sandwiches Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining

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

December 10, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

First Take: BLTs and More at Merritt’s Grill in Chapel Hill

Cash register at Merritt's Store and Grill in Chapel Hill - NC Triangle Dining — Cash register at Merritt’s Store and Grill in Chapel Hill – NC Triangle Dining

If you’re ever in the mood for one particular food item, it’s always special to find THE place to go and try it. So if you’re in the Triangle and in the mood for a BLT, where would you go? Through the years and through my foodie grapevine, I had always heard about Merritt’s Store and Grill out in Chapel Hill. But oddly enough, I never made it over when I did grad school at Carolina. So yeah, it was time to break that streak and visit for lunch, stat!

Front of Merritt's Store and Grill in Chapel Hill - NC Triangle Dining — Front of Merritt’s Store and Grill in Chapel Hill – NC Triangle Dining

Merritt’s Store and Grill is located right on the corner of Rte. 86 and 54/501 where it breaks off into two different directions. It’s easy to miss, not that it’s a small place but if you’re coming around this corner pretty fast and you wouldn’t think to pull into that gravel lot! But this time, I didn’t miss it. Popping out of the car, I see the tables in front and a backyard dining area where I can see quite a few folks happily munching away on lunch on a chilly day.

Order area at Merritt's Store and Grill in Chapel Hill - NC Triangle Dining — Order area at Merritt’s Store and Grill in Chapel Hill – NC Triangle Dining

Heading on inside, I spy a cashier and counter up front. And a long, busy hallway to my left, filled with people. Confused, I head on over to the cash register and fumble through my order. Somehow I end up ordering THREE sandwiches and a drink for about $22 and change. Yeah, Mr. Clueless here is going to eat big today! But for newbies, the correct process is to order first at the window and line on the left, get a slip and then get back in the line on the right for pick-up. After pick-up, head on over to the cashier and pay up. Important lunch safety tip, people!

Sandwich making at Merritt's Store and Grill in Chapel Hill - NC Triangle Dining — Sandwich making at Merritt’s Store and Grill in Chapel Hill – NC Triangle Dining

The women at Merritt’s Store and Grill are working hard for the hungry crowd, I get a heavy paper bag with my three sandwiches, grab an unsweetened tea and head on out to the dining area in back. Sitting at a metal patio table, I unwrap my beautiful sammiches! The double BLT is a beauty, stuffed with six plus pieces of thick-cut bacon, bright green lettuce and ripe red tomato. And when I bite in, I get that hit of salty, crunchy and savory across all that BLT goodness. It’s one of the best BLT’s I’ve had of late but when you’re known for doing one thing, you have to nail it! And Merritt’s Store and Grill certainly does that. I inhale the rest of my BLT, take a quick bite of my chicken salad sandwich which is decent, but bring the rest home for dinner that night.

So thank you foodie network! You were right about the BLT’s at Merritt’s Store and Grill but if you’re in the mood for something else, the menu is pretty limited (cheese, ham, turkey, chicken salad sandwiches) otherwise. BUT if you want a BLT, Merritt’s Grill is worth the drive over. And you might want to get an extra one like I did, mistakenly. Because I’m not sure when I’ll be back next, but thank you Merritt’s Store and Grill!

Merritt’s Store and Grill

1009 S. Columbia Road

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

919.942.4897

Location on Google maps

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June 16, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Sosta Cafe in Raleigh, a Hidden Gem for Sandwiches and More!

Front of Sosta Cafe in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Even though I’ve lived in the Raleigh-Durham area for over 10 years, sometimes a popular spot will slip past my foodie radar screen. Take Sosta Cafe for example. I had seen reviews for the place over the years and it sits on a block on Davie Street along with Calavera, Oak City Meatball Shoppe and Buku, three very popular spots I’ve eaten at. And yet, somehow I kept on missing out on this eatery. But it’s not hard to understand why. With limited hours and a innocuous face, it’s easy to not notice the place. But yeah, I had to find out why this place was getting 5-star reviews so it was time for a visit!

