California Pizza Kitchen - Next Chapter Menu

We enjoyed a taste of the West Coast for dinner last Friday at California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) at the South Park Mall in Charlotte. They're one of the CPK locations to feature new next chapter menu items. These selection make CPK a dining experience more than just pizza. They still have their go-to favorites, but the taste and quality of their new expanded menu has placed CPK on our list of core restaurants.

Their new main plates offer creations for every taste, including hearth-roasted halibut and fire-grilled ribeye. They have incorporated a seasonally inspired rotating menu that featured roasted garlic chicken and seasonal vegetables,  harvest kale salad and a brunch-gone-wild sunny side up bacon and potato pizza.

We had some tough decisions to make as we poured over the new menu. It had been a long week, so I was hoping for something to momentarily transport me somewhere relaxing and tropical. Our fabulous waitress suggested the coconut blossom cocktail, a refreshing pineapple and coconut libation that conjured palm trees in my mind - the perfect choice. My husband opted to stay more local and selected a craft brew, Jam Session, from NODA Brewery.

We were torn on appetizers between their smoked ham and swiss flat bread with emmentaler (cheese), goat cheese and caramelized onions topped with smashed garlic croutons or their house favorite, the avocado club egg rolls. We went with the avocado club egg rolls, which are freshly hand-wrapped wonton rolls filled with avocado, chicken tomato, Montery Jack and Nueske's applewood smoked bacon and served with ranchito and herb ranch dipping sauces. These are easily my new food-obsession.

We wanted to try one of their new crisp salads in addition to an entree so we opted to split their harvest kale salad. It had baby kale, toasted farro (a grain), roasted butternut squash, Napa cabbage, shaved pear, marinated cranberries, spiced pecans and goat cheese all tossed with a housemaid citrus vinaigrette. I enjoyed the unique combination of tastes and textures of the salad, and it was healthy while actually being tasty. A major win-win.

For our main plate I waffled between the hearth-roasted halibut, roasted on a cedar plan with grilled asparagus and butternut squash farrow & baby kale and their sunny side up bacon and potato pizza. Ultimately I decided that I couldn't pass up trying their brunch-tactic pizza that incorporated shaved fingerling potatoes, Nueske's apple smoked bacon, caramelized leeks, parmesan, mozzarella and fresh cracked black pepper topped with two sunny-side up eggs. It was a vision, and totally fulfilled my brunchy desires. Our (super picky) son thought it was so funny to have an egg on a pizza that he tried a bite.

My husband was in the mood for a steak and selected their fire-grilled ribeye, which is 12oz USDA choice ribeye grilled with housemade Pinot Noir, sea salt and topped with creamy bleu cheese butter accompanied by fingerling potatoes and a lemon-garlic wild arugula salad. We shared our entrees, so I am able to attest to how juicy and tender their ribeye was, it was so tender we could share it with our 11 month old who loves herself some table food.

In addition to food that is adult-friendly they also had MANY selections for our 3 year old son. I love when a kids menu offers lots of options, they had grilled chicken breast, crispy chicken, curly mac'n'cheese, fusilli with meat sauce, buttered fusilli, fusilli with tomato sauce, fusilli alfredo, CPK salad, BBQ chicken pizza, mushroom pepperoni sausage pizza, hawaiian pizza, traditional cheese pizza and pepperoni pizza. Plus they offered fresh fruit. Bestill my mommy heart - there were so many options he actually eats - avoiding a melt down over a lack of food option is the mic-drop at dinner. In the end he chose the traditional route with a cheese pizza and ate every. last. bite. He's such an imp! 

Mama - you've worked hard all week - enjoy dinner tonight at the California Pizza Kitchen. You can enjoy some of the fresh new options on CPK's menu after you do some window shopping letting the kids burn off some energy in the process. By the by, CPK is perfectly placed next to the South Park Mall's new ship play area you can see here. CPK also has a covered outdoor patio for when the weather warms up.

Did you know CPK also hosts kid's birthday parties? For $10 per child (tax and gratuity extra) your guests get the following:

• A CPK Kids Meal (did you see all the options above!?) and refillable souvenir drink. If they choose a pizza they get to make it and watch it bake in the giant oven. 
• Dessert from CPK menu.
• CPK Kids "Adventures in Pizza" restaurant tour. 
• CPK Kids activity book and crayons.
• Certificate for a free CPK Kids Meal for their next visit.

