Kayleigh Ruller

3 weeks ago | charlotteobserver.com | Kayleigh Ruller

Goldie's has engaged in Charlotte's hot dog craze with its Big Wiener Cart, selling foot-long hot dogs to hungry crowds in Lower South End. Food is a serious thing. Here in Charlotte, we've seen thoughtful reporting on how food and beverage tariffs could affect our local economy and restaurant scene. We've seen how a restaurant can save a historic building. And how mission-driven chefs can garner national recognition.

1 month ago | charlottemagazine.com | Kayleigh Ruller

“Authenticity” is an overused word in restaurants, but it still can make the difference between a food experience that excels and one that falls flat. Here’s what authenticity looks like at Thai Taste: The walls are adorned with gongs and paintings from a Thai flea market that shimmer with golden paint. Ruby-colored umbrellas hang from the ceilings. Beneath them, in heels, scurries Chiengthong Kongkham, who’s owned the restaurant on East Boulevard in Dilworth since 1988.

1 month ago | charlotteobserver.com | Kayleigh Ruller

Andres Kaifer and Alex Bridges have partnered with Southwick Architecture and Interiors to create a cozy ambiance and design at Emmy Lou's that's shown in this rendering. The team members behind Customshop and Marina's Tapas recently announced they're opening a wine bar. While they don't have a set opening date yet, they now have the name for their third concept. Emmy Lou's will be the upcoming wine bar and bottle shop from co-owners Alex Bridges and chef Andres Kaifer.

2 months ago | charlottemagazine.com | Kayleigh Ruller

Donna Julian has been the woman in charge of the Spectrum Center for more than 20 years. You’ll find her in the lobby before events, greeting longtime Hornets season ticket holders and first-time concertgoers as if it was her first week on the job. “I can tell you about great events I love, of course. But what I love about this job is the energy in that arena during an event,” she says. “I love the fact that people are coming together, all different types of people.

2 months ago | charlottemagazine.com | Kayleigh Ruller

Donna Julian has been the woman in charge of the Spectrum Center for more than 20 years. You’ll find her in the lobby before events, greeting longtime Hornets season ticket holders and first-time concertgoers as if it was her first week on the job. “I can tell you about great events I love, of course. But what I love about this job is the energy in that arena during an event,” she says. “I love the fact that people are coming together, all different types of people.