7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover’s Guide to the Queen City
7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover's Guide to the Queen City - The King's Kitchen Southern Flavors with a Mission
The King's Kitchen in Uptown Charlotte is a nonprofit restaurant that goes beyond serving delicious Southern cuisine.
Founded in 2010, it provides job training and employment opportunities for individuals facing life challenges, while also donating all profits to local food assistance programs.
This unique approach highlights the restaurant's commitment to both culinary excellence and its mission to positively impact the community.
Charlotte's dining landscape is a blend of traditional and innovative offerings, showcasing the city's rich Southern heritage and multicultural influences.
Beyond The King's Kitchen, the city is home to a variety of hidden culinary gems, from local bakeries to fusion cuisine establishments, catering to diverse tastes and creating a dynamic food culture for the discerning traveler.
The King's Kitchen is a nonprofit restaurant that dedicates all of its profits to local food assistance programs, ensuring the provision of 36,000 meals annually to the homeless population in Charlotte.
In addition to providing employment and job training opportunities for individuals facing life challenges, such as incarceration or homelessness, The King's Kitchen also sources its ingredients from local farmers, highlighting the region's agricultural heritage.
The restaurant's menu features a unique blend of traditional Southern cuisine and contemporary culinary techniques, with dishes like shrimp and grits and fried chicken showcasing a modern twist on classic flavors.
Founded in 2010 by chef and evangelist Eugene Robinson, The King's Kitchen's dual mission of serving delicious food while empowering the local community has earned it recognition as a model for socially conscious dining experiences.
As part of Charlotte's diverse culinary landscape, The King's Kitchen stands out as a unique dining destination that seamlessly combines its social mission with a dedication to showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Southern cuisine.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover's Guide to the Queen City - The King's Kitchen Southern Flavors with a Mission
- 7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover's Guide to the Queen City - BAD at Hex Coffee Innovative Doughnut Creations
- 7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover's Guide to the Queen City - The Asbury Modern Twist on Traditional Southern Recipes
- 7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover's Guide to the Queen City - Optimist Hall Diverse Local Flavors Under One Roof
- 7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover's Guide to the Queen City - Haberdish Fried Chicken and Craft Cocktails
- 7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover's Guide to the Queen City - Mert's Heart and Soul Authentic Southern Comfort Food
7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover's Guide to the Queen City - BAD at Hex Coffee Innovative Doughnut Creations
BAD, an innovative doughnut pop-up, is set to open a permanent location called Beyond Amazing Donuts on July 29 in Charlotte's Camp North End neighborhood.
The shop will feature unique doughnut creations, including flavors like Pineapple Upside Down and Black Garlic Everything, which have received positive reviews.
Meanwhile, Hex Coffee, also situated in Camp North End, opened its new flagship location in May 2023, offering a blend of Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine along with its focus on high-quality, locally-sourced coffee.
The shop's unique doughnut flavors, like Pineapple Upside Down and Black Garlic Everything, have been praised for their unexpected yet delightful taste profiles, challenging the traditional boundaries of doughnut flavors.
BAD, the doughnut popup, is set to open a permanent location called "Beyond Amazing Donuts" on July 29, 2024, expanding its presence in the Charlotte culinary scene.
Hex Coffee, the host of the BAD popup, opened its new flagship location in May 2023, offering a blend of Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine in addition to its expertly roasted, locally sourced coffee.
Hex Coffee is known for its innovative approaches to coffee and doughnut pairings, creating unique flavor combinations that elevate the traditional doughnut experience.
The café's dedication to quality extends beyond just its gourmet beverages, with a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their thoughtfully crafted food menu.
BAD's expansion plans include a growing presence in the Atlanta restaurant market, while maintaining its original pop-up operations in Charlotte's Camp North End.
Hex Coffee's modern vibe and commitment to quality have positioned it as a significant player in Charlotte's burgeoning culinary landscape, which is home to several hidden gastronomic gems.
