WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – It’s hard to believe we are already in February, meaning a month on the calendar has flown by. If you’re coming out of your shell from dry January, you may be ready for a night on the town. Or maybe you’re just trying to find something fun and unique to do this weekend (without battling the traffic).
If your to-do list includes “find a great place to eat,” one restaurant you should have on your culinary radar is Cousins Italian Deli. During the day, they serve a variety of cold and hot sandwiches loaded with meats, cheeses and veggies. Plus, they have your typical salads, antipasto salads, and even a soup of the day (mmm, that sounds good. I’ll have that…).
However, where Cousins really shines is on weekend nights with their family-style Italian dinners. You likely won’t be able to get a seat for your party this weekend, as they’re booked out for months (but you can call on the day of and see if they can squeeze you in). The wait is well worth it though, as this deli-by-day transforms for the evening crowd.
Depending on party size, you may have a table for your crew, or you may be included with others. But don’t worry, there is more than enough food for the table. The six-course meal includes it all, plus you get to bring your own wine and beer.
On our recent visit, an opening a plate of garlic toast and bruschetta got the evening started. Then came the antipasto round with eggplant rollatini, arancini, sautéed shrimp, and marinated mushrooms. Had the meal stopped there I would have been pleased, as everything on the plate was delicious.
Next was a classic Italian salad with house dressing, followed by a round of penne pasta in vodka sauce. By now my group of 12 was starting to feel the effects of the courses and the “drink at your own will” guidelines.
However, we still had our main course to come: large platters of chicken piccata, lightly breaded and fried, then drizzled with lemon butter sauce and capers. A side of roasted broccoli rounded out the dish, and it was a big crowd pleaser.
Of course, the final course was dessert. Trays of cannoli, carrot cake, and biscotti served with fresh coffee. It’s ushers in a perfect time to decompress and reflect on the evening that was.
The chef then came out to meet everyone and thank them for attending, a real cherry on top of a memorable dining experience. The price is right, around $40, and again, you bring your own wine or beer. The amount of food can seem overbearing at times, but you pick and choose what you want. Is it the best Italian food around? No. Is it worth a visit over some other well-known Italian spots in town? Absolutely. Mainly because you will remember this dinner, whether with friends and family or dining with strangers.
Making a reservation at Cousins for one of their weekend Italian family-style dinners is an absolute must. That means you need to get on it now if you want to take your own group or special someone here in the near future.
IF YOU GO:
Cousins Italian Deli and Restaurant is located at 7 N 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Do you recommend a restaurant? Or know of a best-kept secret that you want the rest of the Cape Fear to know about? Shoot me an email at corey.preece@gray.tv and I would love to feature your selection. Cheers!
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