Save Room - Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter Fondue (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

In honor of Wilmington’s Restaurant Week (ends Wednesday – see previous post for details), we mulled over the participating eateries, ruled out those we’d already tried, those we found on the low end of the Health Inspection grading curve (scores released recently at http://www.star-newsmedia.com/rr/rr.php?rr_county=NEW+HANOVER ) and any member of a national chain (The Melting Pot, really?? I thought this was about local flavor).

Chef's Choice : Second course salads (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

From those remaining, we chose The Little Dipper, Wilmington’s homegrown answer to the aforementioned national fondue giant. A fantastic choice, as the evening was on the chilly side. Romantic, cozy and modern (if such a combination is possible, and it seems it is), TLD’s interior provided an instant warm-up. And shortly after being seated, we were treated to a more literal warm-up.

The Restaurant Week deal at TLD included four courses for $25 per diner, so we dove right in with the cheese fondu appetizer. We chose (and wisely, as it turned out) the Cheddar Ale flavor, and our server created the mixed-cheese and Guinness concoction at our table as we discussed the rest of the meal.

Round Two: Jeff’s chef salad was heartier than expected, small in size but loaded with quality ingredients. I chose the Ginger Carrot soup, a wonderfully balanced and savory dish.

The Main Event: Meats, veggies and sauce to spare (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

(Note: I probably would’ve liked the Wasabi Cream sauce better, but during one particular bite, the spice went straight to my nose and in my rush to get some water or something – anything! – I tipped over my full glass of champagne. The Wasabi sauce was therefore exiled).

Live Art: TLD's Resident Jellyfish (Photo by Jeff Boykin)

Pure ridiculousness never tasted so good.

Okay, well, it’s not here yet. But give Wilmington a week or so and you’ll be handsomely rewarded with seven days of gustatory bliss known as Restaurant Week. Between October 21st and 28th, 28 of the town’s locally owned and run eateries will offer affordable prix fixe (that’s fixed price for all the cool kids who took Spanish – revenge is sweet…) menus. Three to four-course meals all under $30 a head? If ever there was a time to dust off your dress shoes and impress your man or lady friend with a night on the town, this appears to be it.

To get in on the Restuarant Week action, visit www.wilmingtonrestaurantweek.com, check out the menus, choose one (or five), and print out the customized pass.

Just be sure to make reservations where advised - getting turned away from your big night out because the dining room’s full? Not impressive.

Wonders never cease (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

On our way to pick up groceries this afternoon, we’re taking what we believe (or hope) to be a shortcut through The Forum shopping center parking lot, minding our own business, when we spot four letters that pique our curiosity.  Four letters that may eternally change the way we shop for gifts (which is to say, hopelessly and belatedly).

Lotions and Tea Cups and Bags, Oh My! (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

A whimsical emporium of wonders and delicacies, NOFO appears to answer all my gift-giving anxieties. Named for its original location on North Fourth, its new home is not what you’d call enormous. However, its many shelves are so brimful that we circle the place at least three times and on every lap discover something new. The best part? EVERYTHING is the perfect gift.

Temptation To-Go (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

Baby shower coming up? Give her what is possibly the hippest (and waterproofest!) diaper bag in town.

Mom’s birthday around the corner? Try a sampling of NOFO’s elegant bath and body products along with a handmade bathrobe.

Significant other been down lately? What better way to perk them up than a box of gourmet cupcakes, iced within an inch of their lives?

Got the dad who’s got everything? We can safely say he does not yet own The ZING!, a colorful spring-loaded spoon guaranteed to cause trouble at the dinner table (and we mean that in the best of ways).

Pick Your Poison (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

Seriously. This place has a something for everyone. But, lest we be responsible for sending you into a paralyzing and life-scarring fit of sticker shock, be forewarned that NOFO’s merchandise leans toward the steep end of things. That said, keep in mind that most of the store’s gift items are made either locally or regionally, many of them handcrafted, and long-lasting in nature. We’re talking staying power AND supporting local and handmade crafts. For that, we’re typically willing to put down some extra bucks.