The birthday kid gets a free CPKids chef jacket, and a free CPK Kids Meal, drink and dessert. You can bring your own cake, best for kids ages under 10 years and max of 15 kids. You can book your birthday party, kids day out or just because party by calling 704-364-6280 or email r_spc@cpk.com.

CPK treated our family to dinner, but as always my opinions are my own. I only share what I love with readers - and how the heck can you go wrong with egg on a pizza?

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Hickory Tavern Steelecroft - Mommy's Favorite Thing to Make for Dinner is Reservations

Spring has finally sprung in the Queen City! We were fortunate to find ourselves dining on the covered patio at the Hickory Tavern in Steelecroft where enjoyed some tasty bites, blooming buds and Carolina blue skies. It was opening day for baseball so my husband was thrilled by the number of TV's donning America's favorite past time. The patio was non-smoking and comfortable for the whole family. 

The Hickory Tavern's menu cascades tantalizing options from burgers and salads to steaks, chicken and seafood. The manager explained that 95% of the food is never frozen and made fresh daily. This fresh never frozen approach is evident by the high quality taste of the entrees and appetizers we selected.

I became a little envious as I spied the bubbling crab dip at the table next to us. However our selection of boneless chicken tenders in bandito sauce ($9) was a winner. They were more spicy than hot, with a smoky finish which covered the perfectly crispy but juicy tenders. 

The kidlets started creating their masterpieces for the evening with crayons on kids menu. Favorites like pizza, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, grilled cheese, turkey sliders and chicken tenders were among the contenders. S selected the school lunch pizza ($4.95) sans toppings, along with apple sauce and macaroni and cheese. We ordered E chicken tenders, ($5.45) fries and mandarin oranges. Each kids meal came with a much squealed about Oreo cookie. The kids meals were large, and we probably could have split one between the two kids. My only gripe about the kids meal was the macaroni and cheese seemed to be the from a Kraft box, which my kids (and I) dislike so my kids would only take a bite before rejecting it. The rest of the kiddos food was quite good, high quality - and I LOVE when there are several fruit options to choose from. 

I was feeling compelled to order seafood with the beautiful outdoor weather and selected the Tavern Crab Cakes ($17) which came nestled in a cajun alfredo sauce with two sides. The crab cakes tasted like pure sweet crab meat, seared to perfection. I tried the small tavern salad ($2.50 up charge), which wasn't your run of the mill iceberg plus a tomato and a cucumber. This salad had some chops. The green leafy lettuce was decorated with bacon pieces, diced tomato, diced ham, egg, slivered almonds and a flaky croissant. I enjoyed the loaded baked potato, which was rolled in kosher salt and slowly baked to a state of light, fluffy, potato happiness.

My husband is a big fan of salmon, so for his entrée, he chose the Oregon Cedar Salmon ($17).  The salmon was flaky and moist, nicely seasoned with a pecan and spice rub and smoked on a cedar plank. The entree is served with two sides, and there are about a dozen to choose from. He opted for the sweet potato fries and steamed broccoli. The broccoli was tender-crisp with some mild spices, definitely not your usual boring broccoli. The sweet potato fries came with a thick honey butter sauce for dipping and were crispy and delicious – he said they were honestly some of the best he's had.

Dessert presented us with many enticing cheese cake options. However, Jim's 'low dairy' needs led us to choose the five layer chocolate cake ($6.95), which was a perfect blend of moist decadent chocolate. We had to hold the kids off from devouring it so I could get a picture first!

This was a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere for the family. We enjoyed dining el fresco on the patio, it would also be a great spot to gather some friends for drinks and to watch a game. They met all my kid friendly restaurant check marks, including a changing table in the restrooms. 

Mondays are kid's night at Hickory Tavern, all kids meals are $4, and includes their drink. You can like the Hickory Tavern Steelecroft on facebook to get notifications of special events and deals, and you can follow them on Twitter!

Hickory Tavern

13545 Steelcroft Pkwy

Charlotte, North Carolina

704-494-7360

Mom About Charlotte Disclaimer: In exchange for this review, our meals were paid for. However, our opinions are our own, and not influenced by the restaurant providing the meal free of charge.

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Red Rocks Cafe Charlotte - Mommy's Favorite Thing to Make for Dinner is Reservations

Red Rocks Cafe, nestled in South Park, offers an extensive menu of upscale American cuisine. The ambiance at Red Rocks is posh, yet relaxed and welcoming to families. I adore dining alfresco, and Red Rocks has a beautiful patio that allows their patrons to enjoy the southern weather during the spring, summer and fall.

