It’s no secret that Charlotte is making a name for herself as a culinary destination. With all that’s popping up on the foodie front, it can be hard to keep up. Luckily for you, we’ve done the research (and the tasting!) tough job : ) for you and rounded up the Charlotte Restaurant Openings, food news and events you need to know this month. Here’s where to make reservations in October ~ in mostly chrono order:
FIRST UP, MUST-KNOW FOODIE NEWS AND EVENTS
McNinch House Restaurant welcomes fall with a new menu
Mark a special occasion with an evening at The McNinch House Restaurant. Indulge in new seasonal opening, main and dessert courses, featuring apple braised NC cheshire pork belly, sweet potato ravioli and pumpkin tiramisu. View the menu here.
New fall menus at Reid’s SouthPark
Stop by for a taste of the season at Reid’s. New menu highlights include a pancetta & fig flatbread, kale & butternut squash salad, smoked brisket sandwich, pork belly wellington and chicken pot pie. The new dinner menu also features a new selection of wines by the glass.
New cocktails include a pear martini, maple old fashioned, a fall sangria and more. Signature cocktails are always $6 on Thursday nights. Hello happy hour!
Live Music Friday at JP Charlotte
We’ve found your new Friday night go-to for cocktails and music. Stop by the Terrace of JP Charlotte each week for drink specials, live tunes and half off appetizers.
WP Kitchen + Bar introduces new fall cocktails
Burly Wine Dinner
Foxcroft Wine Co. (both locations) | Tuesday, October 10 and Wednesday, October 11 | 7 p.m.
Executive Chefs Justin Solomon and Chris March, with Sous chefs Darian Fisher and Chris Mydosh, have teamed up to present a four-course wine dinner featuring Burly wines. Each course is paired with a unique wine, with guidance through the selections from Burly Owner and Founder Hank “Burly Bear” McCrorie. Preview the menu here. Don’t worry, Dilworth. You can reserve your spot for Wednesday, October 11. $75 per person.
Southern France Wine Dinner
Aix en Provence | Wednesday, October 11 | 7 p.m.
Join Importer Frederick Corriher and Rick Bowman from Bordeaux Fine and Rare for a Southern France Wine Dinner. Chef Nick will prepare five courses paired with wines from the South of France and The Rhone Valley. $95 per person.
Bichot Wine Dinner
Dressler’s Restaurant, Metropolitan | Wednesday, October 11 | 6:30 p.m.
Indulge in four courses, each paired with a selected wine. View the menu here. Reserve your spot by calling 704.909.6295. $80 per person.
Tour of France Wine Class
Corkbuzz Charlotte | Wednesday, October 11 | 6:30 p.m.
Pack your bags! The wine professionals at Corkbuzz are taking you on a tour of the major wine regions of France. Taste your way through the different grapes and flavors of one of the most important wine producing countries. $65 per guest.
Ten Paces Dinner – A Culinary Duel
Stoke Charlotte | Friday, October 13 | 6:30 p.m.
Ready, set, sear! Chefs Chris Coleman of Stoke Charlotte and Nicolas Daniels of Loft & Cellar face off in the first Ten Paces dinner, a 5-course culinary battle where you pick the winner. Reserve your seats to help decide who’s the real culinary sheriff of Uptown Charlotte. $85 per person.
Watch Manchester United vs Liverpool
Draught | Saturday, October 14 | 9 a.m.
If soccer > sleep, catch the game at Draught beginning at 9 a.m. Enjoy brunch complete with tea and biscuits, $2 mimosas and $4 doubles.
Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament
Draught | Saturday, October 14 | 8 p.m.
Sure, you may have ruled the school back in the day, but on October 14, this game is anything but child’s play. Put your skills to the test in a rock, paper, scissors tournament. But unlike your playground days, this challenge comes with beer specials.
