Great place to work, deliver Great food, Great Service, and Great value to guests everyday……

 The title is actually the founding principles of Village Tavern & totally true!  It was a little hard to find the place as it’s tucked behind an office building in the South park Charlotte, NC area.  Parking is also limited and often you have to park on the street.  I luckily arrived early enough to find a good spot before the lunch crowd started J  I decided to dine inside though the patio seating looked nice & spacious.  If it wasn’t 80+ degrees, I would’ve tried but the warm weather didn’t bother many guests who opted for patio seating. 

I was a little disappointed by one of the hostesses though.  Not a good impression for a new customer.  When asked if my party had arrived, the response was “you can look around” rather than “let me check.”  Thankfully, there were other, much nicer & more helpful hostesses around.

Service was great!  Had a waitress at the table as I was just sitting down and she was quick to take my drink order.  When my guest arrived, she was just as quick & attentive.  And the water glass was never low…a good sign of great service.

The menu is plentiful and the specials were good though I ordered off the menu.  Really wished I had tried the special tomato basil soup but next time.  The menu offers appetizer salads and large salads as your entrée.  I opted for an appetizer salad, House Tavern Salad.  Normally, I don’t do salads but you’ve got to be a little healthy sometimes!  I did ask for extra cheese and croutons…can’t be totally healthy 😉  The salad arrived but minus the extra cheese and croutons.  However, the lunch server was happy to provide me quickly.  Have to say it was a pretty good salad with fresh lettuce, crumbled blue cheese, tomatoes, onions, and the Tavern’s own vinaigrette…yum!  The Italian rustic pepperoni pizza was tasty.  Nice thin crust pizza made from Pivetti Pizza flour from Northern Italy.  And added bonus, its Gluten free!  In fact, the restaurant offers many Gluten free menu items. 

Surprisingly passed on dessert on this visit.  Just ate way too much but will try next time.

A great restaurant that you must try…so what if it’s hidden it’s worth the find!

 

Se sont amuses!

 It’s been a long time since I’ve written…been busy with personal issues.  But I’m glad to be back at it!  Eating bland food has been tough these past few weeks J

So let’s get started with my review of a French restaurant.  Yes, you may find that odd if you know me.  I’m a lover of Italian, Mexican, Indian, Thai, and Pizza but was looking forward to my French experience.

Georges Brasserie, in South park Charlotte, NC, was the site of this first culinary experience.  Conveniently located near the office, I headed over there to an almost empty restaurant.  But to be fair, it was 11:30 so the lunch rush hadn’t started.  Service was great, the waitress was quick to take care of us and share the specials & the water glass was never low!  

I’ve visited Georges before, on a social occasion, for drinks in the bar only.  A weekend visit, during basketball season, was quite busy & the drinks were great!  But since I had not dined there, I was excited to see what the food would be like. 

Being a French restaurant, it’s mostly seafood.  So, if you’re a seafood fan…this is your place.  The scallops and clams were the special for the day but there were other items other seafood.

Since it was Monday, and my veggie day, I tried the veggie burger & my fav, mac & cheese side.  When the plate arrived, boy was it full!  Didn’t except so much food!  The veggie burger was large and the mac & cheese was served in a small skillet.  I have to say I was disappointed in the veggie burger though.  First, because it was so large, it was hard to eat or cut into to halve.  It was to be a fresh veggie patty with tomatoes, cheddar cheese, harissa oil on a brioche roll.  Harissa oil, a Tunisian ingredient which has a hot chili taste…yum.  However, the patty itself lacked seasoning & parts of it looked burned.  Definitely a turn off!

The mac & cheese was cooked with a nice brown coating and tasted delish….until I hit a piece of bacon.  Would have liked the menu to indicate it was cooked with bacon for a non bacon lover like me….especially on my veggie day.  I ended up eating around the bacon & it was great!  Nice & crusty brown with lots of cheese…it became a good meal! 

