Handcrafted food (i.e. random but good)
My offiice celebrated our holiday dinner here and were not disappointed. It's a small upscale restaurant across from Carpe Diem. The atmosphere was lively, even for a Tuesday. Yummy apps included flat bread and an Italian cured meat plate. Entrees included a bunch of seafood options and pasta dishes and range from $18 - 25. I had the seared tuna with butternut squash which was great. Dessert included chocolate and hazelnut gelato - incredible even though I was stuffed. If you've got the dough or someone else is paying, definitely check it out!
www.customshopfood.com
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Fran's Filling Station - Dilworth
comfort food
rosemary chicken, mashed potatoes & beer - $25ish I think
"Drink til he's cute" - that's what the sign says in the ladies restroom and the highlight of my evening. Don't go to Fran's if you're on a diet as not many light choices. I started to order the Rosemary Chicken and asked to trade out the onion rings with a veggie. Turns out the onion rings were an accoutrement and not a side. The rosemary chx was just that: three breasts of grilled chx w rosemary and a few onion rings scattered on top. The waitress suggested the mashed potatoes which were awesome and rich. My friend got the meatballs which were definitely the better choice (and a favorite according to the menu). They came as two giant meatballs in sauce with lots of cheese. I thought there might be some pasta too but no, just the meatballs. I hear this is normal. Thanksgiving dinner plate was another option, fancy and messy burgers, ribs, etc. The food was good and the atmosphere is nice. I was a little annoyed that the entrees didn't come with a side. How many people eat just three chicken breasts with nothing else in a sitting? Just know that while the entrees aren't too expensive, you'll have to get a side or two too.
rosemary chicken, mashed potatoes & beer - $25ish I think
"Drink til he's cute" - that's what the sign says in the ladies restroom and the highlight of my evening. Don't go to Fran's if you're on a diet as not many light choices. I started to order the Rosemary Chicken and asked to trade out the onion rings with a veggie. Turns out the onion rings were an accoutrement and not a side. The rosemary chx was just that: three breasts of grilled chx w rosemary and a few onion rings scattered on top. The waitress suggested the mashed potatoes which were awesome and rich. My friend got the meatballs which were definitely the better choice (and a favorite according to the menu). They came as two giant meatballs in sauce with lots of cheese. I thought there might be some pasta too but no, just the meatballs. I hear this is normal. Thanksgiving dinner plate was another option, fancy and messy burgers, ribs, etc. The food was good and the atmosphere is nice. I was a little annoyed that the entrees didn't come with a side. How many people eat just three chicken breasts with nothing else in a sitting? Just know that while the entrees aren't too expensive, you'll have to get a side or two too.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Sunday lunch spots in "Midtown"
So there's no actual midtown in Charlotte but it's what I would call anywhere in between Southpark and Uptown (not on the East side). My friends and I agonize every Sunday where to go for lunch. While there are likely a ton of options, we frequently end up at Park Towne (Qdoba, Jason's, Cheesesteak & Asian place) because we can't think of anywhere else. I've been wracking my brain for spots so thought I would share my list. Please add to it if you can think of anywhere else. The criteria is pretty simple: relatively cheap but good and open for Sunday lunch. ? means I don't know if it's open on Sunday. The rest I'm pretty sure about.
Going north on...
Park Road: McAllisters, Roasting Co, Park Towne, Sushi 101?, Fuel, Brixx, Big Daddy's, East Blvd Bar & Grill, Fran's Filling Station?
South Blvd: Mac's BBQ, Five Guys, Noodle place, Chipotle, Owen's, Pewter Rose (not cheap but so worth it), Einstein's
Southpark-ish: Panera on Fairview, Earth Fare cafe, CPK, another Brixx
Out of the way: Zada Jane's, Zoe's Kitchen by Midtown Trader Joe's, Panera on Prov Rd
Other ideas?
Going north on...
Park Road: McAllisters, Roasting Co, Park Towne, Sushi 101?, Fuel, Brixx, Big Daddy's, East Blvd Bar & Grill, Fran's Filling Station?
South Blvd: Mac's BBQ, Five Guys, Noodle place, Chipotle, Owen's, Pewter Rose (not cheap but so worth it), Einstein's
Southpark-ish: Panera on Fairview, Earth Fare cafe, CPK, another Brixx
Out of the way: Zada Jane's, Zoe's Kitchen by Midtown Trader Joe's, Panera on Prov Rd
Other ideas?
Zio - Myers Park
Italian
$80 - 5 entrees and 3 salads
This cozy spot is at the old 5 steps down location just below its better known neighbor, Primo (behind the Boston Market on Providence). I picked up dinner for some friends and me and it's actually really reasonable. I tried the Rigatoni Abruzzi which had a nice flavor (spicy sausage, red peppers and mozzarella with an oily red sauce). The seasonal salad (w cranberries, pecans, goat cheese, and grilled asparagus) was awesome! I heard the wedge salad, and maria linguine was great too. The pasta is made fresh on-site and adds to the authentic feel. The prices were definitely reasonable, no entree we ordered was over $11 and the salads ranges from $4 - $6 although they were definitely of the side salad size. It's a great alternative to Mama Ricottas if you're looking for a change.
$80 - 5 entrees and 3 salads
This cozy spot is at the old 5 steps down location just below its better known neighbor, Primo (behind the Boston Market on Providence). I picked up dinner for some friends and me and it's actually really reasonable. I tried the Rigatoni Abruzzi which had a nice flavor (spicy sausage, red peppers and mozzarella with an oily red sauce). The seasonal salad (w cranberries, pecans, goat cheese, and grilled asparagus) was awesome! I heard the wedge salad, and maria linguine was great too. The pasta is made fresh on-site and adds to the authentic feel. The prices were definitely reasonable, no entree we ordered was over $11 and the salads ranges from $4 - $6 although they were definitely of the side salad size. It's a great alternative to Mama Ricottas if you're looking for a change.
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