By A Yahoo! Contributor, 11/27/09
We were pleasantly surprised when we dined here this evening, after almost deciding against Irregardless based on some recent reviews here. Perhaps some reading between the lines is necessary, or perhaps the experiences just vary widely. As this was our first visit, I can't say with certainty, but that today's experience was very nice is a fact.
Today, for the record, is Thanksgiving 2009, and my wife and parents and I converged on Raleigh for an early evening meal. Contrary to earlier reviews, the wait--on a very busy early evening--was nonexistent. We arrived five minutes before our reservation and were seated promptly. The host, servers, and proprietors were gracious, affable, and nearly perfectly efficient.
The decor was elegant, simple, and a bit understated, which for me is just right. Besides, we were there for the food.
And the food: My wife's Vegan Shepherd's Pie was very good--its flavor had a hearty attack and subtle finish. Too subtle for my taste, actually, but I'm an unapologetic carnivore, and I've unfortunately met very few vegan dishes without that characteristic. The remainder of us had the Turkey Dinner, and loved it. The portions were generous, and the stuffing had what my mom termed the "perfect level of sage". To me it was just delicious.
My only misgiving regarding the place is my long-standing disdain for the word (yes, unfortunately, it's a word) "irregardless". Maybe--probably--there's some esoteric intention these folks had in naming it so, but I don't see it. After all, "irregardless" = "regardless", which is synonymous with "careless", "heedless"....
I just don't get it, but must get over it, because the food, service, and ambience were just fine, and we're already planning to visit again when we're back in town.
