The Grinning Mule will open this fall in Plaza Midwood. Kristen Wile/UP

Q: What’s the deal with the new Grinning Mule in Plaza Midwood? It took over an old garage at Morningside and Commonwealth?
UP: Thanks for this question! We did some investigating and can share some details with you. It’s a non-profit restaurant that will provide job skills training, and the cuisine will be globally influenced but use Southern ingredients. It’ll be an upscale, small plates style spot. Read our full story on the new restaurant here!

Q: What are some good ramen places on par with Futo Buta?
UP: Futo Buta definitely stands above most ramen in Charlotte. If you’re on a ramen kick and looking to try some other places, though, I’d recommend checking out Yama Izakaya in Plaza Midwood. You won’t find the inventive flavors that Futo Buta chef/owner Michael Shortino dreams up, but the ramen is authentically delicious. If you’re willing to brave a long line, you can also check out what Larry Schreiber is doing at Bao + Broth in Optimist Hall.

Q: What is replacing Luna’s Living Kitchen in SouthPark?
UP: It’s a new concept from Frank Scibelli (owner of Yafo, Midwood Smokehouse, Paco’s, and Mama Ricotta’s). The restaurant is going to be called Little Mama’s and will be run by chef Tom Dyrness, who ran the kitchen at Mama’s for a long time. We interviewed him about that this week, actually, so stay tuned for some more information on it.

Have a question for us? Send them it in anytime by emailing editor@unpretentiouspalate.com!