Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, August 2015

Last night I had a hot date. She has curly blonde hair, big blue eyes and uses a high-chair. :)

For this this Daddy / Daughter date night, I chose Bad Daddy's for four major reasons.
1) The food/service is usually fast
2) The food is delicious.
3) They serve hot dogs -- my daughter LOVES hot dogs.
4) My wife is out of town and I was too lazy to cook.

Fortunately, it was a Monday night in Birkdale, so there was no line (if you go on a Friday night, you'll probably have to wait). After we were seated, and my daughter was given some crayons, the waitress asked if I'd like something to drink. Being unfamiliar with the beers on tap, I chose my old standby: a bottle of Sam Adams Boston Lager...

Restaurant Review: Mint (Mooresville)

It's been a while since I had the chance to review a new restaurant in the Lake Norman area.  Backed up by projects and travel, my taste buds have been screaming for something new.  So, I did what any other Foodie would do -- I traveled up the road to try a place that I've been wanting to visit.  This day I wanted to visit Mint Indian Cuisine.

Found in the large strip-mall that houses Best Buy in Mooresville, Mint is relatively easy to get to.  However, if you take 150, be ready for a long drive.  With all the lights and traffic, the short distance can feel like an eternity.

I walked into Mint and was immediately seated.  Since I was there for the lunch buffet, I gave my drink order to the host (who also was the bus-buy and waiter) and headed to the prominent buffet tables found in the back corner of this small restaurant.  To my surprise, the selection was larger than I was expecting.

I'm having a hard time remembering the extensive array of foods, but it included a chicken curry (Chicken Tikka?), rice, coconut rice, a spinach curry, tomato soup (I was a little surprised about that selection), onion salad, pickled vegetables, Naan (lots of it!) and many other selections.

I helped myself to many of the items listed above and took my seat where my soda was waiting.  But before I took a bite I decided to take a look at the place.  The restaurant is clean but it gives a clinical vibe.  Unlike many of the Indian restaurants I've before, there is very little clutter and the restaurant feels just, well, clinical.  I probably got this feeling from the bare walls.  But, aside from a few things near the cash register, there is nothing that distinguishes the interior of the restaurant. 

But enough with the atmosphere -- let's munch!

Since I'm not a big fan of vegetarian curries, I went straight for the chicken curry that I believe was Chicken Tikka.  The chicken was plentiful, moist and tender, while the curry sauce was nice and thick. But the flavor was a little lacking.

** WARNING -- RANT AHEAD ** Unfortunately, this lack of flavor is something that I've noticed in many of the ethnic restaurants of the area.  It's like the restaurants are trying hard to appeal to such a broad spectrum of people, they choose to make the food on the blander (is that a word?) side.  This is just a bad idea all the way around.  If you're new to the cuisine, you're not actually getting a chance to experience all the flavors.  And if you're experienced at eating this type of food, all you're left with is an empty feeling where the taste is supposed to be.  Come on restaurants of Lake Norman, don't tone down the food!  I'm an adult, I can handle the flavor -- I promise. Rant over.

Aside from the previous rant, the food was good.  Nothing was over-cooked.  Nothing was under-cooked.  There was plenty of food, a large selection of food, and the different sauces and desserts were the Indian standards and perfectly good.  In addition, I'm a huge fan of Naan, and I just couldn't stop eating the stuff.

Score:
Atmosphere: 2.5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Total: 8.5/15

Kid Friendly? Yes.  High Chairs are available, and the linoleum floor will take whatever your kids can throw at it.
Price: $

Conclusion: It's one of the few Indian restaurants we have in the area, and the lunch buffet has something for everybody.  If it's your first time trying Indian food, give it a shot.  But if you're experienced with Indian cuisine and not there for the buffet, make sure they know it. I'm sure they'll be able to kick the flavor up a notch.
Restaurant Info:
Mint Indian Cuisine
591-N River Highway
Mooresville, NC 28117
p) (704) 660-8899
e) mintindiancuisine@gmail.com
http://www.mintindiancuisine.com/mooresville

El Paraiso (Cornelius)

A couple of weeks ago I finally got around to visiting El Paraiso Restaurant. Located in the Chair Factory in Cornelius, El Paraiso is the only restaurant in this small complex.

I parked the car then walked to the restaurant's entrance. While walking, I noticed a few Fire Trucks and Police cars. What the heck is going on? Did somebody choke on a chalupa? Did somebody rob the place? Did somebody rob the place AND choke on a chalupa? I had to investigate.

I made my way inside and noticed no visible commotion. Just a lot of firefighters and cops no excitement -- DARN!

The bartender told me to pick a table, and I grabbed an empty booth along a wall. The booths were black and red, and really didn't seem to match the rest of the restaurant. But hey, I was there for the food anyway.

After a few minutes, the waitress came by and took my drink order. It took me a few more minutes to look over the menu and make my decision. Hmm, I was really in the mood for chile rellenos. But I wanted to try at least one other meal -- so I did what any indecisive Foodie would do -- I ordered a combination plate!

I went with #96 (their menu is quite large). What is #96? I'm glad you asked! It's a Chile relleno and a crispy taco; I chose beef. I've gotta hand it to El Paraiso, the menu is extensive, and they offer things not usually seen in Mexican Style restaurants. Grilled Salmon and Catfish both make appearances on the menu.

My chips arrived after my drink, and were pretty good. The salsa is prepared at the restaurant, and it was nicely chilled -- I'd rather have my salsa refrigerated than just sitting around at room temperature all day. The salsa had a good consistency, and some nice chunks of tomato, onion, and cilantro. It was a little late to the table, but it was darn good.

Next came the meal. The chile relleno was huge and it was stuffed with beef, not cheese. A little different, but good! Next I tried the crispy taco. It was a standard taco shell filled with ground beef, cheese, fresh lettuce and tomato. Overall pretty good. The ground beef in both the chili relleno and taco was good, but slightly lacking in flavor -- something I've noticed with many of the Mexican Style restaurants in the area. It's like they're scared of oregano and cumin!

But that's not to slam El Paraiso. The food was perfectly acceptable and the lunch special was a deal at $6.25.

It was a good meal at a good price. If you're nearby, it's worth a try.

Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5
Food: 3.5 / 5
Service: 4/5
Total: 10.5 / 15

Kid Friendly: Yes. Kids menu and high chairs available.
Price: $ (Tax & Tip just under $10)

Conclusion: Good food at a good price make this a worthwhile visit. The wait staff was a little overwhelmed during lunch due to limited staff and a full room. But they still got me out in about 40 mins.

Restaurant Info:
El Paraiso Restaurant
20700 N. Main Street
Suite 124
Cornelius, NC 28031
p) 704-896-6064

Alton's Kitchen & Cocktails

After hearing about Chef Sean Dowling from a friend, I decided to hit his restaurant, Alton's. Alton's is located in Cornelius, at the Crossroads of Jetton and W. Catawba in the the Jetton III complex (the one with the Harris Teeter). It's kinda hard to find, but apparently it's where Mia Famiglia was originally located -- sorta behind the Chinese restaurant.

When I walked in I was surprised to see that Alton's has two levels. The main dining level has the dining room and bar. While the upstairs looks over the dining level, and is presumably above the kitchen -- would probably be a great place to hold a private party.

I approached the hostess and was immediately seated. The tables are covered with black and white tablecloths, and the chairs are a dark wood. Chandeliers provide the light, which was kept to a minimum. This is good when having a romantic dinner -- bad when trying to read the editorial section of the Observer (as I was trying to do).

I looked over the menu, and noticed some of the usual things. Meats, fish, salads were all there, and then something caught my eye... a New England Lobster Roll. A New England Lobster Roll?? In Cornelius???? It's so crazy it just might work!

So, I asked my waitress about it. (FYI, if you go, ask for Brittany -- she was awesome.) She informed me that it was a mayo-based lobster salad with tarragon. The lobster is fresh; imported live from New England, the lobster is cooked on the premises.

In the mood for something different, I placed my order for the Lobster Roll, and decided to treat myself to the Tangle Oaks Chardonnay. Brittany informed me that if I like my Chardonnay oaky, this was the one for me. Fortunately, I like my Chards oaky, so I took her recommendation.

The wine list is good, with many offered by the glass. And I've gotta say, the Tangle Oaks Chardonnay from Santa Barbara was amazing. Smooth and oaky with a great nose, there was little acidic kick to this wine. Not only was the wine great, but it was a perfect compliment to the Lobster Roll -- who woulda thought?

The Lobster Roll consisted of large chunks of lobster that, surprisingly, weren't rubbery. The lobster came lightly coated with a mayo (and possibly sour cream) based sauce, and had the usual veggies (onions, celery, etc.) and spices.

The truth is, this was my first Lobster Roll, and I didn't know what to expect. But it was delicious.

I was a little taken aback by the large slice of folded bread that held the lobster salad. Buttered and lightly toasted on both sides, it looked more like Texas Toast than a bun. But when I talked to Chef Sean, I was informed that it is indeed a roll that they import from New England just for this sandwich. Even though it wasn't what I was expecting, it was still good.

The sides for this meal almost over shadowed the entree. The Kettle Chips were salty, crunchy, and delicious, while the coleslaw was amazing. Simply put, it may be the best coleslaw that I've ever had. EVER! Crunchy and tangy, this was a great compliment to the creamy and not-so-crunchy Lobster Roll.

At the end I was feeling slightly peckish, and decided on a slice of the Tiramisu Cheesecake. Topped with a layer of chocolate and home-made whipped cream, this was a decadent dessert. It melted in my mouth, and I wanted to take an entire cake home with me.

Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Total: 13/15

Price: $$$$ (including wine, dessert and tip, it was almost $40)
Kid Friendly: Yes. They have a small kids menu, and several families were dining there.

Conclusion: The prices and decadent food make this restaurant less likely to be an every-day hangout and more of a special occasion restaurant. But the food was amazing and the service was fantastic. I highly recommend you give it a try.

Restaurant Info:
Alton's Kitchen and Cocktails
19918 North Cove Road
Cornelius, NC 28031
p) 704-655-2727
f) 704-655-2726
http://www.altonskitchen.com/ (not yet working)

Midtown Sundries (Denver, NC)

At least once a week I take the short-ish drive to Denver. It's not too far away, and it's the home of my favorite locally-owned Coffeehouse. And every time I get a coffee there I drive past Midtown Sundries.

This Midtown Sundries is very new and the interior looks it. Don't get me wrong, it still the dark wood, dark ceiling, with green accents that you've come to know from the other Midtown Sundries restaurants. But the wood, tables, chairs, and carpet are all new looking, and minus the wear and tear that I normally associate with the Lake Norman Location.

The menu has many (if not all) of the same items that I've seen at the LKN location. Because of this, once I was seated and I looked over the menu, I was ready to place an order. My waitress -- who was awesome -- had already delivered my diet coke, and was ready to take my order of the Chicken Melt Sandwich with fries.

She was gone in a flash, and I settled in to read the paper. I had barely made it half way through the Editorial section of the Observer (Yes, I keep up with world events -- don't be THAT shocked!), and my sandwich arrived. The sandwich consists of tuna salad and Swiss cheese, on grilled sourdough bread. The chicken salad consists of chunks of white-meat chicken and is mayonnaise based. It was a little saucier than I typically like my chicken salad, and made for a messy sandwich, but it was good -- it had been a long time since I last had chicken salad.

Next came the crinkle-fries -- the bane of my existence. Every time I've had a crinkle cut fry it has always been soft and somewhat soggy. And since I like my fries crunchy, I was worried about this portion of the meal. But these fries were GREAT! REALLY! Cooked to a nice golden-brown, these fries were deep fried to perfection. Crunchy and still hot, I couldn't stop eating these things!

The only complaint I had about the meal was that the sandwich was still cold in the middle. The chicken salad was good, but a toasted sandwich should be warm throughout, and this took the experience down a notch.

Score:
Atmosphere: 3.5
Food: 3
Service: 4.5
Total:11/15

Price: $$ (With tip, under $15)
Kid Friendly: Yes, high chairs and children's menus available.