7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover's Guide to the Queen City - The Asbury Modern Twist on Traditional Southern Recipes
The Asbury, located in the historic Dunhill Hotel in uptown Charlotte, offers a refined and contemporary take on classic Southern cuisine.
Drawing inspiration from the region's rich culinary heritage, the restaurant showcases innovative dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients from nearby family farms.
By blending traditional recipes with modern culinary techniques, The Asbury provides a unique dining experience that celebrates the flavors of the South while introducing a fresh, creative approach to the beloved classics.
The Asbury's menu incorporates a unique blend of traditional Southern recipes and contemporary culinary techniques, offering diners a modern twist on classic Southern cuisine.
The restaurant sources its ingredients from local family farms, highlighting the rich agricultural heritage of the Charlotte region and supporting the local economy.
The Asbury's design and ambiance pay homage to the building's history, with the restaurant named after architect Louis Asbury Sr., who designed the Dunhill Hotel in
The restaurant's commitment to seasonality is reflected in its menu, which changes regularly to incorporate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients at the peak of their freshness.
The Asbury's fried chicken dish, a Southern staple, is reimagined with a contemporary approach, showcasing the chef's skill in elevating classic comfort food.
Diners at The Asbury can expect to find creative interpretations of traditional Southern dishes, such as variations on collard greens and biscuits, which showcase the restaurant's innovative culinary flair.
The Asbury's focus on sustainability extends beyond its ingredient sourcing, with the restaurant actively implementing eco-friendly practices in its operations.
The restaurant's modern take on Southern cuisine has earned it a loyal following among both local residents and visitors to Charlotte, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover's Guide to the Queen City - Optimist Hall Diverse Local Flavors Under One Roof
Optimist Hall in Charlotte is a vibrant food hall that showcases a diverse array of local culinary offerings, from Mexican and Indian to Southern and Ethiopian cuisine.
The expansive 22,000-square-foot space provides a hub for both trying new food trends and enjoying staple dishes, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers exploring the Queen City's hidden culinary gems.
Among the standout vendors are The Dumpling Lady, Bao and Broth Ramen, and Boxcar Betty's, which highlight the innovative and authentic dining experiences available at Optimist Hall.
Optimist Hall is housed in a former 19th-century mill, which has been meticulously restored and repurposed to create a vibrant, modern food hall experience.
The food hall's expansive 22,000-square-foot space is powered by a network of 150 solar panels installed on the roof, making it one of the most energy-efficient food halls in the Southeast.
The food hall's design incorporates reclaimed materials from the original mill, including exposed brick walls and wood beams, giving it a distinct industrial-chic ambiance.
The Dumpling Lady, one of Optimist Hall's most popular vendors, uses a secret family recipe that has been passed down for generations, ensuring an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine.
Bao and Broth Ramen, another standout vendor, sources its ramen noodles from a specialized supplier in Japan, ensuring a level of authenticity rarely found outside of the country.
Boxcar Betty's, known for its fried chicken sandwiches, utilizes a proprietary brine recipe that includes a blend of 13 different spices, resulting in a uniquely flavorful and juicy product.
Suarez Bakery's Tres Leches Cake, a customer favorite at Optimist Hall, is made with a special blend of condensed, evaporated, and whole milk, creating a rich and indulgent dessert.
The food hall's outdoor seating area features a large mural wall, showcasing the work of a local Charlotte artist and adding to the vibrant, community-driven atmosphere.
7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover's Guide to the Queen City - Haberdish Fried Chicken and Craft Cocktails
Haberdish, a Southern kitchen and craft cocktail bar in Charlotte's NoDa neighborhood, has earned praise for its modern take on classic Carolina-inspired dishes.
The restaurant's menu prominently features crispy fried chicken, alongside other regional staples like BBQ ribs and cheddar grits, creating a unique dining experience that blends tradition and innovation.
Haberdish's warm, inviting atmosphere and commitment to using locally sourced ingredients have solidified its status as one of Charlotte's hidden culinary gems.
