February may be winding down, but there’s still time to explore all that the Charlotte food scene has to offer this month. From openings to culinary events and menu updates, here’s the news you need to know for the rest of February:
OPENINGS & CLOSINGS
Easy Like Sunday – Now open
This new eatery offers focus on “craft brunch” earlier in the day, with heavier small plates and entrees joining the menu for dinner. Find them in Montford Park, across from Park Road Shopping Center.
Whit’s Frozen Custard of Huntersville – Now open
Now open in Huntersville, Whit’s Frozen Custard serves up classic and rotating flavors of the week in shakes, classic cones, scoops, and in a create-your-own option. Find them at 10410 Arahova Dr. in Huntersville.
Tupelo Honey Uptown – Opening soon
Six years after opening their doors in South End, Tupelo Honey will open at the corner of Trade and Tryon within the next few weeks. They’ll be open for weekend brunch until 4 pm, lunch Monday – Friday until 4 pm and dinner daily starting at 4 pm.
Tropical Grille – Opening soon
This Greenville, SC-based chain is coming soon to Elizabeth offering a “healthy alternative to fast food.” The menu includes a variety of tropical bowls, salads, wraps and sandwiches featuring grilled chicken, 12-hour marinated slow roasted pork, signature sauces and baked sweet plantains. Find them soon at 1605 Elizabeth Ave.
The Grinning Mule – Opening soon
Coming soon to Plaza Midwood, The Grinning Mule will offer tapas-style food and a full bar. Expect an opening date within the next month.
Cordial – Opening this spring
AC Hotel Charlotte SouthPark’s rooftop concept, Cordial, will open on the eighth floor of the hotel this Spring, offering skyline views of Uptown and SouthPark and tapas.
New concept from Jim Noble expected in old Nolen Kitchen spot
As reported by the Charlotte Business Journal, restauranteur Jim Noble will open a new venture at the buzzing retail center on Selwyn Avenue. While details including the name and menu are still in the works, diners can expect a menu with European influences.
Closings in South End and beyond
South End’s Holler and Dash has recently closed, following the chain’s COO announcement that all six locations will reopen soon as Maple Street Biscuit Company.
The Matthews, Rea Farms and Steele Creek locations of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop have also closed as the restaurant group franchisee files for bankruptcy.
FOODIE EVENTS
Sparkling Wine Dinner
Feb. 21 | Napa on Providence | 7 pm
Napa’s annual sparkling wine dinner features four courses prepared by Executive Chef Ken Aponte and five sparkling wine pairings. $75++ per person. Call 704.900.8535 to reserve your spot.
Angeline’s “Pinots of the World” Wine Dinner
Feb. 21 | Angeline’s Charlotte | 7-10 pm
Experience the tastes of Italy with a five-course meal created by Executive Chef Robert Hoffman and Sommelier extraordinaire William Farquharson in the second of a three-part series that introduces diners to unique wine and food pairings.
High Tea at the McNinch House Restaurant
Feb. 22 | McNinch House Restaurant | 1-3 p.m.
High Tea at one of Charlotte’s most beloved historic homes returns February 22, where guests can enjoy tea and savories served with antique china. $65 per person, and reservations are highly suggested. Reservations can be made by calling 704.332.6159 or emailing mcninchhouse@gmail.com.
Seafood Tapas COOKING CLASS
Feb. 22 | Upstream Seafood | 10 am
Learn how to make classic seafood tapas and simple small plates in this cooking class led by the professionals at Upstream. $55 per person.
Farm-to-table Sunday Brunch
Feb. 23 | Hunter House & Gardens, Huntersville | 10:30 am and 12:30 pm
Enjoy a chef-prepared, farm-to-table Sunday Brunch in the historic Hunter House & Gardens including orange Frangelico french toast, smoked salmon, eggs, bacon, bottomless mimosas and new tableside make-your-own Bloody Marys. Reservations only.
