Barbecue: The Ole Smokehouse - This place doesn't look like much but the special Chinese smoker does the trick on pulled pork and chicken if you catch them on the right day. Also noteworthy are the hush puppies, fried squash and fried okra. I've been coming here since I was a young babe - as a child my dad had to keep me from drinking the spectacular, spicy sweet barbecue sauce.

Chinese (sit-down): Baoding - With a swanky bar and romantic lighting, this Southpark favorite serves classic Chinese dishes in an elegant atmosphere. http://www.baodingsouthpark.com/

Chinese (takeout): The Emperor - Great food at a great price. Try the broccoli with garlic sauce and the cold sesame noodles. There is seating available.

Ethiopian: Meskerem - If you're looking for something different, this is it. Don't worry if you have never had Ethiopian food before, the accommodating wait staff will guide you. Great vegetarian and meat choices - don't miss the special lamb tibs, the doro wat or the vegetable #2 (cabbage, potatoes and carrots). http://www.meskeremethiopianrestaurant.com/welcome.htm

Greek: Ilios Noche - Wonderfully flavorful Greek dishes. Try the spread sampler, the spicy seafood pasta and the loukoumades for dessert. http://www.iliosnoche.com/

Greek (close second): Greek Isles - Authentic Greek dishes gone upscale, try the grilled octopus or the lamb. Also makes a GREAT Greek salad. Attached to Jillians.

Indian: Copper - This is Indian food turned swanky, in a remodeled house that has been home to several restaurants over the years. Classic Indian dishes are available along with nouveau creations. http://copperrestaurant.com/

Italian: Portofino - This family favorite with two Charlotte locations has wonderful pizza, pasta and other Italian delights. Try the Shrimp fra Diavolo or the eggplant parmesan. The house salad dressing is awesome - dip your bread in some and enjoy! http://www.portofinos.us/

Italian (close second): Dolce - This gelatoria turned full service restaurant still has fabulous Italian ice cream (gelato) as well as great Italian food and personable servers (one remembered our names over a two week span). http://dolceristorante.net/

Italian (modern): Nolen Kitchen - There's a reason this place was voted Best New Charlotte Restaurant by Creative Loafing magazine. The warm octopus salad was a real standout and the scallop entree was also fabulous. http://www.nolenkitchen.com/

Malaysian: Cuisine Malaya - One of my personal all-time favorites. Must-tries are the roti canai appetizer, the mango shrimp and the Peking duck. A full sushi bar is also available. http://www.cuisine-malaya.com/

Middle Eastern: Kabob Grill - Look for this little gem in a shopping center strip mall in the Dilworth neighborhood. Try the grilled lamb kabob dinner, the falafel, or the chicken kabob wrap. Omar's salad is a great option if you're looking for something light and the small pastries are worth a try if you like baklava. http://www.kabobgrill.com/

Spanish: Solé Spanish Grille - Wonderful Spanish food in an intimate setting. Try the portabella mushroom appetizer, the paella and the tres leches cake. Great bread! Website: http://www.solespanishgrille.com/.

Special Occasion Restaurant: Bonterra Dining and Wine Room - The fabulous wine selection and gourmet food make a meal here truly special. The signature fried lobster tail is something to try and the scallops are excellent. Don't skip dessert - in addition to choices like chocolate molten cake and cinnamon soufflé you can get a selection of chocolates handcrafted exclusively for the restaurant by Barking Dog Choclatiers. Website: http://bonterradining.com/.

Special Occasion Restaurant (tie): The Fig Tree - Wonderful romantic setting at the renovated Lucas House in Charlotte's historic Elizabeth neighborhood. This is where Amy went for her 24th birthday - great scallops and figgy pudding. Try the apple beggar's purse appetizer. Website: http://www.charlottefigtree.com/.

Sushi: Nikko Sushi Bar - Special sushi served up by expert female sushi chef Joanna Nix. Trust me, the "Trust Me" roll is great. So is the garlic tuna roll and the cooked Japanese specialties. Website: http://www.nikkosushibar.net/.

Tapas: Las Ramblas - Intimate setting with a neat bar. Try the fried goat's cheese with garlic and honey, the paella and the chocolate baguette slices for dessert. http://www.lasramblascafe.com/

Thai: Monsoon Thai - Great family-owned Thai cuisine. The mee krab appetizer, the papaya salad, the pad see ew and the shrimp in red curry sauce are fabulous. Also try the seafood tom yum soup and the sticky rice dessert, either with mango or custard.

Vietnamese: Lang Van - This was Charlotte's first encounter with excellent Vietnamese food and it's still a favorite. Try the vegetarian fresh spring rolls and the tofu with garlic sauce - a large bowl filled with lettuce, rice noodles, peanuts, fried tofu and herbs served with a chili sauce for tossing. http://search.cityguide.aol.com/charlotte/restaurants/lang-van/v-109790337

Vietnamese (close second): Saigon Palace - Wonderful selection of Vietnamese and Chinese dishes in a large, pleasant space. Try the homemade lemonade, the fresh spring rolls and the pho (Vietnamese beef noodle soup).

Wings: Midtown Sundries - Great buffalo wings! There is also rumor about bourbon wings although they don't appear on the online menu! Website: http://www.midtownsundries.com/.