Among the local wares are a line of chocolates by Bliss Chocolatier, a company out of little Brevard, North Carolina, as well as Raleigh-based KarmaVida. KarmaVida specializes in artisan jewelry and donates ten percent of all profits to social or environmental charities. (All of this is explained to us by the guy behind the counter who has enviable earrings, fierce emo hair and expert knowledge of all of NOFO’s products).

And should you work up an appetite whilst gift-stalking, NOFO’s sister cafe provides a fascinating setting in which to dine. An underwater wonderland where local artists’ renderings of a silvery school of fish and other colossal sea creatures loom overhead, the cafe serves lunch and dinner menus featuring fresh local ingredients. No time to spare? Try the to-go counter instead, and snag a slice of one of the monstrous cakes they’ve displayed (specifically to test your will power or lack thereof, we think).

Leaving NOFO, it seems a weight has been lifted from our shoulders. We walk a little taller, we carry our chins a bit higher, we breathe a little easier. Because this year, damn it, our gifts are going to be awesome.

And somehow we still remember to go to the Food Lion.

Maritime Mealtime (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

Drink Like a Fish? (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

The target: Urban landscapes, where decay creates beauty.

The results: Turns out the alleyways and hideaways of Wilmington’s historic downtown have no dearth of  surprisingly stunning backdrops. Here, a collage of some of our favorites.

(Photos by Jeff Boykin and Amanda Heironimus)

Shrine to Shabby Chic

Having just combined my worldly belongings with Jeff’s and watched the resulting mass flood our two-bedroom apartment, I am by no means in the market for new furniture. But driving down Oleander this afternoon, I catch a flash of green and purple and something about refurbished furniture, and I can’t resist the urge to swing around and check it out.

Treasure Chest (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

Thrill of the Hunt is indeed an unexpected find, wedged as it is between some industrial type buildings on this busy avenue. Inside you’ll find a shabby chic oasis stuffed wall to wall with furniture, artwork and various antique odds and ends, all thoughtfully refurbished and updated. Thrill’s aesthetic is whimsical to be sure. Each found piece of furniture is given a fresh (but weathered) paint job in various shades of bright pastel or winter white and fitted with quirky hardware and, if necessary, new upholstery.

In addition to these one-of-a-kind pieces, Thrill’s backroom stocks more rustic pieces for those interested in a do-it-yourself project. Also for DIY-ers: Thrill stocks a variety of colorful knobs and aged metal hardware, including a downright Gaiman-esque door knocker.

Beach Reads (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

So whether you have  a beach house to outfit or seek a statement piece for your living room (I find myself reading price tags to figure out the original purposes of some of this stuff), or just want to say hello to the resident guard pup, Yoshi, this may very well be the ideal place to start (and finish) your hunt.

Thrill of the Hunt

4713 Oleander Dr.

Wilmington, NC 28403

910-796-0029

Ferocious Store Security at Work (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

A lot cooler than the Wal-Mart greeter (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

Times being what they are, my sister and I take the opportunity on this drizzly afternoon to scout out a secondhand store recommended by Courtney Dunn of the Wilmington Fashion Report. Not a fan of the mall (read: malls make me want to curl up in a ball on the floor, squeeze my eyes shut and cover my ears until it’s all over), I’m always on the lookout for unique, affordable fashion.

I have to say, though, I’m a little stumped when we pull up to The Fairy Circle. Firstly, under no circumstances would I normally check out a place with such an unfortunate and inaccurate moniker, but Courtney had photographic evidence that the goods were… well… good. The storefront, however, suggests that we’re about to enter a den of wicken wonders, filled with gauzy dresses and herbal remedies. There may even be a unicorn involved.