Conclusion:
Midtown Sundries is sorta your typical restaurant/bar combo. It has decent food for a good price, and if you want to watch the game, they've got HDTVs strategically placed.

Restaurant Info:
Midtown Sundries
7296 Highway 73
Denver, NC 28037-9187
http://www.midtownsundries.com

Savor (Charlotte)

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet with a friend of mine from Diamond Springs Water. (They have the best spring water around!) After we met up at the corporate office, we made a quick drive to Savor.

At first I was a little wary. The area it's in (West Morehead) is just starting to be less scary. Also, it's across the street from Open Kitchen -- a restaurant not known for its gourmet selections. So I turned and looked at my friend as if to ask, "Really?" And he reassured me that it was fantastic.

Fortunately, he was right.

Savor is a very small restaurant offering some big flavors. We walked in and were immediately taken to our table. It's small, and can get very loud; but the restaurant has a very cozy feel and the staff make you feel welcome.

After looking over their specials and the menu I decided to try one of my favorite sandwiches (when done right), a Cuban Sandwich, and I got a side of Cheese Grits.

After a short wait the food arrived, and I was happily surprised.

Both of our meals were presented well. It was simple, but well done. The ingredients appeared to be fresh (on both our meals), and the aroma was irresistible. My Cuban Sandwich consisted of "Roasted Pork, Smoked Ham, Pickles & Dijon Mustard on Cuban bread." The sandwich was grilled, sorta in a panini style, and it was one of the better Cuban sandwiches that I've had. (The best I've had is from Cafe Salsa, in Alexandria, VA.)

The pork and ham were warm and not dry. Where the pickles added a zesty tang that complimented the mustard. The roll was fresh and had a nice crust -- always a plus! The cheese grits were quite good. Topped with shredded cheddar, the grits were plenty warm, thick, and creamy. Delicious!

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

Price: $$ (with drink and tip about $15 per person)
Kid Friendly: Yes, though the crowd appears to be nearby professionals out for a quick lunch.

Conclusion: All in all, a great meal in an unexpected location. If you're ever in the area, this is a restaurant I'd highly recommend. Also, they have a catering service -- I'd use them!

Restaurant Info:
Savor Cafe and Catering
1404 West Morehead Street
Charlotte, NC 28208
p) 704-334-0098
http://www.savoronmorehead.com/

Cashion's Gas (Cornelius, exit 28)

Yeah. You read the title right. I went to the Cashion's just east of exit 28, at the corner of Catawba and Statesville Rd. Inside the Cashion's there is a little grill that serves very basic short-order food, (i.e. burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and some breakfast).

Generally speaking, I try to avoid gas station food -- because it GIVES ME GAS!! (HA! I kill me!!)

Ok, ok, juvenile humor aside, I really do try to avoid gas station food. In fact, I've never had any prepared food from those fast-food / gas station combos that you see along I-77 or I-85. But longtime Foodie reader Bill insisted that I try this place.

I'm freakin' glad I did!!

Bill was right -- the burgers here rock! They're hand made patties, topped with a serious amount of cheese, with some of the best produce around! Seriously.

The burger was prepared to order (after I ordered, I heard the burger hit the grill), and I asked for tomato, onion, lettuce, ketchup and cheese. A few minutes later I was handed the burger on a plate, wrapped in aluminum foil. The burger was drenched in American Cheese. (Typically I don't like American Cheese, but with this much melted gooeyness, I can't complain).

The produce was amazing. Really. I need to shop where they do. The two tomato slices were thick, ripe, and bright red. The iceberg lettuce and white onion were fresh and crisp.

The patty, cheese, and produce combined to create one of my favorite burgers in the area. To me, it even beats the 5 Guys burgers -- and THAT's high praise. In addition, it was relatively cheap. The burger and a bottle of Coke came to $4 and change.

The only downside to the burger is that it is at a Cashion's. So there is no seating, and if you eat in your car (like I did), there will be a smell of gasoline. But, it was worth it for this cheap bite of deliciousness.

Score:
Atmosphere: 0/0
Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Total: 7/10

Price: $
Kid Friendly: No. There is no place for your little-ones to hang out while placing the order.

Conclusion: Cheap prices, low visibility, and a REALLY good burger make this one of best kept secrets for burger lovers.

Restaurant Info:
Cashion's Quik Stop‎
19733 Statesville Rd.
Cornelius, NC
p) 704-892-7762‎

Mac's Speed Shop (Cornelius)

At the urging of a friend of mine, I decided to hit the local Mac's to get some BBQ. This was my first time at Mac's, and I was curious about what I would find. And more importantly, how would it compare to Lancaster's (my favorite BBQ in the area.)

Mac's has a definite biker bar feel to it. In the front there are almost a dozen motorcycle parking places (cars park in the back), while inside you'll see lots steel, wood, and many HDTV's.

Once inside, my friend and I were taken to our seats at a small elevated table in the middle of the main room. From my seat I could see no fewer than 4 HDTVs, each one with an ESPN channel showing. The menu has a decent selection ranging from standard BBQ and ribs, to salads and sandwiches.

Wanting to have a smaller serving of BBQ and some sides, I decided upon the "lil pig" BBQ sandwich. Along with the one side of mac and cheese, I decided to get a second side of BBQ beans. (Beans, beans, good for your heart, the more you eat -- the more you...) Oops! Sorry for that brief trip down grade school memory lane....

Anyhow, the food arrived quickly and I took a look. As you can see, it was pretty much standard BBQ fare. The BBQ pork was a little more bland and dry that I was expecting. However, the sauces at the table added the needed flavor and moisture.

The sides, however, were delicious. The mac and cheese was made with real cheese and was creamy and good! The BBQ beans, were really flavorful and had a nice and thick sauce that had hints of molasses and brown sugar. The sauce had some meat in it, but not much.

I know people love their BBQ, and I'm sure this will ruffle some feathers. But, I didn't find anything about Macs that was extraordinary. For the most part it was about average. The BBQ was OK, but the sides were slightly above average. The next time I go, I'll be sure to try their ribs, and see if my experience differs.

Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5
Food: 3.5/5
Service: 3.5/5
Total: 10/15

Price: $$
Kid Friendly: Yes

Conclusion: About average BBQ with a biker theme. It was OK, but not memorable. I'll head back again because I want to try their ribs.