Counter at Sosta Cafe in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

As soon as you step inside of Sosta Cafe, you’ll notice all the personal touches to their space, this certainly ain’t no chain! At the entry-way is an old school, antique TV covered in humorous Trump t-shirts. A mish-mash of odd chairs and tables are packed into the space without a common theme. On the walls are large funky prints and European music is wafting overhead It feels as if you’ve been transported outside of the US but I’m not exactly sure where! But it’s all cozy, comfortable and clean which works for me.

Dining area at Sosta Cafe in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

I pop on over to the order counter where some regulars are waiting for their take-out order. Sosta Cafe has a small selection of sandwiches but good options for vegetarians. Sandwiches are in the $9 to $11 range and comes with two sides, choose between Israeli cous cous, chickpea salad or cannellini beans. I go with the Guido (roast beef) along with an aranciata for my bevvy. Lunch is about $12 and I go find a table to hang loose and wait for mah food!

Guido sandwich at Sosta Cafe in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

It takes about 10+ minutes for my food because the place is sort of small and busy, but it’s got to be worth it, right? My sammich shows up and it’s a very nice looking plate. The sandwich shows off a lot of great color and texture: warm, sliced beef with melty gorgonzola with carmelized onions and bright green arugula. The ciabatta bread is lightly dusted with flour and has great texture in chew. Overall a sandwich that pops with flavor and deliciousness. The side salads are also nicely done. The cous cous in a slightly spicy marinade while the beans are mixed with herbs and probably olive oil and more. A nice and healthy alternative to your typical fries. And the sandwich along with the two sides makes for a very satisfying lunch, thanks Sosta Cafe!

Sosta Cafe definitely has its fans and I can see why. A individualistic and unique take on the European cafe with a passionate owner and great food. Supposedly they put out some really good coffee too but I have yet to try it. Admittedly the hours are tricky 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday which is why it’s easy to miss the place. BUT if you’re up for an excellent sandwich in a cool ambiance type spot, stop on by and give Sosta Cafe a whirl. You’ll be happy you made the effort, methinks…

Sosta Cafe

130 E Davie Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.833.1006

Location on Google maps

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March 17, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

First Take: Linus & Peppers, Sandwich Shop Extraordinaire

Order counter at Linus & Peppers, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

When it comes to sandwiches, you’ve got so many options in Raleigh and the Triangle it is SO hard to stand out. So I was a bit excited when Linus & Peppers was coming to Salisbury Street as a pop-up shop. Staffed by students from the Culinary Academy, its 30-day run extended to a couple of months and now, apparently, they are a permanent sandwich shop for the Level Up Kitchen + Barcadium. So yeah, it was finally time for a visit, now that I knew this place wasn’t going to disappear overnight.

Front door at Linus & Peppers, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

So if you’re looking to lunch at Linus and Peppers, just head over to the Level Up and instead of heading up the stairs, bang a left into the small storefront. It’s a humble little spot with a small dining area up front, sandwich counter in back and some chalked up boards with the specials and regular sandwich menu. Thankfully it’s not a huge menu, maybe 12 or so sandwich choices with 5 specials. I go for the Frenchy, their version of the French Dip. A Jarritos grapefruit gets plucked out of the refrigerated case as my lunch bevvy.

Frenchy sandwich at Linus & Peppers, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

With three people working the counter, it still does take 10 – 15 minutes for my sammich but you can bet it’s not a assembly line operation here at Linus and Peppers. The sandwich is brought to my table and it looks great. A well-stuffed sandwich full of thinly sliced steak, lightly seasoned house chips and a side of jus. The Frenchy comes on a great, light bun, maybe 9″ long. In addition to the rosemary seasoned beef, there’s carmelized onions, gouda and a creamy horseradish sauce, excellent! It’s a very savory and filling sandwich with good balance across all the ingredients. And it’s moist enough (due to onions) where you don’t really need the au jus but the cup provided is great. The chips are lightly dusted with some seasoning so it all makes for a nice meal at $9.

