Want to taste the South? Head to Raleigh’s Natty Greene’s

Our new “hometeam”, the Capitals, are headed to Raleigh this weekend. Are you roadtrippin’ it? Natty Greene’s Brewing Co. boastfully has “Taste the South” as its motto. Started by two UNC Greensboro friends, the restaurant has another location there. They decided that microbrews were not just for the Mountain West, but also would be appreciated in North Carolina. I’m glad I got to try it myself!

They brew a variety of seasonal brews, year-rounds, and the Big Draft Series, which definitely complement a wide range of foods or great all by themselves. I sampled the Wildflower Witbier, comparable to a white Belgian. It was light and refreshing, with a delicate flavor. Michael Morris is their brewmaster; he’s considered a scientist and an artist.

While you’ll find your favorite pub fare all over the menu, they (of course!) pay tribute to North Carolina with a slow-roated, chopped pork BBQ served with coleslaw. Another secret menu find is the Dizzy Bird: One-half chicken basted in Buckshot Amber Ale, rubbed and rotisseried until golden brown, juicy and tender then topped with Old Town Brown Gravy; served with choice of vegetable and house-made potato salad. It was indeed quite juicy as promised. The gravy was a lighter brown gravy, flavorful but not heavy.Vegetables are fresh and local. This menu item is filling enough for hearty eaters, yet will appeal to those who don’t want something fried or spicy.