Q: I was at Phillips Place in the SouthPark area on Monday and noticed a new restaurant where Wolfgang Puck once was — it’s called Southern Pecan. I was wondering if you have or are going to review the restaurant. I would like to get your take on the menu before I venture out. Your thoughts?
Kristen: Southern Pecan is a restaurant from the same owner as Cafe Monte, which is pretty dependable. I haven’t been yet, but I’ll try to get out there ASAP and let you know how it is! They opened during the pandemic, and this question just moved them up on our must-visit list. Thanks!

Q: Do you know of any places I can get whole trout to cook at home? 
Kristen: I’d recommend going directly to a fantastic source. You can order dressed trout and filets directly from Sunburst Trout in Waynesville, N.C. to have shipped to your door. Their trout are farm-raised, but in runs that use fresh mountain water, keeping them cleaner than most fresh-caught fish. You can find it on the menu at some of the city’s best farm-to-table restaurants.

Q: Where did Brian Lorusso go?
Kristen: He’s no longer in the restaurant industry, unfortunately for those of us who loved his cocktails. He left Dogwood during the pandemic to work at Little Mama’s before pursuing another career route.