Foothills Times January 2014 | Page 59

If you have ever eaten at the Deacon Tower Grill, then you will certainly enjoy dining at the Phoenix Grille located on University Parkway in Winston Salem. We had a surprisingly pleasant evening, relaxing at the bar for a cocktail prior to being seated in the quiet, elegant dining room. The wait staff was very attentive to our needs, and took our order promptly after explaining some of the entrees on the menu. Our party ordered Calamari as an appetizer. It was very lightly battered and gently fried, to create a tender morsel that melted in our mouths. The sweet chili sauce was an outstanding surprise, and it also came with the traditional marinara sauce. Next time I want to try the Lump Crab Dip with Pepperjack or Lump Crabcakes with Cajun Remoulade, they sound fantastic! Our entrees came with a choice of Soup, House Salad or Caesar Salad and a side dish. We had the House Salad with homemade bleu cheese dressing, smoked gouda cheese, corn salsa and bacon. We also had the Caesar salad, which had just the right amount of anchovies in the homemade dressing. Warm Ciabatta rolls were served with our meal, that were made fresh that day by a local bakery. The 8oz Filet Mignon was cooked a beautiful medium rare, had no fat, and you could cut it with a fork. It came with a delicious whiskey peppercorn sauce, which the wait staff had highly recommended. We picked the grilled lemon pepper asparagus as our side, and it was cooked perfectly. At the end of the evening, a to-die-for Chocolate Bread Pudding was served warm that just warmed my heart. We also had some of the best Key Lime Pie (no green coloring!) that I have ever eaten. It was a great evening, and it is about time that there is a fine dining experience like Phoenix Grille on the north side of Winston Salem! It was no surprise when speaking with Jack Welker the president and owner of Phoenix Grille, that they also own Catered affairs which has accommodated weddings and elegant gatherings since 1964. The New home for Phoenix Grille is located at the Holiday Inn at 5790 University Parkway.The Hotel will soon become a Double Tree by Hilton which involves many upgrades and renovations. Phoenix Grille will be open during the renovations. Phoenix Grille / 5790 University Pkwy Winston Salem, NC 27105 / 336.896.8624 Little Italy / 627 South Main Street King, NC 27021 / 336.983.3641 “Sal is a great guy!” That was the opening words from Vanessa Boles as I sat down to interview her about Little Italy. The Looz family always wants their customers to feel welcome. Okay, here’s the deal she says. They come around and talk to you to see if the food is good and to make sure it is exactly the way you want it. From looking around the restaurant you can tell it’ ́