Toscana Ristorante Italiano

Restaurant:	Toscana Ristorante Italiano
Locations:	6401 Morrison Boulevard (in Specialty Shops at the Park)
Website:	http://www.toscana-ristorante.net/
Dress:	Nice Casual
Cuisine:	Italian
Price Range:	Appetizers: $7-11 Lunch: $5-17 Pasta: $15-19 Meat / Seafood Entrées: $18-29
Rating:	4.5 out of 5 spoons

The Scoop:

Mike and I had our ten year anniversary just four days after my birthday, which gave us another chance to have a special night out after our infamous Fiamma incident. My sister suggested her favorite Italian restaurant in Charlotte: Toscana Ristorante Italiano. She told me it was a fine dining experience with a much more palatable price tag. Mike and I made our reservations, and after a really lovely dinner, we completely agree!

I feel a little like Toscana is a special secret. It’s tucked away in the middle of the Specialty Shops at the Park across from SouthPark Mall. Its quiet nook feels like a little cobblestone street, free of car traffic and bustle. If you’re an outdoor diner, there’s a gorgeous and comfortable patio where many customers were enjoying their dinner. As for us, we were seated indoors next to a bright, beautiful window on our right and a huge mural of the Italian countryside on our left. The restaurant feels so airy, relaxed, and light. Toscana describes it perfectly on their website: “Our romantic ambience feels just like a tranquil European courtyard that will enclose you with its old world elegance.”

While the atmosphere was lovely, you know what really made our evening after our Fiamma troubles a few days prior? The fact that our servers were so attentive, and that the manager was walking the front of the house, making sure each diner’s experience was perfection. We really felt welcome and taken care of the entire meal. A+!

Now, none of this would matter in the slightest if the food weren’t also impressive. Thankfully, it was impressive! Our first taste was crusty bread the server brought out with a traditional white bean salad. The salad was full of light flavors and drenched in delicious olive oil. Eating it while we were drenched in sunlight from the window was such a bright experience!

Bread and White Bean Salad

For my entrée, I chose the Penne All’Emiliana, described on the menu as, “Penne pasta with fresh asparagus, prosciutto, and parmesan cheese in a light cream sauce.” It was an exceptional plate of pasta right down to the leaf of basil that adorned the top. The flavor combination was light and perfect.

Penne All’Emiliana

Mike ordered Rigatoni Buttera, described as, “Tubular pasta with sweet Italian sausage and peas, in a light cherry tomato cream sauce.” I’m typically not big on Italian sausage (I hate anise. I mean hate), but his dish was fantastic. The peas especially were wonderful in it; I love peas in pasta! I can’t quite decide, but I may have liked Mike’s meal even better than my own.

Rigatoni Buttera

The portion sizes were perfect at Toscana for ordering either an appetizer or dessert. I doubt anyone is surprised, especially if you’ve seen my baking blog, that my sweet tooth won out! We ordered dessert. One thing I loved is that the server brought out the little crumb scraper to neaten the tablecloth between our dinner and dessert. It was just one more aspect that, indeed, made this feel like a fine dining experience without the price tag.

For dessert, Mike and I ordered a chocolate mousse that I’ve unfortunately forgotten the name of. The dessert menu on Toscana’s website is down, so I’m afraid you’ll just have to hunt for it when you visit if you’d like to try it. It wasn’t phenomenal, but was satisfying: rich and creamy, with a nice chocolate sauce.

Chocolate Mousse

In the end, for its welcoming and bright atmosphere, attentive service, and delicious Italian fare, Toscana gets 4.5 out of 5 spoons. Mike and I spent nearly all meal debating whether we loved Toscana or Mama Ricotta’s more. Mama Ricotta’s does have bolder flavors overall, but the atmosphere at Toscana’s is much nicer (the bright airiness, yes, but also the fact that it isn’t absolutely overrun during dinner!) We love both restaurants. I won’t even hesitate before recommending that you seek out this “special secret” or one of the sister restaurants listed on its website. You won’t be disappointed.

Have you been to Toscana, or one of its sister restaurants? Do you agree that it was a fine dining experience with a lower price tag? Have other ideas for top Italian restaurants in Charlotte? Share your thoughts by clicking on the “Comment” link below!

Crêpe Cellar Kitchen & Pub

Restaurant:	Crêpe Cellar Kitchen & Pub
Locations:	3116 N. Davidson Street
Website:	http://www.crepecellar.com
Dress:	Casual
Cuisine:	Blend of European and American
Price Range:	Starters: $4-9 Entrées: $6-16 (most around $7-12) Desserts: $4.5-9
Rating:	3.5 out of 5 spoons

The Scoop:

I’ve been mourning Addie’s Jamaican Cuisine despite the terrible service. Oh, red beans and rice! How I loved thee! But I have to admit, there’s a new restaurant on the block that does soothe my pain. You’ve probably noticed the Crêpe Cellar Kitchen & Pub as you’ve driven through NoDa. I was anxious to see what the restaurant was all about, and was pleased with what I found.

The atmosphere is bustling, friendly, and casual. When we walked in one Sunday around noon, a guitarist was strumming by the bar, the windows were all pulled open, people were laughing and digging into some delicious-looking food; in short, it looked promising! The space is tight, and we were admittedly a bit crowded, but it added to the “neighborhood pub” atmosphere.

There was something very satisfying and rustic about the food, as well. My sister ordered a masterpiece of a crepe: the Smoked Salmon Breakfast Crêpe, comprised of smoked salmon, egg, spinach, Gruyère, and hollandaise. The flavors were delicate and delicious. I love the idea of salmon as a breakfast or brunch option — it feels fresh and light, just right for a lazy morning.

Smoked Salmon Breakfast Crêpe

My little brother, Alex, also made an excellent choice, albeit perhaps not as brunch-appropriate! He chose a Crêpe Cellar Burger from the sandwich menu, which included Gruyère (they must love this cheese, and I can’t blame them), onion straws, and garlic aioli on a toasted bun. The entire burger was delicious, but in particular, the onion straws made it stand out. The tang and crunch with the other flavors was perfect.

