My wife and I attended for her birthday, and have ...

My wife and I attended for her birthday, and have no regrets. From the moment we walked in, the whole experience was top shelf.

Our reservation was for 9pm, but we arrived at 7:45 to have cocktails in the Wild Turkey Lounge, but they were able to seat us right away. We had a seat close to the corner of the main dining room, which allowed a great ability to just watch everything. As we walked to our table you are instantly put at ease by the all the staff and the assortment of guests. While there are obviously people there for special occasions, you also have people in a much more relaxed state befitting the rustic barn feel of the decor.



(This is perhaps my one disappointment, that beer drinkers, while given an okay selection, have not nearly the breadth or depth of choices or craft options as I would hope. And the lack of local options, was also a little disappointing. We have one of the strongest beer communities in the country and it not reflected here, but this is a steak and wine place, and they do that better than anyone in Raleigh.)

All the entrees included a side and said or soup. My wife had the French onion soup, and I had a spinach salad with a warm lemon poppy seed dressing. Both were good and well executed. I didn't love mine, but that's more because I ventured from comfort zone. My wife loved hers, as it took her back to special dinners with her parents at quaint little joint in Melbourne Beach, FL.

For the main courses I had a 10 oz filet and she had a generous portion of prime rib, since I was going to have a couple of large bites. Both were cooked perfectly to order. My filet had all the delicate tender texture and beef flavor I expect. The red wine deduction was good, but not necessary. Her prime rib was a perfect medium rare throughout and perfectly trimmed to have a great meat to fat ratio. The horseradish and beef au jus were a great pairing.

We both had the stuffed potato for a side, and at our servers suggestion, we had generous dollops of sour cream plopped on top. It was a decent side, but definitely didn't feel the need to devour it over the main.

As we were celebrating her birthday, we got a free vanilla pound cake. Not a slice, but a whole 6inch round cake. It was quite good with the fruit and whipped cream topping, and we have plenty of left-overs.

We retired to the "Meat Locker" where we able to enjoy a cigar and scotch after our meal. This involves a great behind the scenes look at the enormous kitchen and all the happy and polite kitchen staff. You end up in a great little spot with an open air porch or a chair by the fire on the stone patio. Their humidor has some great selections, and if you are a Fuente fan, an amazing selection. So many Opus options. I didn't see a full scotch list, but all I wanted was a Glen Fidditch, and they were happy to oblige.

And this is where I think they really shine. The service is great, the atmosphere unique, and it all adds up to a unique experience where we were made to feel relaxed and at home. It's not often such high-end dining has that feel. Never were we intimidated into ordering fancy and overly expensive wines or appetizers. It was there, but we never made to feel unwelcome for not partaking. Our server has been going there since he was a baby and his insights into our meals made it all the better. We also have a great French toast recipe that his mom makes with the left over pound cake. It's not like traditional high-end dining, and in my opinion it is all the better for it.

I can't wait to go back and enjoy it again.