The Blue Taj

The Blue Taj is a new restaurant on the first floor of the Ballantyne Village complex that serves up a new experience for those diners visiting the restaurant on multiple occasions. Not quite Indian, not quite Asian; the food — and more importantly the experience — can change with each visit.

The restaurant is separated into five different areas, all with a different experience. When walking around the whole restaurant, any visitor may think he or she is in four different restaurants as the décor quickly changes from room to room.

The “Chi” room is outfitted in blue and white tables and chairs in a Scandinavian theme; the “Parlor” is draped in red curtains inspired by Casablanca and the country of France; and “Leela” is equipped in a more modern style in green and black. The outside patio is called the “Cabana” in an ode to Cuban establishments and the bar is simply known as “The Bubble Bar” inspired by the Austin Powers movies.

The food matches the eclectic décor style and is a fusion of many different regions and cooking styles. Described by the bartender as Indian and Asian food inspired by French-style cooking, the menu is filled with appetizers like Kaffir Lime Shrimp and Wok Stir Fried Fillet Mignon-Bell Peppers, and entrees like Scallops with Sichuan Peppercorn Sofrito, Chimichurri Rubbed Chicken Breasts and Slow Roasted Norwegian Salmon. Appetizers are $5 - $13 and most entrees are $17 - $25.

Although the portions are pretty small, and the prices can get steep especially when wine and drinks are ordered, the prices are typical for fine dining in the affluent Charlotte neighborhood of Ballantyne.

HelloCharlotte Tip: For small groups who want to visit the “Bubble Bar” and feel like a VIP, ask to be seated at “Secret Table 13,” the only table in the bar area.  

- by Mike D'Avria, Charlotte Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

He worked for the daily newspaper, The Athens Banner-Herald in Athens, Ga. before turning to freelance writing and video production.

Mike is the Executive Editor of CampLeadership.org, and has lived in Charlotte for four years.