Gourmand — Restaurant in Charlotte

I recently read an article in Charlotte Five about a new concept market/dining establishment in South Park – The Gourmand Market.

Taste France Magazine defines “gourmand” variously as: "A gourmand is similar to what Americans would call a foodie, but on a more gastronomic scale. A gourmand is someone who loves and appreciates good food and wine, and the company that comes along with it."; or, “…a gourmand is someone you want to have around — unlike the modern foodie, who will rattle off ten new sorta-healthy brunch places, the gourmand will lead you to the one century-old bistro that you'll never forget.”

As for me, after having lunch and doing a bit of shopping there today, I would say that The Gourmand Market is a place that I will return to often.

My wife and I wandered in and began to roam the market portion of the place and were immediately greeted by the staff in a friendly and welcoming manner.

We sat at the bar and each ordered a Redwood cocktail which was made with a Woodford Reserve base and a couple of other additions that made the cocktail quite summery and very refreshing.

Sydney took care of us at the bar and was a delight. She took the time to give us a bit of background on the place and walked us through the etiquette of how to order, etc. as the market/bar/restaurant concept was unfamiliar to us.

While we awaited our sandwiches, we wandered the store, noting all the enticing offerings; pre-made meals, a meat counter, a wide selection of wines, pastries, and various types of specialty foods. We also explored an upstairs lounge which would be a nice place to sit with friends and enjoy cocktails, small plates, etc.

We decided to have lunch and were quite pleased with the experience. My wife had a Cubano sandwich and a small side salad and I had a Beef on Weck sandwich with house made chips.

Both sandwiches were excellent. The Cubano was on crunchy Cuban bread and the pork was quite flavorful. The Beef on Weck was the equal of any made in Buffalo – the beef was melt-in-your-mouth delicious and the au jus was hearty and flavorful. I wasn’t shy in my addition of au jus and the Weck quickly absorbed the excess and I was treated to even more intense flavor. The house cut chips were magnificent – well-seasoned and crunchy.

Once we finished lunch, we selected a few things from the market to take with us – a lasagna, some pasta sauce, and a couple of wonderful coffees for the ride home.

I’m not sure when we will head there next, but breakfast would be a good bet. There’s nothing quite like sitting with a good cup of coffee (of which there are many types and flavors) and some beignets. Or, perhaps, a nice croissant or pain au chocolat. While we did not taste these on this visit, having recently returned from Paris, I was surprised at how close they looked to those we purchased at the local patisserie in Paris.

In short, we were thrilled with our experience at The Gourmand Market. The staff were top-notch. Kudos to Sydney for her helpful and friendly service; to Jay, the Executive Chef whose kitchen prepared the meal; and to Yuri, the General Manager who checked us out and made the wonderful coffees. Also, my apologies for being unable to recall the young man’s name who prepared the salad and brought us...

I was thoroughly impressed by Gourmands in South Park, NC—a true culinary gem that masterfully combines ambiance, flavor, and exceptional service.

From the moment we stepped in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, setting the perfect tone for an exquisite dining experience. We began with the hummus appetizer, which was nothing short of exceptional. The trio of hummus varieties offered a delightful array of flavors, complemented by perfectly crisp pita chips with a buttery undertone that elevated the dish.

For my entrée, I indulged in the burger and fries—a classic done to perfection. The burger was cooked impeccably, bursting with rich, juicy flavor, while the pencil fries were flawlessly seasoned, offering just the right amount of crispness and taste. My husband opted for the steak and cheese sandwich with caramelized onions and fries, and it was an absolute standout. The sandwich was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with the sweet, perfectly caramelized onions adding a luscious depth of flavor.

We chose to sit at the bar, where the staff impressed us with their professionalism, friendliness, and spot-on recommendations. Their warm conversation and attentiveness enhanced the overall experience. Our food arrived hot and promptly, further showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality.

Adding to the charm of Gourmands is their gourmet store, brimming with specialty items and premade meals that looked irresistibly tempting—a delightful bonus for food enthusiasts.

Gourmands is a must-visit for anyone in South Park. We cannot wait to return and highly recommend this fantastic spot to others seeking an exceptional...

Welcome to the neighborhood Gourmand, this is an upscale bodega if you will, a bodega with a butcher, prepared foods, coffee, wine and cocktails. Count me in. They have outdoor seating, a lounge area upstairs and bar seating with outlets. If you want to have a cocktail and charge your phone this is the place! What I liked most about this spot, there is a huge wall with wine fridges, set at proper temperatures. So no 72 degree, room temp red wines and the Champagne fridge was set at the proper temperature, yes, I can see coming here in the afternoon for a small bite and a glass of wine. In the display case they had hand cut ribeyes, hamburger patties, pork chops and flank steak, the prices were reasonable. There's a lot going on in Gourmand, give yourself enough time to...