Monday, August 31, 2009

300 East (Dilworth)

Last Saturday my wife dropped off a small order at the FedEx / Kinkos on Gilead. It seemed like a good idea ... until we were told that if we wanted to pick up the order on Sunday, we'd have to drive to the FedEx/Kinkos in Dilworth. Dilworth?? Really? There isn't ANY other (ri.e. closer) FedEx / Kikos that we could use?

Sigh.

Off we went in the car, to drive to Dilworth for one 2'x3' sign on foamboard. We probably spent more on gas than the sign was worth. So, to make up for this inconvenience we decided to look for some good food.  :)

We drove up and down East Blvd. Where would we stop? Moe's? Big Daddy's? 131 Main? Copper? Actually we hit a place I didn't plan on -- 300 East.

Located in a restored house on East Blvd., just east of South Blvd., 300 East has a unique feel, and a very unique menu. Though they had a nice patio, it was a little warm out, and we decided to eat inside. The front of the house is covered in windows, which makes the dining room feel open and airy. We sat on the first floor dining room near the large wooden bar. The seating area on the first floor is small. From my seat I could see the bar, 2 fireplaces, and the kitchen. The atmosphere was casual, but the food was very upscale.

The varied menu had a little of everything. From Banana's Foster French Toast and sandwiches, to salads and pizza, the menu has a decidedly gourmet feel to it. Though I REALLY wanted the Bananas Foster French Toast, I already had breakfast so I eventually decided upon something more lunch like -- the Spanish Pizza.

The Spanish Pizza consists of "Spiced Chicken, Serrano Ham, Gouda and Manchego Cheese,with Roasted Pepper Tomato Sauce." However the description on the menu really doesn't do this dish justice. The tomato sauce was thick and had chunks of vegetables in it. The chicken was savory, the ham salty, and the Gouda and Manchego cheese melted together to create a thick layer of creamy gooeyness. On top of it all, the crust was REALLY good. It was sorta on the thick side, and had a crisp outside, but a tender middle. (To be honest, I'm looking forward to having the left-overs today!)

The crust was soo good, I was surprised to learn that it comes pre-made. They roll it out, and add the toppings. But the dough is delivered through a typical restaurant supply company. DARN!

My wife had the Sonoma Salad. It has "Grilled Chicken, Red Potatoes, Avocado, Grape Tomatoes & Dijon Dressing over Baby Greens." Again, the description doesn't do it justice. The avocado was perfectly ripe, the chicken breast was perfectly cooked. It was almost crispy on the outside, and tender and moist in the middle. It was glazed with a very thin coating of a teriyaki-like sauce. Simply amazing. And combine that with the mixed greens and the creamy dijon dressing, and you had one killer salad.

Overall this place was amazing. Service and atmosphere were good, and the food was amazing. This place is great and easily made the trip to Dilworth worth the drive.

Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4.5/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 12.5/15

Price: $$ (pizza, tea, and tip were under $20)
Kid Friendly: Yes. I didn't notice children's menus, but there were several families in the restaurant.

Conclusion: Relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and unique menu (not to mention decent wine list!) make this a great find. I'll happily visit this restaurant again and again. Highly recommended.

Restaurant Info:
300 East
300 East Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28203
p) 704-332-6507
http://www.300east.net/

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