For those who remember the Culinary Arts Experience at Charlotte Shout held near Johnson and Wales from 2002 to 2007, that was the real Charlotte food festival.  All local restaurants, foodservice giant Compass Group chefs, celebrity chefs like Wolfgang Puck, Anthony Bourdain and more made it a true food experience.  \n\nTaste of Charlotte used to have a fair amount of local restaurants.  Most no longer participate because it's not worth the money and time to set up a booth (I've talked to several owners who feel this way).  The tokens also now cost more, and are a bit of a pain.  This year there are only 30 restaurants, and almost all of them chains.  They really need to rethink this and maybe try to bring some of what Charlotte Shout once was.  The only good thing about Taste of Charlotte is walking through and getting free samples from some of the sponsors.