Charlotte’s top dining destinations: Barrington’s Restaurant

The Chef: Chef Bruce Moffett

Chef Bruce Moffett completed his culinary training at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He grew up loving being in the kitchen, but never knew it would be what provided him with a successful career; he left a job in politics in Washington, D.C. in his 20s to pursue his culinary passion. Chef Moffett opened Barrington’s Restaurant after moving to Charlotte in 2000. Moffett’s mother and grandmother were his biggest influences, being that they were the ones who taught him to cook and use fresh ingredients straight out of the garden. With his knowledge of fresh ingredients, it is no surprise that Chef Moffett works with local farmers as much as possible. He was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast in 2009. Moffett also owns Good Food on Montford and Stagioni: Four Seasons of Food.

The Look: Airy Interior

Reflecting owner and chef, Bruce Moffett’s upbringing in New England, the atmosphere found inside of Barrington’s Restaurant is light and airy. Light gray and blue tones, coupled with gold accents and photos of Moffett’s native Rhode Island, help to give the restaurant the feel of a coastal setting. Opening 15 years ago in 2000, Chef Moffett’s goal with the 45-seat restaurant was to be a neighborhood bistro. But in the past decade and a half, the restaurant has proven to be a fine dining destination for diners far beyond Foxcroft. With consistently delicious food and exceptional service, customers know they will enjoy a good meal and service every time they visit. The dimly lit dining room suits the intimacy of the space, and gives diners a pleasant experience with whomever they are sharing a meal.

The Dish: Rabbit Pot Pie

Barrington’s specialty dish is the Rabbit Pot Pie. The dish has been on the menu for more than a decade, and consists of braised rabbit enclosed in a buttery pie crust with carrots, onion, celery, and herbs. Given the name, the rabbit pot pie is a spin on the chicken pot pie most know and love. By using rabbit instead of chicken, the dish is provided with a richer flavor. Plus, this dish is unique to Barrington’s Restaurant in Charlotte. Every winter, diners come back ready to have a taste of this dish, proving not only how special this dish is, but also the consistency of Chef Moffett and Barrington’s Restaurant. Chef Moffett cooks from the heart and has a way of combining ingredients that illicit fond memories, and help create new ones.

Barrington’s Restaurant: 7822 Fairview Road, Charlotte.

This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 6:16 PM.