Carpe Diem Restaurant & Lounge - Charlotte - TravBuddy

Went to this Charlotte staple for fine dining since 1989 with 9 other guys for a New Year's Evening dinner and I left filled with all sorts of great food, wine and champagne - all before midnight!

Carpe Diem is the creation of two sisters, Tricia Maddrey and Bonnie Warford, from Miami, Florida. From the moment we walked in the door, we were treated graciously as though we were the most important guests in the room even though the place was packed. Their website states, "We want you to leave happy and satisfied, so all of our staff are here to insure an auspicious experience." Auspicious indeed.

We began the evening with individual appetizers that ranged from a selection of salads, lobster filled pastries, and soups. After our fantastic appetizers that we each shared with our neighbor (and being served a small serving of berry sorbet to cleanse the palet), we continued with entrees that ranged from rack of lamb, grouper, fillet mignon, scallops and chicken. Each served with a specific side dish that complemented that entree. I'll have to say we must have enjoyed all of the selections we made because all of our plates were empty! At this point, someone in the restaurant had requested that two bottles of champagne be sent to our table - which we quickly emptied! LOL. We then moved on to our dessert selections which ranged from pecan crusted chocolate torte, sorbets, pistachio cake, and a huge variety of others that were passed among us and all tasted out of this world!

I highly recommend this restaurant when visiting Charlotte on business or pleasure. The dress for patrons varies from smart casual to business formal so just about anything other than shorts or sweatshirts should work. It was a GREAT dining experience and a wonderful way to end 2007!