Ah, another diner? Trust me, its not what you think. This isn't just a diner, its Poole's Diner. According to Andrea's research prior to our meal, the chef at Poole's is a mini-celebrity. She's been on the Food Network and is opening two more restaurants in Raleigh. Andrea and I got all gussied up for a night downtown and headed over to McDowell St to try this famous Mac N Cheese.
When we first walked in, I knew I'd like this place. The atmosphere seemed calm and fun, though the lighting was too dark to take pictures. We sat at a bar area, which I like because it lets you talk to your neighbors if your neighbors are nice, and lucky for us- ours were. I must say though, that as a picky eater, I had trouble with Poole's menu. There were, I think, 5 options for the main course- 3 of which I would not like and 1 that I didn't even know what it was. So we went with the last option- fried chicken. Don't worry, I know I keep referring to the MnC (I'm big on abbreviations today), we got that too. As I move on to my opinion of the food, please refer back to my intial statement about my personal tastes. I like things simple, not fancy. Poole's Diner food is not diner food, its fancy food. The MnC did not disappoint. Best in DTR? Maybe. I haven't had all the mac n cheese there is to be had in Downtown Raleigh.. not to say that I wouldn't be up for that challenge. It came in a big bowl, and was just what you'd think homemade MnC should be. Cheesy, buttery, deliciousness. Comfort food with a fork. The fried chicken didn't quite live up to the pasta. Small pieces, which Andrea and I split, and a tiny amount of mashed potatoes all came at a price that I'd have paid half of- if that. The meat was greasy, the flavor wasn't anything to elaborate on, and the potatoes.. well, they tasted like mashed potatoes. I didn't even finish my small piece of chicken. And by the time we'd had our meal, I didn't want to fork over any more money to get dessert too.
Final words? Go to Poole's for the Mac N Cheese, but just the Mac N Cheese. If you're one of those people that enjoys paying $16 for a small plate of food that will only half satisfy your appetite.. sure, go ahead and think your tastes refined by ordering a burger rolled in duck grease or a crab cake that you'll finish in 4 bites. Don't get me wrong, I think our portion sizes are way over inflated, but I want to get what I pay for- and if I pay that much for a meal, I'd at least like to get two dinners out of it. Just one (cheap?) girl's perspective.
Afterwards we walked over to Busy Bee- if you're going to spend your money, go there. The bartender whipped me up a yummy drink (no alcohol taste, please) and their mac n cheese is quite good, and not so pricey.
It's so fun to read your blog! I'm glad you two are doing this : )
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