A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTE
Living Here 2020
WHAT TO
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Living Here is a product of The Charlotte Observer, 550 S. Caldwell St., 10th floor, Charlotte, NC 28202. 704-358-5185
RODNEY MAHONE President and Publisher DAN MORGENSTERN North Carolina Local Sales Director CATE FITZPATRICK Special Sections Coordinator
Courtesy of charlottesgotalot.com
Welcome to Charlotte
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or those of you just stepping into our city, we should explain that Charlotte is a different kind of South. It’s definitely not the Old South, for better or worse, and while it might be the New South, we’re not sure anyone has quite figured out exactly what that means. What Charlotte is, most of all, is a place where it’s easy to belong. Outsiders are part of Charlotte’s DNA. In many ways, it’s a city that’s been built by and for people who aren’t from around here. Because of that — and because it’s had a lot of practice — this also is a city that’s good at welcoming. There are countless opportunities, big and small, to be a part of something. You can belong to one of the most old-school things about Charlotte: its churches. Charlotte continues to be ranked in the top 10 U.S. cities for churches per capita, and those houses of worship are more diverse and active in the city than they’ve ever been. You can belong to one of Charlotte’s hip neighborhoods, like South End, and be a part of the developing, vibrant 2
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Living Here 2020 is published once a year and is available to residents and visitors. The entire contents are fully protected by copyright. Unauthorized use of logos, graphics and copy in any form is prohibited. Advertisements created by Living Here may not be reproduced without permission. Living Here is wholly owned by The Charlotte Observer, a McClatchy publication.
Living Here staff communities near Uptown’s edges. You can join your northeastern expats in south Charlotte, or find your spot in the comfortable burbs of Pineville and Matthews, where newcomers are part of the fabric. You can be a mountain lover (a sorta short drive away) or a beach lover (a sorta long drive away). Or you can be part of a lake community. We have two — Norman to the north and Wylie to the south. If anything, it’s a good way to get the folks back home to visit. You certainly can belong to the fan base of one of our professional sports teams. The big-league teams — the NFL’s Panthers and the NBA’s Hornets — are still in their relative adolescence, so people around here don’t raise an eyebrow if you root for them yet keep your allegiances to the teams you grew up rooting for. Just say you have a “1A” team” and a “1B” team. They’ll understand. There also are plenty of other scenes to belong to, including our flourishing craft beer scene.
And yes, there’s also room to be serious-minded, to belong to groups and organizations that want to help make Charlotte a better place. There are plenty of them doing important work throughout our city, but there’s also opportunity here to have a voice in tackling the bigger challenges that Charlotte and a lot of places face. That opportunity didn’t always exist here, by the way. Used to be just a handful of people had sway over helping and improving Charlotte. Now there’s room for more people at the table. Our government bodies are diverse. Our community leaders are diverse. They’re collaborating more. They’re listening. We’re not a perfect city, in that way or some others. But we’re a dynamic city, and a lot of us understand the value of living and working together — old and young, center city and suburbs, long-timers and, yes, newcomers. Sure, it might take a while for you to be a Southerner, but even if you’ve just started living here, you’re well on your way to being a Charlottean.
ON THE COVER Boasting dozens of breweries in the Charlotte region, it’s safe to say the Queen City reigns over a craft beer kingdom. With an overflowing supply of award-winning local beers, these neighborhood watering holes have become a recipe, perfected. Pictured here is Sycamore Brewing whose taproom and beer garden are located in the heart of the vibrant South End neighborhood. Cover photo courtesy of charlottesgotalot.com
A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTE
Living Here 2020
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Get to know Charlotte 6 historical facts every Charlottean should know
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ant to know how Charlotte got its “Queen City” nick-
name? Colonists first settled in the area because it was the meeting point of two Native American trading paths, which became Trade and Tryon streets. When the city was formed in 1768, the European settlers named it after the wife of King George III, Queen Charlotte, and gave the surrounding county the name Mecklenburg to honor her birthplace in Germany. Here are a few more interesting bits of Charlotte history every resident should know: 4
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THE HORNET’S NEST
Where to find it: On the sides of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police cars and in The Spectrum Center. In 1780, General Cornwallis led the British army into Charlotte but didn’t stay long due to the feisty local patriots. So, according to lore, Cornwallis dubbed Charlotte a “Hornet’s Nest of Rebellion.” The nest can be seen today on the sides of Charlotte-Mecklenburg police cars. The city furthered its Hornet’s nest reputation in 1892 by naming the local baseball team the Charlotte Hornets. And in 1974, the Charlotte Hornets became the city’s first professional football team. Ten years later, the Charlotte Hornets became the city’s first NBA team.
