I'd have to agree on the overpriced point. They have a very good lunch buffet which is really all I've ever had. I work nearby.

Villa Antonio and Blue Taj are probably the closest non-chain restaurants to the hotel.

I've unfriended people for cheapness and chronic lateness but rudeness to waiters is one I can not abide by and I will speak up to my dining companions if they pull it.

I'm having quite a crowd. Several dozen bagels and cream cheese, 4 different kinds of quiche, bacon and sausage, fruit salad and bloody marys.

Welcome to Charlotte, QCmama! I hope you'll enjoy it here. I think that reading that one of our most notable food writers actually took the time to respond to the OP is an indication of what a friendly city this is!

Regarding that paywall, don't tell the CO, but it's not working. I can still read everything. The only thing I can't read are the comments which used to be my favorite part.

Kathleen and Helen don't appear to have much support from the CO, compared to the old days when I'd look forward to the E&T section. I don't think the situation is unque to Charlotte. Of course, with Helen giving every restaurant three stars, I question the value of what's left.

I met some friends at Monsoon yesterday and was surprised to see the outside spruced up with potted plants. Inside looked a little different as well. Different wall coverings then usual. We were seated by a waitress I didn't recognize. Actually, I didn't recognize anyone. I started to get nervous when I was handed an unfamiliar menu. All menu items were the same but the menu itself was bright green and brand new. Food (pad woon sen) was as delicious as always. But I'm curious, did it change hands? Thankfully, still my favorite Thai in Charlotte.

What about Chumley's? Didn't that reopen?

Enjoyed it. Great read from a great writer.

Okay, I know of at least two (three?) CHs that are going to totally make fun of me, but you should check out the upper floor patio of Ri-Ra in Uptown. Very casual, but good pub food and a nice looking restaurant.

Another spot that might fit the bill is the outdoor terrace at The Lodge on Colony Road. Very relaxed atmosphere and great service.

Maybe Selwyn Pub? If it's during the day, any of these places are pretty flexible with their patios.

Well, there are certainly worse places in Charlotte than Piper Glen! Glad you had a good day. The sgroppino was a great decision.

Tehama, you never reported back about your baby shower. How did it go?

To the OP, Charlotte is a big city. If you can give us some idea of what part of it you'd like to concentrate on, I'm sure we can give you some ideas.

Interesting. What did she do on AR? She annoys the hell out of me.

I know how to pronounce "pho" correctly but for some reason I feel like an idiot when I say it. Fortunately, at the Vietnamese restaurant we go to most frequently, I can just say "Number 7".

After reading up on the one in Georgia, I've got my fingers and toes crossed that it's the same thing. We finally made it over to Saigon Palace for the buffet this past Sunday. I kind of wish we'd ordered off the menu. Only about half of the dishes were labeled and some of the things we tried weren't recognizable. And for two buffets, two iced teas, the check came to $33. Not worth it.

Definitely a big glug of Texas Pete. On all types of eggs.

I got a set of white from Crate & Barrel about 6 years ago. I loved them, but they chipped really easily. I replaced them one by one with a very similar plate from World Market that goes for $4.00. I think I have five of the original C&B plates.

Can it be a waiter? We love Gary at Katz's in Charlotte NC. Everyone does.

I agree with LL. Park at the Fifth Third Bank building parking deck on 6th right off Tryon (main street). It's right across the street from Discovery Place. When you walk out of the front of the building, the theater is right across the street.

Vietnam Grill, Doan's and Saigon Place are all Vietnamese restaurants on South Blvd. and I love them all. Closer to uptown is Monsoon on South too, but Thai. Very good. All are good values.

Around the corner from the parking deck is Dandelion Market on 5th Street. Same owners as Connolly's but a nicer atmosphere.

Enjoy!

Sometimes I enjoy light beer in mine rather than vodka.

It's nothing fancy or chowhoundy but I used to live right in that neighborhood and as a young, broke 20-something, the Blue Moon on 1st and 75th always had pretty good Mexican food and excellent wings. I went back about three years ago and was not disappointed.

Definitely among the best. They also get lots of mentions for weddings, rehearsal dinners, etc.

http://www.charlottesgotalot.com/wedd...

Also, look into Aria, Aquavina, Carpe Diem. You didn't indicate a budget so maybe the Ritz-Carlton? Congrats and good luck!

Burgers are a bad choice for that spot. The place should operate like a cafeteria for Fifth Third and Bank of America. No one wants to weigh themselves down with a burger at lunch and then go back to work. What I would give for a salad bar place like the old Spratt's in Founder's Hall.

As someone said upthread, as long as the "cheese elitists" don't take over, it will continue to be an enjoyable thread and I'll keep learning from it. I used to post on the wine thread but then stopped after being stung a few times. I continued reading it for a while, primarily to laugh at the wine snobs. Now I don't even bother to read it.

I'm not intimidated by cheese but am enjoying reading the board nonetheless.

Please explain?

In Chinatown, Pho Grand on Grand St. and Old Sichuan on Bayard. Tasty and affordable!

Definitely Chinatown. Old Sichuan on Bayard.

I have bbq lovers from TX coming to visit and for some reason, they're interested in trying the BBQ we have here in NC. I'm not a huge fan so I can’t decide what bbq joint in the QC to take them to. I haven’t visited many of the newer places and need some advice. With all the new cue places popping up in town, who’s got the best smoked pork? Thanks!