Asian comfort food restaurant to open in Plaza Midwood’s former Pint Central spot
It’s safe to say that we all deserve a healthy dose of comfort right now. While some of us may find comfort in spending time with loved ones or spending a night in watching a full season of our favorite show in one sitting, the rest of us find the comfort we need in food. Plaza-Midwood is about to get a little more comforting with its latest addition — Warmack — serving up Asian comfort food in the former Pint Central location.
The partners and co-owners say they are thrilled about the new restaurant — which opens later this week — and being able to bring dishes that are inspired by their childhoods.
“We’re excited to be part of one of Charlotte’s most vibrant neighborhoods,” co-owner James Nguyen said in a statement. “We love the energy and walkability of Plaza-Midwood and are thrilled to be part of that mix. We’re offering something special and unique and can’t wait to introduce diners to the flavors of our childhood.”
The original concept was centered around being Plaza Midwood’s late-night Vietnamese food spot, featuring banh mi sandwiches. With Wednesday’s update on COVID-19 restrictions from Gov. Roy Cooper which allows bars and restaurants to remain open until 11 p.m., it looks like the restaurant can somewhat stick to its plan.
The current menu is guaranteed to bring you comfort. The inspiration: food from Nguyen and Executive Chef Nobuaki Ishikawa’s childhoods, Nguyen said. Perfecting a simple menu and having the ability to be creative is important.
“We just said let’s do an Asain comfort food menu,” he told CharlotteFive. “It’s a small menu. We’ll have a rotating chef tasting menu of daily and weekly specials.”
What’s on the menu?
Menu items include:
Shrimp Crisps & Vietnamese Slaw - $6
(add chicken for an extra $6, shrimp for $8 or tofu for $4)
Bahn Mi - pork or tofu $11
Vietnamese-style grilled pork served in a French Baguette with a garlic aioli, cilantro, jalapeno, cucumber with pickled daikon and carrots and a side of ‘Mack Fries
Fuzzy’s Braised Pork Bowl - $18
Slow-braised pork belly, Vietnamese slaw, pickled watermelon over sushi rice in a bowl.
Cocktails, wine and beer
Ben Clousher will serve as head mixologist for the bar program that will feature spirits, wine, beer and original craft cocktails. The bar will also feature specialty drinks on a seasonal rotation.
Cocktail menu items include:
Battle Cry
Cardinal Barrel Rested Gin, Domaine de Canton, yellow Chartreuse and lemon juiceFrench 704
704 Gin, St. Germaine, Sauvignon Blanc and grapefruit sodaKnuckle Duster
Templeton 6-year aged rye whiskey, Dom Benedictine Franciscan liqueur, Luxardo cherry liqueur, Cynar Italian Amaro, Pimms #1.
The owners have COVID-19 protocols as a top priority. If you prefer a to-go order, online ordering and curbside pickup will be available during COVID-19. The restaurant will always offer contactless ordering and payment. If you want to dine in, tables are socially distanced and disinfected between guests. Reservations and call-ahead seating are available.
Online ordering and curbside pickup will be available during COVID-19.
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Warmack
1226 Central Avenue
Instagram: @thewarmack
Hours: Open every day 5-11 p.m. during COVID-19.