Dessert is a must as I have such a sweet tooth J  So we ordered a flourless chocolate cake with ice-cream.  Oh my, how good!  It was quite rich and I could only have a few bites but so worth it…  That’s why workouts are essential J

It is a little pricey and gets very busy by Noon but a great experience to have.  If you have time for drinks in the bar area one night, especially the weekend, I highly recommend.

While I’m not a French lover, I’d like to try Georges again, preferably on a meat day!

Bon Appetit!

Being a fan of Italian food, I had to try out Toscana hidden away at the Specialty Shops in Southpark.  Recommended by another foodie, it wasn’t easy to find.  Tucked away behind Brick Tops, if you didn’t know of this place, you’d never stop in and eat there.  And that would truly be a shame!

A small restaurant with a great atmosphere full of windows to let the light shine through & friendly staff, & nice patio seating on a beautiful days.  Being a small restaurant, seating is pretty tight inside & depending on who is sitting next to you, it can be hard to hear others at your table, as such was the case at times with my recent visit.

The waitress was very prompt and friendly as well as the servers.  The menu is truly authentic Italian, not one of those wanna be restaurants.  And everything was made fresh.  I had to try the ricotta ravioli with a basil sauce and it was delish.  The plate served was warm rather than hot but still very good.  Of course, I had to have extra sauce as I’m a sauce queen J  The waitress was happy to get me extra sauce but made it point to tell me it’s made to order so it would be a few minutes….now that is fresh!  And I had a craving for polenta for a while now so definitely had to try it.  A simple dish with parmesan was ok with some crushed black peppers and hot sauce but nothing to rave about.  I’ll have to try one of their specials next time with a protein.  And there are so many other entrees I must try as well so definitely worth another visit 😉

Desserts & after meal drinks were in abundance.  I was talked into (yes I know hard to believe) a chocolate dessert, dark chocolate with a light mascarpone mouse.  Yummy….so light but good.  Now this is how chocolate cake should be.  Torta di Cioccolato, flourless 

You had me at Pizza…..Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar

Goat Cheese Pizza

 I’m a foodie…I enjoy no love food!  And there are some foods that I can’t get enough of….Pizza being at the top of that list.  So when I was invited out for GNO to Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar, it was a no brainer Yes!

Located in Phillips Place near the Palm Restaurant, it’s a great eclectic restaurant.  Parking in the area is not great so get there early to find a spot.  The restaurant is nice & large with the bar located up front with limited seating around it & the main dining room is located behind the bar.

The service is good but we didn’t see our waitress too often once the restaurant started to fill up.  We met up at 5:30 and by the time we left, a few hours later, the restaurant was booming.  The golf after hours event across the street helped bring in the people too.

The drinks were great and the waitress was very knowledgeable in helping us decide what we wanted, with the help with the floor manager.  My choice is always vodka so I tried the Razz Ale (vodka, raspberry liquer, fresh raspberries, & ginger ale).  It was yum!  The waitress got it right!  There were other great drinks ordered by the table like The Back 9 and Prosecco cocktail.  And all were nicely priced…which always a plus too!

Appetizers followed next like roasted cauliflower and white beans & kale.   The roasted cauliflower was very good with bread crumbs and pepperoncini.  I enjoyed seconds too!  I didn’t care for the kale and white beans as the kale seemed bitter.  Normally known to be bitter, either you have to acquire a taste for it or have it cooked where the bitterness goes away.  Some good spices like tumerin, red pepper, and some haldi would help in that.  But I enjoyed the experience of trying something different.  After all, you don’t know what you like unless you try it!

Of course, with it being a pizza bar I had to have a pizza.  Wolfgang Puck has an eclectic menu of pizzas like potato & egg, roasted eggplant, clam & garlic to name a few.  I gave the goat cheese a try with marina sauce (traditionally served with pesto but as usual I have to change it up).  All the pizzas were thin sliced and nice & large, 6 slices with a great toasty crust.  I tried a slice of margherita pizza too and yet another delish pie.  The basil brought out the taste of the cheese and san marzano tomato sauce.  After consuming so much food, there was no space for dessert, that will be next time!

