Articles in This Issue
FINE DINING AT THE CAROLINA CROSSROADS RESTAURANT
FALL NEWSLETTER 2009
It's always hard for me when summer starts to ease its way out and the colors begin to change. I always miss getting a chance to work with all that great summer produce that I raved about in my last letter to you.
But as they say, when one door closes.....
With the Fall harvest comes an array of beets, cauliflower and squashes. We have already begun incorporating these fall ingredients into the new Crossroads menu.
Probably my favorite dish right now is the Roasted Honey Half Duck & Butternut Squash Casserole, with Haricot Verts, Braised Red Cabbage, Cranberry Compote and Pomegranate Molasses Jus. For me this dish is the perfect representation of the autumn season.
Fall also reminds me of Thanksgiving and all the great food that goes along with it. Here at the Inn, we work every Thanksgiving Day feeding over 700 people from our lavish holiday brunch. Which reminds me, don't forget to make your reservations, we're filling up fast!
When that is all said and done, I gather with my family the Sunday after Thanksgiving for our own special turkey day celebration. No one really complains that they have to eat two Thanksgiving meals twice especially when my moms cooking. We usually have a very traditional meal and for the past eight years I must prepare butternut squash soup. No matter what I tell my mom I am going to prepare she always makes sure this is the dish I bring to the table. I have included this recipe for you and hope it is enjoyed at your house as much as mine.
As always, we would love to have you join us at "our house" Carolina Crossroads, to experience all our new fall menus. Trust me when I tell you that you will not be disappointed. Here's wishing you an early Happy Holidays and we look forward to celebrating it all with you and your family here at the Carolina Inn.
See You Soon,
Executive Chef Jimmy Reale
Fall Recipes from the Chef
Cooking in the fall is all about time spent with the family
Spooky Pumpkin Cupcakes
Spicy Chorizo con Queso
The autumn season brings with it many things: a whole new color scheme, the start of the college football season and the kick-off of the holiday season. With all these upcoming activities and events, our chefs are here to help by sharing with you some of their favorite seasonal recipes.
Spooky Pumpkin Cupcakes
Looking for a kid-friendly Halloween activity? Let the kids do some damage in your kitchen by whipping up a batch of Pastry Chef Suzanne Menius Spooky Pumpkin Cupcakes.
Spicy Chorizo Con Queso
Of course everybody is a Tar Heel football fan and to get you prepared for that game day party or afternoon tailgate, Crossroads Chef de Cuisine, Jeremy Blankenship, has a plan for the kitchen quarterback in you: Spicy Chorizo Con Queso. This recipe can be prepared in a snap and you can be confident that you'll score big points with your own "home" team.
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Brie Crostini
It's never too soon to start planning your Thanksgiving dinner. Executive Chef Jimmy Reale says Thanksgiving dinner is never complete without his Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Brie Crostini. Need a starter course to get everybody warmed up? Try out this recipe to impress your guests and spice up your traditional holiday meal.
Fall & Holiday Special Events
Spend Your Holiday at the Crossroads Restaurant
Oktoberfest Beer Dinner
Thursday, October 28th
6:30 PM Reception
7:00 - 10:00 PM Dinner
Piedmont Dining Room
Celebrate the month of Oktoberfest with a five-course dinner prepared with local ingredients by Executive Chef Jimmy Reale and local beer pairings by The Carolina Brewery. Join the most recognized Chapel Hill restaurant and brewery as they pair up some of Carolina's own "home grown." Click here to view menu.
$49.00 per person - Call 919.918.2735 for reservations.
Halloween Dinner with Dr. Jacocks
Saturday, October 31st
6:30 PM Dinner - 7:30 PM Tour the Haunted Areas of The Carolina Inn
Join the staff of Haunted North Carolina for an evening of frighteningly spooky entertainment at the historic Carolina Inn on Halloween Night. If you dare - the special evening begins with dinner and a presentation by Jim Hall of Haunted North Carolina followed by a tour of the haunted areas of The Carolina Inn including the suite of Dr. Jacocks.
$59 per Adult, $39 per Child 15 and under - Call 919.918.2711 for reservations.
Holiday Brunches
Executive Chef Jimmy Reale, along with our award winning culinary team will prepare a lavish buffet featuring some of the most traditional holiday fare.
Thanksgiving Brunch
Thursday, November 26th
View Thanksgiving Brunch Menu (PDF)
Christmas Day Brunch
Friday, December 25th
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
View Christmas Brunch Menu (PDF)
$49.95 per person, $44.95 for seniors, $19.95 for children 6-12, Children under 6 - free
Prices include non-alcoholic beverages. Prices do not include service & tax.
Ongoing Events
We give you plenty of reasons to stop by The Carolina Inn this fall.
Tailgate Party on The Front Porch - Game Day Edition
Every home football game, 3 hours before kick-off
Get geared up for the game with live bluegrass music, cool drinks, great food and plenty of Carolina spirit! When it's time to cheer on those Tar Heels, Kenan Stadium is only steps away. The Carolina Crossroads Bar will serve its complete bar menu and offer a southern style buffet along with drink specials - on the porch overlooking the inn's tree-shaded north lawn. No cover charge or reservations required. Go Heels!
Employee Spotlight
David Harrison - Carolina Crossroads Waiter
For the past 2 years, I have had the privilege of working at the Carolina Inn. When I applied for my position, I never imagined how special the Inn would become. From the guests that join us to my co-workers, and the countless wonderful experiences, the Carolina Inn has become a second family to me.
I enjoy the challenge of going above and beyond to meet guest expectations and help them feel at home. I feel very fortunate to have great co-workers, and as a team we are able to provide excellent service for all those who visit our hotel.
I truly believe that if you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life.
