You’ve probably experienced food and beverage pairings, but have you paired what’s on your plate with what you’re seeing or hearing? The team at Camp North End has launched the Next Plate series, blending the culinary world with the art scene to create a unique dining experience.

The series kicked off early March when Chef Shai Fargian of Yafo and Chef Paul Cruz of Mama Ricotta’s paired up to bring Mediterranean, Israeli, and Italian flavors to the table. Diners had the pleasure of viewing artwork by painter Debora Koo of Goodyear Arts while enjoying labneh push-pops, burrata, saffron Israeli couscous risotto and scallops, egg yolk and goat cheese stuffed ravioli, and malabi topped with fruit.

The week after, Chef Laney Jahkel-Parrish of 300 East and mixologist Bob Peters worked together to create a cocktail and dessert pairing. The four-course meal included dishes like black eyed-pea cake (a savory dish to start), sweet potato blondie, whole Meyer lemon bar, and dark chocolate stout cake. Bob crafted refreshing cocktails such as the Camp Spring Symphony Punch (with Topo Gin, green tea, lemon, lime, prosecco) and the Cynar Boulevardier (Turning Point Bourbon, cynar, antica formula sweet vermouth.) Diners listened to tunes by Charlotte Symphony’s string quartet as they ate.

On Wednesday, March 27, Chef Bruce Moffett of Barrington’s, Stagioni, and Good Food on Montford will join forces with Chef Alyssa Wilen of Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen to prepare a family-style Italian meal. The menu includes antipasti, gnocchi, porchetta, grilled broccolini, polenta, and, for dessert, opera cake.

Fittingly, the robust dinner will be accompanied by sounds from Opera Carolina, who will perform live Italian opera as guests dine.

The final dinner in this series will be Wednesday, April 3, with Chef Greg Collier of The Yolk and Loft & Cellar and Chef Hector Gonzalez of Project 658 teaming up to prepare a meal with Southern/African Diaspora and Mexican roots. The menu has yet to be released.

This worldly dinner will be enjoyed while watching films by Joedance Film Festival. The festival is held each year in Charlotte in honor of the late Joe Restaino, who lost his battle with bone cancer at the age of 20 in 2010, and raises awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research.

For more information on events held at Camp North End, head to their website.

Photo Credit: Camp North End Facebook