Butterfly in the sky... too many clothes to try (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

Do not be deterred. Not even when you open the door and a cloud of incense hits you full on. Push forth, my friends, because beyond this strange veil lies a veritable treasure chest of fashion finds.

While you will discover a small section of the requisite handmade, flowy shirts and floor-length skirts, the majority of the store showcases racks upon racks of gently used clothing from well-known stores, designer labels and boutique brands. It’s apparent that The Fairy Circle is selective in their buying, which makes the shopping  effortless. We’ve only been in the store for twenty minutes when we find our arms too loaded to continue and have to make a break for the fitting rooms.

So many dresses, so little time (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

My sister makes out with a Nanette Lepore knit dress ($49), and a killer aqua faux leather jacket from Forever 21 ($10). I manage to whittle down my pile to a Maggy London halter dress ($18), but it’s painful to leave so much behind. A return trip is planned.

In addition to women’s clothing, the store has a great selection of accessories (belts, bags, shoes, and an extensive jewelry section) and a small area for men’s clothing as well. The fitting area includes a couch and a couple of cozy chairs, making waiting for your turn (or for your indecisive sister) pretty painless.

And so it turns out that Courtney does, in fact, know her stuff. We may smell faintly of patchouli, but we made out like bandits. Mission accomplished.

One of three bustling rooms at Tower 7 (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

Call us crazy, but my sister  (in town for Labor Day weekend) and I have decided to join the swarms of vacationers at  Wrightsville Beach on what is likely one of its busiest days.

Having spent a couple of hours on the beach and in the surf (along with hundreds of other people also grasping at the last days of summer), we’ve worked up an appetite. After several failed attempts (long waits or “closed” signs), we’re about to throw in the towel and have ice cream for lunch when we stumble upon the enigmatically named Tower 7.

Tacos, burritos, quesadillas... plenty of Baja-inspired options (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

This little Mexican grill may not look like much from the street, but take a step inside and you’ll be greeted by a bright, cantina atmosphere, where SoCal souvenirs adorn the walls and chili pepper lights ring the bar.

Turns out the restaurant takes its name from a famous lifeguard tower in San Diego, which explains the Baja influence on the menu. On this particular day, we both go with the pulled chicken hard shell tacos. The chicken is tender, if a little lacking in the flavor department, but our server comes to the rescue with a plastic squeeze bottle of a brownish red sauce, something of a BBQ/taco sauce hybrid. Not only is it spectacular on the tacos, but it ends up  in our black beans and rice as well (and if I were a little more daring, this sucker would end up in my purse, too).

One of the residents at Tower 7 (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

Laid back and not too high on the frills, Tower 7 is great for post-beach grub. Clad in beachwear and flip-flops, we feel entirely comfortable dining here.  And while it’s a little crowded today, the service is quick and efficient.  As soon as the tourists have headed back inland, Tower 7 plans to welcome back the locals with new specials. The $1 PBR and $1 tacos may just have us back here every Monday. Other daily specials (starting September 15th) include half price Sangria on Sundays and half price quesadillas on Wednesdays.

Sated and ready to get back to the water, we vow to try Tower’s renowned (and apparently colossal) burritos the next time around. And to go home and concoct our own version of that mystery sauce.

We’ll let you know how that goes.

Exhibit A : Kohl's Frozen Custard (Photo by Kyle Tait)

No trip to the beach has ever been complete without a stop for ice cream, and a trip to Wrightsville Beach is no different.

Perhaps we just find it entertaining to imagine that two purveyors of this chilly treat, situated across the street from one another, are entangled in a long-standing vendetta, battling throughout the ages to prove their own superiority.

The two businesses of which we speak are Kohl’s Frozen Custard (which has a number of locations throughout Wilmington) and The Original Ice Cream Stand.  On our most recent trip to Wrightsville, we decided to take the challenge ourselves and declare a winner.

We’ll make this short and sweet (no pun intended).

