Do yourself a favor and become familiar with some amazing farm to fork options right here in the Queen City
If you pride yourself on being a local foodie, then you will want to keep reading. It’s one thing to know about the new chain down the street or the second location of a popular restaurant, but are you familiar with the places that go the extra mile to represent us as a community?
The following restaurants share common and strong missions. These chefs, in particular, feel strongly that it is their responsibility to showcase the hard work of our local farmers. When your friends come to town, impress them by sharing what eating in Charlotte really tastes like.
I was personally greeted by passionate chefs eager to share the fresh ingredients that boast of our local farm’s successes. I left feeling reacquainted with food that I consume regularly. Not only does it help to have many figure friendly options (am I right ladies?), but I walked out feeling appreciative, energetic, and very inspired.
Heritage Food & Drink
Making a big statement south of Charlotte in Waxhaw is Heritage Food & Drink. The location allows for close proximity to many farms where talented Chef Paul can get fresh ingredients within a moment’s notice. The atmosphere allows for a homey feeling where you are sure to feel comfortable dressed up or casual. It’s as if you are sitting in his home while there is some darn good cookin’ going on in the back kitchen. He continues to be inspired by his ingredients and peers. Chef Paul uses the hashtag #charlotterising because he believes in the efforts, talents and progress that he has recently seen, and the future seems promising and full of opportunity. So let’s help him get Charlotte on the map for supporting local.
Good Food on Montford
The name of the restaurant says it all…good food. Possibilities are endless with menu options, since here there is no adhering to any sort of boundaries. Dishes are made with fresh and local ingredients every day with an ever evolving menu that is sure to satisfy all types of diners. The space may be small, but it is inviting and provides a perfect atmosphere for casual dinner with friends or a dressed-up date night. The atmosphere is unassuming, yet welcoming, much like their small plates that please any palate. This upbeat and hip restaurant is sure to impress visitors and locals alike. Chef Larry Schreiber and the staff are very experienced and will make your time carefree and worth the money…and wait. (make sure to get there early!)
Heirloom Restaurant
If you want an approachable fine dining experience, Heirloom is the hot place to be. The restaurant boasts of everything NC from the music to the drinks. You can have a very intimate dining experience as the tables are very spread out and private. The fresh ingredients are showcased in creative yet simple dishes that reflect what our local farmers are growing. Chef Clark Barlowe relayed that his part is easy. The farmers dictate the menu and do all the hard work. The menu is written at 9 am daily. All the wood from the restaurant is from an old family dairy barn, and you can find remnants of his North Carolina ancestry throughout. Humble, but not short of energy and creativity, Chef Clark continues to introduce his diners to fresh and local food. The real kind of “home†grown roots!
Passion 8
I walked in expecting to eat a beautiful dish, but walked out with so much more than that. Amid the hustle and bustle of working his restaurant, Italian Chef Luca got emotional while speaking about his love of food. The passion came through for the people he works with, the farmers who care and the quality dishes he creates. I will always treasure the moment when I finally “got itâ€. It didn’t take long after conversing for me to understand that eating local and fresh is a cause, his cause. As diners, we are able to reap the benefits of hard work, time, talent and passion. Passion 8 has nothing short of beautiful, fresh and creative dishes that your taste buds will thank you for. The best of the best right in the heart of Elizabeth.