Crêpe Cellar Burger

The burger came with a choice of side: fries or slaw. Having not tried the slaw, I can’t tell you for sure that you should get the fries . . . but you should get the fries. You can get them with pesto and brie and they were, hands down, the best part of the meal. It might be surprising that a side of french fries trounced all of our other food, but remember two key words: PESTO and BRIE! Just look at these beauties:

Pesto Brie French Fries

Am I forgetting anything? Oh, right. And then there’s my meal. If this sounds like an afterthought, that’s because it is. My meal, in contrast to all of the yumminess above, was very unremarkable. I saw what looked to be a delicious plate of french toast as I walked into the Crêpe Cellar, and it looked even better on the menu: Brioche French Toast with Kahlua Batter. I ordered it, but sad to say, it was very, very regular french toast. In fact, it was a little dry. I like my homemade french toast better. They gave me quite a pile of the stuff, but when it comes down to it, I preferred snagging fries off my brother’s plate than eating my pile of bread.

Brioche French Toast with Kahlua Batter

Another small bone to pick may be obvious from the pictures above. I’m not snobby about presentation, but I do feel the appearance of food is part of the experience and some effort should go into it. Neither my sister’s crêpe nor my brother’s burger looks like a dish that’s going to taste amazing. In fact, they look like they could be pretty mediocre. Just look at the burger, slapped on one side of an empty plate with a stray onion here and there. I like the idea of having a rustic, comfortable restaurant and the food can look rustic and comfortable. But perhaps not . . . sloppy? Rushed?

Overall, I hope you’ll try the Crêpe Cellar Kitchen & Pub. We enjoyed our brunch very much, and the service sure beats that of its predecessor, Addie’s (one reader recounts seeing Addie herself asleep on her restaurant’s couch). The food is (mostly) great, with lovely flavor pairings. Just skip the french toast!

Have you tried the Crêpe Cellar Kitchen & Pub yet? Enjoy the atmosphere? Any particular dishes you love? Share your thoughts by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Fiamma Restaurant

Restaurant:	Fiamma Restaurant
Locations:	2418 Park Road
Website:	Fiamma Restaurant
Dress:	Nice-casual
Cuisine:	Italian
Price Range:	Appetizers: $7.50-9.75 Entrées: $7.50-26.50
Rating:	0 out of 5 spoons

The Scoop:

I just need to vent for a moment. We’ve all had terrible restaurant experiences, right? The hair in the food, the rude employee, the outrageous check — there are plenty of things that can ruin an experience. I can roll with many a punch, but I want to share with you, as fellow consumers, how we were treated at Fiamma. Once you’re armed with the information, you can make the best choice about whether or not to patronize the restaurant.

Mike and I have been meaning to visit Fiamma since last year. We wanted to go during Charlotte Restaurant Week, but plans fell through. Since then, the somewhat expensive restaurant has simply never been at the top of our list. My very sweet roommate, knowing that I wanted to visit, gave me a generous sum and made a reservation for my birthday. I was beyond excited.

When Mike and I arrived at the restaurant, we were seated and given water and some absolutely delicious pesto. It was rich and drowned in flavorful olive oil. I was so excited about the meal to come, because surely, based on this tiny taste, it would be phenomenal. Well, unfortunately, we never ate another bite. Nor got drinks. Nor, apparently, even had a waitress. Let me explain.

The only morsel to pass through our lips at Fiamma: Breadsticks and Pesto

After we got our water, we were trying desperately not to fill up on the pesto, but no one seemed to be coming to take our drink order, much less our meal order. We waited. And waited. And waited. The two girls seated behind us, who were obviously in the same boat, finally flagged down a waitress and requested that someone serve them. She apologized, and we thought the oversight would be taken care of. So we waited. And waited. Plenty of employees were milling about, but apparently none of them were waiters? Perhaps they were simply restaurant props? A mirage produced by hunger? Who knows.

Finally, the host walked back and asked, sensing the problem, “Have you been waited on yet?” We told him no, relieved that the oversight would be taken care of. So we waited. And waited. And . . . you get the idea. The waitress did eventually come over, looking quite huffy (I think she was the only one waiting all those tables and, frankly, I’d be huffy too, though perhaps that doesn’t excuse it), and asked if we’d heard the specials. She quickly described them. I was about to cry out, “We know what we want! Here’s our order!” but her manner made it clear she was not our waitress and was only there to inform us. She left quickly. And no one else came!

Finally, I was feeling disappointed and Mike and I were both very annoyed. Mike walked over to the kitchen, unsure of where the waiters could be hiding, and said, “Can someone please take our order?” I hate having to press someone to serve me at a restaurant, though, because it makes me feel quite unwelcome. I collected my purse and we left. It was a struggle to find some other nice place to eat my birthday dinner with no reservation.

Everyone has their bad days, and perhaps Fiamma is en pointe all of the other 364 days of the year. My sister quite enjoyed a dinner she once ate there, and as I mentioned, they have great . . . uh . . . pesto. All I know is after my own ridiculous experience, I don’t feel comfortable giving them any spoons at all, and I won’t be giving them another chance to ruin my evening.

Okay, spill it! What’s your worst restaurant story? Whether you name names or not, tell us about a bad experience you’ve had. Or have you tried Fiamma and want to recount a similar or different experience? Share by clicking on the “Comments” link!

The Coffee Cup Remix

Restaurant:	The Coffee Cup
Locations:	2909 N. Davidson Street
Website:	http://www.coffeecupsoul.com/
Dress:	Casual
Cuisine:	Supposedly “soul food”
Price Range:	Breakfast/Lunch: $5.95-7.95 Desserts: $3.95
Rating:	3 out of 5 spoons

The Scoop:

There’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news is that the Coffee Cup has, indeed, reopened in NoDa and, after a month of serving lunch only, is now opened for regular business (and even open late for those hanging out at Prevue or gallery crawling). The bad news? Well, the bad news is that the Coffee Cup has not reopened — some odd, trendy version of the Coffee Cup has opened and, unfortunately, fiddled with perfection.

