Kayleigh Ruller

2 weeks 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.

3 weeks 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.

1 month 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.

1 month 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.

1 month ago | charlotteobserver.com | Kayleigh Ruller

Aqua e Vino, a 10-year-old Italian restaurant in the Strawberry Hill area of Charlotte, just reopened after four months of closure and renovation. And it's gone from a beige den to a blue beauty, with a new, history-packed feel. Vintage amaro posters frame the walls, turquoise wallpaper reminds diners of the south of France water, and hand-drawn sketches by chef and owner Gabriele Grigolon give the space a rich, personal touch.