We got off to a great start as Red Rocks impressed the kids by giving them a pirate sticker activity set that kept them content as we browsed the menu selections.

Once we settled in we realized that our most difficult task of the night would be choosing the winning entree. In my mind there were about five that were major contenders. The menu options are seemingly endless, and they all sounded amazing. They offer everything from burgers and salads to surf and turf, with many unique treasures in between.

We decided to try the Scott Andrew's Crab Cake Sliders ($12) as an appetizer - they were perfectly seared with a tangy dill mustard sauce. Their light flavor and full texture were taste-bud pleasing. Even little hands wanted to try these pint sized appetizers (as you can see in the photo!).

I shared the Cesar salad ($5) with my husband and S. The lettuce was fresh and crisp and the portion was large enough to share, but there was too much dressing for my liking. This was just a preference issue for me - because S thought it was perfection. I'd recommend asking for it on the side if you are 'dressing sensitive' like me, because it was a great tasting dressing.

S wanted fettuccine alfredo ($6) - do you sense a theme here with her dinners? The kids menu only offered marinara pasta, but the waitress let us know that they could easily swap out the marinara for  alfredo, and S was content with her favorite cream sauced entree.

E tried their burger ($6), as did I, and it was juicy and tender. His latest obsession is ketchup (aka life blood as we call it) and he enjoyed dunking each piece of burger and french fry into his favorite condiment. I appreciate a restaurant that offers entrees that the kids will eat - and not complain about! Dining out should be a fun experience and picky kids with limited menus can pose a problem, luckily there was no such problem at Red Rocks.

Our patient, and attentive waitress visited our table and explained their specials and tried to help me narrow my top five to just one. Ultimately I ended up ordering the Eugene Robinson's Shrimp and Scallop Fresco ($18). I'm a fan of seafood, artichoke and sun dried tomatoes, and together they were served up together as a savory medley. The entire dish was tasty, but the scallops were phenomenal.

Jim's take:
I enjoyed the crab cake sliders and Cesar salad. For my entrée, I settled on Barry Giller’s Blackened Tuna Avocado ($23).  It featured two good sized portions of seared sushi grade tuna over a bed of red risotto, grilled asparagus, avocado, and pico de gallo.  The tuna was a little spicy (which is a good thing to me) and the accompaniments complemented it very well. For dessert we had the chocolate cake, which was three delicious layers of chocolate cake and frosting. This was a major crowd pleaser.

We didn't sample anything from the wine menu, but next time we visit without the kiddos I'll have to enjoy a glass of one of their many wines.

I was thoroughly impressed with the entire staff, one waitress even stopped by and asked if she could clean off the tidy tray that we bring with us everywhere that E had used. Our server was attentive and able to anticipate the needs (more napkins, don't put the drink in front of the baby etc.) of our family without fail. The restaurant was well appointed, clean and the bathrooms had the ever needed changing table in the women's room. Parking was a breeze and they take reservations (always a bonus when dining with the little ones).

Red Rocks Cafe has two locations, the one in South Park and then a second location in Huntersville in the Birkdale shopping center. You can like Red Rocks Cafe on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter. For more information about Red Rocks Cafe, to view their menu or make reservations at RedRocksCafe.com.

Mom About Charlotte Disclaimer: In exchange for this review, our meals were paid for. However, our opinions are our own, and not influenced by the restaurant providing the meal free of charge.

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Nana's Soul Food Kitchen - Mommy's Favorite Thing to Make for Dinner is Reservations

Good food feeds the soul, and Nana's Soul Food Kitchen serves up soul-filling comfort foods. Nana’s offers an array of Southern home cooked favorites, including fried chicken and fish, smothered pork chops, ribs, amazing macaroni and cheese - and yams the kids are still talking about.

The environment at Nana’s is very casual and relaxed. Their southern fare is served cafeteria style, on styrofoam plates. Diners are able to choose from over 15 meat entrees and over 18 side dishes. The most difficult part of our experience was trying to narrow it down to only three things per person!

I chose a small dish that included 1 meat and 2 sides plus a cornbread muffin and drink for $9.49. My tastebuds took over from there. The fried chicken was tender and tasty, I enjoyed the macaroni and cheese and the mashed potatoes hit the spot.