I guess they felt they had to reinvent themselves after closing down two locations — the historic restaurant downtown and the struggling (but delicious) restaurant in the University area. I heard a rumor that they were thinking of adjusting their menu to be more health-conscious, but I thought that surely they knew that no one goes to eat soul food and worries about the fat content. Well, whether to be more health-conscious or simply to change their image, they’ve altered the key component that makes them the Coffee Cup: the FOOD. The food transcended the location, the restaurant building, the serving crew. Whatever reason their previous locations were unsuccessful (try letting the sanitation grade drop precipitously, not advertising much, etc.), it couldn’t have been the food. I feel a little like a very dear, tasty friend has died.

Don’t get me wrong; some things remain the same. The service is sweet and personal (it was our server’s first day, and though the timing of the meal was off, she was very attentive). The manager is very personable, kind, and intent on making your meal enjoyable. The locale is cute, well-decorated, and placed conveniently in the heart of NoDa.

The Coffee Cup’s hip new locale

The only real problem is the food. Where has the soul food gone?! Let’s survey the casualties:

1. Gone are the thick-cut pork chops slathered in opaque, fatty gravy. In their place is served pork scaloppine: thin, a little tough, and peppery. I asked if they could still smother the chops, though it’s not listed on the menu (that’s right — no more “smothered” option!), and they obliged, but with a decidedly thin, watery gravy. While this version of smothered pork chops is good, I wouldn’t go back to the Coffee Cup to get them again. I had dreams about the old version — dreams, I tell you! Just look at the difference:

Top: The University area Coffee Cup’s Smothered Pork Chops.
Bottom: NoDa Coffee Cup’s so-called “Smothered Pork Chops.”

2. Gone are the big fluffy waffles. If you get Chicken and Waffles now, the waffle has gone granola. It’s more like something you’d find at Zada Jane’s (where they’d do it better, because it’s their “thing”) than a soul food restaurant: it has a hint of cinnamon/nutmeg, and I think they actually used wheat flour. Don’t get me wrong, wheat flour has a place in this world. But that place is not in the kitchen of a soul food restaurant. This is yet another example of how the Coffee Cup still offers good food, but not great food. Not unique food. Not the kind of soul food that I would crave, feel driven to tell friends about, and seek out every weekend without fail. That’s what the old Coffee Cup offered.

Also, perhaps this was another issue stemming from having a novice waitress, but they brought the chicken and waffle out separately! Slap that chicken on that waffle, man!

Top: The University area Coffee Cup’s Chicken and Waffles.
Bottom: NoDa Coffee Cup’s “Chicken and Waffles.”

3. Gone are . . . (gasp) the biscuits. Well, in a manner of speaking. They do still have similar biscuits. And these biscuits still beat plenty of biscuits in Charlotte. But something’s missing. I think, in keeping with the idea of making a “healthier” version of soul food, they’ve cut down on the butter or shortening or something. They just weren’t as addictive, and I felt embarrassed when my sister tried them (after I’d been raving about them for a year) and wasn’t impressed. They were more crumbly, more dry, less greasy and fantastic. I’m sure other dishes have changed in addition to those I’ve mentioned here, but I can’t bear to go back to find out. The biscuits are the final straw. The Coffee Cup is dead to me! </melodrama>

Just to add to my sorrows, the Coffee Cup apparently doesn’t really have those little jelly packets for the biscuits anymore (or our waitress didn’t know about them). They brought out a mostly empty jar in response to my request, and I have to admit, sharing a communal jelly jar with who-knows-what-other-customers made me a little squirmy. The waitress also came back promptly to retrieve it because they needed it . . . which was very weird! Is there not jelly dedicated to customer consumption? I know, I know, a whole paragraph on the jelly incident. But I think it’s warranted. It’s sort of a metaphor for the entire Coffee Cup experience at this point: it falls short of your expectations, disappoints you, and is then taken away too soon (as I predict the Coffee Cup will be yet again, given this new menu).

I should really make it clear that the Coffee Cup is not lousy. It’s good. Good food, good service, and if I’d never known about the other Coffee Cup, I might be satisfied with that. The macaroni and cheese was actually phenomenal, perhaps the only thing better than the old version. The restaurant gets 3 stars for being good. I just can’t help but shake my head at the fact that they changed the food. The FOOD! The food was perfect, delicious, fattening, sultry, exceptional! There was nothing in Charlotte to compare, and that’s why people kept coming back. Please, dear Coffee Cup, consider serving some soul food again. Until then, I’ll see y’all at Price’s Chicken Coop! They know, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Have you been to the new “improved” Coffee Cup? Are you also aghast, or do you like it better? Any other good soul food recommendations? Share your thoughts by clicking on the “Comments” link below.

Chain Review #1: Tijuana Flats

Restaurant:	Tijuana Flats
Locations:	9826 Gilead Road 3130 Driwood Court Unit B (this is the one I visit)
Website:	http://www.tijuanaflats.com
Dress:	Casual
Cuisine:	Tex-Mex
Price Range:	Salads and Sides: coming soon! Entrées (chimis, tacos, nachos, burritos, etc.): coming soon! Desserts: coming soon!
Rating:	3 out of 5 spoons

The Scoop:

Since this is my first review of a chain restaurant, I should explain my stance on chain restaurants. I’m disturbed by people who only eat at chains. Some people’s automatic reflex upon deciding to eat out is to pile in the car and head to TGIFridays, Chili’s, or Applebee’s, to which I have to say, “What a waste!” I can’t imagine missing out on all of the fantastic Charlotte food in favor of the same chain meals over and over.