If you’re in the Southpark area, make sure to stop by this great restaurant!

 

 

 

Crú…. “BEER IS MADE BY MEN, WINE BY GOD!” – MARTIN LUTHER

 While in Dallas TX recently, I visited a great wine bar called Crú Wine Bar.  Having been to one of these before in NC, I knew it would be a good experience. 

Most Crú’s are designed with the same concept in mind, Wine Wine Wine!  Usually a small wine bar/restaurant offering wines by the glass, bottle, or flights with a limited menu of cheese and small plates.  And this place was no different.

 The ambience is wonderful in a wine bar with all the servers, bartenders being well versed in their knowledge of wines.  On this night, we were quickly seated and served which is another staple of the bar.  A little loud this particular night due to a small business party but the wine and cheese and company more than made up for that.

Flights were quickly ordered and delivered with everyone trying a different series. And with great presentation, a little flight tool (Now I’d like that for my house) that housed our glasses perfectly.  Back to the wines, I tried the Malbec Medley, becoming a recent fan of Malbec’s.  These Malbec’s were all Argentina wines and had the smell & taste of full body berries.  All very good though the Mendoza wine, with a touch of lavender & dark berry fruits, was a little too sweet for my tastes.  I like my red’s velvety smooth yet bold.

As we were headed off to dinner soon after, we ordered cheese plates to compliment the wine.  While a great platter of bold blue cheese, parmesan, and few other great cheeses was ordered, I took the waitress’s advise as I was looking for a spicy cheese (is there such a thing?).  Unfortunately, that cheese platter was a bust with a mild blue cheese that tasted like it had gone bad and the spicy cheese was full of mustard seeds and just tasted awful.  And the others at the table agreed.  But needless to say we finished off all the other cheeses along with bread and great peppery cracker bread.  Oh & not to mention the wine and headed to dinner!

Crú is great no matter where you try it!  And it is worth trying, wine lover or not! 

Cheers!

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar….now that’s a name!

 I was traveling recently & decided to pop into this place for a quick breakfast.  Conveniently located across from my gate, I thought for sure they’ll have something other than just burgers and I was right!  Though they are known for the various types of burgers served, they also offer bar food.  In fact, I took a second look thinking it was Bid Daddy’s, which I’m more familiar with.

 The staff was very friendly & seated me quickly and took my order.  And the food appeared just as quickly.  Scrambled eggs, with cheese & veggies, well done.  By now, you realize I’m a very picky eater and always add my own twist on any menu item so of course I had to ask them to have the eggs nice & crispy brown.  And they were right on the money!  The Texas Toast served with it was certainly lacking.  But the waitress quickly took care of it & had fresh bread brought out.  Can’t believe they were serving that rock bread to anyone!

 Drinks are the usual though, in the mornings a good mimosa helps me wake upJ  Unfortunately, the selection is limited so no strawberry or mango mimosa but the usual one with OJ hit the spot.  It was served in a red wine glass rather than usual champagne but was still as good.  Though the cost of it was shocking….$12 Cost even more than my breakfast of $8.  And by looking around the restaurant, the favorite morning drink was the Bloody Mary or the Mud Slide, both great choices.

Worth a try if you’re a burger lover and good breakfast but if you’re not in the mood to break the bank on your alcoholic beverages, find another place!

 

 

 

Cafe Nirvana! Under new management – Grand Opening May 3

Café Nirvana – 521 Lancaster Hwy Pineville, NC

I remember when this “Indian Fusion” restaurant opened up close to Ballantyne.  In fact, it prompted many new Indian restaurants in the area but they were the first.

Always a good atmosphere, good service, & good food.  Unfortunately, as the economy tanked, so did this place.  Revolving door with staff & the food/service suffered.  Bar…what bar…all they had available near the end was beer/wine…if you were lucky enough to go there when they had any.  And then vacant for months.

