Outdoor Dining in Charlotte

As the weather turns warmer with spring around the corner, there is a need to enjoy the fresh air and dine outside or “al fresco, “as true Italians would say.  Al fresco dining has always been the norm in Europe, and is now slowly catching on in chic eateries in America as well. There is a lot to be said for being able to sip on your drink in the warm sunshine, or enjoy your dinner in the open air. The ambiance created through the fresh air atmosphere is less formal, and   a welcome change from the usual restaurant experience.

So where do discerning diners go when looking for outdoor dining options in Charlotte? There is no better spot than the recently opened Vivace. The Urban Food Group after the huge success of one of the finest Italian restaurants in Raleigh has now bought Vivace to Charlotte. Vivace is a modern day trattoria offering the best of home cooked Italian dishes.  Located in the heart of the Metropolitan development in the Queen City, Vivace boasts the same chic Italian decor courtesy The Johnson Studio – the James Beard award-winning design firm.  The restaurant is modeled after its sister restaurant in Raleigh, but has two floors, including a mezzanine lounge area for more casual dining, and a formal dining room.  Vivace features a glass enclosed cheese and meat aging room, two bars including an indoor/outdoor mezzanine bar with breathtaking views of Uptown Charlotte, and extensive patio seating on the greenway. You can now indulge in your favorite pastime of people watching, or just relax and let an afternoon or evening breeze prepare your appetite for the meal to come.

Apart from the breathtaking modern space, Vivace offers the best of traditional Italian cuisine. Using only the freshest ingredients and seasonal produce, Executive Chef Jeremy Sabo and Chef de Cuisine Andrew Schaumann, who has been Sous Chef at Vivace since 2007, have developed a creative Italian menu to satisfy a variety of patrons. The seasonal trattoria menu contains dishes that are sophisticated yet simple. Vivace offers pri-fixe menus specially created for every occasion. Choose from a wide selection of antipasti, house-cured meats and cheeses, homemade pastas, wood-fired entrees and divine desserts to make your event unforgettable. Urban Food Group has been awarded the Wine Spectator’s ‘Award of Excellence,’ and in keeping with their dedication to their highly rated wine program, Vivace offers a 500-bottle all-Italian wine collection. To top off the meal, homemade limoncellos can be enjoyed while taking in the sights of downtown Charlotte.

The owners of Urban Food Group, Kevin and Stacey Jennings, have drawn upon their extensive experience with some of the best restaurants and hotels in the Southeast to hit upon the perfect blend of fine dining for their own restaurants. For them it is a winning combination of superb quality, affordable prices and most importantly – exceptional hospitality. Every one of their restaurants has changed the face of bistro dining, and with Vivace, the tradition continues in Charlotte as well.

Fresh Herbs and Authentic Italian Food

Italian cuisine demands the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. The combinations are often simple but thanks to the oils, herbs, and spices used, even a simple salad can be transformed into a one of a kind dish. Italy is in fact best known for the aromatic herbs and spices that give its food distinct character. While we are accustomed to using dried herbs in our meals, authentic Italian food insists upon the use of only fresh herbs, which makes all the difference in the end. Cooking with fresh herbs requires special care due to their delicate nature. If cooked for too long, they can lose their flavor. A knowledgeable Italian cook adds the herbs at the last minute, especially when it comes to slow cooked sauces and meat dishes. A tiny portion can go a long way in changing the way a dish tastes, and Italian chefs have mastered the art of adding just the right amount to make a simple dish transform into a culinary work of art!

Some of the more popular fresh Italian herbs used are:

Parsley – flat-leaved parsley is commonly used in meat sauces. It effectively enhances strong flavors and can be found in lasagnas, stews, and even potato dishes.

Basil – often considered the King of Italian herbs, basil is the icon of Italian cooking. Torn basil leaves are scattered on plump juicy tomato slices and drizzled with olive oil to make a spectacular salad.  Ground with pine nuts, basil creates an incredible pesto.  Just two of the most frequent appearances in Italian cooking.

Rosemary – this fragrant, piney herb adds an amazingly rich flavor to any dish. Rosemary enhances wood-fired dishes, and its slightly bitter taste works well with pastas and breads.

