Stanbury Raleigh
I needed to figure out a restaurant for our anniversary, so I looked at the Beli app for recommendations. Stanbury was first on the list. It has an interesting set of rules for getting a table. They don’t take reservations. You have to put your name on the list in person starting at 4:30 PM for a first seating of 5:00. We decided to get there at 5:00 and see what happened.
We arrived to find a packed outside waiting area. At 5:00, we were told we would be seated at 6:45. We could have left and come back at 6:45, but with gas prices near $5/gallon, no thanks. By 5:10, everyone waiting was seated, and the waiting area was empty. It was threatening rain, so we decided to hunker down under cover and wait.
After a bit, we were presented with full menus and a smaller bar menu. We decided to order two cheese plates: Pleasant Ridge Reserve and Tulip Tree Foxglove. Both were excellent and enhanced by the accompaniments. The Reserve came with a vibrant piccalilli, and apple jam was served with the Foxglove. Within minutes, the host came up to us to tell us that a party left early if we wanted to be seated. We just needed to make sure we were done by 7:15. That worked for us, so we were able to sit an hour earlier than we expected.
Stanbury is small and fairly dark. There is a bar on the right with an open kitchen/prep area behind it. They have a few large plate meals, but the majority of the selection are small plates to be shared. The walls are adorned with quite the eclectic mix, including a wall of assorted action figures.
Allow me to give you the rundown of our order:
- NC Tuna Tataki - ponzu, zucchini namasu, sweet pepper, bonito mayo, chive
- Grilled Zucchini - chermoula, matbucha, spiced crispy lentil, cilantro
- Crispy Eggplant - peach muhammara, heirloom tomato, yogurt tahina, mint, urfa
- Smashed Cucumber - szechuan vinaigrette, cantaloupe, prosciutto, peanut, cilantro
- Sticky Lamb Ribs - tamarind, tandoori eggplant, watermelon rind, cashew, cilantro
- Buckeye Pie - peanut butter mousse, sesame chocolate crust, PB whipped cream, marcona
We shared everything but the pie as we each ordered one. There was no way I was sharing a peanut butter pie.
The server warned us the cucumbers were spicy, and she certainly was right. It wasn’t unpleasant, but maybe a little spicier than I would have liked. I also would have picked baby eggplant as the seeds in the large eggplant caused it to fall apart as we ate it. It tasted great, but it wasn’t ideal. Everything else was great. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared. The flavors mixed very well. They brought them as they were ready, and we never felt rushed.
As a quaint touch, our bill was delivered inside a copy of the Cliffs Notes of Great Expectations. I don’t quite understand the reason for it, but it was neat.
I strongly recommend Stanbury. It forces you to slow down and enjoy food. Plus, if you don’t want dessert there, there is an Escazú right next door.