Chuy’s: Mexican Food At Its Best

Dilworth Now News was invited to South Park’s newest Mexican food restaurant and we were wined and dined to perfection. Sharon Balas, the manager and gracious hostess, made sure our experience was not only delightful but that we left there complete.

Chili Relleno plate

The food was really special. I had the enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, tried all the sauces, tortilla soup and the very special margueritas. Oh, the chili relleno was so good and authentic Mexican. Having lived in the west for many years I have become accustomed to certain spices and tastes of the old west and truly authentic Mexican home cooking. I have to say this is as close to that as I have tasted in Charlotte.

The sauces are the specialty of course; if they are right then you have true Mexican taste. There is Tex Mex, Ranchero, Green Chili (my favorite), Tomatillo and Hatch Green Chili. All the sauces are made from fresh ingredients. No processed or frozen products are used at the restaurant promising freshness and authenticity.

Desserts

 Now for the desert. Flan, a smooth custard with just enough sauce, but oh, the Flan! If you love Flan you really want to taste this. Of course the traditional Tres Leches cake is melt in your mouth delicious made with very light white cake, moist with white cream and its own special sauce. Don’t miss this on your way to Christmas shop or on your way home from South Park. If you live in Raleigh it is worth the drive.

We were impressed with the décor and the round dining room displaying beautiful art, the lighting and the color gives you the feeling of dining in an art gallery. Chuy’s own in house artist has hand painted the entire restaurant in authentic Mexican and western style that fills up the senses for the total experience.

Chuy’s
4310 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC
704 364 3959
www.chuys.com
Facebook.com/ChuysCharlotte

Friends of Fourth Ward hosts 37th Annual Holiday Home Tour

This is one of our favorite holiday events. The hospitality and warm welcome of the residents of Fourth Ward is unequaled and always gets us in the Christmas mood. See our article on last year's tour, here.

Below is the press release with the details about this year's tour. Don't miss the history section at the bottom to find out more about this lovely neighborhood and great holiday tradition.

The Friends of Fourth Ward celebrates its 37th wonderful year with a three-day event showcasing the elegant Victorians, urban condominiums, cultural institutions and historic places for which Fourth Ward is famous – all dressed in their holiday finery. The public may tour these luxurious private residences and historic locations on the following dates & times:

2014 Tour Dates & Times

Friday, December 5th: 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Saturday, December 6th: 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Sunday, December 7th: 1:00 – 5:00 pm

This walkable tour includes admission to 7 private uptown homes (including the rarely-seen historic Berryhill House, the flagship Victorian of the neighborhood), free food, beer and wine samples (while they last) at locations along the tour route, plus special holiday surprises at the 7th Street Public Market. On Sunday only, guests may also tour the historic McNinch House restaurant and Victorian home, including the newly renovated private residence upstairs. Throughout the weekend, choirs and hand bell ensembles will perform seasonal music on the porches of neighborhood homes and tour-goers will enjoy free horse and carriage rides throughout the neighborhood, along with complimentary appetizers at participating center city restaurants.

Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour Tickets

Discounted, early-bird tickets are on sale now for $20 at www.fofw.org. Beginning Nov. 10, full price ($25) tickets may be purchased online and at the following retail outlets: Alexander Michael’s Restaurant & Tavern, Park Road Books, 7th Street Public Market, and all area Brixx Pizzas and Dean & Delucas. Tickets are good for all 3 days. During tour hours, ticket-holders must redeem their tickets for tour guidebooks at the tour ticket booth at the corner of 9th Street & Poplar Streets in Fourth Ward, or at the 7th Street Public Market. The Ticket Booth and Market also will be the only location for same day ticket purchases. Additional tour information and group rates: www.fofw.org. 

Tasting Stations & Restaurant Partners

Vendors providing complimentary refreshments and tastings within homes or at official stops along the tour route include: Mert’s Heart & Soul, Rock Bottom Brewery, Allen Tate Realtors, Good Eats & Meets, Skyhouse Uptown and 7th Street Public Market. Center City restaurants offering complimentary appetizers to tour ticket holders who visit during tour hours include: Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, The Asbury and The Wooden Vine. (Tour-goers must present guidebook to receive complimentary selected appetizers.)

7th Street Public Market

As an official stop on the tour, 7SPM will be open during all tour hours, offering complimentary cider & cookies, live seasonal music, multiple tastings, “Gingerbread Houses On Parade”, and terrific holiday gift shopping.

