I can't speak entirely on the taste of the food, so I will have to come back for the taste test review at a later date.
However I was lucky enough to experience this hidden find before it even opens. Located in downtown Charlotte on the ground floor of the 505 Building at the corner of Sixth Street and North Caldwell,
behind Time Warner Cable Arena and across the street from Villa Francesca
Kalu is an Asian kitchen, bar, and lounge...you will be amazed by the cuisine and the surrounding of this place. The artwork is unbelievable and a spiral staircase leads the way to a magnificent lounge upstairs. The restaurant will be serving 8 sakes never before served in the USA. Living in LA for a few years this definitely reminds me of one of those hip celeb hangouts...however saying that do not hesitate to walk in its definitely not stuffy and the staff is extremely friendly.
The restaurant features western style tables as well as a large sushi bar that lights up in all sorts of different colors, a lounge upstairs, and a large bar and lounge area looking right into Charlotte's skyline. I can't wait to take the girls here for some drinks when it opens.
The Chef Bryan Emperor is a top 7 samurai sushi chef and brings years of authentic Japanese culinary training. I did get to try an amazing dish of his... a whole main lobster grilled and topped with a garlic miso sauce the presentation was amazing... I can't describe it well enough so I will post a photo.
I think this will definitely be a first for many food lovers...from sushi, dim sum, Maine Lobster, Kobe Meatballs, and individually cooked rice in iron pots. Truly a culinary tour I have yet to experience and can't wait to try.