St. Paddy’s fun, a tribute brew and a nature hike
March 15, 2024
Taste of the town: A weekly roundup of all things food + drink in the Queen City.
A tribute to Dan
The Charlotte beer community is still stepping up to help the family of Wooden Robot Brewery co-founder Dan Wade, who died in a fall at the South End location last month. Wade was a beloved friend to many, as evidenced by the thousands of messages and condolences shared on social media these past few weeks. NoDa Brewing Co. added its own meaningful gesture this week by launching a tribute beer with 100-percent of the proceeds going to the Wade Family Fund. As NoDa Brewing Co. shared, “Dan was respected and loved throughout the industry, and respected and loved as a genuinely good person outside of the work to which he dedicated himself.”
Wade’s widow, Samantha, shared a message of gratitude to the thousands of people who have reached out and shown support. She wrote in part: “…I have felt and heard it [Charlotte’s heart] beat out loud. Dan’s impact was incredibly profound and meaningful to so many, which is beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time.” Samantha shares that she and Wade had recently taken their newborn son, David, out to a restaurant as they were coming out of the “newborn fog.” You can read her entire message on GoFundMe.
Dinner experiences
Wine dinners are a thing! Little Mama’s SouthPark will host a Tuscan wine dinner on March 27. The evening features wines from Michele Satta and conversation with the winemaker’s son, Giacomo Satta, who will fly in from Italy for the event. Tickets are $100 and include a 4-course dinner.
Maybe you want to try something off the beaten path. North Corner Haven is hosting a Forage and Feast experience next month, April 13. Meanwhile Savor Charlotte is underway at restaurants across Charlotte now through March 26. Get details about both here.
St. Paddy’s Day fun
St. Patrick’s Day is Sunday, but celebrations always start early. Here are a few things happening Saturday, March 16: Open Tap is getting festive with green beer, Irish tunes and an Irish menu from food truck, Chop Chop Red Pot. Several LoSo restaurants along Dewitt Lane will host a St. Patrick’s Day Block Party benefiting the Isabella Santos Foundation. Shamrock the Block starts at noon. The Green River Revival is always a full day of fun at Whitewater Center, which is also on our calendar.
The dish + the drink
THE DISH: Coquette, the new French countryside-inspired restaurant in uptown, just released a new spring cocktail menu. I’m still eyeing the Moules au Beurre De Vadouvan Fume (mussels with Vadouvan butter, Toulouse sausage, fennel — and crusty bread!), which contributor Krisha Chachra wrote about here. It’s served during lunch and dinner service.
THE DRINK: On Monday, March 18, Resident Culture South End drops its spring coffee bar menu. This colorful Pineapple Upside Down Matcha (house-made pineapple syrup, matcha, milk) looks like a fun kickstart to your morning. There’s also a White Lavender Cappuccino and a Peach Spice Latte.
One for the road
If you’re up for a daytrip or a weekend in Beech Mountain this spring, there’s a new program throughout the month of May tailored to nature lovers. During Hike On!, visitors can take guided hikes, with options for all ages and skill levels. Some of the best hikes to see wildflowers and waterfalls include:
Upper Pond Creek Trail, a one-mile trail near Lake Coffey has stations throughout the trail with quick facts about the flora and fauna.
Lower Pond Creek Trail, just over half a mile, steps up on the difficulty but is not too challenging for an experienced hiker. On this trail old hemlock trees surround cascading streams and small waterfalls. Seating areas and a large observation deck make it a great spot for picnickers.
Wild Iris Trail stretches for 2.2 miles along old roadbeds and through lush forests. This is a great trail to look for wildflowers and, in the summer months, fresh blackberries.
There are nine other hikes to consider and it’s fine to bring along a four-legged friend. For information on guided hikes, call the visitor center or the Buckeye Recreation Center.
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