Oregano – associated with pizzas, oregano in fact gains a more robust flavor after it is dried. It’s slightly sweet nature lends itself to temper more spicy dishes and tomato-based sauces. It is often used to balance the tastes and flavors of other Italian herbs and spices.

Marjoram – unlike oregano with which it is often confused, marjoram has a more flowery bouquet. It adds a tangy citrus-like flavor to the cuisines containing this herb.

Italian herbs and spices can add zest and personality to authentic Italian cooking. A great Italian restaurant will be well versed in the correct usage and intricate nature of these herbs, offering a tantalizing variety of dishes to showcase the chef’s talent in true Italian cooking. One such exemplary menu on offer is at the newly opened Vivace in Charlotte. Executive Chef Jeremy Sabo and Chef de Cuisine Andrew Schaumann, who has been Sous Chef at Vivace since 2007, have developed a creative Italian menu full of traditional recipes. They created a seasonal trattoria menu full of dishes that are sophisticated yet simple. Choose from delectably thin crust pizzas, freshly made pastas, wood-fired entrees, and an extensive house-cured meat and cheese selection. So, if you are looking for authentic Italian cooking, head to the metropolitan area in Charlotte for a taste of the old country in a stylish new setting.

How to Understand an Italian Menu

In the U.S., meals are usually served in enormous portions that are frequently eaten on-the-go. Italian cooking demands a different type of attention to detail. In Italy, each meal is treated as an occasion for family and friends to get together. The company is as revered as the food, and there is never a rush to complete the meal. Lunches and dinners can extend for two to three hours, courses are interspersed with wines, and each dish is laden with flavor and lavished with love. When it comes to Italian cooking there is a definite structure that is followed both with ingredients and preparation methods. Recipes that have been passed down from generations appear on the table in a particular sequence that lends itself to maximum appreciation and enjoyment. If you find yourself in an Italian restaurant and are unsure of how to appreciate a traditional Italian menu, then read on…

A typical Italian meal will begin with a drink known as Aperitivo. These are normally wines or liquors served to ready the palate for the feast to come. Following the aperitif is the antipasto course, which means “before the meal starts,” and are small portions of appetizers such as slices cured meats (carni), cheeses (formaggio), olives or roasted peppers. Such dishes are meant to tantalize your taste buds but not be too heavy, so you have plenty of room for all that is to come!

The first course or Primi, usually includes a choice of pastas or soup (zuppa). Popular options range from gnocchi, tortellini, or ravioli in a variety of cheese or tomato based sauces. This course is often planned to complement the main course to come, with portion sizes complementing the stage in the meal. Secondi or the main course is largely meat based. Marinated and grilled, different regions prefer fish, beef, or veal served with an accompanying salad (insalata). Roasted or baked vegetables are offered to vegetarians for this course. The meal is still not over after you finish your main course. You then choose between dessert (dolce), cheeses (formaggi) and/or fruit (frutta). Italian desserts are mini meals themselves, often heavy on nuts, chocolate, and cream. Fruits served can vary from region to region as with the cheese selection. This final food course is considered to be a palate cleanser after the heavy meal. To cap off the lunch or dinner, Italians often end with a strong flavorful coffee, a sweet wine or liquor. These drinks act as a digestive to calm the stomach down after you have feasted to your heart’s content.

Too many, such an elaborate menu would demand a special occasion, but with Italians, this is a way of life and of enjoying friends, family and tradition. Any good Italian restaurant will successfully recreate this feeling of celebration with every meal. For an excellent example of traditional Italian cooking, take a look at the specially created seasonal menu by Executive Chef Jeremy Sabo and Chef de Cuisine Andrew Schaumann at the newly opened Vivace in Charlotte. Designed by the James Beard, award-winning restaurant design firm, The Johnson Studio, Vivace in Charlotte boasts two floors, including a mezzanine lounge area for more casual dining, a formal dining room, a glass enclosed cheese and meat aging room and two bars including an indoor/outdoor mezzanine bar with dramatic views of Uptown Charlotte. The menu consists of classic Neapolitan pizzas, homemade pastas, and a selection of delicious entrées along with their highly rated Italian wine selection and well-stocked bar. Buon appetito!