All tour stops are within walking distance of one another. Limited free on-street parking is available throughout the neighborhood. Additional flat fee ($5.00) parking is available in the surface lot adjacent to the 7th Street Public Market at 224 E. 7th Street. FREE horse-drawn carriages will transport tour-goers between the Market and the Holiday

The Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour is presented by Skyhouse Uptown. Supporting sponsors include Allen Tate Realtors, 102.9 The Lake, 7th Street Public Market and Charlotte Center City Partners. Tour proceeds benefit the non-profit Friends of Fourth Ward neighborhood organization.

History of the Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour

Founded in 1977 by neighbors who visited each others’ homes to feast, sing carols and enjoy holiday décor, the Friends of Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour has evolved substantially in 37 years. In 1979, the event opened to the public and quickly became a successful fundraiser for the neighborhood. To this day, all tour proceeds benefit important neighborhood projects such as neighborhood beautification, preservation of historic landmarks, and public art, social and safety programs. The annual home tour is hosted by the Friends of Fourth Ward, a not-for-profit neighborhood organization.

History of Historic Fourth Ward

In the mid-1830s, Charlotte was divided into four political wards. The northwest quadrant was called Fourth Ward – a prosperous area that was home to merchants, ministers, physicians and numerous churches, forming a strong center of social and religious influence.

By the early 1900s, the trolley had expanded beyond uptown Charlotte, making nearby “suburbs” such as Dilworth the neighborhoods of choice. Fourth Ward entered a period of decline that continued until 1976, when the Junior League undertook a restoration program that fired the imaginations of adventurous urban “pioneers”.

Today, Historic Fourth Ward is an active, charming community of grand Victorians, luxury condominiums, urban apartments, parks and businesses, as well as cultural, religious and educational activities – all within walking distance of Charlotte’s thriving uptown business center.

Beyond Craft at the Mint Museum Uptown

Leatrice S. and Melvin B. Eagle, leading collectors of decorative arts and founding members of the Mint’s Founders Circle, assembled this renowned collection over 53 years.

This is truly the most beautiful exhibit I have ever seen anywhere. I actually got cold chills after viewing this collection of beauty, style and grace. 

The pieces are so very different from one another and the visual sensation of the artistry and composition of each piece tantalizes the senses. 

 The collection will be exhibited through February 22, 2015. 

 

On February 6-8, 2015 the museum will host a panel discussion with the Eagles as well as artists represented in their collection. This is part of a weekend long celebration of the Eagles with support from the Founders Circle. See details of these and other events at mintmuseum.org/happenings.

Interview with Will Fisher of the 48 Hour Film Festival

I am sure you heard Will’s name recently in the local Charlotte papers. He was written up several times due to his production of the 48 Hour Film Festival. He participated in this phenomenal event last year. So this year he decided he would take on the job of producing the event.

Will has made it his ambition to make Charlotte the center of local filmmakers creating national and international films. His desire to promote filmmakers here in Charlotte is broad and far reaching.

So next year look for the 48 Hour Film Festival to be even more exciting than this year, and after viewing the quality of the films this year, that is really saying something. If Will has his way, Charlotte will be on the map as one of the most noticed and recognized film communities in the country.

Will moved to Charlotte in 1998 and married Mandy a few years later. They were expecting their first child at the time of this interview, and I am sure the new arrival is here by now. I cannot say whether it was a boy or girl because they chose not to find out before the birth. To us, that says a lot about who they are.

Also I get the impression they are naturalistic in the lifestyle they lead. Will says they hike and love to be outside. They were married on the Appalachian Trail.

Will’s goal is to create seminars for film makers and show the project’s films in different locations around Charlotte during the next twelve months to keep the momentum going before he produces next year’s 48 Hour Film Project. Every year the films presented will be more powerful than the last.

Will Fisher is an amazing young man and really quite brilliant. We expect to hear a lot from him now and in the future. In a transplant to Charlotte, Will is just what we like to see. For more information contact Charlotte@48hourfilm.com 

Charles Randolph-Wright at Actor's Theatre 10/6 - 10/10

Actor's Theatre of Charlotte would like to announce that Charles Randolph-Wright, director of Broadway's MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, and Grammy Award-winning recording artist, BeBe Winans, will be in residence from October 6th through October 10th to develop their new musical, WHERE WE BELONG. With a book by Mr. Randolph-Wright and music and lyrics by BeBe Winans, this will give local actors an opportunity to work with these internationally renowned artists in their efforts to bring this inspiring true story from the page to the stage.

The workshop will rehearse weeknights on Monday, October 6th through Tuesday, October 9th from 6:00 PM till 10:00 PM with tentative plans to present a private, informal reading the evening of the 9th. Note that while we will be looking to cast as close to type as possible, we are most interested in finding local artists who are eager to be part of the development of this new piece. Although WHERE WE BELONG is a musical, the focus of this reading will be script development. We encourage you to submit even if you're not a singer.

