Helen D.
Yelp
At least once a week, I take a night off from cooking. This week, my husband and I really wanted something new, a place that we haven't tried yet and we landed on Peppervine. This was during the week and later in the evening so when got there, we were able to get a table on the patio with no wait. The weather here in Charlotte has been amazing this past week and it's too lovely to be inside. The patio at Peppervine feels like a secluded little haven. The glass-enclosed fire pit was going and the atmosphere was lively so the evening was wonderful from the get-go.
Surveying the wine menu, I noticed an option to "be surprised" with a glass of wine chosen for you. As it turned out, the wine was chosen by the General Manager and Wine Director for Peppervine, Tommy. He brought a glass of Portuguese Vinho Verde and explained the characteristics of the wine and why it feels, on the palate, like it's slightly effervescent. Tommy is charming and the wine was delightful.
We moved on to ordering, and the preference at Peppervine is that you order all at once and they stage your meal for you. It was nice to order and be done with it. It was staged very well, and our service was excellent.
We started with pimento scones, fried oysters from the menu, and their tuna tartare which was a special that evening. All three were perfectly balanced and hit the right notes of savory, bright pops of acidity, combinations of textures, and being very visually appealing. We were a little indulgent on the apps so I went with a small plate for my entre and chose the Spanish Octopus. It is a flavor explosion in the best possible way. The octopus was perfectly cooked and tender accompanied by a beautiful carrot romesco, fingerling potatoes, thinly sliced brussels sprouts, and crispy bits of chorizo. The chorizo and harissa give it just a kiss of spice that, for me, make it something truly special. I cannot recommend Peppervine enough, and we will definitely be going back! Soon.