New eateries coming

Block and Grinder

Block and Grinder plans to open a new restaurant in South Charlotte. Look for premium steaks, custom, ground-onsite burgers, soups, salads and more from executive chef Kent Graham. Graham, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, has worked at The Plaza Hotel in New York City and Napa’s French Laundry in California. Stay tuned for opening details on this butcher shop and restaurant.

• Block and Grinder

2935 Providence Road, 704-364-2100

www.blockandgrinder.com

Nom Nom Burger

Coming soon to Parktowne Center is Nom Nom Burger, an Asian inspired burger bar. Nom Nom will be opening in the previous Wam Asian Grill location and feature gourmet burgers.

• Nom Nom Burger

1600 E. Woodlawn

Olive This!

Now open at the Shops at Piper Glen, Olive This offers more than 45 varieties of fine, unfiltered olive oil with a “taste before you buy” component, balsamic vinegars, gifts and more. Owners and neighbors Kara Deir and Andrea Edwards put almost a year’s worth of research into their store. All oils and vinegars are imported to the shop and bottled locally. A “discounted dozen” program is in place for those who wish to stock up. The store sells handcrafted pottery from potters in Waxhaw and Charlotte, and bamboo cutting boards handmade by Brian Turkalo of Dancing Tree Furniture in Matthews. Custom gift baskets and sets are available for purchase, and the space is available after hours for private tastings and parties. Check their website for recipes and ideas for cooking with their oils and vinegars.

• Olive This!

6414 Rea Road, 704-544-8099

www.olivethis.com

Charlotte Restaurant Week

The 10th Queen’s Feast is slated for Jan. 18-27. A record 112 restaurants in six counties are participating; restaurants can be viewed and reservations made at www.CharlotteRestaurantWeek.com. Diners can enjoy three courses (or more) for $30 at upscale restaurants in the Charlotte metro area. First time participants include The Peculiar Rabbit in Plaza Midwood, Heist Brewery in NoDa, Eastover’s Napa on Providence, Amor de Brazil in Matthews and Ballantyne’s Vine American Kitchen. The Queen’s Feast this past July fed 125,000 diners and generated $5.8 million for the restaurants that participated.

• Charlotte Restaurant Week

www.CharlotteRestaurantWeek.com

Rullo di Pasta

Rullo di Pasta of Ballantyne is offering fully prepared, take and bake options from their menu. Their vegetable or meat lasagna and baked ziti, serving from two to 12, as well as all of their pizzas are available for purchase to bake at home. Salads, breads and desserts are also available to go. Check their website for take and bake two-for-one deals as well as week night specials.

• Rullo di Pasta

12206 Copper Way, 704-543-6226

www.rullodipasta.com

Vinnie’s

Vinnie’s Grill & Raw Bar at 1714 South Blvd. has closed after 20 years. A longtime favorite Southend spot for oysters, seafood and great beer deals will be missed. Vinnie’s Mooresville location remains open at 643 Williamson Road, 704-799-2090.

•  www.vinniesrawbar.com