This year has ushered many delicious additions to Charlotte’s catalog of restaurants. Named one of “The Most Anticipated Spring Restaurant Openings” by Food and Wine, Peppervine is already establishing itself as a standout within the quickly growing market.
Conveniently located in Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood, Peppervine delivers outstanding gourmet food in an elegant setting. The farm-to-table eatery is the brainchild of Bill and Anita Greene. The Greenes are a husband and wife team already established in the industry through their successful Banner Elk restaurant, Artisanal.
Artisanal is where Bill and Anita met the other half of the Peppervine team: Rob and Bob Lackey, a father-son duo that frequented Artisanal and grew close with its owners. So, the Lackeys joined their extensive business management experience with Bill’s culinary talents and Anita’s management abilities. The result is a dynamic, smoothly-operated, beautifully-appointed, and downright tasty enterprise.
Flavors of Peppervine
A North Carolina native, Bill left the Tar Heel state to study at the Culinary Institute of America in NY. Now, his aptitude for culinary arts shines through his position as Peppervine’s executive chef. In this role, Bill designs delectable dishes, like the tender Berkshire pork plate served with mushroom bread pudding, parsnip, and mustard pepper.
Bill sources locally and seasonally in constant pursuit of, as he says, “flavors that offer unique combinations and influences from around the world.”
The menu encourages social meals, where guests order an array of plates to share, from tapa-sized tastes to large platters.
In addition to being a chef, Bill is also a wine aficionado. In fact, he has stocked the restaurant with over 3,000 bottles of wine from around the globe. A cocktail list also offers refreshment, and the result is a myriad of food and beverage pairings that make for an exciting evening.
Artistic Ambience
It is difficult to imagine an aspect of dining at Peppervine more enjoyable than the food. However, the decor is just as jaw-dropping as the menu. The Greenes and Lackeys had a clear vision for the ambience of their restaurant. “We wanted a light-filled dining room with a palette of soft neutrals and whites, complemented by multiple textures,” explains Bill. The team’s light and airy design choices are particularly well-suited to their building, where a long wall of tall, floor-to-ceiling windows invite natural light. Furthermore, what makes Peppervine particularly inviting is their partnership with Shain Gallery, which supplies a rotating series of art for display in the restaurant. The art rests alongside permanent installations from artist Alex Pate, who designed a gorgeous wooden wine case. Similarly, artist Jocelyn Chateauvert created custom paper light fixtures that dazzle from the tall ceilings.
Trailblazers
The Peppervine team is keenly aware that, as an independently owned business, they are unique in the SouthPark area. They embrace the challenge and intend to blaze a path forward that others might be able to follow.
“We want to join fellow chef-driven establishments that are creative, responsible, and serve as mentors for the culinary scene,” says Bill.
The precedent Peppervine has set will be difficult to follow. But the Queen City never ceases to surprise, particularly where its emerging culinary prowess is concerned.
