Hungry stomachs are forced to contemplate cooking their own food while our brains are busy plotting ways to make Hollywood starlets fall in love with our ungainly cousins. Quell an insurgent appetite with gourmet fare with today's Groupon: for $25, you get $50 worth of upscale, California-wine-country-inspired American cuisine and drinks at Sonoma in Uptown Charlotte.

Southern Living says Sonoma's dinner menu blends "a Slow Food philosophy, which focuses on local, organic, peak-season ingredients, with true culinary artistry." Menus change with the seasons; current appetizers include gruyere- and bacon-topped Kobe beef sliders ($7) and popcorn shrimp tempura with chili mayonnaise ($8). Main courses such as a roasted half chicken ($14), chipotle glazed pork tenderloin ($19), and a mushroom and bacon burger ($10) take aim at the freshest fruits and vegetables in Old MacDonald's inventory. Neptune also sacrifices some denizens to Sonoma's flavorful fare; sup on grilled Atlantic salmon ($19) and whole fried red snapper ($21). Salads, sandwiches, and daily specials populate the lunch menu.

Sonoma's lengthy list of wines adds evening elegance like a drinkable diamond flower pinned to the ruby lapel of an edible emerald tuxedo. The flagship foodery of the acclaimed Sonoma Restaurant Group, Sonoma offers complimentary valet parking. It is located adjacent to the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, making it a prime option for pre-show, post-show, and show-stopping dinners.

Sonoma is closed on Sundays. Reservations are required.

Reviews

The Charlotte Business Journal lists Sonoma in its Top Five Restaurant Picks of Charlotte. Gayot places it on its Top Ten, and Sonoma appears on 10Best. Southern Living magazine and Charlotte magazine recommend it:

• Pierre Bader's flagship oozes modern cool, with ebony tables, blue and green tiles, and a lounge-y bar area. The contemporary American menu, which changes seasonally, is heavy on organic ingredients and pure flavors. The wine list is a delightful romp. – Charlotte
• Sonoma Modern blends a Slow Food philosophy, which focuses on local, organic, peak-season ingredients, with true culinary artistry. The tasting menu proved one of our most exquisitely memorable meals, each course an ode to local producers. The heirloom tomato salad was simple and unforgettable. – Kim Cross, Southern Living
• ...a sophisticated and modern ambience. Its inspiration comes from the wine country of Northern California with its rolling vistas, love of fine wine and casual elegance. – Charlotte Business Journal

More than 80 OpenTable diners give Sonoma an average of four stars, and 14 Citysearchers give it a four-star average:

• Atmosphere was excellent as was the food & service! – OpenTable user who dined on 2/15/2010
• Delicious food. Accommodated those that wanted to eat healthy. Service was terrific. Very attentive. – OpenTable user who dined on 3/18/2010