Is there a decent Mexican or Chinese Restaurant in Piedmont, NC?

[KoKo]

I'm looking for lychee nuts and a Mandarin/Polynesian flavor -- innovative upscale Chinese..not what the peasants ate during the "Revolution," and for "Mexican Upscale" not what was left on the side of I-85. Good Beans and Chicken/Salsa/Fresh. Not the thing the guys eat in the fields. (Don't mean to sound like a snob with this...but "Upscale" stuff that you get excited about eating...not what you grab to go on the road.

If you don't know what I'm talking about....it's what the cuisine was for those over 47 years old. What used to be good that isn't "fast food" out of a styrofoam box, stuff. Good stuff.....

Is there anything out there? :shrug:

[mlawson]

1. Not in Asheville; our ethnic restaurants are "Americanized".

They always start out fresh and authenic, but after several weeks of customers complaining about the food being too "spicy", the chefs revert back to American pablum and glop. Even though a vast majority of Ashevillians WANT spicy and innovative, the managers are too imtimidated to suggest that these silly people go eat at the mall cafeteria, and leave the rest of us alone.

[KoKo]

4. You know, that's interesting what you say. Every new restaurant in our

area starts out really great then goes downhill. The menu becomes bland and the food tasteless after awhile. We thought it was just the usual "bait and switch" but lately have wondered if people just don't want innovative food. If you've noticed this, then I feel better. Maybe average folks aren't looking for what we are looking for.

Most people in my area just want "Steak and Potatoes" or what passes for "fresh seafood" in their minds...... Is there any really good seafood out there anymore. Most when it's served has a very strong odor. Not fresh to my nose, but people just eat it up anyway?

All, very strange.....:eyes:

[mlawson]

8. Yep. I have that from some restauranteurs.

It's frustrating for them, as well. We have so many restaurants here, that the competition is tremendous. The ethnic ones can't hang a sign in their window that says,

"This is an ethnic restaurant. Our food is authentic; if you can not eat 'spicy' food, then this is not for you."

I mean, when 'normal Americans' see that a restaurant is Thai or Indian, what the hell do they expect??? Mashed potatoes and gravy??

[carolinayellowdog]

2. Can't help you there, but if you like Indian food...

I have just found the best Indian restaurant I've ever tried, in Winston-Salem of all places. And that includes a couple dozen in India! The clientele was about 90% Indian last time I was there. It's called the Basmati.

[BlackVelvetElvis]

3. I love that place, eat there often

Just don't ask them to split the check, they get a bad attitude.

[KoKo]

5. Thanks. What's your favorite on the menu? I'm Raleigh but sometimes

need to go to Winston-Salem. It's good to keep a list. There was a great lunch restaurant in the Moravian Restoration part of town we ate in a few years ago. An old historic tavern. Great Sandwiches and Soups , very authentic, homebaked bread. Is it still there?

[DCDemo]

6. For all traveling folk, check out chowhound.com

I am in love with it..though it may not have your city or destination, but check it out.

It's a food lover's dream resource.....

[BlackVelvetElvis]

7. Salem Tavern will always be there

It's a historic place.
I go to Salem College right in the square.
As far as Basmati goes...I don't have a favorite. Everything there is excellent!

[KoKo]

10. Yes! Salem Tavern. Thanks for the Name. A great looking campus there.

thanks!!

[Snow]

9. Ooo, you're in the research triangle sometimes?

Dang! There's this really good caribbean restaraunt - which island - ummmm, haiti, maybe - in a midi-mall across from where the NIEHS always puts us scientists up when we come into town to review grants & so forth. They have a, what's it called - pulled chicken? - that's not quite right - jerekd chicken? - something like that - that's wonderful spicy, and some groups that come in & play, very decent combos. I'll look it up & get back to you.

[KoKo]

11. Do you mean "Bahama Breeze" in Raleigh? Carribean? n/t

[Snow]

13. Nope, I mean Jamaican, actually, & I'm pretty sure it's

Uno's -
here's a listing
http://www.chowbaby.com/restaurantname.asp?restid=15370695&name=%20%20UNA'S%20JAMAICAN%20RESTAURANT&address=1909%20POOLE%20RD%20STE%201911&city=RALEIGH&state=NC&areacode=919&phone=2313288&zip=27610&SIC8=58120000&msa=6640&zip1=2723&email=&website=&cost=

[KoKo]

14. Thanks, I've bookmarked the site. Looks interesting. N/T

[KoKo]

12. Dos Taquitos is the only good Mexican I've eaten in Raleigh, but wait

line is horrendous. It's a very small place...wondered if anyone had tried anything else in Chapel Hill or Durham?

[comsymp]

15. Personally, I always preferred El Rodeo

The one on Glenwood (WalMart SC around the corner by Blockbuster) is better but the one at Capitol/Brentwood ain't bad either. And FWIW, the clientele has usually been predominately Mexican whenever I've been there.