Counter- Gets North Carolina's First Star
Counter- in Charlotte, NC, became the state's first Michelin-starred restaurant with immersive themed tasting menus by Chef Sam Hart. Meanwhile, Yorkshire's Forge at Middleton Lodge earned a new star, overwhelming diners with its elevated approach.
Counter- is not just a restaurant but a "full-sensory, story-driven, musically-paired, tasting menu" experience, according to Chef Sam Hart. The 10- to 14-course menus rotate quarterly and are based on eclectic themes like a John Williams score, Pink Floyd's "The Wall," or mental health, with no dish ever repeated. The intimate setting features a 16-seat U-shaped counter facing an open kitchen. Chef Sam Hart, a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef in the Southeast, started Counter- as an in-home dinner series before opening the physical location in 2020. Hart's vision for the restaurant extends beyond the plate; it operates under a shared-ownership model and is intended to be an incubator for rising chefs. The restaurant has a planned 12-year lifespan with a set closing date of September 9, 2032. In addition to its first star, Counter- also received a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability. The restaurant celebrates local products, sourcing herbs and vegetables from nearby urban farms and working with over 20 local farms. This recognition was part of the Michelin Guide's first-ever evaluation of restaurants in the Carolinas. Meanwhile, The Forge at Middleton Lodge, located on a 200-acre estate in Yorkshire, operates on an "estate-to-plate" philosophy. Head Chef Jake Jones, who was named Michelin Young Chef of the Year in 2024, works closely with the estate's gardeners to create tasting menus inspired by the landscape and seasons. The restaurant also holds a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable practices.
