All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Hibernian Restaurant & Pub

311 Glenwood Ave.

Raleigh, NC 27603-1406

919.833.2258

www.hibernianpub.com (link)

Southwest Garden Salad

I think it is about time that we downshift here at Spoonfed and pay some attention to some of the local establishments that may not be considered ‘culinary Meccas’, but still hold some significance when examining the rotunda of options to those of us in need of sustenance.  This homage is paid to the places that may not be chef centered or considered to be a contender when discussing a James Beard award, they may not be exploring molecular based menus and there may hardly be any mention of them on a thread between high brow foodies who ‘wouldn’t dare’.  But to the local, everyday bub, these are the places visited often, shared with friends, that go on delivering to the masses, the normals, to you and to me without extensive ‘culinary’ praise, under the radar, but still present and now accounted for (by Spoonfed at least).

When I first set up digs in Raleigh and realized Glenwood South was what it was, a strip attuned and keyed in for dining and nightlife, there were two buildings that made blatant statements, and they were a block apart.  Solas and the Hibernian (along with their new sibling  ’the Diner’) opened and owned by Niall Hanley, both of which force you to stop and take notice.  The exterior of the Hibernian, painted black with ornate accents really sells the point that this is based off of the Irish Pubs found overseas.  Coming into their 10th year anniversary, the Hibernian “is a meeting place for all, to talk, to argue, to debate, to sing, to laugh, to drink and to EAT. From listening to traditional Irish music while enjoying lunch to letting it all hang out to the latest hits late night! It adapts and changes with the time of day. Its cozy corners and blazing fireplace take you away from Raleigh and bring you into the streets of Galway.” (from their website).  Offering many bar standards alongside traditional Irish eats, the Hibernian offers weekly food and drink specials found on their website.  There is also a second location in Cary at 1144 Kildaire Farm Rd. for those that don’t want to travel in-town.

Just got word that a photog-bud of mine Bryan Regan (click his name to check his new A Photo Folio site) just shot some editorial using the Hibernain as backdrop, check out some out-takes here.

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Reuben-Corned Beef, Swirl Rye, Swiss, Sauerkraut, 1000 Island

Beer Battered Cod w/tarter and slaw

Corned Beef and Cabbage-garlic mashed potatoes, parsley sauce

All content ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Zely & Ritz

301 Glenwood Ave. Ste. 100

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.828.0018

www.zelyandritz.com (link)

I wonder what Chef Sarig Agasi thinks about while running.  Is there a meditative state reached when exerting yourself to the physical extremes of a marathon?  Not being a runner myself I truly don’t know.  But I imagine that after the first 45 minutes into a marathon, the shock of repeatedly smashing your trotters into the pavement wears off and you might become numb to the situation.  Then maybe, you are left to ponder life’s deepest mysteries for the next 2 to 4 hours (depending on your pace), occasionally reminding yourself to breathe or watch out for a pot hole on the horizon, or a loose pit bull lurking yonder way.  These mysteries to ponder may involve your past life.  Does Chef Sarig think about his formative years in Israel, farming the land and fishing the Mediterranean?  Does he think about the future, opening a second restaurant and dealing with classic ‘red tape’ situations that will arise in the process?  Does he dream about new dishes to concoct, using the freshest ingredients from his farm?  Does he wonder about an upcoming photo shoot with a partially local photo-blogger?  Or does he just run?  To not think.  That is what meditative states are truly for, non-thought, uncluttered and clear.  Where purity and clarity can then absorb into your being.  I wonder…

There is a purity and clarity to the concept and actualization of Zely & Ritz.  Owned by husband and wife team Chef Sarig Agasi and Nancy Agasi (wine expert) along with Richard Holcomb, a local farmer and entrepreneur that heads the Coon Rock Farm, from which Zely & Ritz obtains the majority of their menu’s staples.  They provide organic bistro and wine bar fare in tapas form to showcase Chef Agasi’s Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavor influenced creations.  Taking the most direct route of ‘farm to table’ by owning and working the land from which the food abounds is a bragging point that Zely & Ritz has the right to boast.  Located in the Glenwood South district of downtown Raleigh, Zely & Ritz offers many opportunities to try their eats with event specials and wine dinner services. (HERE).

You can also see Chef Sarig’s suggestions for an athlete’s meal (HERE)

Assorted Local Pickled Vegetables (from Coon Rock Farm)

Blood Orange Bread Pudding w/Tangerine & Cream Ice Cream & Licorice Citrus Sauce

All images and words ©Mark Petko Photography

Grilled Organic Scottish Salmon on a local Grilled Corn & Butter bean Salad w/Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

518 West Italian Cafe

518 W. Jones St.

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.829.2518

www.518west.com (link)

Braised Pork with Roasted Garlic & Rosemary Gnocchi Ragout

Having come from an area of the US that has been ensconced in Italian heritage I feel I have slight, intrinsic understanding of such.  Combine that with my multiple viewings of “The Godfather” and “The Sopranos” and I can safely declare that when pondering Italian culture two things come to mind… La Cosa Nostra and pasta (HA!) generally translated… family and food.  Oddly enough, minus the mafia references and stereo-types, 518 West Italian Cafe (@518 twitter) reflects with vigor, both of these concepts.  Started roughly a decade ago by the Chapel Hill Restaurant Group, 518 specializes in Italian and Mediterranean flavors, included in their offerings of seasonal home-made pastas, wood fired pizzas and fresh seafood and steaks. Headed by Blaine Nierman, Executive Chef and General Manager, 518 provides multiple options for classically hearty Italian meals but also designs weekly specials around fresh, local ingredients purchased at local farmer’s markets. (see 518 blog for news and updates…here).  Mild in manner, Nierman, with little respect for other overpriced and pretentious establishments, provides robustly flavored meals in a comfortable setting easily affordable to family and friends and business associates alike.

