Blackened Fish Tacos with Carolina Peach Salsa

I’ve been trying to learn to like fish ever since my dad brought home walleye cheeks that first time, fresh from Lake Erie, and my sisters oohed and aahed over how delicious they were.  I wanted in.  I desperately wanted to like fish.  Every bite though… just left something lacking.  It’s the texture that gets me, I think.  And the fishy taste.  So basically, I dislike every aspect of fish.  Except, of course, for the fact that it’s good for you.  So, in an effort to trick myself into liking fish, I’ve been making fish tacos all the time.  They’re super simple to throw together, and if you add enough toppings, you can’t even taste the fish.  I’ll consider that a WIN.

Blackened Fish Tacos with Peach Salsa

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Barbecue Pulled Pork Tacos {recipe}

Ladies and gentlemen.  I gots the fever.

BBQ Pork Tacos

Barbecue pulled pork.

Can’t stop.

Won’t stop.

I blame it on Midwood Smokehouse, my favorite barbecue spot in town, which I frequent at LEAST once a week.  I bounce back and forth between the pork cuban (authentic Cuban bread, hickory smoked pork, thinly sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles… I die!) and the pork and brisket tacos.  And when I’m lucky enough to have some meat leftover, I make barbecue pulled pork omelets the next morning.

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Should I stay or should I go {the week in food}

I’ve been incredibly distracted the last couple of weeks, spending every breath of free time surfing Craigslist and property management company sites for a new apartment.  It’s one of those life moments when I just wish someone would tell me what to do.  Should I stay in my current rental and pay the (exorbitant) rent increase or move?  And if I move, where?  One bedroom or two?  Is it safe?  Can I walk to work?  Does it get good light?  Is street parking a deal breaker?  Is shared laundry?!  Where will I put my shoes?  Is there a coffee shop within walking distance?  What about good restaurants?  Will my beloved green couch fit in the new rental?  GAS STOVE!!!! Will my friends and family still come to visit???

It’s a lot to ponder.

With all this rental business looming overhead, I’ve been a stranger to my kitchen.  You know what that means.  It’s time for a little restaurant recap!

Let’s start with the Common Market hot mama panini–tomato, red onion, red pepper, spinach, Havarti, and mayo plus turkey–that I devoured right there in the parking lot.

Common Market - hot mama panini with turkey

No shame, this girl.

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Restaurant Review Roundup: Mert’s Heart and Soul, Eddie’s, Baja Soul {Charlotte, NC}

In honor of FRIDAY (hallelujah!), here are three flash reviews of restaurants I’ve dined at this month:

merts banana pudding

MERT’S HEART AND SOUL:  Serving southern soul, low county, and Gullah-inspired dishes, Mert’s has been a common stop for visitors in Charlotte for over ten years.  When I hear “Mert’s,” I instantly think of their amazing cornbread:  sweet, cakey loaves that arrive at the table hot from the oven with a side of softened butter.  Inside the restaurant, the quirky southern soul decor creates a fun environment, and it is a perfect reflection of the food.  Some of my favorite dishes at Mert’s are the mac and cheese and the Carolina chopped barbecue pork sandwich, which comes on a hearty potato roll.  The banana pudding is infamous, and believe me it lives up to the hype.  Don’t forget to save room for cake!

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