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The atmosphere is great. Very good menu and good, reasonably priced food.
Pros: Food,...
More 1 year ago
The atmosphere is great. Very good menu and good, reasonably priced food.
Pros: Food, atmosphere, price
Cons: A little to dark for me
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Skin Essence A Day Spa
Category:
Beauty Salons
8340 Bandford way Ste #107
Raleigh,
North Carolina 27615
(919) 518-9396
Skin Essence is the best investment for my peace of mind, extremely well managed skin and a...
More 1 month ago
Skin Essence is the best investment for my peace of mind, extremely well managed skin and a radiance.
I came across Lina a good while back and after recieving the most advanced and wonderful facial that I have ever gotten, I have always kept coming back. There is no other similar spa and skin care business out there that can even come close to the benefits of using Skin Essence. Lina takes the time and shows a true professionalism in studying your skin type, condition and state before making realistic suggestions on how to improve your skin textue, condition and radiance.
I have taken Lina's advice and she has always used the latest techiques, studies and technology in improving my skin. I always look so much more refreshed and well rested after her treatments. You owe it to yourself to go see her. You will never look elsewhere again, I promise.
I owe my complextion and radiance to Lina.
Thank you Lina! You are the best.
It is an honor to have your skills available.
Pros: Lina will take away 10+ yrs with her expertise in skin care!
Cons: Wish I had found her sooner...
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My absolute favorite mexican food restaurant of all times is Dos Taquitos in North Raleigh. It's...
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My absolute favorite mexican food restaurant of all times is Dos Taquitos in North Raleigh. It's a lot more expensive than your typical joints, but the food is to die for. I am especially fond of the steak tacos, and hubby likes the Enchiladas del pueblo.
The decor is something you HAVE to see. When you go in and ask for a table, if there is a wait, you will be given a toy. Possibly a doll, truck, snake, or even a monster. There is an outdoor patio with a folk-art-garbage type fountain, and the decor is shabby chic. Inside there are little huts and the decor is changed very often. it's fun to go and see what has been changed since the last time you went.
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The Duck & Dumpling
Category:
Pan-Asian & Pacific Rim
222 S Blount St
Raleigh,
North Carolina 27601
(919) 838-0085
I could eat at the Duck and Dumpling every day and be happy! I think I've tried almost everything...
More 7 months ago
I could eat at the Duck and Dumpling every day and be happy! I think I've tried almost everything on the menu and have found nothing disappointing! The Diver Sea Scallops in ginger sauce on Chef David's winter menu may be the best dish I've ever had, EVER.
I have read other reviewers complain about the size of the portions and it is true that the small plate offerings are small. That is why they are called "small plates." The large plate entrees are enough for one diner, but they are certainly not piled as high as one might dish it up at a strip mall chinese buffet. More importantly, the quality of the food at the Duck is exquisite! This is Asian food at its finest!
In addition, I need to comment on the other things that make the Duck such an outstanding dining experience. The decor and ambience are delightful. The wait staff is attentive and friendly without hovering or talking incessively. Almost every time I've eaten there, Chef David Mao has come out of the kitchen to greet diners, giving our meal a very personalized feeling. And to top dinner off, the Webbed-Foot coffee drink is absolute perfection! (Organic, fair-trade coffee with Amaretto, Baileys, and Godiva Dark. Yum!)
My recommendation for best-ever meal: Start a with a Ginger Lemon Drop or Asian Pear martini. Or ask what seasonal or fresh fruit martinis they are serving. For your appetizer, I recommend the Hot & Sour soup and Chef David's Signature Half-fried Dumplings. (The papaya salad and the basil shrimp wonton are also great.) Order a Dark & Stormy (rum and ginger) cocktail with your entree, which you should hope and pray that the Diver's Sea Scallops with Ginger Sauce is on the menu; if not, Steamed Sea Bass with Baby Bok Choy & Shiitake Mushrooms, the Filet Mignon Chinois with Seaweed Salad, or the Thai Basil Shrimp are all absolutely heaven-in-the-mouth delicious! If you are having lunch at the Duck, start with the spring rolls or summer rolls and mixed greens salad; try any of Chef David's luncheon specials or treat yourself to his moo shu duck. For dessert, the Spiced Asian Pear with ginger ice cream is a treat unlike anything you've had anywhere else and must be tried before anything else. If everyone in your party is ordering dessert for all to share (a highly recommended practice!) put the key lime pie and the tiramisu on the list along with something chocolate. And the Duck is a chocoholic's delight. The chocolate souffle, the triple chocolate cheesecake and the chocolate bundt cake are all wonderful; but the Chocolate Pyramid filled with white chocolate ganache is simply to-die-for, above all other chocolate on the menu. Enjoy that with a Chocolate Satin or Milky Way martini before you finish off your meal with a dessert coffee (the Webbed-Foot and the Downtown recommended).
