Jason Ackerman 9/27/15 Jason Ackerman 9/27/15

King Daddy's

Korean Fried Chicken/Pumpkin Waffle/Whipped Cream

Poutine with Lamb Gravy

Baller Side Salad

Heirloom Chicken/Belgian Waffle/Peanut Butter

Background: Owners John and Julie Stehling opened King Daddy's in West Asheville during the spring of 2014 after the success of their first restaurant, Early Girl Eatery in downtown Asheville.

Order This: This is mostly a chicken and waffle joint, but the options and customizations available will blow your mind. First, you pick a chicken. You can choose between Fried, sub-genres of fried (Korean, Habanero Sweet Potato, Gluten Free, Fried Chicken Livers), grilled, or, the clear winner: Heirloom, which is lightly breaded and sautéed in a cast iron skillet. This chicken takes a little longer than the other ones, but it is so worth it. You can also choose between white/dark and leg/breast/thigh for most options. Then, stop: waffle time. All are served with maple syrup or sorghum, and the best options here are the Pumpkin and classic Belgian Waffles. The Cracklin Waffle (pork cracklin in the batter) is the only one I have tried that I wouldn't order again, but this could be personal preference. But don't stop there! Top your waffle with dessert-y things, like peanut butter, banana, chocolate chips, strawberries, caramel, ice cream...the world is your oyster.

Their other entrée items look amazing, like the Lamb Burger or the all-day breakfast items (Fried Pie: Aged Country Ham, Poached Egg and Brie Style Cheese in a Flaky Crust, Waffle Benny), but the pull of the chicken and waffles is too strong. The veggie sides and appetizers are decent, but I wouldn't fill up on them--save room for the mains and dessert. The pictured Poutine didn't wow us, despite being made with lamb gravy. The only caveat is that their side salad is the best I've ever had--who puts avocado on a side salad? Legit.

Dessert: The desserts are worthy of a trip on their own. Highest recommendation to the Chocolate Mayo Cake and the Banana Pudding (with cubes of pound cake). I have it on good authority that these go smashingly with tequila shots and three rounds of Clue.

Drink: There's a large beer selection and creative cocktails like the Sorghum Old-Fashioned or the Sherry Cobbler (Amontillado Sherry, Orange, Sugar), but for some reason when I come here all I want is a glass of milk, which I never get elsewhere. It goes with the waffle, I swear. Try it--the combo is worth the strange looks you will get when you order.

Atmosphere: Their seating area is on the small side, but it is so cozy inside. Bonus, their retro branding and cool chicken logo translates into a mean t-shirt.

Southern Hospitality: The (hipster) service here is decent, if a bit on the slow side.

Frankie's Notes: Chicken & Waffles will never jump the shark; Side salads that don't cheap out; Ms. Scarlet, in the mountain house, with a lime wedge; Adults ordering milk: it's fine; There should be affirmative action in the Asheville food scene for the non-tragically hip set.

Parking: There is a lot in the back, but it is shared with a Crossfit, so don't park in those spots. They will tow your car with their bare (bear) hands.

Ranking: 3 out of 5

Et Cetera:

444 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Sunday-Thursday: 9am-10pm
Friday-Saturday: 9am-11pm

http://www.ashevillekingdaddy.com/

Jason Ackerman 9/20/15 Jason Ackerman 9/20/15

The Summit Room

Cheese Plate

Blueberry Hand Pie with Buttermilk Whipped Cream

House Fries

Shrimp Bahn Mi Sliders

Denali Cocktail

Potato Gnocchi

Sriracha Deviled Eggs

Lobster Nachos

Cheddar Scones

Background: The Summit room is off of East Boulevard in Dilworth, connected to another restaurant, The MayoBird. This location used to house a Caribou/Bruegger's, and it's an understatement to say that this change was a major upgrade. North Carolina native Deedee Mills owns both restaurants--The Mayobird is a lunchtime/coffee shop affair, and The Summit Room is their upscale dinner spot. Per our waitress and their website, the owner decided to open up the other half of the restaurant and name it The Summit Room after she climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Dang, girl.

Order This: When we sit down at a restaurant, we survey the menu and discuss our non-negotiable items, just like any two normal adults out to eat for the last time ever. There are spreadsheets and old school accountant visors involved, obviously. My must-have here was the Potato Gnocchi (Mushroom "tea" cream, herbs, roasted mushrooms, porcini dust, fresh cheese, blistered tomato relish, baby mustard greens). Take a minute and let that soak in. We split this one, but I already know that next time I won't even share. That was the only large plate we ordered, but also we split lots of small plates. We tried The Tomato Stack Salad and the Roasted Grape Salad--these were good, but not earth-shattering. You know, like salad tends to be. On to more important things: Sriracha Deviled Eggs (Peppadew Relish & Ghost Pepper Syrup), Lobster Nachos, Shrimp Bahn Mi Sliders, and a much-hyped Cheese Plate. The eggs were tasty, but not as spicy as we would have expected. The lobster nachos were well-liked, if a bit anemic on the portion and amount of lobster. Table favorite award goes to the Bahn Mi Sliders, they smashed and grilled the shrimp, which was a nice touch. The Cheese Plate did indeed live up to the hype, there were lots of accouterments like apple butter, spicy mustard, and honeycomb.

