Cooking Classes in Charlotte

Looking for a great date spot or something fun and different to do with the girls! Harper's Restaurant group in Charlotte has introduced a fabulous line up of cooking classes for 2011.

For $35 per class, you will learn from the executive chef's of top restaurants: Upstream, Mimosa Grill and Zink American Kitchen.

Here is a "taste" of some of the upcoming classes you can enjoy:

February 19th - "Southwestern vs. Tex Mex" at Zink American Kitchen

March 5th - "Say Cheese..a simple approach to cheese making" at Mimosa Grill

March 26th - "Seafood Butchery" at Upstream

For the full 2011 calendar of classes check-out www.harpersrestaurants.com.

Charlotte Restaurant Week is Back!

I'm so excited! Charlotte Restaurant Week is taking place Friday, January 21st-Sunday, January 30th.

I love this time of the year because you get to enjoy fine dining at a fraction of the price. During restaurant week participating upscale restaurants in the Charlotte metro area offer 3-course prix fixe dinner menus for only $30 per person. What a treat!

For a list of the participating restaurants check-out this link.
http://www.charlotterestaurantweek.com/restaurants.html

Where will you be dining for restaurant week?

Taste at Founder's Hall

Uptown has a new event space, Taste, it's located in Founder's Hall and has a great modern and sleek feel. The venue has a total of 3966 Sq Ft and can accommodate a total of 136 people for a seated reception (56 in the inside space and 80 on the patio). Catering is provided in-house by Compass Group.

Here are a few pictures of the space.













Charlotte event professionals please come out to the ISES Greater Charlotte Chapter October Speed Networking event at Taste, on Tuesday, October 12th, where you will get to check-out the new venue as well as connect with ISES members and other professionals in the hospitality industry. Please click here for the details and to register for the event. Hope to see you out!

Cupcakes in Charlotte

Image: Google Images via Fanpop.com

Cupcakes continue to surge in popularity and Charlotte has no shortage of fabulous cupcake shops and boutiques. Here is a list of the best cupcake shops in Charlotte.

The Blushing Bakeshop
14825 Ballantyne Village Way
Charlotte, NC 28277

Delish Gourmet Cupcakes
www.delishgourmetcupcakes.com

Polka Dot Bakeshop
1730 East Woodlawn Road
Charlotte, NC 28209

SAS Cupcakes
9941 Rea Road
Charlotte, NC 28277

Charlotte Hot Spots

People always ask me if I miss living in New York City...and one thing I do miss is the great places to eat, brunch and lounge. Although, I must say Charlotte does have a few really nice places for a date night, engagement party, bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.

Where do you like to go in Charlotte for dinner or brunch?

Here is a list of me and my husband's favorite Charlotte spots:

DINNER
Enso
131 Main
Zen Asian Fusion
T1 Tapas
Red Rocks Cafe

BRUNCH
Toast at Davidson
Providence Cafe

LOUNGE
Aloft at the Epicenter
Kazba
The Dirty Martini in Lake Norman
Kiss Lounge
Crave Dessert Bar

Charlotte Hot Spots - aloft Hotel

Charlotte is a great city and has tons of fabulous venues for weddings and parties! The swanky aloft Hotel (a vision of W Hotels) at the Epicenter is such an amazing place. The modern and stylish decor and deign of the hotel lobby and their WXYZ Bar takes me back to my years living in New York City.

Their contemporary styled rooms are great for out of town guests!

You definitely have to check-out the space it's great for small private parties.

Here are some pictures taken by Dawn of Rooftop Studios at the Charlotte Wedding and Event Professionals Networking Group event at aloft Hotel hosted by yours truly, StylePerfect Weddings and Events! The event featured a panel discussion with some of Charlotte's finest caterers.

FYI - The lobby is open to the public and is a great pre or post party hang-out spot. :-)