New restaurants keep popping up

Vine American Kitchen

Vine, a casual American concept with an elegant edge, has opened on Conlan Circle in Ballantyne.

Fresh cuisine, a display kitchen complete with a rotisserie oven and room for private events are all here. Bill Freeman, a Charlotte restaurant executive, is the creator and owner, and Steve Grist is managing partner. A peek at the menu finds items utilizing regionally sourced ingredients: Maytag Blue Cheese Potato Chips topped with bacon, green onions and tomatoes, New Orleans spicy Jambalaya, a number of flatbread options and baked Maryland style jumbo lump crab cakes. Burgers, salads, seafood and pastas are also offered. Brunch is served here on Sundays: apple cider pancakes with North Carolina Granny Smith apples and house-made cider syrup with hickory smoked bacon, a crab hash skillet featuring jumbo lump blue crab and a kids menu to name a few highlights. Dessert options are plentiful and include warm Vermont apple crisp and deep-dish key lime pie.

Vine’s beverage program features more than 100 varieties of wine with an emphasis on those priced less than $30, but highly rated so a great value. Seasonal and local beers are on tap. •  Vine American Kitchen

13735 Conlan Circle

704-469-5282

www.vinekitchen.com.

Ilios Noche

Ilios is now serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10: a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out the Greek or Italian frittatas, wraps served with Greek fries, waffles, steak and eggs and more.

The second Ilios location is coming to Quail Corners and hopes to be open by the summer. Ilios will have almost 5,000 square feet of space and a private party room. The restaurant’s other location in Rea Village was expanded March.

•  Ilios Noche

11508 Providence Road

704-814-9882

www.iliosnoche.com.

El Camino

A new Mexican eatery will be coming to Montford Drive in the old Andrew Blair’s building. Tex Mex is the theme here; it will be competing directly with Maverick Rock Taco across the street. Stay tuned.

•  El Camino

1600 Montford Drive

Chuy’s

Chuy’s, another Mexican spot, is planning an entrance onto the SouthPark scene, as well.

Chuy’s is known for its unique, fresh Mexican flavors and massive serving sizes. Signature dishes include a steak burrito stuffed with grilled steak and cheese and topped with Hatch green chili sauce, a Chuy’s Special with stacked blue corn tortillas, roasted hand-pulled chicken, cheese and tomatillo sauce topped with sour cream and their famous tortilla soup. Try the Texas martini with a jalapeno stuffed olive or one of their signature margaritas when you visit. Stay tuned for opening details.

•  Chuy’s

www.chuy’s.com.

Napa on Providence

Jeffrey and Paula Conway have opened Napa on Providence in the Providence Café spot in Myers Park. Look for California inspired, farm-to-table menu items made with herbs from their garden and plenty of wine. A look at the small plates menu: grilled or raw oysters on the half shell, marinated olives and a pulled pork pizza with white cheddar, caramelized red onion and “pig sauce.” Large plates include grilled swordfish with pasta fagioli sauce, poulet rouge, a half roasted chicken with root vegetables and horseradish pan gravy and a Carolina cheeseburger with white cheddar on a house-made bun. The wine list is impressive with many wines available by the bottle or the glass. Beer and wine selections are barrel dispensed for longer freshness.

•  Napa on Providence

110 Perrin Place

704-900-8535

www.napaonprovidence.com.