Update: Post any additions before midnight March 5. Thanks! (And remember, no anonymous posts will be considered.)
The Observer’s annual Tournament of Food approaches, timed as it always is, to conclude during the NCAA basketball championships, April 5-8 this year. This year, our lucky seventh, arrives on the heels of (in order) wings, pizza, fries, burgers, sandwiches and barbecue. So what better to do than appetizers?
We’ll take your recommendations for the best appetizer in the Charlotte area – barring wings (did ’em and don’t want to repeat, even though it is the 50th anniversary of Buffalo wings, we’re told) and fries (did ’em) and nachos (just ... no) – in the comments below (BUT NO ANONYMOUS ONES). The appetizer should be a sharable one, in the spirit of something you might actually eat while watching a tournament together. So ixnay on the foie gras and single-scallop fare, but have at the dips and the fried things and ... well, probably more fried things.
Then we’ll take the top 12 (I get my own four spots) and create a 16-app tournament bracket.
You’ll vote and we’ll taste and finally, a panel will determine a grand winner.
And you saw where I said "no anonymous ones," right? Thanks! Two were posted before I remembered to add that note -- barbecue shrimp at Cajun Queen and e2 wood-oven-roasted oysters -- so if you want those in, someone with a name, please comment.
I have to nominate the BBQ pork hush puppies at The Liberty. They're for sharing, in theory, but I try to eat as many as I can before anyone else gets a chance. Just thinking about them makes me mouth water. Mmmm...
ReplyDeletePork Tacos at Nolan Grill
ReplyDeleteThe Antojitos Platter at Cantina 1511. The last time I had it, it featured pig wing carnitas. Every time I go in the platter has different options. The variety gets me to try new things. I only wish I wasn't snowed in. Cantina food would be awesome on a day like to day.
ReplyDeleteI know Sullivan's is a chain, but we love their Cheesesteak Egg Rolls! So Yummy!
ReplyDelete131's Double Dip is always a winner!
Passion8 Bistro's Calamari Cubano is top notch as well!
Great game watching appetizers:
ReplyDeleteCantina 1511 Guacamole and Chips
Brio's Bruschetta
Nolen's Zucchini Chips
yes to wood fired oysters at e2
ReplyDeletedevils on horseback at peculiar rabbit
poutine at the liberty (but maybe that counts as fries)
Fried pickles from Alexander Michael's with a Baby Maker from Triple C!!
ReplyDeletePepper Jack Cheese Sticks at All American Pub. Ridiculously good!
ReplyDeleteEither the crispy quail at Lang Van or the grilled artichoke at 131 Main, both superb starts to a meal.
ReplyDeleteVia email to me, so we can keep these all in one place (and people can echo, if they want to have a thing included):
ReplyDelete"The shrimp kisses at McCormick and Schmick's are divine and the jalapeno poppers at Midwood Smokehouse are awesome."
and
"Here's an appetizer that's different and should be included in your tournament bracket: the pulled pork empanadas with root beer bbq sauce and sour cream dip at Speakeasy Ale House in downtown Concord. We love them!"
Deviled Eggs and Sugared bacon at Bricktops in Southpark. All I can say is AMAZING!!!!
ReplyDeleteBBQ Shrimp at Cajun Queen
ReplyDeleteBonterra's BBQ duck spring rolls and fried lobster tail.
ReplyDeleteI nominate the Blackened Ahi Tuna Nachos from the COWFISH!!!
ReplyDeleteThey are RIDICULOUSLY DELICIOUS!!!
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ReplyDeletePimento cheese stuffed jalapeno poppers from The Lodge are the best thing in the world.
ReplyDeleteDo the Hummachos at Letty's count,their not really nachos,but they are delicious.
ReplyDeleteCentral stack at Lulu, not the easiest to share,but my wife and I always manage.
Goat cheese crustini at Intermezzo.
Blasted brussel sprouts at Crepe Cellar.
Fried pickled green tomatoes at Leroy Fox
Pork belly, bone marrow or chicken liver pâté in a jar at block and grinder, really anything at block and grinder.
Sir Ed's Jerk Chicken Quesadilla (also available as nachos, but you said no nachos...)
ReplyDeleteThe sashimi tuna tacos at Soul Gastrolounge.
ReplyDeleteI nominate the "warm Brussel sprouts" salad at Flatiron kitchen + Taphouse in Davidson
ReplyDeleteNot nachos but the "dirty south nachos" at soul gastro lounge:
ReplyDeleteFried chicken skins, pimento cheese fondu, and jalapeño pickled okra.
Guacamole made table-side at Azteca on Woodlawn. Simple, fresh, customizable, delicious!
ReplyDeleteFried cheese at moosehead grill. Period.
ReplyDeleteThai peanut calamari at Dressler's!
ReplyDeleteI nominate Bonefish Grill's (yes, yes I know it's a chain) Bang Bang Shrimp; and for those non-crustacean eaters, the Shiracha Chicken. Creamy, spicy sauce, crisp breading. Yum!
ReplyDeleteAhi Tuna Nachos at Cow Fish
ReplyDeleteThe corn bread at 131 Main is a meal unto itself, so you better share it.
