Would I come back?
Yes, with a different server, or just to sit at the bar, eat the pork sandwiches, and drink cocktails. The kitchen taking on a high volume maybe detracted? Maybe being owned by a restaurant group detracted? Maybe I'm being too critical over 3 dollar signs.
Hostesses:
Super friendly, and welcoming as expected. We had a 6:15p res and were sat as soon as we walked inside (at 6:15p).
Atmosphere:
We sat downstairs. A grandiose chandelier nearby, with a high ceiling, and high windows. I'd imagine awesome lighting during breakfast.
Server:
Abridged--I wish we were sat with someone else.
Nick was our server. One of the biggest reasons this review isn't 5 stars. We didn't learn "we have to order everything at once" until we were about to order. Nick mentioned it with a demeaning tone like he'd probably had to explain it before, or just didn't want to explain it for whatever reason, but please mention that earlier.
So, we had to sit longer and decide. And note: my girlfriend and I were here for the anniversary of us dating, were super excited and didn't eat much throughout the day expecting to spend some money and pig out- we were getting hangry. Patience is a virtue though.
We finally ordered, Nick gave us no input except that he liked the beef so I ordered it (it was great :) ).
Overall the first impressions ruined it, and he seemed generally fake-smiley, disinterested, and not genuine. He didn't tell us his name until the very end of the meal when I asked him. He brought us samples of the apple cider, which was super nice, but said to me that he probably didn't know too much about their ciders as he had a little to say besides "sweet" and "not so sweet". But I didn't understand why I saw him interacting with other guests so frequently, bantering with them, explaining dishes (we were within earshot), yet we only got quick touches on our table to see how everything was: "it's good? Awesome [see ya]". It was a bummer, because I give everyone the benefit of the doubt. But coming to a place with such respect, I expected better, more interested interaction with the main face of our experience. Maybe he had too many tables? Maybe we didn't seem like we wanted to be talked to? I don't know.
Back-wait Staff:
Super attentive. I never had my water below the half way mark of my glass- awesome! The food runner was especially helpful and professional describing the food he dropped off. He fumbled over his words a bit and was noticeably mixed up explaining both first and second courses.
Food:
First
Fall Brassicas, Hickory, Pecan, Radish, Satsuma $13
Had to Google brassicas. It has nothing to do with bras or sicas. It's the cabbage and broccoli family. This was essentially a well dressed kale salad. I need the recipe for this dressing as kale can otherwise be unexciting.
Apple Cider Glazed Pork, Soft Rolls, Pickled Onion, Cucumber, Smoked Duke's $15
These were so good. Like the best pork rind (I don't usually like pork rinds), on a soft outside, crunchy inside roll, with tangy, sweet pickles and mayo (smoked Dukes mayo?! That's country). I would come back just for this.
Supper
Grilled NC Catfish, Virginia Pine Oil, House-made yogurt, Cabbage, Potato $30
The biggest flavor was cabbage. Title should read Cabbage as the main ingredient. The catfish had great flavor on it's own.
Bear Creek Farm Beef, Sunchoke, Broccoli, Satsuma, Charred Onion $36
I asked for rare. It was perfectly cooked. Seasoning amazingly; every bite was tasty. Great caramelizing and sweetness. The broccoli was cooked perfectly. Beautiful green. Charred onion was new to me but overpowered by flavor of the veggies so I had to try it separately.
Dessert
Chocolate Caramel Corn Cake $9
Olive and Sinclair Chocolate, Molasses, Cinnamon
Super, super tasty. Reminded me of a really good piece of licorice without the bitter, bite. The crust on the bottom gave the dish awesome texture. I've had my fare share of popcorn though and the popcorn in this dish was definitely stale.
Drink:
Celebrate Good Thymes $14
Leatherbee Autumnal Gin, Yellow Chartreuse, Celery Shrub (it was thyme in mine), Lemon, Cardamom, Egg White, Thyme
Yum! Great drink. I felt it. I'd come back for more drinks. read more