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For the perfect end to the perfect day, dinner at Fabian's , is a feast for the senses. Fabian Botta, Executive Chef and Owner, has created an epicurean marvel in an intimate and romantic setting. His prixe fix menu (a bargain at $50.00 per person, not including gratuity or wine from the well-stocked wine cellar) consists of five glorious courses: appetizer, soup, salad, entrée and dessert. All but the entrée are chef's selections which change nightly; guests may choose their entrée from several offered each evening. With a Northern Italian flavor, Fabian's cuisine is creative and consistent, presented with an artistic flair, and served with attentiveness, but unobtrusiveness.

The evening we dined at Fabian's, our appetizer consisted of fresh, flavorful mussels in a garlic-wine broth. Skipping over the seasoned dipping oil, my crusty loaf headed directly to the broth, mopping up its last drops. It happens that my husband is allergic to shellfish: no problem here. Within minutes of hearing this our obliging server returned with a beautiful alternate appetizer consisting of rabbit confit with vegetable garni which my husband promptly inhaled.

Our entrée, medallions of beef loin in a wine reduction with braised root vegetables, was melt-in-your mouth, cut-with-a-fork delicious. Fabian blushed when I told him his cuisine could only be described as somewhere between Heaven and really good sex.

To top off the wonderful meal that evening, Fabian prepared an ethereal, cloud-like tiramisu, with his signature "F" in chocolate gracing the center. Don't ask me where I put this, but I managed to scarf up every last bite.

Fabian's is worthy of a trip from Raleigh just for that special occasion dinner. With only about a dozen tables, Fabian's requires reservations, and serves dinner at one 7:30pm seating, Tuesday through Saturday.

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