Poole's

For over a decade, I have enjoyed my finest celebrations in life with Poole's Dinner. The ambiance is energetic and like a step back in time with the 40s decore. Thank you to the staff for never disappointing, always being kind, and exceeding expectations. My partner and I headed out to Raleigh to celebrate my new job. An especially trying year sent packing with one exquisite meal. To start, we had the tuna tartar. The NC tuna was beyond the quality you'd expect at a sushi bar. The tuna was perfectly chopped but not to a paste. It was wonderfully dressed with cider aioli and topped with ripe, creamy avocado. The tobiko provided a delightful pop and brininess. The chicken liver pate is my favorite starter Poole's serves. The mustards are fantastic, and the compote is a perfect pairing with the smooth and luscious pate. All this was served with seasoned cucumber slices to accommodate my partners gluten allergy. Again, kindness prevails at Poole's. Our main was simply the best tenderloin I've ever tasted. I'm not a tenderloin fan, but this blew me away by the endless flavor. Usually lacking in a tenderloin, in my opinion, but not on this occasion. The meat was velvet on the tongue and melted into an amazing bite with the garlic and spicy carrot top chimmichurri that it was paired with. Served with brown butter carrots, fingerling potatoes, crunchy spiced pine nuts, and finished with a bed of tangy whipped feta. The final exquisite touch was a perfectly salty and savory sauce. My partner had the triple smoked au jus roasted chicken. She refuses to get anything else and has said it is her final meal request. LoL the chicken was paired with the lightest, creamiest whipped potatoes. Worth another mention is the amazingly deep and rich au jus. For our "Nexts" we had to order the house specialty, Mac and cheese. As my company couldn't partake due to gluten, the waitress was so kind as to ask for a half portion for myself. Again, kindness. We also enjoyed the cauliflower with oyster mushrooms, sherry, and cream. Surprisingly, this side was one of the stars of the show, and I am definitely making this side for the holidays. A new tradition begins. We didn't have room for dessert this go-a-round, but the creme de pot is always a win no matter the variation, and the chefs cobblers are devine. I so desired the banana and chocolate pie, but alas, my waistline pleaded to stop. Please treat yourself if you are in town, or celebrating, or just want to experience amazingly crafted food. They are expanding this week, which is great news for us faithful. More seats for us all to enjoy Ashley Christensen's creative southern cooking, served by talented and helpful staff. Thank you, Poole's dinner, for once again, making a special night more memorable and with... kindness.

Great food, delicious gluten free gf options. Wonderful night out to celebrate.