CLT Tastes Great Food Ambassador QC Javi takes us inside Verde Latin Fusion, located in Huntersville, NC

CLT Tastes Great Food Ambassador Asha Ellison visits Derita Dairy Bar and Grill

CLT Tastes Great Food Ambassador QC Javi takes us inside Maria’s Mexican restaurant.

For Rachel Klebaur and her husband, José Espinosa, Charlotte was never a big consideration as a place to live and start a business. But that all changed when her sister who lives here sent her an email about the opening of 7th street market and the need for new food vendors. Ding! She thought it would be the perfect time to open her own cheese shop. She took the leap. But why cheese? Rachel spent time working at Murray’s Cheese in Greenwich Village in New York City. There she got an education about the world of cheese and learn all the ins and outs from cheese makers who came through the door, from how they raised their animals, to how they made their milk. In addition to their shop in the market, Orrmans is also to go to spot for many local restaurants who offer cheese on their menus. If you love cheese, of all kinds treat yourself to a visit to Orrman’s Cheese Shop.

In some respects, Lindsey Williams is a lot like other entrepreneurs. She left the corporate workplace, in her case as an attorney for a large bank, to pursue a longing to do something different. Over the years, she developed a curiosity in the wine industry. After years of research, she decided to give the Urban Winery concept a try. Lindsey took it a step further enrolling in a wine making program and doing an internship in California to make sure she knew what she was doing and perfecting the craft of making wine. Two years after opening the doors of DWC, looks like she got it right.

The first time you meet Christa Csoka inside her restaurant, The Artisan’s Palate, you immediately get it. This is HER spot. Definitely a multi-talker, Christa was engaging while keeping an eye on everything that moved. Her popular venue on the edge of NoDa is the result of many years in the industry. She has honed her craft in big city restaurants including New York and Chicago. Her emphasis is on the total experience. The food, the drink, the décor and yes, art. Lots of it. She is passionate about displaying the works of local artists inside her restaurant. The story of The Artisan’s Palate is truly rooted in its owner and head chef. Enjoy The Artisan’s Palate experience.