Last Friday was a busy one, as I prepared for a weekend of celebrating my birthday. Unlike the past few years of birthdays spent with as many friends as possible, this weekend was going to be different. My parents and two of my cousins were going to be visiting. And while part of me wanted to be selfish and revert to the usual, only-child “it’s all about me routine,” I decided to give the more “family-oriented” birthday a try. I crossed my fingers for a great weekend despite a rough start, and terrible weather.
I managed to get my work done early on Friday, so I headed to a hair appointment in NoDa. While there, one of my closest childhood friends called me and said she was going to meet me for dinner and a drink. Even though she lives in Charlotte, we don’t get to spend a lot of time together so I was ecstatic to share a drink with her — especially since it was her birthday weekend, too.
We met at Jack Beagles and snagged a seat at the bar on the back patio. Since it’s one of my favorite spots to eat in the area, I ordered a hotdog knowing it was a good idea to set a solid base for the night’s shenanigans. We reminisced about our childhood, laughed at the poor decisions we made and before you knew it my parents were getting into town.
I said goodbye to my bestie and headed home. Tired, and ready for bed, they decided to get some rest instead of turning up so I called my partner in crime and we headed to The Local on 5th. I was recently reminded of how much I loved the spot and thought it might make for a good pre-game spot. The past couple times I’ve visited the music selection and atmosphere have been a refreshing alternative to the sloppiness you’ll often find at Prohibition and Connolly’s late at night.
After heading to Slate Billiards for a couple more drinks and staying up late talking to friends until 3 a.m., I decided to grab an Uber and head home. The next morning the parental units were up early looking for breakfast, so I forced them to try my new favorite brunch spot Little Spoon Eatery. While they loved the atmosphere and Hip Hop playlist, they also loved the “basic” Southern breakfast, consisting of grits, eggs and bacon. Though if you’re familiar with the brunch spot or you’ve taken a gander at its menu, you’ll notice it’s anything but basic.
“What’s a coddled egg?” my parents asked. And when my mom found out a bowl of grits wasn’t a possibility, they were all but ready to head somewhere else. That is until Luke Kuechly walked in. Needless to say, my parents happily placed an order as we sat in awe of the Carolina Panthers’ linebacker. They reminisced about meeting him at a playoff game two years ago — they even had pictures with him on their phones. So, of course, we couldn’t leave without the parentals stopping to give him a good ol’ Southern, “Hey!” To which Luke responded with a genuine smile and handshakes. Not a bad start to a Saturday hangover!
After a cleaning session at the condo, my mom and I put on our Sunday best and hopped in an Uber headed to Bojangle’s Coliseum for Tyler Perry’s Madea on the Run. Our family has followed Perry since the beginning of his career and loves his his hilariously famous plays. For years, my mom has been talking about seeing one of his stage plays live and since she was going to be in the Charlotte, I couldn’t imagine a better time to go.
We ended up getting tickets late, which put us in the balcony, but finally seeing Tyler Perry play the witty, loud, not-your-average grandmother-figure Madea, was still the highlight of my weekend. Many years of rainy, family vacation days spent watching the characters sing, laugh and cry were finally brought to life in front of me. And the best part? Hearing my mom sing some of her favorite old-school ballads with the cast, including “Purple Rain,” as a tribute to Prince. And I’ll never forget her screaming, “I love you Tyler!” as the cast took their final bow before the curtains closed.
After the show, it was time to head over to Cajun Queen, where we had reservations. I was excited to try the chicken pasta at the New Orleans style restaurant. I’d only been to the quaint, historic house, nestled on 7th Street once before, and both times were great. If you’re looking for the perfect date spot, grab drinks at the bar upstairs or snag a patio table there.
After hookah at my favorite spot, Barreled at the Lift, and another brunch on Sunday, I ended the weekend on a high note. Not too shabby for an intimate weekend of celebrating my birthday with family in the Q.C., which I now call home.
