and eagerly look forward to what may come about in 2018 for the Triangle food scene! It was an interesting year, probably not as strong as last year (Best New Restaurants of 2016) but there were certainly some great new restaurants that opened up in the Triangle. And I’ve got to say that there were some pleasant surprises out of Cary for me.

Choosing the best new restaurants for the year is always a huge challenge but in the end what really helps guide my choices revolves around a single question: How excited am I to go back for a meal? If a friend calls and says, “Let’s meet at xxx restaurant”, how excited am I? Do I feel meh and just alright about dining there? Or am I grabbing my car keys and running out the door with my foodie tail wagging?!

The other consideration I had for this best of 2017 list was: Are they likely to be successful in the long run? Are they getting better over the course of the year after opening? Predicting long-term success is a bit tricky in the restaurant and hospitality business but with all the years I’ve been reviewing, you just get a strong gut feel on which restaurants are built for the long haul!

So without further adieu, my best new restaurants and bars for the Triangle, 2017 edition! Click on the restaurant name for a full review with details.

Pool table at the Accordion Club in Durham

Accordion Club, Durham – Opened February 2017

First up on my list of the best new restaurants and bars of 2017 is the fun and cool, Accordion Club! This newer lounge out on Geer Street really is a fantastic neighborhood bar offering inexpensive drinks and a fun crowd. Toss in the interesting decor, table games, and discrete location, it all makes the Accordion Club a hidden gem in my opinion. Over the course of the year, they continue to innovate and try out new things. The Accordion Club is currently serving up green chile breakfast burritos (on Sunday) along with their hot dogs, pretty cool!

Brewery Bhavana, Raleigh – Opened March 2017

What’s there to say about the Brewery Bhavana that hasn’t been said in the national press?! Super interesting decor and dining concept built around a brewery, floral shop and dim sum (Chinese small plates), I’m mostly focused on the food and beer here. While Brewery Bhavana may be a bit pricey, I respect what they’ve done here offering upscale, spun up Chinese eats along with really fresh and interesting beers. Love Brewery Bhavana’s space, the sleek decor and white interior design makes for a very elegant dining and drinking experience without being stuffy.

Ni bento box at City Market Sushi
Ni bento box at City Market Sushi, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining

City Market Sushi, Raleigh – Opened December 2016

The emergence of City Market in Raleigh as a food destination in the Triangle continues on in 2017! While City Market Sushi officially opened up at the end of 2016, I’m rolling it into this 2017 list! Love the sleek and modern Japanese decor at City Market Sushi along with its cute, little sushi bar in the corner. They do a fantastic and different bento box, offering up soft-shell crab sliders, pork belly salad and ahi poke, dee-licious! City Market Sushi does great sushi and fish along with hearty portion sizes in a cool environment, so glad to have you in the area!

Grub Durham – Opened July 2017

While Durham is well known for its upscale culinary scene, I always hoped for more affordable eats when visiting the Bull City and now you’ve got one, the new Grub Durham. Located in a renovated gas station, I love the retro space! Front patio, rooftop seating and then a classic diner counter with some 4-tops inside, Grub Durham works really well as a modern diner. The smaller menu covers a variety of breakfast plates, bowls, sandwiches and a handful of blue plate entrees. Their grub is well-prepared and shows a lot of care and talent in the food coming out of the kitchen. A fun spot for Durham locals and visitors to this neighborhood!

Front of Mekong Vietnamese in Morrisville

Dining room at Mekong Vietnamese in Morrisville

Combo shrimp and pork bun at Mekong Vietnamese in Morrisville

Mekong, Morrisville – Opened February 2017

Oftentimes choosing the “best” for me is not about the money spent and Mekong Vietnamese in Morrisville is the perfect example of great, low-budget dining. Simple but excellent Vietnamese food across all forms, they do a great banh mi, bun (vermicelli), com (rice plate) and pho (soup) which is extremely rare in my experience. Personable service and a more modern dining room makes this “hole in the wall” Vietnamese eatery a wonderful culinary surprise. You can’t go wrong with anything off the menu here, I can say that with confidence after 8 or 9 meals at Mekong! And while the address says Morrisville, Mekong straddles the Raleigh line for those of you in N. Raleigh.

