Burtons Grill & Bar

Chilling with lovely blog friends!

Background:
Burtons Bar & Grill in Park Road Shopping Center is part of a chain of restaurants that has been open since 2005 and has locations in seven states. Our Charlotte location is the only one in North Carolina, and we are so lucky to have them! Burtons has an extensive menu with lots of small plate options and larger entrees. Burtons is unique in that they maintain a high level of diligence when it comes to preparing menu items for patrons with food allergies. If you have a food allergy, a manager will drop off your order, ensuring that there is no cross-contamination from the time you place your order until the point it is delivered to your table.

Bloggers behind the scenes

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Burtons with our blog friend Jessica @TheSweetSeoul--check her out on Instagram! On our visit, Burtons was rolling out a new fall cocktail menu, and we were able to sample plenty of drinks and a huge variety of menu items. Jason and I also visited solo a couple of weeks prior, so these photos are a combination of both visits.

Eat This:

Buffalo Chicken Dip

grilled chicken, blue cheese, cheddar, corn tortilla chips

General Tso's Cauliflower

Thai chili sauce, ginger aioli

Point Judith Calamari

cherry peppers, tartar sauce

Stuffed Grilled Zucchini

herbed cheese, zesty tomato sauce, Parmesan

Roasted Beet Salad

goat cheese, grilled sweet onions, candied walnuts, mustard vinaigrette

Superfood Salad

quinoa, baby spinach, dried cranberries, feta, grape tomatoes, avocado, julienne vegetables, grilled lemon, lemon vinaigrette

Short Ribs

aged certified Angus beef, mashed potatoes, broccoli, red wine jus, horseradish cream

Salmon Romesco

bronzed gulf of Maine salmon, romesco (red pepper) sauce, herbed jasmine rice, julienne vegetables, citrus fennel slaw

Crab Cakes

super lump blue crab, vegetable slaw, fresh cut french fries, mustard sauce

Lobster Shrimp Pasta

fresh tomatoes, snap peas, Parmesan, fettuccine, tomato cream sauce

Wild Mushroom Risotto

snap peas, goat cheese, lemon zest

Stuffed Avocado

crab, quinoa

Short Rib Grilled Cheese

braised certified Angus beef short rib, pickled onions, maple sriracha, Vermont cheddar, griddled ciabatta, red wine jus, fresh cut french fries

Maxx Burger

hand packed certified Angus beef, american cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, house made pickles, Burtons special sauce, crispy onion strings, griddled bun, fresh cut french fries

Dessert:

Key Lime Pie

Trio of Puddings

Butterscotch, mascarpone with berries, chocolate

Drink:
I only tried one drink from the new fall cocktail menu, because it was so good I couldn’t dream of ordering something different. Two of these babies went down way too easily!

Blood Moon Rising

Milagros Silver, Salerno, blood orange puree, blood orange shrub, spiced salt rim, smokey blood orange crisp

Atmosphere:
Burtons has a surprisingly funky vibe for its location. It has tall ceilings and cool artwork--my favorite was a gallery wall that consisted of a motley mixture of art and photographs--my favorite was the portrait of South Carolina native Aziz Ansari.

Swanky/photo courtesy of Burtons Grill

Not the gallery wall I mentioned--forgot to take a picture of that one--but I like these guys, too/photo courtesy of Charlotte Business Journal

Park Road Shopping Center Hospitality:
Burtons employees go above and beyond to make sure each customer is satisfied. On both of our times at Burtons, our server and a manager stopped by to make sure that everything was up to our standards, and frequently checked in to see if we needed anything. Burtons ensures every customer is well taken care of, which makes for a lovely dining experience.

Amazing vintage shot of Park Road Shopping Center/image courtesy of Style Blueprint

Frankie’s Notes:
Burtons is a great place to really settle into your corn fear without shame; When bloggers get together, you can forget eating your food while it's hot; When you chug your first drink, you need to sip you next one, lest you embarrass yourself in front of your new blog friends; I would like a gallery wall filled exclusively with Aziz Ansari photos; Old school Park Road Shopping Center makes me want to have a malt while I wear a boy's letter jacket. 

