This time of year always has us craving something new and fresh, so why not break out of your restaurant rut (and possibly your zip code) for something different? From beer and wine classes to a new food truck hangout, we’ve got the round-up of the best foodie events and news to fill the first weeks of March 2017.
Featured EATS
JP Charlotte’s Out of the Kitchen
Wednesday, March 15
The Westin Charlotte
This inaugural event features a three-course meal prepared table side, bringing Charlotte’s top chefs out of their kitchen and interacting with guests. Proceeds benefit Girls on the Run. View the full chef line-up and purchase your tickets here.
P.S. We snagged a pic of the participating chefs from last week’s pre-party. You won’t want to miss the chance to dine with this fun bunch!
Upcoming events at Corkbuzz:
Craft Beer Dinner
Thursday, March 2
It’s not just about wine at Corkbuzz. Craft beer takes center stage as the resident beer-somm guides you through a fun pairing of seven beers and a four-course menu. 7 pm. $126 per person. Reserve your seat here.
Casual Tasting
Saturday, March 4
Perfect for the casual wine drinker who may need a few talking points, the wine cellar at Corkbuzz will open at 12 p.m. for a casual tasting. Browse and sample the latest favorites.
A Tour of Italy
Saturday, March 11
Explore the wine regions of Italy-no passport required! Learn about wine laws and history, six major wine regions spamming from Alto Adige to Sicily, styles of production and suggested pairings. After a few sips and tips, you’ll be the master of the wine aisle. 1 p.m. $55 per person. Register online here.
Rioja and Ribeira Tasting
Thursday, March 16
Tour your way through two Spanish wine regions at this edition of Corkbuzz’s new “Casual tasting” series. Taste ten wines at your own pace from both classic producers and up-and-coming winemakers new to the scene. 5:30 p.m. $25 per person. Purchase here.
Latest foodie buzz
Trade Street Eats redefines lunch hour in Historic West End
Forgo your leftovers for the fresh flavors of Charlotte’s best food trucks. Presented by the Historic West End Initiative, Trade Street Eats is a food truck rally occurring Mondays and Wednesdays through March 31. Keep up with the latest truck line-ups on Facebook.
Passion8 rebrands and reopens in Elizabeth as Luca /Modern Italian Kitchen
Hello, Luca. There’s a new modern Italian kitchen on the block serving up small plates, a late night mozzarella bar, and an array of pasta meat and fish dishes. Visit them at 1523 Elizabeth Avenue. View the menu here.
City Barbeque opens in Matthews
City Barbeque is celebrating its grand opening in Matthews with free brisket and pork samples, giveaways, kids activities and a rib eating contest between the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the Charlotte Fire Department Station 3. 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
OMB sets sights on LKN
Talk about good news all around. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is planning a 24-acre expansion in Cornelius to include a Bauhaus & Biergarten. Stay tuned as more details emerge, but we’re thrilled for our friends at the Lake!
Zia Pia expands to offer pasta bar and full deli inside 7th Street market
Experience a taste of Italy at the newly expanded Zia Pia. Their pasta bar, which opened officially on February 25, features a variety of pastas and sauces in addition to frozen entrees for busy weeknights. In addition, they will serve fresh salads, paninis and other deli features. Find them inside 7th Street Market (224 E 7th St.).
The Porter’s House opened its doors Feb. 22
The latest venture for Rare Roots Hospitality (Dogwood Southern Table & Bar, Dresslers Restaurant) opened on February 22 in the newly constructed Waverly complex in South Charlotte. Expect a sleek interior and decor, and on your plate, twists on traditional chophouse favorites. Check them out at 7417 Waverly Walk Avenue. theportershouse.com
Don’t miss:
PCG Food & Beverage Symposium
Friday, March 10- Sunday, March 12
The Art Institute of Charlotte
Take a hard look at food culture in the Carolinas with a symposium led by the regions farmers, chefs, educators, mixologists and more. The Piedmont Culinary Guild brings all of the movers and shakers in the culinary industry together for a weekend of workshops, a keynote address from Charlotte historian Tom Hanchett and a local food trade show. $175 ticket includes access for both days, lunch, admission to trade show and Saturday cocktail party. See here for more information.