Oakwood Pizza Box, Raleigh – Opened September 2017

When it comes to pizza, there are a ton of options in the Triangle but few as consistently good as Oakwood Pizza Box! Given the pizza pedigree of owner Anthony Guerra I’m not really surprised but I am so happy to have the Oakwood Pizza Box in ITB (inside the beltline) Raleigh. Thin-crust NY pizza with quality tomatoes and cheese makes for a great foundation pie and the handful of toppings offered are also excellent. Love the neighborhood vibe and simplicity of this modern pizza joint, they’ve done a great job so far and I’m hoping for an expanded menu in 2018!

Pizzeria Faulisi, Cary – Opened March 2017

Continuing on with the pizza theme in my best new restaurants of 2017, how about the top-notch Neapolitan pies at Pizzeria Faulisi? Cary has been hopping when it comes to new restaurants and this pizzeria sports clean and stylish decor along with a great location near Bond Brothers Beer. And the pizza? Some of the best Neapolitan in the area serving individual thin-crust pizzas topped with high-quality and delicious Italian ingredients. Don’t miss their $10 pizza special on Tuesdays (great deal) which truly shows off the pizza-making skills and delectable crust at Pizzeria Faulisi.

Red drum over crawfish butter at Saint James Seafood

Saint James Seafood Restaurant, Durham – Opened November 2017

Even though I’ve only eaten at Saint James Seafood once, it was enough to blow me away and put them on my best of 2017 list. Everything across the board was impressive and memorable at Saint James Seafood, starting with the dining room decor, service and menu. Love how they’re offering up an array of fresh seafood for the Bull City covering raw oysters, fresh fish dishes and fried Calabash seafood. And their quirky tiki drinks and cocktails are a lot of fun. Truly an impeccable dining experience for the Bull City, I expect more and better from Saint James Seafood this year!

soca, Raleigh – Opened March 2017

Over in Cameron Village you’ll find a slew of average restaurants with not many stand-outs except for the new soca on the corner of Clark and Oberlin. This stunning restaurant combines modern and upscale decor with an interesting selection of small plates from south of the border. Choose from Jamaican lamb patties, crab mofongo and conch fritters as a nod to Latin-American cuisine. All the plates are beautifully presented and their waitstaff is very well-trained and knowledgeable on the expansive menu. Definitely do not miss dessert or the patio here, they are both exquisite!

Viceroy, Durham – Opened November 2016

Last up on my best of 2017 list is the newer Viceroy out in Durham. Officially it opened up late in 2016 but I’m rolling it forward to my best of 2017 list! The rich Victorian decor, dining room details and ambiance, makes for a wonderful dining experience and great date spot. I really appreciate the tasty Indian-English gastropub menu which highlights updated classics such as short rib pasties, goat samosas and curried Shepherd’s pie. While the wait for a table can be a bit long, I love that the Viceroy has brought spicy eats to the downtown Durham dining scene and Main Street!

So there you go, my top 10 for 2017 and let me tell you that I spent hours trying to figure out where to finish the Best of 2017 list from the restaurants (My list of new 2017 restaurants) that opened up this past year. There were quite a few restaurants that were on the cusp for me so honorable mentions go out to Cortez Seafood, Hummingbird, Namu, MOFU Shoppe, Quarter Horse Arcade, and Saigon Grill and Bar. Your list may be a bit different than mine so feel free to comment and let’s discuss!

And what do we have to look forward to in 2018? More pizza with the upcoming Pizza Times and Pooleside Pie along with food halls! Some delays mean that Morgan Street Food Hall, Transfer Co, County Fare (food trucks), and Blue Dogwood Public Market should all hit the Triangle in 2018! If you want to keep up on my lists of new and upcoming restaurants, bookmark the links below which will be updated throughout the year. It’s always fun to explore new restaurants in the Triangle, here’s to the new year along with whatever foodie delights it may hold!

