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August 14,
2005 |
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As the band Everclear so aptly put it, it's usually a recipe for disaster when someone strives to be everything to everyone. However, in the case of Champp's, this prediction could not be farther from the truth. The founders of this highly popular restaurant chain have created a truly balanced atmosphere where the place should be, and usually is, bustling any time of day. When we entered the Champp's at Southpoint for lunch last Friday, we couldn't help but notice the diversity of the clientele in this upscale yet relaxed and sociable dining spot. There were RTP business groups both large and small, plenty of Friday shoppers, and lots of families in the large and open dining room, and spilling over into the bar area. As busy boisterous as it was, it was easy to see why Champp's is a favorite for large parties, such as a departmental lunch or a friendly birthday gathering of friends. The staff was remarkably perky and worked as a cheerful and animated team, easily able to handle any size party. When it came time to order, we were almost overwhelmed by the different styles and cuisines featured on the menu: Greek, Pan Pacific, Italian, Cajun, Mexican, etc. They speak chicken in almost every gourmet language! We asked about the daily specials and customer favorites, and that's when it became obvious that the staff is carefully trained and prepared before each shift. Basically, our choices ranged from classic entrees to regional pasta specials to sandwiches and burgers to entree salads. Our only complaint was that even for lunch, we would be paying dinner prices for our meals, as they have only one "lunch special" which is a small pasta plate and side salad. That special, or a burger, costs $9, which brings you to easily $15 with soda, tax and tip. Everything else was in the $10-20 range for the entree itself. We thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered, but decided next time around we were coming only for a special occasion or on an expense account. That way we could afford to add the Dulce de Leche Mexican cheesecake or their famous Mile High Ice Cream Pie, which appeared to be the height and size of a full half-gallon of ice cream in a rainbow of flavors. We established this is a fun restaurant with delicious food, but I'd be doing the all-pleasing Champp's a great injustice if I didn't mention the bar, which is as much a part of this hot spot as the dining room. There are large screen TVs in every corner of the building and hanging from the ceiling, showing an array of sports and news all day long. If you like live music, they offer it on Thursday nights, as well as the occasional karaoke. Whether you come for lunch, after work drinks, dinner and to watch a preseason game, or for drinking and mingling into the night, they make a point to keep things lively and happening for that time. Between the great service, the diverse menu and the morning to late night party, it's clear Champp's doesn't take the idea of pleasing everyone to a fault, they raise it to a new level. |
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Champp'sNote: This review is written by ZSpotlight.com editorial staff. Viewer reviews may also be submitted. However, all viewer reviews are posted within the profile page of that particular establishment. Viewers may post a review for this establishment either by clicking the above link or visiting this particular establishments profile page and clicking "Testimonials". |