Tomayto, tomahto — we’ll eat it either way. | Photo provided by Moo & Brew
It’s the final week of Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer, and 30+ local spots are battling it out now through Sunday, July 27.
This annual event is for more than just the tomato lovers — it’s also a friendly competition. When you dine across Queen City, you’ll be able to vote on your favorite dish to be crowned the Golden Tomato.
We’re eyeing some spots you mayo want to try. Pro tip: Click the drop-down arrow to see the specials at these restaurants.
Moo & Brew | The champ is back to defend its title with the Hot Tomato Burger — think: diablo mayo, pimento cheese, tomatoes, and more topped on a patty.
Beyond Amazing Donuts | Get a little sweet + savory mix with the Southern Tomato Pie Donut with a mayo and tomato jam filling.
Sea Level | The Halibut Tostada is serving all of the fresh summer vibes, paired with a roasted tomato aguachile.
Noble Smoke | Two Napkin BLT — the name says it all for this hearty twist of the lunch classic.
Events
Events
Tuesday, July 22
Homemade Pasta + Sauces | 6:30-9 p.m. | The Foodie School, Fort Mill | $79 | Try your hand at making semolina pasta dough from scratch + hand-rolled ricotta gnocchi before tasting it with your own sauce.
Russ | 7 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $41+ | This Atlanta-based rapper is bringing Big Sean + Sabrina Claudio along with him to the Queen City for the “Into the W!LD” tour.
Paint Your Pet | 7-9 p.m. | HopFly Brewing Co. | $43 | Join local artist Aimee-Rose to paint your furry friend on a canvas while sipping ice-cold brews.
Wednesday, July 23
Butterfly Gardening Class | 6-7 p.m. | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont | $20+ | Step into the enchanting world of butterflies + learn how to design a garden with pollinators in mind.
Women of Whiskey Tasting | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Artisan’s Palate | $79 | Honor Master Distiller Emerita of Michter’s Distillery Pam Heilmann with a three-course cocktail and culinary experience — a $20 deposit is required to reserve your spot.
Thursday, July 24
Crossroads Cinema | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | Ford Green | Free+ | Bring your chairs + blankets for an evening of arcade games, classic movie concessions, and a showing of “13 Going on 30" under the stars.
Convenience and lifestyle converge in the new-construction Riverstone community. | Photo by Pulte Homes
House hunting? Grab your calendar.
This weekend, step inside six fully furnished model homes at Riverstone by Pulte Homes in Monroe, NC. With 16 floor plans to choose from — including townhomes, ranches, and two-story single-family homes — there’s a layout for every preference.
Oh us? We’re currently daydreaming about moving into the Northridge.
You’ll also learn about community amenities like a future pool, clubhouse, pickleball courts, fire pits, and much more just outside your door.
If you have any questions, call the community phone number at 704-741-7707.
Charlotte civil rights attorney James Ferguson II has died at the age of 82. During his career, Ferguson co-founded North Carolina’s first interracial law firm + won pivotal cases in desegregating schools nationwide. Dive into some of his most prominent work. (WCNC + Charlotte Observer)
Civic
The ballot is set for the 2025 municipal election on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Mecklenburg County residents will elect a mayor, four at-large members, and one person to represent their district. Early voting starts Thursday, Aug. 21. (WCNC)
Sports
The Charlotte Hornets went through hoops to make franchise history, clinching the NBA Summer League championship. The championship game against the Sacramento Kings ended at 83-78, with rookie Kon Knueppel scoring 21 of those points + earning MVP recognition. (WCNC)
Open
JAIDE, a premier women-focused sneaker + clothing boutique, has opened on Central Avenue. The brand gathered insights from women across Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, and Houston to create this community hub that also features a lounge and bar on the second floor.
Biz
South Florida-based BankUnited, known for its $35 billion in assets, will expand its network to Charlotte. The bank will open an office in the SouthPark area + sees the Queen City as an opportunity for growth given its reputation of being a leading banking hub. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Try This
Mama Ricotta’s is bringing its own form of aperitivo time to Midtown with the Sicilian Summer Wine Fest on Tuesday, July 29. Starting at 4:30 p.m., those 21+ can try refreshing wines hand-picked from the vineyards of Sicily while enjoying an antipasto table.
Eat
In case you missed it, the Charlotte Douglas Airport Overlook has food trucks popping up every weekend for lunch + dinner. See what’s on the menu for this week. Bonus: Food vendors can fill out an application to secure a future spot on the tarmac.
Plan Ahead
The Ivey, Charlotte’s memory wellness center and respite club, is hosting free information sessions ahead of its eight-week Brain Health Workshop in September. Mark your calendars for Friday, Aug. 15 and Friday, Aug. 22. (WCNC)
Sports
The Hurricanes have won four of their last five season openers on home ice. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Hurricaneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
The warm interior of The Alley is all thanks to the skylight, providing a view of Charlotte’s highrises. | Photo by CLTtoday
Charlotte’s food halls are packed with global flavors, community vibes, and local talent under one roof. Let’s dig into these eight spots — all located within a 45-minute drive of the Queen City.
Optimist Hall | 1115 N. Brevard St. | Diners will find 20+ food stalls, craft cocktails, beer, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating at this revitalized textile mill-turned-food emporium. We love the pork + chives dumplings from The Dumpling Lady.
Monarch Market | One Independence Center | Use the walk-up window to order from Kick’s Deli + hang at the outdoor cocktail bar or covered patio. Inside, you’ll find 11 vendors, five event spaces, and two additional bars.
The Market at 7th Street | 224 E. 7th St. | This dining hall serves as a nonprofit incubator for emerging chefs, restaurateurs, and artisans.
Urban District Market | 2315 N. Davidson St. | UDM boasts 10 food stalls and a large market, indoor and outdoor seating, a play area for children inside, greenway access, and free parking.
Meet the anywhere, anytime outfit — your go-to look to finish out the summer. Grab the complete outfit below for under $150:
👖 These loose + lightweight wide-leg pants keep you cool and chic.
👚 Pair them with this ribbed knit tank for a sleeveless look that’s still stylish.
🩴 Cushionaire’s No. 1 best-selling cork footbed sandals are comfy and walkable.
💎 These No. 1 best-selling hypoallergenic huggie earrings feature cute gem studs.
👝 Top it all off with a chic woven clutch that works for summer days or nights.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Good morning, Charlotte — we’re waking you up today with a new face while Maria enjoys some time off. If you’re someone who needs that caffeine boost to get through the day, I highly recommend following the Charlotte Coffee Festival on Instagram + being the first to see the lineup drop on Thursday morning.
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