Out and About in Dilworth: Wine Tasting at COPPER WINE BAR @131 Main

We always have so much fun at the COPPER wine bar’s wine tastings at 131 Main on East Blvd. in Dilworth. The coolest people and the best wines always show up, not to mention the beautiful food served for the occasion.

Live entertainment by Mollie 

Gracious hostess

Knowledgeable servers explain each wine

Beautiful food

131 Main in Dilworth has a wine tasting on the second Thursday of every month in the adjacent COPPER Wine Bar from 6 to 8 p.m. Six different wines are served especially for you and your guests.

For more information please contact khuestis@131-main.com.

Discover Dilworth: WOW Factor Cakes opens retail shop

Too pretty to eat, but let's!

Sweet and lovely all the way through.

Amy Craparo, owner and creative chef

Amy Craparo, the owner of WOW Factor Cakes, was our gracious hostess for the opening of her new bakery shop.

The Opening Party

It's located right here in the heart of Dilworth on Park Road next to Tuesday Morning and Major's Bridal Boutique.

For Chocolate Lovers - Cakepops

The inside of the new retail shop is magical.

Had a great time tasting all the different creations from the chefs kitchen. The wedding cakes are her expertise as well as the many different cupcakes always on display.

Like WOW! No kidding!

Yum, Yum!

My favorites were the toffee tort and the lemon bars.

Favorite lemon bars - extraordinary!

 Amy asked everyone who tasted to let her know their favorites.

Family in the bakery's kitchen

Her family is very involved and truly supports her in her sweet success.

Edible beauty

Wow Factor Cakes of Charlotte
2400 Park Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 654-0598
charlotteweddingcakes.com

131 Main CU Copper Bar Bourbon Tasting

We had a great time at 131 Main with the representative from Sazerac Bourbon.

Inside the CU Copper Bar at 131 Main we gathered, tasted, laughed, and enjoyed ourselves. The bourbon was flowing and the lovely bartenders were mixing some interesting cocktails for us to taste made with this amazing bourbon with quite a history.



What I like most about the tastings at CU is the informality, fabulous hors d’oeuvres and the relaxed atmosphere the management creates for the guests to experience it all at these wonderful tastings. Once a month in the CU Copper bar at 131 Main.



Call ahead for reservations or just show up for the next event.

Cu Copper Bar
1315 East Blvd.
Charlotte, North Carolina 28203
(704) 499-9824
www.copperbarclt.com

Discover Dilworth: MaddieGra Fine Gifts

Lovely Easter eggs at MaddieGra

MaddieGra Fine Gifts & More

1419 East Blvd. Ste F
Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 949-7781

www.maddiegra.com

MaddieGra is a sweet success tucked away in Dilworth in a small strip on East Boulevard next to Sloans, Sally's Optical Secrets and a few other very unique shops to frequent when looking for something out of the ordinary and special.

Joy Tindal

Joy Tindal, the lovely owner of MaddieGra, was perfect in the way she shared her life and her beautiful gifts with us. It is a treat to stop by and meet Joy and have her tell you the stories of the artisans that she buys from and then passes on to you at very reasonable prices. 

There have been times in the past when I have spent $100 on a wedding gift for a special friend but was not really impressed with the “nice enough” gift. After seeing and experiencing the gift ideas in MaddieGra, I know where I will go forever after to shop for gifts before going anywhere else.

Aluminum ware designed by Beatriz Ball and made by 12 different artisans from recycled aluminum.
Bake, chill, serve! Gorgeous!

Joy expressed how much fun she has coming to work every day and learning something new. She specializes in items made from recycled materials including gorgeous handcrafted recycled aluminum ware designed by Beatriz Ball—absolutely beautiful.

 Mariposa Company, which makes gorgeous tableware and gifts, is another line Joy carries that uses only recycled materials. The beauty and functionality of these works of art is amazing, considering that they are dishwasher safe and never require polishing or any special care to keep them looking like new.

MaddieGra also carries the creations of Arte Italica, including the amazing Pietra Antico line which combines slate and pewter into striking decor pieces. Arte Italica guarantees complete satisfaction with every creation.

Hammered stainless steel and 24k gold.

Joy also carries German made kitchen gadgets and cookware by J.A. Henckels which she believes are the best ever made. They have a non-stick thermolon granite coating, completely PTFE-free, making them completely safe and oh so good for the environment.

Another item available at MaddieGra: lovely Polish stoneware hand painted with sea sponges. Again bake, chill, and serve.

Now that you know where MaddieGra is located, stop by and browse. It truly is like going to a museum. Joy plans to invite local artists, painters and sculptors to exhibit their art in her shop very soon. We are all looking forward to that. 

Gena VanDyke Pottery, also on view at the Mint Museum

Joy and her husband moved down to Charlotte from New England after retirement to be close to her son and family especially her granddaughter, Madeleine Grace. MaddieGra is named for her.

Prices at the shop run from $10 to $225 with a few pieces a little higher, which we find very friendly for gift buying or for treating yourself to something very special. Put MaddieGra on your wedding gift list and recommend MaddieGra to your friends. They don’t want to miss this.

Email Joy at maddiegra@Charlotte.twcbc.com or call 980 949 7781

Wine Tasting at 131 Main's Cu [Copper] Bar

             

Wine Tasting at Cu

Having attended quite a few wine tastings in the Dilworth and Charlotte area we are pleased to say the wine tasting at the Cu Bar at 131 Main is hands down the best.

The 60 or so guests who attended were served five beautiful wines and dined on shrimp, spare ribs, crab cakes, an assortment of fresh veggies, fruits and cheeses and chocolate covered strawberries in a casual yet elegant atmosphere.

We started off with French champagne followed by St. Supery Virtu 2012 (my favorite) and several other wines ranging from Ancien Pinot Noir to John Anthony Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley.

What made this particular tasting so special was the way it was organized—or should I say the way it was not.  The very gracious wine reps mingled with the guests and poured the wines in order. 



You could sit at the bar, the tables or the couches at the end of the bar.  No one was overlooked and the relaxed event was so much fun for everyone.

Cu's bartenders

The wine bar, Cu [Copper], is a favorite in Dilworth and has been rearranged inside to accommodate more guests with a feeling of more space and room to move around.  We spoke with several guests who live upstairs in the condos and more who walked from their homes. The wine tasting is so popular one couple drove in from Belmont as they often do because they love dining in the restaurant.

GM Billy Schaefer and friend

The General Manager Billy Schaefer, who has recently relocated from the Asheville area, and his go-to girl Molly Rountree have given the spot a new energy and obvious feeling of fun and new friendships.

Molly Rountree

One of the great ideas is a guest membership card (free) which keeps track of monies spent during the month, earning great discounts and comps on food, drinks and wine.

The monthly tastings are $20 and dinner menu items are in the $30.  We promise you if you are a rib lover don’t miss out. The baby backs at 131 Main are among the best in town.

More Dilworthians at the Cu wine tasting:

And the group from Belmont!

131 Main Restaurant and Cu [Copper] Bar

1315 East Boulevard

Charlotte, NC 28203

(704) 343-0131

www.131-main.com

Park Road: To change or not to change?

A Dilworthian since 1979, David Mills, has proposed that the name of our street Park Road, from the turnaround at Tremont to Latta Park, be changed to Latta Park Lane.

This has created some controversy among some of the residents on Park Road that have lived here on Park Road for many years and do not agree to a name change.

Below I have posted Mr. Mills emails to us and our response. I invite all comments on our comment page on our site dilworthnow.com or you may join our blog and post your comments there.

We look forward to hearing what you have to say.

Yours Truly

Dilworth Now News

My first email was in response to a flyer Mr. Mills left on all the porches on Park Rd from Latta Park to Tremont, the strip of Park Road where he wants to change the name to Latta Park Lane.

On Apr 23, 2013, at 7:28 PM
Sent from my iPhone
Linda George wrote:

I would never agree to change the name of Park Road here in Dilworth. The whole idea of a historical neighborhood is to preserve the history and integrity of the area, changing street names is a bad idea. Most of us have lived on Park Road as long as we can remember and the way it winds around is confusing enough for folks to find without changing the name.

The vision you have for the new name is creative but not something most of us would want to do as we have always lived on Park Road as long as we have lived in Dilworth.


From: David Mills
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 7:12 AM
To: Linda George
Re: Park Road

Dear Linda, Thanks for replying. I don't want to start an argument but I would like to continue the discussion.

I've lived here since 1979 and support historical preservation. But the street itself has changed, as if all of an animal evolved except the very beginning. The differences are so stark. Time has stolen Park Rd from us. And it's not like the name change is something unrelated to our history, like Piccadilly or Green St. The new name is in fact more historic.

You are right that Park Rd is confusing. My proposal would quickly end confusion for the 1600, 1700, 1800 and 1900 blocks.

I am 62 and don't like change much. But this I believe is a reaching back to what was and honoring it AND acknowledging the present realities of "Park Rd". I want to live in Dilworth, want to live in this house where we raised our children. But I think , well by now you know what I think. Always and neighborly yours, David

On Apr 25, 2013, at 8:15 AM
Linda George wrote:
Thank you for your response but as I said I would never agree to the change. I have a website dilworthnow.com and a blog on the homepage dilworthnownews. Would you agree to allow me to post our emails on the blog? I steer away from controversy on the site but I think this would be an unbiased conversation for readers and give our neighbors a chance to voice an opinion. You are welcome to write all your thoughts on the matter and post them on the blog if you wish. Please let me know.
Regards, Linda George


From: David Mills
Thursday, April 25, 2013 8:38 AM
Re: Park Road
Good morning. I think the blog is a fine idea. Thanks for including me.

Neighbor Dave

PS how do you feel about the bus?
Would you like to keep it on our street or see it moved to say Kenilworth and Scott as some propose?

From: David Mills
Thursday, Apr 25, 2013 10:07 AM,
So to further our discussion, I was listening to Mike Collins this morning. The phrase "sense of place" was prominent. Park Road of all streets in Dilworth has NO sense of place. Pick any other address and it can be identified as in Dilworth. Where the hell is 1817 Park Rd.? Please reconsider. I will mow your yard.

From: Linda George
Thursday, Apr 25, 2013 10:41 AM
You're funny. I appreciate you. But no, no, no.


Let your voice be heard! Post a comment below by clicking comments.

2nd Annual Dilworth/South End Chili Cook-Off

The 2nd Annual Dilworth/South End Chili Cook-Off is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 6th.

Chilis will be judged in 4 categories -

Red, Green/White, Vegetarian AND People's Choice 

     

To Enter - 

     Email melanie@bonterradining.com OR

     Call Melanie @ 704-333-9463

If your interest in chili is eating rather than cooking, for $5 you can enjoy all the chili you can hold from local restaurants and individual cooking teams. 


Chili festivities begin at noon in the parking lot of the Icehouse at Atherton Mill. Judging takes place at 2 pm.


In addition to the hot stuff there will be music from local bands, beer from local breweries, and games galore. Kids eat free. 

Proceed benefit the Burned Children Fund.

Chow Down food trucks in South End tonight

Food trucks are booming in popularity nationwide, and Charlotte is forging ahead, a little late to the party, but rising fast. Most local truck operators still have some work to do with Facebook and Twitter updates (Dudes, we need to know where you are! Right now!), but they are worth tracking down for some fast, unusual food.

We have to say, the city has some very creative food trucks, both as far as names go, and in fare offered. The latest of the City Center Partners sponsored food truck rodeos takes place right on the edge of Dilworth, at Atherton Mill tonight. So come on down for a pork belly taco, a fried deviled egg, and a Bananrama cupcake.
What a meal!

The popular Chow Down Food Truck Rodeo comes to South End this Thursday, October 27 from 5pm-9pm right outside Icehouse in the parking lot of Atherton Mill (2000 South Blvd).
Trucks scheduled for this Thursday:

• Roots Farm Food, 
• Roaming Fork, 
• Herban Legend, 
• Maki Taco, 
• Clover Joes and 
• Cupcake Delirium.

 Expect a few more to join in between now and then.
Tons of free parking at Atherton Mill and super easy to get to by car, light rail (East/West Stop), bike, walk or pogo stick. This Chow Down, like the one at NC Music Factory, is NOT a BYOB event. All alcohol sales go through Icehouse.

For more info, go to the South End website