Eat My Charlotte
If I hear one more person mention the pumpkin spice latte as the ultimate fall "treat," I am going to freak out.
Let's open our minds for a second, people. Relinquish the corporate brainwashing of seasons and let's celebrate something a little more expansive. Instead of Pinterest-y pumpkin overload, get thee to St. Joseph's Vietnamese Catholic Church for the Mid-Autumn Festival, a three-day cultural celebration of the season beginning this Friday Sept. 20 through Sunday, Sept. 21.
The weekend-long festival is an open invitation to enjoy the fruits of Vietnamese culture, namely the beautiful food, of which there will be plenty. I first had a taste in February during the days leading up to the Tet Festival, commemorating the Vietnamese New Year. The community at St. Joseph's goes to great lengths to put on these events, recruiting the whole community to pitch in with food and festivities.
Here's what you can expect this weekend:
Friday, Sept. 20 (6 p.m.-12 a.m): Moon Festival with handmade lantern contest. There will be a Lion Dance, 50+ food items, games and music. Free admission.
Saturday, Sept. 21 (8 p.m.-1 a.m.): Live concert with performers from Paris by NIght and Asia Entertainment. Six-course from Happy Valley Restaurant. $60 per person, $90 VIP ticket
Sunday, Sept. 22 (9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.): Festival with 50+ food items, games and music. Free admission.
St Joseph's Vietnamese Catholic Church is located at 4929 Sandy Porter Road, Charlotte, 28273.
