Papi Queso’s stall at Optimist Hall. Kristen Wile/UP

Q: When are The Dumpling Lady and Papi Queso opening in Optimist Hall?
UP: The Dumpling Lady is up and running! You can find very long lines for her delicious dumplings (now including soup dumplings!) and noodles during meal times. Papi Queso’s stall looks like it’s just about complete, and it will open for business in mid-September. The food hall just announced a new vendor, too: a chicken sandwich spot called Boxcar Betty’s.

Q: Why do most restaurants, even tapas ones, serve their boards at such cold temperatures? It makes them tasteless! I understand they don’t want to leave meat and cheeses out but they need to have separate refrigeration for these items so they can store them at a higher temperature. Any insight?
UP: This is a really good question! The health department requires that food be served at 41 degrees or less (this is a recent change as of January 1; before that, it was 45 degrees). The other option is to put a four-hour time limit on the food. So, restaurants have the choice of serving cheese at 41 degrees, or letting it warm up and then having to throw out anything that isn’t sold after four hours. This applies to many foods that are tasteless at 41 degrees, too, like tomatoes.

Q: I’m seeing Queen at Spectrum Center on Friday. What are some good places to eat at before the show?
UP: I am too! Can’t wait! If you’re looking for something super casual, try Duckworth’s. We’ll likely go to The Asbury or Stoke, which have menus that can fit a pre-show vibe. 204 North or 5Church are an easy walk, too, and both have a high-energy vibe fit for amping you up before a concert. Wherever you go, just be sure to let your server know you have a time limit on your dinner.

Have a food or drink question you’d like to have answered? Send it in!