Hidden Gems of CLT: The Artisan’s Palate

CHARLOTTE, NC — What are you missing in your favorite neighborhood? WCCB Charlotte’s Alexandra Elich explores tucked away spots, historic businesses, and secret gardens in the middle of our bustling city.

On this week’s Hidden Gems of Charlotte, Alex visits The Artisan’s Palate.

It’s been in the making for 30 years. Christa Csoka’s dream Of being a restaurant owner. Csoka is a self proclaimed military brat , growing up at west point where he father was a professor.

“We basically entertained every weekend and my mother was an amazing cook and we were cooking for cadets and sometimes generals and senators you name it. We were doing that all the time. And that’s where my love started,” says Csoka.

She and her sister worked at the WestPoint craft shop. She put the idea to the side working in HR and management in New York, but the itch to get into the restaurant industry never left. Csoka enrolled in the French culinary institute in New York working full time during the day and going to school at night.  She then moved to Charlotte in the early 2000’s because her parents retired here working as a chief operations officer for her father’s company.

“He told me that I could run my own business, because before that I was thought well I can cook, but can I do the rest of it,” says Csoka.

She took a leap of faith and The Artisan’s Palate on East 36th street in NoDa was born. Csoka’s passion is palpable.

“Opening up this place, I put my heart, my soul all my money into this place and we opened in July 2019,” says Csoka.

The vibe: industrial, rustic, funky and artistic.

“Supporting women is important to me because I come from the very beginning of my career where, I know this is going to sound crazy but women were sort of competing against each other as opposed to supporting each other. And what I love about this new generation did you see a lot more support,” says Csoka.

On the menu… sharable plates…  something for everyone.

“Mostly I want it to be a space where people can come together, feel that, eat good food, drink great cocktails and wine and beer, coffee. I want people to come here having felt the experience something not just, I just had a sandwich or whatever it is,” says Csoka.

There’s no doubt everything about The Artisan’s Palate is unique.

For more information about The Artisan’s Palate click HERE.