Charlotte Restaurant Week Summer 2012 Kicks Off July 20

It comes around twice a year, when dudes can take their chicks out somewhere nice to dine in Charlotte without feeling like they're encroaching on their Air-Jordan-sneaker or PS3-game money. LOL. That's one way to look at it, but the semi-annual Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week returns for its summer 2012 edition Friday, July 20 and runs through Sunday, July 29. Since launching in 2008, each installment of CRW has featured a record-high number of participating restaurants--and it's the same case this time with a record 107 restaurants in seven counties.

I tried Levant Mediterranean Cuisine for the first time recently. It has intriguing decor and great ambiance, and is one of several newcomers to Charlotte Restaurant Week.

There are more than a dozen first-time restaurants participating, several of which have opened within the past year like 5Church, e2 Emeril's Eatery, Levant Mediterranean Cuisine, Bernardin's at Ratcliffe, Delta's, Blackthorne Restaurant & Bar, and more. Charlotte Restaurant Week features the same deal you love: a prix-fixe, three-course dinner for $30 per person (not including tax and tip); and many restaurants will throw in a fourth course and/or glass of wine.

I was invited to a chef's table event last month at Bernardin's, which opened about eight months ago in the historic Ratcliffe building in Uptown. The goat cheese tart was one of several delicious courses we enjoyed. 

According to Hensley Fontana Public Relations & Marketing, which owns and manages the execution of the event, 120,000 dinners were served during Charlotte Restaurant Week's winter edition in January.

Keep in mind that it's best that you make advance reservations at these restaurants during CRW, and the weekend times fill up fastest. For complete details, including the list of participating restaurants and the descriptions of the prix-fixe menu each of them is serving, visit www.charlotterestaurantweek.com.

I dined at Campania Italian Café in Davidson during CRW in January and highly recommend it as an intimate date spot.

All photos above by my camera phone.

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Charlotte Restaurant Week Summer 2011 Is Underway

It's that time of year again when you can eat out at a great restaurant without hurting your pockets. The summer installment of Charlotte Restaurant Week began yesterday and runs through next Sunday (July 15-24). Also known as Queen's Feast, and held for ten days twice a year--once in the winter and once in the summer--Charlotte Restaurant Week is as popular as ever. You can tell that by the huge banner hanging in Uptown and by the fact that there are 92 restaurants participating this time, which I think is a record number. When CRW started a few years ago, there would be around 70 restaurants involved.

It's the same deal that people have come to love: a prix fixe, three-course dinner for $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity) at each of the participating restaurants. Plus, several of the restaurants either throw in a fourth course or a glass of wine. Eighteen restaurants in Uptown are participating, which is the most for any section of town. Followed by sixteen in the SouthPark/Park Road/Foxcroft area. There are several participating in Dilworth, south Charlotte, Lake Norman, and a few in Elizabeth, South End, Plaza Midwood, and other neighborhoods around Charlotte.

While there are a lot of top-notch, typically expensive restaurants on the list--Del Frisco's, Upstream, BLT Steak, etc.--I'm more inclined to try some of the places I've heard a lot about but have yet to visit, like Fran's Filling Station, Table 274, 15 North Roadside Kitchen, and Pisces Sushi Bar & Lounge.

Go to www.charlotterestaurantweek.com for all the details, which includes a page for each restaurant and the menu it's offering for the special. You can also become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CharlotteRestaurantWeek), where you can see people post comments about their experiences.

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Charlotte Restaurant Week Summer 2010

It comes around twice a year, when fellas can treat their ladies to a nice dinner without breaking the bank. The summer 2010 installment of Charlotte Restaurant Week takes place July 16-25. In what's becoming a local dining tradition, this 10-day celebration of some of the city's finest restaurants once again offers a prix fixe, three-course dinner for $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity) at nearly 90 participating restaurants in the Charlotte area. And several restaurants are known to sweeten the deal by either including a fourth course or throwing in a glass of wine.

