The fish and chips from The Workman’s Friend in Plaza Midwood. Kristen Wile/UP

Q: Where are some good restaurants to order fish and chips?
UP: When I’m craving classic fish and chips, I go to The Workman’s Friend. It’s served on a tin tray with peas, but the optics are only part of the reason I enjoy the dish. It is exactly what you want when you think of fish and chips. Another recommendation is Fenwick’s; this low-maintenance spot is the kind of place you know will make the dish right.

Q: What’s the best patio with a water view? Besides Hello, Sailor, obviously!

UP: Right! Hello, Sailor is such a given! It’s not a restaurant, but I absolutely adore Lake Norman Cottage. It’s a small wine shop just off of 77. The selection is good, the prices are fair, and the staff is always kind (and generous with snacks). It looks out over the edge of Lake Norman, and there is a small patio with tables. On Friday and Saturday evenings, they have wine and food tastings for $25 per person. Thursdays bring live music.

Q: I just read that chocolate is a good cure for a cough. Where can I go for some great chocolates made in town?

UP: A tasty, natural remedy. Love it! If it’s not too far of a hike, Chocolatier Barrucand in Concord is really impressive. Wine probably cures something, too, so if you’re looking to double up on nature’s medicine, go to Petit Phillippe and Twenty Degrees Chocolates over on Selwyn Avenue. Or, in Uptown, The Ritz’s Bar Cocoa. There’s also Secret Chocolatier in Cotswold and Underground Truffle, made here (you can order online). If you just need something to grab quickly, try a local market like Earl’s Grocery or Reid’s for a local or regional chocolate bar.

Q: I have family coming into town soon, and need somewhere to eat around Uptown where people of all ages and cuisine preferences can eat. Thoughts?
UP: Yes! I head to 7^th Street Public Market for this. You can pull a few tables together, and everyone can order what they want: pizza, pasta, sushi, burgers, grilled cheeses. And you can get a glass of wine or beer for you, because it sounds like you’ll need it!

Have a question for us? Send it to kristen@unpretentiouspalate.com or on social media. We publish our answers each Thursday.