Yay! Marc's on Market has their fall menu changes ready! I happen to know that Marc scored a LOT of gorgeous chestnuts from the Farmer's Market downtown, and they're making their appearance. Looking forward to trying out the new stuff, and being able to eat Brussels sprouts, since Phillip won't eat them.
Check their new menu.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Aubriana's
Aubriana's
115 S Front Street
Wilmington, NC
910 763 7773
The atmosphere at Aubriana's is great. Exposed brick walls, dark and cozy, white tablecloths, small and intimate space, candles, tables in the windows...a great dining experience. (The ladies room is equally elegant.) But the atmosphere is nothing if the food isn't good. Fortunately, Aubriana's pulls off both well.
At first glance, the menu and the wine selection seem a little limited. It makes sense, though, the more you think about it. If what you offer is high quality, you don't need an enormous variety. And it certainly makes better business sense to not have thirty different kinds of wine available by the glass when your restaurant has about 15 tables. It's a better experience for the diner as well. You know the wine you're getting is going to be fresh, and not from a bottle that's been sitting there open for weeks. As for the food, the chef can concentrate his efforts on perfecting each dish rather than developing a cafeteria-sized menu of offerings.
I'd say the chef at Aubriana's has just about perfected what he cooks, too. I ordered the house salad with the roasted tomato and bacon dressing. The greens were feather-light, and dressed perfectly. The dressing had a nice, smokey flavor that was well-balanced with tart vinegar. My only complaint at all was that the tomato was obviously just garnish - it was on the side and mealy and tasteless. Tomato this time of year is just iffy - even the ones I've gotten down at the Farmer's Market aren't that great. It's just past time for them. I'd have preferred them not present at all on the plate. Phillip had the Caesar salad, which was also excellent. The croutons were slightly stale, but still tasted good, and the dressing was excellent, the greens crisp, and of course it came with anchovies, which it should.
Phillip ordered the Sunburst Mahi, which was a cashew crusted mahi with a citrus mashed potato and a mango/vanilla sauce beautifully decorating the plate. The potatoes were a surprising flavor that was actually delicious and complimented the fish perfectly. The sauce was more than just a decoration. It was bursting with flavor and really made the fish sing, so to speak.
I ordered the veal chop saltimbocca. It was a very generous portion of tender, well-seasoned veal, wrapped in proscuitto and topped with good-quality mozarella. The pan sauce was salty perfection, and the asparagus was tender-crisp and delicious, not just there for a token something green. (Which is often what my vegetables wind up being.) Our waiter selected a nice red that had some juicy berry flavors that went with the dinner "just right".
Ordinarily, I don't order dessert, but dinner was so good, I wasn't ready to stop eating. And the desserts are all made in-house. How could I refuse? Double chocolate peanut butter pie for me, thanks. Oh, my! The crust was chocolate wafer, filled with a rich not-too-sweet peanut butter creamy filling, topped with a chocolate ganache. I ate way too much of it and am going to have to double up my workouts for a week to pay for that, but it was worth it.
Service was attentive without being obsequious. He was knowledgeable about the food and wine, pleasant but unintrusive.
As is typical of Wilmington, the clientele ran the gamut, from slightly dressed up older folks like us, to a group of young people in T-shirts and jeans. What I'm saying is, don't fret about having to get your tiara out to eat here. Like everyplace else in town, it's upscale, but user-friendly.
Update 11/25/09: Here is Liz Biro's review from the Star-News. (She rocks)
115 S Front Street
Wilmington, NC
910 763 7773
The atmosphere at Aubriana's is great. Exposed brick walls, dark and cozy, white tablecloths, small and intimate space, candles, tables in the windows...a great dining experience. (The ladies room is equally elegant.) But the atmosphere is nothing if the food isn't good. Fortunately, Aubriana's pulls off both well.
