Troy Mezze Lounge Review

A few weeks ago I had my first experience with Turkish cuisine. I came to Troy Mezze for a lyricist performance, so the restaurant was reserved for the event. The atmosphere was dimly lit with beautiful artwork and tapestry. Some walls were arched over a shiny and pristine wrap-around bar while others contained warm, decorative wall paper. Booth seats and tables lined the side of the restaurant. I had the Turkish Pastrami Pastry (Pacanga) dish which consisted of a Pan-fried pastry stuffed with Turkish pastrami, kasari cheese, and tomatoes. This dish was delicious and I ate every last bit, but my dessert wasn't as appealing. I had the Rice Pudding, which I'm used to always eating warm. Troy Mezze's cold rice pudding just wasn't as appealing to me. I very much look forward to going back to Troy Mezze for the food, atmosphere, and any events held there.

Carrabba's Italian Grill Review

After two great visits, Carrabba's has become one of my favorite Italian dining spots. I still have a few Italian restaurant dining adventures to embark on, though. Both visits I had a waitress who was friendly, knowledgeable of the menu, and came back and checked on our table needs often. During my first visit I chose the Chicken Bryan which was yummy along with a glass of Sangria, one of my favorite drinks. I ordered Chicken Parmesan my second trip but was disappointed because my potatoes were a bit cool. The night was saved, however, upon tasting the Sogno Di Cioccolata, "Chocolate Dream". The rich fudge brownie brushed with Kahlua had yummy chocolate mousse and was topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Delicious! During my net visit I will probably try the Lobster Mac & Cheese.

Mimi's Cafe Review

I've only been to Mimi's Cafe twice, with the most recent visit most likely being my last (at least for a while). Before my first visit I read a few reviews stating that while the food was pleasing, the service was subpar; reviewers said that they were ignored and/or treated rudely. I chose to go and was very pleased with my first visit. My chicken cordon bleu was delicious and my waitress was fast, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu and various serving times and dishes for breakfast meals. I was satisfied with my first visit, so you can understand why with a 2 for 1 entree coupon, I assumed my second visit would be stellar. 

Not exactly. 

When I arrived, me and the person I was with were seated at the bar while waiting for a table. We got our drinks and after 5 minutes or so we were seated at a table. After about 10 minutes of waiting I started getting agitated. I had my coupon on the table to remember to present it to the server. Maybe coupon carriers get the short end of the stick because the tip is going to be significantly less?? Anyway, I resigned in myself that if the couple that got seated 10 minutes or so into our wait was served quickly I was going to let everyone know I was not happy. Well, that most certainly happened and within 2 minutes they were greeted. I stopped the first passing waiter I saw and asked to speak to a manager. He looked like a deer caught in headlights and made a bee-line right out of my line of laser beam sight. Lo and behold the bartender came over looking surprised at my frustration but apologized because she was apparently on extra duty. We placed our order and in hindsight I probably should have left, (I've seen Waiting) but I stayed. Come on, I had a sweet coupon! I probably won't be going back to Mimi's for a while. 

Dos Taquitos Centro Review

I was very excited about my first visit to Dos Taquitos Centro with my friend Amy, owner of Amy's Creative Corner. The place was quaint and upon entering the restaurant I was instantly entranced by the warm colors within the low light setting of festive lights and ceiling decoration. The artwork along the walls was pleasing to the eye as we enjoyed our meal and conversation. Our waiter was friendly, knowledgeable, and provided us with super fast service. He went over any item on the menu that I was unfamiliar with, which was very helpful since it was my first trip to an authentic Mexican restaurant. Dos Taquitos Centro uses weekly, fresh fish and fresh ingredients.

Our appetizer consisted of some of the best queso dip I've ever had, and I've had my fair share of queso. Love it. The Queso Dip con Epazote was an absolutely yummy way to kick-start our meal. The Mojito Tulita was my first grapefruit mojito and it was delightful and zesty. With the right amount of Bacardi and one half of the grapefruit to enjoy with a spoon, this was one drink I am glad I did not pass up!  

Enchiladas de Puebla consisted of steak, chicken, and black bean enchiladas. I wasn't a fan of the black bean enchilada but the steak and chicken were very delicious. We finished off our meal with a plate of Capirotada, a warm bread pudding with raisins served with cajeta ice cream. And by "we" I unfortunately mean "I" because I scoffed down that delicious dessert with the speed of a Tazmanian Devil before it even had time to cool off. I look forward to my next trip to Dos Taquitos Centro and I recommend it to anyone who is in the downtown area craving a Mexican meal.

