Archive for the 'A Charlotte Institution' Category

Five Great Charlotte Restuarants You May Have Missed!

May 4th, 2009 categories: A Charlotte Institution, Charlotte Eats, Real Estate Grind, Rhonda Gibbons, The Charlotte Scoop

As a blogger I find the only thing more controversial than politics, religion and S-E-X  is restaurants. We all have our favs and sometimes depending on one’s palate or day of the week your experience may differ from ours. C’est la vie. So please take our reviews with a grain of salt ~ Rhonda and I have been to these these five multiple times and have yet to have an off meal or bad service experience! You may have your own fab five but if you give these five a try we’re pretty sure one or more will make it into your culinary rotation!

Middle of the week quick & healthy!  The Roasting Company
We love The Roasting Company on what used to be Charlotte’s restaurant row Montford Drive. We affectionately call this place the “chicken place”. Big fat juicy rotisserie chicken with fantastic home made vegetable sides. The chicken tacos are great too, light with a choice of three fresh made salsas. Cold beer is available and its quick they’ll probably call your name before you sit down! Make sure you pick up a bottle of Tico sauce — wonderful mild sauce ~ Heinz 57 meets Jamaica! How do I get there?

The Real Deal Sushi!  Musashi
This is not your upscale sushi place but if you’re looking for the freshest most authentic sushi without all the flash Musashi is for you. Nestled in a strip mall (yes near the Goodwill) you will find a warn friendly atmosphere - I tell Rhonda it reminds me of a neighborhood sushi place in New York where it seems like there is a great sushi place on every corner. Charlotte not so much ~ so if you’re looking for a sushi place to call your own Musashi’s the one! How do I get there?

Best Fish Tacos in the World (in Charlotte)!  Cabo Fish Taco

OK I have no idea about anything else on the menu - is there anything else, do they even need a menu? Cabo Fish Taco in NoDa is just perfect - small, loud and fun and the fish tacos are to die for. Rhonda loves, loves the fish tacos high praise from someone who is not a big texmex fan. Served in a taco shell that would float off the plate if not for the chunks of piping hot (which makes the difference) lightly fried fish. Try the Longboard Island lager ~ I know Hawaiian beer? ~ trust me! How do I get there?

The best Thai in Town! Bangkok Ocha
Another family run neighborhood find! Rhonda and I eat here a couple of times a month and have always, always been 100% happy. The food is authentic and I’ll add the shrimp and scallops are notably fresh and tasty. Too often Asian restaurants seem focused on the noodles or rice leaving the meat less than notable. Not at Bangkok Ocha ~ try the #38 shrimp & scallop combo. Oh and for a wonderful beer try the always icy cold Singha beer! How do I get there?

That Very Special Evening! Barrington’s

Maybe because it’s so small you get the feeling you found something no one else knows about and you’d be right! The kind of place where the Chef’s specials…are! You will need a reservation and in New york style you will be sitting close but somehow you don’t feel that way cause you’re focused on the one you’re with and the amazing food and wine ~  find a special reason and go to this very special Charlotte gem! How do I get there?

So there you have it five of Rhonda and my favorite restaurants in Charlotte. We’re sure you have five more and we’d love to hear about them ~ leave a comment and we’ll be sure to check yours out! Bon Appetit!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Come Into the Park, Charlotte Symphony Springtime Fundraiser

April 13th, 2009 categories: A Charlotte Institution, Charlotte Arts, Fun for Grown Ups, Giving Back in Charlotte, Myers Park, Rhonda Gibbons

Gabrielle Shain is at it again ~ doing what she and her Shain Gallery on Selwyn Avenue in Myers Park do best!  Come Into the Park is an opportunity to support the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, dine and dance and to view new works by two nationally recognized artists. I know this will be an awesome event and an chance to see (watch how fast they sell) new works from Kim Schuessler and Geoffrey Johnson who are two of the countries most original, up and coming artists! Kim and Geoff went to art school together, are good friends and delightful people ~ getting to know the artist makes the art so much more memorable! Their works adorn many of Charlotte’s finest homes. Every time I look at the piece Geoffrey did for our wedding I think of the day I met my good friend in France. (story below)

If you are not familiar with their work you will be amazed, while Kim and Geoffrey’s styles are very different, their art genuinely reflects the way they see the world around them. At first you might think Kim’s work playful and Geoff’s brooding that would  be a mistake ~ look closer to see that Geoff’s ethereal work is all about the light and Kim’s figures have a deeper meaning and backstory. Kim and Geoff are not siblings but their art is what you might expect from a brother and sister, not the same, independent but somehow deeply connected. It is a joy to meet them and to see their work!

