this may sound blasphemous, but I’ll take this superb rendition over the original any day. Dining at Holly’s on Hargett is like going to your great-aunt’s home for Sunday dinner. The pace is relaxed and familial, the space is eccentric, and the food is excellent. Add to that the warmth, wit and bigheartedness of Holly herself, and I’ll bet Holly’s on Hargett will be around for at least another 18 years.
Spicy, garlicky and citrusy, the Yucatan Shrimp took us south of the border with a lime, sriracha, corn, and cilantro sauce
of heavenly sweet potato mash. The bountiful paella/ jambalaya was not only nourishing, but also rich and slightly spicy. As an unabashed carnivore, I must admit I loved it and didn’t miss the protein at all. On a sweet note, Holly’s Flourless Chocolate Torte ($7.50) and Banana Napoléon ($8) were outstanding. The warm wedge of chocolate cake was topped with chocolate ganache, a mound of whipped cream, and a drizzle of strawberry sauce. It was rich, but delicate, moist, and light. Classic banana pudding was elegantly re-envisioned as sliced bananas and banana pudding layered between crisp squares of phyllo dough. I know
Brian is a food writer, culinary instructor and chef. His business, Love at First Bite, specializes in private cooking classes and intimate dinners. For more information, please visit www.loveatfirstbite.net. Contact Brian at brian@welovedowntown.com.
Holly’s on Hargett 306 e. hargett street | raleigh, nC 27601 919.856.9938 | www.hollysonhargett.com
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Classic banana pudding was elegantly re-envisioned as sliced bananas and banana pudding layered between crisp squares of phyllo dough in Holly’s Banana Napoléon
Dinner only: Tuesday through saturday 5:30pm - 9:00pm Cuisine: new american atmosphere: Quaint and homey service: Friendly and relaxed Dress: Casual noise level: moderate Wine list: Well rounded and reasonably priced Features: limited number of gluten-free and vegetarian items on the menu, but all diets are happily accommodated, fourstool sit-down bar, private party rooms, wheelchair accessible, credit cards accepted reservations: accepted parking: street; (be aware: the small parking lot to the right is private and does not belong to the restaurant) Downtowner notes: great for date nights, small plates and wine, pre-theater/symphony, business meetings, or a quick bite
919-664-8009
Triangle DOWnTOWner magazine
| The Triangle’s premier monThly | issue 107
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