From openings to foodie events, Charlotte’s culinary scene has something for everyone during the dog days of summer. Here’s what will be tempting our palates this summer:
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
Cafe Moka – Opening soon
Cafe Moka, whose flagship location is in Virginia Beach, is coming soon to Waverly in South Charlotte. Expect a menu of craft espresso, traditional and frozen lattes, fruit smoothies, teas and specialty drinks. Find them soon at 7416 Waverly Walk Ave.
The Queen and Glass – Opening soon
At long last, The Queen and Glass is set to open very soon, giving Dilworth neighbors a go-to spot for craft cocktails and tapas. Find them soon at 1315 East Boulevard, tucked behind The People’s Market.
Nuvolé Rooftop TwentyTwo – Opening soon
A new rooftop destination is aiming to take Charlotte’s drink and culinary scene to new heights. Coming soon, Nuvolé Rooftop TwentyTwo will offer Instagram-worthy views, handcrafted cocktails, seafood dishes and more served in a plush indoor/outdoor setting dotted with curated local art. They will also have a penthouse suit available for rent. Find them at the top of AC Hotel & Residence Inn, 220 E. Trade St.
Sizzlewich – Opening July 14
Sizzlewich X Waterbean Coffee will open July 14, offering founder Tony Vo’s fresh take on a popular Vietnamese street food. Stop in for a Sizzlewich, a Vietnamese Banh Xeo similar to a crepe or pancake with a range of toppings like turkey, ham, bacon, salami and roast beef. Find them at 3607 Whitehall Park Dr.
Dylan’s Candy Bar at Charlotte Douglas Airport – Opening Soon
Not open yet in the airport’s Atrium area, but fingers crossed some time this summer, in time for your next vacation. With over 7,000 confections, Dylan’s boasts the largest selection of candies and candy-related gifts from around the world. Like a museum of candy, with whimsical displays to highlight the vibrant colors, textures, eye-popping graphics, creative packaging, gorgeous patterns and distinctive shapes of candy.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream – Opening August 9
via Facebook
Coming August 9 to the Design Center in South End, Jeni’s will offer best-selling flavors and scoops made without synthetic flavorings, dyes or off-the-shelf mixes. Crowd favorites include Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks, Salty Caramel and Brambleberry Crisp.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR – FOODIE EVENTS
Corkbuzz has everything you need for a date night or girls night out this July. Don’t miss their new live music series on the patio, returning Friday, July 20 6 – 9 p.m. with a performance from Troy Conn. Book your reservation early!
If you’re looking to expand your wine knowledge, reserve your seat now for a wine class. Upcoming classes include:
Tour de France
Saturday, July 7 | 6:30 p.m. | $50
Wine 101
Friday, July 13 | 6:30 p.m. | $50
Group White Wine Profile
Wednesday, July 18 | 6:30 p.m. | $42
Backpacking through France
Monday, July 23 | 6:30 p.m. | $75
For the ultimate culinary and wine experience, RSVP for A Napa Valley Master Class & Dinner with Kelli White and Laura Maniec on Tuesday, July 24. Kelli White, Napa Valley resident, author and wine writer of “Napa Valley Then and Now” will join Corkbuzz owner Laura Maniec for a discussion on all things Napa Valley. Over five courses and a tasting of six Napa Valley wines, learn all about the land, wineries and wines of Napa. The evening will end with a book signing by Kelli White. $125 per person.
Chef vs. Chef Showdown
Saturday, July 7 | Upstream Seafood | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
On July 7th, Upstream is hosting their Farmer’s Market Mystery Basket Chef vs. Chef Showdown.
Three Upstream chefs will have to use the ingredients in their mystery baskets to craft a dish worthy of your vote in this chef verses chef showdown. Watch the action in the kitchen, cast your vote and enjoy a three-course dining experience. $48 per person. Purchase your ticket online.
National Culinary Arts Month
Various dates | 9315-D Monroe Road
In celebration of National Culinary Arts Month, the Community Culinary School of Charlotte is hosting a number of public cooking classes and giveaways in their café and bakery. Reserve your spot now for one of their classes led by CCSC Chef-Instructors: Knife Skills and 30 Minute Meals, Vegan Cooking and Seafood –Ways to Prepare Salmon. View all classes and book your spot here.
