Pancakes from Landmark Diner on Central Avenue. Kristen Wile/UP

Q: What are your favorite weekday breakfast spots?
UP: It depends on what I’m in the mood for! For greasy spoon, I head to Landmark Diner on Central Avenue. If I want to bring my computer and work a bit while enjoying a more creative breakfast, I like Lincoln’s Haberdashery in South End. To grab a breakfast sandwich on the go, I swing by Common Market. My favorite overall breakfast, though, any day of the week is The Yolk in 7^th Street Public Market. Chef/co-owner Greg Collier just earned his second James Beard Award semifinalist nomination.

Q: What’s the trick behind how good the pinto beans are at Dish?
UP: We asked owner Lewis Donald, and he says they use dry beans. They’re cooked in water with salt and pepper just above a simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, then cooled in that same liquid. Simple. but tasty!

Q: Great weekend brunch?
UP: There are so many great brunches in this city! A classic for me is 300 East, where the menu ranges from a delicious chorizo breakfast pizza to sweet offerings from the restaurant’s stellar pastry team. Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen serves up a healthy yet tasty (signatures of the cooking class menus) brunch on Saturdays. If you’re looking for a fancier brunch, check out Haymaker, The Stanley, or Dogwood Southern Table.

Q: Back in CLT after six months away. Any new place you’d recommend?
UP: Yes! If you only have one night free, I’d recommend KiKi Bistronome, The Goodyear House, or Billy Sunday in Optimist Hall for cocktails. You’ve likely been to Optimist Hall, but can see all the changes that have taken place over the last six months.

Have a question you’d like us to answer? Send it to editor@unpretentiouspalate.com and we’ll answer it next week!