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| - Many visits to 131 Main in Charlotte, esp Blakney, but first time here in Cornelius. Same theme, but slightly different...and in a good way.
Menu was abbreviated. Maybe because it was Sunday? So not the many choices we are used to. For instance, meat loaf, one of our favorites was missing, but grilled artichokes were still there. The artichokes make for a great sharing appetizer of could be a light lunch.
Service is simply excellent. Caroline kept up the pace and was immediately responsive to us.
I had a Manhattan cocktail which was excellent. Then the baby back ribs, which was a full rack, cooked so well that the meat did fall off of the bones. And because of the thorough cooking, most of the fat had melted off. The ribs were not slathered or drowned with sauce, which you see in many BBQ places. It was just the right amount.
I asked Caroline if I wanted more sauce could I get it? And she said, "Sure...as much as you want." Nice to know that the people who order BBQ for the sauce can get their fix.
One difference we notes was the bus staff. In Blakney the bus staff snatches plates as soon as they are empty. Very efficient, but annoying, especially if you are a group. The bussers hover around the tables and a so quick that soon all but two of a group of six are still finishing their meals. Not so in Cornelius. Their bussers wait until each course is complete before swarming in. When in Blakney, we ask the bus staff to hold off until each course is completed and that helps.
Atmosphere is quiet and dark. Not quite a kid place, but our grandchildren love to come to 131. And they are well behaved. If you have wandering children who want to get out of their seats, they might get truly in the way of the busy wait staff.
Wife had the Thai steak salad which looked like a small mountain set in front of her. The ginger flavored dressing was very tasty and my wife loved it. And looking at the portion of meat served within the salad was generous for sure.
Their wines are available by the glass and are listed/grouped on the menu by price. Excellent idea. If you want a bottle, there is a more complete wine menu.
Nice place, plenty of parking and the open kitchen is always a great atmosphere enhancer. They do a good job and seeing so much consistency among the 131 Main locations lets one know that management is on top of things.
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