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 09:33 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 10:34 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 09:03 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 01:44 PM | Permalink | Comments: 3

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 12:40 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 09:03 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

02/11/10

Cuban Pete's Cafe

Cuban Pete’s Café, which opened yesterday, may not look like much from the outside. After all, it’s squeezed in the corner of a Plaza Midwood strip center that includes a Subway and used bookstore. Don’t be deterred though—step inside and you’ll find a restaurant unlike anything else in Charlotte.

I’ve never been to Cuba—and I’m going to hazard a guess and say that most of the readers of this blog haven’t either. A few bites of this place’s food and you’ll want to change that.  But first, let’s talk about the atmosphere. 

There is very little doubt upon entering that you’re in a Cuban inspired restaurant. Palm trees and tiki torches dot the space,... Read more »

Posted at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments: 1

02/10/10

Inaugural Charlotte Craft Beer Week

Sarah was kind enough to let me write a guest post on one of my favorite subjects. That would beer.

March 18 (that gives you a full day to recover from St. Patty's Day) marks the beginning of what promises to be one of the most exciting weeks of the year (that it also marks the start of the NCAA basketball tournament is just gravy) -- Charlotte Craft Beer Week.

Really, this is important on so many levels. One, that Charlotte is finally at a point to offer a beer week that has nothing to do with Bud Light. Also, this, from the press release: "The goal behind Charlotte Craft Beer Week is to celebrate a new golden age of beer in the Queen City."

Mmmm. Golden age of beer.

Also cool: Charlotte Craft Beer Week lasts eleven days. As long as it is about... Read more »

Posted at 02:40 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

02/09/10

Restaurant Openings

Last week, the Mexican-inspired restaurant, Loco Lime opened it's second location (the first is in Huntersville) on Central Avenue in Plaza Midwood (it's at 1101 Central, next to Common House). The menu includes ceviche and guacamole made fresh at your table.

Yesterday, Dressler's (incidentally, another restaurant with a location in Huntersville) opened at Metropolitan in Midtown, just down the street from the new Vivace. The new location has an elegant interior and will serve lunch and dinner. Look for tasty menu items including crab dip, halibut, and tuna from Chef Scott Hollingsworth.

Tomorrow Pete's Cuban Cafe is opening in Plaza Midwood on the corner of The Plaza and Central Avenue (1308 The... Read more »

Posted at 02:52 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

02/05/10

Yn Wine Cafe

Yn Wine Cafe, which you can find in this month's issue of Charlotte magazine, has announced it's February schedule of emerging artists. For each show, the doors open at 5 p.m., the show starts at 7 and there's no cover charge.  There are however, some great wines and bites to enjoy while you listen. (We suggest the smoked salmon nachos!)

February 14: Carrie Marshall and Chris Harris

February 21: Kevin Marshal and Allen Shervelle

February 28: Liz Howell, Dave Petty, and Jackie Moseley

Posted at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

02/04/10

The Blushing Bakeshop Opening Soon

Fact: Women love cupcakes.

It's true guys. Maybe it's because they're small and cute. Or maybe it's because they're sweet and delicious. Or maybe it's some ongoing adoration of Sex and the City and its characters' love for cupcakes. Whatever the case, ladies these days can't seem to get enough of the miniature cakes.

Which is why it's so convenient that Charlotte's newest cupcake bakery, The Blushing Bakeshop, is opening on February 12th, a mere two days before Valentine's Day.  These cupcakes are adorable—probably the most girly ones we've seen—and judging by the flavors, they're also quite tasty. (There's one featuring a vanilla cake with a nutella center topped with stracciatella cream. Yes,... Read more »

Posted at 10:37 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0