Southeast Asian Street Food Festival
1817 Central Ave. | Saturday, October 14 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The 4th Annual Southeast Asian Street Food Festival celebrates the flavors and culture of Southeastern Asia. See traditional dance and youth performances, taste the most popular foods on the streets of Southeast Asia and even partake in a pho-eating contest! Admission is free and all benefits from sales, a silent auction and raffle benefit SEAC youth program which serves youth in east and west Charlotte.
Wine 101 class
Corkbuzz Charlotte | Thursday, October 19 | 6:30 p.m.
Ever wondered how those grapes got in your glass? Find out with this back to basics class. Discover which flavors you like best (so next time you can order with confidence), learn how wine is made and taste the differences between different styles. $55 per guest.
Bridal Walk Around Party at Corkbuzz
Corkbuzz Charlotte | Friday, October 20 | 1-3 p.m.
Looking for that perfect venue for wedding festivities? Consider Corkbuzz for your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, bachelorette activity or even the wedding itself! Tour the spaces at their Bridal Walk Around Party, featuring local industry professionals, wedding planners, plus snacks and wine. Registration is free.
Raid the Cellar w/ Laura Maniec Sonoma Cocktail Party
Corkbuzz Charlotte | Monday, October 23 | 6:30 p.m.
Master Sommelier and Corkbuzz co-owner Laura Maniec is back for the popular Raid the Cellar series. Head to Sonoma to taste some of Laura’s favorites in a casual and fun atmosphere, complete with snacks from the Chef’s menu. $85 per guest.
Whiskey Flights & BBQ Bites-Rye
Midwood Smokehouse Park Road | Wednesday, October 25 | 6:30 p.m.
Talk about a perfect pairing. Midwood Smokehouse in Park Road Shopping Center will host this guided tasting with family style craft ‘cue bites, rye whiskey flights and swag for your home bar.
Wine Dinner benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Reid’s Southpark | Thursday, October 26 | 6 p.m.
$75/person A percentage of sales will be donated to Susan G. Komen Foundation Charlotte. PLUS, we will auction a private wine dinner for 10, and include a wine raffle with every course, with proceeds also going to Komen!
NEWLY OPENED
Zoës Kitchen serving up fresh in Matthews
The fast-casual Mediterranean spot has opened a location in Matthews. Find them at 2309 Matthews Township Parkway. more from the Charlotte Observer.
Stop by the new Korean barbecue spot in the South End neighborhood for lunch or dinner. 1750 Camden Rd. Suite 104.
Smashburger joins a bustling Montford Park neighborhood
Smashburger’s third location in Charlotte is now open, smashing and searing burgers for lunch and dinner. Find them at 4444 Park Road.
Co brings contemporary Asian cuisine to Waverly
The Southeast Asian fusion restaurant serving noodles, pho, sushi and banh mi, celebrated the grand opening of their second Charlotte location on September 21. Visit at 7416 Waverly Walk Avenue.
NEWS WE’RE WATCHING
The Toasting Company’s first pop-up
The mobile gourmet s’mores food cart is making its debut at Camp North End for their final Friday night celebration of the season. Grab a classic s’mores or venture out with flavors such as cinnamon bun and salted caramel while enjoying live music, food and drink. Friday, October 27 beginning at 5 p.m.
The People’s Market @ Dilworth Opening this month
Things are coming along at the much-anticipated addition to Dilworth. The People’s Market continues to build excitement on their Instagram feed, noting a new patio with a fireplace and front door entrance, as well as hinting at an October opening.
Lincoln’s Haberdashery prepares for an October opening
From the owner of Futa Buta, South End’s newest food market with a bodega feel may open its doors this month, as covered by the Charlotte Observer.
Cava Mezze Grill expanding in two Charlotte locations
As a D.C.-area native, I couldn’t be more excited to introduce Cava to the Queen City. You’ll love the fast-casual feel, a build-your-own approach and fresh, Mediterranean ingredients. Read more in the Charlotte Business Journal.
