CROSSWINDS CAFE - A Catering Review - Raleigh, NC

Big Daddy recently celebrated a milestone birthday. I could not let that happen without throwing him an over-the-top birthday party for his over-the-hill age. I’m a party master and I knew what I wanted and how I wanted it.

Big Daddy has a thing for airplanes and he is quite the aviation expert. One of our favorite places is the General Aviation Terminal at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. It’s a great spot to watch airplanes and people and they have a neat little restaurant called the Crosswinds Café where you can grab a quick meal. The menu isn’t extensive but the atmosphere is picture perfect.

The space is available to rent for anything, from a small gathering to a wedding of 500. The prices for space rental were extremely reasonable and I booked the date for a party of fifty people without hesitation.

And here is where things got really interesting for me. I am very particular about my food and even more obsessed about food that I’m serving to guests. When renting the General Aviation Terminal you have to use their caterer. Crosswinds Café is the exclusive caterer and they do have a beer and wine permit. And this made me nervous as hell. I wasn’t wanting French fries and burgers or a breakfast biscuit. I wanted a down home Southern meal for my down home Southern guy. A menu with all his favorites. And having only had fries and a burger at Crosswinds Café I honestly didn’t have the confidence that they were up to the task. I scoured the internet for reviews and comments that would alleviate my concerns and came up empty. Then I really got nervous. How could no one, anywhere, not have something to say about them, good or bad? What had I gotten myself into?

I scheduled an appointment with Alice, their catering manager. Our meeting was short and sweet because I knew exactly what I wanted. I’d studied their catering menu with a fine tooth comb and could have easily quoted it to her with no problems. After going through my list Alice promised a price quote and contract and assured me I had nothing to worry about. But I worried anyway and my worry level skyrocketed off the charts when two weeks later I hadn’t heard anything back from Alice or the event space. I was only a few very short weeks away from my event and I didn’t know if I was going to have food or what that food was going to ultimately cost.

Reaching out to anyone who would answer a phone call or email, I’m sure they thought I was a mad woman! But Alice and I reconnected and she was genuinely apologetic. Apparently I’d gotten lost in the shuffle of paperwork and then somehow missed the email message she had sent to me. Within minutes of reconnecting I had that proposal in hand and Alice and I were cooking with some major grease. It was clear by everyone’s reaction that this happenstance was a fluke and was in no way a reflection of their customer service. I debated whether or not to mention it at all but then decided that to fully expound on how good they are I had to mention how they handled this minor bump in the flow. Because it was handled so exquisitely that every concern I had was instantly alleviated. Alice was such a sheer delight, a consummate professional and she felt like a trusted family friend!

A few short days before the party my guest list blew up and my final count to Alice and her staff included an extra twenty people. Alice was delightful in helping me best handle the extras that I suddenly found myself needing. So good at what she does I barely blinked when I had to write that second check!

The day of the event I was a nervous wreck. I was still on edge about the food being good. Arriving early to decorate the space and insure the set up was exactly what I wanted, I was introduced to the chef, another woman named Alice! And Alice Number Two is a master in the food services game! I’d selected a menu of Fried Chicken (of course!), Fried Catfish Fillets, macaroni and cheese, turnip greens, a side salad, dinner rolls and sweet tea. To say that this woman can cook, is putting it mildly. THIS WOMAN CAN COOK!

The chicken and the fish were fried to perfection. The batter was tasty with just the right amount of crunch and flake. The chicken was melt in your mouth moist and the fish was absolute perfection. The macaroni and cheese tasted like down home country. The cheddar cheese oozed around the perfect al dente macaroni. It was creamy goodness with just the right hint of cheddar cheese flavor. And the greens, cooked with ham hocks (optional) could not have been better. Family and friends are still talking about how darn good the food was!

I’ve hired a number of catering companies over the years from as far north as Connecticut, as far south as Florida and even a few in London and Bermuda. By far, Crosswinds Café has risen to the top of my best and most favorite list. Everyone associated with them exceeded my expectations. The two Alices were both sheer delights to work with and I would hands down use them again and again and I still don’t even know if they cater outside that venue; a question I keep forgetting to call and ask!

I would whole-heartedly recommend Crosswinds Café and will most assuredly use them again myself for my next catered event. Big Daddy’s party could not have been better. From concept to execution, Crosswinds Café and the GAT were instrumental in helping my vision come to light. I absolutely adore them for going above and beyond to make that happen. They all have my sincerest gratitude.