At first glance, the menu and the wine selection seem a little limited. It makes sense, though, the more you think about it. If what you offer is high quality, you don't need an enormous variety. And it certainly makes better business sense to not have thirty different kinds of wine available by the glass when your restaurant has about 15 tables. It's a better experience for the diner as well. You know the wine you're getting is going to be fresh, and not from a bottle that's been sitting there open for weeks. As for the food, the chef can concentrate his efforts on perfecting each dish rather than developing a cafeteria-sized menu of offerings.
I'd say the chef at Aubriana's has just about perfected what he cooks, too. I ordered the house salad with the roasted tomato and bacon dressing. The greens were feather-light, and dressed perfectly. The dressing had a nice, smokey flavor that was well-balanced with tart vinegar. My only complaint at all was that the tomato was obviously just garnish - it was on the side and mealy and tasteless. Tomato this time of year is just iffy - even the ones I've gotten down at the Farmer's Market aren't that great. It's just past time for them. I'd have preferred them not present at all on the plate. Phillip had the Caesar salad, which was also excellent. The croutons were slightly stale, but still tasted good, and the dressing was excellent, the greens crisp, and of course it came with anchovies, which it should.
Phillip ordered the Sunburst Mahi, which was a cashew crusted mahi with a citrus mashed potato and a mango/vanilla sauce beautifully decorating the plate. The potatoes were a surprising flavor that was actually delicious and complimented the fish perfectly. The sauce was more than just a decoration. It was bursting with flavor and really made the fish sing, so to speak.
I ordered the veal chop saltimbocca. It was a very generous portion of tender, well-seasoned veal, wrapped in proscuitto and topped with good-quality mozarella. The pan sauce was salty perfection, and the asparagus was tender-crisp and delicious, not just there for a token something green. (Which is often what my vegetables wind up being.) Our waiter selected a nice red that had some juicy berry flavors that went with the dinner "just right".
Ordinarily, I don't order dessert, but dinner was so good, I wasn't ready to stop eating. And the desserts are all made in-house. How could I refuse? Double chocolate peanut butter pie for me, thanks. Oh, my! The crust was chocolate wafer, filled with a rich not-too-sweet peanut butter creamy filling, topped with a chocolate ganache. I ate way too much of it and am going to have to double up my workouts for a week to pay for that, but it was worth it.
Service was attentive without being obsequious. He was knowledgeable about the food and wine, pleasant but unintrusive.
As is typical of Wilmington, the clientele ran the gamut, from slightly dressed up older folks like us, to a group of young people in T-shirts and jeans. What I'm saying is, don't fret about having to get your tiara out to eat here. Like everyplace else in town, it's upscale, but user-friendly.
Update 11/25/09: Here is Liz Biro's review from the Star-News. (She rocks)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Wilmington Restaurant Week - 2009
Encore Magazine is running a promotion with several local restaurants to boost business this fall in the form of Wilmington Restaurant Week. It's taking place October 21 - 28 (that's 2009, if this blog gets pulled up five years from now due to some weird search glitch). There are 28 restaurants participating. Each restaurant will offer a prix fixe menu at discounted prices. You can check out who is participating and what their days of participation and menu offerings are here.
Here is the list. If I have an opinion on the place, I'll either link it to a review, or if I haven't reviewed it, I'll give a brief rundown of my experience, for what it's worth. I'm breaking my rule a little on this - I don't normally say bad things about places, I just don't blog about them if I don't like them. But if I don't like the food at any of these, I'm going to let you know. (This time ONLY!)
The Melting Pot - New, and I haven't eaten there, but I have issues with fondue (see below).
Aubriana's - My friend Liz, whose opinion I value highly, says it's good. I will probably give them a go for this event.
Siena Trattoria - This is one of our favorite places. We love their pizza, and their pasta, while not the best I've ever had, is pretty good.
Fat Tony's Italian Pub - It's OK. It's Pub Food. I like the Copper Penny much better, but Fat Tony's downtown has a nice, laid-back vibe and a good beer selection.
Henry's - I've had lunch there a few times and drinks a couple of times. Their wine list is OK, their food is fine, but doesn't REALLY impress me.
