Cary, NC- If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary for a special occasion, look no further than An, the Asian Fusion restaurant located in Weston’s Arboretum. Chef Michael Chuong’s signature ‘New World’ cuisine, represents an elegant blend of Southeast Asian flavors and European influences. Chuong has artfully combined the elegance of a French four-star restaurant with the sensational flavors of a Southeast Asian market.
THE RESTAURANT
Sleek dark wood columns and floors create an elegant restrained backdrop giving the illusion of space and privacy between tables of diners. We had occasion to dine here for our 21st anniversary on a Tuesday night before the New Year’s Holiday. It was a slower night, and the service was remarkable. The wait staff are well versed in the dishes they serve. As we had not been to the restaurant previously, our waiter suggested the tasting menu for $60 a person, or you may add a wine pairing for an additional $20 each. We were feeling adventurous and chose our selections individually.
THE DINNER
We started with a Cava Spanish sparkling wine paired with smoked salmon and Alaskan King Crab Sashimi. Hal had the Calamari, which was served in a bowl with 2 dipping sauces. There was an abundance of this dish and it could easily serve a couple diners as a nice sized appetizer.
For main course, I chose the Seafood Bouillabaisse. The half lobster tail was perfect, surrounded my the most tender mussels that I believe I have ever eaten. The broth was subtle and aromatic with a hint of sour cream. Hal ordered the Duck Two Ways, served as a confit and also sliced thin with a sauce of lentils beside it.
We couldn’t resist and the dessert menu was a treat. The Apple Crumble was a work of art topped with a dehydrated paper thin apple slice in which the apple flavor was so intense and a great counterpoint to the creamy filling and crumbled streusle below.
ABOUT THE CHEF
After 8 years as the beloved Executive Chef at Prestonwood Country Club, Ann Goodnight bestowed on Chuong his biggest honor yet – to partner with him in opening his own restaurant. An opened in the Summer of 2006. An represents the culmination of Chuong’s talent, heritage and culinary experience, introducing a Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant like no other to the region. Here, Chuong’s life story will unfold at the table, through his version of “ New World ” cuisine.
We truly felt as if we had been transported to another world while dining at An. The room is hushed and intimate and the service truly made us feel special. The menu is well priced for the level of service and dining that you will expect at such a high end establishment.
