Soo Cafe Bringing Authentic Korean Dishes to Raleigh

Soo Cafe in Raleigh, NC

Dish:  Korean Fried Chicken- Soga and Original

Critique:  What exactly is Korean Fried Chicken?  Its Five-Star fried chicken with a special Korean sauce.  We tried both the Soga and Original sauce.  The Hotness preferred the Soga (Soy-Garlic) over the original sweet and spicy sauce.  We’re not sure how Soo Café prepares these wings but it should be a crime.  Each piece of chicken was moist, delicious, and served piping hot.  Raleigh- You’ve been forewarned!   These sizzling flavors will overtake you!  No wonder that it made Southern Living Magazine best fried chicken list.

Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!






Dish:  Angus Beef Galbi

Critique:  The Galbi- grilled short ribs marinated in soy sauce is far different than typical North Carolina barbeque.  Accompanied by steamed white rice, the meat was soft and tender with very little fat.  If you’re a fan of Korean BBQ, you’ll love the Beef Galbi.

Score:  3 out of 4 Hotties!






Dish:  Spicy Chicken Bulgogi

Critique:  Feeling adventurous?  Well the Bulgogi has your name written all over it.  Grilled chicken breast, marinated in Korean hot pepper paste with mixed vegetables.  Spicy, but not too spicy- bold, but not too bold- tasty, but oh Soo tasty!  Don’t be afraid of the Bulgogi, it’s worth it!

Score: 3 out of 4 Hotties!






Dish:  Angus Beef Bulgogi

Critique:  Very thin slices of beef marinated in Soo Café’s house soy sauce.  This dish didn’t have the pizzazz of the spicy chicken bulgogi and needed some type of sauce to assist it like the Korean hot pepper sauce.  Also, all Soo Café’s dishes are served with plain white rice- we would like to see delicious fried rice as another side option.

Score: 2 ½ out of 4 Hotties!

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant Representing Orlando's Finest

Roy's Restaurant- Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine in Orlando, FL

Dish:  Beef Short Rib Tacos

Critique: FANTABULOUS! Yes, we are fans and these tacos were fabulous!  To be quite honest, we didn’t know how to pronounce half of the Korean flavors contained within these tacos.  But who cares? Tacos included kim chee vegetables and ko chu jang..yea, how you doing chu jang?  These flavors were indescribable and unforgettable.  Roy’s Beef Short Ribs Tacos will be forever remembered as “Lil Tackies from Heaven.”

                                                                            Score:  4 out of 4 Hotties!


Dish:  Tempura Crusted Spicy Ahi Roll

Critique:  These were inhaled in two-seconds flat.  We never had miso butter sauce with sushi before, but who cares?  We loved it.  Matter of fact, going forward we demand all sushi rolls be served with miso butter sauce instead of soy sauce.

Score:  3 out of 4 Hotties!


Dish:  Crunchy Golden Lobster Pot Stickers

Critique:  Though small, these little lobster delectables are packed with scrumptious flavor.  Served with our favorite miso butter sauce and something different- a spicy tagaroshi sauce.   What a challenge to make a pot sticker exciting, yet Roy’s managed to do so.  Truly good food all around, we ate every single bite including the garnishes!

Score: 3 out of 4 Hotties!




Dish:  Wagyu Beef Sliders

Critique:  Yep, we definitely needed more than one slider per plate.  Topped with caramelized onions and chipotle aioli, juicy upon juicy-should be the new name of this slider.  Sweetly finished her burger in one bite while The Hotness took her time and savored each bite- there’s no shame in our game.  And the garlic sweet potato fries…SHAZAM!

Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!




Dish:  Smoked Mahi Mahi Tacos

Critique:  As you can see, Sweetly and The Hotness tried to order everything off Roy’s menu- boy did we come close!  The Mahi Mahi tacos were our least favorite dish.  Tacos were capped with crispy taro and jalapeño herb puree, we thought the Mahi Mahi could have used an intense marinade to give it a kick.

Score: 2 ½ out of 4 Hotties!



