rev:text
| - Charlotte is one of my favorite cities to visit and 5Church turned out to be a great (and lucky) random dinner pick.
First, they have free valet parking, which is about as perfect as it is rare, considering this restaurant is in a lively area near the new baseball stadium. And the valets quite literally sprint to get your car.
The restaurant itself is very chic. On the left is a lengthy bar area backdropped by an enormous wine rack. There are a couple of TVs positioned high that I'd imagine are near impossible to see. This isn't the type of bar that even needs TVs.
The ceiling is scrawled with phrases (poetry?). The tables and booths are plush and comfortable. The menu is a mix between small plates, high end steaks and sandwiches and seafood. The lamb burger was the best I've ever had. Perfectly tender (just right at medium) and slathered with red onion marmalade, gorgonzola and arugula. I devoured it. Four large confit potatoes (really supersized french fries) were a pleasing side, as was the curry-like dipping sauce. My friend raved about the herb-brined and roasted chicken.
I had a "new fashioned," which tasted like a typical, strong old fashioned and a local draft beer. The cocktail menu is solid, but no better than the bars around my home.
The lamb burger, cocktail and beer came to less than $30 after tax. Very reasonable. I feel hesitant giving 5 stars after just one visit, but when my biggest complaint are the elevated TVs, I'd say it's worth it.
|