Dessert: Our dinner companions were shocked that we wanted dessert, and it was not the first time they had met us or dined with us...strange. Hopefully we will get them to come to the dark side and order dessert on the reg from now on. The Blueberry Hand Pie with Buttermilk Whipped Cream and Vanilla Sauterne Reduction...oh my wow. I would say there are no words, but there are, and the point is you just really need to stop whatever you're doing and go order this. The pie was huge (for those with big hands?), the crust was flakey and doughy, and, in sum, this was a highlight of the evening.

Drink: The craft cocktails here are where it's at. They have seven cocktails named after mountains, "The Seven Summits." We tried the Denali, made with Apple Pie Moonshine and North Carolina honey, and the Mount Vinson, made with Tito's vodka, vanilla bean syrup, and ginger beer. They also have seven more speciality cocktails that are twists on old favorites, like a Chocolate Old Fashioned. Their water and soft drinks are served in cool aluminum cups with the good, small, chewable ice. You know what I mean.

Atmosphere: We sat outside on the patio, which was to-die-for cute: warm lighting, comfy seats, and a very relaxing vibe.

Southern Hospitality: Everyone was so helpful and sweet, from the hostess to the manager. The only hiccup was when I asked for more bread and the waiter told me that he likes to tell his customers to pace themselves because there is more food coming...yeah. It's not my first time at a restaurant, bro. And these were cheddar scones, so of course I wanted seconds. It's only natural.

Frankie's Notes: Climbing mountains and opening multiple restaurants like a boss lady; See-through green visors and the kind of ice you get at golf courses and bowling alleys; Ordering salads even when you know it's going to suck; Going out with three and a half Jews who order the pork/shellfish combo; Pies that fit in your hand, if you have really big hands; Being food shamed by a waiter but overcoming it with cheese bread and butter.

Parking: There is a an ample parking lot attached to the restaurant. Easy peasy.

Ranking: 4 out of 5

Et Cetera:

1531 East Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28203
Monday-Saturday: 5:00 until ?

http://www.thesummitrm.com/

Jason Ackerman 9/14/15 Jason Ackerman 9/14/15

BLT

Filet Mignon

Gruyére Popovers

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse

Crab Cake

Ricotta Gnudi

Chicken Liver Paté

Grilled Double-Cut Bacon

New York Strip Steak

Tuna Tartare

Peach & Blueberry Crisp

Background: BLT is a "boutique chain" of 15 steakhouses located mostly in North America (I see you, Seoul!). The main Chef at the Charlotte location is Ben Miles, who was previously at Table in Ballantyne.

Order This: We have a simple philosophy at scallionpancake: order steak at a steak restaurant. Don't try to get cute and order a salmon filet (although I am sure it is excellent) or a salad. Don't be that bro, bro! When in Rome, act like a carnivorous Roman and order a steak. That being said, we highly recommend either the New York Strip or the Filet Mignon. Both of these cuts were seasoned and cooked perfectly (perfectly rare, the other chief component to the above philosophy). We tried a variety of appetizers and sides including the Tuna Tartare, Crab Cakes, BBQ Potatoes, Ricotta Gnudi, and the Grilled Double-Cut Bacon. All of them were fabulous, but the standout of the bunch was the BBQ Potatoes. They smashed fingerling potatoes, deep fried them, and then sprinkled bbq seasoning over them. Or, the real winner, besides the steak, may have been the amuse-bouche: Chicken Liver Pate´ and Grilled Toast Points. They also give you, fo' free, the most giant, delicious Gruyére Popovers. Both of these are worth putting in your purse and taking home for later consumption.

Dessert: The Peach and Blueberry Crisp stole the show here. They prepare their crisp with a large amount of cinnamon and granola and less fruit, which is the way God intended. We also sampled their Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse, which was excellent as well. And don't forget the amuse-bouche dessert--tiny, round bites of brownie heaven. Is it still an amuse-bouche at the end of the meal? Don't care, fo' free.

Drink: Their cocktail and wine list is very expensive--er, extensive. Jason had the Uptown Tea Party (tea-infused cognac, lemon, and housemade ginger beer), which he enjoyed. The birthday boy in the group had a few Shades of Pink (hanger mandarin, aperol, peyschaud's bitter, grapefruit, and prosecco), because real men drink pink drinks. All the cocktails were delicious--as they should be for $14-18 each.