Gumbo Contest
Feb. 25 | 7th Street Public Market | 5-8 pm
7th Street Public Market’s second annual Gumbo Contest includes a blind tasting of recipes from 8-10 local businesses. Sample and vote for your favorite!
Carnevale Wine Dinner
Feb. 25 | AQUA e VINO | 6:30 pm
Celebrate the world famous Venetian Festival with a six-course wine dinner with traditional food and wine. $90 per person. Call 704.364.4445 to reserve your spot.
Betz Wine Dinner
Feb. 26 | The Pump House | 6:30 pm
Explore wines from Betz Family Winery as part of this five-course chef-prepared dinner. $99++ per person. Call 803.329.8888 to reserve your spot.
Tour of Southern Italy Wine Dinner
Feb. 27 | Corkbuzz Charlotte | 6:30 pm
Chef Nicholas McCann and Laura Fiorvanti will team up to bring the flavors of Southern Italy through a four-course Italian meal with wine pairings from Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Puglia and Sicily. $100 per person.
eeZ Fusion and Sushi turns 15
Feb. 27 | eeZ Fusion and Sushi, Huntersville
Help this popular Huntersville spot celebrate 15 years in business. They’ll be offering 15% off their special anniversary menu and giveaways all day.
Chili Cook-Off
Feb. 29 | Ass Clown Brewing Company, Cornelius | 12-3 pm
Enter your famous recipe or come as a taste tester as Ass Clown Brewing Company hosts a Leap Day chili cook-off. They’ll also have beer specials.
Cooking at Davesté Vineyards
Feb. 29 | Davesté Vineyards | 1-3 pm
In this two-hour hands-on class, learn the art of pan-searing and de-glazing with Davesté Vineyards wines through a four-course tasting menu with wine pairings. $85 per person.
NEW & MENU UPDATES TO KNOW
Bar Marcel Chef named to the 2020 Colorado FIVE culinary team
Bar Marcel’s Executive Chef Josh Oakley, who also is at the helm of sister restaurant Avelina in Denver, Colorado, has been named to the 2020 Colorado FIVE culinary team—a collaboration of local and regional chefs and beverage heavyweights that represents the Colorado’s thriving culinary scene on a local and national level. Stop by the SouthPark eatery to help celebrate. Make your reservation here.
Aria Tuscan Grill’s New Menu Items
Aria Tuscan Grill and Executive Chef Alex Piatt recently debuted new winter menu items at the Uptown Italian favorite. Items include:
- Ribollita Soup with white beans, kale, tomato, bread, Pecorino, and EVOO ($7)
- Shaved Kale Salad with radicchio, pomegranate, Pecorino, hazelnuts, and walnut vinaigrette ($9).
- Hand-tossed, wood-fired Venison Sausage Rosso Pizza with buffalo mozzarella, caramelized onions, and pickled Fresno chili ($13)
- Handmade Pappardelle with venison Bolognese, Uno Alla Volta fresh ricotta, caramelized fennel, pancetta, and pickled turnips ($17)
- House-Made Paccheri Fagioli with kale pesto, borlotti beans, and pancetta ($15)
- Grilled Mahi Mahi with braised tomatoes, kale, green lentils, and pickled golden raisins ($25)
- Seared Duck Breast alla Plancha with handmade parsnip ravioli, roasted turnips, and braised radicchio ($30)
- Braised Lamb Shank with Parmigiano risotto, beets, pine nut gremolata, and pan sauce ($27)
- Grilled Elk Tenderloin with olive oil-whipped potatoes, confit heirloom carrots, and aged balsamic drizzle ($36)
- Alex’s Sicilian Cassata, an Uno Alla Volta ricotta cake served with orange marmalade and Gnam Gnam amaretto gelato ($8)
Volo Ristorante now open for lunch
The new Myers Park spot is now open for lunch Tuesday – Sunday 11:30 – 3 pm. Make your reservations online.
Chima Charlotte introduces new burger
Celebrate Chima’s new bar menu item with a launch party on Feb. 21 with live music and a complimentary burger with the purchase of a drink at their bar and lounge.
