Jason Ackerman 7/25/16 Jason Ackerman 7/25/16

Babalu

Background: Babalu is opening in Dilworth TODAY in the old Cantina 1511 spot. This tacos and tapas joint is a chain located in several southeastern cities, and now Charlotte is getting in on the party. Owners Bill Latham and Al Roberts named their restaurant after Ricky Ricardo's number one jam, so we were predisposed to like this place.

Eat This: Scallionpancake (plus Adam, aka A-Dizzle) was able to get the inside scoop this Saturday (#fancy #bigstars #thepress). We were ordering from a limited menu, but everything we tried was pretty darn good!

Adam "don't put me on the internet" Ackerman

The table side guacamole is the jam. Do you want them to add jalapeños and bacon? You bet your sweet behind you do. Bacon is an excellent addition to guacamole and we are gutted to have not heard of this one day sooner.

To round out our starters, we also ordered the Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche. This was fresh and citrusy--ceviche high fives all around.

For entrees, you can choose from tapas, tortas, or tacos (alliteration station). We tried two of the tacos and two of the tapas options--but the Torta Cubana kept going by our table and we had some major ordering regret--next time, for sure.

For the tacos, we tried the Carne de Cerdo (pork belly) and the Ostra (fried gulf oysters). They serve these babies on your choice of blue corn or flour tortillas. The blue corn was a nice touch, but the Brothers Ackerman both proclaimed their tacos a bit on the dry side.

PSA: Things that are from the gulf are [probably] cool to eat now!

Under the tapas section, we sampled the Costillas--smoked baby back ribs with a sweet pepper glaze served atop a cilantro vinegar slaw. This dish was the winner of the afternoon. The ribs were seasoned and cooked perfectly, and the slaw lightened up the flavor profile.

Right before we left, the servers offered an orphaned Seared Sesame Crusted Tuna served on a jicama round, which we were more than happy to take off their hands. This was a lovely little dish--the tuna had great flavor and the jicama kept it light and healthy.

Babalu is not really Mexican--it has shades of Mexican, along with Cuban, Spanish, and Southern elements. The menu has a lot to offer--but not so much that you are overwhelmed.

Desserts: All of the dessert options looked baller, but we could only choose one. I made the executive decision (bossy) and chose the Spicy Mexican Fudge. These are served in three, perfectly bite-sized pieces and are dusted with cayenne, crushed pepitas, tajin (chili powder, lime and salt seasoning), and powdered sugar. Yum.

Drink: Adam and I each tried a cocktail--he got their signature Baba-rita (a margarita made with POM juice) and I tried the Mojarita (a margarita with mint). There was nothing about these that was offensive, but we didn't love either of them. Too sweet, not strong enough. Ricky Ricardo would have made his displeasure with such a drink known, for sure (AY YI YI).

Atmosphere: For anyone who had been in the old Cantina 1511 space, you will be blown away by the changes they have made to the interior. They took a poorly lit and awkwardly laid out space and made it light, bright, and fun. They have a mix of bar seating, high tops, and booths, and they project a film on one of their walls (on Saturday it was a black and white Western--a super fun touch). They also have colorful concert posters lining the walls along the ceiling.

One of the best parts about Cantina 1511 was their patio, and Babalu has only made it better--the patio will be open year-round, rain or shine, thanks to a retractable roof and sides.

Mexi-Cuban Southern Hospitality: The service we received was top notch! I hope it stays that way past the soft opening. Everyone was exceedingly friendly and the food came out quickly.

Frankie's Notes: Jason feels really cool and a little embarrassed going places with our big, fancy camera; Yay for Kid Cashew not being the only thing people are talking about on East Boulevard; Do you think that Johnny from Lebowski's trivia will go to Babalu with us one day? Asking for Jason & Daniela; Ricky Ricardo's best song was far and away "Cuban Pete"--no disagreements allowed; Ricky would have thrown a weak, sugary drink right in Lucy's face, both because they had a violent relationship and because the 50s were a bad time for women in America; But seriously: why couldn't Lucy be in the show?

Rating: 3 out of 5

Et Cetera:

1511 East Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28203

http://eatbabalu.com/menu/

Jason Ackerman 7/14/16 Jason Ackerman 7/14/16

Best Restaurants in Charlotte - Summer 2016 Edition

Since we are famous bloggers now - at least to our parents - we often get asked difficult questions: What is your favorite restaurant in Charlotte? Where should I take my grandma who wants to go to a hip place that isn't too loud? When should I tell my boyfriend I'm pregnant and what restaurant should we go to after to cry? Well, without further ado, here are our top picks for summer 2016...

Best place for date night: Soul in Plaza Midwood

y, tho?: #Javon had their first date at Soul, so clearly this is our top pick for a romantic night out. The mood lighting is spot on, their food is good, and it’s the perfect opportunity to show how adventurous you are (Rocky Mountain Oysters, google it). No one likes a picky eater--do you want a life partner or do you want to eat chicken fingers alone for the rest of your life? Man up and get the bone marrow.