ReplyDeleteBruchetta Brio #1
ReplyDeletechips and mango salsa at Maverick Rock Taco #2
Greek salad at Greco Fresh Grille best salad appetizer
The trio of spreads at Ilios Noche
ReplyDeleteMove over fried pickles. Fried hot Italian cherry peppers from ANGELA'S. I'm a fan of the whole dang menu but you wont find them on it. This delicious app. is kind of a "secret menu" item. Wayyyy too delicious to keep hush about. Finger food? Check.
ReplyDeleteAnd
Move over bang bang Shrimp. Buffalo Shrimp from MCKOY'S. I recommend em fried & Barbalo (BBQ/Buffalo sauce) Warning: big portion, no excuse not to share this app. but a fork is required.
Duck Confit Cigars at Epic Chophouse, Carol K
ReplyDeleteAngry Lobster and Fried Green Tomatoes at Chillfire
ReplyDeleteThe Mozzarella Grill at Epic Chophouse, yum
ReplyDeleteThe Stuffed Georgia Hushpuppies at the Mimosa Grill
ReplyDeletePesto Brie fries at Crepe Cellar!
ReplyDeletePesto Brie fries at Crepe Cellar
ReplyDeletePotstickers at Ni Fens in Shelby, NC
ReplyDeletePotstickers at Ni Fen in Shelby, NC
ReplyDeleteThe potstickers are delicious and the dipping sauce is AMAZINGLY delicious...A MUST HAVE!!!
Ni Fen Potstickers in Shelby for sure!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNi Fen in Shelby has amazing potstickers!!! I nominate them.
ReplyDeleteTot duo at Fran's Filling Station for sure!
ReplyDeleteFor sure, the Crepe Cellar Brussels Sprouts - delicious, healthful, wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWarm Goat Cheese Dip at Mama Ricotta's. I have been eating this at Mama's for at least twenty years. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThe bacon Wrapped Jalapeños at Midwood Smokehouse are Droolworthy!
ReplyDeleteWood oven roasted oysters at e2 emeril's eatery
ReplyDeleteCrepe Cellar Brussels Sprouts! The best!
ReplyDeleteZucchini fries at Leroy Fox!
ReplyDeleteI second the Blasted brussel sprouts at Crepe Cellar. Kinda like popcorn at the movies - if we're sharing, I'd like to know ahead of time so I can order accordingly.
ReplyDeleteMellow Mushroom's Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese! They're not on the menu but if you ask, they'll make them. We like the Pretzel Bites because they're great for sharing and the Beer Cheese is DELICIOUS!
ReplyDeleteGotta have the crab rangoon dip or the sweet and spicy thai cucumbers from Cowfish.
ReplyDeleteClose 3rd would be the fried pickles from Bad Daddy's.
Much have items every time I go.
Tot duo at Fran's Filling Station! Consistently amazing.
ReplyDeleteFran's Filling Station is where the great food and friends are at!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON.......
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I love Cantina 1511 Sidewalk Antojitos and Pig wings Carnitas. The flavors are amazing! The atmosphere and service at Cantina delightful!
ReplyDeleteThe Hummus from Kabab Je Grille and a strong second is Volcano Queso from Paco’s Tacos
ReplyDeleteLove! Love! the Potstickers in Shelby at Ni Fen!! Super YUM!!! its our go-to anytime of the day :)
ReplyDeleteWow! Ni Fen in Shelby has the BEST Potstickers!! :) they r PERFECT everytime!!
ReplyDeletePulled pork spring rolls at New South Kitchen in the Arboretum
ReplyDeleteBlasted Sprouts at Crepe Cellar. I had these years ago for the first time--One of the first to put this awesome vegetable front and center in Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteomg THE BACON WRAPPED TOTS AT FRANS FILLING STATION... AMAZING.. GREAT PLACE TO HANG OUT ..FOOD IS OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD... SERIOUSLY GO!!!!
ReplyDeleteFried hot cherry peppers @Angela's Italian restaurant are now available on their new menu. So much for a "secret menu item" but I suggest you try. And, Fried Calamari one of the best in Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteDefinatly the bacon wrapped tater tots at Fran's Filling Station! Best thing on a stick you'll ever have. Get the Tot Duo for both the maple glazed regular tots and the Jalepeno bacon sweet potato tots. Sweet potato tots? Yes indeed.
ReplyDeleteNorth Carolina Bison Meatloaf Sliders at Ember Grille at The Westin Charlotte! DELISH!! Chipotle cheddar + truffle ketchup = yum!
ReplyDeleteWood Oven Roasted Oysters from E2 - a fave!
ReplyDeleteFried banana pepper rings at Duckworth's. Crab hushpuppies at Pinky's. Fried pimento cheese balls at Whiskey Warehouse.
ReplyDeletePretzel at VGBG
ReplyDeleteQueso Compuesto at Chuy's
ReplyDeleteGarlic Parmesan Fun Guys with Beer Cheese and Red Sauce
Bacon wrapped tator tots at Fran's
Queso Compuesto at Chuy's AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteYes, Chuy's Queso Compuesto is THE BEST queso dip in town. It's there regular queso with a scoop of guacamole, ground beef and pico de gallo on top. Yummy gooey goodness!
ReplyDelete