Carpe Diem, Charlotte

If you could customize your perfect night on the town, you would select a hidden gem near the heart of the city, al fresco dining, a view of the skyline, and of course, delicious food. At the Customshop you will find creative yet comfortable cuisine, although I think they give a new interpretation of minimalist. Located in an historic 114-year-old building, dining here is a very pleasant experience but I do think that they are a bit expensive and the portions could be more substantial. It was recently named one of the top-ten restaurants by Charlotte magazine and awarded Best of Charlotte honors by the U.S. Local Business Association, but it will not make my top ten. Their menu of seasonal offerings feature local farm produce, house-made pastas, and the fisherman's weekly catch. From grilled scallops with sweet potato purée to braised short ribs and crispy duck, there's nothing more tempting than a meal tailor-made for your taste buds, but do not skip lunch just because you are going there for dinner.

It's located near the Concord Mills Mall. The food is delicious. Service is great.

Favorite Dish: We ordered their You Pick Two deal for $5.89: you select two of the following -- any bowl of soup, any half sandwich, any half salad.

I chose Turkey Artichoke on Basil Pesto Focaccia hot panini sandwich and Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice soup. Delicious and filling!

This is a great, privately owned restaurant in an old, Uptown building that provides a nice atmosphere for business or pleasure. This building is one of the oldest remaining in Uptown Charlotte, though it only dates to the early 1900s. It was originally a small hotel that primarily served traveling salesman. Today, it's in jeopardy due to the plans to build an Uptown Arena for the new NBA franchise that is coming to Charlotte. There is a bit of a debate going on about preserving the row of buildings on this block or allowing them to be destroyed.

** UPDATE Carpe Diem indeed was forced to move, but these owners just keep bouncing back! They are now located on Elizabeth near Central Piedmont Community College (on the edge of Uptown). The new building is better than ever and the food is still excellent.

Favorite Dish: Pistachio-crusted trout filet!