Q: I finally made it over to Mezzo Market this past weekend for a drink. I must go back for that grape and sausage pizza because I’m so intrigued. What else should I be ordering there?

Kristen: The sausage and grape pizza is very good as with all of Mezzo’s pizzas. As for what else to order: if you are there at breakfast, don’t skip what ever fruit burek is currently on the menu. Typically this is a savory flaky pastry, but owners Djordje Avramovic and his wife, Carol Austin have put a wonderful sweet breakast spin on it. At other times, you won’t go wrong with the cvarci duvan (pork cracklings, stracciatella, house made bread), dip trio, and roasted vegetable grain bowl. If you missed it, read our first impressions of this Plaza Midwood market and eatery.

Q:  What restaurants are some “under the radar” restaurants worth checking out for Restaurant Week?
Tom: I love this question. Queen’s Feast/Restaurant Week should be all about exploring places that so far have escaped you. With 126 participating restaurants this summer, there’s bound to be several you may have missed. Many have been getting a lot of press, or at least their fair share of Instagram influencer posts. Picking out a few that have yet to receive their proper limelight, check out both locations of Azúcar (Ballantyne and Huntersville), Southern Pecan Gulf Coast Kitchen in SouthPark, and if you don’t mind the drive, Southern Artisan Spirits in Kings Mountain. Here’s what you need to know about the summer 2025 edition of Queen’s Feast/Restaurant Week.

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