At-Home Comfort & Joy: 10 Restaurant Recipes to Try in Your Kitchen

The holidays may be in our rear-view mirror, but comfort and joy can certainly extend beyond. And you know we’re big fans of comfort! So, as the temperatures drop, and your taste buds start to yearn for some warm comfort food, bring joy into your kitchen with recipes from some of Charlotte’s finest establishments.

This is our homage to the Charlotte food and beverage scene – some of these dishes and drinks may be on the menu and some may be old favorites. Either way, we encourage you to support local! Some ideas: when you prepare one of these, share it on social media and tag the bar/restaurant; write a review; buy a gift card; order takeout; and/or dine in if you feel comfortable.

Now, throw on your apron, put on your favorite cooking music and head to the kitchen to whip up one of these famous recipes. Happy cooking!

Raise a Glass

Known for their classic cocktails and deep selection of fine spirits, the Crunkleton opened Dec. 2018 in historic Elizabeth. Raise a glass to the new year with owner Gary Crunkleton’s take on the Aviation. The Aviation is a classic cocktail made with gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice. Some recipes omit the crème de violette. It is served straight up, in a cocktail glass.

“Knead” Some Bread?

Family-owned, chef-driven and award-winning, the Kindred in Davidson is certainly a crowd-pleaser. Their famous milk bread has been featured in Food & Wine, Bon Appetit and more. If you’re ready to try your hand at the ultimate comfort food, get the recipe here.

Just Wing It

Sometimes a homemade sauce or condiment can take that same ‘ole dish you’ve been cooking for years taste new. Whether you’re making your own wings or just enjoy adding wing sauce to everything, this Midwood Smokehouse wing sauce recipe can be whipped up at a moment’s notice. You’re probably familiar with Midwood Smokehouse as there are four locations around Charlotte. They describe it as “your neighborhood smokehouse using nothing but N.C. hickory hard wood and hard work to make the best barbecue around.”

Beer & Cheese – Yes Please!

Featuring 35-40 rotating beers and ciders from Southern Tier, Sixpoint, Victory, and Bold Rock, Brewers at 4001 Yancey surprises you with quite an extensive menu. Charlotte’s Got a Lot calls this “beer cheese-soaked potato heaven” and we agree! The Brewers at 4001 Yancey’s Crispy Potato Stack is the perfect starter or decadent side dish. It’s a three-part recipe (potato, potato cream and cheese sauce) but we think it brings a three-part deliciousness, so it’s worth the effort.

Comfort Food Combo

We don’t know about you, but when we hear collard greens and grilled cheese, we think double comfort. And who knew you could actually combine them into a sandwich? Answer: Chef Chris Coleman of the Goodyear House! A much-anticipated 2020 restaurant opening, the GoodYear House is situated in an early 1900s mill home and specializes in elevated comfort food. Like many restaurants in 2020, it was forced to open, close and adjust, but it continues to serve up tasty bites. Sink into your Saturday or Sunday afternoon with this creamed collard greens grilled cheese from chef Chris Coleman.

Soup’s On

Nothing says winter like soup. And nothing says winter soup like French onion. And no other restaurant can lay a handle (get it?!) on 300 East’s. Located in a converted Victorian home in Dilworth, 300 East is a Charlotte staple. Chef Ashley Boyd shared their recipe, which was created by her mom and another chef; it’s been with the restaurant since the 1990s!

Boun appetito!

Don’t you love a versatile recipe that can serve as a starter, side or entrée?! We do too. That’s why we had to roll this recipe into our round-up. Pizzeria Omaggio’s Meatballs are “made from the heart, just like grandma used to” and include secret soaked bread. They describe themselves as “an authentic Italian pizzeria with some Italian/American classics that we cannot deny our customers.” Get the dish here.

Embrace Your Inner Julia Child

If you’re a beginner in the kitchen, we might suggest you go ahead and skip this section. But if you’re up for a challenge and trying to beat the winter doldrums (and melt your troubles away!) try this chocolate mousse recipe from Amelie’s. With multiple locations around Charlotte, Amelie’s is a bakery committed to creating authentic French-inspired pastries, soups and savories.

Partial to Pick-Up: Meals

Maybe cooking just isn’t your thing. We’ve got you covered with an excellent pick-up option that TASTES like YOU cooked it. Recognized by Charlotte Magazine, Charlotte Agenda and Scoop Charlotte as being one of the best take-out meals in Charlotte, Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen is offering family table meals. Learn all about it here.

Partial to Pick-Up: Cocktails

And on the cocktail-to-go front … your palate is calling for a cocktail but you’re missing the right ingredients or just seeking a quick fix. Try Rock-Hill based Craftsman Beverage Co. They offer handcrafted cocktail and tea syrups, shrubs, and more for the beverage lover. Peep their craft cocktail menu here. They offer pick-up at various locations, delivery and shipping options. (And with the new N.C. executive order, restaurants/bars are allowed to sell cocktails to-go too!)

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