the scoop, may/june 2018
South End is about to welcome its first rooftop bar! The Waterman will be located on South Blvd. near the new Harris Teeter. Proprietor Paul Manley, co-owner of Sea Level, says they’ll serve neighborhood pub-type food, including oysters, fish sandwiches, and burgers, along with a fun cocktail program.
Farm-to-table concept restaurant Gusto Farm to Street is set to open at SouthPark Mall this spring. Featuring healthy grains and greens, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, and fresh, locally-sourced produce, the menu will include craft-your-own salads and pizzas.
www.eatgusto.com
Kabob Grill in Kenilworth Commons has closed after almost 17 years. The lease was not renewed for the East Blvd. staple, and they’ll be greatly missed. Owner Omar Kweider says Levant Mediterranean Cuisine will remain open Uptown with a similar menu.
levantcharlotte.com
Tandur Indian Kitchen has opened in SouthPark next to Earth Fare. Tandur boasts ingredients that are freshly prepared and inspired by Indian tradition with a modern, Tandur style. Expect traditional fare, in addition to newer options like salads and wraps.
tandur.com
A new brewery called Town Brewing Co. is planning to open this summer next to Rhino Market in FreeMoreWest. After nearly six years of development, they’re excited to offer a rotating and fixed selection of sours, lager, stouts, and other craft beers, in addition to a full-service kitchen serving small plates.
www.facebook.com/TownBrewing
Duckworth’s on Park Road is set to open after a significant renovation and rebrand. With a smaller menu and updated design, new kitchen equipment will play a big part in the revamped menu, and changes to the seating area aim to accommodate more guests.
duckworths.com
First Watch has opened in Matthews. The popular breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot features fresh, family-friendly menu items with a twist on traditional and innovative offerings, all made to order using farm-fresh ingredients.
www.firstwatch.com
Restaurant group Indigo Road (O-Ku, Oak Steakhouse) will open an Italian restaurant in South End’s Atherton Mill Complex in 2019. Indaco Charlotte will mirror the super popular Charleston location, serving rustic Italian cuisine like wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pastas, and house-made salumi.
theindigoroad.com/charlotte
Suki Akor, a new sushi bar and Japanese steakhouse, will be opening soon in Uptown. Located across from the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the menu will feature specialties like Wagyu beef, scallop risotto, and Uptown’s first robata grill. There’s also an extensive sushi menu and a U-shaped sushi counter!
sukirestaurant.com
Just in time for summer, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has opened a beer garden! Expect to find a selection of local beers to enjoy on the patio as well as space for food trucks on the east side of the Garden, next to the Orchid Conservatory. Be on the lookout for live music, free tastings, and the integration of hops and other plants associated with small-batch brewing in the garden. The Beer Garden will be open noon to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through July 8. It will be open from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays from May 31 through August 30 and will re-open for weekends in the fall, Sept. 1 through Oct. 28.
www.dsbg.org
A healthy food restaurant called Flower Child will take over the former Phat Burrito space on Camden Road in South End in 2019. The new restaurant will focus on local sourcing, humane treatment of animals, and naturally-raised proteins, boasting “healthy food for a happy world.”
www.iamaflowerchild.com
Luca Modern Italian Kitchen (formerly Passion8), located on Elizabeth Avenue, closed on Easter Sunday, citing a need to focus on family. You will be greatly missed, and best of luck to you in your new adventures Luca.
Charlotte is finally getting a true food hall! Slated to late this year, three-story Tompkins Hall will feature an industrial loft vibe, rooftop bar, and food hall in Optimist Park, a neighborhood between NoDa and Uptown. It'll include creative office space and restaurant/retail stores in addition to the 20,229-sq.-ft. food hall.
tompkinshall.com
Maple Street Biscuit Company, has opened in SouthPark in the same shopping center as YAFO, Sabor, and Earth Fare. Touting comfort food with a modern twist, signature dishes include vanilla bean waffles, flaky biscuits, all natural fried chicken breasts, and more.
maplestreetbiscuits.com
Gary Mullis, formerly of Dean & Deluca Wine Bar and Mutual Distributors, is joining the team at Reid’s Fine Foods in SouthPark. Welcome back Gary—nice to see your shining smile again!
reids.com
Barcelona Wine Bar is coming to South End’s Design Center at the corner of Camden Road and W. Tremont Avenue. With over a dozen locations across the U.S., the bar specializes in Spanish tapas and a selection of wines from Spain and Portugal.
www.barcelonawinebar.com