Interior shots of some of the participating restaurants - from left to right - bottom row: Customshop, Aquavina, Aria; middle row: Global, Carpe Diem, Vivace; top row: M5, The Liberty, Blue (click image for larger view).

Participating restaurants include:

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You Can Still Treat Your Boo: Charlotte Restaurant Week Extended at Many Restaurants

After snow and ice kept many Charlotteans in over the weekend, which was the final weekend of the winter installment of Charlotte Restaurant Week, several restaurants are extending the popular culinary celebration. Originally scheduled for January 22-31, many restaurants are extending the three-course, $30 special through this weekend.

Restaurants offering the special, also known as Queen's Feast, through Saturday, February 6 include: Basil Thai, Mez, Sole, D'Vine Wine, Morton's, 300 East, Mimosa Grill, Zink American Kitchen, Upstream, M5 Modern Mediterranean, Carpe Diem, and many more. Blue Restaurant and Bar is extending it until February 12.

You can keep up with the growing list of restaurants offering the extension by visiting Charlotte Restaurant Week on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CharlotteRestaurantWeek) or Twitter (twitter.com/QueensFeast).

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Events for the Weekend: January 22-24

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. This isn’t intended to be a complete list of everything that's going on, but instead are the events GPT recommends. Use contact/website info listed to verify event details.

Charlotte Restaurant Week – January 22-31
This popular dining event will once again cover ten days, boasting 79 participating restaurants. Each of the restaurants, many of them upscale, are offering a prix fixe, three-course dinner for $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity). Participating restaurants include: Aquavina, Blue, Ruth’s Chris, Vivace, Sullivan’s, M5, Del Frisco’s, and dozens more. Visit website for complete list and menus. www.charlotterestaurantweek.com.

Friday, January 22

Seventh Annual Legacy of Women Film Showcase
The Deltas of Charlotte Foundation present this showcase, featuring award-winning short films by African-American women filmmakers. Event also includes a reception and opportunities to shop from local vendors. Reception starts 6:30 p.m.; films start 7:30 p.m. $20. Spirit Square, 130 N. Tryon St. www.deltasofcharlotte.org.

Jerry Seinfield
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see this comedic genius perform his stand-up live. Two shows, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $48-$78. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 East Independence Blvd. www.ovensauditorium.com.

2010 Leadership Awards
The Young Professionals Auxiliary of the Urban League of the Central Carolinas present their annual leadership awards. This year’s recipients are Okeatta D. Brown, vice president, Wells Fargo corporate supplier diversity; Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers linebacker and founder of the Defending Dreams Foundation; and Joachim Rogers, National Black MBA Association. The event will feature live performances by national recording artist Laura Izibor and award-winning poet True Life, and will be hosted by Power 98’s Janine Davis. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $35 in advance; $45 at the door. The Big Chill, 911 E. Morehead St. www.leadership.urbanleaguecc.org.

Kickin It on the Southside (weekly event)
Digital Divas presents this weekly Friday night event for those who live or want to party in south Charlotte. Enjoy a great crowd, drink specials, and a DJ spinning hip-hop and R&B. 10 p.m. Free. On the Roxx, 14021 Conlan Circle (Ballantyne). www.digitaldivasevents.com.

Saturday, January 23

Sprite Step Off Regional Finals
See college fraternities and sororities go head to head in what’s being called the largest national step competition in history. Hosted by Johnson C. Smith University. Live performances by The Dream and B.O.B. Doors open 6 p.m.; competition starts 7 p.m. $17. Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Drive. www.spritestepoff.com.

Get Right for Haiti
100 percent of the proceeds from this event will go to the Red Cross to aid earthquake relief in Haiti. So enjoy one of Charlotte’s trendiest lounges during this good cause. Music by DJs Ahuf and Animate. 9 p.m. $5 minimum donation. Dharma Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St., Suite 105 (entrance faces West Summit Ave.). www.dharmacharlotte.com.

