NC Triangle Dining

Find the Best Restaurants, Food, and Drink in Raleigh, Durham, Cary & Chapel Hill

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Retake: Dim Sum House in Morrisville, a Decent Option for Chinese Small Plates!

Dim Sum House in Morrisville - NC Triangle Dining
Dim Sum House in Morrisville – NC Triangle Dining

When it comes to authentic Chinese food in the Triangle, your choices are few and far between. And when it comes to Cantonese eats and dim sum, it gets even harder! If you’re a fan of these Chinese small plates for brunch, you know that it’s a special treat. Steamed and fried goodies served lickety split off of carts, typically on the weekend. In the area, we’ve had some restaurants try it from time to time but the most consistent options for dim sum have been the Hong Kong out in Durham and Dim Sum House in Morrisville. When it first opened up, Dim Sum House did a great job with its food, a bit lower for service. Changes in ownership and the chefs left me scratching my head at the decline in food quality over the years. But eventually I got curious and figured it was time to see where Dim Sum House was at!

Dining room at Dim Sum House in Morrisville - NC Triangle Dining
Dining room at Dim Sum House in Morrisville – NC Triangle Dining

I slide in for lunch on a Wednesday afternoon and the restaurant is pretty quiet. Dim Sum House hasn’t changed much on the inside. Same yellow walls with green carpeting, it all feels a bit worn but clean. I’m seated at a booth near a window and handed two menus along with a paper slip. One menu and the paper slip are for ordering up dim-sum. If you’re not familiar with dim-sum, the prices are by the size of the plate: small-medium-large at prices of $2.95-$3.55-$3.95. And dim-sum tends to come in two main types of preparation: steamed and fried, it also typically is heavy on ground pork and shrimp so if you’re kosher you’re out of luck!

Tofu skin rolls at Dim Sum House in Morrisville - NC Triangle Dining
Tofu skin rolls at Dim Sum House in Morrisville – NC Triangle Dining

Given I’m dining solo, I try to constrain myself to three plates which should be puh-lenty! The first dish out of Dim Sum House’s kitchen is the tofu skin rolls. A bit different than what I expected, these rolls aren’t braised and have more a pan-fried, crisp skin around a shrimp filling. But they’re pretty decent and well-stuffed so I’m good with this dish.

Pan-fried buns at Dim Sum House in Morrisville - NC Triangle Dining
Pan-fried buns at Dim Sum House in Morrisville – NC Triangle Dining

Shu-mai at Dim Sum House in Morrisville - NC Triangle Dining
Shu-mai at Dim Sum House in Morrisville – NC Triangle Dining

Next up are the pan-fried buns. These are steamed and then pan-fried a bit to give it a crispy bottom. Stuffed with ground pork, these buns are nicely done at Dim Sum House but I’m not a 100% sure they are made in-house based on the texture of their bottoms. I’ll have to dig in further and find out. And finally the dim-sum classic, shu-mai dumplings! These are open-faced shrimp dumplings steamed in a yellow wrapper. Dim Sum House does a solid job here with a LOT of filling but it’s missing a bit of complexity like a hit of ginger. But totally acceptable for lunch, it’s a robust dish. Note that Dim Sum House has a separate lunch menu of some more typical Chinese-American dishes if dim-sum is not your thang!

Har-gow and steamed roast pork buns at Dim Sum House in Morrisville - NC Triangle Dining
Har-gow and steamed roast pork buns at Dim Sum House in Morrisville – NC Triangle Dining
Fried shrimp balls at Dim Sum House in Morrisville - NC Triangle Dining
Fried shrimp balls at Dim Sum House in Morrisville – NC Triangle Dining

I’ve already been back for a second visit and managed to try some solid steamed pork buns, delicious har gow and fried shimp balls. Again, everything was tasty, well-stuffed and prepared decently. I’d qualify the dim-sum here as OK but for the Triangle?! It’s quite good…

Front counter at Dim Sum House in Morrisville - NC Triangle Dining
Front counter at Dim Sum House in Morrisville – NC Triangle Dining

Service at Dim Sum House was very good for both lunches but the test will be on the weekends when they’re busy. The dining room has opened up quite a bit, gone are the round 8-tops meaning it will feel like more of a civilized meal when dining here. But yes, they did a solid job for lunch and I need to get back here for a busy weekend meal. Dim-sum is traditionally a weekend offering and I suspect there will be a much higher volume resulting in fresher food out of the kitchen! And there are certain dim-sum items on the menu that are only available on the weekend. So rock on, Dim Sum House! It’s good to know that you’re still doing dim-sum for the Triangle and I’m looking forward to my next visit here and trying more off of the Cantonese menu…

