The Charlotte Observer

New eatery brings Latin American flavors to East Charlotte

- BY HEIDI FINLEY hfinley@charlotteo­bserver.com Heidi Finley: @HWhiteFinl­ey

A wide variety of Latin cuisine will be on the menu when Savor Restaurant and Bar opens Saturday, May 11 in East Charlotte.

Co-owner Griselda Cruz told CharlotteF­ive that Savor will include Colombian, Honduran, Salvadoria­n, Mexican and Venezuelan foods, along with a few American favorites.

Many of the recipes are straight from Cruz’ kitchen.

“Basically whatever I learned, I learned from my friends. That’s how I create my recipes,” she said.

The 5,000-square-foot restaurant she co-owns with Chuda Dhimal is located a former Buffalo Wild Wings building on Sardis Road, near where it connects with Independen­ce Boulevard.

Cruz and Dhimal have history as a team, already working together as coowners on Kos Bar. Dhimal also co-owns Curry Gate, King of Spicy (changing soon to Curry Gate) and Curry Junction.

[WE’RE HUNGRY ALREADY: One of Charlotte’s favorite, fast-growing Indian restaurant­s is expanding to

Matthews.]

STEP INSIDE SAVOR

A Facebook post saying “Grand apertura muy pronto” (Grand opening very soon) showcases the decorated entryway at Savor, set up for snapping photos while you wait for a seat and a host station that greets you with “bienvenido­s” (welcome).

The space is dotted with floral accents and greenery, and a drapery of yellow, white and green hangs from the LED-lighted bar. Colorful pendants brighten the space filled with wooden chairs and booths.

Several TVs hang from the wall, so you’ve got a view from nearly every seat in the place.

SAVOR RESTAURANT’S MENU

You can expect a fairly large menu at Savor, which will offer Venezuelan burgers and Salvadoria­n pupusas stuffed with pork and cheese or beans and cheese.

Honduran and Venezuelan food will make an appearance, along with ceviche and other Mexican seafood dishes. Of course, you’ll find tacos, and a bit of fusion is popping in there, too, with the addition of birria pizza and pupusa pizza.

As for the American food selections, Savor will feature somewhere between 15-20 flavors of wings. You’ll be able to start out your meal with hot pineapple, honey chipotle, garlic Parmesan, Sriracha, mango habanero and other familiar wing sauces..

At the bar, you’ll find margaritas, palomas, pina coladas and other cocktails. Beer and wine will also be options.

SAVOR RESTAURANT AND BAR

Location: 2530 Sardis Rd N, Charlotte, NC 28227

Cuisine: Latin American, American, fusion

Instagram: @restaurant­andbar.savor

 ?? SAVOR RESTAURANT AND BAR ?? Savor Restaurant and Bar — opening Saturday, May 11 — mixes natural materials and bright colors throughout the space.
SAVOR RESTAURANT AND BAR Savor Restaurant and Bar — opening Saturday, May 11 — mixes natural materials and bright colors throughout the space.

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