Galaxy Cinema

It might be weird to do a blog entry about a movie theater, but just as Galaxy Cinema isn't the typical movie theater, its concession stand isn't the typical concession stand. Sure, they'll have the standard popcorn, soda, and candy, but that's just a sampling of what they offer your movie experience.

Galaxy Cinema is one of a handful of independent theaters in the Triangle area. While other theaters provide stadium seating and blockbuster hits such as Kevin James hanging out with gorillas, Galaxy offers independent, foreign, Bollywood, and classic films with conventional seating.

Drinks galore

When I found Galaxy Cinema I was initially impressed that they served beer. The juvenile in me relished in the idea that this was somehow rebellious. The beer selection is not just the usual suspects (PBR, Yuegling, Miller Light) but Stella Artios, Newcastle, and a collection of Indian brews that brings depth to the selection. Along with the beer, they also have a couple of choices of wine and a full service espresso bar. Try to find that next time your checking out the latest White Chicks movie at Crossroads 20.

Sweet Jane's Bakery cookie

This particular Friday was the first showing of the documentary Page One. With Sara being a huge journalism geek, I figured it would be a fun date night activity. Unfortunately it happened to be the same week their cookie supplier was out of town, thus leaving only their peanut butter cookie left. The cookies at Galaxy Cinema (from Sweet Jane's Bakery) had long been my favorite until Escazu decided to blow up that market. The mocha cookies, my favorite out of their opinions, is impressive in size as well as taste. Yet with those sold out, I took the opportunity to invest my money into discovering a new beer.

Samosas

While the cookies selection was slim, the weekend did bring a welcomed culinary addition: samosas! These lovely fried Indian treats are only offered during the weekend at Galaxy Cinema. Without the ability to freshly fry them, it seems they place them in a microwave. This causes the outside pastry to be a bit soggy, but I was able to forgive that considering its a freakin' samosa at a movie theater. The filling was tasty with a bit of heat at the end of the bite. Not a bad samosa, especially taking into account that it's from a movie theater.

Samosa and Flying Royal Horse

To wash down the samosa, I ordered the Flying Royal Horse lager. The beer was extremely carbonated and I got a decent amount of head when I poured it into a glass. The taste was very sweet, a cider-like sweetness. So sweet that Sara almost enjoyed it. It wasn't bad but it wouldn't be a beer I'd bring to a party.

Places like Galaxy Cinema keep the Triangle unique and interesting. Even in a place as highly criticized for being homogeneous as Cary, there are businesses that don't quite fit the cookie cutter mold.

Galaxy Cinema 
770 Cary Towne Boulevard, Cary, NC 27511-4222
(919) 463-9989 
‎ mygalaxycinema.com

Sweet Jane's Bakery

4823 Meadow Dr Ste 115 Durham, NC 27713
(919) 544-1313

J.Betski's

Fresh kielbasa sauerkraut and spicy mustard

When I've had discussions about the best meals in Raleigh, whether it be in person or online, J.Betski's would inevitability come up. Sitting quietly next to Peace College William Peace University, J.Betski's constantly delivers quality Polish/German dishes, continually adding to its stellar reputation.

When Sara and I first visited J.Betski's on a packed Friday night, a long wait for a table (our fault for not making reservations) and constant phone calls from work made for a stressful dining experience. Yet despite the constant distractions we still were treated to a wonderful meal. Sara was anxious to go back and satisfy her Polish heritage.

Sara is a huge fan of kielbasa, but unfortunately for us our kielbasa typically comes from Hillshire Farms. It didn't take away any of our enjoyment of eating kielbasa, but we still didn't know what it was like to taste a fresh, handmade kielbasa. Being too hungry for manners, I quickly sliced a piece of the sausage as Sara was still getting situated. The casting had a wonderful bite to it and played well with the graininess of the spicy mustard. The flavors popped with each chew, and wonderful seasonings finished with the flavor of the spicy mustard.

Duck breast, potato pancakes, orange slices and blackberry sauce

After some indecision Sara choose to go with her favorite poultry, duck. Cooked perfectly to medium rare, the duck breast had the spices that made the meat pastrami-like in taste. The potato pancakes had an excellent crust and a soft, pillow inside with the perfect savory seasonings. The sweet and tart citrus along with the salad provided a great freshness and balance to the dish. Sara raved about the dish until she wiped her plate clean with a last precious peace of potato pancake.

Pork schnitzel, Austrian Potato and dill cucumber salads, lingonberries

I went with a more traditional dish. Though I was a bit apprehensive because the dill cucumber salad didn't excite me, I ordered the pork schnitzel. To my delight and surprise the cucumber salad was delicious and light. The pork schnitzel itself was fried perfectly. The flavors from the lemon and lingonberries took the pork to amazing heights of flavors. 