New Restaurants and Bars in Cary

New Restaurants and Bars in Durham

New Restaurants and Bar in Raleigh

January 2, 2017 by Ron Wen 3 Comments

Best New Restaurants, Food and Drink in the Triangle, 2016 Edition

As we move into 2017 and the new year, it’s always fun to look back at what has transpired over the past 12 months. And 2016 was a pretty busy year for the Triangle when it comes to restaurants and dining. Lots of action at the front and back ends of the year with not much happening in the middle. But there’s plenty of new places to be excited about. Here are my favorite new restaurants for 2016 (in alphabetical order) and I hope some of these are your favorites, too!

Bar at Crawford and Son

Ribeye with mushroom at Crawford and Son

Sugar cream pie with huckleberry sherbet at Crawford and Son

Crawford and Son (Raleigh) – This highly awaited restaurant sitting in the Person Street corridor lived up to all the hype for me! From its sleek and modern decor, to its carefully curated menu of upscale comfort food, Crawford and Son is already a top-notch restaurant for Raleighites. Expect more and better from this restaurant as it continues to hit its stride in 2017, my full review is coming soon!

Counter at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles

Carolina Cockerel at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles

Dining room at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles

Dame’s Chicken and Waffles (Cary) – Combine the sweet of waffles and syrup along with the salty of fried chicken and you’ve got yourself the irresistible combination that Dame’s serves up! This well-appointed cafe offers excellent food, solid service and at good prices for the Cary crowd. And any others willing to travel for this mouth-pleasing food pairing.

Haymaker

Cocktail at Haymaker Bar

Bar at the Haymaker

The Haymaker (Raleigh) – Serving up an array of excellent cocktails and punches, I love the adult ambiance of the Haymaker tucked away behind the new Charter Square building. Open space, classic decor and offering up eclectic design touches like a moose head mounted above and beautiful floral mural, the Haymaker delivers classy drinks with a quirky spin.

Bright red dining room at Himalayan Range Nepali

Garlic naan from Himalayan Range Nepali

Chili paneer at Himalayan Range Nepali

Himalayan Range Nepali (Cary) – When you pull together some fantastically spicy eats paired with pleasant service AND really inexpensive prices, you’ve certainly got my attention. And Himalayan Range Nepali consistently serves up some great naan, Indo-Chinese appetizers, tikka masala and more. Their lunch menu is a particularly great deal but don’t miss this hidden gem for its ethnic eats at any time of the day.

Chalkboard wall at M Kokko

Korean fried chicken at M Kokko

Chicken sandwich at M Kokko

Sushi bar at M Sushi

Eel bun at M Sushi

Crudo at M Sushi

M Kokko and M Sushi (Durham) – Now I’ve always been a fan of Chef Mike Lee but it’s great to see his next new culinary projects come to life in M Sushi and M Kokko. While both offer very different dining experiences, the focus on quality ingredients, careful preparation and presentation with excellent service provide a common bond between the fabulous sushi and delicious chicken offered at each. M Sushi may be doing the best sushi in the Triangle today, while M Kokko is playing around with a variety of preparations for the humble chicken. But they are doing fantastic food and raising the bar in their respective culinary categories.

Front of Mothers and Sons

Gnocchi from Mothers and Sons

Dessert from Mothers and Sons

Mothers and Sons (Durham) – From the wonderful ambiance, excellent service to authentic, hand-made pastas, Mothers and Sons is dishing out some amazing Italian food with a fantastic dining experience for Durhamites. A really wonderful restaurant hitting on all cylinders right when it launched, don’t miss out on their great Italian food in 2017 if you haven’t tried them yet, reservations recommended.

Dining room at Motto

Corn agnolotti at Motto

Braised pork cheek at Motto

Motto (Durham) – An under-rated offering in between downtown Durham and Brightleaf Square. The beautiful space at Motto is now matched by some wonderful food from Chef James Huff which makes for a great dinner and evening. Love the mix of Italian cuisine with Southern ingredients, Motto has stepped up its foodie game, perfect before your DPAC show.

Wood-fired ovens at Treforni

MargheritMargherita with sausage at Tre Forni in Durham

Margherita pizza lunch special at Tre Forni in Durham

Tre Forni (Durham) – While the outside may not look like much, Tre Forni may be putting out the best Neapolitan pizza in the Triangle right now. The three large, wood-fired ovens bear witness to the ambitious goals of this pizzeria. But from the dough proofing, to the quality ingredients used for the cheese and sauce, Tre Forni is doing a premium pie in more humble and simple surroundings.

