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Charlotte Observer
A new food spot with create-your-own pasta opens in Charlotte
By Heidi Finley,
1 day ago
Uptown Charlotte diners now have a new option to try when it’s time to eat with the opening of Pasta Crush at Monarch Market .
The restaurant’s second U.S. location is tucked inside the food hall between Dock Local and Focaccina, serving up pasta dishes such as Spaghetti Bolognese, Cajun Creamy Chicken and Pesto Mushroom. There’s also a build-your-own pasta option so you can create something that hits the spot you’re craving.
“Pasta Crush is set to enhance Monarch Market’s culinary collective with authentic, handcrafted Italian cuisine,” said Sagar Rathie, managing director at Crescent Communities.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming new and returning Monarch Market guests to experience this new vendor, further enriching our diverse offerings in the core of Uptown.”
Pasta Crush is between Dock Local and Focaccina at Monarch Market. The Plaid Penguin
California-based Pasta Crush joins 10 other food stalls and three bars now open at Monarch Market, where you can order online and choose items from multiple spaces for pickup or delivery. It will take over the space where Pha Khaou Lao Cuisine operated.
(CharlotteFive has reached out for more information, and we’ll update when we get it.)
Aster Cocktail Room offers classic cocktails with fresh ingredients — plus modern drink recipes — on the second floor above Monarch Market’s main dining area and will boast an outdoor terrace. The space features murals by local artist Rosalia Torres-Weiner . Look for a menu that includes the Three Martini Lunch, a flight of martinis made with vodka and gin, and the Blue Suede Cobbler with sherry, amaro, blueberry compote, citrus and mint. Aster seats 45 guests in its indoor bar and on the outdoor patio overlooking Tryon Street.
Murals throughout Monarch Market were created by Charlotte artist Rosalia Torres-Weiner. Heidi Finley/CharlotteFive The gin martini presentation at Aster Cocktail Room. Heidi Finley/CharlotteFive
Barley and Burger, which is based in Rocky Mount, serves gourmet burgers made from a mix of Black Angus, short rib and chuck. The food stall also serves up wings, nachos, loaded fries and craft beer.
“With mouthwatering smash burgers made with quality ingredients and served in a welcoming atmosphere, we aim to satisfy guests’ cravings with an unforgettable burger experience,” Barley and Burger owner Travis Ellis said in a statement.
Barley and Burger will offer gourmet burgers at Monarch Market. Forrest Mason/Crescent Communities/Monarch Market
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop offers traditional dumplings and specialty varieties, including Philly Cheesesteak and Chicken Parmesan dumplings. The Monarch Market stall is the restaurant’s ninth U.S. location.
Brooklyn Dumpling will offer traditional dumplings, as well as a modern take with American flavors. Crescent Communities/Monarch Market
Curry Gate , which was previously announced as Curry Junction, is the third location of the popular local restaurant. The Indian and Nepalese concept serves traditional-style curry dishes along with tandoori-style meals and fresh naan.
“We plan to bring our craveable Indian dishes to the heart of Uptown alongside a diverse lineup of like-minded culinary operators,” Curry Gate owner Chuda Dhimal said before the opening.
Curry Gate is now open at Monarch Market, serving Indian and Nepalese food. Monarch Market/The Plaid Penguin
Dock Local presents fresh seafood in rolls, sandwiches, tacos, salads and creative side dishes. The Monarch Market stall is the brand’s sixth U.S. location.
Dock Local’s menu is focused on seafood. Crescent Communities/Monarch Market
Focaccina sells more than a dozen sandwiches on freshly crafted focaccia bread, plus Italian desserts. The concept is a collaboration between seasoned chefs Albano Barjami and Manuel Scenna.
A sample of the pizza and a sandwich at Focaccina. Heidi Finley/CharlotteFive Focaccina will serve Italian desserts. Heidi Finley/CharlotteFive
Just Chicken will feature chicken tenders and fries, along with sandwiches and a signature sauce for dipping. You can expect fresh chicken that’s never been frozen, and no microwaves involved.
Locally owned Kabab2Go serves up Mediterranean deli specialties, including a variety of Lebanese mezze and grilled kabab. Its existing South Boulevard location includes sandwiches and salads.
“Kabab2Go is a tradition that started 70 years ago, offering authentic Lebanese cuisine using the best ingredients. We are thrilled to join the Monarch Market community and bring these Mediterranean flavors to Uptown,” owner Tony Soufi said in a statement.
Kebab2Go will offer Mediterranean foods at Monarch Market. Courtesy of Crescent Communities
Expanding the market’s outdoor options, Lanai Terrace Bar’s is able to seat up to 70 guests, who can relax on a coastal-inspired and covered 1,800-square-foot patio space along Tryon Street. Available drinks include a Chichitini with pineapple-washed vodka, Bittermen’s Tepache spiced pineapple liqueur and acidified coconut water and a Pineau Colada with cognac, Pineau des Charantes, pineapple and lemon, cream of coconut and nutmeg.
Lanai Terrace Bar at Monarch Market. Heidi Finley/CharlotteFive
Monarch Bar
Monarch Bar takes center stage in the main dining hall, offering signature cocktails along with local craft beer and wines by the glass and bottle.
Pasta Crush
Pasta Crush offers pasta dishes such as beef stroganoff and Cajun Creamy Chicken pasta, plus salads and desserts to pair with them. You can also make your own bowls at the restaurant stall, which originated in Folsom, California.
Rolled AF was forged in partnership with the owners of well-known food trucks Nacho Average Truck and 22 Street Kitchen . The food stall features a modern Mexican menu using fresh ingredients rolled in tortillas.
“We’ve been looking for the right space to combine our skills and passion for Mexican cuisine, and look forward to joining the other unique F&B offerings at the culinary collective,” Rolled AF co-owner Ashley Outlaw said.
Look for modern Mexican cuisine at Rolled AF. The Plaid Penguin
Seoul Good, a new concept from the team behind uptown Japanese staple Fujiyama , offers Korean-style street food, including Kup-bap, a Korean rice dish and Korean corn dogs.
“Seoul Good will offer a convenient, trendy and distinctly Korean culinary experience that caters to the rapidly growing and changing palates of Charlotte. We’re excited to bring forth our new concept and dishes as we present our latest endeavor,” owner Da Nam said.
A Korean corn dog from Seoul Good. Heidi Finley/CharlotteFive
Sushi Art
Sushi Art occupies Monarch Market’s full-service restaurant space, with seating for 45 guests. The menu includes made-to-order rolls, customizable poke bowls and artful sushi.
Monarch Market offers a variety of cuisine, including Asian, Italian, Indian and American, plus multiple cocktail bars. The Plaid Penguin
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