TheVelvetNights.com Presents Risqué
It’s promising to be one wild night. Models will be wearing body paint and lingerie, naked sushi will be served (9-11 p.m.), and the first 100 people will receive a complementary gift bag from the Red Door. Guest appearance by Erin Tietsort from Sunset Tan. Hosted by TheVelvetNights.com, which is celebrating its one year anniversary. 9 p.m. Cost varies; ladies wearing lingerie admitted free. Halo, inside the N.C. Music Factory, 820 Hamilton St. www.thevelvetnights.com.

Addiction – Hosted by Vince Carter
Come party with the Orlando Magic star and other NBA players after the Charlotte Bobcats game. 10 p.m. Cost varies; members free before 11 p.m. Club 935, 935 S. Summit Ave. www.club935.com.

Sunday, January 24

Super Fresh Sundays
This party is for those who know how to get “fresh”—and want to party hard on a Sunday night. Music by DJ Magic. 10 p.m. Free before 11:30 p.m.. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.kisscharlotte.com.

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Events for the Week: July 20-26

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. This isn’t intended to be a complete list of everything that's going on, but instead are the events GPT recommends.

Wednesday, July 22

Pop Life (weekly event)
It’s the most popular social networking event on a Wednesday night. Starts after work but runs late. Varying types of people pop in and out throughout the night so you never know who you’ll run into. Music this week by DJ Technics. Presented by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. www.apostrophelounge.com.

Thursday, July 23

Alive After Five at EpiCentre (weekly event)
This week’s featured bands are Blue Dogs performing on the rooftop stage, and Powerhouse Band playing on the courtyard stage. There will be plenty of drink tents scattered throughout. Wristbands also get you into Blackfinn, Whisky River, Suite, and StrikeCity. 5-9:30 p.m. Free. The EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.aliveafterfiveatepicentre.com.

Battle of the Bands Grand Finale
Utopia created this contest to find the best house band in Charlotte. The contestants have been battling for a six-month contract, a cash prize of $500.00, and an opportunity to play with a national recording artist. Bands Tropic Culture, Groove 8, and Elements of Jazz compete this week in the finals. The crowd will determine who wins. Proceeds raised will benefit Amped-4-A-Cure, a movement raising money to support cancer research through the universal language of music. 7 p.m. $10. Utopia SoundStage, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. www.utopiasoundstagenc.com or www.amped4acure.org.

Rock the Bells Tour
This great hip-hop tour comes to Charlotte, featuring: Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek with a full band), Slum Village, Supernatural, and Slaughterhouse (Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, Joe Budden, and Royce The 5'9). Hosted and DJ’d by Pete Rock. 8 p.m. $27.50 in advance. Amos’ Southend. 1423 S. Tryon St. www.amossouthend.com.

Anniversary Concert featuring Algebra
Tempo nightclub celebrates its fourth anniversary with a performance by the soul singer. 9 p.m. $15 and up. Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. www.tempocharlotte.com.

Friday, July 24

Uptown Cool Down
Mingle with Uptown professionals while enjoying free appetizers and drink specials such at the Firefly Vodka Sno-Cone. 5 p.m. Free. LaVecchia’s Restaurant, 225 E. Sixth St. www.uptownclt.com.

Friday Afterwork Rendezvous (weekly event)
End your workweek on a high note at this networking party, held at a different venue each week. Enjoy drink and food specials while listening to live music. Presented by Talk of the Town. 6-11 p.m. Free. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). www.bluecharlotte.com.

An Intimate Evening with Laura Izibor
The “From My Heart to Yours” singer performs live with a full band. Opening act is Soulganic. Presented by The Sol Kitchen. 8 p.m. $20 in advance. Utopia SoundStage, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. www.thesolkitchen.com.

Saturday, July 25

Exotic Swimwear Show and Grand Opening of Oasis Pool and Cabana Bar
Enjoy a fashion show of swimwear while hanging at the Blake Hotel’s new pool and bar. Music by DJ Flemingo. Presented by Plitzs Fashion Marketing. 7:30 p.m. $10-$20. Blake Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St. www.ticketannex.com.

