The long-awaited
Diamond is scheduled to open Friday (that's Feb. 18), beginning with hours of 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. for the first month, then going 24-7. This updating of a classic neighborhood Plaza Midwood spot has been in the works for months; look for a menu that has pig wings (!), along with traditional diner classics, burgers, dogs, an "Italy Vs. Greece" section (!) and more. (Of COURSE, there are fried pickles! What were you thinking?) Take a look at
www.diamondcharlotte.com; click on "Preview the menu," then page through it. Surprised by any of it? 1901 Commonwealth Ave.; 704-375-8959.
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21 comments:
I'm excited they are bringing back the Diamond.
Great news. As a Plaza Midwood resident totally put off by the recent sterilization of the Penguin, it's a relief to see another restaurant opening to take its place.
Ms. Schwabb was notorious for screening comments from her last Penguin/Diamond article which upset many people. Let's see if she can let people speak their mind as long as they are civil. Remember, every comment cannot be positive, and to be fair, negative ones must also be allowed. If not, then you are not a journalist. Let's watch and see.......
I LOVE IT!
I grew up with the daughter of the owner of the Diamond Restaurant. Her family opened their restaurant through help from my grandfather, WT Harris who had just opened his first Harris Supermarkets on Central Ave. He worked with several restaurant owners by giving them the food they needed for the day at the restaurant and they would come by after the restaurant closed and pay him for the food from the profits they made that day. They became friends and trusted business partners. All the Plaza-Midwood businesses used to work together in the early days and all became successful and customer-loved businesses in the neighborhood. My Grandpa went onto to building Harris-Teeter Supermarkets and then retired to work in local politics and community service work until his death in 1989. He was a wonderful man full of character and integrity. I adored him and I still miss him so much. Congratulations to the DIAMOND! Much success to you!
As much as everyone want's this to be a Penguin vs. The Diamond battle of the hippest. Isn't this more in the camp of hurting the Dish? Should we create a new facebook hate page? I'm kidding. Best of luck to all you guys.
What an amazing menu!!! Your Commonwealth neighbors can't wait until tomorrow! Authenticity is back!!!!!
I have a comment and it may not be positive. I am glad they cleaned up the Penguin. If people who worked there just migrated over to the Diamond, let's hope they will keep it clean and remember to be nice to all customers this time. It's important to remember that for all those complaining that the Penguin is not the Penguin anymore, even more importantly: the Diamond is not the Diamond. Everything gets an overhaul and update eventually, and nothing remains the same.
This menu is almost as long as the Cheesecake Factory. I agree with a previous poster, I actually enjoy the Penguin more now. Its grease laden walls AND workers kept me from visiting unless I was meeting a group of friends. Give it 5 years and we'll see who's still standing.
Ms. Tatum, thank you for posting. I was beginning to believe I was the only Charlotte native left in town. Thank you and your family for what they have done for Charlotte, Plaza-Midwood (my family went shopping there before it was known as such, as I grew up on the east side of Charlotte), and most of all thank your family for bringing us Harris Teeter! I still love the Penguin, and I will also most likely like the new Diamond too. We can like both, right?
Give it 5 yrs and see who'd still standing?? Really? Diamond was there before the penguin and will be there long after it as well.
Give it 5 yrs and see who'd still standing?? Really? Diamond was there before the penguin and will be there long after it as well.
Yes, really since both recently "re-opened" that is why I said, give it 5 years. They may both be still standing. I was not suggesting one was better than the other, merely stating that both have changed!
I love that they're keeping the diner "feel" of the old Diamond (fried chicken! yay!), but adding their special twist. Can't wait - taking my guys for a late lunch tomorrow, even though I know it'll be crowded!
My problem with the "improved" penguin is that the food isn't as good as it was, no draft beer, and the jukebox is terrible. Not to mention that the food portions are smaller than what they used to be. But that's what happens when places get franchised. They get "watered" down in the process. It just seems to me to be like a sequel to a great movie. It doesn't compare to the original.
I never thought I could be so excited about the opening of a restaurant, but I am. I ate there tonight and it was terrific. Lots of old favorites from the old menu, lots of reminders from the old Penguin and then there are some new surprises. Great remodeling job with the same feel as when Jerry was the owner but with much needed up-dating. Congratulations to the new owners, you did good!
Its all good. The more the better. I hope in five years both rock en... I just love plaza midwood and all the great places... Fuel, Dish, John's Novas, keep it coming.
Whenever news is printed about The Penguin or The Diamond, the same old small crowd will grab the moment to flood the comments to slam on The Penguin to try to gather publicity for The Diamond. I think this reflects poorly on our neighborhood. Be positive, and be glad we will have two good restaurants bringing folks to Plaza Midwood! Both places are going to be great!
People forget that this is a "reboot" of the diamond. Not the original management and not the original menu. The same things that everyone is complaining about the "reboot" of the penguin. This is not your parents Diamond, this isnt 10 years ago diamond. I am now a third generation Diamond customer, and it is not the way it was in the past. The penguin is not the same. And just because you dont remember the old diamond or didnt go because it was not on the "cool" list (want to talk about some authentic old school character) does not mean it didnt change. It did. But I welcome it, it makes our city better and both restaurants were a huge part of creating "mid-wood" Both have had to change with the times, change the menus, change the owners, etc. But at least we have some Old Charlotte staples here that we all need to be proud of and support. Get off our high-horses.
SO excited for The Diamond!! can't wait to try out the menu!
My husband and I were very excited to try the Diamond.We are from that area of town and have eaten there many times over the years. It was always very good. Well after 2 hours waiting for the worst food I have had anywhere in a long time. The food was not seasoned, no flavor. Or it was OVER seasoned, Beef Tips! We wasted almost $25.00. Wish we had gone to Cook-Out. Going to Facebook to warn my friends not to bother trying it. A total waste of money!
Had dinner at the new Diamond this weekend; as expected there was quite a crowd. Bartenders seemed rushed and a little standoff-ish, however, the wait staff was calm, collect, and generally seemed to be enjoying the excitement of the opening.
Food was excellent, GIANT portion sizes on the fries & chips. Unfortunately though the food service was quite slow. I attribute this to the grand opening so hopefully that improves over time.
I'd give it an A-!
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