If you would like to be considered, please submit your headshot and resume along with your availability the evenings of the 6th through the 9th to our Producer-In-Residence, Martin Wilkins, at martinw@atcharlotte.org. Also, let us know if you have any availability during the day as well. Mr. Randolph-Wright may be interested in doing additional work if schedules permit.

ABOUT THE PLAY:

This world premiere musical tells the story of music star, BeBe Winans who, along with his sister, CeCe, emerged from the gospel music dynasty, the Winans Family, to have their careers launched by Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker on their enormously successful religious television program, "The PTL Club."

ROLES AVAILABLE:

JIM BAKKER (male, white, 40s)

TAMMY FAYE BAKKER (female, white, 40s)



POP WINANS (male, African-American, late 40s to 50s)

MOM WINANS (female, African-American, late 40s to 50s) 

THE WINANS:

MARVIN (male, African-American, 20s)

RONALD (male, African-American, 20s)

CARVIN (male, African-American, 20s)

MICHAEL (male, African-American, 20s)


HOWARD/ALVIN LOVE (male, African-American, 30s)


PTL SINGERS:

PENNY (female, white, 20s)

JIMMY BOB (male, white, 20s to 30s)

JIMMY RAY (male, white, 20s to 30s)

WHITNEY HOUSTON (female, African-American, 20s)

Back to School! Healthy Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack Ideas for Kids

Fruit salad with oatmeal

by Dilworth Now nutrition columnist Marian Bennett

Back to school once again! Sport practices, homework, and study sessions. The learning has begun and the food choices are just as important as all of the studying that takes place.


Starting off with a hearty and healthy breakfast for anyone going back to school is very important for their success. Children’s brains are developing and increasing with new knowledge and information. Being able to focus in the classroom and do class work can be challenging without proper caloric intake and distribution of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Fruit salad with grapes and raisins

Having a hearty breakfast and lunch helps with concentration and studying throughout the day. Having a grab and go breakfast on hand in the mornings is a great idea while waiting for the bus or riding in the car. For those working parents out there, prepping on Sunday can be a great way to make the week easier for getting breakfast on the table and packing lunches.

Waffles

 

Breakfast ideas:

• Scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast and jelly preserves with a glass of milk or water 
• Whole wheat waffles with almond butter topped with smashed banana with a glass of milk or water
• Fruit smoothie including a mixture of frozen berries, pineapple, mango, pineapple, full fat yogurt and some orange juice 
• Blueberry Banana Oat Muffins 

Chicken salad

Lunch ideas:

• Turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato, mustard and low sodium turkey breast alongside plain or roasted red pepper hummus with whole wheat pita or pretzel chips and carrots or celery 
• Chicken salad with grapes, celery, apples, walnuts, and Greek yogurt coupled with skim string cheese and whole wheat crackers
• Mexican quinoa salad with low sodium black beans, sweet corn, and store-bought pico de galo along with a fruit salad 

Crackers with hummus

Snack ideas:

• Banana with almond, cashew or peanut butter
• Multi-grain crackers with hummus 
• Fruit salad with toasted oatmeal and 2% Greek vanilla or plain yogurt
• 2% plain yogurt as a dip for chopped celery, peppers, carrots, and/or raw broccoli

Come Sit with Me

Come Sit with Me..

There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh.

Forget the bad and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you well, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. 

Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.

Quote:

"Today may there be peace within you. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Jackie Marshall's Birthday at Nolen's Kitchen

Superior Court Judge Nominee Eric Montgomery

@Landmark Forum in action

Olive Garden Menu Tasting Tweet Up

"Mr.and Mrs. Olive Garden"

What fun we had at the Tweet Up for the Olive Garden’s new menu.

Food bloggers abound in Charlotte

It was our first Tweet Up so we were excited to try to win one of the many gift cards they were giving out for prizes if you had the best or the most tweets. Sorry to say we did not win this time. Maybe next time.

Polenta Shrimp

There were about 20 of us media folks there and they served us eleven of their new menu items. OMG, it was a lot of food and I have to say every dish was amazing. 

Bucatini with Sausage Meatballs

 Of course we all had our favorites, mine being the Bucatini with Diavolo Sauce and Sausage Meatballs, prepared to perfection, and served impeccably by the waitstaff at hand. 

Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

There is also a gluten free menu. One of the guests at our table was gluten intolerant and she had a wonderful time tasting their gluten free items. If you are counting calories the Garlic Rosemary Chicken was fabulous at under 575 calories. 