While the smooth, rich custard at Kohl’s is undeniably satisfying (three words: The Peanut Log), we found the flavors a bit limited, the line a bit long and the prices a bit staggering. That, and the service left us feeling like someone was doing us a favor.

Across the street at The Ice Cream Stand, however, the guy at the counter made friendly conversation, offered generous samples of their many flavors (ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt are all available here) and had us on our way in no time. The prices at this little mom and pop store were slightly more wallet-friendly, too.

But do bring your cash; The Ice Cream Stand is old fashioned in all respects – your debit card will do you no good here. Your best bet: two scoops for $3.75 (one scoop is $3.50, so spare a quarter and share the double with a friend).

So there you have it; the verdict is clear. The Ice Cream Stand can hold its head high, while Kohl’s walks away in shame. Feel free, however, to take the challenge yourself the next time you’re at Wrightsville Beach, and let us know what you think. It’s a great excuse to eat entirely too much ice cream…

(Not that we’ve ever needed an excuse for that)

The Original Ice Cream Stand

3 Lumina Avenue   Wrightsville Beach, NC

910-520-2122

Kohl’s Frozen Custard

92 S. Lumina Avenue   Wrightsville Beach, NC

910-256-3955

Bottega's window display (Photo by Jeff Boykin)

Moving to Wilmington, I expected the sun, the surf and the ubiquitous flip-flops. I expected the nightlife would be indicative of Wilmington’s easy-going, southern coastal personality as well. What I didn’t expect was to find a little slice of my Midwestern hometown in the heart of downtown.

Columbus, Ohio has a famed gallery and nightlife district called (simply) High Street. Hip, eclectic and vibrant, this area attracts hipsters, students and creative types of all kinds. Open minds of all ages make their way to the monthly Art Hop, never knowing what spectacles they might come across.

Entering Bottega, a sliver of a building on North Front Street in Wilmington’s historic downtown, feels a little bit like stepping off of crowded, lively High Street and into this warm, edgy wine bar. So outwardly discreet that it could easily be missed on your way to the more southerly bars and clubs, Bottega’s interior is full of eye candy and not to be ignored.

A soothing interior (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

We’re greeted by manager and barkeep Elizabeth into a softly lit front room with a candle-lit bar, a couple of inviting couches, and walls strewn with local artwork. We pull up to the bar and start flipping through the extensive wine and beer selection. While Bottega specializes in wine, offering a good selection of whites, reds, sparkling, sake and mead (MEAD?! I’m picturing giant, barbaric mugs and festive winter evenings to come), beer drinkers should not shy away. With more than 35 beers to chose from (strictly imports aside from High Life 7-oz. minis for just $1.25), Bottega carries a little something for everyone, regardless of your mood. (The DD in your party won’t be stuck with Diet Coke all night, either – Bottega’s fruit juices include pineapple-guava and mango-orange).

Keenan Wade and Grace Adele (Photo by Jeff Boykin)

If you’re feeling uber-girly (guys, don’t scoff – you’ve felt it, too), shoot for one of Bottega’s famed mimosa’s (only $4 on Saturdays). Elizabeth whips me up the pomegranate version, and perhaps I’ve had a bit too much wine, but all of these antioxidants floating around in my champagne have me convinced this is practically a health drink. (Right, so probably not, but it hits the spot nonetheless).

Not sure what you like? Try the free wine tastings on Wednesdays. Backed by live music, wine aficionado Steve will talk you through a few good wines -  a budget-friendly way to learn your grapes.

And because a little wine calls for a little (or not so little?) snack, Bottega answers with a selection of gourmet small plates, including a Mediterranean Sampler, Cheese and Crackers (not your childhood version – this soft, French cheese is unbelievable, but do pop a breath mint after you’ve polished it off), and the more standard Antipasto.

Bottega is made up of two rooms, each stuffed with the works of local artists. The current exhibit, Miniature Masterpieces (running through September 5th), features a multitude of tiny pieces in a mix of mediums. The space itself is artfully appointed (be sure to check out the skateboard shrine over the beer cooler).

