Q: My husband and I are going to see a show Saturday at the Blumenthal. Any suggestions for small plates beforehand?
Kristen: Yes! I’m so glad to hear people are doing things that resemble normal city life again. I think Fin & Fino is dependably fantastic, and they have a great selection of seafood-focused small plates, though there are some non-seafood selections as well. One restaurant I don’t think we talk about enough in Charlotte is The Asbury, and that’s a shame. The restaurant, which serves Southern-inspired fare, is almost right across the street from the theater. Another option is to grab a seat at the bar at La Belle Helene.

Q: Are you surprised to see Noble Smoke moving into Optimist Hall?
Kristen: Honestly, yes. These days, Americans look to businesses to be the leaders of social progress in this country. Optimist Hall’s branding and mission feel very Millennial, which would make you think they’d choose to project messages of equality and inclusiveness. Jim Noble’s beliefs — specifically concerning same-sex couples — have long been controversial in Charlotte, as was his decision to support HB2. Justin wrote for Unpretentious Palate how hard it was for him to work at an event with Noble, knowing the chef’s views on same-sex marriage. Whether Optimist Hall oversight didn’t know of the concerns around Noble or they decided the revenue was worth the risk of alienating some diners, I can’t say. It will certainly be interesting to see a concept by Noble in the same building as a place like Billy Sunday, which hosts drag brunches and serves Pride cocktails. Aside from all that, I can’t imagine barbecue smoked at one place and served at another will of the same quality as the original Noble Smoke.