That being said, I’m not a food snob. I like food that tastes good and is prepared creatively and passionately. It’s that simple. That means that I’m always a bit annoyed by those people who refuse to step foot in a chain and look down their noses at the concept. They want to find the pretentious, bohemian restaurant in the corner of nowhere and scoff at friends who haven’t eaten there yet. That’s not me.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with a restaurant that has a good thing going in multiple locations around the country (though I’ll acknowledge some restaurants start to run on autopilot with their food when they get large and quality control is difficult). In fact, in terms of some types of cuisine, I haven’t found non-chains in Charlotte that do them well. As you can see, I straddle the fence here. My rule of thumb is simply to try everything and go where the taste leads me.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about what Mike and I affectionately call “Flats.” Mike and I stumbled on this little place one Sunday and it’s become our regular after-church lunch destination. The great employees there now know us by name! Tijuana Flats is a relatively small chain that sprang out of Florida to open a handful of restaurants in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia and, of course, North Carolina. Don’t be surprised if you haven’t seen it yet, because there are only two Charlotte locations. The restaurant is based on a unique (if sometimes obnoxious) concept: each location has its own heavy dose of personality consisting bumper sticker and autograph adorned, wildly painted walls and their pride and joy, the hot sauce bar. Hot foods are a big deal at Tijuana Flats, and award-winning nuclear hot sauces are on sale for all you hotheads out there.

One aspect of Tijuana Flats that still has me and Mike scratching our heads is the multiple personality disorder it seems to be sporting. In some ways, it’s similar to a fast food restaurant: you grab a menu, glance over it, and order at the counter. Instead of waiting at the counter, however, you find a table and wait for your food to be brought out by a server. This kind of fast food / wait staff mix makes the refill situation is a bit convoluted. There are free refills, but instead of walking up to fill your cup, a server will come by during the meal to fill it for you. Maybe this sounds nice, but what it creates is a situation where you’re not getting full service BUT you still feel compelled to tip the server. I don’t mind tipping at a full service restaurant, but when I’m going for a fast food experience, I’d rather just get my own drink and save the extra cash. Just sayin’.

Now onto the food! It’s not going to transport you into heavenly Mexican ecstasy or anything, but as quick Tex-Mex in Charlotte goes, it’s a winner. If you’ve tried Qdoba, you’ve probably had a burrito that’s mostly rice, a too-small batch of nachos, etc. Tijuana Flats definitely does a better job with their food, though a couple menu items do still miss the mark.

One thing you’ll notice at Tijuana Flats is that the menu options are endless. All entrées come with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, sour cream, and black olives by default, though you can choose to leave off anything you’re not fond of (black olives for me — ick!). You can choose to “make it green” by adding a side salad, “make it wheat” by substituting a wheat tortilla, “power lite” by using low fat sour cream and cheese, “make it wet” by pouring on queso/red chipotle sauce/verde sauce, or “make it a meal” by adding rice and beans. When you consider that you can also choose the meat for your entrée (beef, chicken, steak, or beans) and the size of some entrées, you start to understand the massive potential to customize.

Mike’s favorite menu choice is a Tijuana sized beef chimichanga with all toppings, “wet” with queso. Entrées come with a side of tasty, crisp, salted and peppered tortilla chips (usually not enough for me). I like the chimichanga, but the kitchen can be inconsistent with it. The tortilla is sometimes soggy and greasy, while other times it’s perfectly crisp and golden brown. Mike likes to eat it and then scoop up the chimi leavings with his tortilla chips.

Tijuana Flats Beef Chimichanga wet with Queso

Personally, I vacillate between favoring the quesadillas or nachos depending on the day. If I’m in the mood for a light meal, I go with the quesadilla. The blackened chicken tastes a little too spice-heavy and the chicken and beans is too runny, but the regular chicken quesadilla is just right for me. I order two sides of queso — one to dunk my chips in, and one to dunk my quesadilla! I love it when they get the tortillas really toasty and brown, but that’s another hit or miss thing.

Tijuana Flats Chicken Quesadilla

Nachos are my go-to meal when I’m looking for something more substantial. Initially, I was actually disappointed with them. When I think of nachos, I think of delicious, melty cheese, but these were simply sprinkled with the shredded variety. After realizing that, though, I simply started asking for the nachos “wet” with queso and now they’re quite good: lots of fresh veggies, shredded cheese, chunks of chicken, and that gooey melty cheese I love. Tijuana Flats has great queso, if a little runny — I think it’s saltier than others I’ve tried, which I like.

Tijuana Flats Nachos

Tijuana Flats tacos are nice and fresh-tasting on soft, pliable flour tortillas, but they’re missing something. For a restaurant that prides itself on heat and pep, the Flats has some pretty plain tacos. I added some sweet hot sauce to one of mine for some zing and it was much better, but I probably wouldn’t bother with them again.

Tijuana Flats Tacos

Some final pointers:

1. Steer clear of the tostadas! The refried beans are baked to a bitter crust on the corn tortillas, making the tostadas simply a much less flavorful imitation of the nachos (less food, too).
2. Put queso on everything!
3. I wouldn’t recommend pork on your entrees — it’s pretty bland.

As you can see, Tijuana Flats isn’t perfect, but we love the atmosphere, the hospitality, the CRUSHED ICE IN THE DRINKS (where are all the restaurants with crushed ice around here?!), and a few of the great signature entrées. For your quick Tex-Mex needs, stop into a Flats and let me know what you think.

Have you been to Tijuana Flats? Did you try the HOTTEST HOT SAUCE and live to tell about it? Know any other great Tex-Mex joints? Share your thoughts by clicking on the “Comments” link below.

Lulu

Restaurant:	Lulu
Location:	1911 Central Avenue
Website:	http://www.luludinewine.com/
Dress:	casual to maybe a little spruced up for dinner
Cuisine:	American/French
Price Range:	Appetizers: $5-26 Salads: $4-11 Entrées: $15-24
Rating:	1 out of 5 spoons

The Scoop:

To preface, I’m not one of those food people who has to hate everything to feel like my taste is “discerning” enough. I don’t think I’ve given a single negative review yet, in fact. And since I’d heard such great things about Lulu, and since I was shelling out lots of money for my meal, I was prepared to be impressed! Really! But unfortunately, dear readers, I was very disappointed with my Lulu experience.

