It’s summertime, and the Charlotte food scene is showing no signs of slowing down. Here’s your mid-month update of openings, events and must-try menu updates:
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
Jeni’s Ice Cream NoDa – Open now!
via Facebook
Jeni’s NoDa opened its doors to ice cream lovers around the QC. Join them for their grand opening celebration on June 27 at 7 p.m., where they’ll have free ice cream and swag bags for the first 50 people. Find them at 416 E 36th St., Suite 400.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery – Opening June 26
via Facebook
Your mornings are about to get a whole lot better. Snooze, a Denver-based breakfast and lunch spot, will open its first east coast location at 1331 Central Avenue on June 26. The eatery will feature classic and innovative Benedicts, Sammies, bowls and pancakes alongside creative a.m. cocktails.
FOODIE EVENTS
Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery Wine Dinner
June 18 | Fin & Fino | 6 – 9 p.m.
Reid’s Fine Foods will team up with Fin & Fino for a three-course wine dinner presented by Steve Lister, Director of Sales of Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery. View the full menu here. Tickets are $105 all inclusive. Reservations must be made by calling the Reid’s Fine Foods Wine Department at 704.377.7686.
International Sushi Day Celebrations
June 18 | Sukoshi and O-Ku
Celebrate with 20% off at Sukoshi with promo code “SUKOSHI” on the Sukoshi app. If you’re shooting for dinner, to O-Ku for a special Sushi Happy Hour featuring half-priced rolls from 5 to 7 p.m.
Meet the Owner-Dinner with Stolpman Vineyards
June 18 | Foxcroft Wine Co-SouthPark | 7 p.m.
Foxcroft Wine in SouthPark will host Pete Stolpman of Stolpman Vineyards from California’s Central Coast for a four-course dinner paired with Stolpman wines. View the full menu here. $75 per person plus tax and gratuity.
Bordeaux 101
June 18 | La Belle Helene | 6 – 9 p.m.
via Facebook
Jules Martin of Aquitaine Wine Company will lead participants in a five-course wine and food pairing featuring wines from the Bordeaux region. $101 per person, inclusive of tax and tip.
Cooking Class at Aix en Provence
June 22 | Aix en Provence | 11 a.m.
The next Aix en Provence cooking class will follow a “Farmer’s Market” theme. Chef Nicholas will instruct on the following dishes: (1) Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho (2) Chicken Milanese with Market Greens, Lemon Vinaigrette, and Pecorino Romano. (3) Strawberry Shortcake with Chantilly Cream. Guests will also enjoy these dishes in a three-course lunch with wine pairings. $50 per person plus tax and gratuity. Call 704.332.1886 to reserve your spot.
Wine Dinner Pairing at the Omni Charlotte Hotel’s Trade Restaurant
June 22 | Omni Charlotte Hotel | 6:30 p.m.
Jenny Ayers, a Certified Specialist of Wine for the E&J Gallo Winery will join forces with Trade Restaurant’s Executive Chef Matt Cooper for this four-course dinner and wine pairings. $89 per person.
Class: Summer in the Mediterranean
June 23 | Savory Spice Shop South End | 5:30 p.m.
Chef Sarah Filbey will use the shop’s Mediterranean spices in a demo that highlights flavorful ways to eat healthy this summer. $15 per person. Call 980.225.5419 for tickets.
Siano Mozzarella and Conti Zecca Wine Dinner
June 23 | AQUA e VINO | 5 – 10 p.m.
Enjoy a fresh six-course summertime menu featuring the cheeses of Siano Mozzarella paired with Conti Zecca wines imported by Impero Wines. The Siano Family will also be demonstrating the art of making Fior di Latte on-site. $80 per person. For reservations please call 704.364.4445. View the full menu here.
Arancini & Risotto: Zia Pia Imports & Italian Kitchen
June 24 | 7th Street Public Market | 6 p.m.
