Looking for new flavors and spots to welcome in the new month? We’ve got just the thing. Read on for the latest in Charlotte culinary news, openings and events.
Noteworthy Openings
State of Confusion, LoSo – Open now
As a sister restaurant to South End’s STIR, State of Confusion offers a number of fun libations as well as robust brunch menu as well as grilled dishes using Argentinian wood-fired parrillas. They’ll also be open late night on weekends.
The Teal Turnip – Open now
From Chefs Steve McGinley and Taylor Kastl of Tayste Catering, The Teal Turnip offers small plates made with local ingredients and a lively bar. In addition to their regular dinning experience, The Teal Turnip offers a unique and custom experience at their Chef’s table. Stay tuned to their social media pages for changes to operating hours.
Hot Mess – Open now in Davidson
The space once home to Davidson Ice House has been transformed into Hot Mess, now open. Long-time friends and restaurant veterans Jennifer Brulé, owner/chef of Davidson Ice House which closed last December, and Robert Maynard, CEO of Won Life Holdings and co-founder and CEO of Famous Toastery have turned the old Davidson Ice House space into a new spot serving up burgers, bowls and lobster rolls, along with beer and wine. It’s now open for lunch and dinner.
Urban District Market – Open now in Optimist Park
The latest food hall concept has opened with six stalls and bars, and more on the way. What to expect now:
• LaBARatory — A science lab-themed bar that serves drinks from its on-site soju distillery along with other local craft beer and cocktails.
• Crispy Patty — Katsu sandwiches served with a variety of proteins including seafood, chicken and beef.
• The Rare Butcher — Premium steak and gourmet sides.
• HC Burger Company — Hand-chopped burgers and fries.
• Stick Street — Street fare foods from around the world served on skewers.
• Stuffed — Savory and sweet dumplings that can be steamed, pan-fried or deep-fried.
Eden, Plaza Midwood – Open now
In the old Peculiar Rabbit spot, Eden is serving craft cocktails in the three-story venue with a lounge feel. They also have shareable plates, dessert, charcuterie and brunch on the rooftop.
Seemingly Overzealous – Opening soon at Camp North End
Camp North End will welcome this dairy-free ice cream’s brick and mortar spot in the coming month. Expect custom flavors made in-house as well as grab-and-go options.
Sycamore Brewing’s new taproom – Opening soon
Slated to open this May, the much-anticipated new taproom will feature second-floor patio, two beer gardens, a taproom menu, stationed food truck and coffee shop. The taproom will span two stories with a 6,000-square-foot second-floor patio and bar overlooking Charlotte’s rail trail and city skyline.
Loto Café closes May 14
The coffee spot let patrons know the concept is “evolving” in an Instagram post on April 23. Stay tuned for more details.
Updates
New Spring Menu Items at The Waterman
Just in time for spring, The Waterman’s new menu options have everyone day-dreaming of a waterfront getaway. New to the menu:
- Ceviche – redfish, shrimp, mango salsa, ancho chile, NC sea salt, lime, corn tortilla chips
- Coconut Shrimp – fried, mango salsa, sweet Sriracha
- Salmon Spinach Strawberry – blackened, spinach, romaine, tri-color quinoa, candied pecans, Chef spice, Parmesan, fresh strawberries, maple vinaigrette
- Seared Salmon – tri-color quinoa, onions, peppers, asparagus tips, grape tomatoes, Parm blend
- Beef Short Rib – braised, red potato cake, grilled asparagus, brown butter demi-glace
Celebrate National Barbecue Month at Midwood Smokehouse
Celebrate National Barbecue Month at Midwood Smokehouse! All locations will be serving the following specials Thursday through Sunday the entire month of May.
- Smoked Al Pastor Plate: Achiote marinated smoked pork served with flour tortillas, cabbage, pickled jalapeños & onions, pico de gallo and roasted pineapple.
