Cary Mexican Restaurant A’Verde, From Top Chef’ Katsuji Tanabe, Now Open | Eater Carolinas

"Opened at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022, this Cary restaurant from Top Chef alum Katsuji Tanabe channels his Mexico City upbringing and Mexican-Japanese heritage to present Mexican cooking informed by Japanese pantry staples — soy sauce, fish sauce and togarashi — rather than as a deliberate fusion. The menu highlights octopus tacos, cochinita pibil and vegetable-forward plates using local produce from okra to butternut squash. Interiors lean heavily into green (walls, plants and table veladoras) and were designed by the restaurant group to reflect the bold menu, with reclaimed mirrors, hanging baskets, aged kitchen boards and a rustic, homey atmosphere; a tequila room features a modern Frida Kahlo mural by artist Arianne Hemlein and shelves lined with numerous bottles." - Erin Perkins