It’s been ages since I’ve been back but just couldn’t resist when I drove by recently & saw the Open sign.  I was surprised to see it empty but it was a little early for dinner, close to 6.    But the service was great as I remember it.  And the food was just the way I like it, Hot Hot Hot!    Paneer 65 was definitely a good dish, with just enough sauce and heat to set your tongue on fire.  And gone are the days when you looked at your plate & went “where’s the food?”  This dish was more than enough for two to share.  Dosa is my weakness…and Mysore dosas are the best so of course I got that.  Nicely served to a crisp brown color, stuff with spicy masala.  More than enough to feed me.  The samabar a little different than my usual taste but flavorful.  Just needs a little thinning out. 

Clearly, the new management has made the difference in this place.  It helps that the new owner already has a successful restaurant at Myrtle Beach & the new manager is ready to bring the “spice” back in the place…in food and fun.  While Café Nirvana is going through lots of changes, they are all good.  The bar is gonna be back up soon and the “fusion” in the name restaurant will be reflected in a new menu.  And a few fun activities will draw the crowds in.  The Grand Opening is May 3 so make sure to stop by and try it out.  You will not be disappointed!

 

Rooster time!

Roosters on the Run on Morrison Blvd in Southpark, NC is the latest place I tried. Hidden in a little shopping center, the restaurant itself is quite large.  As it says in the name, it’s a Roosters a restaurant….literally. 

Roosters décor adorn the restaurant entrance & walls.  In fact, one part of the wall is full of stuff roosters….a little scary if you visited one evening and had a few cocktails!

The menu was very nice.  Since we visited on a dreary, rainy day soup was in order.  Three tomato basil soups came out very quickly, unfortunately barely warm.  But that was rectified immediately when the floor manager & waiter came by to collect and warm up the soups.  And this time they were piping hot & yummy.  So smooth and flavorful, black pepper wasn’t even needed.  We all finished up our dish…so clearly we didn’t like it J   Not served with crackers or croutons but rather bread with Italian oil…eat it however you want.  The entrees were good too.  I had the grilled pimento cheese on white bread toasted.  Oh my, it’s been a while since I’ve had good pimento cheese, homemade.  The sandwich was so full of tomatoes, cheese (of course), and peppers I could barely eat it all.  Very fulfilling & tasty.  The side, macaroni & cheese, wasn’t all that great.  While the pasta tasted fresh, there was very little cheese on it though I was impressed that it was real cheese & that packet made cheese.  Unfortunately, it missed the mark and didn’t recover with the hot sauce.   The salad’s looked delicious and plentiful as did the other sandwiches.  In fact, if you order anything off the menu, be ready to eat lots or share.  And then dessert was magnificent.  We ordered the plate of truffles for the table & devoured them quickly.  Three truffles served on a plate of caramelized sugar brittle were presented, two chocolate & one other something.  The dark chocolate was great and the milk chocolate was mixed with a little bourbon, which couldn’t taste but were told out.  Now the third was something else like strawberry cheesecake.  None of us cared for it because it was bland and boring. 

The service at this place is phenomenal.  From the waiter that told us all about the menu items to the floor manager that was quickly able to resolve our cold soup issue to the staff that cleared our table just as we finished our meal.  Anything can be forgiven with excellent service! 

It’s averagely priced considering you’re eating in the Southpark area.  All in all, wonderful place.

Ahla w sahla! (Welcome) to Al Amir – Columbia, SC

Sorry it’s just a regular wood fried pizza…nothing Middle Eastern about it but it was good

One thing I enjoy is trying international food.  Now, nothing too off the beaten path like Chinese cat or other animal J

I was turned on to al Amir by a friend who had the same taste in food I do.  Breads, spice, and curries are my thing…and thankfully hers too! 

Al Amir is a Middle Eastern restaurant hidden on Main Street in a small little strip of other food places. 

Now I’ll warn you, parking sucks!  And be careful when driving around cause you’ll have college kids coming out from everywhere.  Guess that’s why they picked that location, definitely gets a lot of traction. 