Disclaimer: This meal was provided free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are our own, and we were not compensated for this review.

 

Ollie's Bites: A Pizza my Heart in Charlotte

This article first appeared on Localeur's website--check them out for travel recommendations! Localeur features in-the-know locals giving food, drink, and recreation recommendations from all over the world!

Benny Pennello's

Photo courtesy of Twitter

If you're in the NoDa neighborhood and craving a late-night slice, Benny Pennello’s is going to be your savior. The slices are beyond huge – it takes two plates just to hold one. The topping options here are not extensive and not customizable, but if you are looking for a simple pepperoni or veggie slice with a beer, Benny’s has you covered. They are open until 3 a.m. on weekends, and they serve local beers (in cans), as well as local favorite King of Pops popsicles in the freezer case.

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

Alino Pizzeria

Although this gem is located about 25 miles away from Downtown Charlotte, it’s well worth the drive. This Mooresville pizzeria imports buffalo mozzarella, “00” flour, and San Marzano tomatoes weekly, and they bake up their pizzas in wood-fired ovens that are custom-made in Naples, Italy. Top off your authentic Italian experience with gelato or a cannoli, both of which are made in-house. The counter service is quick, the employees super friendly, and you can always catch a soccer game on one of their many TVs. Don’t miss the caprese salad –
getting to taste that fresh mozzarella in all its glory is simply divine.

Inizio Pizza

Inizio Pizza has locations in Ballantyne and Dilworth, and they pride themselves on recreating classic Neapolitan-style pizza, which is baked in a wood-fired oven for 90 seconds. This quick cooking time, as well as the imported Italian “00” flour, results in the chewiest and most delicious crust ever. Make sure you order the crowd favorite: Pistacchio Pizza with rosemary, pistachio pesto, and buffalo mozzarella. My personal favorite is the Maria with a variety of mushrooms and truffle crema. Make sure to save room for cannoli or gelato; both are house-made and well worth the splurge. 

Pure Pizza

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

Pure Pizza has locations in Plaza Midwood and in the Seventh Street Public Market in Uptown. Pure has so many creative menu options, particularly their crusts – you can get original, gluten-free, or sprouted ancient grain, which is made with quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat. Their toppings are no less innovative – try the chorizo pizza, topped with shaved radishes, cilantro, and lime juice, or the smoked salmon with capers, dill créme fråiche, and red onions. Their salad offerings also go far beyond the usual pizza joint house salad and venture into kale and goat cheese territory. 

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Agenda

Hawthorne's Pizza

Photo courtesy of Groupon

For a classic New York-style slice, you can’t go wrong at Hawthorne’s. Their ultimate spinach pizza topped with mozzarella and Gorgonzola is my favorite, and they are well known for their buffalo wing pizza. This pie is not only delicious, but it is called “The Inducer” as it has been known to put many expectant mothers who are past their due dates into labor! Another great option, pregnant or not, is their thick and chewy Sicilian-style pizza. Round out your meal with the garlic knots and a Hawthorne’s salad, made with pepperoncini and tossed in a bleu cheese balsamic dressing. 

Image courtesy of Scoop Charlotte

NOMA Under the Bridge

Background:
The original Noma is one of the best restaurants in the world. The legendary Copenhagen staple has been under renovations for about a year. During this time, the NOMA team has opened up pop-up restaurants all over the world--most notably in Sydney and Mexico--while everyone eagerly anticipated the re-opening of the main restaurant. This was slated to happen in the summer of 2017, but did not due to building delays. Therefore, the team decided to open up a pop-up restaurant under a bridge in Copenhagen in the meantime and bam: NOMA Under the Bridge (UTB) was born. 

The pop-up was only supposed to last a few months, but because of the continued construction delays on the main restaurant, it ended up having an extended stay from June until the middle of November. This was great for us, as we visited Copenhagen in late September and were able to snatch up two coveted tickets for our first night in the city. 