Ruth's Chris Steak House - I really dislike this chain, and always have. I haven't eaten at the one locally, but have had many a business meal at the others all around the country. It's fine. It's steak. But it is exhorbitantly expensive (seriously? I have to PAY for a baked potato that isn't even baked properly? It's wrapped in foil, rubbery and steamed? seriously?). You can get just as good a steak at some of the nicer restaurants in town, and they'll throw in sides that are much more imaginative than steamed broccoli and a day-old rubber potato as part of the meal!
Eddie Romanelli's - WILMINGTON - I know I am going to tick off a lot of Eddie Romanelli fans, but they do a booming business without my endorsement. I honestly do not think their food is very good. I've eaten there a few times at the behest of others, and have never had anything I liked. It's pretty standard tomato based Italian fare without much flavor. (Sorry! Someone's going to whack me for that.)
Eddie Romanelli's - LELAND - Haven't been to this one, but figure it's going to be about the same as the one here in Wilmington.
Hell's Kitchen - Hell's Bells! Why haven't I blogged about Hell's Kitchen! I need to remedy that. They are good pub food. Basic, standard stuff, but good. It's definitely a dive, but funky and fun, and I like eating there occasionally.
East (inside Blockade Runner) - Well, here's one I don't even know about. I'll have to check it.
Caffe Phoenix - I need to give Caffe Phoenix another try. We have a story similar to everyone else who has lived here as long or longer than we have: When we first moved here, Caffe Phoenix was one of our favorite restaurants. (I don't know how many people I know have said that - lots.) Then it got sold, and kind of went to pot. Then it started physically falling apart (the building was not maintained). Then there was some drama and scandal about the people who bought it. Something about not paying a bunch of people and leaving. I don't know - rumors. Then it closed for a while and was renovated. Then it reopened and I had lunch there and it was OK but not great, and I didn't go back. We need to try them for dinner and just see what's going on.
South Beach Grill - Best place on the beach, in my opinion. Even if it's on the sound side.
Riverboat Landing - I had lunch there once and had some of the best quiche I've ever had. I'm really not sure why I haven't been back. We should go for dinner and check it out.
Wrightsville Grille - I don't have a good bead on this place. I haven't heard anything about it, good, bad or indifferent. I should give them a try.
Deluxe - It used to be my favorite restaurant. But lately they've seen a shuffle. Keith Rhodes, who was the chef, left very recently, and we haven't been in a while. The food the past few times we went (before he left) was inconsistent and in some cases, disappointing, which is why I haven't blogged about it. I'm curious to see what happens now that Keith has moved on and they figure out what direction they're going to take.
Buoy 32 Bistro - We ate there and were not impressed. My husband's meal was so-so, and mine was really almost bad. The chef was screaming at the staff the night we were there, the food came out at an unbelievably slow pace, and there were only four other people there. I suppose it could have been a bad night, and I'll cut them some slack, because others have said they love the food, but I'm still not going back.
Hieronymus Seafood - Another Wilmington favorite that we aren't partial to. It's right down the road from us, but it's just not the kind of food we really enjoy. It's seafood, but kind of boring preparation mostly.
Islands Fresh Mex Grille - Don't know this one. Will have to check it out.
Nikki's Fresh Gourmet and Sushi - Nikki's is one of our standbys. We love the sushi, and they have a good wine and beer list.
Oceanic - OK. Close your ears, people. I'm going to be not very nice here. Oceanic food is TERRIBLE! I mean it! It's awful! Now, this is not about to hurt their business. They're the only place at Wrightsville with a beach view, and they apparently know it. I always cringe when I hear the old guy at the airport who greets tourists telling everyone to go eat there. I don't know if he's getting a kickback or what, but if you're a tourist, do NOT waste your money going there! Everything is battered and fried and I swear came out of a frozen Sysco box. If you want to eat at Wrightsville, eat at South Beach Grille. (See above).
Nikki's Hibachi Steak House - Oh, it's fun, but I like their sushi better.
