Noble Smoke is a restaurant new to the Freedom Dr. and Tuckaseegee Rd. area. They came in with the gentrification that has been happening for the last 7-10 years in that neighborhood. I grew up in this neighborhood so these changes are near and dear to my heart. Jenn is my server and so far she has not earned a tip! She greeted me promptly even though I had to ask for her name, brought my water with lime timely, but then just left me here for like 15 mins before she came back to take my order. She has has not told me any specials, she has not offered a drink or drink specials, and when I said it was 1st time here she was like okay. Just okay… not well let me explain some things or tell you what is good on the menu. What she said was order at least a ½ lb of meat! They have brisket, ribs, etc. I love the décor… wood. Huge bar. The beer menu is outrageous… I would love to try some because they have 36 on tap and I know when I lived in other places like Asheville, NC the bars like that offered samples. I’m writing as I sit. And she hasn’t come back to ask if I want anything other than water. The guy who seated me was nice (wishing he could be my server). Lol.
Okay so my food just came it’s cold. Like everything is room temperature. The smoked turkey breast, collards, chicken… all room temperature. Is this normal? I don’t think so but they need to come get this and take it away. Flavor is good but it’s cold! And I need a side plate to put my ketchup on for my hush puppies but still haven’t seen Been, my server. The hush puppies are the only thing decent temperature. So my tantrum is over… Jeff came to save the day!!! He was the guy who seated me and his energy was so great. Food is warm, it is Amazing!!!
Trying beer now. Satisfy my Soul is a dark stout, it’s good but weird. Then I tried Amored Cow Forbidden Love and it was pretty good. I am drinking a glass of Philippe Gimel “Malaucene” and it is excellent! The food was good Jeff said they put the #19 sauce on the chicken and I didn’t feel it until I stopped beating but it pair well with this wine.
Overall this is a nice vibe. I would love to see more Black servers, host, and at least one bartender because this is the Black side of town even though they are trying to push us out. This place would get 5 out of 5 stars for everything but Jenn.
Thought I was finished… full glass of wine left & I can’t smoke a cigarette on the patio while I finish it which now makes me feel like because I complained to the manager about Jenn they just want me to leave. It’s Kool and the Gang.
Damsalfly Ink 