Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Taste of the Nation is a good taste of Charlotte

Who can keep up with all the great restaurants opening up around town? The annual April fundraiser Taste of the Nation is like a big crib sheet, a chance to get a taste and a feel for a place.

I've been one of the judges wandering around with clipboards several times over the years and it's always an eye-opener to see which young chef really puts in an effort and takes chances. If there's a new ingredient or a new method, somebody will try it. I had my first bite of seared pork belly and my first sous vide egg there.

Of course, that makes it sound more high-faluting than it is. If you just want to get a couple of drinks, eat some good bites of food and hang out with friends, you can do that too.

And the ultimate reason, either way, is to raise money to raise money for Share Our Strength and the fight against childhood hunger. That's really what Taste of the Nation is about.

This year's Charlotte edition of Taste of the Nation is 7-10 p.m. next Wednesday (April 11) at the Wells Fargo atrium. Regular tickets are $85, although if crowds aren't your thing, you can get a VIP ticket for $100 that gives you entry into a quieter seating area and an hour to peruse the food before the main doors open.

This year's restaurants: Amelie's, American Roadside Burgers, Brixx, Central Piedmont Community College (they always do something over the top for their chocolate display), Chima, E2, Electrolux, Enso, Fern, Flatiron, Gallery at Ballantyne, Halcyon, LaVecchia's, Mama Ricotta's, Mert's, Mimosa Grill, Queen City Q, Rocky River Grille, Savannah Red, Upstream, Vida Cantina, Village Tavern, Vivace, Whole Foods, Wolfgang Puck's Pizza Bar, and Zink American Kitchen.

Need details or tickets? www.charlottetasteofthenation.com or call 704-376-1785.

6 comments:

ScottCLT said...

Wolfgang Puck's Pizza Bar? Is this a new/upcoming addition in Charlotte? I couldn't find any information about this place online.

Anonymous said...

Wolfgang Puck Express - Charlotte Douglas International Airport
P.O. Box 19246
Charlotte, North Carolina 28219
2
The Fillmore Charlotte
820 Hamilton Street, Suite B2
Charlotte, North Carolina 2820

http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/wheres-wolf

Anonymous said...

"Wolfgang Puck's Pizza Bar? Is this a new/upcoming addition in Charlotte? I couldn't find any information about this place online."

There is a Wolfgang Puck restaurant opening in the South Park area soon.

Anonymous said...

The Pizza Bar is only accessible if you are in the airport terminal. You may also use the Filmore location to cater your events. Like someone else said there's a restaurant 'opening soon' in SP...I guess we shall see.

Anonymous said...

"get an VIP ticket"

WTF

Sweet Potato said...

SO it's gonna be today? Well I hope I wouldn't run out of ticket. Thanks for the information. SO glad to find your post :)