There are certain seminal events in the lives of people that leave an indelible mark on our memory.  The events are different for all of us.  For some it is that time they see that special someone for the first time.  Maybe it was the birth of a child or the start of a new job.  While I do have those memories, the one I am reminded of today is the opening of a new restaurant.  Those of us raised in Sanford, who are of a certain age, will recall with fondness the opening of Bojangles.  It was such a watershed moment in the history of our town that it earned a spot in Sandprints (our yearbook).  The line stretched down Horner Blvd. for weeks.

I am pleased to report that I still get excited about the opening of a new restaurant, although now my tastes are a bit more refined than chicken and biscuits.  This past Saturday the boss and I got the opportunity to try a new place located in the Stonehenge (oh how they danced) shopping center.  The place is Serena.  Serena was recommended to us by a friend who has children with Celiac as a great place to go.  Apparently they have their first location in Durham and I am sure that it is every bit as good as their new spot.  Serena has taken over the old location of Wildflour which means that they inherited a brick oven for pizza.  I was informed by the waiter that they are still perfecting their dough recipe and will have gluten-free crust as well.

We arrived early on Saturday evening because I wanted to talk with our server about their gluten-free options.  He was extremely knowledgeable and when he wasn’t sure, he went back to speak with the chef.  Our drink orders were promptly gathered.  The boss went with a white wine while I had Omission Pale Ale.  Omission is one of the only gluten-free beers I have found that taste like beer.  The menu is fairly extensive, so do what we did and peruse it after you order the truffle fries for an appetizer.  Yum!  All of their fries are made in a dedicated fryer so I could have my fill.  For her entree the boss had the Grey Goose Sauce with gluten-free penne topped with a portobello.  Hers was great.  As for me, I had the Red Clam Sauce with the gluten-free penne topped with blackened chicken.  It was wonderful and loaded with clams.  Both of us had enough for lunch the next day.  Since we were full, we opted out of dessert.

The only drawback to this fantastic place is that it can be a bit pricey.  However, knowing I can eat without getting gluten-gut is a wonderful thing.  It is also exciting to have a good restaurant so close to my house where I can just duck in for a beer and some fries.  Next time I’ll try another sauce, a different kind of fry, or maybe one of their specialty drinks.  One thing is certain, there will be a next time.  While Serena did not open to the fanfare of that Bojangles in Sanford almost 20 years ago, I am equally as excited, though in a more mature and reserved way.