sandwiches Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining

July 28, 2019 by Ron Wen

Retake: Anvil’s Cheesesteaks in Raleigh for a Classic Philly Cheesesteak Experience

Front of Anvil's Cheesesteaks in Raleigh — Front of Anvil’s Cheesesteaks in Raleigh

When it comes to regional delicacies, a Philly cheesesteak is pretty high on my To Eat list! Chopped steak on a grill and topped with melty cheese and peppers on a soft roll is always a winner in my book. But given its regionality, a good cheesesteak is usually pretty hard to find and that’s no different here in the Triangle. When I first moved to North Carolina back in 2005, I spent several years looking around for a good cheesesteak to no avail. But finally in 2010, ran into Anvil’s Cheesesteaks on the edge of Raleigh. Nine years later I’m still going back to Anvil’s and loving what they are putting out from that grill!

Order counter at Anvil's Cheesesteaks in Raleigh — Order counter at Anvil’s Cheesesteaks in Raleigh

As a first-time visitor to Anvil’s, the location might be a bit of a mystery. It sits in the back corner of Swift Creek plaza (not far from Cary Crossroads) and is a bit hidden. With the large bushes out front, you might miss the place unless you’re keeping an eye out for it. Inside, Anvil’s it’s a totally casual grill set-up. Formica tables, plastic chairs, you’re not coming here for ambiance, just good eats. And thankfully, Anvil’s delivers a great sandwich! Its small menu covers a handful of Philadelphia-Italian sandwich favorites (about $9 per sandwich) along with maybe some specials, cole slaw, chips, soft drinks and beers, that’s it. But what Anvil’s does, it does really well.

Dining area at Anvil's Cheesesteaks in Raleigh — Dining area at Anvil’s Cheesesteaks in Raleigh

Order at the counter, self-serve your drink or maybe go with a Birch beer (similar to root beer) to make your dining experience totally Philly! As you wait, you’ll hear the clanking of metal spatulas on the kitchen grill top as the steak is minced into delicious morsels. The food comes out to you in plastic baskets lined with white butchers paper. I typically forgo the chips and just try to do another sandwich as an appetizer when visiting. 🙂

Classic cheesesteak at Anvil's Cheesesteaks in Raleigh — Classic cheesesteak at Anvil’s Cheesesteaks in Raleigh

Pizza steak at Anvil's Cheesesteaks in Raleigh — Pizza steak at Anvil’s Cheesesteaks in Raleigh

The classic cheesesteak here at Anvil’s is excellent, served up on soft 11″ hoagie rolls. The provolone is well melted into the chopped meat and onion making for a tasty mix of beef and savory cheese. The sandwiches are perfectly filled, making for a nice meal. Anvil’s pizza cheesesteak adds some pepperoni and marinara sauce giving the sandwich a bit of an Italian flair which makes for a taste sensation!

Roast Italian pork sandwich at Anvil's Cheesesteaks in Raleigh — Roast Italian pork sandwich at Anvil’s Cheesesteaks in Raleigh

Beyond cheesesteaks, consider the rare Italian roast pork sandwich. A local favorite up in Philly that’s hard to find elsewhere, Anvil’s serves up thin-sliced roast pork topped with provolone, spinach (broccolini is the classic green used) and peppers. This sandwich is soft, moist and full of soft, pork flavor. The greens provide a bit of contrast to the luscious meat giving the sandwich a balanced flavor. I also recently tried their Sicilian sausage sandwich special which is chopped sausage topped with peppers, onion and cheese, another great option beyond cheesesteaks. Anvil’s also offers up chicken sandwiches and a portobello mushroom (for vegetarians) sandwich but I have yet to try them yet.

So a slow round of applause for this delicious sandwich shop. Given its discrete location on the Raleigh-Cary city line and bare-bones dining experience, it would be easy to pass by Anvil’s and not think twice. BUT if you’re up for a great cheesesteak or Italian roast pork sandwich, you’d be missing out on one of the best spots for a classic Philly sandwich experience. I have yet to find any other spots serving up this type of sandwich deliciousness in the Triangle even after all these years. Enjoy and you can thank me later!

