Ready to get on a bus for Taste of the World in East Charlotte?
The East side of Charlotte can be quickly overlooked with booming growth and expansion in areas like Dilworth and South End, not to mention the new restaurants squeezing in to Plaza Midwood and Elizabeth.
That’s why each year since 2005 Taste of the World takes Charlotteans on a tour of East Charlotte’s international culinary scene, showcasing the international cuisine this side of town has to offer.
“This is a reason to celebrate because Taste of the World is organized and presented by the community,” says Maureen Gilewski, co-chair of the Charlotte Eastland Area Strategy Team (EAST) and Chair of Taste of the World (TOTW). Charlotte EAST is a volunteer board that is working toward the recommended goals of the Eastland Area Plan to improve quality of life in the area via economic development.
As businesses in the area have been displaced by the widening of Independence and closed due to economic hardships, the Tour continues to grow and play an important part in economic development for what Gilewski calls this “treasure trove” of international flavors.
TOTW was founded by Nancy Plummer and Dr. Nini Bautista and was among the first accomplishments of the Charlotte EAST committee, according to Gilewski.
With the help of other individuals within the city — including John Chen from the Asian Chamber and Tom Flynn with the City of Charlotte Department of Economic Development — the community and business owners have been able to grow the event.
What to expect
The consistently sold-out event begins with patrons boarding buses at The Charlotte Museum of History. Guests will board 18 buses, each with a community guide, and tour three restaurants, sampling offerings from their menus, ending the tour back at the museum for a dessert reception. This year, there is space for 432 guests, which is a large jump from the first year’s 150.
Restaurant partners
There are 18 returning restaurants for this year’s TOTW, which include popular destinations like Three Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina and Mama’s Caribbean Grill. You will also find places like newly re-opened Dim Sum, Lang Van and La Shish Kabob among returning partners.
In addition there will be eight new partners that include Las Meras Tortas, Pho Quynh and Red Sea.
Five continents will be represented, with cuisine from Ethiopia, Mexico, Vietnam and the Caribbean on the list. There are fine dining restaurants, casual cafes and family-style diners featured on the tour, including Landmark Restaurant & Diner on Central Avenue.
How to register
The event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 4:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., with buses departing at 5:45 p.m. from the Charlotte Museum of History. Each ticket purchased comes with a complimentary beverage. Tickets are priced at $49. You can purchase tickets for the event here.
Photo: Nancy Pierce /Shook Kelley
This story was originally published September 28, 2017 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Ready to get on a bus for Taste of the World in East Charlotte?."