Sharing Flavors & Laughter at Kid Cashew
Kid Cashew
1608 East Boulevard
Charlotte, North Carolina 28203
https://www.facebook.com/KidCashew/
Taking a trip to Charlotte in the near future? If so, I have a place that you MUST try. Kid Cashew. It is EVERYTHING. Literally, it might be my favorite brunch I've had in the last six months and that is one serious statement from a girl who loves to brunch!
First things first, go ahead and order the carafe of mimosas. Yes, even if it's just you. You will thank me later. Not only is the juice fresh, but they are mixed perfectly. Sitting on their patio sipping a mimosa is the only way you will want to start your Saturday.
Secondly, let's talk about this interior. It's both rustic and charming. When you walk in the door you immediately feel like you are home. I love the mismatched chairs and brightly colored booths paired with the beautiful chandeliers.
I am fortunate that I have girlfriends who are as passionate about food as I am allowing us the opportunity to try over half of the brunch menu. Looking back on the experience, I wouldn't have had it any other way.
Sipping on a mimosa, we started with the Spanish Octopus. Perfectly grilled over an open flame, the octopus was topped with a lemon vinaigrette and garnished with oregano leaves. The octopus was incredibly tender and the lemon vinaigrette added the perfect burst of flavor for the dish.
Spanish Octopus: Char-grilled Octopus with Lemon Vinaigrette and Oregano Leaves
Before we could polish off the octopus, the Avocado Toast made its way to the table. STUNNER. This was not your basic avocado toast. Kid Cashew uses only the finest ingredients, sourcing almost everything from local purveyors. The toast was a thickly sliced piece of whole grain bread lightly toasted to provide that extra crunch. Atop this lovely piece of toast was a mixture of avocado, onion, cucumbers and tomatoes. As if this couldn't get any better, a poached egg was placed on top of the heaping mound of avocado and garnished with some chives and dill. This way by far my favorite dish of the day.
Avocado Toast: Smashed whole avocado, Poached egg
Moving on to a bit more heartier entree, we tried the Shrimp and Grits. Being the Southern girl that I am, I felt compelled to see how Charlotte prepared this dish. Shrimp and Grits have so many variations that there's only one thing that you can be certain of there will be shrimp and there will be grits! Kid Cashew knocks it out of the park on this dish. The grits were creamy and the garlic butter sauce was like silky gravy on top. I loved the cherry tomatoes placed in between the shrimp providing a bit of decoration and an extra bite of flavor.
Shrimp and Grits: Yellow Grits, Wild Gulf Shrimp, Garlic Butter Sauce
Truth: Total food coma symptoms swept the table. I wasn't sure how we were going to make it. Lucky for us, the Beets made their way to our table in the nick of time. I have rather mixed feelings on beets. I think I was so scarred from having them out of a can when I was younger that I have steered away from them as an adult. Regardless of my nonsense, I threw caution to the wind and give this dish a chance. Wow, I am glad that I did. These were sensational! Roasted over an open wood fired, the beets were then chilled and then topped with a whipped goat cheese and served with fresh citrus. Blown away. This dish has totally changed my outlook.
Beets: Whipped Goat Cheese and Toasted Pistachios
Concluding out feast was none other than Mac & Cheese Gratin. Seriously, how can anyone say no? (I feel so sorry for those people lactose intolerant- the things they miss out on). Served with leeks and shallots, this mac and cheese was perfection. The dish was just large enough for us to each have a spoonful, tipping us over the edge.
Mac & Five-Cheese Gratin with Leeks and Shallots
Kid Cashew is a must when visiting Charlotte. Brunch was impeccable. I had a chance to sneak a peek at the dinner menu and it's just as stellar as brunch. Brunch is served until 3pm, so head over early, grab a spot on the patio and enjoy everything Kid Cashew has to offer! I am certain you will enjoy every last bite!
Until Next Time!