So Geoff and me in France…two weeks after 9/11 Rhonda and I off to France for a Connie   Winter’s artist workshop - one week, fifteen women, unlimited wine, french countryside, Geoff and me.  Upon meeting Geoffrey in the Marseilles airport we immediately grabbed a beer, became fast friends and set out together to maintain some semblance of “manliness” for the week. Not to fear, this incredible group of smart, funny, talented women took us under their wing — put it this way we learned about a lot more than just painting! Anyway we became good friends and Rhonda and I have become not only huge fans of Geoff’s work but of the person!

So I hope you will join us for Come Into the Park at the Symphony Park band shell (and don’t forget the Summer Concert Series there later in June!) in Southpark on May 14 more information click here. And when you’re in Myers Park please check out the Shain Gallery, one of Charlotte’s best ~ be sure to check out Connie Winter’s work, her son Darren Young’s and of course Kim and Geoff’s too. Say hello to Gabrielle if art is your thing then you want to know Gabrielle!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Fresh Oysters in Charlotte - Found a Pearl!

April 11th, 2009 categories: A Charlotte Institution, Charlotte Eats, Charlotte Lifestyle, Fun for Grown Ups, Rhonda Gibbons

OK you either love’em or you hate’em. Let me just say that last night at Vinnie’s Southend three of Charlotte’s top real estate professionals were lovin’em so much we almost grew shells and we need ‘em! Please excuse the hard shell/real estate biz analogy. Rhonda my awesome wife, me and my good friend Gray Steelman took care of a “raw oyster jones” we’ve had for a couple of months. 

As you may know Rhonda and I are now partners on Charlotte’s premier real estate team (after all its our name - Charlotte Premier Realty) haha — anyway we commiserated for a bit and then launched into a full celebration of all things Charlotte real estate and more. Rhonda showed her patience and expertise in contracting a beautiful yet hard to sell Queens Beans condo in Myers Park, Gray is looking to parlay his self storage wizardry into a new venture Mustang Properties and I had some amazing success at a recent entrepreneurial competition for my side venture Buttons of Hope. Yes we ordered extra lemons and made some sweet LEMONADE!

So where’s the pearl? I think these days anyone on a quest for raw seafood has to think twice and to be honest $.25 oyster night always leaves me a bit …queasy ya’ know!  Well quease no more Vinnie’s served up what we all agreed (after yes 7 dozen) were some of the finest juiciest, freshest oyster we’ve ever had..anywhere and believe me Rhonda’s years at Charleston Oyster fests makes her an expert! The service was warm and friendly and the beers were icy cold — let’s just say when you have a hankering for raw oysters on the cheap you must run to Charlotte’s Southend and find a table at Vinnie’s Raw Bar a pearl on the Charlotte restaurant scene.

ps. I know it sounds weird but after all those oysters we needed melted cheese in a bad way (maybe it was the shellfish haze - or Coronas?) so a stop at LaPaz one of our oldest favs (remember waiting 3 hours for a table at LaPaz on Fenton Place?) was in order and ready with some unbelievable blue corn chicken nachos - Go there, Try them!…all in all a great evening in a couple of Charlotte’s hidden gems

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Uptown Charlotte even has its own magazine(s)!

January 15th, 2009 categories: A Charlotte Institution, Charlotte Area Grab Bag, Charlotte Lifestyle, Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids

Yeah who knew, well we knew but maybe you didn’t — Charlotte has a couple of great magazines focused on the still growing and bustling Uptown area. Check out this link to Uptown’s super cool online version of the magazine. If you’ve never seen an online magazine where you can actually turn the page it’s pretty cool. And make sure to watch the short video promoting Under the Influence at Charlotte’s iconic Visualite theatre (it’s not what you think!) SKI much?

