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Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Events Upcoming: SpringFest 2013 at JJ's Red Hots (updated)
Posted By Kelly Davis on Wed, May 1, 2013 at 8:46 AM
*Editor's Note: This event was originally slated for April 27 but has been rescheduled to May 18.
The folks at JJ's Red Hots (located at 1514 East Blvd.) know what makes a good hotdog. During March and April, though, they let a few beer connoisseurs come up with their own creative takes on the classic dog. These creations have alternated being featured on JJ's menu for the past few weeks. On May 18, from 4 p.m.-8 p.m., JJ's customers will choose the best dog at their SpringFest 2013.
The top three selling hot dogs from the past two months will compete against two surprise hotdogs created by JJ's. Customers can purchase tickets to judge the hotdogs and will be granted as many samples as they like to make their choice for best dog.
So far, the three dogs in the lead are:
* The Chips On Your Shoulder Dog, created by Jason Glunt from Salud Beer Shop, featuring pulled pork, slaw, crumbled chips.
- Michael Newton Photography
- The Chips On Your Shoulder Dog
* The Put That in Your Pipe Dog, created by Daniel Hartis from Charlotte Beer , featuring smoked cheddar, bacon, chipotle ketchup and red onion.
- Michael Newton Photography
- The Put That in Your Pipe Dog
Friday, April 26, 2013
Recipe / Breakfast / Brunch Recipe: Classic Pancakes
Posted By Kelly Davis on Fri, Apr 26, 2013 at 11:34 AM
Sometimes I treat pancakes like a blank canvas. I dump in all kind of things from my pantry and fridge: rolled oats, almond flour, blueberries, nuts, peanut butter. Everything but the kitchen sink ...
But there's something to be said for plain ol' classic pancakes.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Liquid Diet Featured Cocktail: Austin Strawberry
Posted By Lauren Blake on Thu, Apr 25, 2013 at 11:04 AM
Found: Bistro La Bon (1322 Central Ave.)
Ingredients: Tito's vodka, Lillet Rouge, lavender simple syrup, muddled strawberry
Keeping it seasonal is the general ideology behind the craftsmanship of cuisine and cocktails at Bistro La Bon. If a particular fruit isn't available at the farmers market, the bar will whip up a cocktail with what ingredients are available. "If you can't find good strawberries, then you can't have a good strawberry drink," Chef Majid Amoorpour says. Luckily for us, markets are overflowing with berries come the warmer months, and Bistro is seeking them out for its most current featured drink, the Austin Strawberry.
"We definitely wanted to do something that was very much spring, to remind people to come out and enjoy the different side of cocktails again. Fresh fruits and flowers and all that. We've incorporated both into this drink with the fresh strawberries and the lavender," Amoorpour says. Like the cocktail list, the dishes at Bistro La Bon are also ever-evolving, relying on the goods of the season. Amoorpour recommends pairing the Austin Strawberry with the crispy avocado and asparagus appetizer. "The sweet and the spicy play off of each other really well."
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Events Upcoming: Top of the Hop Pro-Am Competition at NoDa Brewing
Posted By Kelly Davis on Tue, Apr 23, 2013 at 4:33 PM
Both experienced and aspiring home brewers as well as beer aficionados will gather at NoDa Brewing Company (2229 N. Davidson St.) on Saturday, April 27 for its inaugural Top of the Hop Pro-Am Competition.
(Sure, it's another NoDa Brewing event, but what can we say? They're doing good stuff over there.)
Happening from noon to 10 p.m., Top of the Hop is a home brewers competition. The Best in Show winning beer will be recreated with NoDa Brewing's brewery system and entered into the Great American Beer Festival Pro-Am Competition.
Other awards will be given to:
- King or Queen of Wort
- Steward's Choice
- Most Creative Recipe
- Most Creative Name
- Most Creative Ingredient
Members of Carolina Brewmasters, the Cabarrus Homebrewers Society (Cabrew), and the Iredell Brewers United (IBU) will act as judges and hosts for the event.
This is a great educational opportunity for both aspiring and seasoned homebrewers because of the wealth of homebrewing knowledge that will be shared during the event. Entrance into the competition is currently closed with over 90 brews entered, but the public is welcome to attend.
For more information, call 704-451-1394 or email Todd@NoDaBrewing.com.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Events / Drinks Upcoming: Beers for Boston at NoDa Brewing
Posted By Kelly Davis on Mon, Apr 22, 2013 at 2:00 PM
- Justin Moore of Sublmnl Design
If you're trying to find comfort or a glimmer of hope after seeing the tragedy that took place at the Boston Marathon last week, you can look to businesses like NoDa Brewing that pull the community together to offer their support. On the evening of Wednesday, April 24, NoDa Brewing Company, located at 2229 N. Davidson St., will host Beers for Boston to benefit the Be Strong Stay Strong Fund, which was set up to benefit two local runners who were seriously injured by the bomb explosions in Boston.
