kathleen

We'll be attending a performance at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center next Sunday and parking at the Bank of America parking garage. Is there a good pre-performance brunch restaurant nearby? We'd like to park the car, walk to brunch, then walk back for the performance--so something close by. We thought of Blue or Aria, but neither are open for brunch. Suggestions?

Gretchen

http://clclt.com/eatmycharlotte/arch...h-in-charlotte

Decided to just look for it since we don't eat uptown for brunch and tend to do International House of Pancakes with DGS and family.
Tupelo Honey may not be walking distance and is insanely crowded for their brunch.
BLT is at the Ritz--right there.
Halcyon is at the Mint Museum and it would make an interesting stroll down that way and take your picture at the Firebird in front of the Bechtler.
Amelie's bakery is right there also and may have opened after this list--Brian?
Mimosa Grill is also down that way and is one of the best restaurants in Charlotte.
If you want to brunch and then drive Crepe Cellar is unique. Upstream is great.

kathleen

Thanks Gretchen, I should've googled it too! Two on that list seem promising and close by, The Asbury and 5Church. I'll explore them further.

Gretchen

5 church is an excellent restaurant.
You would really enjoy seeing the museum row--where Halcyon is.
The Bechtler is a truly world class gem of a museum.

kathleen

Gretchen, Alas, on this trip we are literally passing through Charlotte on our way to PA. There's an opera which we've never had a chance to hear (Fidelio) and luckily it's a matinee performance, so we're stopping to eat brunch, go to the opera, get back in the car, and drive a few more hours before spending the night in a motel, probably in VA. along the interstate. But, next time. Thanks for great restaurant brunch link. We might just pick 5Church. Kathy

Gretchen

Just suggesting a driveby of the Bechtler with its Firebird statue in front if you don't eat at Halcyon.

Brian_in_Charlotte

6Church is a good choice. Just FYI, there is a Panthers home game that weekend so you'll want to stay on the NE side of downtown and expect heavy traffic if you're leaving town around 4:00 or 4:30.

kathleen

Gretchen, Googled the Firebird statue and it looks amazing! Since it is so close, I think a drive by is possible. Next time, a visit to the Bechtler!

Brian, Thank you for pointing out about heavy traffic due to the Panthers home game. In looking at a map, staying NE to reconnect with 77 north seems easy enough. And it probably will be 4-4:30 when leaving.

Gretchen

The Panthers game is at night and the center will be busy. At 4 it will be starting but not uber the top maybe. Could be fun to see.

Brian_in_Charlotte

Oops, my mistake. I saw the schedule and assumed it was a 1:00 PM game. I don't think you'll have any problem with the 8:30 kick-off.

Thanks for the correction Gretchen.

Gretchen

Yeah, we have two night games in a row.
Go Panthers!

kathleen

Thanks. I'm glad it will be an evening game and not one in the afternoon.

Orlando_Vic

Paul, No advertising on Fodors.

kathleen

Thanks for the restaurant recommendation Gretchen and Brian. We ate brunch around noon at 5 Church and it was delightful and very busy. Food was delicious!

Also had time for the few blocks walk to see the "Firebird Statue" - very impressive! Next time we'll adjust our time there so that we can actually visit the inside of the museum.

Gretchen

It is MORE than worth your time, as is the Mint across the street. We are lucky ducks to have the Bechtler as a gift from that family--plus, they also built the museum itself in the center city with a beautiful architectural addition.
Charlotte is a great city from many points of view.

Gretchen

Let me add, since you enjoyed the performance at the Blumenthal Center, the Blumenthal family is also much to be admired for their contributions for the city, as are MANY MANY other families (the Levines also), both corporate and otherwise. Amazing generosity in our city.