I recently explored the NoDa neighborhood in Charlotte (cleverly named for North Davidson Street) and I fell in love immediately. The eclectic blend of people, Vegetarian-friendly restaurants and live music venues make for a really unique and much-needed part of the city. The Evening Muse is a great place to see a show – I just saw the Burlington-based band “Big Something” perform, and they rocked the house!
Following this exhausting night of dancing and singing along to alternative groovy jams, my friends and I thought we’d treat ourselves to a delicious brunch at Zada Jane’s. It’s hard to miss, being the only lime green colored building on the street. Inside, abstract art hangs from the walls (and is available for purchase!) and hipsters sip coffee at the bar.
Five words – SWEET POTATOES ARE TAKING OVER. And I love it. First, the sweet potato fry blew everyone’s mind. I finally got around to trying Sweet Potato Tater Tots (an absolute MUST if you’re an SP fan), and most recently, I enjoyed Sweet Potato Hash Browns at Zada Jane’s. The delicious potato chunks, cooked with onions and peppers, served as a bed for the Booker T’s East Side Hasher (I still haven’t made the connection to the historical figure, but I’ll think on it some more.) Two organic eggs were cooked frittata-style with cheddar cheese, scallions and my choice of protein. I figured I would go by the old adage, “When in Rome,” and get Soysage. Yes, soysage (it’s really fun to say outloud.) I swear I couldn’t taste a difference between this pork substitute and the real thing.
The dish was the size of my face, and it was difficult to resist scarfing down the entire thing. As if life couldn’t get any better, a yummy biscuit came on the side, with homemade grape jelly and apple cinnamon butter. If there’s a more perfect breakfast combination out there, I dare you to show me (though I will always have a special place in my heart for Elmo’s in Chapel Hill!)
Being that breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and that Zada Jane’s offers breakfast all day long, I think this is a match made in heaven. I can’t wait to explore more of what NoDa has to offer, and I’ll have to remember to break out my teal Chucks and plaid hipster shirts for next time.