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Tag: Spanish small plates

  • A Michelin-recommended chef’s Charlotte tapas spot is set to close this weekend

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    A well-known spot for pan con tomate, croquetas and patatas bravas in Charlotte is closing up shop this weekend.

    Marina’s Tapas, inspired by the Spanish great-grandmother of Michelin-recommended Customshop’s chef and co-owner Andres Kaifer, will be closing at Optimist Hall on Saturday, Nov. 15.

    “Our time at Optimist Hall has been nothing but fun, flavorful and full of energy. We’ve loved sharing our Spanish heritage with you and it’s been a pleasure to feed you!,” Kaifer wrote on the restaurant’s Instagram.

    A vintage, sepia-toned studio portrait featuring a grandmother, a toddler, and a young child. The elder, on the left, has dark hair pulled back and is looking lovingly at the toddler. The curly-haired toddler holds a stuffed animal, while the young child on the right looks at the camera.
    Chef Andres Kaifer’s great-grandmother Marina ran the kitchen at an almost 100-year-old tapería in Asturias, Spain. The tapas stall at Optimist Hall was an ode to her. Courtesy of Andres Kaifer

    “While it’s been a pleasure, we’re moving on from hall and our last day of service will be Saturday, November 15th. We invite you to stop by, say hi, and share a few tapas over the next few days!,” he continued.

    The post brought an outpouring from customers, including a few chefs and well-known foodies.

    “Now where am I gonna go get my midweek bocadillo, calamari and sangria fix?,” wrote chef Mark Jacksina of Michelin-recommended Italian restaurant Little Mamas. “Thanks for tapas, and can’t wait to see what’s next!”

    An eye-level, close-up shot of three uniform, square pieces of tortilla española lined up in a row on a wooden surface. Each piece shows the yellow egg and layered potato interior and is topped with a dollop of bright orange-red sauce.
    The tortilla Española at Marina’s Tapas. Ryan Allen

    Food influencer Asha Ellison wrote, “One last order of gambas for the road.”

    “Onwards and upwards! Can’t wait to see the future for ya’ll!,” Evan Diamond of CLT Foodies wrote.

    Indeed, fans of the team behind Customshop have some things to look forward to. The Instagram post hints at something new taking the place of Marina’s Tapas that the team will have a hand in.

    An eye-level, medium shot of two restaurateurs smiling for the camera on a sunny, brick patio. The one on the left, wearing a navy sweater, stands with an arm around the one on the right, who is sitting on a low brick wall wearing a black t-shirt with crossed arms. A wooden pergola, bushes, and a brick building are in the background.
    Andres Kaifer and Alex Bridges have been working in the restaurant industry together since 2019. Courtesy of Customshop

    “I’ve enjoyed cooking some of my favorite recipes at this stall and while Marina’s is going away, there’s something hot and tasty coming in our place that our team will still be involved with. We’re excited to share more on that soon,” the message said.

    Kaifer and co-owner Alex Bridges are also working on opening Emmy Lou’s, a Dilworth wine bar named for Bridges’ wife that will serve shareable small plates.

    A close-up, angled shot of a serrano ham and cheese sandwich on a rustic wooden cutting board. The sandwich is made with a crusty baguette, generously filled with thinly sliced, draped serrano ham and slices of white cheese, with some ham hanging over the edge.
    Bocadillos are traditional Spanish baguette sandwiches with meat and cheese. Marina’s Tapas, which is closing this weekend, offers three versions. Ryan Allen

    Location: Optimist Hall, 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206

    Menu

    Cuisine: Spanish

    Instagram: @marinastapas

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    Heidi Finley

    The Charlotte Observer

    Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits.

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    Heidi Finley

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