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September 23,
2005 |
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If you have your thumb on the pulse of the hip and edgy side of downtown Raleigh, you already know and love the obscure but fascinating bistro called Frazier's on Hillsborough Street . What you may not know is that they've recently remodeled. No longer the funky meeting place with outrageous local art and a remarkably eclectic crowd, this eatery has transformed itself into a sleek, sexy, warm and romantic bistro catering to a wide range of diners looking for sophistication and exquisite meals. To get the full effect of what Frazier's offers, make sure you plan enough time for cocktail before dinner in the cozy and intimate bar. This is a far cry from your typical smoky and loud mingling spot, wrought with interruptions. Here you can quietly peruse the impressive list of wines by the glass, sip your favorite martini, and peacefully break the ice with your date or business client. Most impressive of what Frazier's offers its clientele is its first rate and highly professional service. From the greeting at the front door to the final presentation of the dinner check, we were constantly impressed with how even the smallest of details were handled. Most impressive was John, the manager, who proved to be very accommodating and affable, always visiting tables and keeping the atmosphere lively. John holds a solid reputation for giving a personal touch to every diner's experience, and treating all his returning customers like family. With all this glory, you might think we had no complaints from beginning to end of our evening. Unfortunately, that was not entirely the case. The meal itself left us a bit disappointed, as we did not realize until the entrees were delivered that the expectation is for the average diner to indulge in at least four courses. The prices, for Raleigh , were high, so we expected larger portions, and what we received was attractively presented and complex small dishes. We started with bread, and it was hearty and warm. My sea scallop appetizer was juicy and exquisite. However, when it came time for the entrees, our high hopes were dashed. Carefully presented and creatively complex, we found ourselves amazed at how tiny the portions from this new chef out of NYC were. My Vegetable Raviolo was appetizer-sized, but the seasonal vegetables were impressive. This was no typical overcooked southern medley of summer squash, carrots and zucchini. My partner's steak and boneless rib dish was pitifully small, although he did claim the few bites of rib he got were delicious. Both our meals were barely warm, and in fact, his creamed spinach was cold. The good news is that we were still hungry by dessert, and discovered their pastry chef is more than talented. Our confections, which we shared, were absolutely the highlight of our meal. Truth be told, Frazier's is the latest hip and sultry spot for a romantic evening of conversation, wine and gorgeous cuisine. However, if you have a hearty eater in your party or are looking to enjoy a more casual and less expensive night out, we suggest you take the group two doors down to their sister restaurant, Porter's Tavern. |
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