A new restaurant in an old spot,5Church opens to the public today. Executive chef Jamie Lynch, most recently at Barrington's, is manning the kitchen, serving up traditional yet technique-driven American cuisine. And let me tell you, from what I've tasted, IMHO, this place is going to do quite well.

5Church is located at the corner of 5th and Church streets. Anyone who's been in Charlotte a few years knows this spot to have been a number of other concepts. Before Patrick Whalen, Alejandro Torio and Mills Howell took over, the location was a Scottish pub. But any remnants of those previous tenants have been completely wiped away with a total makeover. And we're not just talking a few coats of paint and new chairs. No, the vibe in this spot is uptown sophisticated, with a splash of artsy cool and geek chic.

But the food. That's why you're reading this post, am I right?

Last night, we had the opportunity to sample some of the dishes that will be on 5Church's menu. All night long, all I heard was good reviews. Here's what we had:

First Course

• CHILLED ASPARAGUS with soft boiled quail eggs, arugula, house-cured lox, radish

• MOREL GNOCCI, pea shoots, bacon

• GRILLED SHRIMP FLAT BREAD, arugula, red onion, borsin cheese

Main Course

• NC GROUPER with crushed yukon potatoes, broccoli and leeks, american caviar, champagne buerre blanc

• CRISPY MARINATED TOFU with edamame succotash, pea greens, yuzu soy emulsion

• FRESH GROUND LAMB BURGER with grilled red onion marmalade, gorgonzola cheese, arugula, house made sesame bun, crispy confit potato

Book your reservations by emailing reservations@5church.com or call 704-919-1322.