Discovering Durham’s Dining Delights
Just when I thought I had the Durham dining scene all figured out, a whole new crop of restaurants burst onto the scene, leaving me with a severe case of FOMO (fear of missing out). As a self-proclaimed foodie and eternal seeker of the next big culinary thrill, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to uncover the best pairings at these hotshot newcomers. So, I laced up my stretchy pants, grabbed my trusty notebook, and set out on a mission to taste my way through Durham’s latest and greatest.
Elevating the Everyday at Urban Turban
My first stop was Urban Turban Indian Grill and Bar. Now, I’ll admit, Indian cuisine isn’t usually my go-to, but the rave reviews had me intrigued. As soon as I stepped through the door, I was hit with a sensory explosion – the aromas of sizzling spices and fragrant curries had my mouth watering in anticipation.
I decided to throw caution to the wind and dive headfirst into the menu, starting with the Chicken Tikka Kabab and the Lamb Kadhai. The chicken was tender and perfectly spiced, while the lamb was a revelation – the depth of flavor in that dish was simply mind-blowing. But the real showstopper was the Vijayawada Biryani and the Lamb Pulao. These rice dishes were like edible works of art, each bite a symphony of aromatic spices and succulent proteins.
As I sat there, savoring every morsel, I couldn’t help but wonder why I hadn’t discovered this place sooner. Urban Turban had elevated the everyday into something truly extraordinary, proving that sometimes the best pairings are the ones that challenge your preconceptions.
Bowling Over Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Next on my culinary conquest was Boxcar Bar + Arcade, a place that had been on my radar for a while. As I approached the bustling establishment, the sound of arcade games and laughter spilled out onto the street, beckoning me inside.
I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first – could a place that boasted both delicious food and endless entertainment really live up to the hype? But as soon as I stepped through the doors, I was blown away. The vibe was electric, a perfect blend of nostalgic charm and modern flair.
Determined to tackle the menu with the same gusto I applied to the vintage Pac-Man machine, I dove headfirst into a selection of their signature dishes. The Brisket Sandwich was a revelation, the tender meat melting in my mouth, while the Mac and Cheese Bites were a playful twist on a comfort food classic. But the real showstopper was the Bourbon Bacon BBQ Burger – a towering creation that managed to be both indulgent and perfectly balanced.
As I sat there, sipping on a frosty craft beer and watching the world go by, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer brilliance of Boxcar’s concept. They had seamlessly blended the worlds of food, drinks, and entertainment, creating a experience that was truly one-of-a-kind. And let me tell you, that’s a pairing I can get behind.
Dames Delivers Deliciousness
No culinary exploration of Durham would be complete without a visit to the legendary Dames Chicken and Waffles. As I approached the unassuming exterior, the tantalizing aromas of fried chicken and syrup-soaked waffles wafted through the air, luring me in like a siren’s song.
I’ll admit, I was a bit apprehensive at first – could this place really live up to the hype that had been building in my mind? But as soon as I stepped through the doors, all of my doubts melted away. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the kind of place where you knew you were in for a truly special dining experience.
I decided to throw caution to the wind and dive headfirst into their signature dish – the aptly named Chicken and Waffles. And let me tell you, it was an absolute revelation. The chicken, perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, paired seamlessly with the fluffy, syrup-drenched waffles, creating a symphony of flavors that had me utterly captivated.
But the real showstopper was the Fried Chicken Biscuit – a towering creation that managed to be both indulgent and perfectly balanced. The flaky, buttery biscuit provided the perfect canvas for the succulent, perfectly seasoned fried chicken, and the addition of a drizzle of honey just took the whole thing to the next level.
As I sat there, savoring every bite and watching the world go by, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer genius of Dames Chicken and Waffles. They had managed to take a classic comfort food pairing and elevate it to new heights, creating a dining experience that was truly unforgettable.
Uncovering Hidden Gems
As I continued my culinary journey through Durham, I discovered a veritable treasure trove of hidden gems, each with its own unique take on the art of pairing.
StRoch Fine Oysters & Bar, for example, had me absolutely captivated with their commitment to exceptional execution. From the Dirty Rice with Duck Confit to the BBQ Shrimp in a Coconut Curry, every dish was a masterclass in harmony, each component working in perfect sync to create a truly unforgettable dining experience.
And then there was Ponysaurus Brewing Co., a brewery that had seemingly taken the art of pairing to new heights. Their Peppery and Herb-Kicked Popcorn was a revelation, a common bar snack elevated to new levels of sophistication, while their Specialty Pizzas had me wondering why I’d ever settled for a basic pie.
But perhaps the most impressive pairing I encountered was at East End Bistrot, where the Chilean Sea Bass Roti had me utterly captivated. The robust, meaty sea bass, the deep umami flavors of the black mushrooms, and the velvety, spice-kissed Vadouvan sauce – it was a harmony of flavors that left me entirely awestruck.
Embracing the Unexpected
As I reflect on my culinary journey through Durham’s hottest new restaurants, one thing has become abundantly clear: the art of pairing is alive and well in this vibrant city. From the unexpected delights of Urban Turban to the seamless blending of food, drinks, and entertainment at Boxcar Bar + Arcade, these establishments have proven that the best pairings are often the ones that challenge our preconceptions and push the boundaries of what we thought possible.
And let’s not forget the timeless classics, like Dames Chicken and Waffles, who have managed to take a beloved pairing and elevate it to new heights, creating an experience that is truly unforgettable.
But perhaps the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that the true joy of dining lies in the unexpected. By keeping an open mind and embracing the unknown, I’ve discovered a world of pairings that have left me utterly captivated, from the exceptional execution of StRoch to the culinary artistry of East End Bistrot.
So, the next time you find yourself in Durham, I encourage you to throw caution to the wind, lace up your stretchy pants, and embark on your own culinary adventure. Who knows what delicious discoveries await? After all, as the team at The Up & Under Pub likes to say, “the best pairings are the ones that surprise and delight.”
