boochops

I should have elaborated... I guess I assumed it would be understood thatwhat I meant was I would love for Portofinos to relocate to the Little Italy location. Any Midwoodian worth thier salt knows of the original Portofino's at Eastway Crossing.

Would Carabba's really build there when they have a location so close in SouthEnd? I might have to call Little Italy and ask them about this. I would be shocked if Carraba's built there. And a wee bit sad (although the other poster was right about Little Italy - it's not the best, but hey, it's quick and cheap). But wouldn't it be FANTASTIC if Portofino move there? Then we could walk! sigh. And thank GOD the McD's is starting from scratch. It needs to. Let's hope the service will live up to the new digs.

I don't know about that^, but I did ask the people at Starbucks what was going on at the old Corner Place (former Schlotzky's (sp?) next door. They said it was going to be a restaurant called Crisp. She described it as a "Just Fresh" type of place.

I don't know about the comedy theater, but the Grad is definitely going into the old Joe's space on Central and Pecan.

I couldn't agree more. My husband and I ate at Customshop last night and it was incredible. Simple, uncomplicated food. It was not cheap (I am still feeling guilty for the amount of money we spent, but hey - it's not your 11th wedding anniversary every day). I had tuna, he had steak. Everything from the service to the atmosphere to the INCREDIBLE bread putting and chocolate souffle was amazing. I can't wait to go back. And heed the reservation advice. That, and seeing George Clooney pick between Customshop and Carpe Diem (I think he chose Carpe Diem over Customshop because Customshop was PACKED - not even Clooney could have gotten a seat) made the evening fantastic.

Did the CornerPlace Deli / restaurant next to Starbucks close? There are white signs on the door, but I couldn't read them while driving. Anyone know what's up?

PlazaMidwoodGuy- my husband and I drove by that lot the other day and I literally gasped! I cannot believe that they tore down all of those trees. You'd think they'd at least leave up the trees that offered privacy in the backyard! If they are building a house on spec, wouldn't a mature tree canopy be an incredible selling point? And if someone has bought the land and is building a house for him or herself, what on earth would possibly lead them to clear the land entirely? Do you save that much money? I am FLABBERGASTED by that. I still sniffle a little bit when I look out at my lawn at the two bare spots where trees used to be before the ice storm a few years back. I know that it's cheaper to build on a lot that is cleared, but there's a new neighborhood out Providence that is touting full, mature trees and a gorgeous tree canopy as an AMENITY. Get it? Nature, as an amenity of the neighborhood. Imagine that. And those houses are $1 million plus.

Fire and Ice is the one story brick building directly behind Lotus / Old Perch and the Steeple, facing the CVS. Jackalopes is going in the old church building in between the two.

I know this isn't necessarily a part of the Pecan redevelopment, but does anyone know what's going on with the old Pearl / Ethan's / Betta Grill site? I've seen some construction work going on outside of it.

Hi turtlesufer... Nope. This guy was young (he looked to be around my age, and I refuse to think I'm anything other than young at 33) and dressed like I total hipster. Yes, I'm making judgements based on clothing and hairstyles, but at least they are good judgements. Hopefully we'll see some action in the location soon. I heard about that other group as well - they were going to put a restaurant in that location several years ago, but I think they ran into too many issues upgrading the spot. I asked the new guy how he was going to get around the ADA laws, etc (was he having to put in an elevator, etc). He said that since the building was so old, they could be "grandfathered" in (like the Pewter Rose building). We didn't have too much time to get much more in depth. If I see him again at the coffee shop I'll grill him for more information.

Yeah, I love Sole - the name of this place is definitely not Sol, because I remember thinking about the East Blvd Spanish restaruant, Sole. I asked him specifically if it would have a Spanish bend, and he said it was pretty all encompassing, with food from all over the world. If I remember correctly, it's definitely not Sol. I think I'm right, and it's Soul. I'm just excited that another "grown up" restaurant is coming to the hood. With Lulu's and now this place, it just presents more neighborhood options for my husband and I to go without the kiddies. I love Dish and Fuel (can't do the Penguin anymore... just too smoky), and I'm just excited that the options are expanding.

I don't know if it's been mentioned here, but I met a guy today who is putting a restaurant in above Lotus in the old Perch location. I was at Starbucks on Pecan talking with my friend about Las Ramblas, and we started chatting with him. He told me he and a couple of other guys were creating Soul (I think that's right...) - a tapas restaurant with a patio on top of Lotus. He hoped it would be done by June. I don't know about you, but I'm excited. I love that Midwood is attracting independent restaurants that will require me to leave my children at home. Does anyone know any other information? This gentleman was really nice. I'm looking forward to enjoying a drink on the patio.

Artlvr- it opened several months ago. It's in the strip mall behind the strip mall with the Old Rheinland Haus (now Fiamma, which I here is also excellend). There's an alterations shop and J Major's Bridal shop right next to Las Ramblas in the strip mall. Here's a link to the "First Look" that Helen Schwab publishes about new places in the area. http://www.thestate.com/mld/charlotte/ente...ng/16382802.htm

Hi everyone... I'm a long time lurker, new poster. I LOVE Ginbu 401- it's my favorite place for delicious, affordable sushi. My kids love the lettuce wraps and edamame. Has anyone been to Las Ramblas in the old Patou location off of Park Road? It is HANDS DOWN my new favorite place. They serve incredible Spanish food, with a leaning toward Tapas (my mother in law thought I said "Hey, let's try a new TOPLESS place"). The food is beautifully prepared, and very plain - I mean that in the best way possible. It's not covered with sauces, spices, chutneys, coulis, etc. Manchego cheese inbetween two thin slices of eggplant and then quickly fried, traditional Spanish meatballs, and incredible selection of meat and cheeses for a great meat and cheese plate, pork tenderloin with apples... I'm getting hungry, now. The guy that owns it also owns Bonterra's and Mac's. I'm going there on Thursday night AGAIN. It's incredible.

huh, what, huh? On hold? That makes me angry and sad all at once. Although my husband reminded me about our little teeter before this most recent remodel (way back in the day), so I suppose I'm spoiled. I'm just sick of shopping at Cotswold. Thanks for the heads up, tho.

Hi Everyone! First time poster, long time reader and Midwoodian for the past 7+ years. Sorry to change the subject, but does anyone have any recent info about the Plaza / Central Harris Teeter expansion? I would love to know there's an end to my trips to the Cotswold Teeter for the olive bar. And now I'm off to Matthews (or the University - can't decide) for my weekly Target trip. Thank goodness that will soon end.