The décor is totally Middle Eastern at the entrance only.  Would be nice if they carried it throughout the restaurant.  From the hookahs to the gold framed doors to the pictures and other nick nacks…it is nice.  Apparently the owner actually brought these pieces from overseas so they are authentic.

The cooks are authentic and it surely tells in the food.  The hummus is delish and has just enough heat for me.  Ask them to make it even spicer & they are happy to accommodate.  The Damascus bread is the best…and a large portion so be ready to share.  You could have the hummus and bread as your entrée.  The falafel is ok but I’ve had better.  Unfortunately, the falafel I had looked & tasted like it was over done.  And no pita pockets…..just on pita bread.  The cucumber & yogurt sauce could use some heat too.  The pizzas are nice.  I had the Al Amir cheese wood fried pizza.  A little surprised to see pizza on the menu though.  Thinking this Al Amir pizza would have some spices or sauces from the Middle East is a mistake.  It’s just a regular pizza.  If you want Middle Eastern pizza, order the Lebanese one.

Good non alcoholic beverages though I wish they had the mango drink that was featured on their menu board for the day. 

Good atmosphere and definitely a Gamecock hangout.  The place is full of students and professors of all ethnicities.  Staff is friendly and quick.

Not a bad place to try!

 

 

 

Cola’s Rocks!

Oh my gosh…this can feed a few people!

Martini dessert

Wow…jalepeno martini don’t try unless you can handle lot’s of spicy & stiff drink

Today, I’m sharing about a great restaurant in Columbia, SC. A wonderful new restaurant on Assembly Street, Cola’s is fantastic!
Located in what looks like an old, rustic building, it’s actually an old warehouse. The glass garage door is open letting in the spring weather. And of course, we made sure to have the best seat in the house….right at the garage door!
The bar is full of every alcohol you can imagine including Cola’s own infused vodkas, citrus and jalapeño. And I, along with another friend, dared to try the jalapeño martini! And wow…what a kick. After a few sips, I had to go to my go to drink, Cosmo with the citrus infused vodka. Wonderful! The Lemon Drop martini was great too along with the strawberry mojito…bartenders definitely know how to mix a drink & were very liberal with the alcohol 
Appetizers were plentiful and nothing we ordered was wrong. From the spicy asparagus, egg rolls, and hummus….every plate was finished. And I especially liked the asparagus with sesame seeds and Asian sauce.

And I must say, the salads were outta this world. And that’s huge because I’m anti green…especially when it comes to salads. Check out the Hearts of Romaine lettuce!

The entrees were nice & fresh though I wasn’t too thrilled with mine. Ordered spicy rub chicken, without the bone, and they were very accommodating. However, the chicken looked like it was burned though it didn’t have that taste, believe the rub was just too dark. And it was very dry. I like my meat juicy and this was not. The sides were great…roasted garlic potatoes and mac & cheese. Oh my, the mac & cheese was fresh and loaded with cheese. And if the chicken was eaten with mac & cheese bite, wasn’t too bad.

Ahhhh…and that brings me to the best part of the meal….dessert! As a group of 7, we ordered a few and shared them. The coconut cake, with toasted coconut, was good but I’m a chocolate lover. And we had plenty of chocolate to go around. The layers of chocolate brownie and mouse served in a martin glass was good. But the crème de la crème was the dark and light chocolate cakes served with coffee bean ice cream. I couldn’t stop eating it especially since I had Remy Martin with it! The bread pudding is ok but again not my cup of tea.

The service is phenomenal! A sommelier to help us select our wine, a well educated waitress who knew every dish & drink like the back of her hand, and the manager who is always checking on us to ensure we had everything needed. And let me add, the wines were great…thanks to our own personal sommelier in our group.

The atmosphere is wonderful…the restaurant and bar was full starting 5:30 pm. Though a little pricey, it’s a wonderful restaurant that I will definitely visit again when in Columbia!