Learn to make a risotto with fresh vegetables and arancini with Chef Suzanne from Zia Pia Imports & Italian Kitchen. Then turn those leftovers into a arancini! Tickets include dinner, one drink ticket redeemable for wine, beer or coffee, recipes and a 7th Street Public Market apron to take home. $45 per person.
Fahrenheit Charlotte Summer Dinner Series Presents: Orin Swift
June 25 | Fahrenheit-Charlotte | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Fahrenheit will kick-off its Summer Dinner Series with an evening with Orin Swift featuring a cocktail hour and three-course menu. View the full menu and purchase tickets here.
Top Shelf Tequila Dinner
June 26 | Sullivan’s Steakhouse | 7 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy a chef-inspired four course menu expertly paired with fine-aged tequila for $60 per guest. You’ll experience the tasting notes of Patrón Blanco, Reposado and Añejo tequilas, learn about the story of Patrón and enjoy a perfectly paired menu. View the full menu here.
NC Fine Wines Pop Up Dinner
June 27 | Barrington’s Restaurant | 6:30 p.m.
Bruce Moffett and his team of chefs will bring guests a true Farm to Table experience featuring multiple courses and wine pairings. View the menu here. $100 per person inclusive of tax and tip. Call 704.364.5755 for reservations.
Beer Dinner @ The Suffolk Punch
June 27 | The Suffolk Punch | 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a five course menu prepared and presented by Executive Chef Eric Litaker. Each course is served with a Suffolk Punch Brewing beer hand selected by the brew team. View the full menu here. $65 per person.
Legion Beer Dinner
June 28 | Napa on Providence | 7 p.m.
Head to Napa on Providence for a three-course menu from Executive Chef Ken Aponte paired with four Legion Brewing beers. $55++ per person. Reservations required. Call 704.900.8535 to reserve your spot.
Four Roses Bourbon | The Whiskey Club of Ballantyne
The Ballantyne | June 28 | 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a tasting of Four Roses Bourbon served with small plates. $55 per person. Call 704.248.4100 to reserve your spot.
MENU UPDATES
New Sangria and Tacos at Dilworth Tasting Room
The team at Dilworth Tasting Room has created the perfect Summer Wednesday: DTR Taco night. Enjoy handcrafted tacos with their delicious $8 sangria.
Dilworth Tasting Room’s sangria features cinnamon-infused honey with fresh cranberry and rosé! The white sangria includes moscato, Grey Goose orange and melon vodka, fresh cranberry juice marinated with apples, strawberries, red grapes and blueberries, topped with sparkling water and garnished with berries and mint.
New Menu Items at Fran’s Filling Station
via Facebook
Don’t miss these new menu items at Dilworth’s Fran’s Filling Station.
New small plates and flatbreads:
- Hot Italian Flatbread: pepperoni & meatball ($14)
- P.E.I. Mussels: smoked tomatoes, white wine, garlic & butter ($12)
- OMB’s Captain Jack Beer Battered & Fried Oysters: served with buttery hot sauce & grilled bread ($14)
Burgers & Franwiches:
- PIG Craft Beer Burger: grass fed beef & pork, stout braised onions, bacon jam & white cheddar ($18)
- Cruelty Free Turkey Burger: pimento cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion ($17)
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: blue cheese mayo & bacon ($16)
Fran’s Favorites:
- Herb Crusted Mount Trout: local peach chutney & summer succotash ($24)
- Chicken Milanese: crispy breaded chicken cutlet with goat cheese salad ($19)
- Summer Seafood Pasta: Linguine with sweet corn, zucchini, tomato, shrimp & crab meat in white wine butter sauce. Pasta is also available without seafood ($25 with seafood, $18 without).
Private Tastings at The Crunkleton
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For beginners and aficionados alike, The Crunkleton is now hosting personalized private whisky tastings where they’ll guide you through taste profiles, history, and nuances. A Bourbon Mash Bill Tasting is $175/ticket and features 9 bourbons, while a Whiskey Regions of Scotland Tasting is $275/ticket and features 12 scotches. Email hannah@thecrunkleton.com to schedule your tasting.