Summer Sherry Dinner
Monday, July 9 | Fin & Fino | 6:30 p.m.
If you haven’t tried Uptown’s newest seafood destination, here’s your chance. Join them for their Summer Sherry Dinner July 9, which will feature a five-course meal led by Sherry Expert of De Maison Selections. Call 704.800.5680 to reserve your seat.
Culinary Fight Club Charlotte – The Taco Showdown
Monday, July 9 | VBGB Beer Hall & Garden | 6 – 9 p.m.
Watch local chefs face off in a 45-second pantry run and 60-minute cook-off as they compete to craft the best taco in Charlotte. Tickets include samples of competitors’ tacos, bites from VBGB and one beer ticket. $40 per person. Proceeds benefit Fight2Feed, a non-profit fighting hunger in our communities. Purchase tickets online.
Montauk / Summer Loving Relish Event
Thursday, July 12 | The Assembly Room at The Foundry | 6:30 p.m.
If you can’t escape to the Hamptons this summer, this Relish dinner event is the next best thing. Expect a lavish lobster bake, rosé and gin punches, ice cream sandwiches and even a watermelon seed spitting contest. $150 per person.
Croatian Wine and Food Pairing
Saturday, July 14 | Bond Street Wines | 3 and 6 p.m.
Captivating Croatia, Bond St. Wines and Orrman’s Cheese Shop team up for a pairing event featuring five Croatian wines, three Croatian dishes from Chef Richard and educational information on each pairing. There will be two seatings: 3 and 6 p.m. $30 per person or $55 per couple. Reserve your seat here.
Hop, Chop, and Sauce It
Saturday, July 14 | Midwood Smokehouse Park Road | 2 – 5 p.m.
Midwood Smokehouse and Unknown Brewery will serve their jointly-brewed beer, Heaven and Helles, along with Midwood’s barbecue and build your own mac n’ cheese bar. Purchase tickets online.
Taste of the Mint | Oscar de la Renta
Sunday, July 15 | Mint Museum Randolph | 1:30 p.m.
The best in food and fashion meet in this edition of Taste of the Mint. Enjoy wine and small plates crafted by Jamie Lynch of 5Church Charlotte, followed by a private tour of The Glamour & Romance of Oscar de la Renta. $50 per person, members save 25%.
CLT Burger Week
July 16 – 22 | Various locations
Over 50 local restaurants will participate in the third annual CLT burger week, offering specialty burgers for just $6. Vote for your favorite as you dine at different spots. View all participating restaurants here.
Dickel Dinner
Thursday, July 19 | Heist Brewery | 7 p.m.
Heist Brewery and George Dickel will host this four-course cocktail dinner, including four new plates. $40 per person.
Mac Down Charlotte
Thursday, July 19 | C3 Lab | 7 p.m.
Who makes the best vegan mc and cheese in the city? Local chefs will compete for the title at Vegan Outreach’s Mac Down Charlotte. Sample and vote for your favorites, Cotton Branch Farm Sanctuary in Leesville, SC. $15 per person.
Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week
July 20 – 29 | Various locations
Try something new or visit a tried and true favorite during Queen’s Feast. 125 area restaurants will offer special menus and prices (typically three courses for $30-$35) from July 20 – 29. View all participating restaurants and start making reservations here. Plus, don’t miss NoDa and TIN Kitchen’s joint pop-up restaurant all week.
Cocktail Classic
Wednesday, July 25 | Sullivan’s Steakhouse | 7 p.m.
Cool off from the summer heat as Sullivan’s Steakhouse hosts a toast to summer. Try four specialty cocktails (Venetian Spritz, Sparkling Lemon Cooler, Summertime Cocktail and Spiced Old Fashioned) paired with a tasting menu. $65 per person.
2018 Homegrown Tomato Festival
Saturday, July 28 | NoDa Brewing Company | 1 – 6 p.m.
This all-day tomato themed event allows attendees to try dozens of different backyard tomatoes, purchase your own to take home and even crown the region’s best tomato grower. Live music from School of Rock Charlotte and The Hashbrown Belly Boys. $10 per person with all proceeds supporting 100 Gardens.
