Doc shares his favorite places in Carrboro.
My wife and I love the restaurant scene in Carrboro! That is not to say that this scene is any better or worse than other places around the metro, we just like the idea that the downtown is close and has a good concentration of excellent food choices in a small area.
My picks for best of Carrboro are simple:
GLASS HALF FULL (American)
Just off the corner of Greensboro and Main, Glass Half Full was one of our first finds in the area.
The food is exceptional all the way around but I think I’d cast the spotlight on the small plates. I’m especially fond of the chickpea fritters, the beet and goat cheese salad, and Brussels sprouts.
In warm weather the outdoor patio is fantastic for a casual lunch or an enchanted evening. Of course, the fully stocked wine store is excellent any time of the year!
TANDEM CARRBORO (American/International)
This place is relatively new and is nestled in the Carr Mill Mall on the backside of Weaver Street Market.
Chef Younes Sabouh was trained in France and traveled the world as the private chef for the Hermes family before settling in North Carolina.
The food taste combinations are nothing short of amazing and demonstrate the flair of a well-traveled chef. My wife and are partial to the Trio of Spreads dish that includes Red Beet & Citrus, Kale and Eggplant, Labneh and Zaatar, the Arugula Salad with smoked apple Roquefort cheese, pecans, and yummy date dressing. For the main course, we’ve loved on the Wild Salmon, Angus Beef Short Ribs, and the Shrimp and Grits (with a surprise finish!).
I have a feeling you’ll hear more about Tandem and Younes!
AKAI HANA SUSHI
My wife could eat Sushi for every meal. She LOVES IT! If you love Sushi like my wife loves Sushi, then you know that there are huge differences that exist among restaurants that offer the raw fish fixin’s. That is why I was so happy to find the Akai Hana Sushi Japanese Restaurant in our backyard.
Start with the quality of the fish, move to the finesse of the preparation, and then onto the creativity of the rolls and you’ll find yourself giving Akai 5 stars in each category.
The staff is so friendly that you feel like you’re actually in their living room at a holiday celebration. Our favorite has got to be the Bread and Butter roll which only runs second pick to the always creative daily special! Don’t miss the fresh and creative fish at Akai.
ELMO’S DINER
Sometimes you just need good cookin’! Elmo’s Diner is THAT place.
I recommend for breakfast or dinner if you’re looking for that extra special something to your food basics. Sure, Elmo’s features Biscuits and Gravy, Bacon and Eggs, and Pancakes for breakfast along with BLT’s and Burgers for lunch. It’s not about the menu, it’s about the preparation and taste.
It’s one of those places where you come away saying…there just something about that place. Elmo’s is proudly on my Best of Carrboro list.