People. Places. Things.

Taste of Europe

Savor the flavors of Italy, France and Spain at Bar Marcel, one of the newest additions to SouthPark’s dining scene. From the team behind midtown’s Vivace and StoneCrest’s Civetta Kitchen + Bar, Bar Marcel’s menu emphasizes small plates, seafood and pasta. Shareable items include charcuterie, flatbreads and salads; large plates range from pastas to glazed short ribs to a daily seafood selection. For a heartier appetite, the Valenciana paella (pictured) combines ham, chicken, mussels, clams, shrimp, peas, tomatoes and peppers in a saffron broth. Cozy up to the walnut and Italian marble bar for a craft cocktail, settle into one of the large leather booths or grab a table on the 40-seat patio. Tucked away in Morrison at SouthPark, Bar Marcel is open for lunch Monday-Friday and dinner Monday-Saturday.  barmarcelcharlotte.com

Pop Shop

Hot summer days call for cool treats. VeloPops, which opened its first retail shop in Matthews in April, serves up made-from-scratch popsicles in refreshing flavors such as watermelon basil, avocado lime and ginger green tea lemonade. For the less adventurous, there’s strawberry lemonade, orange vanilla, fudge and pineapple coconut — bestsellers also include cookies and cream and coffee caramel. There are mini versions for kids, and even VeloPups for your canine companions. VeloPops was the brainchild of four families with decades of restaurant-industry experience, including two from the Charlotte area. Pops are also sold at Nothing but Noodles and TRUE Crafted Pizza, plus look for their mobile carts at local festivals and events. velopops.com

Wine and Dine

Since 2008, The Queen’s Feast has provided diners with the opportunity to try some of the area’s top restaurants at wallet-friendly prices. Also known as Charlotte Restaurant Week, The Queen’s Feast returns July 19-28 and features more than 130 restaurants across nine counties in the Charlotte region. Three-course, prix fixe dinners are just $30 or $35 per person. For updates on participating restaurants, follow The Queen’s Feast on Instagram and Twitter: @QueensFeast.

Around Town

COMINGS …

Steak 48, an upscale steakhouse with locations in Chicago, Houston and Philadelphia, will open next year at the Apex SouthPark mixed-use development … Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will open its third Charlotte location at Park Road Shopping Center this summer … menswear brand UNTUCKit will open a store at SouthPark Mall this summer, as will trendy eyewear-maker Warby Parker, its second Charlotte location

GOINGS …

Pike’s Old-Fashioned Soda Shop closed after more than 20 years in South End; burger chain Shake Shack will open in its place … The Improper Pig is moving from Cotswold to Rea Farms … TacoMac closed its Piedmont Town Center location … Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream at ParkTowne Village closed

SEEN …

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West flew their private jet into Monroe Regional Airport and were spotted at the Shoppes at Ardrey Kell … rocker Bob Seger stayed at The Ivey’s Hotel … Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White, in town for an appearance at the Coca-Cola 600, was spotted at 5Church … James Kennedy of Vanderpump Rules also was spotted at 5Church. For more celebrity
sightings, visit Twitter.com/CelebsInCLT

To-Do List

July

this month’s five essential dates

7/3-4

There are myriad ways to celebrate the 4th in Charlotte — our top pick is the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s two-day Fourth of July Celebration. Festivities include yoga, a stand-up paddleboard “Battle Royale” competition, live music — performers include Rayland Baxter and North Mississippi Allstars — and, of course, fireworks both nights. usnwc.org

7/9-14

The national tour of the Tony award-winning Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly! stops in Charlotte, starring Broadway legend Betty Buckley. Tickets start at $25, Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. blumenthalarts.org

7/12

A new generation has discovered Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, thanks to the success of the award-winning musical Jersey Boys. The iconic group performs its greatest hits at Ovens Auditorium, with tickets start at $55. carolinatix.org

7/19-27

Central Piedmont Community College’s summer theatre series continues with A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, an Edwardian farce based on the 1949 British movie, Kind Hearts and Coronets. Tickets start at $10. Performances  are at Halton Theater at Central Piedmont’s downtown campus. tix.cpcc.edu

7/28

Nothing beats a Charlotte Knights game for a family-friendly night out. On designated Bark in the Ballpark evenings, Fido can tag along, too. Tickets start at $9, with free admission for your four-legged friends. milb.com/charlotte-knights