A few months ago what started as a group of girls getting together randomly at first has turned it, what Jen referred to as The Food Club...we really like to refer to ourselves as Epic Eaters, we even have a hashtag. Thankfully, we don't always just eat but we like to add a workout in from time to time. A girl has to watch her figure if she is going to continue to eat such amazing eats. Current members of Epic Eaters includes: Brittney of Life in a Holding Pattern, Diana of The Chic Life, Dion from WCNC, Erin of The Lovely Day, Jen from Peanut Butter Runner, Kseniya of In the Queen City, and Michelle from PinQue.
About 3 years ago, I did a post on a list of restaurants in the area that I love followed by a list of places I needed to try. As much as I have been eating a great spots in Charlotte, I have yet to scratch the surface of the places to try. I wanted revisit my list from 2010 as well as revise it with my latest ventures and reviews.
My Faves
A list of places I have been and will return to
2010 List
131 Main
I've been a 131 Main fan for years, now I will admit I've only been to the Lake Norman location...but it is definitely one of my favorite places to hit. I have never been disappointed with any of their dishes. My two favorites: Thai Steak Salad & Ahi Tuna Salad both dishes have an incredible blend of flavors. It is like a party in my mouth.
131 Main
I've been a 131 Main fan for years, now I will admit I've only been to the Lake Norman location...but it is definitely one of my favorite places to hit. I have never been disappointed with any of their dishes. My two favorites: Thai Steak Salad & Ahi Tuna Salad both dishes have an incredible blend of flavors. It is like a party in my mouth.
New Comments: 131 Main is still one of my favorite go to spots in the area, the last time I was there I had their Farmer's Plate, which is a vegetarian dish, and I was quite pleased with it.
Amelie's
What is better than a French bakery? A French bakery that is open 24/7. I just recently discovered Amelie's earlier this year..and fell in love at first bite! I have loved everything I've had. Just delicious and delightful. Amelie's also has this eclectic decor, everywhere you look it is another beautiful and appealing piece. If you ever get the chance to just sit and enjoy your pastry! Just breath and look around. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Amelie's
What is better than a French bakery? A French bakery that is open 24/7. I just recently discovered Amelie's earlier this year..and fell in love at first bite! I have loved everything I've had. Just delicious and delightful. Amelie's also has this eclectic decor, everywhere you look it is another beautiful and appealing piece. If you ever get the chance to just sit and enjoy your pastry! Just breath and look around. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
New Comments: I cannot get enough of Amelie's! Whenever I have someone come in from out of town I make sure they visit before leaving. I even bought their Salted Caramel Brownies on my way to FL this year to take to my friend who was hosting me in her home.
Big Daddy's Burger Bar
I've blogged about this place numerous times...because it is a darn good burger. When I want a real good burger, that is what I begin to crave. I love the variety of their burger types and that you can build your own. Sweet Tater has been trying all the black bean burgers in Charlotte and the last I heard Big Daddy's was still at the top of the list.
New Comments: When I originally posted about Big Daddy's they were still well, Big Daddy's Burgers. Since then they have gone through a name change and are now Bad Daddy's. Still great atmosphere and amazing burgers. Also, since then I have had their black bean burger which most definitely lives up to the hype.
Blue
The first time I went to Blue was after seeing Peter Pan at the Blumenthal Theater, and we went strictly for dessert. The dessert alone was delicious and amazing enough to strike a chord with me and have the desire to go back. And I have having yet another meal that went far beyond my expectations.
Cajun Queen
If you want authentic really good cajun food, then you will definitely find it at the Cajun Queen. I love food with a bit of spark and spice, that is how authentic cajun food should taste. Everything is amazing about this restaurant down to the decor of the house it is in. High on my list!
The first time I went to Blue was after seeing Peter Pan at the Blumenthal Theater, and we went strictly for dessert. The dessert alone was delicious and amazing enough to strike a chord with me and have the desire to go back. And I have having yet another meal that went far beyond my expectations.
Cajun Queen
If you want authentic really good cajun food, then you will definitely find it at the Cajun Queen. I love food with a bit of spark and spice, that is how authentic cajun food should taste. Everything is amazing about this restaurant down to the decor of the house it is in. High on my list!
Crepe Cellar
This cozy little restaurant is a definite gem to the NoDa area. My personal fave item from here is the pesto brie fries. Yum! I have had a variety of their crepes and I have never been disappointed. I've heard that their brunch is fabulous. I definitely need to make a stop there one morning.