FIRST WATCH - Raleigh, NC

There’s a new breakfast joint in town. Big Daddy is a breakfast aficionado and he has a favorite haunt that we frequent on a regular basis. First Watch opened its doors just over a month ago and we waited a week or two for them to get the kinks out. They’re still working on those kinks.

I tried it first, with Number One Son. We visited on a Sunday morning during the height of their brunch hour. The place was a madhouse! Despite the crowd we were seated quickly, in a booth by the window. For starters I liked the atmosphere. It had a very cool, organic vibe to it. I also like the little details; the raw sugar and it’s too cute single-portion dispenser, the water served in milk bottles, and the neat little coffee carafe. But I’m a sucker for the fine touches.

On this day the waitress was pleasant. I don’t know if I can co-sign on their statement that they are known for delivering an excellent dining experience and fast and friendly service because she was clearly overwhelmed and all the wait staff looked like they wished they were anywhere but here. But that’s just how crowded it was. To everyone’s credit they were giving it a rousing try and clearly earned an A for effort. Our waitress was polite but she didn't make any lasting impressions with her customer service skills.

All the food is made to order and they proclaim not to use heat lamps or deep fryers and to only use the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around.

I ordered their Avocado, Bacon and Tomato Hash. Its two eggs - any style - atop a hash of fresh, seasoned potatoes, avocado, bacon and tomatoes with melted Cheddar and Monterey Jack. It was served with English muffins and a side of fresh fruit cocktail. And it was good. Not great but I would eat it again. The hash was tasty and filling. The fruit was fresh and it was sweet, which was a big plus because the English muffin was ice cold. It had not been toasted and left much to be desired. I didn't think it worth sending back especially since the kitchen looked like a train wreck waiting to happen. It just felt like someone had missed a step somewhere along the line. One of those kinks I mentioned earlier.

Number-One-Son ordered the Beefeater. It’s a sandwich with roast beef, tomato, Cheddar and Monterey Jack on grilled Parmesan-crusted sourdough served with horseradish sauce on the side and a dressed spring mix salad. Now, here’s where the good took a decidedly quick turn to the right. This was a winner for me. The cheese crusted bread is a definite favorite with great flavor and just the perfect crunch and texture. The entire sandwich was heated through nicely and the horseradish sauce gave it a little extra uumph even though it was surprisingly very mild. The salad was dressed with a very light vinaigrette and was a nice addition to the meal.

We both had their coffee, the Sunrise Select Premium Blend and it was very good coffee, comparable to my favored coffee brand. 

Now, they were clearly still having some issues handling the crowd and this was most evident at checkout. It was a twenty minute wait to pay the bill. The gentleman at the cash register had problems with it, the credit card machine and a dozen other things. The line out the door was even longer than the line in, so much so that one young man in line behind us actually skipped out on his bill, clearly frustrated that trying to pay was making him late for something important. He walked out and no one but those of us directly in front of him and the man behind him noticed. By the time anyone of any authority came back to the front he was long gone.

The second time I visited Big Daddy joined me. We went midweek, just before noon and there was no line to get in. We were seated immediately as they had many seats to spare. This time I ordered the Beefeater sandwich and Big Daddy had the Trifecta. It was two eggs any style with a Belgian waffle and a sausage link. Neither he nor I was impressed. The waffle was not the best we've ever had, lacking the advertised light and airy. It just really fell short and they completely forgot the warm, mixed berry compote. What he got was a cool, berry-flavored liquid with no hint of fruit. I could have made scrambled eggs at home and that single sausage link should just have been left off the plate, not enough to satisfy. And sadly, this visit, I was disappointed with the sandwich. The bread was still good but the roast beef was actually cold and that really took away from my meal.

I won’t write First Watch off just yet. They had an interesting menu and there were a few items I’m still interested in tasting. Big Daddy, on the other hand, didn't get the excellent dining experience that was promised so he’s heading back to his favorite place where the waffles are always spot on and a side of sausage is actually a decent sized portion.

JOY CAFE - ATLANTA, GA

Leaving Atlanta was bittersweet. We had a really great time while we were there but we were also looking forward to going home. But leaving Atlanta couldn't happen until we had brunch at Joy Cafe which came highly recommended. We were joined by one of our really good friends who also happens to be an extraordinary movie stills photographer.