 

Porter's City Tavern Review

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I recently went on a double date to Porter's City Tavern and I had a good time. We had a reservation but we arrived about 45 minutes early and were seated. Nice! As soon as we walked in, I was struck by the dim lighting and music playing in the background. There are mirrors and creative art work on the walls with colorful pigs, cows and chicks.

I ordered the Cuban Pork Sandwich, and while delicious, after the first few yummy bites, I was overwhelmed by the Dijon Mustard. The mustard burned my nasal passage to bits and made the consumption of the rest of the sandwich a bit of a challenge. I had a bite of my boyfriend's Smoked Beef Brisket and it was quite tasty. For dessert, our waitress told us about the night's special: A chocolate pyramid of sorts. There was an Oreo crumb crust, chocolate ganache...more chocolate and white chocolate, and a strawberry syrup drizzle around the pyramid. Yum!! We were told that it wasn't very big and that the richness would compensate for the size, but when it arrived, it looked like a pyramid souvenir. If it hadn't been for the richness, I probably could have finished it in three bites alone, maybe four. We all took a corner and that's all she wrote; but for $6.00, I was hoping more for 'Murder She Wrote'.

My biggest gripe comes in the form of uniform; it looked to be black shirts and black pants for all waiters and waitresses. Now I'm completely down with body beauty in all forms, but the amount of cleavage our waitress was displaying was a bit unnecessary. And considering she often needed to bend over to hear our orders, I was over it.

Aside from cleavage overload and the Dijon Mustard from the depths of the sun, I enjoyed Porter's and look forward to another visit.

Chocolate Smiles

I didn't think it was humanly (or womanly) possible to love chocolate anymore until I had a piece of Chocolate Smiles handmade Milk Chocolate Non-Pareils.

Three words: Pure. Chocolate. Bliss.

Chocolate Smiles

With no preservatives or additives, the richness of the chocolate, and the sweetness in every morsel wasn't too overwhelming. During a vendor festival yesterday at my job, a couple hundred vendors set up shop offering samples and selling their various meat, cheese, fruit, and candy products and produce. Chocolate Smiles was my second vendor table after the cheese straws (FYI: cheese and chocolate are one of my favorite pairings.) I was originally intending to just settle for a sample, but immediately retraced my path and purchased a bag of Milk Chocolate Non-Pareils. 

Located in the heart of downtown Cary, Chocolate Smiles has been bring smiles to chocolate lovers since 1984 and, from what I can tell, has only gotten better with time. Diabetic? Try sugar-free chocolate. Nut allergy? Try some nut free candies. With a selection that includes chocolates, truffles, fudge, wedding favors, and specialty products, you are sure to find something to your liking for an array of occasions that will tantalize your sweet tooth and leave you craving more! Gift baskets, custom orders, and deliveries are also available upon request. Check out the amazing Chocolate Smiles gallery on their website with some of their delicious and fabulous creations!

So, have you had your chocolate fix for the day?

P.F. Chang's Review

P.F. Chang's

Between wedding dress shopping and dance rehearsal my friends and I made a lunch trip to P.F. Chang's about a month ago. It was about noon on a Saturday, but we were seated promptly at a great table for a party of five. (No Matthew Fox or Jennifer Love Hewitt jokes, please.) Despite the extensive and delicious menu, it didn't take me long to decide on Crispy Wontons and Sesame Chicken. The chicken was tangy, delicious, and definitely hit the spot. Our service was speedy and efficient which always makes the dining experience that much better. Once our waitress found out that we were on a time crunch she helped us out even more by getting our to-go boxes ready and passing out our fortune cookies.

Fujisan Japanese Steakhouse Review

If you want to leave a restaurant having eaten your money's worth while leaving with a nice, round food baby and perhaps some leftovers, then make a visit to Fujisan. Along with a soup and salad, a hearty portioned entree is prepared by an awesome chef right in front of your table. One thing my parents would love to know about is all the vegetables the chefs put on my plate. Sheesh! And if there's a birthday in your party of 6 or more, then you get free cake!

Let's just stop and take a second to think about that deliciousness. Mmmmmm.

