What do a Lupie, the Penguin and fried squash have to do with Charlotte Real Estate? A secret no more!

June 20th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Eats

For some it’s a reason to move to Charlotte, and for most it’s a reason to stay! The Charlotte Observer’s renowned food expert Kathleen Purvis has compiled a funky list of 50 food, people, and places that give this city it’s flavor! Step One: Hurry! Get with Rhonda, Jackie, Blake, Betsy or Donna and buy a house so….Step Two: you can start eating!

We can attest to a few of the 50….

Steve Spoon, Bill Spoon’s Barbecue. Barbecue is hard, dirty work, and many old-time restaurants close down when the founders pass on. When Bill died last year, it made us happy to know his grandson, Steve, would keep the place just the same. We say, Once when I did not have the cash (no credit cards) to pay for a $25 takeout Bill Spoon handed me the bag and told me to send him a check — best cue, nicest people — southern hospitality!

Pasta & Provisions. Tommy and Debbie George’s little Italian market has been a comforting presence on Providence Road for 15 years. A stash of their ravioli in the freezer keeps our meal emergencies at bay. We say, Wine selection and advice and pasta so fresh make you slap your Italiam Momma!

Lupie Duran of Lupie’s. Duran spent her teen years at Thompson Orphanage, and she’s been taking care of people ever since. At Lupie’s on Monroe Road, she treats employees like family and regulars like friends. The exit sign says it: “Keep on coming back and we’ll call you a local.” We say, Saturday afternoon best “chili hole” in the world, it’s proven! more pictures at Roadfood.com

The jukebox (and burgers) at the Penguin. It (almost) takes the pain out of jostling for a table. There are 50 CDs listed in the box and at least 50 more titles in the notebook on the wall. Hear Elvis (Presley and Costello), Howlin’ Wolf and the Clash in the same evening, or chase Dwight Yoakam with Depeche Mode. We say, You just have experience it, is that a tat?

Have fun and be sure to let us know if you like what you find or if you find some new culinary adventure here in Charlotte!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »