A New Chapter Begins in the Kitchen
Life has a way of surprising you: after nearly two decades in finance, Alicia Charolle found herself in a culinary school classroom, wondering what came next. The answer revealed itself during a seminar on the personal-chef industry—cooking for people in their homes, crafting intimate experiences without the heat of a restaurant line. Today, South Charlotte families savor that revelation with every meal from Copper & Thyme.
From Financial Services to Five-Star Feasts
Raised in Michigan and seasoned by childhood years in China, Alabama and Illinois, Alicia spent 18 years navigating markets and mortgages. Yet something was missing. “I craved creativity and connection,” she says. After culinary school in Boston, she launched Copper & Thyme there—perfecting her craft one dinner party at a time—before trading the Charles River for the Carolinas in early 2023.
The Copper & Thyme Philosophy
Alicia’s cooking is inspired by:
- Global Flavors: From Sicilian caponata to Sichuan peppercorn-crusted tuna.
- Seasonal, Local Ingredients: Partnering with Ballantyne farmers’ markets to keep menus fresh.
- Thoughtful Customization: Dietary needs and taste preferences drive every dish.
“Cooking isn’t just chemistry—it’s storytelling. Each meal should narrate a person’s palate, their memories, their joy around the table.”
Tailored In-Home Services
Whether it’s a weekly meal-prep regimen, a celebratory brunch for eight or a hands-on cooking class, Copper & Thyme makes your kitchen the stage. Services include:
- Meal Prep & Delivery (weekly or monthly)
- Private Dinner Parties (from intimate date nights to family reunions)
- Interactive Cooking Classes (learn to wield a chef’s knife like a pro)
- Farmers’ Market Tours (handpick the season’s best produce alongside Alicia)
Reserve Your Seat at the Table
To book services or join a market tour, visit Copper & Thyme or follow us on Instagram at @copper_and_thyme.
Partner Spotlight: Keeping You Cool While You Cook
A huge thank-you to our Ballantyne sponsor Hubbard Heating and Cooling, LLC, the family-owned HVAC experts making sure your A/C holds steady from prep to plating. Read their story here: HVAC Experts | Hubbard Heating & Cooling – Charlotte Metro (Strolling Ballantyne).
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The Last Bite with Nell
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This article, “How Alicia Charolle’s Copper & Thyme Brings Global Flavors Home in South Charlotte,” by Nell Thomas is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.
“How Alicia Charolle’s Copper & Thyme Brings Global Flavors Home in South Charlotte”
by Nell Thomas, Strolling Ballantyne (CC BY-ND 4.0)