Courtesy of charlottesgotalot.com
THE NATION’S FIRST GOLD RUSH
Where to find it: Reed Gold Mine, 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland. In 1799, 12-year-old Conrad Reed found a 17-pound yellow rock on his family’s property. A jeweler later identified his “rock” as gold, making the John Reed property the site of the first documented gold find in the United States. North Carolina was the chief goldmining state until 1849. Today the Reed Gold Mine is a museum with restored mine tunnels and hiking trails. Pro tip: if you visit between April through October, you’ll get the chance to pan for gold yourself.
THE MINT
Where to find it: The Mint Museum on Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. The Charlotte Mint opened in 1837 on the 400 block of West Trade Street, creating more than $5 million in gold currency. It was later used as a hospital and military office for the Confederate government during the Civil War. In 1931, the building was set to be demolished, but a group of citizens came together to have it moved to it’s current location in Eastover. Five years later, The Mint Museum opened its doors as the state’s first art museum.
WHY IT’S CALLED UPTOWN, NOT DOWNTOWN Where to find it: Inside the I-277 loop. The Loyalists’ decision to settle at the intersection of Native American trading paths (now Trade and Tryon streets) contributes to why locals call downtown Charlotte “Uptown.” This intersection was the highest elevation point in the city, so people had to go up to reach this point. On Sept. 23, 1974, City Council declared that the shopping and business district in the center city be officially named “uptown Charlotte.”
THE FIRST TO DECLARE INDEPENDENCE
Where to find it: Statue of Capt. James Jack, the corner of Fourth Street and Kings Drive; Independence Boulevard; Charlotte Independence soccer. Back on May 20, 1775, some of Char-
Statue of Capt. James Jack | Courtesy of Chas Fagan
lotte’s leaders are believed to have signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, thus signifying a separation from Great Britain. While Thomas Jefferson and other historians have argued that the document never existed, that hasn’t stopped us from celebrating Meck Dec Day every May 20. Even Presidents William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Gerald Ford came to town over the years to celebrate. If you happen upon the corner of Fourth Street and Kings Drive, you will see the statue of Capt. James Jack on his way to deliver the Meck Dec to Philadelphia.
HOME TO A PRESIDENT
Where to find it: President James K. Polk historic site, 12031 Lancaster Highway, Pineville Charlotte’s southern neighbor, the Town of Pineville, is the birthplace of James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. President, who served from 1845-1849. A reconstruction of the typical homestead is now on the property - land once owned by Polk’s parents — with a log house, separate kitchen, and barn. AUGUST 2020
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How to get around the Queen City
s residents continue to flood into Charlotte, the city is investing heavily in transit, extending the current light rail and streetcar lines to serve more areas. Here’s a quick look at the major public transportation options in the area, and what you need to know about each one.
York, Cabarrus and Union counties. When: Schedules vary, depending on the line. You can find schedules at RideTransit.org. Cost: $2.20 one way and $88 for a monthly unlimited pass. Express buses and regional buses cost more. Discounts available for seniors, disabled persons, and students. Pro tip: The buses have bike racks on the front, so you can take your bike with you wherever you go at no extra cost. Learn more at RideTransit.org.
LIGHT RAIL
What: The LYNX Blue Line light rail currently stretches 18.9 miles, with 26 total stops along the way. With the new Blue Line Extension, it should take a passenger a total of 45 minutes to ride the light rail from the first stop at I-485, through Uptown and NoDa, all the way to the final stop at UNC Charlotte. When: Weekday service runs from 5:26 a.m. to 1:26 a.m., with trains every 10 minutes during rush hour and every 15 minutes during non peak hours. Saturday service goes until 1:56 a.m. and Sunday service goes to 12:26 a.m. Cost: $2.20 one way and $4.40 round trip. Unlimited passes start at $6.60 for one day and $88 for monthly. Discounts available for seniors, those disabled under ADA guidelines, and students. You can also download the CATS Pass mobile app to pay for your ride. Pro tip: The light rail is perfect for game day. Get off at the Stonewall stop for a short walk to Bank of America Stadium and Truist Field, or for Hornets games jump off at CTC station, which will put you right in front of Spectrum Center. Learn more at RideTransit.org.