Eat This:
UTB is a five course tasting menu. The main dishes seem to have stayed pretty consistent throughout the entire time, with the chefs who had rotated in and out from around the world adding their flare to the bookends of the meals—appetizers and desserts.

Grilled Focaccia with Horseradish

What was special at UTB was the unique mixture of flavors. What a great combination of flavors. The softness of the focaccia combined with the crunch of the crust and pop of the horseradish made this bread disappear faster than a $100 bill dropped on the streets of Times Square.

Mussel Soup

Underneath, that creamy soup was swimming with some delicious mussels--you just had to get in there and find them. A game of culinary hide and seek, if you will.

Tacos with Deep Fried Shrimp

Here you could see a clear inspiration from NOMA's trip to Mexico, as they combined the Mexican chiles with Nordic greenery and seafood. The shrimp were fried and meant to be eaten whole with the shell. Hot sauce and salsa were provided so you could season your tacos to your taste preference. We'd never eaten shrimp prepared this way, and the spicy, crunchy taste was out of this world. That texture combined with the coolness of the cabbage wraps and greenery made for one of the best dishes Scallionpancake has had all year—we can’t stop thinking about this one!

Cod

with capers

Squid ink cauliflower

Wowzers bagowers. If you had three glasses of wine and closed your eyes, you would think this cod was a piece of steak--it was so meaty and well seasoned with the capers and sauce. The cauliflower was covered in squid ink which gave a nice acidity. There were also small potatoes served with a red tomato sauce (un-pictured) that paired nicely with the cod as well. This part of the meal really felt like we were eating at a Danish home, only the meal was prepared by the best chefs in the world, obvi.

Dessert:

Concord grapes

with milk cheese

almond cake

with cacoa nibs and lime zest

The main dessert of the night was concord grapes with a milk cheese: simple and refreshing. However, the real star of the show was the final bite—an almond cake covered in a lime zest. Like the horseradish and focaccia before it, I had never once thought to combine lime and almond flavor together. What a revelation! The sweetness of the almond with the acid zest of the lime mixed in your mouth like a mermaid and merman swimming to Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin’s "That’s Amore." There was simply not a more beautiful sight to behold in the culinary world, in this food blogger’s humble opinion.

Drink:
UTB teamed up with wine importers Rosforth & Rosforth to curate a wine pairing for the menu. They also had a juice pairing for us gout stricken humans who couldn’t partake in the alcohol. In addition to the pairings, they served coffee or tea with dessert at the end. 

First glass in wine city

Atmosphere:
The atmosphere here was truly one of the most magical dining experiences we have ever experienced. There is only one long table which sits about 75 people, so you feel like you're in Hamlet's banquet hall sharing plates and stories with your new friends from around the world. There were a few plates which were done individually—the soup and the dessert, but the rest were family style, and you shared with your new, six-person family. At first we were nervous because Donald Trump is President and we don't like to speak too much when we are out of the country, but it actually was quite nice to be forced to talk with people around you and bond over the food. Food really does bring everyone together, and we made friends and had conversations with people from all over the world, which we would have never done at a typical restaurant.

Gnome Hospitality:
When you purchase your "tickets" beforehand, you have to prepay for the entire meal ($175/person), which included wine or juice pairings. This was really refreshing because you didn't have to worry about up-charges, or tips, or anything--you could have literally left your wallet at home. We were there to eat and be happy. We might have been under a bridge, but the hospitality was top rate. This was NOMA, after all. The waiters and waitresses were knowledgable and friendly, and were able to accommodate special requests very well (like my juice pairing). They made you feel at home under the bridge. Hygge at its finest.

Frankie's Notes:
It's not good to have your best meal of the trip on your first night, #letdownnation; New friends are fun, especially those who eat less than you and let you have their leftovers; The mayor of Freetown Christiania is a pug; If a mermaids don't exist, then how are babies born?; The reason why Frankie can't go on trips with his mom is because he wouldn't be able to keep up with her 13 miles a day of walking.

