As a self-proclaimed foodie and lifelong resident of Durham, North Carolina, I’ve always been enamored by the dynamic culinary scene that has blossomed in our vibrant city. From the iconic comfort food mainstays to the daring new eateries pushing the boundaries of flavor, there’s an undeniable passion and creativity that permeates the menus across Durham.
But if I’m being honest, sometimes even the most beloved local dishes can feel… well, a tad ordinary. Don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned meat-and-three or a tried-and-true burger. But when you’ve grown up dining out in Durham, you start to crave something a little more… elevated.
That’s why I was beyond thrilled when I heard that The Up & Under, one of my all-time favorite pubs, was launching a new initiative to breathe new life into some of the Bull City’s most iconic dishes. The concept? Taking those cherished local favorites and pairing them with unexpected, sophisticated twists that would elevate the everyday into the extraordinary.
Elevating the Classics
As I stepped through the doors of The Up & Under, the warm, convivial atmosphere immediately enveloped me. The kind of place where you can unwind with a frosty pint and banter with the bartender like an old friend. But I was here on a mission – to discover how this beloved institution was transforming the tastes of Durham.
I didn’t have to look far. The first dish that caught my eye on the menu was a familiar favorite: the Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich. Now, I’ve had my fair share of pulled pork around these parts, but the way The Up & Under presented this classic was truly inspired.
The Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich was no longer just a simple pile of smoky, tender pork piled high on a soft bun. No, the chefs had taken this quintessential Durham dish and elevated it to new heights. The pork itself was slowly smoked to perfection, infused with a blend of tangy and savory spices that danced on the tongue. But the real showstopper? The pairing.
Instead of the typical coleslaw or barbecue sauce, the pork was nestled between two slices of brioche bread, toasted to a golden brown and drizzled with a decadent bourbon-infused honey glaze. The combination of the rich, buttery brioche, the caramelized sweetness of the honey, and the boldly seasoned pork was nothing short of revelatory. It was as if I was experiencing the beloved barbecue sandwich for the very first time, with each bite revealing new layers of flavor and texture.
“Wow,” I murmured to myself, taking another bite and savoring the way the flavors exploded in my mouth. “This is no ordinary pulled pork sandwich.”
Reimagining the Classics
As I continued to peruse the menu, I couldn’t help but notice other familiar Durham dishes that had undergone a similar transformation. Take, for instance, the Durham Mac and Cheese – a staple comfort food that The Up & Under had elevated to new heights.
Instead of the traditional elbow macaroni, the chefs had swapped in cavatappi pasta, its spiraled shape perfectly suited to trapping the creamy, velvety cheese sauce. And what a sauce it was! A blend of sharp cheddar, smoky gouda, and tangy parmesan, infused with a hint of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat.
But the real game-changer? The crunchy, golden-brown breadcrumb topping, which added a satisfying textural contrast to the luscious, indulgent pasta beneath. It was Mac and Cheese 2.0 – familiar and comforting, yet completely reinvented in the most delightful way.
As I savored each bite, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer creativity and attention to detail that had gone into this dish. It was as if the chefs at The Up & Under had taken a beloved classic and peered at it through a kaleidoscope, revealing hidden dimensions of flavor and texture that I never could have imagined.
Unexpected Pairings
But The Up & Under’s culinary wizardry didn’t stop there. As I continued to explore the menu, I stumbled upon a dish that truly encapsulated the essence of their “elevate the everyday” philosophy: the Durham Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Now, fried chicken sandwiches are nothing new in these parts – they’re a staple on menus across the city. But the way The Up & Under approached this beloved dish was nothing short of inspired.
Instead of a simple breaded chicken breast, the chefs had crafted a juicy, boneless thigh, coated in a crisp, golden-brown crust. But the real showstopper was the pairing: a sweet and spicy peach-habanero slaw, nestled between two slices of buttery, toasted brioche.
The contrast of the savory, crunchy chicken and the bright, tangy slaw was nothing short of revelatory. With each bite, the flavors seemed to dance across my palate, the sweetness of the peaches playing off the subtle heat of the habanero, all while the richness of the chicken and brioche provided a comforting foundation.
It was a flavor combination that seemed so simple, yet so unexpected. And as I savored every last morsel, I couldn’t help but wonder: why had no one thought of this before?
The Artistry of Pairing
As I sat there, marveling at the culinary wizardry that had transformed these Durham staples, I couldn’t help but wonder: what was the driving force behind this “elevate the everyday” philosophy?
I posed the question to my server, a friendly and knowledgeable local named Sarah, who was eager to share the story behind The Up & Under’s culinary vision.
“It’s all about the art of pairing,” she explained, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “The chefs here are obsessed with taking those beloved, familiar dishes and finding unexpected ways to make them even more special.”
She went on to explain that the key was in finding the perfect balance of flavors and textures – sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy, bold and subtle. It was about challenging the palate and surprising the diner, all while honoring the essence of the original dish.
“They’ll spend hours experimenting with different ingredient combinations, constantly tweaking and refining until they land on something truly remarkable,” Sarah continued. “It’s not just about elevating the food – it’s about elevating the entire dining experience.”
I nodded, captivated by her explanation. It was clear that the culinary team at The Up & Under were true artists, approaching each dish with the same level of care and craftsmanship as a painter or a sculptor.
Elevating the Everyday
As I finished my meal and reluctantly prepared to head out, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of appreciation for the culinary landscape of Durham. Sure, we have our fair share of beloved comfort food staples and tried-and-true classics. But thanks to visionary eateries like The Up & Under, those everyday dishes are being transformed into something extraordinary.
It’s a testament to the creativity and passion that permeates this city’s food scene – a place where the ordinary can become the extraordinary, where the familiar can be made completely fresh and new. And as I stepped out into the Durham evening, I couldn’t wait to see what other culinary wonders this dynamic city had in store.
After all, in a place like this, the possibilities for elevating the everyday are truly endless.