Patio at Whiskey Kitchen

Cool interior at Whiskey Kitchen

Steamed clams at Whiskey Kitchen

Whiskey Kitchen (Raleigh) – A wonderful new space and patio is supported by a short but well-curated menu of Southern eats at Whiskey Kitchen. I fell in love with the design and decor of the space but was pleasantly surprised by the delicious and fresh fare offered up by Whiskey Kitchen for lunch AND dinner. While Whiskey Kitchen works best in warmer weather, it’s still a worthwhile visit in the cold days of winter.

Beyond these carefully chosen favorites, I had several other new Triangle restaurants that nearly made the list but still deserve kudos: Bare Bones, H-Street Kitchen, Viceroy and Lucky’s Delicatessen. Loved them all but I had to limit this list to 10 choices. There were also several late additions to the Triangle food scene that I either haven’t been able to visit yet or need to visit a second time to decide: City Market Sushi, Royale, Pizza La Stella and the District. But who knows, you may see them on my best new restaurants of 2017 list!

So now that we’ve wrapped up 2016, I’m already looking forward to 2017, the upcoming Morgan Street Food Hall and lots more. Stayed tuned food fanatic, because there will be a lot more coming on NC Triangle Dining in this new year!

June 25, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Humble Pie in Raleigh, Still a Classic Urban Oasis

Interior of Humble Pie, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

When I first go to the Raleigh area in 2007 I immediately began exploring the area, looking for restaurants and bars that would remind me of what I left in San Francisco. More often than not, I was usually disappointed but one of the first restaurants that felt like the City to me was Humble Pie! I’m not exactly sure how long Humble Pie has been around but it was a popular destination before the Warehouse District got bizzy and popular. Before the Pit, Jose and Sons, Crank Arm Brewery and so on, Humble Pie was the only reason to head to this hood outside of some dancing. Humble Pie works mainly for two main reasons: its tasty small plates and its urban chic interior. And it does a lot of things really well, read on about this Raleigh classic!

H sign at Humble Pie, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

From the outside, Humble Pie looks a bit bland: bricked exterior, large and beige wood patio along with it’s signature H sign out front as the only hint of what lies inside. A heavy oak door pulls open to reveal its very cool interior! High ceilings with rough hewn beams, black and white tiled floor, and colorful paper lanterns make for a very hip, urban feel. They’ve got a nice bar in the back along with a private room. And that bland patio with tiki bar outside? Rocks it out when you’ve got nice weather and brunch on your mind. So Humble Pie delivers lots of different ways to enjoy their eats: at the bar, on the patio or in their dining room.

Seared scallops with pesto sauce at Humble Pie, Raleigh- NC Triangle

Broccolini with egg at Humble Pie, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

The menu is diverse providing a bunch of time-tested small plates for you to nosh on as a group or put together as a meal. The crisp sauteed green beans make for a great starter. I’ve enjoyed their braised short rib tostadas and spinach tart, two solid crunchy savory dishes. For my last visit I had some beautiful seared scallops in pesto sauce with fried capers along with some broccolini with an egg on top. Two very different dishes but both well-prepared with nuanced flavors and textures, yum!

Biscuits with sausage gravy at Humble Pie, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

For brunch, Humble Pie also does an even better job! Try their classic biscuits and gravy, you can’t get much more Southern than that. Or their shrimp and grits in the broth of gods (as they say on their menu). Toss in a mimosa and their lovely patio and you’ll be in seventh heaven on a Sunday afternoon. Just make sure to stop in AFTER noon time so you can enjoy an adult bevvy. And service at Humble Pie is usually very professional. The staff seems pretty stable making for consistently good service which is appreciated.

So this Raleigh institution, Humble Pie is still delivering some great eats and a great atmosphere. Its diversity of dishes, cool environs and solid service means you typically can’t go wrong here. But it’s not cheap, you will spend some money at the Pie. But you know what? I’m ok with the price since Humble Pie executes so well across the board, bon appetit!

Humble Pie

317 S Harrington Street

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.829.9222

Humble Pie menu