"2018-01-06T00:00:00"^^ . . "4"^^ . "1"^^ . "5"^^ . "0"^^ . . "Whew, not sure where to start. When I first started working on the lake, the Rudder was for sure a very different and amazing spot. I celebrated many milestones in my life there with close friends and will forever cherish that. Unfortunately, that error came to an end, and I'm so proud of the new establishments owner's, drive, hard work and TALENT throughout this new open.\n\nNow let's get to the important part... food and drink. I haven't eaten red meat in almost 3 years and had a few bites (too many according to my hubby who wanted to eat it himself LOL) because it was THAT good. High quality meat is truly what I'm looking for everywhere these days. But, so far my favorites are the WINGS, the Calabash Chicken sandwich that is soaked in pickle juice/type brine for 3 days, and the Tuna Poke (just try it, I have no words). I've yet to try an item I didn't enjoy. Even the Caesar salad was good the NEXT day, and I do not usually partake in too many leftovers.\n\nI also don't drink liquor and try to stick to beer and wine, but dang, that Olde Fashion is one worth talking about, along with a few others I just had to try. Looking forward to 40's (shared bucket style) on the deck, laughing with those same ol' good friends with a much improved view. It's amazing how much more opened up it is! Gives a very cool feel and definitely brings you back to that old school fish camp style (the baskets, plastic water cups), and the funky Palm Springs lighting, amazing staff and renovations are such added FUN.\n\nHey 'Nelius, we could use a lil more hip ;)\n\nI know I hear a lot of mixed feelings because it is new and different and people don't like change, but hate to put it out there, Lake Norman has been nothing but change since I was a small child growing up on this lake. At first it was changing for the better, and then it really started changing for the worse, and I saw it first hand- especially back in college and after I graduated and moved away and heard the stories etc. from friends and acquaintances... but now I wasn't seeing it back change for the better, once I returned home. I am NOT hear to point out those downfalls, but to just LIFT up this new beginning. Trust me, I know Joe is too much of a perfectionist to be stopping ANYTIME SOON on hearing your feedback and wanting to make this place great for this community.\n\nLet's all support local. This spot is 100% worth trying and couldn't be more locally supported and locally born. If it's not your cup of tea, plenty of places to go, but nowhere like this one, and that in itself is an incredibly strong recommendation. Give it a try, I personally look forward to being a frequent visitor.\n\nCheers and look forward to enjoying the tiki hut after a long day at work this summer!"^^ . .