My visit to Oryx was a strange experience. Oryx has a cool, contemporary atmosphere that fits in well with its Glenwood South location. The service was good. The menu was interesting and the food looked good. But, I found the cocktails and food so quirky that I’d suggest that the chef do some tweaking to […]

There’s a lot to like about Blue Mango, which just opened on Glenwood South. In focusing my reviews on new restaurants, I’ve seen a lot of places open up, with varying degrees of success. Blue Mango has done a really superb job. Everything about the restaurant is quality; the interior design, the service, and the […]

A few years ago, the New York Times ran an article that observed the decline of the delicatessen. At that time, there was no New York-style deli in Raleigh. I was pleased to hear that Weinberg’s Deli was going to change that. I was even more pleased to hear that Neil Horwitz would be consulting […]

Mandolin Restaurant occupies a place that is home to some old Raleigh history. But, in recent times the restaurants that have operated there have quickly become history. While Red Dragon has continued to thrive next door, EVOO and the other incarnations of 2519 Fairview Road have opened and then quietly disappeared. Raleigh native Sean Fowler […]

My experience at Calavera was extremely good. Tucked away on the corner of Blount and Davie, Calavera is on the edge of the business section of downtown. The downstairs dining and bar area is cozy. I tried a number of cocktails. The mojito and pisco sour were fantastic, very flavorful and more than sufficiently strong. […]

My first impression of Beasley’s Chicken and Honey is very good. I was a fan of Ashley Christensen at Vin and, of course, personally wish her the best with the opening of her newest restaurant, but I do have to admit being just a touch cynical about the amount of buzz that Beasley has received. […]

I usually use the Small Bites section to discuss restaurants that have just opened or that I’ve only tried once or twice. I’m going to switch things up and give a brief review of an old favorite, Seaboard Café. Situated around Logan’s garden shop, the outdoor and semi-indoor seating is a great place to have […]