CityView Magazine

food al Fresco DINING Eateries in Fayetteville and Southern Pines offer worldly and farm-to-table cuisine with local twists in an atmosphere close to home T By Katie Gard he flowers have bloomed and the foliage is lush and green. Along with baseball games and weekend trips to the beach, the official arrival of summer has brought with it a favorite fair weather pastime all over the world, dining al fresco. While outdoor dining is a fantastic way to connect with nature when enjoying a meal, the reality is that preparing one at home can be a lot of work. There's the tedious task of brushing pollen from the patio furniture and the precarious shuffle of food and glassware to the deck through cumbersome sliding glass doors. And once the crickets start chirping and the wine bottle is empty, there's the unavoidable question, "Whose turn is it to wash the dishes?" The truth is, when it comes to enjoying a great meal outdoors, nothing beats the ease of scoring a table at one of your favorite local restaurants. There, you can relax and watch the interactions of patrons and passersby among the hum of clinking forks and sparkling wine glasses while sighing appreciatively as the food magically appears in front of your face. In fact, downtown Fayetteville restaurants boast some of the most excellent patio dining available for people-watching and experiencing international fare in our city. The Blue Moon Cafe, which offers an eclectic menu of gourmet cheeses, artisan sandwiches, and an impressive selection of craft beers, is greeting the summer heat with everything from a crispy Caprese sandwich on a toasted ba- guette to strawberry and Brie crostini with basil and honey. If you're in the mood for spirited Asian-inspired fare, try the warm Pork Bánh mì sandwich with pickled vegetables, spicy mayo and jalapeño (recipe on page 46). Of course, it might be wise to counteract the heat with a bottle of Devil's Tramping Ground Tripel Belgian Ale from the Aviator Brewing Company in Fuquay-Varina, or a cool glass of the eatery's refreshing signature libation, Peach Basil Sangria! Further along Hay Street, stop at Pierro's Italian Bistro's garden-like patio surrounded by planter boxes and a decorative iron railing for a dining experience that makes you feel as if you're in Rome. Priding themselves on fresh, made-to-order dishes created with premium ingredients, their revived summer menu will be sure to please, featuring tasty flatbreads and meatball parmesan sliders. Of course, the seasonal beverages are not to be missed, like the Mandarin Mojito and the Summer Sangria. Another Hay Street favorite, Circa 1800, is debuting a new cocktail "The Elderflower Berry" (page 45 for recipe). Offering a special feature daily for lunch and dinner, Circa's summer menu boasts a variety of fresh salads and cold soups. Pair a bowl of cucumber soup with featured wines from Medaloni Cellars, a North Carolina winery. Try a crisp, clean Rosé or a smooth, stainless steel barrel Chardonnay, both perfect sips for outdoor dining under the shade of a bright umbrella. If you're interested in escaping the foot traffic and looking for an outdoor lounge with a bar, couch seating, table CityViewNC.com | 23

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