[revised, re-posted]
Okay people. I need your help. Early on in the life of this blog (circa last month) I told you about Rebecca Federman, the librarian at the New York Public Library who is in charge of the largest public menu collection in America. In watching her video she says that she wouldn’t ever refuse a menu. Hmmmm…never refuse a menu you say? This translates in my brain to “Send me some menus, STAT”. So here’s the deal…
I’d like to assemble maybe 15 menus that say something about Charlotte NC and environs. I’d like to keep it confined to restaurants that have been around for a while, institutions, if you will, that really speak to Charlotte history/culture. Please give me some ideas. I’m currently considerng the following:
- The Waffle House ;)
- Price’s Chicken Coop
- The Coffee Cup
- Green’s Lunch Mert’s
- Something to do with Johnson & Wales (not really historical but it makes sense?)
- Something to do with the Panthers
- Bank of America Corporate Dinning Room (if that even exists)
- Ditto Wachovia (possibly more historically significant)
- South 21 Drive-in
- Gus Sir Beef
- The Emerald Beef n’ Bottle (thanks Lell)
- Bill Spoon’s Barbeque
- Fenwick’s
- Carpe Diem
- Alexander Michael’s
10 Comments
October 7, 2008 at 10:00 pm
There’s a place on Rt. 74 in/near Shelby called Bridge’s BBQ. I think it’s known not just for its food, but its history as well. Not in Charlotte, I know, but close enough to be considered part of its environs?
October 7, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Yeah, I thought about that place. I think it’s a little far off. That’s why i put in Bill Spoon’s cause it’s at least in town, though nowhere as good as Bridge’s. Thanks for giving it some thought though!
October 9, 2008 at 8:34 am
Wow. This sounds wonderful. I’d be honored and thrilled to receive some Charlotte menus!
Thank you for thinking of the menu collection!
Rebecca
October 9, 2008 at 10:38 am
Well silly me, if that isn’t a technological gotcha (to be read with Palinesque intonation and verve). And here I thought I’d just march into the New York Public Library and surprise ya!
Seriously, I haven’t stopped thinking of the collection since I learned of it. Now that you’re wise to my plan, I’ll be extra mindful about the quality, quantity, and entertainment value of my submissions.
Thanks for stopping by!
October 13, 2008 at 4:55 pm
What?? No “Landmark Diner” on your list? You know we call it the Stretch Mark around my abode.
Is the “Beef and Bottle” still around on South Blvd? I just googled it and yes, still there and started in 1958. I had a great Sinatra flashback the one time I ate there!
October 14, 2008 at 11:13 am
You might want to check with Chef Joe Bonaparte @ The Art Institute and see if he has a copy of the lunch menu from Alice Water’s visit(Sept 07)……that is archive worthy and really speaks of the local farm to table movement here in Charlotte. Maybe a menu from Chef Mark Hibbs (he hosted Alice also!). Ratcliffe on the Green has a long history of business(es) in Charlotte, and the story is interesting. Ties in the Carpe Diem story… and personally I think those women deserve an award for surviving three locati0n shifts.The undying devotion and patience their fans have shown them proves their merit through all the Charlotte upheavals!
October 15, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I second Joe Bonaparte @ The Art Institute. He had a series in the Observer recently about a trip to Italy.
Ratcliffe on the Green, yes and no. The resto that was in that space prior to it was Carpe Diem and I think that place qualifies as a Charlotte Institution. It’s had 3 different locations in town and has been around a long time (I’ve eaten at all three). Pewter Rose has been around quite a while too. And, whether you like a “gut plug” or not, Pike’s Soda Shop is somewhat of an institution.
October 15, 2008 at 9:26 pm
carpe diem..yes, for sure.
ok, and i’m gonna show my age here…but by the university, the sandwich construction company used to be a bit of an insititution for students at least.
also, how about mert’s? it has a good story connected to the bank history stuff
and while reids is not a restaurant isn’t that an old charlotte institution? i remember its old location on providence road
red’s bbq…its not a restaurant, but comes rolling in uptown each week…i’m not even sure its charlotte based…anyone know?
the only other places that i think of are: fenwicks?cajun queen? la paz? berrybrook farms? lupis cafe? i’m not sure about these restaurants histories, just that they were well established 20 yrs ago when i arrived. :) i’ll keep thinking…
October 22, 2008 at 8:07 am
i agree with anna that something representing NASCAR would enhance the collection
October 26, 2008 at 11:08 am
You may want to check out the
Open Kitchen on Morehead Street.
Perhaps Charlotte’s first ” Italian ” restaurant. It surely is a Charlotte institution. They serve what I call Greek Italian food. It’s not gourmet by any means, but you should experience it at least once. You are sure to enjoy the decor, which is delightfully tacky.