Thursday, March 31, 2011

Review: Cowfish - Redefining Sushi and Burgers

Cowfish. Where to start? That’s both Cowfish's basic problem and best feature.  There is no good place to begin. The menu is much too long. Page after page swarm in front of you reading like Homer’s Odyssey. Do you start with an appetizer? A salad? Some sushi?

Once you’ve made a decision on the appetizer, you consider your main course, hoping for some guidance, but between the sushi rolls, the burgers, the “Burgushi” (more on that later), and all the various entrees, combos, and other items, not to mention the make-your-own everything, you find yourself sitting in a daze. Trying to take it all in is rather like trying to understand the scale of the Grand Canyon.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Review: Poppy's Bagels & More


Do you consider going out for a yummy morning breakfast spread but are unsure where to head? Recently I was searching for the perfect place to go-I wanted something sit down with an extensive list of options and my counterpart wanted cheap and easy bagels. Reluctantly I agreed, expecting a predictable, uninteresting bagel.

Fortunately, there was nothing predictable about these NY style bagels.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Review: Crepe Cellar

I have to admit, the first time I went to the Crepe Cellar Kitchen and Pub, I knew nothing about Charlotte restaurants. It was our first week in Charlotte, and we didn’t know many people. I had come to Charlotte sight-unseen, and after two days, I was tired from moving, setting up a new home and wrangling a baby. My husband had been inundated with work and coming home to help get the house in order. In short, we were tired, grumpy and hungry.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Review: New Zealand Cafe

When I first moved to Charlotte last May, my immediate mission was to scout out all the staples I would need to survive in this new town – great pizza, great Mexican, a Chinese take-out spot and most importantly – SUSHI! Finding myself land-locked for the first time in my life, I set the bar low when I began my quest for toro. Luckily, I didn’t have to search too far or long to find what I can honestly say may just be the Best. Sushi. Ever.

Yes – I know, that is a BOLD statement coming from someone who worships at the altar of Nobu and Katsuya, and recently went all the way to Tokyo for sushi (ok, I went for work, but my sushi experience there was indeed transcendental).

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Recipe: The Perfect Quiche

I had this quiche last summer with broccoli at my sister-in law’s house and I thought about making it ever since the first bite. I was very pleased when I received the recipe as it was so easy to replicate!

Don’t be afraid to add or substitute ingredients that sound good to you. On my list to try are salami, ham and a scoop of sour cream (although not all together)! My daughter loves this quiche so I load hers with extra veggies.

I hope you find this recipe as fun as I do to play with!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Review: Cake from Edible Art

I have a little boy who just turned two, and last week I spent more time planning a brunch hour meal suitable for adults and toddlers and less time writing for CFT.  Mostly, however I wanted a good cake.  Now, I can bake and decorate a perfectly fine cake, but I’ve been dying to order a cake from a local bakery.  So, I scoured the Internet, talked to friends, visited a few bakeries, and ended up ordering a cake from Edible Art.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Review: Enso Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar


I first went to Enso Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar back in the summer, accidentally stumbling in for some quick cocktails and a nosh – I was so blown away by the Rock Shrimp appetizer, I’ve been looking for an excuse to head back for more and see what else Enso had in store. My birthday was the perfect excuse to spend way too much money on sushi.

The ambiance is certainly impressive – however, it doesn’t make up for the absolutely mediocre, insanely overpriced “sushi” (more like fushi – fake sushi) that they offer – but back to the ambiance.


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Recipe: Greek Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)


Greek chicken soup (Avgolemono)
This chicken soup has been keeping me company and making me feel better since I was very small. I first had it in my grandmother’s kitchen and many, many times after when my stepmother and I learned to make it. I feel comfortable that the integrity of this recipe has remained intact over several of my family’s Greek generations. I hope you find it as authentic and tasty as I do!