‘Tis the season for giving, and Charlotte’s culinary scene sure isn’t holding back. Here’s the latest on brand new openings, news we’re watching and not-to-be-missed events this month:
NEW OPENINGS
Hello, SailorÂ
20210 Henderson Rd, Cornelius
The long-anticipated venture from Kindred owners Joe and Katy Kindred will hold a soft opening for dinner on Sunday, December 3. Stay tuned for information on an official grand opening.
The People’s Market @ Dilworth
1315 East Boulevard
The neighborhood eatery and market opened its doors on November 20th. Stop in to enjoy a beer, sandwich, coffee or a treat from two scoops creamery with friends.
The Liberty Blakeney
9816 Rea Road
The South End staple has expanded to Blakeney. The newest location of The Liberty is open for dinner, and will be adding lunch and brunch service the week of December 4.
Not Just Coffee – Dilworth
2230 Park Road Suite 102
Not Just Coffee’s newest venture, which opened in November, lives up to its name with options for your early morning caffeine fix, breakfast, lunch, bar snacks and even cocktails. View the full menu here.
Now you’re able to pour your own favorite brews in Hoppin’ CLT’s taproom. Expect 50 beer taps and 12 wine taps to choose from.
FOODIE EVENTS & HOT TAKES
When you flip to The Food Network on Thursday, December 14, you may see a familiar face. Chef Blake Hartwick of Bonterra Dining & Wine Room will bring Southern charm to the Big Apple, determined to impress two rounds of judges and compete against Bobby Flay. Tune in to see how he fares at 10 p.m. EST.
Prohibition Repeal Day
December 5 |Â The Cellar at Duckworth | 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
The Cellar at Duckworth’s is celebrating Prohibition Repeal Day with a one-night-only cocktail menu. Inspired by the day the ban on the sale of alcohol was officially lifted in 1933, The Cellar’s special 21st Amendment cocktail menu features drinks that pay homage to the end of an era.
River’s Edge Craft Dinner SeriesÂ
Fridays through February 9 | USNWC | 6:30 p.m.
Each Friday evening through February 9, enjoy a five-course dinner crafted by Executive Chef Michael Rayfield with beer pairings to accompany each course. A new regional brewery will be featured each week, including Legion Brewing, Triple C Brewing Co., Wooden Robot Brewery and more.
Cooking Class: Plant Based Holiday Table
December 6 | Nourish | 6:30 p.m.
Learn the secrets of the kitchen from Executive Chef Julia and Sous Chef Caroline as they teach participants to make decadent but healthy holiday fare. $60 per participant.
Sparkling Wine Class: Holiday Favorites
December 7 | Corkbuzz Charlotte | 6:30 p.m.
It’s holiday season and the perfect time to learn your bubbles. Discover blanc de noirs and blanc de blancs, why Champagne is more expensive than Prosecco and the difference between vintage and non-vintage bubbly. The class will cover how sparkling wine is made, which grapes are used, styles and pairing suggestions, including the cheese provided to each guest. $60 per person.
Oyster Roast & Seafood Bash
December 9 |Â Three Spirits Brewery | Noon – 8 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to fill up on fresh seafood and beer at this month’s Oyster Roast and Seafood Bash. Hosted by SouthEast Crab Feast and Three Spirits Brewery, the event will feature NC oysters, Alaskan snow crab legs, shrimp, blue crabs, gumbo and Three Spirits Brewery beer, wine and cider. Prices for menu items vary, $5 admission includes a complimentary craft beer.
Truffle Dinner
December 10 | aqua e vino | 6:30 p.m.
This six-course dinner stars white truffles from Alba, Piemonte Italy and features wine pairings. Limited to just 30 people. $180 per guest. Call 704.364.4445 to reserve your spot.
Fifth Annual Napa Christmas Party
December 12 | Napa on Providence | 6 – 9 p.m.
Guest hosted by Panthers’ running back Jonathan Stewart, Napa on Providence’s 5th Annual Christmas Party is festive fun for a cause. For a $25 donation to Toys for Tots and an unwrapped toy, enjoy complimentary hors d’ oeuvres, beer and wine while spreading holiday cheer. Call 704.900.8535 for tickets.
Grand Cru Bordeaux Holiday Wine Dinner
December 12 | Aix en Provence | 6:15 p.m.
Hosted with Laure Levesque from Queen of Wines, this four-course dinner is paired with Bordeaux wines, including a 2007 Saint Julien Grand Cru Classé and a 2009 Margaux Grand Cru Classé. Call 704.332.1886 or book online to reserve your seat. $115 per guest.
Wine & Cheese w/Prodigal Farm
December 13 |Â Orrman’s Cheese Shop | 6 p.m.
Josh of the The Assorted Table and Kat from Prodigal Farm guide tasting participants through a variety of goat and cow’s milk cheeses and wines sourced both locally and around he world. $25 per person, guests receive 10% off any cheese purchases.
