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The Charlotte foods I love

For the last year, we've been on the hunt for food things that make Charlotte Charlotte.

Great Charlotte food
2008: Charlotte's culinary 50
Want to use a caterer? Here are some tips for getting the most for your money
By Judy Hevrdejs | Chicago Tribune | July 8, 2009

It's summer party season, and you're thinking of inviting a couple of dozen friends for a sit-down dinner. Or 200 for a backyard blowout saluting your 90-year-old granny. Or just a few (read: 50) folks to a wedding at your home. And you're thinking you need help.

Flavor of the Neighborhood: Casablanca Cafe
July 7, 2009
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Video: Casablanca Cafe, located in the University area, offers something that's rare in this area, Moroccan cuisine. Narration by Karen Sullivan: Video and production by Phillip Hoffman.

Red Robin gives child ID kits
July 7, 2009
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From Monday through July 19, participating Red Robin restaurants – including all Charlotte-area locations – will give away child ID kits to families who buy one item from the kids menu.

Citrus, strawberry give  salad splash of bold color      
Jill Wendholt Silva | July 7, 2009
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Romans may have draped themselves in togas, but they reportedly dressed their salads with a sprinkling of salt. After all, the word “salad” is from the Latin sal, or salt.

Kathleen Purvis»
BBQ savant searching for ‘next big thing'
Helen Schwab »
New ... and healthy

blynk organic has a new summer menu with organic flatbread sandwiches, a gluten-free light rice p...

On Dining
KATHLEEN PURVIS QA»
Will vinegar go bad on your shelf?
Park Place has many options on menu

Not sure exactly what you want to eat? Then this is the place for you.

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DATABASE »
Pick your own produce

Here is the Observer's annual list of farms where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables.

Staff
Search farmer's markets
Recipe database

For tried and true dishes, browse the collection of Observer-tested recipes from Food Editor Kathleen Purvis and other trusted publications. Or you can search recipes submitted from readers around the region.

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Wine»
Sip of the week
Summer is a time for wheat seasonal beers – usually sweet brews or tart brews, but less often strong brews.
Photographer
Chiles put kick into shrimp dish

Stir-frying is the fastest method of cooking and perfect for busy days when work and family activities nudge into the dinner hour.

FOOD FASTFOOD TB
Oven ‘Fried' Chicken: Taste with a nutritional approach

This chicken recipe is a favorite of mine from several years ago, when I reviewed the American Dietetic Association cookbook “Cooking Healthy Across America.” It occurred to me that I hadn't made it in a long time.

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