Good Food, Mad City – March Events

By Nikki Panos

March 3, 2016

“The Italian Classics” A Raffaldini Estate Wine Dinner at Heirloom 

Friday, March 4, 2016 5PM-9PM $60 dinner, $85 with wine pairings

Heirloom presents “The Italian Classics” with Raffaldini Estate for a homegrown Italian wine dinner. This Italian-inspo four-course dinner boasts a special wine pairing option. But really, is wine ever not an option? The night’s experience will focus on the complement between chef and locally made wine. Prep yourself for your day at La Ruzzola del Formaggio with this remarkable dinner.

Heartbright Foundation at Bonterra 

March 8, 2016 6PM $125

Feeling hungry, thirsty and charitable? Join acclaimed winemaker, Robert Foley, and John Duncan, owner of Bonterra Dining and Wine room as they host a prestigious vintner’s dinner. This five-course repast will jet set you into the heart of Napa Valley, where you will taste some of the best grapes Foley has to offer, paired exclusively for this very special occasion. Your dinner will pay for one patient of the Heartbright Foundation for an entire year at their Cardiac Resource Center.

Tequila Dinner with Exotico and El Mayor Tequilas at Vida Cantina 

Wednesday, March 9 7PM-10PM $45

If you have exhausted yourself on wine dinners, consider attending a special dinner featuring tequila and Mexican cuisine at Vida Mexican Kitchen y Cantina. Chef Todd Steinhardt and Sous Chef Abner Jayes have prepared a four-course meal curated exclusively for this agave-based liquor. Learn about the surprising variety of flavors different tequilas provide while enjoying courses including ceviche with cilantro pesto, ancho braised beef accompanied by jalapeño bacon creamed spinach, and purple plantain mashed potatoes.  

Fritz Winery Dinner at Heritage Food & Drink 

Thursday, March 10, 2016 7PM $80

Head down to Waxhaw for this sure-to-impress wine dinner at renowned Heritage Food & Drink featuring Fritz Winery. Upon arrival you will be met with upscale “snacks” such as foie gras, brioche, apples and scallops. The diner will experience each subsequent course, crafted specifically to be relished with a variety of the winery’s vintages. If you haven’t yet made the trip to Waxhaw, make this your excuse this month.

Piedmont Culinary Guild Food and Beverage Symposium at Johnson & Wales 

March 13, 2016 8AM-4PM $65

Curious about Charlotte’s up-and-coming food and beverage scene? Interested in how chefs and farmers work together to create edible art for their hungry customers? Eager to help support local? Join the Piedmont Culinary Guild at Johnson & Wales where professionals from all walks of the food industry will gather for a day of roundtables and talks regarding sustainable food system issues and solutions. There will be fun classes to participate in as well, from making your own pickles to preparing the perfect vegan dish! Your registration also gets you a lovely lunch provided by PCG chefs!

Collaborative Series 2016: A Lowcountry Celebration at The Asbury 

Monday, March 14, 2016 6:30 PM $65

Leaving the low country for a night in the foothills, Chef Ben Harris from Poogan’s Porch Restaurant in Charleston, SC is joining Chris Coleman of the Asbury for one awesome night of impressive, comforting Southern cuisine for the Asubry’s Collaborative Series. The series began in 2015 and will continue to be a gathering place for chefs, farmers, artisan food makers, and all others who appreciate good food celebrating  the Carolinas’ unique flavors. The five-course meal will have an option for a wine pairing. Check out the event’s Facebook page for more information and prepare to delicately chow down.

Scratch, a sweet sequence: Heirloom

March 23, 2016 7:30PM-10 PM – $35 / VIP: $50

SCRATCH, a sweet sequence presented by Cara Jorgensen of Gateau Baking Company and hosted by Heirloom Restaurant. Enjoy eight artfully created courses paired with handcrafted sodas created with locally sourced ingredients by some of our city’s finest creative pastry chefs.

La Ruzzola del Formaggio: Cheese Rolling Event at Raffaldini Vineyard

March 26, 2016 1PM-3PM Free

Looking to get out of town for a fun traditional event? Just about an hour north of Charlotte is the Raffaldini Vineyard, a gorgeous Italian Chianti and the perfect location for a serene day trip. Dating back 3,000 years to the Etruscan Tomb of the Olympiads, cheese rolling is a customary game and celebrates the return of Spring, Italian style. Picnic in the lush grass, glass of wine in hand, and enjoy local artisan baked bread with a soft wheel of brie while witnessing the festivities. Cheese rollings will be held on the hour. This is definitely not an afternoon to miss!

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