The spring weather is heating up, and so is Charlotte’s food scene. Take notes: May is full of must-know news, specials and events your appetite can’t afford to miss.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
Opening soon: Viva Chicken in Indian Trail
The popular Peruvian rotisserie spot will open its seventh-area location in Indian Trail this month. Find your favorite pollo a la brasa in Sun Valley Commons.
Opening soon:Â Eddie V’s in Uptown
A new seafood and steak destination will open May 4 at the corners of Trade and Tryon streets. Expect fresh seafood dishes, handcrafted cocktails, live music and happy hour features at The V Lounge and a sommelier-curated wine list.
Opening soon: Brown Bag Charlotte in South Charlotte
Brown Bag is bringing their popular food truck and catering options to a brick and mortar location on May 14. Enjoy one entree and two sides for $9-10 in a fast-casual setting.
Opening soon:Â The Stanley in Elizabeth
The much-anticipated opening of this farm-driven restaurant owned and operated by James Beard Nominated Chef Paul Verica and his son Alex is inching closer to its opening. Expect seasonal, market-driven menus, a local and regional beer menu, food-friendly wines and creative cocktail features.
Opening soon: Superica in South End
The Atlanta-based Tex-Mex destination expects to open it’s first Charlotte-area location in South End this month. Ready your appetites for flour tortillas made in-house, wood-grilled fajitas, tacos and enchiladas.
FOODIE EVENTS & RESTAURANT NEWS
Live Music Friday on the JP Terrace is back!
Celebrate the return of spring with live music, beer wine and cocktail specials and half off appetizers from 5 –Â 7 p.m. every Friday.
Best Mother’s Day – DAY AFTER party in the QC this month – the Rosé Patio Party at  Corkbuzz Charlotte on Monday, May 14th starting at 5:30 pm.
To celebrate mom and spring, Corkbuzz is opening the LARGEST bottle of Rosé (15L bottle) in Charlotte! Join them for all you can drink AIX Rose and light Hors D’ oeuvres on their Patio. Tickets are $23 per person and you can get yours, make your reservation here.
Celebrate National Hamburger Month at The Cowfish
The Cowfish will run a social media contest for the entire month of May. To enter, simply post a photo of your fave burger from The Cowfish on your Instagram or Facebook page (don’t forget to tag them!) by midnight on May 31 for a chance to win dinner for two at The Cowfish.
The Holdouts & Travis Avenue LIVE
Saturday, May 5 |Â Reid’s SouthPark | 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the weather and the patio at Reid’s SouthPark as The Holdouts and Travis Avenue take the stage. $10. Tickets available at both Reid’s locations.
7th Street Public Market Birthday Party
Saturday, May 5 | 7th Street Public Market
Help the market celebrate its 6th anniversary with free cupcakes for the first 100 guests, a DJ, Not Just Coffee samplings, games and more.
Seis De Mayo Brunch
Sunday, May 6 | Draught Charlotte | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Keep the fiesta going at Draught’s Seis De Mayo brunch, featuring a special menu by Chef Donnie. While you feast, enjoy beast from DJ Yona and $2 mimosas, $3 select beers, $15 champagne bottles, $5 Bloody Mary’s, $2 man-mosas and $20 sharable punches.
Bluzy Brunch at Coaltrane’s Char Grill
Sunday, May 6 |Â Coaltrane’s Char Grill, Plaza Midwood | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ease into your Sunday funday with blues music from Caleb Davis. Drink specials include $5 bloody Mary’s, $3 beer special and $3 mimosas.
Alsatian Winemaker Dinner with Etienne Dreyer
Monday, May 7 |Â Dogwood Southern Table and Bar
Dogwood Southern Table and Chef Ryan Abbot welcomes French winemaker Etienne Dreyer for a culinary and wine tour of the French region of Alsace.
Blowing the Roof Off
May 11 – 12 |Â Coaltrane’s Char Grill
Take patio weather to the next level at Coaltrane’s rooftop bar launch, happening all weekend long. Expect $3 shots, $4 draft beer and $5 mixed drinks.
Lil Wayne House Party
Saturday, May 12 | Draught Charlotte | 9 p.m.
Go all out on a Saturday with Draught’s Lil Wayne party, featuring no cover, drink specials and DJ Edward Shouse.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Saturday, May 12 | Symphony Park
This celebration of tasty beer, bourbon and BBQ features Over 60 beers, 40 bourbons and plenty of ‘que. Guests will also enjoy live entertainment and seminars. VIP and general admission tickets available.
Southern Soul Food & Cider
Friday, May 18 |Â Red Clay Ciderworks
The Gourmand Chef and Red Clay Ciderworks team up for a five-course pairing of your favorite Southern foods and ciders. Preview the menu here. $40 per person.
50 Shades of RoséÂ
Saturday, May 19 |Â Draught Charlotte | 4 – 7 p.m.
Can’t get enough rosé? Head to Draught’s mega rosé tasting to sample nine different wines – plus the new Three Olives Rosé and Angry Orchard Rosé. While you sip, enjoy small bites crafted by Chef Donnie. $20 per person.
Sweet Escapes
Saturday, May 19 |Â Mint Museum Randolph
The Piedmont Culinary Guild and Community Link host a sweet evening including over 500 pounds of chocolate, beverages, hors d’oeuvres, live music and a silent auction. $100 per guest.
GET BAKED Dessert Market
Sunday, May 20 |Â Lenny Boy Brewing Co. | 1 – 5 p.m.
Grab your girlfriends for the ultimate sugar rush. Taste and savor desserts from over 15 local bakeries and food trucks, plus enjoy beer and kombucha from Lenny Boy Brewing Co.