Q: I loved Monday’s Meet the Chef dinner with Sam Diminich! These are so much fun. What’s next?
Tom: Glad you asked. Our next event is our UPPY Awards night at Middle C Jazz Club which will close out our 2023 special events. We’re already working hard on lining up 2024. You can expect to see our Meet the Chef series continue and we’re bringing back our Plated Pop-up series which highlights chefs who work outside the traditional restaurant environment. You’ll also see Meat & Potatoes III – which pays tribute to usually under-recognized cuts of meat and game. We’re also revamping our wine club to a whole new concept.  Not to mention StrEATs 2024. And we may just throw in a surprise or two. There’s no better time to be a Unpretentious Palate member. You’ll always get first dibs on tickets, so stick around!

Q: When the weather cools like it has, I always think of soups and stews. What are your favorite restaurant places to find these bowls of comfort?
Tom: You are singing my song. Nothing soothes my soul like a soup or stew on chilly days. The French onion soup at 300 East has become a tradition for me on the season’s first cool day (I checked that box last week). The pozole at Tamales La Passadita in Plaza Midwood is a large bowl of spicy heaven. Menya Daruma Noodle Shop in Elizabeth has an absolutely smashing Tonkotsu ramen (“red” or “black”). Lang Van’s pho consistently pops up on our Where Chefs Eat lists; mine too. And if I may stretch the definition a little, Cajun Queen’s gumbo always hits the spot as well as Lupie’s signature chili.

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