Gluten-free Italian Food – Now in Vivace Charlotte

The protein component of grains such as wheat, rye, and barley is referred to as gluten. An alarming number of people nowadays suffer from a condition called Celiac disease, a gluten intolerance. This is manifested when gluten comes in contact with the small intestine and injures the lining, resulting in bloating, gas, cramps, diarrhea, and weight loss. It is only by totally eliminating gluten from one’s diet that the lining of the intestine is given the chance to heal. Planning and cooking a gluten-free diet is no easy task. It’s not as simple as giving up only bread and flour products. There is a long list of foods that possess gluten that have to be avoided, making eating out a near impossibility. Thankfully, restaurants recently began to recognize the growing number of clients suffering from this disease, and many more menus now incorporate a gluten-free section or at the least a selection of dishes that are safe for consumption.

If you suffer from Celiac disease and still want to eat out (and honestly, who doesn’t?), look online for a list of restaurants that offer a gluten-free menu. When eating out, make sure that you do not start out hungry, as the hungrier you are the more likely you are to forget the rules and make a mistake. Arm yourself with an in-depth knowledge about which foods are safe and which dishes may contain hidden gluten ingredients. Many diners find it useful to carry around a little card listing out the potential problem foods so that a slip-up never occurs. Always inform your waiter of your diet restrictions as soon as you are seated. Never be afraid to ask question about how the food is prepared and what ingredients they contain. Don’t assume that a dish is gluten-free – a chef’s special may sound harmless but might contain an ingredient that could trigger an attack. For example, ask the staff if the soup is made from scratch or contains canned components? Has the food been marinated? Before being fried, are the meats or veggies dusted in flour? All of these are potential threats, but few people may be informed enough to ask these questions. Request to the restaurant staff that your food be prepared on clean cooking surfaces that reduce the risk of cross contamination.

A good restaurant will be more than willing to answer all these questions, as well as make provisions for their gluten intolerant clientele. And as of November 2, 2009, Charlotte, NC, now has a brand new dining destination that goes out of their way to cater to the gluten-free community. On the menu at Vivace is the best of rustic Italian cuisine with an entire menu dedicated to gluten-free options. Choose from local antipasti, such as a selection of cured meats and Italian cheeses, or indulge in classics like a Caesar salad (sans croutons). At Vivace, risotto can be enjoyed through a creamy gluten-free preparation at any time. Main courses like pan-roasted salmon or wood-grilled hanger steak are altered to accommodate customers suffering from Celiac disease. As one can see, Vivace is going to great lengths to offer gluten-free Italian comfort food in a stylish modern setting.

Celebrate Thanksgiving 2009 at Vivace Charlotte

The Pilgrims sailed to America in 1620 looking for a new way of life, however, they were totally unprepared for the harsh weather conditions, and the tough times that awaited them. Several of the original settlers died in the first year and it was only thanks to the assistance and generosity of the native population that they learned how to survive. With their help, the harvest was bountiful; and to celebrate their turn of fortune, the colonists planned a three-day feast. Thus, the first ever “Thanksgiving” was celebrated in 1621. The menu included fish, fruits, game, and local berries. However, the event was not formalized as a holiday until George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789.

The focus of the day still remains the bringing together of families and friends for a meal in order to give thanks for the year that has passed. Over the years the nature of the feast has changed. The traditional thanksgiving menu now includes a roasted turkey with gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie. Regional variations in the Thanksgiving menu have obviously developed over time, but more indicative of the festival’s spirit has been the adaptation of different cuisines to incorporate regional recipes into the Thanksgiving feasts. The Italian American community epitomizes the blending of culture with tradition. The Italians migrated to America bringing with them all their customs and long standing family recipes. Due to the Italians love of food and festivity, it was an easy transition for them to incorporate a Thanksgiving feast into a new celebration. Italian Americans have wholeheartedly made this holiday their own. American family favorites have been tweaked into delicious Italian dishes-chestnuts are roasted, candied or dried and used in soups or desserts; pumpkins are used in savory pasta dishes , and turkey is grilled or roasted with olive oil and exotic herbs.

