Something Classic CHARLOTTE 20

Today me and the bf were in the mood to try out a place in our neighborhood, plaza midwood. We decided to try Something Classic on Central Ave. The place looked like a cute catering business and deli, however it was our worst dining experience in Charlotte up to date. They had more catering options then lunch items, but they seemed to have a decent selection of sandwiches and salads. The bf decided to try their cuban but with out pickles. I opted for a California wrap (pictured above): turkey, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, and a cucumber mayo. The cucumber mayo made me hesitant because when I do eat mayo I like it minimally, but I decided to try it on the wrap anyways. They had some outside tables so we decided to walk there with our dog; I waited outside while the bf went in to place our order. He came back 12 minutes later, which was odd because there were 3 people working, and only 2 other costumers who had already ordered and had just gotten their food. The bf seemed frustrated and told me that he was completely unacknowledged for 10 minutes, they acted like he wasn't there... We then waited almost another 10 minutes for our sandwiches, also odd because they didn't have other costumers... As soon as we unwrapped our sandwiches I realized that the cucumber mayo was pretty much just plain mayo and was slathered on in a disgusting way, and the bf realized that his "cuban" was on a baguette and loaded with pickles. We were both grossed out and turned off by the food we got. I tried a bite of each sandwich which was, just as one would think at this point, not good. We both lost our appetites and walked home with out eating. Horrible service and lousy food. It was a complete fail- a 20, and once was definitely to much!

Phat Burrito CHARLOTTE 81

Phat burrito was a small interesting place with a lot of character (and I don't mean that in a bad way). Located on Camden street, it seemed to be the ideal place for a quick but good mexican meal. The menu is very simple, burrito, tacos, taco salad, or a quesadilla with your choice of meat. Their home made salsa bar was decent, but a bit disappointing. I tried a burrito with fish and without the beans. The fish had a lot of flavor and was really nice, but there was some sort of chutney (you can see it on the tacos above) that I wasn't aware would be in it. I think it was pineapple but I couldn't quite place it because it was thick and had an odd taste and flavor... I didn't care for it, but it didn't ruin my burrito experience. The bf got the fish tacos (pictured above) with no cabbage (he hates veggies) and was thrown off by the chutney as well; he easily scraped it off, and enjoyed the tacos even though they put cabbage on them anyways. Not the best mexican food in Charlotte, but the simplicity of the place makes the food well executed and fast.. great for someone who's on the go! Overall I gave it an 81 a bit over average and worth going back!

Amelie's French Bakery CHARLOTTE 90

I had the pleasure of trying Amelie's French Bakery on North Davidson for brunch the other day. I opted for their special, an egg sandwich on a croissant with asiago and spinach.. It was delicious, and while it looked small it filled me up. The bf tried out the soup special, a tomato and crab bisque (pictured right) and it was beyond words. We both agreed that it was the best soup we've found in Charlotte thus far. We didn't try any of the pastries, but they had a huge fresh baked selection which surely included something for everyone. In fact, they all looked so mouth watering it would be hard to choose just one. One of the coolest thing about this particular bakery is that it's open 24 hours, and has a relaxed coffee house vibe. There were quite a few people working on laptops and enjoying coffee under the many quirky chandeliers throughout the place. Definitely a cool laid back joint that one could easily wind up at at any time. Definitely crave worthy (rated 90) if you're in the mood for fresh baked treats!

Copper CHARLOTTE 91

If you're a fan of Indian food you must must MUST try copper off of East Blvd. I must admit that I had my reservations when I first found out that it was a "modern" themed Indian restaurant. Ultimately I decided it was either going to be great or disappointing, but my expectations were blown away by the awesomeness that is copper. Located in a charming house, the decor was softly lit and inviting... maybe a little on the dim side. They had a great wine selection and an interesting, yet tasty cocktail menu. I liked the Agni (bicardi 151, absolut peppar, and guava) because it was a little fruity, but still had that warm liquor taste going down. More importantly, the food was kick ass from start to finish. The bf and I started with the Tava Scallops and lobster with a ginger kick. The scallops were decent, but could have been seared better; they paired nicely with the avocado lychee emulsion found rimming the plate. The lobster tail was the big hit of the appetizers, and was cooked faultlessly. The flavor combination was refreshing and well thought out with a nice spice. When it comes to entrees the menu is split into a small list of traditional and modern main courses. I decided to go with a traditional dish, jumbo shrimp in a Goan Curry sauce, while the bf decided to go modern with a Masala duck leg confit. They were both perfect, but I must admit that the bf out ordered me. The shrimp and curry were wonderful and I couldn't stop myself from licking the sauce even as I was stuffed, but the duck had it going on.. not in the least bit gamey, and perfect with a pomegranate-syrah jus. Against my protests the bf went on to order dessert- something I wasn't even thinking about touching at this point because I was beyond full. The bf ordered the Sorbets & Gelatos which came with four cute little samples of different flavors. There was a raspberry and mango sorbet (the raspberry was awesome and was reminiscent of a flinstones push up) and a caramel and pistachio gelato. We left copper full, happy, and ready to go out for the night. Overall a 91- crave worthy!!

Tilapia Mediterranean style

Just finished eating dinner and it was f***ing great with out too much work!! The dish is a mediterranean style tilapia with spinach in a light, spicy, tomato garlic sauce.. over pasta of course! It took about 30 minutes and was hit with the bf too! (original recipe can be found on prevention.com)

What you'll need: (dinner for 2)

2 boneless skinless tilapia filets

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves of garlic (minced)

1 14oz. can of diced tomatoes with juice

3-4 basil leaves (minced)

1 tablespoon oregano (minced)

1 cup of chicken stock

1 teaspoon of red-paper flakes (this is a pretty mild to medium heat.. to make spicier add more)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

8 oz of baby spinach

parmesan to grate (optional)

pasta (your choice but I used capellini)

Heat olive oil and minced garlic over medium heat for 3 minutes in a medium to large skillet with sides. Add tomatoes with juice, basil, oregano, chicken stock, red pepper, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a medium simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes to thicken. Add the tilapia and submerge in sauce. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes (flipping the tilapia over halfway through and covering again). Once the tilapia is fully cooked (it will get flaky), remove and set aside. Add the spinach and turn the heat up high, cooking and stirring for two minutes. Put the tilapia over pasta, add the sauce, and enjoy!! (parmesan can be grated on top).

The pasta I used only took two minutes to cook, so I put a big pot on to boil as a started cooking, and the pasta was done 5 minutes before the dish was ready... Also, I put in about 2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes and it was still a medium spice... My bf didn't care for parmesan (as he's not a big cheese fan to begin with) but I loved it!

Big Daddy's Burgers CHARLOTTE 84

Just got done eating at Big Daddy's off East Blvd. and it was quite a success. Me and the bf started with the atomic nachos (pictured left) which were ideal for anyone who enjoys spicy food. I opted to create my own burger using swiss, avocados, and jalapeno bacon.. A little on the greasy side, but cooked perfectly.. The onion strings were lacking though. My bf got the steakhouse burger which was an interesting and tasty combination of jumbo Guinness battered onion rings, monterey jack cheese, and a chopped wedge salad.. He scraped off the salad, but the burger seemed fitted for his manly needs. The service was good, but not great. Spiked milkshakes and a good selection of draught beers made for the perfect late lunch. Overall a score of 84 which makes it worth going back to.