This cozy little restaurant is a definite gem to the NoDa area. My personal fave item from here is the pesto brie fries. Yum! I have had a variety of their crepes and I have never been disappointed. I've heard that their brunch is fabulous. I definitely need to make a stop there one morning.
Mert's Heart & Soul
The Penguin
Pewter Rose
The Penguin
Pewter Rose
New Comments: Pewter Rose has closed since my original post. They will be having a send off meal, so to say...I will be there as well as my Epic Eater friends!
2013 List
5Church
5Church is fairly new to the area, but it is the new hot spot and there is no denying why. The food is not only spectacular but the atmosphere is as well. I've only been for brunch twice and one evening for drinks during the Panther pre-season each of those visits were memorable. I have yet to have the lamb burger but everyone raves about it. If you are looking to venture uptown for a meal I highly recommend trying 5Church. Oh and get the fries! Seriously.
Cabo Fish Taco
Again, one of those staples in Charlotte that I cannot believe it took me so long to try. I know some people think fish and tacos and the idea is foreign to them which I don't understand. It is such a simple yet great combination of flavors. The thing about Cabo it is cheap, filling, and reliable. It fits in perfectly to the NoDa neighborhood. Just a warning though, if you go on the weekend you will have a wait. (Cabo Fish Taco was on my list of Must Visit in 2010)
Cowfish
If you love sushi then you will love Cowfish. The unusual thing about Cowfish that sets it apart from other sushi restaurants is their sushi-inspired burgers and their burger-inspired sushi. When you go, let me just say this now: order the Crab Rangoon Dip or the Ahi Tuna Nachos....you can thank me later. Or just invite me out and I will help you eat them. Either one is acceptable. My favorite thing to get is the bento box special, you get a mini specialty burger, a choice of sushi, edamame and sweet potato fries. If you just want sushi, give the Neon Dion a try named after Dion Lim of WCNC.
5Church is fairly new to the area, but it is the new hot spot and there is no denying why. The food is not only spectacular but the atmosphere is as well. I've only been for brunch twice and one evening for drinks during the Panther pre-season each of those visits were memorable. I have yet to have the lamb burger but everyone raves about it. If you are looking to venture uptown for a meal I highly recommend trying 5Church. Oh and get the fries! Seriously.
Cabo Fish Taco
Again, one of those staples in Charlotte that I cannot believe it took me so long to try. I know some people think fish and tacos and the idea is foreign to them which I don't understand. It is such a simple yet great combination of flavors. The thing about Cabo it is cheap, filling, and reliable. It fits in perfectly to the NoDa neighborhood. Just a warning though, if you go on the weekend you will have a wait. (Cabo Fish Taco was on my list of Must Visit in 2010)
Cowfish
If you love sushi then you will love Cowfish. The unusual thing about Cowfish that sets it apart from other sushi restaurants is their sushi-inspired burgers and their burger-inspired sushi. When you go, let me just say this now: order the Crab Rangoon Dip or the Ahi Tuna Nachos....you can thank me later. Or just invite me out and I will help you eat them. Either one is acceptable. My favorite thing to get is the bento box special, you get a mini specialty burger, a choice of sushi, edamame and sweet potato fries. If you just want sushi, give the Neon Dion a try named after Dion Lim of WCNC.
Soul Gastrolounge
I don't know what took me so long to try Soul but the items on their menu makes me heart sing. I never really liked mushrooms until I had their marinated mushrooms and now I order them every time I go for dinner. Soul not only has an excellent dinner menu but a brunch menu as well and if you want some entertainment on a Sunday morning then go for Disco Brunch, you will not be disappointed.
I don't know what took me so long to try Soul but the items on their menu makes me heart sing. I never really liked mushrooms until I had their marinated mushrooms and now I order them every time I go for dinner. Soul not only has an excellent dinner menu but a brunch menu as well and if you want some entertainment on a Sunday morning then go for Disco Brunch, you will not be disappointed.
Queen City Q
BBQ is a touchy food topic for people because it can be done is so many different varieties and as we all should people the pride of about the food from their region. That is my disclaimer for BBQ before I start my review. Queen City is the best damn BBQ you can get in Charlotte, if you would like to prove me wrong tweet me and we will meet up to throw down on some! I love ribs. LOVE them. And the Q does ribs very well, as do they do everything else. Their pulled pork comes to the table sauce-less so you can decide what region of BBQ you want to partake in. A friend of mine came in from Texas, tried their brisket and approved. That is the best compliment and I will elaborate no more. Another great quality about Queen City is their selection of local beers...and before I forget validated parking.