PlayDate Charlotte
Bring out the kid in you. Charlotte has joined the network of more than 30 cities that offer this alternative to typical partying and nightclubbing. Enjoy music and drinks while playing card games, checkers, dominoes, Connect Four, Twister, Monopoly, old-school video games, and more. 9 p.m. (8 p.m. for advance ticket holders) $10. Tyvola Marriott, 5700 Westpark Dr. www.playdatecharlotte.com.

Marquee Saturdays (weekly event)
It’s Charlotte’s newest and hottest Saturday night party at this newly revamped nightclub. Enjoy the large dance floor, plentiful seating, and large outdoor patio at this upscale party. VIP is available. Presented by Sleeping Giant Productions. 9 p.m. Cost varies. Halo, inside the N.C. Music Factory, 820 Hamilton St. www.haloclt.com.

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Charlotte Restaurant Week—and a Half

The third installment of the popular Charlotte Restaurant Week will run for 10 days, beginning Friday, July 10 and ending Sunday, July 19, which means it covers two full weekends. There's also a new high of 71 participating restaurants for this run, known as “Queen’s Feast: Summer 2009.”

During Charlotte Restaurant Week, restaurants--many of them upscale--offer a prix fixe, three-course dinner for $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity). This is a great opportunity for you to try many restaurants for the first time and do it at significant savings. Fellas: this could be a good time to treat your lady to some fine dining.

Basil Thai, which opened in March, is one of 71 restaurants participating in Charlotte Restaurant Week.

Popular returning restaurants include Sonoma Modern American, M5, LaVecchia's, Copper, Blue, Cajun Queen, Ruth's Chris, Carpe Diem, and Noble’s. New participants include Luce, Sole Spanish Grille, Basil Thai, Firenze, Morton’s, Passion8 Bistro in Fort Mill, T1 Tapas and Maddi's Southern Bistro at Birkdale, Old Stone Steakhouse in Belmont, and many others. For a complete list of restaurants and their menus, visit www.CharlotteRestaurantWeek.com.

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Events for the Week: January 19-25

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. If I learn of more events, I’ll update this post throughout the week.

Monday, January 19

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

City of Charlotte MLK National Holiday Celebration
In recognition of MLK Day, this event will feature music, dance and special guest performances. NASCAR driver Marc Davis will be honored with the Keeper of the Dream Award, and the lives of Barbara Brewton Cameron, Stephanie Jennings, and Valerie Woodard will be celebrated with the presentation of the MLK Medallion Award. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square, 345 North College St. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

Daybreak of Freedom
The Charlotte Symphony, a chorus of students from area historically black colleges and universities, and conductors Chelsea Tipton and Andre Thomas lead a community celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. The program includes a multi-media film presentation about the Civil Rights movement in Charlotte. 7 p.m. Free. Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

Tuesday, January 20

MLK/Inaugural Celebration
This is part one of a two-part celebration at Kiss. Jaye Delai and his wife Monica along with Q92.7 are presenting this event to watch the inauguration of Barack Obama in style and comfort. Complimentary buffet will be served. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost varies, advanced tickets available online. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.jayeandmonica.com.

A Peace of Jazz (weekly event)
Radio personality Jaye Delai and his wife Monica present this weekly jazz series at one of Charlotte’s swankest lounges. This week’s musical guests are Innertwyned and Jeff Bradshaw. 6-11 p.m. Cost varies, advanced tickets available online. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.jayeandmonica.com.

Tone-X and Friends
After holding court for several months last year at Skandalos, the weekly comedy night is back at a new location: Alive. Come laugh at the jokes and skits by Power 98’s Tone-X, Chris “Funnyman” Robinson, and other comedians. Music by DJ Stacey Blackman. 8 p.m. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Alive, 2909 N. Davidson St. (NoDa). www.myspace.com/tonexandfriends.

Wednesday, January 21

Pop Life (weekly event)
It’s the most popular social networking event on a Wednesday night. Starts after work but ends late. Music by select DJs. This week is a special “Skirts in the Boardroom edition” that will be paying tribute to women. Presented by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. (South End). www.apostrophelounge.com.

