Today’s questions answered by editor Kristen Wile.

The filet on the menu at The Fig Tree in Elizabeth changes preparations seasonally. Kristen Wile/UP

Q: My family was evacuated and is staying with us in Plaza Midwood. Where can I take them for a good steak in the neighborhood?
UP: How fancy do you want to be? If you’re looking to take them somewhere nice, The Fig Tree has a really delicious filet on their menu. It’s currently served with a stilton cheese and mushroom duxelles on top and a potato, mushroom, and kale hash. For something more casual, I’m a big fan of the steak and frites at Crepe Cellar. In the middle of the two is The Stanley. The menu there changes daily, but I don’t think I’ve seen a menu yet without some preparation of steak from a local provider.

Q: Have you been to Barrister’s yet? Is it worth the drive?
UP: I was there for the restaurant’s family and friends night, but haven’t been for a meal since opening, so take that into consideration here. I thought the food was really good, and the simpler you order, the better. When you’re as careful as executive chef Kyle McKnight is with his sourcing, the ingredients make the meal. Based on my family and friends experience, I would say yes, it’s worth the drive.

Q: Where can I get that fried chicken?!
UP: You’re referring to the photo we used to ask for questions in our Instagram story, eh? Well, it’s actually fried catfish! It’s one of the courses from our Meet the Chef event with Ryan Allen at Reid’s Fine Foods. It was served over spaghetti squash. You can find more about that dish and everything Allen served at the dinner in our photo recap.

Q: We’re really looking forward to the next UP event! When and where will it be?
UP: Well, thank you! We can’t say just yet, but we’ve got three (!) in the works for October. Due to the unpredictable arrival time of Unpretentious Baby, we didn’t schedule anything for September. But Jon is ready to host the first week of October whether I can be there or not! These will all likely be previews, so if you’re here for our paywall-free weekend, know that these tickets to first looks at new restaurants are only for paying subscribers. So, subscribe!

Have a question about Charlotte restaurants, dishes, drinks, or chefs? Send us an email and we’ll answer it next week!