Tag: Hickory

Hickory · Huntersville · Lincolnton · Mooresville

Best of Restaurants-Frozen Treats!

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Is there anything better than a cool treat on a hot day?  Only issue is you gotta eat it fast so you don’t wear it!  Here are a list of my favorite frozen goodies:

Half Watermelon Half Wedding Cake Snoball from Pelican’s Snoballs in Lincolnton

Cow Pie Sundae at Udderly Delicious in Hickory

Lemon Vanilla cookie sandwich with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream at Cookies with an Accent in Huntersville

 

Basil and Strawberry Sorbet from the McNinch House in Charlotte, NC

Cookies and Cream Gelato from Mattiello’s in Denver, NC

Rhubarb Acorn Linzer Waffle with dehydrated Strawberry Honey Ice Cream from 158 on Main in Mooresville

Charlotte · Cornelius · Davidson · Gastonia · Hickory · Miramar Beach · Mooresville

Best of Restaurants: Pizza

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I’ve heard it said that even bad pizza is good pizza.  I challenge those people to try a Little Caesar’s Hot-n-Ready pizza.  Blech.  There are so many better choices, folks!  Example:

Cheese Pizza from Alino’s in Mooresville, NC

Pepperoni Pizza from Tony’s in Hickory

Pepperoni and Meatball Pizza from Grimaldi’s in Miramar Beach, FL

Half Pepperoni/Half Cheese Pie from Life of Pie in Gastonia

Three Little Pigs Pie at Salty Caper in Mooresville

Pepperoni Pizza from Ava in Charlotte, NC

The Bonamassa from Mandolino’s Pizza in Davidson

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Pepperoni Pizza from Prosciuttos Pizza in Cornelius

Pepperoni and Mushroom Pizza at Slice House Pizza in Huntersville, NC

Charlotte · Clarkesville GA · Denver · Hickory · Myrtle Beach · Nashville

Best of Restaurants: Breakfast

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The most important meal of the day, yo

Eggs Benedict and Strawberry Nutella Crepes at Croissants Bakery in Myrtle Beach

Eggs Benedict, Potato Casserole and Ambrosia
Strawberry and Nutella Crepe

Biscuits and Jelly from Loveless Cafe in Nashville

Acai Bowl with Fruit from Bowl’d Berries in Denver, NC

Hashbrowns from Hart and Soul Cafe in Hickory, NC

Ham, Cheese and Mushroom Omelet from Sautee Trail Cafe in Clarkesville, GA

Eggs Benedict at Bistro La Bon in Charlotte, NC

Biscuits and Gravy from Watusi in Hilton Head, SC

French Toast from Citrus, the Diner in Denver, NC

Charlotte · Cramerton · Hickory · Huntersville · Lincolnton · Miramar Beach · Mooresville · Myrtle Beach · Raleigh · Restaurants

The Best of Restaurants: Soups

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Soups are a wonderful judge of a cook.  I love a restaurant that serves a homemade soup packed with flavor.  Here are some of the best I’ve tried.

Clam Chowder from Fresh Chef in Mooresville.  Creamy and clearly made with love.  The best clam chowder I’ve ever eaten.

Lobster Bisque at Fourk in Hickory, NC

Broccoli Cheese Soup from Croissants Bakery in Myrtle Beach.  Clearly homemade, creamy and cheesy.

Chicken Salad Croissant, Broccoli Cheddar Soup & Ambrosia Salad

Tomato Basil Soup from Fatz in Lincolnton, NC

Whiskey Chicken Gumbo at Citrus Diner in Denver, NC

 Miso Soup at Shan Kishi in Miramar Beach, FL

Curry Kick Soup Noodles from Kung Foo Noodle in Huntersville

Chef-Foraged Cream of Mushroom Bisque with pine needle gremolata and a slice of truffled grilled cheese at Heirloom in Charlotte, NC

Hot and Sour Soup at Asian Garden in Cramerton, NC

Tom Kha Chicken Soup from Sushi O in Raleigh

French Onion Soup from WiseGuys in Hilton Head, SC

French onion soup from Choplin’s

Pho from Pho NC in Cornelius, NC

Artichoke Soup from the McNinch House in Charlotte, NC

Tomato Basil Bisque from Mi Amiche in Mooresville, NC

Charlotte · Cornelius · Hickory · Mooresville · Morganton · Statesville

Best of Restaurants: Italian

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Is there anything more comforting that good Italian food?  So many offerings, but so few get it right.  These do.

