By Owen Pearson
Charlotte visitors are welcomed by Southern hospitality, lush natural scenery and lots of attractions and activities. Guests can enjoy strolling through the UNC Botanical Gardens or exploring the Mint Museum of Craft and Design. Families can spend a day at Discovery Place or enjoy rides and games at Carowinds Amusement Park. Charlotte also offers memorable dining experiences, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
Mimosa Grill
Mimosa Grill combines elegant décor and architecture with a commitment to fresh ingredients, and has received numerous local awards since 1995. The menu features appetizers such as lobster mac and cheese, jumbo lump crab cakes, seafood stuffed hush puppies and fried green tomatoes. Guests can also sample artisan cheeses, including Tomme cheddar, Sandy Creek goat cheese and Asher bleu cheese. Entrees include hickory grilled beef tenderloin with horseradish, grilled mahi mahi with andouille sausage and peppercorn swordfish with asparagus risotto. The extensive wine list features dozens of red, white and blush wines, and many are available by the glass. Cooking classes are also available at this restaurant.
Mimosa Grill
327 S. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 343-0700
harpersgroup.com
Cajun Queen
Cajun Queen brings the energy and flavors of New Orleans to Charlotte residents and visitors. This restaurant hosts live jazz bands seven nights a week. The menu offers Cajun inspired entrees such as shrimp etouffee, Creole chicken, fried oysters and blackened catfish. Those who want to enjoy a sampling of several specialties can order the New Orleans platter, which includes shrimp, scallops, catfish, oysters and red beans and rice. Appetizers include fried green tomatoes, craw fish scampi and Cajun popcorn. The Cajun Queen has a full bar that serves beer, wine and dozens of specialty cocktails.
Cajun Queen
1800 E. Seventh St.
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 377-9017
cajunqueen.net
Ratcliffe on the Green
Guests enter Ratcliffe on the Green through the wine room, which showcases the restaurant's extensive selection of fine domestic and imported wines. The menu changes seasonally, incorporating locally produced ingredients whenever possible. Sample appetizers from the menu include baked brie with raspberry preserves, French onion soup, quail and escargot. Seasonal entrée selections include New York strip steak, grilled North Carolina trout, veal Wellington and duck and pheasant pot pie.
Ratcliffe on the Green
425 S. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 358-9898
ratcliffeonthegreen.com
About the Author:
Owen Pearson is a freelance writer who began writing professionally in 2001, focusing on nutritional and health topics. After selling abstract art online for five years, Pearson published a nonfiction book detailing the process of building a successful online art business. Pearson obtained a bachelor's degree in art from the University of Rio Grande in 1997.
