2 out of 5 stars

Buffalo Brothers just opened a new location near Rex Hospital, so hubs and I decided to go check it out. Unfortunately Buffalo Brothers ended up fitting the generic sports bar mold. Lots of TVs, drink specials, and uninspired food. Not that I was hoping for the latest gastronomic techniques. Just good pizza and wings. I feel like a dummy trying to critique this meal, but when I saw the menu I had high hopes. I was deciding between pizza and a prime rib sub! The pizza was recommended by the waitress.

First the pizza. I ordered a personal-sized Italian, a white pizza with ricotta and mozzarella as well as tomatoes, meatball and sausage. The crust was thin and flavorless, almost like matzoh bread. The toppings were plentiful but just didn’t help revive the crust.

Hubs ordered the spicy garlic parmesan wings, which were also low on flavor. They were a little spicy but the garlic parm flavor didn’t come through very well. His side salad, however was fresh.

This might be a good place to catch a game. The service was good, but the namesake food didn’t impress. However, perhaps you should give it a shot for yourself. It seems many in the Triangle disagree with me!

View Larger Map

4 out of 5 stars

Happy to finally have a chance for a date night since having baby Wolfie, I arranged for some friends to meet Glen and I out at Fosters American Grille. It’s located right in Cameron Village and seemed a great place to meet up with some buddies and eat well, but not too pretentiously. I have a problem with pretension as I generally have pretty uncomplicated (but demanding) tastes.

Reviews online have varied wildly but of late Fosters has gotten some acclaim from the peanut gallery. Rumor on the grapevine is that management has changed and some original staff has been hired back which has revitalized the food and service. I have to agree!

Fosters has a broad menu so I knew everyone would be able to find something they’d enjoy and I was right. It spans salads, grilled pizza, pasta, and a selection of traditional entrees. (Menu here.) We started with a few appetizers, taking advantage of the $5 for any appetizer special that happens from 4-7pm daily. The crab dip was splendid, served with toasted flat bread. The lettuce wraps were just ok, consisting of a hoisin sauce over chicken, water chestnuts and little fried noodles. Friends also appeared to enjoy the crab cakes served over a corn succotash.

The entrees really wowed us, all served with fluffy mashed potatoes that were clearly homemade with care and lightly sauteed vegetables that were tender and not oily. I really enjoyed my short rib entree which was fall-apart tender and rich, “simmered overnight in red wine, tomatoes and garlic,” according to the menu. Hubs had the 6 ounce filet, which was perfect, and D had the rack of ribs which he enjoyed. Our lady friend was in love with her Chicken Rockefeller, a spinach and bacon stuffed chicken breast.

Apologies for the low-light iPhone pics.

Chicken Rockefeller

Short Rib

Ribs (I think half rack?)

Filet

We fully enjoyed most everything we ordered and I look forward to returning. I also wish I had left room to try dessert. The atmosphere here is lovely whether you sit downstairs in the dining room or bar area, or upstairs where you’ll be outside and have a view of activity on Cameron Village streets below. I hear it turns into quite the late-night spot and they seem to have music and dancing many nights. But don’t underestimate what a delicious meal you can get at reasonable prices. Sandwiches from $8 and entrees from $14.

A wonderful surprise for me was the check-in special on Four Square!  We got 20% off the food!

View Larger Map

5 out of 5 stars

I had a chip on my shoulder about Crabtree Tavern because I have been so often disappointed by “upscale” taverns, including the Oxford. But it turned out to be a perfect lunch outing for the family, seated on the patio with our new baby. It has a suprisingly green view, considering that this restaurant is situated between two hotels and the parking garage of Crabtree Mall. It has the benefit of being slightly up the hill and nestled amongst trees.

I ordered the Guinness Chili , which was fantastic.. you could taste the Guinness for sure in the ground beef as well as other spices and the black beans. Also a house side salad on the side for an extra $2, with fresh cherry tomatoes, baby greens, red onion and fresh parmesan.

Hubs had the Californian turkey burger, which was moist and flavorful. I didn’t even realize it was a turkey burger until he told me later. The burger came on grilled fresh-baked wheat bread with avocado, feta, salsa and cilantro aoli.

Ellen had one of the grilled chicken breast sandwiches, which she raved about due to the seasoning on the chicken breast and the smoky flavor imparted by the wood grill. She got some sweet potato fries on the side, which are always fun.

The service was a little slow, but we couldn’t complain for two reasons – 1) we were the only ones on the patio and 2) the menu asks that you be patient as all items are made to order. At least we were warned in advance. Baby Devin enjoyed his time out on the patio with us and we can’t wait to go back and sample more of the food at the Crabtree Tavern.

View Larger Map