Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen serves an affordable, enjoyable brunch. Kristen Wile/UP

Q: What’s the best brunch that won’t break the bank?
UP: If you go fast-casual, you’ll save a lot of money. I’m a big fan of the brunch at Earl’s Grocery. The dishes are affordable and flavorful yet don’t make you feel like you need a nap immediately. Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen launched brunch recently, and it’s currently BYOB until they get their license to sell on-premise. See how good the food looks in our photos of the dishes on their menu. Sweet Lew’s is now serving brunch, too. We tried their biscuits and gravy and I need them every weekend forever now. For some full-service options that are affordable, check out Boudreaux’s (beignets and mimosas!) or Vivace. If it’s the booze you’re after, Hot Taco has $1 mimosas on the weekends.

Q: I moved uptown recently and have trouble finding good late-night food. Suggestions?

UP: Charlotte goes to bed pretty early, but here are some things to check out! Most people know Sea Level does a $1 happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m., but few people realize there’s also a late-night version of that special from 10 p.m. to midnight. Sophia’s Lounge is open until midnight during the week and 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, serving its food menu until 11 p.m, while sister concept 5Church serves a late-night menu until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Stoke‘s bar serves a late-night menu until midnight, and The Kimpton’s Merchant & Trade has food until 11 p.m. during the workweek and midnight on Friday and Saturday. Let’s Meat and Seoul Food Meat Co. stay open pretty late, although that’s outside of uptown. Also in South End, Leroy Fox has a late-night menu available until 11 p.m. Hope this helps!

Q: I’m new to the city of Charlotte and have been trying to find good Caribbean (specifically Jamaican) food.  Any suggestions?  It does not have to be a place with seating—take out will do.

UP: Welcome to town! My favorite is Finga Lickin’ Caribbean Eatery, hands down, in East Charlotte. Their oxtail is fantastic, and it breaks my heart when they’re out of plantains. There’s a small dining room, but it’s pretty simple. I think this will be your place! A few others that people love are Anntony’s Caribbean Café in Elizabeth and Mama’s Caribbean Bar & Grill in Plaza Midwood. Recently opened in NoDa is Mango’s Caribbean Restaurant, which I haven’t been to yet but have heard positive reviews of. If you check it out, let me know!

Q: Who decides what “too salty” is? Is there like an atomic clock but for salting food?

UP: Kind of, it’s called age! Our tongues change as we get older, and our taste buds aren’t as sensitive because they regenerate slower. Also, if you’ve burned your tongue or something, you won’t be able to taste as well. That’s why I’m a firm believer that restaurants should always have a salt shaker; something might taste as it should to the chef, but I can guarantee you my dad is going to need more salt. Here’s an interesting read from NPR on this!

Have a question? E-mail it to us and we’ll answer it next week!