DOCKLESS SCOOTERS LYNX Blue Line | Courtesy of charlottesgotalot.com
STREETCAR
What: The CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar opened in 2015 and currently runs 1.5 miles from Spectrum Center Uptown to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Elizabeth. The line is being extended 2.5 miles to Johnson C. Smith University to the west and Sunnyside Avenue to the east. That extension is scheduled to open summer 2020. When: The streetcar operates 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.midnight Friday, 8 a.m.-midnight Saturday and 9 a.m.-7 p.m Sunday. Trains are scheduled for every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes for any other time. Cost: Free. Pro tip: The streetcar runs right through a foodie paradise, with Earl’s Grocery, Elizabeth Creamery, Customshop, Viva Chicken and more along the
LYNX Gold Line | Courtesy of charlottesgotalot.com
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line. Hop out and grab a bite. Learn more at RideTransit.org.
BUS
What: Charlotte Area Transit System operates more than 70 bus routes that weave through Mecklenburg, Gaston,
What: There has been a surge in dockless scooters in Charlotte in recent years, particularly in the South End, Dilworth and Uptown neighborhoods. Cost: Varies. You will need to download the corresponding app on your mobile device to activate a scooter. Pro tip: Children are required to wear a helmet while operating scooters.
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harlotte is home to a vibrant arts and cultural community with ways to engage that are both small — neighborhood art galleries — and large — massive museums. And while these sites may be temporarily closed due to coronavirus restrictions, many of the galleries, museums and performance troupes are continuing to bring art experiences to the community through virtual performances and online gallery tours. Get started on your experiences with these big names in our city’s arts and culture scene.
ARTS BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER blumenthalarts.org
Blumenthal oversees an array of performance venues with performances ranging from jazz to slam poetry. Venues include Belk Theater, Knight Thea8
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Arts & culture ter at Levine Center for the Arts, McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, Booth Playhouse, Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square and Stage Door Theater. It’s also the organization behind the Broadway Lights Series, which has brought massive touring productions like “Hamilton,” “Aladdin,” and “The Sound of Music” to Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY charlottesymphony.org
Our city’s symphony was established in 1932. Today, the symphony is the largest arts employer in the region, with 59 full-time musicians led by music director Christopher Warren-Green. You can catch the Symphony in a variety of ways, from their performances at the Blumenthal’s Belk Theater to their Symphony Pops summer concerts at SouthPark’s Symphony Park.
CHARLOTTE BALLET charlotteballet.org
This world-class repertory dance
ensemble performs classic, contemporary and cutting-edge dance with virtuosity, energy, and artistic excellence for local, statewide and national audiences. Charlotte Ballet’s collective talents provide the opportunity and give us the responsibility to challenge, stimulate, educate, entertain, and enrich audiences.
Courtesy of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
OPERA CAROLINA operacarolina.org
This professional opera company led by conductor James Meena brings performances and education programs to venues like Knight Theater and Blumenthal’s Belk Theater, as well as to community schools.
THE MINT MUSEUM mintmuseum.org
new facility. The museum plans to reopen in 2022.
Between its two locations in Charlotte, the Mint collects, conserves, exhibits and develops educational programming around art and design from around the world.
CHARLOTTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY charlottemuseum.org
Charlotte Museum of History seeks to interpret and preserve Charlotte’s history through programming and exhibitions like “Solving the Rock House Mysteries,” “Charlotte Neighborhoods” and “On the Way To Here: Adventures in Photography, Music, and Life.” The museum also oversees the 1774 Hezekiah Alexander Home Site.
THE BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART bechtler.org
This museum, designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, houses a collection of mid-20th century modern works by Picasso, Calder, Warhol and others. The collection was amassed by the Bechtler family of Switzerland. “Tootsie” | Matthew Murphy, courtesy of Blumenthal Performing Arts
McCOLL CENTER FOR ART + INNOVATION mccollcenter.org
Housed in an historic, neo-Gothic church, this art institution hosts artistsin-residence programs, Open Studio Saturdays, events and exhibitions focused on contemporary art.
CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE ctcharlotte.org
CTC strives to bring exceptional theater experiences to young generations and encourage them to explore their world’s wonders. The organization offers diverse experiences for children and families each year through its professional productions in Charlotte and on tour around the region, and through its variety of education programs like summer camps and creative drama classes.
