wine Archives ~ NC Triangle Dining

May 21, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

First Take: Vita Vite Bringing Art and Wine Together in One Space

Brick front of Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

While breweries and beer bottle shops have been opening left and right in the Triangle, it always seemed to me that wine seemed to be lagging. Thankfully we recently got a new entry in the Triangle wine scene with Vita Vite in downtown Raleigh! Part art gallery, part wine bar and part retail, Vita Vite is pretty ambitious for what it brings to the neighborhood.

Stuffed seating at Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Located on the edge of the Warehouse District on Hargett Street, Vita Vite offers up an interesting combination of art gallery, wine and lounge in one very upscale space. At the front is Vita Vite’s covered patio with stuffed couches for wine drinking. Inside Vita Vite, you’ll find a visually interesting mix of art pieces, large front bar and even a fireplace. And in back you’ll find a small retail area of Southern goods along with more art and seating areas. You can tell immediately that a lot of work and money was put into the interior and decor.

Bar area at Vita Vite in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

At the bar, Vita Vite has a smallish list of wines by the glass, some beer and cider along with some fancy mimosas. We grab a couple of glasses and hang out in the front seating area on stuffed chairs. Looking around the space it’s an interesting mix of people. Mostly 30 – 50 year old folks which is about right for a wine bar. It’s definitely a more stylish and mature space that won’t appeal to everyone but in a good way. Apparently there’s also an event space in the back where I think they’ll need to do a good business since off the street traffic can be unreliable. The lovely enclosed patio up front means great lounging for when the weather is nice.

But they are off to a good start at Vita Vite! It’s a great looking space with a lot of color and texture for wine drinking. The addition of some charcuterie and cheese plates to the menu means you also have something to nosh on now at Vita Vite. Definitely certainly check it out next time you’re in the Warehouse District. Vita Vite means life and vine in Italiano and I imagine you could do just that here: slow down your life a bit with a good glass of vino, cheers!

Vita Vite

313 W Hargett Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.803.3156

Location on Google maps

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April 10, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

Event: Mura Wine vs Sake Battle Royale, Part 2

Mura's Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Mura’s Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

In the world of special dinners in the Triangle, it’s hard to go wrong with the offerings from Eschelon Experiences! I’ve done them at Mura, Oxford and Cameron Bar & Grill and it’s always a fun evening of excellent food paired with good wine and/or beer. I had been to Mura for lunch a while back and had spoken to their manager Tripp who told me they were working on an upcoming wine/sake dinner. So as soon as I saw the event go up for sale on Eschelon Experiences, I grabbed a couple of seats and good thing since they sold out in under 48 hours. With nine food courses on tap and six wine-sake pairings I had NO doubt it would be a fun evening and even better, on a Monday night…

Mura's lounge for Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Mura’s lounge for Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Place setting for Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

We stopped in at about 6:30 and the group was just starting to gather in Mura’s lounge and bar area. At a bit before 7pm, 30+ lucky diners get escorted to Mura’s back dining room for this very special meal. At each place setting is a menu on a long card for the evening. We will get to choose our favorite beverage out of each pairing for the evening, all provided by Mutual Distributing. And even though we won’t get a wine-sake pairing for each of the nine courses, we will get them for six which means 12 pours in total, whoa!

Mutual Distributing at Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Sara Guterbock, a sake sommelier from Mutual Distributing Company opens up the dinner with some fluent Japanese and tells us about the pairing process for the meal. She suggests trying the wine or sake first solo and the after you’ve tried the dish which will give it a very different flavor profile. We will also have the option to purchase any of the wines or sakes sampled tonight, wholesale at the end of the evening! Winner, winner, wine and sake dinner!

Crab crisp at Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Course 2 Hiramasa tataki at Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

We open up the meal with a crab crisp: warm melty crab piled on a crunchy wonton strip, very nice start. Hiramasa tataki is next, three slices of amberjack tuna lightly seared. It’s served with garlic chips and black salt which makes for a mouth-meltingly bite! A carrot butterfly sits on the plate overlooking the dish, excellent presentation. Paired with a Mondavi fume blanc and some clean sake works well for this plate.