No one does food quite like the Italians, and Thanksgiving is an excuse for new experimentation and enjoyment. A typical Italian American Thanksgiving menu might include a starter of wedges of local cheeses along with slices of cured meats, seasonal soup or salad, followed by fresh homemade pasta. The main course is almost always turkey with stuffing, and dessert usually entails a cheesecake or chocolate concoction that is a fitting end to a lavish meal.

For a taste of an Italian Thanksgiving feast, look no further than the newly opened Vivace in Charlotte. Proprietors, Stacey and Kevin Jennings also own the wildly popular Frazier’s, Porter’s City Tavern, Coquette, and Vivace in Raleigh, NC. Meaning “lively” in Italian, Vivace is a stylish Italian Trattoria offering authentic Italian cuisine. Executive Chef Jeremy Sabo and Chef de Cuisine Andrew Schaumann have designed the menu. Vivace boasts a traditional Tuscan menu with seasonal specialties, classic thin crust pizzas, homemade pastas and an extensive house-cured meat and cheese selection.

The Urban Food Group has also been awarded the Wine Spectator’s ‘Award of Excellence’ and in keeping with their dedication to their highly rated wine program, diners at Vivace can choose from the restaurant’s 500-bottle Italian wine collection as the perfect accompaniment to their meal. For an ideal blend of the old and the new, come to Vivace this Thanksgiving and celebrate in style!

Planning a Banquet in Charlotte

Planning a banquet – the very words are enough to strike terror in the hearts of those in charge. Whether it’s a wedding, social or corporate event, there is much work to be done so where does one even begin? Well, follow this simple checklist and your event should go off without a hitch…

What is the purpose of the event? – Depending on the answer to this question, your agenda and planning for the event will follow.

What is the date for the event? – When planning the date of the event, look for any possible conflicts. For example, do not plan a conference or event on a holiday or a long weekend as you might end up with less of a crowd than expected.

What is the budget? – This will determine the number of attendees invited the menu, the décor, and the entertainment so it’s important to get a handle on this number early on.

What are the fees? – Many facilities absorb the rental fee in its banquet menu and do not charge for the use of the room. For this, you will need to shortlist possible menus and make sure you include taxes and tips into your final estimate. Some places might request a deposit up front so make provisions for this as well.

What is the agenda of the event? – Depending on the purpose of the event, you might have to take care of cocktails, dinner, music and/or other forms of entertainment. A time schedule of the event is necessary to ensure its smooth running.

What about the entertainment? – This is often the highlight of the evening so it might be worthwhile to hire a professional to take care of the proceedings. A talent agency or a company that specializes in such events would be your best bet.

And most importantly, what is the location? – Check out a range of options. Visit hotels, clubs, catering halls or restaurants and see which one would best suit your needs. Whatever you decide on though a visit in advance can prevent a whole host of nightmares. An ideal solution would be to finalize on a location that has trained staff, who will assist you in planning your banquet. Many restaurants or halls offer professionals who can help you decide on the décor, menu, agenda and entertainment thus taking care of most of the burden.

If you need a truly unique location for your corporate event or banquet in Charlotte, there is no need to look further than the soon to be opened Vivace. Come November 2009 you will have the possibility of an exclusive buyout of this contemporary Italian restaurant.

Vivace offers you a dining room that can accommodate up to 100 guests, an outdoor patio that seats 75, and an upstairs lounge area for 35. Designed by the James Beard award-winning The Johnson Studio, Vivace will be glad to host your part, anniversary, dinner, or reception. Their dedicated staff can help you organize your banquet, answer all your questions and plan your event. With their help, create a prefixed menu based on the needs of your guests and give them a taste of the freshest seasonal ingredients and Italian menus in Charlotte.

Home Cooked Italian Food Now in Charlotte

Ask any Italian about food and they will fondly remember the delicious meals cooked up by their mothers and grandmothers. Most will insist that the food passed off as Italian in restaurants today is far removed from the rich medley of tastes and flavors that make a real home cooked Italian meal. Today many Italian restaurants tend to dish up bland or over processed meals that leave the diner none the wiser about authentic Italian cuisine. For Italians, each meal is a memorable one and every family has their own traditional specialties. Using only the freshest ingredients and tastiest produce, home cooked Italian promises an explosion of flavors with each mouthful, and a loving hand behind it all.

