City Market Restaurants Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining Food Blog

May 6, 2019 by Ron Wen

First Take: Apero in Raleigh for Unique Apertifs, Cocktails and Small Plates

Front of Apero in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

When it comes to bars, I have to say that Raleigh has a bit of an edge on Durham. While Durham may bear the foodie crown in the Triangle, if you want to get out for a drink or go dancing, the Oak City is definitely the place to be. From speak-easys to breweries and dive bars, Raleigh has a lot of great choices to get your drank on! One new bar that recently hit my radar screen is Apero out in City Market. Located in the old Lucarne space, the owners have transformed the location into more of a continental bar and cafe offering up wine, cocktails, food and drink. And while I didn’t quite understand what they were doing with Lucarne, Apero makes good on the promise of this prime, downtown Raleigh space.

Bar at Apero in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

If you’re looking for Apero and don’t recognize the address, it’s just that Blake Street is one of those short cobblestone pathways at City Market. Doors down from City Market Sushi and Woody’s, Apero sits quietly in the center of the block with a set of large glass windows up front. Inside, the Apero space is wonderfully weathered with a lot of dark woods and cozy holiday lighting at the bar. The space feels like a great option for an intimate date or small group gathering over drinks! There’s definitely plenty of room here to have a conversation rather then just sitting at a crowded bar.

Apero offers up a huge selection of apertifs which is their specialty drink category. The liquor menu covers vermouth, sherry, ports, and more. Another drink item that caught my eye on Apero’s menu are their floats: Affogato (ice cream and espresso), Campari float and Fernet and Coke float, very intriguing. On my first two visits I’ve tried out a bit of wine along with their Greyhound cocktail made with grapefruit juice and gin, super refreshing. But given Apero’s focus, I would like to dabble in their selection of apertifs, soon. It would be a shame to hang out in this great space without taking advantage of their expertise!

Bacalao dish with bread at Apero in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com

And what really makes Apero special is that they’re not just a bar! Apero offers up a short menu of Continental-inspired small plates, snacks and desserts if you’d like to linger. I haven’t had much of a chance to work through Apero’s menu but managed to try out their bacalao dish: a salted cod and potato dip served with Boulted bread, very tasty and traditional. I do like the fact that Apero seems to be pushing the envelope a bit with its small menu.

So what can I say but I’m so happy to see Apero down here in City Market! From the great decor to the interesting drink selection and unique food offerings, they are certainly not doing the same ol’, same ol’ at Apero. It’s the type of place that feels like it’s made for sophisticated adults looking for something different. Definitely drop by if you’re in the Moore Square area, Apero is currently only open from Tuesday to Saturday in the evenings, enjoy!

Apero

309 Blake Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.637.8999

Location on Google maps

July 12, 2017 by Ron Wen

First Take: MOFU Shoppe Serves Up an Urban Asian Dining Adventure for Raleigh

MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

It’s always exciting to see a food truck transition from its mobile roots into the more committed and secure status of a bricks and mortar establishment! It’s usually a testament to a lot of hard work, commitment and passion from the owners and its offerings. And if you’ve followed the food truck scene, you may be familiar with the Pho Nomenal Dumpling truck which won the 2015 Great Food Truck Race on the Food Network. Known for its authentic Asian eats, this team of young women were now ready to take the next big step in their culinary careers with the new MOFU Shoppe down by City Market. I had heard some buzz online but wasn’t really sure what to expect given I had never eaten at their truck. So I made some time to visit during their opening weekend and had a lovely first dinner…

Community table at MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Community table at MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Heading on down to City Market, I admit I had no idea what MOFU’s exact address was (I’m usually more prepared) and criss-crossed the cobblestone streets looking for their storefront. A quick check on Facebook and voila! MOFU may officially be part of City Market but it sits a bit further south on Blount, about a half block further than I expected. Located in what used to be Triangle Glides-Segway tours, just look for the white brick face and black-white painted signage.

Dining room at MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Dining room at MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Inside MOFU I’m greeted by the host and since I’m waiting for my friend grab a seat at the bar. The decor at MOFU Shoppe is fantastic and a bit more urban and gritty than what I expected. The space is large and open with an exposed ceiling 20′ overhead along with iron I-beams. On the left side they have some communal tables with patio lights overhead while the main dining room on the right includes a second floor landing for a raised dining area, very nice! At the bar there are frosted hanging lamps overhead along with a cool plate glass structure in a metal frame. What really makes the MOFU Shoppe space work is the abundance of natural light and air. The whole front face of the dining area is open to the street including some very cool arched cut-away windows above the main windows. And of course there are a couple of garage doors that look like they can be opened for additional fresh air on nice days, phew!