THEATRE CHARLOTTE theatrecharlotte.org
Theatre Charlotte is a volunteerbased theatre company dedicated to creating outstanding theatre opportunities that are accessible and relevant to the people of the Charlotte region. Fun fact: The North Carolina Theatre Conference has honored this organization as Community Theatre of the Year three times.
ACTOR’S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE atcharlotte.org
In its 31th season, this performance group and resident theatre company at Queens University of Charlotte spot-
lights top plays from around the country and has won the George A. Parides Professional Theatre Award from the North Carolina Theatre Conference three times.
CULTURE HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTS + CULTURE ganttcenter.org
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture hosts art exhibitions, performances, education programs and events that celebrate the contributions of Africans and AfricanAmericans to our nation’s culture.
LEVINE MUSEUM OF THE NEW SOUTH museumofthenewsouth.org.
This interactive museum presents exhibitions and education programs around a comprehensive interpretation of post-Civil War Southern history.
jections. The organization’s three museum categories are science, nature and kids.
BILLY GRAHAM LIBRARY billygrahamlibrary.org
This barn-shaped establishment on 20 acres of land showcases Billy Graham’s transformation from a farm boy growing up around Charlotte to a religious leader. When opened, visitors can tour his home and take the “Journey of Faith” tour to experience photos, memorabilia and more from his life.
CAROLINAS AVIATION MUSEUM carolinasaviation.org
This museum alongside Charlotte Douglas International Airport hosts exhibitions that explore both early flight and contemporary aviation. Exhibitions range from helicopters, to military aviation to the “Miracle on the Hudson” plane. The museum is currently closed as it continues to work on plans for a
HISTORIC LATTA PLANTATION lattaplantation.org
This 52-acre site holds a plantation home and 11 outbuildings through which visitors can explore North Carolina life from 1800-1865. Enjoy guided house tours, events, re-enactments and more.
HISTORIC ROSEDALE PLANTATION historicrosedale.org
Rosedale was built in 1815 by a merchant, postmaster and tax collector on a 919-acre plantation, later run by a doctor and slave families. Today, visitors come here to experience the architecture, decorative arts and lifestyles of the 19th century.
NASCAR HALL OF FAME nascarhall.com
This interactive space shares the history and heritage of NASCAR with artifacts, exhibits, a broadcast studio and more. Features in the hall include “Glory Road” with 18 historic cars and the “Hall of Honor” commemorating NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees.
DISCOVERY PLACE discoveryplace.org
The minds behind this science-based institution, which has been in Charlotte for more than 70 years, view science as a lens for seeing and understanding the world around us. Historical exhibitions have included an in-depth exploration of Genghis Khan, pop-culture exhibits have included a spotlight on the Rubik’s Cube, and interactive educational opportunities have included up-close viewings of bee hives and planetarium proAUGUST 2020
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The city’s best parks
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t’s easy to see that the area’s urban parks and open spaces are the crown jewels of the Queen City. They’re beautiful, of course, but one of the best parts about them is even more basic: urban parks are unifiers — places where people of all backgrounds can enjoy the city and the outdoors together. Here’s a primer on where to go and what to do at some of the city’s best parks: WHERE TO GO FOR A SCENIC STROLL: INDEPENDENCE PARK The 19-acre park located at 300 Hawthorne Lane has many of the amenities of other large parks around the city (baseball fields, basketball courts, volleyball nets), but it’s also one of the city’s most relaxed spots to walk or read a book. What you’ll find: A rose garden, memorial waterfall, and reflecting pool inside a stone archway. WHERE TO GO FOR A FAMILY PICNIC: FREEDOM PARK One of the city’s highest-traffic public spaces, Freedom Park is tucked between Dilworth and Myers Park neighborhoods, and is home to Little League games, family reunions and festivals alike. Plus, there’s plenty of green space for lounging on a blanket in the shade. What you’ll find: Hillsides, a sevenacre lake, a concession stand and more than a dozen recreation options, from volleyball courts and soccer fields to batting cages and two playgrounds. There are walking trails and paths, and the park even connects to Little Sugar Creek Greenway. WHERE TO TAKE PICTURES WITH THE KIDS: THE GREEN This 1.5-acre “pocket park” (400 S. Tryon St.) is adorned with public works of art that are meant to be climbed on and played with. What you’ll find: A manicured three-tiered landscape full of whimsical artwork with a literary theme. Concrete fish spout water kids can play in. Tall, bronze sculptures were fashioned to look like stacks of classic books like “Roots” and “Wuthering Heights.” And
colorful signposts point to real places that combine to form well-known authors’ names, such as Edgar, Wis., Allan, Canada and Poe, Alberta. WHERE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC: ROMARE BEARDEN PARK Located in the heart of uptown Charlotte at 300 S. Church St., Romare Bearden Park has a standing combination of weekly and monthly music series. What you’ll find: An iconic view of city’s skyline, a waterfall fountain lit up at night, and Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights, the region’s local minor-league team. WHERE TO DE-STRESS ON YOUR LUNCH BREAK: FIRST WARD PARK This 4-acre park urban park is located at 301 E 7th St. Pack a lunch or grab something across the street at the 7ths Street Public Market. What you’ll find: A large lawn, an interactive fountain and animal sculptures you can sit on — all with the backdrop of the city’s skyline.
Freedom Park | Jeff Siner, The Charlotte Observer
WHERE TO PLAY BASKETBALL AND TENNIS: LATTA PARK Yes, Freedom Park has courts, but 31-acre Latta Park (601 E. Park Ave.), nestled in the heart of Dilworth, is less than two miles down the road — and more wooded, much less crowded, and generally easier to navigate. What you’ll find: Greenery, beautiful homes in the surrounding area, and a nice picnic shelter, complete with lights, grill, electricity and restrooms. WHERE TO GET MARRIED: THOMPSON PARK For $500, Mecklenburg County residents — with up to 100 guests — can rent the historic St. Mary’s Chapel in Thompson Park (1129 E. Third St.). The small structure just outside Uptown is nestled on just more than 3 acres near Central Piedmont Community College and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. What you’ll find: Lush landscapes, old trees, manicured flower beds, and a gazebo. The park also includes a Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
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Eat well
or years, Charlotte’s restaurant scene has been restrained — limited by diners who refuse to trust in their neighborhood chef. No more. Patrons keep our favorite restaurants in the black while a constant stream of new residents provides the adventurous appetites that allow for our best chefs to work unencumbered. Here are a few picks for top restaurants in the Charlotte area where you can eat well.
DILWORTH BONTERRA DINING & WINE ROOM 1829 Cleveland Ave. Classic Fine Dining Chef Blake Hartwick cooks Southern cuisine with a distinctive leaning toward flavors that pair with the excellent wine program here. A strong effort is made to feature North Carolina products. What to order: embered octopus ($11); Kuleto Estates, ‘Native Son’ Cabernet Sauvignon ($12) INIZIO’S PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA 2230 Park Road Suite 101. Fast casual The pizza here is the best in town and for good reason. Everything in the dough is imported from Italy — right down to the water. Toppings range from classic to modern. What to order: Maria pizza ($15/ small; $22/large) Honorable mentions: Cooper Modern Indian Cuisine, Foxcroft Wine Co., Dilworth Tasting Room, 300 East, Not Just Coffee
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Haberdish
ELIZABETH/MYERS PARK STAGIONI 715 Providence Road. Casual Fine Dining These masters of gluten produce some of the best pizza, pasta, and focaccia bread in town in a gorgeous historic mansion in Myers Park. What to order: NC shrimp, black pepper spaghetti ($32) THE STANLEY 1961 E. 7th St. Casual Fine Dining The menu is constantly changing and features chef Paul Verica’s bold, whimsical take on locally sourced ingredients. What to order: Ben’s chicken liver mousse (prices varies by menu) Honorable mentions: Aix en Provence, Customshop Handcrafted Food, Carpe Diem, Sabor Latin Street Grill, The Fig Tree Restaurant
NODA HABERDISH 3106 N Davidson St. Sunday Supper Dining Dinner here feels like a family holiday, with platters of deviled eggs, bowls of mac and cheese and baskets of crispy, juicy fried chicken. Weekday brunch availability only adds to the comforting atmosphere. What to order: fried chicken ($7.50/2-piece dark; $9.50/2-piece white; $14/half-chicken; $26/whole chicken)
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LE’S SANDWICHES & CAFE 4520 N. Tryon St. #41. Fast Casual The Vietnamese sandwiches, served on traditional light and crispy banh mi baguettes, are every bit as good as ones you get in the hidden spots of San Francisco or NYC. What to order: shredded pork and pork skin sandwich banh mi ($4.25) Honorable mentions: Crepe Cellar Kitchen and Pub, Brooks’ Sandwich House, NoDa Bodega, Heist Brewery
