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Best of Restaurants: Cocktails

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I’m not a big drinker, I’ll normally have one cocktail when I go out with friends for dinner.  So, if I say something’s good, you can take it to the bank.

Bourbon Peach Smash at Crafted Southern Speakeasy in Lincolnton, NC

and the Feelin’ Fineapple!

Bloody Beast at Standard Oyster Company in Hickory

L’eveilleur from Aix en Provence in Charlotte

Watermelon Margarita from Margaritaville in Myrtle Beach

Watermelon Margarita

D.S.L. from Aria Tuscan Grill

Old York Sour at The Pump House in Rock Hill, SC

Blood Orange Old Fashioned from Paramount Grill in Gainesville, FL

I’ll Have Another at Highland Avenue in Hickory

Bahama Mama at the Buoy Bar on Hilton Head Island

Watermelon Sangria at 158 on Main in Mooresville

Hibiscus Margarita from Supperland in Charlotte

FLOWER IN THE BRAMBLE Cocktail Social House vodka, blackberry, lavender, lemon: from Stoke in Charlotte

Regatta Colada at Mariposa in Charlotte and below is the Aix en Provence

Aviation from The Crunkleton in Charlotte

Supernova and Passion Fraise from La Belle Helene in Charlotte

Pina Colada from Drift in Belmont, NC

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Best of Restaurants: Sides

Sometimes I think I get more excited about the side dishes of a meal than the actual protein.  Here’s a list of some of my favorites:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts from Fourk in Hickory, NC

Roasted Sunchoke, Mixed Mushroom Saute, Fried Corn and Stone Ground Grits from Roosters in Charlotte, NC

Polenta from Aria Tuscan Grill

Macaroni and Cheese and Black-eyed Peas from Mert’s Heart and Soul in Charlotte

Bacon Macaroni and Cheese from the Oak Steakhouse in Charleston, SC

Fried Squash from Grits ‘N Greens in Lowell, NC

Summer squash & tomato risotto at The Pump House in Rock Hill, SC

Risotto with fava beans, peppadew peppers and Alfredo sauce from Highland Avenue in Hickory

Summer Squash with Eggplant, Green Goddess dressing and everything spice from The Goodyear House in Charlotte

Brussels Sprouts from Link and Pin in Huntersville

Charred Carrots from Supperland in Charlotte
Mushroom Risotto at Supperland in Charlotte

King Crab and Lobster Macaroni and Cheese from Steak 48 in Charlotte

Squash Casserole at Mariposa in Charlotte

Lobster Macaroni and Cheese from Capital Grille in Charlotte

Pommes Puree’ at La Belle Helene in Charlotte

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Best of Restaurants: Appetizers

Appetizers are my very favorite part of the meal.  Not a big commitment, you can be adventurous and not break the bank.  Here is a list of my favorites:

Spinach and Artichoke Crostini from Crafted Southern Speakeasy in Lincolnton, NC

Caramelized Gnocchi from Aria Tuscan Grill

Fried Green Tomatoes at Huey’s Southern Eats in Isle of Palms

Mert’s Soul Rolls at Mert’s Heart and Soul in Charlotte

Homemade Lime Tortilla Chips served with Pineapple Mango Salsa from Caterer extraordinaire Food Junkie

Spinach and Artichoke Dip from Food Junkie

Filipino-style Pork Eggrolls with Spicy Apricot Dipping Sauce from Food Junkie

Funghi Repieni at Caruso’s in Mooresville

Pierogies from Twisted Oak Bar and Grill in Statesville, NC

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Manchego Skillet at Tybee Island Social Club in Tybee Island, GA

Warm Pimento Cheese & Jumbo Lump Crab Cake  from Tupelo Honey in Charlotte, NC

&

Oysters Rockefeller at the Oak Steakhouse in Charleston, SC

Shrimp Flatbread from 5 Church in Charlotte, NC

Stuffed Portabello Mushroom at Chillfire Grill in Denver, NC

Beggar’s Purse with Cream Cheese and Salmon, Rock Shrimp & Fried Calamari with Vegetables from Wasabi in Asheville

Smoked Tuna Dip from Louisiana Lagniappe

Prime Rib Stuffed Mushrooms from Alton’s Kitchen and Cocktails in Cornelius, NC

Escargot with Lemon and Sweet Pea Risotto from Flatiron Kitchen and Taphouse in Davidson

Crispy Pork Rinds with Pimiento Cheese and Valentina Hot Sauce from Root +Vine in Morganton

Shrimp Cocktail at the Pump House in Rock Hill, SC

Escargot at Gamekeeper in Boone, NC

Deviled Eggs and Millionaire’s Bacon from Bricktop’s in Charlotte

Crab Dip from Circa 1922 in Wilmington, NC

Butter Bean Spread, Devilish Toast and Marinated Shrimp from Goodyear House in Charlotte

 

egg salad

marinate

Compressed Spiced Melon with Bluebird Farms Cured meats and shaved cheese from 158 on Main in Mooresville

Baked Brie Bites and Sausage Gravy Croquettes from Supperland in Charlotte

Deviled Eggs with Pickles, Aleppo, herb bacon salad from Stoke in Charlotte

SESAME-CHILI CAULIFLOWER FLORETS from Copper Modern Indian Cuisine in Charlotte

Chicken Empanadas from Havana 33 in Mooresville, NC

Fried Deviled Eggs from Zhay’s in Lincolnton

Mariposa Mezze Board from Mariposa in Charlotte

Spinach and Artichoke Dip from Mi Amiche in Mooresville

Firecracker Shrimp and Sriracha Fries from 73 & Main in Mt. Pleasant

Yuca Frita from Miami Fusion in Denver, NC

Charcuterie from Dot Dot Dot in Charlotte

Restaurants · Rock Hill SC

Michael’s in Rock Hill

This restaurant is a pretty happening place in Rock Hill!  I’m not normally way down south like this, but we had business at the Piedmonth REALTOR Association, so that included a lunch.  Any errand worth its salt includes lunch out, right?  While Dustin picked up our Supra Key, I scrolled through Urbanspoon looking for a decent place for lunch.  At 93% approval rating, I decided to give it a try and we were not disappointed.

As I mentioned, this is a very happening place.  Busy, even at the late lunch hour.  We started our meal with a garden salad, which was crispy fresh with homemade dressing and loaf of multi grain bread with softened butter.  Both were amazing, but that bread!  Nutty and warm, it was a perfect start to our meal.

Garden Salad
Garden Salad

Bread and Butter
Bread and Butter

I had the Cherry Chicken Pasta.  I’d read the reviews on Urbanspoon, so knew that this was the dish to try.  I wasn’t disappointed.  It was reminiscent of an alfredo pasta sauce with chicken and mushrooms…and cherries.  The cherries l could honestly have done without, but the pasta itself was just amazing.   Creamy and flavorful with tender chunks of chicken?  What’s not to love.

Cherry Chicken Pasta
Cherry Chicken Pasta

My husband indulged in the Old Fashion Reuben, which was gooey and crunchy, a perfect combination!  The corned beef was lean, and a perfect compliment to the crunchy sauerkraut  and sharp Swiss cheese.  Dustin’s only complaint was that the bread was a little buttery for his constitution.

Old Fashion Reuben
Old Fashion Reuben

If you are looking for a slightly upscale place for lunch, not so stuffy you can’t go in casual clothes, Michael’s is the place for you.  I guarantee you will find something on their diverse menu that is appealing.

Michael's Rock Hill Grille on Urbanspoon