Vinyl team to bring Mexican flavors and mezcal to South End with Mi Cariño
Why it matters: It'll occupy the former VANA space on the prominent intersection of South Tryon Street and West Summit Avenue, which has been vacant for nearly two years.
Catch up quick: Mi Cariño is the latest project by B-Side Hospitality Group, the team behind Vinyl, one of Charlotte's most popular bars.
They acquired the lease in 2023 and have been considering options for the space since then — they aim to open something missing from that section of South End, which is mostly dominated by bars.
Mi Cariño will be a "chef-driven, gastro-cantina" with a "mezcaleria bar program," B-Side Group partner Ankoor Patel tells Axios.
Dig in: The menu is still being developed, but culinary director Vince Giancarlo says it'll be heavily inspired by authentic Mexican cuisine, with inspiration from West Coast flavors and dishes found in cities like Los Angeles.
"We're coining it 'left coast Latino,'" he says.
B-Side Group beverage director Henry Schmulling will create the cocktail menu, which will be heavily influenced by agave spirits like tequila, rare mezcals and lesser-known spirits like raicilla, sotol and bacanora.
The vibe: Depending on the time of your visit, your experience inside the intimate 2,350-square-foot space might differ. Its owners hope it'll transition seamlessly from a first-class restaurant during the day to a late-night upscale lounge.
"We hear a lot of complaints from people who can't find a place for a good nightcap," says B-Side Group partner Kamal Patel, adding he hopes Mi Cariño will be that place.
At a certain hour, the music will go up, the mezcal will continue to flow and the party will have already begun.
"Our goal is to create a space where the service is thoughtful, the food and drink are exceptional, and the atmosphere invites you to stay awhile," Kamal says.
Stop by: Mi Cariño will be at 1440 S Tryon St., on the same strip as Pie.Zaa, Vinyl and Wooden Robot.
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