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King Street Café: The Secret Is Out
Nestled in the heart of Morganton, NC’s downtown historic district, on one of its busy side streets, sits the King Street Café. You may pass by this historic home and not be aware of the delicious secrets it holds. This charming Victorian home quietly sits on a small wooded, landscaped property, with a front porch and garden benches that invite you to relax before or after you dine.
The King Street Café has been open to the public for 12 years but was purchased a little more than three years ago by Paula Rayner, who said she “moved here to purchase the Café.” Over the past three years, Paula has breathed new life into the café with major renovations that appeal to those who enjoy gourmet cuisine in a casual, cozy setting.
Paula greets you with a knowing smile as you cross the porch and enter the foyer. You are welcome to sit in the bar area where you can relax with
a glass of fine wine or a cocktail. Then, enjoy your choice of two dining rooms where linen tablecloths, centerpieces and decorative fireplaces which further enhance each room’s comforting Victorian charm.
Start off with an appetizer of bruschetta topped with shrimp and served with an artichoke cream sauce, or perhaps baked Brie. Second course selections vary from salads or pasta, served with or without chicken or fish, all freshly prepared by the café's own chef and his talented staff.
Entrée’s range from French and Italian to Southern and Low Country cuisine. For those of us unfamiliar with Low Country cuisine, the café's chef explained it to be “New-Orleans-infused Southern cooking.” Schooled at Johnson & Wales in Charleston, SC, he has more than 12 years of experience in the kitchen. He enjoys preparing such out-of-the-ordinary selections as Grilled Breast of Duck, Pecan-Crusted Trout, Crab Imperial or Pork Milanese. When asked what his favorite dish was, the cafe's enigmatic chef revealed with a grin, that it would have to be “the Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli,” served with a fresh tomato and basil sauce. These are just a few of the cafe's deliciously guarded secrets.
Paula added that she serves a “tremendous amount of steak” and that her guests are very satisfied with the menu "just the way it is”. Special dietary attention can be given upon request.
To complete your King Street Café dining experience, be sure to try one of their pastry chef's not-so-guilty pleasures like Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie or Crème Brule’ Cheesecake or… anything you like! There are no wrong choices at the King Street Café.
The secret of the King Street Café is out! But if you've experienced it, you may just decide to make it a secret, that special dining destination all your own. Whether you are planning an intimate dinner for two, a bridal shower, a corporate luncheon or a dinner party, you'll find the King Street Café to be a welcome revelation.
The King Street Café is located at 207 South King Street, Morganton, NC.
Open Wednesday through Saturday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and as reserved for special events or private parties. Off-site catering is also available — please call for more details.
For reservations call (828) 437-4477
Written By: Chris Starrett and Sue Kovak
Photographed By: Chris Starrett
