the asbury

staying at the dunhill hotel, the asbury was the obvious choice for dinner. our whole family enjoyed a delightful meal there last night. started with three small plates -- the tomato salad with basil ice cream, pickled shrimp overgritswith boudin balls, and the lamb tenderloin wrapped in bacon served with a local bean salad. all were phenomenal. the basil ice cream with the tomatoes was particularly original. our entree courses were just as special. order the carrots as a side dish. the sauce served with them was delicious -- a smoky combination of cumin, coriander and other unknown spices. finally, save room for dessert. the pastry chef has a gift. met matthew, the young chef de cuisine, who shared his family"s experience operating a local farm and the asbury's plan for farm to table service. all in all -- we will dine here again on our next stay in charlotte.

in the past month i have been to the asbury twice for brunch. the first time i went based on a recommendation from a friend. the second time i went because i couldn't stop thinking about thegritsbowl that i had during my first visit.

if you want to waste your money, this is the place to go!!! i called in this morning around 6:35 and placed a no brainer simple order just to sample the food. two biscuits, two side of grits, one order of eggs scrambled with cheese. the order was ready at 6:50 the biscuits were as hard as a rock, thegritswere running and unappealing and the scrambled eggs with cheeses were wet. needless to say we didn't eat the food, it went right in the trash along with 17 bucks!! i guess my concern is how can you be served hard biscuits within 20 mins of opening???