back to At the Table with LPC
Farenheit owner and chef Rocco Whalen learned his craft under renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. He returned to his hometown of Cleveland 15 years ago to open Farenheit, which was an immediate success. Three years ago, developers of a downtown Charlotte office tower approached Chef Whalen to bring his unique cuisine to the 21st floor rooftop of the new Skye Condominium building. The results are spectacular.
We dined at Farenheit with clients from Cleveland, who sang the praises of the northern version of the restaurant. The first thing that strikes you is the astounding view of Charlotte afforded by the rooftop setting. Clearly the best view of the city, especially in the evening.
The food at Farenheit is described by Chef Rocco as “inventive, new American regional cuisine.” But there is definitely an Asian twist to many dishes. The menu is filled with locally sourced ingredients, including an extensive list from Charlotte’s burgeoning craft beer community.
To start us off Chef Rocco sent the table three appetizers: ahi tuna nachos, spicy fried shrimp, and “Charlotte nachos,” which are potato chips served in a light sauce. Addictive!
After filling up on these delicious starters, it was a chore to select an entrée. The table shared a perfectly prepared pizza and order of sea scallops that were interestingly spiced with a green curry cauliflower puree and pickled sweet mango. But I managed to keep my own meal, a Vietnamese-style pork chop, all to myself. It was scrumptious, a decidedly Asian approach to a traditional American dish.
Our party lingered over coffee, relaxing and relishing the excellent meal while enjoying the soft glow of the sunset over Charlotte. The trip to the 21st floor of the Skye Condominiums building is well worth the elevator ride to experience this wonderful restaurant.
Farenheit – Charlotte
222 South Caldwell Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 237-6718