18 Seaboard

Let me summarize this entry in the first sentence: 18 Seaboard is on my short list of the best restaurants in North Carolina. 

I jumped on 18 Seaboard's extensive bandwagon only recently. Although 18 Seaboard has earned a stellar reputation and multiple awards in Raleigh, its merit did little to tingle my culinary senses.  For no real reason my preconceived notions of 18 Seaboard included visions of an old money boys' club with bougie food. Only after years of multiple awards and promises of good food did we finally give 18 Seaboard a chance. 

Amuse-Bouche

A surprise in the form of an amuse-bouche immediately greeted us. The fresh cucumbers topped with a tart goat cheese were the perfect way to tantalize our palates for our coming meal.

Steak Tartare

(Please pardon the restaurant's mood lighting in the dark photos.)

Granting the appetizer selection to Sara, she surprised me when she declared she wanted to try the steak tartare. Despite being a novice to steak tartare she attacked it like a pro. Tender and flavorful, the dish was a tremendous introduction to steak tartare for Sara.

Duck confit, swiss chard, cheddar grits, and blueberry reduction

Out of all the various amounts of grits I've had since moving to the South, 18 Seaboard's grits are simply my favorite. Creamy and loaded with a sharp cheddar, these grits stole the show from an excellent duck confit.

The leg of duck featured a flawlessly crispy skin. I lavished in the greasy, crispy, crunchy goodness that one expects from a well done piece of poultry.

Pecan encrusted flounder, sauteed spinach, fingerling potatoes topped with mango-sweet pepper chutney 

Sara went for the nightly special, the pecan encrusted flounder. Since the first time visit to 18 Seaboard Sara has raved about their sauteed spinach. Simple and fresh, it shows off the spinach's natural deliciousness. Even on a plate with a perfectly flaky flounder, Sara was once again taken with the spinach.

Mocha crème brûlée with homemade biscott

One of the recommendations we've received about 18 Seaboard is their dessert menu, made in house by 18 Seaboard's pasty chef. We indulged in the mocha crème brûlée. The torched sugar gave a crunchy ceiling for the rich custard below.

There are not enough good things I could mention about 18 Seaboard, and that's just about the food alone. 18 Seaboard's service and prices are on point as well. Morale of the story: give every bougie place a shot!

Empty Bowls 8 Giveaway Winner!

I would like to thank everyone who entered into my Empty Bowls giveaway. I had a bunch of entries and I wish I could provide tickets for all of you. But the lucky winner is...

Jyotsna J. !

Thanks so much for entering and please consider supporting the Urban Ministries of Durham by attending the Empty Bowls event or the after-party at the Motorco Music Hall.

Empty Bowls 2012

March 8, 5:30 - 8:00

The Armory | 220 Foster Steet Durham, NC

http://umdurham.org/news-and-events/events/empty-bowls-2012.html

Purchase tickets

Urban Ministries of Durham

http://www.umdurham.org/

Gypsy's Shiny Diner

Despite the constant clamor for more late night restaurant options, the Triangle just doesn't seem to get the culinary phenomenon of the diner-- those glistening buildings of chrome, grease and late nights made famous in New York and New Jersey. Most attempts of such an establishment have ended in less than stellar results.

Yet among the floundering results of the others diners, Gypsy's Shiny Diner has been able to survive and thrive for over a decade. The success of the Shiny Diner, however, didn't come without its own set of adversities.

Gypsy's Crown Jewel- Home fries, toasts, eggs, bacon, sausage

Gypsy's Shiny Diner is a straight-foward greasy spoon. No frills, nothing avant-garde, no James Beard Awards will be awarded here. For Gypsy's, that's a good thing. Simplicity is at the heart of a classic diner, whether it be served to the glutton or the drunk.

Pancakes

In need for a hearty breakfast, I went with the Gypsy's Crown Jewel. Everything was fresh and cooked to order. The pancakes were lacking a buttery crust but were fluffy. 

The eggs had a wonderful runny yolk that was soaked up by the crispy home fries. The bacon lacked my desired crispiness but still provided great saltiness to the dish. Everything on the plate was tasty and satisfactory.

Simplistic and satisfying, what great Diner food needs to be.