Bonterra Dining and Wine Room, for the Romance of it all

VERY CULINARY
Bonterra Dining and Wine Room, for the Romance of it all
TEXT BY HEIDI BILLOTTO
1 | C H A R LOT TE L I V I N G
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GERIN CHOINIERE
ness known as the Red Sled. Duncan
for an after work pick me up or a late night dinner
bought the building in 1998 and
after a show.
began major renovations keeping the
If heartier fare is what you had in mind, enjoy the
integrity of the original historic struc-
freshest of seafood, pork, poultry and beef selections.
ture, and Bonterra opened its doors
Offerings and specials change seasonally, but there
in 1999.
are some staples on the menu. The lamb rack is a
Since then Bonterra has been a
personal favorite, but don’t miss the roasted organic
favorite in Charlotte’s culinary circles
chicken, melt-in-your-mouth pan roasted sea scal-
and for whatever reason, a place people
lops, or the filet of grouper or halibut served napped
turn to when romance is in the air.
with a delightful citrus basil sauce.
Several waiters on staff at Bonterra
Bonterra’s dining room with the original high
report having helped with their share
church ceilings, bar area, side patio and private balcony are all great dinner spots for your
own personal wine dinners and tastings, business dinners or a fun and
flavorful evening out with friends. The
In the 13 years since restaurateur John Duncan,
space and staff at Bonterra have always
known as JD, first renovated and opened the historic
many people celebrate the romance of
Dilworth church as Bonterra Dining and Wine Room,
the historic church building by booking
the place has garnered the reputation of being one of
the building for weddings and after
the city’s most romantic restaurants. Maybe it’s the
wedding celebrations. The space can
fact that the building is an historic church, but there
accommodate a variety of parties,
seems to be some sort of divine intervention going on.
weddings, and events for up to 175
been available for private events, and
guests.
Duncan recalls that over the years there have
been some 30-40 engagements and weddings at the
For more information on
Executive Chef Bill Schutz
the rooms and sample
restaurant with more that 400-500 couples coming
back each year for anniversary dinner dates.
menus visit the Bonterra
of engagement surprises.
On a personal note, my husband Tom and I met at
It’s not that you have
website. And be sure to uti-
a wedding reception which took place at Bonterra
to be in the mood for
lize the incomparable wine
and hosted an after wedding celebration there our-
romance to enjoy the fine
program
selves, so you can mark this food writer down as a
selection of some 200
experts to design a tasting
believer.
and
on-staff
wines by the glass and 300
to fit your party's needs. For
The story of the building that is now Bonterra is
wines from the cellar
any questions and to find
rich in history. In 1895, the Atherton Methodist
along with the seasonal
out more details, please call
Church was built on the site as the first permanent
menu now beautifully
Bonterra’s Special Event
church in the new suburb. The Reverend John
orchestrated by Executive
Coordinator at 704.333.9463
Butt, who operated a grocery store during the
Chef Bill Schutz; I’m just
week, was pastor.
saying, when the romantic
John Duncan
or email info@bonterradining.com.
In 1914, the members replaced the original
mood strikes, Bonterra more than sets the mood and
For reservations and more information call
wooden facility with a brick building, and the
is the place in which you will want to wine and dine.
704.333.WINE or book online via Open Table at
church was known as Dilworth Methodist Episcopal
On the menu – delights for every palate – from a
Church South. The church was later occupied by the
fine selection of regional, imported, domestic and
First Church of Nazareth (1926-1973) and the
artisan cheeses. With nearly 20 appetizers and small
Greater Providence Baptist Church (1973-1987).
plates on the menu, many come to enjoy Bonterra
The next ten years, the building was used as retail
simply sitting at the bar or on the patio, in season,
space and was home to a floral and Christmas busi-
beginning at 4:30 until midnight Monday-Saturday,
Bonterra’s website at BonterraDining.com. ✱
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