#26: [REVIEW] Sora ✨
Another tasting experience, cold ramen, a big ass sandwich
Before I get into my review, I had some quick thoughts on Axios Charlotte’s “30 Best Restaurant in Charlotte, right now” list. Their top 5 (L’Ostrica, Yunta, Albertine, Customshop, & Restaurant Constance) were solid. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at some of the not unexpected but underwhelming choices, like Crunkleton, Calle Sol and Noble Smoke. There were also some that genuinely perplexed me, like New Zealand Cafe and Sun’s Kitchen. Not bad spots by any means but really? Top 30?
I was shocked that Rada wasn’t included in the list, until I took a peek at the “methodology” section where they included, “Restaurants must be open for at least a year to be considered.” Albertine definitely opened less than a year ago (late September 2024), so curious about the methodology there. Are the Kindreds restauranteurs by day, mob bosses by night? Probably just a editorial mistake but still…makes you think.
For the main event this week, I ate at Sora, the new French Asian tasting menu restaurant in Myers Park. Tbh when this reservation rolled around, I felt like I was at my limit with tasting menus. Because of this, my expectations weren’t particularly high. I also haven’t heard much buzz about Sora and their Instagram content wasn’t giving me a lot of confidence (heavy use of animated sparkles). But, I went in with an open mind and open stomach.
First impressions
I’ve driven past this place a bunch of times since it opened and this banner across the front is so upsetting. I know they’re probably waiting for their permanent sign to come in, but take this banner down! I don’t care if it’s harder to find, lean into the mystery and intrigue!
Other than the banner, the exterior design of the restaurant is very sleek and modern. Let’s hope whatever permanent sign they put on it, doesn’t ruin the vibe à la Wells Fargo.
The interior is beautiful as well and the design is cohesive with the outside, which I thought was a nice touch. The counter set-up is similar to other tasting menu restaurants but they also offer table seating if you have a larger group or simply prefer that dining experience.
My only real critique of the space is the bathroom lighting. I realize I tend to be dramatic but this isn’t one of those times. It’s SO dark in there, it makes a Hollister dressing room feel like a tanning bed. I appreciate a moody lighting moment but not when there’s a bidet involved.
The experience
Price: $195/per person + gratuity and tax
What’s included: Roughly 10 courses
Optional add-ons: Wine pairing option of $150/per person
We opted to skip the wine pairing because Sora offers à la carte cocktails and wines by the glass. The by-the-glass options are not inexpensive, though. The glass of sparkling wine I ordered was $34 but, even if you order a few, it’ll still come out as less than the wine pairing.
Everything we ate
The snacks
Macadamia caramel custard (in an egg!)
Kanpachi tartlet
Saba brioche bite
The main tasting
A5 Waygu Dumplings — hong kong egg wrapper, chicken stock, summer truffles
Scallop & Pearls — ossetra caviar, champagne cream sauce
Hokkaido Uni & Caviar — nutmeg potato cream, dill oil, phyllo cracker
Alaskan Salmon — tomatoes, oyster mushroom, green onions, fish fumet, roe
Lamb Chop — red curry, coconut, crème fraîche, baby kale
A5 Miyzaki Gyu — pomme puree, summer truffles, mushroom demi
Double layer chocolate — Vanilla ice cream and macerated strawberries
What I loved ❤️
The dumplings: By far my favorite dish of the evening. They were warm and tender and bathed in a savory broth that prompted me to tilt my bowl at the end just so I didn’t leave any behind. The wrapper was perfect, not too starchy. The waygu filling literally melted in your mouth. The summer truffles and the flavor of the broth (like a lighter French onion soup), brought a rustic European feel to the dish. A 10/10 for me.
The sauces: Every single dish, with one exception, showcased some incredible sauce work. The champagne cream sauce on the “Scallop & Pearl” dish, was unbelievably delicious. I could have honestly just eaten that on it’s own. It was rich but delicate, and packed so much flavor. It reminded me of a decadent seafood chowder, almost. Chowder seems like a dirty word in fine dining, but, trust me, it was *elevated*.
