America’s Best Restaurants Show Features North Carolina Italian Restaurant

It seems North Carolina is a hot bed of culinary activity with more and more great eateries getting attention.  And now, America's Best Restaurants Roadshow features a North Carolina restaurant.

According to WSOC TV, Pellegrino's Trattoria in Troutman gets a visit from the national show in December.  In the same vein as a Diner's Drive Ins And Dives type idea, America's Best Restaurants brings a spotlight to local eateries.  The Pellegrino's Trattoria website says, "When in Italy, you travel to Rome.  When in NC, you travel to Pellegrino's Trattoria."

The locally and independently owned Italian eatery was voted best pizza/Italian and Best Dessert in 2018, 2019 and 2022 Lake Norman.  And, the owners are brothers who grew up in a true Italian kitchen.  Their father came from Calabria and their mother from Sicily.  And, they came to America in their late teens.  Then, the brothers subsequently began working in Italian restaurants at a very early age.  And, that's where they learned the best quality ingredients always win.  Plus, they even learned a special technique for making fresh mozzarella.

Pellegrino's Trattoria proudly touts the spot as "Home of the Biggest Meatball in NC."  However, they only make the famous 2 pound meatball when they feel like it.  So, count yourself lucky if you get to partake!  So, I can't wait to see this very special North Carolina restaurant featured on America's Best Restaurants.  There's nothing like an authentic Italian restaurant.  And, I especially love when it's close, local and independently owned by family.

And, very much like other shows of this nature, diners go to the show's website to submit nominations for their favorite spots to be featured.  Their website says they traveled to 28 states and published 842 episodes so far.  Plus, they showcased other North Carolina restaurants in the past, including Jekyll & Hyde in Matthews and the famous Brooks' Sandwich House in Charlotte.

For more, see the full story from WSOC.  And, visit Pellegrino's Trattoria site for more on this must visit spot.  Also, they are giving a chance to win gift cards for your help choosing which dishes to feature on the show.  See their Facebook for more!

Do you have plans for Christmas Day this year? Well, tons of people are planning for their holiday dinner this year. Sometimes we want to be able to travel to a special family member's house or go out of town to visit those we don't see often. But, what about those who may not want to cook their own food? Some families don't have a lot of people to gather around a table and would rather have a small, quaint dinner. Then there are those larger families who just prefer not to cook at all.

Well, there are a few Charlotte restaurants that are allowing you to book your reservation for Christmas Day now. A few fine dining restaurants and some casual spots are allowing you to dine in on Christmas Day. You never know how busy times may get, so you may want to book your reservation early. Check out the full list below of some of the Charlotte restaurants open on Christmas Day. You can book your Christmas Day reservations NOW.

Starting off with a pretty popular local eatery in the Uptown area of Charlotte. Chima Steakhouse has a few Christmas Day reservations available for those not wanting to cook their own food for the holidays. Enjoy tons of food options such as seafood salad, a chima burger, lamb chops, chicken skewers, and more all on Christmas Day.

Here is another steakhouse that you may want to check out for Christmas Day. Dean's Italian Steakhouse is another elegant steakhouse that has reservations opened that day. Enjoy elegant and classic flavors such as prime steaks, homemade pastas, salads, and sweet Italian desserts. Sit dine and enjoy small talk over a plate of food you didn't have to sweat to make and enjoy the special holiday.

Up next is a spot pretty special to my heart, it's 204 North Kitchen & Cocktails in Uptown Charlotte. This is one of the first restaurants I tried when I first moved to Charlotte and the food is quite amazing. You have so many tasty small plate options, entrees, special cocktails, desserts, and a great ambiance to enjoy.

Head to McCormick & Schmick's that has multiple locations in the Charlotte area with reservations available. If you're looking for some great seafood to enjoy Christmas Day (like me) then this might be a perfect option for you. Enjoy beer battered fish & chips, buttermilk fried shrimp, crab cake sandwich, oysters, calamari, and more. 

Sounds like the steakhouses are where you need to be this Christmas, maybe? Now, we're talking about STK Steakhouse up next. Some may have already tried out this spot and others have been looking for the chance to give it a taste. Well, Christmas Day might be a good starter. Enjoy options like short rib, salmon, ribeye, lamb rack, and more.

More seafood, but an oyster bar is a great place to go. Caroline Oyster's Bar is bringing coastal seafood to Charlotte to enjoy on the patio or in the dining room. Reservations are open for Christmas Day so you can grab a great bite to eat. Enjoy BBQ shrimp, oyster Rockefeller, pimento fritters, wagyu burger, scallops, fish and chips, and more!

Ever had Japanese BBQ for Christmas dinner? Not I, but if you're looking for somewhere to go then you might have a spot to check out. Gyu-Kaku is serving up Japanese BBQ to help those who don't want to cook for Christmas Day. Enjoy options such as miso soup, dumplings, spicy tofu, and tons of BBQ meat options.