Caffe Phoenix began serving "fresh, innovative cuisine in a comfortable bistro style atmosphere" in 1989, the same year my oldest was born. OK, so yeah, that makes me feel really old to have a 21 year old child, umm young adult child. But on the other hand, my age means I am an informed diner to know about Caffe Phoenix in historic Downtown Wilmington, NC.

I recently was back in Wilmington and arranged a small get-together at Caffe Phoenix. Boy was I happy with the results. As our group gathered, we started at the bar.  Since we were there on a Tuesday, we snagged a $20 bottle of Cava - a light and refreshing Spanish sparkling wine. Glasses are $5 each and bottles of select wines are $20 Tuesday through Thursday nights.

There's a lot to talk about and take in sitting at the expansive bar, admiring the chic decor and paintings (Caffe Phoenix has a rotating art exhibition every month to 6 weeks, so the decor changes with the featured artist - love that!). Sipping on my first glass, then second glass of Cava, I was content to sit and watch the people pass outside the large windows on N. Front Street. But once all our group arrived, we sat down to dinner.

Their menu is inventive and delicious. Appetizers of Spinach Gorgonzola Dip with bacon, basil & Parmesan, served with toasted flat bread and Sweet & Sour Calamari which was flash-fried and served with a lemony sauce were both familiar and yet different. Although some of us thought the Gorgonzola overwhelmed the other flavors in the dip, we didn't have any problem finishing every last bit of it. The Calamari was what they call "flash fried," and the result was a ultra tender batter coating, almost Tempura-style. Tossed with the Calamari were banana peppers and sun-dried tomatoes and served alongside was a delicious lemony dipping sauce.  But the flavor explosion did not stop there.
Everyone one of our main dishes were simply divine.

As it is almost a prerequisite that I take a photo of every dish and sample them, I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed the Vegetarian Lasagna,Shrimp and PolentaGrilled Pork TenderloinSpecial grilled fish of the day - Rockfish over polentaand the other special, Buttermilk Fried Trout ... oh, YUM! We were all simply too full for desserts, but I know from past experience, they are just as wonderful as everything else. Caffe Phoenix is just one of the wonderful restaurants and bars in Historic Downtown Wilmington. Wilmington Today recently did a round up. If you're in the area, be sure to check them out.