Dear Locally Owned Wilmington Restaurant,
We are your customers. We like to eat in your establishment. We like the feeling of contributing to the local economy, supporting our friends in their endeavors, and eating food that doesn't come frozen off a truck that we can get in Anywhere, USA.
We also understand that because you are a locally owned place, you may, from time to time, close your doors to the public to have some kind of celebration for your staff, or have a wedding reception or a bat mitzvah, or some other private event to which we are not invited.
But since you ARE a public restaurant, and since we DO feel like a part of your community, please do not degrade us by making us walk into your place of business, expecting a warm welcome and a good meal, to be greeted instead by laughing, happy people, who tell us "Oh, sorry. This is a private party."
Do you not understand how that makes us feel? We are no longer customers. We have stumbled through the front door of someone's private home, where we are not welcome. It makes us feel embarrassed.
We would much rather get to the door to see a large sign that says "We're sorry! We're closed for a private party. Please join us tomorrow night for dinner, when we will resume regular service." Don't make us walk into your gathering to be laughed at by the in-crowd, who are there enjoying the dinner in which we wish someone had included us.
We know it's not your intention, but it's the effect. Tonight, we walked into one of our regular haunts, and were greeted by "Oh! Sorry! This is a private party!" That is the second place we've experienced this. We haven't returned to the first place it occurred, and we likely won't return to the second. You have probably just lost our business forever. Not because your service was bad, or your food wasn't good, but because you hurt our feelings and made us feel insignificant and unwelcome.
All of which could have been avoided with simple signage taped to the front door.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Manna
Manna
123 Princess St.
Wilmington, NC
910.763.5252
Manna has some competent people at the helm, not the least of which is the chef. Jacob Hilbert has been around Wilmington for a while, and he's definitely grown as a cook in his time here. He's pared his cooking style down and the food he prepares at Manna really lets the flavors shine through. He's definitely on the fresh/seasonal/local-as-much-as-possible bandwagon, and that's not a criticism. I was impressed.
The atmosphere is sleek, upscale and modern. Wait staff was professional, knowledgeable, helpful and pleasant. So you'll definitely get a good experience there. But what's most important is the food, and Jacob definitely delivered. I actually had dinner there with Liz Biro on one of her visits there, and here is her (much better) review.
The wine and cocktail list was impressive, without being over-the-top. You guys know I'm not a fan of a huge wine list. It was nice and in the middle. I ordered a seasonal salad - I'd describe it, but they change frequently, so they're going to vary with the season. What I will say is that it was well-executed. Not over or under-dressed, and all the ingredients complimented each other perfectly.
For the main course, I went on the heavy side with the veal chop. The meat was perfectly cooked and seasoned, gorgeously presented, and the sides were not an afterthought. And the serving was generous enough for leftovers. That the owner was sweet enough to wrap in foil for me (as requested).
Defintely give Manna a try. It's an elegant, rich dining experience for a special evening downtown.
123 Princess St.
Wilmington, NC
910.763.5252
Manna has some competent people at the helm, not the least of which is the chef. Jacob Hilbert has been around Wilmington for a while, and he's definitely grown as a cook in his time here. He's pared his cooking style down and the food he prepares at Manna really lets the flavors shine through. He's definitely on the fresh/seasonal/local-as-much-as-possible bandwagon, and that's not a criticism. I was impressed.
The atmosphere is sleek, upscale and modern. Wait staff was professional, knowledgeable, helpful and pleasant. So you'll definitely get a good experience there. But what's most important is the food, and Jacob definitely delivered. I actually had dinner there with Liz Biro on one of her visits there, and here is her (much better) review.
The wine and cocktail list was impressive, without being over-the-top. You guys know I'm not a fan of a huge wine list. It was nice and in the middle. I ordered a seasonal salad - I'd describe it, but they change frequently, so they're going to vary with the season. What I will say is that it was well-executed. Not over or under-dressed, and all the ingredients complimented each other perfectly.
For the main course, I went on the heavy side with the veal chop. The meat was perfectly cooked and seasoned, gorgeously presented, and the sides were not an afterthought. And the serving was generous enough for leftovers. That the owner was sweet enough to wrap in foil for me (as requested).
Defintely give Manna a try. It's an elegant, rich dining experience for a special evening downtown.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Catch - Recent visit
Catch Modern Seafood
6623 Market Street
Wilmington NC
910.799.3847
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm
I've already given my take on Catch Market Street location here, but it's been long enough that I felt an update was warranted.