Haberdish's fried chicken recipe is a closely guarded secret, with the restaurant's chefs using a special blend of 11 herbs and spices to achieve the perfect crispy and flavorful crust.
The restaurant's craft cocktail menu features unique concoctions made with locally distilled spirits, such as a rye whiskey-based Old Fashioned and a gin-based Negroni, which have become customer favorites.
Haberdish sources its produce and meats from nearby farms, ensuring the freshness and quality of its ingredients and supporting the local food ecosystem.
The restaurant's interior design pays homage to the NoDa neighborhood's textile mill heritage, with exposed brick walls, industrial-style lighting, and vintage-inspired furnishings creating a cozy and welcoming ambiance.
Haberdish's hushpuppies, a classic Southern side dish, are made with a proprietary cornmeal blend that results in a light and fluffy texture, a testament to the kitchen's attention to detail.
The restaurant's craft cocktail program is overseen by a team of mixologists who experiment with seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations to create innovative and well-balanced drinks.
Haberdish's Sunday brunch menu features a popular dish called the "Chicken Biscuit," which pairs the restaurant's signature fried chicken with a homemade buttermilk biscuit and honey butter.
The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of compostable and recyclable materials throughout its operations, from dining ware to packaging.
Haberdish's collaboration with local breweries has resulted in the creation of exclusive craft beer offerings, further enhancing the dining experience for beer enthusiasts.
The restaurant's location in the vibrant NoDa neighborhood, known for its thriving arts and music scene, allows Haberdish to attract a diverse clientele, from local residents to visiting food enthusiasts.
7 Hidden Culinary Gems in Charlotte A Food Lover's Guide to the Queen City - Mert's Heart and Soul Authentic Southern Comfort Food
Mert's Heart and Soul is a highly acclaimed soul food restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina, known for its authentic Southern cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.
The menu features a variety of comforting dishes, such as soul rolls and salmon cakes, which have earned praise from both locals and visitors.
The restaurant has gained additional recognition from celebrity chef Guy Fieri, who featured it on his television show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," highlighting Mert's excellence in serving Low Country cooking.
In the broader culinary landscape of Charlotte, Mert's Heart and Soul is one of several hidden gems that offer unique dining experiences.
The city's food scene showcases a blend of traditional and innovative offerings, catering to diverse tastes and celebrating the region's rich Southern heritage and multicultural influences.
Mert's Heart and Soul uses a proprietary spice blend that contains over 20 different herbs and spices to achieve the perfect flavor profile in its signature dishes.
The restaurant sources its collard greens from a family-owned farm located just 30 miles outside of Charlotte, ensuring the freshness and quality of this key ingredient.
Mert's is one of the few restaurants in Charlotte that still makes its cornbread from scratch using a century-old family recipe passed down through generations.
The restaurant's fried catfish is coated in a batter made with crushed saltine crackers, which gives the fish a unique crunchy texture.
Mert's signature sweet potato pie features a blend of five different types of sweet potatoes, each carefully selected for its distinct flavor and texture.
The restaurant's shrimp and grits dish utilizes a special type of heirloom corn grown by local farmers, resulting in a creamier and more flavorful grits base.
Mert's beef ribs are slow-smoked for over 12 hours, with the meat falling off the bone and infused with a rich, smoky flavor.
The restaurant's chef, Mert Asbury, has a background in chemical engineering and applies scientific principles to the preparation of certain dishes, such as the precise temperature control for its fried chicken.
Mert's Heart and Soul is one of the few restaurants in the Southeast that offers a traditional Low Country boil, featuring a unique blend of seasonings and spices.
The restaurant's signature soul rolls, a fusion of Southern and Asian cuisine, are made with a dough that contains a small percentage of rendered pork fat, adding an extra layer of savory flavor.
Mert's uses a specialized technique to ensure its macaroni and cheese maintains a creamy consistency even after being reheated, a secret passed down from the restaurant's founding family.