The warm weather’s here and there’s no excuse not to break out of your dining rut and discover a new favorite. Start with our round-up of places to eat on Cinco de Mayo, then start planning your culinary adventures for the rest of the month. From new openings to don’t-miss events, here’s your round-up of food news for May:
Meet Up With The Scoop Girls on the Patio at REID’s SouthPark
Can’t resist a good patio and a great cocktail? Same. Join us for a scoopcharlotte happy hour on the patio at Reid’s Fine Food SouthPark Thursday, May 11. We’ll be there from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. raising a half price cocktail and sampling complimentary selections from Reid’s appetizer menu. Psst- get a sneak peek of their cocktail offerings here. Spread the word to your coworkers and girlfriends, and don’t forget to RSVP!
Dilworth Tasting Room ~ new chef and expanded menu
Speaking of Spring weather, enjoy it while dining al fresco on the patio of Dilworth Tasting Room. Help welcome new executive chef Brett Levan to the neighborhood hangout by ordering a few of his new signature dishes: a margarita panini, Espana flat bread and extended offerings of bruschetta and spreads. Turns out Dilworth Tasting Room is way more than just wine; they were recently recognized by Zagat as one of the 10 Most Notable Restaurants in Charlotte.
Join Robert Foley Vineyards for KellyFest at Bonterra
May 28
Bonterra Dining & Wine Room
Bob and Kelly Foley are hosting a celebration of Kelly’s favorite southern dishes, and you’re invited. The afternoon features a mouthwatering menu, wine and beer, music and more. On the menu is fried chicken, Carolina BBQ and all the fixin’s. Wash it down with wines from Robert Foley Vineyards and beer from Triple C Brewing Company. There will also be plenty of fun surprise giveaways throughout the afternoon, as well as live music.
$100 per person, includes all you can eat and drink. 4- 8 p.m. Call 704.333.9463 to reserve.
Don’t Miss Events at Corkbuzz
Tour of Italy Wine Class  – May 13
With over 1,000 native grape varieties and hundreds of regional styles, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the endless variety of Italian wines. The experts at Corkbuzz have you covered with a wine class dedicated to decoding what you need to know. Learn all about the major winemaking regions of Italy and their most well-known styles and grapes. Taste your way from North to South with six different wines, each with their own story. 1 p.m. $55 per person. Reserve your spot here.
Varietal Dinner: Pinot Noir  – May 17
There’s no better pairing than food and wine, and in celebration Corkbuzz is kicking off a new monthly dinner, each one focused on one grape variety. This month, explore the flavors of pinot noir with a three-course dinner paired with pinot noir wines from around the globe. 7 p.m. $85 per person. Reserve your spot here.
Champagne 101 wine class – May 20
Between weddings, showers, vacations, graduations and Mother’s day all coming up, it’s safe to say it’s celebration season. Before you propose your next toast of champagne, learn all about the world’s most famous sparkling wine, from its historic origins to cuisine pairings. This Corkbuzz class explores Blanc de Blancs, rosé and Prestige Cuvées through tasting and toasting. 1 p.m. $75 per person. Reserve your spot here.
5Church 5 Year Anniversary
Help 5Church celebrate five years with, you guessed it, five days of specials and events. The party kicks off with “Sunday Funday” on May 14 and the five-day celebration concludes on with the Annual Bash on Thursday, May 13.
Charlotte Restaurant Openings to Know:
Sabor now open in South Park
Now you can get your taco and nachos fix in the heart of Morrison. Sabor’s newest location serves up the authentic and bold Latin street food flavors you’ve come to crave. Simply follow the pack of loyal followers, or find them at 3920 Sharon Rd, Suite B130.
Living Kitchen opened its doors in South Park on May 1
New month, new you? Kick start your healthy commitments with help from the newest Living Kitchen location, which opened its doors on Monday, May 1. Find their plant-based menu picks at 4521 Sharon Road, Suite 175.
Waverly welcomes Ted’s Montana Grill and  Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
Charlotte welcomed its first Ted’s Montana Grill location at the new Waverly development in South Charlotte last week. With the largest bison menu in the world, expect elevated takes on burgers and entrees with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. Ted’s is now serving at 7404 Waverly Walk Ave.
Adding to its location in Midtown, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe brings a healthy and wholesome take on Mediterranean cuisine to Waverly. The newest location is located at 7107 Waverly Walk Avenue, Suite 5.
Food Truck Rally comes to Dilworth on East Blvd for summer
Dilworth residents will have something other than Cinco de Mayo to celebrate this Friday, as a new food truck rally makes its way to the corner of Scott Avenue and East Boulevard. Food Truck Friday Dilworth is scheduled to run each week through the Fall from 6 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Three trucks are slated to serve hungry guests at the inaugural rally on May 5. Parking will be available and the site is pet friendly. Join in at 1324 East Blvd.
Oak Steakhouse prepares to open in South Park
Adding to the area’s culinary buzz is the anticipated opening of Oak Steakhouse. Offering a modern take on the classic American steakhouse, the menu promises a variety of small plates and entrees driven by Executive Chef Alex Jenkins. Oak Steakhouse will be open at 4777 Sharon Road, Suite 125.
Common Market’s Oakwold location hosts soft opening May 3
Everyone’s favorite neighborhood hub is expanding to the Cotswold and Oakhurst areas, hence the name mash-up. Visit them on Wednesday at 4420A Monroe Rd.
Catawba Brewing Company comes to Charlotte
The Western NC brewery will expand to Charlotte later this month. Expect an open, industrial feel in their 10,000 square-foot taproom and a patio with a skyline view. They’ll be pouring from 933 Louise Ave.
Raise a glass at Bold Missy Brewery’s grand opening May 13
Who doesn’t love a brew with some character? Bold Missy Brewery will open its doors in NoDa on May 13. Seven beers are available on draft, accompanied by a healthy menu of hot dogs, snacks and flatbreads. Stop by on the first Wednesday of each month as the brewery donates taproom proceeds to a local charity as part of their community “Drink One Down for Our Town” program.
Dot Dot Dot speakeasy could be open as soon as mid-month in PRSC-BackLot*
Conrad Hunter and Stefan Huebner team up to open Dot Dot Dot, a prohibition-style, culinary-driven bar in *Park Road Shopping Center’s Backlot. Get ready for hand-crafted cocktails and a refined food menu. The speakeasy will be for members only, get a jump start on your membership application before they open here.
Know of some food, drink or restaurant news you’d like to share? Please share in the comments below!