Charlotte’s got no shortage of shiny new spots — chef-driven menus, Instagram plates, and burger joints trying to out-gimmick each other. But some of the best meals are still found in places where the wood paneling is original, the regulars outnumber the newcomers, and the food has been quietly great for years. That’s Comet Grill.

Some restaurants are on-trend. Others are quietly excellent. Fiamma, nestled in a classic stretch of Park Road in Dilworth, belongs squarely in the second category. Recently, we went to check out Fiamma for the first time with our fellow foodie friends Paul and Melissa. Surprisingly, we’d never been — despite the fact that it’s been open for over two decades — but it’s been on our long list of places to try. This particular night finally gave us the excuse we needed.

It’s mid-summer 2025, and if you’re watching the housing market—nationally or right here in Charlotte—you’ve probably noticed some shifting winds. While national trends point to cooling and normalization, Charlotte continues to perform with strength and stability, especially in the core city. Let’s take a closer look at how our market stacks up compared to the rest of the country, with stats from NAR, Case‑Shiller, and Canopy MLS—and insights from the ground.