Halcyon has been on my wishlist forever, but sometimes parking in Uptown Charlotte is a hassle. It definitely was yesterday afternoon, but we persisted. We circled the restaurant maybe 7 times, each time finding a parking lot with a “Full” sign. On our 8th trip we found a parallel spot a few blocks away and got in in only 2 tries 🙂 Nerve wracking!!
It was worth the concentration and anxiety. Once we walked to where GPS said Halcyon was, we wandered around another 10 minutes trying to figure out where the heck it was. We followed signs, we went down an alleyway….I eventually gave up and asked another patron walking around near the Levine Center where the heck it was. Turns out, you go up this gigantic staircase into the MInt Museum (there is an elevator on the inside of the building!) and there the restaurant is in all its glory.
The restaurant is beautiful, as you’d expect. When we walked in, I was struck by all of the organic decorative touches. The hostess station sits atop the most beautiful wood table I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t quit rubbing it. I slipped around the hostess and snapped a quick picture of a long dining table waiting for patrons because it was so beautiful and simple. The light fixtures look like a nest of twigs. I was really wowed.
Look at that gorgeous table!
Huge windows overlooking Downtown Charlotte and check the light fixtures!
Love the organically shaped plates.
Despite the beauty inside, it couldn’t hold a candle to the beautiful fall weather we had yesterday, so we opted to sit on the patio. Unlike many places, the outdoor furniture was comfortable and also lovely. And the view! Could not be beat.
View of Uptown Charlotte from Halcyon
The food was just as amazing as the view. We scoured the menu and tried to order something different from each other so we could taste everything possible! With so many delicious choices, that was easy.
Lunch Menu
First we ordered tea all around. It comes unsweetened and they serve it with a simple syrup. So, I was charmed the first time this happened to me, but now I despise this trend. I can never use enough to even taste it. Just give me some Sweet and Low and I’ll be happy.
My food, however, was without flaw. I ordered the Local Catch of the Day which was pan seared Snapper. They placed it atop a mix of summer veggies with a roasted red pepper vinaigrette on the bottom. Seriously one of the best things I’ve eaten in a very long time. The fish, though prepared simply, was so flavorful and flaky; cooked perfectly. The skin was crispy and the inside was white and tender. The veggies were sauteed lightly and the broccoli was charred so that was a perfect contrast of flavors. Finally, that vinaigrette sauce: I wish I could come home with a cup full and slather it on everything. It was tart and perfect when you dragged your fish or a vegetable through it.
Local Daily Catch with summer veggies, charred broccoli atop a puddle of roasted red pepper vinaigrette
My friend Paula got the Pork Belly BLT. It was gorgeous!! It’s this open-faced sandwich made on a brioche bun and stuffed with thick cut heirloom tomatoes, pimiento cheese, pork belly and drizzled with herb aioli. The fries are in a class of their own. So crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside and seasoned to perfection. Paula was very happy with it!
Pork Belly BLT with fries
My friend Jennifer got the Open Faced Lamb Sausage Pita, and she let me take a bite of the sausage! It was just so spicy and tangy. The pita had spinach, the sausage which looked to be spiced with a tomato confiture, topped with tzatziki sauce, herbed goat cheese and a beautifully fried egg. Served with those amazing fries! Superb.
Open Faced Lamb Sausage Pita
We were all so darn full from our delicious lunches, but we did decide to indulge in one small truffle 🙂 It was just a ball of ganache, rolled in cocoa powder and served with a few blueberries. But it was oddly rich and perfect. Just the little bite of sweetness we needed to end our perfect lunch. Jennifer also got a latte which she said was great!
The perfect bite: Chocolate Truffle with blueberries
Latte
This restaurant is perfect for an al fresco dining experience with a beautiful view, or a date night when you want to impress someone. Take a moment and look around the museum while you are there!
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