Print Works Bistro

The Proximity Hotel in Greensboro is a modest size (only 147 rooms!) but swanky as heck. It was the first hotel in American to achieve LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), by using 30% less water and 40% less energy than traditional hotels. As if being one of the greenest establishments in the US weren’t awesome enough, the Proximity’s restaurant, Print Works Bistro, is just as green. The ambiance, ethereal; the cuisine, divine.

A lush garden surrounds the restaurant, and inside drapes, dim lighting, and fabric-covered chairs allow you to feel you’re among royalty at tea time. The aesthetically pleasing sand and crème de menthe colors are relaxing and alluring. An inviting bar will keep you there until the wee hours of the morning. I’m on a mojito kick since having the best one of my life in Barcelona. Print Works’ mojito features a bright, natural mint syrup – a nice way to cool off from this ridiculous summer heat. Half a garlic bulb is oven-roasted, and brought to the table alongside warm sliced bread and butter. I’ve never seen this done in a restaurant, and it was a very welcome change! I went garlic crazy and let the roasted cloves infuse their potency on every bite of my bread. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – garlic does wonders for your health, but make sure both of you enjoy it before the goodnight kiss.

 

After discovering my love for duck about a year ago, it was hard to resist the Duck Confit Sliders. Three perfectly-sized gougere buns are topped with confit (dark meat of the leg), Emmentaler Cheese (similar to Swiss) and a shallot sauce, called a rouille. The duck was slightly sweet and plenty juicy, which is perhaps why I didn’t notice the rouille. Truffle fries are served alongside in a metal cup, atop a shmear of mashed potatoes to keep the cup from sliding all over the plate – clever. The fries were addicting (anything with truffle is).

Summer Vegetable Tart is an obvious seasonal choice, and features a buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with roasted squash, zucchini, red peppers, tomato, basil and smoked chevre cheese. The cheese provided a smoky echo to the roasted vegetables, and this dish could be classified as a healthier version of a pizza. The tart is served on a wooden plank, alongside unfortunately under-seasoned spinach.

I’m told the dessert sampler is a must, so I look forward to returning to this lovely establishment – perfect for a ladies’ luncheon, rehearsal dinner, or sexy nightcap.

Liberty Oak

Walking into Liberty Oak is like walking into the library of a mansion. Wooden accents and a quaint, cozy bar provide a wonderful ambiance. Resigning to sit at the bar after being told the dining room was reserved for a rehearsal dinner, we received nothing but excellent service. (It was a nice reminder that service tends to be quicker, with more frequent check-backs when seated at the bar.)

I’m on a Bloody Mary kick. Lately, I’ve been craving them at the most inappropriate times of day, like at dinner as opposed to brunch. To my approval, this was a very spicy rendition of the classic, and was garnished with celery, lime and a green olive. (Rumor has it that some restaurants offer exquisite toppings like cheese cubes, shrimp and bacon – if you know of one, PLEASE send me the name!)

Try the Pate and Cheese Plate before you judge it. I thought it sounded delicious (and very Euro) and I’m sure you all know by now that I’m always going to order the most absurd sounding thing on the menu. Duck Liver Pate is decadently flavorful, with a hint of cream cheese or mascarpone, and perfect smeared on a slice of French bread with a chunk of Brie or Havarti. Fresh fruit and a side salad make this an outstanding bargain, and one of the most satisfying lunches I’ve had in quite some time.

The Mussels appetizer is easily an entrée-sized portion, with 20 mussels floating in a creamy broth. Typically, mussels are served in a tomato-based, garlicky liquid, but the bacon, shallots and blue cheese made this variation a much-welcomed break from tradition. Grilled toast, complete with great char flavor from the grill, was perfect for sopping up the remainder of the broth (but I’m sure I wouldn’t have been the first to tip the bowl up to my mouth and chug-a-lug.)

Turkey and havarti cheese provide a salty and gooey filling for a toasted croissant. Anyone who enjoys a grilled cheese will approve of this elegant version. As a side, colorful, julienne vegetables rest upon mixed greens.

With several other entrees catching my eye, I look forward to my return to Liberty Oak. To the wedding party, I hope the ceremony and reception was as amazing as your rehearsal dinner!

Liberty Oak

Acme

The geographical line that divides Carrboro and Chapel Hill is a little blurred.  Both towns are saturated with hipsters, notable restaurants and local shops, and are terrific spots to spend an afternoon (and an evening.) Acme is located on Carrboro’s main drag, right near Carr Mill Mall and Weaver Street Market –favorite hangouts upon my days on the Hill. Acme has a strong reputation for partnering with the Carrboro Farmer’s Market to provide local, fresh food, and people flock to try their classic Southern dishes with a modern twist.

The cocktail list is seasonal (sometimes it even changes with the month) but to my delight, the Watermelon Mojito was calling my name. ‘Twas a refreshing way to enjoy my favorite fruit. Slices of potato bread and freshly whipped butter provide elevated flavors, as opposed to chewy white bread with gold foil-wrapped butter nuggets.

The menu offers a variety of small plates, a nice way to sample a few dishes. Fried Green Tomato Napoleon presents layers of fresh, local tomatoes with mozzarella cheese, surrounded by a perfectly tangy balsamic reduction, sweet grilled corn and blistered cherry tomatoes that pop in your mouth. A few whole garlic cloves graced the plate with their presence, as well  – great for your heart, not so great for a date.

Forever Roasted Pig is the Southern cuisine experience in a bowl. Smoked pork shoulder and a deeply flavorful barbeque sauce sits atop a serving of mushroom macaroni and cheese. I’m sure Paula Deen is kicking herself for not creating this dish.

Pan Seared Sea Scallops are luscious, plump and perfectly cooked. Being a scallop fanatic, I always appreciate it when the scallops aren’t rubbery.

I never thought I’d say this, but the green beans served with Grilled Mahi Mahi made the dish. They were outstanding, obviously local and can thank the country ham for infusing them with some salty goodness. A chunk of basil butter beautifully melted down over the fish, and a corner piece of cornbread soaked up all of that country ham broth.

  

I have forgotten how delicious real, fresh whipped cream is. Maybe it’s because I can eat as much Fat Free Cool Whip as I want without feeling guilty in the slightest, but Acme’s fresh whipped cream totally blossomed on my tongue.  Moist Almond White Chocolate Bread Pudding sits in a sour cherry sauce, topped with the velvety whipped cream. The sourness of the cherries balances the sweetness of the dish nicely, though I was left searching for the almond and white chocolate flavors, since those are two of my favorites.

If you find yourself in Carrboro/Chapel Hill – first of all, lucky you. Secondly, take your parents or your date to Acme. You will be blown away by the elegant Southern flavors that are so familiar, yet so new.

Acme