Situated a few miles outside of center city, ethnically diverse, hip, gritty, urban cool and a little bit of “I don’t care” attitude is Plaza Midwood. The Home of The Diamond, The Penguin, Fuel Pizza,  Thirsty Beaver and The Loose Lug Nuts. I’ve lived here 17 years through the metamorphosis from forgotten to noticed. The twists and turns of the economy and the new construction (some of it I love and some not so much). This is my “hood”. A little sliver of real estate that is still affordable.  Come here for food, fun, people watching and shopping. One-of-a-kind boutiques and restaurants thrive in this area. We are a proud and loyal bunch embracing our locally run establishments as a giant “thank you” for being true to the hood. Here is a small tour of some of my favorite spots…
FOOD
The Common Market is a unique bodega with a deli. Stocking gifty items, coffee, beer and wine, it is a general meeting place for running groups, hipsters, moms, afternoon coffee drinkers, cyclists, musicians and writers…a fellowship melting pot. Just a word about the deli. They have a bit of everything -vegan and carnivorous. Sandwiches with names like “Old Scratch” and “Hot Mama” . They call out your deli number and usually the name of the sandwich when your order is ready. I decided early on I was NOT going to step forward when someone yelled out  “Old Scratch”. I suggest “Hot Mama” instead. The Hot Mama is  tomato, red onion, red pepper, spinach, havarti and mayo on your choice of bread. A tip from the neighborhood insider. You’re welcome.
Bistro la Bon is one of those restaurants with amazing atmosphere and food. The prices are good, staff is friendly, parking is easy and there are front porch swings. What more could you ask for? Despite the name, there is a wide variety of locally sourced menu items. It’s not just French food. If you enjoy brunch on Sunday, then you must try the $20.00 Smorgasbord….if you can get a table.
If you want to know where all the hip, good looking people are, check out Soul Gastrolounge.  There is a  great view of the city from the balcony, the atmosphere  is cool,and food is fabulous.  Small plate food  items (tapas, sushi, dips, skewers) all go great with custom cocktails. I crave the “Guacamiestack” which is sliced avocado, red onion, cilantro, and fried garlic chips.
Twenty-Two is downstairs from Soul. I have always considered them a paired venture. It is literally an art gallery/lounge/bar. The art rotates regularly. Patrons lounge with cocktails to check out the art WAY into the night.
Epicuriens adroent cet endroit!  That’s French for, “Foodies love this place”. Lulu is a small, charming bistro. Owner Fabrice DiNonno is there to greet you with his French accent. It’s all about the food here.  They serve lunch and dinner. Try the Pomme Frites which comes with 4 different dipping sauces (pictured below) and is served in a wire cylinder.
Family friendly, easy going, breakfast all day kinda place. Zada Janes Corner Cafe has a large menu with many vegetarian options. I love the outside dinning and playful atmosphere.
The Midwood Smokehouse is serious about BBQ. Employing a pitmaster to oversee the seasoning and smoking of the meat. The hickory smoker burns all day long 7 days a week. If you like BBQ then you will like every single thing on this menu. AND they cater, so if your having some folks over to watch football leave the BBQ to the professionals.
Nova’s Bakery and Coffee Shop offers European breads and pastry made with organic ingredients. Get it to go or relax in the shop and do some people watching. The Kalamata Olive Bread is one of my favorites and then of course there is an assortment of homemade sweet breads.
FUN
Boris + Natasha was here first. Hope Nicholls, owner, put a giant stamp of cool on Thomas Street over 12 years ago. Here is the 411 about this “boutique”…there are many price points (affordable to designer) in men’s and women’s clothing and Hope tells the truth. She actually told me once while I was trying on blouse, “that  isn’t right on you, try something else”.  Thank you Hope. In those moments I do NOT need a “yes” woman. I need some guidance. I appreciate the truth.
Beadlush, I love that name, offers the do-it-yourself jewelry designer all the supplies needed for a beautiful finished product. Oh, you don’t know how to make jewelry. No worries, they offer classes.
Ecolicious is one of the new shops in the area. Their tagline is “cruelty free ecofriendly products for you and your home”. Owners Fiona and Marley recognized the need for retail options for vegan shoppers so they opened their own. Vegan food items, pet supplies, beauty products all made in the USA for environmentally conscious shoppers.
Okra  is a tea room offering yoga and massage. A beautiful, calming, peaceful place. Take a yoga class, book a massage for after. Then relax with a cup of tea. That is my dream day.
Hong Kong Vintage recently moved into “the business district” of Plaza Midwood. With true vintage dresses, shoes and accessories beautifully displayed and organized, Hong Kong is THE place to get a vintage ensemble. Its great fun to just look through the inventory of one-of-a-kind finds.
The FROCK Shop has re-sale name brand and designer label items in great condition at affordable prices. Owner Caroline Cook-Frers has an eye for fashion so you can bet everything in there is fab.
Kitschy cool  Century Vintage has mid-century goods,  local art and a bit of this and that.
Classically modern is how I would describe City Supply Co. A full service home  furnishings store, they also carry some gift items, candles, art and jewelry. If you need design assistance–they offer that too.
1510 Antiques and Consignments is kinda like sifting through the Metrolina Antique Show. The store is packed full of furniture, nic-nacs, dishes, art and more. Looking is half the fun and you never know what deal you might find.
Open Door Dance Studio has dance classes, workshops and camps. Kids and adult classes in ballet, hip hop and contemporary dance. If you have ever wanted to take dance, this is the place to try it.
Everybody knows about Yoga One. A large yoga studio with a ton of classes. I found Yoga One to be beginner yogi friendly and they have $5.00 classes.
To end your tour, if you are looking for a place to sip a cocktail and shake it on the dance floor (usually happens in that order) then check out Volume Lounge. Plenty of space to gather with a group and enjoy some music.
Come visit Plaza Midwood. Tell them Scoop sent you.