Restaurant Info:
Mac's Speed Shop
19601 Liverpool Pkwy.
Cornelius, NC 28031
http://www.macspeedshop.com/

Amelie's French Bakery (NoDa)

Again with the suggestions!!

Last week I had a few suggestions that I visit Tony's. So, I did, and I posted the review. But what I didn't tell you, is that last week I had even MORE suggestions that I visit Amelie's in the NoDa Neighborhood of Charlotte. So, yesterday I made my way to Amelie's to check it out.

I'm glad I listened to my friends....

Amelie's in located in an industrial feeling shopping area at North Davidson and 28th St. From the outside there is nothing to distinguish Amelie's from the other stores in the brick and mortar complex. However, once inside, you feel miles away.

The interior is decorated with an eclectic, funky, and cozy vibe. Along with chess sets and checkers tables, you'll find chandeliers, sofas, and fake fire places. And the place is huge -- basically it's comprised of two store spaces. One is mostly for baking and some tables, while the other is primarily for seating.

But there is one thing that I noticed immediately -- the smell. The deliciousness of all the pastries and breads was evident from the smell alone. And once you enter, you're assaulted by the images of all the pastries in a wonderful display case. The second I entered I started to salivate.

After looking over the choices I chose a chocolate croissant and a cup of coffee. I prepared my coffee, took a seat, and then took a bite. The result???? OMG! YUM!!

The best chocolate croissant I've ever had was at a French Cafe in Ponta Delgada, on the Azores island of Sao Miguel. I know, I know, Portugal isn't known for it's food. But at this cafe, the baker was trained in France. So, all the food was fantastic. And the chocolate croissant was as close to heaven as possible.

The chocolate croissant from Amelie's is a VERY close second.

The chocolate wasn't too sweet or too bitter. It was excellent. In addition, the buttery, light, and flaky croissant was fantastic. My words simply don't do it justice. But this might -- I liked it so much I bought another so that I could eat one this morning!!

Unfortunately, since I inhaled the croissant, I HAD to try something else. I mean, what kind of a Foodie would I be if I didn't explore different dining options? Oh, the things I do to inform my readers!! It's a sacrifice, but I manage! :)

So, I ordered a twice baked almond croissant. Ok, here's how these things are made. A freshly baked standard croissant is sliced in half, and filled with a creamy/buttery almond concoction. That croissant is then dipped in a sweet syrup. And then it's baked again!! The result?? Something crunchy and sweet on the outside, and buttery and almondy in the middle! SQUEEE! I was in heaven.

While I was enjoying the almond croissant, I decided to have them bake me a loaf of sourdough bread. Having grown-up on San Francisco Sourdough, I can tell you it's been hard for me to find another that is comparable on the east coast. Fortunately, Amelie's sourdough is one of the better ones I've found over here. When I got the bread back to my car I stuck my nose in the bag and inhaled. Ohhhh, it smelled like home.....

So, I did what any other home-sick Californian who lives in the Lake Norman area would do... I went to Ferrucci's and got some Italian Dry (Sicilian style) Salami! Lemme tell ya. That bread with the salami? Heaven, pure heaven!

Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 13/15

Price: $ (Coffee and pastry around $6)
Kid Friendly: Unknown

Conclusion: GREAT pastries and bread make this one of my favorite eateries in the Charlotte area. I'm glad that I expanded my geographical boundaries to try Amelie's. And it's only about a 20 minute drive from my home.

Restaurant Info:
Amelie’s French Bakery and Cafe
2424 N. Davidson St.
Charlotte, NC 28205
p)704-376-1781
http://www.ameliesfrenchbakery.com

Tony's Pizza (Huntersville)

Last week, two new friends of mine who are from COMPLETELY different circles, both made the same recommendation, "You've gotta go to Tony's!"

Before last week, I don't recall hearing the name before. I knew of a LOT of different pizzeria's but Tony's wasn't one of them. Now I'm wondering why it took me a couple of years to hear about this place...

I ventured to the Tony's in Huntersville, at the corner of Harris Blvd and Mt. Holly-Huntersville Rd. It's in the same strip mall as the Food Lion. But there are plenty of other Tony's in the region for you to visit... but the two in the Lake Norman area are in Huntersville and Mooresville.

This Tony's was a standard no-frills pizzeria. The decor isn't memorable, there is no wait staff, and the menu is posted on the wall above the counter. But the place is clean, the booth-like seating appears new, and the staff behind the counter were friendly.

I was warned about Tony's large slices of pepperoni. Undaunted, I ordered two pepperoni slices. I SHOULD have ordered one.

These slices are huge!! One was plenty to fill me up. I took the second slice home, and measured it's length -- one foot (12 inches) exactly. Now that's a slice!!

The crust is nice and crispy, but not overly crunchy. Since this is a huge NY Style slice, it's necessary to fold it so that the slice doesn't droop, and lose all the toppings to gravity.

Speaking of toppings, I was pleased with the choices. The cheese was good and there was plenty to cover the slice. There could have been a little more, but I love cheese, and there could always be a little more. The pepperoni was actually quite good. It was very flavorful, and it was some of the best that I've had in the area. My only complaint is that on one slice there were only 6 slices of pepperoni. I know that sounds like a lot, but the slices are so large, this made the slice almost look naked! The sauce was good. I would have liked some tomato chunks, BUT I understand that the NY Style is supposed to be thin, so I understand the reasoning behind the pureed sauce.

All-in-all, a good visit. They've got a good pizza and the huge slices are a great value. Let's face it, for about $7 I had two meals.... and that's hard to do anywhere!

Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5
Food: 3.5/5
Service: 3/5
Total: 9.5/15

Price: $
Kid Friendly: Yes

Conclusion: Huge slices, good food, and a great value will encourage me to visit again. Definitely an authentic NY Style pizza. Next time I might try one of their entrees -- but then again, I'll probably just order the pizza.

