Charlotte Culinary Scene

A bridge between north and south, Charlotte’s chefs are perfectly situated to blend southern hospitality and cooking with the best of inventive, nouvelle cuisines from around the world. From the Latin flavors at Latorre’s that capture the “modernisme” discussed on the streets of Spain — to an updated twist to classical French cooking that has taken root at places like Bistro 100, Patou and Oneo — to the nouvelle global menu with a Southern twist at Mimosa Grill, Charlotte is expanding its culinary wings while offering opportunities for aspiring, young chefs looking to make a name for themselves.

With the French fusion artistry at The Meeting House leading the way, Charlotte’s historic Myers Park holds court in the culinary hierarchy. So does the SouthPark neighborhood which flaunts the chi-chi Noble’s: the sumptuous, eclectic Upstream which features seafood with a Pacific Rim influence; and the elegant Luce Ristorante where Italian Renaissance is fused with contemporary, new-American flair.

Finally, maybe nothing reflects the city’s celebration of fine food than its annual Charlotte Shout! event — a month-long culinary and arts festival that, in 2004, featured appearances by such celebrity chefs as Wolfgang Puck, Martin Yan, and Johnson & Wales alums Tyler Florence and Michelle Bernstein.