Q: My dog hates fireworks, so my Fourth of July is spent at home. What’s a good takeout option? 
UP: Sounds like a great night for barbecue! Grab something from Sweet Lew’s and maybe you can distract your nervous pup with the smell of barbecue. Roasting Company is always an easy pick-up spot, as well. If you’re looking for something a little healthier, I love a cool hummus bowl from Yafo on a hot day.

Q: I’m going to a party and am looking for a recipe for white sangria that I can batch. Help?
UP: We called in the expertise of Brian Lorusso, bartender at Dogwood, for this one. He says to use peaches (the best time of year for that!), and a splash of brandy, pinch of sugar, and clean white wine scaled to however many serving you need. For the wine, he suggests using a pinot grigio or white from Rueda, Spain.

Q: I’m going to a Fourth of July party but really don’t feel like cooking. Where can I pick up something that isn’t grocery store cupcakes? 
UP: Everyone’s got plans, eh?! We’ve got ideas for what we’d love for people to bring to a party. Call in an order to Earl’s Grocery for savory food, grab a cheese plate at Orrman’s, bring some hand-packed ice cream from Two Scoops, or swing by Piccola Gabbia or Swirl for some fancier desserts.

Q: What’s a good, cheap summer white wine for someone who likes sweeter (but not too sweet) wines? 
UP: It sounds like you’re looking for this bottle of sauvignon blanc from Honig, which was one of our 20-buck bottle reviews.

Have a question for our staff? Send it to editor@unpretentiouspalate.com!