We had the pleasure of eating there with our good friends Ben and Amy on Saturday night while they were in town for a visit. As usual, chef Keith Rhodes didn't disappoint. And the staff was spot on. Service was smooth as glass, professional and pleasant. Our server was actually Kyle Lee McKnight's girlfriend. He's the chef at Circa 1922. We really need to get down there. I've seen Kyle's farm plot out where our friends Dave and Christin have their farm and I keep meaning to go to Circa and forgetting.
But this is about Catch. We ordered a plate of firecracker shrimp for the table. It used to make an appearance as a salad on the lunch menu for Catch downtown, and was one of my favorites. It serves well as an appetizer. The shrimp were plump and fresh and the firecracker sauce (not too hot) was perfect on the shrimp and a good contrast to the cool shredded lettuce.
Ben tried the sweet potato salad - one of Phillip's favorites - and loved it. Phillip had the beet salad, which the server offered me, but I declined. I know it's a shortcoming of my palate, but even Keith can't make beets not taste like dirt. To me, anyway. Phillip said it was wonderful. I'll take his word for it. I had a nice plate of fresh greens tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect.
Dinner entrees for the table included the shrimp and grits, a mahi special, crab cakes (me) and a ginormous Prince Edward Island lobster (Phillip). All were excellent and certainly up to snuff with Keith's normal standard. My crab cakes had way more crab than anything else - as it should be. The shrimp and grits were non-traditional with a sweetish asian sauce. Special note for the grits, which were RIGHT - stone ground adluh grits. Nice and thick and textured and seasoned. Unlike the grits Amy had at Sweet and Savory for breakfast the next morning, which she dubbed "grits soup". I had the fortune of being married to the lobster guy, so I got to taste that, um... extensively. It was delicious. Sweet and tender and perfectly cooked without too much adornment.
Keith was nominated for a well-deserved James Beard award this year. He's getting regional and national accolades that he has definitely earned. If you haven't made it out to Catch yet, make a reservation and get out there. It's a Wilmington restaurant you don't need to miss.
6623 Market Street
Wilmington NC
910.799.3847
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm
I've already given my take on Catch Market Street location here, but it's been long enough that I felt an update was warranted.
We had the pleasure of eating there with our good friends Ben and Amy on Saturday night while they were in town for a visit. As usual, chef Keith Rhodes didn't disappoint. And the staff was spot on. Service was smooth as glass, professional and pleasant. Our server was actually Kyle Lee McKnight's girlfriend. He's the chef at Circa 1922. We really need to get down there. I've seen Kyle's farm plot out where our friends Dave and Christin have their farm and I keep meaning to go to Circa and forgetting.
But this is about Catch. We ordered a plate of firecracker shrimp for the table. It used to make an appearance as a salad on the lunch menu for Catch downtown, and was one of my favorites. It serves well as an appetizer. The shrimp were plump and fresh and the firecracker sauce (not too hot) was perfect on the shrimp and a good contrast to the cool shredded lettuce.
Ben tried the sweet potato salad - one of Phillip's favorites - and loved it. Phillip had the beet salad, which the server offered me, but I declined. I know it's a shortcoming of my palate, but even Keith can't make beets not taste like dirt. To me, anyway. Phillip said it was wonderful. I'll take his word for it. I had a nice plate of fresh greens tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect.
Dinner entrees for the table included the shrimp and grits, a mahi special, crab cakes (me) and a ginormous Prince Edward Island lobster (Phillip). All were excellent and certainly up to snuff with Keith's normal standard. My crab cakes had way more crab than anything else - as it should be. The shrimp and grits were non-traditional with a sweetish asian sauce. Special note for the grits, which were RIGHT - stone ground adluh grits. Nice and thick and textured and seasoned. Unlike the grits Amy had at Sweet and Savory for breakfast the next morning, which she dubbed "grits soup". I had the fortune of being married to the lobster guy, so I got to taste that, um... extensively. It was delicious. Sweet and tender and perfectly cooked without too much adornment.
Keith was nominated for a well-deserved James Beard award this year. He's getting regional and national accolades that he has definitely earned. If you haven't made it out to Catch yet, make a reservation and get out there. It's a Wilmington restaurant you don't need to miss.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Tandoori Bites
Tandoori Bites
1620 S College Rd
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
(910) 794-4545
Man, I love this place. It's an old Wendy's that was later converted into a biker bar, then taken into its latest incarnation and you cannot tell it was ever either previous version. The decor is really something to see. Go check out their web site and it will give you a good idea. It's a really cool place to look at while you eat. And they have this big screen teevee behind the bar that plays Indian music videos that could be obnoxious, but just... isn't. It just lends to the atmosphere and is really fun.
