Food Events to Start the New Year Right
Whether you've committed to a new year's diet or staying the course, there are plenty of things to keep you busy this weekend and into next week that involve good food and drink. This list of events has everything from free doughnuts to vegan cooking classes and from wine tastings to freshly pressed juice.
THURSDAY (Jan. 7)
LittleSpoon's Thursday night happy hour returns in the new year under the direction of their new executive chef, Ryan Allen. Wrap up that first, brutal work week of the year with some friends, small plates from Chef Allen, and a boozy cocktail or two. If you can't make it this week, Test Kitchen happens every Thursday from 6 p.m to 10 p.m., with a menu that rotates based on the season and the chef's whim. littlespooneatery.com
FRIDAY (Jan. 8)
WINE TASTING AT THE GALLERY RESTAURANT
The Gallery Restaurant in the Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge is offering a host of wine and cocktail tastings throughout the month of January, starting with "New Year, New Wines" this Friday. Discover new wines you might not have tried before while enjoying light fare at the Gallery Bar. theballantynehotel.com
SATURDAY (Jan. 9)
To celebrate its arrival in SouthPark, the newest Reid’s Fine Foods will have a lot going on this Saturday, starting with coffee from Magnolia Coffee Co. at 9 a.m. A few hours later, from 11 a.m. through close, there will be food samples, wine tastings, and gift card giveaways, along with a $3 beer special. To cap off the celebration, at 4 p.m. Executive Chef Donald Lewis is hosting a free oyster roast on the patio.
MONDAY (Jan. 11)
Krispy Kreme will give away free doughnuts in support of the Carolina Panthers Charities from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the corner of Trade and Tryon Streets in Uptown, while supplies last. Charitable donations will be accepted and will go to area non-profits that serve youth through education, health and wellness, and other services.
TUESDAY, THURSDAY (Jan. 12, 14)
Whether you’re a fan of Italy’s big reds or French Bordeaux, you’ll find plenty to sip on at Foxcroft Wine Co. On Tuesday, the SouthPark location is doing a tasting of 10 wines from Italy, while the Dilworth location will introduce winos to eight varieties from France on Thursday. Tastings come with light fare to pair. Call to reserve.
WEDNESDAY (Jan. 13)
If you’ve made it this far into your New Year’s diet, try taking this vegan cooking class to inspire you even further. The class is hosted by Chef Julia Simon, and you’ll learn four or five fast, healthy weekday meals, such as falafel kale salad. www.nourishcharlotte.com
SATURDAY (Jan. 16)
MACARONS CLASS AT COCOA LAB
We've included this one a little early so you can reserve one of the four spots left for this class, which runs from 8:30 a.m – 12 p.m. In this hands-on session, one of a series put on by the folks at Bar Cocoa in the Ritz-Carlton, students will learn to make four flavors of French macarons: s'more, citrus, Earl Grey, and bananas foster. The cost is $100 per person and includes parking and a keepsake apron. barcocoacharlotte.com
ONGOING
GIVE JUICE BAR A TRY
Newcomer Juice Bar invites you to stop by their Park Road Shopping Center location and enjoy an exclusive discount for Charlotte Magazine readers on their juices, smoothies, and essential oil shots. Throughout the month of January, mention the code Celery10 and receive 10% off your purchase. ilovejuicebar.com
