Custom built and gourmet burger emporiums seem to be taking the USA by storm and Charlotte, North Carolina is no exception.  The monthly lifestyle magazine, Charlotte Magazine, has named Big Daddy's Burger Bar as the best burger establishment in Charlotte in it's annual Best of the Best Charlotte issue.   Having read the magazine and hearing testimonials from friends, I set out on a steaming Saturday afternoon for the trendy Dilworth district of Charlotte to see what all the fuss was about.   Dilworth is a leafy subsection of Charlotte intersected by tony East Boulevard which features countless upscale dining options including several on my current 'hit list'.  Tree lined residential boulevards and lanes surround East Boulevard which seems to underscore Dilworth as one of Charlotte's most affluent areas. Anyway, upon arriving I was relieved to see ample reserved customer parking behind the restaurant and brought my vehicle to a stop between a Range Rover Sport and a shiny new C4S.   Proceeding to the entrance, I noticed the bustling outdoor patio which was currently overflowing with a mix of trendsters, yuppie parents and urban adventurers.  I opted for the comforts of AC and headed inside.   I was promptly greeted by a smiling and sultry hostess ...

Finally had a chance to visit Jim Noble's newest restaurant, just a stones throw from Charlotte's upscale Southpark Mall.   Entering this establishment I noticed the irreverant wall of stuffed roosters  set against what looked to be vintage, harvested barnwood siding, very nice. The open kitchen with wrap around bar and comfortable bar stools gives way to a spacious dining area made up predominantly of cozy leather booths and tables along that same chicken festooned wall.   A separate wine bar adjoins the main dining room at the back.  The entire vibe of this place is rustic and relaxed. The menu and style is decidedly 'Napa Valley'-esque and draws heavily on prudent portions of Spanish, French and California style small plates featuring house cured and smoked treats like organic salmon, salumi and chilled duck breast -- bingo!  I felt immediately at home and happy to be among like minded foodies in this new found temple. The extensive wine by the glass menu features South American delights as well as lesser known European offerings.  I settled on a toasty Chilean Malbec and was impressed with the ample pour.  I opted for the organic lightly smoked salmon to start and was happy to share the battered ...