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billyjack's Profile

BBQ Charlotte?

I'm not familiar with Queen City Q. I was going to mention Dan the Pig Man but I don't know where he parks now so thanks for the update. He is a nice guy who really knows what he's doing with a pig.

Finally - a Middle Eastern Bakery in Charlotte!

Please let us know if you find another! I'm in Charlotte but travel to Raleigh occasionally.

BBQ Charlotte?

Sorry about your bad experience. FYI brisket is not barbecue. I say this not as an insult to you or anyone else that eats that cut of beef. I just feel I should point that out since I keep seeing recommendations for Midwood and Mac's, two places known for brisket, not barbecue.

Try the aforementioned Olde Hickory House (which strangely enough is probably more Georgia style). Or better yet try Bill Spoons.

I'd tell you to travel to Shelby or Lexington as is often advised, but that's really only good advice for those who are very determined and have lots of time and gas to spare.

Gallery Restaurant

Gallery is excellent. In the same price range nearby is Global, another excellent choice. Gallery might use more local ingredients, although both try to when possible. I think either would make a good choice for a client.

I don't think you'd need to go downtown. There are a few regulars here that know south Charlotte well so maybe you'll get a few more suggestions. These are just the 2 high-end restaurants I know in Ballantyne.

Finally - a Middle Eastern Bakery in Charlotte!

Probably Neomonde, they've been the go-to pita bakery in NC for as long as I can remember. They also have a full restaurant (and multiple locations now I think).

Finally - a Middle Eastern Bakery in Charlotte!

Yes, thanks for the info. Waited a long time for this.

Places for rehearsal dinner in Charlotte

I've actually been to one at Ri-Ra and it was surprisingly good (if you don't mind the casual atmosphere). Contrary to a lot of restaurants, their private party food was much better than their regular menu.

Green Coffee Beans in Charlotte NC for home roasting?

Well I was going to suggest Sweet Maria's, but you've already found it. There used to be several coffee shops in Charlotte that roasted in-store and they would happily sell you green beans. However they've all gone out of business, thanks to Starbucks. I've had Dilworth Coffee agree to sell some but it took some convincing. Try them and see what they say.

Sweet Maria's does have an excellent selection, along with suggestions for each varietal.

Shrimp Season is early

The Shrimp Man at the Kings Dr. market has the freshest shrimp I've found in Charlotte. They come from Carolina Beach. They're not cheap but you don't have to drive 4 hours to get them.

He also sometimes has great flounder, amongst other fish.

Asheville - Kid friendly pizza joint with good selection of local brews.

Yes, and the name stuck with me and my friends :)

Asheville - Kid friendly pizza joint with good selection of local brews.

Oh, that's actually what I meant. I always call it Brew 'n View, I forget it has a real name.

Asheville - Kid friendly pizza joint with good selection of local brews.

What about Brew 'n View? Good pizza, good beer, and a gameroom (last time I was there at least).

First time in Charlotte, NC

Just a quick aside: I know at one point all of Dish's vegetables were vegetarian. This is the kind of statement that only makes sense down South, isn't it?

Banana Pudding milkshake in Raleigh?

That's what I thought of - Cook Out has them and they're good.

CHARLOTTE: Soup Dumplings???

The place you speak of sounds like The Dynasty Cuisine. AFAIK its the only place in Charlotte with actual Szechuan cuisine (and its about time!). They do have dim sum but I'm not sure if they have soup dumplings.

Pathetic state of burgers in Winston and Greensboro

That's nice of them, but there is absolutely NO exception to the NCDHHS mandated temperature for ground meat. They could get fined or even temporarily closed for serving ground meat under 155F.

I don't mean this as an attack on you, just in case anyone reads this and gets the wrong idea. There have been all sorts of rumors and misconceptions about the rule over the years, even among restaurateurs who are supposed to read the codes and understand them.

Pizza in Uptown Charlotte

I've never really liked any pizza downtown, and I think I've tried all of them. Vapiano however has excellent pizza. I was honestly surprised that a cafeteria-style chain could do that. I really liked the arugula. (keep in mind this is not "NY style", more Neapolitan I guess)

Pie in the Sky is decent is you're in a hurry and not expecting greatness. Libretto is very average, possibly even Fuel-level. I've tried it a couple of times and its just not that good and seems expensive. They also have entirely too many people behind the counter, especially considering the amount of time it takes to place your order and pay for it. I keep hoping Luigi's will open an outpost downtown, but I'm sure the rents are way too high for any non-corporate non-chain restaurant. Sorry for the rant.

