Source: NCDA&CS, 6/8/15

Six Charlotte area businesses are competing in the inaugural “Dig into Local” Best Menu NC contest sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The competition highlights restaurants and foodservice businesses that feature locally sourced ingredients on their menus.
Charlotte-based Bonterra Dining & Wine Room, Artisan Restaurant and Heirloom Restaurant are participating, as well as Waxhaw-based Heritage Food & Drink. Two meal delivery services, Zone 7 Foods and modPALEO, are also in the competition. Other participating restaurants within a short drive of Charlotte include Chestnut Grille in Blowing Rock, Harvest Moon Grille in Lincolnton and Over Yonder in Valle Crucis.

“We encourage consumers to visit these and other restaurants that source agricultural products grown, raised, caught or made in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “If restaurants don’t make it clear on their menus, consumers should ask. They may be pleasantly surprised to see where the food on their plate is coming from.”

Menus will be judged on several criteria, including: clearly identifying N.C. agricultural products, farms and manufacturers; highlighting seasonal produce; identifying items with unique regional connections; offering N.C. wine, beer and spirit selections on the menu; including multiple courses featuring N.C. ingredients; and offering a good balance of N.C. products across protein, grain and produce categories.

Judges will visit each location between June and September to evaluate menus. Online menus also will be reviewed during the process. The top 10 menus will be recognized in October, and cash prizes will be awarded to the top five restaurants.

The “Dig into Local” Best Menu NC contest is part of an expanding array of foodservice programs offered by the department through its Got to Be NC and Savor NC marketing programs. More information about the contest, including a complete list of participants, is available at www.gottobenc.com/DigIntoLocal.