Garlic Rosemary Chicken

 
I have been to many different Olive Gardens and what comes to mind is the great service and never being disappointed in the food. It is always good and this new menu proves that, “The best is yet to come.”

Service wilh a very big smile

We had a lot of fun with the wonderful food and really good wines to taste paired with the different dishes. It was a celebration. For more information, visit www.olivegarden.com or call 1 800 248 4935.

More items from the new menu:

Crispy Risotto Bites

Artichoke Fritti

Rockin' and Racin' at the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Good vibrations were heard in the NASCAR Hall of Fame as the new Rockin' and Racin' exhibit opened with some rock and roll music, the drivers and the cars on hand to tell the story of how the two have played together for the last fifty years.

Leonard Wood, Mike Curb and Ned Jarrett

The reception was perfectly planned to announce the opening of the exhibit in the Great Hall. 

Vibrations on ice

Artists, record producers and racing tycoons were all there, as well as lifetime members of the Hall of Fame.

Lifetime members invited to event

On display were guitars, records, uniforms, helmets, trophies and seven gorgeous cars that truly rock. Among them is Marty Robbins' 1964 late model Plymouth and Dale Earnhardt’s 1980 Chevrolet #2 car sponsored by record executive Mike Curb, present at the event. 

Mike Curb

Of course the food and drinks flowed and the band “Loose Lugnuts” were really good, cute too.

The Loose Lugnuts

The exhibit explores four primary areas of interest including "Racers Who Rock," "Rockers Who Race," "Rocking the Track" and "NASCAR in Song." Carefully curated with the help of music industry influencers like Scott Borchetta and Mike Curb as well as music artist Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down among others, the exhibit features more than 40 artifacts that truly rock.

Painted art

Among them are trophies, guitars, records, driver uniforms, helmets and more as well as seven music-related vehicles, the largest number ever on display in the Great Hall.

Hello, Beautiful!

In addition, the exhibit features a digital jukebox with NASCAR-themed music and other unique artifacts like Ron Hornaday Jr.'s KISS-themed driver uniform, Rusty Wallace's Goo Goo Dolls helmet, trophies adorned with Elvis, and Sam Bass-designed trophy guitars.

Our lovely hostess

Yours truly Rockin and Rollin

The Rockin' & Racin' exhibit will be on display through the end of the year. General admission tickets to the NASCAR Hall of Fame can be purchased by calling (877) 231-2010 or at nascarhall.com

Admission is $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and military, $12.95 for children 5-12 and free for children younger than 5. Memberships are available starting at $125. 

Elvis always

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more details, visit nascarhall.com. Updates are available at facebook.com/nascarhall or by following @NASCARHall on Twitter.

Chroma at the Projective Eye Gallery

Chroma: lyrical lines and compulsive color, the current exhibit at the Projective Eye Gallery at UNC Charlotte Center City, showcases some of Charlotte's best abstract artists.

How beautiful this uptown Charlotte facility located at 320 E. 9th Street is.

UNC Charlotte Center City

The structure of the building itself is a work of art designed to look like unevenly stacked boxes creating a little more room on each floor, and giving it an animated look.

Lobby art at UNC Charlotte Center City 

 The occasion was a reception and gallery showing of beautiful art and music.The artists showed paintings , acrylics, collage and ceramics.

Linda Luise Brown, Marge Loudon Moody and Greg Scott, the artists, were there to present and give a talk on their art and let us see a little of who they are and what moves and inspires them.

Linda Luise Brown: abstracts in oil

Linda Luise Brown is one of the highest selling abstract artists in the market. Her color soaked abstractions in oil are emotionally charged and tell more than one story.

Marge Loundon Moody: collage and acrylics

Marge Loudon Moody displays incredible talent with her acrylics and collage works.

"One May Four" by Marge Moody 

"Chicago" by Linda Brown

Gregg Scott: ceramics

Gregg Scott's work displays his intricate surface design on ceramic objects and installations.

After a lovely reception and stroll through the galleries viewing each and every piece, we were invited upstairs, to the performing arts theater, for a performance by pianist Dan Knight composing spontaneous notes as the artists’ most beautiful and fascinating work moved across the theatre screen overhead. 

Dan Knight, pianist

If you have not had an opportunity to visit this extraordinary exhibit be sure to you are in for a real visual experience and meaningful memory.

The Chroma exhibit runs through Sept. 24, 2014. For more information visit the Projective Eye Gallery page at coaa.uncc.edu

Art in the lobby of UNCC Center City