Rating:
5 out of 5 plus two Michigan Pugs

 

Luca Modern Italian Kitchen

House-made pasta

Background:
Luca has a long history in the Charlotte area. Owners and husband and wife team Chef Luca and Jessica Annunziata first opened their restaurant Passion8 in Fort Mill in 2006. In 2014, they made a move to the row of fabulous restaurants along Elizabeth Avenue. Most recently, the team re-branded their menu and name to Luca in the spring of 2017. What stayed the same? Their city-famous calamari which is fried to perfection and topped with a jalapeno honey and citrus butter. What changed? The new menu focuses on Chef Luca’s Italian heritage and combines and variety of old school Italian favorites and modern takes on classic dishes. All of the pasta at Luca is made in-house, and is always perfectly al dente. On Wednesdays, you can enjoy bottomless pasta at Luca for only $30! This deal also includes an appetizer and dessert--it's a value that seriously can't be beat!

Although we had been to Luca several times (both as Passion8 and under the Luca name), we had our best experience yet on our most recent visit. We were invited to dine at Luca with our lovely blog friend Stephanie from @lifebychipsahoyt--check her out on Instagram! Jessica, Chef Luca, and Stephanie were fabulous hosts for the evening, and we had a lovely time. Check out everything we sampled below. 

Exterior of Luca/photo courtesy of Charlotte Magazine

Eat This:
Seriously, everything at Luca will knock your socks right off, but we always start with the calamari, and it has my heart as my favorite dish on the menu. The jalapeno butter is the perfect complement to the crispy, chewy calamari. 

Calamari Famosi

"Infamous" calamari tossed in a jalapeno, honey and citrus butter

Caprese Moderna
 

Crispy stuffed heirloom tomato, Stracciatella mozzarella, oregano, EVOO, crispy prosciutto, basil, salsa verde

Arancini Alla Siciliano

Fried risotto balls filled with short ribs, sweet peas, sun-dried tomato, four cheese fondue

Burrata

Charcuterie Platter

Peperoni Imbottiti

Stuffed pepper sweet Italian sausage, fried crusty bread, anchovies, orange zest, olives

Fagioli all'Ucelletto con Crostini

Cannelloni and Barlotti bean salad with heirloom tomato, garlic and oil, fresh basil and ricotta

Maltagliati Pasta Con Coniglio

Pasta with Rabbit Ragu and Fresh Goat Cheese

Fettuccine con Prosciutto Cotto, Funghi, Piselli e Gorgonzola
 

Fettucine Pasta, Ham, Mixed Mushrooms, Sweet Peas, Gorgonzola

Dessert:
On our latest visit, we tried the mascarpone and peanut butter gelato, but they also have cannolis, affogatos, and house made limoncello, if you are feeling saucy.

I will take both, thanks 

Drink:
We love everything about Luca’s cocktail list and extensive wine menu. The Bosco Bubbles (pictured below right) is my current fave cocktail.

Bosco Bubbles
Barolo red wine and raisin berry compote with prosecco

Cheers!

Atmosphere:
Luca has one of my favorite qualities in restaurant ambiance--darkness. Why do I like dining in the dark? I just feel like I can enjoy my food more thoroughly if my dining companions can’t see how thoroughly I’m enjoying it--to quote Damien from Mean Girls: “Don't look at me.”

Luca: It's dark/photo courtesy of Occasion Genius

There are several sections to the dining room at Luca, which makes it feel quite cozy. Wherever you are seated, you feel like you are tucked into a private alcove. Che romantico!

Italiano Hospitality:
The servers are very knowledgeable and attentive, and they always make sure you know exactly what you are eating and that you have a drink in front of you while you do.

Co-owners Jessica & Chef Luca/photo courtesy of CLTure

Frankie’s Notes:
I would die for that fried squid that already died for me--that’s how good it is; Have you ever thrown pasta at a wall to see if it sticks? Unsure if that is a scientific test for al dente, but it sure is fun; Exciting new concept: I will open a restaurant that is so dark that people just bump into each other and spill their food everywhere; I want my pink shirt back.

Disclaimer: This meal was provided free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are our own, and we were not compensated for this review.