We've been there a few times with friends, one of which is actually Indian, and she declared the food authentic, that some people think it's good and some don't, and that it's probably an acquired taste. We've obviously acquired it, because we think it rocks.
The assorted bread basket is outstanding, and I was glad we had four people there the night we ordered that, or they probably would have had to roll me out of the double-door service entrance in the back. As it was, I had to remind myself to share a couple of times.
I've had their chicken tikka masala, which was rich and spicy, but not over-the-top. Pootie has had the lamb jalfrazi and loved loved loved it. I would describe it, but I wasn't allowed a bite of it, so there you go. I've also had the butter chicken, which was so tender and good. Pootie has also been for their lunch buffet, and tried a little of everything. His considered opinion when asked for comment was "It's great. And it's cheap.".
The only minus at all was my decision to sample the after-dinner bowl of what looks like potpurri at the door as we left the first time. Our Indian friend said that was most definitely an acquired taste, and that one missed me. It tasted like old lady and licorice. Blegh. I chalk that up to my own lack of sophistication, however, and if you want to try it, by all means give it a whirl. If you don't spit it out in the parking lot, you're a better man than I am, Gunga Din.
But everything else is fantastic, prices are reasonable, they have a good beer and wine selection, and the atmosphere is just wonderful. By all means, get over there and give them a taste.
1620 S College Rd
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
(910) 794-4545
Man, I love this place. It's an old Wendy's that was later converted into a biker bar, then taken into its latest incarnation and you cannot tell it was ever either previous version. The decor is really something to see. Go check out their web site and it will give you a good idea. It's a really cool place to look at while you eat. And they have this big screen teevee behind the bar that plays Indian music videos that could be obnoxious, but just... isn't. It just lends to the atmosphere and is really fun.
We've been there a few times with friends, one of which is actually Indian, and she declared the food authentic, that some people think it's good and some don't, and that it's probably an acquired taste. We've obviously acquired it, because we think it rocks.
The assorted bread basket is outstanding, and I was glad we had four people there the night we ordered that, or they probably would have had to roll me out of the double-door service entrance in the back. As it was, I had to remind myself to share a couple of times.
I've had their chicken tikka masala, which was rich and spicy, but not over-the-top. Pootie has had the lamb jalfrazi and loved loved loved it. I would describe it, but I wasn't allowed a bite of it, so there you go. I've also had the butter chicken, which was so tender and good. Pootie has also been for their lunch buffet, and tried a little of everything. His considered opinion when asked for comment was "It's great. And it's cheap.".
The only minus at all was my decision to sample the after-dinner bowl of what looks like potpurri at the door as we left the first time. Our Indian friend said that was most definitely an acquired taste, and that one missed me. It tasted like old lady and licorice. Blegh. I chalk that up to my own lack of sophistication, however, and if you want to try it, by all means give it a whirl. If you don't spit it out in the parking lot, you're a better man than I am, Gunga Din.
But everything else is fantastic, prices are reasonable, they have a good beer and wine selection, and the atmosphere is just wonderful. By all means, get over there and give them a taste.
Double Happiness
Double Happiness
4403 Wrightsville Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403-6339
(910) 313-1088
I've been remiss in not posting about Double Happiness before now. It's one of our favorite places, and we eat there fairly regularly. Tucked away off Wrightsville near College, it's kind of easy to miss - not a place you necessarily see when you drive by. But as Chinese food goes, they're about the only place in town I think has really got it going on, so it's worth looking for.
Here is the explanation from Liz Biro on the owners. May is absolutely wonderful. She's nice, she's funny, and she takes the time to visit and joke with everyone who comes in. She loves to talk about the food, the restaurant, and her history in China and then coming over to the States and her time in Wilmington. She'll also happily help you pronounce the words on your fortune cookie. It's always a pleasure to see her.
But even if May wasn't such a joy, the food would bring us in anyway. This isn't your standard soy-seasoned buffet fare. Everything is fresh, flavorful and delicious. They often start by bringing out a small plate of steamed salty edamame and some of the most delicious sweet pickled cucumbers I've had since Pootie's grandmother passed away. They're crunchy and vinegary-sweet and I could honestly sit and eat a big bowl of them and be perfectly content.
They do some seasonal dishes, like a great watermelon salad they have in the summer. As I recall, it had a ginger dressing that didn't taste like everyone else's Asian ginger dressing. Soups and appetizers are familiar, but always excellent. Their won ton soup is nice and salty with a generous amount of won ton noodles. Their scallion pancakes are hot and crispy, the spring rolls are fresh and crunchy, and all the sauces are well-balanced.
