signature dish
pick a pepper
“It is something unique that not a lot of other restaurants
have,” says Lai Somsnith, owner of Tokyo
101, of the stuffed jalapeno peppers
offered as an appetizer at his restaurant.
The dish, made of up six jalapeno halves, is one
of the most popular items on the menu, Somsnith
says. The seeds are removed from the peppers so
the only spicy sensation comes from the sauces
themselves.
The lightly fried peppers are stuffed with shrimp,
crabmeat and vegetables then drizzled with four different
sauces, including spicy mayo and eel sauce.
Tokyo 101’s atmosphere is extremely versatile,
calm and quiet making it perfect for all occasions.
From the textured glass windows to the bamboo
awning over the sushi bar, the interior is influenced
by Japanese culture.
The popular restaurant has even been visited by
multiple celebrities — most recently Beau Bridges
and Christopher Lloyd, and in the past, Somsnith
says, actors from “Brothers and Sisters,” “One Tree
Hill” and other hit television shows have made Tokyo
101 their dinner destination.
“Tokyo 101 is the beginning of something new,”
says Somsnith who opened the restaurant in July
2009 at Mayfaire Town Center. “We hope to expand
in the future and continue to grow every day.”
880 Town Center Drive, (910) 399-3101 —Sara Leary
sweet tooth
Nutty for crêpes
The delectable French treat known as a crêpe, is more
than just a thin pancake and whipped cream at local restaurant
88
WBM july 2011
Our Crêpes & More. With hundreds of topping
combinations and ingredients, the family-owned business prides
itself on getting creative.
The Crazy Nutella is the perfect summer dessert. Filled with
Nutella and topped with homemade Nutella ice cream, whipped
cream and Nutella powder, this supreme crêpe is deliciously popular.
“This isn’t your typical French bistro,” says Jacqueline Marguerat
who opened the restaurant with her husband in June 2010. “We
wanted high quality but with affordable prices. French food tends
to be expensive but we wanted to stay reasonable.”
After studying at a culinary school in the South of France, it is no
wonder that the Marguerats make such terrific crêpes. In addition
to dessert crêpes, Our Crêpes & More also serves savory crêpes
that, similar to sandwiches, are made with ingredients like chicken,
cheese, fresh tomatoes, olives and more. Homemade ice cream, sorbet
and classic French sandwiches are found on the menu as well.
“We try to offer a variety to the wonderful people that come into
our restaurant,” Marguerat says. “We can create any kind of combination
they want.”
3810 Oleander Drive, (910) 395-0077. —Sara Leary
savor — guide to dining on the azalea coast