Review - PURE Taqueria

Suffice it to say I was truly elated to hear about a new Mexican joint coming to my part of town. Its not very often we get a new restaurant that generates buzz out here in the Matthews/Indian Trail area, in fact I think this is the first time since moving here over a year ago that there has been ANY restaurant opening in this area that warranted a visit.

Pizza Peel Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to all who participated in the Pizza Peel Giveaway.  And, of course, many thanks to the Pizza Peel.  The CFT girls got together and ordered from the Pizza Peel last night, and it was as terrific as ever.  If you haven't begun to follow them on Facebook, you should, you'll get updates on their specials and other breaking news.  Plus, they are giving away one pizza a day until they reach 750 fans!  You could be next!

Congratulations to our winner Nikki J!!  You are the proud recipient of $25 for the Pizza Peel.  We will be in touch with an email shortly:)

Review: Paco's Tacos and Tequila

When I mentioned I was craving Mexican food, a friend of mine suggested we go have lunch at Paco’s Tacos.  I started giggling, Paco’s Tacos??  But I went anyway, and was happily surprised.  Sadly, I have forgotten to bring my camera during my several visits, so I will have to add photos later.

The restaurant is tucked away behind Williams Sonoma, just across the street from SouthPark Mall.  It is a bit dark inside, and appears cramped until you sit down.  I have always sat at the booths on the “lower” level, just a few steps down after you enter the restaurant.  It is right next to the window, so it seems much lighter.

Announcing A Giveaway! $25 for the Pizza Peel and Tap Room

The good folks at The Pizza Peel and Tap Room liked our review so much that they are giving us $25 to give back to you as our first giveaway here at Charlotte Food Talk. We are very excited to bring this giveaway to you, and look forward to offering more in the future.

Fill out the form below to enter. Make sure to leave your name and a valid email address, so we can send the prize. You have three opportunities to enter this giveaway (each of these things will count as one entry):

1. "Like" Charlotte Food Talk on Facebook. Our page can be found here.
2. "Like" The Pizza Peel and Tap Room on Facebook. Their page can be found here.
3. Sign up to follow Charlotte Food Talk publicly through blogger.

The responses will be numbered as we receive them. The contest will close on June 14, and winner will be chosen via random.org and posted on Wednesday, June 15.

In addition to this giveaway, the Pizza Peel is giving away one free 8" pizza a day until they reach 750 fans on Facebook. All you have to do to enter is write "I love the Pizza Peel" on their wall. So you have a chance to win twice!  Good luck everyone!

Contest closed.

*Please keep in mind that we are not paid by restaurants to review their food. All our reviews are opinions of the authors, based on their personal experience. We try to eat objectively and remain anonymous until we have formed an opinion of the restaurant. *

Beer, Bikes and BBQ: A Review of Mac's Speedshop

The entrance of Mac's Speedshop

This is a hard review for me to write because it's the first time I've had to write a review about a place that I have been to this many times.  Mac's Speedshop was the first place I went for a meal in Charlotte (well, after Bojangles the night we arrived).  Mac's has three locations, Lake Norman, Steel Creek and Southend.  This review speaks specifically to the Southend location.  But why, exactly, do I find myself returning to Mac's so often? 

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.

Review: San Antonio's Modern Mexican, A taste of the southwest?

I’m from Southern Arizona. I say this because I expect a certain type and quality of food when it comes to Mexican fare. I either want Baja style or good old Sonoran comfort food. Yes, I know there is a lot more to Mexican cuisine, but that’s what I grew up with. However, I’ve learned to accept that cheese crisps (tortillas slathered in butter with cheese melted on top, best served with heaping portions of guacamole) are replaced with quesadillas outside of Arizona.