punkTREKS

Fine Dining – Southern Style

This Raleigh anchor doesn’t need my review at all, but it was a late add to our agenda and so I figured I would mention it! It is as good as everyone says it is. And it always has been. This was our third time visiting the Angus Barn. The upscale lodge vibe is still there, the steak is just as tender and juicy and the pound cake is still supreme. Not to mention the amazing staff. The whole place is just top notch and well deserves it’s spot as ultimate celebration destination in the area.

We were here once just to try it, another time to celebrate DoubleC’s birthday and this time to celebrate Dymaxion’s return to his birthplace. Each time we have sat in a different area on a different floor and each one has been unique in its own way. This time we were upstairs in the starlit double-height dining lounge. It was as busy as it gets, but you never feel unattended. We skipped the Wild Turkey Lounge this time due to age-related rules, but it is also a unique and fun little spot to sit and hang out it. There are a handful of these little areas sprinkled throughout – just find one while you wait for your reservation to be called!

They pride themselves on their winelist – it is extensive. I decided on something simple because I didn’t want to spend an hour on the list and went with a Pinot Noir to go with my anticipated steak. Dymaxion and I both had the filet mignon and DoubleC got the pork ribs with homemade BBQ sauce. The meals all come with soup or salad and a potato as well as house-made crackers and cheese spread for the table. If you’re not careful, you will be full before your meal even arrives! Everything on the table was outstanding. We finished our meal off with their famous pound cake which lasted us several more days once we got it home. It was a nice little homecoming celebration!

Tips:

• Listen carefully when they explain the cooking options for the steaks – it is quite detailed. Personally, I like my steak hot and pink and juicy on the inside but I like it cooked enough so that the texture is not raw. For this – I had to order mine medium-well and it was perfectly cooked. Dymaxion had his butterflied which made his not as juicy as mine. We all preferred mine.
• Make a reservation. I typically refuse to make reservations at any restaurant or refuse to go to places that require reservations. Angus Barn is one of the few exceptions. It’s just that kind of place. It is always busy. So, just decide what you’re celebrating, when you want to celebrate and make the reservation.
• Did you love that homemade BBQ sauce? Or the cheddar cheese spread? Guess what? You can buy them in their little shop when you’re done with your meal! When we lived in North Carolina I would pick up a little vat of the cheese to have at home for special occasions. They have lots of other goodies in the shop too including t-shirts, candles and such. Make sure you check it out before you leave!