Friday January 6th, we braved the impending snowpocaloypse 2017 and joined some friends at one of our frequented local restaurants. Entering 6th and Main is similar to entering "CHEERS", a place where everyone knows your name. 6th & Main is a family owned and operated casually upscale dining in North Wilkesboro, NC. It was a welcome surprise when we relocated here in 2015.
To add a little extra variety to the standard menu, which while small, provides a nice opportunity for various palettes and prices, 6th provides a wide option of nightly specials. Tonight, it was the special offerings which had caught my eye.
The appetizer I chose was Bacon Lollipops. Almost any offering with bacon will peak my interest. This of course had a 6th twist. The adventurous chef can serve up the basics with precision and then tosses in a little flair to remind you of his culinary ability. Our server Molly presented the offering as "bacon lollipops with bruleed apple smoked bacon & chocolate molasses." While it was not enticing to of a few of my dining companions, it sounded delightful for me. The stylish presentation of a generous cut of thick pork belly seared and skewered with bamboo was placed atop a smear of the chocolate molasses. The combination of the salt, the pork and the sweet chocolate were not only substantial but enjoyed. This special appetizer only primed my mouth for the upcoming meal.
Next, the salad choice was again a special option in addition to the normal offerings. It was dubbed the "Winter Chopped Salad with romaine, dried cranberries, chopped pear, almonds, bacon, blue cheese crumbles and balsamic vinaigrette." This was available in two sizes for which I opted the smaller. The salad was on the small side and some additional quantity would have been appreciated, however, the salad none the less proved fresh, crisp and a perfect flavoring between the lettuce and the toppings. The balsamic vinaigrette was also balanced in its flavor and bite.
Tonight's entrée was anticipated with eagerness. From the four entrée specials and the blue plate selection I chose the "Grilled Bone in Pork Chop with goat cheese yellow grits, creamed applewood smoked bacon, brussell sprouts with a pork reduction." The plating of the pork and enhanced grits was tempting as the bone in pork was tilted atop the mound of grits and Brussels with a strizzeling of the reduction. The pork was perfectly prepared with grill searing marks and sliced to reveal the tender white meat with just a touch of pink at the center. The grits were full of southern flavors of butter mixed with the bacon and pork reduction proved to be very filling and a tasty compliment to the savory pork. The pork could be cut with a fork and was tender, juicy and flavorful. The brussels were a tasty accent, slightly grilled and seasoned mixed in along the perimeter of the grits. While being a northerner, I will admit in the beginning, I was leery of meals which contained grits. However, I have grown to appreciate and look forward to tasting these offerings when the opportunity presents itself. Tonight's entree selection was wonderful.
Throughout the meal I had a glass of one of our favorite wines, Whitehaven. It has become our first choice when an adult beverage is needed after a long day. The bar at 6th is always a welcoming cozy space that is staffed with people who are generous with the pours and always offer a smile and story. You can't help but enjoy a wonderful meal when paired with a perfectly preferred beverage.
Despite being comfortably full, the temptation of desert proved to be too enticing not to share. Our selection of "Apple Pecan Bread Pudding with ice cream" came to the table warm, sweet and satisfying. The vanilla ice cream balanced on top of the freshly made desert made me wish I had started and ended my meal with this creation.
The entire night was a perfect intimate gathering of a few brave patrons enjoying a wonderful meal before a night of snow. The conversation and laughs were plentiful between the wine and food that was prepared with flavor, skill and presented by a staff that is more friends than servers. It was a wonderful end to a long week. Thank you 6th and Main. read more