The beginning of our meal went well. Lulu is located in a quaint little house on Central Avenue decorated impeccably with beautiful furnishings I’d love in my own home. We were seated as they were lighting the candles on all the tables, making for a charming atmosphere. After perusing the appetizers, we ordered The Movie Star to start our meal. It’s described on the menu as “gingered calamari, spiced slaw, and Asian love sauce.” While the presentation could’ve been more colorful, the calamari did, indeed, taste like quite a loving experience (and for only $9). The calamari was cooked perfectly, lightly breaded, and had a fantastic tangy flavor from the ginger and “love sauce.” We were sure at this point that the rest of the meal would be amazing!

Lulu’s The Movie Star

Unfortunately, that’s where things went downhill. To begin with, our server seemed unable to care less about our presence in the restaurant. Apart from drinks that went unfilled (I’m thirstyyy!), when I asked what his favorite entrée was, I received a gruff and somewhat exasperated, “Well, depends on what you like.” Uh, okay. He then quickly jabbed at 3 or 4 items on the menu to appease me. I chalked it up to bad people skills and chose the Make Your Bones, a “braised lamb shank, hazlenut gremolata, pumpkin polenta, [and] tomato fennel ragout.” Sounds fancy, huh? And for $20, I was definitely hoping for something fancy. The dish set before me did look and smell beautiful, and the lamb shank was quite tender and juicy, but beyond that, I was disappointed. With hazelnut, pumpkin, tomatoes, and fennel, I would’ve expected a delicious fall flavor, but the dish was quite bland. No flavor whatsoever stood out to me, and with every bite I grew more disappointed. In addition, there simply wasn’t much food. When I’m still hungry after eating a $20 entrée, something just isn’t right.

Lulu’s Make Your Bones

I hoped Mike would fare better. He ordered Shrimp & Grits, a dish that’s easy to make delicious. It’s described on the menu as “jumbo shrimp, country ham, shrimp ‘gravy,’ and logan turnpike grits.” Unfortunately he ran into similar problems; that is, the gravy was rather bland and the $21 dish was simply unremarkable. Adding to Mike’s frustration was one of our biggest pet peeves: the shrimp were still in their shells. Don’t give me any of that “it adds to the flavor” nonsense, either! No one on this planet wants to hunt through their gravy and grits with their fingers to unpeel their dinner. Can I get an “AMEN”?! Mike’s constant refrain is, “I’m paying them to prepare my dinner, and yet I’m stuck doing part of the preparation.” Chefs of Charlotte, please peel those shrimp. Thanks.

Lulu’s Shrimp & Grits

At this point, fed up with the service (still thirsty!) and the lousy meal, we decided not to even bother trying dessert (I think I just heard a gasp from the regular ‘Spoon readers). We paid our $60+ bill and left. After hearing so many recommendations to try Lulu and having such a poor experience, I almost feel like we must’ve been in the wrong restaurant!

I posted about my Lulu experience on a Charlotte Observer blog awhile back and Helen Schwab, whose reviews I always enjoy, suggested I give it another try. While I understand her point — after all, I’ve heard from so many Charlotteans who love Lulu, and perhaps we picked the only two unimpressive dishes on the menu? I guess? — I simply don’t have the budget to throw $60 away and “give it another shot.” There are so many delicious restaurants that are less expensive, and even so many expensive restaurants that are worth the prices they charge, that I wouldn’t feel justified wasting another dinner out at Lulu’s.

So there you have it, Charlotte. My first negative review.

Have you eaten at Lulu’s? Did you have a better experience than me? Tell us what dishes you liked, how your service was, etc., to give readers a balanced view. Should I try again? Share your comments by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Mama Ricotta’s BONUS!

It’s your lucky day, Charlotte Spooners! Mike and I went back to Mama Ricotta’s Restaurant after our first delicious experience, and I want to tell you about my newest tasty discoveries. If you can believe it, our second trip was even more satisfying than the first!

For this meal, we started with an interesting appetizer: 1853 Mama Ricotta Chips. The menu says these crisp delights were “inspired by the first potato chip on record.” They’re freshly made, thin potato chips with crumbled gorgonzola cheese, rosemary, and sea salt. When I took my first bite, I was a tad disappointed because it sure didn’t compare to the Warm Goat Cheese and Mascarpone Dip we had last time. As I continued chomping, however, these crispy treats really grew on me. They come out piping hot with a rustic taste, and the cheese and herbs have a fresh flavor.

1853 Mama Ricotta Chips

While the appetizer was a bit tame (but still good!), we sure spiced things up quickly! I chose the absolutely out-of-this-world Penne Alla Vodka for my entrée. I was hesitant to order it because it sounded too simple to be amazing, but I’m glad I took the risk. The picture can’t possibly hint at the flavor packed into these little penne pastas. Bits of sautéed pancetta (a.k.a. heaven!) are nestled among the noodles and the dish is covered in a “pepper vodka, spicy tomato cream sauce.” The slight spice, indulgent pancetta, and bold but smooth tomato flavor really impressed me!

Mama Ricotta’s Penne Alla Vodka

Despite how fantastic my entrée was, I can’t decide if it was better than Mike’s — which just goes to show you how consistently exceptional the Mama Ricotta’s kitchen is. Mike chose a non-pasta dish, Pollo Bianco, which is described on the menu as, “Scallopini-style chicken layered with prosciutto and mozzarella in a Chianti wild mushroom sauce.” Scallopini-style refers to the chicken breast being thinly sliced. This dish offered the same comfort as mom’s warm meatloaf and mashed potatoes while substituting more sophisticated flavors: the Chianti wild mushroom sauce was savory, herby, and delicious. The chicken, prosciutto, and mushroom combination offered a perfect blend of textures and flavor. Adding to the warm comfort food appeal of this dish, grilled vegetables and creamy garlic mashed potatoes accompany the chicken (the potatoes are perfect for sopping!).

