"Despite opening moments before the pandemic, Machete held on and quickly rocketed to the top of the Triad’s dining scene. Chefs Kevin Cottrell and Lydia Greene — expats from the late LaRue — came into their own at this New American restaurant. They just received a massive recognition to prove it: being named as a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant nationwide by the illustrious James Beard Awards. Customers can sit in the open (but covered) lounge area to try the spread of rotating small and large plates, which include items like a divine roasted cauliflower with brown butter and hazelnut, smoky king trumpet mushroom skewers, double-fried and massive crispy duck wings, and a pillowy olive oil toast topped with warm chocolate ganache." - Eric Ginsburg