You might have to wait for a table, but this is your chance to have one of their baller cocktails and find out whether or not you picked a Tinder nightmare. If you’re lucky, you will share a first kiss in the CVS parking lot.

Top menu item? You can’t go wrong with their signature item, the Pork Belly Tacos. Shoutout to the sushi.

Best place for a lady date: Dean & Deluca

The spoils of a girl celebration or commiseration

y, tho? My girls know I have to shout out our #squad’s favorite watering hole. Why is it the perfect spot to celebrate a good day or commiserate over a shitty day? You can linger for hours, munch your way around the store, laugh/cry a little, and you are likely going to want to drink away some feelings. Here’s one suggested itinerary: make two (minimum) rounds of all the free samples, purchase a bottle of wine and procure some plastic cups, eat a lot of bulk bin candy, buy a panini, buy another bottle of wine, buy more candy, call your significant other and tell them you are going to miss dinner and they shouldn’t wait up.

Do you feel disappointed that we picked a chain? Well, cheer up, buttercup, because we are lucky to have (count ‘em) three locations of this New York-based chain--the only others in the US are in California and...Kansas (we are as confused as you are).

Top menu item? A dry white wine paired with naturally colored gummy bears, obviously.

Runner up? Foxcroft Wine Bar in Dilworth (get the donuts).

Best place for a man date: Seoul Food Meat Company

y, tho? Not to perpetuate a stereotype, but most dudes like meat. Most ladies do, too, but lest I digress from my category...Seoul is a nice place for the men in your life to bond over a platter of meat, soju, and K-pop. The atmosphere is chill and the food comes out quickly. Perfect opportunity to bond, eat, and get out to go home and watch sports in bed in your boxers. Livin’ the dream. Read our review of their soft open here.

Top menu item? Green Tea Biscuits!!11!! We each shed a single tear over these beauties.

Best place to take your parents: The Summit Room

y, tho? Your parents want something safe. It’s true 98% of the time. Yvonne’s mom Bea likes Futo Buta, but it’s a long shot for a lot of parental types. Go for the sure thing. The Summit Room has a lovely atmosphere and patio, amazing cocktails, and sure-fire menu items that are guaranteed to please your parents’ sometimes picky palates. Read our full review here.

Runner up? Roosters in Southpark or Uptown

Best place to go on a Sunday: TIE--Super G Mart & Ru Sans

Literally not going tomorrow YOU CAN'T MAKE ME

y, tho? It is so nice to begin a week on a note of good sushi or bubble tea. Also, Ru Sans tends to not be as crazy crowded on Sunday, and who feels like cooking when you have the Sunday Scaries? Not me. I never cook on Sundays because I am too busy freaking out about my unfinished lesson plans and grading, so I have to lie in bed for a long time contemplating my life choices. Duh.

Super G Mart is where we go for #HoneyBunSundays. Inside of Super G Mart (an oasis located off of the wasteland of Independence) there is a cafe called Honey Bun’s. Here they have delights including taro buns, bahn mi, fried rice, pho, and other wonders. Wandering around a large Asian market and looking at foreign candy and durian is a great way to distract you from the fact that you have to go to FREAKING WORK the next day. Ew.

Top menu item? Ru Sans: Curry Rice Ball & Honey Bun’s: Almond Milk Tea with Boba

Best place to go when you wanna feel healthy AF: Chopt

y, tho? Another chain, but seriously: Chopt is the best thing to come from New York since Jason moved back home from NYU. The salads are huge, actually healthy (unlike some takeout salads), and customizable. You can specify how much dressing you would like, just how chopped you want your salad, and all of the toppings. What is it about chopping that makes a salad so much more appealing? This place gets crazy busy with lululemon cult members around lunch time, so plan your visits accordingly.

Top menu item? The freaking tea! So good. Top off the organic green tea with the raspberry lemonade for a hint of sweetness.

Best place to go for brunch: littleSpoon

And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak

y, tho? littleSpoon straight up innovates on their menu. There is not another brunch place in town that offers such creative and delicious menu offerings. They serve a solid mix of standard brunch fare, southern favorites, and healthier items. And who doesn’t like a side of hardcore rap with their morning meal?

Top menu item? Cinnamon brûlée toast & pork belly bacon.

Best place for pizza: Blaze

y, tho? Yvonne is constantly on the search for the best pizza, because she loves pizza almost as much as she loves saltines (#deathrowmeal). She used to be a devotee of Fuel (much to the chagrin of her friends), but Blaze blows Fuel out of the water, plus the chain is partly owned by LeBron James (Ohio pride + sportiness = win/win).

