Where: 100 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Menu: http://www.topofthehillrestaurant.com/LunchMenu.pdf
What: Late lunch / football weekend kick-off
The Scene: Blue Heaven!
They call the Carolina Inn the University of Chapel Hill's "living room." If this is true, then Top O' is the University's swingin' cabana. It's also the de facto alumni club. I can't be in the Hill for more than a few hours without heading over.
This second story restaurant has the best view of Franklin Street, the best homemade beer, the best outdoor seating, and the best crab dip in all of Chapel Hill. (Listed in declining order of importance.)
The Drinks: Oh, the drinks. The beer is fresh-brewed and delicious. The Old Well White is the menu stalwart--you can always count on it. Most of the beers selections rotate though. Last trip, we tasted the Blue Ridge Blueberry Wheat, which was perfect. Crisp, slightly sweet, great mouth feel. But the beer is only the start! The order of the day at this particular lunch was mimosas. Boat loads, actually.
The Food: It's so much better than it has to be. That sounds like a back-handed compliment, but I don't mean it that way. Here's the thing: People would go to Top O' even if they served two week old Mc D's. And they know it. But they consistently put out really good fare. We had the aforementioned crab dip (mmmmm...actual, giant hunks of crab, nice herby notes), and I had L'Oeuf Royale. For the non-French speakers, that's a damn good egg sandwich. Is any of it ground-breaking? No, but it'll fit you like a glove. And that's the secret to Top of the Hill: No matter where you've been or how long you've been gone, you get there and you feel like home.
Bonus: The view. The waitstaff (nice, patient, and cute!). The view.
Double Bonus: Hit it up after 10 for a great bar scene.
Overall: Need I say more?
XO from the road,
The U.E.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tillman's Roadhouse
Where: 324 W. 7th Street, Dallas (in the Bishop Arts district)
Menu: http://www.tillmansroadhouse.com/eats_dallas_lunch.html
What: Farewell lunch for friends
Scene: Take Anna Nicole Smith's aesthetic. Now make it more rustic. Then, double-dip it in (even more) Texas. Add just a dash of Hollywood's India and some of your grandmother's tchotchkes. Finally, approach all of that with an Oscar Wilde-ean sense of wit and appreciation for the absurd. Ok, now you're close.
Visually, this place is fascinating. It has over-the-top crystal chandeliers. Wooden carvings of deer and elk heads on the walls. Morrocan-style throw pillows on the bench seat that lines the wall...and a thousand other details to grab your eye.
Although you get some noise from the kitchen (not unpleasant), it's a relatively quiet restaurant. I think they play music, but if so, it's unobtrusive.
The Drinks:
Order the coffee. Seriously. The brew is fantastic, it's steaming hot, and the witty, kitschy presentation makes a normal cup of coffee seem like an experience. The coffee is served on a small silver tray in what appears to be an insulated, clear, stemless wine glass. It comes with creamer served in a cow. You grab the cow by the tail and pour the creamer from it's mouth.
Also on the list: any of the rotating homeade lemonades. They are guaranteed to be too sweet, but you'll drink it anyway, and like it. It makes you feel like a kid again.
The Food:
Let me start this out with a warning: Save room for dessert. Even if you aren't a "dessert person," save room. They have tableside s'mores, done up right. The chocolate is sinfully dark, the homemade marshmallows (maple, coffee, and orange flavored) are somehow dense and light at the same time, and the homemade graham crackers are pure cinnamon-sugar goodness. I like to bring home leftovers, do some urban camping, and cook them over the burner on my stove. It's the small things.
It may or may not be difficult to comply with the warning, depending on what you order. For example, I'd recommend the enormous burger, the grilled cheese (served with a rotating selection of soups), and the trio of fries. I would avoid the bbq salmon salad -- it tastes like it's covered in red hots and kraft bbq sauce--and the house smoked turkey sandwich--drier, tougher, and smokier than a seedy nightclub in Paris circa 1972.
I haven't figured out any rhyme or reason to the menu. Some things work, some don't, and it seems trial and error is the only way to go. I have been meaning to try the venison frito pie, but I always chicken out last minute and go for something less overwhelming.
