May's Mysterious Restaurants

 May's Mysterious Restaurants

    I have something to confess, dear reader. These past few months spent in the fantasy dimension have left me rather bored. I do love my place of residence, don’t get me wrong! Only, I long for a new experience. There is a hunger in me, one that can only be sustained by the unknown. No genre can provide this better than that of the mystery, all secrets and plot twists included. 

    So, this month I say goodbye to all things fantasy, and travel to an unknown dimension. One that will hopefully provide the new stories I seek…

    All of this talk of hunger has left me, well, hungry! Although I don’t eat the same “food” you humans do, I require new stories and ideas to survive. Why don’t we look at the unknown together? Below are some lovely suggestions* on where to eat if you are looking for a surprise in Wilmington, North Carolina. 

Okami Hibachi Steakhouse

Lisa Lorenzo

Right at the front of Okami, the biggest thing that stands out to me are the doors. Polished wooden doors with giant, ornate handles. Almost like a shrine entrance.  If you grab hold of one of the handles, you come to a huge open space. The lighting is perfect–mysterious and dim. From there, the experience only gets better!

The food is your typical Japanese cuisine: sushi, bento boxes, hibachi, and teriyaki. What makes this place the best, at least for me, is how they cook the food. The presentation is fine, and it is all star quality. But what I love most about this place is they grill your dish right in front of you, offering you a front row seat to a great time!

S&L New York Style Deli

Lacey George

    A small business, S&L gives you a little slice of New York. One wall is filled with license plates, making you think of all the people who live, work, and travel around the Big Apple. They’ve got Yankee gear all over the restaurant, pictures of the cityscape lining the walls, and great staff that’s perfect for a quick, casual lunch. Or breakfast. Sadly, they’re not open for dinner. 

    This deli has a wide variety of sandwiches, all of which are top tier. Their baked goods are great too, all of the desserts look and taste awesome. I suggest the cookies. They are immaculate. Trust me, you’ll want to try one. 

El Cazador

Lizbeth Ascencion

    In the heart of Carolina Beach, there stands a two-story restaurant, one that fills the heart with warmth and stomach with incredible food. That restaurant is El Cazador. It’s a standard Mexican place, but one that is filled with an extreme level of comfort. I recommend the balcony seating. It’s perfect for a good time or just a change in atmosphere. 

    Staff is excellent, but weekends and summers can get busy, so better show up early on those days. As far as the dishes go, feel free to try anything. If you get stuck, you can’t go wrong with ACP and churros. That’s what I normally do, at least.

Rumcow

Alastor George

    Big windows light up the space, making the dark bricks painted white glisten as ivy climbs up the walls. An out of tune piano sits in the back, playing charming and nostalgic notes every time I skim my hand onto one of the keys. It almost feels like a secret, the cream colored instrument blending perfectly into the shadowed room. Rumcow’s image is whimsical with a modern twist, allowing you to take a  romanticized culinary trip around the globe without ever leaving your table.

    Their dishes can only be described as eclectic, with influences from Asia, Central America, and many island nations. I would recommend any and all of them, the food is so good! The only complaint I have about Rumcow is the wait. It can be long, based on what day of the week it is. Thankfully, they offer reservations.  

Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar

Kayleen Morales

    This restaurant is located in Carolina Beach, right on the water. It’s a perfect place to go after a long day by the ocean. They serve great food: fish, sandwiches, tacos… but I’m not here to talk about that! This whole article is about mysterious restaurants, and this one is the most mysterious. Not because of how it looks, and not because of where it’s at. Nope, this mystery is so simple, most overlook it.

    I love this place because of their fries. Crispy, large, and just the right amount of salt. I would happily eat these fries for the rest of my life if possible. No one can convince me otherwise, so don’t bother trying. These fries, they’re everything. Apart from that, the lemonade is to die for. I always get a refill! Only, you’ll want to get a small amount of ice. It won’t disappoint!

    There you have it, reader. Five surprising, unique restaurants that are sure to make your meal! Have a suggestion of your own? Comment below!

    Until next time,

    -Magic Typewriter

*The following paragraphs have been adapted from an interview with each person. Think of this article as a sort of ghostwrite.