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charlotte’s best bites: tanya’s picks

Guys, I am SO excited about today’s Charlotte’s Best Bites post! (But to be real, I get excited about all of my Charlotte’s Best Bites posts). But today, I’m so happy to have my friend Tanya sharing some of her fave spots with y’all. Tanya and I met almost five years ago when I started working in the public defender’s office, wayyy before this blog was even a gleam in my eye. Tanya is not only a bad ass attorney and advocate, but she also is a bad ass food blogger, and I’ve loved getting to share our common passions with each other! She has some great recommendations and I can’t wait to check out some of these new to me spots!

Hello Fabulous Friends, I’m Tanya, and I wear so many hats that it may be difficult to fit it all in one sentence. But hey, I’ll try. I’m an assistant public defender (I work in the same office as Chrissie), athletic Hall of Famer, mom, wife, food blogger at My Forking Life, photographer, actress, director, producer, and busy lady. On my down time, I like to explore the many restaurants of Charlotte. I moved here in 2011 and I quickly discovered that the Charlotte foodie scene is Huge. I swear I’ve barely scratched the surface with all the places that I’ve tried. Either way, I’ve discovered some amazing little gems that I don’t mind sharing to the world. I truly believe that sharing is caring and I truly care about your taste buds.

Injera Me Crazy: Abugida

charlottes best bites abugida

I’ll be honest, when I first tried Ethiopian food a few years ago, I wasn’t really a fan. Then I discovered Abugida on Central Ave and they made me fall in love with it. The service here is great! All of the servers are polite and great at explaining the menu and making recommendations. The food is nothing short of AMAZING as it is full of flavor and has the perfect blend of spices. One of my favorite things to do when I eat here is use that injera (a spongy like flat bread) to sop up all that delicious sauce. When I say this is the best Ethiopian Food in Charlotte, I am not exaggerating. What to Try: The beef tips with a side of collards and cabbage.

It’s Macaron, not Macaroon: Le Macaron

charlotte's best bites le macaron

So I’ve never been to France but I hear it’s lovely and I hear you can find lovely macaron bake shops everywhere. Lucky for us, we have Le Macaron right here in the heart of Midtown. A macaron is a meringue based cookie made with almond flour, egg whites, and amazing flavored fillings. Now I’ve had my share of macarons (I’m a little addicted) but this place by far has my favorites. There is a skill that comes with macaron making that they have perfected. My advice, try all the flavors. If you aren’t in the mood for a macaron (I don’t see why you wouldn’t be though), you can try their gelato, amazing fancy chocolates, or a nice cup of coffee.   

Not Your Regular Sushi: Bonsai Fusion Sushi

charlottes best bites bonsai fusion

There are a ton of great sushi places in Charlotte but when I want unique and tasty sushi, I head over to Bonsai Fusion Sushi in the 7th street market. I initially discovered this place when I heard they had a poke bowl. I had to have their bowl (I literally went the next day when I heard they had them) and grabbed a large. I was not disappointed. They also specialize it what’s known as the sushi burrito. Yes, a spinach wrap stuffed with tuna, edamame hummus, avocado and other healthy things for a tasty treat. If you’re feeling brave, add a bit of their hot sauce with ghost pepper to it. Let’s just say spicyyyy.

The Best Shrimp and Grits: Midnight Diner

charlotte's best bites

No matter what restaurant I go to in the South, they will always claim to have the best shrimp and grits if it’s on the menu. Well…there can only be one best and I still believe that no one can beat the shrimp and grits from Midnight Diner. They serve it with a nice fresh biscuit that I use to sop it up with. There’s just something about these creamy grits that keep me coming back. Don’t forget to add bacon to it when you order as it doesn’t come with it.

Fresh Seafood Fix: Seafood Connection

charlotte's best bites seafood connection

I’m a South Florida girl and one of the things I miss about home is the availability of fresh seafood. Lucky for me, Seafood Connection is here to satisfy my seafood needs. As with many good things, you have to be in the loop to know about the details of when to get this seafood. Just make sure you like the facebook page or join this Seafood Connection Facebook Group for updates on the menu, hours, and location. Currently, they operate out of the King of Spicy restaurant on Albemarle Rd. They are cash only. What to Eat: C-Port Steamed Platter. Comes with lobster, crab legs, shrimp, potatoes, sausage, and corn all smothered in an amazing butter lemon sauce.

Go To Budget Hibachi: Pisces Sushi

charlotte's best bites pisces

Pisces Sushi is known for their wonderful lunch menu of all you can eat sushi. Lunch time can get packed as everyone comes over here to enjoy that amazing deal. But what some don’t know is that lunch menu also has some pretty good prices when it comes to the hibachi lunch specials. The lunch hibachi special (which comes in chicken, shrimp, or steak) is priced at a great price and you get tons of food.  Miso soup and ginger salad are included in each hibachi special. I can get a full lunch meal for less than 10 bucks. I think that’s a win win for price and taste.  

Quick and Yummy Gyros: Little Village

charlotte's best bites little village

A friend told me about Little Village a while ago and I just kept postponing on trying this place. Don’t be like me, try this place ASAP. Located on the outskirts of uptown, it’s a nice little hidden gem of quick Greek eats. The gyros here are amazing as they have the perfect sear on the meat. They also top theirs with french fries which I find interesting and tasty. Seating is limited so it’s more of a grab and go place, unless you’re lucky enough to grab one of the tables.  

Make Your Own Pizza: Blaze Pizza

charlotte's best bites blaze pizza

Blaze Pizza has become a regular in my lunch rotations. Their pizza crust is simply amazing and the toppings are incredible. Like seriously, where else can I get goat cheese on my pizza pie? I always custom order mine by adding whatever toppings I’m in the mood for and my pizzas always turn out amazing. Make sure you order a cup of their blood orange lemonade as well.

charlotte's best bites tanya's picksTanya blogs at My Forking Life where she loves to share recipes that she loves. She moved in Charlotte in 2011 and refuses to consider moving anywhere else. She loves taking care of her family, acting, and movie directing for Passion Resource Films. You can follow her foodie adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

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4 Comments

    1. Same! I think I’ve only been to one place on this list, so I’ve added the rest. Let’s go on a foodventure soon!

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