Most recently reviewed is the Salara Dessert Lounge & Bistro in Ballantyne. Instead of stars, The Charlotte Spoon rates with “spoons,” and it gives Salara 3.5 out of 5 spoons. Check out the review here. Other restaurants reviewed so far include Mama Ricotta’s, Addie’s, and Zada Jane’s.

The reviews are helpful and the pics are scrumptious. Try not to drool on your keyboard.

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Paventi’s Pizzeria, 6434 W. Sugar Creek Road., Ste. D. 704-509-4404. www.paventispizzeria.com.

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Well, for those of you who really care about that kind of stuff — and we all should, really — check out the Mecklenburg County Digital Health Department. You can search your favorite restaurants and find out how they did on their last inspection.

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 ZINK AMERICAN KITCHEN
RE-OPENS WITH A FRESH NEW MENU

Charlotte, NC — Zink American Kitchen, located at 201 North Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte, has reopened after several months of extensive kitchen renovations. Owned and operated by Harper’s Restaurant Group, Zink is a long-time favorite of Uptown residents and workers, boasting an extensive menu and thriving late night bar and patio.

Steve Seitz, Harper’s Director of Operations, said that while returning guests might not notice much difference in the restaurants interior, they are sure to appreciate the revamped menu designed by corporate Executive Chef Tom Condron and Zink’s Chef de Cuisine Jon Fortes. “These two talented chefs have created a fresh New American menu, taking all-time favorite regional dishes and adding their own inspiration. The result is a unique and delicious menu with something for everyone.”

Seitz said some of the new items on the menu include a “Make it Your Way” Burger Bar at lunch and Sunday brunch, Sloppy Joe Sliders and a Grits Bar. At dinner, guests can choose from new items such as the Lobster ‘Mac’ in Cheese, Niman Ranch Slow Cooked Pork, and the Carolina Mountain Trout.

Favorites like the ‘Rock and Roll’ Sushi Bar, the late night bar specials and cool American drinks remain on the Zink menu and will be updated seasonally. In addition, Zink now presents a carafe of ice cold filtered water to each table.

In keeping with the American brand, Zink will use as many American made and American grown products as possible in their food preparation and in the restaurant operations. USA made uniforms are worn by the staff and the bar boasts a wide assortment of domestic wine and beer. With a great bar/late night/patio component and old American black and white movies and Warren Miller films in the bar –Zink has an edgy quality that is truly American ‘Cool’.

Zink American Kitchen opened in 2004. Hours of operation are: Sunday–11.30am-3pm Brunch and 5pm-10pm Dinner. Monday and Tuesday, 11.30am-11pm. Wednesday and Thursday 11.30am-12:00 midnight. Friday and Saturday, 11:30am-1am. For more information, visit the website at www.zinkamerican.com

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Prepare to drool all over your keyboard. May we present: ConeCakes. The holy joining of cupcakes and ice cream cones, after the jump:

(more…)

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If you’ve never had Korean food, I strongly urge you to try it. Most of the places I’ve been to do a community-style meal, where you order one main dish, like kalbi (short ribs), with white rice and you share the side dishes (such as kimchee, bean sprouts, anchovies, pickled seaweed, etc.) My favorite places are the ones that give you a piece of fruit at the end of the meal to help freshen your breath (because let me tell you, kimchee breath is the worst). Also, FYI, be on the lookout for pieces of red pepper caught in your teeth.

Sigh. I suppose I should give Cho Won Garden a try … that, or just make the 3-hour drive to Georgia to see my momma. If you’ve been to Cho Won Garden, let me know how it is.

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According to a press release we got yesterday, the ticklish baking icon will be campaigning in Asheville on July 25-27, encouraging people to nominate Cake, Brownies, Frosting or Quick Bread as America’s Favorite Dessert. For more information, you should check out www.pillsburybaking.com/campaign.

In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the box of brownie mix that came with the press kit. Poke the doughboy’s tummy for me, k?

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According to Starbucks.com:
The stores closing in the QC are:

• 9335 Center Lake Drive.
• 2921 Providence Road.
• 4620 Piedmont Row Road.
• 3220 Wilkinson Boulevard.
• 1520 Overland Park Road

It’s interesting to note that the Wilkinson Boulevard location was the city’s lone Magic Johnson Starbucks. I guess it just goes to show you that this really isn’t L.A. and Johnson doesn’t have that much magic here.

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