Dish:  Warm Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Critique:  “And we can’t stop and we won’t stop…” This dessert should have a disclaimer: Will Cause Extreme Jubilation!  Although we were quite full, we could not stop ourselves from spooning each bite into our mouth over and over.  Loved, loved, loved it!  Happy 2014!

Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!

So you haven't attended a NC Competition Dining Series Event? You're so missing out...what are you waiting for?!

Final Fire- Round 2-November 21, 2013
Flights Restaurant-Raleigh, NC vs. Noble's Grille, Winston-Salem, NC

Course #1 Dish:  Bacon Confit, Crispy Farro, Wild Mushroom, 64° Egg Yolk, Pecan Puree, Candied Pecans

Critique:  For the record-all is well when bacon is involved.  Sweetly thought this dish was bland, but The Hotness approved simply because of the bacon confit.  The candied pecans provided a lovely sweet tasty counter-balance against the saltiness of the bacon.

Weighted Score:  21.09 (Noble’s Grille)







Course #2 Dish:  Quail & Waffles, Pecan Fried Quail, Cornbread Waffle, Chipotle Sweet Potato, Honey Butter, Apple Ginger Honey, Candied Pecans

Critique:  Great play on the classic chicken and waffles!  The Hotness loved the crunchy crispiness of the pecan fried quail.  Sweetly complained that the quail was fried “too hard” but still was delicious, not to mention, the sweet potato puree with cornbread waffles with honey butter gave this dish the edge it needed. The Hotness secretly has a thing for waffles and fried foods.

Weighted Score: 20.18 (Flights)





Course #3 Dish:  Flounder, Citrus Ravioli, Pecan Sausage, Pecan Smoked Fennel, Tarragon Emulsion

Critique:  One of our favorite dishes of the night!  The flounder and citrus ravioli left Sweetly truly speechless.  She kept repeating “Citrus me up, baby!”  After the first bite, The Hotness wanted to be “citrused up” too…whatever that means.  This homerun dish made everyone at our table sing Kumbaya.  Tis absolutely worthy of a 4 out of 4 Hottie score!

Weighted Score:  23.32 (Noble’s Grille)



Course #4 Dish:  Pepsi® & Mystery Brewing Smoked Rye Stout Braised Pork Belly, Asian Pecan Glaze, Sweet Potato & Pecan Grits, Leese-Fitch Chardonnay Creamed Collards

Critique:  Porkbelly!  Not sure why we’re fans of everything pork, but we can’t help ourselves.  We are pork fans!  No need to hide Wilbur or Babe though.  This dish gets points for its creativity using pecans in the grits and sweet potatoes.  The chardonnay creamed collards were quite rich and flavorful, making for a heavy dish.

Weighted Score:  21.24 (Flights)




Course #5 Dish:  Toasted Pecan Caramel, Vanilla Cake, Spiced Diplomat, White Chocolate Pecan

Critique:  Awesome! Heaven on earth!  Fantastic!  There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the marvelous creation of this dessert.  We have never heard of “spiced diplomat” before, but after the first bite, we were both smiling and screaming, “Spice me up, baby!”  Simply wonderful.

Weighted Score:  21.60 (Noble’s Grille)






Course #6 Dish:  Apple Pie with Pecan Streusel, Eggnog Ice Cream, Maker’s Mark Chocolate Sauce, Spicy Pecan Syrup

Critique:  Eggnog ice cream and Maker’s Mark chocolate sauce…say what?!  The flavor of the ice cream was quite unique in very, very good way.  The apple pie with pecans was a delectable compliment to the ice cream and the texture was perfect.  No complaints at all, it was a fine plate to finish off the night.  

Weighted Score:  21.38 (Flights)




Both chefs did an outstanding and phenomenal job representing their restaurant.  Noble's Grill won this round!  Final Weighted Average Scores- 20.93 (Flights) and 21.99 (Noble's Grille)  Although we didn’t know which chefs prepared what dish when voting, we later found out that based on our favorites- Sweetly was #TeamNoblesGrille and The Hotness was #TeamFlights.  Professional judges scores count 70% and diner scores count 30% of the weighted scores.   We can’t wait until the 2014 Competition Dining Series arrives!  Visit www.competitiondining.com to find out more information!  Thank you Jimmy Crippen for bringing this event to North Carolina! +Competition Dining Series

Cheddar Makes It Oh So Better...

