The next time you dine at Optimist Hall, you’ll find a new option. ESO Artisanal Pasta, led by husband-and-wife team Chefs AJ Sankofa and Kristina Gambarian will open this Friday, Aug. 8. From imported cheeses and meats to handmade pastas, this dining spot packs a punch.
“Optimist Hall is just 15 minutes from my childhood home, and when this opportunity presented itself, I knew it was meant to be,” Sankofa told CLTtoday.
The pastas will be available in small and large sizes for $9 and $15.
Photos by CLTtoday
Now that the stall is ready for service, they want you to bring your appetite. All of the cheeses, meats, and flour are imported from Italy, allowing the team to craft dishes with carefully sourced ingredients. They’ll also offer focaccia, created by Wheatberry Bakeshop, and gluten-free pastas, courtesy of The Accidental Baker.
Bonus: Quench your thirst with Italian beers, wine, sodas, and Aperol spritzes. Plus, the chef’s counter will open for reservation-only tasting menus in the next six to eight months + expect sweets, or “dolci,” like tiramisu and seasonal panna cotta, coming soon.
Charlotte 54: Fashion and Flash | 5-9 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown | Free+ | Enjoy a night of dancing, vintage fashion, and live music while surrounded by art.
Open Mic & Singer Showcase | 7 p.m. | The Cabin, Davidson | Free+ | Support local artists performing original music in this intimate space.
Thursday, Aug. 7
Craft and Yap | 6-9 p.m. | Pizza Baby West | $21+ | Get crafty with lightly-guided activities and new friends.
Sake Dinner | 6:30 p.m. | L’Ostrica | $175 | Sake Ninja Chris Johnson is hosting an exclusive dinner with sake as the star of the night.
Sundown Sounds: Foo 4 You | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Pearl Street Park | Free | Bring your lawn chairs to enjoy this ultimate Foo Fighters tribute band at the park.
Postmodern Jukebox - Magic & Moonlight Tour | 8 p.m. | Knight Theatre | $52+ | This show will bring you to your feet with 1920s jazz, swing, doo-wop, and Motown with modern flair.
Friday, Aug. 8
RallyFest | 5-10 p.m. | Rally | $15 | Celebrate National Pickleball Day with themed games, live entertainment, and local vendors.
Bon Jovi Tribute Live | 5:30 p.m. | The Amp | $15 | A Friday night at a live show is like “Livin’ On A Prayer.”
Blind Melon | 8 p.m. | The Underground | $34 | There’s “No Rain” at this intimate venue when the ‘90s band takes the stage.
Soul Gastrolounge is preparing to open its doors this month at its new location in NoDa. The new restaurant at 4110 Raleigh Ave. can be found at The Pass, a mixed-use development near the Blue Line’s Sugar Creek Station. An opening date will be announced soon. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Closed
Resident Culture abruptly closed its restaurant and taproom in South End. The brewery thanked the community for support, and did not specify the reason behind the closure. Its Plaza Midwood location remains open. (WCNC)
Development
NEWSTAR will build a single-family rental neighborhood with 58 homes on Pleasant Grove Road in Northwest Charlotte. The two-story homes will feature one-car garages, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and fenced-in yards. They’re expected to be completed by summer 2026. (PR Newswire)
Civic
Charlotte City Council’s Economic Development Committee approved a plan to spend $25 million to renovate the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The money will come from a 2% tax on hotel rooms, and funds will be used to move the gift shop and cafe + build more event space. A timeline for completion remains TBA. (WFAE)
Plan Ahead
A public hearing is set for Monday, Sept. 15, where Mooresville town leaders and residents will discuss the rezoning of Dale Earnhardt’s old property. The 400-acre site could become a $30 billion tech park, a plan pitched by his widow, Teresa Earnhardt — but it’s drawn criticism from some nearby residents. (WCNC)
Transit
Join the Fresh Air Rides challenge by Mecklenburg County, CATS, Connect Centralina, and Sustain Charlotte. Carpool, bus, or scooter to cut pollution, log your trips, and win prizes. Last year, 285 participants avoided 2,200 solo trips, reducing 120 pounds of pollution.
Travel
Need a quick escape? Spirit Airlines is offering one-way flights from Charlotte to LaGuardia International Airport in New York City for $30. The deal runs from Saturday, Aug. 23 to Monday, Sept. 8, and must be booked by Sunday, Aug. 10. (Charlotte Stories)
Sports
Tuesday’s rain did not stop training camp from going swimmingly. Go beyond the practice field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.
Try This
Love checklists and analytics? We’re hiring an Advertising Coordinator to help us shine a spotlight on our partners. We offer an amazing benefits package, including competitive 401K matching and more. Apply now and help us make mornings smarter (and snappier).
Health
Weekend injuries don’t wait, and now you don’t have to either.Novant Health Orthopedic & Sports Medicine – Cotswold is open on weekends for walk-in care — no appointment needed. Whether it’s a sprain, strain, or sports mishap, they’ve got you covered. Learn more.*
CarGurus can help you determine if you’re overpaying for your next car. Fact or fiction?Find out by browsing their real-time prices + deal ratings on over three million vehicles.*
Category
Plan Ahead
☔️ Rain, rain, go away
Residents can meet local law enforcement at National Night Out events. | Photo via Town of Cornelius
National Night Out is an annual event that takes place on the first Tuesday of August, but due to the weather, some of this year’s free events across Charlotte were postponed. Update your calendar with the changes.
National Night Out in Uptown | Tuesday, Aug. 12 | 6 p.m. | Victoria Yards | Charlotte Center City Partners and CMPD will host meet-ups about safety programs + there will be games, music, food, and refreshments.
National Night Out at “The Stick” | Friday, Aug. 22 | 6 p.m. | The Richard “Stick” Williams Dream Fields | Enjoy some friendly competition and free food as The Knothole Foundation hosts a scrimmage between Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Charlotte Fire’s baseball teams.
National Night Out in Cornelius | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 5:30 p.m. | Bailey Road Park | Donate school supplies for the Cornelius Police Department’s “Pack the Patrol Car” + meet law enforcement and take part in family activities, jam to live entertainment, and more.
The Buy
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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.
Which ingredient best represents Charlotte’s flavor?
The “Top Chef” excitement continues across the Queen City, and we’re hopeful the show will feature a challenge that highlights the Carolinas’ flavor. While Chef Tristen Epps craves a Cheerwine challenge, 40% of voters say Bojangles’ seasoning is the Queen City’s flavor, 36% said pimento cheese, and 20% preferred Cheerwine.
If you get the chance to try ESO Artisanal Pasta soon, be sure to ask about the Fisherman’s Stew, a savory pasta dish made with squid and anchovies. That or the Lumache al ragù would be perfect for a rainy evening — they truly give a sense of comfort and warmth.
^This content was created by our Client Success Team. Let’s work together — explore affordable advertising options at advertise.6amcity.com.
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