UNCC

I didnt even know people still gave respect to 311, but this reverse video shot by UNCC student is just too cool when mixed ith the underrated smooth style of 3/11.

I had the great honor of seeing 311 live at the Metropole in Pittsburgh, PA many years ago in my youth. The funny twist to this story is that 311 was the headline band that night and rocked us almost deaf the next day, but the opening band was more of the story now that we look back.

The opening act for 311 that day was a smalltime somewhat unknown band called KORN. Without having to say more, we got our money’s worth that night. We later had to stay the night in Pittsburgh because 14 inches of snow fell while in the concert and it was more than our Miata could handle.

What makes this news on our site?
I am gonna keep plugging away till we get some on the scene students to take over covering UNCC stories for us or sending whatever is cool and a worthy read for other students.
Enjoy this.

Enjoy.

Well that vote went well as expected. 78% of students in the largest student vote turnout to date said yes they want the Niners to have football in Charlotte. I am not surprised, when it was asking college students if they want football games.

I think much of the counter arguument would fall on deaf ears covered up by big green foam fingers that say “we’re #1″ on them.

“Through an online poll, 78 percent of the student body voted to support the fees increase. Now a new advisory committee will look at the feasibility of adding a team.
One of the main issues is if there’s enough interest citywide to warrant and pay for another sports team.

“It’s pretty fun for me to be able to stand here today and say that this may be the start of something really big,” said Ben Comstock, the student body president at UNCC.”

The plan for football brings with it the challenge of student body interest to build and maintain ticket sales. In this writers opinion that would be a no brainer even in a large stadium. Charlotte is a basketball town first, but the Panthers success has built a good football base as well. I welcome the games near my home and look forward to attending often. This need for attendence was one of the concern that the next year and $150,000 exploration into the feasability will explore. If the games sell out well there is a good promise of money from ticket sales for football helping to fund and grow the other athletic areas of UNCC. The revenue generated could well lead to a stronger backing for the Bastketball teams and an added draw for recruiting students and atheletes.

Hats off to the students who did much of the work, and heats off to the fact that it should be that way. Let this success and the evntual football team be the product of student persistence and the long time property of the students themselves.

I hope UNCC will extend its football traditions in the future to letting the team and players remember the student bidy and the fans that built the team from scratch with signatures.

I hope UNCC senior days on the field include the 12 man in making this happen.

Here is my little slice of love to the Niner nation.

See the previous post on the team vote >

UNC Charlotte does not have a football program because it is a costly endeavor. The costs will need to be paid for by students and university donors.

The vote is going on NOW until the 25th of February, head to the student government site for details.

About 75% of the Athletic Department’s budget is paid for via student fees. A significant contribution in the form of increased student fees would be needed if UNC Charlotte started a football program.

Take a look at what other college students pay per student fot the athletic fees here

You will see from the above linked chart that UNCC already has a pretty high end athletic fee for a school with no football.

Q: Will voting for a fee increase cause my fees to go up immediately?
No. The Athletic Department would likely phase in a “football fee” over several years.

Q: What kind of football team would Charlotte get?
Division 1AA or 1A. Because we currently compete in the Division I level, we can not move down to Divisions II or III.

Q: If UNC Charlotte’s administration decided to start football tomorrow, what would need to happen?
Scholarships, coaches, staff, facilities, women’s athletic programs (Title IX), operational expenses, etc.

Q: What have increased student fees paid for in UNC Charlotte’s history?
The SAC, the Student Union, Cone Center, Health Center, playing fields

Q: Why would student fees need to increase for UNC Charlotte to get a football program?
The UNC system does not provide funding for athletics. Tuition pays only for the operating costs to run UNC Charlotte’s academic programs. Student fees pay for activities.

Answers From: http://sga.uncc.edu/vote

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Grande Promenade Center, WT Harris Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28262
704 971-3380
Pictures From Moes Southwest Grill

Another of the old reviews getting carried over to Charlottecritic 2.0
Been to Moe’s a half dozen times this past year and it
is still just as cool as I thought back then.

About 2 days back got a chance to stop in and
try the brand new location of
Moe’s Southwest Grill, which actually has a mostly
Mexican food menu. The new
location is in the Grande Promenade II (2) which is on Harris pretty close to
UNCC. This location is in conjunction and affiliated with the Shane’s Rib Shack
franchise.

The fact that they built so close to Qdoba
in the Promenade shows either confidence in their product or a
different target audience. I think they have a different target audience and
a better parking situation which should lead to them beating out Qdoba for most
of the college crowd once they get found.

The food is amazingly similar to what Qdoba serves with a bit more authenticity
and a little less retro-yuppie design in mind. Needless to say the hot sauce
actually making me sweat was nice to find in a semi-fast food situation like
this.