Restaurant:  Cheddar's Casual Cafe in Winston-Salem, NC

Dish:  Cheddar’s Chicken and Waffles

Critique:  This classic humdinger of a dish is made for those who are willing to walk on the dark calorie side. That’s right, these hand battered, crispy chicken tenders are served on top a warm Belgium waffle. Chicken and Waffles.  Who ever thought of this tasty idea deserves an award for the perfect combination. The chicken tenders tasted fine, however The Hotness demanded pieces of dark meat instead of the tenders but Cheddar’s refused this formal request.  To give this dish the extra pizazz it needs, The Hotness suggests maybe serving hot and spicy chicken instead or using unique flavored                                                                                         waffles.

                                                                                    Score: 2 ½ out of 4 Hotties!

Hickory Smoked Baby Back Ribs & Hand Battered Shrimp with Homemade Red Beans and Rice, Buttered Off the Cob Corn

Critique:  By far, the red beans and rice were the stars of this yummy entrée.  The ribs were fall off the bone good, hickory smoked just the way we liked, and topped with an awesomely tasty BBQ sauce.  While the hand battered shrimp weren’t bad, we would have preferred more of a Cajun flavor.   The corn was sweet and oh so buttery, we’re convinced that the corn was shucked right before coming to the table.

Score:  3 out of 4 Hotties!


Fresh Baked Honey Croissants

Critique:  Oh my goodness! Who loves bread? And who loves warm croissants with a touch of honey butter?  We do!   Not one to keep count, but between The Hotness and Sweetly there were at least 20 croissants devoured.  No Cheddar Croissant was safe during our dining experience.

Score:  4 out of 4 Hotties!!

Poole's Diner...Sometimes You Want to Go Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Restaurant:  Poole's Diner

Dish:  Chicken Liver Pâté with Grand Marnier and Peach Mostarda

Critique:  Okay, we won’t disclose the utter hilarity of The Hotness and Sweetly trying to pronounce the name of this dish…just know that mastering international languages is not our thing.  Poole’s Diner gets BIG points on their presentation.  If you enjoy liver then you will enjoy this dish.   When eaten together, the pâté and mustard were very harmonious.  The consistency of the pâté was smooth to a fault, but still tasty- we definitely needed the provided accompaniments to assist the pâté. 

Score: 3 Out of 4 Hotties!!

Dish:  Cornmeal Fried Okra with Roasted Tomato Aioli

Critique:  “Delectable.  Quite Delicious,” were the only words Sweetly kept uttering as she ate the okra.  What makes these delectable appetizers so unique was that each piece of okra was completely whole- no sliced okra here folks.  Yum! And the cornmeal breading was so light, the flavor of the okra wasn’t drowned out.  Extra Yum!  The okra was well seasoned and cooked to perfection.  Delectable indeed!  Oh and the roasted tomato aioli…slam dunk (Michael Jordan style)!

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!

Dish:  Macaroni Au Gratin

Critique:  The Hotness requested a moment of silence when the macaroni au gratin arrived at our table.  First of all, The Hotness and Sweetly are connoisseurs of macaroni and cheese, but let us tell you…this macaroni au gratin took things to another level.  Say what? Yes, what! This macaroni au gratin will leave you speechless, the super heaping portion they give you should be against the law…and The Hotness would gladly get arrested.  The cheesiness is worth it—absolutely a must have during one’s lifetime.

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!

Dish:  Chicken Saltimbocca with Prosciutto and Americano Charred Summer Squash, Sweet Onion Salad, and Heirloom Tomato Relish

Critique:  We don’t know who or what “Saltimbocca” is- but we love what you’ve done with the chicken.  Tender, juicy, and flavorful is all one can ask for when devouring savory chicken and Poole’s Diner more than delivered.  Not to mention, the summer squash with onions tasted awesomely fresh from the garden.  Thank you, Mr. Saltimbocca!

