Cupcakes in Cornelius!

As you can probably tell by now -- I like food. And I like almost all types of food. But nothing gets my "Sweet Tooth" going like a cupcake.

Just think about it. Cupcakes are almost the perfect dessert. It's an individual serving of a cake -- complete with frosting! You can have as many as you like. AND you can mix and match until your tummy is full -- or your glass of milk is empty. It's like being a little kid again... but better since we can have as many as we want! :)

So, imagine my excitement when I can across Sweet Cakes in Cornelius. At the corner of Catawba and S. Main / Old Statesville. They have an amazing variety of cupcake flavors to choose from, and they look delicious.

Next time I drive by, I'll have to go inside to REALLY give this place the scrutiny it deserves. The last time I reviewed a cupcake it was from Delish, and that was last summer! So, it's high time I get by butt in there and do some investigating!

P.S. Why didn't you guys tell me there was a cupcake place in Cornelius???

2010 Tournament of Fries

The Observer Food Editor Helen Schwab, is holding a March Madness for french fries. This "Starch Madness" features brackets where restaurants face off, and you vote for the winner.

It's awesome, and two of my favorite fry makers can be found. Tenders and Matt's Chicago Dog are in the Potato Bracket. I'm sad that they will probably face each other -- because I don't know who I'll vote for! In the end, there can be only one (sorry for the geeky Highlander reference).

Either way, my taste buds win!

Go vote!
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/03/12/1306548/starch-madness.html

LaSpada's Closed??

I have unconfirmed reports (which means I'll treat it like it's fact) that LaSpada's Original Cheesesteaks and Hoagies, in Cornelius, has closed.

On the front there's a sign that Mama's Pizza will be opening soon.

Admittedly, I've had mixed results from Laspada's. But I REALLY hate the idea that we lost another independent restaurant. And where will I go for a legitimate cheesesteak??? Any ideas?

Thanks for the heads-up from Foodie reader Jeff.

Wine Wednesday: Opus One

The movie Sideways has a notable quote: " . . . the day you open a '61 Cheval Blanc, that's the special occasion."

And I'm just going to take that quote, run with it, and say "The day you gulp slurp drink a 2004 Opus One -- THAT's the special occasion." Then combine it with my Dad's 75 Birthday, and you've got one amazing special occasion.

The Opus One was served with Filet Mignon, grilled asparagus, and fingerling potatoes. Needless to say, the meal and the occasion were phenomenal. It was my first tasting of an Opus (my wines tend to be priced around $10), so I was very excited. But was the Opus up to the task? Short answer: yes.

I was surprised to see that Opus One is given the generic label of Red Wine. Really? This is a $%$#@!&^%@*!% Opus One. Can't they at least gimme the types of grapes used? After I calmed myself, and did a quick Google search, I learned that this wine is a bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), Merlot (7%), Petit Verdot (4%), Cabernet Franc (2%), and Malbeck (1%).

The wine was full bodied and with a 14.1% alcohol content, you'd best make sure that you've got a meal that can handle it. Fortunately, the Filet Mignon was a perfect choice. The wine has strong currant and red fruit flavors that are followed by hints of tobacco, leather, and minerals. The wine starts dry, but the dryness dissipates towards the end. The nose on the wine has some plum and fruit with a lingering hint of tobacco.

All in all, a great wine to celebrate a special occasion -- even if that special occasion is just opening the bottle.

Wine Info:

Wine Rating: 4/5

Price: More than I can afford. (approx $90)

Winery Info:
2004 Red Wine
Opus One Winery
St. Helena Hwy
Oakville, CA 94562
(707) 944-9442
http://www.opusonewinery.com/

I'm Back!

Sorry for disappearing this past week. I was in California visiting my Dad for his 75th birthday. And, since he reads this blog (Hi Dad!) I thought it would be best to just keep my big mouth shut.

However, it was by going - and opening my mouth - that I was able to partake in my first Opus One wine tasting... That review will be posted a little later today. Definitely, the most expensive bottle that I've tried!

No Toast? No way!!!

I recently ran across an article this weekend, and today I confirmed it. Toast in Huntersville is closed. The new Toast in Huntersville is scheduled to open in the new Discovery Place building in several months. Bummer.

The rumor mill has been swirling on this one. After all why is the old Toast closing so many months before the new one opens? I stopped by earlier and looked around. The old signs are still up, but people are there working. Looks to me like another restaurant may be going in the old Toast location. How did that happen?? Stay tuned for updates...

Yet Another New Restaurant

In what seems like a recent flood of openings and announcements, Red Eye Grill and Lounge has recently opened in Mooresville.

From what I can tell, it looks like the owner of Indigo Joe's wanted more flexibility with his menu and seating, so he closed down Indigo Joe's, and has opened Red Eye Grill and Lounge in the same place.

He has added customer suggestions to the menu including tuna steak, chicken fried steak, a Red Eye Spicy Club sandwich, and some specialty pizzas.

Next door you'll still find Red Eye Martini Bar. Which has an airplane theme (the owner is an air traffic controller), and of course martinis.

Restaurant Info:
Red Eye Grill and Lounge
279 Williamson Road
p) 704-799-4690

NOTE: I can't find a website, but I found this $5 coupon with a $20 purchase from Valpak. Enjoy! http://www.valpak.com/coupons/syndicate?act=print&vpref=rmn&cpn=893981&addr=1329178

Thanks to the Charlotte Observer for information that led to this post.

New Restaurant Coming to Davidson

Flatiron Kitchen and Tap House will be opening around May / June in Downtown Davidson. Locates on Main Street, the restaurant will feature 24 beers on tap.

Chef Time Groody, whom you know from the Charlotte restaurants Sonoma and Pie Town, will be heading this restaurant venture with his partners Chat Hollingsworth and Michael LaVecchia, who is a Johnson and Wales graduate.

Now, I have just one question -- would they consider opening across the street from me?

Thanks to the Joe Marusak of the Charlotte Observer, and the Huntersville Herald for this info.