When we arrived at the Buckhead storefront restaurant the line was out the door, people standing in the rain as they waited for a table. Joy Cafe is barely 20 ft x 20 ft large so seating was premium. We anticipated a lengthy wait but were seated in less than fifteen minutes time. Inside, the space is tight but not uncomfortable. Never once did we feel like others were intruding on our space and despite our own gregarious conversation we never were made to feel like we were disturbing any other party. The decor was simplistic and the energy in the room was warm and inviting. The menu was printed on copy paper and there was nothing elaborate about the setting.

The restaurant is a neighborhood favorite and the made-from-scratch food is why. They start you off with a plate of mouth watering cinnamon buns. We all ordered coffee and it was really good coffee. The cups were small requiring multiple refills but the staff worked well to keep them coming until we were all coffeed out.

Big Daddy and I both ordered Joy's Big Berry Belgian Waffle. It was just the right amount of fluffy with a light, crispy exterior. Topped with blueberries, blackberries, and bananas, they served it with pure Vermont maple syrup. I added the thick cut bacon and Big Daddy had the sage and ginger sausage. The portions were very generous, the plates were pretty, and the meal lived up to the hype.

Our photographer friend ordered Joy's Famous Shrimp and Grits. It was a comfort bowl of Logan Turnpike cheesy grits topped with perfectly grilled shrimp. And it was absolutely divine! Neither I nor Big Daddy have ever been a shrimp and grits fan but I could eat this again and again.

Joy Cafe was just that, a sheer joy! It's this perfect hidden gem that makes you feel good long after you've gone. The food was memorable and the atmosphere pure pleasure. If we lived in Atlanta I imagine we'd gladly dine here often. 

PEACHTREE DINER - ROSWELL, GA

They describe their restaurant as warm, casual, and high energy and we would have to agree. It was a late night excursion after a day of conference events that found us here and within minutes of arriving we were invigorated and in a great mood.

Peachtree Diner was a bright surprise. We had few expectations and the few we had weren't promising . Both of us figured we might get a decent salad, maybe a good burger or even some breakfast fare despite the late hour. Might. The stellar service and the really good food just threw us completely off guard!

Not that Big Daddy would agree but I thought our server was quite the cutie! And his professionalism was topnotch.  From start to finish the service was impeccable. Great service and really good food can't help but equate to sheer perfection.

The menu was extensive and I have to admit that always scares me. When there are so many choices I can't imagine a restaurant being able to maintain the quality that each would require. Now I can't speak for everything on the menu but what we were served was impressive.

I ordered the Gyro Grill. It was thin slices of grilled lamb and beef with lettuce, diced tomatoes and onions wrapped in a grilled pita. It was served with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping and wedge-cut French fries. It was by far one of the best gyros I have ever eaten. The meat was abundant and flavorful and the fries were absolutely decadent!

Big Daddy ordered their Old Fashioned Cheeseburger. It was a good half-pound of meat with a thick, gooey slice of American cheese on top. It was topped with lettuce, tomato and a slice of onion and was served with a small side of coleslaw and two thick fried onion ring slices. The meat was nicely seasoned, the onion rings crispy and again, some really good French fries.

I won't even start on the iced tea. I'll just say that it was so good we both asked for two large to-go cups to take with us! Two thumbs up for Peachtree Diner. My only regret was that I didn't try one of the decadent cakes or pies in the dessert case because they had one of the most impressive dessert cases that I have ever seen.

PASCHAL'S - ATLANTA, GA

After a tour of Atlanta, Georgia's downtown area, including a stop at the Martin Luther King Center, we found our way to Paschal's Restaurant. We were told that if we were looking for good fried chicken then no trip to Atlanta would be complete without stopping at this historic eatery. Originally started by brothers James and Robert Paschal in 1947 they are renowned for their southern cuisine and their consistently exceptional fried chicken. 

No longer in their original building their new space is chic with high ceilings and a warm southern decor. We went mid-afternoon, after the lunch rush and before the dinner hour. The staff was pleasant and helpful and the food was good. 

This time I ordered the Fried Chicken and Big Daddy ordered a burger. The meal only came with one side and I ordered the Macaroni and Cheese. I was not disappointed and for me the macaroni and cheese was the best part of the entire meal. It was your grandmother's mac and cheese! It was the perfect consistency, creamy as silk and made with sharp cheddar cheese. It was down home comfortable goodness! I loved it. The chicken was good as well but it was way too salty for my liking. For that reason and that reason only I can't give it our BEST award. Otherwise the outer covering was crispy and the insides moist and tender. I got three nice pieces - a leg, wing, and breast so it was plenty of meat. But it was highly seasoned to the point of just being a touch too much.