I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. I would put Chef David up against any "top chef" anywhere!
Pros: The best Asian food I've ever eaten
Cons: None!
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Brasa Steakhouse
Category:
Romantic Dining
8551 Brier Creek Pwky
Raleigh,
North Carolina 27617
First off, if you're not familiar with Brazilian steakhouses or Rodizios, you just need to know...
More 3 months ago
First off, if you're not familiar with Brazilian steakhouses or Rodizios, you just need to know they're the best kind of steakhouses in the planet. Nothing beats waiters one after the other showing up at your table with SWORDS (they're really huge skewers but Rodizios get me medieval) where impaled steaks of several pounds of the best cuts in the world are to be carved in front of you at your command. It's an endless parade of steak worship not for the faint of heart. I live in southern Maryland and being a Rodizio aficionado myself, the total lack of this restaurant type in my area is very depressing. I was driving to a Friend's weeding in Burlington, NC and having lived in North Carolina for several years in the past I knew I was entering Rodizio territory once more, so I decided to plan my trip to Burlington, making a little detour in Raleigh just to try this Rodizio Steakhouse. Now onto the place itself. Even thou this guys close at 11 pm on Fridays, I walked though the door at 10:45 and was treated just like if it was 7 pm. (Most restaurants give you "a look" and bad service if you do this). The service was INCREDIBLE, the place looked amazing. If you want to impress a lady, this would be a home run. Now, the food. Simply......perfect. The meats were simply out of this world. My favorite Brazilian cut of meat, "picaña" was cooked just the way I requested, with a medium rare center. My wife is more of a "well done" steak kind of girl and they had a completely different skewer sizzling at the mercy of the flames in the kitchen just for her. (Most Rodizios scuff at customers requests of well done meat since this is considered faux pass, and they will simply take a couple of cuts ant throw them on the grill for the customer which ruins the whole experience. I have visited probably 10 Brazilian steakhouses in the U.S. Only at the top 2, Brasa Raleigh being one of them, will they put a separate skewer on the flames for customers who request well done cuts), Like I said in the title, second best Rodizio steak house in the U.S. only topped by the Juggernaut of Rodizios, New York's Time Square area located cathedral of Rodizio, (let alone Number 1 Brazilian steakhouse in the world and personally best restaurant I've ever been to in my life), The Mecca of meat.......... "PLATAFORMA". How close does Brasa come to the holiest of the holiest, Plataforma? Surprisingly close. Steak wise.......and this could be blasphemy....... almost identical. The salad bar at Plataforma is also FAR superior, probably one of the best salad bars EVER, But whereas a meal for two at Plataforma with beers will run you $250 with tips, at Brasa I paid only $100 with tips which is a HUGE difference. Let's put it this way: Plataforma is still reigning champion but if instead of Brasa being located In Raleigh, NC and Plataforma in New York, they were located both across the street from my home in Maryland, 9 our of 10 times I would eat at Brasa, almost the same steak for half the price. I would still treat myself to Plataforma on my birthdays. Now for those of you Maryland residents who are wondering, if you have to drive all, the way to NC or New York for a decent Rodizio experience, don't fret. I also have you covered. You'll find in my opinion which is the 3rd best Rodizio in the U.S. just 45 minutes away in Washington D.C. The name is "Fogo de Chao" a meal for 2 will run you about $140. All in all, in the best value for your category, Brasa Raleigh takes the crown. Now, If you're a Millionaire and own your own jet, fly to New York's Plataforma. But rest assured, Brasa will also give you a run for your money.
Pros: Perfect Rodizio
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Porter's Tavern
Category:
Romantic Dining
2412 Hillsborough St
Raleigh,
North Carolina 27607
First off let me say that this is a fantastic restaurant and I never would of expected such from...