 

Essex

Uptown Famous Butter Chicken

Background:
Essex is nestled into the ground level of the Omni Hotel at the intersection of Trade and Tryon. A welcome addition to the slowly growing restaurant scene, Essex was opened in August of 2016 by four restaurateurs, two of whom also co-own Enso Sushi Bar in the Epicentre. The menu is diverse, and the cuisine ranges from Indian to Mediterranean, and even includes some killer house-made lox. #jewfood.   

Exterior of Essex/photo courtesy of Uptown Evolution

Uptown vibez/photo courtesy of Charlotte Agenda

Eat This:
Essex's signature item is their butter chicken, and we order it every time. Guess what the best part is, though? All of their bread is made in-house, like the delicious naan that comes with the butter chicken, the pita bread used in the shawarma, the tortilla chips with the huevos rancheros, and the bagel that comes with their lox platter. Scallionpancake loves bread more than Oprah does, hand to God. Homemade bread?! 

Oprah: I feel you

Butter Chicken

Chicken marinated in Indian spices, herb tomato sauce, micro cilantro, garlic naan

The salad offerings are a favorite--we have heard great things about the Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar, but we always end up with the Kale & Apple salad. 

Kale & Apple Salad

Kale, radicchio, and spinach blend, granny smith apples, candied pecans, goat gouda, and apple cider vinaigrette

Shawarma Pita

House-made pocket pita, shawarma, harissa, tahini, grilled onion and tomato, Mediterranean mix

This is Jason's new favorite dish --and check out those crispy waffle fries!

Essex also runs a mean brunch game. We liked everything we have tried, with the exception of the omelette pictured below, which was rather thin and dry. 

Huevos Rancheros

House-made corn and flour tortilla, tomatillo salsa, queso fresco, black beans, topped with a sunny side up egg, sour cream, and cilantro

Mediterranean Omelette

Parsley, cilantro, green onion, feta, and tomato confit/served with Essex home fries

Khachapuri

Cheese-filled naan with sunny side up egg

Nova Scotia Bagel

House-made fresh bagel, cream cheese, house smoked salmon, capers, onions, tomato//served with Essex home fries

Dessert:
Okay, so last fall and winter Essex served a dessert called the Golden Apple, and I think of it to this day. It was an apple enrobed in caramel and then white chocolate sauce was poured over it tableside. TO. DIE. FOR. I am not sure why they haven’t brought it back for this season?! Come on, Essex! We also more recently ordered a pistachio chocolate mousse dome that was excellent.

Elusive, beautiful/photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

pistachio chocolate mousse dome

Drink:
Cocktails are on point at Essex--try the Queen Scarlett made with gin, green chartreuse, strawberry puree, lemon juice, agave, and muddled basil. They also offer several cocktails on tap, including a Moscow Mule. 

Gimlet/photo courtesy of Charlotte Agenda

Atmosphere:
Essex is unique in that there are several different sections to the restaurant, and they all have different vibes. There is a sizable outdoor patio that overlooks all of the hustle of Uptown Charlotte, a sun patio, a dark cozy bar, and oversized cushiony booths--you can sit wherever fits your mood and the vibe of your party. Warning--you are very unlikely to catch a street parking spot on Tryon, but you can get your parking validated if you park in the garage off of Church street.

Bar/photo courtesy of Open Table

Uptown Hospitality:
The service at Essex has always been great, and we have visited multiple times. Also, the food comes out super quickly. My only complaint is that they only carry a sriracha-type hot sauce and no “Louisiana style” hot sauce, and this pains me to my very core.

Frankie’s Notes:
Willy Wonka had the golden ticket, but in the winter of 2016 I had the golden apple, and that was significantly more important to me; Who is Queen Scarlett? Did she die in the library with a wrench?; Trade and Tryon gets weird sometimes, and I love that; You can wave to the Halal truck man from the patio of Essex; Nothing breaks my heart as thoroughly as insufficient hot sauce options.

No freaking Frank's Red Hot?!

Rating: 4 out of 5