A couple of months ago, I posted the following review to an "in-house" newsgroup where I work. I was hesitant to post to triangle.dining for fear that the place would be overrun. I have been back to Chef John's about 4 times since I posted the original review, and every time the food has been absolutely wonderful. The place has not been overrun, so I'll share it with the world..... > About a year ago, I attended a seminar at which one of the > other attendees worked for the TGI Fridays restaurant group. > While we were introducing ourselves, she announced that her > company would be opening several "concepts" in the next year. > > Well, I prefer to eat at a "restaurant" not a "concept", so > I'm always on the lookout for truly local eateries that serve > real food, and I've found a gem. It's called "Chef John's > Cafe and Catering" and it's located in Cary on Harrison and Maynard > in the same center as the G&M French Cafe and the > late Farmer Jack. It's only got about 10 > tables, but the food is great (he calls it "fusion cuisine"), > and Chef John will come out to your table and talk to you > about your meal. The waiter recommended the flank steak (he > said they marinated it for 5 days and that other customers said > it was the best they had ever had). I ordered it, and he was > right--it was absolutely terrific. The whole meal was a great > combination of good food and *very* personal attention. The > prices were right, too. My wife and I had two entrees (huge > portions), one appetizer, and a glass of wine for $30. > > The place kind of reminds me of what Maximillians was like before > the owners got an attitude and decided they would open only when > they damn well pleased. (Although the menu is not quite as > adventureous as Max's). Basically, it's a guy who loves to cook, > and does a good job of it. A wonderful alternative to corporate > megafood concepts. > > If you get the Cary News, I think there is a coupon for $5.00 off > a second entree. BTW, don't judge the restaurant by the newspaper > ad. The food is much better than the ad would indicate. > > (I have no financial or other interest in this restaurant. My only > interest is in making sure that Chef John does enough business so > that I can keep going there.)
Raleigh-Durham, NC