Players Retreat

We just had a very good "meal" last night at the Players Retreat (PR).  Why place meal is quotes?  Because we had a martini and then ordered red wine, the Artisan cheese plate, and the foie gras.  We had plans to try the peach dessert so we were eating especially light.  I must admit that we are older folks and try to eat a little less than when we were in our 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s.

The cheese plate was unbelievable for the price. It was so generous in portions that we even took some home.  Unfortunately, our wait person could not identify the cheeses for us.  They were identified on the menu, but she could not help us match the names to the cheese and didn't attempt to find any information for us.  Alas, lacking the names did not deter the wonderful flavor.

The foie gras was wonderful.  It took me back to trips to France.  It was not overcooked and the cherry was a wonderful partner.

We had planned on dessert, but when asked about the peach ice cream versus the special cheesecake, the wait person said that the cheesecake looked like a pie and the ice cream was soft/runny but good.  Well, maybe so but her description did not inspire us.  We were full and she did not tip us over the edge of indulgence.

I think it is wonderful that the PR offers "gourmet" specials on Friday and Saturday.  They should train their staff to be a bit more knowledgeable about the offerings.  Or maybe we should just stick with their great burgers and beer.

I give this three stars for the first 40 years I ate and drank here, but today I would give it two.  Although Gus has basically saved the place, it's turned into little more than another college sports bar. Loud with too many TVs, and now the wait staff treats you like just another pain in their collective tail. Unless Gus is there, the service is iffy, and even when he is there, it's not what it was three years ago. The food is no longer predictable, and I am often disappointed. I do still go for lunch because the quality is more predictable.  Maybe when the business slows, the service and food will improve. I think fame and fortune have gone to the owner's head.  All he seems to care about now is volume and $$$.  It's too bad for the regulars, but not for the owner.

In Raleigh for a friends wedding -- and we came into town early, so the groom took us to Players Retreat.  We asked if we needed to dress any particular way and they were adament that it was totally "no frills".  They were right...and I loved it!  Located right at the end of HIllsborough St, which is a main strip around NC State.  

Admittedly, I didn't see the inside at all, we sat on the street at a huge collections of tales and chairs.  We ended up getting beers and burgers.  I went with the Wolfpack Burger -- chili, mustard, slaw...amazing.  It was one of the messiest but most succulent burgers I've ever had.  I recommend this place as it seems like a chill, locals establishment.  Definitely not a tourist trap!