 

Dim Sum House

100 Jerusalem Dr #104

Morrisville, NC 27560

919.380.3087

 

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First Take: Brewery Bhavana Now Open in Raleigh

Front of Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Front of Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Given the success for Bida Manda in Raleigh, many of us in the food scene awaited Act II with bated breath: Brewery Bhavana. Conceived as a brewery/floral shop/dim-sum eatery, I scratched my head a bit and wondered how exactly this place would be executed. And I admit to being a fan of all three separately, but together it was an unusual combination! I watched the construction spin up on Blount Street near Moore Square in the old Tir Na Nog space over the past several months and popped my head in during the soft open for family and friends. Not yet, sir! We’re opening on Wednesday. So it was time to wait a bit more, but I was able to visit Brewery Bhavana on Day 2 of its official opening week. Here’s how it all went down…

Beer bar at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Beer bar at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

From the outside, Brewery Bhavana looks pretty unassuming but that’s no different that the previous tenant here. Right beyond those double doors is the hostess kiosk with a couple of pleasant ladies there ready to direct you into the new space. Brewery Bhavana is divided into thirds: to the left the beer bar, center third holds the floral area and library and to the right, the dining area. We put in for a table and then head over to bar to grab a brewski. The beer bar is the first surprise, decked out in a lot of whites and creams. No gaudy beer taps, it’s all very sleek and minimalist here at Brewery Bhavana. They’ve got a list of their house offerings on a small sign on the left-hand side of the bar. I try a light IPA which is well brewed and hopped. We’re off to a good start!

Florist and library area at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Florist and library area at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

We’ve got a 45 minute wait tonight so we wander over to the florist-library area which also includes some tables for dining and one long communal table. The library is for browsing only and this area is a bit more green and lush to reflect the floral side of the business. Overall it’s hard to believe that this space is the same space that once held Tir Na Nog, a classic Irish pub. After wandering around a bit, we get the text message for our table and head over to the main dining room.

Dining room at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Dining room at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

In the main dining room the feel doesn’t change much from the first two rooms. White globe lighting overhead, rattan chairs, there’s a cool wood geometric chandelier over a large group table in back but otherwise it’s business as usual. We’re handed over the menu, a quick scan shows off a variety of dim-sum plates and Chinese favorites. Prices are in the $7 to $11 range for small plates with one notable exception, the Peking Duck at $45! Given the excitement and long wait for Brewery Bhavana, we ordered up 4 small plates and of course the signature dish.

Scallion pancakes with marrow at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Scallion pancakes with marrow at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining
Xian bing (meat pies) at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Xian bing (meat pies) at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Even though it’s only day 2 for Brewery Bhavana, the place is bustling, they’ve got a full menu and seem well-staffed so kudos to the team here for making sure the place is ready. We start off with the steamed dishes, xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and shu mai. The soup dumplings are decent but unfortunately, not really juicy. When done well, they burst in your mouth with broth, oh well. And the shumai is fine with four in the plate, perfect for sharing. Next up is the scallion pancakes and xian bing (meat pie). The pancakes are served with marrow which is a bit untraditional but tasty. The pancakes themselves are denser, thicker than what you’d typically get but still display the characteristic swirl to the surface. And the meat pies are nicely browned and fried with a tasty pork filling, a good option for the meal.

Peking duck at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Peking duck at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

But let’s face it, we’re all just really waiting for the Peking duck! It comes out on a large platter served up with 7 or so steamed buns, scallions and hoisin sauce. The skin is served separately from the meat and the duck drums are served up whole. You typically stuff the bun with some crispy skin and meat, add a dab of pungent hoisin sauce and then top with the scallion to make a flavorful and fatty sandwich! The duck here at Brewery Bhavana is solid and certainly worth the money and time, especially if you’ve never tried Peking duck.

Dinner at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining
Dinner at Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

It’s hard for a place like Brewery Bhavana to meet up with the heightened expectations that the Triangle had for its opening but I felt it certainly did. While the concept of beer bar, florist and dim-sum restaurant is tough to wrap your brain around, they’ve done a nice job overall! My interpretation of the restaurant and space is that Brewery Bhavana will be a comfortable casual spot to drop in for a beer and small plates. And I’m sure the concept will evolve as they continue to find their groove. So thanks for the great Peking duck, Brewery Bhavana! While it may not have been the best dim-sum I’ve ever had, it’s great to even have that option here in downtown Raleigh.