As if the art weren’t enough stimulation, Bottega also enlists a variety of entertainers almost every day of the week. Tonight, Grace Adele and Keenan Wade strum a relaxing mix of bluegrass, folk and jazz that carries us right through ’til two. With ‘nary a dull moment, closing time snuck up out of nowhere.

And still I’m a bit surprised as we exit not into the chilly air of Columbus, Ohio, but into the soft humidity of nighttime in Wilmington.

Bottega

208 N. Front Street   Wilmington, NC

910-763-3737

Curbside at Bottega (photo by Jeff Boykin)

Moon over Chris's (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

Our first day in town, Jeff and I are taking a spin in our fully-loaded (by which I mean not tricked out, but piled up Beverly Hillbillies-style) car, touring the area around the new apartment. In a beautiful twist of fate,  we can’t move into said apartment yet due to unfinished renovations, but we can practically see it from the hotel we’re staying in across the street.

Sigh.

But that’s neither here nor there. Our subject today is a little hole-in-the-stripmall known as Chris’s Cosmic Kitchen.

Jeff and I pull into a parking lot to get our bearings and simultaneously realize we’re starving (continental breakfasts not being what they once were and all…). To our great fortune, the answer to our rumblings is right before our eyes. Not that we knew what a “cosmic kitchen” might entail, but  because our imaginations are piqued (or because it’s really hard to back a Ford Explorer out of a parking lot with no rear-view vision), we go for it.

At first a little unassuming, Chris’s decor is clean and, well, cosmic. Massive stars adorn the walls and globe lights hang throughout the dining room like luminescent planets. An impressive papier-mache crescent moon resides over our table and, upon closer inspection, the dark floor shimmers with inlaid glitter.

Local art decks the halls (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

At the counter, we stare up at a menu of mostly comfort foods (salad options are available but practically  eclipsed by the all-day breakfast choices and equally mouth-watering sandwich and burger selections).  Chris’s also prepares a mean shrimp bisque in house and specializes in homemade cheesecakes (Andes Mint!? PUMPKIN?!).

Today we spring for omelets, and are rewarded fairly quickly with enough food to feed a small family. The omelets are satisfyingly fluffy and rich. My lump crab version has a healthy portion of meat (likely the only thing healthy about his sucker, but I’m not complaining), chopped vegetables and cheddar cheese. Jeff goes Tex-Mex, and I’m slightly jealous. The salsa served on his is fantastic and somehow ends up on my plate. (Mua-ah-ah.

As if this weren’t enough, omelets are served with a side order of toast or a biscuit and your choice of home fries (big, chunky and thankfully well-done) or fruit. And this is not your standard flavorless melon, mushy grape and pineapple core fruit salad. Instead, the grapes are green and fat as plums, the pineapple is sweet and plentiful and the cantaloupe has been replaced with huge candy-like chunks of watermelon.

All this for between $5.95 and $8.95.

Now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (except for Monday’s when they’re closed) from 9am-9pm Monday through Saturday and serving Sunday Brunch from 9 am – 2 pm, the Cosmic Kitchen also offers a small bottled wine and beer selection, which, in my head, I’m seeing could make for a fun and budget-friendly Friday night dinner.

Great space; the restrooms at Chris's (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)

Admittedly,  I have a bit of a restroom fetish (which is much less kinky than it sounds). What I mean is I have a great appreciation for the clever and artful use of small spaces, and the Cosmic Kitchen gets (forgive me) 4 stars in this category.

Sadly, upon completion of every piece of food on our table (umm, about that small family…), we were unable to find room to partake of the cheesecake.

Note to self: Next time at Chris’s Cosmic Kitchen, dessert first.

Chris’s Cosmic Kitchen

420 Eastwood Rd.   Wilmington, NC    28403

(Next to the Crown’s Gas Station near Racine Dr.)

910-792-6720