Q: I’ve been tapped to arrange a team dinner for approximately 10, to include my international work colleagues and senior leadership, around Uptown with a budget of $30 per person. Where should we book?
Kristen: I’d suggest 300 East on the more affordable end — they have a great space upstairs where they can seat a large party, assuming everyone is mobile. Haymaker also has a large table that seats 10. The Asbury’s new chef is great, and their dining room is small enough where you could take over the center and it won’t be too loud in there. Sea Level is also pretty well set up for this!

Q: Will we ever know what caused the demise of Vana and Bardo? Surely the incredibly talented chef, Mike Noll, will make a reappearance in the city somewhere? It is such a shame that we lost those two amazing and unique restaurants. 
Kristen: I doubt we’ll ever know the exact details of what happened. Chef Mike Noll hasn’t left Charlotte, though, so we’re also hoping he shares his talent with us once again soon!

Q: What are some of your favorite chef-driven restaurants?
Kristen: There are so many great ones in this city! Restaurant Constance, L’Ostrica, Leah & Louise, Haymaker, and The Asbury are some to check out.