Some people are game-time decision orderers. Some point to the first item they see. Some are careful readers, poring over every single word on the menu. Call me anal, or maybe obsessed, but I'll admit I am the type to do internet research on a restaurant, read other people's reviews, and then find an online version of the menu and contemplate what I'll order well in advance.
Now that I've made my reservation to stop by The Liberty Gastropub for Charlotte Restaurant Week, it's time to dissect the 3-course menu.
Below in black is The Liberty's menu for Restaurant week. My notes are in red.
First course (choice of one)
Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cake - Fennel-Mirliton Slaw & Brioche <-- Slightly boring. I can find this anywhere lots of restaurants offer crab cakes. I want something a little more unique. Hmm...Brioche though... yum.
Savory Lobster Crumble - Winter Vegetables & Ritzy Cracker Topping <-- Yeah! This is what I'm talking about! "lobster" and "crumble"... intriguing. I'm getting this.
Grilled Texas Wild Boar Sausage - Warm Fingerling Potato Salad, Balsamic Onions & Arugula <-- I'm interested in this too. Anything with wild game is sure to be interesting. Make note to have dining companion order this so I can fork some over to my own plate.
Second course (choice of one)
Pan Roasted Gulf Coast Mahi - Low Country Red Rice with Shrimp, Sweet Red Peppers, Tomatoes & House-Made Sausage <-- Mahi low country style? Wow. I think this is a winner.
"Chicken & Dumplings" - Springer Mountain Chicken, Ricotta Gnocchi, Wild Mushrooms, Spicy Cress & Herb Veloute <-- Tried some of this last time I visited. Next.
Grilled Black Angus Hanger Steak - Twice Baked Potato, Apple-Smoked Bacon, Wilted Spinach & Green Peppercorn Butter <-- Steak and potatoes. Not my ideal meal. I want something a little more complicated.
Third course (choice of one) This is a toughie! They all sound good.
Chocolate Bread Pudding - "Shot" of Young's Double-Chocolate Stout <-- I love bread pudding. And a "shot" of beer is included. I do love alcoholic desserts....
Crisp Apple Pie - Cheddar Cheese & Rum Cider Sauce <-- MORE alcoholic desserts! Sweet. I've always wanted to try and apple pie with cheese in it. Maybe I'll get this.
Sticky Cherry Toffee Pudding - Black Cherry Ice Cream <-- Toffee pudding can be too sweet sometimes. But ice cream is usually always good... hm. Wonder if is homemade.