To walk in you will see student serving students and music playing in what
can only be described as a ‘cool place’. The two people working were both very
cool in offering suggestions and assure me that the ranch suace on your burrito
is a very smart choice. I had a pretty massive steak burrito that is equal in
size and weight to what Qdoba serves, which is a compliment. The burrito doesnt
though have 75% rice and beans like Qdoba served. The burrito at Moe’s was more
meat, cheese and vegetables, or to say traditional. Im not bashing Qdoba
on this fact, the rice and beans has a excellent distinct tang to it that cool
also, but not my personal preference.

Important thought #2? men like sauce, dipping and spice….Moe’s staff offered
up ranch sauce, but I opted for the hot sauce which will have you teetering
on a sweat, which is a perfect level of heat.Also Moe’s has a specific sauce
‘bar’ which has your standards green, brown, and 3 levels of red. The Green
salsa is not hot at all and very sweet and tasty.

My Ms. had the Quesadillas which she wasnt thrill about having to assemble
with no extra plate, and the somewhat light amount of grilled chicken that came
with it. But as you see in the image of the Moe’s
Food she had, if you have a side of hot sauce and been drinking all day,
you will be pleased with this sloppy spread.

While comparing this qith Qdoba and the similarities, we need to say you get
a much larger menu here and it should definately withstand return visits much
better over the college school year. Pretty much all the standard basket edible
mexican dishes like tacos, nachos, burritos and more all served for about $6
to $8.

If you are out with your new boss, your uppity co workers or your girlfriends
parents then maybe stopping at Qdoba’s somewhat "clean cut good food on
the go" appeal is best. But if you are a student looking for a new place
in the area for late night or preparty food with your boys that is pretty cool
and should become a popular spot then try Moes first.

Moe’s Southwest Grill is straight forward tasty basket mexican with lots of
sauces, clean environment and very friendly staff that is sure to win over the
college crowd with a very cool atmosphere and setting.

My recommendation to them would be extending hours to 2am + and capitalize
on the fact that after party hot spots with this kind of menu and cool setting
is sure to become a local UNCC student dietary staple.

I will be back for another go at the tacos.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Grand Promenade Suite 230
Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 510-1545

Walked past it 5 times and never got around to going in, now I have. Buffalo
Wild Wings at the Grande Promenade II Upper level.

Having been a lifetime Buffalo Sports fan and local to western NY, I take particular
notice of anyplace trying to sprinkle the word New York or Buffalo Style on
their menu. All in all, I left with no offense taken.

When you walk in your get the strong wood-grain and projection TV atmosphere
of a sports bar, with alot of games and color around. Its like a sports bar
and a ChuckECheese had a baby and its name was Buffalo Wild Wings. This is to
say a very fun looking place and nice relaxing atmosphere, with an incredible
amount of sports on a ton of TV’s.

If you want to watch the game, this layout and atmosphere seems absoluetly
perfect to do so.

The menu at Buffalo Wild Wings, is pretty much what you might expect, if anything
a bit less to choose from than I would have though when opening the huge multi-color
menu. You will find the expected affair of wings, burgers with fancy combinations
and chicken sandwich type platters.

What did catch my attention quickly was the fact that it was actually pretty
pricey for this type of place.

Both me and the Ms. had a burger from the selection, her a Shroom and Swiss,
and me a Black and Blue Burger which is spicy blue cheese. Both burger were
about $4 or $4.50 and that isnt with anything but a pickle next to it. Not that
this is a pile of cash, but its just for the burger, this burger better sing
and dance for most of $5.

We went with the standard side served at Buffalo Wild Wings which is potato
wedges, or short little steak fries.

Firstly, the waitress was very nice, very friendly and attentive, so for that
we say thanks upfront.

The burgers came out and looked awfully dissapointing, about 8 tiny from a
can mushrooms on the wife’s and mine basically looked like I made it at home
with a thin-thin patty, or to say, not impressive to see.

The fact that I just paid $4.50 for just this pretty sad burger was a bummer
for such a cool place. But there is some slight salvation, the burger tasted
good. While it looked like a homemade burger for over $4, it also tasted like
one, but from the grill. There is a distinct grill taste and the burgr despite
looking like not much for alot of money did really taste good. Also nice bonus
points for a place that finally uses a real "roll" and not a puny
bun. The taste difference of the good hearty "real roll" is measurable
and appreciated (since I just overpaid anyhow).

Should you goto Buffalo Wild Wings?

If you dont think $4.25 for a burger, then $2.50 more for fries, then paying
for a drink is too much to pay for a decent burger? then yes. This is a fun
place to watch the game, and Im going to guess they have some great monday night
football scenes in this huge place with 20+ TV’s.

Not overly impressive food presentation, pretty sad actually, but the ingedients
and real grill taste saved some face. This coupled with a great huge and casual
sporty place makes for a fun but not all too great dining experience.

