savor — guide to dining on the azalea coast
signature dish
Tomatoes+
For a unique dining experience with a fun atmosphere,
Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi Bar
has an eclectic menu built on vegetarian, sushi and
ethnic Japanese and Mexican dishes.
One new item, the Tomato Sandwich,
appeared on the menu Nikk’s Front Street location a
month ago and instantly became a favorite among
customers. The fresh and interesting mix of ingredients
provides a distinctive taste.
Nikki’s manager Matt Bufort describes the toasted
sandwich filled with hummus, melted provolone
cheese, sprouts and avocado slices over a gently
fried fresh tomato and a homemade tzatziki sauce
on the side. The sandwich is loaded with all of the
important food groups … and it’s delicious.
Photographed at 16 S. Front St., (910) 772-9151 with
locations at Indepedence Mall, Racine Drive and
Military Cutoff Road. —Jordan Smith
sweet tooth
A sweet, novel idea
The aroma of freshly baked cookies will pull you
away from the sidewalk and into the back room
of Old Books on Front Street. Picture yourself surrounded
by volumes of books, sipping an iced coffee or iced
tea latte with homemade chai, paired with a sweet, delectable
muffin, cookie or slice of housemade pie.
This respite from the summer heat is the climate Samantha
Smith provides for her customers at her café Sugar On Front
St. in downtown Wilmington. With a menu full of treats made
with fresh fruit and raw sugar, Smith’s sweets are made with
healthy, earthy ingredients you can enjoy without the guilt.
“I use all local fruits and produce. My blackberries are from
Lumberton and blueberries from Hampstead,” Smith says. By
making everything from scratch, such as her graham cracker
crumbles for the traditional Key lime pie, Smith says, “I want
my customers to splurge and have a treat that is fun and decadent
without feeling the guilt of having something sweet.”
249 N. Front St., (910) 254-1110. —Jordan Smith
72
WBM august 2011
Fuji and Granny Smith apple pie.