Is venturing out of your culinary comfort zone on your list of 2023 resolutions? We think we can help. Read on for this month’s round-up of buzz worthy openings, foodie news to know and events to tempt your palate.
OPENINGS & CLOSINGS
The Salty Donut, South End – Opened Jan. 6
The donut shop that once started out in a 1950’s vintage aljoa camper opened a South End location on January 6. Tempting donut flavors include milk and cookies, brown butter and salt, white chocolate and chai, gluten free sticky toffee and more. View all menu options for the Charlotte location here.
Open Rice Metropolitan – Open now
After finding success in South Charlotte’s Blakeney shopping center, Open Rice has opened in the Metropolitan. Diners can expect modern spins on classic Asian dishes including traditional Chinese roasted duck, beef chow fun, Cantonese-style barbecue and bubble waffles.
BeeSpeak, Belmont – Open now
From the team behind Heirloom comes BeeSpeak, a weekend speakeasy concept operating out of Honeycomb Cafe in Belmont on Thursday – Saturday nights.
Brown Bag Seafood Co., South End – Open now
Brown Bag’s casual approach to fresh and sustainably-sourced seafood has come to South End. Dine in or carry out options include crispy cod, grilled salmon, curry fish cakes and a build-your-own option in addition to specialty plates. Find them at 100 W. Worthington Ave.
Duck Donuts, Rea Farms – Open now
Donut lovers can now get their fix in South Charlotte, as Duck Donuts recently opened its Rea farms location. Customize your own creations with endless options for coatings and toppings, or opt for choices off of the “fan-favorites” menu. Find them in the Rea Farms shopping center at 9825 Sandy Rock Place, Suite 5B.
Crumbl Cookies, Northlake – Opened Jan. 6
Open January 6 in Northlake, Crumbl Cookies will offer North Charlotte unique flavors each week as well as curbside and delivery options beginning January 11. Find them at 9821 Northlake Centre Parkway, Suite L.
Schreiber’s on Rye, Optimist Hall – Opening soon
According to reporting by The Charlotte Observer, Chef Larry Schreiber will open a New York-style deli inside Optimist Hall in the former Xiao Bao spot. When it opens, diners can expect deli sandwiches, hot dogs and more.
Closings:
Your Moms Donuts announced on their IG page this week the they will close both shops (Park Rd Shopping Center and Matthews) on February 5th.
Other recent closures:
- Charlotte Cafe, Arboretum
- VelTree Vegan, Ballantyne
- Pizza Peel, Matthews
- Xiao Bao, Optimist Hall
NEWS TO NOTE
Changes coming soon to Davidson Ice House
Jennifer Brulé, owner/chef of Davidson Ice House, and Robert Maynard, CEO of Won Life Holdings and co-founder and CEO of Famous Toastery, are teaming up on an exciting new venture. Davidson Ice House will temporarily close beginning Saturday, December 31 to make room for the new concept. Long-time friends, Brulé is also the chief culinary officer at Famous Toastery, the North Carolina-based 26-unit breakfast and lunch brand. This latest endeavor is another collaboration that capitalizes on the culinary duos’ experience and expertise, and Brulé will remain fully involved. Keep an eye on the Davidson Ice House Facebook and Instagram to learn the latest on Brulé and Maynard’s new venture.
Pizza Peel in Matthews closed to make room for The Flying Biscuit
On Saturday December 31st, Matthews, NC said goodbye to pizza and hello to delicious breakfast food. The Pizza Peel in Matthews closed its doors and Flying Biscuit Cafe will take its place. Diners can look forward to a large menu consisting of breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches and more. Though it’s a new restaurant, the ownership will be the same as well as the staff.
Counter- and Biblio
Opened Dec. 14 – West Morehead
You can now make reservations online for Counter-, which re-opened last month. Fans of Counter- will recall the one-of-a-kind fine dining experience they expect to revamp in a brand new space. Diners can opt for a 10-course or 14-course tasting menu, the details of which aren’t released ahead of time. Biblio will offer an array of exceptional and exciting wines, perfect for sipping before your tasting experience at Counter-. Find them at 2001 W Morehead St, Suite D.
FOODIE EVENTS
Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week
Jan. 20 – 29 | Various locations
Offering a prime opportunity to experience the region’s culinary variety, the next Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week will run Friday, January 20, through Sunday, January 29, 2023, with three-course, prix fixe dining deals ranging from $30 to $45 per person, depending on the restaurant. Check their website for updates on participating restaurants.
Jeni’s Blakeney Grand Opening Party
Jan. 12 | Blakeney Shopping Center | 7-11 pm
Stop by for a scoop (or three) as Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams opens its doors in South Charlotte. Their grand opening celebration on January 12 will feature free scoops and swag bags for the first 50 people in line.
Caymus Wine Pairing Dinner
Jan. 19 | Sullivan’s Steakhouse | 7 pm
Reserve your seat now for a four-course tasting menu of decadent dishes perfectly paired with world renowned wines from Caymus. $125 per person (plus taxes and gratuities – due at restaurant).
Beard Papa’s Charlotte Grand Opening
Jan. 21 | 222 West Boulevard | 10 am
Beard Papa’s is opening a “dessert destination” January 21 in South End. They’ll serve classic and customizable cream puffs, and on opening day, will offer exclusive promotions all day, giveaways, and gifts for the first 100 customers.
23rd Annual Soup on Sunday
Jan. 23 | Philip L. Van Every Culinary Arts Center @ CPCC | 11 am – 2 pm
Soup on Sunday brings together some of Charlotte’s best restaurants and culinary schools to showcase their talents during a family-friendly soup-fest benefiting the work of Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region (HPCCR). Participants will serve a variety of their delicious signature and unique soups, bread, and sweets while guests enjoy good company and hand-crafted pottery.
Somm V. Somm Wine Dinner
Jan. 25 | Foxcroft Wine Co-Waverly | 7 pm
Join Foxcroft Waverly for their first Somm v. Somm Wine Pairing Dinner featuring Master Sommeliers Nick Hetzel and John Blazon from Jackson Family Wines. They’ll present their best wine pairings for a 4-course meal. Each Somm will argue their case for why their pairing is better and you’ll decide who wins. This is a fun and interactive way to try something different in the world of wine and learn more about how to pair our favorite beverage with your next home-cooked meal.
