For my birthday I promised to live as well as I can this year. A necessity for living well is food. It nourishes and delights. I experienced both each month dining across local cities.
January – Gyu Kaku
Clap for me, I figured out chopsticks at my first Japanese barbecue experience. I remembered that one chopstick is supposed rest against my finger while the other moves like a hinge. Gingerly I picked up servings of duck breast, Harami steak, pork belly, ribeye, and broccoli. Amused by picking the best spot on the grill for the various proteins and not over cooking them. The only improvement would have been larger cuts.
February – Oh’ Calcutta
As a single on Valentine’s Day I took my seat at the bar, as directed. A perfectly fine post for Hanifa’s Miya dress and starting The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (which is now an all-time favorite book). Indian cuisine is another favorite and I was not disappointed. I refuse to deprive myself and started with calamari and aloo samosa. Delectable selections followed by garlic naan and lamb biryani. Naan never has to worry about missing me and biryani is a warm, loving hug in a meal. Compliments on my dress from the waitstaff and a woman outside telling me I looked pretty topped off the evening.
March – Undercurrent
Before arriving at a restaurant, I’ve already scoped out the menu. My pre-selected meal almost lost out to the quail special with an apricot something, duck fat cornbread, and collard greens. Quite tempting. The soft ciabatta fulfilled my bread quota. Crispy and cheesy is a perfect combination, mozzarella arancini deliciously delivered both. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo kept me company while I waited for my entree. Osso bucco with greens and grits, a hearty, warm and comforting choice. To my great satisfaction the restaurant has a proper dessert menu. An apple skillet with a crispy crust provided a delightful closing.
April – Pangaea
The Women’s Final Four featuring the South Carolina Gamecocks v. the Texas Longhorns up on the roof in light 80-degree weather, excellent. Opting to try something new instead of the very familiar and sleek dining room paid off. The evening called for lighter fare. I always devour the mussels, the creamy sauce and grilled bread complete a perfect dish. It’s all I really need but I must try at least one new thing, the beef kofta. I left the yogurt on the side and savored the rest. My meal was a hit, as always.
May – Irregardless
One must brunch after a trip to the North Carolina Museum of Art. One may also become a tad bit frazzled when a university graduation coincides with the outing. Reservations are a saving grace. Omar and Barry were two the of the sweetest servers/bar staff I’ve met. Facing a tough choice, Omar suggested ordering one pancake alongside the open face sandwich. Sold, say no more. I wasn’t sure how to tackle a sandwich without a topper, my flatware did the heavy lifting. Delicious, no notes. Guacamole, tomatoes, arugula, mozzarella, and crispy potatoes. A perfectly crisp pancake with strawberries, maple syrup, and no whipped cream, just how I like it.
June – ‘cille & ‘scoe
Brunch and summer just work. The visit was my predetermined post-pole competition reward for performing. Simply for getting on stage, no other qualifiers needed. It became a vital part of my cheering up activities. I cancelled, then rebooked an earlier time post-morning run. I still deserved and needed to go outside. Also, I wanted that ‘Cille Cake. The staff is made up of kind-hearted people. The bartender smoked tequila for my mojito, the mezcal was unavailable. No worries, I’ll have it in August. The ‘Cille Cake is a pancake so good it will make you cry. There really is no reason for it to taste so good but I’m grateful that it does.
The rest of the year holds more tasty treats for me. I’ll be sure to share all the scrumptious details.