But more than just the food factors into this equation.  518 West also seems to stress the importance of family so reflected in Italian heritage.  The foundation on which the Chapel Hill Restaurant Group’s establishments are built is one of “community” and “building relationships with employees” to aid their business in growth, as noted in a past bizjournals article.  Mickey Ewell, founded the group by opening up opportunities to employees that showed interest and potential, eventually partnering with them to expand the business.  Likewise, Blaine Nierman, not only warrants respect from his employees through his calm demeanor but also takes the time to blog about the importance of his relationships with regards to those he employs.  Family and the recognition of a “building community” are a cornerstone for 518 West and that combined with the importance of delicious food should leave any member of your personal mafia content.

Sous Chef, Joey Guennette preps lobster for dinner service.

Lavazza (Italian Brand Coffee imported to 518 West) Cappuccino w/Biscotti

Tiramisu-house lady fingers w/ espresso syrup, mascarpone cream & chocolate ganache

…make ‘em an offer they can’t refuse…tell ‘em you got “spoonfed”…

All Images © 2009 Mark Petko Photography

Elk Carpaccio on a slab of Himalayan Red Sea Salt with baby arugula and caper cream

Solas

419 Glenwood Ave.

Raleigh, NC 27603

www.solasraleigh.com

Being new to the area, it is an interesting experience seeing things with newborn eyes.  I recall driving up Glenwood Avenue for the first time and taking notice of Solas.  It definitely stands alone from the rest of the crowd in the thronged Glenwood South district.  Three stories of modern architecture, hazed at night with a blue wash of light that unveils a Miami-chique charisma.  Curious, I visited the website to inquire more about this establishment.  ”dine. lounge. roof” seems to be a motto trying to simplify all that Solas has to offer.  After floating around on the site, looking at images of the fabulous life in party mode and combining that with the sleek exterior of the building, I came to a hasty  decision…”I just don’t think I am pretty enough to participate.”  Boy, was I wrong.  Not about being pretty enough, I have good insight into my own limitations, but wrong I was about what Solas is at it’s core being.  Like myself one can be fooled by the outward appearance, but if you give it a chance you may discover something pleasant in it’s soul.

At the culinary foundation, there belongs a staff of employees that regardless of the party image that Solas has acquired, takes the time and puts the care into what they present to those interested in a fine dining experience.  Headed by executive chef Cliff Vogelsberg, (SolasCulinary@facebook) Solas presents Contemporary Seasonal Cuisine featuring fresh local products.  Helping in the development of concept and menu of Solas from its birth, Vogelsberg’s delight with his endeavours was evident while giving this photographer a tour.  I would have never guessed that along side the elaborate dining patio there lies a herb and vegetable garden tended by Vogelsberg and sous chefs J.R. Hicks and Patrick Laird providing their dishes with the freshest of flavors.  Just an example of the care this crew puts into their work.  Having been a culinary presence in Raleigh for some time, Vogelsberg has participated in many local dining establishments and continues to challenge himself with new projects, being a part of the team led by Solas and Hibernian owner Niall Hanley that will soon open a diner on Glenwood Avenue.

I would like to thank Cliff, Patrick, JR and all of the staff at Solas for allowing me to invade for photos-sake.

New Zealand lamb rack w/ oregano chimmi churri, caramelized shallot glaze

Scallop and Crab spring roll with Thai Chile sauce

Golden Dorado w/Jerk seasoning, Mandarin salad, and Vanilla oil.

So before heading upstairs to dance, or up-up stairs to lounge amongst the skyline, get there early and sit for a meal…and tell’em you got “spoonfed”.

All images © 2009 Mark Petko Photography

The Cupcake Shoppe/ Bakery

104 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.821.4223

www.thecupcakeshopperaleigh.com (link)

Sara Coleman, owner of this quaint business located in the Glenwood South district of downtown Raleigh loads a pastry bag with icing, soon to become the billowy dollops that top her many creations.  A hands on owner mixing it up with the bakers and decorators. Sara’s personal touch and care for her business are on display in the decor and it is also obvious through the kind disposition that all of her staff exudes, not only to me, an intruding photographer, but to every customer who enters.  The bakery offers a dozen(or so) flavors, made fresh daily along with a flavor of the week to additionally tempt those of us with nary any hope of self control.  Do not be duped by the name of this business because alongside these cupcakes are an assortment of muffins, cookies, coffees and treats abound.  They also provide cupcakes and regular decorated cakes for any of your event or special occasion needs.  Likewise if you are dining at one of the many restaurants in Glenwood South, then consider the Cupcake Shoppe as an alternative dessert option.  Continuing your evening in this establishment during their extended weekend hours will no doubt provide the opportunity for a memorable evening.

Thank you to Sara and your staff for allowing me the opportunity to visit, sample and shoot.

“Flavor of the Week” (while I was shooting)….Pistachio Lime {flavors coming soon…Watermelon and Margarita!}

“Big Red” (Old Fashioned Red Velvet Cake w/ Cream Cheese icing)

“Peanut Butter Cup”

Black & White (and) Mint Condition Minis with floral and monogram embellishments

Stop in and get’cha one…tell’em you got “spoonfed”

All images © 2009 Mark Petko Photography