If you’re visiting Charlotte and willing to drive a bit, you don’t want to miss the lovely Hello Sailor in Cornelius, NC. This restaurant from Chef Joe Kindred is a destination that is worth the drive. From the food to the view and interior design, you’ll be dazzled and taken away on a unique dining experience!
As you head over to Hello Sailor, you’ll travel through a sleepy lake community surrounding Lake Davidson. Hello, Sailor sits in the back of a large parking lot adjacent to the lake and you’ll immediately notice its striking A-frame front. From the white stonework to the horizontal wood panelin and large windows, you’ll get a throwback design feel walking up to the restaurant. And it only gets better inside!
Check in at the hostess kiosk and get ready to absorb the luscious 70s-like interior at Hello, Sailor! Slate stone flooring, leather slingback chairs, white globe lighting, and a bright mid-century modern fireplace in the corner exudes a retro vibe as if you’ve stepped back in time a bit. Greenery and picture frames line the interior walls making you feel as if you’re dining in someone’s very cool, living room.
But given the reputation of James Beard-nominated chef, Joe Kindred, expect to be dazzled by the food as you are about the interior design of Hello, Sailor! While the menu relies heavily on seafood, Hello, Sailor covers a variety of proteins mixing Southern sensibility and flavors with some international twists and ingredients.
The fish (hamachi) crudo over crispy rice is a stunning, layered dish with a lot of textures and colors. An Italian beef sandwich with beef tallow fries offers up robust slices of beef with the pungent hit of peppers and pickle veggies. The menu at Hello, Sailor will seem familiar but expect some pleasant surprises in the preparation and presentation.
And while the food at Hello, Sailor is top-notch, it’s even better if you can reserve a table overlooking Lake Norman on the back patio. It’s a multi-level set-up offering different levels and views lakeside, there’s plenty of space to stretch out in at Hello, Sailor!
So while it may take a bit of work and effort to make it over to Hello Sailor, I feel that it’s a destination-type restaurant that will reward you for your travels. And I do know that next time I’m in the Charlotte area, I’ll be dropping in to try more off that delicious Hello Sailor menu!
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