Literally around the corner from the house sits the unassuming facade of a restaurant. Since I have relocated to Durham, I have looked at it with curious, questioning eyes. My Mom, from 1,200 miles away in Oklahoma, treated me to a birthday dinner. No, she treated Liz and me to a birthday dinner at Magnolia Grill.
Gourmet Magazine has named Magnolia Grill as #11 on their Top 50 Restaurants List.
We got gussied up… no, we got sexy young couple dressed, and walked around the corner. I had called earlier in the week and was unable to get a reservation, but we thought we would still give it a shot by checking it out before the rush. We got in. No, not because we were sexy, but because we beat the rush. An amazing 2.5 hour-long meal followed.
Step 1: Spicy Presbyterian - Rye whiskey, chili-lime syrup, bitters and ginger ale. I’m sold.
Step 2: Fried green tomatoes topped with field greens atop mozzarella and oil. Southern sophistication.
Step 3: Bottle of red wine.
Step 4: NY Strip - With all of the fresh seafood in the area, I hadn’t treated myself to a fine steak since I arrived in NC. Grilled Angus NY Strip in balsamic jus with roasted potatoes, market beans, shitake mushroom and buttermilk blue cheese. It was definitely not a mistake.
Step 5: Pumpkin cognac cheesecake, candied ginger, drizzled in maple ginger sauce.
Exquisitely prepared and presented food. Attentive, friendly service. Overall great experience. Thank you Mom. Thank you Magnolia.
