Cary, North Carolina, is increasingly recognized as a vibrant culinary destination, brimming with delightful eateries that are treasures for those in the know. While I don’t always get to explore Cary’s dining scene as often as I’d like, a recent Valentine’s Day celebration with my wife at Academy Street Bistro in Ashworth Village provided a perfect opportunity to experience one of its gems. The bistro presents a welcoming atmosphere, offering both cozy indoor and pleasant outdoor seating options. At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Brian Fitzgerald, whose dedication to quality is evident in his commitment to using additive and nitrate-free poultry, meat, and fish. He also prioritizes sourcing ingredients from local farmers, a practice that I deeply appreciate when choosing a dining experience.
Upon arriving at Academy Street Bistro, we were warmly greeted and shown to a comfortable booth by the window in the main dining area. Our special Valentine’s dinner commenced with a delightful “Amuse-bouche,” a single-bite hors d’œuvre selected by Chef Brian. This artistic creation featured a harmonious blend of beets, cucumber, and crème fraiche, setting an elegant and flavorful tone for the evening. Adding to the impeccable service, our waitress demonstrated extensive knowledge of the wine list, guiding us expertly in selecting wines that perfectly complemented our meal choices.
If you had asked me before this visit about my fondness for mushrooms, I might have expressed some hesitation. However, stepping outside my comfort zone to try the wild mushroom bisque with crème fraiche and chives as a starter at Academy Street Bistro proved to be a revelation. The soup was rich and deeply flavorful, boasting an incredibly smooth and satisfying texture. This single bowl transformed my perception of mushrooms entirely, revealing just how exquisite they can be.
For her appetizer, my wife chose the sautéed rock shrimp and asparagus risotto, adorned with shaved parmesan cheese. This dish truly captivated her palate. The risotto and shrimp were cooked to absolute perfection, and she immediately declared her desire to return to Academy Street Bistro specifically to savor this dish again.
Our enthusiasm continued with the arrival of our main courses. My wife opted for the surf & turf: grilled petite filet mignon paired with half of a steamed lobster, accompanied by au gratin potatoes, baby vegetables, and béarnaise sauce. The presentation was visually stunning, and the filet mignon was cooked precisely to her liking. She also appreciated the generous portion sizes. Although I had not previously experienced béarnaise sauce with filet mignon, a taste of hers immediately converted me; it introduced a delightful dimension to an already exceptional cut of meat.
My main course selection was the pan-seared Chilean sea bass, served with beluga lentils, sautéed swiss chard, and a red peppadew beurre blanc. As a sea bass enthusiast, I found this dish to be outstanding – the fish was incredibly fresh and cooked flawlessly. Again, the portion was perfectly judged. While lentils aren’t typically my first choice, I trusted Chef Fitzgerald’s culinary expertise and was rewarded; their earthy notes complemented the sea bass remarkably well. Mirroring my wife’s experience with her surf and turf, my plate was completely clean by the end of the course, a testament to the dish’s appeal.
To conclude our Valentine’s celebration, we shared the Valentine’s Day Tasting Trio for dessert. This delightful assortment included a raspberry-vanilla mousse with homemade cookie wafers, a chocolate-dipped strawberry, and raspberry cheesecake. The berry-centric flavors were a perfect finale to our superb meal, aligning perfectly with our shared love for berry desserts. Sharing this trio of treats made the dessert course even more enjoyable.
Academy Street Bistro proved to be an ideal setting for our Valentine’s Day dinner. Reflecting on our evening, I believe it’s an excellent choice for both memorable special occasions and relaxed casual outings with friends. The menu, which evolves with the seasons, offers a diverse range of options, from seafood like shrimp and scallops to premium cuts of meat such as filet mignon. They even feature a tempting black angus burger and a very family-friendly children’s menu. Their lunch offerings are equally impressive, including a half wrap of the day, a cup of soup, and a small salad at a very reasonable price. Furthermore, for those seeking a weekend treat, they host a fantastic Sunday brunch.
Whether you are a Cary resident or a Triangle area foodie in search of a new dining destination, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Academy Street Bistro. I am personally looking forward to returning when the weather is warmer to take advantage of their outdoor patio seating. Adding to their appeal, Academy Street Bistro regularly hosts special events, such as their upcoming Easter Brunch and a special Beer Dinner in collaboration with local LoneRider Beer brewery.
Upcoming Events at Academy Street Bistro
Academy Street Bistro
200 S. Academy Street
Cary, NC 919-377-0509
Website: http://www.academystreetbistro.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/academystreetbistro
Twitter: @AcademyStBistro