If you want better food, or you are with a date, goto Red Robin. If you are
with the boys and wings sound like a possability, then give this place one try.

Ishi Japanese Restaurant

8109 University City Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28213
(704) 921-9219

This is a review contributed by a reader almost a year ago. I sat with a local UNCC student and got the same raves about this great place.

Seems that if you are on a budget and want the best quality food for a low price and served up fast, this may be the best choice around UNCC.

From the story I was told most students already know and swear by this place for a fast cheap alternative to Ramen Pride noodles or mac and cheese for fast and cheap. So if you want a pace change read on and then get your last 47 cents in the gas tank and drive to grab a great lunch by UNCC.

Ishi for the college crowd and budget!

If you have ever been on a budget then you know about ISHI, the best alternative
to Chinese food, Japanese food.

We have been long long customers to ISHI and go 3-4 times a month.

You can’t beat the prices on everything, from the hibachi chicken to the sushi.
The college student headquarters because you can get lunch for $5, seriously!
Sushi is very inexpensive and the staff is very quick. You never have to ask
for more beverage, the food is just enough, and you can’t complain about the
price.

I highly recommend anything on the menu. It is the exact same food that you
can get at Kabuto or Nakato, but for a fraction of the price. (Don’t forget
to pick up one of my business cards for a mortgage when you walk in the door
to your left!)

Why only 4 1/2 stars - The food is good, not great, it is always warm, but
never piping. You can’t argue with the price or the service. The atmosphere
is a little dated, but the service is so quick that you don’t have time to notice
it.

Moes Southwest Grill

3.5 Stars 

Charlotte Critic
Grande Promenade Center, WT Harris BLVD
Charlotte 28262
704 971-3380
Menu Features: tacos,burrito,nachos,cool food

Photos from our first of many trips to Moe’s >

Restaurant Review For Moe’s Southwest Grill
About 2 days back got a chance to stop in and try the brand new location of Moe’s Southwest Grill, which actually has a mostly Mexican food menu. The new location is in the Grande Promenade II (2) which is on Harris pretty close to UNCC. This location is in conjunction and affiliated with the Shane’s Rib Shack franchise. The fact that they built so close to Qdoba in the Promenade shows either confidence in their product or a different target audience. I think they have a different target audience and a better parking situation which should lead to them beating out Qdoba for most of the college crowd once they get found. The food is amazingly similar to what Qdoba serves with a bit more authenticity and a little less retro-yuppie design in mind. Needless to say the hot sauce actually making me sweat was nice to find in a semi-fast food situation like this. To walk in you will see student serving students and music playing in what can only be described as a ‘cool place’. The two people working were both very cool in offering suggestions and assure me that the ranch suace on your burrito is a very smart choice. I had a pretty massive steak burrito that is equal in size and weight to what Qdoba serves, which is a compliment. The burrito doesnt though have 75% rice and beans like Qdoba served. The burrito at Moe’s was more meat, cheese and vegetables, or to say traditional. Im not bashing Qdoba on this fact, the rice and beans has a excellent distinct tang to it that cool also, but not my personal preference. Important thought #2? men like sauce, dipping and spice….Moe’s staff offered up ranch sauce, but I opted for the hot sauce which will have you teetering on a sweat, which is a perfect level of heat.Also Moe’s has a specific sauce ‘bar’ which has your standards green, brown, and 3 levels of red. The Green salsa is not hot at all and very sweet and tasty. My Ms. had the Quesadillas which she wasnt thrill about having to assemble with no extra plate, and the somewhat light amount of grilled chicken that came with it. But as you see in the image of the Moe’s Food she had, if you have a side of hot sauce and been drinking all day, you will be pleased with this sloppy spread. While comparing this qith Qdoba and the similarities, we need to say you get a much larger menu here and it should definately withstand return visits much better over the college school year. Pretty much all the standard basket edible mexican dishes like tacos, nachos, burritos and more all served for about to . If you are out with your new boss, your uppity co workers or your girlfriends parents then maybe stopping at Qdoba’s somewhat “clean cut good food on the go” appeal is best. But if you are a student looking for a new place in the area for late night or preparty food with your boys that is pretty cool and should become a popular spot then try Moes first. Moe’s Southwest Grill is straight forward tasty basket mexican with lots of sauces, clean environment and very friendly staff that is sure to win over the college crowd with a very cool atmosphere and setting. My recommendation to them would be extending hours to 2am + and capitalize on the fact that after party hot spots with this kind of menu and cool setting is sure to become a local UNCC student dietary staple. I will be back for another go at the tacos.