Runner up? Intermezzo in Midwood

Best place to take out of town guests when you want to prove that Charlotte is the shit: Fahrenheit

y, tho? If you visit Fahrenheit and don’t take a picture on their rooftop deck with the Charlotte skyline in the back, did you even go? No, definitely not. You were at home being friendless and hopelessly uncool, so for the love of god TAKE THAT COUPLE SHOT. Take two for good measure.

Oh yeah, the food is good, too. Our favorites include the Charlotte “Nachos,” the Kobe Beef Short Rib Steamed Buns, and the Lobster Mac.

Runner up? Passion8 in Elizabeth

Best place to take Grandma: Nowhere. Literally no where.

Like, I'll go to The Punch Room, but I'm not gonna like it

y, tho? Actual Grandma quote: “You know, I was thinking, and there is really no place I like to eat anymore. There’s just nothing that's any good.” Solution? Grandma will just cook, and that’s the best cuisine in Charlotte/Ft. Mill, hands down.

Top Grandma dish? Chocolate pie. Only available on birthdays.

Frankie’s Notes: Identity crisis: are we still allowed to have a food blog if we like so many chains?; Eating fried beef testicles will either cement your love and lifetime devotion to adventurous eats, or have you driving to an Olive Garden together ASAP; Sundays are for lovers & freaking out; #sundayscaries; LeBron can ball AND sell pizza--what do you do?; Yvonne does the saltine challenge just for fun; If you go to Grandma’s and try to "order" a chocolate pie, she will cut you and press her life alert. Unless it’s your birthday, of course.

Jason Ackerman 7/5/16 Jason Ackerman 7/5/16

Comida

Chicarrones

Chewy chips & guac

Octopus

Braised Sea Island Peas

Novel of a menu

Tamarind Margarita

Paloma

Nachos Jardin

Refried lentils

Taco

Lots of tacos

Chia Seed Ice Cream

Fruit custard

Background: Comida, opened in March of this year, is the second Charlotte project from Alesha Sin Vanata, owner of littleSpoon. Comida is located in Plaza Midwood, in the old Penguin location. They have completely gutted and revamped the space, but they did leave the original penguin sign outside, which is a great nod to Charlotte history, as so many natives feel very nostalgic about this spot. Scallionpancake loves littleSpoon, so expectations were high for Comida.

Eat This: Comida’s menu focuses on small plates, but the menu itself is rather difficult to read. Like littleSpoon’s menu, they use the clipboard format, but there are about 5 pages of items, which makes the search rather overwhelming.

What’s crystal clear? You must order the chips and guacamole. This typically goes without saying at a Mexican restaurant, but here the chips are aptly described as “chewy,” which, it turns out, is a delicious way to prepare them. Their refried “beans” are also quite good and healthier than the average fare--they are made with refried lentils and queso fresco. Not particularly healthy, but really good? The Chicharrones. Just make sure to ask for extra hot sauce. Note--these are the puffed wheat version of chicharones--no pork here.

The Nachos Jardin is also deliciously different--topped with crispy kale and cauliflower and melty queso. These make a great main dish, even though they are listed as an appetizer.

The tacos were passable; there was nothing stand-out about them, however. They do have a Nopales (cactus) taco, which is a nice and unusual addition. To be fair, on both of our visits, no one in our party got a main dish other than tacos--we made a meal of the appetizers, tacos, and delicious cocktails.

Bottom line: littleSpoon changed the brunch game in Charlotte, and Comida falls far below that bar. To compare it to another Mexican joint? We would rather have Sabor. Solid “mehs” all around.

Desserts: Oh yeah, we ate all the desserts on the menu, too. Would you expect anything less? We had a delicious chia seed ice cream topped with cubes of pumpkin bread pudding, and a custard with jellied fruit topped with popcorn. These were both fabulous.

Drink: The cocktail selection is large and in charge. My favorite is the Tamarind Margarita. I always feel like there is too little tamarind in my life, so I appreciated the option. Some of the cocktails were far too sweet, like the Paloma and the Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita.

Atmosphere: When we went, the patio was not yet open, though I am sure it is now. I think sitting outside would certainly help the atmosphere--inside was a bit cramped and freezing. Cool elements? Astroturf accents, an awesome bar, and an open kitchen. Totally revamped from Previous Penguin Style (PPS).

Mexican Hospitality: Eh. Our service on both visits, from the hostesses to the servers, was rather snotty. We often get this attitude at littleSpoon, too. Maybe that’s what the management is going for? #toocoolforschool

Frankie’s Notes: We would wait 30 minutes for littleSpoon, but not for Comida; Menus should incorporate more chia and tamarind; If you put kale on nachos you can call it a health food; Jason doesn’t really like Mexican food, but we promise he is anti-Trump; Snotty service doesn’t trick us into thinking your food is better; We are obviously on Team Diamond in the Penguin versus Diamond saga.