Things to do

Crave Charlotte will happen on a smaller scale, with food and wine events spread out

The first Crave CLT event will happen May 6-9.
The first Crave CLT event will happen May 6-9. CharlotteFive

Earlier this year, Greystar Apartments along with Extreme Property Services and Angeline’s announced an all new food, wine, and mixology festival. The event, which was described by Jon Wilson of WCCB’s Wilson’s World as “nothing like Charlotte has ever seen,” was slated to take place May 6-9 across multiple Charlotte neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions forced festival organizers to postpone, leaving many to wonder if the event would still take place in 2020. But after careful planning, the festival has now been rescheduled with updated measures to ensure the safety of those that attend.

Crave Charlotte will now be held July 21-26 and will feature over 15 small-scale culinary experiences spanning across 8 Charlotte neighborhoods.

“Our local restaurants are currently open and operating with health safety guidelines as a top priority,” Shawn Cosner, owner of Third Rock Events and a Crave Charlotte event producer, told CharlotteFive. “The industry needs us now more than ever, and Crave Charlotte gives us the opportunity to support these staples of our neighborhoods in a safe and fun way.”

Tickets for the experiences are now on sale via the festival’s website. Proceeds from Crave Charlotte will benefit Rivendell Farms of the Carolinas, which works to help individuals across the Carolinas to enjoy their community through sharing good food, living healthy lifestyles and supporting local farmers.

COVID-19 restrictions in place include a requirement for face masks at check-in and whenever you leave your assigned seating. All ticket sales will end 24 hours before the event to allow restaurants to plan for socially distant seating, and groups will be limited to six people at a table.


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Events will span across these Charlotte neighborhoods

Interested in attending events? Here’s where you can find each experience, as well as details on what to expect.

Dilworth

Where: Bonterra Dining and Wine Room (1829 Cleveland Ave.)

When: July 22 at 6 p.m.

What: Around the World Wine Pairing: Enjoy wines from Spain, France, Italy and the U.S., paired with heavy hor d’oeuvres.

Gold District

Where: Lincoln Street Kitchen and Cocktails (1320 S. Church St., Unit 400)

When: July 26 at 6 p.m.

What: Summer Sunday Sip and Savor: A multi-course dinner paired with cocktails, wine and bubbles.

LoSo

Where: Brewers at 4001 Yancey (4001-A, Yancey Road)

When: July 22 at 6 p.m.

What: Beer and Food Pairing: A multi-course dinner served alongside outstanding brews.

Brewers at 4001 Yancey.
Brewers at 4001 Yancey. Courtesy of Brewers at 4001 Yancey CharlotteFive file photo



Where: Tayste Catering (3440 St. Vardell Lane, Suite G)

When: July 25 at noon

What: Brunch Cravings: A brunch experience featuring three delicious brunch options paired with sparkling wine and rose.

NoDa

Where: The Goodyear House (3032 N. Davidson St.)

When: July 23 at 6 p.m.

What: The Goodyear House Backyard BBQ: A multi-course family style experience featuring smoked and grilled meats.

Chef Chris Coleman and general manager Sean Potter of The Goodyear House.
Chef Chris Coleman and general manager Sean Potter of The Goodyear House. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Plaza Midwood

Where: Pinhouse (2306 Central Ave.)

When: July 26 at 11 a.m.

What: Rose and Mimosa Soiree: All-you-can-drink rose, Red Clay Ciderworks cider, sparkling wine and a mimosa bar. Plus, DJ Mal Funk Shun will be spinning records.

South End

Where: The Suffolk Punch (2911 Griffith St.)

When: July 21 at 6 p.m.

What: Cocktail, Brews, Wine and Food: Enjoy several dinner creations prepared by Executive Chef Eric paired with a Suffolk Punch cocktail, brew or wine.

Where: Alchemy at C3 Lab (2517 Distribution St.)

When: July 21 at 6 p.m.

What: Experience the Art of Culinary: Where art and food collaborate, an evening of cocktails, food and art.

The Restaurant at Alchemy’s main dining room is filled with sculptures and paintings from C3Lab artists and features banquette seating built by Charlotte artisan Adam Jochim with Pitch and Burl.
The Restaurant at Alchemy’s main dining room is filled with sculptures and paintings from C3Lab artists and features banquette seating built by Charlotte artisan Adam Jochim with Pitch and Burl. Glyn A Stanley Photography CharlotteFive



Where: Zeppelin (235 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 100)

When: July 22 at 6 p.m.

What: Immersed in Ingredients: Cocktails will be crafted at your table while you enjoy multi-course bites and pairings.

Where: ROOTS Café (2135 Southend Drive, #109)

When: July 24 at 6 p.m.

What: Behind the Curtain: Enjoy a four-course meal prepared by our talented team of chefs right in front of you. Beer and wine is included.

Photo courtesy of Roots Cafe
Photo courtesy of Roots Cafe

Where: Vin Master Wine Shop (2000 South Blvd., Suite 610)

When: July 25 at 6:30 p.m.

What: Corks and Curds: Fine wines will be paired with craft cheeses and cheese dishes, while an expert guides you through each wine pairing.

SouthPark

Where: Renaissance Patisserie (6401 Morrison Blvd., Unit 4A)

When: July 23 at 6 p.m.

What: Delectable Pairings: An evening of desserts and wine by French Chef Sylvain Rivet.

University City

Where: Chef Lisa’s Home (private home of Executive Chef Lisa Brooks)

When: July 25 at 6 p.m.

What: Southern Summer Seafood Feast: A 6-course seafood feast paired with Armored Cow Brewing Co. beers.

Uptown

Where: Nuvole (220 E. Trade St., Suite 2200)

When: July 21 at 6 p.m.

What: Sunsets and Sangria: Learn how to make sangria while enjoying a delicious spread of local fruit, cheeses and charcuterie curated by Chef Roy Darling.

Take in the sweeping views at Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo.
Take in the sweeping views at Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo. Melissa Oyler CharlotteFive

Where: Angeline’s Charlotte (300 S. Tryon St.)

When: July 23 at 6 p.m.

What: Bramare Wine Dinner: An eight course dinner and wine pairing crafted by Executive Chef Rob Hoffman.

Where: Queen City Grounds (644 N. Church St.)

When: July 24 at 6 p.m.

What: Craving Queen City Grounds: Experience the new menu of Queen City Grounds from Chef Matt Wheeler while enjoying local beer, wine or an espresso.

This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 6:09 PM.

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DeAnna Taylor
The Charlotte Observer
DeAnna Taylor is a NC attorney turned travel blogger and writer. She writes for Travel Noire, XONecole, CharlotteFive, and a few others. She is a native of Charlotte and loves highlighting the city whenever she can. You can find her on social media at: @brokeandabroadlife.
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