Q: How come the UP barrel select Jack Daniels isn’t available in Mecklenburg County?
Kristen: We hoped it would be, and we had planned to do an event to release it, but we were unable to get the barrel into Mecklenburg County. The Concord ABC Board was willing to bring it in, though, so you can find the Jack Daniel’s UP pick by us, Justin Hazelton, Laney Jahkel-Parrish, and Alex Verica there. Since restaurants can’t purchase liquor across county lines, we won’t be able to do an event in Charlotte for you to taste it here.

Q: When and where can I get ramps?
Kristen: We’ve seen plenty of spring onions, but no ramps just yet! Freshlist is where I usually order from. We reached out to Freshlist’s chef Matt Martin, who in turn reached out to Freshlist’s forager Craig Hastings. According to Hastings, he’s hopeful to begin harvesting the first week of April. We spoke with Haymaker chef/owner William Dissen a while back at length about ramps, you can learn more about them here.

Q: I have an out-of-town friend who is leaving it up to me to reserve dinner – his words: “book a good dining place with local or regional specialties.”  I don’t want them to go too far.  I was going to suggest Rooster’s but there is a back story there that I don’t want to cause any issues. What would you suggest? 
Kristen: How formal? I’d check out Supperland, or The Goodyear House for something more casual. If you need to stay even closer to Uptown, check out Restaurant Constance or Customshop.

Q: I’m an adventurous eater, but not that adventurous. Am I safe to attend the Meat & Potatoes Dinner?
Kristen: Yes! The chefs we’re working with are so talented, you’ll be left wondering why you haven’t been eating all of the meats on the menu all along. Things aren’t off-cuts because they’re not delicious, they’re just harder to cook — and you’re in the hands of pros. Get your tickets here.