What setting could be more perfect for late afternoon relaxation than the patio behind the venerable Washington Duke Inn in Durham, NC?
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We recently enjoyed a wonderful, sunny afternoon learning to putt from the resort's golf pro, >> and sampling dishes from the hotel kitchen's summer menu of locally sourced dishes.
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| A warm welcome from the hotel staff |
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| Duke's PGA Director of Golf Ed Ibarguen |
The location, overlooking the Washington Duke’s putting green and the fairways of the Golf Club, makes the perfect spot for a refreshing libation or light meal of summer specialties.
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An icy Basil Squeeze, made with N.C. sweet potato vodka, drove the long, hot summer from our minds. The main ingredient, Covington Vodka, is made in Snow Hill, and can claim the title of Best Yam Vodka on Earth, after a gold medal win at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013.
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| A Basil Squeeze |
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| Sweet Potato Vodka made in North Carolina |
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| Icy beers, mostly from local breweries |
What a relaxing time! Seated in lawn chairs underneath the spreading oaks, we enjoyed a selection of summer specialties from the inn’s award-winning kitchens.
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| Our waiter |
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| Chef Cunningham |
The summer menu, designed by executive chef Jason Cunningham, features Southern flavors and local ingredients combined with an artist’s eye.
Heirloom tomatoes splashed with basil oil, crabcakes atop butterbean succotash, North Carolina pasture-raised pork smoked with bourbon, line-caught N.C. yellowfin tuna tartar served with an icy avocado garnish, and grilled shrimp flavored with mint and papaya are dishes that tempt the appetite on even the hottest days.
Dessert is equally refreshing. We tried a mango Bavarian set among fresh berries and a fried blueberry hand pie served with house-made blood orange ice cream.
Following our tasting, we tried something new (for us!) - a putting contest.
Fortunately we didn't have to sink our putts to win prizes.
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| Who knew Allan Maurer could putt? |
The Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club, set adjacent to Duke University’s West Campus, is one of the most celebrated resort properties in the region, recently receiving the Expedia Insiders Select award and the TripAdvisor 2014 Certificate of Excellence.
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| The Washington Duke's lovely patio |
Wine Spectator recognized its wine cellar with an Award of Excellence in 2014, and the Greater Triangle NC Chapter of the International Special Events Society voted it several Trinity Awards as one of the best places in the region to host an event, both in the budget and high-end categories.
Thanks to the Washington Duke Inn for the exceptional hospitality, and congratulations on having one of the most exceptional back yards in all the Carolinas.
Originally published July, 2014 in CarolinasBest.
