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November 22,
2005 |
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Until quite recently, "hip" and "trendy" were hardly words to be associated with North Raleigh. As with its equally subdued and suburban sister, Cary, the focus on family life has dominated the development and growth of the area. If mom and dad, or a group of singles, desired to escape one evening for a romantic meal, then to a sexy little martini bar or smoky jazz club, options were few and they knew to head downtown. Occasionally a bar or restaurant would try to stir up some fun in the quiet neighborhoods, but rarely with any long-running luck. The indisputable success of "the eclectic bar" Oliver Twist, which opened earlier this year across the way from Margaux's, is giving us movers and shakers hope that the hip and trendy side of North Raleigh is finally growing and, dare we say, prospering. One possibility for Oliver Twist's unprecedented success in the area is its ability and desire to attract and accommodate such a wide audience. They have made comfort sexy and indulgence admissible. From the moment you enter the restaurant you can't help but be intoxicated by the undeniably dark and sexy aura, the warmth of the red and black hues, and notice both young and old enjoying the comfort of beautiful pillows on all the seats. A glance at the provocative bar area will also confirm the appeal here ranges far and wide, with groups of attractive singles in their young twenties sipping Signature martinis, to true southern gentlemen up to their late 60's drinking scotch on the rocks, to couples of all ages in between enjoying a great bottle of wine. There is rarely an evening the spacious yet intimate VIP area isn't brimming with some sort of celebration, whether it be a simple after work office party or an elegant wedding reception. The entertainment ranges from live jazz on Tuesdays to a DJ and an authentic belly dancer on the weekends. You can honestly say they offer not just something, but something intriguing, for almost everyone. The playfully
plush and exotic atmosphere are certainly enough to keep the hipsters
coming back, but you'll be happy to hear Oliver Twist offers one
of the most creative menus in the area as well. The excellently
presented salads, tapas, light entrees, desserts and dangerously
delicious libations are all carefully created to astound the senses.
There is such an abundance of great choices, and tapas Even a non-seafood lover will find heaven in the Crispy Jacketed Shrimp. Each shrimp is breaded and fried, and served with a perfectly enhancing Thai Sweet Chili sauce. The combination makes you wonder how you ever ate shrimp any other way. If you like well-seasoned, rich foods, then the spicy Crab Dip with Soft Pita Points is a must try. It's rich, creamy and very spicy, and absolutely gives Elijah's in Wilmington a run for their money. The Beef Satay with the peanut sauce and cucumber relish is a unique taste, and a divine one at that. The Bruschetta is distinctive, and not at all like the traditional garlicky-tomatoey Italian bread you'd expect. All the toppings (eggplant, mushroom, olive, tomato) are made in house and stimulating. You've never tasted combinations like this. To sip alongside your meal, I'd suggest almost any of the Signature martinis. The Passion martini is like a smoothie, with a punch, filled with peach schnapps, vodka, strawberry puree, coconut puree, and pineapple juice, and finished with a sugared rim. There are also many great wine choices, both by the bottle and by the glass. We suggest getting a bottle, and planning to stay a while. With so many stimulating foods, scents, drinks and people in Oliver Twist, you'll want to make a night of it! |
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Oliver
Twist Note: This review is written by ZSpotlight.com editorial staff. Viewer reviews may also be submitted. However, all viewer reviews are posted within the profile page of that particular establishment. Viewers may post a review for this establishment either by clicking the above link or visiting this particular establishments profile page and clicking "Testimonials". |