Now open: Tapas-focused restaurant PARA

Why it matters: South End has a fast-growing food scene, but PARA aims to bring a one-of-a-kind restaurant and patio experience — one that’s found in places like Miami, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas and New York, right here to Charlotte.

• “PARA is short for ‘imparable’ which means unstoppable; PARA also means ‘for’, as in ‘for Charlotte,'” co-owner Chet Desai said in a statement.

What to expect: Great food, great cocktails, and good music. “We want it to be a destination, a place where people come to hang out, talk, drink, and have a good time,” Desai tells Axios.

Food: The menu consists of globally-influenced tapas leaning heavily on Asian cuisine. Executive Chef Alex Verica, who previously worked at The Stanley and Dot Dot Dot, tells Axios it’ll be a rotating, seasonal, menu that will change on a weekly basis, and sometimes on a daily basis.

• There will also be a secret menu, with bigger dishes like a two-pound tomahawk steak that arrives at your table on a sizzling skillet.
• The kitchen and bar are open late for a late-night bite or nightcap.

Drinks: Like their dishes, their cocktails will also be seasonal, crafted by head mixologist Yashira “Yoshi” Mejia.

• “Sustainability is important to us and the industry,” Mejia told Axios. “Any opportunity to cross ingredients, we do it.”
• There’s also a spirit-free section of their cocktail menu.

Details: PARA is located at 235 W. Tremont Ave. and is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5-11pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 2am.

• Starting Monday, March 7, the restaurant will be open from 5pm to 11 pm.