If you need a little change of pace from your usual Saturday night dinner spot, there are a couple of new places to choose from. Several restaurants have opened in the past six months … perhaps one of them is in your neck of the woods.
Southend
As of October 2007, you can enjoy good grub and good beer at Woods on South. Celebrity chef Marvin Woods has joined forces with Carolina Beer Company to present his original “Carolina Cuisine” complimented by daily beer tastings from Carolina Beer’s pilot brewery. Signature menu items include hushpuppies of the day, iron pot gumbo, free range N.C. gumbo, and N.C. redfish.
Woods On South. 2100 South Blvd. 704-358-4677. Open for lunch and dinner. www.woodsonsouth.com.
Ballantyne
The 5-month-old Monty’s Seafood Grill offers a diverse menu of fresh seafood dishes, such as live Maine lobster and Alaskan King Crab legs, along with aged center-cut steaks. Reservations recommended.
Monty’s Seafood Grill. 15205 John J. Delaney Drive. 704-541-0377. Dinner only. www.montys-grill.com.
Arboretum
Chris and Sue Edwards have revamped Dakotas. After a short hiatus over the summer, the restaurant reopened in September as New South Kitchen and Bar. Long-time regulars can still enjoy them good ol’ Southern comfort dishes like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits and meatloaf with a freshened up presentation.
New South Kitchen and Bar. 8140 Providence Road. 704-541-9990. Dinner only. www.americascuisine.com/Charlotte/dakotas.htm .