Charlotte place makes Esquire top 8

The legend continues: Charlotte's Price's Chicken Coop made the final eight places in an Esquire survey, and now you can vote to keep the publicity rolling. "What's the most life-changing fried-chicken joint in America?" the national magazine asks. You know the answer, and it had better not be Bubba's in Dallas ... (Photo from Gourmet.)

Dine out for kids: June 19

Don't forget: When you go to a restaurant participating in Dine Out For Kids June 19, a percentage of what you pay goes to Communities In Schools (CIS), a nonprofit that helps at-risk students stay in school, graduate and achieve. The restaurant list includes
Alexander Michael’s, Applebee's, Aria, Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Bytes Cafe, BRAVO!, Brio, Brixx, City Smoke,
Crêpe Cellar, Don Pedro on South Tryon, Dressler's at Metropolitan, Eddie’s Place, Harper’s at Carolina Place, Johnny Burrito, The King's Kitchen, Mama Ricotta’s, McAlister’s Deli, The Melting Pot, Mert's Heart & Soul, Midwood Smokehouse, Mimosa Grill, Mortimer's, Nothing but Noodles at Midtown/Elizabeth Ave. and Stonecrest/Rea Road, Paco's Tacos & Tequila, Pewter Rose Bistro, Showmars on East Boulevard, Sonny’s at the Arboretum and Tyvola Road, Taste Cafe, Terrace Café at SouthPark, Upstream, Village Tavern and Zink. Details: www.cischarlotte.org.

Beer at Rooster's, wine at Bistro

Rooster's uptown hosts a Mother Earth beer dinner June 25. On the menu ($55): house-cured salumi and cheese with Sisters of the Moon IPA; bigoli al torchio (a kind of big, rough-textured spaghetti) with shellfish brodetto and Pale Ale; pan-seared duck confit with summer bean cassoulet and Trippel (Belgian-style ale); and more. 150 N. College St.; 704-370-7667.

Bistro La Bon hosts an Austrian wine "and slightly Austrian influenced" dinner June 26, according to organizer The Wine Vault. Among the courses are scallops with white pepper and peppery greens with 2011 Bauer Gruner Veltliner Gmork; honey-ginger-glazed salmon with 2011 Netzl Chardonnay; boneless pork spare rib with 2009 Hillinger Hillside Syrah; and more. $75; reservations: 704-548-9463; restaurant is at 1322 Central Ave. 

Bits and crumbs

Which Wich, a national sandwich chain, opens June 17 in the Metropolitan, 1055 Metropolitan Ave., and will be open daily with more than 50 customizable, toasted "wiches." Also offered: milkshakes, house chips, cookies and more. www.whichwich.com.

Zebra's got its first golden chanterelles in this season, and chef Jim Alexander plans to sauté them in butter with shallots, deglaze in white wine and finish with a touch more whole butter, over a simple risotto "with hmm ... maybe some butter (or reggiano parm!) And let's serve with a glass of ’09 Rex Hill Pinot Noir!" 4521 Sharon Road; 704-442-9525.

Bonaparte at Passion8

Chef Joe Bonaparte will do a spread of local foods with an Italian theme as guest chef at Passion8 on June 20. Bonaparte, for the few Charlotte diners who don't recognize his name (he's been on the scene for years), is director of curriculum at the International Culinary Schools at the Art Institutes. Six courses for $68; 803-802-7455; 3415 Highway 51 N, Fort Mill.

Reader input sought: Choice cocktails, small-batch bourbon or ... ?

The best cocktail I've had lately: The Negroni at Wolfgang Puck Pizza | Bar. This classic, made with gin and Campari, with orange garnish, was turned out exceptionally smoothly.

Now it's your turn -- but with a twist. (Ha. See what I did there?) I seek uptown spots (as defined by the squarish area bordered by I-277) serving what you think is best in the following categories:

* Creative cocktails
* Classic cocktails
* Craft beer selection
* Wines by the glass
* Wines by the bottle (as in best wine cellar)
* Small-batch bourbons
* Cheeeeeeap!
* And the category-of-your-choice -- be it best-poured-Irish-beer or strangest martinis or frozen margaritas or whatever.

UPTOWN, remember: Not elsewhere. (We'll get to that later.)
You can email me if you prefer, at hschwab@charlotteobserver.com.

$1 lobster sliders June 15

The Palm celebrates National Lobster Day June 15 with $1 lobster sliders in the bar area: The sliders (lobster salad with bacon, oven-dried tomatoes, avocado and micro greens) are $1 each with purchase of a beverage.

Also offered on the Day: $45 3-pound Nova Scotia lobsters, served with melted butter and lemon, all day while supplies last (the price does not include drink, side, tax or tip). 6705-B Phillips Place Court; 704-552-7256.