Entrees are complete with the old favorites, like moo goo gai pan and mongolian beef. But they also have some different dishes, like their dry wok chicken, which the menu says is a "must-try", and I agree. Crispy duck is done perfectly, and I love their double pan fried noodle dish. They serve it in a deep bowl so that some of the noodles are crispy, but some are a little more tender toward the bottom, so it's not like eating a plate full of sticks. Pootie really digs their Sichuan Eggplant, partly because it's that good, and partly because I rarely cook eggplant and he loves it. I have to say, as a non-eggplant person, their version is pretty darned good. I can eat quite a bit of it before I go "...oh... yeah, that's still eggplant, isn't it?"
If you google their menu online, ignore the first scans. I'm pretty sure the menu shots with pictures were from the old iteration of Double Happiness, before May and her brother revamped the menu. Use the bottom ones with no pictures.
Definitely give it a go if you're looking for good Chinese food. The restaurant is off Wrightsville on the left if you're headed from downtown toward College and is right before the intersection of Kerr and Wrightsville.
4403 Wrightsville Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403-6339
(910) 313-1088
I've been remiss in not posting about Double Happiness before now. It's one of our favorite places, and we eat there fairly regularly. Tucked away off Wrightsville near College, it's kind of easy to miss - not a place you necessarily see when you drive by. But as Chinese food goes, they're about the only place in town I think has really got it going on, so it's worth looking for.
Here is the explanation from Liz Biro on the owners. May is absolutely wonderful. She's nice, she's funny, and she takes the time to visit and joke with everyone who comes in. She loves to talk about the food, the restaurant, and her history in China and then coming over to the States and her time in Wilmington. She'll also happily help you pronounce the words on your fortune cookie. It's always a pleasure to see her.
But even if May wasn't such a joy, the food would bring us in anyway. This isn't your standard soy-seasoned buffet fare. Everything is fresh, flavorful and delicious. They often start by bringing out a small plate of steamed salty edamame and some of the most delicious sweet pickled cucumbers I've had since Pootie's grandmother passed away. They're crunchy and vinegary-sweet and I could honestly sit and eat a big bowl of them and be perfectly content.
They do some seasonal dishes, like a great watermelon salad they have in the summer. As I recall, it had a ginger dressing that didn't taste like everyone else's Asian ginger dressing. Soups and appetizers are familiar, but always excellent. Their won ton soup is nice and salty with a generous amount of won ton noodles. Their scallion pancakes are hot and crispy, the spring rolls are fresh and crunchy, and all the sauces are well-balanced.
Entrees are complete with the old favorites, like moo goo gai pan and mongolian beef. But they also have some different dishes, like their dry wok chicken, which the menu says is a "must-try", and I agree. Crispy duck is done perfectly, and I love their double pan fried noodle dish. They serve it in a deep bowl so that some of the noodles are crispy, but some are a little more tender toward the bottom, so it's not like eating a plate full of sticks. Pootie really digs their Sichuan Eggplant, partly because it's that good, and partly because I rarely cook eggplant and he loves it. I have to say, as a non-eggplant person, their version is pretty darned good. I can eat quite a bit of it before I go "...oh... yeah, that's still eggplant, isn't it?"
If you google their menu online, ignore the first scans. I'm pretty sure the menu shots with pictures were from the old iteration of Double Happiness, before May and her brother revamped the menu. Use the bottom ones with no pictures.
Definitely give it a go if you're looking for good Chinese food. The restaurant is off Wrightsville on the left if you're headed from downtown toward College and is right before the intersection of Kerr and Wrightsville.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wilmington Restaurant Week Fall 2010
Here are my takes on the restaurants participating in the Fall 2010 Restaurant Week here in Wilmington. I have not been to all of them. I'll link to a post if I have one. This is one of the only times you'll see anything negative about a restaurant I've visited, if I do have something not nice to say. I mostly want to present the positive our city has to offer, but if anyone is interested, here is my experience with the participants. I know not everyone is going to agree with me. If you have a constructive comment to offer about your experience at any of these restaurants, please feel free to share!
Downtown:
Aubriana's
Solidly good food, great ambience, great bar. It's American upscale food - nothing cutting edge, but still very good. Definitely give them a go.
Caprice Bistro
French. And well done French. Thierry knows what he's doing in a kitchen.
Mixto
Excellent Latin American. You must go. I love this place. Oh, the rum drink I had there last weekend was SO good.
Yo Sake
Sorry, but I haven't been to this one. I hear it's pretty good.
