A' Verde is the restaurant 'Top Chef' alum Katsuji Tanabe was meant to open

LM Restaurants and "Top Chef" alum Katsuji Tanabe have teamed up to open A'Verde Cocina and Tequila Bar in Cary.

Posted 2:32 p.m. Mar 17, 2022 — Updated 2:39 p.m. Mar 17, 2022

Kathy Hanrahan

, WRAL lifestyle editor

CARY, N.C. — When I first met "Top Chef" alum Katsuji Tanabe, he was sitting in a small office in downtown Raleigh's City Market.

He had a computer with a video game controller attached so he could play some old school games in between working on his first Triangle restaurant, High Horse. That restaurant would open to rave reviews in a prime City Market location a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The restaurant shuttered its doors and Tanabe went on a personal journey that led him to locally owned LM Restaurants.

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That collaboration has resulted in A’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library, which opens its doors to the public Friday at 2300 Walnut St. in Cary.

“It’s about showcasing Mexican food in an approachable way without being your traditional Mexican restaurant. We are bringing Mexican flavors in a more upscale, comfortable way,” Tanabe described the restaurant last year while it was under development. “I want you to enjoy my culture, yet you don’t need to be in the mood for Mexican food. This restaurant is a place where you can have fresh fish or good steak with some influences but without the heaviness that is associated with your typical Mexican food."

Ribeye Tacos at A’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library in Cary

Fellow restaurateur, Giorgios Bakatsias, designed the space for A’Verde, which features pops of color from Mexican-inspired art. The outdoor patio is a perfect spot to enjoy one of the signature margaritas or cocktails on the menu.

Grandma's Cornbread at A’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library in Cary

While High Horse was a fun restaurant to dine at (RIP Unicorn Cake), Tanabe's Mexican heritage truly seems to be shining at A'Verde. With classic items like his Grandmother's Cornbread recipe from the 1950s (topped with a honey truffle butter), Tanabe shares pieces of his life through the menu. But there is still room for fun - and lots of heat!

The roasted local oysters feature four oysters filled with a chorizo aioli and fresh habanero peppers. The menu refers to them as "spicy AF" and I can attest - they are!

And if you like margaritas, get the "So Basic" which is topped off with some fire!

Read the menu descriptions too, because there is some fun tongue-in-cheek humor to be found, like the table-side guacamole being made by "Mayan virgins or Kyle - whomever is available."

It's playful, but still elevated cuisine. Tanabe appeared on Bravo's "Top Chef" three times and became a fan favorite. With this new restaurant, Tanabe is showcasing the elements that made endearing to the audience.

Chicken Enchiladas at A’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library in Cary

Here are few menu standouts we enjoyed during a recent media tasting:

Local Roasted Oysters - Expect heat!
Guacamole and chips - Simple and delicious
Grandma's Cornbread - Just order it because it is our happy place
Chicken Enchiladas - Classic dish filled with fresh chicken and topped with a green tomatillo sauce
Al Pastor Cauliflower - Pineapple, cilantro and pickled onions give this some acidity that make you forget you are eating cauliflower
Mom’s Beans - These whipped pinto beans are so good and we don't normally eat pinto beans
Ribeye tacos - You can't go wrong with steak tacos!
Red Velvet Tres Leches Cake - Sweet, creamy and topped with strawberries this is a great dessert option. We can't wait to go back, though, and try the Churros!