Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food
October 29, 2020
Q&A: Are cocktails to-go legal?
Each week, we answer your questions about food and drink in Charlotte
Q: I have seen cocktails being offered as catering add-ons. Is this legal?
UP: No, it’s not. We asked for clarification from the North Carolina ABC Commission, and Public Affairs Director Jeff Strickland was pretty clear. “There is no authorization in North Carolina to sell Mixed Beverages to-go. Mixed Beverages must be consumed on the premises where they were purchased.” Caterers are able to sell mixed beverages at venues because the venues have the proper permits. Your home does not. That said, we haven’t seen any enforcement on this, and the first violation will likely result only in a verbal warning.
Q: Do you know where I could find local beeswax pellets? I’m going to sous vide them into bourbon to make a cocktail recipe I saw on a Masterclass!
UP: That sounds amazing! I have a couple of options for you. It seems nobody locally — at least that we could find — does pellets. You can find them in small bricks, though, which sounds like it will work for what you’re doing (or you can grate them). Beekeeper Bryan Fisher sells them in 1 oz. bars ($2) and one pound blocks ($10). You can pick them up at his home in Concord by calling or texting him directly at 980-521-8642. Renfrow Farms sells one-pound blocks, too, that are available at Renfrow Hardware in Matthews. Another option is to keep an eye on Freshlist’s online store; they sometimes have beeswax as well. Each farmers’ market seems to have a beekeeper, and I’m sure if you asked the honey purveyor at your local market, they could help you out.
Q: Not Charlotte, but any Outer Banks recommendations?
UP: I haven’t spent too much time in the outer banks, but Travis Mullis had some suggestions for you. “In the northern Outer Banks, I would recommend Dockside n’ Duck in Duck for seafood you can pick up and cook yourself, or The Blue Point — also in Duck — for classic surf-and-turf beach fare.” Be sure to stop at Skylight Inn in Ayden, N.C. on the way home for what he calls the best whole hog barbecue in the world.
Q: Where’s your favorite Indian food?
UP: Hands down, Passage to India. The restaurant is also doing a fantastic job with take-out right now. When you order take-out — the dining room isn’t open currently — you’re greeted right at the door but a take-out window, and your order is ready when they say it will be. Passage to India has become a constant during our busy weeks.
