The weather may be starting to cool down, but between multiple new openings, fresh flavors and tasty events, Charlotte’s culinary scene is just heating up. Here’s what the restaurants have planned to satisfy your appetite to kick off October:
THIS MONTH’S OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS
Legion Brewing SouthPark – Open Now
The first brewery in SouthPark offers an award-winning beer selection, a full food menu, stunning taproom and multiple spaces for your private events. Menu picks include the wood oven baked pizzas, meatloaf with Legion BBQ sauce, duck fat chicken wings  and the brewer’s grain bowl with grilled trout.
Town Brewing Company – Open Now
via Facebook
Wesley Heights’ first brewery offers a large variety of beers, from IPAs to to sours, and a menu sourced by local and regional farmers. We can’t wait to try the pimento cheese toast, flatbreads and cauliflower gratin. Visit them at 800 Grandin Road.
Nuvolé Rooftop TwentyTwo – Open Now
This new rooftop destination is aiming to take Charlotte’s drink and culinary scene to new heights. Nuvolé Rooftop TwentyTwo offers stunning city views, handcrafted cocktails, sharable dishes and more served in a plush indoor/outdoor setting dotted with curated local art. The menu, led by executive chef Roy Darling, includes boards and platters to share, bison tartare served with yukon potato chips, lobster club sliders and more. Find them at the top of AC Hotel & Residence Inn at 220 E. Trade St.
Billy Jacks NoDa – Open Now (soft opening)
Best friends Aaron Ludwig and Mike Sabin are bringing their no-fuss approach to bar food, complete with “10-napkin burgers” and tossed nuggets, to NoDa. After finding success in Virginia and Florida, Billy Jack’s NoDa will feature inventive bar fare including wagyu hot dogs with creative toppings, signature “redneck nachos”, sliders and more. Find them at 3220 N. Davidson Street.
Frutta Bowls Midtown – Open Now
New to Midtown, Frutta Bowls offers a variety of oatmeal, kale, pity and açaà bowls, along with smoothies and other healthy snacks. For fall, look out for seasonal offerings like the apple caramel crunch bowl, s’mores bowl and pumpkin flavors. Find them at 1055 Metropolitan Avenue.
The Waterman – Opening October 11
Soon, South End will welcome its newest neighbor: The Waterman. Affectionately known as Sea Level’s “kid cousin”, the oyster bar will offer fresh seafood, crafted cocktails and Uptown views from a rooftop bar. Preview the menu here, which includes options like a low country boil, crawdad dippers and oysters served four ways. Find them at 2729 South Boulevard.
Sabor Latin Street Grill (South End)Â – Opening Mid-October
This popular eatery will begin serving Latin street food (favorites include carne asada fries, arepas, and taco Tuesday specials) in South End. Sabor is anticipating a mid-month opening at 1616 Camden Rd.
Two East Blvd Closings: Unfortunately, The Rogue and Babalu Tapas and Tacos closed their doors in late September. Both were located on Dilworth’s East Boulevard.
NEW MENUS AND UPDATES
New fall menu with a view at FahrenheitÂ
Fahrenheit, Chef Rocco Whalen’s restaurant on the 21st floor at 222 South Caldwell Street, is welcoming fall with new menu items. Order the coal-roasted chicken mac and cheese with rigatoni, goat cheese and rosemary, or opt for the Main lobster and crab salad (pictured), with celery, lemon, sweet soy glaze, toast and grilled avocado. View the full menu here and make your reservation online.
Cozy fall drinks at Reid’s Fine Foods Uptown
You’ll welcome the cooler temperatures when you have a seasonal drink from Reid’s in hand. At their Uptown location, find fall drinks including a creme brûlée latte (pictured above), honey vanilla latte, s’mores mocha, salted caramel latte, turtle mocha, peppermint mocha, pumpkin spice latte and a vanilla and cinnamon latte (pictured below).
Fresh flavors and a new executive chef at Dilworth Tasting RoomÂ
Under the direction of new executive chef Brandon Riha, Dilworth Tasting Room’s new menu incorporates bold and international flavors with features that will update seasonally. New items include hamachi crudo with beet puree, herb citrus aioli, and micro greens, beef tenderloin with black garlic in an olive emulsion, mushroom demi-glaze and quail egg, and pork belly with unagi, Napa cabbage, pears, and cilantro (pictured below). Guests can also expect a new wine list with by-the-glass selections to complement the new menu. View the full menu here.
A New Look and Dishes at JP Charlotte
At JP Charlotte, explore their new menu that focuses on local, fresh and organic produce and proteins provided by North Carolina farmers. With a new menu design and art pieces done by two local artists, the restaurant takes eating local to a whole new level. View their new lunch and dinner menus online.
5Church late night menu and cocktails make for the perfect nightcap
Sometimes you just need a little nibble between dinner and breakfast. After 11 p.m., 5Church Charlotte serves a late night menu with sharables including a charcuterie board, yellowfin tuna tartare and spring pea flatbread. Pair it with a craft cocktail (we like the Viper) to cap off a great night out. View the full late night menu here.
FOODIE EVENTS
~ Featured Event  ~
10th Annual Oyster Bash
Friday, October 5 | Upstream Seafood | 6:30 p.m.
Upstream’s 10th annual oyster bash is an all-you-can-eat party featuring oysters from some of the best artisanal farmers around the world (including fire-roasted oysters prepared New Orleans style) and wine pairings. The evening also includes live entertainment and a raffle benefitting Share Our Strengths No Kid Hungry. View the wine and oyster pairings here. $125 per person.
