The summer-like temperatures are here, and so are new hotspots, menu items and foodie events to savor. Don’t miss a beat with our round-up of the must-know culinary news for the second part of May.
OPENINGS & CLOSINGS
Bar Marcel now open in SouthPark
Now open at Morrison in SouthPark, Bar Marcel blends Italian flavors into dishes like cavatelli with pork sausage, flageolet beans, Parmesan broth, sage, arugula and toasted bread crumbs. You’ll even find Italian influences in the bar program: expect house-made cellos, amaros and Italian craft beers. Book your table now.
Twenty Degrees Chocolates expanding this summer
Twenty Degrees Chocolates, currently available at Myers Park’s Petit Philippe, will expand with a new location this summer at Charlotte’s Design Center. There you’ll find small-batch artisan chocolates crafted by chocolatier Casey Hickey in the European tradition.
Taproom Social now open in Uptown
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Destined to become a favorite pre-game spot for Knights games, self-pour bar Taproom Social offers 40 craft beers, seven wines and prosecco and an outdoor patio facing BB&T Ballpark.
Protagonist Clubhouse now open in NoDa
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New to the heart of NoDa, Protagonist Clubhouse focuses on rare and unique brews, with a selection of more than 20 guest tap beers in addition to their onsite nano brewery and elevated bar snacks. Open Monday through Thursday 3 – 10 p.m., Friday 3 – 11 p.m., Saturday 12 – 11 p.m. and Sunday 12 – 9 p.m.
Armored Cow Brewing now open in University City
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Gluten-free ladies, rejoice! This newcomer brewery focuses on gluten-free beers, and also has a rotating food truck schedule and indoor and outdoor seating. Find them at 8821 JW Clay Blvd.
Closings:
The second half of May also saw some temporary closings. Beloved South End spot Pike’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop closed mid-month with plans to reopen in a new location at a later date. Uptown’s Bentley’s on 27 also closed May 18 with plans to reopen later this year.
FOODIE EVENTS
Lobster Patio Night every Tuesday at Upstream through summer
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Join Upstream on the patio every Tuesday for Lobster & Sunsets dinner series! Enjoy a three-course lobster dinner on the beautiful patio every Tuesday starting at 7p.m. for just $35 per person. A taste of what to expect:
- Tega Hills Farm Fresh Salad: Baby Lettuces with Shaved Fennel, Watermelon Radish, Sourdough Croutons and Fresh Herb-Citrus Vinaigrette
- Steamed Lobster: 1.5lb Maine Lobster with Crushed Yukon Gold Potatoes, Corn on the Cob and Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
- Harmony Ridge Farms Lady Apple Cobbler: Served Warm with House-Made Crème Fraiche Ice Cream
For reservations please call 704.556.7730 or visit www.upstreamseafood.com.
Chopt’s #NationalSaladMonth continues May 24 and 31
Chopt’s Park Road location will continue their #NationalSaladMonth celebration with Friday “happy hour” promotions (with purchase) on May 24 and 31 from 2 – 5 p.m. Here’s what to expect:
- May 24 – BOGO salad dressing bottles
- May 31 – Every lucky 10th customer gets a FREE bottle of their favorite housemade Chopt salad dressing to take home.
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza to Donate Kid’s Meal Sales from May 20 through May 26 to Isabella Santos Foundation
Make plans to dine out with the kiddos May 20 – 26 at any of Brixx’s six Charlotte-area locations. They’ll be donating all proceeds from dishes ordered from the kids menu to the Isabella Santos Foundation , which serves the families of children with rare pediatric cancer through improved treatment options.
Margarita Monday for Go Jen Go!
May 20 | Pink Cactus Clt | 6 – 9 p.m.
There’s no better way to kick off the week than with cocktails for a great cause. Enjoy a special strawberry margarita at Pink Cactus CLT and a portion of each drink will support Go Jen Go, an organization providing financial assistance to Charlotte families fighting breast cancer.
2nd Annual Captain James Jack Colonial Dinner
May 20 | The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | 6 p.m.
The May 20th Society and Olde Mecklenburg Brewery will team up for the second annual Captain James Jack Colonial Dinner, featuring a four-course dinner and remarks from historical artist Dan Nance. $50 per person.
Rosé Wine Dinner at AQUA e VINO
May 20 | AQUA e VINO | 7 p.m.
Make your reservations now for Aqua e Vino’s six-course rosé dinner featuring French cuisine from the Provence region paired with rosé wines. $80 per person. Call 704.364.4445 to reserve your seat.
Dessert & A Show: Cake Throwdown
May 21 | Amélie’s French Bakery & Café Uptown | 6 p.m.
At Amélie’s in Uptown, chef and sous chefs from other locations will compete in a two-round cake bake-off. After judging, all can partake in cake tasting.
Fresh Pasta & Ricotta Workshop
May 21 | Sweet Spot Studio CLT | 6:30 p.m.
Join Pastry Chef Jossie Lukacik for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll make your own pasta dough, roll and cut fresh pasta and make fresh ricotta and tomato sauce. $75 per person.
One Year Anniversary Dinner
May 31 | Bardo Restaurant
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Help Bardo celebrate their anniversary with an exclusive four-course tasting menu with curated wine pairings and cocktails crafted by chef Mike Noll and mixologist Amanda Britton. Two seatings: 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. $132 per person, gratuity included.
WINE 102 with Mark Orsini from Orsini Wines
June 1 | Mimosa Grill | 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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Join Mark Orsini from Orsini Wines and special guest Brad of Airfield Estates in Washington State for a seven-course wine tasting perfectly paired with small bites. Preview the full tasting menu here and book your reservation online.
MENU UPDATES & NEWS
Fresh new menu items at Uptown’s Mimosa Grill
Book your table now to taste the new flavors at Mimosa Grill. Their spring menu includes Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes, hot fried chicken and more featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
Civetta is now serving brunch
This south Charlotte newcomer is now serving brunch Sundays from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Expect brunch classics including a frittatas and omelettes, along with items with an Italian twist, such as a caprese Benedict and chase and eggs with pancetta. Check out the full menu here and make your reservations online.
Tuesdays: Live music and half price wine at Harper’s SouthPark
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In need of a weekday pick-me-up? Harper’s SouthPark features live music on the patio from 6 – 9 p.m. every Tuesday. Plus, enjoy off select wine by the glass or bottle.
Sundays: Pop Up of Billy D’s Fried Chicken at Haymaker
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Each Sunday, cure your fried chicken craving as Haymaker hosts a Billy D’s pop-up featuring their popular chicken sandwich with southern sides in addition to their regular menus. Available Sundays starting at 5 p.m.
Don’t forget: Angeline’s for stunning private dining
Have an upcoming summer event? Angeline’s can help you celebrate with a beautiful private dining room that accommodates 36 seated guests or 45 standing. Call 704.445.2550 for more information. Ready to book? Fill out the private dining inquiry form here.
