The dishes at The Fig Tree’s wine dinners are more adventurous than the restaurant’s dinner menu. Kristen Wile/UP

Q: Is there anywhere left in town that serves a tasting menu now that Heirloom is being sold?
UP: There are very few places that still do a tasting menu experience. Barrington’s started doing one earlier this year, though most of the dishes are adapted from the regular dinner menu. Funny enough, I’m attending a media preview this evening of a new concept centered around a modern tasting menu. More on that tomorrow! But otherwise, I think your best bet is probably to keep an eye out for wine dinners with exciting menus. The Fig Tree tends to do some really cool dishes for their wine dinners, which are our favorite around town.

Q: How do I get involved in the food scene? There’s so much growth happening!
UP: It’s crazy, isn’t it?! It depends on how you want to get involved. If you just want to get to know the food community better, you can attend events like Order Fire screenings at Free Range Brewing. There’s one coming up this weekend with doughnut master Courtney Buckley, and the screenings are like a who’s who of the food scene. If you’re looking to support the local food economy, check out Piedmont Culinary Guild’s tastemakers.

Q: Not sure how it’s already that time of year, but I’m in charge of finding a private dining space for our office Christmas party. Any ideas?
UP: Sure, we know of lots! This list we put together last year of all the private dining spaces around town should be helpful for you. It lists the capacities for each space, and we’ll be updating it with 2019 additions soon.

Have a question for us? Send it to us at editor@unpretentiouspalate.com and we’ll answer it next Thursday!