What To Have

Sono recently opened in the hudson building on 319 Fayetteville Str. Sono is owned by the same group that owns Mura in North Hills. I had lunch there a couple times last week, and I’m glad we’ve got a new offering downtown that has rolls and great sushi/sashimi.

Most of the sushi part of the menu is carried over from Mura with a few notable additions. I got the Crunchy Diablo roll both visits. It has spicy crab salad, avocado and jalepeno on the inside and it is quick fried for a crunchy covering, very tasty and spicy. They’ve also carried the Punk Rock Roll over, crunchy with spicy tuna on top.

On both visits I had a selection of their sashimi. I am thoroughly pleased with the freshness of their fish. They also have 30-40 types of sushi/sashimi on their menu. I’m assuming they’ll only serve what’s fresh but i was able to get what i wanted on both trips.

As I said, I was there for lunch on both occasions. The design of the place is stylish and I believe it will make itself a destination for the dinner crowd. I’ll certainly get dinner there shortly.

-Matt

Parking:
On street parking is your closest bet, but several decks are within a couple blocks. Alexander Square and the Progress Energy decks are close by.

This is a first, I dont usually promote upcoming events but i recently found out about this tasting/pairing at Fins feb 28th. It’s only $45/per person (plus tax/gratuity). give them a call at 919 834-6963 to make a reservation. I’ll definitely be there and wanted to let other people know.

This thursday (2-28) Fins will be doing a tasting/pairing with George Sparks of Wilson Daniels Ltd of Napa Valley. Chef William D’Auvray will be pairing with the following:
Champagne Delamotte Brut
Domaine Marc Kreydennweis (alsace)
Sauvignon Republic (south africa)
Felton Road (central otago, nz)
Silverado (silverado trail, napa)
Royal Tokaji (hungary)

–Matt

Parking:
park on the street or in the deck of the progress energy building.

–Update -03/04/2008
The tasting at Fins was amazing. The chef made some dishes that aren’t on the menu. Some included a special version of his chilean seabass rib-rack, mushroom hot-pot and almond crusted brie. I wont be missing these when they come around.

–Matt

As long as I’ve lived downtown I have never been to Caffe Luna…until tonight. I’ve walked by there hundreds of times and as i expected the experience was exceptional. The service was great and the food showed me why they’ve been around for so long.

I started with Caesar Salad. This was unlike any Caesar I’ve had before. The ingredients were the same, but dressing was different. Instead of dressing and croutons and different textures of cheese, the dressing incorporated the cheese. It wasn’t too overpowering and made the dish. I liked having crunchy lettuce and croutons as the only main ingredients. The dressing was spread evenly and really worked.

My main course was Tortelli Crostacci which was fresh pasta sutffed with various seafoods (crab/lobster/prawns i believe) in a ricotta tomato cream sauce. This dish was hearty but light, filling but not over done, great example of the amazing food downtown.

Parking:
Several options here, you’ve got on street parking around moore square and various roads. There is also a public deck one block north on Blount Str.

–Matt

I had another great meal at The Pit tonight. This time I tried all the things that I’m really into and missed on my first visit. I got a two meat combo with fried chicken, bbq pork chops, mac/cheese, horseradish slaw and collard greens.

The first time I was there the chef sent out a pork chop to try. I could honestly eat a giant pile of these. They’re slow cooked and basted with his signature sauce that’s got a little spice to it. The fried chicken was some of the best I’ve ever had, honestly. It’s almost like they use tempura batter. The outside was light and very crunchy, but the inside was very juicy, I was not disappointed even a little bit and I’ll get it again.

I had to try the horseradish slaw this time too. Just as I expected it was a little spicy but to change things up, the chef used purple cabbage, a nice deviation on the normal. I’ve tried the mac/cheese and greens before, and they definitely won’t disappoint.

I’ve been here twice now and had a lot of the menu, and I just want to go back. They’re also open for lunch now!

Parking: There’s lots of on street parking surrounding the entire building. Also, The Depot parking lot is across the street, I’m not sure if they charge, but there is usually plenty of space there.

-Matt

I had an amazing wild mushroom soup at Fins tonight. It was the soup of the evening, and it really worked for me. It included a wide range of wild mushrooms in a creamy base. The chef often serves cream based soups, this was one of the best I’ve had.

My main course is quickly becoming a steady thing for me. While I generally go to Fins for the fish (makes sense right) I’ve also noticed that the other offerings are just as amazing. The chicken stuffed with proscuitto and cheese is one of those non-fish dishes. The outside of the course is crispy and delicate, the inside is tender and juicy. Add proscuitto and melted cheese and you’ve got amazing almost comfort food. But to take it a step further, the chef pars the chicken with grilled ramps and some type of starch, usually potatoes. I know, chicken at a fish place, but I can honestly say that this dish amazes me like everything else on the menu.

Parking: Parking at Fins is easy. either park really close with on street parking on Davie Street. Or park in one of the decks adjoining the Progress Energy Building.

-Matt