Course 3 botan shrimp nigiri at Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Next up is a beautiful botan shrimp nigiri with caviar presented with the flash-fried head of the prawn. On the side, came a sushi slice (mostly rice) designed with a butterfly. Each diner had a slightly different sushi slice with a different creature on it, great creativity. The shrimp nigiri was plump and had great texture to each bite. I was really impressed by the work that went into this plate from a presentation standpoint.

Course 4 grilled abalone at Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Course four is grilled abalone with garlic butter, three slices of chewiness presented on the back of a shell. It all had the look of an artistic snail and while the sliced abalone was not a diner favorite at the table, again it was a fun presentation and plated beautifully. The abalone was more about texture than taste which was fine by me!

Course 5 pineapple sorbet at Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Chefs at Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

We’re finally at the mid-point of the meal and served a palate cleanser: pineapple sorbet. As the wine and sake has flowed, the volume and noise in Mura’s dining room has gone up four times and of course the lucky guests are getting a little boisterous! We’re introduced to the Mura chefs and Eschelon restaurant group’s leader is in the house, G. Patel. I see the man everywhere and of course it’s always good to catch up with him.

Course 6 sake braised pork belly at Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Course six for this grand meal shows up and it’s a sake-braised pork belly with Asian pear and scallions. I love the color and depth of the broth it’s served in, looks great. My friend Gina loves it but it’s not my favorite! The sear leaves a pretty chewy surface on top but it’s still tasty. Come on now we’re talking pork belly. The wines have moved into the reds now, we’re doing a solid pinot noir with our first meat course. Overall I’ve found the sakes to be very consistently decent and more neutral which makes for an easier pairing. However with the correctly paired wine, the plate and food definitely pops a bit more.

Course 7 golden toro tartar at Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Course seven is toro tartar served on crispy taro chips. It’s a simple but amazing looking dish with lots of deep colors set off by the flash of gold, beautiful stuff. And I love the stiff chip contrasted against the soft, luscious fish. Nicely done here!

Course 8 grilled lamb chops at Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

We’re on our last savory course, charred lamb chops on grilled rice with wasabi dijonaisse. The lamb is nicely seared and I like the lightly spicy sauce it’s paired with. And after all the lighter courses it’s great to get a bit of reddish meat to amp up the meal a bit.

Course 9 yuzu cheesecake w sesame tuile at Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

And finally dessert! A yuzu (citrus) cheesecake with a sweet, chewy sesame crisp perched atop. Good mouth-feel here with the lusciousness of the cheesecake contrasted against the crisp, chewy tuile. A fine ending to a wonderful meal here at Mura!

Gina loves the Mura Wine vs Sake dinner, Part II in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

As the meal and evening ends, Gina and I mark off some of our favorite wines and sake for purchase and we are off. The whole Wine vs. Sake crowd heads out full of great food, vino and sake. It was one of the best special dinners I’ve had in the Triangle and a wonderful surprise for me. Between the great beverages and well presented dishes, Mura’s Wine vs. Sake dinner was an incredible value. And while I’m not sure when they will run this dinner again, there are plenty of other good ones to check out on the Eschelon Experience website. But if Mura runs Wine vs. Sake Part III, you can be sure I’ll be there again, kampai!

Monday, April 4th 2016

Mura’s Wine vs Sake Dinner, Round 2- Menu

1st course
Amuse Bouche
Crab crisp, ohitashi spinach

2nd course
Hiramasa Tataki
Seared Amberjack, yuzu, truffle oil, chives, garlic chips, black salt
BUNRAKU NIHONJIN SQUARE
MONDAVI FUME BLANC NAPA

3rd course
Botan Nigiri
Botan Shrimp Nigiri, Caviar, Grated wasabi root
MABOROSHI JUNMAI GINJO
RUFFINO LUMINA PINOT GRIGIO

4th course
Abalone
Grilled Abalone, Garlic Butter, Parsley
SHO CHIKU BAI REI GINJO DRAFT
SIMI CHARDONNAY SONOMA

