Print
Restaurants

Candle Nut Restaurant Open In Downtown Wilmington

By Jessica Maurer, posted Jul 19, 2017
Candle Nut Restaurant serves Indonesian-Malaysian themed dishes at 21 N. Front St. (Photo by Jessica Maurer)
Jeff and Novi Rickert celebrated the grand opening of their Indonesian-Malaysian themed eatery, Candle Nut Restaurant, on July 14 in the downtown space formerly occupied by Saigon Bistro.
 
Novi Rickert grew up in Suravaya, Indonesia, and spent much of her childhood learning to cook. Jeff Rickert, a native North Carolinian, spent the better part of his career working throughout Southeast Asia and was captivated by the region’s diverse cuisine.
 
“Southeast Asian cooking is so rich in flavors from bold spices such as turmeric, ginger and star anise,” said Jeff Rickert. “And Indonesia has such intersection of cultural influences -- Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, just to name a few.”
 
The restaurant’s name comes from the candle nut, a nut from the same family as the macadamia nut, which is commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking. It is often ground into a paste to use in curries, soups and sauces.
 
The Rickerts have spent the past three months redesigning the dining room at 21 N. Front St., creating a sophisticated look with deep red walls, new wood floors and elegant lighting.
 
The menu offers vegetarian entrees as well as beef, lamb, chicken and seafood dishes, many served with sambal, a spicy condiment made primarily from chili peppers with the addition of ingredients such as shrimp paste, garlic, ginger, shallots, lime juice and vinegar.
 
Also on the menu are plenty of summer cocktails featuring fresh fruit and fruit juices, Asian beers and a variety of wines.
 
Candle Nut Restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
 
Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email us at: [email protected].

Story On The Map

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Untitleddesign14 2142522346

Cape Fear Buyers See More Options as Active Listings Reach New Highs

Janet Kane - Cape Fear REALTORS
Morton300x300

Community College in Action: A Success Story

Jim Morton - Cape Fear Community College
Mcwhorter 0005

Afraid of Choosing the Wrong Idea? Start Here

Heather McWhorter - UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Trending News

Amazon, Corning Strike Multibillion Dollar Deal To Add 1,000 NC Jobs

Cierra Noffke - Jun 8, 2026

Beacon Education Eyes Land On N. Fourth St. For Spark Academy

Emma Dill - Jun 8, 2026

In The Current Issue

CEA Minority/Women-Owned Business Winner: Skin Care Line Supplies Self Care

Her skin care company, the Unwind Collection by Creatively Covered Co., was developed during the pandemic as a way for her to deal with the...


Attractions Entice Tourists, Locals

Brunswick County businesses offer a variety of activities for those seeking some adventure....


Offshore Wind Changes Spark Reactions

A stretch of ocean off the coast of Brunswick County made national news earlier this year when the Trump administration announced plans to p...

Book On Business

The 2026 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season