Check, Please.

A couple times a year, my work life (and subsequently my whole life) becomes so incredibly hectic that normalcy becomes a dream. I just ended one of those weeks. My ad firm does the PR and marketing for the BMW Charity Pro-Am. It is one of the most fun, and draining weeks of my life, filled with celebrities, parties and amazing food. The problem is, I don't have the time or the energy to enjoy it.

My friend/co-worker, Whitney, and I decided to take reprieve from the madness and go to a quiet dinner for two at Lazy Goat on Friday--chosen because it was located right across the street from the Peace Center Amphitheater, that was hosting our Friday night event for the tournament.

Lazy Goat (or the Goat) is on the second and third floors of a building that houses artist studios and a gelato shop (which also happens to be from the Goat). The inside is a open room, almost completely encased by glass with a beautiful view of the Reedy River. There are no bad views anywhere in the dining room. We were promptly seated and greeted by our server. I can't remember her name, but she was delightfully hippie.

Whitney swears by the Goat's mojitos, so of course she orders one and of course I tasted it. It was very, very good. I'm not one for mojitos because I think mint should be saved for gum and toothpaste, but this had heavy lime flavor. I loved it. I tried something a little different. It was called a Ripe-n-Ready. Apart for the almost inappropriate name, it was delicious! Pear vodka, pomegranate juice with a few splashes of lemon.

Lazy Goat serves Spanish-type tapas and smaller portioned meals. Whit and I quickly jump on the food. She chose the braised lamb, I chose the fried goat cheese and we agree that we need some veggie influence and order the hummus as well.

The braised lamb looks a little like stew beef, but tastes way better. It has more of an earthier flavor with Moroccan spices. It is served in a bowl with cucumber yogurt to tame the spice, fried plantain wedges for some sweetness and pita wedges for scooping.

The fried goat cheese is my absolute favorite item at the Goat. It sounds a little weird, but tastes so good. It is mild goat cheese that has been lightly breaded and fried. Then it's drizzled with honey and crushed pistachios. A little tangy, a little sweet and super delicious. The hummus is also yummy. It is very hard to get hummus that has flavor, without being super spicy. The harissa spice that the Goat uses is just enough. It is served with carrots, celery and pita wedges.

Whit and I order one more drink before moving along to the amphitheater. She gets a Ripe-n-Ready and I order a Strawberry Caipirinha--Brazil's national cocktail. I didn't know nations got to choose an official cocktail!! I wonder what the U.S.'s would be? Hhhhhmmm... The Caipirinha was very good, but pretty strong. It is made with cachaça, which is like rum but stronger. The muddled fresh strawberries gave it the little bit of sweetness it needed to balance out the taste.

Let me end by saying that Lazy Goat is one of my favorite spots in town. I have been there several times and have yet to have a bad experience. The food is great, the service is great and the drinks are well-made. I don't know if you can actually obtain a 5 out of 5, but this would be the closest thing to it. How about a 4.95 out of 5?