From: "S.D" Date: 2007-11-01T02:20:38+09:00 Subject: Re: Dinner / drink recommendations for Charlotte? --------------020803000804030406020404 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Francis Hwang wrote: > With RubyConf 2007 almost upon us, do any Charlotte natives care to > give some advice about good places to eat & drink? > The following suggestions come from http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/ Disclaimer: I've never been there, so I have no basis to make any personal recommendations. I also don't know how current this information is, so take it for what it's worth. Hopefully, we'll get some more quality information from some local residents. -- Steve Downie The 10 Best Restaurants in Charlotte 1. Upstream � 704-556-7730 6902 Phillips Place Ct, Phillips Court, Charlotte, NC 28210 SOUTHPARK . You don't have to stick to Uptown if cutting edge cuisine is what you seek. No, tremendous places like Upstream are proof positive that venturing out is its own reward. Here, "dayboat seafood" reigns supreme, and the kitchen rarely fails to impress with its impeccible preparations of miso-marinated Hawaiian monchong and chestnut-crusted wild Scottish salmon with sweet potato gnocchi. Sushi lovers will adore their specialty rolls, and the jumbo shrimp and mango ceviche is a spicy experience worth trying; meanwhile, those with more terrene palates find solace in dishes like brick oven-roasted Carolina quail. Average Main Course Price: $32.50 2. Nikko � 704-370-0100 1330 South Blvd, Lofts at Factory South, Charlotte, NC 28203 SOUTH END . Nikko entered Charlotte's restaurant scene with a bang and has continued to make waves in the years since with its stylish yet personable approach to the sushi experience. Choose from a dynamic selection of rolls, each of them prepared before your very eyes. As you wait, fill up on tempura and teriyaki ... perhaps even a glass of beer or wine. As the crowds of devotees who pack the dining room each weekend no doubt attest, few places in the Queen City can deliver sushi quite like Nikko. Average Main Course Price: $18.00 3. Barrington's 704-364-5755 7822 Fairview Rd, FoxCroft Shopping Center, Charlotte, NC 28226 SOUTHPARK . In a small shopping center near South Park Mall you'll find this dynamic American bistro that's tiny size (it seats under 50) and smartly appointed dining room make for a cozy yet elegant night out. Owner-chef Bruce Moffett privileges local and organic ingredients, and he has earned a sterling reputation in Charlotte's culinary circles thanks to well-conceived dishes like organic chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, herb-rubbed veal with potato-bacon dumpling, and pancetta-wrapped rabbit tenderloin. Seating on the patio is available when the weather cooperates. Average Main Course Price: $26.00 4. Noble's � 704-367-9463 6801 Morrison Blvd, 3 Morrocroft Center, Charlotte, NC 28211 SOUTHPARK . Terracotta stained floors, granite counters, and an open kitchen mark this restaurant's interior, and an additional dining area, accented with stone work, topiaries and a trellis, is open to outdoors. Irresistible starters like tomato basil bisque with goat lady chevre crostini whet your appetite for amazing Northern Italian masterpieces such as grilled leg of lamb with cannellini beans, butter bean and pea "cassoulet," and rosemary chevre mashed potatoes. Several unusual pizzas, baked on organic whole wheat sour dough, are also a hit. Average Main Course Price: $28.00 _5. Town Restaurant _� 704-379-7555 710 W Trade St, Gateway Village, Charlotte, NC 28202 UPTOWN . The type of place where hip professionals gather at the close of the business day, Town wins high marks for daring to borrow the unpretentious attitude of sibling Sonoma and setting it against a backdrop of smart, sexy minimalist elements. The kitchen revels in modern inspirations, delivering fantastic Asian-inspired a la carte dishes of tempura, stuffed quail, salmon sashimi, scallops and lamb shank -- all of them perfect for sharing. "Sides & Accessories" like cucumber slaw and sweet potato ravioli are available in family-sized portions. Average Main Course Price: $17.00 6. L uce � 704-344-9222 214 N Tryon St, Hearst Tower, Charlotte, NC 28202 � UPTOWN . Lovely Moreno glass and original artwork enhance this restaurant , located in the base of the Hearst tower, and an outdoor patio provides additional dining. From luscious starters such as mozzarella layered between fresh tomatoes, basil and olive oil to flavorful meats, fish, and pastas, the kitchen boasts satisfying Tuscan cuisine. Try the agnolotti alla piemontese (ravioli stuffed with roasted veal, braised Swiss chard and parmesan). Wine list available. Average Main Course Price: $25.00 7. McIntosh's Steaks & Seafood � 704-342-1088 1812 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 SOUTH END . Billed as one of Charlotte's top places for surf-and-turf, McIntosh's surely has won over its fair share of devotees. Indeed, a first-class experience awaits at this classy South Ender, where the main dining room is dressed in elegant linens, yellow walls with stained wood elements, chandeliers and arrangements of fresh flowers. The kitchen, meanwhile, dazzles patrons with courses of Chilean sea bass, broiled Atlantic salmon, steak au poivre, and the 3-lb. Prime porterhouse for two. Outstanding sides, which can serve two or more, range from asparagus with hollandaise to horseradish mashed potatoes. Average Main Course Price: $30.00 8. Toscana � 704-367-1808 6401 Morrison Blvd, Specialty Shops on the Park, Charlotte, NC 28211 � SOUTHPARK . From the Venetian glass and marble floors to the delectable bounty from the kitchen, this European dining room offers luxury and old-world charm. Complimentary Italian bread and white beans in olive oil are served at the beginning of meal, as patrons select a bottle of wine and tackle the menu's tough choices. Among the selection of Northern Italian delicacies, the spinach and ricotta pasta pillows with mascarpone cream sauce comes highly recommended. If it's a pleasant evening, make the most of it on the outdoor patio. Average Main Course Price: $17.00 9. Blue Restaurant & Bar � 704-927-2583 214 N Tryon St, Hearst Tower, Charlotte, NC 28202 UPTOWN . Sophisticated and stylish, this restaurant in Hearst Tower has caused a stir with its provocative Mediterranean-inspired cookery. Indeed, the distinctive flavors of France, Greece, Italy, Spain and even Morocco are on showcase here each night, and patrons dive willingly into dishes of lamb tagine, whole-roasted Mediterranean sea bass and duo of wild boar. A favorite of the "expense account set," Blue promises an impeccible evening out, complete with fine wine, amazing food and even live jazz (Wednesday-Saturday) Average Main Course Price: $25.00 10. Zebra Restaurant & Wine Bar � 704-442-9525 4521 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211 SOUTHPARK . Housed in the Wall Street Capitol Building, few restaurants epitomize Charlotte's cosmopolitan flair like Zebra, a beacon of style and refinement where French cuisine shakes off traditional constraints to reveal dishes that are innovative and invigorating. Here, dining experience is taken to a higher level, from the elegantly appointed dining room with its fine silver and white linens to the outstanding wine list. As to the fare, the chef's seasonal tasting menu includes such temptations as potato crisp salmon, Dover sole with noisette butter and macadamia-crusted quail. Average Main Course Price: $30.00 --------------020803000804030406020404--