Q:  Do you have any info on what is up with the old Protagonist space in NoDa?
Tom: Last we heard, and that was over a year ago, The People’s Market owner Cory Booker announced he was taking the NoDa space for The Writer’s Room, an “artist-centric” wine, beer, and small plates concept. But a search through city permit and ABC filings turned up empty. The same search revealed that Two Scoops Creamery is building out a space in the same block of shops (exciting!), but cannot yet confirm whether or not it’s the same suite as Protagonist. We’re on the case now and as soon as we learn something new, we’ll let you know.

Q: I’m tired of the same ol’ same ol. Where are the hidden gem brunch spots in Charlotte?
Tom: This is actually a tough question since Charlotteans love doing brunch and just about every space in the city is packed on weekend brunch days. However, here are some spots that, let’s just say, don’t typically get as much “influencer love” as others. Maria’s Mexican Restaurant at South & Woodlawn doesn’t specifically have brunch service, but a late morning/early afternoon of birria tacos, palomas, and margaritas is hard to beat. Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden inside McGill Rose Garden has the feel of a secret hideaway. A little prosciutto toast and a glass of bubbles is all you need. Stable Hand on Remount is much more relaxed than the typical South End chaos and offer a nice selection of of brunch staples. Yassou Greek Cuisine on Providence Road is more lunchy than brunchy, but they do open at 11:30 a.m. and have bubbles, so there ya go.

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