Next week a great one for foodies

That’s right, a new Earth Fare AND a new Trader Joe’s are opening in Charlotte. The Earth Fare organic grocery store opens August 15 at The Morrison, at Colony and Sharon roads near SouthPark mall. There’s a party the night before from 6-9 p.m. ($10, benefits Second Harvest). Check out the menu: petite crab cakes with roasted garlic aioli, North Carolina pulled-pork sandwiches, cocoa espresso tri-tip steak, local marinated heirloom tomato salad, brie layered with local chutney, and a variety of wine and beer.

Trader Joe’s opens August 17 in The Shops at Piper Glen, at 6418 Rea Road. There will be a lei cutting at 8:45 a.m., and the doors open at 9. Personally, I am excited about Trader Joe’s. I’ve been to one in Atlanta, and I had a blast wandering the aisles checking out the exotic goods. The two-buck Chuck wine gets a lot of hype (it’s actually not bad), but I also enjoyed the coffee selection and the spices and ice creams. Just a fun store to which I will make a semiregular trip. —R.T.