Bluewater - Bluewater is all right. It's got a lovely view, and above average food. Nothing there knocked my socks off, but you can have an enjoyable meal there for prices that won't make you think you've lost your mind when you leave.
Sticky Fingers - My husband is from Memphis. I am from about an hour away from Memphis. Trust me when I say that is NOT Memphis barbecue. It is too sweet for starters. But that said, I like it better than NC 'cue. (Hey, give me a break. I'm not FROM here. We don't cook meat, toss vinegar on it and call it barbecue where I'm from.)
Caprice Bistro - I love Caprice. They have everything going for them. Excellent food, great ambiance, professional wait staff - you can't go wrong here.
Priddy Boys - Don't know them. Will have to check them out.
Yo Sake - Haven't been there. Have heard mixed reviews from friends.
Cape Fear Seafood Company - I've heard very good word-of-mouth on this place and it's on my list to try. Maybe I'll hit them during the restaurant week.
Little Dipper - OK. Here's the thing. For some reason, fondue is popular again. Now, truly, I love the melted cheese part. That's fine. And it's pretty good at Little Dipper. But the meats? I'm sorry. When someone brings me my dinner, I have to cook it, and the sauces they give me are just mediocre, why am I paying as much as if a chef prepared said meat and provided me a delicious, original, imaginative meal WITH sides? You don't know either? Huh. Maybe I don't "get" fondue. But the couple of times I've eaten there, I've left with an empty wallet, (it's expen$$ive), a mostly empty belly, and an empty feeling like I just paid a lot for a meal that wasn't very satisfying.
So there's my personal take on the restaurants participating in Restaurant Week. I hope they really do well, though, and get a lot of folks out to discover new places they haven't tried. Wilmington really does have a lot of good locally owned eateries.
Here is the list. If I have an opinion on the place, I'll either link it to a review, or if I haven't reviewed it, I'll give a brief rundown of my experience, for what it's worth. I'm breaking my rule a little on this - I don't normally say bad things about places, I just don't blog about them if I don't like them. But if I don't like the food at any of these, I'm going to let you know. (This time ONLY!)
The Melting Pot - New, and I haven't eaten there, but I have issues with fondue (see below).
Aubriana's - My friend Liz, whose opinion I value highly, says it's good. I will probably give them a go for this event.
Siena Trattoria - This is one of our favorite places. We love their pizza, and their pasta, while not the best I've ever had, is pretty good.
Fat Tony's Italian Pub - It's OK. It's Pub Food. I like the Copper Penny much better, but Fat Tony's downtown has a nice, laid-back vibe and a good beer selection.
Henry's - I've had lunch there a few times and drinks a couple of times. Their wine list is OK, their food is fine, but doesn't REALLY impress me.
Ruth's Chris Steak House - I really dislike this chain, and always have. I haven't eaten at the one locally, but have had many a business meal at the others all around the country. It's fine. It's steak. But it is exhorbitantly expensive (seriously? I have to PAY for a baked potato that isn't even baked properly? It's wrapped in foil, rubbery and steamed? seriously?). You can get just as good a steak at some of the nicer restaurants in town, and they'll throw in sides that are much more imaginative than steamed broccoli and a day-old rubber potato as part of the meal!
Eddie Romanelli's - WILMINGTON - I know I am going to tick off a lot of Eddie Romanelli fans, but they do a booming business without my endorsement. I honestly do not think their food is very good. I've eaten there a few times at the behest of others, and have never had anything I liked. It's pretty standard tomato based Italian fare without much flavor. (Sorry! Someone's going to whack me for that.)
Eddie Romanelli's - LELAND - Haven't been to this one, but figure it's going to be about the same as the one here in Wilmington.
Hell's Kitchen - Hell's Bells! Why haven't I blogged about Hell's Kitchen! I need to remedy that. They are good pub food. Basic, standard stuff, but good. It's definitely a dive, but funky and fun, and I like eating there occasionally.
East (inside Blockade Runner) - Well, here's one I don't even know about. I'll have to check it.
