The Dish

News, notes, and gossip about the restaurant scene

Wine 101

We were sad to see Salute the restaurant close, but the new Salute "wine education center" looks promising. Owners Andrew and Leyla Arcovio now operate a wine shop and bar on the premises of the former restaurant, next door to the Manor Theatre, and plan to hold regular classes and tastings.

Noble Deeds

After opening the successful Rooster's and adjacent wine room and to-go delivery, Rooster's on the Run, Chef Jim Noble is set to open a unique venture. With the help of the Carolina Panthers and other notable locals, Noble will open The King's Kitchen, a nonprofit establishment with the goal of invigorating the local economy by employing the homeless.

Bar None

A couple years ago, the Morton's at SouthPark was the first in the chain to open Bar 12.21. The concept took off, and Morton's began retrofitting stores across the country. Now, the downtown location finally has added a Bar 12.21 as part of a total upfit.

Charlotte Goes Charleston Thai

The developers of Avenue condos downtown convinced Charleston-based Basil Thai to open their second location at the base of the tower at Fifth and Church streets.

Top This

A cheeseburger with 50 percent less fat? That's what new burger joint Topz claims. Now open in Ballantyne, Topz has no deep fryers and does not use any trans fats. Fries, onion rings, and chicken nuggets are baked. In addition to the lean burgers, Topz sells tuna and turkey burgers.