November kicks off with fresh menu offerings, new openings and plenty of foodie events to tempt your palate. Read on for the best in Charlotte’s culinary scene this month:
OPENINGS & CLOSINGS
CAVA – Open Now
CAVA, a DC-based fast-casual chain, is now serving bold Mediterranean flavors in Park Road Shopping Center. Build-your-own options include pitas, bowls and salads with seasonal toppings. They’ll officially open to the public on October 30 with free meals on Community Day and donate the value of your meal to Sow Much Good in support of their mission to help grow healthy communities in under-served neighborhoods. Find them at 4267 Park Road.
Groucho’s Deli – Open Now
via Facebook
Since 1941, Columbia, SC and surrounding areas have enjoy Groucho’s trademark subs, famous dressings and larger-than-life salads. Now, can enjoy them in Charlotte at their newest location at 5110 Park Road 1G.
Shake Shack, Blakeney – Coming Soon
Be on the lookout for a grand opening date from Shake Shack’s anticipated location in Blakeney. In addition to their classic burgers and chicken sandwiches, the Blakeney Shack will serve the local Pie Oh My Concrete  (vanilla custard with slice of Suárez Bakery seasonal pie) and donate 5% of sales to Loaves and Fishes.
After 38 years in business, The Charlotte Cafe will close on October 31. Their Arboretum location, which serves the same menu, will remain open at 8200 Providence Road.
FOODIE EVENTS
Kindred Spirits Art & Food Outing
Mint Museum Randolph | 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the chance to experience two art exhibitions and lunch at one of the area’s best restaurants. The day starts with transportation from Mint Museum Randolph to Davidson College where you’ll enjoy a tour of Yinka Shonibare MBE: The American Library. After a private lunch at Kindred, you’ll return to Mint Museum Randolph for a curator-led tour of African-Print Fashion Now! with Annie Carlano, Senior Curator of Craft, Design, & Fashion. $100 per person.
Grand Opening Party
Friday, November 2 | Que Onda Tacos University | 6 – 11 p.m.
Celebrate Que Onda Tacos’ newest location in University with $2 tacos, $3 draft beers, $5 20 oz. margaritas, live Latin beats and giveaways.
Holiday Open House at Reid’s Myers Park
Saturday, November 3 | 2823 Selwyn Ave. | Noon – 5 p.m.
Get holiday ready with a taste of Reid’s  holiday specialties, from classics like turkey and ham to cravable sweets and Reid’s Private Label wines. Don’t fill up yet though, multiple local vendors will also be onsite with tempting samples. Free admission.
Feast of The Hunters Moon
Saturday, November 3 | Historic Rosedale Plantation | 6 – 10 p.m.
Travel back in time for an elegant 19th entry dinner at Rosedale. Guests will start with buttered hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on the lawn, and then dine on five courses with wine pairings by candlelight inside the main floor. $165 per person.
March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction
Saturday, November 3 | Charlotte Marriott City Center | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Chefs from Fin & Fino, O-Ku, Stoke and more join forces to support the March of Dimes, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Sample the chefs creations and bid on auction packages that include exclusive dining experiences and once-in-a-lifetime trips. Black tie.
Sushi & Cocktail Class
Tuesday, November 6 | Essex Bar & Bistro | 6:30 p.m.
Learn how to make your own California roll and spicy tuna roll, plus enjoy two cocktails (one of which you’ll craft yourself!). Small bites will be provided. $55 plus tax and gratuity.
Brisket & Brews
Thursday, November 8 | Wing Haven Gardens | 6 – 9 p.m.
Celebrate Elizabeth Clarkson’s Texas roots in the gardens with an evening of local brews, specialty cocktails, live music and a beef brisket dinner. $60 for members, $75 for non-members.
Vida Cantina’s 8th Anniversary Party
Thursday, November 8 |Â Vida Cantina | 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Help Vida Cantina celebrate their eighth anniversary with an al day celebration, from special lunch features to live music and drink specials at happy hour.
Piedmont Guy Wine Dinner
Thursday, November 8 |Â AQUA e VINO | 7 – 10 p.m.
Experience the flavors of Italy’s Piemonte region with a six-course wine dinner with wine pairings. Preview the menu here. $90 per person. Call 704.364.4445 to reserve your seat.
Ramen to Soba Cookery Class
Saturday, November 10 | Upstream Seafood | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Join Chef Gene Kato of Upstream Seafood to learn all about noodles, from the art of ramen to soba cookery. $48 per person, pre-registration required.
Taste of the Mint | Michael Sherrill Retrospective
Sunday, November 11 | The Mint Museum | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Art and food meet in this day out at the Mint. Guests will wine and dine on three tastings from Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth before taking a guided tour of  the special exhibition Michael Sherrill Retrospective. $45 per person.
MENU UPDATES
Brunch & Specials at Siggy’s Good Food
Nestled into Charlotte’s Belmont neighborhood, Siggy’s Good Food is now offering brunch on both Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Indulge in organic items plus an impressive libations line-up: a ginger mint lemon spritzer, classic mimosa and berries rosé smoothie are on the menu.
Prefer to visit on a weekday? Siggy’s Good Food offers half off beer and wine each Tuesday.
New Fall Cocktails at Vivace
Complement your order at Vivace with selections from its recently-released fall cocktail list, including seasonal elixirs like a barrel-aged walnut old fashioned and an acero pera.
Gameday at Merchant & Trade
Tailgate in rooftop style at Merchant & Trade while enjoying beer specials, a featured game day inspired food menu and spirit-driven craft cocktails. Doors open at noon for Sunday Panthers home games. (Hours subject to change based on Panthers schedule. Game-day dress code will be upheld on Panthers games.)
Daily Specials and Features at Harper’s Southpark
Head to Harper’s in SouthPark to enjoy menu items from their wood fired grill and pizza oven, including their Neapolitan style thin crust pizzas, made in-house daily. The family-friendly staple also boasts a great patio for soaking up the fall weather. Monday – Friday: Happy Hour Pricing on Bar Bites 4 p.m. – 6.p.m.
Monday:
- $3.50 NC Craft Beers on Draft #nccraft $5 classic mojitos
- 1/2 price bar bites in bar/lounge all night
Tuesday:
- 1/2 price glass wines
- All wine bottles we sell by the glass 1/2 price too
Wednesday:
- $3 craft beers in cans and bottles
- $5 bar size pizzas all night in bar/lounge
Thursday:
- Tacos $3 each and 1/2 price nachos in bar and lounge $2 Corona & Corona Lights
- $6 Jimmy’s Margaritas
Friday & Saturday
- $6 Seasonal Sangrias
Sunday
- $5 Bloody Marys & Mimosas
