Q: I heard that Brian Lorusso is bottling his burnt simple syrup. How can I get some?
UP: It’s true, we have gotten a bottle ourselves! You can get some by messaging Brian on Instagram. He does contact-free drop-offs each weekend. He’s also working on bottling a syrup to let you recreate his Legends of the Fall cocktail at home. We can’t wait for that one.

Q: I’m so sad to be missing ramps. Are there any take-out dishes using them right now?
UP: They’re starting to pop up. So far, I’ve only seen them a few places. Kindred is doing a charred ramp aioli on their clam strip banh mi. NoDa Company Store, which has turned into a small grocery store supplying the neighborhood with fresh produce, got several bunches in as well, though I expect they’ll go quickly. Of course, you’ll have to cook those ones yourself, but they’re great simply grilled.

Q: I missed the virtual happy hour with Amanda Britton but really wanted to attend. Is there a way to get access to the recipes? 
UP: If you want to catch up on any of our happy hours — we’ve done them with Brian Lorusso, Stefan Huebner, Colleen Hughes, Amanda Britton, Gary Crunkleton and Ryan Hart, and Brittany Kellum — you can send our guest a virtual tip of $10 or more and we’ll send you access to the video. Send us a note with which one you’re looking for, and we’ll send the Venmo info.

Q: I wonder if restaurants would consider selling their liquor to UP subscribers as an alternative to the ABC? Silent auction for UP subscribers to raise money for the restaurants? Not sure if that’s legal, but I’d kill to get my hands on some good/hard to get bourbon like Blanton’s!
UP: That would be great! An auction would be doable with a proper permit, but the person selling them would have to create a non-profit to sell them through. Those bottles are so hard to come by in N.C., though, I doubt anyone would sell the rare stuff.

Have something you’d like to know? Email editor@unpretentiouspalate.com and we’ll get it answered!