PRESS AND MEDIA
Drink Up
“Keep a sweeter, lighter cocktail and a warmer, dryer option. Stick with flavor profiles that match the season such as a warm spice old fashioned made with spiced simple syrup, dashes of orange bitters, rye whiskey and garnished with an orange peel and cinnamon stick.”
Charlotte Observer, Nov 2022
charlotte chefs break the mold
“From a young age, Craig Barbour knew he was either going to be a mechanical engineer or a chef. He grew up helping rebuild engines at the machine shop his dad owned, but he was also tasked with making dinner most nights.”
southpark magazine, october 2022
elevating the experience
“We strive to create a menu and experience that reflects the couple and their journey of love. It’s gratifying to see the joy that comes from that.”
southpark magazine, june 2022
party pleasing cocktails
“ROOTS Catering recently launched Bar ’54, a beverage service offering vintage vehicle rentals equipped with everything you need for hot and cold drinks on tap. Each truck brings a unique beverage experience that includes beer, bubbly, cocktails and more.”
southpark magazine, june 2022
charlotte spaces to host group dinners
“Roots Cafe is the perfect place to have an event for up to 25 people because they are catering experts AND there is no direct cost to book Roots Cafe as long as it’s not during reg open hours (closes at 3 pm). Just simply meet the required food and labor minimum and the place is yours. Roots has a full bar, beer and wine, full coffee and espresso services, and will customize your menu just the way you want it. Try an intimate sit down plated meal or a more casual cocktail style event.”
Scoop Charlotte, Mar 2022
spring festivals return in full force
“It’s clearly time to gather and celebrate spring, as there are so many festivals happening in the next few months that we can barely keep track.”
scoop charlotte, mar 2022
guide to breakfast in charlotte
“A South End favorite, ROOTS Cafe serves breakfast and brunch all day, every day. Delicious menu options include the Basic B (two over easy eggs, your choice of bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage, and Roots’ Hash or latke) and Croque Croissant (flaky croissant, shaved ham, parmesan, provolone, fried egg, spicy brown mustard and a touch of honey)”
scoop charlotte, feb 2022
Preorder Thanksgiving Meals
“Chef Craig Barbour and the Roots team work with clients to create custom cocktail-style parties with passed appetizers or cozy family gatherings. You can change up your classic meal for lamb lollipops, a charcuterie carving station or a raw bar. Prices vary depending on choices and number of people served”
Charlotte Five, Nov 2021
CLT’s Culinary AllStars
'“Since menu planning is such a big part of Thanksgiving, we asked local Charlotteans in the food and beverage industry about their traditions, recommendations and recipes for celebrating.”
CHarlotte five, Sept 2021
Where Are they now?
“What we’ve been doing for the last 10 years has actually been meaningful to people other than ourselves, which really was a nice silver lining.”
Charlotte Five, June 2021
crave clt is back
“Crave Charlotte is back — officially returning June 23-26. The multi-day culinary festival celebrates some of Charlotte’s best culinary professionals and mixologists, while highlighting the city’s fine dining scene.”
Charlotte five, may 2021
new business openings during covid
“Executive Chef Craig Barbour of Roots Cafe and Roots Catering has created this catering brand targeting small gatherings, with packages available for weekend-long grazing, multiple-course meals and interactive kits for putting together brunch or dinner, along with a la carte options.”
Charlotte Five, Dec 2020
Charlotte’s newest food & wine festival
“This is nothing like Charlotte has ever seen” - Jon Wilson of WCCB’s Wilson’s World
charlotte five, feb 2020
Cook like a charlotte chef for thanksgiving
“Crack the back of lemongrass to get the flavor out of it. It will start to leech a little bit of liquid. Then lay it on the pan and place the pork tenderloin on top. As soon as the pork tenderloin comes out of the oven, brush it with honey and the meat will continue to caramelize.”
CHarlotte five, Dec 2019
new traditions - thanksgiving
“When creating a menu for a large group of people, I always have two pieces of advice…The first one is to make sure you want to do it yourself,” he says. If you’re busy keeping up with everything in the kitchen, you could miss the most memorable parts of the party, such as playing games till midnight and catching up with friends and family.”
Southpark Magazine, Nov 2019
charlotte brunch & patios
“We brunch everyday! The coffee, the breakfast, and the ambiance set us apart.”
Charlotte Five, may 2019
ROOTS Cafe Soft Opening
“What we’re trying to do is create a place that people want to hang out in every single day. We created an atmosphere in there that’s really comfortable. Once you’re in there you kind of just want to sit down and stay a while.”
Charlotte Five, June 2017
roots and legion brewing team up
“It really stems from Phil and I’s philosophies being parallel — making the best product using local ingredients and seasonal ingredients and staying as true to that as possible”