- Smoked Suadero-Style Brisket Plate: Smoked and braised Mexican brisket served with flour tortillas, guacamole, cabbage, cilantro, pico de gallo, and pickled onions & jalapeños
Sea Level supports Cystic Fibrosis Foundation with ‘Rising Tide’ cocktail
Sea Level NC is proud to support local nonprofits through its ‘Rising Tide’ cocktail initiative. Whenever the featured cocktail is purchased, 20% is donated directly to the current charity. The tide shifts towards a new non-profit every four weeks! Now through May 14th, the featured cocktail is ‘Violette Haze’, made with Conniption Kinship Gin, Creme de Violette, elderberry, tonic, and lemon.
Strawberry treats are back at Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop in Birkdale
Fan favorites strawberry pie and thumbprint cookies are back for a limited time at Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop in Birkdale! Reminiscent of that favorite strawberry dessert that shows up at many a Southern potluck, this Spring Pie is a fruity favorite. The shortbread crust is filled with strawberries that have set up perfectly into a sweet, homemade filling and is crowned with a generous portion of our cream cheese whip. A reminder: pre-orders are now open for Mother’s Day weekend!
Discover new cocktail and menu favorites at Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse
Raise a glass to the new cocktail features at Duckworth’s:
- Espresso Martini- Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka and cold brew coffee work hand in hand to bring an authentic espresso flavor. We heighten these attributes with the soft vanilla tones of Cruzan Single Barrel Rum and creamy textures provided by the classic Kahlua to present one of the finest Espresso Martinis around.
- Salted Mango Cooler- This tropical fruit and Rum libation showcases our house-made Salted Mango Syrup, Tiki bitters and pineapple. Employing both Flor de Caña Aged Rum and Kraken Black Spiced Rum, we present an incredibly smooth, yet spirit-forward refreshment guaranteed to enchant and enthrall with notes of mango, citrus and ginger.
Plus a new menu item:
- Southwestern Shrimp Quesadilla- Blackened Shrimp, Roasted Corn Kernels, Applewood Smoked Bacon with cheddar/mozzarella blend & sides of sour cream, salsa & house-made guacamole.
Celebrate and get rewarded at Duckworth’s, Link & Pin and The Cellar
There’s so much to celebrate this spring! The Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduation gift card promotion runs May 8 – June 18 at Duckworth’s, Link & Pin and The Cellar. For every $50 gift card purchased, receive a $10 gift card to use on the next visit.
Fin & Fino supporting Make-A-Wish through June
Fin & Fino is donating $5 from every order of the restaurant’s chef’s choice experience, “The Treatment”, to the local Make-A-Wish chapter through the end of June.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery launches Sunday brunch buffet
Every Sunday, starting this week, OMB will be serving up an brunch buffet, from eggs your way to freshly made French toast. Starts at 10am and goes until 3pm. The brunch is $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 years and under.
Events
Carolina BBQ Festival
May 7 | Camp North End
Attention all BBQ lovers: For the second year in a row, some of the most talented Pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond are coming together to BBQ for a cause. Back at Camp North End, the Carolina BBQ Festival won’t just be delicious BBQ, but live music, vendors, cocktails, beer and more. The festival will support My Heal Charlotte, Piedmont Culinary Guild, Operation BBQ Relief, Firebox Initiative and World Central Kitchen.
Ace No. 3 supports Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
May 8 | All locations | 5-9 pm
Ace No. 3 will be supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Monday, May 8th from 5-9pm. 20% of the proceeds will be donated directly to the CFF. In addition, for every Rice Krispie sold during the month of May, we will donate 65 cents to the CFF in honor of “65 roses”.
Sushi & Sake Dinner Party
May 11 | CO, Park Road Shopping Center
Meet new friends at the next DishCourse dinner at CO, where attendees will enjoy a curated experience featuring food & drinks, icebreakers, games, giveaways, handmade gifts and more.
The Waterman’s Neighborhood Night
On the 3rd Wednesday of each month, The Waterman partners with a non-profit and donate 20% of sales from 5pm-close. The Waterman Fish Bar LKN will be supporting Seasons of Giving, a non-profit providing care, comfort, and companionship to seniors in need, on May 17.
Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward
May 20-21
This walkable, self-guided urban garden & lifestyle tour showcases a variety of private gardens, complete with food and cocktail tastings. Sea Level NC will be serving fresh raw oysters on the half shell for the ‘Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward’ event. Tickets start at $30.