Bonus:
The warm, oh-so-salty potato chips, served in an iron ladle, plunked on your table at the start of the meal (and refilled on request!)
Damage: Lunch, drink, and dessert for ~$16.
Overall: I don't always love the mains, but I'll keep going back to soak up the kitsch and munch on the s'mores
Later,
The U.E.
Menu: http://www.tillmansroadhouse.com/eats_dallas_lunch.html
What: Farewell lunch for friends
Scene: Take Anna Nicole Smith's aesthetic. Now make it more rustic. Then, double-dip it in (even more) Texas. Add just a dash of Hollywood's India and some of your grandmother's tchotchkes. Finally, approach all of that with an Oscar Wilde-ean sense of wit and appreciation for the absurd. Ok, now you're close.
Visually, this place is fascinating. It has over-the-top crystal chandeliers. Wooden carvings of deer and elk heads on the walls. Morrocan-style throw pillows on the bench seat that lines the wall...and a thousand other details to grab your eye.
Although you get some noise from the kitchen (not unpleasant), it's a relatively quiet restaurant. I think they play music, but if so, it's unobtrusive.
The Drinks:
Order the coffee. Seriously. The brew is fantastic, it's steaming hot, and the witty, kitschy presentation makes a normal cup of coffee seem like an experience. The coffee is served on a small silver tray in what appears to be an insulated, clear, stemless wine glass. It comes with creamer served in a cow. You grab the cow by the tail and pour the creamer from it's mouth.
Also on the list: any of the rotating homeade lemonades. They are guaranteed to be too sweet, but you'll drink it anyway, and like it. It makes you feel like a kid again.
The Food:
Let me start this out with a warning: Save room for dessert. Even if you aren't a "dessert person," save room. They have tableside s'mores, done up right. The chocolate is sinfully dark, the homemade marshmallows (maple, coffee, and orange flavored) are somehow dense and light at the same time, and the homemade graham crackers are pure cinnamon-sugar goodness. I like to bring home leftovers, do some urban camping, and cook them over the burner on my stove. It's the small things.
It may or may not be difficult to comply with the warning, depending on what you order. For example, I'd recommend the enormous burger, the grilled cheese (served with a rotating selection of soups), and the trio of fries. I would avoid the bbq salmon salad -- it tastes like it's covered in red hots and kraft bbq sauce--and the house smoked turkey sandwich--drier, tougher, and smokier than a seedy nightclub in Paris circa 1972.
I haven't figured out any rhyme or reason to the menu. Some things work, some don't, and it seems trial and error is the only way to go. I have been meaning to try the venison frito pie, but I always chicken out last minute and go for something less overwhelming.
Bonus:
The warm, oh-so-salty potato chips, served in an iron ladle, plunked on your table at the start of the meal (and refilled on request!)
Damage: Lunch, drink, and dessert for ~$16.
Overall: I don't always love the mains, but I'll keep going back to soak up the kitsch and munch on the s'mores
Later,
The U.E.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Roti Grill
Where: 4438 McKinney Avenue, Suite 100
Menu: http://freshindianfood.com/menu_dallas.html
What: Lunch with some of the girls from work
Scene: To me, it looks like the cafeteria at a high tech Silicon Valley company, circa 2001. (Not that I've ever seen one, it's just what it brings to mind.) It's bare, done in neutral colors, generally unremarkable. You order at the counter, and you can take out or eat at one of the surprisingly comfy booths.
Drinks: Sadly, water. It was a work lunch, after all.
Food:
I've heard this place called the Pei Wei of Indian food. I can see what they mean--this is definitely Uncle Sam's Indian food. But here's where the analogy falls apart: To me, Pei Wei is resolutely "all right." I'm not judging--there's a Pei Wei a block from my house and it's saved me on more nights than I care to count. Truthfully, part of my Pei Wei peeve might be based on over-consumption. But, whatever Roti Grill lacks in authenticity, it makes up for with awesomeness. There, I said it.