Meredith Leigh at Heirloom
December 16 | Heirloom | 6:30 p.m.
Chef-Author Meredith Leigh and Heirloom Chef-Owner Clark Barlowe team up for a collaborative four course paired meal. Multiple ticket options available. Learn more and purchase here.
Polenta Extravaganza
December 17 | aqua e vino | Noon – 8 p.m.
Enjoy a three course family-style meal with classic Northern Italian recipes featuring polenta. $50 per person. Call 704.364.4445 to reserve your table.
NEW MENUS & HOURS
Corkbuzz Charlotte rolls out new menus
Just in time for the holidays, Corkbuzz Charlotte has introduced new dinner and brunch menus perfect for date night out or entertaining family. The new menus focus on fresh ingredients and feature small plates ideal for sharing. View the new menus and reserve your table here.
WP Kitchen + Bar helps you warm up with seasonal cocktails
WP Kitchen + Bar is unveiling some festive drinks to celebrate the holiday season. The Little Dreamer, Red Voodoo Margarita, and Ice Cream Man are available starting this Thursday. And a bonus – they are only $6 for WP Kitchen + Bar’s weekly Thirsty Thursday promotion! Here are the drinks:
Ice Cream Man: A well balanced mix of Stoli Vanilla, Crème De Cacao with a dash of house made peanut butter simple syrup.
Red Voodoo Margarita:Â Our famous mix of Jose Cuervo Silver, fresh lime juice and agave nectar, shaken together with a cranberry & red wine reduction.
Little Dreamer:Â A delicious mix of Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka and lime juice, finished with a dash of vanilla simple syrup.
Amélie’s French Bakery & Café releases Winter menu
The seasonal flavors are inspired by Parisian holiday markets, sugarcoated memories and snow-covered mountains in the French Alps. The new menu features over 35 items for the winter and holiday seasons. Holiday-specific items are available December 1 through January 1, and winter seasonal offerings are available December 1 through the end of February.
Aqua e Vino: now serving holiday lunch
4219 Providence Road
Looking to treat a neighbor, friend or out-of-town guest to lunch for the holidays? Aqua e vino is offering  a special lunch through December 29th from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. View the menu here.
Viva Raw spices up the season with new flavor
Give into the holiday feeling with the help of the latest seasonal blend from Viva Raw. Pick up Gingerbread Almond Milk, a blend of almond milk, banana, sorghum molasses, almond butter, ginger and cinnamon, at 7th Street Public Market.
Stewart Penick’s Terrace releases new seasonal dessert menu
Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of the season with Terrace’s new seasonal dessert menu. Items include apple upside down cake, peanut butter brownie cheesecake, a mini chocolate waffle stack, plus specialty milkshakes and drinks.
COMING SOON
Via Roma coming to Waverly Charlotte
7416 Waverly Walk Avenue, Suite H-2
The Conte Restaurant Group is opening a new concept in South Charlotte. Described as Southpark’s Toscana’s sister restaurant, Via Roma will bring authentic Italian flavors and an impressive Italian wine selection to Waverly Charlotte in early December. Preview Via Roma’s menus here.
Parliament Espresso & Coffee Bar to open third location in Uptown
300 S Tryon Street
After opening its flagship location in New York City, Parliament Espresso & Coffee Bar will open a new location in the heart of Uptown in mid-December. Expect a welcoming atmosphere with space to accommodate nearly 100 guests and a walk-up window perfect for grabbing your caffeine fix on the go.
Aix en Provence owners to open Waxhaw location
201 W South Main Steet, Waxhaw
Owners Bryan St. Clair and Patrick Garrivier will be opening a new venture called Le Cochon D’Or in the former home of Waxhaw’s Heritage Food and Drink. The menu will focus on comforting classics with the same customer experience Aix en Provence regulars have come to cherish. Read more from Charlotte Magazine.
Davidson Ice House to join Main Street dining options
416 S. Main St., DavidsonFood writer and consultant Jennifer Brule will open Davidson Ice House in February 2018. The menu, served in a historic icehouse and with a fast-casual approach, will include something for everyone. Expect customizable bowls and wraps with  gluten-free and vegetarian options. More from The Charlotte Observer.
Renaissance Patisserie is moving to Specialty Shops SouthPark
Renaissance Patisserie will be relocating to a 1,983-square-foot cafe in the Specialty Shops SouthPark. There, Paris-born Chef Sylvain Rivet will offer a variety of French pastries, quiches, flatbreads and more – including several gluten-free options. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for updates.
Lincoln’s Haberdashery inches closer to opening
1300 South Boulevard, Suite S
From the owner of Futa Buta, South End’s newest food market with a bodega feel is getting closer to opening its doors. Stay tuned through their Instagram page.
