Good Morning Darlings!
Day Three of our glorious visit to The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte.
Today we are talking more about dining options at the hotel.
High on the 15th floor of the Ritz, sits Urban Sip. A veritable oasis of vino (and scotch!). 90 fabulous wines by the glass and 35 types of scotch are on hand for your imbibing pleasure. There is also a full bar, but we settled in with a gorgeous Pinot Noir. Chef Jon delivered the most gorgeous charcuterie and cheese tray to our table and in we dove. Plus, they brought us what was the best bread I have ever tasted. I was so enamored, I forgot to ask about it.
Just a few of the marvelous wines at Urban Sip.
My handsome husband.
We both got all dolled up for our big night out.
Bountiful delights with the most incredible view.
Shea, the charming Assistant Food & Beverage Director, stopped by our table to say hello, and Pia, our server, took the best care of us. It was over way too soon, as we had dinner reservations at BLT Steak.
From the 15th floor to Lobby Level, we were greeted at BLT Steak by Patrick, our server, and Keith Hensel, General Manager.
Glam, glam, glamorous BLT Steak!
Keith was so gracious to send out a lovely charcuterie plate to us – you can never have too much meat! This platter included a fantastic and spicy chorizo that we both loved.
Charcuterie Platter at BLT Steak.
Next up, were the famous BLT popovers – they were gigantic! Love them!
BLT's world famous popovers.
Tuna tartare is one dish I can never pass up. BLT does it right and serves it with homemade waffle chips. The surprise ingredient? It was topped with housemade crispy onions. Oh.My.Goodness!
Isn't this tuna tartare presentation lovely? It was so good.
Keith swung by to discuss entrees with us. You don’t see dover sole on a lot of menus, and Keith said it was wonderful. He’s the expert – I went with it. Eric decided on the veal chop. We chose the jalapeno mashed potatoes for our side, but Keith spoiled us by bringing out the roasted brussels sprouts and the roasted corn. I could have eaten a ton of that corn, filled with bacon.
Dover sole in a butter, caper and lemon sauce was over the top - in a great way!
Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes, BBQ Corn with bacon & chives, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with bacon
While enjoying a luscious red wine, Patrick asked if we were ready for dessert.
“Oh, we just couldn’t!” we exclaimed.
“How about you take a look at the dessert menu?” asked Patrick.
Well, golly, we didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings…
That was my excuse. And they had Crepe Souffle on the menu. What?
So, Eric ordered that. And I went for the Carrot Cake with Ginger Ice Cream, because I love all things ginger. Remember that year I was a redhead?
Carrot Cake with Ginger Ice Cream. And Cream Cheese Frosting.
That cake tasted like moist carrot cake wrapped in a cinnamon roll, and I can never resist a cinnamon roll. I die.
Apparently, I have a hard time with temptation. But we’ll save that topic for another day.
Crepe Souffle. With Passion Fruit.
I have no clue how they make this, but man oh man, it was scrumptious. Rich and light at the same time. Gorgeous.
And we sipped on lattes. Oh, those lattes were yummy.
Wait – we haven’t had enough to eat! Wait – are you kidding me? Because Patrick delivered 2 perfect bites of brownie deliciousness.
Two tiny bites of heaven.
Shame on Patrick. It’s all his fault.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Sorry, Patrick.
Returning to our room, we were greeted by two swoony lemony/white chocolate/walnut cookies and a lovely note from Chef Jon Farace.
I still haven’t figured out how we can live full time at The Ritz-Carlton, but I’m working on it.
Probably best for my waistline for now.
A million thanks to every single person who made this trip so very special: Bonnie Crail, PR princess extraordinaire, Dan & Whitney at the front desk, Michael our bellman, David the sweet GM, Sarah who drove us to the dive bar in the swanky hybrid BMW house car, Sade Ann at Bar Cocoa, Chef Jeannette at the Cocoa Lab, Chef Jon who sent cookies and Chef Jon at Urban Sip (along with Pia and Shea), Lindsay & Courtney who took great care of us during tea, Anne, Dee, Dearest and Jodi at the Spa, and Patrick & Keith at BLT Steak. If I am missing anyone, I certainly apologize, because everyone we met was remarkable.
Again, it’s the people. Without the amazing staff at The Ritz-Carlton, you would only have 4 pretty walls.
But we both know it is SO much more than that.
Have a wonderful weekend, Darlings!
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to James Taylor – Carolina In My Mind