You’re gonna hate this week and you already know it. It’s the wages of three-day holiday weekends. Let’s just skip the bullshit and aim for Friday. Cool? Cool. #weekendwarriors
• Each month, Heist Brewery spotlights a local visual artist in the Library Bar as part of their #LocalArtistSeries. July’s feature is Beards BeCAUSE co-founder Jared Yerg with “Another Follicled Foray.” Check out five new pieces at the exhibit’s opening reception and rub elbows with artsy drinksy types … or chins, if that’s what you’re into. #putyourhairinastickybun July 11, 8 p.m. Heist Brewery, 2909 N Davidson St. See more of Jared’s work at his Facebook page.
Last week, wallethub.com ranked Charlotte the 7th worst city for Independence Day festivities, out of the largest 100 cities in the U.S. Their methodology was cobbled together from some combo of expected weather, swimming pools per capita and the availability of cheap three-star motels - in other words, lacking relevance. The average price of a Nathan's frank wasn't even on the list! So this week, I'm giving you nothing but the best 4th of July grubbing, from Q to shining C. Even if you don't celebrate manifest destiny and the founding fathers, everybody celebrates potato salad.
* Its reputation for hippest neighborhood may be recent, but Plaza Midwood has been bringing it for Independence Day for over a decade. The annual Plaza Midwood Pig Pickin' is 13 years strong with sales, special menus and live music all day long. Dan the Pig Man and other trucks are packing the pork along with area restaurants - LULU is featuring a $30 3-course fine swining menu, for one. My pick is the fish fry at Snug Harbor, with plates from Gastonia's Twin Tops Fish Camp and music from Hectorina, Temperance League, and AM/FMs. #amberwavesofwhiting Free (bring cash for food) July 4, 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. All over Plaza Midwood
Each week, The Social Eater picks a handful of filter-friendly, tweetable, social media-shareable foodie events in and around the city. No #struggleplates allowed.
* That haunting wail you heard Sunday night was probably your timeline imploding over the news that Starbucks is raising its prices. No matter, it's time to try something different anyway, by way of Queen City TNT, a traveling monthly-ish latte-art competition. Bring your pitcher if you think you're the Bob Ross of baristas, or just spectate in wonderment over what can be done with a little spilled milk. #frenchpressionism Today, 7 p.m. $5 to enter, free to watch Atherton Market, 2140 South Blvd. More info here. Plus, check out this cool video of a previous Queen City TNT.
* Considering they have wheels and all, it's a little surprising that mobile eateries haven't made their way to SouthPark en masse before. At any baku-restaurant.com/rate, they've finally made it through the traffic on Providence to SouthPark Eats Alternative - the only food truck gathering in the 'hood. The rotating lineup includes favorites like Southern Cake Queen and King of Pops well as names you may not have heard, like Imperial Sandwich Co. Make a lunch date and swing through. #BetterThanTheFoodcourt Every Wednesday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 5960 Fairview Road. Check the lineup weekly at www.sea-nc.com.
Each week, The Social Eater picks a handful of filter-friendly, tweetable, social media-shareable foodie events in and around the city. Check out this week's print edition of Creative Loafing's SUMMER GUIDE for more things to eat and do throughout the summer.
- If remembering dance steps is too much to handle, try a different kind of flash mob. Foodie Flash Mob only requires you to get there on time and eat. Sign up for email, Twitter or text updates in advance, then watch for the location and time to be posted at noon on the day of your surprise, impromptu dinner date. Bring yourself, a friend or your whole dodgeball team. This month's eatup is a special reservation-required eatup at BRAVO! Blakeney. #goodiemob Pay for what you eat June 10, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. BRAVO! Cucina Italiana, 9824 Rea Road Reservations required. Check https://twitter.com/foodieflashmob for link and password.
Each week, The Social Eater picks a handful of filter-friendly, tweetable, social media-shareable foodie events in and around the city. No #struggleplates allowed.
* Threatened by a surprise thunderstorm last week, the Mint Museum rescheduled its Party in the Park to this Tuesday. So if you haven't already registered, you have a second chance to fill up on art, music, cinema and culinary treats all in the same place. Enjoy outdoor games and live music on the lawn or head inside for a stroll through the museum's permanent collections and special exhibitions. At dusk, park your blanket under the stars for an outdoor viewing of How to Train Your Dragon. Feel free to pack a picnic or pick up something from King of Pops, e2, Dan the Pig Man or Chef Street Bistro, who will all be present. #artsyparksy Free with suggested donation of $10 June 3, 6:30 p.m. Film showing at dusk. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Pre-registration preferred: http://www.mintmuseum.org/happenings/477/third-annual-party-in-the-park
Each week, The Social Eater picks a handful of filter-friendly, tweetable, social media-shareable foodie events in and around the city. No #struggleplates allowed.
* Papi Queso brings street food indoors at Vin Master on Monday for the wine shop's monthly Food Truck Wine Dinner. Pairings from Piccini Winery accent the meal and all four courses, including dessert, involve a fancy cheese you've probably never heard of. Insert a dancing Steve Urkel gif in your mind. If the last grilled cheese you had involved a Kraft single and an ironing board, take advantage of this upgrade. #betterthancheddar $40 May 27, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Vin Master, 2000 South Blvd., Suite 610 Advance purchase required: www.thevinmaster.com or 704-996-7471.
Each week, The Social Eater picks a handful of filter-friendly, tweetable, social media-shareable foodie events in and around the city. No #struggleplates allowed.
* Every Monday night, Bistro La Bon hosts a jazz jam session. Anchored by the Troy Conn Trio, the night is populated with a rotating selection of local musicians and vocalists. Feel free to bring your chops or just sit back and enjoy the ones on offer from both the band and kitchen. The vibe is Blue Note meets Midwood: relaxed with an edge of underground cool. Offering one the best bar bites menus in the city, Bistro has become my favorite way to wind down after a hectic day and turn up for the week at the same time. #JamonOnTheOne Free Mondays, 9 p.m.-midnight Bistro La Bon, 1322 Central Ave.
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