Last month, I took my first trip to Charlotte, North Carolina. Prompted by my sister's recent relocation and the Thanksgiving festivities, I decided to explore a city steeped in high praise.
What struck me most about Charlotte was its harmonious blend of a bustling metropolis and a small town. Amidst towering buildings, a myriad of luxury brands, and a diverse culinary landscape, there existed an inviting sense of intimacy and comfort. This fusion of urban amenities within a cozy setting lent the city a distinctive charm.
Coupled with the city's proximity to DC and the exceptional hospitality of my sister, I can envision several future trips to Charlotte. Hence, I aim to consolidate and share my curated recommendations within this post.
The Crunkleton: Upon stepping into The Crunkleton, I was immediately drawn to its exposed brick walls and sprawling bar area. The vibrant ambiance perfectly complemented the delightful dishes we savored – from the mussels to the "really great burger". This place exudes an hip aura, making a revisit a definite plan.
Puerta: While waiting for a table at The Crunkleton, stumbling upon Puerta turned out to be a delightful surprise. The dimly lit speakeasy area exuded an inviting Mexican vibe. The bar tender was exceptional - she was not only extremely nice, but she expertly guided us towards the guacamole and cocktails (especially a cucumber concoction), that were absolute standouts. I am eager to explore more of their menu when I return to the city.
Dean's Steakhouse: As per my sister's glowing recommendation, Thanksgiving dinner at Dean's Steakhouse exceeded expectations. The spicy shrimp strozzapreti was a flavor explosion, and sampling the wagyu bolognese and short rib gnocchi was equally delightful. The tiramisu was a memorable finale to an exceptional meal.
Muraya: DC has a big Colombian population, but sadly, not too many Colombian restaurants. So I was excited to try out Muraya, a rather new place on Southend my sister had long mentioned to me. The place was spacious, and I particularly liked the black and white pictures of Cartagena displayed at the entrance. I had never been to a Colombian brunch in the US and it was as good as I hoped it would be: we had the empanadas de posta cartagenera, the tuna tartare, the arroz frito, and the lomo saltado. It was spectacular.
La Belle Helene: A rainy afternoon led us to La Belle Helene, where the creme brûlée and their unique version of a latte pleasantly surprised us. The charming decor added to the comforting experience.
Not Just Coffee: Discovering this gem tucked away among other stores was a delightful accident. The oat milk latte with a hint of vanilla was a standout treat during our stroll through Southend.
That's it from my short voyage thus far, but stay tuned for more updates :)
Kommentare