Mama Ricotta’s Pollo Bianco

Finally, and probably most importantly, Mama Ricotta’s scored big time with our amazing dessert, the Nutella Pie. You know Nutella — it’s that decadent, creamy hazelnut spread. This huge pie combines nutella hazelnut, chocolate, and dulce de leche on a graham cracker crust. Despite the super-sweet combination, the pie wasn’t cloying at all — rather, the nutty hazelnut and spicy graham cracker crust kept it grounded and rich. What it was, however, was one of the best desserts I’ve ever had! Mike and I cleaned our plate, licked our forks, and sat back to enjoy the sugar coma. If (and when) you go to Mama Ricotta’s, don’t let this dessert pass you by!

Mama Ricotta’s Nutella Pie

I hope you enjoyed this little Italian bonus, and I wouldn’t altogether rule out more “bonus” posts from this fantastic restaurant; Mike and I are gearing up to be regular customers.

Have you experienced the love of Mama Ricotta’s Restaurant? Did you visit after reading The Charlotte Spoon’s last review? HAVE YOU TRIED THE NUTELLA PIE? Share your thoughts by clicking on the “Comments” link below.

Niyoshi Japanese Express Restaurant

Restaurant:	Niyoshi Japanese Express Restaurant
Location:	3509 David Cox Road
Website:	none available
Dress:	Casual
Cuisine:	Japanese
Price Range:	Entrées: $5 – 8.50 Filet Mignon Entrées: $8.50 – 14.50 Combination Plates: $9.50 – 13.50 Udon Noodles: $7 – 16 Sides: $2 – 7
Rating:	4 out of 5 spoons

The Scoop:

Every now and then I’m in the mood for some quick and cheap Japanese food. I’ve found several wonderful restaurants for satisfying my craving including Iron Grill in Mooresville, Ishi in the University area, and most recently, Niyoshi Japanese Express in North Charlotte.

As you approach Niyoshi, numerous neon poster shout handwritten specials in your direction. There are usually several sushi specials, a filet mignon special, and a general special. The day Mike and I were there, the filet entrée was only $7.50 and those dining in the restaurant received a free miso soup and salad with their order. We ended up with a ton of food for only $25 (including a generous tip) — so much that even we couldn’t finish (and if you’ve been paying attention, you know that’s impressive)!

The dining room is clean with sturdy, attractive tables and Japanese decor. Two loud televisions were arguing with each other when Mike and I visited — one playing Mr. Bean (huh?!) and one blaring the news. Besides that minor annoyance, we enjoyed being the only diners in the dining room and partaking of free refills throughout our meal. Niyoshi’s setup is perfect if you’re in the mood for takeout as well. All orders are placed at the counter and either brought out to diners or packaged up to go. You’ll be impressed with the lightning speed of the kitchen — a hot, fresh meal is in front of you just minutes after your order is placed.

The food at Niyoshi is great for the price. We began with our free salad and miso soup. The salad was a simple garden salad — iceberg lettuce, carrot shreds — with a spatter of yummy ginger dressing. I love that stuff! I could’ve used a little more of it, actually, not that I’m complaining about my free salad. The miso soup had that nice, palate-cleansing, simple taste and set the stage nicely for our entrées.

Niyoshi Salad and Miso Soup

For the main course, I chose my usual favorite, Chicken Teriyaki, which only set me back a low $5.50. Mike opted for the Filet Mignon special. Entrées are accompanied by fried rice, sweet carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, and shrimp sauce.

Niyoshi Filet Mignon and Chicken Teriyaki

One of the things I love about eating at Japanese restaurants is the range of flavors on your plate. The sweet carrots complement the savory broccoli and mushrooms. The tang and slight sweetness of the shrimp sauce augments the fried rice. The chicken melds with the sweet and salty teriyaki sauce. It’s a flavor parade! I vote for the Chicken Teriyaki as the better entrée of the two we tried. I typically find chicken more moist and flavorful than steak in dishes like these. Mike liked his steak better, though.

The prices of our entrées were so reasonable that Mike and I decided to share a side of Udon Noodles as well. The warm, rich noodles came out steaming with zucchini and onions. These may have had the best flavor of everything we tried. I was also impressed with the portion size (an entire plate of noodles!) considering the side costs less than $5!

Niyoshi Udon Noodles

There are a couple of minor gripes with our visits to Niyoshi so far: the plastic forks that are so wimpy that they’re difficult to use (especially for the noodles), the televisions that are trying to outscream each other, the excessive use of Styrofoam (the miso soup and salad both came in ceramic bowls, which is much “greener”). Overall, though, our experiences have been fantastic. We’ll definitely be heading back on those lazy nights when we’re looking for a quick, cheap meal.

Have you been to Niyoshi Japanese Express? Or do you have your own favorite spot for quick Japanese food? Share your thoughts by clicking on the “Comments” link below.

The Coffee Cup

Restaurant:	The Coffee Cup
Location:	9311 J.W. Clay Boulevard
Website:	http://www.coffeecupsoul.com
Dress:	Casual
Cuisine:	Soul food
Price Range:	Breakfast: $2-12 Lunch / Dinner Menu: $7-13 Desserts: $3.50-4.50
Rating:	5 out of 5 spoons

The Scoop:

I can sum up this review with ONE PICTURE:

The Coffee Cup meal

But, since I love you crazy Spooners, I’m going to go ahead and throw in some delicious description of my visits to The Coffee Cup as well.  If you’re trying to call yourself a Charlottean and haven’t enjoyed some delectable Coffee Cup soul food, I’ve got a smothered-fried-chicken bone to pick with you!

The restaurant began in downtown Charlotte in 1947 and its longevity and success have a lot to do with its simple philosophy; that is, make delicious food and serve it to hungry people.  The restaurant slogan, “The Traditional Hands-on Soul Food Restaurant” rings true:  on one of our visits, the owner himself, Gardine Wilson, was at the restaurant having a family dinner.

Mike and I visited the University location, which, at least for dinner, is usually not crowded at all.  We can sail right into the dim restaurant filled with low jazz music and take a seat on a hard booth.  Articles and pictures chronicling The Coffee Cup’s rich history adorn the walls. The menu is a bit awkward until you figure it out. It displays only breakfast and lunch items, but they serve the lunch items for dinner as well. Your server will let you know which of the “meat specials” and “vegetable specials” they have each night, since it depends on the people cooking and the materials available. I like the homey feel of a menu that varies based on the kitchen’s resources — sounds a little more like grandma’s house than, say, a menu that can cook up identical meals seven nights a week. With so many amazing meals on the menu, it’s going to be hard to choose.  It was in hopes of facilitating your decision (it’s all for you!) that I sat down to, oh, about 80 different meals at The Coffee Cup over the last four weeks.  Here are the delicious results.

On our first trip, Mike selected the golden, crisp and moist Fried Chicken. It was delicious, but the portion size was small in comparison to the other entrées.  Not to worry: as a rule, portions at The Coffee Cup seem very large with prices that are very reasonable.  I went straight for the Country Style Steak.  I was expecting a country fried steak with a crisp coating smothered in gravy, but this dish was actually more like a chopped steak.  It was salty and delectable, with enough gravy to drown the meat twice over (the way I like it!)

The Coffee Cup’s Fried Chicken and Country Style Steak

With each entrée you select two vegetable options and either cornbread or biscuits.  Mike went for the creamy, delicious macaroni and cheese and the slightly sweet green beans. He liked the latter, but the sweetness was a bit odd in my opinion. I chose collard greens that were rich and seasoned with pork, as they should be! Regarding the biscuits versus cornbread decision, take my advice:  skip the cornbread.  It’s okay, and I can see sopping up gravy with it, but you’ll have dreams about the beautiful biscuits.  They’re not of the Cracker Barrel fluffy variety (which, don’t get me wrong, I love). Rather, they are deeply Southern flat biscuits that taste like a flaky combination of butter and Heaven. I slather them with butter and eat one half plain and one half with the jelly provided.

The Coffee Cup Biscuits

On our next trip, Mike chose the BBQ Beef Ribs, a meat special that proved to be his favorite Coffee Cup entrée of all. The ribs are dinosaur-sized and meaty with a sticky, rich sauce. I went for Smothered Pork Chops and I can’t imagine a more perfect meal. The pork chops (that’s right, plural! There were two huge pork chops on my plate!) were tender and juicy and the smotherin’ gravy was so delicious that I’d order it as a beverage if I could! And actually, I might try that next time. While Mike didn’t branch out, I tried two new sides this time around: perfectly seasoned cabbage and sweet candy yams that had a kick of nutmeg. And, okay, I added a mac-and-cheese for good measure, because I can’t pass it up! My server was sure I was going to need a takeout box for all this food; clearly he doesn’t read the blog.

The Coffee Cup’s BBQ Beef Ribs and Smothered Pork Chops

The next meal at The Cup (did you think I was kidding about eating there 80 times? Okay, maybe that was a slight exaggeration) was similarly fantastic (though you can’t beat the Smothered Pork Chops). Mike ordered the Shrimp and Grits special, and while the grits were delicious with gravy, peppers, and sausage, Mike thought the shrimp were a little bland and tough. It didn’t help that they still had tails, though we both agree this is a big improvement over restaurants that leave the entire shell on. No one I know has a burning desire to paw through their entrée with their fingers! I went for Smothered Fried Chicken — smothered and fried, how’s that for good ol’ artery-cloggin’ Southern fare?! — and it was awesome. Crispy fried skin plus salty gravy equals joy! Once again, the portion size of the chicken was smaller than that of the other entrées and cutting the chicken off the bone was a little tedious, but it was great nonetheless.

The Coffee Cup’s Shrimp and Grits and Smothered Fried Chicken

Mike stuck with the BBQ Beef Ribs for our most recent meal (this is the last one, really! …until next week), but I tried the Fried Catfish. My plate almost brought tears to my eyes: two huge, perfectly seasoned, breaded, flaky filets. They were red hot out of the fryer but surprisingly not too greasy. I could’ve used more tartar sauce; the sweet flavor helped break up the salty flavor of the catfish. For those of you keeping score, I think the catfish was my favorite meal except the Smothered Pork Chops; like I said, those chops can’t be beat.

The Coffee Cup’s Fried Catfish

If you think that Mike and I simply ate our veggies, meats, and biscuits and happily wobbled over to pay the check, you haven’t been paying attention to this blog. Of course the meal wouldn’t have been complete without dessert. Though the menu boasts lemon pound cake and sweet potato cobbler, we can’t get past the delicious Peach Cobbler. On our first visit the fluffy crust-to-peach ratio was perfect. Even on subsequent visits where we could’ve used more crust, the dish was the perfect finish to an amazing meal.

The Coffee Cup’s Peach Cobbler

Apart from the wonderful food, service has always been great at The Cup. Each server has a unique style, but the common theme is that you feel like you’re part of The Coffee Cup’s rich history when you sit down to a meal. We never had the same experience twice: on our first visit, a welcoming server named Lawrence outfitted us with biscuits before our meal began and during our meal, taking care of us throughout. We loved Lawrence! On another visit, we joked with our laid back server about our food and got only one set of biscuits. I love the variety, though; once again, that variation between visits is what gives you the authentic, homey feel.

There was no question in my mind about how many spoons The Coffee Cup would receive. It’s 5 outta 5 all the way. The well-loved Charlotte restaurant has proven with its University location that being a landmark isn’t dependent on a particular parcel of land. Rather, a landmark is created by using great food, great business, and a great atmosphere to carve out a niche in Charlotteans’ hearts (and stomachs). And if you need more encouragement to visit, here it is:

The Coffee Cup’s BBQ Beef Ribs

Have you been to The Coffee Cup? Do you have great memories from the historic downtown location? What’s your favorite Coffee Cup meal? Share your thoughts by clicking on the “Comments” link below.

