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Mari Pressley

Mari Pressley is a Marketing Associate and Freelance Writer with a background in journalism, content creation, and SEO. She’s worked with The Charlotte Observer's CharlotteFive and Credit Karma, and her writing has appeared in MSN (US), Yahoo Canada, Yahoo News, Aol, Yahoo Sports Canada, Yahoo Style Canada, The News & Observer, Yahoo Movies Canada, The State, The Herald-Sun (Durham, NC), The Herald, FireRescue1, QnotesCarolinas and Fire Chief. A Winthrop University grad, she has previously served in multiple leadership positions, including Managing Editor at Winthrop University's award-winning student newspaper, The Johnsonian. You can reach her at pressleymari@gmail.com.

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Charlotte Observer •

At Kounter, restaurant operations have come to a halt. Now, it’s feeding NC storm workers.

A Rock Hill restaurant steps up to support linemen, providing thousands of meals to those restoring power in NC.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation across the Southeast, outages have left more than a million in the Carolinas without power. Amidst the chaos, a Rock Hill restaurant known for its significant site in civil rights history has become an advocate. Kounter has temporarily closed its doors to regular customers – to support lineman at Duke Energy as they tend to relief efforts...
Charlotte Observer •

Where to find Charlotte’s best bites, according to food bloggers and influencers

Often, it seems like the most stressful few minutes of preparing for a night out with the family or an outing with friends starts with: “Hey Siri! Find restaurants near me.” And while a quick search can offer a plethora of options, sometimes it’s just better to have a recommendation from a real person.

So, what restaurants should you add to your dinner plans in Charlotte? That answer will, of course, depend on who you ask.

We turned to 14 Charlotte creators and food bloggers who are passionate...
Charlotte Observer •

The secret ingredient to Bliss & Blends’ energetic wine tasting events in Charlotte: Music

Bliss & Blends, known in Charlotte for its coveted wine bingo pop ups, will expand to its first brick-and-mortar location next month.

Founded by Selena Galloway, Bliss & Blends combines an informational wine tasting session with a fun night of bingo, music and charcuterie. At its new location on Sardis Road, opening Sept. 13, it will expand its event offerings to include yoga and mimosas and a crafts and champagne class, as well as more personalized private events and live music from violinists...
Charlotte Observer •

Need to make friends in the Queen City? Here’s your guide to Charlotte’s social clubs.

Those days when we made friends on the playground or greeted new neighbors with housewarming gifts — they seem so far away.

Let’s be so for real, making new friends in one of the country’s fastest-growing cities can be overwhelming, and after the start of COVID, it sometimes feels a bit awkward. And, things just aren’t the same these days, especially when everyone seems glued to their phones or wrapped up in online interactions and perceptions.

But no need to worry, Charlotte is a city with to...
Charlotte Observer •

Hero of the holiday potluck: Unforgettable signature recipes from Charlotte chefs

“It’s tiiiiimee!” (sang in your best Mariah Carey voice) to start planning those holiday meals.

Whether you’re hosting a Friendsgiving or a traditional family feast, Charlotte’s top chefs are bringing their go-to holiday recipes straight to your table this season. With a pappardelle with lamb ragu, a traditional Indian dessert and even a special cornbread created from a blend of two Thanksgiving staples, these recipes might just make your table the one everyone’s talking about for years to come...
Charlotte Observer •

Say Hello, Kitty! A guide to cat cafes around the Charlotte area to sip, relax and adopt

Craving a warm and fuzzy experience? Charlotte’s cat cafes might just be the perfect — or purrfect, if you will — place to sip on your favorite coffee or cider while cuddling with adorable, adoptable kittens.

In places like NoDa, Monroe and Rock Hill, cat cafes offer a relaxing way to enjoy a coffee or snack while meeting cats and kittens that need a home. These laid-back spots provide a chance to unwind with furry friends, whether you’re considering adoption or just looking for some company....
Charlotte Observer •

Get an inside look at the Charlotte area’s newest rum distillery by the water

Muddy River Distillery, a go-to spot for Carolina rum and versatile flavors, will open in the historic Mount Holly Cotton Mill on Saturday, June 22, after two years of refurbishing the late 19th century building.

