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I've been. Twice. I love Asian food of all types. During my first visit to Bida Manda, I was underwhelmed but, with all the rave reviews, it must have been a off day (weekend lunch, I recall). Returned for another lunch (weekday) as was still underwhelmed. It's not that it's bad - not at all. It's unique and unusual food, but not mind blowing. (and the servings were small.)
I suspect it's the unique and unusual part that got it this accolade. And I'm thankful - how many cities can claim to have a Laotian restaurant.
I've been. Twice. I love Asian food of all types. During my first visit to Bida Manda, I was underwhelmed but, with all the rave reviews, it must have been a off day (weekend lunch, I recall). Returned for another lunch (weekday) as was still underwhelmed.
The year we moved here my mother called all excited that one of the top ten Italian restaurants in the country was right here in Raleigh (Nina's Restorante). Go figure, we moved from the greater New York City area to Mayberry and wound up next to a Top Ten Italian restaurant; who'da thunk it?
We went, it was very good but about equal to most of the hundreds of places we left behind, some of which fronted as pizza places but served amazing dishes out of their kitchen. Nina's wouldn't have made our own personal top ten list let alone one comparing it to the entire country. And again, we had a good meal and good experience, it just wasn't best of the best type stuff.
And so I consider these recommendations to be a touch of creative marketing (if not advertising). How many people even like Laotian food?
Wow really? I'm a fan of Bida Manda. It's not the best restaurant ever but the food is very good and the service is good. I'm a fan and happy to hear that they're at the top.
One of the reason I posted it was because this restaurant was chosen over places in Chapel Hill and Durham which are frequently portrayed as "foodie" locations. Downtown Raleigh is not usually singled out in this same manner yet I think there are some great restaurants there.
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