Q: I have two company leaders coming in on Monday. A ton of places are closed on Monday. Do you have any recommendations for great restaurants that are open for dinner? Great food, but not formal is the preference.
Kristen: You’re right, so many places haven’t reopened on Mondays following the pandemic. Any particular part of town? My thoughts would be The Crunkleton, Fin & Fino, Dogwood, 300 East, Sea Level NC, or PARA. Don’t forget, Open Mondays is a category in our Restaurant Finder, too!

Q: I would like to gift friends a couple’s cooking experience for Christmas. Any ideas?
Kristen: Definitely! There’s Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen, of course. You could also check out The Foodie School. Another fun option for chocolate lovers is to check out JF Chocolat’s in-home demos, where you’ll learn how to make bon bons.

Q: Are you guys doing the Old-Fashioned Kits again this year? My husband loved his last year and would love another, if available.
Kristen: Unfortunately, it’s looking unlikely we’ll have them in time for Christmas. We’re working on getting them bottled in a bottling plant so they’ll last much longer before opening. Unfortunately, the process is a very long one, and we’re still at least 6 weeks out. We should have them in January sometime!

Q: Will there be any new UPPY categories next year?
Kristen: Yes! You’ll have to wait until next year to hear about them, though.

Q: Any word on when the restaurants at Seventh and Caswell are going to open?
Kristen: If you’re referring to that new build, yes! It’s looking like Q1 of 2023 will be the opening time frame for Rosemont, the wine bar from The Crunkleton.

Q: If I’m looking for good fried chicken, where do I go?
Kristen: I’ll be honest, I don’t love the gas station chicken everyone else seems to be into. I’m a big fan of the fried chicken at 300 East. Also, check out Original Chicken ‘n Ribs.

Have a question for us? Email us at editor@unpretentiouspalate.com and we’ll answer it on our next Concierge Thursday!