a la carte
News, notes, and gossip about the restaurant scene
Booze News
Charlotte vino lovers said farewell to another wine bar when the two-year-old Vintage Wine Cellar in Ballantyne closed in September. In Plaza Midwood, Lulu (1911 Central Ave., 704-376-2242) is now offering a full bar with a lounge that Chef Marc Jacksina calls “an intimate area where guests can enjoy their drinks.” In South End, veteran chefs Tom Condron and Matthew Pera (both formerly of Upstream and Harper’s Restaurant Group) are following in the British tradition with their new gastropub, The Liberty (1812 South Blvd.), featuring a pub setting with a seasonal, upscale menu. The restaurant, which is located in the space previously inhabited by Macintosh’s, will offer more than twenty handcrafted beers, fifty beers by the bottle, and sixty wines, as well as an extensive cocktail selection.
Uptown Addition
Charlotte lovers of the upscale steakhouse chain BLT Steak (704-972-4380)—there are locations around the world including New York, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong—no longer have to travel for the elegant bistro’s fare. A mix of American steakhouse and French cuisine, the restaurant is led by renowned chef Laurent Tourondel (BLT stands for Bistro Laurent Tourondel) and is located in the new Ritz-Carlton in uptown.
Pizza and Beer in Dilworth
Dilworth favorite East Boulevard Bar & Grill has moved into a new space—conveniently still located on East Boulevard—next to 131 Main in Latta Pavilion. Just up the street in Kenilworth Commons, Luigi’s Pizza (1225-A East Blvd., 704-335-8484), known for its New York-style pies, is opening its third location in the space previously filled by Mellow Mushroom.