Local peach and cheese strudel

We had discussed about going to 18 Seaboard for dessert because of the great things we heard about their pastry chef, but after having such a fantastic meal already, we decided to stick with J. Betski's for dessert. As an award for our loyalty we were treated to a local peach and cheese strudel, a crispy pastry enveloping a wonderful filling of sweet peaches. A lovely capstone for a great dining experience.

J.Betski's
10 West Franklin Street, Raleigh, NC 27604-8011  
(919) 833-7999 ‎  
jbetskis.com

Boylan Bridge Brewpub

If I chose my favorite restaurant based purely on outdoor dining and views, the Boylan Bridge Brewpub would be the winner. Perched on Boylan St. surveying Raleigh's cityscape, Boylan Bridge serves homemade beer and unique casual dishes along with a fantastic view.

The wait for the opening of Boylan Bridge felt like reading through Homer's epic poetry. The project inched itself into fruition as individuals like myself would drive by the space wondering just what the heck was taking so long, only to have concept menus and layouts to curb my anticipation. After years of waiting, Boylan Bridge finally opened its doors in 2009.

Boylan Bridge was a disappointment the first time I visited. The service was slow, the menu was unappealing, and the food was barely mediocre. Since that first visit, Boylan Bridge has redirected itself under a new general manager and debuted a new menu.

Endless Summer Ale

Typically I'm the kind of guy who enjoys a darker pint but with the Carolina heat beating down on us, I settled with something lighter. The Endless Summer Ale had a good flavor, refreshing taste, and great drinkability.

Boylan Bridge Nachos

My friends will tell you that my nacho mantra is this: Raleigh Times' pork BBQ nachos are not only my favorite nachos, but one of my favorite dishes in Raleigh, period. That being said, Boylan's nachos are definitely towards the top of a crowded nachos list. The beer cheese sauce truly shines in the dish. The caramelized onions are another feature that helps these nachos stand out above the rest.

Asian sesame chicken wrap with fries

Plating isn't always a concern of mine but I really dig the planks that Boylan Bridge serves their dishes on. What's on top of the planks isn't bad either. Searching for something on the lighter side, I decided to have the Asian sesame chicken wrap. Typically with a chicken wrap I prepare myself for dry chicken, yet to my surprise this chicken was moist. I enjoyed the sesame dressing as well, though something tells me it's not homemade. I really enjoy Boylan Bridge's fries: properly seasoned and nicely crisp. They make me wish Boylan made a cheese fries appetizer. The combination of the beer sauce and fries would result in full foodgasm face.

BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado) with house salad

Sara decided to go with the BLTA even though one of her favorite dishes, chicken pot pie, tried to sway her. The bread on the sandwich was advertised as Texas Toast, which in my mind makes me think of double thick toast slathered in butter and toasted to a golden brown. But instead the toast was a meager size and slightly toasted. Not necessarily a disappointment, as the bread wasn't bad. Once again, I have a personal grievance with the bacon. The flavor was there, but the crispiness was non-existent. The lettuce had a good crunch to it and the avocado (always a temptation for Sara) added a nice creaminess and flavor. Also, oven roasting the tomato was a nice touch.

Norton loves the water at Boylan.

It's worth mentioning that Boylan Bridge is extremely pet friendly, or at least dog friendly. I don't know the reception would be if you ride your pet komodo dragon to the Brewpub. But once we were seated, Norton was immediately given a water bowl and along with many compliments. We visited again recently and the wait staff treated Norton like another guest.

Boylan Bridge Brewpub
201 South Boylan Avenue Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 803-8927 ‎  
boylanbridge.com

Hope Cafe - The Vespers Concert - CLOSED

video courtesy of Hope Cafe

On the edge of Raleigh and Scotty McCreeryville, aka Garner, sits the Hope Cafe. Off of Tyron Road, the space is part of a little, unassuming plaza. With all the concert venues around the Triangle it's easy to pass by the Hope Cafe without a second glance. But inside the meek exterior is a cafe full of hospitality, warmth, faith, arts, and eats.

If it wasn't for The Vespers having a free show at Hope Cafe that night, I too would pass by the space without taking another look. But after the Mumford & Son's concert in Raleigh's Amphitheater, I was hoping for a more intimate folk rock experience. As with many good things, I was introduced to the Vespers through their appearance at Campbell. Their enchanting vocals combined with soaring harmonies drew me in, comparable to a folk/bluegrass version of Eisley.

Turkey Sandwich on wheat

The Hope Cafe's menu is not going to surprise you or impress you with culinary innovation. Sandwiches, breakfast, coffee, all standard cafe fare. Though they do have a sandwich called "Noah's Ark" which I was very curious about. The show had started when I reached the front of the line so it was too loud to ask any questions. My hope is that there's "two of every kind" of meat stuffed inside the sandwich.

