South Carolina

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tag: South Carolina

Best of Restaurants: Appetizers

Michael’s in Rock Hill