Café Caturra in Cary

Whether you’re wowed by the authentic stone wood-burning fireplace, the freshly made panini sandwiches, or the chance to sample signature wines, Café Caturra in Cary is unlike any other restaurant in the western wake area. think of it as a distinctive fast-casual wine bar concept, only great food and coffee are thrown into the mix.

“Our goal is to provide a relaxed environment where you control your own destiny,” said managing partner nathan bartlett, explaining that cary locale is the second caturra coffee shop to open outside of the original richmond, va market. (the other is located in the cameron village of raleigh). “We want to be a community center where people can hang out and feel comfortable.”

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Many customers grab a cup of hand-roasted coffee and use the cafe’s free Wi-Fi internet connection. others opt for a full meal that includes several glasses of wine. either way, delay is encouraged and expected. “We’re the place where you can stay as long as you want and not feel the pressure to give up your seat or table,” bartlett said.

the ordering protocol is surprisingly different. Bartlett explained that guests can taste the wine, place their order at the counter, and then sit back and let the cafeteria staff take care of the rest. “It’s not your traditional dining experience,” she said. “we call it pampered service.”

café caturra offers a boutique selection of white and red wines from around the world. “We advise people to try different wines to see what they like,” Bartlett said. “We offer 25 wines by the glass. we want people to be adventurous and try something they may never have tried before.”

Elegant varietals from Spain, France, Italy and elsewhere are available, and the wine is kept at just the right temperature in the café’s environmentally controlled storage system. this ensures that the whites stay crisp and the reds stay rich. “We are very passionate about wine and are constantly educating our staff and customers,” Bartlett said.

Among the tempting food selections, the made-from-scratch soups stand out. Satisfying options include: Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese Bisque; tomato basil with brie; Thai chicken noodles; chicken curry and green apple; and habanero maple pepper.

Your main course options are manifold, whether you choose a gourmet salad (think raspberry and walnut), a specialty sandwich served with bread from nearby la farm bakery, or a homemade Neapolitan-style pizza baked in a wood-burning oven. firewood. “Our kitchen’s goal is simple, fresh food,” Bartlett explained. A section of the wine fair menu features items like pan-seared crab cake sliders, delicious mini burgers, and heirloom tomato penne pasta. Usually served during the evening hours, the wine fair features several dishes that are ideal for sharing. An impressive meat and cheese board, for example, features hand-cut meats, artisan cheeses, fruit, and olives and is large enough for at least two people.

A healthy alternative to the end-of-meal caloric splurge comes in the form of mini desserts. “These are about the size of a golf ball, just enough to get a little bit of sweetness on your palate,” Bartlett said. Priced at just $1.50 each, you can’t go wrong with a chocolate cake or crème brûlée.

When it comes to décor, café caturra’s reclaimed wood tables, leather armchairs and local artwork provide the perfect touches of warmth and style for guests to enjoy. “The art is a collection of unique originals and all pieces are available for sale,” Bartlett said.

for dining at sunset or under the stars when weather permits, outdoor seating is available on the restaurant’s large and striking patio.

café caturra is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. reservations are not accepted. “It’s on a first-come, first-served basis,” Bartlett revealed. groups of eight or more are recommended to call ahead.

café caturra 600 ledgestone way (stone creek village), cary (919) 481-0230www.cafecaturra.com