Muddy River Distillery will operate out of the oldest mill still standing in Gaston County, which remained in use “in one form or another” up until its sale to owners Caroline and Robbie Delaney.

“Being able to bring Carolina’s oldest rum into the oldest mill in the area feels a bit l...
Charlotte Observer •

Charlotte’s Black-owned restaurants offer seafood, soul food, sweet treats and more

When it comes to Black-owned restaurants, Charlotte has options for nearly every food craving you can imagine — including African, barbecue, Caribbean, soul food, seafood, modern upscale cuisine and more.

We’ve previously compiled a larger list of Black-owned businesses in Charlotte, but here you’ll find an update with more details about the city’s Black-owned restaurants, the cuisine they have to offer and menus so you can browse. Some food trucks, catering services and other food-related smal
Charlotte Observer •

Explore an authentic Dominican experience at República Restaurant & Lounge in Matthews

Republica Restaurant & Lounge in Matthews promises authentic Dominican food with a “little bit of gourmet.”

The restaurant, which was once an idea shared among owner Madeline Perez and two friends, started with the sentiment, “We wish there was a good Dominican restaurant.”

“There’s very few Dominican restaurants here in North Carolina, and we wanted to get that authentic taste that we missed from our island,” Perez said.

The Republica dining experience is a cultural celebration, as it hosts
Charlotte Observer •

‘Buy-sell-trade party’: ThriftCon is coming to Charlotte to share sustainable fashion

Longing for a nostalgic trip to the flea market and more sustainable clothing options? You’re in luck because ThriftCon, a market with over 150 vintage clothing and collectible vendors, will make its way to Charlotte for the first time ever on Dec. 3.

Whether you’re in a ‘70s groove or a Y2K mood, at this “buy-sell-trade party,” you’ll have the option of buying secondhand and vintage clothing with some pieces starting at just $1 and typically ranging from $10 to $50.

ThriftCon, which was found
Charlotte Observer •

Tea time and wellness: Inside the herbal experience at Charlotte’s Five Goddess Farm

Nestled on a cozy corner in Elizabeth, Five Goddess Farm’s Apothecary + Tea Room is a sanctuary curated by owner Ashley Masters. Five Goddess Farm, which takes its name from Masters’ four daughters and herself, also offers services such as massages, reiki, intuitive readings and yoga sessions.

While Five Goddess Farm has been around for over a decade, the tea room — which first opened in June 2022 — is the manifestation of Masters’ idea to offer an escape for Charlotteans outside of the all-too
Charlotte Observer •

Kristophers Sports Bar: The heart of Matthews turns into a ‘madhouse’ on game days

As waves of excitement echo off its walls, clamors of shouts and cheers can only mean one thing at Kristophers Sports Bar: it’s a Sunday night, and the game is on.

Kristophers, which is typically relaxed and dimly lit, comes to life with 52 TV screens, all guaranteed to be tuned in on game day.

“It’s not a wild party type of place. But when we crank up for a sporting event or for NFL football on Sundays, it’s a madhouse,” owner Robby Stringer said.

Built by Orie Johnson in 1989, when Matthews
Charlotte Observer •

A fan favorite food truck will close, and a new Rock Hill restaurant will take its place

The team behind Rock Hill-based food truck Cibi! Cibi! will launch its first brick-and-mortar location, Elk Ave Tavern, in early 2024.

The Cibi! Cibi! food truck, run by owners Anthony Legatie and Hunter Newton, is well known for its variety of street foods including smash burgers, cheesesteaks and fried chicken.

But when doors open at Elk Ave Tavern, you can expect the atmosphere to be somewhat of a “casual neighborhood spot for locals.” Look for a menu consisting of modern comfort foods, wit
Charlotte Observer •

Eat birria pizza and sip on $10 margarita flights at this Mexican restaurant in Concord

Inside its bright pink walls, a family-run restaurant in Concord serves traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, accompanied by margaritas galore.

Birritaco offers a wide range of birria-inspired entrees and vegan and vegetarian options, along with an open kitchen, inviting you in.

Among the building’s other design features are its paintings, inspired by La Catrina’s Day of the Dead, and its walls displaying drawings and signatures from previous customers.

Marco Ruiz co-owns Birritaco