The naan and the roti are fantastic. The naan (flat white bread) is soft, puffy, salty. The roti (flat wheat bread) is slightly chewy and has a great nutty taste. Eat them quickly--they're significantly better when they're warm.
I got the vegetable and paneer (Indian cheese) vindaloo, extra hot. For those who don't know, vindaloo is a mouth-scorching version of curry. Or it should be. And this is my only problem with Roti Grill: Their spice levels are really inconsistent. Sometimes, the extra hot vindaloo is tear inducing and esophagus-searing, just the way I like it. But other times, like today, it's only moderately hot. Warm, even.
A tablemate got the chicken masala, medium hot, and she let me taste it. (Sidenote: If there's one quality I love in a person, it's a willingness to share food. That, and a healthy susceptibility to peer pressure.) It was lovely, with a rich balance of tomatoes and spices.
Bonus: Pickled onions. I was mocked, but I had to try them. And they're good! But watch out: 1. They stain your fingers, and 2. they give you temporary halitosis. Double bonus: Grab some caraway seeds to munch on the way out the door.
Damage: ~$12 / person.
Overall: I'll be back. Probably next week.
Final Note: For more authentic Indian, try Taj Express. Review to come.
Sincerely,
The U.E.
Menu: http://freshindianfood.com/menu_dallas.html
What: Lunch with some of the girls from work
Scene: To me, it looks like the cafeteria at a high tech Silicon Valley company, circa 2001. (Not that I've ever seen one, it's just what it brings to mind.) It's bare, done in neutral colors, generally unremarkable. You order at the counter, and you can take out or eat at one of the surprisingly comfy booths.
Drinks: Sadly, water. It was a work lunch, after all.
Food:
I've heard this place called the Pei Wei of Indian food. I can see what they mean--this is definitely Uncle Sam's Indian food. But here's where the analogy falls apart: To me, Pei Wei is resolutely "all right." I'm not judging--there's a Pei Wei a block from my house and it's saved me on more nights than I care to count. Truthfully, part of my Pei Wei peeve might be based on over-consumption. But, whatever Roti Grill lacks in authenticity, it makes up for with awesomeness. There, I said it.
The naan and the roti are fantastic. The naan (flat white bread) is soft, puffy, salty. The roti (flat wheat bread) is slightly chewy and has a great nutty taste. Eat them quickly--they're significantly better when they're warm.
I got the vegetable and paneer (Indian cheese) vindaloo, extra hot. For those who don't know, vindaloo is a mouth-scorching version of curry. Or it should be. And this is my only problem with Roti Grill: Their spice levels are really inconsistent. Sometimes, the extra hot vindaloo is tear inducing and esophagus-searing, just the way I like it. But other times, like today, it's only moderately hot. Warm, even.
A tablemate got the chicken masala, medium hot, and she let me taste it. (Sidenote: If there's one quality I love in a person, it's a willingness to share food. That, and a healthy susceptibility to peer pressure.) It was lovely, with a rich balance of tomatoes and spices.
Bonus: Pickled onions. I was mocked, but I had to try them. And they're good! But watch out: 1. They stain your fingers, and 2. they give you temporary halitosis. Double bonus: Grab some caraway seeds to munch on the way out the door.
Damage: ~$12 / person.
Overall: I'll be back. Probably next week.
Final Note: For more authentic Indian, try Taj Express. Review to come.
Sincerely,
The U.E.
NHS Tavern (A Neighborhood Services outpost on Henderson)
Where: 2405 N. Henderson St., Dallas, Texas
Menu: http://www.neighborhoodservicesdallas.com/downloads/tavernmenu.pdf
What: Dinner
Scene: Tavern.
When I hear the word, I think of sailors, Brits, and other salty types. If you have a similar mental image, then be advised, there's no truth in this advertising. The place is trendy, dimly lit, and has a Crate & Barrel-esque leather and light colored wood interior that's entirely too clean (and bland) to be "Tavern."
