This is part of a post I have in the Grilling thread. Not sure how close Littleton (NC) is to any of you, but this restaurant is worth a visit:
A couple of weeks ago, some friends of ours from Lake Gaston invited us to have dinner with them at Blue Jay Bistro in downtown Littleton. Short rib was on the menu. It was smoked, then braised. Served with puereed white sweet potatoes, honey & chili roasted squash, pickled apples and a corn w/ lightly ground peanuts. The entire dish was outstanding.
Look up the restaurant. Had no idea a white table cloth, very high end restaurant was in Littleton, but I'm glad I do now because we definitely will go back.
The backstory of the place is fascinating. A Littleton native, and State grad, named Ed Fitts, has come back home and along with his wife, is pumping millions into the town to make it a regional destination spot in addition to what Lake Gaston brings. Look up Ed Fitts, too. Great read.