Cool urban space at MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Cool urban space at MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

MOFU Shoppe menu - NC Triangle Dining — MOFU Shoppe menu – NC Triangle Dining

My guest shows up and we grab a small 2-top on the side wall. Given it’s MOFU Shoppe’s opening weekend, they are offering a complimentary cocktail-drink for diners, very nice touch. I go with a sparkling rose for the meal and it’s time to dig into the menu. MOFU’s menu is small and focused with 20 items in total ranging from small and large plates, soup-salads and desserts all with an Asian-fusion twist. There’s a good mix of proteins to choose from and the menu is pretty gluten-free friendly if that’s your thing. We go with the crispy smoked pork belly, roasted chicken and 5 spice duck.

Smoked crispy pork belly at MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Smoked crispy pork belly at MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

There’s a bit of a wait for our food but no big deal given opening week, our crispy pork belly appetizer comes out of the kitchen first. It’s an interesting looking dish served in a shiny stainless steel bowl. Steamed jasmine rice and basil corn are layered underneath shredded chunks of pork. It reminds me of tea-smoked meats which are not uncommon in Chinese cooking. The pork is flavorful and tender with a deep richness to it. And contrasts well against the mellow corn and rice base. I enjoy a couple of bites but the rest of the dish goes to my hungry table-mate who raves about it.

5 spice duck at MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — 5 spice duck at MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Malaysian roasted chicken at MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Malaysian roasted chicken at MOFU Shoppe in Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

My 5 Spice duck is up next, it’s a wonderful looking plate full of rich hues of magenta and greens from lima beans. Drunken cherries are plated around the duck which sit on top of a enoki mushroom patty. The duck is fork tender and there’s plenty of delicious breast meat here with a hint of the 5 spice (anise, clove, fennel, cinnamon and sichuan pepper). I also love the mushroom patty which is deep and flavorful, it would do well as a base for a vegetarian plate. Unfortunately the drunken cherries didn’t really stand out for me. I was hoping for some tangy fruit pop to work against the rich duck but it wasn’t there. The roast Malaysian chicken across the table looks great but I think I made out well with the 5 spice duck!

Service throughout the meal was excellent and well-informed, the staff is very well-trained which is impressive given MOFU Shoppe’s food truck origins. So it’s great to see that the gals from the Pho Nomenal Dumpling food truck have made the leap to bricks and mortar successfully. It’s still very early for MOFU Shoppe but color me impressed. The bar has been raised for the Triangle so all these great new restaurants that are opening up are much better prepared than I’ve seen in the past. MOFU Shoppe has done a stellar job with interesting urban decor, an Asian-influenced menu with good portion size and excellent service right out of the chute. I’m sure they’ll tweak the formula even more as the first couple of months go by so I’m expecting even better in 2017 from them! So stop on by for a visit and dinner if you’re up for something new. We’ve got a phonomenal new restaurant for downtown Raleigh, bon appetit!

MOFU Shoppe

321 S. Blount Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.301.8465

Location on Google maps

January 14, 2017 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

First Take: City Market Sushi in Raleigh Dazzles the Eyes and Taste Buds

Front of City Market Sushi, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Front of City Market Sushi, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Over in City Market, you’ll find an interesting group of restaurants. Longtime favorites like Woody’s, Big Ed’s, and Vic’s Italian serving up the basics. But I’ll be honest with you, those options don’t really do much for me. So I’m glad to see some more upscale restaurants coming to the cobble-stoned streets of City Market. First there was the edition of Cafe Lucarne, a French eatery for lunch. Next up was Royale, an upscale French restaurant. And now what? City Market Sushi, a fresh and new taste of Japanese food for the area. I had seen some good online reviews for City Market Sushi so I was able to slip in for a lunch during their opening week. And I can tell you it was all pretty impressive…

Interior of City Market Sushi, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Interior of City Market Sushi, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Head over to Blake Street in City Market and you’ll see some reflective plate glass windows with some white, decorative art adorning the faces. Beyond those windows lie some delicious fish and Japanese food! Inside, City Market Sushi takes on a more beguiling look. Simple but fashionably adorned, you’ll find some more modern bent-wood seating, overhead lamps and a simple brown, black and white color palette. A small sushi bar sits to your right along with some two-top seating for the “lounge” area.

Sushi Bar at City Market Sushi, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Sushi Bar at City Market Sushi, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

It’s only day 3 for City Market sushi and since I’m dining solo, I grab a high boy in the sun shiney front of the space. The menu is small with 5 or 6 small plates, some bento boxes, signature dishes and rolls. I go for the Ni bento box which offers up a soft-shell crab slider, pork belly salad, sashimi and spicy tuna rolls. For $12, it sounds like a great deal!

Garlic edamame at City Market Sushi, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Garlic edamame at City Market Sushi, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

They’ve got a substantial amount of staff at City Market Sushi and while the space is pretty empty even after noon, patrons start flowing in after 12:15. I’m guessing word is still getting out about City Market Sushi! My waiter Jason, drops off my garlic edamame which are nicely seared and drizzled with a garlic soy marinade. Very tasty, the tender soybean gets amped up with that hint of savory sodium with some garlicky underneath, interesting preparation!

