BLVD: Around town
March 29, 2023
From the April issue, here’s a look at interesting people, places and things. Plus, a preview of what’s new and coming soon.
Chapter 6 is eyeing a summer opening at The Line in South End. It’s the sixth restaurant from Rare Roots Hospitality (Dogwood, Fin & Fino, Dressler’s). The menu will highlight flavors from the western Mediterranean regions of Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, France and Italy. Curry Gate opened a second location at 5516 South Blvd. The restaurant serves Indian specialties like curry, kofta, biryani and tikka masala. Monarch Market, an 18,000-square-foot food hall with 12 stalls, a full-service restaurant, three bars and a private event space is coming to uptown’s One Independence Center. Biggby Coffee opened at 10215 Mcintyre Ridge Rd. in Pineville, the first Charlotte- area location for the Lansing, Mich.-based chain.
Cherry-picked
NoDa Brewing launched Cheerwine Ale, a wheat beer infused with the iconic cherry-flavored soda. “For years, people have incorporated Cheerwine into barbecue sauces, cocktails, desserts and more, and now we’re adding beer to that list,” says Joy Ritchie Harper, vice president of marketing for Cheerwine and a fifth-generation member of the founding family. The 106-year-old brand started in Salisbury. Cheerwine Ale is sold at various retail outlets in four-packs of 16-ounce cans. It’s also available on tap at NoDa’s Charlotte location, as well as select restaurants and bars.
Open Tap debuted its two-story taproom at 5010 Carmel Center Dr. It’s the passion project of owners Scott and Brooke Thorne, a south Charlotte couple who envisioned a spot where neighbors and families could gather and children could play in a safe, enclosed space. Repurposed barnwood, natural stone and hand-hewn logs were incorporated in the “modern log cabin” structure by Cluck Design. Seating options include a mezzanine, covered patio and yet-to-open shade garden. Open Tap plans to host a run and cycle club, yoga and meditation classes, and other community events. The self-serve taproom is open seven days a week and offers 64 taps with wine, beer, cider and craft soda plus a rotating lineup of food trucks. The taproom is kid-friendly, but leave Fido at home — dogs are not allowed.
Light up the night: This playful, interactive installation by Amigo & Amigo, a global artist studio, will take over the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza as part of Charlotte SHOUT! from March 31-April 16. The annual arts festival continues through April 16; Affinity is one of more than 20 public installations on view. Inspired by the human brain, each globe represents a neuron and connection. The colors change when the globes are touched, sending light traveling throughout the sculpture. SP
Rendering courtesy Crescent Communities; photograph courtesy Noda Brewing; photographs courtesy Open Tap