The Little Dipper
Ohhh, when I gave my last take on it for restaurant week, I got a very ugly comment that had nothing to do with the food and everything to do with my person. Sorry, but what I said still stands. I do not dig The Little Dipper. I think it's overpriced for food you basically have to cook yourself and the sauces are nothing special. If you like paying the price of a fully prepared chef meal for raw meat and some mediocre dipping sauces, go right ahead. I do not "get" fondue. And if you want to call me names, knock yourself out.
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Not to be ungenerous, but it's a chain. I've eaten there plenty for business in many different locations. They make a pretty good steak, but it's the same here as it is in Atlanta as it is in every other place I've ever visited. There are locally owned places that do a steak just as well.
Basics
Love this place. Need to get back for lunch soon and have a BLT.
Press 102
I've heard great things about them from fellow food lovers, but haven't made it there yet.
The Eat Spot
I like Eat Spot a lot. I've been several times and have always had consistently good food. That said, I have heard from a number of people I trust that sometimes it can be hit or miss and there have been a few not-so-great meals there. But I would expect that for Restaurant Week, they'll perform just fine.
Crow Hill
I love Crow Hill. I have not been since last week, when the chefs quit. However, the concept of the place is excellent, and frankly, I think it's pretty crummy for the entire kitchen staff to walk at once. I will continue to support them and hope that the food is as good as it was originally.
Midtown
Nicola's
I went once when they first opened and really wasn't very impressed. I'm sorry.
Priddyboys
Haven't heard anything about them and haven't been. You'll have to let me know!
Hieronymus
This place is down Market from us and I've eaten there a couple of times, but have never liked it very much. It's a standard seafood joint.
Henry's
Lunches are good enough. Never been there for dinner.
Saltworks II
Saltworks recently had a major makeover so their menu and food have apparently changed. Honestly, the couple of times I've eaten there, it's just been another greasy spoon - a lot of canned side dishes and nothing noteworthy. But I do want to give them another visit since they've done some revamping.
Jamaica's Comfort Zone
I love this place and need to get back there. Please do give them a try. Original, inventive, and solidly good food.
Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn
This is just a mainstay in Wilmington, and if you haven't been, you should. I never eat there - we always grab burritos on the run when we're headed to the beach or out for a sail. They've got some creative combos and the food is good. Their chips are pretty greasy, though, so I skip those.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Guys, I'm sorry. I'm just not a wings fan.
Flat Eddies
I haven't been there since they were Eddie Romanelli's and redid their menu. But from my food friends, I have not heard great things.
Wilmington North
The Melting Pot
Isn't this a chain? I'm pretty sure it is. Anyway, you know how I feel about fondue by now.
Catch
I have had some dissenting opinions about Catch, but I stand by my original take on it. I think Keith Rhodes is one of the best chefs in town, and I love his place.
Kornerstone
I haven't ever been, but I have heard good things about their pizza.
Port City Chop House
Another chain. I feel the same way about them as I do Ruth's Chris. They're good, but it's hard to mess up a steak. You can do better at a local non-chain restaurant, really.
Wrightsville Beach
South Beach Grill
I've always loved them. The owner is great, the chef is excellent, and it's a great place to go. If you haven't visited them yet, do yourself a favor and give them a try.
Verandah Cafe at Holiday Inn
Sorry, didn't even know about this place. Someone let me know if I should try them out.
East at the Blockade Runner
I keep meaning to get out there and keep forgetting. Maybe I'll scoot there this week and try them.
Wilmington South
Siena Tratorria
You can get a good glass of wine and a good dinner here. I like them, and we've eaten there quite a bit since a lot of our friends have desserted us and Midtown for greener and more Southerly pastures.
Cape Fear Seafood Company
I have heard great things about this place, and to my shame, still have not made it. Maybe this will be the week.
Eddie Romanelli's
I don't know anything about this new location. The one that was here in Wilmington was not very good. But hey, maybe they're doing better out there.
Pine Valley Market
I have several friends who live in that area of town and love, love, love Pine Valley Market. I should get out there and try them. Given what I've heard, you should, too.
Flaming Amy's Bowl
I've had lunch here a few times and it's good. I like the options and it's fun to create your own dish from what they have available. I love that they have buckwheat noodles.
Buffalo Wild Wings
See above.
Fish Bites
I am very sorry, but truly I had a terrible meal there, which is why there isn't a blog entry for it. Oh, it was just... not good.
Carolina Beach
Blackhorn Bar and Kitchen
I haven't been to this place. Someone let me know!