 

Brewery Bhavana

218 S Blount Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.829.9998

 

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First Take: Jade Garden, Trying Harder But…

Front of Jade Garden, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Front of Jade Garden, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

When it comes to Chinese food, I’m just a little picky. Coming from a Chinese family and with a mom who was a fantastic cook means the bar is set pretty high for my Asian and Chinese eats. But I can appreciate everything from ethnic Chinese to Chinese-American and more. But there IS a line on the low end still. I had hit up Jade Garden when I first moved to Raleigh in 2008 in hopes of finding an inexpensive, fast Chinese-American take-out joint in the hood. Located on Hillsborough Street at the first circle, Jade Garden sits in an older set of store-fronts on the east side of Hillsborough. Online reviews say the place has been refreshed so it’s time for a re-visit after 6+ years!

Inside of Jade Garden, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Inside of Jade Garden, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Due to its tight and busy location, Jade Garden has a small lot on the side for patrons, maybe 9 or so spots. I park there and hoof it around the corner and up front there’s a sign proclaiming “Under new management.” So at least the online reviews got that part right. Same beaten up signage up front in yellow and green, it feels like an 80’s throw-back. Inside Jade Garden, the place has been refreshed. New carpet (I think), redone booths and some bright Chinese decor around the space. It’s a small dining room, maybe holding 20 people or so.

Egg-drop soup at Jade Garden, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Egg-drop soup at Jade Garden, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

I get seated at a booth and look at the lunch menu.  $7 for a entree (10 or so choices) along with soup and eggroll. I go with the egg-drop soup and garlic chicken for lunch. Immediately a plate of fried won-ton noodles get brought over with sweet-sour sauce, old-school baby!  But who can resist these crunchy, greasy noodle chips? The egg-drop soup is fine, a warm serving of broth with swirls of egg and not too much salt. Next the lunch entree comes up and it’s a decent portion of tender white meat chicken mixed with broccoli, zucchini, peppers, bamboo shoots and more. A small pile of brown fried rice and a commercial (probably frozen) egg roll. It’s your typical Americanized Chinese meal and the common theme I see in this style of food is a syrupy sauce, most likely requiring fructose, that seems to be a common denominator in this category of Chinese eats. It’s not awful but certainly not what any home-cook would normally use.

Garlic chicken lunch at Jade Garden, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Garlic chicken lunch at Jade Garden, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

I finish my meal (most of it, sans egg roll) and pay up. Service at Jade Garden was sweet and attentive so thank you there! But the reality is that while Jade Garden has refreshed its interior, the food hasn’t changed much from what I remember. It’s still super Americanized, typical American-Chinese food. I would still prefer to hit up Peace China over at Seaboard in lieu of dining here and dealing with the parking situation. In the end, like many restaurants on Hillsborough Street, it’s designed to please college students and their basic dining needs. And there’s nothing wrong with that, just understand what you’re getting before you make an effort to get over here.

 

Jade Garden

1207 Hillsborough Street

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.594.1813

 

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Goji Bistro, Cary: A Refreshed Chinese and Thai Option

Goji Bistro, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Goji Bistro, Cary- NC Triangle Dining

All good things must come to an end so when Neo-China changed to Neo-Asia and has now become Goji Bistro, I was curious to see what the place is about.  Same location, same owner but a very different feel!  And if my lunch visit was any indicator for this new restaurant moving forward, I’m pretty optimistic about its future.  If you enjoy Chinese and Thai food my friend, read on!

Refreshed interior at Goji Bistro, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Refreshed interior at Goji Bistro, Cary- NC Triangle Dining

When you step into Goji Bistro, you won’t recognize the place!  The retro-80’s darker decor has been totally redone into a modern space full of blonde woods, red accents and modern Chinese hints.  We grab a table by the side and get handed over a couple of lunch menus.  The lunch specials range from $8 – $10 and cover a ranch of favorites such as kung pao chicken, pad thai, curries, and more.  All lunches come with a choice of salad, hot and sour soup or egg drop soup so not a bad deal at all!  I go for the candy walnut shrimp along with some summer rolls for my meal.

Summer rolls at Goji Bistro, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Summer rolls at Goji Bistro, Cary- NC Triangle Dining

As we wait for our eats, I scan the room and the space is pretty empty.  I’m guessing that people haven’t figured out about the new Goji Bistro yet.  My soup is solid and the summer rolls are well-packed with plenty of greens and a nice layer of shrimp.  A spicy sauce on the side is decent but I always miss my peanut sauce!  My candy walnut shrimp is a large portion of plump shrimp, pineapple chunks and nuts, very good.  Half of it goes home with me since I really don’t want to pass out this afternoon!

