03/11/10

Mexican Hot Chocolate at Pura Vida

It's rainy. There's a chill in the air. And it's almost Friday.

I think these three are more than enough in the way of excuses for why you should let yourself indulge in one of the Mexican Hot Chocolate drinks at Pura Vida Worldly Art in Plaza Midwood. This colorful boutique and coffee shop offers a variety of coffee and tea drinks, but on a day like today you deserve only the best, which is why you absolutely should order this exotic, creamy version of hot chocolate.

The rich chocolate taste of the drink gets a kick from sweet cinnamon and has the smallest bite from its special ingredients: Mexican chocolate syrup and hot Mexican chili powder. It's sweet, spicy, and perfect for warming up on rainy late winter days.

The drink is $3.25 for a medium. Read more »

Posted at 05:03 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

03/05/10

Charlotte Craft Beer Week Updated Schedule

The schedule for the inaugural Charlotte Craft Beer Week is still being finalized. Here is the most updated version of the events for you to check out—and wow, there are a lot. You can find more information on the week at charlottecrafbeerweek.org. To purchase tickets or make reservations, contact the venue directly.

  - March 18, 7-9 p.m.: Charlotte Craft Beer Week Tap the Keg Reception at
   Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery at 401 N. Tryon St., Charlotte.
   - March 19, 7-10 p.m.: Brewery Night featuring Victory, Brooklyn, Oskar
   Blues, Terrapin and Heavy... Read more »

03/03/10

The Blue Taj Opens

Pannu Singh and Mel Oza, the same team who brought us Copper in Dilworth, have just opened The Blue Taj in Ballantyne Village. The new spot features Indian food (which, if it's anything like that at Copper, will be worth the trip south), as well as Thai, Chinese and Latin fare.

The menu features a mix of exotic entrees with comfort food prepared by chef de cuisine Kuldeep Gill including rosemary-garlic lamb chops (pictured), scallops-sichuan peppercorn sofrito, slow roasted Norwegian salmon, and cider braised pork shoulder. Some menu selections, such as a seafood medley, can be order simmered, braised, or stir-fried, depending on your taste for the evening.

While I haven't had the chance to visit yet, I'm most intrigued by what... Read more »

Posted at 04:10 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

03/02/10

Ri Ra Restored and Reopened

Ri Ra Irish Pub, the uptown favorite both for it's Irish fare and nightlife scene, has finally reopened after a major restoration.  (The original Ri Ra, which opened in 1997, suffered extensive damage after a fire on May 23rd of last year.) Many of the two-story pub's original fixtures were reclaimed from the fire including the Victorian bar from the early 1800's, a Guinness mirror, and a statue of St. Patrick.

Chef Tom LaFauci is offering the same traditional Irish specialties and pub fare that made Ri Ra so popular to begin with including fish and chips, beef and Guinness stew, and corned beef and cabbage. Brunch is being served on Saturdays and Sundays and features a traditional Irish breakfast. Plus, the entrance on Hearst Plaza features... Read more »

Posted at 09:50 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

02/20/10

Bacardi V.I.Pea Drink Recipe

It’s the weekend. Finally. And, Charlotte’s got a lot going on this weekend with concerts, a new club opening, and theater productions all over town. (You can check over at Charlotte magazine’s shopping blog for specifics on those productions.)

Tonight the Black Eyed Peas will be performing at Time Warner Cable Arena—and in case you can’t catch their performance, but still are hoping to spot Fergie in the flesh, they’re confirmed guests at the city’s newest club, Butter, for the official Bacardi USA After Party (the tour is being sponsored by Bacardi).

Which brings us to the food/drink portion of this... Read more »

Posted at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1

02/19/10

Open That Bottle Night at Andrew Blair's

Mark your calendars: Saturday, February 27, Andrew Blair's is hosting "Open That Bottle Night." This means you can bring any bottle of wine you choose for dinner and the restaurant is waiving its dining room corkage fees during dinner service. So, whether you've got a bottle you've been saving for a special occasion or are just looking for bargain drinks with your meal, now is your chance to enjoy fare prepared by Chef Blake Hartwick with your special drink selection. For reservations, call 704.525.8282.

Posted at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

02/18/10

BLT Steak Birthday Bash

On March 3rd, the original BLT Steak in Manhattan is turning six. In celebration, all BLT Steaks (including the new one here in Charlotte) will be serving specially priced entrees, sides, desserts, and cocktails. The deals will be as follows:

All filets, rib eye, and New York strip steaks, as well as Dover Sole and signature blackboard main courses: $33.04

Sides like jalapeno mashed potatoes and creamed spinach, which normally range from $7 to $14: $3.03

Signature cocktails, which are usually $11: $3.03

Desserts like the Crepe Souffle and the Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse: $3.03

(The prices come from BLT Steak's birthday being March 3, 2004.)

Think you want to take advantage of these one day only birthday prices? Call 704.972.4380 for... Read more »

Posted at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

02/15/10

Luxe Bohemian Cafe

Plaza Midwood is getting another restaurant. (The neighborhood has been a hot spot for new eateries lately with Common House, Loco Lime, Central Cafe, Soul Gastrolounge, Cuban Pete's Cafe, Whiskey Warehouse, and Gallery Twenty-Two all opening in the last 18 months.)

The newest addition, Luxe Bohemian Cafe, will be a Mediterranean bistro and is opening sometime in three to four weeks in the same strip mall as the Family Dollar (1322 Central Ave.). 

Posted at 02:44 PM | Permalink | Comments: 1

02/12/10

Loco Lime Mexican Inspired Grill

The Loco Lime, which opened its newest location on Central Avenue (next to Common House) last week, is the kind of place where you can expect to leave full. Very full, in fact.

In true Mexican restaurant fashion, the new spot serves up seasoned chips and chunky tomato-based salsa as soon as you're seated. Because I have an affection towards cilantro that borders on obsession and this salsa was heavy on the cilantro, I was a fan. In the mood for one more snack before you settle in for the big meal? Order the table side guacamole dip. They'll prepare it fresh to your liking (chunky or smooth...hot or mild) next to your table as they explain each ingredient.

The menu is pretty extensive with salads, enchiladas, fajitas, and specialty entrees. They've also... Read more »

Posted at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

02/12/10

Devils on Horseback

If you like sweet fruits paired with creamy cheese and salty pork then, as a Charlotte diner, you’re in luck these days.  In the last several weeks I’ve tried four remarkably similar—and remarkably good—dishes at restaurants around town:

The Liberty’s “Devils on Horseback” grilled dates stuffed with blue cheese and almonds and wrapped in bacon. ($6)

Press Wine Bar’s Goat cheese, fig, and prosciutto quesadilla ($7.50)

M5’s Prosciutto and fig flatbread ($11)

Vivace’s gorgonzola-stuffed figs... Read more »

Posted at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0