Downtown:
Aubriana's
Solidly good food, great ambience, great bar. It's American upscale food - nothing cutting edge, but still very good. Definitely give them a go.
Caprice Bistro
French. And well done French. Thierry knows what he's doing in a kitchen.
Mixto
Excellent Latin American. You must go. I love this place. Oh, the rum drink I had there last weekend was SO good.
Yo Sake
Sorry, but I haven't been to this one. I hear it's pretty good.
The Little Dipper
Ohhh, when I gave my last take on it for restaurant week, I got a very ugly comment that had nothing to do with the food and everything to do with my person. Sorry, but what I said still stands. I do not dig The Little Dipper. I think it's overpriced for food you basically have to cook yourself and the sauces are nothing special. If you like paying the price of a fully prepared chef meal for raw meat and some mediocre dipping sauces, go right ahead. I do not "get" fondue. And if you want to call me names, knock yourself out.
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Not to be ungenerous, but it's a chain. I've eaten there plenty for business in many different locations. They make a pretty good steak, but it's the same here as it is in Atlanta as it is in every other place I've ever visited. There are locally owned places that do a steak just as well.
Basics
Love this place. Need to get back for lunch soon and have a BLT.
Press 102
I've heard great things about them from fellow food lovers, but haven't made it there yet.
The Eat Spot
I like Eat Spot a lot. I've been several times and have always had consistently good food. That said, I have heard from a number of people I trust that sometimes it can be hit or miss and there have been a few not-so-great meals there. But I would expect that for Restaurant Week, they'll perform just fine.
Crow Hill
I love Crow Hill. I have not been since last week, when the chefs quit. However, the concept of the place is excellent, and frankly, I think it's pretty crummy for the entire kitchen staff to walk at once. I will continue to support them and hope that the food is as good as it was originally.
Midtown
Nicola's
I went once when they first opened and really wasn't very impressed. I'm sorry.
Priddyboys
Haven't heard anything about them and haven't been. You'll have to let me know!
Hieronymus
This place is down Market from us and I've eaten there a couple of times, but have never liked it very much. It's a standard seafood joint.
Henry's
Lunches are good enough. Never been there for dinner.
Saltworks II
Saltworks recently had a major makeover so their menu and food have apparently changed. Honestly, the couple of times I've eaten there, it's just been another greasy spoon - a lot of canned side dishes and nothing noteworthy. But I do want to give them another visit since they've done some revamping.
Jamaica's Comfort Zone
I love this place and need to get back there. Please do give them a try. Original, inventive, and solidly good food.
Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn
This is just a mainstay in Wilmington, and if you haven't been, you should. I never eat there - we always grab burritos on the run when we're headed to the beach or out for a sail. They've got some creative combos and the food is good. Their chips are pretty greasy, though, so I skip those.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Guys, I'm sorry. I'm just not a wings fan.
Flat Eddies
I haven't been there since they were Eddie Romanelli's and redid their menu. But from my food friends, I have not heard great things.
Wilmington North
The Melting Pot
Isn't this a chain? I'm pretty sure it is. Anyway, you know how I feel about fondue by now.
Catch
I have had some dissenting opinions about Catch, but I stand by my original take on it. I think Keith Rhodes is one of the best chefs in town, and I love his place.
Kornerstone
I haven't ever been, but I have heard good things about their pizza.
Port City Chop House
Another chain. I feel the same way about them as I do Ruth's Chris. They're good, but it's hard to mess up a steak. You can do better at a local non-chain restaurant, really.
Wrightsville Beach
South Beach Grill
I've always loved them. The owner is great, the chef is excellent, and it's a great place to go. If you haven't visited them yet, do yourself a favor and give them a try.
Verandah Cafe at Holiday Inn
Sorry, didn't even know about this place. Someone let me know if I should try them out.
East at the Blockade Runner
I keep meaning to get out there and keep forgetting. Maybe I'll scoot there this week and try them.
Wilmington South
Siena Tratorria
You can get a good glass of wine and a good dinner here. I like them, and we've eaten there quite a bit since a lot of our friends have desserted us and Midtown for greener and more Southerly pastures.
Cape Fear Seafood Company
I have heard great things about this place, and to my shame, still have not made it. Maybe this will be the week.
Eddie Romanelli's
I don't know anything about this new location. The one that was here in Wilmington was not very good. But hey, maybe they're doing better out there.
Pine Valley Market
I have several friends who live in that area of town and love, love, love Pine Valley Market. I should get out there and try them. Given what I've heard, you should, too.
