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| - As someone who works Uptown, I have attended Taste of Charlotte for years, but over time I began to avoid it due to the fact it became so focused on someone trying to sell me something, carpet cleaner, rather than letting me enjoy some good food and drinks on my lunch break or after work.
Luckily for me, I was selected to judge this year's event and got back on the street to check out if it was the same, or if things changed. And, in my mind, they have.
I arrived at 12:00 on Friday, right after opening at 11:00, and the streets were already packed, vendors were ready to go, and I was ready to eat.
The streets are blocked off with vendor booths, kids activities, demonstrations, wine tastings and so much more.
There were over 20 restaurant booths from yes, the chains, like McCormick & Schmick's, to the locals, like CC's Pies. There was a good variety of tastings, some of my favorites included the Shrimp Kisses from McCormick & Schmick's, the Ginger Chicken Strips from Mai Tai in Concord.
Overall I was happy with what I saw, yes there are still vendors trying to sell me carpet cleaning, but the food and drink options have improved, including more local options, and the amount of food you get is well worth checking it out.
Oh, note: There is a stage in the center of the entire event, at Trade and Tryon, with different musical performances throughout the weekend that I forgot to mention.
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