The event will kick off with the weekly Wednesday run by the NoDa Brewing Run Club, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Putney's End will provide live music, and food will be available from Auto Burger and Fry Guys and King of Pops. "People really like to eat a cheeseburger after they run," says Brian Mister, director of community optimism at NoDa Brewing.
You can support the Be Strong Stay Strong Fund by just showing up for the event and purchasing food and beverages. The following donations will be contributed from the attending vendors:
- 10% of all sales from NoDa Brewing
- 10% of all sales + all tips from Auto Burger and Fry Guys
- 50 cents from each popsicle sold from King of Pops
The fund will also accept cash donations at the event.
The event will be held in the NoDa Brewing parking lot and the band will be on the patio, weather permitting. More than 100 people RSVP'd through the Facebook event page on the first day that the event was announced, so Mister expects to have a huge turnout to support the cause.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Recipe Crockpot Arsenal: Pork Tenderloin with Chunky Pear Sauce
Posted By Kelly Davis on Fri, Apr 19, 2013 at 11:00 AM
- Kelly Davis
- Pork Tenderloin with Chunky Pear Sauce
The weather is getting more beautiful every single day in Charlotte. And if you're like me, you don't want to spend every warm evening standing over a hot stove preparing dinner. That's where my crockpot comes in. It's probably my very favorite appliance because it practically does all the work of cooking for me.
Here's a delicious and easy recipe I make on evenings when I'd rather be walking my dog or sipping a beer in my backyard. Just start this easy recipe in the morning or on your lunch break (instructions are provided for both) and you can spend the evening doing whatever you want.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Events Photos: Iron Fork 2013
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 2:23 PM
Last night, Creative Loafing hosted its first ever Iron Fork event at CenterStage@NoDa.
For our first foray into a foodie event, I think it went pretty well. There were a few problems, but that's to be expected for a first-time event. You live and you learn, right?
As a judge, I probably had the best seat in the house ...
... front and center, for everyone to watch me eat. I certainly hadn't planned for that kind of scrutiny. And when presented with an inventive dish that I was unsure of how to tackle, such as that which was concocted by Chef Zack Gadberry of Vivace, all semblances of a poker face vanished. (Side note: It was really good.)
But congratulations go to Chef Geoff Bragg of The Peculiar Rabbit - he took home the Golden Fork award.
Here are some more photos from the event.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Food News The Palm introduces new lunch menu
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 at 4:55 PM
Sure, maybe The Palm's (6705 Phillips Place) not the first place you'd think to go to for lunch - well, it wasn't for me. But a recent press release announcing its new lunch menu captured my attention. In and out in one hour, it promised. Chicken and avocado sandwich, it teased.
So I had to check it out. Here are some photos. My companion and I chose offerings from the Three-Course Power Lunch. Sure, it sounds a little gluttonous ... who am I kidding. It was completely gluttonous.
For dessert, I chose cheesecake. Sorry, I inhaled it before remembering to take a photo.
Here's a link to the new menu.
And be on the lookout for assistant manager Fernando Rodriguez. He's a pusher. See? Gluttony at its finest.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Events Upcoming: Taste of the Nation
Posted By Anita Overcash on Fri, Apr 12, 2013 at 12:09 PM
Don't forget about Taste of the Nation, the annual shindig that takes over Two Wells Fargo Atrium for a gathering of some of the Q.C.'s top chefs, restaurants and culinary schools - all who turn out to showcase their most mouth-watering selections.
- Jeaumane McIntosh
- A glimpse of the selections at last year's event
Wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages will be plentiful, but those who fancy a more hands-on approach should opt for mixologist Stefan Huebner's make-your-own cocktail bar. There will be silent/live auctions and music from party band Hot Sauce, too.
The event benefits Share Our Strength, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and the Community Culinary School of Charlotte.
$85-$100. April 17, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. (preview hour for VIP at 6 p.m.) Two Wells Fargo Center Atrium, 301 S. Tryon St.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Events Upcoming: Dine Out Charlotte
Posted By Anita Overcash on Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 3:51 PM
Need a good reason to splurge on a three-course meal at one of Charlotte's fancier restaurants? Well, now you've got one. The inaugural Dine Out Charlotte - presented by My Fair Offer, Inc. - is a 10-day-long culinary celebration that gives you the opportunity to eat, drink and be merry while helping out the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
Participating restaurants - including Upstream, Pisces Sushi Bar and Lounge, Osso, Dressler's, 1511 Cantina and more - have prepared special menus with three-maybe even more-course meals for $22-$32.
- Tom Dills Photography/Dine Out Charlotte Facebook
- Dressler's is participating in Dine Out Charlotte
Generosity replaces gluttony since $2 from every meal goes directly to the Feed Hungry Kids program, which provides healthy food to kids in need. Meals between $22-$32. April 12-21. For a list of restaurants and menu selections, visit www.dineoutcharlotte.com.
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Photos: Mint Museum's Allure of Flowers After Hours
A peek into a fancy foodie fundraising event that incorporated flowers into, well, everything.
