Well, I’ve been able to explore a few more places here in NC in the past few weeks and here’s what I’ve found:
I have eaten here before but I’m so glad to be permanently living near a Biscuitville. If you’ve never been here, just know that they make homemade, delicious biscuits (in front of your eyes) and all of the other Southern breakfast stuff you want/need like grits, bacon, sausage and country ham. I ate up a country ham biscuit with cheese grits and an orange juice. This will definitely be my cheap weekend brunch or breakfast spot.
I had heard rave reviews about this upscale German spot downtown and was definitely not disappointed. The atmosphere is fancy (marble tables) but very approachable and they offer fabulous German fare and tasty and creative cocktails, beers and wines. I loved my Schnitzel Sandwich topped with a kale and apple slaw and served with some of the best french fries ever, seasoned perfectly and flavored with rosemary. We started off the meal with their Pimento Cheese and Fig Crostinis and they absolutely rocked out the pimento. I tasted bacon grease and I liked it.
I found out from some local bloggers that there is a really cool thing called Ethnosh that just started in Raleigh and hosts monthly events at various ethnic restaurants in the area. When I found out, I was so in! This month’s was at Jose and Sons, a family restaurant offering creative takes on traditional Mexican food with a Southern twist. We had some tasty drinks (pom mojito and beers) and for $5 we got to sample a few appetizers like Yucca Frita (yucca fries topped with pico de gallo) and Flautas with brisket, wrapped in a lettuce leaf and topped with crema and queso fresco.
My sister said she had been wanting to try this place for awhile, so we ventured out to Sawasdee’s porch on a sunny day this past weekend. After enjoying our spring rolls and curries, Jason and I are thrilled to have a local Thai place close to our new house. The fresh spring rolls were refreshing and my Panang Vegetable Curry with Tofu was complex, slightly sweet and with just enough heat and loads of veggies.
After going here twice, I’m officially in love. This bakery has got it all: amazing bread at good prices, a modern, hip feel and loads of sweets to tempt me (like croissants, scones and cookies). Yellow Dog will probably be a weekly or biweekly stop for me. And there’s nothing like a fabulous local bakery to help you feel more settled in a new town…well, for me anyway.