Flaming Amy's Bowl
I've had lunch here a few times and it's good. I like the options and it's fun to create your own dish from what they have available. I love that they have buckwheat noodles.
Buffalo Wild Wings
See above.
Fish Bites
I am very sorry, but truly I had a terrible meal there, which is why there isn't a blog entry for it. Oh, it was just... not good.
Carolina Beach
Blackhorn Bar and Kitchen
I haven't been to this place. Someone let me know!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Crow Hill
Crow Hill Restaurant and Bar
9 S. Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 228-5332
Open Wed,Sun 5:30pm-10pm
Thu-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Liz's announcement of the opening in the Star-News.
For those of you from Wilmington, yes, Crow Hill is in Caffe' Phoenix's old spot. They've done a lovely job on the interior. The colors are warm and inviting and I love the blacksmithed tools and prints on the wall. We had a seat in the upstairs section, which allowed us to watch the coming and going and the bar crowd below. Fun!
The menu is short, which I like a lot. I would rather be given just a few choices than be overwhelmed with nine different fishes, six chicken dishes, and twelve cuts of beef. It's also often been my experience that when a place has only a few items on the menu, they can really throw their all into each of them, and the quality is excellent. That is definitely the case at Crow Hill.
There are a handful of signature cocktails, named after downtown streets and spots. I had the Red Cross Smash - a great medley of smashed berries, mint, bourbon and lime in a sugar-rimmed glass. The bartender clearly knew what he was doing. (Yes, it was a he. I watched him make my drink. There was a woman tending bar, too.) The wine list is limited, but good quality and from our view above, it looked like they had a good beer selection. (I forgot to look on the menu.)
Drinks came with a small clamp-lid jar of pickled vegetables. They were excellent, and obviously homemade. It was also a little off the beaten path and a surprisingly good accompaniment. It's not easy to do a vinegar-based something with drinks.
In the interest of getting a fair sampling from the menu (ahem) we each ordered an appetizer, Pootie had a salad, and we ordered different entrees and Pootie ordered a side of greens. For apps, I had the pickled eggs, stained a pretty purple but mildly flavored with a deviled dipping sauce (it was a dipping sauce of mustard, mayo and spices - just like a deviled egg). Man, they were good. Pootie had a bowl of marinated olives that were good quality and flavorful. He also ordered the plain green salad. They got the dressing spot-on. It was a lemon vinaigrette that wasn't sweet, but wasn't so puckery-tart that it tasted like floor cleaner. Perfectly balanced. (I have a problem with that in my own kitchen, so I respect a chef who can nail it.)
Pootie ordered the mountain trout, which came with a small-dice sweet potato hash with a little (I think) tasso ham and sweet onion. It was delicious. So was the trout. It was simply prepared, so you could taste the freshness of the fish. His side of greens was tender and flavorful without the noxious bitter edge I'm accustomed to with cooked greens. And they weren't just cooked to death and gloppy, either.
I had the chicken, which is kind of my litmus test for this kind of food. It's not as easy as you might think to pull off a perfectly cooked chicken, and very often it winds up being dry and tough and tasteless. This chicken was excellent. The skin was crispy and lemony-salty, and the meat was moist. It came with a side of a simple lemony panzanella and a seared lemon for squeezing on the chicken. That really made the flavor pop, too.
Pootie was thrilled to death that they had espresso available, and I went ahead and ordered the Compost Cookie in the interest of sharing with you a full range of their offerings. (ahem again). The two cookies came with an espresso cup of milk. Whole milk. Which we never have at home so it was like drinking cream. Perfect amount, and perfect with the cookies, which had a nice SALTY bite to them. You have no idea how happy I was about that. I really hate desserts that are just sweet. They need that salt to balance them out and this cookie has it. We shared one and brought the other one home. It's in the kitchen now, telling me lies about how it is the breakfast of champions.
The service was great. The wait staff were friendly, but not obsequious, and they didn't pull up a chair and visit with us. Our waitress knew the menu well and was able to make great suggestions. The guys who came to bus our table in between courses were nice and unobtrusive. There seemed to be good enthusiasm from all the staff for the restaurant, which is always nice to see.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about the experience was the attention to detail. The cutlery was cool and good quality (I want some forks like those!), the little clamp-lid jars of pickled veggies were neat and more interesting than just getting them on a plate, and Pootie's olives came in this gorgeous little olive-wood (yes) wooden bowl. I love stuff like that.
We were kind of shocked at how reasonable the bill was, given how much we ordered. That was a pleasant surprise. The price point is pretty middle-of-the road - $14 - $16 for high quality entrees.