So instead of dipping my toe in uncertain waters, I chose the safe bet and went with a turkey sandwich topped with mustard, tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon. The turkey itself was quality. Freshly sliced, moist, and flavorful. I decided to get the sandwich on wheat, despite the availability of croissants. Nevertheless the bread was enjoyable. I'm disappointed that I didn't ask where either of those items were made. The produce was fresh as well. The bacon gave the sandwich another layer of flavor but I will go back to my typical issue, it didn't have the crispiness that I so desperately desire.

Iced Coffee

I'm not the guy to comment on the taste of coffee. If it doesn't taste burnt, I consider it a win. With that said, I enjoyed my iced coffee. They use Larry's Beans, which I have had and enjoyed before. Not to mention they're a local roaster and a fair trade company.

Chocolate Mint Frappe

Midway through the show Sara, who has a thing for Dunkin Donuts' Coolattas, was in the mood for a frozen drink fix. In place of the Coolatta she decided to try out Hope Cafe's chocolate mint frappe. Nicely blended, the mint and chocolate was noticeable throughout and none of those huge chunks of ice you get with some other frozen drinks.

Quite possible the neatest thing about the Hope Cafe is that its actually an 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All proceeds from the cafe go into projects such as well-drilling in Africa for safe water.

Hope Cafe

201 Tryon Road #109

Raleigh, NC 27603-3652

(919) 896-8997

http://hopecaferaleigh.com/

The Vespers

http://thevespersband.com/

bu•ku - Brunch Buffet

"Why can't two (single) bros go out and rock brunch Sunday morning style?"

The birthday of my former roommate and long time, source-of-memorable-moments, source-of-forgotten-moments, abuser of offensive language, and friend, Ryan, was a couple of weeks ago. Due to traveling and our typical tendency to put things off for Future Ryan and Future Elliot to deal with, I wasn't able to give Ryan his present until much later. Ryan learned just recently that bu•ku does brunch and was especially gitty to try it. I figured that it would be a great present for a traditionally hard person to shop for.

Plate number one. I was feeling pretty hungry so I grab the first thing I see (other than a plate), which was a savory scone. I honestly have forgotten what was in the scone. Next was a sticky cinnamon bun topped with crumbled bacon. The sugar gave the pastry a nice coating that offered a yummy crisp but also a chew once you bit in. The bacon settled the sugar taking over your whole palate. The buffet had an impressive array of opinions for its made-to-order omelets. Ryan had crab in his. I remember seeing salmon as a choice. I settled for a sausage, spinach, monterey jack, and onion omelet.

The omelet process could have gone smoother as the cook confused our omelet order while plating, and even disagreed with us as we tried to correct him. I also wish he allowed the onions to saute a little longer as they were pretty raw and there were too many. Following the line of the buffet, the attendant individually opened each warming station when we needed to make a selection. I hope that's a little bit comforting to those who view buffets as petri dishes of germs. He informed us that the sausage was made with mango salsa. It was a great piece of sausage and lighter than I expected as well. And of course I had more bacon, cooked to a nice crispiness.

Plate number two. I am still feeling like there is room in the belly and am excited to try the buffet's egg dish. At first I thought it was typical eggs Benedict but it turned out to be a poached egg over roasted pork on top of a flatbread. I enjoyed it but I wished there was a sauce to tie all the flavors together. The breakfast burrito was better than average while the dusted potatoes were also very standard. Maybe it was that my stomach was starting to expand at that point but the croissant was disappointing-- dense and not flaky, more like a dinner roll.

At this point I am full. I could have easily ended my dining experience there. But I was determine to have dessert. Walking up to the line of the buffet, I started to think that I've missed two important stations: waffles and carving. Surveying the meat at the carving station, I was asked if I would like a piece. I responded with "I don't know if should eat more..." "You're at a buffet, you should go for it," the carver said with conviction, which lead me to plate number three.

Among the choices of white chocolate chips, bananas, and sauces at the waffle station there was also the hazelnut goodness of Nutella. I smeared the spread on the fresh waffle and plopped a spoon full of the whipped cream. I greatly enjoyed the waffle but it was more of a canvas for the Nutella than anything else. At the carving station I picked up a piece of ham and roast beef. The roast beef was juicy and tasted great. In my stuffed state I couldn't appreciate the ham.


I was still determined to have dessert even though by then I was well beyond my limit. Ryan raved about the chocolate square treats. In that little square was a smooth chocolate and a toffee-like crunch and chew. The cookie was a very good maple pecan cookie. The meal concluded with a spicy chocolate that was well worth the additional misery my stomach felt.

Ryan and I left with bellies full of indigestion and brunch goodness. On the way out we murmured to each other empty vows to never eat that much again.

bu•ku
110 East Davie Street Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 834-6963
http://bukuraleigh.com/buku/