Restaurant Info:
Tony's Pizza
Pecan Ridge Shopping Center
9548 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Rd.
Huntersville, NC
p) 704-394-5677
http://tonyspizza.ipower.com/index.html

Six Pence Pub (Blowing Rock, NC)

This past weekend, my wife and I went on an excursion and made our way to Blowing Rock. It's a small mountain town with a a good vibe. Lots of tourists packed the sidewalks of the main drag. Unfortunately, this also meant that every restaurant was packed for lunch time.

And since this trip was unplanned, we took our time in the morning. We slept-in, had a relaxing coffee, and read the paper by the fire place. This meant that when we arrived we were starving, it was lunch time, and we had to wait for ANY meal we could find.

So, when we walked by the first restaurant we saw (Six Pence Pub) we put our names on the waiting list. We hit a couple of other restaurants, but they all had a waiting time. So, we walked down to the end of the shopping district, bought some warm hats (we were unprepared for a high of 40 degrees), and then made our way back to Six Pence. After a few more minutes huddled together in the sun (did I mention we were TOTALLY unprepared for the cold?), we were finally given a table.

Total waiting time 30-ish minutes.

We were seated by the bar of this packed small restaurant. As you could probably tell by the name, Six Pence is a British style pub. They offer a full array of pub food, along with some UK favorites; Welsh rabbit, Shepard's Pie, Bangers & Mash, and, of course, some decent beers!

We were just so happy to be warm inside the bar, almost everything sounded good -- even the Shepard's Pie! (For the record, after a couple of months in England, I swore I'd never have another Shepard's Pie...) Eventually we picked our meals. I wanted a bacon cheeseburger on an onion roll with fries, while my wife chose the half corned beef sandwich with a cup of broccoli cheddar soup.

The drinks arrived first. I had a Guinness. They actually took their time pouring it, which surprised me. The bar was packed, and I expected a rushed pour with an overly frothy head. But they did it right, so they get a bonus. :)

After about 15 minutes, our meals arrived. My wife's sandwich looked good,but small. However, she was pleased with it. The broccoli cheddar soup was good, but it was slightly runny, and overly salted. Normally this would be a huge no-no. But since we were still warming up, it was rapidly gobbled up.

My bacon cheese burger was quite good. The tomato, onion, and lettuce seemed fresh, and not heated by extra time under the warming lamps. The burger was at least 1/3 lb. if not bigger. And the burger wasn't over cooked either. It had good flavor, and the bacon, cheese, and onion roll, just added to the flavor.

At the end of the meal, we decided to split a slice of homemade apple pie. It seemed home-made. It was a little messy, and the filling sorta fell outside of the crust, making it somewhat flat. However the pie was good, and the creamy cinnamon topping made it even better.

Re-energized and warmed by our meal, we went back out into the cold, and window-shopped and explored the downtown area, and a small portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a shame we were only there for the day. But additional exploration will bring us back to the area soon.

Score:
Atmosphere: 3/3
Food: 3.5/5
Service: 3.5/5
Total: 10/15

Price: $$$ (drinks, dessert, entree and tip brings it to just over $20/person)
Kid Friendly: Yes. High chairs, kids menu, etc. are available.

Conclusion: Six Pence was small and packed, yet it had a great vibe and wasn't too loud. The food and service were slightly above average for this type of establishment. And thought the prices were slightly higher than expected, I didn't feel fleeced. I'll recommend this place to friends going up to the Blowing Rock area.

Restaurant Info:
Six Pence Pub
1121 Main Street
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
p)828-295-3155

Fuel Pizza (Davidson)

I think I've mentioned it on this blog before -- pizza is the perfect food. It's got all four food groups, it's easy to eat (no forks or knives necessary), and it is great at 2am after a night of drinking! :)

Yesterday a friend of mine and I decided to grab a slice or two. But where should we go? I've hit most of the pizzerias in the area. Then it clicked -- I hadn't yet reviewed a Fuel. So, we hopped in the car and made the short drive to Davidson.

This Fuel is perfectly named as it is in an old gas station. It's got a small outdoor seating arrangement, small parking lot shared with other local businesses, and a rough around the edges interior.

We walked in, and looked over the pre-made pizzas. I decided to go with a slice of a pepperoni, a slice of chicken ranch, and a soda. The slices were delivered to our outdoor table, and we dug in. Simply put the pizza was good, but not great.

To be honest, I don't recall ever having a bad piece of pizza. There are some that I've liked more than others, but all-in-all, I think it's hard to have a bad slice.

The crust was thin and the slices were wide. So, I suppose it's sorta a New York Style slice. But the crust, sauce, and toppings all seemed rather average. In addition, to the pepperoni, I was given a slice of Hero pizza, which was basically a hero sandwich on a slice, instead of the ordered chicken ranch. The pizza was ok and I liked the sweet peppers, but it was still the wrong slice.

When we ate, the weather broke and it turned out to be a gorgeous day. So it's hard to say anything bad about the meal. But sadly, everything was just average. I had hoped for more.

Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5
Food: 3/5
Service: 2/5 (docked a point for the wrong order)
Total: 8/15

Price: $
Kid Friendly: Yes

Conclusion: The pizza is good, not great --about average. But an average slice is still good IMHO.

Restaurant Info:
Fuel Pizza
402 S Main St
Davidson, NC 28036
p) 704-655-3835
http://www.fuelpizza.com

Max's Alley (Concord, NC)

The other day I had the pleasure of meeting a new friend over lunch at Max's Ally in Concord. I'd been there before, but that was long before (a couple of months), this blog got started.

As I entered the restaurant, I walked past their outdoor seating area -- it looks pretty sweet! Faux natural stone fireplace, TV, heaters, and fans are all available to keep you comfortable. Seriously, it's one of the nicer outdoor seating arrangements I've seen.

I made my way inside and met my friend. After some small talk, I got down to business and read the menu. The lunch menu there is on the lighter side, and has mostly sandwiches and salads. After a LOT of going back-and-forth, I decided to order the Honey Mustard Chicken Wrap with regular fries (I've had their sweet potato fries before -- they were amazing)

Max's Ally is actually a large dining facility. But because of the way it's broken-up into rooms, it feels very cozy. The interior is decorated with warm colors, stone, and dark woods. It seems like a great place to hang out after work with a bottle of wine! Too bad don't work in Concord, I'd be there all the time!

