From NCRLA’s 2021 “Chef of the Year,” Saif Rahman brings his nomadic culinary journey to life with Peregrine. Named for the migratory falcon that represents symbols of freedom, strength, and adaptability, Peregrine harnesses first-generation American immigrant cuisine through a modern lens. While Rahman is originally from Bangladesh, his dishes pull from Mexican, Vietnamese, West African, Korean, and other global influences.
Emphasizing the roaming story arc of Peregrine, the menu is separated into three categories: Arrivals (starters), Journeys (mains), and Departures (desserts). Guests can begin with bites of a Middle Eastern lavash or Peruvian tiradito and finish with a French blueberry fromage—a globetrotting tour, without the jet lag. Rave reviews demand that all guests try the Bengali wedding chicken, a show-stopping leg perched atop a sea of “yummy sauce,” a decadent, creamy sauce with enchanting subtleties of rose. Pair the chicken with their Carolina Gold Rice pulao with sultana raisins for an additional vehicle to sop up the sauce.
Rahman partners with Patrick Shanahan of Watts & Ward to head the design of the space and their sophisticated cocktail program. Pulling from Rahman’s South Asian heritage, the cocktail menu features elements like rose water, pistachio orgeat, palo santo smoke, darjeeling-infused gin, and kaffir lime, a nostalgic nod to a lime tree at Rahman’s childhood home. However, since their doors opened, a singular cocktail has risen to specific stardom. The Tokyo Highlander combines Toki Japanese whiskey, lemon, ginger, and dalmore, garnished with a stunning honeycomb from the restaurant’s personal hive. If you’re looking for a more personalized touch, curate your own old fashioned with their bar cart, hand-selecting your preferred spirit, sweetener, and bitters.
Peregrine is the flagship restaurant for The Exchange, a 40-acre development in Midtown Raleigh that will no doubt grow into a hotspot. The 100-seat restaurant has a highly intentional design that makes a statement. Spearheaded by Shanahan, the space is draped in natural elements like stone, clay, and wood juxtaposed with sleek chandeliers, dramatic arches, and towering windows overlooking the restaurant’s garden. The Moroccan tadelakt-finishes and walls were hand-plastered by Shanahan himself, a true dedication to primordial artistry. Drawing inspiration from Tatooine, a desert planet in Star Wars, Peregrine’s interiors are otherworldly, encouraging guests to abandon expectations and fully embark upon an extraordinary dining experience.
A deeply personal passport, Peregrine is stamped by the rich impact of place on cuisine, culture, design, and the routes that shape distinctive culinary perspectives.