5th course
Pallet Cleanser
Braised Pineapple Sorbet

6th course
Pork Belly
Sake braised Crispy Pork belly, Caramelized asian pear, charred scallion, Tamari Jus
WATARI BUNE 55 JUNMAI GINJO
WILD HORSE PINOT NOIR CC

7th course
Golden Toro Tartar
Spicy Toro, Gold Flakes, Taro Chips
BORN GOLD JUNMAI DAIGINJO
PRIMAL ROOTS RED BLEND

8th course
Lamb Chops
Garlic, Ginger charred lamb chop, Grilled Rice, Edamame truffle puree, Wasabi Dijonaise, Crispy Shiitake
SHICHI HON YARI JUNMAI
CLOS DU BOIS MARLSTONE

9th course
Yuzu Cheesecake
Sesame Tuile, Candied Blueberries, Salted Caramel

March 27, 2016 by Ron Wen Leave a Comment

News: 2016 Hook & Vine Festival with the Wine Feed in Raleigh

Just a reminder about the upcoming Hook & Vine Festival brought to you by the Wine Feed and Locals Seafood! This tasty food and wine event is in its third year and offers up five seafood tasting plates with vine from the Wine Feed. The food menus are offered up by local restaurants: Centro, Provenance, Plates Neighborhood Kitchen, Capital Club 16 and Boiler Room Oyster bar. And it all goes down on April 24 from 12 – 4pm on S. Glenwood in Raleigh!

2015 Hook and Vine Festival, pic courtesy of the Wine Feed- NC Triangle Dining

Plates from 2015 Hook and Vine Festival, pic courtesy of the Wine Feed- NC Triangle Dining

As a special bonus, celebrity chef Vivian Howard (Chef and the Farmer) will be participating in the event repping Boiler Room Oyster. If the weather is good, I can’t imagine a better way to while away a beautiful Sunday afternoon!

While I haven’t hit up the Hook & Vine Festival personally, I’ve heard great things over the years. I mean, how can you go wrong with wine, good eats and some sunshine? And the Phils over at the Wine Feed consistently choose good bottles. Tickets are $40 each for one of two entry times and $50 for VIP which includes an extra hour and complimentary glass of champagne. So if you enjoy wine, if you enjoy seafood, check out the 3rd Hook & Vine seafood and wine festival on April 24!

3rd Annual Hook and Vine Festival

@Wine Feed

602 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.374.0036

Location on Google maps

September 4, 2014 by Ron Wen 4 Comments

Best Restaurants and Dining on S. Glenwood in Raleigh!

Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Known for its dance clubs and bars, S. Glenwood still has its fair share of good eats and restaurants! Running from Peace Street down to Hillsborough, this busy strip in Raleigh has some hidden dining gems if you take the time to look. From pizza to Spanish, steak and Thai, you can find it all on this street along with its side-streets and then dance it off at one of the clubs nearby.

Patio at Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Pizza at Mellow Mushroom, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Starting at the northern end of S. Glenwood you’ll find Mellow Mushroom! A pizza chain from the Southeast, Mellow Mushroom serves up consistently good pizza and sandwiches along with a nice selection of craft beers and margaritas. Perfect for families or a quick lunch given casual service, don’t miss the Mellow Mushroom patio during good weather. It’s a great spot to while away the afternoon or early evening and watch people go by!

Patio at Mojoe's Burger Joint, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Patio at Mojoe’s Burger Joint, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Sliders and rings at Mojoe's Burger Joint, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Sliders and rings at Mojoe’s Burger Joint, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Across the street from Mellow Mushroom is the ever-popular Mojoe’s Burger Joint! A NC state classic, Mojoe’s offers up delicious hamburgers, fries and onion rings. They do regular specials and don’t miss the specialty of the house, their Vortex burger. A 6 oz. burger between two cheese sandwiches along with pickles, bacon and ketchup. Mojoe’s also has decent patio and outdoor dining area when the weather is nice.

Front of Tasca Brava in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Paella valenciana at Tasca Brava in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Next up on S. Glenwood on the opposite end of the food spectrum is Tasca Brava. Located in a small white house, you’ll be taken back to the continent and Spain when dining here. Choose from tapas, paella and more for a very personal and intimate meal. Just be aware that Tasca Brava is a bit pricey and better served for special occasions. And be prepared to be entertained by chef-owner Juan Samper who you’ll either love or hate. But the food here is great as well as the Tasca Brava dining experience.

