Moo & Brew is Charlotte’s Next Beer Festival

Moo & Brew is Charlotte’s Next Beer Festival

It’s pretty hard for us to resist two of our favorite things – good friends and good beer – so when we were invited to attend the Media Night for Charlotte’s next beer festival coming this spring, we knew that we would be in for a treat.

On Monday, we joined several other media members at Draught Charlotte for the announcement of Creative Loafing’s Moo & Brew Craft Beer & Burger Festival sponsored by Stone Brewing Company and Sysco. This new event will be kicking off on April 11, 2015 from 2pm – 6pm at the NC Music Factory festival grounds. The premise of the festival is to bring together “great craft beer, delicious burgers and great music!”

Moo & Brew Festival coming April 11, 2015 to the NC Music Factory.

Moo & Brew Festival coming April 11, 2015 to the NC Music Factory.

Though the specifics are not yet released, it was announced that over 40 craft breweries will be on hand, as well as 15+ food purveyors for this inaugural event. The twist with this beer fest is that food vendors are vying for the title of “Creative Loafing’s Best Burger.”

Burgers and beer?! Yes please! The panel of “burger-testers” (what a lucky panel!) will vote for their pick via text and the winner will be announced at the festival! However, it is really all about enjoying the day and sampling some of Charlotte’s best beer and burger places.

The creative team behind Moo & Brew consists of Amy Mularski from Creative Loafing, Ken Thomas from the NC Music Factory, and one of the busiest women in Charlotte, the Social Media Cowgirl herself, Corri Smith.

The Social Media Cowgirl, Corri Smith (photo via @VTGCLT on Instagram)

The Social Media Cowgirl, Corri Smith (photo via @VTGCLT on Instagram)

Another member of the event is a veteran in the beer festival world, Cesar Leyva, co-host for Cheers Charlotte  and Director of Marketing for Charlotte Oktoberfest. “I’m involved to make sure that the beer is good,” said Levya during the media night, “Charlotte and North Carolina will be well-represented.”

Moo & Brew is about the beer and the burgers, however there is also a focus on great music. The headlining band was announced as national touring act, Langhorne Slim, along with local favorite Ancient Cities. Click here for a breakdown of the day’s schedule.

Langhorne Slim photo by Todd Roeth

Langhorne Slim photo by Todd Roeth

Ancient Cities via www.ancientcitiesband.com

Ancient Cities via www.ancientcitiesband.com

Big thank you to Draught and Stone Brewing Co. for the hospitality. Draught put out a spread of yummy bites including a jalapeño cheese dip with soft pretzels (melt in your mouth good). We were also were treated to Stone’s Lucky Bastrd, an anniversary blend of dry-hopped Arrogant Bastard Ale, Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale and Double Bastard Ale (and it was delicious).

You may think, “Oh it’s just another beer festival” but any event that showcases the amazing food, beer and music that Charlotte and North Carolina offers should be supported! You can purchase your tickets here beginning on Monday, January 26. General admission is $45 and VIP tickets run at $65 (with an early entrance at 12:30 and other perks). A portion of the proceeds from the festival will go to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.

 

Eight Sushi Media Night

Eight Sushi Media Night

Last Thursday, #thesavageway team had the pleasure of attending the media night tasting for the newest restaurant in the NC Music Factory, Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen. Eight Sushi is located to the left of the famous Fountain Plaza in a quaint yet extremely stylish venue.

The night began with cocktails and kind words with fellow media members – all of us taking in the beautiful atmosphere. The walls were flanked with fun local art. Lots of Asian influence with the wall murals, but one of the coolest aspects was the repurposed-skateboard bar top. The look was put together by the talented influence of The Design Bar, John Hairston, Matt Hooker & Matt Moore.

Gorgeous Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen located in the NC Music Factory. #thesavageway

Gorgeous Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen located in the NC Music Factory.

The visual stimulation continued at the table. We were treated with sake that was served in a traditional box (meaning prosperity in Japanese culture). Talk about an unexpected yet memorable service experience.

Traditional Sake at Eight Sushi.

Traditional Sake at Eight Sushi.

Soon after the food presentation began. First up were delicious Korean Beef Skewers marinated in chili sauce and garnished with pearl onion & mushrooms.

Korean Beef Skewers at Eight Sushi Asian Kitchen.

Korean Beef Skewers at Eight Sushi Asian Kitchen.

Next came roll after roll of sushi. There were so many varieties including the refreshing Miami Roll with blue crab, avocado, cucumber roll wrapped with mango & avocado and the Pink Roll that featured crunchy tuna and avocado in a pink soy crepe with house sriracha mayo and angel hair kanikama.

Eight Sushi's Miami Roll.

Eight Sushi’s Miami Roll.

The Pink Roll from Eight Sushi.

The Pink Roll from Eight Sushi.

However, the highlight of the tasting menu had to be the Panko Tuna Roll – a spicy yet light roll made with tuna, crab, avocado, ponzu and a house made sriracha, Japanese mayo! Talk about tasty!

Panko Tuna Roll served at Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen in the NC Music Factory.

Panko Tuna Roll served at Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen in the NC Music Factory.

The evening wrapped up with several more courses and a few more glasses of wine surrounded by good people. Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen has everything you look for in a new hot spot – good food, amazing art, great craft beer & cocktails and an intimate atmosphere. Go check this place out next time you’re at the Music Factory!

Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen.

Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen.

Details:
Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen

Address: 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28206
Hours: Tues -Thur: 5pm – 10 pm / Fri & Sat: 5pm – 12am / Sun & Mon: Closed
Phone: 704.900.6147