Celebrating at The McNinch House

Like warm milk left out of the fridge, I am incredibly spoiled.

My boyfriend took me to a 10-course fine-dining meal at the famed Uptown purple-housed restaurant The McNinch House last night to celebrate a handful of recent milestones.

And not only did he treat me to an incredible meal, he rented out the entire restaurant, too.

Well, sort of not really. But if felt that way as we and the entire front dining room to ourselves with the nook table facing the front garden – the best table in the house.

The elaborate meal is definitely something to try at least once in a lifetime. There’s no other restaurant like it in town – in terms of decor/ambiance and cuisine.

7 pm. Mike peruses the wine menu before the meal begins.

So excited about being spoiled rotten.

Our table in the front dining room overlooked the garden and Church Street.

Beautiful elaborate sliverware and plates.

And it begins … A mini cheddar and mushroom muffin. The surprising flavor combo is a winner.

Goat cheese foam with balsamic reduction.

Shrimp on a fried green tomato, on remoulade sauce, with tarragon. My favorite dish all night.

Chilled corn bisque with chile cream, olive oil, and lime zest. Tasted like lemongrass!

It looks like a hockey puck, but this corn muffin was incredibly warm and fluffy.

Watermelon gelee, parmesan crisps, watermelon slice, baby greens, tapenade, grape tomatoes, and an edible flower.

A little palette cleanser: Black pepper strawberry sorbet. I would buy a pint of this stuff if I could.

Fried trout over lobster potato salad and proscuitto.

Happy as a clam.

Our private room.

Best duck I’ve ever had. Served over cheddar grits, and also beets, fuji apples, and an apple sauce.

Cornbread muffin makes a second appearance.

Super tender grass-fed beef topped with tomato bacon jam, over white beans and green peppercorn sauce.

Crostinis with cherry compote and blue cheese, topped with celery curls.

Complimentary port wine to accompany dessert.

Two desserts: Blackberry sorbet over pirouettes, and warm peach berry cobbler.

Chocolate truffle with macadamia nuts and citrus salad.

Ooo! Flowers for me!

Just call me “Pig”

Oink.

10:30 pm. Look how dark it got over the course of the dinner.

Happy as pigs in mud.

McNinch House Restaurant
511 N. Church Street
Charlotte, NC 28202