The ever popular Chef Stormy and I had the chance to roil with a ruckus of laughter during the musical, “Spamalot,” the other night and what a rip-off it was! A RIP-OFF of Monty Python, that is, and that is exacta-mundo how THEY advertised it. Luckily it was only in Charlotte for three nights or the whole town would have broken apart with inevitable screams of joy and gasps of the black knight routine. Not to mention dancing trees and more. Thanks to the kind folks at the Knight Theater, once again!
Prior to the show we fired up the ole’ HTC Sense Android powered, "phone-a-lot," and engaged warp drive towards my handy lil’ Living Social app. BINGO, a $60.00 off coupon for just $30.00 at a restaurant we had never heard of! And it’s a good damn thing, you friendly yet hungry friend, you… Aquavina was just down the concrete past Emeril’s new restaurant (staring and jumping up against windows peering inside and sniffing around glass frames) and I said to Stormy, “this place is back a little ways, huh?” Off the beaten meringue we went...
We were elated though and enjoyed every bite we put into our mouth! When we got there. We were initially impressed with the great deal and the documented references of:
- 2004 - 2009 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence - "Top 100 Wine List in the US"
- Taste of the Nations 2003, Best Hot Food Award
- "Best Service Award" - Citysearch.com
- "The 15 Best" - Charlotte Magazine
- "Best Outdoor Patio" Charlotte Observer
"Some of the best aquatic treats are among the starters. The hefty portion of bright tasting North Carolina clams is wonderfully delicious, while the silken corn bisque is accentuated by lobster cream. Our table fought over the anchovy and brioche bread pudding crouton on the Caesar salad."
--Tricia Childress, Creative Loafing
"This beautiful seafood restaurant overlooks The Green, giving it one of the best patios in town. Inside, the look is both warm and cool, with undulating artworks all around. Owner Stefan Latorre has given talented chef Jason Pound freedom to create, which works out well for us."
-- Charlotte Magazine
"I am a huge fan of Mr. Pound's because I don't know a chef more passionate about food and pleasing people. He has a magical way of taking some of my favorite foods and preparing them in a totally unexpected, delightful manner."
-- Barbara McCay, Southpark Magazine
"Aquavina's strengths: innovative cuisine, a sophisticated ambiance and a prime location overlooking downtown's most appealing green space. For these looking for a restaurant out of the ordinary, Aquavina is home port."
-- Charles & Mary Lowe, Charlotte Place Magazine
We started with the warmed Blue Crab Fondue slathered on French baguette toasts along with a lovely Spinach Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing and flash fried shallots, crispy prosciutto and crumbled goat cheese. It seemed like I couldn't slather enough of that good dip on the toasts. What I needed was a whole french loaf - cut in half - to pour the fondue all over. Because when it's this good, cheesy and crabby - I a huge pig. Not to mention a bathtub filled with the warmed fondue...ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh...asleep in heaven and licking my arms...
Oh, sorry, I was just daydreaming.
We then cracked some huge red, steaming lobster, filet Oscar and lump crab meat cakes with a béarnaise sauce and red wine demi-glace. We were happy to enjoy some champagne (oh no I illegally violated the sparkling wine laws by typing that?) and a wonderfully decorated Bvlgari 120th Anniversary San Pellegrino bottle of water! Chef Stormy wanted me to select her wine for the evening (trouble buddy boy) and I decided to force her to be modern with a Pinot Grigio by Bollini!
We also greedily ordered some grilled asparagus and potato gratin. Before we ran out of greed (and time) we decided to head on over to the theater, so skipped a fat pill (dessert) and coffee. We look forward to visiting more restaurants soon and heading back to Aquavina.
Sincerely,
Private Dining Rooms can accommodate from 50 to 200. Reservations: Please call
704-377-9911 or email reservations@aquavina.com
Complimentary covered parking for private events. Handicap accessible. Visa, American Express, Cash, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Travelers Checks. You can also purchase Gift Certificates online.
435 South Tryon Street - Charlotte, NC 28202 - 704-377-9911
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