Salara Dessert Lounge & Bistro

Restaurant:	Salara Dessert Lounge & Bistro
Location:	14825 John J Delaney Drive
Website:	http://www.salaradesserts.com
Dress:	Nice casual
Cuisine:	Desserts
Price Range:	Lunch (sandwiches, crepes, salads): $7-9 Dinner Appetizers, Salads, Pizzas, Crepes: $8-9 Dinner Entrées: $8-23 (can choose half or full entrées) Desserts: $8-28 Martinis: $9 Specialty Coffees: $7
Rating:	3.5 out of 5 spoons

The Scoop:

Y’all know how I feel about dessert by now, so it won’t surprise you that when my sister Sarah offered to take me to the widely recommended Salara Dessert Lounge & Bistro a few nights ago, I jumped at the chance. We made the trek down to Ballantyne, eager to try the dessert Charlotte’s been buzzing about. The Lounge boasts that it’s not merely a restaurant, but also a social destination with a snazzy bar and patio. Check the event calendar on the website for entertainment and drink specials.

I was thrilled when, upon arriving and being seated in the chic lounge, we learned that executive pastry chef Bill Foltz would be creating a sugar sculpture at the front of the restaurant throughout the evening. It felt like a Food Network challenge was being completed before my eyes! Foltz is a master and has been recognized as such nationally, winning U.S. Pastry Chef of the Year in 2006, two gold medals at the International Hotel and Motel Food Show, and two silver medals at the U.S. Pastry Competition. The evidence of his expertise was all over the restaurant — a beautiful sugar geisha, sugar ribbons, sugar statues, and an entire under-sea world created with sugar. The lobster below was one of my favorites.

Salara Dessert Lounge & Bistro Under the Sea display and Sugar Lobster

The menu at Salara is designed to feature desserts and, as such, offers entrées in half or full sizes. Sarah and I wanted to try two different dishes while still leaving room for dessert, and the half entrées proved to be the perfect size for doing so. We knew the instant we saw the menu that we had to try the Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, lobster tail with orzo pasta, guyére and two other cheeses. It was a delicious flavor combination and the lobster was generous for the price, but it had a few oddities. A broad carrot on top seemed out of place and the orzo didn’t quite provide that homey “macaroni and cheese” texture. I also can’t decide if the orange “halo” formed by the abundance of cheese in the dish is appetizing or off-putting. Nevertheless, the smooth cheese and lobster flavors melded well and Sarah and I both enjoyed it. Our verdict was good, but not stellar.

Salara Dessert Lounge & Bistro Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

Sarah and I also tried the Wild Mushroom Ravioli, described on the menu as “mushroom broth, truffled milk, micro celery, parmesan reggiano.” The half-sized entrée boasts four plump raviolis in a flavorful broth and a beautiful foam of truffled milk on top. The dish was herby and savory. Sarah appreciated how clean and light it tasted, which was particularly important in a restaurant that specializes in dessert. You don’t want to feel bogged down and heavy after your entrée.

Salara Dessert Lounge & Bistro Lobster Wild Mushroom Ravioli

All in all, dinner was good but Sarah and I both agreed it didn’t play a starring role. If it were just for the dinner alone, we might not return. However! The best is definitely yet to come. We were giddy with excitement about the main feature of Salara, the dessert! The dessert menu includes plated desserts, samplers, crepes, and frozen desserts. The sample menu was the most exciting for me — I’m indecisive and hungry, so it’s perfect! We chose the Quartet Pastry Case Sampler (unfortunately that’s not the actual name and their online menu is outdated, but you’ll know it when you see it!). This sampler allows you to choose any four prepared pastries from their case to be plated beautifully (and subsequently devoured).

Salara Dessert Lounge & Bistro Pastry Case

We asked our server to choose four of his favorites for us (I mentioned that I wanted something “amazing and delicious” and he replied that unfortunately he wasn’t on the menu — HA, smooth!). When he reappeared with our gorgeous plate of desserts, he had chosen (clockwise from top) Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Cashew Cheesecake, Coconut Cake, and Orange Marquis. Just look at that beautiful presentation!

Salara Dessert Lounge & Bistro Quartet Pastry Case Sampler

The pineapple upside down cake was our least favorite. The cake was actually a little tough and toothache sweet. We preferred the less heap-o’-sugar sweetness of the other pastry choices. My favorite was the Coconut Cake, which is saying a lot considering I’m usually not a coconut fan. It combined light white cake, marshmallow, and coconut to produce a pillowy, soft sweetness. It was delicious with the blackberries on the plate.

A Closer Look: Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Cashew Cheesecake, Coconut Cake, and Orange Marquis

Sarah’s favorite was the smooth Cashew Cheesecake. It had a deep and delicious sweetness and the cashew flavor was subtle enough that the dish didn’t come across as overtly “nutty.” The Orange Marquis appeared to be a simple, rich chocolate mousse tort until we cut it open to reveal sweet orange slices hiding in the middle and a white cake base. The pastry was topped with crystallized pineapple and an unraveled fortune cookie for a little flair. All around the plate, decorations proved to be delicious accompaniments — a blackberry smear, dots of sagey sauce, and a strawberry syrup drizzle were delicious.

By the time we’d finished our meal, Bill Foltz had turned a blob of white sugar into an elegant, detailed and dynamic sugar ballerina. I wish my photograph did justice to the detail of her hair and her dainty little feet! Foltz graciously posed with his creation as I did my best impression of the paparazzi. Look at the sugar ribbons!

Executive Pastry Chef Bill Foltz and his Sugar Sculpture

After our meal’s fantastic finale, Sarah and I decided that, while dinner was good, Salara is ultimately a dessert destination. The service was prompt and attentive, and the location of the restaurant is great. The Village Theatre sits nearby and shows independent films in style, with a bar and comfortable seating. Several other restaurants are also within walking distance if you wanted to grab dinner elsewhere and then hit Salara for dessert (save plenty of room!). For the great atmosphere, expert staff, and their focus on a sweet finish, you should definitely give the Salara Dessert Lounge & Bistro a try.

Have you tried Salara Dessert Lounge & Bistro? What fantastic dessert did you sample? Want to recommend another great dessert location? Share your thoughts by clicking on the “Comments” link below.