Restaurant news: Spring means fresh start for menus, festivals

Encore Bistro and Bar

Two spring promotions are in full swing through May 31 at Encore. Soup, Salad, Sip: $10 for a choice of salad, such as the Spinach Salad or Wedge, a cup of soup and a glass of One Hope wine. The Pick Your Pleasure promo features sandwiches. Options include a hearty half sandwich and cup of soup, also for $10.

Make sure to try the Grilled Ham and Pepper Jack with Dijon Aioli.

Encore also has added a few gluten-free items to the menu.

Encore

9824 Rea Road

704-341-3651

www.encorebistro.com

D'Vine Wine Café

The April Wine Education Series kicks off at 7 p.m. April 7. Selections from Pavo of Sonoma will be sampled: a Rose, Sauvignon Blanc and three Syrahs. Food pairings are included in the $25-per-person price. Reservations for this event are required.

Other happenings: Monday bar specials; Thursdays feature wine deals. Check the website for details, including live entertainment.

D'Vine Wine Café

14815 John J. Delaney Drive

704-939-0642

www.dvinewinecafe.com

Stacks Kitchen

Delancey Street Diner has left south Charlotte and moved to the old Big Dog Diner building in Waxhaw. It now has a new name, Stacks Kitchen, but the same great food and atmosphere.

Breakfast is served all day; menu includes eggs, plenty of fruit pancakes, waffles and French toast. Comfort foods are here, too: fried green tomatoes, stuffed cabbage and chicken pot pie, to name a few.

Stacks Kitchen

521 N. Broome St., Waxhaw

704-243-2024

www.stackskitchen.com

Waldhorn

Seafood Fest has come to Pineville's popular German restaurant. Trout Almandine, Salmon Riesling and Catfish crusted with pretzels are all included on the promotional menu, which runs through the weekend of April 10. Waldhorn is now accepting reservations for both Easter and Mother's Day brunch or dinner.

Waldhorn

12101 Lancaster Highway, Pineville

704-540-7047

www.waldhornus.com

The Blushing Bakeshop

A new spring lineup of cupcakes has been unveiled. Flavors include "Jane," a vanilla cupcake topped with vanilla butter cream; "Savannah," a red velvet cake with rich cream cheese frosting; and "Amber," mango butter cream atop mango cake.

The bakeshop bakes both basic and couture cupcakes for all occasions. View the daily baking schedule and list of flavors on the website.

The Blushing Bakeshop

14825 Ballantyne Village Way

704-369-5800

www.theblushingbakeshop.com