Concept: The theme is "All-American rock and roll" and its design "screams Americana," Kaltsounis said. It's geared to be draw both older diners and families (plus lunch customers) as well as the more typical Montford Drive customer (which I define as younger, drinking more than they eat and arriving a little later than diners usually do).
Food: After travels to cities from Detroit to Austin, the group chose Mexican fare. Chef is Phil Okey, whose experience in the area ranges from Mac's to Sullivan's. Look for street tacos, burrito-style wraps and individual proteins served several ways: Seared ahi tuna, for example, with a chipotle orange miso glaze, would come as a taco (with Asian slaw and avocado), a wrap (with slaw and avocado plus greens, pumpkin seeds and horseradish) or as a Maverick salad (on greens with jicama, mango, red onions and avocado, with serrano-apple vinaigrette). Other proteins might include chicken stewed with adobo and chile-rubbed pork. There'll be entree plates, too, along with guacamoles, ceviches, wings and more (Mexican-spiced popcorn free at the bar?), plus desserts from the group's pastry wizard, Frank Kaltsounis. And tequila flights, and specialty salts. Prices will average about $7-$8 for lunch specials, $12-$13 for dinner entrees.
Decor: Look for an enormous American flag of reclaimed wood as a focal point, a back wall that sports vinyl records (think music store), reclaimed brick (from a New York fire station), and an eventual Phase 2 construction that will create a wrapped balcony.
Music: Plans call for live music at least twice a week and "Smitty" spinning classic rock and roll on Saturday nights. Kaltsounis says they aim at a 50-50 blend: 50 percent recognizable music, and the other half "up and coming." Maybe a mariachi band sometimes ... The feel will be "very Ace Hotel meets the Breslin." (The latter was called "Hogwarts for hipsters" by the New York Times' Sam Sifton, in case you haven't yet clicked the links.)
Stay tuned.
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14 comments:
I don't want to eat anywhere that "screams" anything, thanks. Maybe that makes me a geezer. The food sounds promising but the atmosphere sounds awful.
Jeeze Louise, how many more of the same bland places are going to open here. No wonder the James Bearden awards skips this region. "American rock and roll" tacos? If you want authentic, Mexican street tacos, go on the east side, from chorizo to tripe. Charlotte's dining scene is more of the same... And please, no more burger joints. I assume that restaurateurs follow what the market research says and if so, Charlotte is shaping up to be a dull, dull dining destination even with a major culinary school in town.
You mean the James Beard Awards? Or do you really mean James Bearden, the sociology professor from NY?
Why does Charlotte need another Mexican Restaurant?? And why do they think this is a good concept for this street?? They are Greek and by gong to visit a few places doesn't make them experts on Mexican cuisine. Very silly I cant imagine this will be around very long just like 15 North!! How does a chef go from BBQ to Steak House to now Mexican sounds like hes not really sure what cuisine he wants which makes me wonder if i want to be part of his indecisiveness.
Nolen is one of the best restaurants in town in terms of price and quality. I expect this to be more of the same. The folks complaining above are the same folks that complain about there being too much sand on the beach.
This concept could work in this location if the pricing is kept reasonable. La Paz has become very blah and my last meal at Cantina was ehh. The main obstacle, as always it seems in Charlotte, is consistency. This group seems to run long lasting restaurants so we'll see.
The feel will be "very Ace Hotel meets the Breslin."
Oh. No.
Pass...
Nothing's made it in that building since the Ol' Smokehouse and this looks like it will join the list. Bring back the Smokehouse smoked chicken, smoked meat loaf and barbecue sauce and they might have something.
Sounded good until "classic rock and roll". There is a reason it is called classic.
I eat at ilios noche and Nolen often. These folks know a good dining experience. If these blogger comments are an indication that this place might be free of smug, anonymous, know-it-all naysayers, I can't wait to try it!
Another overpriced taco place in Charlotte.....(Yawn)
You people are so quick to judge instead of giving these guys some credit. The internet has made everyone with a keyboard a food critic nowadays.
Was fortunate to make it to the opening party. Loved the decor and vibe. There is so much going on you could spend a whole night just looking at everything. Great sound system, althought the band was so so. The food we tried was really good for a large party. Looking forward to being able to walk to this place, a welcome addition to the MED!
Was there for family/friends night. Love the owners and thier other places, but this is just another place to eat in Charlotte. Nothing stood out, food was average, drinks were weak. I'm bored with the dining places in Charlotte, always the same concept.But then again, Charlotte isn't ready for something new and exciting. BIG CITY, we just aren't there yet. Baby steps.
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