Big Daddy's burger was a lean, half-pound patty on a warm bun and was served with a sizeable portion of French fries. The meat was tasty but almost too lean and reminded us of the grass-fed beef we frequently purchase at our local health food markets. He was not disappointed and said he would definitely order it again. 

The sweet tea was sweet and home-brewed and we both drank gallons of it. Overall, I liked Paschal's. Big Daddy thought it was a touch pricey but we understood we were paying as much for the atmosphere as we were for the food. Considering we paid the same price for our meal here that we did at a Smyrna restaurant also reviewed on this site, this was by far the better of the two. 

Paschal's had a very nice vibe. It was upscale, Southern cuisine and we will definitely frequent this place again when we're in the area.

THIS IS IT! - SMYRNA, GA

So we took our good food search farther south, finding ourselves in the peachy state of Georgia! We found our way to THIS IS IT! Barbecue and Seafood via a television commercial that caught Big Daddy's eye.

Advertising that they had many locations had us searching for the closest one. It was a short ride to their Smyrna site and it was only after arriving that we learned this was their ONLY franchise location. 

The restaurant is located in a very nice shopping center in Smyrna. The building itself is extremely small and has probably seen better days. But we've never dismissed a restaurant because of its appearance so we forged forward. 

We were greeted at the door by the franchise owner. He welcomed us in as if we were old friends. He's a spirited, gregarious personality and was exceptionally likable. Over the course of an hour we learned just how passionate he is about his restaurant and the food that he serves.

I ordered the Fried Catfish with a side of Macaroni and Cheese and a side of Collard Greens. Big Daddy ordered the Fried Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese and Cabbage. I really don't want to say we were disappointed, but we weren't overly enthused. 

The consistency of the Macaroni and Cheese was near perfect. It was creamy and not at all dry. What was off putting was the red paprika that had been sprinkled too heavily on top. The paprika flavoring completely destroyed the taste of the mild cheese and neither one of us actually finished our portions. Big Daddy's cabbage was much better than the collard greens which were both just okay. Neither was anything to write home about. The fish was also okay, but there was nothing overwhelming about it that would make me want to rush back and have it again. 

Now the Fried Chicken had a nice bite to it. The crust was crisp but slightly over salted. What turned me off was the flecks of black, burnt batter that clung to it, indicating that the oil had not been changed in some time. But it was edible, just not overly memorable. The meal was pricey, both trays costing us over $30.

I think our expectations were too high because I really wanted to like this place if for no other reason than I really liked the franchise owner. Now, I did get a taste of the oxtails and the chitterlings. Both were extremely tasty and made me wish I'd ordered a serving of one or the other instead despite both being excessively priced for the portion sizes.

We won't discount THIS IS IT! just yet. The next time we'll try one of the corporate locations and hope for a better experience.

EARTHFARE - RALEIGH, NC

One of our favorite places to catch a quick HEALTHY meal is the hot bar at Earthfare. The health food store is a trusted organic and natural food market that is a bevy of good eats. They serve breakfast and lunch/dinner and none of their products contain high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, artificial colors and sweeteners nor are their synthetic growth hormones in their fresh meat and dairy.

At the hot bar they have daily specials including a really great kids meal special on Thursday nights. Buy one adult meal and get six (6) kids meals for free. Yes, I said six (6)! There are $5 sandwich specials on Mondays and a $5 rotisserie chicken deal on Fridays. 

They have a few highlights that I buy weekly at the deli counter including the Mango Chicken, the Cranberry-Pecan-Chicken Salad and the Roasted Gouda Pasta. And my favorite favorite is their juice bar. Big Daddy and I are both big fans of the Kale Lemonade. The fact that we can sometimes substitute spinach for the kale and oranges for the lemons and add fruits and vegetables as the mood suits us is an added plus. And our weakness is the dessert counter! They have the best Flourless Chocolate Cake and I could eat the vegan cookies all day long!

This place is a winner for us for many reasons. Although some of their items can be a bit pricey, they regularly run deals and sales that can make the purchase worth it. The food being healthy is definitely at the top of our why shop/eat here list and the fact that the food is delicious and a quick fix rounds out why we eat here on a fairly regular basis.