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| - I stumbled onto Stoke which just opened, and Charlotte should be stoked (sorry, I couldn't resist). This farm to table restaurant has a huge open kitchen where it seems like diners can watch the chefs from every single table. My trout was spot on, but the real winner was the service. My server, Tysha, was absolutely incredible. She knew the food, knew the wines, and literally sold me on the place before I even knew what it was all about. If Chef Chris Coleman's waitstaff continues to be this incredible, then all the Uptown chain steak houses are in for serious competition. I wish this place the very best!!
I ordered the Sunburst Farms trout because, quite simply, I screw it up when trying to cook it at home. Sunburst Farms trout is a Carolina treasure, and Sunburst isn't too far of a drive from Charlotte. But, I'm not a good cook, so I always mess it up when trying to cook it. The trout I had at Stoke was just perfect. Perfect. I didn't order sides, but the dish came with some pickled okra and onions which were the perfect compliment to the trout. Perfect.
Wines: Tysha explained that Stoke isn't marking up the wine prices. For that reason, I ordered an entire bottle of Malbec for the same price Total Wine charges. What other restaurant at a "high-end hotel" is going to do that?
And, the manager came around a few times to see how everything was. Incredible experience all the way around, and I'll be back to try it with friends and family.
I hope Stoke stays.
Now, a little history: the restaurant at the Marriott used to be Savannah Red. It taught Charlotte about farm to table dining long before we all realized the health and importance of farm to table experiences. And, the kudzu butter and Krispy Kreme desserts taught us the importance of taking Carolina "stuff" and turning it into gastronomic extravaganzas. I loved the decor at Savannah Red because it was unique in a way similar to Patrick O'Connell's Inn at Little Washington. But, Savannah Red closed.
Down the street at the Dunhill Hotel, Cassie Parsons from Grateful Growers farm was also teaching Charlotte about farm to table dining at her Harvest Moon restaurant. But, Cassie closed Harvest Moon at the Dunhill, and Chef Chris Coleman turned it into The Asbury. He put his spin on farm to fork dining, and The Asbury is where I always took out of town guests for brunch.
A few nights ago, I stopped by the Marriott to see if their crazy renovations were over (the Marriott did away with one of the best hotel indoor pool/spas in Charlotte), and near the lobby was this huge, new restaurant called Stoke. I was in the mood for Ethiopian, so I absolutely did not intend to dine at Stoke. But, the huge, open, airy layout was intriguing. The host and waitstaff sucked me in, and I'm thrilled to have tried it. Kudos, and thanks for a great dining experience.
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