News Summary
Charlotte food enthusiasts can vote for their favorite local bakery, restaurant, or coffee shop in the Readers’ Choice cookie contest. Thirty establishments are nominated for their cookie creations, including La Bonbonniere Bakery and Sweet Spot Studio. This contest encourages community participation while highlighting Charlotte’s diverse culinary scene and the growing recognition of cookies in North Carolina.
Charlotte food enthusiasts are encouraged to cast their votes for the best local bakery, restaurant, cafe, or coffee shop in the city as part of the ongoing Readers’ Choice cookie contest. Thirty local establishments have been nominated for their cookie creations, making this a sweet competition for cookie lovers across the area.
The contest operates as a fun, non-scientific poll where participants are allowed to vote multiple times for their preferred cookie providers. In addition to the cookie category, other popular categories include Best Coffee Shop, Chicken Wings, Doughnuts, Burgers, Ice Cream, Brewery, Pizza, Sushi, Tacos, Food Trucks, Bars, Ramen, Brunch, Patio, Barbecue, Pie, Fried Chicken, and Fries, creating a broad landscape for culinary voting.
One standout among the nominees is La Bonbonniere Bakery, which has recently opened a permanent location at 329 S Tryon St. in Charlotte. Founded by Venezuelan pastry chef Valentina Lopez in 2016, the bakery is known for offering over 30 varieties of cookies, with distinct flavors such as “Royal Dubai.” Customers can also enjoy coffee crafted from Cuban coffee beans, adding to the bakery’s unique offerings.
La Bonbonniere gained a loyal following through local farmers’ markets before transitioning into a brick-and-mortar shop. Its popularity is evident, as the store frequently sells out of its delectable items, underscoring the high demand for its products in the community.
Another notable participant in the area’s baking scene is Jossie Lukacik from Sweet Spot Studio, who made headlines for competing in the Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge. After being spotted by a casting agent on Instagram, she applied multiple times before succeeding in gaining a spot on the show. Having filmed the competition in California, Lukacik impressed judges with her gingerbread train display, ultimately winning her episode.
The cookie contest comes at a time when cookies are gaining additional recognition in North Carolina, as state legislators are considering officially designating the Moravian cookie as the state cookie. Moravian cookies, known for their thin and crispy texture, have historical roots tied to the German-speaking settlers who first inhabited the state. The proposed bill aiming to establish the cookie as an official state symbol is characterized as a light-hearted initiative, further enriching the state’s culinary identity.
Overall, the Readers’ Choice cookie contest not only celebrates Charlotte’s local culinary talent but also highlights the rich baking traditions present in the region. With numerous categories to vote in, the contest is not just limited to cookies; it encourages community members to appreciate the diverse food scene available in Charlotte.
As food enthusiasts continue to support their favorite local bakers, Charlotte’s cookie contest stands as a testament to the community’s love for sweets and the variety of delicious options available within their city. Whether nostalgic for family recipes or eager to try innovative flavors, locals are sure to find a cookie that captures their heart and palate.
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HERE Resources
Thrilling Weekend Events in Charlotte
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Readers’ Choice Cookie Contest
- Axios: La Bonbonniere Bakery
- Charlotte Magazine: Local Pastry Chef on Food Network
- Charlotte Ledger: NC Moravian Cookie Bill
- Power 98 FM: North Carolina Christmas Cookies
