In an unprecedented year for the restaurant industry, Charlotte has seen a number of beloved favorites close, while new openings faced the challenges of opening in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Going into December, here is the news you need to know about openings and closings, menu updates and foodie events to close out 2020.
OPENINGS & CLOSINGS
Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth closing to embrace a new concept
After 10 years in Uptown, Halcyon, Flavors of the Earth will close on December 20. In its place, a new dining experience in the same spot by the Mother Earth Group is expected to open in February 2021 with an international-inspired, tapas-style menu. Don’t miss their pre-closing dinner celebrations though, scroll down or link for more info.
Temporarily closed: Sycamore Brewing
In an Instagram post on Nov. 30, the popular South End brewery announced that it will close its doors through the winter, citing the rise in local coronavirus cases. Sycamore expects to re-open early in 2021.
Closing: Nova’s Bakery
The long-time family bakery with locations in Plaza Midwood and beyond will close its doors on Dec. 13.
Now Opens & Opening Soon
Collier Candy Co – Opening this week in Optimist Hall
Steak 48 – Opening Dec. 18
A new steakhouse promising a “modern update to the classic American steakhouse experience” will open in the heart of SouthPark on Friday, December 18. Steak 48, which also has locations in Chicago, Houston and Philadelphia will boast 11,500 square-feet for dining, including dining suites with view of the exposed kitchen through floor to ceiling glass walls. Find them at 4425 Sharon Road within the new mixed-use development Apex SouthPark.
Plant Joy – Opened 11/20
From food delivery service Nourish Charlotte’s founder/executive chef Julia Simon and partner Erik Berns comes Plant Joy, a brick-and-mortar concept that opened in Camp North End.
Epic Chophouse, Kingsley – Opened 11/17
The newest location for Epic Chophouse opened in Fort Mill’s Kingsley development with a menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, salads and more with indoor and outdoor seating available. Find them at 1365 Broadcloth St., #101 in Fort Mill.
Superica in Strawberry Hill – Opened 11/16
Superica opened their second Charlotte-area location in the SouthPark development of Strawberry Hill 4219 Providence Road.
Free Range Brewing at Camp North End – Opened 11/13
Free Range Brewing’s second location opened Nov. 13 at the 301 Camp Road building at Camp North End.
The Lunchbox Sandwich Shop – Open now
New to Plaza Midwood, this sandwich shop offers a number of signature options, including the “Gordon Hamsey” with fire-roasted ham, spreadable brie, lettuce and onion jam. They’re open Monday-Saturday from 11 am – 9 pm and Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm. Find them at 1306 Central Ave.
Closed: Amélie’s Uptown
Sadly, the Uptown location of Amélie’s French Bakery & Café closed on Sunday, November 8 after nearly five years in business.
MENU NEWS & UPDATES
Little Mama’s Launches Brunch To-Go
Want to enjoy the flavors of Little Mama’s brunch from the comfort of home? Enjoy their brunch-to-go, available for pick-up or delivery via Doordash on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu highlights include:
- Giant Cinnamon Roll: home made w. cream cheese frosting
- Bagel & Lox – Bagel w. cream cheese and pastrami smoked Scottish salmon, tomato, onion and capers
- French Toast – Pressed on the grill, served w. sweetened mascarpone cheese, real maple syrup
- Uncle Louis’ Handheld (pictured) – Folded egg sandwich w. melted Muenster, crispy prosciutto & Calabrian chili mayo, on a Portuguese roll w. a side of home fries
Leah & Louise launches fall cocktail menu, lunch and brunch service
New, festive and forward-thinking fall cocktails crafted by Bar Manager and Mixologist Justin Hazelton are now on the cocktail menu at Leah & Louise, the modern juke joint restaurant concept from husband-wife team Chef Greg and Subrina Collier in Camp North End.On the culinary side, after recently named to Esquire Magazine’s best new restaurant list, Leah & Louise now serves lunch service on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 am – 3 pm and brunch service on Saturday from 10:30 am – 3 pm and Sunday from 10:30 am – 4 pm. With the mid-day service comes new menus including:
- Good Ba-you ($14): A classic New Orleans Eggs Benedict with a twist: smoked shrimp, cornmeal muffin, poached eggs, gumbo hollandaise
- Sweeter the Bush ($13): Gluten-free option featuring Farm & Sparrow products: oat pancakes, sweet potato butter, smoked bourbon maple
- Beale E Dee ($15): A homage to Beale Street and Billy D Williams: seafood croquettes, scrambled egg, sweet potato grits, pickled shrimp relish
- Bored Her ($15): A celebration of chef Tchnavia “Tché” Carter’s heritage: oxtail pupusa, burnt pepper sauce, collard green salpicon
IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL FOODIE EVENTS
Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinners
Dec. 3, 10, 17 | Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth
Join Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth for their 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinner in safe, quarantine greenhouses featuring a five-course tasting menu by Chef Jonathan Moore. $85 per guest. Limited seatings at 6:00 pm and 8:15 pm.
Holiday Craft Beer Dinner
Dec. 9 | Carolina Beer Temple
Toast to the holidays with a five course craft beer dinner with a menu prepared by Harry’s Grille & Tavern paired with five rare craft beers.
Holiday Cheeseboard Creation
Dec. 9 | 7 pm
In this SkillPop class, local cheese artist and caterer, Tori Tippin, will teach you the tips and tricks of styling the perfect holiday cheese board, including the art of placement, cutting, board size, pairings and more. $20.
Here In The Garden: An Edible Black History Tour
Dec. 11 | 12 -1 pm
Join James Beard Award-winning author Adrian Miller for the ongoing launch of the Carolina Garden Trail in the Botanical Gardens at UNC Charlotte. Miller will take you on a virtual tour of the garden and highlight some plants that people of African heritage utilized in the Carolinas through different historical time periods, from Pre-European Colonization to present day. $5 gives you access to the Zoom meetings and the educational videos.
Caymus Wine Dinner
Dec. 17 | Napa on Providence
Ahead of the holiday menus, enjoy a night out with the Caymus Wine Dinner at Napa on Providence. $150++ per person. Call 704.900.8535 to reserve your seat.
Holiday Crêpes from Scratch
Dec. 22 | 7 pm
In this online class, Chef Rosana will focus on a French culinary favorite with a holiday twist.Learn how to crêpes from scratch, step-by-step, along with two special sauces and a holiday-inspired Yule Log crêpe.
A Craft Chocolate Advent Experience
Through Dec. 24
Jessica Henderson of Chocolate Monkey will feature a different chocolate maker every day this month, and you can even follow along by purchasing your own chocolate advent calendar. Experience 24 chocolate makers from 13 countries featuring 18 different cacao bean origins.