Or maybe come by the Visualite and check out the Gourds — now that one caught us by surprise too! Rhonda, Jackie and I however did see two great Duncan Sheik shows at the Visualite if that is more your style!

Oh yes and make sure you check out Charlotte’s newest uptown magazine EYE Charlotte by our friend and reknowned Charlotte Observer reporter Crystal Dempsey!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

iWalked to dinner, a movie and a latte in Myers Park (Now you can too @ 1300 Queens Road)

December 2nd, 2008 categories: A Charlotte Institution, Myers Park, Rhonda Gibbons

Would you rather live in a peaceful neighborhood lined with hundred year+ oak trees or a vibrant urban setting where you can walk to one of Charlotte’s most beloved restaurants, catch an independent flick at a vintage movie house and then grab a cup of Starbucks coffee (may we suggest halfcaf) for the short stroll home?

Well at Queens Towers 1300 Queens Road in Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood you can do BOTH and so much more.

We are always excited when we have the opportunity to list a property in one of Charlotte’s beautiful heritage neighborhoods. We are especially pleased to present the beautiful #303 condo at Queens Towers (click here for a full picture tour online) and listen to the Debussy play ~ nice touch Rhonda! We hope that you will Email the listing agent Rhonda Gibbons or contact any of our agents to tell you more about this unique condominium and this distinctive part of Charlotte.

And through the magic (ain’t this stuff amazing) of the internet and WalkScore you can find out just how close you’ll be to (or what will become) your favorite shops, services and restaurants…like

Trader Joes .88 miles
Harris Teeter Supermarket .22 miles
Starbucks .38 miles
Myers Park Methodist .23 miles
RiteAid .37 miles
Myers Park Library .14 miles
Carolinas Medical Center Hospital 1.0 miles
Presbyterian Hospital 1.5 miles
Center City Charlotte 2.9 miles
and of course Charlotte’s famous jogging/cycling Booty Loop (well basically you’re on it!)

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Wells Fargo Calvary (sort of) to rescue Wachovia. Charlotte too!

October 3rd, 2008 categories: A Charlotte Institution, The Charlotte Scoop

The Calvary arrived in Charlotte today! The Wells Fargo Bank of Sand Francisco announced today it’s own rescue package, buying Charlotte’s Wachovia bank for a more respectable amount. Surely it does not heal all wounds but on first blush looks like a well deserved break for Wachovia employees, shareholders and Charlotte. Maybe the sun will rise versus set on a new friend for Charlotte. Read more here in the Charlotte Business Journal.

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Sun sets on an old Charlotte friend | Wachovia

September 29th, 2008 categories: A Charlotte Institution, The Charlotte Scoop

I just learned through of all things a twitter from Justin Ruckman at the CLTBlog that the weekend rumors were true ~ our old corporate friend Wachovia has been purchased by New York’s Citigroup. Hard to believe this banking behemoth of Charlotte is being fire-sold at $1 a share.

Here are a couple news links
Charlotte Business Journal “Citigroup to buy Wachovia’s banking operations”
Charlotte Observer’s Mary Newsome “How Wachovia sale affects Charlotte’s growth”

**I realize the picture is sunrise ~ but I know that even with this stumble the sun will come up tomorrow over Charlotte…bet your bottom dollar….!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Myers Park Hardware est. 1947 a Charlotte Institution | Closing

September 25th, 2008 categories: A Charlotte Institution, Myers Park

Myers Park hardware is in fact your grandfather’s hardware store! Actually for our Myers Park neighbors it is was more like an old friend. So this week we learn Myers Park Hardware is closing!! In many ways it’s a shame the store is a landmark on one of Charlotte’s most renowned intersections ~ the corner of Queens Rd. Providence Rd. and Queens Rd. (more on our crazy street names later). In the Charlotte Observer read Dannye Romine Powell’s eulogy for a trusted friend...”When Myers Park Hardware closes, the sky over Charlotte will drain to a paler blue.”

