Romantic restaurant recommendation in Triangle

[Milagai]

Can anyone recommend a really romantic restaurant

in Durham / Chapel Hill?

(Should have at least *some* decent veggie options)

Thanks

Milagai

[BryanZ]

I can't think of any truly romantic restaurants in the area. A super romantic weekend would be like a night at Fearrington with dinner and breakfast. That, however, is a lot of money and not really in Durham or CHill.

Off the top of my head, I would suggest the "fine dining" offerings in the area, as they might have competent waitstaff and marginally intimate surroundings. For example, Magnolia, Nana's, Elaine's on Franklin, even Vin Rouge if you're into the romance of the French bistro. Perhaps your best bet might be Il Palio for its supposed elegance, but that's technically hotel dining and some people are weird about that.

[ludja]

Has anyone been to La Residence lately in Chapel Hill?

I know that it is under different management from the time I was there, but this used to be, at least, a place I would consider to be a romantic restaurant in an old historic building, one block off Franklin St. They use to serve French cuisine and the food was very good then. (The restaurant was started in the 80's by Bill and Moreton Neal).

Here's a link to their current website:

http://www.laresidencedining.com/index.html?page=1

Looking at the listed menu it looks less classically French now than it used to be.

[Varmint]

Help us with your definition of "romantic." That means a lot of different things to different people. If this were an ideal romantic dinner, what would it include? Help us, then we can help you.

[Milagai]

Help us with your definition of "romantic."  That means a lot of different things to different people.  If this were an ideal romantic dinner, what would it include?  Help us, then we can help you.

←

well, it begins PRE dinner with someone taking

thing1 and thing2 (the kids) off our hands for the evening.

i'm still working on that part.....

after that, i'm open to anything:

noise level low, relaxed / dreamy ambience;

good food (for me this means not bland);

reasonable wine; someone ELSE doing the cooking and

cleaning up (even mcD would make the grade for this);

good desserts;

i'd like to halfway dress up too but dh prob would not....

so let me turn the question around:

what *is* romantic these days anyway?

after 11 yrs marriage and 2 kids i'm horrified to say i have forgotten!

back then, even looking at each other across the crowded student

dining hall was great...

milagai

[debbiemoose]

I agree that romantic must include a fairly quiet atmosphere, which is becoming increasingly hard to find in trendy new restaurants - they all seem too noisy to me. Or maybe I'm just becoming an old fogie

Foursquare in Durham is in an old house, has good food and a nice ambience.

Fearrington House is my and my husband's usual choice for a romantic meal. They have changed their menu - it's no longer a fixed menu but also offers a la carte.

[Varmint]

When it comes down to traditional romantic restaurants, you'll do very well at the Fearrington House. I truly think you should find a great sitter to watch the children overnight and get a room at the Inn, too. Granted, that makes a pricey evening into a downright expensive one, but this way you can let the wine flow without worrying about a drive. Engines might roar, but of a different type, of course.

Magnolia Grill is not all that romantic, but the food is so good that it certainly makes me lustful! Nana's and Four Square are also good choices.

Lantern could be a lower priced option -- it's fairly dark, the food is somewhat exotic, and they have good drinks, too. I find Lantern to have a lot of romantic charm.

Of course, you could just go to He's Not Here, get a couple of 32 ounce blue cups of cheap beer, and find romance the way you did pre-children!

[Milagai]

Hmm.... I'm seeing that Fearrington may be a good choice,

with Lantern a second. What kind of food does Lantern have

and will they meet the veggie + non-bland criteria?

Re He's not here and pre-kids romance, that line of approach

got us into this sorry mess in the first place

I'll report back if and when I ever succeed in this goal..

off to line up a babysitter...

Milagai

[BryanZ]

If you go to Fearrington, report back. One of the few big names I have yet to visit yet. I wish I had someone who would spend that much on a meal with me in the area.

[scottie]

My (ex)husband took me to Fearrington House once. That was one of the more romantic meals of my life. But there are some viable options that don't require a second mortgage.

I don't find the main room at Lantern to be romantic at all, it's too crowded and noisy. The back room is nice, but so smoky it would be bothersome to non-smokers. The food is upscale Asian, emphasis on seafood. It's very good.

Have you thought of Acme, in Carrboro? Low lighting, not too noisy, always flavorful, always some veg-friendly items. Emphasis on local and seasonal, always delicious. Some of the best venison, trout and quail I've had. Every meal I had with the hubbie there was romantic.

We once had a surprisingly romantic meal at Baku's on 9th street- tapas. Probably more casual than you're looking for. But we were pleasantly surprised and impressed.

I like Elaine's, too. I hear bad things about La Rez these days. Has anyone tried La Provence in Carrboro? The chef claims it's very romantic.

Keep us posted!

[nhconner]

I have had the pleasure of eating at Fearringon House four times in the last 18 months and I am really a fan. For the money you could do better in a DC or New York or Philly, but for me this is the best most romantic place in this area. It is an escape my wife and I really like having living in a haute food challenged city like Greensboro.

There is a $95 fixed menu now with about seven courses, and while I dont think of it as a bargain, I do think of it as worth it. Chef Gram Fox knows what he is doing and his meat and game are cooked correctly. Cources are beautiful and served with creativity on simple white china of different shapes. I am going there in a couple weeks and will report, but there are few dishes that are still in my memory.

One was sweet breads with pickled vegetables and a sour savory sauce. It had great juxtaposition and was spot on. The other was a Guinea Fowl with Pornchini. The fowl was cooked just right making it a luxury in itself. I had rabbit done four ways there months ago and it remains one of my favorite dishes of all time. These experiences keep me coming back. The courses range from well prepared to memorable with the occasional home run. This keeps my wife and I returning, and the croissants at breakfast are the best I have has on this side of the puddle.

Nate

Edited October 28, 2005 by nhconner (log)

[Milagai]

Scottie, thanks for the suggestion re Acme; I'll look into it.

Re the prix fixe Fearrington, we may have to see if they

have other options, not because of price, but because of

vegetarian options......

Thanks for the suggestions....

re food challenged Greensboro: I work there, and the Thai restaurants

in Greensboro are MUCH better than any in the Triangle!!!

Wonder why?

Milagai

[nhconner]

I agree. I especially like some of the Vietnamese spots around town, Saigon and Binh Minh and I do enjoy Taste of Thai and the Thai spot out at Guilford College and Rearn Thai is building a new sudo Thai temple looking building across the street from their place I am looking forward to.

I just dont fine any top notch really smart uncompromising food being offered in GSO. The Undercurrent is one of my favorites and 223 S Elm, Bisto Sophia, Green Vally Grill, 1619 West Seafood and a hadful of others are doing a good job, but nothing serious is happening here yet. I think thats OK becuse I am not sure what support it would get. In my openion we are comming up on the need for a small chef owned spot that goes to the next level and does not have to worry about filling a big dining room. We will see.

As far as Fearringtons menu, they have an la carte as well and Im sure would accomodate you needs if you asked. I too have one little one and one on the way and know how important and necessary these romantic dinners are.

Nate