Hardees

3 Stars

Charlotte Critic
8428 University Blvd
Charlotte 28213
burgers, fries

Restaurant Review For Hardees
So yes its a review of a Hardees? Why not. hardees had recently gone through alot of effort to remarket their name as the proprietor of the “best burgers around”. Hardees is stepping to the side of fast food with “slow” fast food. They are now serving Angus beef hand made Hardees thickburgers. So basically you get the same hardees “atmosphere” of a 2nd level fast food burger joint with the twist of high quality burgers like your “unle Joe” used to grill in july. This location of Hardees at 8428 University Blvd is a bit shady and not the newest location. It landed a 95 inspection rating which is pretty good in a older franchise building like this. The staff was friendly enough, and the fact that they give you a table number seemed nice as they bring your food out to your table with a smile. The downside of this being that when you have a tbale number it implies a long wait…..which IS THE CASE. The new hardees thickburgers are definately miles above most other fast food joints. The burgers do actually taste like one you would get at a barbque, and are pretty darn good even by barbque standards. The fries are just like Burgerking, which means they have that alternative oil which makes them criper and air’ier’ than McD’s. All in all its the same old place, 2nd bst compared to McD’s or Wendy’s, With the exception being they did accomplish the one simple goal of making the best Burgers that come in a bag. Worth a trip, and if you find a particularily new or nice location maybe it could be your regular place to go to avoid cooking for the kids. Thickburgers? = YES
Good franchise? = ehhh…not bad.
Friendly staff? = Everyone in Charlotte is friendly.

So got another inspiring coupon! which is to say a coupon in the mail with a sweet picture fo food and the words free somewhere on it.

I love getting these deals on new places so i can expand our site myself, but I also love free food from places I already know as being good.

So there it was BAM n the clipper magazine, a free burrito!

It was a coupon for a free burrito with a drink purchase at Moe’s, which as I said in the review, “is just plain cool”.

Original Review:

http://www.charlottecritic.com/mexican-restaurants/Moes-Southwest-Grill.html

When I pulled up during the Monday night double header, the ower was outside plastering up his “Voted Best Mexican by Citysearch!” banner on the wall.

As I had said earlier, cityseaarch sucks, as it is so falsified from employees and fake reviews that it becomes counter-productive as a site to suggest eateries.

I dont want to bring down Moe’s with them though, as Moe’s is just plain cool and has solid food no doubt. Throw in the cool music, friendly staff and character of this great location by UNCC and it is a worth while once a week hangout.

So I guess this post is a mixed bag, I am glad that a cool restaurant like Moe’s is finding success.

I took the time to try all of their sauces on this visit and the brown hot sauce they offer is fantastic and flavorful.

If you havnt taken a trip to check this place out, they offer free wi-fi with outdoor seating, they have pretty cheap prices with everything on the menu about $4.50 to $6.50, they have great suaces and a cool staff on every visit……

and a free burrito coupon?!! Thank you sir may I have another.

moes, moes southwest grill, charlotte mexican, best of charlotte, best mexican charlotte

If you dont live in the north Charlotte area or University City, then you miss out on a pretty cool publication. I have decided to “break-ice” on how much I enjoy this publication this week since they really hit a home run for food lovers this time through.

I am referring to University City Magazine, which is about a 80 page full color publication the the highest quality. As a web professional I am mind-blown from the beautiful layouts, clean design of the pages/navigation, and great photos of the magazine. 

This publication pretty much touches on University City business and schools and how they reach out to the area in their personal way.

So now the other shoe dropping? I am dying to contact them and try to be a part of something I enjoy reading. I see a level of quality one slight step above similar publications, and sometimes that just makes someone want to be associated with that sort of quality.

Not very often does something so “everyday” as a free publication in your mailbox make you feel that way, but this  is one of those times for me.

So Sharon Simpson, Lee McCracken, Jennifer Hansell, Jane Rodewald, or maybe Amy Wall send me an email…tell me to clean up my act a bit, and find a way I can sling my
“everyday man’s bs” for a more productive outlet.

Since marketing is what I love the most, I know your names here will someday find there way to your eyes by some indirect means thanks to google.com.
critic{at}charlottecritic.com

This week University City Magazine touched on one of my favorite places to redeem coupons, the Grand Promenade II.

Grand Promenade II features Shanes Rib Shack, which we frequent and are on good terms with the owner, Moe’s Southwest Grill which we describe as plain old “cool”, and Doc Green’s which also received rave reviews here on our site. I cant take credit for that review though, since I cant be caught eating salads.

The coverage for these great establishments in University City Magazine were not so much a review as an introduction for those who havn’t been yet. I am though happy to have spent my time with their always good reading and great photos.

I also am thrilled to have learned more about the upcoming University City Race Taste, and I thank University City magazine for this as well. Looks like my $5 will get me all of the best tastes of University City in an all day family fun music and food affair.

Say that 5 times fast.

University City, University City magazine, charlotte magazines, Grand Promenade, taste race