Anvil’s Cheesesteaks

2893 Jones Franklin Road

Raleigh, NC 27606

919.854.0558

Anvil’s Cheesesteaks menu

Location on Google maps

March 26, 2019 by Ron Wen

Retake: Toast Paninoteca, Still a Hidden Gem for Sandwiches in Durham!

Front of Toast Paninoteca in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Front of Toast Paninoteca in Durham – nctriangledining.com

As a food blogger, I’m often chasing down the newest, latest and greatest restaurants in the area but I try not to forget the classic restaurants in the area. Take Toast at Five Points in Durham, for example. Opened up by Kelly and Billy Kotler in the early stages of Durham’s restaurant revival (February 2008), I remember stepping into Toast for the first time on a Taste Carolina gourmet food tour. And I remember being pretty impressed with the food and concept, right off the bat. And ten years later, Toast is still going strong, feeding the locals in the now busy, Five Points area in downtown Durham. And you’d be remiss to forget about this tiny, little, turquoise gem and it’s great eats. Here’s why!

Casual interior at Toast Paninoteca in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Casual interior at Toast Paninoteca in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Located in the hopping 5 Points section of Durham in a prime location, Toast is now sandwiched between great restaurants such as Mothers and Sons along with Viceroy. But what makes Toast a bit unique is its more casual, quick-casual, counter order setup. Bathed in bright blue colors, Toast paints a casual and comfortable interior. The stencil wall mural proclaims it culinary commitment as a paninoteca, otherwise known as an Italian sandwich shop.

Menu at Toast Paninoteca in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Menu at Toast Paninoteca in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Over the order area is a neatly scripted chalkboard menu outlining all the great eats at Toast. They range from panini (pressed sandwiches, to tramezzini (cold sandwiches, crostini along with soups and sandwiches. Given Durham’s culinary reputation, what’s amazing is that pretty much everything here is under $12, super affordable. Toast’s focus on high quality meats, cheeses and produce really uplifts the humble sandwich given the talent in the kitchen. The dining room at Toast is a bit tight but certainly take advantage of their sidewalk seating on good weather days!

3 cheese panini at Toast Paninoteca in Durham - nctriangledining.com — 3 cheese panini at Toast Paninoteca in Durham – nctriangledining.com

A recent lunch visit had me ordering up their popular 3 cheese sandwich stuffed with grana padano, asiago fresco, pecorino and accented with truffle oil. This rich and gooey was served on thick, white bread and perfectly grilled. Cut diagonally into triangles (hooray) the cheese spilled out onto the plate in a deliciously unctuous mess. Biting into this sandwich is a cheese addict’s dream and wonderfully addictive.

Arancini at Toast Paninoteca in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Arancini at Toast Paninoteca in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Paired with a crunchy and toothsome arancini lovingly served in a white porcelain cup, it was a fantastically simple and delicious meal. While Toast offers up the usual sodas and juices, I usually like to take advantage of their affordable house wines to really make it feel like I’m in Italy. Service here at Toast is always casual but attentive and professional, another plus.

Crostini at Toast in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Crostini at Toast in Durham – nctriangledining.com

I’ve eaten at Toast many times, trying out quite a bit off the menu and across the sandwich types. And the food here is always fresh and bursting with flavor. While you can certainly spend a LOT more money for your meal in the Bull City, I’m pretty sure you can spend half as much at Toast and walk away wonderfully satisfied no matter what eenie (panini, tramezzini, crostini) you choose. In the category of quick casual near DPAC you might also try Only Burger or the new Neomonde but I can guarantee you that a meal at Toast will never leave you disappointed, buono appetito!

Toast Paninoteca

345 W Main Street

Durham, NC 27701

919.683.2183

Location on Google maps

March 17, 2019 by Ron Wen

First Take: Wilson’s Eatery in Raleigh, a Delicious and Casual Spot for Bites and Beer!

Wilson's Eatery in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Wilson’s Eatery in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

With the recent additions of Hummingbird and Lynnwood Brewing, Raleigh has seen Dock 1053 and its plaza take off in terms of activity! What used to be a concrete and gritty, industrial complex is slowly being transformed into a destination focused on beer, food, retail, and the arts. The most recent business added to the Dock 1053 plaza is Wilson’s Eatery! Spun up by the folks from Lynnwood Brewing, the need for a more permanent food offering to serve the beer-drinking masses became readily apparent. (Think Fullsteam and Parts & Labor). I’ve had the chance to drop in for a couple of meals and it looks like Wilson’s Eatery is off to a good start!