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

Next up is my bento box which looks fabulous. City Market Sushi has done a great job with preparation, serving this lunch meal in a six-compartment bamboo tray. I spy a beautiful slider, a fresh looking salad, 4 pieces of sushi, 2 pieces of sashimi along with some pork belly and a colorful collection of condiments to bling out the meal. So we’ve got a beautiful presentation for a LOT of food, thanks City Market Sushi!

Sashimi at City Market Sushi, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Sashimi at City Market Sushi, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

I dive into the sashimi first which is tender and substantial to the tongue. Luscious salmon and tuna slices, nicely striated with sinew. Next up are the spicy tuna rolls which are truly spicy and show off some great, supple rice on the outside. I move on to the salad which is a nice mix of mesclun, avocado, tomato and cucumber in a light marinade.

Soft-shell crab slider at City Market Sushi, Raleigh - NC Triangle Dining — Soft-shell crab slider at City Market Sushi, Raleigh – NC Triangle Dining

Moving on to the main course, City Market Sushi does a wonderful pork belly salad! Lightly breaded and tender pork slices with a bit of chew. Contrasted against the light greens makes for some deliciousness. And then the soft-shell crab slider is certainly interesting. A well-fried crustacean peeking out from between a soft round bun, I wasn’t sure how to bite into this sammich. But overall I was pretty impressed with the creativity, plating and diversity of food on City Market Sushi’s lunch bento. You can’t ask for a much better mid-day meal, in my opinion. Although you might need a nap afterwards…

Service at City Market Sushi was excellent with Jason. Seasoned server who knows the menu well and timed the meal. I’m so glad you’re here City Market Sushi, providing some diversity in the Raleigh food ecosystem. Along with Sono, we’ve now got an excellent second choice for Japanese food and sushi, arigato!

City Market Sushi

315 Blake Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.322.1987

Location on Google maps

October 3, 2014 by Ron Wen 1 Comment

First Take: Vic’s in City Market for Old-School Italian

Front of Vic's Ristorante in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Front of Vic’s Ristorante in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Tucked away in City Market are quite a few restaurants (Woody’s, Big Ed’s, Batisttella’s) along with the classic Vic’s Italian Restaurant. Sidewalk seating, café interior, you can smell the garlic as you approach which sounds about right to me for an Italian place! So finally I was able to stop in for a visit at this Raleigh institution.

Vic's salad with balsamic at Vic's Ristorante in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Vic’s salad with balsamic at Vic’s Ristorante in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Vic’s location in City Market adds to the overall feel to the restaurant. Step along the cobblestone streets as you head over to Vic’s and it’s sidewalk awning. Metal patio tables line the sidewalk and families are happily chatting and enjoying an early dinner. Inside, Vic’s has a pretty casual feel with polished light woods, old-school Italian pictures and paintings. A hostess shows us out to a sidewalk table and the wait-staff is moving quickly in and out of the space. The menu is a laminated two-sider with all the classic Italian apps, salads and pastas along with their great pizzas. I’ve done their pizza before as take-out and they are solid. I go with a Penne alla Vecchia Roma along with a small pizza to share.

Pizza with hamburg and onion at Vic's Ristorante in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Pizza with hamburg and onion at Vic’s Ristorante in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Wine at Vic’s is reasonably priced at $6 – $8 a glass along with a smaller list of craft beers. I have a glass while my dining mate grabs a salad. Service is pretty leisurely at Vic’s which was a challenge since we were headed off to a concert. About 15 minutes later, the pizza and my pasta shows up and it all looks quite nice. Vic’s pizza is more of a standard, Italian: medium, thickish crust with a tangy, tomato sauce. Nicely melted cheese and tasty meat on top makes for a nice slice but not NY-style. And my pasta is a hefty portion with sausage crumbles, wilted broccoli and lots of garlic and oil. Probably a bit too oily for me, there’s a pool at the bottom of the plate. But thankfully the penne is cooked al dente so nice job there.

Penne alla Vecchi Romana at Vic's Ristorante in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Penne alla Vecchi Romana at Vic’s Ristorante in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

So when you look at Vic’s interior and menu you can tell it’s a family-run place for families. Mostly familiar Italian staples at reasonable prices ($12 – $16) in a comfortable casual setting. The customers I saw last night tell the story. But that’s also the challenge when I look at Vic’s because I’m pretty sure they use boxed pasta and a lot of what they cook up (outside of pizza), I could replicate at home. So while it may not be exciting or trendy, Vic’s Ristorante Italiano dishes out safe and tasty comfort food for all. And that’s good enough on lots of night, bonno appetito!

Vic’s Ristorante Italiano

331 Blake Street

Raleigh NC 27601

919.829.7090

Vic’s Ristorante Italiano menu

Location on Google maps

Save

First Take: Apero in Raleigh for Unique Apertifs, Cocktails and Small Plates