PARK ROAD/MADISON PARK GOOD FOOD ON MONTFORD 1701 Montford Drive. Casual Fine Dining This spot is best enjoyed with groups of three or more, hunkered around a table full of shared small plates. What to order: steamed bun ($10) and pommes frites ($6) FLOUR SHOP 2171A, 530 Brandywine Road. Casual Fine Dining It’s called Flour Shop for a reason — definitely try the pasta featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients as well as rich, carefully braised meat sauces. What to order: seasonal pasta Honorable mentions: Midwood Smokehouse, Pasta & Provisions, Dot Dot Dot
PLAZA MIDWOOD YAFO 1331 Central Ave., Suite 101. Fast Casual From the laffah bread to the ethereal whipped hummus to the rotisserie meats — this place is special. What to order: chicken shawarma on a hummus bowl ($10.99)
SOUL GASTROLOUNGE 1500 Central Ave. Casual Fine Dining A cuisine ranging from fusion sushi to world fusion allows for a wide variety of shareable plates to fill your table. What to order: Asian glazed pork belly tacos ($12) Honarable mention: Intermezzo
SOUTH END BARDO 1508 Unit B, S. Mint St. Casual Fine Dining Chef Michael Noll’s tiny restaurant in Wilmore has enormous potential with conceptual flavor combinations that feel edgy yet familiar. What to order: Egg & Grains ($12) FUTO BUTA 222 E. Bland St. Modern Casual Dining The excellent ramen bowls are just the beginning here and small plates such as steamed bao buns are meant to share with friends while kicking back a can of sake. What to order: Buta bowl ($18) Honorable mentions: Yamazaru, Lincoln’s Haberdashery, Price’s Chicken Coop, Superica, Zeppelin, The Suffolk Punch, Yume, Beef ‘N Bottle Steakhouse, O-Ku
SOUTHPARK BARRINGTON’S RESTAURANT 7822 Fairview Road. Classic Fine Dining Most menu items rotate with the seasons but items like the roast chicken remain as anchors throughout the year. Other plates, like the foie gras, have changing sets depending on the season. What to order: seared organic chicken ($23)
Yafo
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ROOSTER’S WOOD-FIRED KITCHEN 6601 Morrison Blvd. Sunday Supper Dining Simple dishes like the Joyce Farms BBQ chicken show off technique as well as product. What to order: Joyce Farms BBQ chicken ($12/quarter chicken; $16/half chicken) Honorable mentions: Baku, Dogwood Southern Table & Bar, Corkbuzz
UPTOWN HAYMAKER 225 S. Poplar St. Casual Fine Dining This farm-to-table restaurant borders Romare Bearden Park. One can’t-miss dish is the crispy pork belly with red peas, sorghum and charred onion, garnished with crunchy peanuts. What to order: Crispy pork belly ($14) THE ASBURY 235 N. Tryon St. Fine Dining The Asbury has continued to produce refined Southern food in Uptown’s historic Dunhill Hotel. What to order: sticky biscuits ($6), Maw Maw’s cast iron biscuits ($8), Krenz Beef blackboard (MP) Honorable mentions: Fin & Fino, Loft & Cellar, La Belle Helene, Halcyon, Flavors From the Earth, Basil, Evoke, McNinch House Restaurant, Sea Level, 5Church
DAVIDSON KINDRED 131 N. Main St., Davidson. Casual Fine Dining
The house-made milkbread has developed a reputation as both a pillowy accompaniment to signature dishes and as a capstone to your meal in the form of a cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing. What to order: crispy oysters ($15)
MOUNTAIN ISLAND LAKE HEIRLOOM 8470 Bellhaven Blvd. Sunday Supper Dining Chef Clark Barlowe showcases foraged North Carolina ingredients. You will find no better example of a microlocal kitchen, experiential lab, and seasonal larder in the Tarheel State. What to order: seasonal NC catch (MP)
CORNELIUS HELLO, SAILOR 20210 Henderson Road, Cornelius. Modern Casual Dining The seafood at this nod to a fish camp on Lake Norman is fresh and well-prepared. But it’s preparations such as the 5-day spiced pressed duck that are drawing national attention. What to order: citrus Crab Louie salad ($17.49) Honorable mentions in and around Charlotte: The Dumpling Lady, Gallery Restaurant, Lang Van, Fork!
— Ben Jarrell, charlottefive@charlottefive.com
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