Okay! Back to reality. There is an amazing display of culinary skill on every visit. Between tossing eggs into their toque (chef's hat) and removing them uncracked; spinning spatulas on their fingers like basketballs; and grilling up some of the best Japanese cuisine around, these chefs keep you thoroughly entertained and ready for the next course. Did I mention the volcano?!

If you're looking to have a fun and yummy dining experience for a large party or a smaller date vibe, I recommend Fujisan Japanese Steakhouse for an excellent dining experience.

Torero's Mexican Restaurant Review

Do rainy days and Mondays always get you down? Well, then look no further than Torero's for your end of the day woes. I actually haven't been to Torero's on any other day than Monday, but just when I thought I was out, the Margarita Monday deal pulled me back in! Yummy margarita flavors that pack a punch for $3.00. Apparently some unhappy customers got their margaritas in small, plastic picnic cups, but mine have come in deep glasses.

The Mexican dishes of Torero's are delicious with hearty portions that will leave you stuffed and happy (that is if you don't get filled up on the chips and salsa first.) The service I've received has always been friendly without a lot of wait. Two thumbs up for this Mexican restaurant.

Goodberry's Frozen Custard Review

Goodberry's, in the past, seems to be the place I have gone to have serious conversations with people while I melt away to the deliciousness of the ice cream. The flavors are sweet and savory and the waffle cones and cups are crunchy and delightful. I imagine a trip to Goodberry's is a great way to end a summer date, so that is definitely on my list of things to do.

I have never ventured to try the hot dogs or any substance other than the ice cream and custards. I have heard many a horror story of the after effects of said hot dogs, and would rather leave all my Goodberry's memories pleasant. 

As I look down at the ice cream that has undoubtedly dropped on my pants over the course of my visit, I give a knowing nod to the Goodberry's lighted sign that I will be back again soon.

Oliver Twist Tapas Restaurant and Martini Lounge Review

Oliver Twist and I seem to have a love/hate relationship. I love the atmosphere, live music, drinks and ambiance. Whether you’re with a large party, or just stopping in for a drink, Oliver Twist is a great place to relax and forget about your hard day. Hey, who doesn’t love a huge, accessible parking lot right outside of an awesome bar and lounge? If you live in the downtown area, you know exactly what I mean. However, because of its popularity, Oliver Twist is usually packed nightly, and reservations are in your best interest, or you might just end up standing around staring laser beams into the back of someone’s head willing them to move with what you hope are dormant Vulcan powers.

Now the food at Oliver Twist seems to be on the hate side of this relationship coin. On one occasion I received bloody, rare mini burgers. Mind you, I asked for well done. Excuse me while I shake off that uncomfortable memory. Okay. Another occasion included a hair in my crème brulée which wasn’t realized until tasting. Yep, exactly. Gross. While the servers are typically pleasant and accommodating, I have found the management to not be as courteous. In this particular instance, I was treated as if the hair was my own or was just a figment of my imagination like Xanadu, and I didn’t deserve any compensation. The way I heard it, the customer is always right, and right then, I was furious. Interestingly enough, I’ve seen other reviews feeling a similar way about management for various reasons. I have been back to Oliver Twist since that incident to see a performance, but I mainly just stick to the martinis and bypass the food.

Coquette Brasserie Review

I took a long awaited Spa day over Labor Day weekend this year, complete with my first trip, for lunch, to Coquette Brasserie! I was very excited. The decor is very chic and inviting with a true café feel. I was immediately drawn in and wanted to stay, if for nothing else then to drift away to the smooth sounds of music that ranged from Ray Lamontagne to Carla Bruni. My service was friendly and efficient; while some of that might have had to do with the light crowd, my server was also friendly and helpful.

Now to the 'bon appétit' portion of my visit. My Croque Madame was creamy and my taste buds danced at every bite. I ate every last one of my warm, crispy frites dipped in delicious, rich aioli sauce, and the small salad in vinaigrette was as fresh as if it was right out of the produce department. For dessert, the crème brulée had fresh blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. The savory tart of the fruit was a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the custard. For the quality and portion of the dishes, the prices were very reasonable.

I recently went to brunch at Coquette, but my second visit was a little less than stellar. While my pancakes were yummy, my Croque Madame somehow ended up a Monsieur and was dry and a bit on the cold side. Although the crowd wasn't too heavy, I felt as if my server might as well have been on a different side of the world. The service was slow and a bit lackluster. Here's hoping that was just a glitch and that my third visit, most likely during lunch hours, will be a charm like my first visit.