We will definitely be back and will encourage everyone to go. Crow Hill is a great addition to the downtown restaurant scene.
Oh, hey, you know what else? They give you the leftovers (if there are any) in a cardboard container made from recycled materials. No Styrofoam! Rock!
9 S. Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 228-5332
Open Wed,Sun 5:30pm-10pm
Thu-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Liz's announcement of the opening in the Star-News.
For those of you from Wilmington, yes, Crow Hill is in Caffe' Phoenix's old spot. They've done a lovely job on the interior. The colors are warm and inviting and I love the blacksmithed tools and prints on the wall. We had a seat in the upstairs section, which allowed us to watch the coming and going and the bar crowd below. Fun!
The menu is short, which I like a lot. I would rather be given just a few choices than be overwhelmed with nine different fishes, six chicken dishes, and twelve cuts of beef. It's also often been my experience that when a place has only a few items on the menu, they can really throw their all into each of them, and the quality is excellent. That is definitely the case at Crow Hill.
There are a handful of signature cocktails, named after downtown streets and spots. I had the Red Cross Smash - a great medley of smashed berries, mint, bourbon and lime in a sugar-rimmed glass. The bartender clearly knew what he was doing. (Yes, it was a he. I watched him make my drink. There was a woman tending bar, too.) The wine list is limited, but good quality and from our view above, it looked like they had a good beer selection. (I forgot to look on the menu.)
Drinks came with a small clamp-lid jar of pickled vegetables. They were excellent, and obviously homemade. It was also a little off the beaten path and a surprisingly good accompaniment. It's not easy to do a vinegar-based something with drinks.
In the interest of getting a fair sampling from the menu (ahem) we each ordered an appetizer, Pootie had a salad, and we ordered different entrees and Pootie ordered a side of greens. For apps, I had the pickled eggs, stained a pretty purple but mildly flavored with a deviled dipping sauce (it was a dipping sauce of mustard, mayo and spices - just like a deviled egg). Man, they were good. Pootie had a bowl of marinated olives that were good quality and flavorful. He also ordered the plain green salad. They got the dressing spot-on. It was a lemon vinaigrette that wasn't sweet, but wasn't so puckery-tart that it tasted like floor cleaner. Perfectly balanced. (I have a problem with that in my own kitchen, so I respect a chef who can nail it.)
Pootie ordered the mountain trout, which came with a small-dice sweet potato hash with a little (I think) tasso ham and sweet onion. It was delicious. So was the trout. It was simply prepared, so you could taste the freshness of the fish. His side of greens was tender and flavorful without the noxious bitter edge I'm accustomed to with cooked greens. And they weren't just cooked to death and gloppy, either.
I had the chicken, which is kind of my litmus test for this kind of food. It's not as easy as you might think to pull off a perfectly cooked chicken, and very often it winds up being dry and tough and tasteless. This chicken was excellent. The skin was crispy and lemony-salty, and the meat was moist. It came with a side of a simple lemony panzanella and a seared lemon for squeezing on the chicken. That really made the flavor pop, too.
Pootie was thrilled to death that they had espresso available, and I went ahead and ordered the Compost Cookie in the interest of sharing with you a full range of their offerings. (ahem again). The two cookies came with an espresso cup of milk. Whole milk. Which we never have at home so it was like drinking cream. Perfect amount, and perfect with the cookies, which had a nice SALTY bite to them. You have no idea how happy I was about that. I really hate desserts that are just sweet. They need that salt to balance them out and this cookie has it. We shared one and brought the other one home. It's in the kitchen now, telling me lies about how it is the breakfast of champions.
The service was great. The wait staff were friendly, but not obsequious, and they didn't pull up a chair and visit with us. Our waitress knew the menu well and was able to make great suggestions. The guys who came to bus our table in between courses were nice and unobtrusive. There seemed to be good enthusiasm from all the staff for the restaurant, which is always nice to see.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about the experience was the attention to detail. The cutlery was cool and good quality (I want some forks like those!), the little clamp-lid jars of pickled veggies were neat and more interesting than just getting them on a plate, and Pootie's olives came in this gorgeous little olive-wood (yes) wooden bowl. I love stuff like that.
We were kind of shocked at how reasonable the bill was, given how much we ordered. That was a pleasant surprise. The price point is pretty middle-of-the road - $14 - $16 for high quality entrees.
We will definitely be back and will encourage everyone to go. Crow Hill is a great addition to the downtown restaurant scene.
Oh, hey, you know what else? They give you the leftovers (if there are any) in a cardboard container made from recycled materials. No Styrofoam! Rock!
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