Lo and behold, foodies of Charlotte: I finally found a dish at 5Church that I can't rave about: The Bacon Pizza. What can I say? When I had it a couple of nights ago, it just didn't excite me.
The Lobster Mac 'n' Cheese, though? Ridiculously good. The Lamb Burger? Per usual, exquisite. But that Bacon Pizza? Meh.
Of course, the irony is not lost on me that my declaration means you'll all rush to order it to see if it's really true - if there truly is a dish at 5Church that isn't awesome - just so you can tell me I'm crazy, out-of-my-mind bonkers. After all, I've yet to hear/read anyone say anything negative about 5Church.
Oh well. I never said I was a food critic.
What I can tell you with some excitement is that 5Church will begin offering brunch on Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (last seating at 4 p.m.) starting tomorrow, Dec. 1. The Belgian waffles are fairly amazing. (Your mouth watered just reading that sentence, didn't it.) And make sure you get a mimosa or a glass of sangria - it'll fit with the live jazz playing in the background. Trust.
Just in time for the holidays, Vin Master will host a Bubble Bonanza on Dec. 6, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Whether you prefer Champagne or Prosecco, there will be plenty from which to choose for upcoming holiday parties and dinners. Participation costs $15 and will include tastes from six different wine distributors who will each have at least two sparkling wines to try. The cost of the tasting will be credited to purchases of six or more bottles at the event.
Vin Master is located in Atherton Mills at 2000 South Blvd, Suite 610. For more details call 704-996-7471.
If you're anything like me, you already have about five holiday functions on your radar and one of them (if you're a female) is a cookie exchange or my personal favorite, a cookies and cocktails party. I love festive cookies and all, but throw in a few cocktails you've got yourself a real party.
This soft gingersnap recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law and is hands down one of my favorite cookie recipes. They're soft (obviously), sugary sweet, buttery (oh so buttery), with that wonderful spiciness of ginger.
Ever since learning how to make this recipe, I've made them every single year. I will be making them again this year for my own cookies and cocktails party. They're a winner all the way, and if you have friends with lactose intolerance, they're completely dairy free ...
... and amazing. Don't forget amazing.
If there's one thing I know a thing or two about, it's pecan pie.
I've been making it every year for Thanksgiving at my family's gathering since I was 13. That's a lot of trial and error, folks. It has always turned out very tasty, due to my secret ingredient (which I'll share at the end).
Sometimes it's come out a bit runny in the middle or the crust gets a little burned. But thanks to the 16 years of pecan pie-making experience I have under my belt, I'm going to share with you the way to make the best pecan pie you'll ever eat.
It starts with a whole wheat crust.
Housed in the restaurant space formerly known as Providence Cafe, a new concept, Napa on Providence, has begun taking early reservations from its Facebook friends.
From its Facebook:
Reservations for the public will open a week from Monday, November 26th. We will be taking limited dinner reservations on Monday and Tuesday and limited lunch and dinner reservations for Wednesday and Thursday.Friday we will be closed for our "Private Reveal" however, the books will reopen for Saturday and Sunday night.
With that being said, we will open the books to our FB friends and allow you to make a reservation before we go live next week!
Here's how to book your table before anyone else: We will post a series of available time slots. The first fan to comment will be given the reservation (maximum party size of 4).
It's not hard to guess where the owners of Napa on Providence derive their inspiration from. If you love Napa, Calif., or have always wanted to visit the region but haven't had the opportunity, check this new restaurant out.
Like 'em on Facebook for a chance to get in there early.
Napa on Providence is located at 110 Perrin Place.
A little birdie (the blue one that goes "tweet!") tells us that Crispy Crepe is finally open in South End. Finally - I can stop gazing longingly at its doors.
This cute restaurant on South Boulevard will serve both crepes and Belgian Liege style waffles. Besides the traditional sweet versions of these items, savory versions appear on both their brunch and lunch menu.
The Historic South End blog has more details and photos.
Beth Robb lives a pretty sweet life. She coaches running groups. She makes adult beverages behind the bar at Soul Gastrolounge once a week. And she makes spectacular desserts.
This life, the one where she gets to do what she loves, is far from the corporate grind she used to live. Although, if you want to know where she got her inspiration for raw, vegan, gluten-free desserts, ask her to recall the days of corporate board rooms filled with heavily-processed snacks and refined sugars.
"Eating that kind of highly processed food affects people's moods," says Robb. "Not to mention the sugar crash which would have people falling asleep at their desks."
Wandering around the new Whole Foods Market on Sharon Road is like taking a trip to an amusement park for foodies. Bountiful produce and free samples abound. Alluring displays delight shoppers around every turn from the impressive bulk goods section to the incredible cheese selection. From olive bar to wine bar to hot bar, it's a feast for the senses.
If you happen to make it down the midway of food that stretches from the wine bar to the cafe seating, you'll want to fill your biodegradable cup with one of the coolest offerings in the place: gelato made in-house for the Whole Foods Market gelato bar.
I'm not really a baker, but even I can't mess up this recipe.
It's incredibly decadent and buttery from ... oh, I don't know ... maybe the THREE sticks of butter in the recipe. I never said this is a healthy recipe. It is cake, after all.
This cake recipe is a family favorite passed down from my grandmother to her daughter and daughter in-law (my aunt and mother), and now I'm sharing it with you. Let's hope this wasn't supposed to be a family secret.
I'm not worried; my grandmother doesn't use the Internet anyway. And if you tell her, I'll deny we ever had this conversation.
Whether you're trying to brainstorm gift ideas or you simply are a hoarder of books about eating and drinking, I've got good news for you.
I've scoured Creative Loafing's shelves and found some books to give away.
Now I'm not saying this is the creme de la creme of reading — but hey, they're new and free.
Comment below your favorite restaurant in Charlotte and we'll pick a winner by the end of the day.
**Must be able to come by CL's offices at the N.C. Music Factory to pick up books between the hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m.