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So where did you go? I have been to Carpe and liked it a lot. HAve not been to Customshop and have heard mixed results. Anxious to hear.
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re: artlee
went to customshop. it was good. not great. i like the atmosphere a lot. it was a lot more affordable than i would have thought. we ordered several different things to try as much as we could. the hashbrowns were great. the brocoli rabe was ok. we had a meat plate that was good (but you can't really screw that up). we had a whole red snapper that was ok, but overcooked. i can't remember what else. the menu doesn't scream at you as being so yummy and appealing. but, i would go back to try other things. i think it is still working out the kinks.
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re: artlee
Yeah, Tom Sietsema - the food critic for the Washington Post (who I revered when I lived up in DC) - always said he waited a few months after a new restaurant was open before going to review it...
I can vouch for Carpe Diem - had a great meal there a few months ago! I've only been once, so I'm not sure if it's consistent, but our meal was excellent, and the pace was very relaxed, and the service professional.
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re: kdub
RICKO
May 24, 2007 09:27 AM
I've been to Custom shop twice, and am unimpressed. Nice vibe in a good looking room (that's noisy) and hip diverse crowd, but the food and service do not complete the package. Great idea, interesting pedigree, but lacking in execution. I don't buy the needs time excuse, they have been open for a couple of months and should have the basics figured-out. The place is missing some key ingredients that would move them up from mediocre. They will do fine, but they will not fill the niche in Charlotte that I was wishing they would.
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re: RICKO
I agree with the assement of CUSTOMSHOP so far. Interesting concept, great pedigree but lacks the punch of some of the best neighborhood spots of Charlotte, ie. Lulu or Barringtons. Lulu I think, for all it's quirks is really the stand out in new(er) Charlotte restaurants with a chef owner. I've seen some posts on it as well as customshop being loud, but isn't that the point of a bistro or neighborhood eatery? That being said, I've been to Customshop a few times, and have left with the feeling that somethings just not quite right...not horrible but..missing. I don't think it's a matter of it hitting it's stride, it's almost a personality flaw somehow. But I will continue to support it (and places like Lulu and Barringtons) because 1.) it's near my home and 2.) because to do otherwise will allow Charlotte to become a food city filled with steakhouses and lifeless multi unit "concept" restaurants.
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