Neon sign at Sullivan's Steakhouse in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Neon sign at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Chocolate cake at Sullivan's Steakhouse in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining — Chocolate cake at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Further south you’ll run into Sullivan’s, a small chain of premium steakhouses. Known for their prime-aged beef and excellent service, I have yet to do a full sit-down dinner but have done several events here. It’s a formal and classic feel restaurant with a bustling bar scene on Thursdays for its $5 martinis and bar menu. But if you go full-price, I’d expect to spend about $60 to $75 per person.

The new Pho Pho Pho is a hip and stylish eatery offering nouveau Vietnamese fare. From bun to banh mi and summer rolls, Pho Pho Pho does a more modern and slightly twisted version of popular Vietnamese classics. The interior is modern and stylish with high ceilings and lots of open spaces. The front windows open up to the action on S. Glenwood on warm evenings so enjoy this new option for eats!

Interior of Clockwork in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Next on my S. Glenwood list is Clockwork on North Street! Part bar, part lounge and part snackatorium, you can do apps, pizzas and sandwiches here. And while they have a limited menu, the mod interior and roll-up garage door makes for a great night when the evening weather is good. Great for a quick snack and drink but you could put together a full meal if you’re really hungry.

Triangle Dining

On the other side of Glenwood on North Street is the Thaiphoon Bistro which has been dishing up good and spicy eats for years! A menu spanning all the Thai favorites plus additions like roti canai make this spot a forgotten gem. Sit inside in the clean-designed dining room or outside on the small porch by their koi pond. Everything here is reasonably priced and a good deal for the portion size.

Front of Plates in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining — Front of Plates in Raleigh, NC Triangle

Corn-crab beignets at Plates in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Around the corner from Thaiphoon Bistro you’ll find Plates Neighborhood Kitchen, which shares a patio with them. Known for it’s local, farm to table fare in international flavors, Plates has come on strong over the past six months. It dishes out well-prepared food spanning a broad variety of cuisines but don’t miss out on their corn-crab fritters, yum! Basic Southern eats at very good prices with excellent service.

Front of Tobacco Road Sports Cafe in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

A little further down the street is Tobacco Road Sports (currently closed and moving to new location) which does bar food similar to Natty Greene’s. But you come here as much for the TV’s and big game as you do for the food. Busy on any night with a big sporting event, Tobacco Road Sports also puts out very large portions for the price, make sure to order their huge nachos with chicken or steak. Tobacco Road Sports also has some really nice sidewalk seating on Glenwood.

Glenwood Avenue looking south, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

All I can say is, wow! While S. Glenwood is known for its nightlife, there are plenty of good eating options here! I didn’t even bother to mention Armadillo Grill, Sushi Blues, DeMo’s Pizza, the Hibernian, Rockford or Napper Tandys, some other popular eating options. And on busy weekend nights, you’ll also find food carts working the busy streets around the clubs. So don’t sweat it if you’re looking for something to eat when you’re out on S. Glenwood because there are plenty of choices to keep you going after a night out on the town…

Great Restaurants and Dining on S. Glenwood, Raleigh

Mellow Mushroom (Pizza, Italian) $

Mojoe’s Burger Joint (American, Burgers) $

Tasca Brava (Spanish, Tapas) $$$

Sullivans (Steak) $$$$

Pho Pho Pho (Vietnamese) $$

Clockwork (Pizza, Sandwiches) $$

Thaiphoon (Thai) $$

Plates (Southern, American) $$

Sushi O (Japanese, Thai) $$

$ = Under $10 $$ = $10 to $20 $$$ = $20 to $35 $$$$ = Over $35

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August 20, 2011 by Ron Wen 2 Comments

European Style Shopping and Dining in Lafayette Village, Raleigh

Lafayette Village in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

(Updated 3/22/17) Way up on Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh is a quiet little shopping area called Lafayette Village. You could pass this plaza a hundred times and not even notice it. But if you drive by without stopping, you my friend, are missing out! Because inside Lafayette Village are a slew of gourmet options for eating, drinking, and shopping. Slate stone walkways, stucco exteriors and metal hanging flower baskets accent the plaza. The quaint European facades give you some idea of what to expect but there’s no easier way to experience Lafayette Village than with a quick virtual visit!

