Tanner's Bistro brings new flavor

December 07, 2013

Tanner's Bistro brings new flavor

Often when new businesses pop up where similar ones existed, people assume there has just been a name change. Tanner's Bistro and Lounge occupies a space once called the home of Kalu and then 505 East, but it is a brand new place and experience.

A chat with Val, pictured above, proved that Tanner's is handling the restaurant business in a fresh new way. They're focused on becoming part of their neighborhood in the swank Uptown Charlotte area where they reside.

I was invited to attend the grand opening and experience the menu. Whew child!!! Sample I did! I am a food lover and can tell you what I like and don't like quick fast and in a hurry!

My first taste was a passed bite that was quite spicy. It was spicy red pepper, crab and edamame purée atop a crispy wanton. Delicious to me, but hot! LOL it's funny because I usually don't eat spicy foods but strangely when I do, peppers typically don't bother me.

I also tried a shrimp dumpling that I did not like at all... It was steamed and not tasty. it probably should have been fried. Since I was at a table with journalists and media reps, we ordered different dishes and shared. Some things I was unwilling to try. I have a weird thing about not eating certain animals... I try to not eat cute animals...LMBO ...don't judge me.

So when duck wings came to the table I refused!!! Ducks are adorable...am I wrong? LOL the other folks at the table loved them... I just ate the pickled veggies on the side, which I absolutely loved!!!

The entrees are interesting and, besides the edamame hummus (which isn't yet on the menu), were our favorite parts of the meal. I had a salmon cake sandwich with a picked relish and garlic aioli. Yummy!!! One of my table mates had fried tilapia... It was perfectly fried, but did lack a tad of seasoning...so to catch flavorful bites, we had to dip it in sauce.

Overall the Tanner's experience is fresh and expressive. The decor is similar to the prior tenants, but the atmosphere invites a modern multi-cultural crowd. It looks like a spot you'd find in Harlem today. Swank and chic, live music and tasty eats. You can share seating with a group of friends or intimate corners with a date.

The area downstairs gives room for movement as well. Then there's a lounge upstairs, were mixing and mingling is invited. I don't drink at all, and never have, however my table mates did partake in a variety of shots and cocktails from one of two bars in the spot.

An added bonus for Tanner's is parking!! The restaurant will offer valet and some reserved parking for patrons!

If you visit Charlotte, try out Tanner's located at 505 E. 6th Street. I can definitely see this being a spot for the professional crowd after work.

OTHER DISHES