Taste of the World 2018
Wednesday, October 3 | East Charlotte | 4:30 p.m.
Get your tickets now for this part culinary tour, part treasure hunt around East Charlotte. You’ll sample dishes from three international restaurants, then discuss your favorite flavors over dessert and coffee at SMS Catering.
Tour of Italy
Wednesday, October 3 | The Pump House, Fort Mill | 6:30 p.m.
The Pump House hosts this five-course tasting dinner highlighting the flavors and wines of Italy. $80+ per person. Call 803.329.888 to reserve your seat.
The Fresh Market Grand Opening
Thursday, October 4 | 4223 Providence Rd. | 8 a.m.
The Fresh Market will open their new 21,000 square-foot location in Strawberry Hill on October 4. The day’s festivities include free samples, the breaking of a 12-foot loaf of bread, remarks from The Fresh Market CEO Larry Appel, giveaways, live pumpkin carving and more.
Soul Food Session Collaboration GRIT Brunch
Saturday, October 6 | Free Range Brewing | 10 a.m. – Noon
Brunch’s favorite comfort food will take center stage at this fundraiser for the Soul Food Sessions Scholarship Fund. Try grits-based dishes and bowls from multiple vendors, plus enjoy live music and craft beer. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Korean Food Festival
Saturday, October 6 |Â 3619 McKee Rd. | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Take your taste buds on an adventure during the Korean Food Festival. You’ll be able to try bulgogi beef, bibimbap, spice rice cakes, Kamari and more Korean dishes and snacks. Free admission, menu items range from $5-$15 each.
Austrian Wine Dinner
Monday, October 8 |Â Fin & Fino | 6:30 p.m.
Don’t miss this wine dinner with Schloss Gobelsburg, one of the oldest wineries in Austria founded in 1171.
High West Whiskey Dinner
Tuesday, October 9 |Â Essex Bar & Bistro | 7 – 10 p.m.
Enjoy a five-course dinner paired with four tastings of High West whiskeys (including an infused dessert). View the full menu here. $75 per person.
Quick Weeknight Meals Cooking Class
Wednesday, October 10 |Â Community Culinary School of Charlotte | 6 – 8 p.m.
Chef Alvin Howard leads this hands-on cooking class that focuses on quick weekday meals. On the menu:Â vegetarian jambalaya with farro, homemade chicken pot pie and tuna casserole. $60 per person.
WFAEats – Food Tasting Event
Thursday, October 11 |Â Charlotte Museum of History | 6 – 8 p.m.
WFAEats allows listeners and supporters to taste and vote for top dishes from Charlotte area restaurants, caterers and purveyors including Mert’s Heart and Soul, Potts Chocolate, The Pump House and more. $25+.
Breast Cancer Cure Benefit Event
Friday, October 12 | Napa on Providence | 6 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy complimentary appetizers, beer and wine at the sixth annual Breast Cancer Cure Benefit Event. Plus, enjoy live music by Gena Chambers and an appearance by New Orleans Saints safety Kurt Coleman. $30 donation. Call 704-900-8535 for tickets.
Zipline and Dine
October 12 and 26 | USNWC | 6 p.m.
The USNWC’s zipline and dine is a foodie adventurer’s dream. Start by soaring high along the Center’s longest zipline and climbing through the trees by way of ropes, bridges and platforms. After working up an appetite, enjoy a chef-curated three-course meal at River’s Edge. $75 per person.
2nd Annual Philly Cheesesteak & Brew Festival
Saturday, October 13 |Â Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse, Huntersville | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Back for its second year in Huntersville, Duckworth’s Philly Cheesesteak and Brew Festival will bring together their award-winning Philly cheesesteaks and over 20 breweries. Plus, live music by the HC Oakes Band. $24+.
Grilled Cheese Festival
Saturday, October 13 |Â Slate Charlotte | Noon – 6 p.m.
Celebrate the ultimate comfort food of your childhood with a grown-up grilled cheese festival. The day includes grilled cheese samples from local vendors, beverages, live music, games and raffles. $10+.
2018 Charlotte VegFest
Saturday, October 13 | The Park Expo | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Charlotte VegFest is a celebration of all things vegan. Enjoy cooking demos, speakers, kids activities and vendors. The first 200 attendees will receive a free reusable bag filled with giveaways. Free to attend, $5 parking.
Darioush Wine Dinner
Thursday, October 18 |Â Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse | 7 – 9 p.m.
Experience a variety of wines from the three prestigious estates of Darioush and a five-course meal by Del Frisco’s executive chef. View the full menu here. $225 per guest. Call 704.552.5502 to reserve your seat.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 5-Course Dinner
Thursday, October 18 |Â Ruth’s Chris Steak House SouthPark and Uptown locations | 6:30 p.m.
Ruth’s Chris’ TasteMaker Dinners series wraps up with a five-course pairing featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars of Napa Valley. $125 per person. Happening at both SouthPark and Uptown locations.
Bourbon Dinner
Saturday, October 20 | Mimosa Grill | 6:30 p.m.
Chef Thomas Marlow of Mimosa Grill joins forces with Chef Drew Dodd of Stagioni and Mixologist Bob Peters for a multi-course dinner with bourbon cocktail pairings. $125 per person. Reserve your seat here.
2nd Annual Villa Heights Chili Cookoff
Saturday, October 20 |Â Free Range Brewing | 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Win over your neighbors with your favorite chili recipe. Whether you’re cooking or just sampling, the whole community will love the return of this tasty event.
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