Savor flavor and storytelling behind the dishes when you visit L’Ostrica in Montford. | Photo via L’Ostrica
Is it food or art? Don’t be surprised if that question pops into your head when sampling the dishes at L’Ostrica.
This newer spot, which openedin November 2023 in Charlotte’s Montford neighborhood off Park Road, offersoffers an elegant and elevated dining experience, with a 38-seat capacity, plus bar and patio space.
What’s on the menu?
Charlotte foodies will be put on notice while sampling flavors, textures, and stories behind the plates during one of L’Ostrica’s seasonal tasting menus:
Signature Tasting Menu | 10+ courses | $175 per person
Tasting Menu | Five to seven courses | $110 per person
We cleared our plates sampling the periwinkles and peas.
Photo via L’Ostrica
If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, each Sunday, L’Ostrica offers “Sunday Supper,”an informal dinner built around a different theme. Think: Spanish night or surf and turf.
Dishes are inspired by fresh ingredients and local farmers’ offerings, rather than replicating viral food trends.
Interested in tasting L’Ostrica for yourself? Book your reservation today.
Charlotte Women in Beauty Networking Gala | 7-10 p.m. | Pleasant Grove Farm | $65+ | Get dressed up for a glamorous evening celebrating trailblazers in the beauty industry.
River Jam | 7 p.m. | US National Whitewater Center | $0+ | Bring your chairs and listen to emerging musical talent surrounded by rushing water.
Billy Idol | 7:30 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $40+ | Practice your “Rebel Yell” before seeing the rock icon perform live.
Saturday, May 17
Spring Horse Show | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill, SC | $5 | Marvel at the talent and skill of riders from the local equestrian community.
The Oz Escape in Charlotte | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Charlotte Convention Center | $40 | Embark on a quest in this self-guided escape game, inspired by “The Wizard of Oz.”
Healing Trauma with Christ & Therapy | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Charlotte Marriott City Center | $35+ | Join a faith-centered dialogue on how to address mental health challenges.
Beer, Bourbon & Barbeque Festival | 12-6 p.m. | Ballantyne’s Backyard | $45+ | Savor this 18th annual festival celebrating Southern flavors and spirits.
Friday June 6
Toe River Arts Studio Tour | Friday, May 16-Saturday, May 17 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Multiple locations | Free | Artists and galleries will open their doors for visitors to view + purchase quality handmade artwork on this free self-guided tour.*
Need lunch plans? The Pub At Uptown opens this Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m. Order favorite pub grub like burgers, gouda mac ‘n cheese bites, and premium cocktails in a nostalgic atmosphere, perfect for games and watch parties.
Development
A Trader Joe’s is coming to Matthews. The popular grocer is part of a 58-acre development set to become a new shopping center along East John Street, near I-485. A timeline on construction remains TBA. (Queen City News)
Civic
Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio unveiled the recommended $2.5 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The budget features a 1.6%, or $39 million increase, over the 2025 budget. She also recommends a 0.96-cent tax hike to fund county services, like education, health equity, and wellness. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing for input on Thursday, May 22.
Announced
Ready for a sneak peek? Ground will break on the Jerry Richardson Stadium Expansion project at UNC Charlotte on Aug. 27, bringing 3,000 more seats and luxury suites. The project is slated to be finished in early 2027.
Plan Ahead
The McCoy Road bridge over Torrence Creek in Huntersville will be closed for three weeks starting next Monday, May 19. NCDOT will make repairs to the structure’s timber deck. Drivers can take detour routes, including McIlwaine, Beatties Ford, Bud Henderson, and Gilead roads. (WCNC)
Outdoors
Take the plunge. Open swim at The Quarry at Carrigan Farms begins this Saturday, May 17. Admission for the local summer tradition starts at $23 per person, and reservations are recommended via Carrigan Farms.
Ranked
Charlotte earned the No. 7 spot in Zillow’s newly-released “10 Hottest Housing Markets for 2025.” According to Zillow, the typical home value in the Queen City is expected to appreciate about 3.2% this year, bringing the value to $389,383 by November.
Try This
Heading to Quail Hollow Club this week? Spend time checking out T-Mobile’s Club Magenta on the 10th green. Visitors can take swings at the 5G-powered putting green and order from the roaming cocktail carts + appearances from Bryce Young on Friday, May 16, and Jordan Davis on Saturday, May 17.
Tech
Want a drone to deliver dinner? DoorDash is teaming up with Wing to launch a drone-based delivery service in Charlotte. Eligible homes include those located within four miles of the Arboretum shopping center. Customers can use the DoorDash app and select the “drone” icon to try it out. (WCNC)
Sports
Will the Carolina Panthers make a splash in the 2025 NFL schedule? Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Stat
50%. That’s how many dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer in their lifetime. In addition to lots of tears, pet cancer care can cost you lots of money. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% on applicable pet care costs.*
Biz
What if building a house could be as simple as building a car? Boxabl is revolutionizing homebuilding by bringing assembly line technology to the outdated industry. Learn how(and how you can join the movement).†‡*
Category
Trending
👀 CLTtoday on Keith watch
Keith Lee has 17 million TikTok followers from his entertaining reviews of local food spots. | Photos via TikTok, collage by RALtoday
TikTok food critic Keith Lee is on a culinary journey through the Carolinas, with his car serving as his dinner table and confessional booth.
So far, we’ve been living vicariously through his posts while he eats his way through Tobacco Road, sampling chicken and waffles with a spicy hot honey drizzle in Raleigh (looking good, RALtoday). We also can’t forget his rave review over this backyard fried chicken in Columbia, SC (we see you, COLAtoday)
We know Charlotte is on Lee’s radar. He gave the Queen City a shout-out as a possible destination during his road trip.
Keep in mind: Lee tends to visit restaurants off the beaten path — like mom-and-pop, hyper-local spots.
We’ve created an interactive map, tracking where Lee has stopped so far and where you think he needs to go.
Summertime’s humidity + extra time in the sunshine can take a toll on your hair. Add these five essentials to your haircare routine to keep your locks nourished all season long:
It’s been great to see so many people rally to support Charlotte after a golf podcaster’s recent viral post, referring to the Queen City as “diet Atlanta.” I feel our city has plenty to brag about, especially the PGA Championship, which begins tournament play today. City Editor Maria and I will see you out there!
‡This is a paid advertisement for BOXABL’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.boxabl.com. Reserving a Nasdaq ticker does not guarantee a future listing on Nasdaq or indicate that BOXABL meets any of Nasdaq’s listing criteria to do so.
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