A few days ago I introduced a series on SobeSavvy.com called #MyVioletValentine. I encourage all of you to think about putting the color red aside and consider celebrating with the Pantone color of the year in mind which is “Ultra Violet”! Beautiful shades of violet and purple can be found everywhere in nature and also in food. One of those food instances can be found at 18 Seaboard.
Located at Seaboard Station near downtown Raleigh, this restaurant opened its doors in 2006 and is owned by Chef Jason Smith and his wife Lauren. 18 Seaboard serves contemporary Southern inspired dishes with over 60% of ingredients sourced from North Carolina farms, ranches, fishmongers and dairies. We were there recently to enjoy a romantic pre-Valentine’s Day date. They have a wonderful lunchtime menu which featured alot of dishes that satisfied the seafoodie in me! But first…
COCKTAILS/STARTERS
After being promptly seated at a nice table for two we began with two Kir Royale cocktails. Again, I had #MyVioletValentine in mind when we ordered these but alas they photograph more of a blush color. Nevertheless, still a great champagne cocktail to kickoff a romantic dine.
We ordered two starters of Sneads Ferry She-Crab Soup with sherry reduction and a Purple Sweet Potato Bisque. Now this bisque arrived to the table looking too good to eat! Not only did it look pretty and purple, but the taste was pretty amazing.You know what they say, you eat with your eyes first, but I had to close mine and just savor each spoonful!
My favorite out of the two starters was the she crab soup. It had a generous amount of crab meat and just the right touch of sherry. We both are from Maryland and agreed that this soup was not only flavorful but reminded us of our hometown.
CHEF’S ENTREÉS
While there are various choices for lunch we chose two seafood entreés. My husband ordered the Cornmeal-Crusted Carolina Classics Catfish w/champagne tarragon butter and a unique pecan grit cake. It was fresh, flaky and delicious. Oh and the sauteed spinach and apple collard slaw offered not only a brightness to the dish but paired well with the fish.
I went with the Bo Bromhal SafeChild Shrimp & Grits. The restaurant donates 10% of all proceeds from ordering this dish to this amazing Wake County Child advocacy Program. Besides a great cause this was a GREAT.GREAT.DISH. I have had innumerable Shrimp & Grit dishes over my lifetime and I vote this dish as one of the absolute best interpretations of this southern iconic dish! Amazing is really an understatement.
We got a chance to speak with both the General Manager (Brandy, who can suggest a great dry white wine to pair with the seafood dishes) and Chef-Proprietor Jason Smith, whom I had a chance to hear speak at Feed the Dialogue dinner event. He is very personable, talented and passionate about the food served at his restaurants. Also our waiter, who advised to call him “D”, provided excellent service and added to our delightful dining experience.
DESSERTS
We ended our wonderful afternoon on a sweet note by trying the Pecan Pie Creme Brulee and a Mug of Hot Chocolate Cake. Both are creatively made desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth. I mean how cute is this cookie of our state of North Carolina?!
I highly recommend you take your special someone to this restaurant to celebrate life, love or just the color Violet on Valentine’s Day. Anytime you want fantastic food served with love, make reservations to dine at 18 Seaboard!
18 SEABOARD
18 Seaboard Ave
Raleigh,NC 27604
I love 18 Seaboard and that violet soup looks amazing! Really, all the food you ordered looks delicious.
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Thanks Kim! I can honestly say it all tasted as good as it looks!
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Omg! That pecan pie creme brûlée has my name on it ❤️. That catfish also looks 👌🏼. I really enjoyed the one time I dined at 18 Seaboard. I really look forward to dining with them again soon.
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That was the last time that I was there too for the event! They mentioned to be planning another one soon! The pecan creme brûlée was my fave and yes a must try! Honestly, everything was so good.
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Ooooh thanks for the heads up. That event was awesome!
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I have to admit I do love some good shrimp & grits! But I must make a date at 18 Seaboard to try their Bo Bromhal SafeChild shrimp and grits to see if it’s as GREAT as you say!…and for a good cause!
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This all looks so delicious! I think the catfish is calling my name. Love the NC shaped cookie!
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That cookie was a cute surprise ! Everything was soooo goood!
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I’ve not been there yet, but have heard so many good things! This post only made me want to go more!
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Im glad to hear that. I hope yoy go and enjoy your experience!
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Oooh I love 18 Seaboard! I’ve heard people talk about how much they love love love the she-crab soup. Mmm it’s been a little while since I’ve been to 18 Seaboard, I need to head that way again soon!
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Add me to the list of those people. Its so good!
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