Atmosphere: The restaurant is located inside the Ritz Carlton, but it doesn't feel stuffy or like you're walking into a vault filled with money. BLT has a cozy, modern vibe going for it, making it very easy to linger over dessert and coffee.

Southern Hospitality: Our waiter was exceedingly nice (and funny). He handled all of our questions, foul language, and inappropriate humor with ease--in addition to giving great recommendations on the best dishes on the menu. The fire alarm went off midway through dinner, but the BLT staff handled it smoothly and didn't allow that event to negatively impact our experience.

Frankie's Notes: Don't you dare order a salad here; Popovers are the new black; Don't put food in your purse, unless you have a really big purse; When waiters think the girly drink is mine, not Jason's; False fire alarms can add a level of adrenaline and intrigue to dinner; You only turn 273 in dog years once, Matt--happy birthday!

Parking: It's Uptown so good luck. The Ritz has a valet service and there is street parking off of College Street.

Ranking: 5 out of 5

Et Cetera:

110 N College St
Charlotte, NC 28202
Monday-Friday: 7:00-2:30, 5:30-10:00
Saturday: 7:00-12:00, 5:30-11:00
Sunday: 11:00-2:00

http://www.e2hospitality.com/blt-steak-charlotte/

Jason Ackerman 9/6/15 Jason Ackerman 9/6/15

Ajbani

Hearty Veggie with Chickpeas over Couscous

Lamb Birouats with Harissa Yogurt Sauce

Candied Onion & Raisin Salad

Eggplant Zaalouk

Beef Tajine with Prunes and Almonds

Rubbed Chicken & Apricot Over Couscous

Background: Fez native Hamaza Seqqat opened Ajbani in Plaza Midwood this July, where he and Johnson and Wales graduate Chef Craig Linthicum are serving up traditional Moroccan cuisine.

Order This: Moroccan cuisine is centered around couscous and tajine (slow cooked stew) dishes. We got the Rubbed Chicken and Apricot, served over couscous and vegetables, and the Beef Tajine with Prunes and Almonds. The beef tajine was the standout of the two meat dishes--the meat is marinated and slow cooked with caramelized onions, honey prunes, and toasted almonds. We also tried a vegetarian dish, the Hearty Veggie with Chickpeas over couscous. The vegetable dish and the chicken dish were almost indistinguishable, save the chicken, of course. Both had the same aromatic spices like saffron and tumeric, similar vegetables and dried fruits. While they were both good, we probably would stick with just one dish in the couscous category in the future so that we could order more varied items from the appetizers and accompaniments. Their Lamb Briouats were delicious--they are a light and savory fried puff pastry served with their Harissa Yogurt Sauce. The other appetizer we tried was the Eggplant Zaalouk, which is roasted eggplant dip with tomato, garlic, and cilantro, served with pita bread. This dip is more like a chutney--large pieces of chilled, marinated eggplant. It was good, but the pita served with it was subpar--and a little stale. For the sides, we got the Candied Onion & Raisin salad (onions candied with apricots, raisins, date sugar, rosewater, and slivered almonds), and more Harissa yogurt sauce. The salad was excellent on its own, or on top of any of the other dishes. Highly recommend.

Dessert: Baklava, baklava, baklava. We were too full to eat this right away (see the obscene amount of food depicted above), so we saved it for another hour where we unabashedly broke it out at Thomas Street Tavern over drinks. This was by far my favorite dish from Ajbani, and if that's wrong, I don't wanna be right. The baklava is heavy on the rosewater and honey, light on the nuts. The portion is huge, and five of us split it without feeling deprived.

Drink: Their drink selection is small, and no alcohol is served. It's just water, soft drinks, and bottled tea. We were wanting some traditional Moroccan mint tea in a bad way. However, we did have the drink of the fall with our baklava at Thomas Street Tavern: Smith & Forge hard cider with a shot of Goldschlager. Doooo it.

Atmosphere: Ajbani is technically take-out only right now, but they do have a few tables inside and outside if you want to eat there, which we did. The decor is minimal as the space is small, but it does have some cool Moroccan tile and other accents.

Northern African Hospitality: The guy working the counter was very helpful in giving us recommendations and checked in on us, even though there is no table service. This place is located in a shopping center that doesn't exactly scream fine cuisine, but the food is legit and every one of their five tables was filled with families dining.

Frankie's Notes: I swear we were eating with three other people that night; except two of them didn't show up; basically we ate a lot; carrying and eating your dessert at a second location; Jason wants a Moroccan tile bathroom; super cute hipster Midwood/Noda families are the new prototype; don't judge a restaurant by its shopping center.

Parking: Parking can get a little crowded, but it seems like you can also park next door near Three Amigos, official paper signs discouraging you notwithstanding. User assumes all risk.