Our meals arrived (we ordered the same thing), and I was very pleased. The large wrap was served in a spinach tortilla, and was filled with "marinated chicken, field greens, smoked bacon, tomatoes, swiss (cheese)." It was really good!

The freshly cooked chicken was still warm, the honey mustard sauce was present but not over-powering. The veggies were ripe and fresh. And really, how can you go wrong with bacon? All these flavors mixed together, to create a light but filling meal.

In addition, the fries were crispy, but tender. Truly delicious. But, here's the sad part -- I didn't clear my plate because I was soooo full. A few fries and a little bit of wrap survived the meal.

After my meal, I had the opportunity to meet the owner of Max's Alley (who also owns Dresslers' in Birkdale). And to my astonishment, he actually knew of this blog!! SQUEEE!! I've gotta admit, I was a little floored.

But, all-in-all, my meal was very good, the service ridiculously attentive, and I liked the atmosphere -- I've gotta bring my wife here for dinner sometime.

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

Price: $$ (Sweet tea, food, tax, and tip approx $16)
Kid Friendly: Yes, they have a kids menu. And the atmosphere, while nice, is informal.

Conclusion: I had a great meal. I'll definitely recommend this place to friends, and I'll be sure to visit again. Just a quick note, their dinner entrees range from $12 to $19.

Restaurant Info:
Max's Ally
Afton Village
355 John Galt Way, Suite 101
Concord, NC
p) 704-721-MAXS (6297)
f) 704-721-6291
http://www.maxsally.com/

Poppas Hot Dogs (Mooresville)

Some of you may remember a recent post that included an article about Poppa's Hot Dogs. What I found strange about that post were the two extremely negative comments, left by readers, who really didn't like Poppas.

So, this made me want to go even more! I mean, would this place make it into my hall of shame??

Short answer: No.

Long answer: I actually enjoyed my meal there......

I walked in, and was greeted by a no-frills hot dog joint. Straight ahead, across a few tables there is the counter and behind it, a small kitchen. The walls are adorned with NASCAR memorabilia -- fenders, autographs, sheet metal from cars, and photos are in plan view. This makes sense, after all, this place is home to the local cable show "The Race Review" -- be sure to visit early to get onto the audience list.

I walked down the line to the left, to place my order. On my way to the register, I walked past a wall mounted menu. In addition to many other types of hot dogs, they also have Chicago, New Jersey, and Carolina style dogs. But I already knew what I wanted -- a chili dog. So I placed my order for two chili dogs (I interpreted the menu to read that the 2 chili dogs were part of one order. It read "Best of two great dogs..." I was wrong and would up paying for two separate chili dogs, this increased the price, but really, they were still cheap).

The dogs were prepared quickly, and in about 3 minutes my order was called. I picked them up and this is what I saw. Two dogs, in steamed buns, covered with chili and nacho cheese. This isn't a specific type of chili, just kinda s general chili. Bot dogs were covered in the perfect amount of chili and cheese. Enough to fill you up, but not enough to make a mess. In fact it was so perfect, I never used the fork and knife!

I gotta admit, these were the best chili dogs that I've had in the greater Charlotte area. I've tried chili dogs in Charlotte, Huntersville, and Davidson, and none of them compare to the chili dogs at Poppas. The buns were soft, but not too mushy. The chili was spicy and meaty. It was great, but didn't overwhelm the flavor of the dog. In addition, the nacho cheese was actually good (and I usually hate nacho cheese)!

All in all, a mouthwatering meal, that left my tummy full, and me letting out a notch on my belt!

Score:
Atmosphere: 2/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5 (service was quick, but I'm taking one point for the misleading menu)
Total: 9/15

Price: $
Kid Friendly: Yes

Conclusion: A REALLY good chili dog, for a really good price. This place is no frills, and the napkins are paper towels. But the food delivery speed, flavor, and value are very good.

Restaurant Info:
Poppa's Hot Dogs
510 River Hwy # 13
Mooresville, NC
p) 704-664-7677
http://www.gtkdata.com/

Nevole's Pizza (Denver, NC)

A few days ago I left the Coffeehouse in search for food. Where would I go? There's a Chinese buffet, a Showmars, and a Mid-Town Sundries nearby. It's not often that I find so many new restaurants within a 5 minute walk!

However, I chose to go with Nevole's Pizzeria instead.

When I walked into Nevole's I was reminded of some of the pizzerias of my youth -- the interior is very basic, with few frills. The walls have shelves lined with beer cans serves. There is only one TV, and the furniture has nicks and scrapes. Not really the atmosphere for a date, but the atmosphere is good if you're just looking for a few slices.

The pizza here is done in the New York style. And pizza is really all they do. The menu has subs, wings, calzone, and of course pizza. I decided to go with their lunch special. Two large slices of pizza (I chose pepperoni) and a drink for $4.99. I thought the deal was good. But then I tasted the pizza.

This deal is GREAT!

Because of the plain interior, I was expecting plain pizza. But it's good pizza! Really good! The crust was tasty and I actually ate my crust (which is unusual for me). The pepperoni wasn't too greasy, and the mozzarella cheese, actually tasted like mozzarella cheese. The sauce was a little thin for my linking -- but that's sorta standard for New York pizza so I can't blame them for that.

All in all, a great find. I'll be back.

Score:
Atmosphere: 2/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 10/15

Price: $
Kid Friendly: Yes, as long as they like pizza!

Conclusion: The basic interior hides some really good pizza and fast, yet friendly, service. If you like New York style pizza, you should try this place.

Restaurant Info:
Nevole's Pizzeria
7260 Hwy 73
Suite 118
Denver, NC 28037
p) 704-822-1964

Prestone's Cuisine (Trailer at Gilead and Statesville)

Recently, one of the local weekly papers ran an article on Prestone's Cuisine. It chronicled Executive Chef Kemalemir Preston Frashto and his latest creation -- the food trailer next to the BP gas station at Gilead and Statesville roads.

The food at Prestone's is promoted as Italian. (The website says: "a vision of creating Huntersville's finest Italian dining experience...") But I'd say it's more American cuisine with a hint of Italian and Bosnian flavors.

