Q: What food trends do you see for Charlotte in 2024? Also, 2024 trends overall for the US?
Tom: Hoo-boy, where do you start with this one? Let’s take the second question first. The editors of Southern Living just published their 2024 trend predictions, which could be titled, “Everything old is new again.” SL editors are looking for a resurgence of dishes such as French Toast, wedge salads, and Italian-American comfort food dishes, among others. Locally, I would look for increased diversity, such as more West and East African offerings, plus more localized Central and South American cuisines. Also, I’m feeling the beginning of the end of mid-level dining — seeing the expansion of both low-cost and high-cost options with the middle ground starting to die out. Keeping the dichotomy theme going, a return to whiskey, plus an explosion of low or no-alcohol cocktails. Guess we’ll find out soon enough.

Q: Where can I get some good latkes this Hanukkah season?
Kristen: You’ll find potato cakes on Chef Alyssa Kitchen’s Hanukkah and Shabbat Menu — along with other traditional dishes. In addition, chef Shai Fargian says Yafo Kitchen will have a limited number of frozen latkes to take home and enjoy. Details and pricing will come tomorrow. So keep an eye on the restaurant’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Q: Any suggestions for buying a whole duck?
Tom: Duck availability is pretty hit-and-miss in the Charlotte area. Windy Hill Farm will occasionally have them. You can ask at their Charlotte Regional and South End farmers markets stalls. You can also order from Joyce Farms, which offers ducks responsibly raised on North Carolina farms.

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