Menu upgrades, new places dot the scene

Newk’s

Newk’s Express Café, the fast growing concept conceived by the founders of McAlister’s Deli, is making a difference. Known for freshly tossed salads, California-style pizzas and from-scratch soups and desserts, Newk’s has made a commitment to the Clean Water for Malawi Project. The restaurant has funded two water wells in Malawai. Karas Hospitality, owner of Newk’s, is a partner in the project. Find out how to help raise funds by stopping in to Newk’s Uptown or south Charlotte locations. Look for Newk’s to open in Rock Hill on Dave Lyle Boulevard next year.

• Newk’s

9815 Rea Road, 704-846-5909

101 N. Tryon St., 866-999-3799

www.newks.com.

Paco’s Tacos and Tequila

An express lunch menu is new at Paco’s and served daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Menu features Paco’s Combos with lunchtime pricing less than $12. Combos include a small chopped salad and a choice of a taco, quesadilla or cup of chili or tortilla soup. A new addition includes a One Taco Plate for $7 and a lunch sized Roadhouse salad for $7. Quesadilla options for lunch include your choice of chicken or steak for $8 or vegetable for $7. A tortilla machine churns out fresh tortillas every day at this SouthPark spot and a gluten free menu is also available.

• Paco’s Tacos and Tequila

6401 Morrison Blvd.

704-716-8226

www.pacostacosandtequila.com.

Smallcakes and Freshberry Yogurt Cafe

Smallcakes Cupcakery and Freshberry Yogurt have closed their doors in Dilworth. Both franchises were on East Boulevard.

Joe Hooper’s

The owners of All American Pub, Brazwells, and Whiskey Warehouse are opening a new spot in Plaza Midwood: Joe Hooper’s Beverage and Sandwich Exchange. Southern sandwiches such as fried bologna are planned. Stay tuned.

•  Joe Hooper’s Beverage and Sandwich Exchange

1300 Central Ave.

704-334-2434

El Camino

The Henson Family’s (Andrew Blair’s, Angry Ale’s) El Camino Tex Mex restaurant in SouthPark is open. Located across the street from Maverick Rock Taco, El Camino offers big portions and hand squeezed margaritas at reasonable prices.

•  El Camino

1600 Montford Drive

704-525-8282

Salud! Cooking School

Salud cooking school offers hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations, as well as wine classes at Whole Foods in SouthPark. Classes are led by Whole Foods instructors and chefs and authors from the area. Visit the website or call 980-913-2096 to register.

•  Salud!

6610 Fairview Road

980-213-2400

www.wholefoodsmarket.com/saludcharlotte.

McAlister’s Deli

McAlister’s has upgraded ingredients and added new menu items. Look for the Pepper Jack Turkey Grilled Sandwich and Horseradish Roast Beef and Cheddar sandwich; plans for the new year include a Cajun Shrimp Po’Boy wrap, sandwich and salad. The restaurant group will also focus on potatoes and seafood, two things not affected by the expected ingredient price increases in 2013. Check the website for locations.

•  www.mcalistersdeli.com