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November 2011
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Let us take you on a tour of the newest additions to Charlotte’s restaurant scene, from barbecue to Asian fusion and beyond.
The Diamond Re-opened February 2011 Originally opened in 1945, The Diamond Restaurant has been reinvented many times but hasn’t lost its classic charm. Much of the classic menu remains intact, with a few additions like “pig wings,” dry-rubbed, deep-fried pork shanks ($7.95) and vegetarian-friendly options like a black bean burger ($5.95) and a jumbo soy dog ($4.25). 1901 Commonwealth Ave., 704.375.8959 Table 274 Opened April 2011 Table 274 offers Carolina-influenced cuisine starring local and regional ingredients. From in-house cured sausages to North Carolina mountain trout, there’s a little bit of everything here. The menu offers simple but satisfying dishes alongside more elaborate items like the beef tenderloin with smoked tomato risotto and grilled okra scallion butter ($23). 274 S. Sharon Amity Road, 704.817.9721 Midwood Smokehouse Opened May 2011 If there’s one food North Carolina is known for, it’s barbecue. Here, you’ll find wood-smoked barbecue with both vinegar-based N.C. and South Carolina mustard sauces, plus ribs, chicken and Texas-style brisket. Pair your ’cue with sides like classic mac ’n’ cheese and bacon-wrapped jalapeños, then wash it down with a cocktail like the Back Porch Tea, made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, sweet tea and muddled lemon for $10. 1401 Central Ave., 704.295.4227 FireWater Opened May 2011 FireWater owner Ralf Schnabel’s family’s fresh-caught tuna is shipped from Venezuela to his restaurant in the University area every day. Its delicate flavors are best displayed in the tuna tartare appetizer ($10), but if tuna isn’t your thing, try the Steak Diane, filet with a bacon-wrapped Boursin potato cake and cognac wild mushroom sauce ($31). 8708 J.W. Clay Blvd. in University Place, 704.549.0050 Krazy Fish Opened June 2011 This eclectic restaurant may not look like much from the outside, but inside you’ll find a diverse menu inspired by Asian, Caribbean, Latin and Southern flavors. Try the ceviche ($9.95) or shrimp and jalapeño cheddar grits ($13.25), and don’t miss the taco menu, which offers 13 varieties stuffed with everything from poached shrimp to pulled pork. 2501 Central Ave., 704.332.1004 Vapiano Opened August 2011 The European-style restaurant chain’s first N.C. location offers a northern Italian menu with made-to- order pasta ($7-$10), pizza ($7-$8) and panini ($8). With contemporary décor including fresh herbs and live olive trees, it’s a great spot for a casual workday lunch or dinner before catching a show uptown. 201 S. Tryon St., 704.332.2440 INSTANT CLASSICS These three restaurants opened in 2010 and quickly endeared themselves to locals and visitors alike. Cowfish Sushi and Burger Bar Charlotte loves burgers and sushi, and you’ll find both at the Cowfish. An instant classic, this SouthPark favorite created a unique item called “burgushi,” rolling traditional burger components like medium-rare filet and roma tomatoes into sushi. A meal at the Cowfish is guaranteed to be unlike anything you’ve tried before. 4310 Sharon Road, 704.365.1922 Bistro La Bon Tucked into the corner of a strip mall, this unassuming bistro serves up a menu full of surprises—and a view of the city’s skyline. Start with the excellent goat cheese tart ($8), followed by the carroway-crusted Scottish salmon ($18) or authentic Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce ($15). Take our advice: don’t skip dessert. 1322 Central Ave., 704.333.4646 Harvest Moon Grille The brick-and-mortar evolution of a food truck, this farm-to-fork restaurant offers a seasonal menu featuring ingredients grown or caught within 100 miles. Order something from Grateful Growers Farm (like the pork burger with pepper jam, goat cheese spread and fried onion straws for $12)—the restaurant’s executive chef and proprietor also owns the farm. 235 N. Tryon St. in The Dunhill, 704.342.1193
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