Get excited y’all – Charlotte Wine & Tapas Week is launching this spring for the first time in the Queen City. From April 21st – 30th, a whopping 36 of Charlotte’s finest restaurants will be pulling up their sleeves up and sharpening their skills.
Each will offer up a unique, unforgettable night with new aromas and flavors from their signature menus just for you. If you’ve ever dined during Charlotte Restaurant Week, it is similar in price as well as in experience. For $30 or $35 per person, choose two glasses of wine and two tapas. What separates CWTW from CRW is their simple motto about the relationship between wine and tapas: “The social act of having a meal with good company, and sharing an unforgettable experience is what forms part of the Charlotte Wine and Tapas Week.”
Last week, we kicked off the fun with a preview of the CWTW menu at Zen Asian Fusion, located in Dilworth. Zen has a contemporary menu mixing Asian and Spanish cuisine and has been a neighborhood favorite for over 10 years. Between the two glasses of Chardonnay and two tapas, leaving hungry was not in the playbook. We sampled everything from the Tuna and Salmon Carpaccio with Jalapeno, to the Spicy Tuna Nachos, Blue Cheese Fried Calamari, Fried Chicken Croquettes, and Bruce Lee Shrimp Tempura Roll.
Now to try the rest of the CWTW offerings this. Unsure of where to start? Here are our top 5 picks.
Reid’s Fine Foods
Black Bean Cakes with Green Tomato Chow Chow & Cajun Aioli and Hot Chicken Mini Biscuits with Cloister Honey
A Charlotte favorite for over 80 years: This neighborhood specialty food store offers local produce and high quality meats and wines. If you are looking for an elegant brunch buffet, stop by on a Sunday at their SouthPark location.
www.reids.com
The Asbury
Fried Oysters with Onion Jam and Country Ham Biscuits with Goat Cheese Icing.
Known for their hospitality, the menu offerings that show endless bounds of technique, local ingredients, and, of course, a deep respect for our Southern roots. This sophisticated and traditional restaurant in the Dunhill Hotel always impresses.
www.theasbury.com
204 North
Short Rib Risotto and Shredded Chicken Parmesan Crisps with Crushed Tomato Garlic
Voted one of the 25 Best New Restaurants in 2016 and People’s Choice 1st Place Winner, 204 North has a great craft cocktail menu, and they just revamped and launched a couple weeks ago with an even more fantastic dining atmosphere. The low lighting, exposed brick walls, and friendly staff are unbeatable.
204north.com
Rooney’s Market
Lamb & Feta Meatballs with Marinara and Chicken & Vegetable Saute Lettuce Wraps
This bistro is a perfect addition to the happening little town of Ayrsley located off of South Tryon. Positioned in between Carolina Beer Temple and Piedmont Social House, you are well on your way to having a fun night. There is a movie theater within walking distance as well if the desire strikes.
www.rooneys.market
Crave Dessert Bar
Pesto Chicken with Fresh Mozzarella + Bailey’s Brioche Bread Pudding with Irish Cream
Opened almost 10 years ago, Crave is a wonderful place to share a special occasion. This choice may not seem to fit among all of the other savory options in this list, but I think a sweets category deserves to be paired with wine too! The tapas menu for this event is 50/50 savory and sweet so you get the best of both worlds.
www.cravedessertbar.com
