The Fearrington House Restaurant is a lovely AAA Five Diamond restaurant tucked away in the charming town of Pittsboro, North Carolina, just minutes from Chapel Hill. Guests can expect exceptional personal service with unique farm-to-table seasonal dishes that are plated as beautiful works of art. It is the perfect place to visit for a special occasion or a romantic dinner getaway.
Video of Full Dining Experience at the Fearrington House Restaurant:
My husband and I are celebrating 17 years of marriage. I wanted to take him somewhere really special and I thought the Fearrington House Restaurant would be the perfect romantic dinner getaway.
Fearrington House Restaurant
As you pull up to Fearrington Village, you will pass the beautiful famous Belted Cows. You can pass time and shop at the little village shops. Or you can stroll through beautiful gardens to dine at what was once a 1927 Colonial farmhouse that has now been converted into a charming, elegant fine dining restaurant.
If you arrive early, and weather permits, have cocktails outside and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Large Adirondack deck chairs are set in the front of the lawn facing the grazing belted cows or a few tables are scattered to the side of the house facing the lovely gardens.
Outdoor seating was already taken on our evening adventure, so my husband and I sat at the quaint bar. The bartender was very attentive and offered great suggestions. I ordered The New and Nameless (pictured to the left). It was made with Eagle Rare, Nonino, Amaro Averna, Lemon, Nochino, and Jasmine Honey. My husband ordered the El Calzador (pictured on the bottom). It was made with Cuervo 1800, Cynar, Sherry Shrub, Agave, and Tasmanian Pepperberry. The bartender gave offered a few nibbles to pregame our dinner; a citrus infused olive medley with marinated favas beans, smoked almonds, and the most AMAZING truffle oil popcorn. Everything was delicious, but that truffle oil popcorn was out of this world. We wanted to eat the whole bowl but we knew we had an incredible dinner waiting for us and decided not to spoil our appetite.
*Tip! If you do not want to partake in the fine dining experience, you can order from the small bar menu with out reservations. You can also order some dishes off the menu à la carte.
We next were seated in a cozy room to begin our fine dining experience. Executive Chef Colin Bedford entwines Southern American classics with European Inspired Cuisines. Guests have the option to choose from the Chef's Tasting Menu, the Seasonal Menu, or a Vegetarian Menu. My husband and I chose the Seasonal Menu.
After ordering, we were presented with beautiful savory macaroons. Then we were offered a lovely white asparagus custard with a honey jelly.
For our first course, I ordered the Blue Cheese Panna Cotta with Walnut Pomegranate, Frisée, Apple (pictured to the left). My husband ordered the Hudson Valley Foie Gras with Caramel Black Truffle, Celery Root, Milk Chocolate. Both were delectable, but we really enjoyed the Foi Gras. Considering I really don't like liver, that is saying a lot. It was light, creamy, and buttery. I highly recommend it if you see it on the menu. If you have never tried Foi Gras, the Fearrington House Restaurant is the place to step out of your box.
For the second course at the Fearrington House Restaurant, I ordered the White Asparagus with Caviar Fearrington Farm Egg, Frisee, Chervil. My husband ordered the Salt Meadow Lamb with Parsley Root .Baby Artichoke, Licorice, Cola. We were so excited about the dishes, that I forgot to take pictures. However, you can see them and the descriptions in the video at the end of the post. The asparagus was lovely, but the lamb definitely stole the show. It was cooked medium rare, it had an incredible flavor and did not have one hint of gaminess. While the asparagus was delicious the lamb had an extra specialness, and I would definitely recommend the lamb for your second course.
Fearrington House Restaurant Main Course
For my main course, I ordered the Dry Aged Duck Breast Cipollini, Rutabaga, Green Peppercorn. Everything about this dish was perfection. The duck breast was cooked beautifully and the sides were the perfect compliment to the duck. The duck was so delectable, my only complaint is I wish I had more... In fact I am drooling as I am reminiscing the duck breast... but seriously, the duck was fantastic.
Want to know what was as tasty as the duck? The venison of course! My husband ordered the Venison with Pumpernickel Brussels Sprouts, Spaetzle, Mustard. The venison was cooked medium rare. It had no gaminess. The venison was complimented with a slightly sweet blackberry mustard seed sauce that really added to the flavor of the dish. The duck or venison.... you could not go wrong with either!
The Fearrington House Restaurant is not a place you pass on dessert! I don't care how full you think you are, always, always order dessert!
My husband ordered the Valrhona Cœur de Guanaja Soufflé Dark Chocolate, Vanilla, Whipped Cream (pictured to the left). I ordered the White Chocolate with Pomegranate Chambord, Namelaka au Chocolat, Vanilla Sponge. I think that chocolate soufflé is one of my husband's favorite thing in the world... It has been on the menu for 37 years because it is a favorite to many. The chocolate sauce is what you would imagine Willy Wonka's Chocolate river would be made of. It was rich, sweet, and heavenly. The soufflé itself was light and airy. The white chocolate had a lovely creamy chocolate filling accompanied with a raspberry, pomegranate sorbet off to the side. It was a beautiful presentation and delicious, but I have to admit, it is hard to beat that chocolate soufflé. If you have never had dessert at the Fearrington House Restaurant, I would recommend the soufflé before trying anything else.
If that wasn't enough, they send you home with a box of gourmet homemade chocolates and strawberry jam!
We drove an hour and half to eat at The Fearrington House Restaurant. I would say it was definitely worth the drive. It was a special occasion and the attentive staff certainly made us feel special. Dinner was exquisite, and with all of the places we have ate, the Fearrington House Restaurant remains on our top favorite restaurants. The atmosphere was very romantic and it was the perfect way to share a 17 year anniversary. If you haven't experienced an evening at the Fearrington House Restaurant, then I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list. -xoxo
For more restaurant reviews, check out: BOURBON, BRINGING CAJUN-CREOLE TO COLUMBIA, THE MOTOR SUPPLY COMPANY BISTRO, COLUMBIA, and GLASSHALFULL, CARRBORO, NC.
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