Q: What’s the latest on the new Little Mama’s location at Rea Farms?
Tom: FS Food Group picked up the former Sensi Restaurant space last summer and is still going through the myriad of permits required to get things moving (see this morning’s UP Newsletter introduction about new restaurant openings). There is no timeline for when the 4600 square-foot space will open, but when it does, it will have a very similar look and vibe as the South Park location.

Q: Where can I get buckwheat pancakes in this town?
Tom: I understand the need for this question. A number of places that used to carry buckwheat stacks have dropped the hearty dish from their menus. However, there are few Charlotte restaurants where you can still buck up. (See what I did there?) The Original Pancake House still offers them at both South Park and Midtown locations. If you don’t mind a few ridges, The Lights, out on Lancaster Highway, now offers a buckwheat waffle.

Q: Is local rye flour a thing? If so, where can I get some?
Tom: Rye flour in the Carolinas is very much a thing! Carolina Ground out in Hendersonville mills a variety of excellent rye flours. Anson Mills, down in Columbia, offers a beautiful heirloom Abruzzi rye. Let us know when the bread is ready!