The vegan plate at Enat Ethiopian. TM Petaccia/UP

Q: What is the best Ethiopian restauant in Charlotte?
Tom: Here are three “bests.” I really like Enat on Eastway. There’s also a location at Optimist Hall. Really good, very consistent. In addition, you won’t do wrong by heading to Nile Ethiopian Restaurant & Grocery on Sharon Amity, and on nice days, the small patio at Abugida Ethiopian Cafe & Restaurant on Central Avenue is great place to be — and eat.

Q: I am curious as to who now owns Peppervine and who is the chef. Thank you!
Tom: Longtime SouthPark staple Peppervine seems to stay just below the radar with all new and shiny restaurants that keep popping up, but the restaurant is a consistent performer. The chef has not changed. Will Stephenson has headed the kitchen pretty much since Day One. Tommy Trull became the general manager and wine director last summer. Original owners Bill and Anita Greene for a while were partnered with Imagine One Hospitality, and sold their remaining interests to IOH just about a year ago. Imagine One now fully owns the restaurant along with a number of other concepts outside of Charlotte, including Mas Amor Cantina and Vintage House, both in Hickory and Long Island Café in Isle of Palms, S.C., among others.

UPDATE: Originally asked March 21
Q: Is it ramp season yet?
Tom: In the two weeks since first asked, ramps are starting to make their appearance. Since ramps are a purely foraged item (for some reason, “farming” ramps just doesn’t work), availability can be scarce. However, we have word that Coldwater Creek Farms will have some at its tent at South End Farmers Market this Saturday — just in time for our StrEAT Smarts: Shop Like a Chef event — and over the next two or three Saturdays. Then they’re gone until next year. I recommend getting there early. These will go fast. But wait until I get mine!