EURO FUSION PRESS 102 Espresso. Panini. Martini. Rome and Paris meet Manhattan and San Francisco in this new Euro-American eatery and martini bar in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington. Nestled inside the Hotel Tarrymore on the corner of Second and Dock streets, Press 102 offers the finest espresso and French press coffee made exclusively from locally roasted beans and more Panini creations this side of Tuscany. Boasting more than a hundred different wine labels and an endless variety of freshly pressed fruit and herb inspired martini cocktails foodies also enjoy a sophisticated evening menu that includes shrimp and grits made with red-eye gravy and a perfectly grilled New York strip bathed in a basil caramel and white balsamic reduction. Glass tile and eclectic mirrors make for a cozy bar and bistro seating at Press 102 and up to 60 guests can also enjoy outdoor patio seating surrounded by flowers and passersby. Large parties of up to 120 are welcome in the Veranda Room overlooking Dock Street. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tuesday through Saturday 7am – close and Sunday brunch from 10am til 2pm. Takeout calls welcome. 399-4438. Press102.com.
FRENCH CAPRICE BISTRO Wilmington’s finest French cuisine can be found at Caprice Bistro, a small informal neighborhood restaurant, serving hearty food
in generous portions at affordable prices. Simple is the atmosphere in the bistro, as plain white plates and tables dressed in white paper make up the decor. However, the food is far from simple, as a combination of fresh ingredients and innovative preparation delight the taste buds with a plethora of unique appetizers, entrées and desserts. The service is fast, efficient and non-intrusive, and the ambience is friendly and unpretentious. After dinner, be sure to venture upstairs into their cozy and relaxing sofa bar for an afterdinner martini, or enjoy your meal there, as a light-fare and full menus are served. Art is always on display in the sofa bar, so be sure to inquire frequently about their artist show receptions. Voted “Best French Restaurant” three years in a row! 10 Market Street, downtown Wilmington, (910) 815-0810.
ITALIAN
Restaurant.com. 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland. (910) 383.1885.
GIORGIO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Giorgio’s is a locally owned, one-of-a-kind restaurant. Offering age-old traditions and timeless recipes, perfection is accomplished by combining the perfect cuisine and atmosphere for a dining experience that is not soon forgotten. With over 50 years of cooking experience under one roof, the smells of old-fashioned home cooking float through the air creating that comforting feeling of home-away-from-home! From old world style dishes to modern day creations, the menu showcases multiple flavors that will tempt the palate of the most discriminating connoisseurs. A Monkey Junction landmark for over 12 years! www.giorgios-restaurant.com. 5226 S College Rd.,Wilmington (910) 790-9954.
EDDIE ROMANELLI’S
SLICE OF LIFE
Eddie Romanelli’s is a family-friendly, casual Italian American restaurant that’s been a favorite of Wilmington locals for over 16 years. Its diverse menu includes Italian favorites such as Mama Romanelli’s Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Rigatoni a la Vodka and, of course, made-from-scratch pizzas. Its American influences include tasty burgers, the U.S.A. Salad and a 16oz. Marinated Rib Eye Steak. Romanelli’s offers patio dining and flat screen TVs in its bar area. Dine in or take out, Romanelli’s is always a crowd favorite. Large parties welcome. Romanellis-
“Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. We have the largest tequila selection in Wilmington. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.” Stop by for lunch dinner, or a late-night treat, open from 11:30am until 3am, seven days a week, 365 days a year, all ABC permits. 122 Market Street between Second and Front, downtown Wilmington. 251-9444. Visit our 2nd location at 1437 Military Cutoff Rd., next to PT’s! (910) 256-2229 www.grabslice.com.
JAMAICAN JAMAICA’S COMFORT ZONE Jamaica’s Comfort Zone is Wilmington’s Authentic Caribbean Restaurant conveniently located at 417 S. College Road in University Landing. We offer exquisite Caribbean cuisine to satisfy your taste buds, whether they are for spicy Jamaican jerk chicken, mellow flavors of our curry chicken, curry goat or our ox tail skillfully flavored by our Jamaican chefs. Come in and enjoy our many menu selections including our daily offering of a four-course meal for $12.00. Operating hours: Sunday 3:00pm – 8:00pm; Monday - Closed; open Tuesday – Saturday 11:45am – 9:00pm. Live Music every 3rd Friday. Jamaica’s Comfort Zone is family owned and operated. Check us out at HYPERLINK “http://www.jamaicascomfortzone. com” www.jamaicascomfortzone.com or call us at (910) 399-2867.
LATIN AMERICAN SAN JUAN CAFE
NC AQUARIUM
FORT FISHER
900 Loggerhead Road Kure Beach 910.458.8257 www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher 22 encore | june2-8, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
San Juan Cafe offers the finest authentic Latin American cuisine in Wilmington. Our laidback bar is the perfect spot to relax, watch surfing movies and listen to the music of the islands, while our candle-lit dining room creates a great atmosphere to bring a date for a romantic evening. With dishes from countries such as Puerto Rico, Columbia, the Dominican
Republic, and Venezuela to name a few, we have something for everyone! Tues-Sat, 11am2:30pm and 5pm-10pm; Sun., 11am-4pm brunch. Closed Mondays. 3314 Wrightsville Avenue (910) 790-8661.
ORGANIC LOVEY’S MARKET Lovey’s Market is a true blessing for shoppers looking for natural and organic groceries, or just a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious, and totally fresh snack. Whether they are in the mood for a veggie burger, a bean burrito or a chicken Caesar wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte café menu at Lovey’s. The food bar—which has cold salads and hot selections that can be eaten in the café seating or boxed for takeout—can be enjoyed all day long, while the juice bar offers a wide variety of juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables. Specializing in bulk sales of produce, grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices, Lovey‘s also carries grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry. Wheat-free, gluten-free, products are in stock regularly, as are vegan and vegetarian groceries and wholesome pet foods. For anything shoppers want that is not in stock, Lovey‘s will be happy to find it. Stop by Lovey’s Market Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm; Saturday, 9am to 6pm; and on Sundays, 10am to 6pm. Café hours: Monday-Friday, 11am–6pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10am-6pm. Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Road; (910) 509-0331. Online at www.loveysmarket.com.
TIDAL CREEK CO-OP Tidal Creek Deli offers a wide array of exceptional and unusual organic foods, all of which taste as good as they are for you. The salad bar and hot bar incorporate flavors from around the world; each item is prepared by hand using only fresh and local ingredients. The chefs are constantly experimenting to create new and exciting dishes. Choose from made to order smoothies with almond butter and hemp milk, salads with locally grown greens or, special order a wedding cake made from scratch to your specifications. Whatever your tastes, Tidal Creek Deli is a place to rejuvenate the mind and body while enjoying the company of a friendly and relaxed organic community. Located at 5329 Oleander Drive, (910) 799-2667; www.tidalcreek.coop.
SEAFOOD DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfortable in flip flops as you would in a business suit. ! Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 7622827 www.dockstreetoysterbar.net.