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batdown Aug 31, 2007 10:15 AM

Starlu in durham

ive been here twice and both times it was a terrible experience. i felt unsettled and unwelcome, unsatisfied with my food, and unhappy at how much it cost for such a subpar experience. but, ive been hearing more positive reviews recently. whats the consensus on starlu?

  1. g
    gpatterson Sep 2, 2007 10:44 AM

    Have been to Starlu many times and never had a bad experience -- food's always been wonderful, and service was pleasant and welcoming. Sorry to hear it wasn't a good night out for y'all.

    4 Replies
    1. re: gpatterson
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      batdown Sep 2, 2007 06:46 PM

      ive actually only eaten there for lunch - what would you select from their menu? i'm considering giving them another shot for dinner as i havent been in a while.

      1. re: batdown
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        gpatterson Sep 3, 2007 06:22 AM

        Menu changes often and of the current offerings the only ones I've tried are the arancini, the beet medley and the eggplant parm reconsidered. all of which were excellent. haven't had the current burger or hanger steak presentation but i and others i've eaten there with have enjoyed earlier versions of both.

        1. re: gpatterson
          LulusMom Sep 3, 2007 07:44 AM

          I thought the eggplant parm reconsidered was a bust, and I love eggplant. That said, there are things there I have enjoyed.

          1. re: LulusMom
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            NCetr Sep 7, 2007 01:19 PM

            My husband and I ate there about a month ago, I'd been given a gift cert and so we went with high hopes. That was my third visit. The first two, both a year or two ago, were very good. A month ago -- not great. Food was "ok" and service so-so. I got a flounder dish that was so salty that neither of us could eat it. Tried in vain to get our server's attention but she was flat out and never checked back with us. When she finally came to the table and asked how everything was and we gave her the almost full dish, she said, "I wish you had told me." No offer to bring back another dish or to make an adjustment of any sort. And while we probably should have protested harder, by then we were not wowed and wanted to get on to dessert. Two apps, two entrees, two desserts and two glasses of wine was about $130. Not worth that, IMHO.

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      alexig Aug 31, 2007 01:12 PM

      I ate there a few months ago and it was one of the worst meals I have had in a while. Totally uninspired and tasteless. Plus expensive. Won't be going back.

      1 Reply
      1. re: alexig
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        batdown Sep 1, 2007 09:24 AM

        i agree. plus, starlu has an open kitchen. this is a trend i'm not usually a fan of, but in starlu's case it was especially bad. who wants to eat whilst hearing the chef berate and abuse every staff member?

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