I don’t get out-of-town much, so when I do, I always like to dine somewhere either new or exciting. Each city has its share of fine restaurants that really do stand out for what they bring to the table and the ways in which they establish themselves amongst the rest of the pack. As I found myself thinking about this, I decided that I shouldn’t limit my blog to only the dining and food scene of Atlanta. So, whenever I visit another city, I will take it upon myself to blog about what can be found by both locals and visitors alike. Thus, The Traveling Salesman Edition is born!
My brother lives in Charlotte and, fortunately for me, is a chef. He works as a sous chef at this fantastic restaurant over off Elizabeth Avenue in the downtown area called Carpe Diem. The restaurant, which is owned and operated by two sisters, has been serving the people of Charlotte for over twenty years! The menu caters towards American cuisine and the use of local and regional ingredients, presenting diners with standard favorites as well as rotating special and seasonal menus. My girlfriend and I were in Charlotte recently, and along with my brother’s wife, we decided to stop in to take advantage of the fantastic cuisine and drinks the restaurant has to offer.
Carpe Diem has a great bar selection, including a finely chosen wine list, a decent selection of beers, and a seasonally changing cocktail list. I had the Fashionable Southerner, a riff on an old-fashioned that used Bulliet Rye Bourbon, Chipotle maple brandy syrup, Rhubarb bitters, and a cherry garnish. The drink was exceptional; the Chipotle maple brandy syrup did a wonderful job of adding a touch of heat and sweet to the rye, and the Rhubarb bitters worked effortlessly as a subtle admirer to the cocktail as a whole. My girlfriend had the House Bulldozer Martini, a delightful homage to the Screwdriver that included ginger syrup, fresh squeezed orange juice, and a splash of St. Germain Elderflower liqueur. Again, another delicious drink that was equal parts sweet, tart, and floral.