The menu has everything from Chicken Tenders and Cheeseburgers, to Italian Schnitzel and Funnel Cake. It took me a little while to decide,but I eventually placed my order for a Bosnian Traditional Burger and a Deep Fried Twinkie. Yes, that's right -- a DEEP FRIED TWINKIE! YUM!!!

It took a while for my order to get cooked -- almost 15 minutes. So this isn't the fastest meal. Also, it's a little disorganized. I had to give my order about 3 times. But the final product is good!

The Bosnian Burger was a combination of 20% lamb and 80% beef. The meat was seasoned with spices that gave it a mildly exotic flavor. It's not something that I don't usually taste so I honestly can't identify it. Though the meat was slightly more pink that I prefer, the actual burger patty was quite good.

The burger was topped with an interesting condiment. It tasted like a tomato paste with paprika and roasted red peppers. It was an interesting flavor. Again one that I'm not used to tasting. The fries appeared to be freshly cut and cooked. The fries were good, but they could have been a little crispier and there should have been a few more.

Then came the deep fried twinkie. I have one word. YUM!!! Yes, it's bad for me. Yes, I could actually feel my arteries hardening. Yes, it's the one food that would survive a nuclear winter. But I don't care. It was good, gooey, and creamy! It was served with whipped cream and a cherry (nice touch!). But in all honesty it woulda been just fine by itself.

Score:
Atmosphere: 0/5 (No Seating)
Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Total: 7/10

Price: $
Kid Friendly: The food is kid friendly, but you'll be eating at home.

Conclusion: Unique flavors and foods help to separate this place from the normal greasy spoon. Aside from the longer than expected wait time, and slight disorganization with the order, this is a place you should try. I really like the fact that most of the food is made there and not pre-prepared.

Restaurant Info:
Prestone's Cuisine
BP Gas Station at Gilead and Statesville Rd.
I-77 (exit 23)
Huntersville, NC
http://www.prestonescuisine.com/

P.F. Chang's (Northlake)

I have an obsession. It's not my fault though. It's really an addiction. So, it's completely beyond my power to resist. I might as well admit it.....

I'm completely and totally enamoured with P.F. Chang's Great Wall of Chocolate.

My wife and I recently decided to visit P.F. Chang's on our way back from the airport. It was convenient, familiar, and it had been over a year since we last visited.

We walked in and were greeted by a rather snarky hostess -- who greeted the people waiting behind us in line, and seemed determined to ignore us for as long as possible. (I don't know what we did to receive this attitude, we were friendly, smiling, and initially were in a good mood!) She eventually got around to us, and informed us we'd have to wait for a table. We turned around to sit in the lobby, and I noticed something strange -- there were MANY open tables. I was REALLY starting to dislike the hostess.

After a 7 minute wait we were seated by someone else. Out waitress promptly appeared, and asked for our drink order. Fortunately, we already knew what we were having. So we gave her our food order instead: Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Mongolian Beef. It just so happens that these dishes are the exactly right portion sizes for us to share.

(As a side note, I hate doing this to the waiter and waitress. No drink order, and sharing the entree means that their tip will be less. SORRY to all of our future and past P.F. Chang's serving staff!)

As we sat there waiting for our food, I looked around. I LOVE the decor of this place. The stone facade, the warm colors, and dark woods REALLY give this place a relaxed vibe.

Our Chicken Lettuce Wraps appetizer arrived quickly. It really is one of my favorite appetizers. The chicken, mixed with mushrooms, water cress, and an assortment of other goodies is simply amazing. Here's the one thing you need to know about it. I HATE mushrooms, but this appetizer has it, and I don't care. 'Nuff said.

Next came our entree. The Mongolian Beef. These thin strips of steak cooked with scallions and garlic, in a brown soy-based sauce is amazing. I'm guessing the sauce has some soy, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, red peppers, and rice vinegar We learned about this entree several years ago, when my wife tied another entree she wasn't happy with. The waiter said, "Let me bring you something I guarantee you'll like." We liked it so much, that is now the only entree we order when we dine at P.F. Changs together.

After we ravenously inhaled quietly enjoyed the entree, we decided that we still had room for coffee and dessert. To be honest as you probably guessed, there was only one dessert that crossed our minds: The Great Wall of Chocolate.

This thing is a chocoholic's dream come true. About seven layers of chocolate cake, with chocolate icing, and the exterior side of this cake have have chocolate chips pressed into the icing. Heck, I'm almost experiencing a diabetic coma just thinking about it! The cake is served with fruit (blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries) and a raspberry puree.... if there's one thing I love in life it's chocolate with raspberry puree!

Really, aside from the hostess who seemed determined to ignore us, this was a great time. Though I hate to recommend chain restaurants -- this one is worth recommending.

Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 12/15

Price: $$ (Would be more expensive if we hadn't shared the appetizer, entree, an dessert)
Kid Friendly: Yes

Conclusion: The asian fusion style to this food is hard to resist. I've always enjoyed my food here, non-traditional asian, but it's great!

Restaurant Info:
P.F. Changs
10325 Perimeter Parkway
Charlotte, NC
p) 704-598-1927
http://www.pfchangs.com

XO Tapas Wine Bar (Cornelius)

The other night while my wife was traveling, I decided to hit the other nearby wine bar, XO. Located just off of the recently completed W. Catawba Ave. (YAAY!), it's easy to get to. And since I'd been hearing good things, I thought I'd check it out.

The second I walked into XO, I felt more like I was in Manhattan than in Cornelius. The furniture was black lacquer, the bar was stainless steel, and the vibe was hip and trendy. I had to do a double take. I was in Cornelius... RIGHT?? (I personally lean away from the hip and trendy, and tend to like a laid-back atmosphere. But they succeeded in creating an intimate lounge feel.)

However, it's not the style that sets XO apart, it's the menu. They have a full menu that features tapas, but also has some entrees thrown in too. The chef has a creative streak that produces some interesting and adventurous food. From their Andouille Sausage pizza that features peaches, champagne gastrique, robiola, and cinnamon basil; to their Caprese Salad that highlights a balsamic-injected cherry tomato wrapped in mozzarella, Chef Kyle Schutte is trying new things.