Doors to Wilson's Eatery in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Doors to Wilson’s Eatery in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Given all the businesses in this Loading Dock 1053 plaza, there is plenty of parking. But the complex can get very busy so you may have to be patient or park in the outer areas of the lot during peak periods. Wilson’s Eatery is located right near the entrance (to the left) of Dock 1053 and its location used to be Wendell’s Siding. It’s a practical looking building with a corrugated sheet metal facing, wood factory doors and a beautiful wrap-around patio. A small connecting bridge to Lynnwood Brewing’s patio means you can carry food and beer over between the two businesses without ever hitting up the public lot. It’s a nice layout if you intend on spending some time here, drinking AND eating.

Spacious dining area at Wilson's Eatery in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Spacious dining area at Wilson’s Eatery in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Inside Wilson’s Eatery, the industrial theme continues with its decor. Polished concrete floors, sturdy wood and metal seating, the corrugated metal is left intact for the interior. Exposed metal beams stretch out overhead along with some large ceiling fans. It’s a large, open dining space with a bar area to the right and the order counter back-center. A hostess kiosk up front carries the Wilson’s Eatery menus, grab one and order at one of the two cash registers in back.

Order area at Wilson's Eatery in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Order area at Wilson’s Eatery in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

Wilson’s Eatery is probably best classified as a casual American grill. Sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, along with a small selection of appetizers. The ingredients and sandwiches are spun up a bit with pork belly and arugula but everything is pretty much under $15. And as you can guess, there’s some great options for beer at Wilson’s Eatery along with craft, in-house sodas (cherry-cola, root beer, etc), just be aware that you don’t get refills on the in-house sodas. Once you order at the counter, you’re buzzed on your smartphone with a text so when the order-taker asks for your number, she’s not flirting with you! After you order, feel free to grab some condiments, cutlery or napkins at the self-serve area to the side.

BLT with mac n cheese at Wilson's Eatery in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — BLT with mac n cheese at Wilson’s Eatery in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

For sandwiches, I can definitely recommend the BLT made just a bit more decadent at Wilson’s with pork belly! Served up on thick-cut white bread, shredded lettuce and tomato, there’s plenty of belly in this sandwich and it’s perfectly seared with the luscious mouthfeel you expect out of pork belly. Note that the sandwiches and Wilson’s Eatery come bare so you’ll likely want to pair it with a side (fries, slaw, beer cheese mac, broccoli salad). A big thumbs-up for the rich and creamy, mac n cheese! It’s made of orechiette shells holding creamy, cheese sauce in its tender pasta.

Pork nachos at Wilson's Eatery in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Pork nachos at Wilson’s Eatery in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

The nachos are served with pulled pork, jalapenos, beer cheese and crema which makes for a tasty mess. Not a bad starter but I would have preferred more of the beer cheese and less of the crema which overwhelmed the dish. Right now, I’d say stick to the sandwiches and flatbreads versus the other options. Note also that most food here at Wilson’s are served in paper containers, food truck style.

Old school flatbread at Wilson's Eatery in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com — Old school flatbread at Wilson’s Eatery in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

A third visit gives me an opportunity to the the flatbread at Wilson’s Eatery. But I admit that I would personally call it a pizza, as much as anything! But who cares what you call it because, Wilson’s dishes out a great flatbread-pizza. The Old School is spun up with tomato, mozzarella, sausage, pepperoni, peppers and red onions, a classic combo. Loved the crust which was light but chewy and the balance of sauce, cheese and meats was excellent. Paired with a LBC black IPA made for a great meal. I’m definitely eager to try more off the flatbread list.

It’s great to finally have a food complement to the wonderful Lynnwood Brewing. While the beer was always good, it tastes even better with the excellent eats here. Wilson’s Eatery is off to a good start with its array of gourmet sandwiches, flatbreads and plates done up in a casual warehouse setting. And I suspect that they will continue to tweak and evolve the menu over the next six months. While it’s not perfect, the great space and patio make for a wonderful addition to the Dock 1053 party! Here’s to more and better from Wilson’s Eatery in 2019.