Pollo Rosa Maria at Carrabba’s in Hickory (I know it’s a chain, but it is awesome!)

Veal Ossubuco from Fiamma’s in Charlotte

Parmesan Chicken from Alton’s Kitchen & Cocktails in Cornelius, NC

Pollo Florentine at Caruso’s in Mooresville

Gnocchi from Root and Vine in Morganton

Arancini from Novanta 90 Pizzeria Napoletana in Mooresville

Chicken Parmesan at Fin & Fino in Charlotte

Joyce Farms 24-month aged country ham gnocchi with collards, peanuts, and pear vinegar from The Noble Grille in Winston-Salem.

Carmela with Spaghetti at Sorrento in Statesville, NC

Belmont · Charlotte · Gainesville · Hickory · Lincolnton · Mooresville · Myrtle Beach · Restaurants · Rock Hill SC

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

Charlotte · Cornelius · Denver · Hickory · Lincolnton · Micanopy FL · Mooresville · Morganton · Myrtle Beach · Shelby · Winston-Salem

Best of Restaurants: Sandwiches

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Not your girlfriend’s sandwich.

Chicken Salad Croissant from Croissant’s Bakery in Myrtle Beach

Chicken Salad Croissant, Broccoli Cheddar Soup & Ambrosia Salad

Club Sandwich and Pulled Pork Ban Mi from Hatch in Hickory

Club Sandwich at Village Tavern in Winston Salem

Smoked Turkey Club Sandwich at Crepe Cellar

The Cuban at Sports Page in Denver, NC

Chicken Salad Sandwich from Harvest Moon Grille in Lincolnton, NC

Basil Grilled Chicken Sandwich at The Crispy Crepe in Charlotte

Hot Fried Chicken at Root & Vine in Morganton, NC

Cuban Sandwich at Root and Vine in Morganton, NC

The Cuban at Old Florida Cafe in Micanopy, FL

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich from Moyers Lakeside Eatery in Mooresville, NC

Wagyu Meatloaf Sandwich from Barrel and Fork in Cornelius

Turkey and Ham Sub from Heavenly Hoagie in Mooresville, NC

Philly Cheesesteak from JackBeagles in Mount Holly

Chicken Katsu Banh Mi from CO in Charlotte

Cuban Sandwich from J Bird’s Deli in Shelby, NC

Chicken Salad Club Sandwich from Common Market in Charlotte

Asheville · Charlotte · Cornelius · Davidson · Denver · Destin · Hickory · Lincolnton · Mooresville · Panama City Beach FL · Restaurants · Santa Rosa Beach · Wilmington

Best of Restaurants: Seafood

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Seafood dishes remind me of vacation.  We always go somewhere near a beach and the first thing we do is hit our favorite seafood places.  Here are my favorite dishes, some are even inland!

Seafood Risotto from Standard Oyster Company in Hickory, NC

Bouillabaisse Marseillaise at Aix en Provence in Charlotte

Fried Soft Shell Crab from WP Kitchen + Bar in Charlotte

Crispy Oysters at Kindred in Davidson, NC

Raw Oysters at Steamboat Grill 30A

Rock Shrimp at Wasabi in Asheville, NC

Buffalo Shrimp at Big Daddy’s in Mooresville, NC

Fried Crab Claws at The Back Porch in Destin, FL

The Lobster Roll at Lobster Dogs Food Truck in Mooresville

Snapper with summer vegetables and roasted red pepper vinaigrette from Halcyon in Charlotte

Shrimp with Cornbread from Bistro La Bon in Charlotte, NC

Cast Iron NC Trout from Haberdish in Charlotte

Broiled Flounder from Capt’n Pete’s in Lincolnton, NC

Crispy-Skin Organic Salmon by Circa 1922 in Wilmington, NC

Crispy Calamari from Jeffrey’s in Mooresville

Chicken Fried Oysters from Table 31 in Mooresville

Scallops from Barrel and Fork in Cornelius

Scallops and a Crabcake from the McNinch House in Charlotte, NC

Halibut from Choplin’s

Baked oysters with chorizo from Dogwood: A Southern Table in Charlotte

Spatchcocked Branzino and Steamed Oysters from Supperland in Charlotte

HEARTH ROASTED WHOLE TROUT from The Foundry in Denver

Blackened Redfish Oscar from Chillfire Grill in Denver, NC

Charred Oysters from The Crunkleton in Charlotte

Fried Catfish filets and Fried Crab Claws at Bright Star in Bessemer, AL

Grilled Grouper with Crab Argula Salad atop Parmesan Risotto from Firefly in Panama City Beach