Caffe Phoenix - I need to give Caffe Phoenix another try. We have a story similar to everyone else who has lived here as long or longer than we have: When we first moved here, Caffe Phoenix was one of our favorite restaurants. (I don't know how many people I know have said that - lots.) Then it got sold, and kind of went to pot. Then it started physically falling apart (the building was not maintained). Then there was some drama and scandal about the people who bought it. Something about not paying a bunch of people and leaving. I don't know - rumors. Then it closed for a while and was renovated. Then it reopened and I had lunch there and it was OK but not great, and I didn't go back. We need to try them for dinner and just see what's going on.
South Beach Grill - Best place on the beach, in my opinion. Even if it's on the sound side.
Riverboat Landing - I had lunch there once and had some of the best quiche I've ever had. I'm really not sure why I haven't been back. We should go for dinner and check it out.
Wrightsville Grille - I don't have a good bead on this place. I haven't heard anything about it, good, bad or indifferent. I should give them a try.
Deluxe - It used to be my favorite restaurant. But lately they've seen a shuffle. Keith Rhodes, who was the chef, left very recently, and we haven't been in a while. The food the past few times we went (before he left) was inconsistent and in some cases, disappointing, which is why I haven't blogged about it. I'm curious to see what happens now that Keith has moved on and they figure out what direction they're going to take.
Buoy 32 Bistro - We ate there and were not impressed. My husband's meal was so-so, and mine was really almost bad. The chef was screaming at the staff the night we were there, the food came out at an unbelievably slow pace, and there were only four other people there. I suppose it could have been a bad night, and I'll cut them some slack, because others have said they love the food, but I'm still not going back.
Hieronymus Seafood - Another Wilmington favorite that we aren't partial to. It's right down the road from us, but it's just not the kind of food we really enjoy. It's seafood, but kind of boring preparation mostly.
Islands Fresh Mex Grille - Don't know this one. Will have to check it out.
Nikki's Fresh Gourmet and Sushi - Nikki's is one of our standbys. We love the sushi, and they have a good wine and beer list.
Oceanic - OK. Close your ears, people. I'm going to be not very nice here. Oceanic food is TERRIBLE! I mean it! It's awful! Now, this is not about to hurt their business. They're the only place at Wrightsville with a beach view, and they apparently know it. I always cringe when I hear the old guy at the airport who greets tourists telling everyone to go eat there. I don't know if he's getting a kickback or what, but if you're a tourist, do NOT waste your money going there! Everything is battered and fried and I swear came out of a frozen Sysco box. If you want to eat at Wrightsville, eat at South Beach Grille. (See above).
Nikki's Hibachi Steak House - Oh, it's fun, but I like their sushi better.
Bluewater - Bluewater is all right. It's got a lovely view, and above average food. Nothing there knocked my socks off, but you can have an enjoyable meal there for prices that won't make you think you've lost your mind when you leave.
Sticky Fingers - My husband is from Memphis. I am from about an hour away from Memphis. Trust me when I say that is NOT Memphis barbecue. It is too sweet for starters. But that said, I like it better than NC 'cue. (Hey, give me a break. I'm not FROM here. We don't cook meat, toss vinegar on it and call it barbecue where I'm from.)
Caprice Bistro - I love Caprice. They have everything going for them. Excellent food, great ambiance, professional wait staff - you can't go wrong here.
Priddy Boys - Don't know them. Will have to check them out.
Yo Sake - Haven't been there. Have heard mixed reviews from friends.
Cape Fear Seafood Company - I've heard very good word-of-mouth on this place and it's on my list to try. Maybe I'll hit them during the restaurant week.
Little Dipper - OK. Here's the thing. For some reason, fondue is popular again. Now, truly, I love the melted cheese part. That's fine. And it's pretty good at Little Dipper. But the meats? I'm sorry. When someone brings me my dinner, I have to cook it, and the sauces they give me are just mediocre, why am I paying as much as if a chef prepared said meat and provided me a delicious, original, imaginative meal WITH sides? You don't know either? Huh. Maybe I don't "get" fondue. But the couple of times I've eaten there, I've left with an empty wallet, (it's expen$$ive), a mostly empty belly, and an empty feeling like I just paid a lot for a meal that wasn't very satisfying.