Candy walnut shrimp at Goji Bistro, Cary- NC Triangle Dining
Candy walnut shrimp at Goji Bistro, Cary- NC Triangle Dining

Service at Goji Bistro is very attentive but maybe it’s because we were taking quite a few photos on the way in, whoops!  Still, it was a good dining experience and while I may miss the more authentic fare of the old place, Goji Bistro is doing a nice job with Chinese-American eats.  Hopefully I’ll get to try the Thai side sometime soon.  So go go Goji Bistro!  Check ’em out if you’re up for a more upscale Asian meal in downtown Cary…

 

Goji Bistro

100 Maynard Crossing Court

Cary, NC 27513

919.466.8888

 

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Red Pepper Asian in East Raleigh Dishes Out Deliciousness!

Front of Red Pepper Asian in Raleigh at night- NC Triangle Dining
Front of Red Pepper Asian in Raleigh at night- NC Triangle Dining

Way back when, there used to be a Chinese restaurant called Fortune Palace on Capital Boulevard.  Located in a dingy strip mall, Fortune Palace was a mix of Chinese, Thai and Malaysian and always seemed empty.  Three months after I discovered the place it closed down. And then depression set in…  It was one of the few places I knew in the area, where I could get Malaysian eats and those delicious roti. Fast-forward to 2014 and I hear that the owners of the old Fortune Palace have opened up a new place named Red Pepper Asian.  So yeah, like a moth drawn to light, it’s time for an eating road trip!

Dining room at Red Pepper Asian in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Dining room at Red Pepper Asian in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining 

East Raleigh is an area I really haven’t explored much and finding Red Pepper is a bit of a challenge.  Located in a large, deserted strip mall and set back pretty far in off the road, you’ll find them in the back corner of a partially populated section.  Red Pepper Asian is a tidy looking space, cafe decor but certainly warmer than the old Fortune Palace.  When I step inside, the two ladies who run the place are eating dinner and I’m feeling a bit guilty about interrupting their meal.  I get a menu and order up some hot tea, there no wine or liquor here.  I ask the ladies about the Malaysian dishes and unfortunately, there’s only a handful of those dishes scattered throughout the mixed menu.  So I order up some chicken wrapped in paper, Singapore rice noodles and a Malaysian shrimp with string beans.

Foil-wrapped chicken at Red Pepper Asian in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Foil-wrapped chicken at Red Pepper Asian in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

The restaurant is empty which is pretty sad.  I nearly feel guilty making them cook up dinner for me but I spent half an hour trying to find Red Pepper Asian so I’m all in now!  About fifteen minutes in, they bring me my paper-wrapped chicken app.  Now if you haven’t had paper-wrapped chicken, let me explain.  Typically it’s a piece of breast meat with some marinade, spices and scallions that’s either deep-fried or baked.  But what you get is a super-tender, browned piece of poultry with tons of flavor!  And while the paper-wrapped chicken here at Red Pepper is actually foil-wrapped, it’s still delicious and great with the honey-mustard dipping sauce.

Singapore noodles at Red Pepper Asian in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Singapore noodles at Red Pepper Asian in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Soon my main’s come out, some Singapore rice noodles (light curry, chicken and shrimp) along with Sambal string-beans and shrimp, Malaysian style. Both were solid, the Singapore noodles weren’t greasy at all and very tasty.  The shrimp and string beans reminded me of dry-fried Szechuan string beans with large shrimp and definitely more spice.  It brought out some sniffles from me, both portions were substantial.  I probably ordered enough food for nearly three people but since this was my first visit, I went overboard.

Shrimp sambal at Red Pepper Asian in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Shrimp sambal at Red Pepper Asian in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

The final tab came out to about $30 and about $37 with tip which isn’t bad for the food I had.  Certainly Red Asian is dishing out pretty authentic eats although I am a bit bummed that there isn’t more Malaysian on the menu but I have to believe it’s a pure business decision.  And I am definitely glad to have another place for authentic Asian eats in the Raleigh area.  I’m not sure when I’ll be here next given the distance but if you live in E. Raleigh, you can certainly do far worse than Red Pepper Asian to get your spice on!  Just don’t let the location or quiet space throw you off, the food is worth it here. Bon appetit!

 

Red Pepper Asian

4121 New Bern Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27610

919.594.1006

 

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