Providence Cafe

While I was unsure what to order at Providence Café, I was highly impressed with the grilled tarragon-dijon salmon. Served with the perfect amount of spice, it boasts a marvelous flavor while not being overpowering. Combined with spinach infused risotto, the pairing is mouth-watering.

The parmesan encrusted flounder is an excellent choice for a mild fish. The breading gives a nice crunch and the leek risotto is creamy and packed with a punch. The large grilled asparagus finish off the dish nicely. The portion is ample and could be shared if in the mood for a light meal.

Topped with a delicious aioli sauce, the grilled angus burger was served to perfection. Oozing with flavor and hard to put down, you will be pleasantly surprised by the tenderness of this burger. My husband ordered this sandwich medium-well (which I generally deem overcooked), but the juiciness was unspoiled by the temperature of the burger.

The atmosphere is charming. Gray Leather booths with bronze nail heads line the windows with quaint wood tables in the middle. Natural plants paired with elegant white moldings and soft music keep the ambiance relaxing.



You will find a beautiful bar to your right as you enter.




The fresh daily homemade focaccia bread is spectacular. Topped with a light layer of rosemary and cheddar cheese the aroma is spectacular.

I know it will be difficult, but be sure not to overstuff yourself with the focaccia, as you must savor the fabulous desserts.

Coffee lovers must try the cappuccino ice cream pie. Who doesn’t like homemade coffee ice cream slathered in chocolate ganache and fresh whipped cream?




If chocolate is your vice then try “come to the dark side”. This dark chocolate cake filled with dark chocolate mousse and ganache is a rich,winning combination.




Offering live music as well as brunch, Providence Café is a definite Charlotte culinary gem. When you can, be sure to see for yourself.

~Stephanie

110 Perrin Place
Charlotte, NC 28207
(704) 376-2008
Open Mon-Thu 11am-10pm;
Fri-Sat 11am-11pm;
Sun 10am-10pm

Something Classic Cafe

Something Classic Café is an interesting concept; it offers traditional café style lunches and dinner, as well as catering and a large assortment of freshly made ready to-go take out items. From soup, brisket, and casseroles to watermelon salad, the take out menu is ever-changing and is always interesting.

Monterrey Mexican Restaurant

I was recently shopping in Pineville and worked up an appetite. We decided to use our Entertainment book and scout out nearby restaurants. We came across Monterrey Mexican and although we could only find a few reviews, they seemed to be favorable.

My first impression was not great. Located in a sad-looking strip mall, the building and signage had zero curb appeal. The atmosphere inside was somewhat dreary and I could see that the sides of the booths had "food film" built up around the sides (not what I want to notice before ordering). They did have a 91.0 sanitation score posted. Although, it could have been higher, it was still an acceptable rating to calm my dirty kitchen fears.

Cabo Fish Taco

Recently, I had family visiting and since they are taco lovers, I knew I had to take them somewhere to satisfy their tortilla craving. So I did my research and after careful consideration, I thought that heading out to the artsy Noda district to dine at Cabo Fish taco was the remedy for our cause.

Elizabeth Creamery

If you are like me and remember going out for homemade ice cream as a kid, you may have wondered where to find those delicious small creameries popular some years ago. With the consumption of frozen yogurt on the rise it has become increasingly difficult to find that extra-special dairy treat. Elizabeth Creamery is definitely one of Charlotte’s well kept secrets.

Portofino's

Although I have lived in Charlotte for almost a year now, I recently started thinking about all the Italian fare I used to eat back home. Being that I love all things Italian, I realized I have yet to have great Italian in Charlotte. This was an alarming revelation for me! So, please join me ladies and gentleman as I attempt to enjoy the flavors of Italy in Charlotte. My promise to you is to keep you posted on my journey and fill you in on my various highlights and disappointments. Today, I will start with my trip to Portofino’s.

