Q: What can you tell me about StrEATs 2025?
Kristen: We’re getting close to announcing a lot of things! This year’s StrEATs Uncorked event will be held Friday, April 4, at Johnson & Wales, featuring North Carolina wines. The StrEATs Tasting Tour will be on Saturday, April 12, and the Festival on Sunday, April 13. This coming Monday, UP members will get an email with an exclusive discount and links to buy tickets. Soon, we’ll announce our Neighborhood Cookoff lineup, participating Tasting Tour restaurants, and our celebrity chef guest. Stay tuned!

Q:  Volo on Providence and Queens is gone. New signage indicates a Greek restaurant going in the space.  Any info? 
Tom: It was a sad day for me when Volo closed. The Nero seafood and pasta dish was one of my favorite plates of food in Charlotte. The decision to close was made by new ownership in November. In its place will be Yassou Greek, offering dishes based on old family recipes. No word yet on when it will open.

Q:  Social media is buzzing about the rise in egg prices.  What’s the deal?
Tom: This seems to happen every winter. It’s a bit worse this year because of an outbreak of HPAI A(H5N1) bird flu, which has even spread to dairy cows. Chickens hate the cold, so they lay less this time of year. In addition, like everything else, the cost of feed has risen, adding to the egg farmer’s woes. There’s no question it has already affected wholesale prices, as a few Charlotte restaurants have posted about their dramatic increase in egg costs. However, a trip to my local Teeter yesterday day showed that, at least for a little while, consumer prices are holding the line — but that can change at any moment. Personally, I always buy my eggs directly from farmers, either at my local farmers market (get there early, they run out quickly) or directly at the farm.

Have a question for us? Email us at editor@unpretentiouspalate.com and we’ll answer it on our next Concierge Thursday!