BBQ is a touchy food topic for people because it can be done is so many different varieties and as we all should people the pride of about the food from their region. That is my disclaimer for BBQ before I start my review. Queen City is the best damn BBQ you can get in Charlotte, if you would like to prove me wrong tweet me and we will meet up to throw down on some! I love ribs. LOVE them. And the Q does ribs very well, as do they do everything else. Their pulled pork comes to the table sauce-less so you can decide what region of BBQ you want to partake in. A friend of mine came in from Texas, tried their brisket and approved. That is the best compliment and I will elaborate no more. Another great quality about Queen City is their selection of local beers...and before I forget validated parking.
Recent Visits
A list of places that I have recently visted that could become quick favorites
Luce
I went to for the first time this week. It is currently restaurant week here in the Queen City and I was invited to have dinner out at Luce. I left feeling full and satisfied because I ate every bite of food. Every bite. Sometimes when you think Italian the first thing that comes to mind our heavy pasta but everything I ordered was so light and delicious...I just ate a lot of it. If you want a date night I would suggest you try Luce.
I went to for the first time this week. It is currently restaurant week here in the Queen City and I was invited to have dinner out at Luce. I left feeling full and satisfied because I ate every bite of food. Every bite. Sometimes when you think Italian the first thing that comes to mind our heavy pasta but everything I ordered was so light and delicious...I just ate a lot of it. If you want a date night I would suggest you try Luce.
Vietnam Grille
I am going to have an honest moment with you all, my first time to Vietnam Grille was on Wednesday night...of this week. Not only was it my first time, but my friends Dion and Kseniya (who are regulars) ordered for me. It was such a tasty experience, I am adding it to the list. This place is a regular spot for a lot of people I know and they only rave about the food. I cannot wait to go back. May next week.
I am going to have an honest moment with you all, my first time to Vietnam Grille was on Wednesday night...of this week. Not only was it my first time, but my friends Dion and Kseniya (who are regulars) ordered for me. It was such a tasty experience, I am adding it to the list. This place is a regular spot for a lot of people I know and they only rave about the food. I cannot wait to go back. May next week.
Suggestions
A list of places I have never been, but have been told to visit.
A list of places I have never been, but have been told to visit.
2010 List
Basil (suggested by Foodie Fresh)
Cabo Fish Taco (suggested by Meredith P) - as you read, I finally made it to Cabo Fish Taco and love it.
Carpe Diem (suggested by Life in a Holding Pattern) - I've only been to Carpe Diem for drinks, must go back for dinner soon.
Basil (suggested by Foodie Fresh)
Cabo Fish Taco (suggested by Meredith P) - as you read, I finally made it to Cabo Fish Taco and love it.
Carpe Diem (suggested by Life in a Holding Pattern) - I've only been to Carpe Diem for drinks, must go back for dinner soon.
Copper (suggested by Mark K)
Customshop (suggested by Don't Forget Dessert)
Dim Sum (suggested by Russel P & Laura Y)
Dolce Vita (suggested by Laura J)
Dim Sum (suggested by Russel P & Laura Y)
Dolce Vita (suggested by Laura J)
Fiamma (suggested by CaseyLBrewton)
Fran's Filling Station (suggested by Don't Forget Dessert) - I went to Fran's Filling Station for the first time in the fall of 2012, it was excellent. I must visit again soon. If you've never been, make it a point to try it out.
Intermezzo (suggested by Willow Bird Baking)
Roasting Company (suggested by JJ Horton Photography)
Intermezzo (suggested by Willow Bird Baking)
Roasting Company (suggested by JJ Horton Photography)
Spice 9 (suggested by Willow Bird Baking) - This is an excellent Indian restaurant and have a very large buffet. I highly recommend this place especially if you live in the N. Charlotte/Concord region.
Whiskey Warehouse (suggested by All in a Huff)Out of the thirteen suggestions on the original list, I've only made it to four of them and one of those places was just for drinks. Oh no! I must do something about this. So many places to eat. So little time.
2013 List
E2
King's Kitchen
Musashi Japanese
Ru San's
I went to Ru San's years ago, but they have an all you can eat sushi buffet at lunch that I've been dying to try.
I think that is it for now. Do you have a suggestion where the Epic Eaters should go next or a place I should try? I am looking forward to a lot of incredible eats in 2013. I know I am probably forgetting some place that I visit often and will have a doh! moment once someone suggests it.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Charlotte?
2 comments:
Kings Kitchen is absolutely amazing!
And now I really want more Cowfish... ;)
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