As I finish up the meal, my plate gets picked up and I’m asked about the meal, a big thumbs-up here! All in all an impressive first visit to a very good sandwich shop for downtown Raleigh. I think Linus and Pepper has hit the sweet spot of a great sandwich at a good price with decent service. I’m looking forward to trying the rest of the menu and will definitely be back soon…

Linus & Peppers

126 S. Salisbury Street

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.833.3866

Location on Google maps

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November 28, 2015 by Ron Wen 2 Comments

First Take: Pressed Sandwich House in N. Raleigh Does Sammiches, Better!

Front of Nashers Sandwich House, Raleigh

(Under new ownership, name is now Pressed Sandwich House) If you’re up there in N. Raleigh and I mean WAY up there past I-540, you might want to check out Nashers Sandwich House. I had seen a slew of 5-star reviews on Yelp for Nashers but it was just so far away. But I finally found an excuse to visit for lunch and I can tell you that it was worth the 30 minute drive north!

Counter at Nashers Sandwich House, Raleigh

Take note, Nashers is located in a quiet corner of a strip plaza next to Advanced Auto Parts and it’s not that impressive looking from the outside. Inside it only gets slightly better. Counter order up front with menu overhead, Nashers offers up 6 or so salads, 20 or so sandwiches and a short list of sides. I order up the chicken parm along with three sides for sharing. We grab our cups and get some drinks around the corner in the smallish dining room. Again, very humble and simple so my expectations for Nasher’s were a bit low. Boy, was I about to be surprised!

Sides at Nashers Sandwich House, Raleigh

Nashers is pretty busy for lunch so it takes 10 – 15 minutes for our food to come out. It’s all served on aluminum plates and 1/4 sheet trays, basic stuff. We’ve got the mac n cheese, cast iron corn and sweet potato tots in addition to my parm sandwich! I started off with the sides first, Nasher’s mac n cheese was excellent and creamy, made with short ditalini pasta tubes to hold the luscious cheese, big winner here. The cast iron corn looked like it was cut off the cob and spiked with lots of chorizo and brussel sprouts, very hearty. And the tots were good but just tots after the first two sides!

Chicken parm cross-section at Nashers Sandwich House, Raleigh

Moving on to the sandwich, I immediately noticed the bread. Described as a semolina hero, it’s lightly crusty on the outside with a light, soft interior. Reminds me of Amoroso rolls often used for philly cheesesteaks. Inside, my parm sandwich is stuffed with a thick chicken cutlet, melty mozz, tomato cream sauce and pesto. A really excellent sandwich and plenty big for me to only eat half and take the rest home. My friend’s soup and sandwich looked awesome and she raved about it.

All I can say is that I was really impressed by the quality and portions at Nashers. While there are some places doing good sandwiches, Nashers is also doing great sides. I also like the fact that they are taking familiar classics but spinning them a bit for the better. Everything here tasted a bit more gourmet and more delicious than expected. If I lived closer up in N. Raleigh, I’m pretty sure I would become a regular but alas, it’s not to be! So you N. Raleighites enjoy and appreciate Nashers Sandwich House because you’ve got something special up there..

Nashers Sandwich House

10630 Durant Rd #104

Raleigh, NC 27614

984.269.5099

Location on Google maps

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First Take: William’s Gourmet Kitchen in Durham

First Take: BLTs and More at Merritt’s Grill in Chapel Hill

Sosta Cafe in Raleigh, a Hidden Gem for Sandwiches and More!

First Take: Linus & Peppers, Sandwich Shop Extraordinaire

First Take: Pressed Sandwich House in N. Raleigh Does Sammiches, Better!

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Media: Fantastic Asian-Fusion Fare and Decor at the new CO in Raleigh!

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