Wilson’s Eatery

1053 E Whitaker Mill Road

Raleigh, NC 27604

919.977.5442

Location on Google maps

December 2, 2018 by Ron Wen

First Take: Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham

Front of Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Front of Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

When it comes to sandwiches, what comes to your mind? Couple of slices of bread, some protein in the middle, maybe some cheese. It just doesn’t sound very exciting, does it? But thankfully we’ve got a new sandwich shop in town, Eastcut Sandwich shop in Durham. Located in the same building as the short-lived, Finch’s Durham, Eastcut Sandwich shop is a modern and hip take on a traditional up North sandwich shop. And it also adds a bit of gourmet surprise to the mix. After two visits to Eastcut I’ve got a pretty good feel for what they’re doing, most of which is good but there is some room for improvement!

Bright dining room at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Bright dining room at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Heading over to Eastcut Sandwich shop, you may be surprised at its location. Sitting in what seems to be a mostly residential neighborhood, you’ll quickly spy a narrow driveway leading to Eastcut’s parking lot and building. While the lot in front has limited spaces, there’s plenty of room in back for your vehicle! Head on over to the building and you’ll find a large wrap-around patio but the side doors are not usable as an entrance. Enter up front and you’ll find yourself in the main dining room which has a bit of a Western feel with the knotted pine floor planks and wood slat separator. Eastcut is counter order, table service and the line forms to the left!

Plenty of seating at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Plenty of seating at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

The menu at Eastcut Sandwich bar is focused on guess what?! You got it, hearty sandwiches either cold or hot along with some salads and burgers. What’s nice is that at Eastcut you can also grab a beer, cocktail or adult slushie with your meal so they’re trying to traverse the lunch and dinner periods with some alcoholic bevvies. There’s also a daily specials board and it looks like they like to get a bit creative here. Sandwiches are sold bare here on round buns or hero rolls. You’ll have to add a side (curly fries, sweet potato tots, salad, potato salad) to make it a meal. With most sandwiches between $6 to $15, you can eat pretty affordably here! Eastcut Sandwich Bar also has an after dark and brunch menu for Sundays which I have yet to try.

Chicken parm sandwich with curly fries at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Chicken parm sandwich with curly fries at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Chicken alla vodka sandwich at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Chicken alla vodka sandwich at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

Given that I’m not much of a cold sandwich fan, my eyes settle on the chicken parm and cheesesteak offerings. But after a mental coin-flip, chicken parmigiana it is! Eastcut does a very nice chicken parmigiana sandwich which is served up on a beautiful but smallish, seeded roll. The chicken cutlet is very well browned and nicely assembled with great cheese and sauce coverage. It’s a delicious sammich but let’s face it, it’s hard to go wrong with chicken parm. On a second visit I get to try their chicken alla vodka sandwich on special. It’s similar to a chicken parm but goes with a creamier alla vodka sauce, ham and smoked gouda on top. It’s a hit for me, albeit a bit messy! And I actually like the form factor of the Eastcut sandwich on a standard roll vs. a sub roll, you seem to get a bit more with the smaller roll.

Confit chicken wings with peanut satay sauce at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham - nctriangledining.com — Confit chicken wings with peanut satay sauce at Eastcut Sandwich Bar in Durham – nctriangledining.com

While the overall menu is pretty standard for sandwiches, one thing I noticed is Eastcut Sandwich Bar’s creativity around the specials. The peanut satay wings I tried on special were a very unique rendition of a Thai-style wing with lots of rich, peanut-ty flavor. Cooked confit style (double cooked in oil, once at lower temp and then finished in hotter oil), the wings at Eastcut fall off the bone with a lot of tender chicken meat. This confit preparation takes a bit of work and isn’t something I’ve seen a lot of in the area, so kudos to Eastcut Sandwich Bar for the effort.

