Bao and Broth Now Open In Optimist Hall, Charlotte NC #LiveNoodsWarmBuns #WeDontCutCorners

After its announcement in 2018, the long-awaited Bao and Broth officially began serving customers at the opening of Charlotte’s new Optimist Hall on Thursday, August 1, 2019.

The ramen and steamed bun shop has long been in the back of Executive Chef Larry Schreiber’s mind. Since 2014, Schreiber served as Executive Chef at and helped open Moffett Restaurant Group’s Good Food on Montford, where his steamed bun was a hit. Now, Larry’s thrilled to be opening his own restaurant purely dedicated to the food concept that has earned him recognition across the Charlotte food scene. This time, he’s added ramen and other Asian delectables that will have Optimist Hall perusers stop in their tracks when they smell his chef-d'oeuvres.

Even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something at the highly customizable eatery. For $12, those longing for a hot bowl of ramen can choose from a variety of broths, proteins, and toppings to satisfy their craving. There are also vegetarian options, such as the Unctuous onion broth. Ramen not your thing? Check out the listing of baos offered. Despite the title referencing pork belly buns, Bao and Broth ensures that all eaters can enjoy their menu, with additional bun options including schnitzel, chicken, bulgogi, and falafel. If you still can’t get enough, side items, dessert, and the house specialty – rice cakes and pork belly kimchi – are also available.

“I’ve been a part of a few restaurants before but creating these recipes [for Bao and Broth] and testing them has been one of my favorite experiences,” said Schreiber. “Back at Good Food on Montford, we only served one option – the pork bun. Now with this restaurant, we have the capability to expand on it, and it’s been so fun putting together all sorts of flavors to see what mixes well. I think the schnitzel bun has to be my favorite, but I’m excited to see which items our guests like the most.”

The opening of Bao and Broth is part of the first of three restaurant opening phases at Optimist Hall, with the other two set to occur in the early fall. The stall is order-at-the-counter style, and guests can devour their meals either indoors or outdoors at the community seating hall, or at one of the few seats alongside the ramen bar. Schreiber also mentioned there are plans to include online ordering once the stall gets up and running, which will make it even easier to get this delicious food in your mouth as fast as possible.

Bao and Broth’s hours will be 11AM to 9PM Sunday – Thursday, and 11AM to 10PM Friday – Saturday.

Photo credit: Stefanie Haviv
About Bao and Broth:
Open August 1, the ramen and steamed bun shop is owned and operated by head Chef Larry Schreiber. Bao and Broth offers a full menu consisting of traditional Asian bao’s and broths with sides and desserts in accompaniment. Located in Optimist Hall in Suite 5. Head to BaoandBroth.com to learn more.

N.C. Red Restaurant Opening In Charlotte, NC April 17th

From the award-winning creator of Barrington’s, Good Food on Montford, and Stagioni, New England-New South restaurant N.C. Red is officially ready to debut with an opening on April 17. Owner Bruce Moffett is also proud to reveal the restaurant’s menu. For starters or “Northern Smalls,” the menu includes Point Judith Calamari, Stuffies (NC clams with peppers, bread crumbs, and Chouriço), Baked Seafood Casserole, Seafood Cakes, and Lobsta Roll. An impressive oyster and clam program sourced from both coasts made the menu as well, served up as Grilled, Rockefeller, Casino, or Broiled. As if that doesn’t already make your mouth water, the “Fixin’s” section includes a large selection – from Buttermilk Biscuits, Smoky Mac and Cheese, and Braised Collard Greens, to Corn Pudding and Fried Pickled Green Tomatoes. View the full menu here.

A look at the Oysters Rockefeller, featured on the menu at N.C. Red, opening April 17

“N.C. Red is unlike any of my former restaurants,” explained Moffett, owner of Moffett Restaurant Group. “The artwork in the space along with the atmosphere of Plaza Midwood give it this unique quality that just makes you want to come and stay for a while. I’m thrilled to share this with Charlotte.”

Andrew Dodd will join Moffett at N.C. Red as a partner and Executive Chef, transitioning from his previous executive chef position at Stagioni. A native of Nashville, Dodd has an impressive background of working in the restaurant industry since he was 15 years old. Dodd moved around the U.S. and worked in kitchens in Seattle, Spokane, and Boston before moving to Charlotte in 2007 to attend Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte.

“The more we worked together, the more I loved the vision Bruce had for N.C. Red, and I look forward to introducing an elevated culinary experience to our guests,” says Dodd. “Coming up with a menu that included a mix of classic Southern cuisine with Northeastern style seafood, with a focus on sustainably-farmed bivalves from coast to coast farms, was really exciting. Additional dishes featured on the menu include Nashville Hot or Fried Classic Chicken, Firestyle Steamed Mussels and Clams, Rhode Island Clam Chowder, Poached Crab Salad, and a daily special of pies."

The restaurant will open in the former Penguin Drive-In space in Plaza Midwood, with some original design features remaining from the drive-in. The restaurant selected award-winning, local artist, Randall Kane, known for his mural art and decorative painting, to add local flair to the space. Some of Kane’s work will include an octopus painting on the exterior of the building, and hand-painted oyster wallpaper in the restrooms.

Stemming from Moffett’s upbringing along the New England seashore, the restaurant is a nod to both his past and present. The name N.C Red combines his love for his adopted home of North Carolina with Rhode Island’s state bird, the Rhode Island Red Rooster. Moffett plans to continue expanding in Charlotte with a fifth restaurant, Bao + Broth, opening later this spring. The restaurant will be located within the forthcoming Optimist Hall with executive Chef Larry Schreiber at the helm.