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From signature biscuits to Mediterranean fare, here are four 2019 concepts to look forward to.
CHARLOTTE
Hawkers Asian Street Fare is getting closer to its early 2019 opening goal — the Orlando-based restaurant coming to South End is opening its doors for a VIP-only sampling of the menu Feb. 9. The menu, modeled off of popular street foods from Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, features items like steamed baos, a signature curry recipe, and chicken dumplings. This will be Hawkers’ first North Carolina location.
Charleston-based breakfast spot Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit announced the opening of its fourth and largest location in summer 2019 in Charlotte. The grab-and-go biscuit place will open in The Penrose apartments in South End, and will serve a special, locally inspired item, the Queen Bee sweet potato biscuit with honey and turbinado sugar, according to a press release. Biscuit lovers can also anticipate a full coffee bar and a lunch menu with offerings like salads and homemade soups.
ASHEVILLE
Restaurateurs and husband-and-wife-team Peter and Martha Pollay of Mandara Hospitality Group are opening two independent restaurants in the Arras Hotel, a luxury boutique slated to open this year. The two restaurants, Bargello and District 42, are scheduled open in the downtown Asheville hotel in spring 2019, according to a press release. While District 42 will emphasize small plates and handcrafted cocktails in a lounge setting, Bargello will feature Mediterranean cuisine, traditional and gluten-free handmade pastas, and pizzas.
DURHAM
Food and beverage creatives continue to get spotlighted at the American Tobacco Campus’ rotating retail spot called PopUp @ American Tobacco (the experiment began with artisan coffee roaster Caballo Rojo in August 2018). Next up in the space: Soul Cocina, a vegan and gluten-free-focused Latin American concept, and Chocolatay Confections, a European-inspired dessert shop. Both businesses will be open Mondays through Fridays from Feb. 7-22, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m