Service at Eastcut Sandwich Bar is solid but they are definitely training up their staff so be patient. There’s a new covered patio which has recently opened up so the owners here have some ambition with the seating! Overall I think you’ll be pleased by the sandwiches at Eastcut Sandwich Bar. They’re prepared with attention and a bit of creativity although the final results are a bit inconsistent. But given how recently they’ve opened, I’m hoping that Eastcut Sandwich Bar will get settled in across all aspects of its service and menu. Either way, if you live in the hood, don’t miss out on this little gem and that great patio. With a delicious sandwich and beer in hand, I can’t imagine you wouldn’t be happy and pleased…

Eastcut Sandwich Bar

3211 Old Chapel Hill Road

Durham, NC 27707

919.439.1852

Eastcut Sandwich Bar menus

Location on Google maps

May 16, 2017 by Ron Wen

First Take: William’s Gourmet Kitchen in Durham

Williams Gourmet Kitchen in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Williams Gourmet Kitchen in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

If you’re familiar with the RTP office area for work, you know that it’s hard to find good eats! But who wants to sit in the office cafeteria or eat at your desk? So over the past two years, I’ve been on a mission to find the best eats in the area given that I work in the hood. One restaurant that always seemed to elude my grasp is William’s Gourmet Kitchen. And while I had seen stellar online reviews for this eatery, I had never made it over until a co-worker suggested it for a lunchtime visit. And now I understand what all the hub-bub is about after a couple of lunches at William’s Gourmet Kitchen!

Counter at Williams Gourmet Kitchen in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Counter at Williams Gourmet Kitchen in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

One of the reasons why I hadn’t been to William’s Gourmet Kitchen is its somewhat hidden location. While it sits on a prominent corner of 55/54 in S. Durham, it’s setting is somewhat sunken and out of view. Thankfully you can see the top of their building and their signage peeping out if you keep your eyes peeled. As soon as you pull into William’s busy parking lot, you can tell it’s a popular RTP lunch time spot given the dearth of parking spaces. A bit of patience might be needed to catch a good space.

Dining room at Williams Gourmet Kitchen in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Dining room at Williams Gourmet Kitchen in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

Inside William’s Gourmet Kitchen you’ll find a bright and casual dining room along with a covered patio to the side. There’s a smattering of booths and two-tops for dine-in but I’m guessing that William’s Gourmet Kitchen does quite a bit of take-out. Two cashiers are at the ready to take your order! Menus overhead display a great selection of sandwiches, salads, burgers and small plates. A small chalkboard menu up front also offers the weekly specials, Monday to Friday. Most sandwiches are in the $7 to $11 range and you can make it a meal (drink, side) for an additional $3 to $4 depending on side. Put your order in, grab your cup and number, it’s time to wait!

Turkey and cranberry sandwich at Williams Gourmet Kitchen in Durham - NC Triangle Dining — Turkey and cranberry sandwich at Williams Gourmet Kitchen in Durham – NC Triangle Dining

While William’s Gourmet Kitchen is usually busy, their kitchen is pretty fast with my meals taking maybe 10 minutes to come out. Over the course of my two visits I’ve tried out a thick, stuffed turkey sandwich on pumpernickel with cranberry sauce, provolone and tomato. A quirky take on the classic Thanksgiving sandwich. And a fantastic honey-stung chicken sandwich! Think of a perfectly fried chicken breast, drizzled with honey, topped with LTO and a pickle all on a sweet brioche bun! William’s Gourmet Kitchen is really all about high-end sandwiches. While you won’t find kale, arugula or anything froo-froo here, they do the classics really well with fresh ingredients and in large portions.

Oh and don’t miss the beer-battered fries here, they are AWE-some! Service at William’s Gourmet Kitchen is efficient and a bit busy, they seem to be pretty distracted at times but get the job done. And in both my visits I was in and out in well under and hour which is a requisite for lunch. So rock on Williams Gourmet Kitchen! I now know why you’ve got all those great reviews and your food lives up to that top billing. It’s not cheap, it’s not easy to locate but if you’re willing to find Williams Gourmet Kitchen out in S. Durham, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised…

William’s Gourmet Kitchen

2114 NC-54 Higdway

Durham, NC 27713

919.806.0690

William’s Gourmet Kitchen menu

Location on Google maps

Retake: Anvil’s Cheesesteaks in Raleigh for a Classic Philly Cheesesteak Experience