It is the most wonderful delicious time of year. From now until January 1st, we at ScoopCharlotte plan to indulge in all the eats, drinks and cheer that Charlotte has to offer. If you need something fabulous to wear to one of the many events listed below, be sure to check out our series of posts 30 Days of Party Outfits.
The Feast of Seven Fishes at Vivace Returns for 3 days only – It’s one of the best meals & deals in the QC this month.
December 22 – 24
The bounty of the sea is too often overlooked during the holiday season. Turkey and tenderloin are generally the traditional entrees in the United States. But there’s an Italian tradition that makes delicious use of coastal flavors, The Feast of the Seven Fishes. The feast is traditionally served on Christmas Eve, but VIVACE is offering the feast at dinner from December 22 – 24. The Feast of Seven Fishes involves, as the name implies, seven different fish. The courses are:
- Local oysters with apple mignonette, horseradish crema
- Crispy cod with lemon aioli, pickled onion, and chive crema
- Grilled octopus with bruschetta and spicy garlic aioli
- Zuppa di Pesce with shrimp, clams, mussels, with a funnel saffron broth
- Lump crab alongside risotto, pancetta, mascarpone, and peas
- Buttered poached monkfish will be served along with grilled broccolini and a saffron crema
- Pan seared grouper will be served a tri-colored carrot puree and a fennel confit.
Vivace is offering the seven-course fish-based feast for $55 per person (without tax and gratuity). The regular dinner menu will also be available. Call now to reserve your table
Firebird’s Tasty New Winter Dishes through January
From now until January 3, FIREBIRD’S will be featuring winter menu and wine featured items. The lunch menu features are the chili spiced calamari, chipotle glazed chicken, and the blue cheese burger. The dinner menu has five featured items, including the calamari (which is also on the lunch menu), a side salad with shaved Brussels sprouts, a wood-grilled twin filets, chipotle BBQ bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp which is served with green chili mac & cheese, and a parmesan crusted chicken. Finished your meal off with their winter dessert feature, a banana cream pie.
Christmas at the Ballantyne
Starting in December, you can enjoy Holiday Afternoon Tea in the lobby of the BALLANTYNE HOTEL. Afternoon Tea includes a variety of seasonal loose leaf tea blends and a selection of savory tea sandwiches, traditional confectioneries, and holiday treats as well as live entertainment with the option to add champagne for $10. Tea is served Wednesday – Sunday from now until December 31 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM (not available Christmas Day). The cost is $49 for adults and $29 for junior patrons (plus tax & gratuity). Reservations are required. Please call 704.248.4100.
In addition to Afternoon Tea, The Ballantyne is offering hot chocolate, cider, and toddies from Friday, December 9 – December 28 from 2:00 – 5:30 PM. Enjoy hot chocolate with the option to add liqueur along with a selection of garnishes, cider, or spiced wine at the Veranda and Gallery Bar. The cost is $7 for hot chocolate and cider and $10 for alcoholic beverages.
Visit from Thursday, December 8 through Wednesday, December 28 and take in the enchanting display of gingerbread creations. And if you want to make your own, come to the workshop on Saturday, December 10 or 17 from 2:00 – 3:30 PM. Executive Pastry Chef Ben Kallenbach and his team will offer some helpful tips. The cost is $50 per group (pricing is for up to four people and does not include tax or 23% service charge). Space is limited so make your reservations early by calling 704.248.4100.
Food News in the Queen City
O-Ku has 1/2 Price Sushi on Monday Nights.
In case you haven’t been to South End’s latest hot spot, O-Ku in Atherton Mill, then make your reservations for Monday between 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Every Monday, O-Ku offers 1/2 price sushi until 7:00 PM. There is nothing better than to end a Monday with sushi and it is even better when 1/2 price.
Suarez Bakery for Holiday Goodies
Starting in December the bakery is will be carrying holiday goods. Now through December, pumpkin, pecan, bourbon pecan and dutch apple pies are available. Also available: yule logs, gingerbread houses and cookies, croquembouches, cinnamon bread, chocolate mint chocolate chips, holiday butter cookies and seasonal cupcakes. In-store availability is limited, so guarantee availability by pre-ordering at 704.525.0145.
Elf on the Rooftop at City Lights
Join Le Meridien’s Elf on the Rooftop celebration. Set against the 360 panoramic views of the Charlotte skyline, grab an #ElfieSelfie while draped in faux fur blankets and sipping on an All Spice Toddy or Peppermint Forest Har Cocoa – spiked with the liquor of your choice for $13 each. The celebration takes place nightly from 4:00 PM – Midnight.
