July 23, 2020

Q&A: Banana pudding, socially-distant ice cream

Each week, we answer your questions about food and drink in Charlotte

Ice cream from Two Scoops’ original location in Plaza Midwood. Kristen Wile/UP

Q: Is there somewhere doing socially-distant ice cream well in Charlotte?
UP: Yes! I’d recommend Two Scoops Creamery. They’re offering curbside pick-up with call-ahead orders, as well as socially-distanced waiting inside of the shop. They post the flavors available each day on their Instagram stories, so you can make your choices in advance. Another option: on Sunday, N.C. Red is celebrating its grand reopening with free ice cream cones from noon to 4 p.m. at the walk-up window.

Q: This banana pudding… I want it now! Who makes the best?
UP: Right?! The photo we used on Instagram in our Q&A call-out today is from Original Chicken & Ribs, which Travis reviewed last week! Read more about the classic Charlotte spot here. Travis sticks by theirs as his favorite. Justin is a fan of the banana pudding from Sweet Lew’s, and I always order it when dining at Midwood Smokehouse. Lupie’s is another great contender! And because we’re now talking about banana pudding, Justin will be posting a recipe for a dairy-free version of the delicious dessert tomorrow.

Q: What’s your favorite summer wine?
UP: This is a fun one! At night, I am really enjoying Orin Swift Abstract. It has the flavors of a dark fruit cobbler, so I like to consider it a seasonal dessert. For warm-weather drinking, I’ve been drinking Minuty “M” Rosé, a budget buy that drinks deliciously cold with subtle peach notes and just enough sweetness.

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