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!

Dish:  Warm Peach Cobbler with Malted Milk Ice Cream

Critique:  Simplicity at its finest. Period.  One of the best peach cobblers ever! No further words are needed to expound on this flawless dish.  The warm peaches, mouthwatering cobbler, and phenomenal ice cream.  Well done, Poole’s Diner.  Well done.

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!

Benjamin's Calabash! The Original Seafood Restaurant!

The Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood Buffet

Dish:  Hushpuppies

Critique:  These are by far the best hushpuppies in all the land!  They tasted like a combination of buttery cornbread and Krispy Kreme donuts.  Be careful!  They immediately place these delicious , hot treats on the table when you sit down.  If you’re not careful, you’ll eat the entire basket and leave no room for dinner.  The Hotness decrees Benjamin’s Calabash hushpuppies are a weapon of mass yumminess!  You’ve been warned.

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!


Dish:  All You Can Eat Crab Legs

Critique:  Crab lovers this is the joint to crash to satisfy your crab addiction.  The Hotness and Sweetly attempted to eat  all the crab legs in sight, but to no avail- they kept bringing out more and more and more!  Yes, they were hot, steamy, and fresh- everything one can ask for from Mr. Crab!

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!


Dish:  Barbecue Ribs and Juicy Steak

Critique:  Who doesn’t enjoy mountains of BBQ ribs and tender steak?  We have no complaints what so ever…each item on the buffet tasted like it was prepared with time and care.  The ribs were fall off the bone good and the steak- my goodness, we don’t know how they seasoned this steak but boy do we love the Calabash style!

Score:  4 Out of 4 Hotties!!









Dish:  Cup Cakes and Rice Krispy Treats

Critique:  Honestly, this picture doesn’t do justice to the phenomenal dessert spread that takes place at Benjamin’s Calabash- there are humongous cakes, pies, and puddings.  The Hotness favorite dessert is Benjamin’s soft serve ice cream… truly tis indescribable; must be made from Mother’s Milk.

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!

The Mandolin Restaurant Bringing Uniqueness to Each Dish

Restaurant:  Mandolin in Raleigh, NC

Dish:  Country-Fried Hudson Valley Foie Gras

Critique:  Yeppers!  “We’re moving on up to a deluxe apartment in the sky!”  That’s right; we’re eating fancy French food.  We have never tried foie gras before, but the way the waiter pronounced the dish (fwa gra) made it sound so beautiful.   Leave it to the French to make goose liver sound absolutely decadent.  Oh and it was! It felt like we were sinning with each bite.   Served with black truffle-creamed corn crepes, topped with plump blackberries and black pepper- this foie gras experience is worth repeating over and over again.  Merci Mandolin for providing us with our wonderful first foie gras         memories!   Until we meet again, au revoir!

                                                                                   Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!

Dish:  Chicken and Waffles with Braised Greens

Critique:  Oh yea, babe…who doesn’t like fried chicken and waffles?  Well, the Madolin’s dish is the upscale version.  It even arrived with some pretty foam on top- Sweetly almost sent the plate back because she thought they were suds.  The Hotness had to explain that the foam was a fancy decoration.  Now to the good stuff- the chicken breast was crispy, moist, and complimented the buckwheat waffles perfectly.  Our only complaint was that the greens had way too much vinegar and the level of acidity was distracting.  Nonetheless, the sautéed mushrooms and bacon helped make this dish a hit.

                                                                                    Score: 3 ½ out of 4 Hotties!

Dish:  Peach Bourbon Bread Pudding

Critique:  The Hotness loved the tasty North Carolina peaches and one could definitely taste the bourbon throughout the dessert.  However, she only wished that the dish was sweeter, maybe add a touch off honey or a pound of sugar.  Mandolin, don’t be afraid.  Come on…bring the sweetness! We can handle it.

Score: 3 out of 4 Hotties!