Get a 'Taste of the World' Without Leaving Charlotte

The hugely successful, annual Taste of the World is taking place Thursday, October 7. If you aren't familiar with the event or have never attended, you've been missing out on a culinary and cultural treat. This event, which has been held each year since 2003 and usually sells out, guides patrons through the diverse cultures east Charlotte has to offer. And it guides you by your stomach.

The all-evening event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. at VanLandingham Estate. You're then taken by bus to three ethnic restaurants. And after you've eaten enough to feed a small village, you're escorted back to VanLandingham for dessert and coffee. Tickets are only $30, and the experience you'll get being exposed to different cultures is priceless.

Photo by James Willamor for Crossroads Charlotte.

In advance of the October 7 extravaganza, Crossroads Charlotte, for the second year in a row, is providing written previews (with photos) of the participating restaurants on its website, posting one each day. There are at least a dozen confirmed restaurants so far, including Middle Eastern, African, Brazilian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican, and more. As a correspondent for Crossroads, I've written a few of the previews, which is only building my excitement for the event.

You can read about the restaurants by visiting www.crossroadscharlotte.org and clicking on the Bulletins link.