Rooster & Owl

A talented husband-and-wife duo is behind this appealingly contemporary, hipster hot spot. The setting is the perfect match for its modern, edgy cuisine, which meanders from the Middle East and Mediterranean all the way to Asia.There is unabashed creativity unleashed in such dishes as fried oyster mushrooms with mushroom powder serving as tempura batter. Barbecue carrots may then be given the North Carolina treatment, dabbed with vinegar, grilled to smoky perfection and served with savory cornbread ice cream. In closing, a seemingly simple brie custard is in fact ultra-inventive, thanks to a trickle of red cherry mostarda and honeycomb. Since you get to mix and match menu items, the bar follows suit and tailors wine options to guests' selections.