Review: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille

The Dilworth Neighborhood Grille is somewhat of a multi-faceted eatery/hangout. Offering a sports-themed bar area with a tempting array of tap beers, munchies and HD televisions to watch, there is more to see. The other sections include 2 private party rooms and a family-friendly dining area with oversized comfy booths surrounded by charming wood-paneled walls. And now for the food…

Review: Boudreaux's Louisiana Kitchen

In the mood for some Louisiana-style Cajun cuisine? Then head out to Boudreaux’s, a Cajun eatery in Charlotte’s artsy Noda district. Inside its cramped yet cozy atmosphere, you will find a simple décor, a friendly staff and consistently good food.

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.

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!

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!

Review: Pewter Rose

After dining at Pewter Rose, I am on the fence as whether to return. Where do I start?

Recipe: Longing for some Latin food?

My husband loves Latin food and I am the first to admit I am guilty of rarely preparing him this style of food. I have thought in the past (when living just outside of Miami), “Why make the food when I can buy it so easily?” That changed after moving to Charlotte. In my quest for Latin food that pleases my picky palette and my husband’s desire to eat tasty Latin food that he so misses, I decided to prepare a meal a friend of mine once so lovingly made for us. Much to my surprise, I learned this recipe was very easy to prepare. However, you must have a blender or food processor to save you a lot of work!

Review: The Penguin

Souvenir cup!

While watching a piece on The Penguin Drive-In on Charlotte’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, I practically ran out of the house to catch some of this home cookin’. It was all I could do to wait for my gals to find a time to join me for this greasy fest. I had a lot of confidence that The Penguin was going to be an unforgettable dining experience. But when I read rumors that this eatery had changed (for the worse), since its management switched hands in October of last year, I had to go see for myself.

Review: Greek Isles Restaurant

When I saw that Greek Isles was voted the 2010 Best European Restaurant by the readers of Creative Loafing Magazine, I knew I had to give it a try. Descendants from Greece, couple Pana and Toula Photopoulos have created a Mediterranean experience in Charlotte worth mentioning.

At first glance, I was surprised by the vast size of the establishment. It was quite a large restaurant (when compared with most Greek eateries which are usually more the size of a large Starbucks).

Inside, I found an inviting bar with plenty of seating and tables close by. Next to the bar a wall separates the restaurant and opens up into the main dining room facing an open style kitchen. The ambiance is warm, without being overly decorated. There are just enough Greek statues and Island photographs to make you remember that it is the Greeks that are responsible for the wonderful food you are about to eat.
We came in on a Saturday at about 5:30pm and were one of the first tables. When we left at 7:30 there was hardly a vacant seat in the house. In fact, there was a line at the front door.

Recipe: Let's Have a Party-Mushroom Croustades

French Croustades are crunchy shells generally made out of pastry dough or toasted bread. They are then topped with a savory mix of herbs and vegetables, most commonly mushrooms.

I was at a party a few years ago when I tried this delicious appetizer. I couldn’t get enough of them and when I went for seconds they were gone! I immediately tracked down the host and begged for the recipe. It was first on my snack list at the next party I hosted and it was a hit! My suggestion: make extra and hide them in a special place.

Review: Dean & DeLuca

With such an array of prominently displayed gorgeous gourmet foods, it is difficult to decide what to splurge on. Fortunately, the wait staff will gladly give you a sample of pretty much whatever you want. Watch yourself though, as you make quickly overload with so many different, yummy temptations.

Inside, you will find the staff pleasant and helpful. Dressed in white chef coats, their attire matches the white walls and clean atmosphere. Classical music plays as light buzzing conversation echos in the background. Small tables are available both inside and out with high chairs available. Try to change your baby before leaving home though as there are no changing tables.

During this particular visit after having one too many confusing samples, I decided to play it safe and headed to the salad/sandwich bar. I was pleased to learn that sandwiches can be purchased by the half, a great option for the budget-conscious. I opted for one of their signature sandwiches; a half roasted sirloin on rye bread. It was served piled high with plenty of rare roasted sirloin, fresh spinach, havarti cheese, caramelized onions and the creamiest horseradish I have ever tasted.

Recipe: Delicious Chop Suey

If you are from the northeast like me, you probably are unable to find any chinese chop suey in the south. My stepmother has been making this dish since I was little to make up for the lack of options available here in the south. It has always been a crowd-pleaser in my family and I hope you enjoy this healthy, flavorful dish as much as we have!