A couple years ago Sharon and Cliff Freshwater moved from NJ to Charlotte to offer their spin on Cajun/Southern cuisine. They went into the location where Simmon's used to be (a divey soul food joint in 4th Ward that closed around 2010). They have done a great job remodeling and bringing it up to standards. I liked the ambience (great jazz spinning on the CD), which may be better suited for evening dining than my lunch grab on a busy day.
Sharon waited on me at the bar and filled me in on their vision, Cliff's training with Paul Prudhomme, and being raised in East Carolina. 'Nuff said. Chef Cliff cooked up a great grilled catfish with his special brown sauce (think etfouffee with its deep tones and rich flavors). Mmmm. I should have ordered a double! The collards, however, let me down which I thought needed an extra day simmering with smoked pigs feet and hot sauce getting all happy with the greens. Mac-n-cheese was a good riff on a Southern classic.
I think Freshwater's is a needed restaurant in this sector. They are trying to put a more upscale spin on what is typically diving joints near industrial centers. I say, "Give 'em a Whirl!"