North Italia

Here's a link to my column about North Italia, published today (March 4):

 https://www.yesweekly.com/foodanddrink/chow-down-with-john-batchelor-at-north-italia/article_3e12f84a-dd87-4a06-b668-ef507d7c1d3e.html

Throwing in a few photos...

Wine Dinner at Cafe Pasta

 

Fume Blanc, Chardonnay, Sienna, and Cabernet Savignon. Cost $65.

2025 in Retrospect

Go to  https://www.yesweekly.com/foodanddrink/ to see my end of the year column. That is the link to the current issue (12/31/2025), on stands until January 7. If you are seeing this after that week, use this link instead: 

https://www.yesweekly.com/foodanddrink/a-chow-down-2025-review-with-john-batchelor/article_8c762403-a97e-4dc2-8e5c-8a84fbfbbe0c.html

Key point: I name two Restaurants of the Year:

Betty on Burke (1016 Burke Street, Suite D, Winston-Salem 27101, 336-999-8866, bettyonburke.com) has one of the prettiest interiors I have ever encountered. And I use the feminine terminology deliberately. It’s a delicate look, but not frilly, a function of owner Jennifer Smith’s good taste. Jay Pierce, whose work I have admired for decades, is Executive Chef-Partner. The name of the restaurant pays tribute to the owners’ grandmothers, both of whom were named Betty. I think my favorite dish here was Sweet Potato Gnocchi, puffy-tender, richly flavored in their own right, plated with shredded duck meat, also cooked soft. Throw in locally grown mushrooms, and you get a rewarding result.

The Gaslight (126 South Main Street, Suite G, Kernersville 27284, 336-497-4025, thegaslightonmain.com) is the creation of chef-proprietor Daniel Zbiegien, in able collaboration with Maja Popovic. They formerly worked together at Jolo and Rayson wineries. His style frequently takes on familiar dishes, then adds variations that elevate them to another level. Everybody else has Shrimp and Grits, for example. The Gaslight has Shrimp and Polenta, deepened with Parmesan cheese, surrounded by tender, deveined shrimp, all resting in a smoked bacon jus. Roasted Brussels sprouts edge one side, a sweet, oven cured Campari tomato glowing bright red in the center.

Blood Orange Margarita at Taco Mama

 

It's time for the Blood Orange seasonal margarita again. Man, these things taste good! 

Taco Mama has become my wife's favorite value restaurant.

Another Block Party

 Another block party with Seven Gates neighbors. Westcoast Wanderer food truck has served us on several occasions before. We really like their food! 

Dinner at Home

 Made Baked Arctic Char for dinner last week- plated over orzo with sauteed spinach, avocado aioli on the side. 

Seasonal Watermelon Margarita at Taco Mama

 The watermelon margarita is back at Taco Mama! They only serve these while fresh watermelons are available. They are tasty and refreshing.

Here is a link to the article I wrote about their food:

https://issuu.com/yesweekly/docs/5.31.23-min

Extremely casual, good food, very high value!

MJ's

 MJ's (620 Dolley Madison Rd, Greensboro 27410, 336-852-4889, mjs620.com) is a personal favorite, pretty much the "go to" place in Greensboro for fine dining. Pleasant ambience in repurposed older home near Guilford Colege, white tablecloths, but casual enough for any occasion.

Here are some samples from recent visits:

Calamari

Oysters

Shrimp Tacos

Braised Beef Tenderloin

Tuna

Pork Chop 

Salmon

Wine at home

   Had friends over for dinner recently. We shared some pretty good wines!

Upcoming Wine Dinner

   Mark your calendar- I will be hosting a wine dinner at Cafe Pasta (cafepasta.com) on March 20. 

  Part of the draw is a partnership with the new shop on State Street, Rhyme and Reason, an artisan chocolate maker. We will be pairing the chocolate dessert course with zinfandel.