Unfortunately I already had dinner before I arrived. So, I enjoyed only a glass of wine and the Sweetbread Corndogs. These are not the dogs you ordinarily enjoy at the county fair. Stuffed with ground veal, these corndogs are very different indeed. They have a rich and savory flavor that just can't be beat. Served with spicy mustard, these corndogs were a treat to be enjoyed.

I wish I would have had room in my stomach to try more of their food selection. It was very unique, and that's something which is hard to come by.

Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Total: 13/15

Price: $$ (one glass of wine, one tapas plate, and tip came to almost $15)
Kid Friendly: Not really.

Conclusion: The only wine bar in the area to have such a large and unique menu. This place has more formal vibe to it, but it works. Definitely worth giving this place a try, for their menu if nothing else.

Restaurant Info:
XO Tapas Wine Bar
19701 Bethel Church Rd.
Cornelius NC 28031
p) 704-896-9255
http://www.xotapaswinebar.com

High Thyme (Sullivan's Island, SC)

Last week my wife and I headed to the South Carolina coast for some much needed R & R. While cruising around we hit the "Business District" of Sullivan's Island. This area is only about a block long, but it has many locally owned restaurants, most of which looked great.

One of this blog's readers suggested that I visit Poe's Tavern. Unfortunately, it was packed. So my wife and I went across the street to check out High Thyme... with a name like that, I HAD to give it a try.

The patio of High Thyme was mostly empty, so we grabbed a table under an umbrella (which I promptly ran into with my forehead), and took a look at the menu. To be honest everything sounded good. The menu focused on fish dishes (which you'd expect from a restaurant on a small island), but it also had entrees that featured pork, beef, or chicken.

Since this was our first dinner out, we decided to celebrate with a half bottle of champagne. We also decided to share the warm Spinach Dip appetizer. But for the entree, we were split and couldn't compromise -- I chose the Baked Tilapia Stuffed with Crab, and she uncompromisingly chose the Mahi Mahi Special. Who's entree would win this clash of wills? Read more to find out. :)

The champagne arrived first, and our waitress popped the cork. Unfortunately, the cork went flying as did the champagne. The bubbly goodness poured out of the top, and onto the floor. Our waitress apologized profusely, but we weren't worried -- after all we were on vacation!

While we sipped our champagne, our Spinach Dip arrived. It was accompanied by a large amount of home-made flour tortilla chips. These chips were amazing by themselves. Freshly cooked, they were still warm, and mouth watering. They added a nice crispiness to the creamy and warm spinach dip. The dip was topped with a generous helping of cheese, and the two together were divine. Combine that with the warm evening and champagne, and we were in heaven.

Shortly after we finished inhaling delicately eating the appetizer, our entrees arrived. My stuffed tilapia was served over smoked gouda grits, and was accompanied with green beans. The grits were creamy and delicious. I'd never had smoked gouda grits before, but I want to have them again -- soon! In addition, the beans tasted like they were cooked in a tub of butter. YUM!

However, the tilapia was slightly overcooked. It was dry, and not as flaky as I would have liked. In addition, because of this overcooking, the crab lacked flavor and I was slightly disappointed in the entree. Don't get me wrong, it was good. After all, it's freakin' talapia stuffed with crab -- it's always good! But it should have been sooo much better.

My wife's mahi mahi was amazing. It was perfectly cooked, and topped with a drizzle of lemon glaze. I liked her dish so much that I kept sneaking a bite when she wasn't looking -- until I got caught. Seriously, her meal was one of the best fish entrees that I've ever had!

As we finished our small bottle of champagne, our waitress brought us each a glass of a REALLY good champagne, to compensate us for the previously spilled champagne. With service like this, our first night of vacation was one to be remembered.

Score:
Atmosphere: 4.5/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Total: 13.5/5

Price: $$$$$ (With tax, tip, drink, etc. this cost about $45 per person)
Kid Friendly: Yes. Great food, but laid-back atmosphere made this a family-friendly restaurant.

Conclusion: This is a great local restaurant, with a great service, food, and atmosphere. I can't wait to go back. Highly recommended.

Restaurant Info:
High Thyme
2213-C Middle Street
Sullivan's Island, SC 29482
p) 843-883-3536
http://highthymecuisine.com

Everest Grill (Denver)

While running around finishing my last chores before vacation, I stopped by Everest Grill, just west of the intersection of 16 and 73, next to the Food Lion. I didn't know much about the restaurant except for the "Homemade Onion Rings" sign posted in the front window. So, I walked in, hoping I'd like what I found.

Everest grill has a register and menu up-front and a seating are to the right that was much larger that I expected. The restaurant is painted mostly yellow, and accented with photos of some Greek islands (guessing) and a LARGE photo of Mt. Everest in the back.

The menu consists of a standard greasy spoon diner / grill fare. Eggs and hash browns for breakfast, and burgers and sandwiches for lunch. I took a look at the specials and decided upon the Bacon Cheeseburger Special, and an order of their Homemade Onion Rings. I paid at the register, and the food was brought to me.

The burger was OK. The lettuce was wilted but the tomatoes were large and ripe. In addition, the bacon was crispy, but the burger was thin and lacked flavor. Just an FYI, if you like Mayo, you're in luck. The burger had a ton. If you don't like it, let them know when you order.

The onion rings fared much better -- they were great! When they came out I thought they looked soggy. But they weren't. They were crispy and delicious. Many other restaurants in the area could learn a thing or two from these onion rings -- they're soooo much better than those pre-prepared frozen things that many places use.

Score:
Atmosphere: 2.5/5 (Clean, but uninspired. Felt like a cafeteria.)
Food: 3.5 (Burger was below average -- fries were great.)
Service: 3/5
Total: 9/15

Price: $ (Food and drink under $10)
Kid Friendly: Yes, kids menu and high chairs.

Conclusion: The burger and atmosphere left something to be desired. But their homemade onion rings saved the day. Next time I go back I'll try the gyro.

Restaurant Info:
Everest Grill
122 Highway 16 S
Denver, NC 28037
p) 704-822-0404
http://www.everestgrill.com/