Where to go?

Last week was a festival of eating out on my part. I didn't intend for it to go that way but I had lunch and dinner at a different place every day last week. I only share this to say these are few places to remember when looking for ideas. They aren't worth a whole new post but wanted to put them out there for you to think about:

Mama Ricotta's - love the Tuscan salad - best on the menu! Their special, chicken sausage and asparagus lasagna, was incredible. The new wine list is a little confusing (it's listed by region rather than type) but the basic chianti was AWESOME!! Go for the Quartino if you are debating a second glass. It's definitely the best value.

Cantina - The guac! Is there any other reason to go?! They've updated their menu to appeal to the unsophisticated mexican food eaters (i.e. me) so you can go authentic mexican or tex-mex. The chicken quesadilla was really good and definitely better than the ones I make at home. The sangria was a little overrated. Sorry frank.

Crepe Cellar - I only went for dessert but I always like what I get here. Their burger (w gruyer cheese and onion straws) was listed as one of the best burgers in Charlotte not from a burger place. It is pretty incredible! The best dinner crepe is the one with the chicken and ranch sauce but for dessert, the marscapone and berries was pretty yummy. Some people liked it better than the nutella and banana crepe. I can't decide between them as they are both pretty darn good!

Nolen Kitchen - they too have updated their menu but it's still a great place for a group as the price points are pretty wide ranged. The casa salad with goat cheese and candied pecans was really good but the whole wheat penne was incredible! Never heard of their chardonnay options but the waitress pointed me in a good direction and really enjoyed what I had. the ice cream medley was great with the exception of lemon basil sorbet. Yep, you read that correctly. Weird!

Amelie's - every time I go here I'm reminded why I love it! It's just a very cool place and the food's great too. I finally went for lunch (I normally just go for breakfast) and had their asparagus leek and something soup. Amazing! Some french lady started belting out tunes which I think was a pre-show warm up for later. While always a little crazy, this place will definitely remain a favorite.

Brazwell's - I finally went to this place that everyone's talking about and I have to say, I don't get it. What's the appeal? It's a nicer sports bar with girls in low cut tops. Ok, so I get why guys go there but I'm not sure why it's one of the new "it" places. The nachos were fine, not great. Maybe their wings are why people go, just like hooters, right? No thanks.

Village Tavern - teriyaki chicken salad. love it! next.