DishCrawl Comes to Raleigh

On February 6, 2013 DishCrawl came to Raleigh!

One of my childhood friends, Adam, posted a status on his Facebook about something called "DishCrawl" a few months ago....DishCrawl sounds oddly similar to PubCrawl which I happen to enjoy....and it was DISHES? FOOD! Yes, I was definitely in!

For only $45 you get to sample food at four restaurants, the restaurants are kept secret and you only find out the 1st restaurant 48 hours before the event! If the suspense is too much for you, you can follow @DishCrawlRDU on Twitter or Instagram.  I was able to figure out a few of the restaurants from clues on both social media apps.

Our first stop was Bida Manda on at 222 Blount Street which is a Laotion restaurant and bar. We had pork spring rolls (which I normally don't eat!) that were so tasty, they were served with some kind of sweet sauce.  We also had curry chicken and rice.  

 The food was good but the atmosphere was even better! Bida Manda is BEAUTIFUL inside! There were amazing tapestries hanging around but by far the most outstanding feature of the restaurant was the Bamboo covered bar and walls! I am OBSESSED with how this looks!

The food was a tease and we were hungry for more so we headed to the next spot, ORO located at 18 E Martin Street. We had carmelized pork bellow skewers (top left), shrimp and grits (top left),  and truffle mac and cheese (bottom: before and after!) .  The grits were fried, I have never had them prepared this way but there were outstanding. The truffle macaroni and cheese was quite tasty as well, i'm glad I did not know it had truffle shavings because I am terrified of mushrooms. Although I would like to be considered a 'foodie' I'm way too picky.

Check out these lights! This picture does not do them justice, you should probably just head on over and check it out yourself.  Almost everything in the restaurant is pure white as well, it looks so crisp, clean and modern!

Yes, I'm aware this is supposed to be about food but somehow I can't help looking at all of the design aspects of the restaurants...sue me :). They also have a nine foot fireplace!

I didn't have a cocktail, which I am now majorly regretting! Check out these cocktails:

Citrus vodka, Pear, and Passion Fruit Puree? I need this in my life!

Our third stop was Centro, formerly known as Dos Taquitos located at 106 South Wilmington Street.

Sopecitos

Our final stop was Troy Mezze which is in City Market (my FAVORITE part of town!), 317 Blake Street. This is a Turkish restaurant and we had dessert here.