The kids split a small dish and had the smothered pork chop, which I also tried and was perfectly cooked and seasoned. They of course loved the macaroni and cheese and the yams were like nothing we'd tasted before - sweet and hearty - like a mini dessert. We finished with the banana pudding that got thumbs up from the kids.

Jim's Take:
I enjoy restaurants that specialize in “fast casual” dining, and Nana’s Soul Food Kitchen does it very well.  Nana’s provided a delicious dinner, served to order right in front of us.  I ordered the fried catfish with sides of curry rice and pinto beans.  Everything was seasoned very well and cooked to perfection.  The catfish had a nice crispy crust while the fish itself was flaky and moist.  The rice and beans were both very good – the rice a little spicy and the beans tasted like good refried beans that weren’t turned into a paste.  I had the opportunity to sample the smothered pork chop, the fried chicken, and the yams.  I would recommend all of them.  The pork chop was tender and the gravy was thick and rich.  The fried chicken was fresh and tasty as well.  If you’re looking for some great Southern comfort food, I highly recommend taking a trip to Nana’s.

Nana's Kitchen offers two locations - we visited the one near the airport at 2908 Oak Lake Blvd, Charlotte. Their second location is at 304 Matthews Indian Trail in Indian Trail in the Carolina Courts - which caters to family fun. You can follow Nana's Soul Food Kitchen on facebook or visit them online at www.nanassoulfoodkitchen.com.

Mom About Charlotte Disclaimer: In exchange for this review, our meals were paid for. However, our opinions are our own, and not influenced by the restaurant providing the meal free of charge.
 

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OGGI Ristorante Italiano: Mommy's Favorite Thing to Make for Dinner is Reservations -

I'm an Italian girl (don't let the red hair fool you), and since I've moved from Upstate New York I've been on the hunt for amazing Italian food like we had at home. My search had been full of meh marianaras and not as good as my Aunt Regina's meatballs.

We were invited to dine at Oggi in Ballantyne for the 'Mommy's Favorite Thing to Make for Dinner is Reservations' blog series. BEHOLD, the Italian cuisine hole in my soul was filled with fresh made pasta, to-die-for calamari, and one exquisitely tasty meatball! We had the two tots in tow and they were happily greeted with a basket filled with crayons, coloring sheets and fresh made Italian bread with butter. If my daughter had three wishes, the first would be to live on a diet of Italian bread and butter. So she was happy at the get go.

Our waiter explained that Oggi means "today" in Italian and that they chose that name because everything from the sauces, to the pastas, to the bread and desserts are made fresh at Oggi each day - from scratch. The veggies and fresh ingredients are purchased from local growers. 

We began our meal with two appetizers. First was the boconccino emiliana which were lightly fried croquettes made of risotto and filled with a decadent mozzarella, pesto, sundried tomatoes and presented on marinara sauce - de-lish. The second was the calamari & zucchini croccanti which was slightly spicy, and hands down the best calamari I've ever had. I made the mistake of taking our daughter to the bathroom while we were enjoying the appetizers and when I came back the remaining calamari had quickly vanished into my husbands stomach. Well played Jim, well played.

We requested that Eloy, the owner and chef, choose the entrees for us and he was spot on with his decision. Eloy selected the crab meat ravioli served in creamy lobster sauce for me - and oh my. The ravioli were like pillows, light and savory - it's like he knew I am a huge seafood fan. They were unlike any of the dense cheese filled ravioli I've tasted before in other restaurants. This dish has firmly planted itself on my 'must try again' list.

On our way to the restaurant I started telling S about where we were going and asked her if she could think of any foods that she had eaten that were Italian. She paused for a moment and said, "Um.. well, yea - a latte." Which left Jim and I in stitches as he asked her "When have you ever had a latte?!" She hadn't, but we all giggled and began talking about her Italian heritage and all the things we thought were going to be on the menu when we arrived.

S's favorite Italian dish is fettuccine alfredo, and score, they offered this and many more choices on their children's menu. S told me it was her new favorite fettuccine alfredo place to go. She gave Oggi two glitter nail polished thumbs up.

Our son loves marinanra, ravioli and meatballs. He inhaled his portion, exclaiming 'MMMMmm!' He's getting to be such a little person with opinions he wants to share with the rest of us at 19 months old. The restaurant was somewhat quiet because of the time we arrived (5PM on a Monday), so I was a little nervous our LOUD son was going to interrupt other people's meals with his outbursts of excitement or dislike. Luckily the restaurant began to fill as we ate and our kid's voices fell into the background of other diners talking and enjoying their meals.