When I hear "tavern," I also think "boozing." If there's food at all, it's ancillary. But this is not that place. There's a definite restaurant vibe--I don't think a rowdy crowd of drinks-only revelers would be welcome here.
They do resemble a tavern in one way though: the noise. The music is constant, and loud. (But not overly memorable--I can't recall a single song we heard last night.) In fact, I would recommend this place for a first date with someone you don't know, but suspect you might not enjoy talking to for extended periods of time.
Drinks:
I had the "Bourbon and Bullets." Despite the tough name, this drink would never make it in my mental tavern. I'm a convert none the less. Through some kind of alchemy, the absinthe-bourbon combination perfectly evoked that feeling in the air on the first day of Fall. (And I'm not talking Texas fall. I'm talking real, crispy air, burning leaves delicious Fall.) It was smooth, it wasn't too sweet, and the licorice flavor of the absinthe was subtle. I liked it so much, I stuck with it all night.
Food:
It's a case of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly on this one.
The Good: The chicken pot pie special was delicious. It was creamy and herbaceous, the chicken was well cooked, and the cheddar biscuit topping was...well re-read that. You know it was good.
The Bad: We split the roasted beet salad to start. It was overly dressed and overly acidic, to the point that you couldn't taste the beets (or even the apples) at all.
The Ugly: The scallops were ... "mess" is too strong. The crab couscous was nice and delicate, but I can't for the life of me figure out the rest of the dish. The chorizo was chewy, the scallops were only seared (and not well) on one side, and both were covered with a very, very acidic barbeque-type sauce.
Bonus Points:
The service was good (if somewhat abrupt) and they give you Junior Mints with the check. When it comes to Junior Mints, Seinfeld said it best.
The Damage: Somewhat substantial. Largely because the drinks add up.
Overall:
I'd go back for a B&B and the pot pie.
TTYL,
The U.E.
Menu: http://www.neighborhoodservicesdallas.com/downloads/tavernmenu.pdf
What: Dinner
Scene: Tavern.
When I hear the word, I think of sailors, Brits, and other salty types. If you have a similar mental image, then be advised, there's no truth in this advertising. The place is trendy, dimly lit, and has a Crate & Barrel-esque leather and light colored wood interior that's entirely too clean (and bland) to be "Tavern."
When I hear "tavern," I also think "boozing." If there's food at all, it's ancillary. But this is not that place. There's a definite restaurant vibe--I don't think a rowdy crowd of drinks-only revelers would be welcome here.
They do resemble a tavern in one way though: the noise. The music is constant, and loud. (But not overly memorable--I can't recall a single song we heard last night.) In fact, I would recommend this place for a first date with someone you don't know, but suspect you might not enjoy talking to for extended periods of time.
Drinks:
I had the "Bourbon and Bullets." Despite the tough name, this drink would never make it in my mental tavern. I'm a convert none the less. Through some kind of alchemy, the absinthe-bourbon combination perfectly evoked that feeling in the air on the first day of Fall. (And I'm not talking Texas fall. I'm talking real, crispy air, burning leaves delicious Fall.) It was smooth, it wasn't too sweet, and the licorice flavor of the absinthe was subtle. I liked it so much, I stuck with it all night.
Food:
It's a case of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly on this one.
The Good: The chicken pot pie special was delicious. It was creamy and herbaceous, the chicken was well cooked, and the cheddar biscuit topping was...well re-read that. You know it was good.
The Bad: We split the roasted beet salad to start. It was overly dressed and overly acidic, to the point that you couldn't taste the beets (or even the apples) at all.
The Ugly: The scallops were ... "mess" is too strong. The crab couscous was nice and delicate, but I can't for the life of me figure out the rest of the dish. The chorizo was chewy, the scallops were only seared (and not well) on one side, and both were covered with a very, very acidic barbeque-type sauce.
Bonus Points:
The service was good (if somewhat abrupt) and they give you Junior Mints with the check. When it comes to Junior Mints, Seinfeld said it best.
The Damage: Somewhat substantial. Largely because the drinks add up.
Overall:
I'd go back for a B&B and the pot pie.
TTYL,
The U.E.
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