News, notes, and gossip about the restaurant scene
Grub and Grooves
Soul Gastrolounge brings a fresh concept to the booming Plaza Midwood scene this month. Nightlife guru Andy Kastanas and partner James Fedele transformed the sleek, cozy upstairs space at 1500 Central Avenue, complete with a balcony overlooking uptown. The menu is global tapas from Chef Patty Greene, along with sushi and unique cocktails. Music is a main focus as well. Open seven days a week, Soul will serve a full menu until midnight.
A Noble Idea
Think that Noble's Restaurant feels a little pricey for this economy? Its newest offering, a three-course prixe fixe menu, makes it a little easier on your wallet. The three courses feature options such as a charcuterie sampling, braised roulade of veal breast, and pot de crème, with the grand total coming to just $45. The catch? The menu is only available on weeknights for reservations at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Propose a Toast
Toast Café has opened two new restaurants in Davidson (101 N. Main St., 704-655-2778) and Huntersville (100 Huntersville-Concord Rd., 704-875-7840). In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus and catering service, the restaurants also frequently offer wine dinners. Check the Web site (toastcafeonline.com) for dates and times of the dinners.
Ciao Down
Offering a Tuscan-inspired theme complete with fresh-pressed paninis and homemade gelato, the new Blu Basil Cafe (306 Sharon Amity Rd., 704-362-3731) promises to bring an Italian flair to Cotswold Village Shops. The 3,500-square-foot casual restaurant offers food for all times of day, including muffins, pastries, soups, and wraps.
Epic Proportions
The EpiCentre just keeps opening more restaurants. And nightclubs. And bars. And shops. Five Guys Burgers and Fries opened last month, and soon to follow are Enso Asian Bistro | Sushi Bar, Thai House restaurant, and IndoChine Grill, among others.