Crawfish Etoufee Mac at The Perfect Pig in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Charleston SC · Charlotte · Hickory · Lowell · Restaurants · Rock Hill SC

Best of Restaurants: Sides

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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

Asheville · Belmont · Boone · Charlotte · Davidson · Denver · Gaffney SC · Hickory · Huntersville · Lincolnton · Mooresville · Myrtle Beach · Panama City Beach FL · Savannah · Statesville · Troutman

Best of Restaurant Desserts

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Chocolate Souffle’ at Aix en Provence in Charlotte

Creme Brulee at Baron’s Steakhouse in Myrtle Beach

Roasted Apple Galette at Kindred in Davidson

Chocolate Layer Cake at Twisted Oak Bar and Grill in Statesville, NC

Rolled Ice Cream at Below Zero in Savannah, GA

Apple Pie Wontons at The Cowfish in Charlotte, NC

S’Mores Trifle at 5 Church in Charlotte, NC

Brownie Sundae at Carolina Cones in Davidson, NC

Crepe Suzette from Crepe Cellar

Milk Chocolate Liquid Truffle from French Broad Chocolate Lounge in Asheville, NC

Pecan Pie a la mode at Alton’s Kitchen and Cocktails in Cornelius, NC

Coconut Cake from Chillfire in Denver, NC

Nutella and Strawberry Crepe from The Crispy Crepe in Charlotte

Apple Cobbler a la mode at Carolina Cafe in Gaffney, SC

Milk Bread Cinnamon Rolls at Kindred in Davidson

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Strawberry Basil Shortbread from Crafted Southern Speakeasy in Lincolnton, NC

Doughnuts from Reigning Doughnuts in Charlotte, NC

Bourbon Brioche Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce & Vanilla Ice Cream from Bistro La Bon in Charlotte

Bread Pudding from The Gamekeeper in Boone, NC

Fritti (dessert calzone) from Salty Caper in Mooresville

Coconut Cake from Highland Avenue in Hickory

Brownie Sundae from Whit’s Custard in Davidson

Triple Chocolate Cake at Pelligrino’s Trattoria in Troutman

Bread Pudding from Bricktop’s in Charlotte

Thicc Pie (Buttermilk Peach Custard) from The Goodyear House in Charlotte

Carrot Cake from Fin & Fino in Charlotte

Salted Caramel Truffle from Flock. Bistro in Mooresville

Nutella Budino from Link and Pin in Huntersville

Pumpkin Mousse from the McNinch House in Charlotte, NC

Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake from 204 North Kitchen + Cocktails in Charlotte

Chocolate Layer Cake from Dogwood: A Southern Table in Charlotte

Cherry Pie from Supperland in Charlotte, NC

Sopapillas from Margaritas in Denver, NC

THE DOUGHNUT Diplomat cream, Heath bar crumble from Stoke in Charlotte

Ultimate Warm Vanilla Caramel Cake from Steak 48 in Charlotte, NC

Hot Lava Cake and Mini Apple Pies from Zhay’s in Lincolnton

Cannoli from Rocky’s Pizza in Huntersville, NC

Red Velvet Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory in Charlotte, NC

Mysterious Mushroom from Mariposa in Charlotte, NC

Cheesecake from Capital Grille in Charlotte

Beignets & Pecan Pie from The Crunkleton in Charlotte

Lemon Cornmeal Cake from Rhubarb in Asheville

White Chocolate and Vanilla Creme Brulee from Firefly in Panama City Beach, FL

La Ricane at La Belle Helene in Charlotte

Chocolate Cheesecake at Drift in Belmont, NC

Churro Funnel Cake from Mattiello’s in Denver, NC

Banana Pudding from Local Roots and Provisions in Lincolnton, NC