While the streets of Charlotte often buzz with the energy of a classic fiesta, the discerning Vivant reader knows that Cinco de Mayo is about more than just a margarita—it’s an opportunity to celebrate the rich, complex heritage of Mexican craftsmanship, from artisanal mezcals to avant-garde culinary interpretations. This year, skip the plastic banners and find yourself at the intersection of luxury and tradition. Here are the most elevated destinations in Charlotte to toast

Photograph: Courtesy of W New York - Union Square The Union Square social scene is ascending to new heights—literally. As downtown Manhattan continues its evolution into a hub of refined leisure, the W New York – Union Square has unveiled its most ambitious transformation yet: the neighborhood’s first and only rooftop bar. Perched atop the landmark 1911 Beaux-Arts building, the space offers a sophisticated vantage point over the park’s iconic canopy, blending the hotel’s edgy

Images from V Modern Italian Charleston’s culinary landscape just gained a new heartbeat. Located at 465 Meeting Street, V Modern Italian has officially opened its doors, bringing a high-energy, sensory-driven dining concept to the Holy City. The name isn't just a letter; it represents the five senses. From the DJ-curated "Weekend Sounds" to the tactile richness of the layered interior design, V is designed to be felt as much as it is tasted. Michelin-Starred Pedigree meets L

Inside Artisan at Delamar Southport Some restaurants feel good while you’re there. Others stay with you long after you’ve left. Artisan belongs to the latter. Tucked inside Delamar Southport, Artisan has become the kind of place people quietly build into their routines—where locals return again and again, and hotel guests quickly realize there’s no reason to dine anywhere else that evening. The room draws you in immediately. As daylight softens, candlelight takes over, con

A Destination for New Yorkers & Beach Lovers Where Seaside Moments Meet Elevated Offerings Images courtesy of LDV Hospitality Barlume Beach arrives in Montauk this summer transforming the east end into a European escape brought to life by LDV Hospitality. A place where wellness, design, taste, connection and endless nights come together– Barlume Beach will be the Hamptons destination this summer. Barlume Beach is LDV Hospitality’s second act out east. Well-known already for

Images from Café Carmellini Forget the standard weekend ritual of soggy eggs and a lukewarm latte. There is a new way to do mornings in Manhattan, and it involves gilded trees, sapphire velvet, and enough bubbles to make a Gatsby party look like a quiet tea. Café Carmellini has officially launched its Champagne Brunch, and it is every bit as maximalist and magnificent as the room itself. Walking into the dining room feels less like entering a restaurant and more like stepping

Image Credit : Guard & Grace Forget the hushed, velvet-draped clichés of the traditional steakhouse; Charlotte’s skyline is about to get a shot of pure, high-octane adrenaline. When Guard and Grace makes its highly anticipated debut at 111 E. Carson Blvd in mid-2026, it won’t just be opening a dining room—it will be introducing a new era of “Power Dining 2.0.” Born in Denver under the visionary eye of Chef Troy Guard and his TAG Restaurant Group, this isn’t your grandfather’

Images from BRUTØ Denver In Denver’s Dairy Block, BRUTØ is redefining luxury through the lens of "Brutalist" simplicity. Centered around an 18-seat chef’s counter and a massive wood-fired hearth, this Michelin-starred destination strips away the pretense of fine dining to focus on the elemental power of fire and grain. WHITE ASPARAGUS ICE CREAM, SORREL, MØRINGA GANACHE, CRISPY RICE Under Chef Byron Gomez, the experience is an 11-course narrative that merges Colorado’s terroir

There’s a quiet anticipation in Charleston right now — the kind that only arrives when something truly extraordinary is about to begin. This fall, the legendary Charleston Place welcomes one of the world’s most celebrated culinary voices: Chef Daniel Humm, the visionary behind New York’s Eleven Madison Park. For the first time, Humm is bringing his artistry to the South in the form of a long-term residency at Charleston Place, where his team is creating an immersive dining ex