Harvest Moon Grille closing, new concept on way

Harvest Moon Grille's last day of operations will be New Year's Day, consultant Craig Spitzer confirmed today. Plans call for the Dunhill Hotel uptown, where the restaurant is housed, to open a new concept in the space Feb. 1, with chef Chris Coleman, recently hired as culinary director for the hotel, at the helm.

You can get a sneak peek at what sorts of dishes the new place might offer at the Dunhill's bar, which will stay open throughout, serving a limited food menu. Coleman, formerly with the McNinch House, has said he wants to bring a fine-dining edge to the local/regional products the Moon has specialized in since opening in 2010.

In-house guests will be served breakfast in the second-floor Asbury Room, and room service will continue to be offered while the restaurant is closed. The name of the new spot is still being discussed, and, said Spitzer, "Chef Coleman is working on his own vision for the space ... We absolutely will continue to support and work with the local/regional network of farmers."

Chef Cassie Parsons, who left Harvest Moon in August (she'd opened it after beginning with a food truck with that name), said her new venture, farmer*baker*sausagemaker in Lincolnton, should open in March.

The Dunhill: 237 N. Tryon St.; 704-332-4141.