Luke Judge

In the midst of an amazing year in which it has celebrated its 50th anniversary, been named an All-American Icon by Nation’s Restaurant News, and won its 21st consecutive Wine Spectator Grand Award, the Angus Barn has racked up another accolade. Its Wild Turkey Bar & Lounge has been named one of the Best Business Bars in America by Entrepreneur magazine.

The Wild Turkey Bar & Lounge is included among 15 prestigious watering holes across the country, as named in the July 2010 issue of Entrepreneur magazine. It is one of only two bars in the Southeast named as a best bar for doing business.

Stating that the Wild Turkey Bar & Lounge has been “a cross-sectional hotbed of local politicos, big pharma executives and tech tycoons since it opened in 1984,” author Monica Corcoran Harel goes on to write that this is “the best place to strike a deal in the entire Research Triangle.” On any given night, one might run into local and state elected officials, as well as top executives from SAS, GlaxoSmithKline and more.

According to Entrepreneur magazine, the essential attributes of a great business bar include discreet seating, friendly and attentive staff, a compelling crowd, manageable din, a full range of liquor, good lighting, good food and decent decor.

“This is certainly an unexpected distinction for the Wild Turkey Bar & Lounge,” said Van Eure, owner of the Angus Barn. “My father immediately added the bar when the liquor-by-the-drink law passed in Wake County. The Wild Turkey Lounge was one of the very first places in the area to begin serving cocktails to its guests.”

It quickly grew to become an elegant and comfortable destination for local and visiting executives and politicians. The Wild Turkey Bar & Lounge features heart of pine walls, leather armchairs, a full bar, a special bar menu, and a collection of over 600 Wild Turkey decanters. Patrons can select a fine cigar from the humidor and enjoy smoking in The Meat Locker, a brand new open-air smoking lounge and patio.

For more information on the Angus Barn, visit angusbarn.com. For more information on the Wild Turkey Bar & Lounge, visit angusbarn.com/turkey.htm.

About the Angus Barn
Founded in 1960, the Angus Barn is a distinguished fine-dining establishment in Raleigh, N.C., owned and managed by Van Eure. Featured in Southern Living magazine and on the CBS program “48 Hours” for its cuisine and exemplary service, the Angus Barn has won numerous awards including the Ivy Award, Gold Plate Award, DiR?Na (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) Award, Wine Spectator Grand Award, NRN 50 All-American Icon Restaurant and Fine Dining Hall of Fame Award. In 2006, Angus Barn’s Executive Chef Walter Royal, a Restaurant Guild International Five Star Chef of the Year, triumphed over a celebrity Iron Chef on the Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” television show. For more information, visit angusbarn.com.

Gin Collectables angus barn, meat locker

Thirsty Camel at Phoenician

The Phoenician is always a favorite destination, even if you’re not wealthy or don’t golf. The sprawling resort at the southern side of Camelback Mountain draws us in because of its luxurious decor and grand views. Try the El Tesoro Paradiso Private Label tequila, a sipping tequila that’s been double-matured in a cognac and bourbon barrel for eight years.

“I’m challenged with providing experiences that cannot be duplicated-in service, atmosphere and ambience,” said Phoenician’s food and beverage director Mac Gregory. “It’s a cognac style, sipping tequila, ultra luxury, ultra high-end and it speaks the language of The Phoenician.”

The decadence comes at a price. By the shot, the vanilla- and oak-tinged El Tesoro Paradiso Private Label tequila will be sold for about $25, but tasting it in bellinis or margaritas can cost anywhere from $9 to $25. The signature liquor is part of the AAA Five Diamond luxury resort’s already established tequila program, one of the largest in the country. During the last several years, The Phoenician has worked to brand itself as a destination for world-class tequila offerings, with Friday poolside tastings in the summer, house-made infusions and an ongoing staff education program. Gregory sees tequila as the liquor that fits most neatly with a vacationer’s image of the Southwest, an indigenous tie to the region, and it doesn’t hurt that the margarita is the number-one selling mixed drink in the country.

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