Dilworth Tasting Room Expands
Charlotte's Dilworth Tasting Room has launched a new menu and is now offering weekend brunch at both its SouthPark and Plaza Midwood locations. The restaurant continues attracting attention with fresh plates, bold flavors, and special events like Blind Tasting Tuesdays and Uncorked Thursdays with half-off select wine bottles. Disney World is also preparing to open Shiki-Sai, a new sushi izakaya at EPCOT.
The original Dilworth Tasting Room, which opened in January 2017, transformed a 1947 building that was home to the legendary Dilworth Billiards for 35 years. Owners Jaffer and Zorana Kovic have since expanded, with each location designed to reflect the character of its specific Charlotte neighborhood. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is curated by Jaffer, a sommelier, and is complemented by a cocktail program from Bar Director Alejandro Ibanez. The new weekend brunch is now available at both the SouthPark and Plaza Midwood locations. At SouthPark, brunch runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, while the Plaza Midwood location serves brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu features a mix of sweet and savory items, including Banana Bread Pancakes and a Brunch Burger. Blind Tasting Tuesdays offer a challenge for both wine and whiskey enthusiasts, with flights of three mystery pours. For $25, guests can try three 2-ounce wine pours with a small charcuterie, and a correct guess of all three wins a $25 gift card. A whiskey flight option is also available for $30. The introduction of Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya at EPCOT's Japan pavilion brings a more casual, pub-style dining experience to the park. An izakaya traditionally emphasizes a social atmosphere with shareable small plates and drinks. The restaurant is located on the second floor of the Mitsukoshi Department Store, offering views of the World Showcase Lagoon and fireworks. Shiki-Sai, which replaced the former Tokyo Dining restaurant, features a menu that revolves around the seasons and Japanese festivals. A cultural representative guides guests through the experience, explaining the significance of the seasonal dishes. Signature menu items include Kobore Sushi ("overflowing sushi"), the Tokyo Negi Roll, and Funamori, a boat presentation of sashimi and sushi. The opening of Shiki-Sai is part of a broader evolution of dining options within the Japan pavilion. Recently, the quick-service Katsura Grill removed sushi from its menu, making the nearby Kabuki Cafe the primary spot for grab-and-go sushi, albeit at a higher price point. This shift positions Shiki-Sai as the pavilion's dedicated table-service destination for a comprehensive sushi and izakaya experience.
