1. Heron's at 100 Woodland Pond in the Umstead Hotel, Cary
2. Super Wok at 1401 SE Maynard Road, Cary
3. Tony's Oyster Bar at 107 Edinburgh Drive South, Cary
Heron's
This restaurant is located in The Umstead Hotel & Spa, which is tucked into a large wooded landscape. N&O gave this place a Gold Medal. It is my understanding that the restaurant and hotel have made a commitment to the environment and to sustainability. The food was to be mostly locally sourced and seasonal. I went there for the weekend brunch menu to try and save on the dollars. I had to dress up, which for me anymore means changing out of pajamas. The grounds were beautiful, it was a short walk from the parking lot down to the hotel entrance. If I remember correctly, four different people were employed in opening the doors and greeting guests. I was surprised that small birds and woodland animals hadn't been trained in some sort of chippering greeting chorus. It was EERILY picturesque. I clutched at my wallet. The dining room was intimate with an excellent view of the surrounding wooded area off of a small patio, and there were windows looking into a spotless kitchen. The restaurant wasn't busy, and I was seated and served immediately. For an appetizer, I ordered Seared Scallops (crispy potato, hazelnuts, lemon puree, maple bacon broth). In keeping with anything bacon, these were delicious, soft and savory with a perfect sear. The broth was kept delicate and the lemon added a warm brightness. For the main course I had ordered Smoked Salmon Rosti (crispy potato cake, horseradish, dill, soft-poached egg). However, apparently since I did not specify, I was served Smoked Salmon (toasted bagel, cream cheese, red onion, capers, dill). I LOVE me some lox and bagel, don't get me wrong, but I could have gotten the same thing at Bruegger's for about $7 less. I ate it, because I suspect it was my fault for not specifying, and I felt sort of bad for the waiter who was running back and forth between tables of uppity women, most of whom looked actually gilded and were probably leaving EXACTLY 15%. It was just lox and a bagel, nothing exemplary necessitating the double digit price tag. Sniff. Anyway, this place is the perfect setting for something romantic, more special occasion. I wish I could have afforded the dinner so I could have experienced a little more of the locally sourced cuisine, though. The staff is all very friendly and attentive. I don't think I've said "thank you" so many times in my life. The same four employees opened the door for me to leave. Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou. Overall, I give Heron's a 93 rating, price $$$.
Super Wok
YES! I can wear my pajamas to this place! This restaurant won Best In Class by Cuisine for Chinese in the N&O. The restaurant is located in Chatham Square in a totally unassuming strip of stores. I ate here for lunch, and being seated near the door (no reservations necessary), I immediately noticed how many people came in for to-go orders. A LOT, which was a good sign. The place is intimate, decorations sparse, everything clean. The menu had a large selection of food, primarily Chinese, but I did spot some curries and some Thai selections as well. I ordered a cup of egg-drop soup and fried eggplant as an appetizer. The soup was rich and filling. The eggplant was fried with some sausage and spices, cooked perfectly to give the right soft/firm texture (so few people can do this with eggplant - I love the taste, but usually have a serious texture problem with it). For lunch, I got a bento box, which is available 7 days a week, comes with a spring roll, steamed rice, seasonal fresh fruit, and a drink for an AMAZING $6.75. For my bento box, I got the Kung Pao chicken (peanut, dried pepper, mushroom, scallion). I seriously toyed with the thought of eating one of those Chinese red peppers, but gauging my distance to my home toilet, thought better of it, and pushed them to the side. The dish was warm and spicy, bringing just enough sweat to my forehead. Pouring the dish on the steamed rice provided a heated mixture of goodness. The rice was supple and a perfect vehicle for the Kung Pao sauce, the chicken was crispy and moist at the same time, and I loved the crunch of a peanut every few bites. Service was excellent, prices are ridiculously low for the serving size. I ended up boxing half my appetizer and half my chicken and rice (of course the leftovers were just as good). 85 rating, price $. I will be back soon for to-go.
Tony's Oyster Bar
Ok, so this one wasn't TECHNICALLY on the N&O list. However, I got a free Groupon since a friend couldn't use it before it expired. Who says no to free oysters? Idiots. That's who. This place is located in MacGregor Village. Hurry, go there while you still can before IKEA or Sam's or whoever the hell buys up the complex and installs a sorely UNneeded big-box-chain-type-superstore. Also, stop by MacGregor's Draft House and have a beer. Ask for Adam, he's the best. Anyway, Tony's is HUGE, a full bar, a full oyster bar, and a large dining area. I know a few people who go here on the weekends for good live music, which makes sense b/c the setting is perfect. I went for dinner, and the place was only semi-busy, but again the size of it may have masked how busy they actually were. For an appetizer, I ordered Cajun Bacon Oysters b/c BACON AND OYSTERS? Are you kidding? Steamed oysters with a spicy rub and topped with perfectly crunchy bacon. Simple. I almost ordered this twice. My dinner came with either soup or salad, so I paid extra and sprang for the She Crab Soup (house special Charleston recipe). The soup was sweet and thick with cream. A little black pepper on top and a little salt (I would salt bacon if I didn't feel I would disappear in a black cloud of smoke, headed straight to hell for gluttony) cut the creaminess and richness, and I was more than able to finish the full cup. For dinner, (in attempt to make up for my fatty soup excursion) I ordered Crab Stuffed Flounder (tomato creole sauce). It came with a side of steamed vegetables and I picked a side of red, beans, and rice to keep with the New Orleans theme. I don't know what it is about cajun, creole spices and seafood, but basically it is a never-fail combination. Spicy tomato compote on top of flaky seasoned fish. Wonderful. I found a couple of shell pieces in my crab and it was hard for me to find the flavor of that specific ingredient, but combined with the flounder, overall, the dish was both light and satisfying. The RB&R were decent, but only that. I realize I am spoiled rotten by my frequent vacations to New Orleans. Still, Tony's is pretty good. The servers and the host were friendly and talkative. Overall, it was a decent dining experience. 86 rating, price $$
I also just realized I may become the Homer Simpson of food critics. "This gets my lowest rating ever. Seven thumbs up."
