DeLux

John, Tim, and I visited DeLux several weeks ago for dinner.  DeLux is relatively new (our waitress told us it had been open about 5 weeks at the time of our visit) and is located across from Sticky Rice.  I honestly cannot remember what used to be in that location (maybe the Dogwood Grille or Magnolia?) because many of the Fan restaurants on Main Street blend together in my mind (although I like them all, they are often indistinguishable from one another). 

Upon arrival, we were told there would be a bit of a wait but that we could occupy ourselves at the bar upstairs.  We trudged upstairs and made ourselves comfortable at the modern and chic bar.  The bar was very attractive – an S-shaped bar top, an interesting mirror sculpture hanging on the wall, and small lights suspended from the ceiling.  Besides the bar, the upstairs also featured a working fireplace, several couches, and ten or so small tables and chairs.  It was inviting.

Or bartender served us quickly.  Since we had a long wait until dinner, we ordered some appetizers.   Tim and I split the hummus and vegetable plate, and John had some crab soup.  The hummus was creamy and fresh, although I prefer it with a little more garlic.  John enjoyed his soup.  After about two beers and about halfway through the hummus plate, our hostess told us our table was ready downstairs.  We headed down and were seated in a comfortable booth along the side of the wall, next to the windows.  There is another bar downstairs. 

The menu featured some entrees, including blue plate specials, as well as a variety of sandwiches and burgers.  Tim and I both ordered the Cuban Pork Press, which was a typical Cuban sandwich (pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and a pickle) served on focaccia bread.  The sandwich was good – the pork was tender and moist; however, I do wish it had a little more zing (maybe some additional spices would have jazzed it up).  Tim did not think the focaccia bread complimented the sandwich ingredients, and I concur (although I thought it was ok).  If you are craving a Cuban sandwich, I prefer the Cubanaso at Kuba Kuba or the Cuban at the Positive Vibe Cafe (not that DeLux’s was bad – it was very satisfying).  I asked for an order of fries with my sandwich.  The fries could have been good (not too thick and seasoned lightly) except they were quite soggy.  Tim ordered homemade potato chips with his sandwich and thought them tasty.  In retrospect, I wish I had ordered the sweet potato fries as my side in order to try something a little different.

John ordered a burger (as usual) and enjoyed it.

I liked DeLux: the food was good, the interior is pretty and comforting.  Service was fine but I felt like I did not belong.  It seemed as if the entire staff knew everyone else in the restaurant and was gregariously friendly with them while we were intruders.  They treated us courteously and efficiently, but I felt like an outsider.  The place seems to be very popular (having to wait 45 minutes for a table when the restaurant has only been open for 5 weeks is a good sign).  However, I don’t see it as distinct from any of the other bars/restaurants in that area (3 Monkeys, Star-Lite, Metro Grill, etc.). 

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