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🌟 Yes, “Top Chef”
The marquee was lit ahead of the “Top Chef” premiere in Uptown. | Photo by CLTtoday
The marquee at Carolina Theatre glowed, the lobby buzzed, and the orange carpet was rolled out as fans lined up for a first look at Season 23 of “Top Chef.” For one night, Charlotte was the center of the culinary universe.
Before the first episode aired, Kristen Kish, Gail Simmons, and Tom Colicchio took the stage for a fireside chat, sharing their love for Charlotte, the Carolinas, and the region’s distinct food culture — praising local chefs and the ingredients that define Southern cuisine.
The host and judges of “Top Chef” held a fireside chat before the season premiere.
Photo by CLTtoday
“Charlotte doesn’t have a signature dish,” Simmons said. “They take the hyper-local ingredients and stories to create something that is totally hyper-particular, and that’s why we were excited to come. That’s something that Charlotte does really well.”
After the discussion, it was time for the premiere, where 15 cheftestants began competing for $250,000, an appearance at the 2026 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and more.
Yesterday, folks across the Queen City took to the polls for local elections, selecting who would be on the November midterm ballot, including races for US Senate, Mecklenburg County sheriff, and more. Take a look at the race results. (WCNC)
Transit
NCDOT is extending the public comment period for the I-77 elevated toll lanes through June. The department said the extension allows them to gather feedback from people who live in the area. NCDOT officials will also attend City Council’s Transportation Committee meeting tomorrow, March 5. (WSOC)
Weather
Break out the short sleeves.A record heat wave is possible this week, bringing temperatures in the high 70s and 80s for the next few days. Consider soaking up the sun at one of Charlotte’s parks. (WCNC)
Opening
Thrift Pony will open its newest store along South Tryon Street in South End on Saturday, March 14. Shoppers will find secondhand and vintage items — and yes, the exterior is pink.
Announced
Dallas-based CRÚ Wine Bar & Bistro expects to open at Linea in South End by late fall. The restaurant and wine bar will offer more than 30 wines by the glass, a signature flight program, and a bistro menu. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Concert
Let’s turn forever, you and me. The Gorillaz will perform at the Spectrum Center on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Tickets go on sale Monday, March 9 at 10 a.m.
Plan Ahead
The Bowl at Ballantyne will host “The Bowl in Bloom,” a spring festival with local vendors, flowers, and more. Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Number
$57.1. That’s how much money was generated by the Charlotte Sports Foundation’s events in 2025. The nonprofit hosted major sporting events like two sold-out Banana Ball games, Duke’s Mayo Classic, and the Charlotte Invitational. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Charlottean
Meet Corine Lytle Cannon. The 106-year old is not only entertainer Nick Cannon’s grandmother, but a Kannapolis-born resident who served with the NAACP for 95 years. (WCNC)
The immersive exhibition is similar to “Space Explorers,” where guests can don virtual reality headsets and be transported to present-day Egypt, time-travel to 2,500 BC, attend the funeral of King Khufu, and explore the inside of the Great Pyramid of Giza — something inaccessible to travelers in reality. Think: Hidden corridors, the Queen’s chamber, and aerial views of the pyramid.
Editor Maria, here. I got a sneak peek of this new exhibition, and it was mind-blowing — I felt like I could touch the pyramid.
“Horizon of Khufu” opens on Friday, April 17, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 30. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 6, at 10 a.m.
Asked
Answered
What’s your favorite music venue in Charlotte?
More than 82,000 people attended Concert for Carolina at Bank of America Stadium. | Photo by CLTtoday
Speaking of concerts... The Queen City has more than 70 big-name artists hitting stages across the city this year, so we wanted to know your favorite live music venues: 38% voted The Amp Ballantyne, 18% chose The Fillmore, 9% said Bank of America Stadium, and 36% wrote in answers like Neighborhood Theater, Middle C Jazz, and the Knight Theater.
As for upcoming concerts, readers are excited for Turnpike Troubadours, Toto, and Pitbull. Y’all have great taste.
A 4.5-star rated practice golf mat. It simulates a real hitting experience with three different mat options so you can practice driving, chipping, putting, and more.
Attending the “Top Chef” premiere was so exciting. From meeting Chef Brittany Cochran to seeing the judges in person (for the second time — more on that coming soon), it really felt like Uptown was the place to be. Plus, I got to do it alongside my friend and GVLtoday Senior Newsletter Editor, Danielle. A total win-win!
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