Then came dessert, which was a decadent cheese flan with fresh made gelato, drizzled with caramel happiness. I couldn't think of a more delicious way to end our meal. The kids simply inhaled it as we 'shared' and I savored each bite I was able to sneak. If you go - save room for dessert - you can thank me later. 

The ambiance home-style casual but posh enough for date nights and MNO's, and the prices are quite reasonable ($15-$20 for most entrees) - especially for the homemade, fresh, quality and quantity of the food.

The only down side to our experience was the lack of a changing table in the bathrooms, something I was told the owner is looking into adding soon. The entire restaurant was clean, trendy and the taste of the food made it an absolute Italian Gem in Ballantyne. I highly recommend trying out this little slice of Italy.

Jim's take on Oggi:
Oggi is a top notch Italian restaurant.  All of the food is prepared fresh daily, and it really shows in the quality of the food.  Everything I tried was excellent.  I could have left happy after the fresh Italian bread and the Calamari & Zucchini Croccanti appetizer (fried calamari and zucchini with a spicy marinara sauce).  Fortunately we didn’t, because then I got to experience the rich, delicious Pollo Marsala, featuring a tender chicken breast, sliced Portobello mushrooms, and linguine tossed with fresh garlic.  

Many higher end Italian restaurants feature $15-$25 entrees but they usually don’t give you enough to eat.  Oggi combines high end quality with average prices and good portion sizes.  I also give very high marks for the service.  Our waiter Joe was very friendly, attentive, and accommodating.  The restaurant is located in a shopping center with an adjacent parking lot so parking was not an issue.

If you want to tantalize your taste buds check out their menu at OggiCharlotte.com, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter @OggiCharlotte and Instagram. They are located at 16646 Hawfield Way Drive Charlotte, NC in the The Shoppes at Ardrey Kell. Reservations can be made at 704-716-9400. 

 
Mom About Charlotte Disclaimer: In exchange for this review, our meals were paid for. However, our opinions are our own, and not influenced by the restaurant providing the meal free of charge.

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Dining Out with Kids - Like a Boss.

I'd be lying if I told you each time we go out to dinner with our kids, ages 18 months and 5 years old, it's all perfect behavior and warm meals for Mom and Dad. However, for the  most part, we've come up with a plan of attack that allows us the flexibility to go out to dinner and enjoy ourselves with two in tow. Here are my quick and fast tips for Dining Out with Kids - Like a Boss.

1. Dine prepared - I have my dining out bag in my car at all times. It includes:

Bambinos Tidy Table Tray & Flexi Diner

• Wipes/Diapers
• Bambinos Tidy Table Tray & Flexi Diner (which I ADORE)
• Tiny play dough, matchbox cars, crayons, a small notebook of paper
• Snacks (This may sound odd, but think of it as an emergency appetizer if the service takes too long)
• Ipad/Iphone for desperate times and happy parents.

2.  Strategize

• Don't hesitate to ask for a slightly larger table, or a table off by itself, or a larger than necessary booth - this will give the kids a place for some potential wiggle room before the meal arrives. 
• Check out the kids menu first, and order their meals when you order your drinks. This way their food comes out first and you can get them started. By the time you've cooled down, and cut up their food your meal will be on its way, so you can eat while it's hot. 
• Eat on out on weekdays or odd hours on the weekends. If you know there will be a 45 minute wait and it's a Friday night - abort mission. 

3.  Dining out doesn't have to mean McDonald's

• Most nicer restaurants ($15-20/plate) have kids menus and cater to families, including changing tables in the restrooms.
• Don't be afraid to go to restaurants that have linens on the tables and  two sets of forks! Servers at these restaurants know how to meet your family's needs and are usually happy to provide a bread basket or quick munchie for kids to eat. 
• If your children don't like what's on the kid's menu ask if you can get a kids sized portion of an adult meal, they're usually happy to accommodate. 

4. If at first you don't succeed - keep on trying!

• It's not by accident our kids are well behaved when we go out to dinner, it's because we've done it often and they've learned 'how to eat out'
• Don't let a negative experience  make you run in fear!
• If all else fails send one parent to the car with the kids and get the meals boxed up. 

What are the tips and tricks YOU use to dine out with your kids - Like a Boss??

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