So there's my personal take on the restaurants participating in Restaurant Week. I hope they really do well, though, and get a lot of folks out to discover new places they haven't tried. Wilmington really does have a lot of good locally owned eateries.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Wilmington Visitors Restaurant Tour
My parents are coming for a visit next week, so I've been planning the days around food, of course. My tentative itenerary so far:
Thursday Lunch: Osteria Chiccetti. They arrive around noon, and Mom has already said they're going to be hungry. They can't check in to their Bed and Breakfast (The Verandas) until 3:00, so we'll go straight from the airport out to the Forum and eat lunch. After that, we'll rat around Mayfaire and let them shop a little. I'm sure we'll wind up at Fresh Market so my dad, Mr. Snack, can load up on squirrel food and Jelly Bellies. (I come by that predilection honestly.)
Thursday Dinner: Since we'll have been shopping and mostly relaxing, I'll cook dinner that night so they can visit with the furry grandchildren and us.
Friday: I'll pick them up and probably wander around downtown some in the morning. Then we'll lunch at Catch. From Catch, I want to take them to La Gemma Italian Bakery on 17th Street. I've tried some of their bite-size pastries at tasting events, but haven't actually been to the bakery. Everyone should enjoy that. From there, I'll take them to Aerlie Gardens so they can see that. They've never been, and it's beautiful, even this time of year when there's not much blooming. For dinner, we'll take them to Marc's on Market, where they can have an excellent meal, and meet our friends Marc and Sara.
Saturday: I'm looking for a good place to do lunch in the Carolina Beach area. We're going to take them down to Fort Fisher and the Aquarium, and I wanted to go somewhere down there. I've got requests in to some friends for recommendations, because I just don't get down there that often. For dinner, we're going to head out to Brasserie du Soleil. They'll both enjoy the salads and Dad will love the Pommes Frites as much as I do.
I'll give everyone a rundown of the weekend once we're done, and re-review the places we've chosen. Mom and Dad are both pretty picky eaters, so feeding them can be a real challenge. We'll see how it goes!
Thursday Lunch: Osteria Chiccetti. They arrive around noon, and Mom has already said they're going to be hungry. They can't check in to their Bed and Breakfast (The Verandas) until 3:00, so we'll go straight from the airport out to the Forum and eat lunch. After that, we'll rat around Mayfaire and let them shop a little. I'm sure we'll wind up at Fresh Market so my dad, Mr. Snack, can load up on squirrel food and Jelly Bellies. (I come by that predilection honestly.)
Thursday Dinner: Since we'll have been shopping and mostly relaxing, I'll cook dinner that night so they can visit with the furry grandchildren and us.
Friday: I'll pick them up and probably wander around downtown some in the morning. Then we'll lunch at Catch. From Catch, I want to take them to La Gemma Italian Bakery on 17th Street. I've tried some of their bite-size pastries at tasting events, but haven't actually been to the bakery. Everyone should enjoy that. From there, I'll take them to Aerlie Gardens so they can see that. They've never been, and it's beautiful, even this time of year when there's not much blooming. For dinner, we'll take them to Marc's on Market, where they can have an excellent meal, and meet our friends Marc and Sara.
Saturday: I'm looking for a good place to do lunch in the Carolina Beach area. We're going to take them down to Fort Fisher and the Aquarium, and I wanted to go somewhere down there. I've got requests in to some friends for recommendations, because I just don't get down there that often. For dinner, we're going to head out to Brasserie du Soleil. They'll both enjoy the salads and Dad will love the Pommes Frites as much as I do.
I'll give everyone a rundown of the weekend once we're done, and re-review the places we've chosen. Mom and Dad are both pretty picky eaters, so feeding them can be a real challenge. We'll see how it goes!
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