Charlotte, NC

I now present several non-Bojangles, yet still fine establishments.

Brixx is a pizza/sandwich/pasta/bar sort of dealie, complete with 24 taps. I had a sampler of for 4oz glasses for maximum adventure and a pizza with chicken on it.

*The Mad River Jamaica Red, from California somewhere, was a hoppy red/amber ale, and I think my favorite of those that I tried. They also apparently have a Sunset India Pale Ale that I think I will keep my eye out for.

*The Flying Dog Tire Biter was a light-colored ale, brewed with pale malt and German hops; good, but probably something I'd use to introduce a corn drinker to the finer things in life rather than keep as a personal pick. A gateway beer, if you will. :)

*A local choice, the Highland Gaelic, was very good; not as hop-flavored as the Jamaican, but amber in color and a good malt/hop balance. The Gaelic was better had prior to the Jamaican due to the hop differences.

*Finally, the Hobgoblin, I chose purely based on name. It's British, and turned out to be a good hoppy full-bodied brownish beer.

Now, around the corner from this particular Brixx was the ever-so-interesting Wine Shop at Foxcroft. The wines and beers are hand selected by the owner, and there is a little table area and a bar for tasting wines and beers. After Brixx, I didn't take advantage of this table area, but I think I will if I am in this area again.