The Dish

News, notes, and gossip about the restaurant scene

Comings and Goings

The commercial strip of Montford Drive near the intersection of Park and Woodlawn continues to get more interesting. The owners of Angry Ale's (and Eat Here Now, in Ayrsley Town Center) have opened the slightly more upscale Andrew Blair's in the neighboring space, which formerly housed Tsing Tao and Asian Gourmet Kitchen. Andrew Blair's chef Bill Davis is a Johnson & Wales grad … George Poriotis and Dora Lai have opened Gado Gado in downtown Matthews. The menu features American fare with Mediterranean influences … High-end chain Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, one of those all-you-can-eat meat affairs, will open later this year in The Trust building downtown … Nearby, the Ritz Carlton will feature BLT Steak, celeb chef Laurent Tourondel's upscale steakhouse … Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, that of the mile-long wine-by-the-glass list, will open later this year in EpiCentre … Woods on South, with a menu that was designed by another celeb chef, Marvin Woods, closed.

Tomato Fest

Through this month, both Harper's locations are featuring a whole mess of menu options with local tomatoes. They've been doing it for more than ten years. Look for Gazpacho with fried shrimp, Crab and Avocado Stack (tomatoes and lump crab meat tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, fresh basil, and pesto oil), and a Summer Tomato and Eggplant Pasta, among other dishes.

More Than Sweet

Amelie's, the delightful French-style bakery in NoDa, profiled on these pages in the June issue, has expanded its offerings beyond sweet pastries. Look for breakfast-style items as well as the classic ham on buttered baguette.

Food Find

Burgers for breakfast? Dilworth hot spot Big Daddy's Burger Bar now serves the morning meal, including a burger topped with egg, ham, bacon, and cheese.