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| - There are several reasons to go to Sonoma:
1. We didn't have reservations, and still got in. Anytime there's a nice restaurant in Uptown Charlotte that you can get in to immediately without reservations on a busy evening, either it's not actually a nice restaurant, or you're the luckiest person in the world. I would recommend reservations, but clearly they're not necessary in a pinch.
2. The atmosphere is great. I felt cooler just being there. The tables were covered with these cool mats that made them look like iridescent tile. My only complaint here is that we were pretty close to our neighbors at the next table, it almost felt like dinner for 4.
3. Wine specials! We were there for 1/2-price wine by the glass, and both got to try some good reds. I don't remember the specifics--my husband got a Tempranillo to start, and I got a Malbec, I think. We enjoyed both wines. After that, I don't remember our selections.
4. The menu featured some great-sounding dishes, even though both of us got the bison special. I loved everything on the plate. It was served over grits (one of my favorites) with wilted spinach, I think. The bison itself was very delicious. I like my meat rare, and this was cooked (or rather, not cooked) to perfection. They messed up my husband's order, but recovered quickly, and he still left pleased.
5. And finally, the bowl of foil-wrapped fruit candies by the door sent me home very happy!
The only thing that was a little sub-par was the service. They were very busy, and I think they were short-staffed. I don't think it was our waiter's fault that Jim's order was wrong, but he was not as apologetic as I would have liked. It also took him a few more minutes than it should have to check on us, and discover the mistake. This, however, changed neither of our opinions that we had just had a great evening out together.
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