Story - CaryMagazine.com
Transcription
Story - CaryMagazine.com
The Federal 914 West Main St., Durham (919) 680-8611 Locals call it the Fed, a fusion of no-frills bar with top-flight cuisine. Where else will you find hanging cage lights illuminating your saffron risotto entrée? Make no mistake: The cement floor, black vinyl seats, stainless steel tables and vintage memorabilia adorning the walls will remind you that you didn’t come to this diamond-in-the-rough establishment for the ambiance. You came for the food. Somehow, magically, it works. Laid-back chef Scott McKenney, who has worked in various restaurant and resort kitchens since he was a teenager, enjoys uninhibited freedom to create ever-changing specials. “We don’t really have a set format, so we can cook whatever we want,” the Durham native said. “Our menu spans the globe, and we change it every season.” Even at lunchtime, inventive concoctions abound. To wit: chicken liver pate with cherry-shallot marmalade; Belgian endive salad with roasted beets and cornmeal-encrusted goat cheese; and beer-braised pork carnitas with fresh salsa, cilantro and guacamole. Whatever you do, don’t overlook dessert. On the day the Cary Magazine crew rolled in, McKenney whipped up fresh strawberry shortcake, crème brûlée with blackberry compote and a life-changing good flourless chocolate cake topped with peanut-infused caramel sauce and made-in-house vanilla ice cream. Needless to say, it was well worth the drive. The Federal is open daily for lunch and dinner, and outdoor seating is available. A website is not. Flourless Chocolate Cake 26 MaY/JUNE 2011 CMTasteTown.indd 26 4/20/2011 2:54:40 PM