Tapas at the Dandelion Market

Evening One/Stop Two: The Dandelion Market

Location: 118 W. Fifth St.

First impression: Could have been in Dublin! Had the look and feel of an Irish pub. A place to have a rollicking good time. Big tables, sturdy enough for a rugby team.

Waitstaff: Very friendly. Eager to explain the small-plate concept.

Wine list: 25 bottles for $25! Some unusual vintners, but usual varietals. Has craft beers.

Cuisine: British Isles and northern European. Hearty fare. Rich sauces. Small-plate-sized entree items. Food with a man in mind.

Group choices: Fried artichoke hearts (battered and deep fried); sauteed wild mushrooms in a Marsala, cream and rosemary sauce (excellent); old-school meatballs in a tomato basil sauce (satisfied the meat lovers among us); flatbread with duck confit, Brie, apricot preserves, rosemary and a splash of Balsamic vinegar (unusual combination that was tasty but not as “ducky” as we were expecting).

Most unusual menu item: Fried sage leaves with sea salt and garlic sauce.

Overall impression: Fear of starvation totally erased from our minds! Would be a great place to spend a chilly, fall evening with enough friends to sample everything.

More info: Dandelion Market Charlotte or 704.333.7989

~ Sue Bartlett