My company just had its picnic at Angus Barn’s Pavilions and until I got the invitation in the mail, I didn’t even know it existed. I’m so glad that I know about it now! To be honest, I had no intention of blogging about this, especially since it was a rainy and untypically cool day for a late April day and, well, it was a company picnic. That is, until about 10 minutes after we got there. What a great place to hold an event, either corporate or private. Beautiful setting, superb service, excellent food. It’s a well-hidden gem behind the famous “barn” that houses the main restaurant, and I would jump at the chance to go back!

According to Angus Barn’s website, “The Pavilion seats 350 with additional space for 150 on the enclosable patio which can be quickly tented. Perhaps no other Raleigh area dining and event facility has a structure more adaptable to changing weather. It takes a mere 12 minutes to slide the removable walls of glass and cedar away and create a beautiful, open-air setting. If cold weather calls for a toasty environment, warm yourself inside by the skyscraping fireplace so tall that a person measuring 6’2” could stand in it.” The Pavilion is rustic, charming and cozy.

Plus it has a “Big Ass Fan” (seriously – look at the picture, that’s what it’s called) that is just too cool. And yes, it is huge.

Right outside is a beautiful lake that has a one-mile walking trail around it to enjoy when the weather is agreeable.

And even though it rained, the kids weren’t bored. There was the game truck, plus they played laser tag in the drizzle. They didn’t care. And some of the older “kids” had fun with corn hole!

But let’s turn to the food. Since our event was a picnic, we had traditional picnic-type fare, including burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, chicken wings (buffalo and barbecue), corn-on-the-cob, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans and ribs.

Oh my, the ribs – they were the hit of the picnic. Personally, I was not surprised, because the last few times I’ve eaten at Angus Barn I’ve opted for the ribs instead of steak because they are so, so, so delicious. On the way to the picnic I was hoping they’d be served and was thrilled when I saw a stacking heap of them. So were many of my coworkers!

There were some great desserts – awesome banana pudding and little velvety chocolate chess pie tart thingies.  And don’t let me forget about the table of hors d’oeuvres that included Angus Barn’s famous cheddar cheese spread and crackers. Yum.

But I do have to admit what thrilled me even more was that we were served by “Royal-ty.” That’s right, executive chef and Food Network’s Iron Chef winner, Walter Royal, was there, on a Sunday afternoon, serving up coleslaw, corn-on-the-cob and lots of smiles. Lexi and Gabe were rightfully impressed (so was Aunt Kelley!)

Speaking of service, it was all great, just what you would expect from Angus Barn, and maybe even better. Top notch – we were all treated royally.

Thanks to FMI for a great company picnic and thanks to Angus Barn for your hospitality, great food and outstanding service. A number of my colleagues hope we can hold our holiday party here!

Eat, drink and be merry!