Charlotte Happenings

Winter 2016

Charlotte Happenings is your monthly guide to events and things to do in and around Charlotte, NC.

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DATE night By Emily Farrington Smith WHETHER IT'S FOR A FIRST DATE OR A BIG ANNIVERSARY WITH YOUR SOUL MATE, THE CITY IS IMBUED WITH SPECIAL THINGS TO DO FOR TWO. As comfortable as it is to call on your tried and true date night stops, there's something to be said for trying something new. Even creatures of habit can appreciate the thrill of a hidden cantina, the excitement of a new entertainment venue or the possibility of discovering a watering hole where everybody knows your name. In the charming and historic Elizabeth neighborhood, you'll find just that. Elizabeth's main corridor, Elizabeth Avenue, touts innovative eateries and entertainment options, making it a breeze to visit and experience the borough's culture without moving your car (parking is easily accessible) between bites and the evening's musical musings. At Customshop, Owner and Chef Trey Wilson has made it his mission to deliver quality dishes that add diversity and personality to Charlotte's dining scene. "I've always loved Charlotte and am especially pleased to see the food scene here mature and expand at such a rapid pace," Wilson explains. "With so many people moving here from larger cities with more adventurous food scenes and palates, I think local chefs are encouraged to think outside the box and get creative." Inside the candle-lit trattoria, 115-year-old exposed brick catches the eye. Meanwhile, the menu's braised octopus snags the rest of the spotlight. "We braise it until it is tender and finish it off on the grill so that it picks up that smoky barbecue flavor," Wilson notes. "It's become one of our most popular small plates." Don't forget to order the Brussels sprouts; the salty, smoky flavor and crisp consistency will knock your socks off. After dinner, stroll a few doors down to Visulite Theater, where an intimate setting and great acoustics invite you to sit back and become one with the music. The Visulite has welcomed its fair share of famous artists, and its current lineup is filled with up-and- coming talents mixed with musical mainstays. As an added bonus, most shows run around the $20 mark. Check out Tyler Boone on Dec. 8 or Mike Doughty with special guests Wheatus on Jan. 14. Seating is limited, so arrive early or opt for standing room. When the show wraps, duck around the corner for a drink or two at Kennedy's Premium Bar & Grill. This lively Irish Pub located in a historic Elizabeth homestead features daily specials, a spacious outdoor patio and an extensive menu designed to quell late-night cravings. Sip a local brew, try a slice of the spot's signature Guiness Cake and cozy up beside the indoor fireplace. For more date night ideas in Charlotte, visit charlottesgotalot.com • • • CUSTOMSHOP PHOTO BY EA DECKER PHOTOGRAPHY KENNEDY'S PREMIUM BAR & GRILL PHOTO BY EA DECKER PHOTOGRAPHY VISULITE THEATER PHOTO BY BENJAMIN ROBSON ELIZABETH charlottesgotalot.com 29

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