May 17, 2017 - Food and Drink

Think getting a 3-course meal for $16 in Charlotte is impossible? Think again.

Claire Hart

In west Charlotte by the site of the old Coliseum, tucked away behind some office buildings, you’ll find Artisan Restaurant.

At Artisan, $16.95 (plus tax, tip, and beverage) will get you an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The catch? It’s student-run.

Artisan serves as a “dining lab” for students at the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Charlotte. It gives them experience in both the kitchen and dining room.

From cooking bistro-style dishes to seating and serving guests, these students do it all. The point is to get them ready for jobs in Charlotte’s culinary scene.

But don’t let that scare you away — you’ll find the same quality here as you would your “go-to” dining spot.

Don’t believe me? Check this out.

They have a variety of appetizers.

Carrot Consommé (that’s French for “soup”)

Served with Crab, Radish and Edible Flowers.

Artisan Salad

Beets, Strawberries, Fromage Blanc, THF Greens and Toasted Almonds

Spring Garden Plate

Quinoa Salad, Baby Carrots, Golden Beets, Sweet Onions, Turnips, Radish, Parsnip and Arugula- my personal favorite. It was so fresh and flavorful.

For your entree, you can choose from the Pan Seared Chicken, Roasted Lamb Rack, or Pan Seared Snapper ($16.95?!).

From left to right: The Chicken is served with Spring Pea Risotto, Glazed Beets, Broccoli, Miso Buerre Blanc, and Chive Oil. The Lamb comes with Sweet Onion Puree, Roasted Cauliflower, Asparagus, Potatoes, and Mint Gremolata. The Snapper is served with a Kale and Edamame Fritter, Braised Fennel, Baby Carrots, and Fried Leeks.

As for your sweet tooth, Artisan’s got you covered.

Order the Strawberry-Fennel or Chocolate-Raspberry (chocolate sorbet decorated with fresh raspberries and caramel sauce, topped with an edible flower… may I repeat- $16.95?!).

The Strawberry-Fennel (left) includes Fennel Panna Cotta, Strawberries and an Anise Puff Pastry Straw. The Chocolate-Raspberry (right) is a Chocolate Sorbet with a Chocolate Meringue Powder, Raspberry Coulis, Fresh Raspberries, Caramel Sauce and an edible flower.

Located at 2110 Water Ridge Parkway, Artisan is open Tuesday and Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

They’ll be rolling out a new dinner service this fall.

Call 704-357-5900 to make a reservation.

It’s safe to say if my imaginary boyfriend ever takes me to Artisan, I’ll be impressed. It takes “cheap date” to a whole new level.

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