Monday, March 29, 2010

Time for a (restau)rant

I don't do this very often, but it's time. The newly opened Tribeca Tavern in Cary is just an average joint. There. Greg Cox, the N&O food critic, said it was wonderful. Don't believe it. On a recent visit, my wife and I were treated to a burger with way too much stuff on it. Fried mashed potatoes for a topping? They grind their own burger, but it was a bit greasy and not very flavorful. A zucchini chips appetizer arrived hot and good, but again, greasy. The place is loud and busy. Fine for some, but for the expense, I'd like a bit more atmosphere. And speaking of expense -- could they have spared any more on the wine list? Only two glasses of red are offered, a merlot and a zin. That's it. Do they not know the wine culture in this part of the county? Maybe in N. Raleigh where the flagship of the company, Michael Dean's, is located people don't care so much about a decent wine-by-the-glass list, but around here with the competition keen on excellent wines, a short list is like sour grapes. Our waiter said they have a brown-bag policy, where if you BUY a bottle you can take what's left with you. Um, NO! Might as well buy a decent bottle from our friends at the Wine Merchant cheaper and drink it at home.
The bottom line...Tribeca will make a fine place to watch a game (there are big TV's everywhere), swig a brew and eat some average bar food, or if you need somewhere to take the kids for a meal. Or go across High House Road to Connelly's or Rudino's for better food and atmosphere. For a better burger, drive a little farther down High House and go to Spirits Pub and Grub.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Indian food in Cary

Lots of choices for authentic food from India in Cary Apex Morrisville, (CAM). What's your flavor? Vegetarian, Hyderabaad, Southern, Northern? We've got them. Now. Was a time when it was hard to find a decent Indian restaurant in Cary. Our last experience a couple of nights ago was delicious, at what was Suchi, now named Chef of India. I like hot and spicy, but we usually get medium heat. As always here, our taste buds had a blast and that was no small thing as the dal mahkani was smooth with tender lentils. Next up, chicken tikka in the tomato-based sauce. Chicken tikka, here very similar to butter chicken, was outstanding. The garlic naan never disappoints, and the portion is perfect for two. We use Royal India in N. Raleigh as our benchmark for excellence in Indian cuisine - now open in Morrisville as Royal Dhaba - and Chef of India is one of our favorites in Cary. They also have a buffet on the weekend you shouldn't miss.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Welcome fellow Triangle food enthusiasts

OK so we all like to eat great food. But what defines great food? Opinions out there are as numerous and variable as the number of recipes in a Julia Child cookbook. Example: While some people might think Red Lobster is the ultimate in great seafood, I would skip them as I avoid chains, too many other great choices in this area for excellent seafood.

Here in the Triangle, we have been blessed with some really talented chefs, who work hard to dazzle us with new and delicious dishes. As you will see in my restaurant reviews, I prefer fresh locally grown fare, excellent prep and execution, decor, and customer service. I don't always go to the neatest, newest, hippest for a decent meal -- my stops range from Crook's Corner to Connelly's in Cary. CCCcool!

Also, since I use a wheelchair and accessibility is huge on my radar, you'll see my access ratings for establishments as well.

So tune in and see where I go on a cuisine trek around Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Cary and the surrounding area and please add your comments!