Looking to add new flavors to your plate? You’re in luck. We’ve been tracking the latest restaurant news, openings and coming-soon’s in the Charlotte culinary scene, and have rounded them up in our latest EATS update. What you need to know going into Spring:
WHAT’S OPENING SOON
Starting March 19, SouthPark will have a new neighborhood hangout. Pink Cactus Bar Kitchen will open in the former Treehouse Whiskey and Fork location offering Southwest fare, more than 35 tequilas, craft cocktails, a coffee bar and more. The expanded and covered patio will be a highlight – don’t miss your chance to sip a cocktail al fresco at their grand opening party on March 30.
via Facebook
From the owners of Vivace, this Italian-inspired restaurant with Spanish and French influences is expected to open soon in SouthPark. The bar and small plates concept is the tenth restaurant in Stacey and Kevin Jennings’s Urban Food Group. Find them soon at 3920 Sharon Rd., Suite 160.
MENU UPDATES & FOODIE EVENTS
“Wine More” Wednesdays at Aria Tuscan Grill
Take advantage of “Wine More” Wednesdays at Aria, when the restaurant offers small-producer wines poured by the glass from big bottles chosen by Aria Beverage Director Briana Cohen. Winemakers typically reserve their best wines and vintages for large-format bottles, where the thicker glass ensures they age more slowly and gracefully.
Charlotte chef Bruce Moffett releases first cookbook
Chef Bruce Moffett, owner of Moffett Restaurant Group, released his first cookbook “Bruce Moffett Cooks: A New England Chef in A New South Kitchen” on March 11. The book includes 120 recipes for staples like Pickled Butternut Squash Ribbons, Creamy Spring Onion Soup and Pecan-Crusted
Lamb with Chipotle BBQ Sauce and more with step-by-step instructions and photography. The book comes ahead of two anticipated openings for Moffett: N.C. Red and Bao + Both in Optimist Hall with executive Chef Larry Schreiber.
Next Plate Series
March 20 and 27 | Camp North End | 7 p.m.
Camp North End presents the Next Plate series, a joining of Charlotte’s culinary and arts scenes, through the month of March. At each event, chefs and art leaders will work together to craft a multi-course dining experience with arts elements.
Food, Wine, & Music: the ellen cherry eXperience
March 20 | One Wells Fargo Executive Dining Room | 6 p.m.
This event blends wine, food and live entertainment in a unique Uptown setting. Enjoy pairings of eight wines by Assorted Table Wine Shoppe’s Josh Villapando, six courses served in the Wells Fargo Executive Dining Room by Executive Chef Michael Bader and a liver performance by Emmy-nominated Song & Story Alchemist, ellen cherry. $200 per person.
Wine Dinner Featuring Masi Wines
March 21 | Reid’s Fine Foods SouthPark | 6 p.m.
Explore the tastes of Masi Wines with a pairing dinner with special guest Sean Nowak, Italian Wine Ambassador at Kobrand Fine Wines. Chefs Joe Silviano and Wanda Orick will prepare a delicious spread to pair with the wines. Tickets are $75 per person and can be reserved by calling 704.377.1312.
WP Feeds The Need with Charlotte Food Bloggers
March 21 | WP Kitchen + Bar | 5 p.m.
At the next edition of WP Feeds the Need, the Charlotte Food Bloggers join in raising funds for Our Daily Bread, a local organization that works with ex-offenders to give them housing and jobs in a bakery mentoring their culinary skills. 15% of the evening’s sales will benefit the charity. Call 704.295.0101 to reserve your table.
French Wines Class #3 at Reid’s: Loire River Vineyards
March 23 | Reid’s Fine Foods SouthPark | 2 – 4 p.m.
via Facebook
Reid’s third and final French Wines class will take you “Cruising Along the Loire River Vineyards” to taste five wines and five cheeses, plus enjoy a special discount on all featured wines. Tickets are $40 per person and can be reserved by calling the Wine Department at 704-377-7686.
The Farmer That Feeds Us Screening/Dinner
March 24 | 7th Street Public Market | 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Soul Food Sessions and Carolina Farm Trust will team up for a collaboration dinner and screening of The Farmer That Feeds Us, Episode 2 featuring West End Charlotte. The family-style dinner also includes a panel discussion moderated by Alysia Osborne from Center City Partners. $75 general admission.
Sugar Shock
March 25 | The 658 Center | 7 – 9 p.m.
via Facebook
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the fourth annual Sugar Shock, a six-course tasting of desserts from Charlotte’s best pastry chefs each paired with a cocktail. View the full menu here. $75 general admission.
Stone Brewing Beer Dinner
March 26 | Queen City Craft and Gourmet | 6 p.m.
Enjoy six delectable courses by Chef Jon paired with rare, vintage Stone Brewing beers. $65 per person. Call 980.339.5610 to reserve your seat.
Three Course Meal w/ Wine Pairing
March 28 | Inizio Pizza Dilworth | 7 p.m.
via Facebook
At Inizio, enjoy a full three course meal: burrata, housemade pasta, a small pizza and wine tastings. Each ticket is good for two people, $30 per person.
Beer Dinner @ The Suffolk Punch
March 28 | The Suffolk Punch | 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a five-course menu in the brewery prepared and presented by Executive Chef Eric Litaker. $65 per person.
Scotch Dinner
March 29 | Napa on Providence | 7 p.m.
Executive Chef Ashley LaRose will create a custom four-course dinner menu to perfectly pair with five tastings from Glenmorangie and receive a premium cigar at the end of the night. $90++ per person. Call 704-900-8535 to reserve your seat.
Taste of the Mint: Contemporary Art
March 31 | Mint Museum Uptown | 1:30 p.m.
Art, food and wine meet at this monthly event at the Mint Museum. Enjoy sips and bites at Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth, then take a guided tour of the Contemporary Art galleries. $35-45.
