Chef Michael has his hand on these beautiful Maine Lobsters and he will be adding them to some LOCAL NC Shrimp & PEI Mussels while they all take a swim in his Saffron-Roast Garlic-Fennel Shellfish Broth!  That's how to start the weekend!

Get out of the heat and into the Maximillians!  We have Gazpacho with seafood swimming in it!  Beautiful

NC Triggerfish has hit the grill with some shrimp risotto and a white wine-roast garlic sauce.  Michael is down at the coast picking up some beautiful Softshell Crabs, 'cause we sold old quick!  Word on the street....he's eating some beautiful Corvina as well...

Weekend of 5/24/2013
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!  To enjoy the beautiful weather & to kick off the summer we've got some Seafood Gazpacho, Cornmeal Crust Fried Oysters & Tempura Tuna Roll to get you started.  For dinner Michael has got some gorgeous Maine Lobsters in a saffron-shellfish broth, Sea Bass over shrimp risotto in an Asiago-roast garlic pan sauce, and the ever famous Mesquite Veal Chop.  Last but not least, the house aged, dry-rubbed, cold smoked, NY Strip & Fried Oysters!
Have a safe & happy Memorial Day!  We will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday!  See you Tuesday and until then - Bon Appetite!

Monday, May 20, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHEF MICHAEL SCHIFFER!!!! In honor of his birthday, we are running some of Michael's favorites.......soft shell crabs, fried oysters, and smoked veal chops to name a few.  We also have seafood gazpacho!  We are ready to tear into this birthday cake!

Friday May 17, 2013
Summer is here and so is the heat......specials are remaining the same tonight.....but, wait for it......
SOFT SHELL CRABS ARE IN!!!! Michael has some gorgeous little guys scurrying in the walk in waiting to be bathed in a spicy house made Thai Green Curry Sauce!  Also, to get you started we have fresh Gazpacho!  Happy 80+ degrees and welcome to the heat!

OK, so it's been a quiet week, but look out - the weekend is upon us and so are some new menu items.   After 22 years in business, Michael has dusted off some of his old menus and added a pasta section to the menu.
Grilled Veal & Leek Ravioli in a pink-tomato-Gorgonzola sauce.  Smoked Mushroom Tortellini with a Marsala-roasted garlic-fresh thyme sauce with crispy pancetta.  And the most favorite, Parmesan-Ricotta Gnocchi with a basil pesto cream sauce with chorizo, arugula and asiago cheese.  Again, these are all on the permanent menu. 
Our specials this week:
Mesquite Grilled Veal Chop - over smoked mushroom ravioli and a Marsala-portabello sauce.
Cold Smoked-Dry Aged NY Strip & Fried Oysters - with a potato croquette and Creole pan sauce.
Snapper - over baby shrimp risotto in an asiago-roast garlic-cream sauce.
And let's not forget the bar!  The weather is heating up, thus Peach Sangria is here!  Margie's been soaking Peaches and it is AMAZING!

May 9, 2013
Welcome back sunshine!  Michael has some gorgeous Sea Bass tonight and will be serving that with a blue crab risotto and Asiago cream sauce.  He has also been dry aging some NY Strips and is adding some fried NC oysters to that with a spicy, go figure, Creole sauce!  A long time favorite!  The Beef Short Rib is back this week, loving the black pepper-Parmesan gnocchi and rustic mushroom-tomato-basil pan sauce.  Finishing it off, the ever faithful Maximillians Mesquite Grilled Veal Chop with smoked mushroom ravioli and portabello-Marsala sauce.  Cheers and see you soon!

Monday May 6, 2013
Chef Michael is still working on specials for the week at this hour, no worries, we will be updated as soon as we find out.  What we do know is this - there is Swordfish in the cold smoker, I bet some smoked ravioli are in the plans - as well as a fresh stash of Saffron and Kaffir lime...stay tuned folks!

Saturday May 4, 2013

Tonight Chef Michael has decided he is over the Sesame & Scallion Crust Snapper and brought in some killer Grouper!  He's pan searing that baby and pairing it up with some NC Shrimp and bathing the two of them in a house made green curry & kaffir lime sauce!  Gotta love it!  The rest of this weeks specials remain the same for the evening! 
Don't forget to save room for dessert - be it to eat or drink - we have AMAZING cakes, gelatos and bread pudding as well as ports, cordials and dessert wines!  SALUTE!
Have a wonderful weekend, we will see you on Monday and until then - Bon Appetite!

Friday May 3, 2013

We all know Chef/Owner Michael Schiffer IS BACK ON THE SAUTE STATION!!!!  All his "old school" fans are crawling out of the woodwork folks, so you may want to get your reservations in.  Michael has been shopping the local farmers markets as well as hitting up his fishing buddies down East in Davis and Sneads Ferry.  Word on the street - SOFTSHELL CRABS are on the way!  Tis the season as we say around here.  Kaffir Lime and Iranian Saffron are also finding their way into some of this weeks specials.
 On the wine side, Chelahem Vineyards from Willamette Valley has blessed us with some of the "Ridgecrest" Pinot Noir - Gayle likes it, Margie likes it, and Robert Parker REALLY likes it with his 90 points!
One last reminder - next weekend is Mother's Day and Graduation!  Get your reservations in now!
Until Next Time
Cheers!