Connecticut-Based Barcelona Wine Bar Now Open in Charlotte

Check out the latest openings, closings and incoming concepts in N.C.

CHARLOTTE

The much-awaited Spanish tapas spot Barcelona Wine Bar opened its doors Jan. 31 next to Superica in South End. The dreamy space features an elaborate entryway lined with books and baubles, as well as a large bar, intimate booth seating and a courtyard-facing patio with a second bar. Sasa Mahr-Batuz and Andy Pforzheimer created the concept in 1995 in Connecticut, based on the vibe of an evening on Las Ramblas. Expect a charcuterie and cheese selection, larger plates like paella and small plates like potato tortilla, and pan tomate. Then there’s the drink selection, with beers and cocktails, along with a vast array of wines by the bottle, 6-ounce pours and 3-ounce pours, plus inventive wine flights.

Local coffee shop, cafe and wine bar Rush Espresso announced the Feb. 8 closure of its south Charlotte location on Instagram. The post cited issues with impending hotel construction at Ballantyne Village, as well as with parking, as the reasons for shutting its doors after eight years in business. “We have decided to move in another direction to protect our interests,” the post stated. The business did not indicate whether its smaller uptown location in Brevard Court would face a similar fate.

Futo Buta/Facebook

ASHEVILLE

Downtown Asheville is soon to get the second location of Charlotte-based ramen house Futo Buta. Chef Michael Shortino opened the always-bustling first location in Charlotte’s South End in 2015. The Charlotte location is a hotspot for a variety of ramen dishes, vegan included, as well as shareable items like fried Brussels sprouts and the soft-serve flavor of the day. The second location will take over the former Asheville Bartaco location with an opening this summer. Futo Buta staff posted on their Facebook page: “We are beyond excited and can’t wait to bring our same spirit, spunk and quality ramen to the mountains of North Carolina. More noodles, more slurping, more rock music.”

DURHAM

Mattie Beason of Black Twig Cider House announced his decision to sell his business to Stem Ciders, based in Denver, Colorado. Black Twig will be renamed the Northern Spy and will reopen and roll out a new menu in the spring, featuring additional beer options with the cider selection. A bottle shop will be included in the establishment’s layout as well.