Best Inexpensive restaurant in Downtown/Midtown Charlotte

OK I'll go outside the box and suggest Cuisine Malaya. Malaysian food and surprisingly good sushi.

I'm having trouble thinking of downtown restaurants that are affordable for dinner. I think the outskirts are your best bet.

I really like Savor, so I'll second that one.

Greek Isles isn't too expensive. Good Greek food and usually good service.

Big Ben is good if you like pub food.

Korean food in Charlotte

Simplee Sushi on the backside of McMullen Creek Shopping Center has some Korean dishes on the menu. What I've had there has been good. This is the spot that used to be Mizuho (which I sorely miss).

Akropolis Cafe, Charlotte - I'm out.

I think Zeitouni in the Earthfare shopping center is Lebanese. There is another newish Greek place across Johnston called Ikos. Have you tried it? I keep meaning to stop in but I haven't.

Country Style or Country Fried Steak in Charlotte NC

Glad you liked it. I'm a big fan.

Best Bloody Mary in Charlotte...

Good luck finding one that's not from a pre-made mix. A lot of times I hear servers and bartenders brag out using a mix.... "We have the best bloody marys, we use Zing Zang!" I could do that at home, thanks. Not that I'm a drink snob, but I wouldn't pay $7 or $8 if they're just dumping it into a glass.

Baklava in Charlotte NC

I think Lebanese baklava is the best...if you're in South Charlotte try Sultan Kabob House, or in East Charlotte try Cedarland.

Kabob Grille usually has it as well.

(I'd also like to add I have no idea who actually makes their own...I imagine Cedarland would but who knows, it could all be shipped in)

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Sultan Kabob House
Charlotte, NC, Charlotte, NC

Catering Recs in Charlotte?

A lot of soul food places cater. Off hand I can think of LaWans, Nanas, Lolas, and Simmons. I like all of these, but I don't think I've had any catering but Lolas, of which I'm a fan.

Carpe Diem has good catering, encompassing both Southern and Italian fare.

eggplant or chicken parmigiana sandwich in Chapel Hill area?

I would agree that adding bread to lamb tagine is a bad idea...but an eggplant parm sandwich is delicious :)

I had one on Franklin St. that was pretty bad, but I can't tell you which restaurant it was. Honestly I find as a semi-frequent visitor to CH (football season) the restaurants on Franklin all kind of blend together....but it was a pizza/pasta kind of place. Actually maybe it was called Pizza and Pasta? I'm not kidding, I think it was. Anyway I wouldn't bother with theirs.

Looking for a Pop/Soda Named Wink

I'm familiar with Wink...can't say I remember ever buying it in cans.

Seafood and BBQ near Oak Island, NC?

I was just down there again for a short visit - didn't have a chance to eat out anywhere but I think both The Lucky Fisherman and Capt. Stanley's are out of business, as is Surfer's. I ate at Stanley's last year and it was one of the worst meals I've had down there....on par with the crappy Myrtle Beach "Calabash Style" joints, except I think my fried items were actually brought to me cold.

I highly recommend Shagger Jack's and the Fish House if you're eating on the island, although you already knew those. The Pelican opened up another location where the Beverage Barn was.

I can tell you if you're out in Southport at night and want a drink, the American Fish Co. is great. Its owned by the Provision folks, but despite the name its drinks only, no food. It sits above the water, completely open with ample room to stand or sit. I especially liked the pier supports carved like tikis.

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Lucky Fisherman
4419 Long Beach Rd SE, Southport, NC 28461

Shagger Jacks
8004 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, NC 28465

Country Style or Country Fried Steak in Charlotte NC

Dish has country steak with a white gravy (which I think is the only way I've ever had it).

Outsider Review Wilmington, NC, Beaufort, NC

Glad you enjoyed your visit and the food. I don't eat pork anymore either (but barbecue is the one pig product I miss!).

Malaya Kitchen - Charlotte

Is it related to Cuisine Malaya? I saw the ad in Creative Loafing a while back and I just thought it was a completely different restaurant. I go to Cuisine Malaya on a near-weekly basis, mostly for the Malaysian dishes. I do occasionally get sushi, which go figure is better than 90% of the sushi places in town IMO.

Anyway I concur with bbqme, laksa is my favorite so I'll try to check out the new place and see how it compares.

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Cuisine Malaya
1411 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204