In keeping with this tradition of home cooked Italian food, The Urban Food Group brings its hugely popular Italian restaurant, Vivace to Charlotte. Already one of the finest Italian restaurants in Raleigh, Vivace is a modern day trattoria offering the best of home cooked Italian dishes. Urban Food Group is confident that the savvy diners in Charlotte will welcome this latest entrant in the contemporary dining scene of the city. Vivace is located in the heart of the Metropolitan development and will have the same chic Italian décor as their Raleigh restaurants, courtesy of The Johnson Studio – the James Beard award-winning design firm. Guests can look forward to a choice of formal and casual dining options – a formal dining room and a more laid back mezzanine lounge area. There are two bars and a breathtaking view of Uptown Charlotte to add to the appeal.

Vivace offers the best of modern and traditional Italian cooking and service, and is the place to see and be seen! Executive Chef Jeremy Sabo and Chef de Cuisine Andrew Schaumann, who has been Sous Chef at Vivace since 2007, have developed this creative Italian menu. The restaurant offers a seasonal trattoria menu with dishes that are sophisticated yet simple. Choose from delectably thin crust pizzas to freshly made pastas, wood-fired entrees, and an extensive selection of house-cured meats and cheese. Vivace has its 500-bottle Italian wine bar proudly displayed in a special temperature-controlled cellar in the dining room, and diners can enjoy pre and post dinner aperitifs and cocktails along with their meal. Vivace also has a private dining room with a prefixed menu – perfect for corporate meetings, or it can offer the possibility of an exclusive buyout of the entire restaurant for wedding receptions and social gatherings.

Urban Food Group looks forward to treating Queen City diners to a taste of Southern hospitality and traditional Italian cuisine at Vivace which opened its doors on November 2, 2009.

Local ingredients & Exceptional Hospitality – An Urban Food Group Specialty

At a time when many restaurants try to woo patrons with slick interiors and over the top haute cuisine, the owners of the Urban Food Group – Kevin and Stacey Jennings are going back to the basics. Drawing upon their extensive experience with some of the best restaurants and hotels in the Southeast – from The Tavern at Phipps and The Ritz Carlton in Atlanta, to The Blossom Cafe and Magnolia’s in Charleston, the Jennings finally hit upon the perfect blend of fine dining for their own restaurants. For them, it is a winning combination of superb quality, affordable prices and most importantly – exceptional hospitality. Every one of their restaurants have changed the face of bistro dining experience, and customers keep returning for a taste of Southern charm and top notch meals and wines.

Come November 2009, Urban Food Group will unveil its fifth restaurant in Charlotte (the other four – Frazier’s, Porter’s City Tavern, Coquette, and Vivace are all in Raleigh, NC). With the opening of Vivace, diners in Charlotte can look forward to indulging in traditional Tuscan cooking. The Italian menu is imbued with flavors from all over Italy and the food contains only the freshest local ingredients. This charming restaurant built along the lines of an upscale Italian trattoria has Executive Chef Jeremy Sabo, and Chef de Cuisine Andrew Schaumann, at the helm. They have created a seasonal menu laden with well-known favorites and novel culinary combinations. Choose from wood-fired pizzas, lovingly handmade to perfection, pastas redolent with fresh flavors, entrees that keep you coming back for more, as well as an extensive selection of artisanal cheeses and house-cured meats.

What stands out most from the menu is the simplicity of the food, and the perfect pairings of tastes and textures. Inspiration and skill work in tandem to create a meal to remember. In addition to the food, the Urban Food Group’s Sommelier, Scott Luetgenau has worked closely with the restaurant to create a prized 500 bottle, all Italian wine collection that will be proudly displayed in a specially built temperature-controlled wine cellar. As a result, there are wines and aperitifs to appeal to everyone – from the novice sipper to the more difficult to please connoisseurs.

Located in the heart of Charlotte’s Metropolitan development and the midtown area, Vivace hopes to follow in the footsteps of its extremely successful predecessors. Sure of attracting Charlotte’s sophisticated dining crowd, Stacey and Kevin Jennings can finally offer the locals a taste of their famed hospitality and innovative Italian menu.