Charlotte Happenings is your monthly guide to events and things to do in and around Charlotte, NC.
Issue link: http://charlottehappenings.epubxp.com/i/803895
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. The ticket to a low-key spring date night? Taking advantage of South End's spirited, walkable blocks as they're bathed in evening sunlight. Kick things off at the Charlotte Art League Gallery. Touting gallery room and funky work spaces for local masterminds, plus hands-on classes for anyone, CAL operates as a nonprofit gateway to the Charlotte art scene. Weekend hours are limited, so consider an early start to the evening or make it a point to plan this romantic retreat for the first Friday of the month, when CAL stays open late to participate in the monthly South End Gallery Crawl. While admission is free, consider contributing to the cause, as CAL is funded through donations, membership dues and studio rental fees. As your appetite for rich pork belly begins to rival that for art, mosey across the street to Futo Buta, where ramen is way more than a college dorm room staple. Chef Michael Shortino is passionate about bringing authentic yet non-traditional Japanese cuisine to the Queen City and does so with gusto. Using handpicked equipment from Japan, Shortino delicately crafts his noodles in house and serves them over robust and perfectly seasoned broth in handmade bowls. House favorites include the Fire and Ice ramen bowl, filled with hot smoked salmon in a kimchi and dashi broth, and gyoza (scratch-made fried dumplings). Drink in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood from a seat on the outdoor patio. When you've come back down to earth from your ethereal food journey, wrap up your evening over a frothy pour at The Brass Tap. From stouts to wtibiers, porters and more, the spot offers a bevy of 150-plus beers that span coast to coast. The Brass Tap is the perfect place to unwind and savor a well-crafted finale to an easy- to-love date. If you aren't quite ready to put a cap on the night, have the bar fill up a growler with your favorite draft brew—and maybe a to-go box of housemade tots drizzled in beer cheese—to enjoy at home. For more date night ideas in Charlotte, visit charlottesgotalot.com • • • THE BRASS TAP CHARLOTTE ART LEAGUE GALLERY ALL PHOTOS BY ERIC GADDY SOUTH END FUTO BUTA APRIL 2017 35