The red curry with the lamp chop packed a real hit of spice, which paired beautifully with the cooling crème fraîche. The mushroom demi on the last waygu dish, was robust, earthy and savory. It’s also worth mentioning, they set out a basket of bread at the beginning of the meal, so you could sop up all the leftover sauces. A genius move.
The French Asian fusion: I was not sold going into this meal, that these two culinary worlds would blend together in a way that made sense. Chef Dorji Tshering made me a believer. He set the tone in the opening snacks. In the Saba Brioche Bite, he paired mackerel with brioche and…cheese. The concept of fish and cheese feels almost blasphemous and yet, resulted in a beautiful, salty, buttery bite.
He carried the same tone throughout the menu, each dish showcasing elements of the two cuisines. Would love to see him incorporate more Asian flavor into the dessert, which was probably the least interesting course (although still well executed and tasty).
What I didn’t love 💔
The Hokkaido Uni: This dish was an outlier for me in the meal. There were so many components, my tastebuds were working on overdrive to try and figure out what I was eating. The addition of potatoes felt confusing and I couldn’t even taste the alleged dill oil. The sea urchin, which I’m told has a very unique taste, got lost in everything going on. The caviar also felt completely unnecessary. Would love to try a version of this dish that’s more scaled back.
Unnecessary caviar: This may be an unpopular opinion, but I don’t think most dishes are better because of caviar. Chefs, in general, seem to really be into it right now. It’s like the “put a bird on it” of tasting menus. I do genuinely like caviar but the uni course along with the scallop course, both had it and it didn’t really add anything? More often than not, it’s serving as a garnish and it stresses me out because I know that shit is expensive! I don’t want to be complicit in you wrecking your restaurant margins with bougie ingredients. Put down the caviar and nobody will know the difference.
Final take: Hag recommended
I was pleasantly surprised by the whole meal at Sora. Chef Tshering is creating fun, elevated, delicious food that’s easily on the same playing field as others in this Charlotte tasting menu space.
The price doesn’t feel over-the-top for the quality of the meal and it’s nice that you can order drinks separately, without having to commit to a pairing.
Only two months in, you can tell they’re still finding their footing in some ways. There are dishes that need to be fine-tuned and the service isn’t as buttoned-up as it could be. The dining room was sparse for a Thursday night but I suspect they’ll find their audience in Myers Park as the word gets out more. Personally, I’m taking a little break from tasting menus, but I would definitely go back in the future.
5 things I consumed this week in Charlotte
Hiyashi Ramen ($14.99) from Bao and Broth. I had a craving for noodles one day last week but I couldn’t bring myself to order a hot bowl of ramen in 97 degree weather (disgusting). Luckily, B&B has a chilled option right now that served as a perfect in-between.
“Sandwich of the Day” and fries from L’Ostrica Market. Split this giant sandwich with my husband and it did not disappoint. They have new sandwiches every day for lunch, so check their Instagram to see what they’re serving. This one had roast beef, turkey, ham and all the classic fixings. The fries were also excellent.
San Sebastian Martini ($19) at Rada. Popped in for a drink before our reservation at Sora and I obviously got my favorite martini. This place is crushing it and they have an incredible tuna carpaccio on the menu right now.
Chili Crisp Wontons ($10), Roti ($9), Five Spice Green Beans ($8) and Korean Twice Fried Wings ($13) from Hawkers. Before last week, I hadn’t been to Hawkers since being highly unimpressed by a to-go order in 2020. Honestly loved everything? Shocking. I know it’s a chain from Orlando (bleh) but I can forgive it.
DIY Candle ($45) at Paddywax Candle Bar. I’ve always wanted to do a DIY candle pouring thing and this was so relaxing. They have tons of containers and scents to choose from. I went with this lil tomato container and the “Heirloom Tomato” scent. I went for a work event, so did not pay for it myself, but it feels worth the cost.
Now that I’m out of my tasting menu era, I need some new restaurants to go try. A few on my list right now are Puerta, Leluia Hall, DŌZO and Bird Pizzeria (I have ordered their pizza to-go but haven’t experienced the dining room). Let me know if there are others I should check out.
c u next tuesday,
the hag herself
All of the food and drinks reviewed in QCH are paid for by the author. This newsletter does not feature any ads or sponsored content.