May 04, 2005 Edibles » Reviews

Pin It
Submit to Reddit
Email
Favorite

American Beauty 

Uptown spot offers chic ambience, modern cuisine

By
click to enlarge RADOK - Pierre Bader and Tim Groody at Sonoma Modern American
  • Radok
  • Pierre Bader and Tim Groody at Sonoma Modern American
OWNER: Pierre Bader, also owner of Sonoma Kitchen and Town. Executive Chef Tim Groody maintains his title at Sonoma Kitchen and Town as well.

AMBIENCE: Sonoma Modern American, not to be confused with the newly renovated Sonoma Kitchen, evokes a trendy uptown feel with a twist of classy chic. With a bold modern color palette of black, white, gray and mint green, Sonoma Modern American suggests "a New Yorkish feel," said Bader. It should shine as a Charlotte hot spot. Perfect for appetizers and a glass of wine, or perhaps a wine flight with friends on a Friday, mixed with an atmosphere that could make a meal turn into an event. "We're not just an eating establishment, we are an experience. You can eat everywhere, but you can only dine in just a few places," said Bader.

SEATING: Seats up to about 130 people including the bar and the patio outside. Two private dining areas are available, one that holds 20 while the wine room holds up to 12 people. Tables with clean lines and no tablecloths contribute to the ambience. "I like dining rooms with different levels of seating," says Bader. In turn the tables are all of a varying height, providing every seating option with a different feel.

WINE LIST: The extensive wine list offers something for everyone. Between 100 and 200 wines are available by the bottle, 24 available by the glass. Prices vary from a $20 bottle of Australian Marquis Phillips Holly's Blend to the Spanish "Treat" Termanthia for $240. Glasses range from $8 to $15. Wine flights are also available.

TYPE OF CUISINE: Bader classifies the cuisine as "modern American," commenting that "we are not reinventing the wheel, we are just concentrating on the freshness and an overall great presentation. I don't think we can call it California cuisine anymore because before it was the freshness of the ingredients, but now that's just our overall approach to what we do."

PRICE LIST: Lunch menu includes salads ranging from a Field Greens salad for $5.50 to a Grilled Salmon salad for $9.50. Sandwiches range from a Havarti Grilled Cheese Panini ($8) to the Half-Pound Kobe Beef Burger ($10.50). Main dishes from the Calamari and Rock Shrimp Raviolo ($9.50) to the Grilled Beef Hanger Steak ($12.50). From the dinner menu, starters begin at $6.50 for the Leek and Lobster Chowder to $15.50 for Hudson Valley Foie Gras. Salad selections include Classic Caesar ($6.50) and a Harmony Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates and Mache Salad ($8). Main courses include dishes such as Caramelized Alaskan Halibut ($24), Grilled Dry Packed Jumbo Scallops ($24) and a Hormone-Free Center Cut Pork Chop ($25).

BONUS: The patio outside sits diners right on the Square, contributing to the uptown feel.

HOURS: Monday through Friday for lunch 11am until 2pm, Monday through Thursday for dinner 5:30pm until 10pm, open Friday and Saturday until 11pm. Closed Sundays.

RESERVATIONS: Recommended.

RECOMMMENDED PARKING: Valet parking is available. The restaurant will also validate tickets for the Bank of America parking deck.

CREDIT CARDS: All major credit cards accepted.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Accessible. The restaurant is on one floor, with an easily accessible restroom which, in fact, everyone should check out. Frosted glass doors and sideways sinks define the contemporary aspect of the décor.

More Reviews »

Tags: ,

Pin It
Submit to Reddit
Email
Favorite

Latest in Reviews

More by Jana K. Nordstrand

Calendar

More »

Search Events

all events
concerts
restaurants
movie times

Most Popular
Most Shared
Most Commented

© 2019 Womack Digital, LLC
Powered by Foundation