I will be going to Raleigh, NC this weekend and taking some people out to dinner. I want great food but I do not want to break the bank, any suggestions?

Last fall I was at James Beard House in NYC where a chef from Raleigh prepared a wonderful meal; the restaurant is Enoteca d'Vin or something similar and I would recommend it based on her food that night. It was also featured in Food and Wine magazine last year.

Please let us know if you do go there. I should also disclose that the chef, Ashley Christensen, is the daughter of a friend of mine.

I've always had great meals at Margeaux Cafe and 518 West.

The 42nd Street Oyster Bar is also an old standbye.

Angus Barn is legendary. It's been around for 45 years and it's consistently ranked as one of the Top 100 restaurants in the country. This is THE place for steaks. In addition to the food, I enjoyed the rustic atmosphere and the huge Christmas tree at the entrance.

Angus Barn is good, but can break the bank. Recently had some great food at a neighborhood joint near 5 Points - EVOO. A friendly, comfortable bistro-type place in an older building.

We had a Fodor's GTG at the Neo China on Glenwood Ave. I'd recommend that.

Angus Barn is worth breaking the bank.

I just read that the chef at the Angus Barn will be appearing on a to-be-taped episode of Iron Chef America.

I need to go back to Angus Barn; the last couple of times I was there, a few years ago, I felt it was good but not as great as some reviewers indicate. It has a cozy, neat atmosphere, but I honestly felt, for the overall experience, that it was a bit overpriced. Will let you know what I think after my next trip ...

hi bonnie,

We've been to Angus Barn only twice over the years.

Both times the experience was underwhelming - especially for the price.

For steak - even though it is a chain - Ruth's Chris can't be beat imho - especially since they moved to their new spot. It's gorgeous.

We used to like Sullivan's, but the service is SO uneven.

Our favorites are Duck and Dumpling, Nana's, and Frazier's downtown; and Rey's (Ruth Chris' old location) and Blue Note in Cary.

We need to try Enoteca Vin. I have heard good things about it for years.

I am surprised that no one here seems to have experienced Enoteca Vin, which got that great write-up in Food and Wine last year. As I posted earlier, the chef put on quite a show at the James Beard House in Manhattan in October 2005. It is quite an honor to receive an invite to cook at this place. And a large portion of the diners there had followed her to NYC from Raleigh to experience the dinner. I would love to read reports of anyone who has been to Enoteca Vin and learn if, indeed, the meal lived up to the critiques I have read.