Beauty and Fashion Industry Night
Stylist, barbers, makeup artists, models, fashion designers, and clothing retailers come together to meet and mingle. Event will also be an afterparty for the Bobcats-Grizzlies game. Music by Power 98’s Mr. Incognito. Presented by Platinum Star Marketing. 8 p.m. $10. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.kisscharlotte.com.

Thursday, January 22

Northwest Chapter After Hours
Networking is more important than ever in a tough economy, so bring your business cards and prepare to build your contacts while enjoying drinks and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Presented by the Charlotte Chamber. 5:30 p.m. Chamber members free (but register online), $15 nonmembers. Pine Island Country Club, 1701 Stoneyridge Dr. www.charlottechamber.com.

Kickin' It On the Northside (weekly event)
Enjoy an after-work networking event in north Charlotte. Featuring drink and appetizer specials and live jazz. Presented by Digital Divas. 6-9 p.m. Free. Utopia Restaurant and Lounge, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. www.utopianc.com.

Touch One Thursdays (weekly event)
Come and enjoy a live band and spoken word by Charlotte’s slam poets. An after-party follows. Presented by Touch One Productions. 9 p.m. $10. Wine Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. www.wine-up.com.

Friday, January 23

Take Over Friday
Enjoy a walk-through of Andy Warhol Portfolios: Life & Legends. The evening will feature an exhibition viewing and discussion with the curator, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and music by DJ Edward Jones. Presented by the Mint Museum of Art, Takeover Friday, the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund, and Wesley Mancini. 7-10 p.m. Free. Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd. www.takeoverfriday.com.

2009 Leadership Awards
Urban League of Central Carolinas Young Professionals presents this second annual awards event. This year’s recipients are Tonya Jameson (Charlotte Observer columnist), Mike Minter (businessman and retired Carolina Panther), and Johnny Taylor Jr. (RushmoreDrive.com CEO). Featuring a performance by Noel Gourdin. Hosted by Power 98’s Janine Davis. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. 9 p.m. $35 single, $60 couple. Big Chill, 911 E. Morehead St. www.leadership.urbanleaguecc.org.

Press Play
Experience the best in old-school hip-hop and R&B from the 1970s to mid-90s. 10 p.m. $10 in advance. Presented by Old School Carolinas. Alive, 2909 N. Davidson St. www.oldschoolcarolinas.com.

Saturday, January 24

Charlotte Restaurant Week
This week-long celebration of Charlotte’s restaurant scene kicks off, running from Saturday, January 24 through Friday, January 30. Each participating restaurant will offer a three-course, prix fixe dinner menu for only $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity). More than 60 participating restaurants. Visit website for details. www.charlotterestaurantweek.com.

Passion for Fashion
This second annual fashion show is a fundraiser for the Allegro Foundation. 7-10 p.m. Felix Sabates' Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte, 950 N. Polk St., Pineville. www.allegrofoundation.net.

Soul Bowl Lounge
The popular bowling and social networking event is held in a dozen cities including Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York. In addition to knocking down pins, enjoy live music, food, and card games. 10 p.m. $25. AMF Carolina Lanes, 11210 Brigman Rd., Matthews. www.soulbowllounge.com.

Sunday, January 25

Divine Innovations: An Afternoon of Inspirational Dance Performances
The Leap of Faith Dance Company combines dance and spiritual praise in these uplifting performances. Guests are asked to bring nonperishable food items to be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank. 3 p.m. $15 (you must purchase your tickets online). CenterStage@NoDa, 2315 N. Davidson St. www.ticketleap.com.

Ssshh: Sensual Seduction Sundays at Happy Hour (weekly event)
Enjoy an infusion of open-mic poetry and jazz over candlelight. Hosted by poet Bluz. After-party and dancing follows. Presented by Pink Diamond. 9 p.m. $10. Happy Hour Bar and Lounge, 3603 S. Tryon St. www.pinkdiamondpromo.com.

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