Of the handful times we could make it to Starlu, the most memorable was last summer. With a two-year old, it’s hard to get out for dinner often, and even harder when you have to get a sitter, so we went down to Starlu for an early supper with Phoebe and little M in tow. There were just a handful of other folks there, some getting an after-work drink or a quick bite. The staff was incredibly accommodating, bringing out some quick snacks for M, and cocktails for Phoebe and me. Sam came out and greeted us; he and Phoebe have been pals in the biz for a while. He returned to the kitchen and soon came back with some extra snacks for us and a couple of bendy toys for M.

As anyone with kids knows, attention spans will usually not last much past appetizers, and M began to get pretty fidgety. Noticing our difficulties, Sam returned to our table and volunteered to take Marilyn on a tour of the kitchen and go see the fountain outside. It was a warm summer evening and M was smitten! Sam entertained M for at least twenty minutes giving Phoebe and me a chance to enjoy the rest of our food and even fit in another glass of wine. This turned out to be our last visit to Starlu.

Starlu may have gotten some things wrong; location, planning, who knows. But one thing they got right more than most other restaurants was personal service and amazing hospitality. That will be unforgettable to me.

As for the writing, after having moved here from DC, I’ve really been impressed with the N&O’s food section writers. Being a newbie to Raleigh I rely on the food critics, yourself included, a little more these days. Beyond survival, and can honestly say that I haven’t enjoyed reading the food section of a paper this much since Phyllis Richman retired from the Wash. Post. It was always a treat to read about the gastronomic adventure of The Grande Dame of food in DC. The N&O folks are growing on me.

http://www.capriflavors.com