Savory Spice at Lafayette Village in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Interior of Savory Spice at Lafayette Village in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

If you’re a home cook, Savory Spice is a must stop. A small chain based out of Colorado, Savory Spice’s Raleigh location is the only one in North Carolina. Pretty much any spice you can think of is available here. Take a sniff through their sample containers, buy a bag of spices or maybe one of their mixes. Paprika, peppers, meat rubs and more, this place smells wonderful. They even have a grinding room on site for their custom blends. As a home chef I can tell you that fresh spices can make all the difference in the end results. If you’ve had that little bottle of rosemary sitting on your shelf for a couple of years, maybe it’s time to replace it!

Driftwood Southern Kitchen sits in the space that used to house the old Antonio’s Gourmet Market. The interior has a modern yet rustic feel with a diner area right next to the kitchen, full bar and country decor spread out over the large interior. The menu is focused on local and farm to table, mixing Southern favorites (fried oysters, shrimp and grits) along with smoked meats and barbeque. Prices are reasonable for drinks, apps and entrees especially given the location. With excellent service, cool decor and an interesting menu, Driftwood Southern Kitchen is worth a visit if you’re shopping in the area.

Simply Crepes in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Simply Crepe’s recently just opened up in Lafayette Village and again, it’s the only North Carolina location for a small, upstate NY chain. Inside, Simply Crepes has a continental feel but service is all Southern and friendly. You can do crepes for breakfast, lunch or dinner but I highly recommend checking them out for dessert. Their chocolate mousse crepe with strawberries and blueberries was great. And don’t miss their side of roasted potatoes if you’re doing breakfast at Simply Crepes.

Vinos Finos in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

Wine display at Vinos Finos in Raleigh, NC Triangle Dining

If you’re having dinner at Lafayette Village what better way to finish off your evening than with a glass of wine or gelato? Vinos Finos y Picadas is a labor of love from owner, Pat West. They specialize in S. American wines and appetizers. Grab a glass of malbec, a plate of empanadas or a charcuterie plate and kick back. Pat has family back in Argentina so he constantly visits to get the best wine deals for you. This classy little wine bar is worth the trip if you’re looking for a relaxed evening.

Jubala Village Coffee in Lafayette Village, Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

And around the corner from Vinos Finos is Jubala’s, a neat little coffee shop. Bustling with its caffeinated crowds, Jubala is known for its latte art but also dishes out nice sandwiches and tea too. With plenty of communal tables, you can certainly plop yourself down and get some work done along with getting an injection of high quality coffee. Just be aware the place is busy and plan accordingly.

One newer addition to Lafayette Village is Farina, an Italian restaurant and sister restaurant to Driftwood Southern Kitchen. Inside the space is casual and open, featuring a brick, wood oven made for pizzas and other Italian specialties. A bar in back acts as a quiet lounge for solo diners and those looking for a quick drink and a snack.

I’ve had the chance to eat at Farina a couple of times and it’s very solid Italian-American fare. Love their thin-crust wood-fired pizzas, the pasta carbonara with pork belly is also really rich and filling. Definitely a good spot for the family for some Italian favorites!

Lafayette Village is still growing into its space so I expect even more in the upcoming year. The circular design of the village means there’s a ring of patios behind the shops where you can see all the action. They’ve also got a huge common area where I imagine they could do some great festivals and events. And while it may be a bit of a drive to get to Lafayette Village from downtown Raleigh, it’s worth the effort. Because all I can think of when I’m wondering through the area is bon appetit, it’s time to eat!

Shops in Lafayette Village

8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh

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Savory Spice Shop

Simply Crepes

Driftwood Southern Kitchen

Vinos Finos y Picadas

Upper Crust Bakery

JubalaVillage Coffee

Farina

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First Take: Vita Vite Bringing Art and Wine Together in One Space