Hello Sailor

Hello Sailor, restaurant #2 of the James Beard Southeast Semi-Finalist, Joe Kindred, was a perfect patio evening out. This restaurant is just north of Charlotte, NC on Lake Norman. I love that this restaurant is on the lake, with multiple patio levels and a tiki bar. Inside has a retro vibe (with some amazing cactus wallpaper.) The menu has a variety of beach-type foods like fried shrimp, and yet they have a few things that really step it up a notch. There is something to say about a restaurant like Hello Sailor where your co-owner Katy Kindred gets to each table and check in on her customers. It really makes for a full experience.

First, they have super-fun cocktails! This Marlin cocktail not only came in a super cute cup, but it also had a gummy worm in added effects. (Plus, who doesn’t love a lake background for a fish drink? Very Punny!)

The most important tip you need to know before you go? You MUST have the hushpuppies! They are seriously the best I have ever had in my entire life! According to Katy Kindred, they are much more of a beignet and super fluffy. Plus that yuzu kosho-honey butter… you probably need to go ahead and get 2 orders!

Most unique dish, for me, was the Blue Crab claws in a crunchy chili oil, and green coriander. I am big fan of blue crabs, growing up with a beach out in North Carolina and my parents now living in Maryland. This sauce was definitely not a typical crab dipping sauce, but it had a lot of depth to it (including the little crunchies!)

For the entree, this combo had the best of multiple dishes! This Combo #2 platter had baby back ribs & Carolina Calabash Shrimp with avocado slaw and beef fat fries. First, I have never had better fried shrimp! They are so incredibly light, and then the shrimp had such great flavor. I can say the same for the avocado slaw, as I’ve never had a better cole slaw. The ribs were not my personal favorite, but i like my ribs dry (so you may want to ask for sauce on the side), but the fries are very unique and crispy.