Q: Who has the best cocktails in Plaza Midwood?
Kristen: Supperland is doing some incredible things thanks to mixologist Colleen Hughes. I also believe Kel Minton of Soul Gastrolounge is one of the best mixologists in the city. He recently got some help at bespoke cocktail spot Tattoo — Mena Killough Pratt formerly of Unknown will helm the space — and took on the title of Creative Director. Pratt is another talent to know. 

Q: Why do so few restaurants invest in sommeliers?
Kristen: That’s a question I ask often! Right now, I think restaurants are getting hit too hard with labor costs. Hiring someone to focus only on wine is difficult for small restaurants. I also think there has been a bit of a talent pool shortage historically here when it comes to wine professionals, and that’s changing quickly. I hope the prominence of sommeliers follows. 

Q: I am curious if any cooking classes or camps for children (with/without parents) 7+ are being offered throughout Charlotte this summer? Or, any other creative ways budding cooks/chefs/bakers/etcetera are able to be introduced to this scene outside of eating with their families?
Kristen: Yes! We’ve got a full guide on this coming soon, but here’s a primer. Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen offers kids’ and teens’ baking camps each summer. They’re weeklong sessions and are divided into age groups. If you’re interested in virtual events, you can also find some recorded sessions on their website. Growing Thyme is another popular one. These are one-hour classes based on themes, and are also broken into age ranges. I’d also keep an eye on Sweet Spot Studio’s site, or sign up for the newsletter. They have parent/child classes every now and then, but the studio is closed for renovations this month.

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