Six of the most amazing meals our team ate in August, plus what Guns n Roses’ Slash had in Charlotte

Context: Slash from Guns n’ Roses made a stop at Midwood Smokehouse in Plaza Midwood ahead of his band’s performance at Spectrum Center. We’re told the lead guitarist ordered the “Well Fed” with burnt ends and banana pudding for dessert.

• Each month we release a list of the best meals we ate. Axios’ Alexandria Sands happened to also choose her meal from Midwood Smokehouse as her top contender.

Here are six of the best dishes our team ate this month, listed in no particular order.

Tacos from Midwood Smokehouse in Plaza Midwood

Midwood Smokehouse is a go-to, never-fail spot for a solid meal. I tried the tacos this time around. The Chili Nelson ($12) is your choice of meat (I opted for brisket), salsa verde, caramelized onion and cilantro, with slaw and a side. — Alexandria Sands, reporter

Ahi tuna nachos from Rally in LoSo

I’ve been obsessed with tuna nachos since I tried them at Fahrenheit in 2021. Now, if I see it on the menu, I have to order them. The ahi tuna nachos at Rally didn’t disappoint. I’d definitely order them again. — Ashley Mahoney, reporter

Go deeper: Pickleball restaurant and bar with 8 courts opens in LoSo

The Lights acai from The Lights Cafe in Ballantyne

It’s summer, which means I’m always on the lookout for an acai bowl to cool off with, and The Lights Cafe makes one that’s high volume, filling and stacked with all the good stuff (bananas, strawberries, granola, cacao nibs and coconut flakes). For $2, you can add their homemade almond butter to make it extra satiating. — McKenzie Rankin, reporter

Sushi from New Zealand Cafe in east Charlotte

I ordered the Rainbow Roll ($11.95) and Lobster Roll ($16.95) — each comes with about eight pieces. This place lives up to the hype for being some of the best sushi in town given the fresh taste and price. — Alexis Clinton, reporter

Vegan breakfast burrito from Rhino Market on North Davidson

It felt healthy since it’s vegan, but it’s filling and packed with flavor. It’s a tortilla stuffed with potato hash, vegan sausage, vegan cheese, salsa and greens. — Katie Peralta Soloff, editor

The Calibird from Summerbird in South End

I was skeptical to try this place out because of some mixed reviews I heard when it first opened but I gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised with my meal. The chicken sandwich ($10) was crispy and juicy, the milkshake ($6) was delicious and filled with bits of chocolate chip cookies. The fries ($3.75) could’ve used some salt but I was too full to finish them anyway. — Laura Barrero, editor