Its time to raise your glass and say Cheers to Queens Feast. Make plans now to celebrate summer at Charlotte’s largest dinner party. It all starts Friday July 19 and runs for 10 days through July 28, 2019.
In case you are new to the area, this royal repast otherwise known as Charlotte Restaurant Week happens twice a year. In January, with the annual Winter Queens Feast; and again in July. Participating restaurants in the Queen City, and in 9 surrounding counties, celebrate the season with a special 3 course prix fixe dinner menu.
Its become a tradition for me – ever since that first Queens Feast in 2008 – to partner with the talented duo who brings us Charlotte Restaurant Week, Bruce and Jill Hensley, to share a seasonal list of 6 participating Queen’s Feast restaurants I think you need to try.
In this first of two posts, you’ll find the basics. My list with photos of the outside and interiors of each of my restaurant recommendations. Plus some basic Charlotte Restaurant Week info you need to know.
In the update which will post later today, I’ll include more on each of these talented chefs, the food they serve and all they are offering during the summer 2019 ten-day run of Charlotte Restaurant Week, Queens Feast
Here’s How Queens Feast works…
Select your favorite places to dine – or places you’ve always wanted to try – from the list of 130+ participating restaurants . At the easy-on-your-pocketbook pricing of just $30 or $35 per person for three fabulous courses, you can dine out at a different restaurant every night of the promotion.
Take a look at my six suggestions for this summer season below. Then, for more, check my recommendations from the 2019 Winter Restaurant Week’s here . They are all participating this summer season as well.
Eat Here Now
This season I selected restaurants that all bring something new to the table. Either they have recently opened, recently had a change of concept or have recently had a new chef come on board. One on this season’s list was just new to me. But I won’t be a stranger any more.
Get more Queen’s Feast details on Charlotte Today
In addition to posting my short list of don’t miss places on these digital pages, I also have the pleasure of showcasing each of these spots and two from each of these Summer 2019 Queen’s Feast menus on WCNC’s Charlotte Today program the morning of Friday July 19
If you are reading this on Friday morning, be sure to tune in between 11 am and noon to see it all live or live stream the broadcast here.
If you can’t tune in live, don’t fret, You know I have your back. I’ll add in the video and photos of all the food here sometime late Friday afternoon, so you’ll get to see it all.
Don’t Miss A Single Bite
Before you read further, I’d like to suggest that you go to my home page and subscribe to follow me at HeidiBillottoFood.com. The subscription is free and each post will come right to your inbox as soon as it goes live. Simply type in your email address in the box in the upper right hand corner of the page where it says “Subscribe” . Then as soon as I update this post with more photos of food and the Charlotte Today video, you’ll be among the first to catch the read.
Next, my list; but first a few tips on enjoying your summer Queen’s Feast to the fullest.
How to Navigate Queen’s Feast like a Pro
Follow these pro tips and your Queen’s Feast dining experiences will leave you wanting more.
Remember that days and hours of operation vary by restaurant. Don’t assume. Be sure to check the hours of dinner service for each individual restaurants as you make your plans.
When it comes to Queen’s Feast dinner plans its always best to make advance reservations, particularly if you have a large party. It’s a popular promotion and if you just walk in, even to a place where you are a regular, you may have to wait for a table.
The Queen’s Feast prix fixe special menu is available for DINNER ONLY.
Want a preview? You may check out all of the Queen’s Feast menus in advance of making your reservations. They are all available on the Charlotte Restaurant Week website . Just click on the individual restaurant and the link will take you to the menu. Keep in mind that sometimes menu items subject to change without notice based on product availability.
If you have any special dietary restrictions, Please check with the individual restaurants in advance to inquire if they can adjust certain items on their Queen’s Feast menus to accommodate your needs.
Remember that the 3 for $30 or 3 for $35 Queen’s Feast pricing does not include gratuity. Just because you are getting a deal, doesn’t mean your server is working any less than they would any other time of the year. To the contrary, they are working hard to make your Queens Feast experience, an exceptional one. Don’t forget to tip accordingly.
Please understand that any other coupon you might have, may not be accepted at some restaurants during Charlotte Restaurant Week. Just ask when you make your reservations to avoid any awkward or unnecessary confusion at dinner.
If you are unable to keep your reservation for any reason, PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE AND CANCEL as soon as possible to give other diners and the restaurant the opportunity to fill those seats!
Where To Eat this Summer Queen’s Feast…
Let’s start in South Carolina, move on to some neighborhood favorites and then finish in Uptown Charlotte.
Lily’s Bistro
4547 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wylie, SC
Classic Continental Cuisine incredibly well done. Everything is made in house. Lots of locally sourced produce and proteins and a cocktail list that features local distilleries as well. Restaurant Week Pricing: 3 courses for $35
Primo Prime
116 Middleton Drive
An update on a new old favorite neighborhood spot in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood since 1993. Classic Italian cuisine you will love. Interiors welcome you in a rich, warm yet casual and friendly atmosphere. Restaurant Week pricing: 3 courses for $35.
The Dunavant
2322 Dunavant Street in SouthEnd
Charlotte’s newest “steak house”, the Dunavant is located in Charlotte’s SouthEnd neighborhood. This is their first time to participate in Restaurant Week, although they do a prix fixe menu with add ons every evening. Look for steaks and cool crafted cocktails. Many menu items locally sourced. Open for Dinner Tues – Sunday; plus Sunday brunch (Note that brunch is not a part of the Queen’s Feast promotion) Restaurant Week pricing: 3 courses for $30
Heist Brewery
2909 N. Davidson Street, in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood
Located in the historic Highland Mill in NoDa, Heist offers an array of artisan-baked breads, shared plates, and wood-fired specialties along with handcrafted beer. Restaurant Week Pricing is 3 courses for $35.
Finally we’ll head to Uptown Charlotte – 25 different Uptown Restaurants are participating, these are just two of my favorites….
forchetta
230 N. College Street in the Holiday Inn Center City
This is the new name and brand and newly rennovated space for the former Sienna cafe in the Holiday Inn Center City. Chef Luca Annunziata is at the helm and the food is fabulous! Pronounced “Fork-etta”, the name means Fork in Italian. Handcrafted pastas, rustic Italian cuisine all made from scratch. newly renovated space. Restaurant Week Pricing: 3 courses for $35
Halcyon, Flavors of the Earth
500 South Tryon Street on the second level of the Mint Museum, just above the museum gift shop.
The same stunning interiors we have always enjoyed, with a new chef, the talented Jonathan Moore, at the helm and a switch in concept to more of a Southern Cuisine menu featuring artisanal farms, dairies, and wineries from the Carolinas and beyond. Restaurant Week Pricing: 3 courses for $35
So Many Choices, Just 10 Days
While time may be limited – just 10 days – there is no limit to the number of restaurants you can visit during this summer’s Queen’s Feast. So, why not make it an adventure with friends and book a different reservation each of the 10 evenings of this very special promotion!
Then share your favorites on social media tagging @CharlotteRestaurantWeek on Facebook; @QueensFeast on Twitter; and @queensfeast on Instagram. I’d love to see where and what you are eating as well, so tag me at @HeidiBillotto or @HeidiBillottoCooks on Facebook; @HeidiCooks on Twitter and @heidibillotto on Instagram and I’ll try to repost all of your favorites! It’s a fun way to spread the word about all the great things our Charlotte area chefs are bringing to the table.
And, when you go to eat at any or all of the restaurants I have suggested today, remember to have fun and be sure to #TellThemHeidiSentYou
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