More 10 months ago
First off let me say that this is a fantastic restaurant and I never would of expected such from Hillsborough st. My boyfriend and I went with a large group last night and sat in there extended private dinning room, we were greeted by a nice hostess and a great server. I LOVED the drink list and beers on draft there, what a great diverse selection, I fell in love with their season beer. The server pointed me in the way of the pork chop and said it had been a favorite of his for years, let me say....what a pork chop. My boyfriend had the hanger steak and it was great as well. The server was really nice and very informative about the menu, when we asked for all separate checks, he said no problem and came back with all of them in minutes. Sadly to say that this doesn't happen at most places I go. I highly recommend this place, I'll definitely be back. TRY THE PORK CHOP!!!!!
Pros: Food, Drinks, Staff
Cons: Parking
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Rey's
Category:
Romantic Dining
1130 Buck Jones Rd
Raleigh,
North Carolina 27606
My sister and I took our mom here for her birthday. It was the first time any of us had been to...
More 11 months ago
My sister and I took our mom here for her birthday. It was the first time any of us had been to Rey's. The atmosphere was very nice, and the service was outstanding. I know a lot of people like the fact that Rey seats people and goes to every table to see how things are, but to me I think it's a little much. If you know your food is good the only time you need to interact with customers is when they make eye contact with you or have left a lot of food on their plate, indicating that something is wrong. The French Quarter Chicken was so tender and the cheesy filling just melts in your mouth. I ordered Garlic Mashed Potatoes which were cold when they got to the table, but everything else was so delicious I didn't bother to complain or send them back. My sister ordered the creme brulee for dessert which apparently was amazing, because she wouldn't let anyone else even taste it! I will definitely come back to Rey's.
Pros: Very relaxing atmosphere
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I have tried almost everything on the menu at some point and have not been disappointed once. The...
More 2 months ago
I have tried almost everything on the menu at some point and have not been disappointed once. The new fall football menu has been a nice touch with the addition of Nathan's hot dogs. The only downside is the smoke, which should hopefully be corrected in January 2010 when NC institutes the smoking ban. I have never had a bad experience with the service and have made quite a few friends among the staff (Go Sox!). Great atmosphere to watch a game, listen to live music, or just hang out with friends.
Pros: Entire Menu, Atmosphere
Cons: Smoke
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18 Seaboard
Category:
Restaurants
18 Seaboard Ave Ste 100
Raleigh,
North Carolina 27604
(919) 518-9427
We have dined here many times over the past few years and have always been very impressed. The...
More 1 month ago
We have dined here many times over the past few years and have always been very impressed. The staff is extremely professional and there is always a good vibe. Our first time here we said that the prices would go up because it was so busy and good but on our most recent visit they were still the same. Try the pork shank or the grilled salmon. The specials are great as well. Thanks 18 Seaboard for adding to Raliegh's growing dining choices!
Pros: Great place with very good prices
Cons: downtown
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Rockford
Category:
Restaurants
320 1/2 Glenwood Ave
Raleigh,
North Carolina 27603
I love the Rockford and I have been going there since it opened in the mid 90s. The food is...
More 1 month ago
I love the Rockford and I have been going there since it opened in the mid 90s. The food is delicious! Lots of tasty gourmet sandwiches and of course, the Mission Style Burrito which is a long time favorite of mine. All the food is under $10 and there are many vegetarian options as well as lots of choices for meat eaters. I love the atmosphere. The music is always great and not too loud. It's on the 2nd floor of an old building and has big windows that look out over Glenwood avenue. The Rockford also functions as a bar and is open late night for drinks.
The Rockford is located on Glenwood South so it's a great place for dinner before a night out on the town. The only downside is that it is very popular so you may have a long wait to be seated (up to 40 minutes). They do have a nice bar, so I recommend hanging out and having a drink while you wait.
In short, I love the Rockford and so does my husband and my friends. We often meet there for a good meal or to socialize and have a drink. I think that people don't usually bother to write a review of a place when they have good experiences, so I am not surprised that there are a few bad reviews. I don't remember any bad experiences with the staff and I have been going there a long time... The bartender, Rob always remembers my favorite beer when he sees me at the bar, and I have always been treated well by the wait staff, many of which have been there for years.
If you haven't already, the Rockford is definitely worth checking out!
Pros: Great food, vegetarian friendly, good location
Cons: Very popular so you may have a long wait to be seated
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