So the good news? Bordered by the grand old Eastover and Elizabeth neighborhoods this is an area ripe for development. Knowing the Myers Park community you can be assured they will find a great use for this prime piece of Charlotte real estate.
New to Charlotte? Stop by and experience a Charlotte institution, been here awhile stop in say thanks and goodbye!
Oh and we still have Blackhawk Hardware ~ let’s call them Myers Park Hardware’s sibling!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

101 Great things to do in Charlotte NC #83 Phillips Place

August 31st, 2008 categories: A Charlotte Institution, Charlotte Eats, Fun for Grown Ups, The Charlotte Scoop

83. Phillips Place - Fine, upscale shopping opportunities, along with breathtaking landscaping, line the streets at Phillips Place

Once in a while we have a Charlotte attraction that is just too big & too much fun that it merits its own post! Phillips Place is one to those attractions! Phillips Place has it all ~ Rhonda and I are there on average once a week and we have plenty of great memories there! I’ll share a few as we take a tour.

Catch a movie in the beautiful Phillips Place 10 movie theater (we saw the first Harry Potter (Rhonda’s fave) a midnight show!)

One of Rhonda’s and my favorite people Lyn Conger is part owner of Charlotte’s nattiest clothing store Taylor Richards Conger and be sure to check out their new women’s shop TRCW!

We LOVE the roasted Prince Edward mussels (and everything we’ve ever tried) at Upstream ~ we agree its one of the best seafood restaurants ever! Great unsung sushi bar too.

Then its on to the Dean & Deluca Wine Room ~ one of Charlotte’s first and still best ~ sit outside and people watch, once the tress aer dressed in the twinkling white Holiday lights you might even think of Paris (OK it depends a bit on the number of glasses) and yes we have sat outside there in November! Oh and don’t forget the incredible Dean & Deluca Deli across the street — can’t tell you how many quick delicious pre-movie meals we’ve had here and if you love red velvet cake there’s is the best!

Il Posto Osteria is one of the best Italian trattorias you will find ~ high praise since I grew up in New York! I love pasta and had the beat mushroom ravioli ever at Il Posto ~ al fresco dining is a must here!
The Palm Let’s just say if you are looking for a special night out or to entertain an important business client you won’t go wrong. Greta steak, big lobsters and huge portions! Who know maybe you’ll get your caricature on the wall!
PF Chang’s We love the casual, always great Chinese cuisine. My son Ryan picked Chang’s for his first dinner date…aahhhh!
Restoration Hardware Explore, especially fun at the Holidays when they bring in all kind s of cool gadgets — fill your stocking here!
Smith & Hawken  Charlotte is lucky to have this store! Rhonda says it’s “therapy for your green thumb”

Hampton Inn & Suites  Excellent place for intown guests (we put up our wedding party here ~ they almost did not make it to the wedding!), not your average Hampton with great views and a short walk to all of the amenities described here!
Post Park Apartments  Like what you see here? Well why not live right here in Phillips Place — some of Charlotte’s most luxurious apartments Relocating? Why not stay here while you decide where to decide where to buy your Charlotte home!
(101 Charlotte things to do courtesy of NC Tourist Guide)

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Southern Women’s Show 2008 | Food fashion & fun | Charlotte 9/18~9/21

August 28th, 2008 categories: A Charlotte Institution, Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids

Southern Shows is a Charlotte institution. I know! I went to high school with current President David Zimmerman and worked at the shows during high school for the legendary (and really classy & nice) Charlotteans Robert and Joan Zimmerman founders of the company (David’s parents). By the way the Zimmermans are also reknown for their family & friends Christmas Grog parties which were lavish enough to spawn a “teen” Christmas party with the leftovers! 

The Zimmerman family continues to put on some of the most amazing & fun lifestyle shows in the country the Charlotte Southern Women’s Show (here in Charlotte 9/18 (and eleven other cities) & the Christmas Show are awesome!

What you may not know is the Zimmermans and crew also host three of the most impressive home renovation and garden shows ~ if you are building, remodeling or planning your dream home you don’t want to miss this!

• Southern Spring Home & Garden Show  coming March 4~8 2009
• Southern Ideal Home Show  Charlotte Merchandise Mart  9/5~9/7
• Southern Kitchen & Bath Show  Charlotte Merchandise Mart  9/5~9/7

Enjoy the shows and make sure you save the date for the Christmas Show ~ the strudel is to die for!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »