Taste of the Mint at the Mint Museum Uptown

F.O.O.D.

(Food, Objects, Objectives, Design)

                 
Tonight at the uptown Mint Museum of Art we had the profound pleasure of attending the Taste of the Mint presenting Food as Art event which included two of Charlotte's newer restaurants: e2 and Halycon, both located in the Duke Energy complex along with the Mint Museum and other venues.


Our evening began at e2 with a beautiful salad, spicy mussels and pizza slices made with local farmers cheese.  Also served was champagne, a lovely white wine and a red.


It was enchanting to see how just the right wine with just the right food can transform a table of strangers into a group of folks that can't stop talking and seem as if they have known each other for ever.  To me this is art.  It brings to mind a wonderful movie about the love of food and wine and each other "Babette's Feast" a must see for all romantic food lovers.

After a delightful time at E2 we moved on to Halycon just around the corner to share and enjoy something very different. 




The Halcyon portion of the evening started out with a before dinner drink of moonshine and ginger ale in a fruit jar with a tray of pickled green beans, peppers, unleavened bread and assorted cheeses.

The main course was spicy ham slices, potato salad and fresh homemade strawberry shortcake for dessert.  A choice of red or white wine was served.


After our dinner at Halycon we were taken on a tour of the F.O.O.D. exhibit located on the 4th floor of the ever so beautiful Mint Museum.



There we saw and enjoyed kitchen gadgets, dishes, works of art by famous artists relating to the creation of food and cooking from days gone by.  In all there are 260 pieces on display created by artists from around the world.  You will see items displayed that your Mothers and Grandmothers used in their kitchens.



Jamaica Kincaid was represented by saying "If I ran the world I would do it from the kitchen."  The Mint Museum is soon to publish a cook book with recipes from individual contributors.

Sweet potato lady

This is truly a showing of arts and crafts design, an artful experience for all those who love the creation of food and  want to have a unique experience.




Please contact Leigh Dyer our gracious hostess in charge of Marketing. The exhibit will be showing  through March 7, 2013. Dinner is served nightly at Halcyon and e2.

The Taste of the Mint event will be repeated on April 20, May 15, and June 26. Follow this link for more information.

For more information on the F.O.O.D. exhibit, visit the Mint Museum website: www.mintmuseum.org

Wonderful Women

Lara Printz and Scott Cline met here in Charlotte while he was on his way from Hawaii to Washington DC to work for his company.  They fell in love and Scott stayed here and they became engaged and are to be married in Birmingham AL early next month. 
Lara has worked at Charlotte's "International House" for 12 years and has a long list of International friends and associates.
Quite a few of them were at her wedding shower last week.  What a celebration of love and friendship from wonderful women from around the world and here at home.  Also represented was those of us who are Forum Graduates with Landmark Education a special orginization of men and women dedicated to making a difference in the lives of everyone on the planet.  It is breathtaking with so much power and love in the room.  Lara and Scott will honeymoon in Hawaii to begin a extraordinary life together.

Lara Printz wedding shower

Our gracious hostess

How to Stop Escalating Conflict by Klara Brown

Klara Brown

“Every moment of our life is relationship. There is nothing except relationship,” Joko Beck wrote in her book, “Every Day Zen”.  It seems for human beings that this can be a most difficult task.  We search, succeed, and fail.  We struggle to achieve a loving and emotionally and physically intimate relationship.

To be connected is our intrinsic human nature.

To read the rest of this fine article by professional counselor Klara Brown, follow this link...

Green Drinks Beer and Football

                                              

  BIRDSONG BREWERY

Green Drinks our favorite environmental group here in Charlotte gathered at the Birdsong Brewery  this month to taste and discover the art of making beer.
It seems there is quite a bit of scientific study and different techniques among our many beer breweries here in Charlotte. 
Whenever you want you can visit them and they will take you on a tour of the immense vats of beer and tell you in detail how they make the beer and what is different about their beer from the other breweries in town.
Green Drinks is among several organisations around town that keep an eye on the environment and do a lot of volunteering to help keep Charlotte clean and of course one of the most beautiful cities in this part of the world.
After checking out NoDa Brewery across the alley from Birdsong, we made our way to Noda's newest beer making establishment Heist Brewery located in the old Highland Park Mill next to the YMCA on N. Davidson.  WOW it is really something to see.  The old fashioned enormous bar is the first thing you see when you walk in. Along with the original walls and 20 foot ceilings it really is breathtaking.  Down a corridor and past the kitchen is a huge dining area, another bar and, behind glass walls, the brewery with the extravagant vats and a couple of old time vats made from copper. 
Heist also serves food and believe me the food is fabulous and so are the prices.  The Japanese black wings were awesome.  I have eaten many things in many places but the wings were a total surprise and I will return for more.  A Brewery crawl is a highlight for Charlotte's nightlife so google Green Drinks and find out where we will be in December.

VOLUNTEERING; TAILGATERS ARE GREAT

Dilworthnow.com volunteered along with Green Drinks, Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful and several other groups distributing recycling bags to the tailgaters set up for the Panther football game this past Sunday. 
Everyone was great about keeping their area clean and using the bags from none other than Bojangles and the city of Charlotte.  The idea is to put cans and bottles and cardboard in the bags and leave them on the curb on the way to the game and the city of Charlotte picks them up.
The experience was enlightening and very informative about recycling and seeing how Charlotte enjoys tailgating.



Charlotte loves to be outside.  Charlotte loves to party and is passionate about family and football.
The folks in charge of our group took such good care of us and made sure we covered the area with bags giving everyone an opportunity to help keep Charlotte so beautiful.



Latin Sounds at Philosopher's Stone

BRAZILIAN MUSIC
REINALDO BRAHN WITH JIM BROCK


We had an opportunity to sit in on some extraordinary music at the " Philosophers Stone" last Saturday.  The Stone is located at the intersection of 7th Street and Pecan Avenue in our Historic Elizabeth neighborhood, with the perfect outdoor setting under the trees and an intimate stage for musicians to play and entertain in a very first class way.
The Stone has a laid back atmosphere with great food and drinks, there are games set up for the family, table tennis, a tossing game, and room to move around.  I was surprised how private the space seemed even though it is at a fairly busy intersection.
Reinaldo Brahn sings and plays beautiful Brazilian music on guitar and of course our own Jim Brock is always amazing on percussion.  The two together are something to hear and see.
They are at the Stone every Saturday from 4:30p - 7:00p.  What a great way to chill on a Saturday afternoon.  I am always impressed at the quality of entertainment available to us in Charlotte.  I was thinking where else can one go to hear music like this outdoors under the trees on a Saturday afternoon?

MADELEINE ALBRIGHT BRINGS ELEGANCE WITH HISTORICAL BLING TO CHARLOTTE 'READ MY PINS'

Mr and Mrs Perry with Ms. Albright

What a delight spending time with our former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the Mint Museum this past week.  I was not expecting her to be so lovingly beautiful and the ultimate in poise and grace.

She wore this pin at all the US events

She literally glided through the exhibit of her most precious pins like a queen.

Love this one. I'm sure there is a story behind it.

The pins were stunning and some were emotionally charged with her stories of how she received them in all parts of the world surrounded by events and historical figures throughout her amazing life and career.

Black Widow pin I'm sure she wore this when needed

Mr. Perry of Perry's Fine Antiques and Jewelry in Southpark presented Secretary Albright with a beautiful pin that she wore for the occasion, in the shape of the City of Charlotte's crown encrusted with diamonds to add to her collection.

Charlotte Crown presented to her by Perry's of Southpark

She had intriguing stories to tell about her life of American history and foreign policy always with wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She is petite in stature and larger than life.

This is her favorite. Her daughter made her this when she was five.

There are more than 200 pieces on display at the Mint Museum June 30th - September 23 2012 for more information visit the Mint Museum website.

This is her nautical collection

Green Drinks International in Charlotte

Met some great folks at the "Green Drinks Charlotte" monthly get together tonight at the Dunhill Hotel in uptown Charlotte with appetisers provided by Harvest Moon Grille off the lobby of the Dunhill.

Great networking for folks who are up to something when it comes to going green.

We all had an opportunity to share what we were up to and yours truly shared DilworthNow.com and the opportunity to tell their story on our website.

One of the participants "Gorilla Artists Group" is hosting an art class at the Harvest Moon Grille July 17th from 6pm until 9pm.  It is a benefit supporting "The Gorilla Artists Group".

 While you are being served culinary delights from the chef at the Harvest Moon you will be provided with canvas and paints to express yourself.  For more info call Ilisa Millermoon 704 657 2324.

WATCH OUT FOR THE NEW NEWS ON THE NEW DILWORTH NOW NEWS BLOG

December Gallery Crawl in South End tonight

December South End Gallery Crawl

              

When:     Friday, December 2^nd, 2011

               Gallery Crawl is 6:00pm – 9:00pm

              

The final Gallery Crawl of 2011 is this Friday and it's going to be a lot of fun with tons of exhibitions and holiday fun happening throughout South End. Come explore and experience the South End Gallery Crawl where you'll find a unique painting, sculpture, jewelry, enjoy music, refreshments and more at our participating galleries!

There are over 14 galleries in South End. Here are a few highlights for the December exhibits taking place this month.

The Artists, Designers and Galleries of Dilworth Artisan Station (at 118 E. Kingston Ave) will be hosting a Holiday Open House on Friday, December 2^nd from 6-9pm. With three floors of interior design studios, art galleries, artist studios and showrooms on display, there's plenty for people to check out! 

Participating studios include: Ann Conrad, Anne Neilson, Jeff Cravotta Photography, Leonor Demori Neisler, Darnell & Company, Angela Nesbit, Miriam Durkin, Windy O'Connor, Pamela Freeman, Plum-Kim Moore, Lita Gatlin, Sandavi Studio, Tony Griffin, Scott Miller & Associates, Fryday & Doyne, Jim Shannonhouse, Caroline Hall, Alexandra Speer, Paul Hastings, Studio 21 Gallery, Sharon Hockfield, Bobbie Underhill, Heidi Kirschner, John Seibels Walker, K. Interiors, Wingspan Coaching and Holt McLean. Overflow parking available at deck behind Carrabba's at Park & South.

Atherton Mill (on South Blvd.) will be a great place to shop with a one night only Holiday Market inside the Atherton Market, special Champagne tasting at Vin Master, art and interior design collaboration at the pop up Elder Art Gallery featuring the Carl Plansky collection, the newly opened Savory Spice Shop and great food and drink from Icehouse and Big Ben's British Pub.

Two Christmas Tree Lots are set up in South End so come for art and pick up a tree as well. One is located in the back of Atherton Mill next to the Market and the second is located on the corner lot of Park Ave and Camden Rd.

The Camden Rd area is always a-buzz on gallery crawl night:

Charlotte Art League hosts its Annual "Small Works for the Holidays" December art sale with over 50 local artists offering works in a variety of styles and prices.

 Continue down Camden Road to the Lark and Key Gallery and the newly expanded Ciel Gallery 

Unexpected Finds is also on Camden just a little further south and will offer a special wine tasting and an eclectic mix of goods.

Blacksheep Skate Shop will host a special gallery featuring 20 years of Skateboarding Photography in their store 

Modern Fabric, Niche and newly relocated Boulevard at South End will be open with great shopping opportunities.

Common Market and Phat Burrito are near by offering a quick bite, great atmosphere and great beverage options.

Gil Gallery, Coffee & Thompson Gallery, Doma Gallery and Carolina Clay Connection are all must stops but they are a little spread out so probably best to drive rather than "crawl" to these locations.

 Add SoBo Loft Boutique and Gifts to your list as they have a wide range of local and creative items. 

Have dinner at The Liberty and then start your crawl at SoBo. It's just a block walk north on South Blvd to Dilworth Artisan Station and then another block to Lark and Key so save the gas.

Gallery Crawl guides are located at galleries, Atherton Market and Common Market.

Please visit www.southendclt.com for more information.

www.HistoricSouthEnd.com

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